Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21174, James Gardner, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE R.I.   
Gardner, James                       
Abigail
NUMBER W21174
CONTENTS [blank]
Page 2

1431
Rhode Island
Abigail Gardner
widow of James Gardner
RI
who died on the 5 January 1829
Washington in the State of R.Id. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Babcock of the Regt. commanded by Col. Noyes in the R.Id. line for 9 mos & 15 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 31 Dollars 67 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sept. 1837 and sent Hon. R.B. Cranston H. of Reps.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1837
$205.85
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Sept. '38
$15.83
$221.68
Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836
Section the 3 d.
Recorded by DD Addison Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2d Page 89
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Declaration of Mrs. A. Gardner
Page 4

State of Rhode Island
Washington
On this 11th day of May AD 1837 personally appeared before Lewis Kinyon a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas: Abigail Gardner a resident of the Town of South Kingstown, County & State aforesaid aged 86 years who bring duly engaged according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by Act of Congress passed July 4th of 1836: I am the widow of James Gardner who was a private soldier of militia in the war of the revolution. when the troubles first commenced in 1775 my husband took a [illegible] and active part in the war of the revolution and was out on duty in the militia several times but at this late period I can only state particularly the most lengthy terms of service. I will remember he was on duty one month or more the latter part of 1776 or first of '77. this was at the time the stock hay & grain was taken from Point Judith, Boston Neck and its vicinity in this town of duty. I believe he served under Capt. Stephen Babcock of Col. Ray Sand's Regt. the troops were then (I believe) Comd. by Col. Joseph Noyes. my husband was also on duty one month at this time the Syren was standed on the point. he was frequently called out on duty by order of the Counsel of War for 15 days & for a month on alarms at the approach of the enemy. He stood
Page 5

guard nearly half the time when he was not out on particular duty. In the fall of 1777 he was drafted for one month and served in Genl. Spencer's expedition near six weeks. after his return he guarded the shores again half the time. In the summer of 1778 on the expiration of a months tour of duty on the shores he was drafted for two months to go to Rhode Island in General Sulivan's expedition which kept him over three months in actual service at this time. soon after his return he was placed on guard again was called out on alarms. In short he was on duty in actual service more than half the time from year '75 to '81. I also recollect that he was out on duty in 1775 at the time the enemy landed & destroyed the building on the Island of Canonicut.
I further declare that my maiden name was Abigail Tefft & daughter of Ebenezer Tefft Esq of this town. and that I was married to the said James Gardner on the twenty seventh day of June 1771. That her husband the aforesaid James Gardner died on the 5th day of January 1829. And that I have remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed. I also declare that I am feeble in health and not able to attend in court to make my application.
her
Abigail Gardner
mark
Sworn to and subscribed on this day & year above written before
Lewis Kinyon
J. of C.C. Pleas
Page 6

State of R. I. Washington Sc.
South Kingstown May 11th 1837 Then personally approved Abigail Gardner & made solemn oath to the truth of the annexed declaration which was reduced to writing in her presence & by her signed in my presence.  I further certify that the aforesaid Abigail Gardner is feeble of health & not able to attend in open court to make her declaration and that her character for truth & veracity is good.
Lewis Kinyon
J. of C. C. Pleas
Page 7

