Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24752, for Sylvester Rhodes, Rhode Island
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE					NUMBER
Navy	Rhodes, Sylvester	W.24752
Privateer                Mary
R.I.
CONTENTS
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Rhode Island - 407
Mary Rhodes,
widow of Sylvester Rhodes,
who died on the RI
of Kent Co in the State of R Island
who was a Lieutenant in the Company. commanded
by Captain__
of the__
commanded by __
in the U.S. Navy
line for 9 months

Increased from $80.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of 95 Dollars - Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the
6th day of Mar.
1838 and sent Honorable N. K. Knight
U.S. Senate

Arrears to the 4th of instant $ 665.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 September 47.50
$712.50
Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the
Recorded by R. Burdin Clerk,
Book A. Volume 2. Page 97
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State of Rhode Island &c
County of Providence ss

On this fifth day of September 1836 formally
appeared in open Court being the Municipal Court of the City of Providence and a Court of Record Mary Rhodes a resident of Warwick in the County of Kent and State aforesaid aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 viz

That she is the widow of Sylvester Rhodes who was a member of the Independent Company of Pawtuxet Rangers a company duly [illegible] by the General Assembly of said State. In the Spring of 1776 Benjamin Arnold was chosen Captain of said Company, with the rank of Colonel. Oliver Arnold Lieutenant with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and said Sylvester Rhodes, 2nd Lieutenant with the rank of Major and from that time to the time of his going on board the U.S. ship Providence Commanded Whipple in June 1779 he was actively engaged in said Company. said Company acted as minute men from the spring of 1776 until the British evacuated Newport.
The company were almost continually under arms and were always liable to be called to arms at any moment. They were ordered off to Warwick Neck very frequently, to Quidnesett and to East Greenwich to keep the enemy from landing on the shores. In the Winter of [17]76 and '[17]77 they were stationed at East Greenwich through the whole winter. Said Rhodes went to a volunteer expedition to take a tender belonging to the British Fleet and drove her on shore on Rhode Island, and on another to surprise a guard stationed on the Island of Prudence but this expedition failed. In June 1779 he shipped on board the saidship Providence Commodore Whipple as 1st Prize
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Master. On some Prizes being taken by the Fleet he was put on board one of the Prizes as Prize master and carried her into Boston. He afterwards returned home where he remained some time still holding his rank as major in said Company and doing duty as such.
She further declares that he again shipped on board the Private Armed Ship Belisarius but in what capacity she does not recollect. The Privateer was taken by the British and he was imprisoned on board the Jersey Prison ship lying at New York where he was kept until exchanged. While coming home in the Cartel he took the Yellow Fever, and died and was buried at New Haven in November 1781-
She also declares that she has been informed that the Muster Rolls of said Company have been destroyed, or are mislaid and are not to be found.
The Commissions of her late husband she has been unable to find and thinks she must have burned them with other old papers which she thought of no use at the time.
She further declares that she was married to Sylvester Rhodes on the 22 day of April 1770 as by the Certificate of the Town Clerk of Warwick will fully appear, and that her husband the aforesaid Sylvester Rhodes died in the month of November 1781; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed-
Mary Rhodes
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
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above written before in open Court by said Mary Rhodes
Albert G. Greene Clerk
In attestation whereof, and also in attestation
that the said Mary Rhodes is a credible
person, and that her statement is
entitled to credit, the said Court have
caused their Seal to be hereunto affixed,
on the day and year first afore written.
Albert G. Greene
Clerk
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State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office August 18. AD 1836.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of the Colony of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations holden on the first wednesday in may seventeen hundred seventy six,
"In Council was read the return of the officers
chosen to command the company of Pawtuxet Rangers, in the town of Warwick and Cranston, which is as follows, to wit:
Benjamin Arnold, Captain
Oliver Arnold, Fist Lieutenant
Sylvester Rhodes, Second Lieutenant
James Sheldon, Ensign
which being considered by the Council, It is voted and Resolved, that the said officers be, and they are hereby approved."

I further certify that by the charter of said company, the Second Lieutenant has the rank of Major.
I also certify that (strikethrough: no further return of officers annually elected by charter was made until) May seventeen hundred seventy nine, the officers returned were Benjamin Arnold Captain, William P Greene first lieutenant, Abner Field second lieutenant, Israel Arnold Ensign
Witness
Henry Bowen Secry.
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#
I further certify, that in the records of the Council of War September 30th 1777. there is the following entry.

