Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17242, Amasa Archer, Conn.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Conn

Archer, Amasa

NUMBER
S. 17242

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

Alisha Miles and [illegible] Agent June 21 1840
Sent
Hon. J. M. Niles, Feby 9, 1841
Nathl C. Smith Oct 25, 1841
Page 3

17249
Connecticut 
Amasa Archer
of Middlesex in the State of Connt
who was a private in the Comp commanded
by Captain Robbins of the Regt commanded
by Col. McLellan in the Connt line for
9 mos-
Only 13 years old time of [illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll of Connt
at the rate of 30 Dollars -- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March , 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Aug
1832- and Sent to F. C. Courtock
1833-                                    Chatam [Chatham]

Arrears to the 4th of [illegible]        $60
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep 2    30
                                                         $90

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Geo C. Stiles Clerk,
Book E, Vol. 3, Page 1.
Page 4

{State of Connecticut 
County of Middlesex} ss.
---
On this 3rd day of September AD 1832. Personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate for the district of
Chatham now sitting Amasa Archer a resident of the Town of Chatham, in the County of Middlesex and state of Connecticut aged sixty four 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 7th, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated- That in September 1781 he enlisted into Captain John Robbins company in the Regiment commanded by
Col. McClellan (State troops as he thinks) for the term of nine months, that he immediately set out for Fort Griswold at Groton Connecticut
and arrived there the day after the Fort was taken by the Brittish and the garrison put to the shovel, that he assisted in burying
the dead, of which Col. Ledyard was one, that he remained there for the term of nine months and was then dismissed but receiving no written discharge. That his officers were
Capt John Robbins, Lieut. Ezekiel Jones & Ensign John Gillet. That he was in no battles or skirmishes with the enemy
That he was born at Hebron in the State of Connecticut March 30th A.D. 1768. that he lived at said Hebron at the time that he has no documentary evidence of service & knows no person who can testify to the same he enlisted- that for the last thirty two years he has resided at Chatham County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut, where he still resides - that he has no record of his age, that he
never received a discharge, that he is known to Rev William Uhelek
Page 5

and Nathaniel Markham in his present neighborhood, who can testify to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution
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 to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Amasa Archer

We William Welch, a Clergyman, residing in the Town of Chatham, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, and Nathaniel Markham residing in the same town hereby certify 
that we ^are^ well acquainted with Amos Archer, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty four 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 day and year aforesaid
William Welch
Nathl Markham

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented 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 Rev William Welch who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Chatham, and that Nathaniel Markham, who has also signed the same, is a resident ^of^ the same town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I William G. Comstock Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Chatham, do hereby certify, that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the
Page 6

matter of the application of Amasa Archer for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 3d day of September A.D. 1832
Wm G. Comstock Clk

{State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex} ss.

On this 15th day of July A.D. 1833, Personally
appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County Amasa Archer of Chatham in said County known to me to be a credible person and being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following amendment to his declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That while in the service of the United States as
stated in his declaration, he served for the term of nine months as a private soldier for which he claims a pension.
In answer to the fifth interrogatory presented by the war department he says he knew Col M. Clellon & Col Joel Jones & Col Lattimer
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Amasa Archer
Page 7

I William Stoddard of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut depose and say that
while I was on duty at Fort Griswold Groton Connecticut in the year 1781 & 1782 I knew Amasa Archer now living in the town of Chatham, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, that he was a soldier with me in the same company and according to my best
recollection he was then on duty for the term of nine months.      
William Stoddard

{State of Connecticut
Middlesex County} ss.  Ts. Chatham 15th July A.D. 1833
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex County. William Stoddard well known to me & a competent & credible resident and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before me

F. G. Comstock. Justice of the Peace

[written in right margin - Amasa Archer 16683]
Page 8

Amasa Archer's Statement
Page 9

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County

I Amasa Archer of Chatham in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged about seventy eight years, being duly sworn according to law, do on oath make the following statements in order to ask the Hon. Comr. of Pensions to order the payment of my pension which has been suspended by his order, and as I am informed in consequence of my deposition given in relation to the Revolutionary service of William [Staddard?], The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions claims that, from my statement in that deposition my services were rendered as a waiter and not as a private soldier.

That in relation to my deposition above alluded to, I have to say that it does state that I served as a waiter and not as a private soldier, I did not understand it when I put my signature thereunto. It was my intention and ever has been to state facts so far as my recollection will allow me to and not to mistify [mystify] or mistake in relation to my service.