Dorcas Knowles of Newport, in the County of Newport
and State of Rhode Island, on solemn oath do testify and
say I am the daughter of James Gardner late of South Kingstown
dec'd & am in the 65th year of my age, That Abigail Gardner
the present applicant for a pension is my mother, that I
have read her declaration relative to the service of my father
and know from what I have heard from him, and his fellow
soldiers, and what I recollect of his service that the declaration is
true in all its parts, I recollect of hearing him say that he
was one of the militia that went to Connanicut at the time the
enemy burnt the dwelling houses &c on that Island, and have
heard him tell particularly how they set fire &c when the
Americans landed, also when the stock, Hay & grain was removed
from Point Judith, Boston Neck &c that he was on duty. I have
a clear and perfect recollection of his being on duty at the time the
Syren was stranded, as on his return he gave me a Shell comb
which was the first I ever had, and I kept it a great many
years as a memento of the donor and that particular service
Shortly afterwards he was absent on duty for several weeks and
I have always understood from him that he was with Genl. Spencer
on the east side of the day. Although I was young I shall never
forget the time when the officers came to warn him, he
took down his gun & was fixing it, my Mother & Grand Mother were
crying & I endeavoured to persuade him not to go, and while I was
leaning on his knee, the gun accidentally went off and its contents
lodged in the wall, where the marks still remain - In 1778 I 
distinctly recollect my father had been absent for a month or
more on duty, when he was drafted and marched to join the troops
in Gen'l Sullivan's expedition without being able to return to his family
and was at this time more than three months on duty-
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I have a perfect recollection of this service as my mother had
great care on her mind, and was so worn out with the troubles 
attendant on his absence & fears & alarms for his safety, that on the day
of the action on this Island she and my Grand Mother were
both down sick & remained so until they heard of his safety
and that the American army had retreated from this Island. 
Soon after his return he was placed on duty guarding the
shore and was frequently absent for 15 days and for a month
at a time, at different periods, and know after I was of
sufficient age to recollect that my father was on duty in the
militia, either standing guard, drafted, or on alarms near
half the time during the struggle for the American
Independence
Dorcas Knowles
Newport Sc Newport May 25 1857
Then personally appeared before me Dorcas Knowles
and made oath in due form of law to the truth of
the above statements by her subscribed. I also certify
that the deponent is a person of truth and veracity.
Wm Gilpin
Just. Peace
Page 9

Newport Sc
{Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas
Newport June 2nd A. D. 1837
I George C Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in
the the aforesaid County being a Court of Record, do certify
that William Gilpin before whom the within deposition of
Dorcas Knowles was sworn to; is a Justice of the Peace in the
Town of Newport, was elected by the General Assembly and
Commissioned by the Governor of this State, and is fully
authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature
affixed thereto is genuine.
[seal]
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said Court on the day
and year and at the place aforesaid
Geo. C Shaw Clerk
Page 10

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington Sc. Clerks Office Supreme Judicial Court
I Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial
Court for the County of Washington, do hereby certify that 
Wilkins Updike Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the town of
South Kingstown in said County of Washington duly appointed 
by the General Assembly and commissioned by the
Governor, and otherwise qualified as the Law directs.
I further certify that Thomas R. Wells Esq is Town
Clerk of the Town of South Kingstown in said County
of Washington
[seal]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of the Court aforesaid this 20th day
of July in the year 1837-
Powell Helme, Clerk
Page 11

Recorded
Apl. 25. 1773
Be it Known that on ye twenty seventh day
of June Seventeen hundred and Seventy one James
Gardner of South Kingstown and Abigail Tefft 
daughter of Ebenezar Tefft of ye same South
Kingstown were joined in marriage in said
South Kingstown
By F. Perry Justice
State of Rhode Island
Washington County Sc.}
Town Clerks Office
South Kingston July 2. 1837
I Thomas R Wells Town Clerk of said Town of
South Kingston duly appointed and sworn, do
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy from
the Records of said office. The date of the year
on the Record is in figures (1771)
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand
Thomas R. Wells
Town Clerk
Washington Sc South Kingstown July 20 1837 Before
the subscriber personally appeared Thomas R Wells
Town Clerk and made solemn oath to the
truth of the certificate he has signed above
Before me Wilkins Updike Just. Peace
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Revy
WIDOW, &c.
CWM
File No. 21174
Abigail Gardner
Widow of
James Gardner
Priv Rev War
Act July 4 1836
Index:  Vol. A Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 13

[left page]
190.02
15.83
[underline]
205.85
[right page]
Depositions of
Lydia Holland & 
Mary Northup
In
Abigail Gardiners
widow of James
for a pension
Page 14

