Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,952, for Stephen Palmer, Rhode Island
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Palmer, Stephen
S. 15,952
Carded
CONTENTS
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Connecticut No 22. 868
Stephen Palmer
of N. London Co. in the State of Connt.
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Kinyon of the Regt commanded
by Col. Dyer
in the R. Island Troops
line for 10 months & 20 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 35 Dollars 53 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of Dec.
1833 and sent to Hon N. Barber H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 88.82
Semi-anl. allowance ending 6 March 34 17.76
$106.58
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 35
Died Dec 31 1834
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Stephen Palmer
280
3333
36,13
Private
10 mo 20 days
$35.53
Hon M Barber
H of R
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
9 Oct 33
Sir
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }).
You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Stephen Palmer
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the
claimant's service.
Years.
Months.
Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode
when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of ss.
On this day of personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of
and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and
served in the (e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of & c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
statement does not agree with general course of service of RI militia which served alternate months. If this was exception explanation & proof should be offered
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To Soldier, To Officer, 
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
'Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise  length of his service; but, according to the best of recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For - year - months, and - days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority;
that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no
device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character of the signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Particulars of each term of service must be stated
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Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the
Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
State of Connecticut
County of New London
SS.
Probate Districk
of Stonington
On this 26 day of December AD 1832 personally appeared
in open court before the Court of Probate for the
District of Stonington Now sitting Stephen Palmer of
resident of the town of North Stonington in the County
of New London and State of Connecticut aged 74
years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath
to make the following declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
that he entered the service of the United States under the
following named office and served as herein stated
1st on the 6th day of December 1776. I was drafted in Col.
Charles Dyer's Reg. and Capt. Phinehas Kinyon's Comp.
of State Troops or Militia, and marched to
Boston-Neck [a place so called in the Town of
North Kingston in the State of Rhode Island] and
there remained in sd Reg. & Comp. until the
26th day of March 1777. making three months
and twenty days. I was then dismissed. 2d tour on the 1st day of April 1777. I was drafted in Col. 
Charles Dyers Reg & Capt. Samuel Gorton's Comp.
of State Troops or Militia, and remained for a
time at said Boston Neck and there was
marched to Press Ludith Point and there
in [illegible] in D Reg & Comp until the ┃
11th day of Dec 1778. the company was divided
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into two classes and I served
one half of the
time during of the aforesaid period of [illegible] months
making actual service first months.
I was then dismissed.
3 tour on the 3d day of December 1778, I was
drafted in Col. Charles Dyer's Reg. and in
Capt George Wilcox Comp. and we then
march to North Kingston Boston Neck R.I. 
and there remained in service in said
Reg & Comp until the 4th day of February 1779.
making two months. I was then discharged & came home, making in the whole of my service Ten Months and
twenty days. I have no documentary
evidence of any service and know of no person living
who can testify as to my service, except Reynolds Barber 
of Eastern R.I. known as Reynolds of North Stonington Ct
and Thomas Robins of Griswold Ct. and that by the
reason of old age, and the consequent loss of [illegible] he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of
his service, as alledged in his declaration, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less then the
periods mentioned below, and in the following [illegible]:
1st as a private in the year 1776 & 1777 for two months, and
in the last service as a private for a period not
less than ten months, and for such service I
claim a pention.
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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
The following interrogatories were by said Court propositioned to said applicant -
1. Where and in what year were you born? Ans. in Voluntown Ct. in the year 1758. Aug 28th
2 Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it? Ans. I have in the town records in Voluntown Ct.
3 Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live. Was called in service I lived in Exeter R.I. and have since lived in North Stonington Ct.
4 How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom? Ans. I was drafted in every service which I performed, and never was a substitute.
5 State the names of some the regular officers who were with the Troops where you served such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. Ans. owing to old age, and the consequent infirmities, and loss of memory I am unable to give the names of the officer and the general circumstances of my service more fully then I have in my declaration.
6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service;
and if so by whom was it given and what has
become of it? Ans. I am not recollect distinctly
whether I ever had a written discharge or not. I have
none in my possession, but was honorably discharged
7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood; and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief in your services as a soldier of the revolution Ans Jonathan Miner & Jeremiah York
Stephen Palmer
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Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid, before the Probate Court for the District of Stonington in the State Connecticut
Asa Fish Judge
We Jonathan Miner a Clergyman, residing in the town
North Stonington in said New London County and
Jeremiah York residing in the same, hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Stephen Palmer
who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration, that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that We concur in that opinion.
Jonathan Miner
Jeremiah York
Sworn, and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid
before the Probate Court for the District of Stonington in the State of Connecticut
Asa Fish Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter, and after putting
the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier and served as he states. A the Court further
certifies that it appears to them that Jonathan Miner
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman
residing in the said town of North Stonington and that
Jeremiah York who signed the same is a resident in
the town of North Stonington and is a credible person
and that their statement is entitled to credit, and it
further appears to said that Reynolds Barber, Thomas Reynolds and Thomas Robbins, who have each signed a certificate hereto annexed are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
Asa Fish Judge
I Nathan Clerk of the Probate Court for the
District of Stonington in the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
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of the said Court in the matter of the
application of Stephen Palmer for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the said
of said Court this 2d day of July AD. 1833
Nathan Daboll Clerk
I Reynolds Burley of Exeter and State of Rhode island
a soldier in the war of the revolution aged 78 years do testify and say that on the 6th day of December 1776. I was drafted in Col. Charles Dyer Reg. & in Capt. [illegible] in Kinyon's Comp of State Troops or Militia and marched to Boston Neck R.I. and
there remained in Sd Reg. & Comp. in [illegible]
until the 26th day March 1777. when I was
discharged, on the 11th day of April 1777. I was
drafted in Col. Charles Dyers Reg & Capt
Samuel Gordon's Comp. of State Troops or Militia.
and marched again to Boston Neck
aforesaid & Point Judith point, and other 
places upon the shore & remained in [illegible] until the 1st day of December 1778, during this period & was at Tiverton R.I. in Spencers expedition and
also at Newport in sd State in Sullivan's
expedition, and in December 1778, I was
drafted in Col C. Dyers Reg. and in Capt
George Wilson's Comp. and marched to
Boston Neck the aforesaid, and there was
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in service in Sd Reg. & Comp. until it
and 1779. and I further depose testify
and say that I well remember that
Stephen Palmer, then of Exeter R.I. now of
North Stonington in New London County
State of Connecticut, was in the same Reg.
with me from the forepart of December
1776 until February 1779. I often saw
him, and well know that he was in service
during the period I have stated.
And further saith not.
Sworn to & subscribed the day
and year aforesaid before
the Court aforesaid
Asa Fish Judge
Reynolds Barber
I Thomas Reynolds of North Stonington in
the County of New London & State of Connecticut
aged 80 years, a soldier in the war of the revolution do testify and say that I was in service in Capt. Christopher Dyers' comp. & Col. Richmonds Reg. from March 1776 to September 1776 at Newport R.I. I then enlisted in Col. John  Cooks Reg. & in Capt John [illegible] Comp. for three months & remained at the same place until the 9th day
of December 1776. which was the time the British
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took possession of the Island. I was
then dismissed & immediately enlisted in Col.
Joseph Huntons Reg. & Capt Roswell Smiths
Comp. and did serve in sd Reg. & Comp.
at Howlands Ferry, Bristol and Warrick Neck
 in R.I. until the 25th day of March 1778. when my
time expired. I then came home. In January 1779 I enlisted in Col. Joseph Noyes Reg. and in Capt Olin Babcocks Comp. as a substitute for Zacheus
Reynolds & marched to Point Judith R.I. 
and there remained in service in sd Reg. and
Comp. until March 1779 when I was discharged, and I further depose & say that during my service as aforesaid I well recollect that Stephen Palmer then of Exeter R.I. now of North Stonington in New London County State of Connecticut was in service in
Col. Charles Dyers Reg. to my personal knowledge
as I often saw him in sd Reg. during the the period I have above stated I saw him at the different times I inlisted, and during my service in the periods above stated, and know that he was a soldier in sd Dyers Reg. during the aforementioned periods of service.
And further saith not
Sworn & Subscribed, this 2 day of
July A D. 1833, before the County
aforesaid
Asa Fish Judge
Thomas Reynolds
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I Thomas Robins of Griswold in the County of New London in the State of Connecticut aged 70 years, a soldier the war of the revolution, do testify and say
that in November 1777 I enlisted in Col. Charles Dyers Reg. and George Wilsons Comp. and marched to Boston Neck as place so called in R. I. and there remained some time to guard the shores, while I was there in the capacity aforesaid, I will recollect that Stephen Palmer was there in service in said Charles
Dyers Regiment, he was there as understood,
a resident of Exeter R.I. I saw him a number of times
at the time I was eat to Boston Neck and
know that he is the identical person who signed
the foregoing declaration. And further saith not
Thomas Robins
Dec. 26. 1832
Sworn & Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before the Court aforesaid
Asa Fish
Stephen Palmer
Pension Papers
26539
Certificate to be
sent to Francis B. Johnson
Page 15