"Whereas the following officers were returned
to this Council to officer the Regiment of Independent Companies who being approved of & the Secretary is to make out Commissions therefore." among others
Benjamin Arnold Esq. Lt Col.
Sylvester Rhodes 5. Lieutenant
In Council of War. August 2, 1778.
"In Council was read the return of the choice of
officers of the Pawtuxet Rangers who are approved.
They are as follows
Benjamin Arnold Captain
Oliver Arnold 1st Lieutenant
Sylvester Rhodes 2d Lieutenant
James Sheldon Ensign"

witness Henry Bowen Secry.
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BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN" to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire,
who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid,
duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation,
full faith and credit are to be rendered.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this eighteenth day of August
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six and of Independence the sixty-first
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secry.
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Deposition of Simeon Smith
I Simeon Smith of Cranston in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations being ninety years of age
and first duly cautioned and affirmed do depose and say That I was well acquainted with Sylvester Rhodes late husband of Mary Rhodes. We were born in the same year and have always resided in the Village of Pawtuxet, which village is situated partly in the Town of Cranston in the County of Providence aforesaid, and partly in Warwick in the County of Kent in the State aforesaid. Said Rhodes and myself were two of the original members of the Pawtuxet Rangers an Independent Company chartered by the General Assembly of the State in the year 1775. In the Spring of 1776 Benjamin Arnold was chosen
Colonel Oliver Arnold Lieutenant Colonel and said Sylvester Rhodes Major in said Company. Said Company were under orders to act and did act as minute men for the whole of the time the British held possession of Newport that is from December 1776 until the year '79 or 80 - said Company were continually ordered off on various duties and to different place. In the Winter of '77 they were stationed at East Greenwich. They had a guard stationed at a place called Quidnessett a short distance south east from East Greenwich in said State but how long said Deponent cannot recollect. They were ordered on to the Island of Rhode Island a number of times and to Warwick Neck they were called on an alarm very often to be called
once a week was quite common. I am unable to recollect whether said Rhodes was with the Company at all times. Owing to my great age and loss of memory I can only recollect his being present when something has occurred to impress it on my mind. Still I have no doubt but said Rhodes was always with said Company when not ordered off on some other duty and that he served in said Company more than three years. I have no recollection of his absence except when
on other duty. He was one of a body of volunteers to take a tender belonging to
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to the British Fleet, which tender they saw on shore on Rhode Island. He went also on an expedition composed of volunteers to surprise a guard stationed on the Island of Prudence near Newport but was unsuccessful. He afterwards I believe went on board the U.S. ship Providence Commanded Abraham Whipple as a Prize Master whether he went as sailing master I cannot now recollect and on some Prizes being taken by the Fleet he was put on board one of them and carried her into Boston. He then returned home where he remained some time doing duty in said Company as before. He then went on board the Private Armed Vessel called the Belizarius Capt James Munroe but in what capacity I do not recollect. Said Privateer was soon taken by the British and said Rhodes was imprisoned on board the Jersey Prison
ship at New York where he remained until exchanged. He died while on board the Cartel on his return home of the Yellow Fever supposed to have been contracted on board said Prison ship and was as I was informed and verily believe, buried at New Haven in November 1781.
said Sylvester Rhodes was married to Mary Aborn I believe in the year 1770 and she has never been married since to my knowledge
Simeon Smith

United States of America
Rhode Island District ss:
On the eighth day of September AD 1836
personally appeared the said Simeon Smith and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed in my presence
Before me John Pitman District Judge H.S. for said District
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I hereby Certify that Sylvester Rhodes son of
James Rhodes Esqr of Warwick and Polly Aborn
daughter of Capt Joseph Aborn late of Cranston died were lawfully joined in Marriage on the 22nd day of April AD 1770 By me the Subscriber
Elisha Greene Elder
Town Clerks office
Warwick August 22nd 1836
I hereby certify that the aforewritten is a true copy duly compared as appears of record in the office
Witness Geo A Brayton Town Clerk
I hereby certify that George A. Brayton is Town Clerk of the Town or Warwick, and that the above is his handwriting and signature
Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Sept 13th AD 1836
I Certify that at the session of the General
Assembly of said State in May last, William Harrison was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in the County of Kent for one year, and has been commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office.
witness Henry Bowen Secry
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BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name, "HENRY BOWEN" to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire,
who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation, full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six and of Independence the sixty-first
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secry
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I hereby Certify that Sylvester Rhodes son of
James Rhodes Esqr of Warwick and Polly Aborn
daughter of Capt Joseph Aborn late of Cranston decd were lawfully joined in Marriage on the 22nd day of April AD 1770
By me the Subscriber
Elisha Greene Elder

Town Clerks office
Warrick August 22nd 1836
I hereby certify that the aforewritten is a true copy duly compared as appears of record in the office
Witness Geo A Brayton Town Clerk

I hereby certify that George A. Brayton is Town Clerk of the Town of Warwick, and that the above is his handwriting and signature
Wm Harrison Justice of the Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Sept 13th AD 1836
I Certify that at the session of the General
Assembly of said State in May last, William Harrison was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in the County of Kent, for one year, and has been commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office.
witness Henry Bowen Secry
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JRW
Wid. 24732,
Rev. War.

Nov. 21, 1904.