I Lydia Holland of Hopkinton County of
Washington & State of Rhode Island aged 80
years on solemn oath do testify and say I 
am the widow of Henry Hooper Holland &
that previous to my marriage with said
Holland I was the widow of John Mitchell
who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war
and served both in the Continental line & Militia
of this State. I recollect of hearing my husband
sd. Mitchell and the soldiers converse of
their service and of the service of James
Gardiner deceased & late the Husband of
Abigail Gardener. The present applicant
for a pension. I have heard the declara
of Abigail Gardner & the deposition of Mrs. 
Dorcas Knowles read. And from my own
knowledge & what I have heard & seen do know 
that their statement are true. I lived near
said Gardiner about 60 years & part of the time
in said Gardners use. Mrs. Gardiner &
Mrs. Knowles are well known to me
as women of high respectability for truth
and veracity -
Lydia Mitchell her X mark
State of Rhode Island &c
Washington} Sc
South Kingstown August 18th 1837 Then 
personally appeared the above named deponent 
and made solemn affirmation in due form 
of law to the above deposition which was
subscribed by said Lydia Holland in
my presence and I further certify that 
said deponent’s character for truth and
veracity is good & entitled to full faith & credit.
John P. Whitford Just Peace
Page 15

I Mary Northup of South Kingston County of
Washington - Rhode Island & Widow of Henry
Northup deceased a soldier in the war of the
Revolution on solemn oath do testify &
say. I was well acquainted with the late
James Gardiner Esqr late of this Town
deceased & am acquainted with Abigail
his widow. I lived near them many years
and in the house of said Gardiner several years
I have frequently heard my late husband
speak of the service of said James Gardiner and
State that they served together at different
places & different times. And I well remember that
I attended the Funeral of sd. Gardiner in
company with my sd. Husband & that
my husband made the following statement
“poor old man, he has gone. He & I served
much together & always belonged to one
mess" I remember of hearing they were
in Spencer's & Sullivans expeditions & on
guard together-- but cannot state the
length of their tours of duty. Mrs. Gardiner
is highly respected by all who are acquainted
with her.
Mary Northup her X Mark
State of Rhode Island &
Washington } Sc
Town of South Kingstown August 18th 1837
Then personally appeared the above
named Mary Northup and subscribed
the above deposition and made solemn 
oath in due form of Law to the truth
of her statement, and I further certify
that said deponent’s Character for
truth & veracity is good John P. Whitford Just Peace
Page 16

Newport Sc
{Clerks Office Court of Com Pleas
Newport August 19th A. D. 1837
[seal]
I George C. Shaw Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas in the aforesaid County being a Court of
Record do hereby certify that John P. Whitford 
is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of South Kingstown, as
appears by the Schedules of the General Assembly, now in this Office
that he was duly elected by the Gen Assembly and commissioned
by the Governor of this State, and is duly qualified to act in
his said capacity, and that his signature is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the Seal of said Court at Newport on 
the day and year aforesaid.
Geo. C. Shaw Clerk
Page 17

Deposition
Thos. Billington
Mrs. Gardiner's
Claim
Page 18

I Thomas Billington of South Kingstown 
County of Washington & State of
Rhode Island & a revolutionary
Pensioner, aged 82 years being duly
engaged according to law do testify
and say that I was well acquainted with
James Gardner of this Town previous
to the revolution, and
up to the day of his death. I recollect 
to have been on duty with him
in a company commanded by
Capt. Stephen Babcock in Col. Sands
Regiment guarding the shows but
do not recollect the exact length of the
tour of duty, but am satisfied that the
militia in the Towns bordering
on the waters of Narragansett Bay
were out on duty on alarms, drafted
or standing guard near half the time
until the year 1780 - I also remember
that said James Gardner was on
duty on the Island of Rhode Island
in Sullivan's expedition Two months 
or more. I then belonged to the regular 
army & said Gardner to the militia
but as we were quartered near each
other & being neighbors when at home
we frequently visited each other &
know that he served during the 
campaign. And I further testify that said
Gardner & myself have frequently 
conversed on the exploits of our troops while
on the Island our retreat, management 
& which has kept the circumstances
fresh in my memory - I further
Page 19

testify & say that I have always lived
since I left the army a near neighbor
to said Gardner & the present applicant
and always understood that he did
duty guarding the shows as the law
required, and that Abigail Gardner the
present applicant is the widow of said
James and has not intermarried since
his decease.
Thomas Billington his X Mark
Sworn to & subscribed this 11th day of May
A. D. 1837 before
Lewis Kinyon
J. of C. C. Pleas
State of Rhode Island &
Washington} Ss
South Kingstown May 11th 1837
Then personally appeared Thomas
Billington & made solemn oath to the
truth of the above deposition by him
subscribed & I certify that the character
of said Willington for truth & veracity
is good.
Lewis Kinyon
J. of C.C. Pleas
Page 20

