Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15211, for George Pillsbury, Massachusetts
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(3 - 1776) SERVICE S. Price CONTENTS Pillsbury, George 1 Polly NUMBER W. 15211.
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Letr. R. Baldwin Apl 3-39
do. to same April 27. 1839

2244.
Massachusetts
Polly Pillsbury.
widow of George Pillsbury.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 4 July 1826
and who died on the 14th February 1832
of Boston in the State of Mass.
who was a Scout in the Tyrannaor commanded
by Captain Hallet of the U.S. Navy 
time for  8 mos 29 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 96 Dollars -- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of  Apl. '39 and cert. R. Baldwin
Boston, Mass.y
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. $288.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 48.00
$336.00
Act July 7, 1838,
Recorded by R. Baldwin, Clerk
Book A Vol.1- Page 120
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in 3 March 1830 1416 (1) Honorable S. D. Ingham Secretary of the Treasury Washington In consequence of the notice taken by the President, in his message to Congress of the Survivers of the Revolution who had served their country and were now needy "I have been encourged to present a naration of my services in that cause. For having been in the service of my Country either by sea or Land during the whole period, having by repeated misfortunes been deprived of my property; and by an accident met with at Sea, on my last voyage now eight years since renderd a cripple and therefore incapable of furnishing any support either for myself or family. I am placed in a situation to need as well as to deserve the assistance of our Government; which I hope the following narrative may induce them to yield and which will be very gratefully received. At the time Captain Preston ordered his Hell Hounds" to fire on the inhabitants of Boston I was among
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(2 ) the number then assembled in King Street, at which time Christopher Mattocks was killed near me - I aided in the destruction of the Tea, destroyed in 1773, and was one of the number on board the Ship; was at the destruction of the Stamp Office: When Governor Hutchinson was treated by the Patriots as all traitors to their country ought to be. I was rank'd among the number When the person who inform'd against Captain Homers Cargo of Wine and had it ceased by the Kings officers was apprehended I assisted in punishing him very severely in consequence of my taking so active a part in this latter transaction I was compelled immediately and secretly to leave Boston. From thence I went to sea, after suffering the various fortune of an inexperienced Seaman for a considerable person Captain James Scott, procured me passage to Boston, in a Transport, Captain Davidson called the Charming Nancy which vessel was laden with stones and Troops for the British Army. General Phillips and Prescott and a number of other officers came out in the same Transport. We arrived at Boston about three weeks before the Battle of Bunker Hill, I remain in Boston till September, before I could make my escape to the Country. After Boston was evacuated by the,
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(3 ) British, I returned there and in the following June in the year 1776 I enlisted in Colonel Smith Regiment for six Months which regiment was raised in Massachusetts; Our regiment arrived in New York previous to the attack of Long Island by General Clinton, the regiment on the evacuation of New York , came out with the City Guard, under General Putman, when we had got abreast of the road which leads from Hurl Gate to Harlem Hights we ware attacked by the British and Hessian Troops, the Americans in general making a very feeble resistance the regiment however to which I was attached made good  their March to Harlem Hights, where the American Troops were forming, we worked the whole of that night in throwing up breast works. early the next morning we were attacked by about 7000 British and Hessians with whom we had a smart Engagement, they sustaining considerable loss retreated back to New York, our regiment, to which I belonged was in the engagement at Harlem Hights. From Harlem the american Army retreated to the White Plains, where our Army had another engagement with the British and Hessians, from the White Plains
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(4) the American Army owing to their extreme weekness was compeld to retreat off York Island, from that period until the time which I agreed to serve in the army was expired the regiment to which I belonged was continually employed on hard and Laborious duly suffering the same hardships and privations as did the rest of the American Army- Having been regularly discharged from the Regiment in which I enlisted, I returned to my Friends: Believing I could better serve my Country on sea, than land, I went to Boston, and in the following may being 1777 I shipped onboard the Privateer Sloop Satisfaction as mate, under command of John Wheelwright Esq. Mounting ten two and three pounders, twelve swevles and sixty four men and boys, Officers included, After having recited until our Provisions and water where nearly exhausted we were returning home when in Latitude 36,00 North and Long 55 west we fell in with the Frigate built ship Hero of 500 tons, Commanded by James Tate, laden with Sugar Cotton and other to produce, from Tobago bound to London mounting Sixteen Six pounders, twenty King, arms I and men in proportion , after a warm engagement of four or five Glasses yard arm and Yard Arm
