Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 36,286, for Robert Saunders, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Navy (Conn.)

Saunders, Robert

NUMBER
S. 36.286

CONTENTS
Page 2

15.524
Connecticut
R
====================
Conn
Robert Saunders
of Lyme in the state of Connecticut
who was in the regiment commanded by
Colonel on Board the Continental ship
Trumbul Commanded by Capt Saallonstal for
the Term of One year.
====================
Inscribed on the roll of Connecticut
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on
the 3 of April 1818
====================
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st of October 1819
and sent to Robert Saunders Lyne
Connecticut
====================
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1819. 17 mo & 3/30 137:6
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th March 1820 = 48: -
=====
$185:6
=====
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}

Continued under [torn off]
law Certifi[torn off]

[left page]
Continued Notification sent to Henry M Wait Esqr. Lyme Connecticut 
17th July 1820
Page 3

Robert Saunders
Lyme.
15524
Oct. 19
Page 4

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

State and District of Connecticut, ss.

On this 27th day of June personally appeared in open Court, before the County Court holden ["at" lined thru] within and for the County of New London in said State, on the 27th day of June 1820, the same being a court of record, proceeding according to the course of common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of its proceedings, and having power of fine and imprisonment, Robert  Saunders aged seventy five years, resident in the town of Lyman in said State, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: viz on board the Frigate Trumbull commanded by Captain Dudley Saltonstall for about three years as more particularly stated in his original declaration dated April AD 1818, and a subsequent one that he  has received a pension the certificate of which bears the No. 15524. [a number of phrases in the original were lined thru]

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818;  and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18th day of March 18;" and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule of the real & personal estate of Robt Saunders
Viz A small garden fenced in from the highway, containing a few rods only-- 3 or 4 old chairs - 1 old table - and a few other articles only of very little value, of household furniture --- $5,00
About 15 or 20 dollars in money of my pension that is not yet impounded } 14.00
[signature] Robert Saunders

I the said Robert Saunders do also swear that my occupation was that of a mariner - that by reason of my age and infirmities for years past, I have been able to do but very little for my support - that my family consists of two persons only ~ myself and my wife, aged 83 years. She has been bed rid for 2 1/2years past.
That previous to the time when I obtained my certificate I was a charge upon the town where I lived, more than one year and nothing but my pension keeps me and my wife from being a town charge now
[signature] Robert Saunders

Signed Sworn to and declared on the 27th day of June AD 1820
before said Court
[signature] Charles Lathrop Clerk

I, Charles Lathrop Clerk of the County Court for New London County, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Twenty dollars and ---- cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 27th day of June 1820
[signature] Charles Lathrop Clerk
Clerk of the County Court for the County of New-London.

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 5

State of Connecticut ss Lyme April 3rd AD 1818
Be it remembered that on this 3rd day of April AD 1818 before me Jeremiah G. Brainard a Judge of the Superior of the State of Connecticut personally came and appeared Robert Saunders of said town of Lyme in New London County and State of Connecticut and being duly and solemnly sworn according to law and the usage of said state did on his said oath by me to him administered depose declare and say that at Chatham in the County of Middlesex in said state he entered on board the continental ship Trumble in Sept'r 1776 as a seaman under the command of Capt. Dudley Saltonstall that he served on board of said ship in that capacity for one year that he was then advanced to the office of Master Mate in which capacity he served for the two following years that he was then discharged at Gales ferry between Norwich & New London but received no written discharge. That he is now in the 74th year of his age that he now is and ever has been a resident citizen of the United States & that by reason of his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his country for support
[signature] Robt Saunders

Sworn before me the day and date aforesaid. In witness whereof I have caused the seal of the Superior County the State of Connecticut the day, month and year aforesaid 
[signature] Jeremiah Brainard a Judge of the Superior Court of said state

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]

I Jeremiah Brainard a Judge as aforesaid do certify that Robert Saunders the applicant in this case is in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support.
State of Connecticut October 11th 1819.
[signature] Jeremiah Brainard a Judge as aforesaid

