Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18650, Benjamin Whitman, Green Mt. Boys R.I. Vt.
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SERVICE
Green Mt. Boys
R.I.
Vt.

Whitman, Benjamin

NUMBER
S. 18650

carded
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[left side]
6915
Vermont

Benjamin Whitman of [blank] in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Sheldon of the Regt commanded by Col Warner in the (Vermont & R.I.) line for Private 15 mo --$50.00
R.I. and Green Mt. Boys and Vt.

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 50 Dollars – Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of March 1833 and sent to Hon S. Haight Present

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $100.00
Semi-anl allowance ending Sept. “ 25.00
$125.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Vinal Luce Clerk,
Book D Vol. 4 Page 92

[right side]
Let to Hon Wm Slade Feby 25th 1842 & to Pension Agent Burlington Vt. On the same day suspending payment
To Hon. Wm Slade Aug 30, ‘42
A. S. Campbell May 7th ‘ 45
1854 Decr. 6. Let to 3d Audr.
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No 1064 -
Declaration of Benjamin Whitman

Pension Office} July 27. 1832
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STATE OF VERMONT, Addison County. Ss.}
I EDWARD D. BARBER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison, do hereby certify that the annexed documents contain the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application Benjamin Whitman for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this 11th day of July A.D. 1832 
Edward D. Barber Clk
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State of Vermont Addison County ss} On the 5th day of July 1832 Personally appeared before the Judges of the ^Addison County Court in open Court, Benjamin Whitman resident in Leicester in said County aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he the said Benjamin Whitman went into the volunteer service in the month of October in the year 1775. and aid service as a soldier under the command of Capt. Stephen Sheldon and served four months on Connonicat [Conanicut] island and at Newport in the State of Rhode Island
And further in the month of March in the year 1777 the said Whitman says he again volunteered and went into the volunteer service in the town of Warwick in the State of Rhode Island, and served as a soldier eight months in the Company under the command of Capt. Simeon Harrington, and under the chief command of Genl Ezekiel Cornwall at both of which last mentioned times is discharge was given to me or others in the service, but we were dismissed 
And the said Benjamin Whitman further says that he volunteered and went into the service in the Vermont Militia in the year 1776 and service in the Company commanded by Capt Hecack and the regiment commanded by Col Seth Warner head quarters was established at Pittsford Vermont at Jona Fassetts, and went in what was called the great Scout on Onion river and was in the last mentioned same - Two months 
And also in the year 1778 he served one month as a guard at the picket fort at Castleton Vermont at each of which two last mentioned times he was without a written discharge
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That he now resides in Leicester in the County of Addison and has resided there for the space of forty four years, and previous thereto he resided in Situate in the State of Rhode Island
That ^he is unable at the present time to obtain other testimony as to his service. That he relinquishes all claim to a pension except the present, no is his name on any pension roll of any agency in any State
Sworn and subscribed the Benja Whitman day and year aforesaid.
E. D. Barba Clerk
I Henry Olin of Leicester in the County of Addison, and late Lieutenant Governor of said State being duly sworn depose and say that for the last forty years. I have resided in the immediate neighborhood of the said Benjamin Whitman and am well acquainted with him who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that I believe him to be Seventy four years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I fully concur in that opinion.
Henry Olin
Sworn and subscribed this 3rd day of July AD. 1832 
We William Young Moses Robbins, and Ebenezer N Briggs, residing in the neighborhood of the said Benjamin Whitman who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration hereby certify that we are well acquainted with him & believe him to be Seventy four years old and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood when he resides to have been a
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a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. William Young Moses Robbins Eben N Briggs 
Sworn and subscribed this 5th day of July AD 1832
E. D. Barba Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and the Court also certify that, from personal acquaintance with the said Benj Whitman as well as with Henry Olin William Young, Moses Robbins and Ebenezer N. Briggs, whose certificates herewith transmitted, they consider them persons of veracity and entitled to credit 
Edward D Barber, Clerk
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Benjamin Whitman's
Declaration

Declaration of
Benjamin Whitman
____________________
____________________
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I Caleb Howland of Brandon in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont aged 73 years last may depose & say that in the year 1778. I resided in Clarendon, Vermont and was then acquainted with Benjamin Whitman then of Clarendon now of Leicester in May 1778. I was a volunteer & went to Rutland at a picket fort there and the said Whitman was in the same company with me we both served there, as soldiers for two weeks or more. I also in the same year in September belonged to a company of Volunteers and was stationed at Castleton, Vermont, at a fort there, and the said Benjamin Whitman, was orderly Sergeant of the Company I belonged to and did duty there, for one month or more I further say that I was acquainted with the said Whitman previous to the year 1778. When we both resided in Rhode Island, and I then the heard that he was a soldier there in the Revolutionary war, but have no personal knowledge of his services at that time. I further say he has always been reputed as a revolutionary Soldier, and further say not

Witness E N Briggs [checkmark] Caleb Howland his mark X
State of Vermont Addison County} Subscribed and sworn to this 20th December 1832 before me 
EN Briggs Justice Peace 
I certify that the above named Caleb Howland is a creditable witness 
E. N. Briggs Justice Peace
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State of Vermont Addison County Ss.} I Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison do hereby certify that Ebenezer N. Briggs, before whom the within affidavit was made was at the time a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name thereto subscribed is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 20th day of December A.D. 1832 
Saml Swift Clerk
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No 1064

viz letter to 
E. N. Briggs
Oct 20, 1832

P-49

Adm'd
18 mos
$50.--

Hon S. Haight
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BRIEF in the case of Benjamin Whitman 
of Addison County in the State of Vermont 
(Act 7 June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? In the County Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 74 years 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. | Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

