Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8625, for Elisha Razar, Connecticut
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SERVICE
Conn.
Privateer

Razar, Elisha
or
Rasar

NUMBER
R. 8625

CONTENTS
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Declaration of Cases
No 38.2.32.
matter of Pension
Elisha Razar
Vt

Act 7 June 1832

J Sawyer
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Declaration Probate 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress 
of June 7, 1832
State of Vermont 
Lamoille County
Probate District of Lamoille for sd county 
On this 17th day of June AD 1851 personally
appeared in open Court, before me Andrew Dow 
Judge & Probate, within and for sd District
Elisha Razar a resident of Hyde park in sd
County of Lamoille - aged ninety Eight years
on the 10th day of December next
duly sworn according to Law, doth in his
oath make the following declaration. In
Order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
parred June 7 1832. That he entered the
United States under the following named 
officers and served as herein stated-
That in the spring of 1779. I think in the month
of March I volunteered on board a Privateer
In the Town of Norwich. In the State of
Connecticut Commanded by Capt Hardin
Norwich - the private was fitted out by sd
state of Connecticut - This Privateer carried sixteen
Guns (24 pounders) and one bow gun (12p.-)
& manned by 29 men called - marines-- besides
The Sailors to work the ship - we traversed
around on the ocean -  untill we [illegible]
on the Coast
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Liverpool England, between one and
two months after we sailed from the river
Thames in Connecticut - we here fell in 
with an English Ship in the East- India
trade, with gun ports of a 74 - . She was
called the Snow and was a 3 decker loaded
with specie and East India Sugar-and
bound to the City of Philadelphia in America
we discovered her in the night by her lights
and followed on her track untill day light
when within hailing distance we were 
called upon to surrender and upon refusal
she opened her ports, and discharged a
volley of Guns - & not a shot struck us
we then gave them, a broad - Side-- with
severe effect - we then more round and
gave them a  broad side with chains-That the
other being with balls - and then
a third - which crippled them - So effectually
and Ostensibly that our captain demanded
an immediate surrender which was
Complied with, we then grappled and
boarded-their captain was killed as we
learned, at the first fire - we found 
The slaughter, on board the now [illegible]
- we then removed the dead - disposed
of the wounded. confined the remainder
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of the crew - Signed and maned the prize which immediately took her destination, for New London, Connecticut at the prose Master. Sailed there in a short time after this taking of the British Ship Snow we fell in with a British privateer - having under Guard an American Merchantman (Brigg) belonging to General Williams of Norwich aforesaid
I received my share of the prize money- Including the snow- British Privateer-and General Williams Merchantman-
That is a share of the Latter- and was discharged. In over 9 months after my
entering into the sea, Serving or naval Servant
under Captain Hardin - a volunteer as afore
at which time I was honorably discharged
from my service and engagements - as a
Watersman of the United States, against the British - I have stated. That is my impression is
that Capt. Hardins - privateer, was fitted, out
the State of Connecticut - but of this I may
not be right- In my advanced years but
few things - are retained & those such as I have seen & felt - like the battle, with the
Snow - I further declare. I was called
upon at the Siege of Fort Griswald - Trumbull and the burning of New London - In 1781 & that confined by my wound [heed] at
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Fort Griswald for more than three months and
then honorably discharged from that service
I was in the Fort Griswold at it's surrender
on August, 1781 I was wounded with
a Bayonet by a Britian, Just below the
groin and- and his arm was taken from
him and carried off the field, with me
my wound remains prominently upon me now.
I know not that any formal application
has ever been made on my behalf for a
pension some minutiae - I have
not pretended to relate for reason of age altho- my faculties, and heath may be
considered good- for my age - I know not
 but every extensile fact that I have
related-- are of record-- or not. They are true
and have been a part of the history of my life well known. I refer to the
War & naval records of the State of Connecticut & the United S., which I might well believe was recorded somewhere, for this cruise of the day was important - I also may be permitted to State, that the British prize
Ship Snow-The British privateer-
The name I cannot tell (now). The recaptured
merchantman belonging to Genl [Metiquis?]
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Also our own Captain Hardings privateer all safely [ailed?] at New London- where I was payed off my prize money- amounting to about eleven hundred dollars- I may add that I never drew a pension of any kind- from any government- I am poor without fault- on my part as there always labored hard- keen temperate- & prudent- I sent the main part of my prize money to an Elder Brother soon after I knew it- which I lost- as he was in extensive business and failed and so it has been for a long life- I am now literally bound down , with the weight of years - with yet a common sensibility of the faint enjoyments of life of which I am excruciatingly deprived for the want of means - Elisha [ Reazand]
sworn to and subscribed on the day and year forsaid- given under my hand and the seal of said court this 17th day of June A.D. eighteen hundred
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and fifty one - the word seven interlined before execution of this instrument.
Before me Adnrew Dow Judge

