Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15982, for Phiny Smith, Massachusetts
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Mass Smith, Pliny S.15982
Vt.
carded
CONTENTS
b in Sandisfield, Berkshire Co. Mass
res at enls New Marlborough Berkshire Co Mass &
Newport Bennington Co Vt
D 1833 res of Orwell Rutland Co Vt. aged 70 yrs
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17.135 Vermont
Pliny Smith
of Orwell in the State of Ver
who was a Pri in the Com commanded
by Captain [blank] of the Reg command 
by Col. Pearl in the Ver & Mass.
State Troops 12 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Ver
at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of July
1833 and sent to G. 
Haight Burlington Vt
Arrears to the 4th of March 31 $80
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept " 20
$100.
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E D Bullock Clerk,
Book E Vol 3 Page 91
[right side] 1890
May 8 Rodney Smith, agt Pay Genl
U.S.A. history Prior
Page 3

His papers were drawn in [illegible] slip & returned to [illegible] 
July 179 with the original
declaration [illegtible ] and it looks 
as though [illegible] papers [illegible]
[written vertically-15982
Pliny Smith
Pri
Revolutionary War
Drawn from 
files for 
[illegible]
Actg Chief St. D
June 4/90 WJ Brooks
[illegible]
Page 4

token There is nothing in the 
claim to show by whose authority
this was done
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[written in pencil in the top margin-no one knows who made this copy or whether is properly copied or who took the original declaration see attached slip made out at time it was taken.]
COPY OF DECLARATION FOR PENSION, MADE BY
PLINY SMITH.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, -- State of Vermont, Rutland Co., ss.
On this eighth day of September, 1832, personally appeared in open court before the Probate Court for the district of Fairhaven, in the County of Rutland, and State of Vermont, now sitting Pliny Smith, a resident of Orwell, in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged seventy years, who, being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832; -- that he enlisted. in the month of August, in the year 1777, for the term of three months, under one Capt. Hobbs of Sheffield, in the County of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts; that he immediately marched for the Northern Army, commanded by General Gates; that he marched up through the county of Berkshire to Bennington, now in Vermont, that he remained in Bennington a short time and assisted in guarding prisoners taken in Bennington battle; that he was soon marched northward to Arlington, and Manchester, which was then considered the northern frontiers in what is now called Vermont; after remaining there some time for the purpose of holding in check the tories and Indians, who was then hovering on our northern frontiers, we was ordered to march to the north river, to assist in surrounding and capturing the army of General Burgoyne; at the north river we joined the militia brigade of troops from the county of Berkshire and State of Massachusetts, commanded I believe by Gen'l Fellows; we was annexed to the regiment that I believe was commanded by Col: Ashley from Sheffield, in
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2
sais county of Berkshire. The day of Stillwater battle we was ordered to ford the north river nearly against the barracks in Saratoga; we was lined on the west side of the river until next morning, when we was again ordered to ford the river back, and about the time our brigade had paraded on the east side of the river, Gen'l Burgoyne's army began to appear in sight on their retreat from Stillwater battle; the enemy made a stand at Saratoga Barracks, and remained there until they surrendered to our army. Before surrendering they burnt the barracks all but one, and all Gen'l Schyler's Building and all other buildings in Saratoga within their reach; after Gen'l Burgoyne had ceased making any further opposition our brigade, which had remained stationed on the east side of the river to prevent the enemy from fording the river and making their escape through Fort Edward and Ticonderoga to Canada, not being further wanted, Gen'l Fellows' brigade was dismissed being militia, and our company, whose term of service was nearly expired, and belonging to the same county, was also dismissed, and I returned home to New Marlborough, the place where I resided when I enlisted, -- my father's family having retreated Newport in Vermont before Burgoyne's army when he took Ticonderoga, went to said New Marlborough among his connections, but in the winter of 1777-8, we again returned to Newport in Vermont, now in the county of Bennington, and in March 1778, Vermont raised two companies of men to guard the northern frontiers; the companies were commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Allen, and Capt. Isaac Clark, afterwards Gen'l Clark, the same who commanded a regiment in the last