Sir:
In reply to your recent inquiry, you are advised that the widow of Sylvester Rhodes, in her application for pension, stated that after his capture he was imprisoned on the Jersey prison ship at New York harbor until exchanged, and that he died on voyage home. She further stated that he continued to hold his rank as an officer in the Pawtuxet Rangers when
absent on sea service. Nothing further shown.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Mr. Christopher Rhodes, Secty.,
290 Benefit Street, Providence,
Rhode Island.
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Sylvester Rhodes
R.I.
W.24752.
An order for rations for the
Patuxent Rangers.
A pay account of the Patuxent
Rangers.
Two sheets of army accounts
kept by Samuel Aborn.

These paper were removed
from the claim and
sent to the War Dept.
Jan. 16, 1913.
Page 18

Prov. R.I
His to
data

24.752.
WIDOW, &c.
---
File No. 24752
Mary Rhodes
Wid of
Sylvester Rhodes
Lt Rev War
Act: July 4th 1836
Index: --Vol. R, Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jany 30-190
Christopher Rhodes.
---
Nov. 21, 1904 -
To above add
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215
Application
of
Mary Rhodes
for Pension
Suspended see let to Pro.
J. Pittman Oct 8
1836
do. Hon. N. R. Knighte,
Dut. 31. 36-
do-do - Jany 20 - '37


Admd.
6 mo Lieut
80
John T. Pitman, Atty
for Mary Rhodes

Sent by mistake to J. Pitman instead of N. R. Knight, 
Senate U.S -
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407
Rhode Island
===
Mary Rhodes
of Kent Co in the State of R.I.
who was a   in the    commanded by Captain    
of the     commanded by     in the   
widow of Sylvester Rhodes decd late a Lieut.
in the Revolution
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island
at the rate of - 80 - Dollars --- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Jany. 1837 and sent John T. Pitman Providence R. I.
---
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $440.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 57 40.00
$480.00
---
Act 1836
Revolutionary Claim
Recorded by DD Addison Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 116
Vol.

Let to Hon N R Knight
Jan 28. 1837 - do. to J. T. Pitman
June 6. 1837 - do. to B. Cowell
1 July 1837 - Hon N. R.
Knight 12 Feby 1838
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Sylvester Rhodes 2 Lieut Pawtuxent Rangers
from May 76 to May 79
prize master on board Providence-
" " " Belisarius privateer
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New Haven 1781
The Estate of Sylvester Rodes Deceast.
to Herekiah Sabin
For Funeral Expences at Newhaven
viz
a Decent Coffin ------------0. 15-0
to the Grave Diger ------------ 8--
to the Bellman -----------------1--
1 - 1- 0
Recvd the above of
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Sylvester Rhodes [illegible]
[illegible] his Funeral
[illegible] March 8 1782
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I John Warner of Coventry in the County of Kent but living now in the City of Providence do further testify and say in addition to my former deposition as to the services of Sylvester Rhodes on board the Frigate Providence under the command of Abraham Whipple, as I have before stated said Sylvester came on board said Frigate in August or September 1778 then lying in Boston harbor He was an office of Marines an Ensign I think. Wm Jones was Captain of Marines one Palms was Lieutenant & said Sylvester Ensign. This was the excise we took so many of the Jamaican fleet, and in consequence it heartened our cruise
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but our cruises lasted from the last of August on first of September to the end of the year. Three months at least & during this time said Sylvester was on board. After we returned to Boston I do not remember he sent with us again
John Warner
In City of Providence Sept 5 1837
Sworn to & Subscribed before me
and I further certify said affiant is a
credible witness
Benja Cowell
C Jus C C [illegible]
Page 26