I have since the suspension of the paperwork of my pension done my best to support myself and family by my industry & thought I would not again ask for the resumption of payment after my country had once promised relief to such of its sons as toiled for its liberty and [then?] in [past?] fulfiled [fulfilled] that promise  by granting and allowing me for my service & then refuse to pay me agreeable to its pledge after allowing me to enjoy it for a season and then leave me destitute of the comforts of life which [if?] one justly gave me. But from infirmities of age I am unable to do much towards my [supports?] and having no adequate
Page 10

means of supporting myself I am constrained rather to ask most respectfully the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions to order the payment of my pension to be resumed, than to be under the most painful necessity of applying to the Town as a pauper for help. at this late day it is utmost impossible to find additional proof of any service no one is now known to me that served with me, that is now living except those that have testified.

My statements of my service are now in the pension office and so far as waiter ship is concerned allow me to further state from the best of my present recollection I was bound out by the [?] of [Stebron?] when a small boy to Capt. Samuel Jones. There was a draft made in the [invalid?] company for a man to serve in the Fort at Groton and one [?] Beach was drafted and I [served?] as a substitute for him and my master took the pay. I served two months as a substitute in Capt. Robins Company, arrived at the Fort soon after the [?] Ezekiel [Jones?] [?] - John [B...?] [?] part of the time. Samuel Chapman Sagt. [Sergeant] - Roswell Smith [Drummer?] - Samuel Mc[Clellan?] Col, & his son [?] during this tour I served as a private soldier - after this tour was out Capt Robins persuaded me to enlist, and I enlisted as a soldier in the Fort for seven months and after two months service in the Fort I was ordered by Col. McClellan to take care of his horse and his sons - during this time I was subject to the roll call morning & evening, and took my turn standing sentinel, the last hour of duty I performed at Groton was on guard - I enlisted as a private soldier and was subject to the discipline of the company, and was
Page 11

paid as a private soldier. I do not consider it my fault that I was taken to wait upon the Col. and part of the time of my service but it was my duty to obey the orders of my superior officers - that my weight when I went into the services was 140 lbs.

His mark +
Amasa Archer

In presence of
Nath. C. Smith

Sabrina Baker
Middlesex County Ss Chatham June 10th AD 1846.

Personally appeared Amasa Archer whose name is affixed to the foregoing declaration and made oath to the truth of the same. 
Before me Nath. C. Smith Justice of the Peace
Page 12

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/HMM

Copied in absence of AWJ last year from old form

March 4, 1930.

Sewell W. Allison
11 Oxford Terrace
West Orange
New Jersey.

Dear Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, X. 17242, it appears that Amasa Archer was born March 30, 1768 at Hebron, Connecticut.

While residing at Hebron, Connecticut, he enlisted in September 1781 and served nine months as a private in Captain John Robbens' Company, Colonel McClellan's Connecticut Regiment.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832, at which time he was living at Chatham, Connecticut.

In 1846 the soldier referred to his "family"; no names or relationships stated.

Very truly yours,

Karl D. Church
Commissioner.
Page 13

October 29, 1928

Charles R. Hale
33 Capitol Avenue
Hartford, Conn.

Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 17242, it appears that Amasa Archer was born March 30, 1768 at Hebron, Connecticut.

While residing at said Hebron, he enlisted in September 1781 and served nine months as a private in Captain John Robbens' Company, Colonel McClellan's Connecticut Regiment.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832, at which time he was living at Chatham, Connecticut.

["Tombstone Date" handwritten next to first paragraph.]
Page 14

[left page]
P  172442
INVALID.
-----------
File No. 17242
Amasa Archer
Pri  Rev War
-------
Act:  June 7" 32
Index:--Vol. 1, Page 438
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right page]
1906 Oct. 2- History to
W. O. A. Clark, letter
in W. File 7933 John
Johnson.
---------
1907 June 11- History to aw.
Mrs. Chas. H. Brown
-------
1922 July 1 hist to Miss Mand
A. Clark. Letter in S. 37927 -
Richard Flood En -
------
1928- Oct. 29 - Tombstone
Data G Chas. R. Hale aug
1930 - Mch. 4 - Hist. to Sewell
W. Allison MNHF
------
1930 - Mch. 17-Sewell W. Allison
adv. statement correct aug.
Page 15

To the Hon. Secretary of War
City Washington D C
The deposition of Asher Russell
taken sealed up and divided
at Marlboro County of Hartford
State of Connecticut this 17th day
of April A D 1841 by me
E H. Buell Justice of the Peace
Page 16