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3
war in 1813 & 1814; in March 1778 I enlisted for the term of two months in said Capt. Clark's company, and immediately marched to Rutland, in the now County of Rutland, and was stationed at Rutland and Pitts ford, and Brandon, towns adjoining, for the purpose of guarding the frontiers, and protecting the inhabitants from the incursions of the Tories and Indians, who constantly kept the people in fear and harassing and burning out the frontier settlers. I served out my time of two months, and was dismissed, and returned home to said Newport -- and again I believe in the fall of the year 1778, I enlisted for the term of two months, and served out the full term under, as it now appears to me, a Capt. Hutchins, or Hutchinson, and believe Lieut. Soaper. Said Hutchins belonged to Bennington and Lieut. Soaper to Dorset, as I now believe, but I am not certain, but I served in Capt. Allen's company, who then I think belonged to Wells, now in said county of Rutland. I served some part of said two months in Castleton, and some part of the term in Rutland, as the United States had at time, two small forts, one at Castleton and one at Rutland, which was then considered the northern frontiers, and held and guarded for the purpose of holding in check the enemy who had committed many depredations on our northern frontiers this term I know that I served as above stated, but at this time cannot as clearly recollect about my officers and the circumstances attending my service, as I can of all my other terms of service. At the expiration of my two months, I was dismissed and returned home, and again in the fall of the year 1779, I enlisted under Lieut. Benjamin Everest, then of Pawlett, in the now County of Rutland, adjoining
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4
town of Newport where I then lived,. Lieut. Everest's company was raised for the term of six months, and was stationed at said fort in Rutland, then called Fort Remger, for the double purpose or guarding the United States stores then in said fort, and to watch the movements of the enemy, who was disturbing our frontiers, and committing many depredations. Our service commenced some time in the fall of the year 1779, and continued through the winter and spring of 1780; one Ephraim Mount was the United States Commissary at said fort, through said campaign; he was a young man, and belonged to the State of New Jersey. I served out my time and was dismissed, and returned home to Newport. For further testimony respecting this term of service, I would refer to the testimony of said Lieut. Benjamin Everest, who is still living. Said Lieut. Everest was Lieut. Commandant at said fort during said campaign, whose evidence I have procured and enclosed. I have also procured the testimony of Jeremiah Parker, who served with me in the same company in my term of two months, as I believe, in the fall of 1778. I have no other testimony except my own, and know of no person living who served with me in any of my terms, nor of any person by whom I could prove any part of services except the testimony of Lieut. Everest and Jeremiah Parker, which is enclosed, but of this I am certain, I have served all the terms herein represented, and further some service in the militia, when called out in the Revolution. One time in particular I now recollect, when the enemy invaded our frontiers, I was called out, and marched to Castleton, and I now believe, out about three weeks in Col. Stephen Pearl's Regiment; old Gen'l Ethan Allen commanded
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5
the militia that was then called out. I further state that I never left the service at any time until regularly dismissed. I do not now recollect of ever having any written discharge or discharges. If I had, they are long since lost. I further state that I am well acquainted with the Hon. Jonas Galusha, Richard Skinner, Ezra Butler, and Samuel C. Crafts, late Governors in Vermont; also I am well acquainted with the Hon. Horatio Seymour, a Senator in Congress, and with the Hon. William Slade, a member of Congress from Vermont, and also with most of the public characters in this State.
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.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year af'd.
(Signed.) Pliny Smith.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, Selah H. Merrill, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Fairhaven, aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Pliny Smith for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 8th day of September, A.D., 1832.
(Signed.) S.H. Merrill