State of Vermont Lamoille County Ss}
I hereby certify that Hon. Andrew Dow was at the time of taking & subscribing the above declaration - Judge of Probate within and for the District of Lamoille in said County - That the signature is genuine - and the said Dow was at the above date qualified to administer oaths and to perform the duties of Probate Judge - within said District - in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county on this twenty first day of July AD 1851.
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October 1, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ELL.
Benjamin Race-S.18202
Elisha Razar-R.8625

Mrs. H. V. Stacy
11 Auburn Road
West Hartford, Connecticut

Dear Madam:

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in
Revolutionary War pension claim, S.15203, based upon the military
service of Benjamin Race in that war.

Benjamin Race was born in April, 1752, in Livingston Manor,
the part which was later Ancran, Columbia County, New York. The
names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Livingston Manor, the part which was later
Copake, Columbia County, New York, he enlisted in May, 1775, and
served two months as private in Captain Kline's Company, Colonel
Livingston's New York Regiment: he enlisted in June, 1776, served
three months as private in Captain Kline's New York Company and
about October 1, 1776, enlicted and served two months in said company;
he enlisted in March, 1777, served three months as corporal
in Captain Kline's New York Company, and the last of June, 1777,
enlisted and served five months as corporal in same company: he
also served a tour of two weeks in Captain Elliott's New York Company,
and a tour of three or four weeks in Captain Robertson's New York
Company, the dates not given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 10,
1832, while a resident of Copake, New York.

There are no data as to soldier's family,

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of
the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin Race (S.15203), you should
address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records
Division, this city, and cite the following data:
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Benjamin Race, Certificate No. 14490, issued May 27, 1833, rate
$36.82 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832,
New York Agency.
● ● ● ●
Elisha Razar
R. 8625

The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file
in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.8625, based upon the military
service in that war of Elisha Razar.

Elisha Razar was born December 10, 1753. The place of his
birth and the names of his parents are not shown.

While residing in Hyde Park, Lamoille County, Vermont, Elisha
Razar applied on June 17, 1831, for the pension which might have
been due on account of his services in the Revolutionary War and
alleged that he volunteered in Norwich, Connecticut, in March, 1779,
on board a privateer vessel commanded by Captain Hardin, sailed
for the coast of England, was in an engagement with the British
ship, nor a vessel engaged in the East Indian trade, loaded
with specie and sugar, captured that vessel and took her into
New London: that after this, he was in another engagement when
his ship fell in with a British ship having an American ship under
guard, recaptured the American ship and took both into New London:
length of this service, nine months; that in 1781, he was called
out at the siege of Fort Griswold and the burning of New London,
and that he was wounded in the groin while serving as a guard on
the outside of Fort Griswold and was there at the time of the surrender
of said forth that the length of this service was more than
three months.

His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of
service of six months in a regularly organized military corps, the
privateer service not being provided for in the pension law under
which he applied.

The date of death of Elisha Razar is not shown and there are
no data as to wife and children. An older brother is referred to
his name not given.
● ● ● ●
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
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8625    REJECTED

P.O. Elisha Razar
Service:
Enlisted:___, 18  .
Discharged:__, 18  .
Application filed__, 18  . 
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.

__Recognized.   __ Contract.
__ Cert. of Dis.  Searched for __ 18  .

1936 Oct 1
[kirt] Ro Mrs. H. V. Stacy Letter in care of Benji Race P. 15202. EZ
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Nov. 8, 1857