At a Court of Probate holden in N. Stonington in New London County & State of Connecticut in & for the District of Stonington on the 19th day of October 1833.
Personally appeared in Open Court, at the request of Stephen Palmer of S N Stonington in sd County. Reynolds Barber of the Town of Exeter in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath certify declare and say, in addition and explanation of an
affidavit, before given by him & made in the matter of
Stephen Palmer for a Pension. That he is well acquainted with sd Palmer & has ever been well acquainted with
him since his childhood, that deponent and said Palmer
were both born and brought up in sd Exeter and in the same neighborhood & that is Palmer now lives in North Stonington aforesaid. That on the 6th day of December 1776, Deponent lived at Exeter & belonged to the militia company commanded by Capt. Phineas Kenyon in Colonel Charles Dyer's Regiment, and on sd day was drafted or called out into actual service & on sd day according to his best recollection - he joined sd Company and marched from sd Exeter to Boston Neck in the Town of
North Kingston in said State of Rhode Island and were employed in guarding the coast against the Enemy who occupied the Naragansett Bay with three ships of war, and the Island of New Pool of Rhode Island by Land forces. That several other companies of sd Regiment were in service at same time and place, one of sd companies commanded by Capt Bates- another by Capt. Brown. The Lieutenant Colonel's name being Thomas Clark, That he the deponent
continued in service in sd Company at sd Boston Neck
untill the 26th March 1777, when sd Capt Phineas Kenyon's
company was discharged at sd Boston Neck - no written discharges were given - and deponent returned to his home in Exeter having served three months and Twenty days - On or before the 1st April 1777. according to the best of his knowledge and belief as to the time - There was a draft or order for the sd Regiment of Militia commanded by sd Col. Dyer, to serve in the manner following, to wit, one half of each company to serve
Page 16