I Jonathan N. Hazard of South Kingstown
County of Washington & State of Rhode Island
on solemn oath do testify & say that I
was well acquainted with the late James
Gardner & Abigail Gardner the present
Applicant for a pension, and have been
acquainted with her for the last Thirty
years. She is a Lady highly respected for
truth & veracity is feeble in health and
has been so for some time and I know
she is not able to attend in open court
to make her declaration, and also know
that she has remained the widow of the
said James Gardner.
Jonathan N. Hazard
Sworn to & subscribed before Lewis Kinyon
J. of C. C. Pleas
State of Rhode Island &
Washington} Sc.
South Kingstown May 11th 1837. Then
personally appeared Jonathan N. Hazard and
made Solemn Oath in due form of 
law to the above deposition. I further
certify that said Hazard's Character for truth
and veracity is Good.
Lewis Kenyon
J. of C.C. Pleas
Page 21

Depo E. Smith
Mrs. Gardner's
claim
Page 22

I Ebenezer Smith of South Kingstown and State of
Rhode Island was well acquainted with the
late James Gardiner Son of Nathaniel Gardiner
of this Town Deceased he was a soldier of the 
Revolution and I was knowing to his service in Point
Judith in the winter of 1777, one month in a 
company comanded by Stephen Babcock. 
I believe the troops then called out were under
Col. Joseph Noyes who commanded the first 
Regiment in this County and I well recollect that
Major Stephen Maxson who belonged to Noyes 
Regiment then quartered at the 4 Chimney Munford
house so called. I also know that he was on duty
one month or more when the Siren ran onshore on
Point Judith Point. He was also out on duty to guard 
the shores as we were called out by law and I 
was knowing to his being on duty for 15 days and
for one month several times untill the fall of 1777
he was then Drafted for Two months and placed under 
General Spencer and stationed at Howlands Ferry
in Tivertown. After he returned he stood guard as
usual on the shores, at this time the officer in Command 
had a legal right to call on all of the militia when
they pleased to prevent communication with the
Islands in their possession of their enemy in the summer 
of 1778 he was Drafted for one month in a Company 
commanded by Captain Samuel Potter and
marched to Rhode Island in general Sullivans 
Expedition after his return I Do not recollect any 
particular time that he served but know that he was upon
duty guarding the shore. I also know that he was
married and had a family in this town.
Ebenezer Smith his X mark
Page 23

Washington SC South Kingstown April 26th, 1837
Then personally appeared before me Ebenezer
Smith and made Solemn Oath in due form
of law of the truth of the above statement
by him subscribed the same being reduced to
writing by me in his presence, and by him signed
in my presence I also certify that Ebenezer Smith’s 
word is good as to truth and veracity.
John C. Whitford Justice Peace
Page 24

State of Rhode Island &c
Washington County} Sc.
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a Court
of Record, do hereby certify that the signature of
Lewis Kinyon to the certificate regarding
Abigail Gardner Subscribed, and that the
Signature of Lewis Kinyon to the certificate regarding 
Thomas Billington subscribed, and also the
signature of the said Lewis Kinyon to the certificate 
regarding Jonathan N. Hazard subscribed 
are each genuine & in his own proper
hand writing; that said Lewis Kinyon is a
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas aforesaid 
and that he is duly elected, commissioned and qualified
to act in his said capacity. I also certify that the
signature of John P. Whitford to the certificate regarding Ebenezer Smith is 
genuine, that said Whitford is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned
and qualified to act in his sd. Capacity.
In testimony whereof I
have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of the
said Court at South Kingstown on this 11th day of May
in the year 1837
Asa Potter Clk.
[seal]
Page 25

V 2066
Abigail Garner
wid. of James dec'd
R. I. died Jany 5 1829
Asa Potter Clk.
Hon. R. B. Cranston
H. R.
[following lined out]
WM. R. Noyes Esq.
Newport R. I.
Page 26