Rel. to case of Elisha Razar

Joshua Davison
Hyde Payle

Free,

Attn Commissioner of Pensions
U. States Washington City

No 38.232
Elisha Razan V Act of 7th June 1832

8626
To J. Sawyer Oct 30 1857
same Jan 14. 1952
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Micheal Bunday
affidavit
Pension matter
of E. Rason (Razar)
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State of Vermont
Samoille Cy Js
I Micheal [R] Bunday of Hyde Park in the county of Samoille and State of Vermont- defore & stay- that I am now aged fourty four years thatI have been intimately acquainted with Elisha Raser not of Hyde Park in the county of Samoille for more than 35 years past- that I formerly lived in the town of Hardwick in the county of Callidonia & 
State aforesaid and he also resided there I have heard but one story from him - Parents and neighbors from my youth [up] and that is , he was in the Marine or Sea Service of the united States a privateersman form the state of Connecticut that had been engaged in sea fights- had assisted in catching valuable prises- which were brought to American Ports and received considerable sums- sums of prise money - for his share- that he was at the Seige of fort Griswold New London was severely wounded and carried from the field being on guard out the fort and by that means escaped. The cruel fate of those within - the
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brave Col. Ledyard at then front this is the unvarnished tale- concerns the almost centurian soldier who now stands probably the oldest Monument of Revolutionary Heroes- relying upon the outskirts of public charity for his cause fore his reputation is of the first water for truth temperature & industry. I have heard [head]  his declaration for a pension and I can add. Its general features is but a repitition of his Revolutionary War Services on sea &sand as I have now tought as above and I further say not dated at Hyde Park and in the county of Samoille- this day of June 1851 M. G. Bunday

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written - I further certify that said Micheal Bunday is well known to me & that he is a man of good character for truth and a competent & reputable witness whereever called as such the word "been" unterlined
Lucius H. Noyes Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont
County of Samoille: 
I hereby certify that Lucious H. Noyes before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and  who he's there unto subscribe his name was at the time of so doing an acting justice of the peace within and for the County of Samoille duly commissioned and qualified.
In Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the county seal this 23rd day of June 1831
B. Sawyer Clerk
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Rheuben H. Crosley
In Pension Matter
E. Rasar
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State of Vermont
Samoille County JS

I Reuben H Crosby of Hyde Park in said County of  Samoille and state aforesaid aged about fourty years depose and say that I have been personally acquainted with Elisha Rasar ( a man nearly an hundred years of age to with about 98) from my earliest years In regard to his Revolutionary Services - I know nothing but have always understood that his character was good for truth and very solid & industrious mand and should not hesitate to  believe his statements when made seriously upon any occassion and further the deforment saith not dated June 24th 1851
R.H. Crosby
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I further certify  that the said Reuben is a competent witness and of known veracity
E.B. Sawyer Clerk in Charge
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State of Vermont
Lamoille County 
I hereby testify
that E.B. Sawyer before whom the
aforegoing affidavit was made
and who has hereunto subscribed
his name - was at the time of
so doing a master in Charge
within and for the County of Lamoille
duly commissioned and qualified to administer
oaths &c. In witness whereof I hereunto
Set my hand and affixed the Seal of said
county - on this 11th day of July AD
1851
E.B. Sawyer. Co. Clerk
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doubt could exist that Razar performed the
service - In the manner he relates - and 
a hundred affidavits could be obtained showing
The traditionary evidence and the character
Similar to that of Michael Bunday and &c
But that living witnesses should 
now be found. Like Henry Latimore 
to show the actual service of the [illegible]
must be an exception - I trust this is a
case that does not call for the greatest
[illegible] - from the age of the man - 
the nature of the Services - and the
presumptive departure from off the 
earth - of contemporaries, who would
have been old enough to remember facts
With high respect your
Obt. Svt.
Joshua Sawyer
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My dispatch July 6th 1851 Lamoille Co Vt.
Hon James E. Heath Comm. Pensions - U.S.
Sir, I take the liberty to enclose the papers of
nearly a Centurion Revolutionist - whose perils
were on sea and Land - I have strong wish for 
the fate of his application - and yet it is somewhat 
novel - I suppose when the naval service 
is spoken of -  it includes Privateers men - who
were a very efficient set of [illegible] as I am 
informed of that day - This Captain Hardin seems to have 
been well known and will accounted  -taking
the testimony of Mr. Latimore - of nearly 85 years - a
[illegible] man of Capt Harden and Razar-
Razar walks at an Angle of 45 very well
and his mind clear - on ancient things
he has labored hard. In a small circumference
has not made direct application for a
Pension - as he recollects - has been told
a privateersman could not draw- I am 
Sure I cannot say they can - but hope to
he informed by the Honl Commissioner -
how far Capt Hardin services  and
exploits may have been of record - is
not in my power to state- no
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doubt could exist that Razar performed the
service - In the manner he relates - and
a hundred affidavits could be obtained showing
The traditionary evidence and the character
Similar to that of Michael Bunday and &c
But that living witnesses should
now be found. Like Henry Latimore
to show the actual service of the [illegible]
must be an exception - I trust this is a
case that does not call for the greatest
[illegible] - from the age of the man -
the nature of the Services - and the
presumptive departure from off the
earth - of contemporaries, who would
have been old enough to remember facts
With high respect your
Obt. Svt.
Joshua Sawyer
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152
Pension Office
Jan 14. 1852
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 31 Oct
last in relation to the Pension claim of Eliha
Razar of Vt you are referred to my letter to
you of the day previous, which has not been
recd when your letter was written. It would save
this office a great deal of trouble and facilitate
the adjudication of claims if agents would
wait a reasonable time after filing their claims
before enquiring for them