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5 Captain Tate hailed down his Colours, and struck to the satisfaction, Notwithstanding the Hero’s force was much Superiour to the satisfaction, two broadsides before the Hero struck I had the misfortune to receive a bad wound in the ankle which was split several inches by a six pound shot, the bad effect of this wound I often feel even at this late period of life. After the Satisfaction return to port not liking the vessel I quited her and the following May being 1778 I shipped on board the Brig General Arnold, as prise Master under the command of James Magee, mounting 24 Carriage Guns and men and Boys, Said on our cruise the first of June 1778, took 3 pride two of which was bound to Halifax the other was bound to New York laden with line on board of which I was put as prise Master and arrived safe at Boston where I remain until the Arnold was Refitted for her second cruise, I entered onboard her a second time as prise master in November and sailor about Clock on the Afternoon of the 24th December, the Night following our departure we experienced in the Bay very severe snow storm, which obliged Captain Morgeets it into Plymouth, where we cast, Anchor about 12 Clock after which the wind increased from ┃
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(6) the E N E to a perfect hurricane, after putting away the masts and using every other exertion to save the vessel. Early on the morning of the 25th, she parted her cables and drove on shore where she soon bilged, and as the tide made filled with water the wind attended with snow and Hail Continued violent until about 30 Clock P.M. when it shifted suddenly to the NW attended with very extreme Cold. Soon after which our men began to perish until 70 to 80 were froze to death, the remainder the Officers and crew who were saved from the wreck. was more or less severely injured from the effects of the frost. From Plymouth, I returned to my friends. and after having recovered from the effects of my shipwreck I entered onboard the Massachusetts State Brig Tyrannicide as frise Master under command of Captain Allen Hallet, on March 1779. The Tyrannicide Mounted 14 Four pounders and carried Ninety Seven men and boys, she left port the last of March cruising orders from the Board of War, not long after sailing we fell in the Privateer Revenge Captain Fendall from Jamaica Mounting & six pounders, and from 90 to 100 men we engaged her, after fighting her four or Five Glasses, with our bowsprit lashed lashed to theirs; they struck their Colors, she was first boarded
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and was first boarded by Lieutenant Cathcart & myself we found the Vessell, Officers and Crew in a deplorable situation Captain Fennel laying at the Cabbin Entrance severely wounded, and the first Lieutenant head severd from his Body there total loss in killed and wounded.   After capturing the Revenge we took a vessell from its laden with produce which I was ordered to take charge of and proceed to Boston, being within 3 or 4 miles of Cape Cod, was taken by the British Sloop Ardent Tender to the Reknown) and was carried into Newport then put on board the Prison Ship 5th Anthony soon after which I was relieved by a Carteel. from Providence, on my return to Boston finding Cap 1 Hallet of the Tyranicide had been appointed to command of the State Brig Active mounting 16 Six pounders and 40 men, entered on board as Lieutenant and agreeable to instructions proceeded to Townsend in Main, in company with Prig Pallas Capt Brown and another Brig belonging to the United States to take under convey the Transports collecting there with Troops for the attack of Bagaduce. After seeing the safe arrival of the Transports at Penobscot, we were ordered out by Commodore Salliston together
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8) with the two other Brigs to reconsider the Bay After a short time we fell in with a British fleet under Command of Sir George Colliar off Owlshead, when convinced the fleet were English, we reported to comdore Salliston, who afterwards made signal for every one to shift for himself, in obedience to which we proceeded up Penobscot river to Bangor, where we arrived at the head of the River in company with a number of others, the vessels were all destroyed obedience  as order; the Second Lieutenant and myself Blew up the Active, after which I proceeded in company with Capt Hallet through the woods to Boston after traveling 5 days and suffering much for want of sustenance, we reached fort Halifax, at the head of the Kennebeck River, from thence after recruiting We reached Boston. Shortly after Captain Hallet took charge of the Brig Phenix, Armed with two pounders and Eighteen men and Boy's 1 for a voyage to Grenada. I went out his first Officer, in our homeward has sage of New York we took the English Ship Lucy mounting 12 Guns, on board of which I was Prise Master the Lucy was laden with wine and fruit, arrived in Boston
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9.