I Asher Russell of Marlborough County of
Hartford and State of Connecticut of Lawful
Age depose and say that I am well acquainted with Amasa Arches of Chatham in Middlesex
County when he was a Boy between Thirteen
and fourteen years old, we lived together with
Capt Samuel Jones of Hebron in Tolland County
& Archer being a bounder apprentice to S. Jones untill he was twenty One Years of Age. that he left, the service of said Jones between the ages
aforesaid, and went to New London, as it was
Said at the time, and Enlisted into the
United States Service. he left said Jones
according to my best recollection in the month
of September and returned in the month of
July following. It was said that S Archer was at Fort Griswold at the time of the massacre
I am in the eightieth Year of my age
further more the deponent saith not
Witnesses
E. H. Buell
M A Browne
his
Asher x Russell
mark

County of Hartford ss Marlborough April 17th 1841. Be it remembered that on the day aforesaid Asher Russell who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition appeared before me and after being examined and cautionued to speak the
Page 17

whole truth made solemn oath to the same
deposition which is taken at the request of Amasa Archer and to be used for the purpose of establishing his claim to a Pension from the United States for services rendered during the revolutionary war. Said deposition drawn up and certified by
Enos H Buell Justice of the Peace
Page 18

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } Chatham June 1846
We the undersigned subscribers, inhabitants of the town of Chatham, do certify that we are personally acquainted with Amasa Archer of said Chatham, and have known him for more than twenty years last past. That he has, and now does, sustain the character of a sober and honest man, and we believe him entitled to full credit for
truth and veracity.
We also believe, from the best evidence to be
obtained in the premises, and from common
report that said Archer was a Soldier of
the Revolution, and served as such in the
Fort at or near New London in this State.
John Stewart
Huntington Selden
David Buell
Wm G. Buell Post Master E. Hampton Ct.
F. G. Edgerton M.D.
Page 19

Connecticut Chatham Oct 5 1841
Dear Sir
Enclosed on some depositions which
I am requested to forward you to support the
claim of Amasa Archers pension - the deposition
of Asher Russell taken by E. H. Buell Esqr as
supposed to contain some proof of his service though I do not no what -
you can answer this
Yours Respectfully
J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions
Nathl. C. Smith
Page 20

Washington Feby 8. 1841
Sir
The enclosed Letter was recd.
during my witness or it would have
been attended to before. It is for
a very respectable man.
Will you be so good as to inform
me, for what reasons Mr Amasa Archer's
name was stricken in the Pension
List?
I am respectfully
J L Edwards Esq
yr Ret [illegible]
Com Pensions  John A Niles
Page 21

[horizontal text]
Free
L. P. Waldo
nie
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
[vertical text]
Mar 9/30
A. Archer
Ct.
sarged [?] to Com Mar 9 - 80
Mr Ames, this is the case
I spoke of yesterday
Cole
Page 22

Washington March 8. 1850
Sir
Asa Day Esq. of Marlborough, Conn, a consituant
of mine, has called my attention to the case of Amasa Archer whose pension has been withheld on account of some mistake of his, not definitely pointed out by my unapenant [?]. He describes Mr. Archer as a person [illegible] and of feeble health, and constantly suffering from the want of his pension to enable him to obtain the neupains [?] of life. He adds, that he came furnish any amout of proof that the integrity of Archer is not questioned by any of his neighbors or acquaintances. -
I would only say, that Mr. Day is a highly respectable man, and I have no doubt of the certainty of his statements. If it is proper, I would respectfully ask that Mr. Archer be restined to his pension. -
I remain yours truly
Loren P. Waldo
Page 23

Amasa Archer
aoma
9 mopri
30$
Hon. F. G. Comstock
Present
Page 24

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Amasa Archer
which require further proof or explanation.
1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  yes
V. *Has he mentioned 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 amout of pension he is entitled?  No see ques 5
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  yes
Page 25

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  --
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? --
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? --
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? --
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? --
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
5. 7.
___________________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. 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 his 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.
Page 26

3
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 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 shewn 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.
✝QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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 and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
➤In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

According to the "Regulations" any applicant is
required to produce the best proof in his power
Then an numerous applicants who served in the
same Regt. with declarant
Page 27

Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
Please send me the Pension
of Amasa Archer a revolutionary
Soldier and oblige
Mrs Charles H Brown
East Hampton
Conn
[2 stamps]
O. W. & [illegible] DIV.
JUN
3
1907
FILES

U. S.
PENSION
A
JUN
3
1907
OFFICE
Download
of 35
Page 28

#11 Oxford Terrace
West Orange N J.
Mar. 3, 1930.