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An amendment of the Declaration of Pliny Smith made and presented to the war Department for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
Personally appeared before me the undersigned Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairhaven in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont Pliny Smith who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that in his Declaration for a pension he has stated four tours of service under enlistments at different periods in the revolutionary war besides militia service that his first tour of service was an enlistment for the term of three months to go against the army of General Burgoyne that he enlisted in the month of August 1777 but at what time in the month he cannot now recollect That he was dismissed in October about the time the British army surrendered to General Gates but at what time in the month he cannot now recollect but believes he served two months or more and further believes what time he served when called out in the militia would make out his said term of three months or so much of his time as had not expired when he was dismissed his next term of service was two months in the spring of the year 1778 and commenced in March and that he served out the full term of his enlistment his next tour of service was an enlistment for two months he believes in the fall of the year 1778 that he served out the full term of his enlistment and now believes that this term of service commenced in September and expired in November but at what time in November he was dismissed he cannot now recollect his fourth tour of service was for six months as shown by the testimony of Lieut Benjamin Everest which is enclosed and he believes this term commenced in October in 1779 and expired in April following but cannot recollect for certain but thinks it is possible that some part of the time had run before the company entered the service so that he might want some days and possible a month of serving for six months but as it is now more than fifty years since his said service time and increasing years and the consequent loss of memory renders him unable to swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served as he has stated in his Declaration and in this amendment of his Declaration and he further testifies that in all the service he performed during the revolutionary war he served as a private soldier for such service I claim a pension and although by reason of old age and loss of memory I cannot assertain precisely by now how long I served I hope the war department will do me the justice to believe I have served as herein stated which makes one year and one month or one year as the war depart should think proper estimate it
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He further says that he was born in Sandisfield in the County of Berkshire & State of Massachusetts where he continued to reside untill he was 14 or 15 years of age, when he removed to Ruport in the now State of Vermont in which place he continued to reside til the spring of the year 1784 except what time he continued to reside in New Marlborough in sd County of Berkshire which was from July 1777 to February 1778
In April 1784 I removed to Orwell in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont where he ever since & now resides--He does not know of any record of his age--His enlistments as stated in his declaration were all voluntary except the first when he went to supply the place of a man which a class was directed to raise but the name of the man he cannot now remember
Sworn to and subscribed the 
 afosd day of May 1833
Pliny Smith
I S. H. Merrill Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Fairhaven in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Pliny Smith for a pension, in addition to his declaration for that purpose heretofore made before said Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 1st day of May AD 1833.
S.H. Merrill
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This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L.W.B.
I. 14982.
cm
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY
April 28, 1898.
Madam:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Pliny Smith made an application for pension on September 8, 1832, at which time he was 70 years of age and residing at Casell, Vermont, and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the Vermont troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Allen and Col. Pearl. He enlisted at Newport, Vermont.
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Miss Adelaide Smith,
Kingston, R.I.
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[left side] P 15982
INVALID.
File No. 15.982
Pliny Smith
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 1832
Index:--Vol. 1, Page 349
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[right side] Apr. 28/98 Miss
Adelaide Smith
Kingston, R.I.
Page 14