just before the dark day where I again met with Captain Cathcart wo was filling the Ship Essex for a Cruise in the English Channel, I shipped onboard her as Third Lieut off Tory Island in boat 55 North we took the Brig Betsey bound to Scotland, the Weather at the same time (last of November) was very boisterous, and we lost two boats in boarding her. She was put under my charge as prise Master, soon after taking command of her, the Gale increased to great hights and night coming on, I lost sight of the Essex, discovering the Betsey was short of provisions, I cruised for the most of next day without finding her, then shaped my course for America, after examining the Provisions, and calculating that with prudence and a common chance, I should reach there by the time they were Expended, the Contrary was the case, owing to adverse winds our passage was very long. I at length reach'd Cape Ann Harbour with my Prise, though in a most, miserable condition having lost Eleven of my men, who perished with hunger and cold. After delivering up my prise, I entered again on board the Essex as third Lieutenant, for a second cruise, and was taken in St Georges Channel, and carried into King Sail, in Ireland
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10.
there committed to prison, from which by bribing the Centinel five of us shortly after escaped, and was then retaken by a party of Horse and again carried back to Harison and put into the black hole for 15 days shortly after our release from thence, I made my escape from the prision, had to remain in Ireland 8 or 10 months and finally procur'd an opportunity for home viz Norway and Sweden in the Robin Hood, Captain Smith arrived at Plymouth in January 1782 when at Boston when I arrived I found Captain Cathcart, Commander of the Massachusett State Ship Tartan, then fitting for sea, I agreed with Captain Cathcart to enter onboard his vessell, and shortly after 12th May 1782 I Rec'd a commision from Governer Hancock, as Second Lieutenant, of State Ship Tartan mounting 20 Nine pounders and carreing 200 men and Boys which Commission I still hold. After making one cruise in which we took 3 Prises, 1 Brig, laden with Salt, Brig Star, Captain Davis, of 14 Guns, Brig Nonesuch, Capt Farnam, laden with Dry Goods. On own Return in the Tartan, the State finding herself too poor to support so expensive a vessell as the Tartan, sold her to Mess Jones and Codman, who fitted her, as a letter
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of Margue, with 12 Nine pounders and 48 men The State having at that time no employ, I obtained leave of Governor Hancock, and shipped again on board the Tarten, under Captain Cathcart, as First Officer, on our passage & to Virginia where we were bound for a cargo, we fell in the English Sloop of War Belesarius Cap Graves of 28 Guns and 200 men, being unable to get away from her, we engaged her at close quarters for 4 Glasses but having several of our small number killed we were Compeld to hike our Colors to superior force and Superiour numbers. We were carried into New York and put on board the Jersey Prison Ship, from whence by the influence of Friends, I got parolled of Long Island, where I remained untill liberated by England's acknowledging the Independance of our Country.  At the time I first commenced writing the foregoing narative, I was undetermin'd what office of the Government it would be most proper to send it to, but having lately had information from a Gentleman who not long since visited the Secretary of the Treasury
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12.
office at Washinton, and there heard that Abijah Cheever had been put on the pension list, for services performed as Surgeon in the same ship I was Lieutenant of... I was encouraged to make this my application at the same office Doctor Cheever, was Doctor of the State Ship Tarten, Captain Cathcart, on her last cruise in that service, and also Surgeon of the same vessell, on board of which I was still second Lieutenant, after she was sold to Mess Jones and Codman, armed and fitted for a voyage to Europe. The Commission I now hold was signed by Governor Hancock. The service I did in Colonal Smith's regiment under General Washington was as a non commissioned officer. Doctor Cheever obtained his Commission as I am told while a student under Doctor Warren who was then Doctor of the U. S. Hospital at Boston.
I am
Sir, very respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
George Pilsberry
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Boston Feby 26th 1830 We the undersigned Citizens of Boston have been along time acquainted with Captain George Pilsberry - (some of us previous to the Revolution) and place full confidence in the foregoing narrative of his services during that period, the greater portion of which part of us were knowing to or witness of at the time of his present crippled, feeble, and needy situation all of us are too well aware. Through life he has sustained an irreproachable character, & been perseveringly industrious until incapacitated by misfortune. We therefore cheerfully reccommend him as one merriting and needing the assistance of his Country. 
William Parsons 
Francis Green 
Turner Phillips 
Rob Withams 
Benj Dana 
Thos Parsons 
Sam Perkins 
Thomas Melvill 
Jno L Dimmock 
David R. Bradlee 
Gorham Parsons 
Otis Nireal
Jonathan Chapman 
Davis Morris Denne (3 )
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4             3377
Polly Pillsbury
2 Sec
Mass. wid.
of Geo Pillsbury
deid feb 14 1832