one month, the other half of said company to serve the
month following & so to continue to serve alternately till
1st October 1777. That deponent was not called to serve
in said April - That on or about the 1st day of May
1777 the deponent was called into service & did join at
sd Exeter, the company of Militia in sd Dyer's Regiment, commanded by Capt Samuel Gorton, Lieut Robert Perego, called Sector Perego Ensign Caleb Lewis, and marched under sd Company officers to Boston Neck and was constantly employed one month in guarding the shores and coast - the enemy still being at Newport, Narragansett Bay and near Conanicut Island
That during the said months [illegible] (as deponent believes, a British Tender got ashore on Plumb Beach, the enemy sent two Barges armed with swivels to protect and get her off - That his company were called down to Plumb Beach, beat the Barges off, took the tender and stripped her, the men belonging to said Tender escaped in the Barges - On or about the 1st day of June 1777 the deponent and said company were relieved by
the other half or part of said Company and deponent was also discharged and went home to said Exeter and that he
continued at home till on or about the 1st July 1777, when
he agreeably to orders as aforesaid joined said company and Regiment under the same officers as named in the first tour - and marched to said Boston Neck and was engaged and employed in guarding the shores and coast against said enemy till 1st August when he was again relieved and discharged, in the same manner as related in the time aforesaid and went home to Exeter. On or about the 1st day of September 1777 agreably to said draft and by order of his sd officers he joined sd company at sd Exeter for one months service, and marched under the same company officers in said Col Dyer's Regiment, and again marched from sd Exeter to Boston Neck and was employed in the same duties as stated in preceding Tours till 1st October 1777. when having served one month was discharged, as in manner above stated-
That in said month of October, the said Militia Company
Page 17