V 4993
[left side] Let Benj. Isaacs July
23 '39 To same March
9, 1840. do: to same May 5th 40
Rec letters above referred to in
claims of John Holly No. 21396
act 7 July 38
[right side] Secy Hompb Con:
Page 15

State of Vermont
Rutland County Ss
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the
County Court for the County of
Rutland certify that David 
Cutting Jr is a Justice of the
Peace for said county duly
commissioned
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland this 20th day of Sept. AD. 1832
R. Pierpoint
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Sworn before me at Orwell in the County
of Rutland and State of Vermont this 31st
day of August AD 1832 in due form of law
David Cutting Jr. Just Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jeremiah Parker who subscribed to the fore going testimony and that he is a man of good character and one whose testimony would be taken and bear full wait in any Court
attest 
David Cutting Jr Just Peace
Page 17

Pliny Smith -1776-
In Sept 1832 he was residing in Orwell, Rutland County, Vt aged 70 years and stated that he enlisted at Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass for 3 months in Augt 1777 under Capt Nobles, marched to join the Army of the North commanded by Genl Gate - Arriving at Bennington Vt he assisted in guarding the prisoner taken in the battle at that place (Augt 16.1777) a short time, then marched to Arlington and Manchester, Vt then considered the northern frontier of Vt, to hold Tories in check as well as hostile Indians -  Soon he was ordered to the North river to assist in surrounding the British army of Gen Burgoyne, where he joined the Brigade of militia from Berkshire County, Mass., commanded, he thinks, by Genl Fellows, was attached to the regiment of Colo Ashley of Sheffield - The day of the Stillwater battle he was ordered to ford the North river nearly opposite the barracks in Saratoga, but he remained on the west side of the river until the next morning when again he was directed "to ford the river back" and by the time the Brigade had paraded the enemy began to appear in sight on their retreat from Stillwater battle, and made a stand at Saratoga barracks until they surrendered (Oct 17.1777) after which event the brigade was dismissed and he returned home to New Marlborough, where he was then residing - His brother's (father's written above the word brother's) family had retreated from Newport (probably) in Vt, as the British advanced under Genl Burgoyne, and resided among his connections in New Marlborough, but in "the winter following the winter of 1777 we again returned to Newport" (this town may be for Rupert, if so, it is written Reuport, & it is subsequently stated to be in Bennington County Vt, where Rupert is located, and Newport is in Orleans County) - 
He in March 1778 enlisted for 2 months in a company raised by Capt Isaac Clark which was stationed at Rutland & Pittsford & also at Brandon to guard the frontier & protect the settlements from incursions of Tories and Indians who kept the inhabitants in constant fear by the burning of their property. At the expiration of his "term" he returned to said Rupert (or Newport) - In the fall of 1778 he served 2 months at Castleton & Rutland under either Capt Hutchinson, or Allen, he is not certain which, where was a Fort in each place, then considered the northern frontier -
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In the fall of 1779 he volunteered for 6 months under Lt. Benjamin Everett, and was stationed at Fort Ranger in Rutland where were collected public stores, and to watch the movement of the enemy, who were committing depredations - A US Commissary was also stationed at said Fort through the campaign - Lt Everet was Lt. Commandant at the Fort during his 6 months service - 
He was out on alarms in addion to the foregoing service, particularly under Colo Pearl when the enemy appeared on the frontier near to or at Castleton and was absent about 3 weeks - Other occasions of probably shorter periods - 
In a supplemental statement he said he was born in Sandisfield, Berkshire County, Mass where he resided until 14 or 15 years of age when he moved to Rupert, Vt. where he resided until the spring of 1784, except what time he was living in New Marlborough, in Berkshire County, which was from July 1777 to Feby 1778 - In April 1784 he settled in Orwell, Rutland County Vt where living in 1833 - 
He did not know of any records of his age & no day, month, or year of his birth was specified
Apollos Austin of Orwell, Vt, stated in 1832 that for more than 40 years he had resided in the same town with Pliny Smith who has been many years a member of the Legislature and also of the Legislative Council of Vt
Also said Pliny Smith was for a number of year Chief Judge of the County of Rutland where he resided
The official date of his decease is probably in a voucher on file in the office of the Third Auditor of U.S. Treasury -
Page 19

Jeremiah Parker
Affidavit
for 
Pliny Smith
Page 20

I Sherman Kellogg a clergyman residing in Orwell Rutland County Vermont hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the Hon Pliny Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that I believe him to be in the seventy first year of his age That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I fully concur in that opinion
I further certify that full confidence may safely be placed in his own testimony and that the sd Pliny Smith is extensively known in the state of Vermont and has filled many stations in the civil government thereof and stands high in public estimation
Sherman Kellogg
State of Vermont
Rutland County} Sworn and subscribed at Orwell this 6th day of September AD 1832 in due form of Law before e
Thos D Hammond Just Peace
Page 21