Joseph Sawyer Esq.
Hyde Park
Vt
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Hyde Park October 31st 1851
[Hon] James P. Heath Commissioner of Pension
[Sn'] I merely enquire of the declaration and accompanying papers of Elisha Raser have been recorded at the Pension Office- This applicant of a  Revol. Pension . for naval or marine service was distinguished - able - on account of his age- being of very near a centurian at least part 98- these papers were mailed in July- and whether I am within the rule to enquire under the supportation of accident- I must submit- I am induced more especially to seek. This information is under the [ew] dispersion at the Pension Office. The Notries [apers] being new. there so far us I am [morned; have been marked  with much precision. I am respectfully yours obt sent 
Joshua Sawyer
Case Reported upon joshua Sawyer Oct 30th 1831
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Henry Latiner's
affidavit - [     ]
of E Rasar
Raseion
Page 26

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ⎬ 
I Harry Latimore of Hyde Park
in said County, aged about Eighty four
years - testify and say that my native
place was the City of New London in 
the state of Connecticut- That I was acquainted with
Captain Hardin of Norwich - and well acquainted with
his reputation. It was such. that his name
was in every mans mouth - In my youth, for
his brave and successful operation. In the
Marine of the day - and As a brave Generous
& humane Captain - he had taken heavy --
prizes, and brought them to New London
The particulars of which I do not pretend to give
It seems well impressed on my mind that he
took one Large India Ship-- as a prize-and
brought in there.-- to New London Loaded
with Sugar & Specie - and I think this very
expedition, or cruise (as I have this day heard
held in the Declaration I. Elisha Razar May
have been the foundation of his very high
same. In that day Elisha Razar the declarant
was on the cruise alluded to now 98 yrs old, as then
as I then well knew
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the general consent the community and of my
own observation he also served at Siege of Fort Griswold.
I was living in the Town of Chester now
Montville, when Fort Griswold was
taken & New London burnt- and was
kept under arms during siege and alarm
for the space of two months. Altho I was
quite young, almost every able bodied man
in the prime of life, or middle age volunteered
were [???],  or drafted on duty for the space 
of two or three months- at that time and
further the deponent saith not

Henry Latimer

Sworn to & Subscribed, on this Seventeenth
day of June AD 1851.  I further certify that
the above affiant is one of our oldest, and
respectible Inhabitants, and his
oath is unimpeachable in any Court
or place.

N.P. Keeler
Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont}
Lamoille County ss}

I hereby certify that N.P. Keeler Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has thereunto signed his name was at the time of so doing an acting justice of the peace within and for the county of Lamoille, commissioned and qualified and the foregoing signature purported to be his is genuine.
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the county this 7th day of June  Anno Domini  1837.

E. B. Sawyer     Clerk
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COPY

Oct. 30/51

Joshua Sawyer, Esq.
Hyde Park, Vt.

Sir:
The Decl. of Elisha Razar is rec'd.  If the privateer service were confirmed by competent testimony it would not entitle him to a pension.  The length of his service at Fort Griswold is not stated, nor is there any proof of his being in service there at all.  It must be established by the records in the office of the Comptroller of Connecticut and by witnesses who knew him to be there.

John Wilson

(Triplett)
Page 30

October 1, 1936

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/RRHF/eel

Mrs. H. V. Stacy
11 Auburn Road
West Hartford, Connecticut

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary
War records of Joseph, Cuff, George, William (2), Race,
Rasse and various other spellings, Benjamin Race, pensioner of
Columbia County, New York, in 1832, Elisha Razor, R.8625, Simeon
and Thomas Cooper, Levi, Asa, Eli, Jonathan, Benjamin and Elijah
Fish, one of whom may have been the father of Aaron Fish, born
in 1780, and may have served, also, in the War of 1812.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War and War of
1812 data and the limited trained clerical force available for
furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full
with each request pertaining to soldiers of those wars. The records
of Benjamin Race and Elisha Razar, described above, are furnished
you herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.