was drafted or called into service in the expedition
of General Spencer, against the enemy on Rhode Island. That deponent joined sd Company & sd Capt Gorton commanding. Lieutenant and Ensign not recollected, marched from Exeter aforesaid to North Kingston, and there joined the regiment commanded by said Colonel Dyer, thence marched in said Regiment to Greenwich New Town, thence to Warwick Neck thence took boats and went to Barrington Bay, thence marched to Warren a Village four miles North of Bristol R.I. thence to Slade's Ferry, thence crossed in Boats to Tiverton continued at Tiverton under command of Colonel Dyer, one month or more, during this last tour of duty three attempts were made to cross to New Port Island, to attack the enemy Boats and scows were provided and in readiness but did not embark, that deponent together with said Denis Regiment were discharged at sd Tiverton in November 1777 - having served in this tour one month or upwards and deponent then returned home to Exeter aforesd. That he served one month in December following to January 1778 in the same company, under the same Captain at Boston Neck - performing the same duties and continued to perform service by alternate months till August 1778. On or
about the 15th of August the said Company to which he
belonged were all called into service & deponent joined said company at said Exeter sd Samuel Gorton still commanding the same, in Col. Dyers Regiment marched in said Company to North Kingston, Updikes New Town, now called Wickford, there embarked with said Regiment and other troops in boats and landed at Bristol Ferry at the North end of Newport Island joined the army under General Sullivan and marched against the enemy and on the 29th August deponent was engaged in the action with the enemy. the day following retreated from the Island and crossed in boats at Bristol Ferry, and sd Bristol Deponent with Militia were discharged & he returned home to Exeter aforesd by way of Providence R.I. That in September 1778. One half of sd company was called into actual service
for 1 months service, deponent was not called in October 1778, deponent was called to serve one month as aforesaid joined sd Gorton's Company
Page 18

George Wilcox Lieutenant at said Exeter marched to Boston neck
& thence to Point Judith in said State, and was constantly employed in guarding the shores against the attacks of the enemy. that deponent served one month was dismissed and went home to Exeter - That again he served in Company under sd officers & belonging to sd Dyers Regiment. One month again, when in March 1779 he was honorably discharged, and removed from sd Exeter to Hopkinton in State, and was afterward in the service of his country in Genl Varnum's expedition
That Deponent well knows that so Stephen Palmer served as a private, in sd Phineas Kenyon's company of Militia in Col Dyers Regiment during the said term of three months and twenty days, to wit from 6th December 1776 to 26th March 1777 and was discharged at same time with deponent. That said Stephen Palmer continued to be a member or Private in the same Militia company, now commanded by Capt Saml Gorton Lieut Perego in sd Dyers Regiment & served with deponent in the Tour of service of one month in May 1777 also was with deponent, & served in said company One month in the Tour of July 1777, Also one months in September in the same year - and served said terms fully and regularly and honorably discharge or dismissed at the expiration of each sd monthly tours of service- and at the same times respectively with deponent. That during Spencers expedition aforesaid the sd Stephen Palmer did not serve with deponent, but was as deponent understood & fully believed at
the time, detached and serving during said time in guarding
the shores & court at Boston Neck aforesaid-- that in the alternate monthly service performed subsequently by said Militia
company, up to December 1778, the said Palmer did not serve at the same monthly period with deponent, but did belong to said company. & deponent verily believes did serve the other or alternate months. That in the winter or Spring in beginning of the year 1779, The said Stephen Palmer did serve with Deponent in the same said company one
Page 19

month at sd Boston Neck and Point Judith in sd State of
Rhode Island and was discharged at the same time with
him. That he believes him to be Seventy four years and upward that he knows him to be the identical person who performed sd services. That deponent believes Palmer by reason of infirmities of age and consequent failure of memory is incapable of stating the facts relating to his service, but deponent fully believes said Palmer served as a soldier
during the Revolutionary war, at the periods as above stated
at least Ten months and Twenty days.
Sworn to and subscribed at sd North Stonington
before sd Court on the day and year aforesaid to wit
this 19th day of October AD 1833.
Reynolds Barber
Sworn before the Court
aforesd 19th October 1833
Asa Fish Judge
And the said Court do hereby certify that it appears to said Court that Reynolds Barber who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the Town of Exeter in the State of Rhode Island, and is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Asa Fish Judge
I Nathan Daboll Clerk of the Court of Probate for
the District of Stonington Ct. do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the sd Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Palmer for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 5th day of November AD 1833
Nathan Daboll Clerk
Page 20