Sworn -
Page 6

I Jeremiah G Brainard Judge &c as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Robert Saunders did serve in the revolutionary war - as stated in the preceeding declaration against the common enemy - and I now transmit the proceedings & testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned Act of Congress - the foregoing declaration was made to me as the applicant declared in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War"
New London April 3rd 1818

Witness the seal aforesaid
[signature]Jeremiah Brainard Judge of Superior Court State of Connecticut

[signature] Robert Saunders
Page 7

I Seth Miner of the Town of Lyme and State of Connecticut testify and say that I am now sixty years of age - that I was born in Lyme where I have ever since lived - In the year AD 1778 I was employed on board of the Frigate Trumbull then lying in Carrs Island Sound & assist in getting her out of the river and worked on board about nine months. When I went on board Robert Saunders then of said Lyme as Master's Mate on board of said ship and continued on board some time afterwards. That in the year previous I was occasionally on board and knew that he belonged to said ship.
I further testify and say that when said Saunders was on board of said ship his wife lived in the house with my brother where I frequently was and that I have known said Saunders ever since and lived within a short distance of him from that time to the present and from my best
Page 8

recollection and belief said Saunders served on board said frigate at least two years.
[signature] Seth Miner

State of Connecticut ss Lyme August AD 1819
Personally appeared Seth Miner and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition.
before me
[signature] Chas Smith Justice of Peace

Seth Miner's Dep'n [Deposition]

I further certify that I am well acquainted with this deponent and believe him to be entirely disinterested in this case and his testimony entitled to full credit.
[signature] Chas. Smith Justice of Peace

New London County ss - I do hereby certify the above named Chas. Smith Esqr was during the whole month of August last, and now is, a Justice of the Peace in New London County, duly qualified and acting under the authority of the State of Connecticut & that the above signatures are his signatures. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court of said New London County in Norwich this 6th day of Sept. AD 1819
[signature] Charles Lathrope Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 9

I Daniel Porter of East [Wingsor] Windsor in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut testify and say that I entered on board the Continental Frigit [Frigate] Trumbull sometime in May or the beginning of June in the year 1777 but did not go on board to continue for two or three weeks afterward at the time that I came on board Robert Saunders now of Lime in the State of Connecticut & County New London was on board of said ship. It seems to me that he bore some office on board the ship but cannot recollect what office it was and to the best of my memory he continued on board said ship Trumbull two years or more after I went on board of her. I myself being on board the Frigit [Frigate] Trumbull & being on board all this time escep [except] about three months that I was onboard the Continental Frigit [Frigate] Warren and then I returned to the Frigit [Frigate] Trumbull again, the Continental Frigit [Frigate] Trumbull was first commanded by Dudley Saltenstall Esqr and afterward in the year 1779 by Capt Hinman Esqr
East Wingsor [Windsor] 28th August, AD 1819
[signature] Daniel Porter
Page 10

State of Connecticut ss East Windsor 28 Aug't 1819
Personally Appeared Daniel Porter Signer of the within Deposition and made oath to the truth of the same
Before me
[signature] Horace Barber Justice of Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Dell Porter & that in my Opinion he is entirely disinterested in the case and his Testimony entitled to full credit and belief
[signature] Horace Barber Justice of Peace

I Thomas Chester Clerk of the County Court of the County of Hartford in said State certify that Horace Barber Esqr on the 20th day of August 1819 was & now is a Justice of peace in and for said County & he has declared to me this day that the two signatures above of his name are his signatures.
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court this 8th day of September 1819
[signature] Thomas Chester Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]

paid.
Page 11

Lyme Ct 16th Oct [right] free

Hon'ble Secretary War Department
Washington
DC

Adm'd 

~~~~~~~~~~~
Pensioner's claim
~~~~~~~~~~~
Page 12

Lyme, Conn. October 14 AD 1819

Honble Secretary of the War Department

Mr Saunders has again enclosed his papers for the purpose of enabling him to obtain his certificate for
half pay - The affidavit originally given before Judge Brainard is now enclosed. It is hoped that they re[?????] at length be found satisfactory.
[signature] H. M. Wait for
Robert Launders