Hon. N.R Knight
Senate US
Page 27

I Caleb Corpe of Cranston in the County of Providence being now 82 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was formerly well acquainted with Sylvester Rhodes the husband of Mary Rhodes, now resident in the Village of Patuxet, in Warwick, Said Sylvester was second Lieutenant of the Patuxet Rangers during the revolutionary War. Benjamin Arnold was Captain & Oliver Arnold was first Lieutenant. This Corps was a chartered Company & was on duty pretty much all the time for a number of years during said war. I well remember said Sylvester served as Lieutenant from the beginning of the War until he left to go on board the Frigate Providence under the command of Abraham Whipple This was after Sullivans Expedition,
in August 1778, he served in it, in
that capacity, until there, He belonged
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to said Corps more than three years & a
half during said war Commencing in April
1775 & did duty, & was in actual service
as much as any one of us, during that time,
the duty, said Corps did, consisted in monthly
tours & garrisoning the fort which had been established at said Patuxet. This Corps had the charge of said fort & did garrison duty
in it,- I have no hesitation in saying this Corps did nearly as much duty as if it had been
a regular enlisted Corps, & the members 
could not do much other business & we have
pay & rations accordingly - And I further
testify, that I cannot specify the months
or monthly tours at this great length of time
since they were performed, But I do say
that in number, in each year they were
as follows. In 1775 between April & December
we served four months at least. It was
during this time that Wallace fleet inserted
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the Bay & we were called upon to gard against
the incursions & at one time we took seventeen prisoners on the Island of Prudence a little after Wallace had burnt the houses on it - In 1776, we served six months at least. but I cannot specify the months by name, but I aver we served that number at least in actual service, either at the fort or in monthly tours for which we were paid
& received rations. Wallace. fleet was in the
Bay &  we marched along the the shores on
West side, to watch & gard against him between Patuxet & Potowama, And I further testify that after the British Army landed which was in December of this year our Corps was on duty pretty much all the time and I aver that in 1777 between January & December we served as much as nine months for which we were paid & received rations & in 1778 we served the same, but I do not remember the
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me, this year, when said Sylvester left the Corps, but it not until after Sullivans expedition in August so that he must have served four months between January anan August - The services of this Corps were very different from the militia we were under the orders of the Governor and Council of war and we were continually called upon to do
duty and we did as much duty as if we had been enlisted, or nearly as much and it is out of my power to describe our services in a better manner that I have done in this and similar depositions, while said Sylvester belonged to said Corps he did as much duty as one of us I was a Sergeant in said Corps

Caleb Corpe
Providence [illegible] In Cranston December 6 1836
Sworn to an subscribed before me and I
further certify said deponent is a reputable and credible witness
Benjamin Cowell
C J C C Pleas [Circuit Judge court of common pleas]
Page 31

I Simeon Smith of Cranston in the Count of Providence being now 90 years of age on affirmation do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Sylvester Rhodes formerly of Warwick in that part of the town called Patuxet [sic] & the husband of Mary Rhodes sometimes called Polly Rhodes who now resides in said Patuxet & is his widow, and I further testify in addition & explanation of my first deposition given in behalf of said Mary according to my best recollection said Sylvester belonged to the Corps called the Patuxet Rangers from the beginning of the Revolutionary War from April 1775 & full three years & one half until after Sullivans expedition in August 1778 some time after that, he enlisted on board the Frigate Providence but I am not certain how long. And I further testify that said Sylvester was a second Lieutenant & served in said capacity during said time. And I
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testify & say that it is impossible for me at this distant time to specify the months by name that we served during said time for we served pretty much all the time during the time the British had possession of Newport & received pay & rations for nearly all the time. Patuxet was a garrison town & said Corps had the charge of the fort rested in it & did duty in it, but I and that said Sylvester served four months at least in the year 1775 between April & December for which we were paid & rec'd rations and in the year 1776 we served six months at least between January & December for which we were paid & rec'd rations & in the year 1777 he served as much as nine months, we were this year in service most all the time, either in garrisoning the fort or at other stations garding [sic] against the British, our Corps was a very efficient one & was always called upon. In the
Page 33

winter of this year we were stationed at East Greenwich we were also stationed at Quednissact & Warwick neck. We might be said to be on duty all the time, for we could not do any other business of any consequence. we kept gard [sic] in the fort at said Patuxet when not called to other places. In 1778, I and he served as much as five months before he left to go on board the Mary Just I cannot specify the months by name, nor can I specify any month by name, but I know that in number we served as I have stated I cannot remember when we were not on duty so continuous was our service either in the fort or at other stations
Simeon Smith

Providence sc Cranston December 6, 1836
Sworn to & subscribed before me & I further certify said Simeon is a very respectable man & credible witness
Benja Cowell
C J CC Pleas
Page 34

I Malichi Greene of the City of Providence being now 72 years old & being duly sworn do depose & say that I was formerly well acquainted with Sylvester Rhodes formerly of Warwick in the County of Kent & the husband of Mary Rhodes now his widow. I well remember he was a Lieutenant in a Company called the Patuxet [sic] Rangers I was a member of said Company but did not join it until after he left it. According ty my best recollection he left it soon after Sullivan's expedition in August 1778. I lived in Patuxet at the time altho [sic] was not old enough to do military duty but I was well acquainted with the events that took place in that village. Said Company did a great deal of duty during the Revolutionary war. what makes me so well remember this circumstance is that my father & brother both belonged to it & they were absent on duty one half of the time for a number of years before I joined it said
Page 35

Corps was on a very different footing from the Militia It was under the command of the Garrison & Council of War & it was continually called upon being one of the most active companies in that part of the state
Malachi Green

Providence &c Jany 11 1837
Sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said deponant is a credible witness
Benja Cowell
CJCC Pleas
Page 36

State of Rhode Island &c
Providence ss I Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County being a Court of Record Do hereby certify that Benjamin Cowell Esqr before whom the aforegoing documents were sworn is Chief Justice of said Court that by Law he is duly authorised [sic] and empowered to take depositions and administer oaths and that his Signatures before written are Genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court at Providence this Eleventh day of January AD 1837
Dexter Randall Clk
Page 37