October 29, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Clifford A. Langworthy
Shore Road
Westerly, Rhode Island
BA-J/EEL
Stephen Palmer-S.15952
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Stephen Palmer, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, born in 1758, died in 1838, and received pension while residing in New London County, Connecticut.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.15952, based upon the military service of Stephen Palmer in that war.
Stephen Palmer was born August 28, 1758, in Voluntown, Connecticut. His birth was recorded on the town records of said Voluntown. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Exeter, Rhode Island, Stephen Palmer enlisted December 6, 1776, served as a private in Captain Phinehas Kenyon's Company, Colonel Charles Dyer's Rhode Island Regiment, marched to Boston Neck at North Kingston, Rhode Island, guarded the coast and was discharged March 28, 1777; he enlisted April 1, 1777, served on monthly tours at different times until December 1, 1778, about five months in all, as a private in Captain Samuel Gorton's Company, Colonel Charles Dyer's Rhode Island Regiment and guarded the coast at Boston Neck and Point Judith; during this tour he was in General
Spencer's Rhode Island Expedition; he enlisted December 3, 1778, served as a private in Captain George Wilcox's Company, Colonel Charles Dyer's Rhode Island Regiment, and was discharged February 1, 1779.
He was allowed pension on his application executed December 26, 1832, while residing in North Stonington, New London County, Connecticut, where he had lived since the Revolutionary War.

A witness stated that he & sol. were
born & raised in Exeter, R.I. but sol was so explicity about Voluntown & stated that his birth was recorded on town records, that I use his statement alone
Page 21

AB
There are no data as to the wife and children of Stephen Palmer. The soldier died December 31, 1834, place not shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 22

Mr. Ford N.Y.
P 15952
INVALID.
No. 15,952
Stephen Palmer
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7, 32
Index: -- Vol. 1, Page 298
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Feby 3-97 - History to
Henry C. Palmer, Bed
1910 Apl 8. Hist to Mrs. Francis E. Bates from catalogue
1934 - Oct 29. Hist to Mrs Clifford H. Langworthy - EEL
Page 23

OLD WAR & NAVY
JAN 12 1897
FILES.
Bedford NY.
July 7th 1897. 
To the Com of Pensions
Dear Sir
I would like 
to ask a favor of you in
this way. My family is
searching for the record of
Stephen Palmer who served
in the army in a Conn Regt
during the Revolution War of 1776.
He lived at that time
in Greenwich Conn. we have
no positive proof and on
family the young folks wish to
join the the order of Sons or
Daughters the revolution.
my Grandfather remembered
of his being in that army
PENSION OFFICE
JAN 9 1897
Page 24

and that is all we know
about, will you pleas try
and find out for me what
you can he may have been a pensioner.
Yours truly
Henry C. Palmer,
Bedford
Westchester Co
N. Y.
P.O. adress
Page 25

RECORD DIVISION
MAR 29 1910
Page 26

Oak Lawn, R.I. Mar. 26, 1910,
Bureau of Pension
Washington D.C
Kindly send Revolutionary record of
Stephen Palmer, a pensioner residing
in New London Co, Conn, in 1832
Conn. Soldiers in Rev. War. p. 656
Also any data filed thereunto
Yours truly
Louise P. Bates
Mrs. Francis E. Bates
Oak Lawn R.I.
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAR 28 1910
Page 27

I.7. 14098 1571
15952 22868
Rej 2721
Page 28

3 - 871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by A.B.T. Apr. 6, 1910
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Stephen Palmer
Service Conn
Additional Service Rev.
Pensioner residing in New London Ct. in '32
No. claim, State records , 190
No claim, combination records , 190
REMARKS:
No Ow wid. Inv or Rej: other
comn whale bt service.
Than Rej. 2721 died 1783
Try O.W. Inv. File 15952 ok
0-8 Chief Division
Page 29

Shore Road
Westerly, R.I.
Oct. 10, 1934.
Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen,
S15952
I would be interested in
identifying Stephen Palmer
who is listed in the Pension
List of Revolutionary soldiers of 1832-34 
His record in Conn. Men
in War of Revolution is: -
Palmer, Stephen - Capt. Peck's
Co., Col Jno. Mead's Regt. - of
Militia (Men who served at
Greenwich but did not go to
Page 30

Weschester) Discharged Jan. 8 1777. service - 2 months, 8 days.
Reference is made to Sen. Doc. 1st Session 23rd Congress
Pension List of 1832 - 34 - Oct. of 1832
Connecticut Pensioners - New London County:
Palmer Stephen - 
I would wish to learn his
record enlisted from where
and where he died?
The Stephen Palmer I
have in mind was born
in 1758 and died in 1838.
The printed list of Coun. Pensioners of 1840 does not carry the name of a Stephen Palmer.
Thanking you for such
courtesies as you may choose to render
I am
Respectfully,
Mrs. Clifford A. Langworthy
Shore Road
Westerly, R.I.