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington } Sc.
I Asa Potter Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a Court of Record, do
hereby certify that the signatures of
Thomas X. Wells to the two certificates immediately 
preceding this certificate, regarding the marriage
and the probate of the will of James Gardner
are genuine, that said Thomas X. Wells is Town
Clerk and Clerk of the Court of Probate for the Town of
South Kingstown, that the office of Clerk of said
town and of said Court of Probate is one and the same
office, and that said Court is a Court of Record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the Seal
the said Court at South Kingston 
on this 11th day of May in the
year 1837.
Asa Potter Clk
[seal]
Page 27

Be it known, that on the twenty seventh day of
June 1771 James Gardner of South Kingstown and
Abigail Tefft Daughter of Ebenezar Tefft of ye same 
South Kingstown were joined in marriage in said 
South Kingstown.
Recorded Apl 25. 1773 By F. Perry Justice
Town Clerks Office
South Kingstown R. I. May 2d 1837
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the
record of the Marriage of James Gardner and Abigail
Tefft from the records of said Office. I also certify that
I can find no record in said office of the births of the
children of said James Gardner.
Witness
Thomas R. Wells
Town Clerk
Probate Office
South Kingstown R. I. May 2. 1837
I hereby certify that the Last Will and Testament
of James Gardner late of said Town decd was proven 
and allowed by the Court of Probate of said
Town on the Ninth day of March A.D. 1829
Witness
Thomas R. Wells
Probate Clerk
Page 28

Jas. Gardner 
1837
65
______
1772
'76 7 1 mo. Babcock
1 mo
1. 15
1 -
77 guard
78 3 mo    7.15
____
more than half the time
Marc. June 71
2
___
9. 15
Page 29

Abigail V. Gardner
wid. of James
R. I.
Sus. [illegible] W. R. Noyes
July 13 1837
To same August 8, 1837
Adl 9 1/2 mos pri 31.66
 Pr. Ann. conf 4 March
1831 R. G. Mullins
Act 4 July 1836
Page 30

Sir    Newport June 3d 1837
Enclosed I forward you the declaration of
Mrs. Abigail Gardner, widow of the late James Gardner
Esq. of South Kingstown & sundry documents for the
purpose of establishing her claim to a pension
Mrs. Gardner declares that her husband commenced
service in ‘75. In ‘76 was on duty at the time the
stock Grain &c was removed from Point Judith by
order of Council of war, was on duty & served one
month or more at the time the Syren was stranded
was out on duty for 15 days & for a month at different
times standing guard, was drafted for a month
in Genl Spencers expedition & served near six weeks, on
his return he guarded the shores again “half the time
“In the summer of 1778, on the expiration of a month tour 
of duty on the shore he was drafted for two months
to go to Rhode Island in Gen Sullivan's Expedition which
kept him over three months in service at this time. 
In short was on duty in actual service more than
half the time from the year ‘75 to ‘81 -
Thos. Billington testifies to his intimate acquaintance with
James Gardner & the present applicant. Served in a company
with him, was in Sullivans expedition & although he belonged
“to the regular army”, & said Gardner to the Militia
as they were well acquainted previous to leaving home
he was knowing to his service during the campaign.
Mr. Billington also testifies that the Militia bordering on the
waters of Narragansett Bay were on duty near half
the time guarding the shores &c.
Page 31

Elmer Smith testifies to said Gardner’s service in 1777
was on duty when the Syren was on shore, in Spencer
& Sullivan's Expedition, and afterwards did duty
guarding the shores & as the law required. 
Jonathan Howard testifies to Mrs. Gardner’s character
widowhood &c.
Mrs. Dorcas Knowles daughter of the present applicant
is a resident of this town, her plain & simple
story with the reasons she gives for remembering
the tours of duty performed by her father I believe will
carry conviction with it-- but I should feel
that I had not performed my duty, if I did not
State, that from her infancy she had been taught
in the “Roger Williams school”, and now at the age
of 65 years, she is highly esteemed as the possessor
of those amiable qualities which adorn
her sex - All of which is submitted for
your consideration. 
I have the honor to be
Yr. Obt. Sert.
William R. Noyes
Atty for Abigail Garner
James L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pension
Washington
D. C.
Page 32