2mo 20 days  13 33
6       9  Lieut  82 66
[illegible]     $  95 99
from 4 march 1831
to feb 14 1832


[written vertically along left edge]
Tyrannicide Vol 39-p112-114-1779 2 mo. 20 days Prize Master at 10$  per [?] mo-

Tartar " [ditto "Vol" in line above] 40-p-10. 1782 6 mo. 9d 2nd Lt. [smeared/illegible] 82 $26.66 per [?] mo.
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Commonwealth Of Massachusetts
Suffolk County Ss.. [=scilicet]

On this thirteenth day of March in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight Personally appeared before the Hon Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Polly Pillsbury, a resident in said Boston, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit made by the Second Section [underlined] of the Act of Congress passed July 4. 1836

That she is the Widow of George Pillsbury late of Boston aforesaid dec., that her husband said George Pillsbury served in the Navy of the United States as a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, first on board the Masstts ["tts" superscript = Massachusetts] States Vessell [sic] the Tyrannicide Commanded by Capt Hallet and afterward by Capt John Cathcart, also on board the States Ship Tartar commanded by John Hancock which has been lost.

She further declares that she is Seventy Six Years of age that she was married to her late husband said George Pillsbury on the third day of January in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty three and that her husband the aforesaid George Pillsbury died on the fourteenth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty two and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.

she further declares that her husband said George Pillsbury was always much opposed to making an application for a pension but during his last sickness he was
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prevailed upon by his family to prepare the necessary documents in proof to support his claim and that all his said papers together with his Commission were placed in the hands of his attorney and by said attorney were supposed to have been transmitted to the Hon Daniel Webster of Washington, but after the most diligent search those papers cannot be found either in the hands of those Gentlemen or the files of the Department as appears by a letter from the Department dated October 7, 1837

[signed] Polly Pillsbury

[new hand]
Signed and sworn to on the day and year first aforesaid, viz on 13th of March AD. 1838, before me
Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston
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I Abijah Cheever, formerly of Boston in the County of Suffolk, now of Saugus in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy Seven years being sworn to an Oath testify, depose, and say, that on [?] an Emergency in May 1782, the Ship Tartar was fitted out by the State of Masstts ["tts" superscript = Massachusetts] and John Cathcart Esq appointed to Command her and I acted on board as Chief Surgeon, and George Pillsbury of Boston was a Lieutenant on a Cruise to intercept the Atlanta Sloop of War belonging to the Enemy and were out about a fortnight when the Tartar returned home and recruited and shortly after sailed again under the same Officers, George Pillsbury then being a Lieut[enant] and we were out about five months when she returned in November, said George Pillsbury always sustained the character of a bold daring and enterprizing [sic] man in the service of his Country. He died about five years ago leaving a Widow who I understand i now living in Boston.

[signed] Abijah Cheever

[new hand]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss. - January 8 1838

Personally appeared Doct Abijah Cheever above named personally appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said Suffolk County. i further certify that I have long known said Cheever -- and that he is a respectable citizen of Saugus above named

Augustus Peabody
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth County Ss [=scilicet]

Scituate Feb. 26.1838

It appears by the Records of the Town of Scituate that George Pillsbury and Polly Otis were married the sixth day of January in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty three

I, James Southworth, Town Clerk of Scituate certify that the above is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows, January 6, 1783.
James Southworth
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Plymouth Ss. [=scilicet] 
I Jacob H. Loud Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Ebenezer S. Fogg Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in + for said County duly commissioned + qualified + that I believe the within signature purporting to be signed by him to be his true + genuine signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + the seal of the Court of Probate for said County of Plymouth this first [?] day of March 1838

Jacob H. Loud
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City of Boston
I the subscriber do hereby Certify that it appears from the Registry of deaths in my Office that George Pilsbury [sic] died at said Boston on the fifteenth day of February, one thousand eight hundred & thirty two, aged Seventy Nine
Samuel H. Hewes
Sup of burial grounds

[new hand]
I Samuel A. Eliot, Mayor of the City of Boston, do hereby certify, that Samuel H. Hewes, who signed the above certificate is Superintendent of burial grounds and cemeteries, and is the keeper of the Registry of deaths of the said City, and due faith is, and ought to be given to his acts as such. In testimony whereof I have caused the City seal to be hereunto affixed, this fourteenth day of March, AD. 1838.

Saml. [superscript "l"] A. Eliot, Mayor
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Suffolk Ss. [=scilicet]
I, Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, hereby certify that Peter O Thacher Esquire is Judge of said Municipal Court & that the signatures on these papers purporting to be his are his genuine signatures; also that Augustus Peabody & Hugh Montgomery Esquires are Justices of the Peace within the County of Suffolk & that I verily believe their signatures on ["these" crossed out] papers purporting to be theirs are their genuine signatures. 

Witness my hand & the seal of said Municipal Court hereto set this fifteenth day of March A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty eight.

Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk.
Page 24

I Cyrus Alger of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged fifty six Years do on Oath testify and say that I was acquainted with the late George Pillsbury of Boston dec.[eased] who as I have always understood and believed was a Lieutenant in the Naval service of the United States in the War of the Revolution and [t]he Said George Pillsbury died on the 14th day of February 1832, and left his Widow Polly who is now living and resides in my family in Boston and has not married since the death of her late husband the aforesaid George Pillsbury dec.          Cyrus Alger

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk Ss Boston March 12th 1838    Then personally appeared the above named Cyrus Alger and said oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed before me.