U.S. Commissioner of Pensions:
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: -
I am interested in
having my son join the
Children of the American
Revolution" and I am
accordingly writing for
information as to one of
his ancestors who was a
pensioner.
[stamp]
U. S. 
PENSION
MAR
4
1930
OFFICE
The name and
record that we have is
as follows.
Page 29

Amasa Archer.
He was shown in
census of 1790 as being
pensioner from Middlesex
County Conn.
If this is in accordance
with your records will you 
please forward a certificate
to that effect to me for
use in joining the society.
If you have any records
regarding his birth, death
etc I would be glad to receive
any such information.
[stamp]
U. S.
PENSION
MAR
4
1930
OFFICE
Thanking you for your
attention I am
Yours respectfully
Sewell W. Allison
Page 30

11 Oxford Terrace
West Orange N.J.
Mar. 8, 1930.
U.S. Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C
[stamp to the right of text]
U. S. 
PENSION
MAR
11
1930
OFFICE
Dear Sir:-
This is in reference
to your letter dated Mar. 4'30
"Rev. and 1812 Wars Section AWF/H.M.M.
relative to Amasa Archer. I
want to thank you for your
attention and prompt reply.
However, as there is what
seems to be a conflict in
dates I would like to have
them checked. In your letter
you state that he was born
Page 31

Mar. 30 1768 and enlisted
in Sept 1781 which would
make him about 13 years old
which seem very young and
causes me to question these dates.
Since you have records
for the war of 1812 also, I
would like to have you see
if you have a record of [illegible handwritten text added]
Amasa's son Josiah Archer
whom I am sure was in
the war of 1812. I know that
he was the son of Amasa Archer
but so far have been unable
to find recorded proofs. of
this and I thought that
perhaps your records for the
War of 1812 might disclose
Page 32

some facts - about the
relationship. If not have
you any suggestions as to
where such a record could 
be found. refer to also
Assuring you of my
appreciation of your
attention I will await
your reply.
Yours respectfully
Sewell. W. Allison.
[stamp]
U. S.
PENSION
OFFICE
MAR 11 1930
Page 33

HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY-IN-CHIEF
SONS OF UNION VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR
COMMITTEE ON MARKING GRAVES
CHARLES R. HALE, CHAIRMAN
33 CAPITOL AVENUE
HARTFORD, CONN.
Oct. 17 - 1928

Chief Clerk
Pension Dept.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me Revolutionary war Record
of Nehemiah Gates On 1832 Pension Roll.
Also of Amos Clark  "  "  "  "
"  " Stephen Clark  "  "  "  "
"  "  Amasa Archer  "  "  "  "
"  "  Nathaniel Cone  "  1818  "  "
All from Chatham, Conn. We wish to get
headstones for these Veterans
Yours very truly
Chas. R. Hale
[oval stamp]
OFFICE OF
THE CHIEF CLERK
OCT 19 1828
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 34

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Amasa Archer, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out] (or his window's) [crossed out] application for pension on file in this Bureau. S.17242

Date of enlistment or appointment:
Sept. 81

Length of service: 
9 mos.

Rank:
Pvt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.

Captain:
John Robbens

Colonel:
McClellan
(see Conn. book page 580)

State:
Conn.

Battles engaged in:
none.

Residence of soldier at enlistment:
Hebron Conn.

Date of application for pension:
Sept. 3. 1832 - [all...?]

Residence at date of application:
Chatham, Middlesex Co., Conn.

Age at date of application:
Born Mch. [March] 30, 1768 at Hebron, Conn.

Remarks: In 1846 soldier refers to his "family" no names or relationships stated.
Page 35

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF/HMM

March 17, 1930.
Mr. Sewell W. Allison
11 Oxford Terrace
West Orange
New Jersey

Dear Sir:

September 1781.
I advise you that the Revolutionary War pensioner Amasa Archer (S. 17242) made a sworn statement September 3, 1832 that he was born March 30, 1768 and that he enlisted in September 1781.
The War of 1812 records of this bureau fail to afford any data in regard to pension having been claimed on account of the service of any Josiah Archer.
It is suggested that you address the Adjutant General, U.S.A., War Department, Washington, D.C., relative to the military history of Josiah Archer.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.