I Apollos Austin of Orwell in the County of Rutland Vermont hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the Hon Pliny Smith of sd Orwell who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration That I believe him to be in the seventy first year of his age That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I fully concur in that opinion having been myself a soldier of the revolution and having resided more than forty years in the same town with the sd Pliny Smith and having frequently conversed with him on the subject of our revolutionary services I have no doubt of the truth of the facts as he has stated in his declaration
I further say that the utmost confidence may safely be placed on his own testimony 
As an evidence of his standing in society and the town and county where he resides
I further state that he has been many years a member of the Legislature and also of the Legislative Council in the state of Vermont And also a number of years Chief Judge of the County in the county of Rutland where he resides
Apollos Austin
State of Vermont
Rutland County Ss}
Sworn and subscribed this 6th day of September AD 1832 before me in due form of law
Thos D Hammond Justice Peace
Page 22

Certificate of Rev
S Kellogg & A. Austin
For
Pliny Smith
Page 23

State of Vermont
Rutland County Ss}
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland do certify that Thomas D Hammond is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned and that the within signatures are his hand writing
In testimony whereof I pass hereunto, set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Rutland this 20th day of Sept. AD 1832 
R. Pierpoint
Page 24

State of Vermont Rutland County SS} Orwell August 31st 1832 I Jeremiah Parker of Whiting in the County of Addison and State of Vermont now in the seventy sixth year of my age Depose and say that in the time of the revolutionary war I lived in what is now the State of Vermont in the town of Leicester now County of Addison the Country was new and being on the frontiers and frequently invaded by parties of tories and indians and sometimes mixed with British Soldiers we was compelled to retreat back farther into the settlements living a spell at Pittsford and soon retreated further south to Clarenden now County of Rutland and that in the fall of the year as near as I can recollect in 1778 I served as Sergeant for the term of  two months at Rutland now County of Rutland I believe our Captains name was Hutchins or Hutchinson & then of Bennington now County of Bennington and State of Vermont I also believe one Soaper was a Lieut in said Company and a Majr Whitcomb I think commanded at Rutland at the time and in the company Pliny Smith then of Ruport now County of Bennington but now of Orwell in the County of Rutland served for the term of two months as a soldier in said Company I then became acquainted with the said Pliny Smith and have known him ever since as I have lived within four miles of his residence for more than forty years and further testify that he is a man of good character and a man who can be relied on for truth and veracity is here known and that he has held many responsible stations in the Civil Government of Vermont since the period of the revolution and further say not
Jeremiah Parker
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State of Vermont Addison County 
[illegible]
I Benjamin Everest of Addison in the County of Addison and State of Vermont [illegible]
that in the time of the revolutionary war in the Fall of the year 1779 and winter and spring of 1780 I commanded a company a Company as Lieut Comadent stationed at fort Rutland now County of Rutland and State of Vermont my Company was raised for the term of six months and served out their times and was dismissed in the Spring of 1780 I further testify that Pliny Smith then of Rupert County of Bennington & State of Vermont now of Orwell in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont was one of my Company and served as a soldier under me in said garrison through the fall of 1779 and winter & spring of 1780 & was a faithful soldier we was stationed at said fort for the purpose of holding the tories and indians in check and to guard the then frontiers of what is now the State of Vermont I further testify that said Pliny Smith is now present and I now present and I know him to be the same Pliny Smith that served under my command as above stated and further that he is a man of good character and has held many responsible stations in the Civil Government of Vermont since the period of the revolution and I further say not
Benj Everest 
State of Vermont Addison County Ss} August 29th 1832 then personally appeared Benjin
Everest signer of the above testimony and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts above stated Before me
Jesse Grandey Justice of the Peace
I Jesse Grandey hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Benjin Everest and that he is a man of good character and one whose evidence would where known be relied on in any cause and in any court
Attest Jesse Grandey Justice of the Peace
Page 26