Providence Sept 15th 1836

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Enclosed is the application of Mrs Mary Rhodes for a Pension under the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. If the Proof is sufficient please transmit the Certificate to the undersigned. An early attention will much oblige the applicant and
Your Obedt Servt
John T. Pitman
Page 38

21777
21807
21740
21032
21044

In the case of Mrs Mary Rhodes I would take the liberty to suggest that the husband of the applicant was for several years a Lieutenant in the Company called the Pawtuxet Rangers. It appears by the records of the pension office that a number of persons have been pensioned for serving in that Company viz James Rhodes John Arnold Caleb Carp & if I am not mistaken Simeon Smith & Remington Arnold. It has been adjudged that these persons performed sufficient service to intitle [sic] each of them to a pension, and is it not a fair presumption that the officers of that company performed as much service as the privates? It is in proof that Lie Rhodes was many a time & often in service, altho it is not in the power of the applicant to state the length of time and place of such service. It is notorious at the Department that the Pawtuxet Rangers were frequently in service during the time of the British fleet lay in Narragansett Bay and the British Army on Rhode Island. And is it not to be presumed that Lieut Rhodes was with his company whenever they were on duty? It appears he possessed as much patriotism and was as eager for the fight as any of them. The proof of his patriotism may be found in the fact of his being on board the Jersey prison ship and of the
Page 39

sacrifice of his life in his Country's cause.

I have not read the application nor testimony in this case, but I know the applicant to be one of the most respectable and deserving ladies in our community, & that she is old & poor, and a humble and devout follower of the Religion of our Lord & saviour [sic] and whose statements on oath or otherwise full faith and credit are due.
I do hope & hurt that on further examination of these papers and of the statements of those members of the Pawtuxet Rangers who have been admitted as pensioners, you will come to the conclusion that all is proved that is necessary to place this worthy Lady within the provisions of the Law
With great respect yours &c
N R Knight
Decr 24, 1836
Page 40

B. Cowell Esq
21 Feb'y

Honorable N R Knight
U S Senate
Washington

Hon. N. R. Knight
Senae U.S
Page 41

Providence Feb 21 1938

Dear Sir
Yours of 15 inst has been rec'd There is no evidence in the Sec'ys office of Mrs Rhodes husband being an Ensign of Marines on board the Providence. Nor is there any in the Journals of the old Congress. Nor is there any evidence of the appointment of William Jones (late Governor of RI) as Captain of Marines at the same time, and yet Wm Jones was Captain & often before his death gave certificates to those who served under him on board of that Frigate. I suppose there is no proof of the appointments of one half of the Naval (inferior) officers during the Revolution. Every Commander as well as Major General had blank Commissions to fill up as [illegible] required
Page 42

and especially in the Navy, was this necessary as when a fleet was ready to sail it would not do to await the necessary appointments by Congress. By looking to the deposition of Mrs Arnold (a very reputable Lady) you will see by whose influence Mr Rhodes was appointed to a station on board that Frigate As he was a Lieutenant in the "Patuxet [sic] Rangers" before that time it is not likely he would take up with a station much below that rank on board the Frigate. Old John Warner who is not I believed the only man living who served on board that Frigate from the time she sailed from Providence in 1777 to the time she was burnt in Charleston 1780 says Rhodes was Ensign & this is all the proof that
Page 43

can be had. That he served three months there can be no earthly doubt. but it may be uncertain as to the grade At all events she aught to be allowed for some grade or other the 3 months
I am very respectfully
yours
Benja Cowell

Hon. N R Knight
Page 44

Senate Chamber January 21 1837

Dear Sir
Your letter of yesterday enclosing the papers of Azareah Smith came to hand this morning. Mr Smith has never presented any application to your office for a pension. He enclosed the letter & affidavits to me presuming that was all that was necessary to be done. Not knowing the character of the vessel in which he was captured I was desirous of ascertaining whether it was such a vessel and such service as came within the provisions of the Act of 1832. If so, I would write him to make out his papers in due form. But if the service did not come within the purview of the law, then I would inform him & not subject him to further expense. He is an industrious hard working poor man reduced by the enemy in the last war from a competency to poverty as he informs me.

The case of Mrs Rhodes - I would thank you for the certificate of whatever you think proper to allow her. I presume no further testimony can be furnished & therefore must take whatever her papers justify

Mrs Sweet's
Page 45

case I presume is clear of doubt in all respects, & would thank you for her certificate as soon as possible
Yours
N R Knight
Page 46

Providence June 18 1837

Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs Mary Rhodes widow of Sylvester for an enlargement of her pension together with further evidence of her husbands services in the Patuxet [sic] Rangers & on board the Frigate Providence. It will be observed that the evidence of her husbands service on board the Providence has been taken since her declaration was sworn to. She knew her husband left the Rangers to go into the Navy but did not know that any evidence could be obtained at the time. I also enclose her former Certificate with a request that another may be sent according to the Justice of her claim
I am respectfully
yours &c
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards Esq
Page 47

Providence June 2d 1837
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

When Barrington Anthony Esq Marshal for our Rhode Island District was in our City about the 4th o March last I wrote him concerning the Pension of the Mary Rhodes widow of Sylvester Rhodes who had received from your office a certificate for six months pension requesting him to refer you to some papers in your office where the applicants had received full pensions for the same services performed by said Sylvester Rhodes. I referred him to the papers of William Rhodes Simeon Smith Caleb Carp & others.