Please let to [illegible] to
Robert Saunders
Lyme
Connecticut
Page 13

James Greenfield's
Deposition
Page 14

I James Greenfield of the Town of Lyme in New London County and State of Connecticut testify and say
That I am now sixty six years of age - that I was born in said Lyme and have lived there ever since - that I am well acquainted with Robert Saunders of said Lyme - he came here near the commencement of the Revolutionary war and has lived for about forty years parst within one mile of me.
In the year AD 1779 according to my best recollection I enlisted into the guard stationed at Black Hall in the east side of the mouth of Connecticut River and served in that guard nine months - One part of our duty was to take up boats that were trading with the enemy upon Long Island and the boats when captured were carried up to the Frigate Trumbull then lying in Calves Island sound for security until they were disposed of - During this time I was repeatedly along side and onboard the said Frigate and was well acquainted with said Saunders
Page 15

who belonged on board her during that time. I well recollect that in the year following said Saunders came to me to get me to go and assist in getting the Frigate out of the river over the bar at the mouth of the river. I went-- We put hogsheads under her and carried her over the bar. After we got into Long-Island the hogsheads got out and I recollect that Sanders and myself with several others went out in a boat and picked up the hogsheads and carried them on board the ship-- I assisted in carrying the ship up to Gales Ferry in the River Thames and then left her. Saunders then belonged on board of her and I left him on board when I came away.
I cannot say precisely how long said Saunders was onboard of said ship that is when he enlisted or was discharged but I well recollect that he belonged on board of her during all the
Page 16

time she lay in Calves Island sound which showed was nearly or quite two years and that he remained on board of her a short time after she was carried up to Gales Ferry--
[signature] James Greenfield

State of Connecticut ss Lyne August 13 AD 1819
Personally appeared James Granfield signer of the foregoing Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before me
[signature] Chas Smith Justice of Peace

I further certify that I am well acquainted with the Deponent James Granfield & believe him a credible and disinterested witness.
[signature] Chas Smith Justice of Peace
Page 17

New London County ss
I do hereby certify that the within named Charles Smith Esqr is, and was on the 18th day of August AD - 1849 a Justice of the Peace in New London County, duly qualified and acting under the authority of the  State of Connecticut, and that the signatures within are his signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County Court of New London County in Norwich this 6th day of September AD 1819
[signature] Charles Lathrop Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed at left]
Page 18

Elisha Bennett's Affidavit

Elisha Bennett's Dep'n [Deposition]
Page 19

I Elisha Bennett of Kinderhook, County of Columbia & State of New York, mariner first being duly sworn, do on oath declare & say that on the Seventh day of January in the year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred & Seventy seven I enlisted on board of the United States Frigate Trumble then lying at Moodus Landing in the State of Connecticut, whereof Dudley Saltonstall Esquire was Captain for the Term of one year & continued on board said frigate untill the 13th of February One thousand Seven Hundred & Seven eight
That I well remember that Robert Saunders served on board said frigate, during the whole period of my service being, to the best of my recollection thirteen months &
six days - & further this deponent saith not.
[signature] Elisha Bennett
Page 20

State of New York
Columbia County ⎬ ss -
Personally appearee before me Peter Vosburgh one of the Justices of the peace for the County aforesaid Elisha Bennett signer of the within deposition or affidavit, & first being duly sworn did on oath declare & say that the facts therein stated are true.
Sworn before me this 20th day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred & nineteen. [signature] P. Wasburgh Justice Peace

I the said Peter I. Voshough do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Elisha Bennett, & that he is a man of credibility & that full faith & credit ought to be given to his declaration or affidavits.
[signature] P. Vosburgh J P
Page 21

Invalid
Revy
File No. 36286 Navy
Robert Saunders
Mariner
Ship Continental
Revolutionary
---
Act March 18. 1818
Index: Vol. _____ Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Saunders, Robert GRADE Private LINE Lamb's Artillery (New York)

WARRANT NUMBER 7848 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED August 20, 1790 to Wm. J. [or I.] Vredenburgh, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.