State of Vermont
Addison County Ss} I Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison, do hereby certify that Jesse Grandey, before whom the within affidavit of Benjamin Everest was made was at the time a Justice of the Peace for said County, and his name subscribed therein is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this third day of August 1832.
Saml Swift Clerk
Page 27

WAR DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON.
Dictated
November 22, 1889.
My dear Capt. Fisher:
I enclose herewith a communication addressed to the Commissioner of Pensions, by Col. Smith, Asst. Paymaster General U.S.A. This communication was sent to me by Col. Smith with the request that I would personally interest myself in his obtaining the information which he asks for, and for that reason I send his letter to you.
If the information desired can be furnished him without violation of the rules of your office I should be very glad to have it done. I know that it is not intended to be used for the purpose of making any claims against the Government.
Very truly yours,
F.C. Ainsworth
Capt. & Asst. Surgeon U.S.A.
To Capt. A.W. Fisher
Referred to Chief Old War
Div. for reply. Send answer 
in care of Dr. Ainsworth
Fish.
Page 28

WAR DEPARTMENT,
PAYMASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON D.C., July 11, 1890.
Genl. Green B. Raum
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
I have your note of 26th Net. stating that you have the "original papers in the case of Pliny Smith which you can give me upon my written application setting forth my relation to the matter with the reasons for my wish to have those papers.
Pliny Smith the writer of at least one of the letters referred to was my father's father--Having no manuscript letters in his hand writing I would naturally value such a document if it can be given to me properly. I can not conceive that it could have any other value than one of sentiment
(over)
Page 29

I shall appreciate your consideration in this connection and desire to thank you for it.
Very truly yours
Wm Smith
(Paymaster General U.S.A.)
Page 30

[stamp-US PENSION OFFICE
A
JUL
12
1890]
Page 31

R.I College of Agr. and Mechanic Arts
John H. Washburn Ph.D.
President
Kingston, R.I. April 22, 1898.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly find for me the number of the volume and the page on which is to be found the record granting a pension to Pliny Smith--he received one after personally appearing in open court on Sept. 8, 1832, in Fairhaven, county of Rutland, State of Vermont, he being a resident of Orwell, in county of Rutland.
Yours very truly
Adelaide Smith
[stamp-US PENSION OFFICE
APR
23
1898]
Page 32

Headquarters of the Atlantic,
Office of Chief Paymaster,
New York City, November 21st, 1889.
The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Sir:
I have the honor to apply for an official statement, from the records of your office, of the service of:-
Pliny Smith, in the war of the Revolution,
Israel Smith, in the war of 1812-15,
Theron Smith, in the war with Mexico,
all deceased respectively in 1840, in 1865 and in 18--, the two former at dates of death, residing in Orwell, Addison [formerly Rutland] County, Vermont, and Theron Smith in Springville Cattaraugus Co., N.Y.
A pension was paid in the case of Pliny Smith for service, I believe, as an enlisted man; A land warrant and pension in case of Israel Smith as a regimental officer and Paymaster; A pension in case of Theron for service, I believe, as an enlisted man.
I desire to know, in each case, the dates of beginning and ending of service, the age on entry into service, the regiment or command, grade or rank, battles engaged in, if any, and generally the record.
Pliny Smith was my grandfather, Israel Smith my father, Theron Smith my uncle.
I request this information for personal reasons only, and with no purpose of asserting a claim for pay or pension on account of any one of these kinsmen, or in behalf of the heirs of any one of them.
Your compliance will be esteemed a great favor.
Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
Rodney Smith
Asst. Paymaster Genl. U.S.A.
Page 33

[stamp-BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
NOV. 23 1889
OFFICE OF CHIEF CLERK]