From the multitude of business I suppose it must have escaped your memory. Will you have now the goodness to reconsider her application on perusing the papers afore referred to and let me know the result as soon as possible for the old
Page 48

lady is quite inform and very poor. and oblige
Your obedt servt
John T. Pitman
Page 49

407
Page 50

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Mary Rhodes of Rhode Island widow of Sylvester Rhodes who was a lieutenant in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive eighty dollars and - cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of [illegible]

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 23d day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty=seven
B. F. Butler
Secretary of War ad interim


Examined and Countersigned

J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

[written over the above] Cancelled
Page 51

Hon. N. R. Knight
Senate US
Page 52

Providence Feb 22 1838
Dear Sir
I wrote you yesterday respecting the claim of Mrs Rhodes. I write you again today & enclose you some recent discoveries made by Mr Crapo respecting the Patuxet [sic] Rangers; During the war of the revolution Col Samuel Aborn was Commissary stationed for some time at Patuxet & of course supplied the Troops in & about that place. By the enclosed it will appear that supplied were delivered to that Corps in December 1776 & January Feb March April & August 1777. These documents shew conclusively that that Corps was on duty during those months & they corroborate in the fullest manner the testimony of Simeon Smith who states that corps was on duty pretty
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all the time during that year. Mr Smith is one of the most respectable men in Patuxet & altho very old, his memory is bright & good, especially as to the services of the Patuxet Rangers of which he was a member from the beginning to the end of the war the only such member now living. The enclosed evidence is taken to be used in the Mrs Rhodes case & also in Susanna Arnolds widow of Oliver Arnold & Oliver Arnold was first Lieutenant & Sylvester Rhodes 2d Lieutenant in that Company. the latter until he left to go into the navy & the former until his death in August 1778. Will you be so good when Mrs Rhodes case is decided to have Mrs Arnolds claim examined also. Mrs Ar[nold] claim has been pending more than a year
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she now lives just beyond Patuxet & is about 90 years of age. Her husband served in that company from the beginning of the war until he caught the "coup fever" in Sullivans expedition & died & she has remained a lonely widow ever since & is as much deserving a pension as any woman in Rhode Island. By the enclosed it will appear that "Lieut Oliver Arnolds" name is mentioned in one or two places as the recipient of provisions for that corps. I do now hope & expect that both of these venerable widows will have their due as regards their husbands services in the Patuxet Rangers their claims are exactly alike resting upon the same testimony oif same theirr pensions as regards this corps aught to be alike
Very respectfully
your
Benja Cowell

Hon N R Knight
Page 55

I Philip Crapo of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations ,on Solemn oath Say that Samuel Aborn late of the Village of Pawtuxet in the Town of Warwick in said state deceased left me as one of the executors of his last will and Testament. That after his decease his books and papers came to my hands and are now in my possession. That among those papers I find an original appointment of the said Samuel as commissary or agent for the supplying the Troops stationed within said village of Pawtuxet and the vicinity thereof. That among the books and papers I find many accounts and loose notes and memoranda in his own hand writing touching the execution of his said office of Commissary or agent from which the Copies contained on the four half sheets hereunto annexed and by me severally attested are truly extracted and compared with the originals by  me.
Philip Crapo

Hon. N. R. Knight
Senate US

Providence sc
In City of Providence Feb 21 1838
Sworn to & subscribed before me and I further testify said affiant is a very respectable citizen & credible witness
Benja Cowell
CJCC Pleas
Page 56

State of Rhode Island &c
To Col Benjamin Arnold's bill | 15 | 2 | 6
True Copy Attest Philip Crapo

1776 State of Rhode Island To Samuel Aborn &c
Decr 7 To my wages as Commissary and assistant in General from Decr 7th 1776 to -
Col Benjamin Arnold for transporting 23 Soldiers from Pawtuxet 
True Copy attest Philip Crapo a 21 2.6.0
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The following is taken from the Issuing Book of Samuel Aborn
A.C. I at Pawtuxet whilst under Peter Phillips Depy Comr Genl
To whom issued | First date of drawing | Last date of Drawing
Lt Oliver Arnold | 1777 Apl 2 | May 8
Col Benjamin Arnold | Aug 25 | Aug 28
True copy Attest Philip Crapo