Hugh Montgomery Justice of the Peace

Boston March 12 1838
I the subscriber hereby certify that the above named Cyrus Alger is a highly respectable and [crossed out] worthy citizen and entitled to credit and belief.
Hugh Montgomery
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George Pillsbury was an instructor in school at Grafton in this state and left the same to volunteer in the aforesaid service, He died in this city some years since leaving  [ineligible] who I understand is still living and resides in Boston

William Jennison

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk [ineligible] Boston July 6th 1838  Personally appeared the above names William Jennison a respectable inhabitant of said Boston, and a person of undoubted veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed before me George W. Adams - Justice of the Peace
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Mass. [underlined]

Rev [inserted before] WIDOW, &c.
[decorative underscore]

File No. 15:211
Polly Pillsbury
Widow of 
George Pillsbury
Lt. Rev. War
[decorative underscore]
Act: July 7th 1838
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 131

[Arrangement of 1870.] [in printed brackets]
Page 27

I Cyrus Alger of the City of Boston in the Commonwealth Massachusetts Esq[?] testify and say, that I well knew the late George Pilsbury of said City of Boston, deceased. He was a revolutionary Soldier in the army of the United States, and died in the said City of Boston on fourteenth of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.

Cyrus Alger

[cramped hand of Peter O. Thacher]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk Ss. on this 13th of August A.D. 1838 Cyrus Alger made oath to the truth of the above[illegibIe] that he is a person of respectability & veracity.  Before me. Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston

[less cramped hand]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk Ss. Municipal Court of the City of Boston begun [illegible] at said Boston within and for the County of Suffolk on the first Monday of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.

I hereby certify that on this thirteenth day of
August A.D. 1838, satisfactory evidence was produced to me in Court that George Pillsbury late of the City of Boston and a Revolutionary
Soldier in the Army of the United States died in the said City of
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Boston on the fourteenth day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal court of the City of Boston

[new hand]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Suffolk Ss [=scilicet]     I Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, hereby certify that Peter O. Thacher, Esquire, is Judge of said Municipal Court & that the two signatures on this paper, purporting to be his, are genuine.

Witness my hand & the seal of said Court hereto set this nineteenth day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty eight.

Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk.
Page 29

Soldier's widow stated that her husband made an appl. for pension, but according to a letter from the "department" dated Oct 7, 1837, the papers could not be found. That letter, herein, cut from an old War Dept. [underlined] corres.[pondence] book states no claim had been asserted under the act of June 7, 1832. The claim made the soldier was to the Treas. [underlined] Dept. as shown by his letter under this clip, + not under the 1832 Act + of course was not found in the Ward Dept. when the search was made.

[new hand]
These pages were cut from an old correspondence book which contains letters written to the Treasury Dept. in regard to pensions claimed under the Act of Mch. 15, 1828, which clms. [=claims?] were adjudicated in that dept. There is nothing in our files to show that this soldier's own claim was allowed + no reason for rejection. When we [write ?] the record we can use these data [?] in his letter but do not call this an application for pension
Page 30

Reuben Baldwin
Oct 7, 1837,
G.C.

[illegible] page 506
Page 31

War Dep
Pen. Off
Feb. 7, 37 [?]

Sir

In reply to the inquiry in yours of 25th ult. I have to inform you that it does not appear that any claim has be asserted under the act of 7[?] June 1832 in the name of George Pillsbury.

Reuben Baldwin Esq.
Boston
Mass.
Page 32

[written vertically along left edge of left page]
Sel.[?[ R. Baldwin Sept 27

[written horizontally on right page]

Massachusetts 2335
[double rule]
Polly Pillsbury widow of George Pillsbury decd [=deceased] who died on the 14 February 1832 of Boston in the State of MS who was a Lieutenant on the Tyranicide commanded by Captain Wallet of the MS [commanded crossed out] by Navy in the Revolution [served for crossed out] 
6 months + 9 days Lt. 
2  "           + 20 days Prize Master
[double rule]
Included[?] on the Roll of Massa [susperscript a =Massachusetts] at the rate of 96 Dollars ----- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. + Ending 14 February 1832
[double rule]
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Sept. 1838 and sent[?] Reuben Baldwin Boston MS
[double rule]
Award to the 4th of Sept 1831 [final digit overwritten] - $48.00
[crossed out] allowance ending 14 Feb. 1832 the day of his death 42.67
$90.67

{ Revolutionary Claim,}
{ Act July 4, 1836,       }
{ Section the 2            }

 Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book A.  Vol 2.  Page 57
Page 33

[written vertically to left of address]
Mass.       Oct 12
Polly Pillsbury
for [illegible]

[round stamp illegible]

[in lighter second hand]
admd [=admitted?]
4 July 1836
2335

[written horizontally in first hand]
James l Edwards Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 34