Sir 		Newport August 19th 1847
Yours of the 8th inst relative to the claim of 
Mrs. Abigal Gardner Widow of Jas. Gardner, dec'd
is before me by which learn that your department 
is willing to allow Mrs. G for 9 ½ mos, this
Sir is much less than I expected as many of the
applicants, his immediate neighbors, that served 
with him have rec’d certificate for full pensions
and I have no doubt served much less than
he did. I herewith forward you the depositions
of Mrs. Lydia Mitchell & Mary Northup relative 
to the service of Jas Gardner. Mrs. Mitchell testifies 
that she had heard the declaration of sd. Abigail
& Dorcas Knowles deposition read & states "and 
from her own knowledge & what I have heard & seen 
do know that their statements are true.” Mrs. M. lived 
in the house of Mr. Gardner for considerable time & a near
neighbor for 60 years, and says "do know” that he served
in manner & form as stated by Mrs. Gardner. Mrs. Mary
Northup testifies that she died many years in the
house with Mr. Gardner & states that she heard her late
husband say that he had "served much” with Mr. 
Gardner & that they "belonged to one mess" and also
testifies to what is in this vicinity entirely unnecessary
where she is well known, to wit, her high standing 
in point of character. I would observe that thinking
as I do of this claim I am in duty bound to ask
of the department a review of the papers in support
Page 33

of it, and to forward me a certificate for the
amount you may think her justly entitled
and in conclusion would thank you kindly 
for pointing out to me the periods, where you 
think my case is not sufficiently proved.
I have the honor to be
Your Obt. Sert.
Wm. R. Noyes
Jas. L. Edwards Esqr
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 34

Sir	Newport RI July 28th 1837
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt 
of your letter of the 13th inst relative to the claim
of Mrs. Abigail Gardiner Widow of James Gardiner 
deceased. I was absent at the time it arrived
here or this acknowledgement would have been
before made. As respects the services of said
James Gardiner, I could have obtained much
more evidence of the same tenor, but none 
more definite and as I did not wish to trouble
you with a multitude of depositions, to establish 
the fact that said Gardiner did serve as in
the declaration stated & put Mrs. Gardiner to
the expence of procuring it, I did not have it
taken. Mr. Gardiner lived at the time he was
drafted in a Town bounded on the East by
Narragansett Bay & on the South by the Ocean
whose waters were almost daily visited by
the enemy either to plunder or distress the
inhabitants of the mainland by keeping them
in a state of alarm and on the move. 
Sd. Gardiner was a young & able bodied man
and on him the militia law was imperative, 
and that he did serve as declared by 
Mrs. Gardiner I believe is proved beyond a 
doubt by the deposition of Mrs. Knowles & by
those that served with him or saw him
on duty. At this late period it is extremely 
difficult to procure positive evidence of the
Page 35

exact time or the length of the tours of duty
performed by the persons for whose service
the claim is made or the names of the officers
under whom they served, as a detachment
from one Company frequently did duty under 
the officers of an other and under the command 
of some other regiment. The senior
officer commanding the troops then on duty
at that particular station & filling the
companies as he pleased,
I would also observe that the officers were
generally much more advanced in life &
less in number than soldiers & consequently
there is but sorry few left to bear testimony
in behalf of the soldiers - and the only
evidence of the service of the R. I. Militia that
can now be obtained is from the persons
who see them on duty or served with them
at some particular place, & on some 
particular occasion such as at the time the
Siren, the Minerva or the Butler Schooner 
was cast away & such a Spencer's
or Sulivan's expeditions & & They being
now very aged & having no minutes
to assist their recollection they will not
testify positively as to day or date &
in fact it cannot be expected of them. 
The record of the marriage duly 
authenticated is herewith forwarded
Page 36

which is respectfully submited to you trusting 
that on a reexamination of the evidence
and explanation of this case you will find it sufficiently
explicit as to entitle the claimant to a pension, 
and induce you to forward me
a certificate as soon as convenient for
the amount you may deem is here
justly entitled.
I have the honor to be
very respy Your Obt Sert
William R. Noyes Atty.
James L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 37

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
NAME Gardner, Jesse
GRADE Private
LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7164
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED date not shown, nor to whom issued
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.