Pawtuxet Rangers Col Benjamin Arnold | No men | Bread | Beef | qts Pease | Jills Rum | Sugar | Butter | Soap | Candles | Rice or Meal | Salt Fish
1777 Aug 25 | To your order for provisions | 23 | 69 | 34 1/2 | [blank] | [blank] | 69 | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [blank] | [struck thru]
do 25 | To ditto | 22 | 88 | [blank] | 17 3/4 | [blank] | 66 | [blank] | [blank] | 1:10 | 1:5 | [blank] | [struck thru]
[blank] | [blank] | [blank] | 157 | 34 1/2 | 17 3/4 | [blank] | 135 | [blank] | [blank] | 1:10 | 1:5 | [blank] | [struck thru]
True Copy Attest Philip Crapo

These may certify that Samuel Aborn hath Transported Twenty three Soldiers of the Pawtuxet Rangers from Pawtuxet to Rhode Island. June 1781
Pr Benja Arnold Col
True Copy Attest Philip Crapo
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4
Pawtuxet Rangers
1776  Col Benjamin Arnold
lb Buf
lb Bread
lb Pork
Quarts Pease
Potatoes
Jills Rum
lb Sugar
lb Coffee
Dec 13 To your order for-----36--
do 16 To ditto -----76--
do To ditto x -----0--
do 19 To ditto -----63--
do 25 To ditto -----60--
do 27 To ditto -----44--
do 29 To ditto -----50--
do 30 To ditto -----25--
Jany 2 1777 To ditto -----32--
do 3 To ditto -----24--
do 4 To ditto on fatiague -----56--
do 5 To ditto -----32
do 6 To ditto -----32--
do To your boys fiffer & drummer having not drawn before --62--
To 2 orders for Rum advanced for fatiague -----43--
-----635--
True Copies Attest Philip Crapo
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The following are extracts from the old accounts Books and papers
of Col Samuel Abron late of Patuxet Viz
The State of Rhode Island to Sundry acct Dr
1776
Decr 19 To Colo Benjamin Arnolds Bill 15 2 6
True Copy Attest Philip Crapo
1777 The 13 United States of America Dr
Febry 9 To the Pautuxet Rangers Bill 14 10
To Oliver Arnolds do 4 9 8
True Copy Attest Philip Crapo
1777. The United States of America .To Samuel Aborn A.C. Dr
March To the Pawtuxet Rangers Bill 14
True Copy Attest Philip Crapo
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B HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Be it known, that the name, "Henry Bowen," to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law; Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence , this twenty eighth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven and of Independence the sixty-first
John Brown Francis

By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secry
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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
County of Kent Sc.
Personally appeared before me Mary Rhodes of Warwick in said County who being first duly sworn according to Law says and declares that she made an application for a Pension under the Act July 4th 1836, being entitled to a pension under said act as the widow of Sylvester Rhodes who was a Lieutenant in the Pawtuxet Rangers during the War of the Revolution. And she further declares that she has received a certificate for Eighty Dollars only, which she doe s not consider is large enough according to the amount of Services performed by her said husband. And the evidence adduced. And she herewith returns it praying that another may be sent her. And she further declares that her husband entered said Corps and served therein from the beginning of the War untill after Gen Sullivans expedition in the Month of August 1778. When he left and went on board the Navy and died as in her declaration. If she is called upon to specify said said [sic] Services she could not do it otherwise than they are specified in an deposition of Mr Simeon Smith whose deposition is hereunto annexed and who served with him all the time in said Corps. She well remembers that her was absent constantly in service especially during the time the British were in possession of Rhode Island so much so that he could not attend to any other business. Her husband used to go away on alarms by order of the Governor and also Served in the Fort at Pawtuxet. All this she remembers and it took pretty much all his time and she believes he served as much as Stated in Mr Smiths deposition. She therefore requests that her pension may be enlarged
Dated at Warwick this 11th day of April AD 1837
Signed Mary Rhodes

Kent Sc
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and Year above written before me
Wm Carder Justice Court of Common Please Count of Kent
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Mary Rhodes
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I John Warner of Coventry in the County of Kent being now in the 79 years of age on oath do testify and say that I was formerly on board the Frigate Providence from February 1777 untill she was captured at Charleston South Carolina in May 1780 During one of the cruises and I have some recollection it was the cruise where a member of the Jamaican fleet were taken that I remember that Sylvester Rhodes was on board said Frigate he served on that cruise with us at that time but I cannot now distinctly remember in what capacity but I think he was an officer in the marines, Ensign I think, I remember the name at those times, and that he was from Pawtuxet. Abraham Whipple was our Captain and Jonathan Pitcher was first Lieutenant. I don't remember that I ever saw said Sylvester afterwards there was also a Lieutenant Arnold and Lieutenant Fletcher
John Warner