Boston Massachusetts
October 8th 1838

Sir

I herein transmit documents in support of  the claim to a pension under the Act of July 7 1838 by Mrs Polly Pillsbury, Widow of George Pillsbury who served both in the Land and Naval services in the War of the Revolution as an officer. Mrs Pillsbury respectfully solicits the attention of the Department to her claim, she can see no good reason why she should not have the benefit of the full service of her husband in the Land as well as in the Naval services, the former of which is disallowed by your letter of Sept 27th on the ground that it was not originally encls [? =enclosed] and in her declaration, although it is my impression that her supplemental declaration to that service accompanying the affidavit of Lt William Jennision to the same fact was forwarded in my letter of July 6th, the receipt of which has never been acknowledged by the Department, and this leads me to suppose that the proof of the Land service of five months has been overlooked, I therefore am constrained again to call the attention of the Department to that part of her claim, and I once more return her Certificate in the hope it will be corrected, and the full amount of her claim be admitted under the 2nd section of the Act of July 4, 1836, and the Act of July 7, 1838

I am very respectfully,
Sir Your ObSt [=Obedient Servant]
Reuben Baldwin

J L Edwards Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 35

[written vertically on left side of page]
H [?] Mass.   Aug 17.
Cert: of Geo. Pillsbury's death
Late a pensioner

[circular rubber stamp - reads in part "BOSTON"]

[illegible in different hand]

[horizontally in lower right area]

James L Edwards Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 36

Boston Massachusetts
August 13th 1838

Sir

I herein enclose a Court Certificate of the day of the death of George Pillsbury agreeably to the requirements contained in your letter of the 10th inst

You do not take any notice of the claim of the Widow, Mrs. Polly Pillsbury, for 5 months land service of her late husband as testified to by Mr William Jennison. I hope before her certificate is issued that part of the service will be examined into.

Very respectfully
Sir I am Your Ob[edient] St [=Servant]
for Reuben Baldwin
CW. Apthorp

J S Edwards Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 37

[vertical writing up left edge]
July 6
Mass.
Ass file
Geo Pillsbury
[circular stamp illegible]

A [upper right corner in different hand]

[horizontal writing in lower right area]
James L Edwards Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 38

Boston Massachusetts
July 2nd 1838

Sir

I herein enclose the affidavit of Mr Samuel Yendell as proof of the service of George Pillsbury on board the Ship Tartar, Capt John Cathcart as 2nd Lieut.  In your letter of June 26 you state that no rolls of the alleged service on board the Tartar can be found, this appears singular from the fact that in your letter dated 24 June 1837 to Miss [superscript letters suggest abbreviation for Misstress] Derby of [?] Andrews, in reply to the application of Samuel Yendell for a pension, you distinctly admit the existence of the Rolls of the Tartar and that "Samuel Bullmore (a boy) was shipped May 23 and discharged November 20th 1782, paid for 5 months 28 days. ,,

It is therefore reasonable to infer that those Rolls do exist and that Pillsburys name will be found establishing his service on board the Tartar as well as in the Tyrannicide.

Be pleased to give this case a further examination and transmitt [sic] the result to me at this place

I am very respectfully
Sir Your ObServt [=Obedient Servant]

Ruben Baldwin

James L Edwards Esq
Court of pensions
Washington
Page 39

[written running up left edge]
Mab [?]
Mass
Pillsbury
[circular stamp illegible]



[written horizontally in bottom right area]
James L Edwards Esq
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 40

Boston Massachusetts
August 5th 1838

Sir

Your letter of the second inst has come to hand and I am surprised at the decision of the Department, - the case of Mrs Polly Pillsbury has been entirely mistaken, she does not claim an annual pension, but simply arrears of about eleven months which her husband would have been entitled to during his life, and founded on An Act of Congress passed 4 July 1836 at the 2nd Session of the 25 Congress - Chapter 47 page 26[?] of pension Laws of [illegible], the  caption of which is as follows

     ..Pay all owed [or "allowed"] from 4 March 1831 to the Widows and Children of Revolutionary Officers, Soldiers or Seamen who have died after that time and before the 7 June 1832..

As Lt[?] George Pillsbury the husband of the applicant - survived until 15 February 1832 it is evident that his Widow is entitled to the benefit of said Act, I am of opinion the Department has mistaken the testimony of Dr Abijah Cheever mentioned in your letter dated June 26. He was Surgeon on board the Tartar Capt Cathcart, you state his testimony as on board the Tyrannicide, but I am not positive as I have the Copy of his testimony. It is believed the service of Lt Pillsbury was much longer than five months on board the Tyrannicide. You do not make any reference to the testimony of Mr Willm ["m" superscripted =William] Jennison forwarded July 6th which established a service of five months in 1776 as Quarter Master in Col Smiths Regt.
Page 41

in the Army enlisted with his services on board the Tartar will give 10 months 28 days independent of his service on board the Tyrannicide under Capts Hallet and Cathcart.