Kent Sc In Coventry June 26th 1837
Sworn and subscribed before me, and I further certify said John Warner is a credible witness and his deposition entitled to full credit
Samuel Arnold Justice of the Peace
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I Simeon Smith of Cranston in the County of Providence being now 91 years of age on oath do further testify & say in explanation & in addition to my former deposition in behalf of Polly Rhodes widow of Sylvester formerly Lieutenant in the Patuxet Rangers. It is difficult for me at this great distant period of time to specify the monthly tours of duty which said Company performed during the revolutionary war yet being requested so to do I will specify them according to my best recollection. In the year 1775 we served four months as minute men in the Autumn & winter stationed at Warwick & on Providence. It was this year that Providence was burnt by Wallace an English Captain cruising in Narragansett Bay. In 1776 we served as much as six months & on monthly tours were as many as four. three months
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this year we were stationed at Warwick neck one in February one in the Spring in May I think & one in the summer & one in December on Rhode Island when the enemy landed in 1777 the Militia were divided into classes but our Corps did a great deal more duty than the law required being a minute company also & under the Command & discrestion [sic] of the Council of War & the Governor. We were stationed one month at East Greenwich & two months at Warwick neck one in the Spring & one in the Summer & one at Howlands ferry in Spencers expedition in October Besides three monthly tours we served many months [illegible] which I cannot specify. In 1778 we served nearly all the time on monthly tours were four at least we were stationed at Warwick neck two months
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one in winter & one in the Spring. In August we were a month on Rhode Island in Sullivans expedition I believe after Sullivans expedition said Sylvester left the Company & went into the Navy. I am of the opinion that three monthly tours did not constitute one half of our services but I cannot specify them otherwise than I have already don in my prior depositions. Until the said Sylvester left the company & he always performed as much as any of us.
Simeon Smith

Providence sc In Cranston April 3d 1837
Sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said Simeon is a credible witness
Benja Cowell
CJ C.C. Pleas
Page 67

I Elizabeth Arnold of Cranston (in the village of Patuxet) in the County of Providence being now 68 years of age on oath do testify & say that I am the daughter of Jonathan Pitcher formerly of said Cranston who a Lieutenant on board the frigate Providence under the command of Abraham Whipple in the War of the Revolution. he was a lieutenant for four years  And I further testify that in 1778 in the month of August or September my father & Sylvester Rhodes who then lived in said village & very near my father & the husband of Mary Rhodes, now his widow, went to Boston together started from my fathers house to go on board said Frigate then lying in Boston harbor & bound on a cruise. my father was a Lieutenant & the said Sylvester was a Lieutenant or Ensign of Marines, soon after this, said Frigate sailed on a cruise & it was during this cruise that they took & captured so many of the Jamaica fleet. I have heard
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father say they captured thirteen sail of said fleet & I have heard him frequently say ho they managed to send them in . I have heard my father say it was through his influence that said Sylvester was appointed to the station he held. After the capture of the fleet the Frigate returned to Boston & my father & the said Sylvester came home together. After the capture of the vessels I have heard my father say, said Sylvester was put on board of one of the large pieces to bring her into Boston & he did bring her in I perfectly well remember, my father and the said Sylvester were gone from said August or September until the end of the year. They were about on said cruise three months at least. After said cruise, my father went again as Lieutenant on board said Frigate but the said Sylvester went to sea in some privateer & was take prisoner & put on board
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the Jersey Prison ship where he was a prisoner for some time but was at length exchanged, but had suffered so much he died before he got home & was buried at New Haven as I understood. I have heard my father so often speak of said Sylvester being on board with him at the time they captured so many vessels that the above facts are all familiar with me. My father died in the year 1815. I was about ten years of age when my father & the say Sylvester went away together to go on board the Providence & it made a strong impression on me, so much so that I think I cannot be mistaken. I also well remember that said Sylvester was an officer in the Patuxet Rangers before he went on board said Frigate
Elizabeth Arnold

Providence &c
In Cranston June 12 1837
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Mary Rhodes

Hon. N. R. Knight
Senate US
Page 71

Personally before me Elizabeth Arnold known to me as a very reputable Lady & made oath to the truth of the facts set forth in the preceding affidavit by her signed in my presence. I also certify she is a credible witness
Benja Cowell
C J C C Pleas

Mary Rhodes

Hon N. R. Knight
Senate U.S
Page 72

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary's office June 18 1837
I certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday of May 1836 Benjamin Cowell was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within the County of Providence and William Carder an associate Justice of the Court of Common Plea within the County of Kent. each for one year and commissioned accordingly As appears of record in this office
Witness Henry Bowen Secry

I further certify that at the session in May last the said Benjamin Cowell was elected Chief Justice as aforesaid for one year That at the session on the third Monday of June instant Samuel Arnold was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Coventry in the Count of Kent for and until the first Wednesday of May next, and commissioned accordingly
Henry Bowen Secry
June 18 1837