I respectfully request a more strict examination of this case

I am very respectfully
Sir your obst [=obeisant]
for Reuben Baldwin
CW Apthorp

J L Edwards Esq
Court of pensions
Washington
Page 42

Boston Massachusetts
March 15th 1838

Sir 

I herewith enclose Documents in support of the claim to arrears of pension under the Second Section of the Act of July 4, 1836 [?] of Mrs Polly Pillsberry [sic] Widow of George Pillsberry [sic] dec.[=deceased]  If this claim should be admitted be pleased to forward the Certificate in satisfaction of the same to me at this place.

I am respectfully
Sir Your O'b'st [=obeisant]
for Reuben Baldwin
Chas. W. Apthorp

James L Edwards Esq [?]
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 43

I Samuel Yendell of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Gracer [?] in the Seventieth year of my age, Being sworn according to Law do on Oath testify and say, That I shipped as a boy on board the public armed ship Tartar commanded by Capt John Cathcart in the year 1782 and sailed one cruise in said vessell [sic] of about six months. I distinctly recollect the names of some of her Officers viz Capt John Cathcart, first Lieut. __ Leman, second Lieut George Pillsbury, Surgeon Abijah Cheever, Sailing Master ___ Mumford, Boatswain Carey, Chief Gunner __ Bassett. Gunners Mate John Bulmore, the last named person was my Step Father and I was known by the name of Samuel Bulmore, -- I was well aiquainted [sic] with the second Lieut George Pillsbury and know that he performed the above mentioned cruise with me in the Tartar.  He was a Valliant [sic] Officer and delighted in fighting the Enemy. Said George Pillsbury died some years since and left a Widow, who I understand is still living.  I made an application for a pension for the above named service which was rejected as falling short two days of six months.
[signed] Samuel yendell
Page 44

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Suffolk Ss [=scilicet]  Boston  July 2nd 1838

Personally appeared the within named Samuel Yendell a respectable inhabitant of said Boston [illegible. Possibly Green?] and a person of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed.  
Before me
George W Adams Justice of the Peace

[new hand]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk Ss;    I, Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston hereby certify that George W. Adams Esquire is a 
Justice of the Peace in & within the County of Suffolk & that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. 

Witness my hand & the seal of said Court hereto set this Second day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk
Page 45

Polly Pillsbury
widow of George
Mass

2 section of [crossed out]
aib[?] 4 [crossed out or overwritten with large numeral 7] '38

aomd[?]__
2mo 20.dy prize master
6.      9   "   Lt. navy
96 $

from 4 march '31 to 14 July '32 the day of his death [crossed out]

no deduction

R. Baldwin
Boston
Mass
Page 46

aib[?] 4 [crossed out, or overwritten with large numeral 7] '38

aomd [?]
2 mo 20.dy prize master
6.        9  "   Lt. navy
96 $

from 4 march '31 to [crossed out]

4648 [written down the right edge of the page]
Page 47

Commonwwealth of Massachuetts
Suffolk County Ss [scilicet]

On this sixth day of October in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty eight Personally appeared before the Hon. Peter O. Thaher, Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Polly Pillsbury, a resident of Boston aforesaid, aged seventy five years, who being first duty sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled ,,An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows.,,     That she is the Widow of George Pillsbury late of said Boston dec. [=deceased] who was an Officer both in the Land and Naval service in the War of the Revolution.  First in 1776 five months in the company of Capt Foster in Col Smiths Reg. of Masstts [superscript "tts" = Massachusetts] Troops raised in Middlesex and Worcester Counties, and he served as Lieut and QuarterMaster and marched from Mendon to the State of New York and at the expiration of five months he was finally discharged at Croton on the Hudson River. Secundly, as Prize Master on board the Ship Tyrannicide and Tarter under Capts Hallet and Cathcart,  in the latter vessele he served as Lieutenant, in 1779 & 1782.

She further declares that she was married to said George Pillsbury on the ["third" crossed out] sixth day of January Seventeen hundred and Eighty three, and that her husband said George Pillsbury died on the fourteenth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty two, that she was not married to him prior to his
Page 48

leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four Viz at the time above stated.  And that she has not married since the death of heer husband George Pillsbury aforesaid
[signed] Polly Pillsbury

Subscribed and Sworn to on the day of year first before written (viz on 6th Octo. 1838) before me [illegible] and I certify that the said Polly Pillsberry[sic], the applicant, by reason of bodily infirmity, is unable to attend personally in Court. 

Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston.
Page 49

And as I understand left a Widow who I believe is still living but I have no personal acquaintance with her.
William Jennison

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk Ss [=scilicet] On the eighth day of October AD 1838 William Jennison who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit is personally known to me as of high respectibility & worthy of credit, made oath to the truth of the contents of the same

Before me
Benj. H. Currier
Justice of the Peace

I Cyrus Alger of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do on Oath testify and say that I was well acquainted with the late George Pillsbury serv [=service?] and have understood and believed that he served as an Officer in the War of the Revolution, but have no personal knowledge of his said service. He said George Pillsbury died in the month of February Eighteen hundred and thirty two and left his Widow Polly who is still living a member of my family and has not married since the death of her husband said George Pillsbury
[signed] Cyrus Alger

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk, ss.  On this sixth day of October in the year 1838, Cyrus Alger, who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit, and who is personally known to me as of high respectability & worthy of credit, made oath to the truth of the contents of the same before me

Peter O. Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court & Justice of the Peace [illegible] the said Commonwealth.
Page 50

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Scituate --
Plymouth County -- Aug. 27th 1838

"Capt George Pillsbury of Boston and wife Polly Otis of Scituate were married by Rev David Barnes January sixth seventeen hundred and eighty three"

I hereby certify that the above extract is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures Jany 6 1783.

Attest James Southworth
clerk of the Town of Scituate 

I, James Southworth, of Scituate above named, depose and say that I held the office of clerk in the town, County and State aforsaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception above named, as certified by me --
James Southworth, Town Clerk of Scituate

Sworn to before me Saml. A Turner Juste. Peace
Page 51

Marriage Certificate of Capt George Pillsbury to Mrs Polly Otis
Page 52

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Plymouth Ss. [=silicet]  I Jacob H. Lowe Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Samuel A. Turner Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly commissined + qualified + that the within signature purporting to be signed by him is his true + genuine signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + the Seal of the Court of Probate for said County this Twenty [fourth? perhaps fifth?] Day of August 1838

Jacob H. Lowe
Page 53

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk Ss [=scilicet]

I, Thomas W Phillips, clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston hereby, certify, that Peter O. Thacher Esquire, is Judge of said Municipal Court & that the signatures
hereon purporting to be said Thacker's are genuine; I also certify that Benjamin H Currier
Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within
the County of Suffolk, & that the signature within the County of Suffolk, that the Signature within purporting to be the Signature of said Currier is genuine. 

Witness my hand & the seal of said Municipal Court hereto set this eighth day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty eight.
Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk

[second half of the page is oriented sideways]
Polly Pillsbury
widow of George
Mass

2 section of [crossed out[
aib[?] 4 July [4 overwritten w/ 7] '38
aomd[?] --
2 mo 20 dy prize master
6.        9  "    Lt. navy
------
96 $

from 4 march '3d to 14 July '32 the day of his death [comment crossed out]

no deduction

R. Baldwin
Boston
Mass

[written upside down at foot of document]
4648
Page 54

I Polly Pillsbury of Boston in the County
of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do on Oath testify and say in addition to my former Declaration of the services of my late husband George Pillsbury died in the War of the Revolution that I heard my husband often speak of his Land Service, but at the time of making my aforesaid declaration, I was not able to recollect distinctly the particular service he alluded to but he frequently spoke of his Commissary or Quarter Masters service performed in the State of New York at an early period of the War, but I did not know under what Officers and therefore I did not assert a claim for said service.  It now appears that my husband
aforesaid served five months in the year 1776
in Col Smiths Reg of Masstts ["tts" are superscript. = Massachusetts]

[signed]  Polly Pillsbury

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk Sa. [=silicet]  Boston  July  6th  1838.
Personally appeared the above named Polly Pillsbury and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscribed.
Before me
Geo. W. Adams
Justice of the Peace
Page 55

I William Jennison of Boston in the County
of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the Eighty first year of my age, and pensioner of the United States under the Act of March 18, 1818, being sworn to on Oath testify and say, that I served both in the Land and Naval service in the Revolutionary War and that I served five months with George Pillsbury late of Boston dec. [=deceased?] in a volunteer Compy from Mendon in the County of Worcester under Capt Foster, we marched to New York and was [sic] there joined by Col Smith and the result of the Regt under his command raised in the Western parts of this State, I then performed the duty of Adjutant, and George Pillsbury the duty of Quarter Master of said Regt commencing in June and ending about the 25 November 1776 - We were first stationed at Greenwich in the vicinity of New York and were there during the Battle on Long Island, thence across Kings Bridge we marched to a place called Mile Square thence by different marches to Whiteplains and were with the Army during the Battle at that place, we then went to Croton on the Hudson River, where the time expired for which we volunteered full five months we were there dismissed and returned home I know that said George Pillsbury served the full time of five months as above stated  Said
Page 56

George Pillsbury was an instructor in School at 
Grafton in this State and left the same to Volunteer in the aforesaid Service. He died in this City some years since leaving a Widow, who I understand is still living and resides in Boston

[signed] William Jennison
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss [=scilicet]. Boston July 6th 1838.
Personally appeared the above named William Jennison, a respectable inhabitant of said Boston, and a person of undoubted veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing  Affidavit by him subscribed
Before me
George W. Adams
Justice of the Peace