In 1775 October | [blank] 4 [blank] | As a private | Gen. Volunteered under Capt. Sheldon
March 1777 | [blank] 8 [blank] | do | volunteered under Capt. Harrington Gen. Cornwall
1776 | [blank] 2 [blank] | do | volunteered in Vermont Militia Capt Hecack Col. Warren
1778 | [blank] 1 [blank] | do | served on guard at Castleton V Officers not mentioned

5. In what battles was he engaged? None 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? not stated 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By tradition (is unable at the present time to obtain other testimony)
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Papers correct
* certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
 John M. Duffield Examining Clerk.
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Benjamin Whitman's
Add. Declaration
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State of Vermont District of Addison ss} On this 15 day of November 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Probate Court for the said District of Addison now sitting, Benjamin Whitman resident in Leister in the County of Addison, aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in addition to & explanation of my former declaration, made before the County Court for the County of Addison on the 5th day of July 1832, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832: That in the year 1775, I resided in Scituate Rhode Island. In the month of February 1776, I came into Vermont, and worked as a hired man in Clarendon until the forepart of July 1776, before the commencement of [illegible] - when I volunteered, as stated in my declaration, & served in the great Scout [underlined], under Colonel Warner until the latter part of September,-- making, as I supposes nearly three months, but stated it to be two months[underlined], as being the least possible period: I continued to labor in Vermont until February 1777, when I returned to Rhode Island. And in the month of March following - quite the forepart of that month - I went to Warwick, to see some of my friends then in the service, and volunteered for eight months [underlined] & served as I stated in my declaration. It was late in the fall when I was dismissed, & I served my time out.
In the month of August, while on this service, I was ordered out with about one hundred men, in the night & ^we were marched about five miles, near to the beach, and were stationed behind a stone wall, by Colonel (afterwards General) Cornwall, who commanded the expedition in person. We were ordered to keep our position, & not move or speak until orders were given. Just after day-break we discovered two boats from the ^or parts of the British fleet, which then lay off near by, with hogshead for the purpose of getting water at a spring near by - after they had landed with their hogshead, we were ordered to rise, - and some of our men fired
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& killed one man, and the rest surrendered prisoners:- but the British vessels being so near, we were able to keep only six men & one boat,- 
In the winter following I returned to the town of Clarendon Vermont, where I resided until the year 1788, at which time I removed to Leicester, where I still reside. I never had any written discharge, & have not now any documentary evidence, and on the most diligent inquiry I have not been able to find any person living, who has knowledge of my service, except Caleb Howland, who now resides in Brandon, Rutland County, who served with me at Castleton Fort, one month in 1778 - whose affidavit is annexed. The said Howland has knowledge also of a short period of service, performed at the picket fort at Rutland. This service the said Howland thinks was one month; “but, as I was in doubt about the length of the service, having an impression that it was only two three weeks, I did not state it in my former declaration.
In the four months service in 1773, I enlisted for four months, as a substitute for Thomas Simmons, my uncle, who was enlisted or drafted, I do not recollect which and served till my term of enlistment expired. It was quite the forepart of October, when I entered the service, and I recollect that in the following winter we built a picket fort near to Newport. There were no other troops at either of these places, except our company. 
I have no knowledge of any record of my birth. When I was fourteen years old, my father being a poor man, I was living with my grandfather, & I was permitted to go for myself, & work on my own account and I then understood my age correctly, and have said recollected it. I was born the 26 day of February 1758 The County Court not being about to hold a session for several weeks is the reason of my coming before
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the Probate Court to make this declaration.-- At the time my former declaration ^was made, there were so many applications, that both the Court, & the Attorney, who drew up the declaration were burried, and the declaration was necessarily drawn up in great haste. For this reason, I have thought best to be more explicit in several particulars. Besides the services before mentioned, I volunteerd, after I came to Vermont, in several cases of alarm, and was out three or four days at a time. 
Benj Whitman
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid, 
Saml Swift, Judge.
State of Vermont District of Addison ss} I, Harvey Bell, Register of the Probate Court for the said District of Addison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Whitman for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 15th day of November 1832 
Harvey Bell Register
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Hon Mr Atkinson         Washington Nov 30. 1844
3rd Auditor      

Dear Sir I enclose herewith the application of Nathan Whitman for arrears of pay due his father Benjn Whitman, under act of June 7, 1832, at the time of his death. 
Very Respectfully yours 
R.W. Bates
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Let to A. S. Campbell
August 16 '45
Page 19

July 14. 1845.
Add'l to case
Benj. Whitman.

[sideways]
Hon J. L. Edwards  30
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City
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Boston Mass. July 11. 1845. 
Sir 
Agreeably to the directions contained in your letter of the 7th May last I herein enclose the affidavit of Benjamin Whitman of Addison County in the State of Vermont formerly a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832 in support of his application to be restored to the pension list, together with the two accompanying affidavits- It will appear by reference to the proof that the 8 months militia service mentioned in your letter was not a continued service; but part of it was under Capt Harrington after which a new draft was made and the remainder of the service was under Capt Davis- 
I am very respectfully 
Your obedient Servant. 
A S Campbell 
Hon J L Edward 
Comr of Pension 
Washington City
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March 27. 1845.
Add'l to case
Benj. Whitman

appd to be restored [faint writing]

[sideways]
Hon J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City
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Boston Mass March 22 1845 
Sir 
Benjamin Whitman of Addison County in the State of Vermont was placed on the pension list under the act of June 7 1832 - and in the year 1841 his pension was discontinued on account of it appearing as I learn, that he did not serve 8 months under Capt Harrington, the facts are as he states in the enclosed affidavit, that part of that 8 months was under Capt Jeremiah Davis, this affidavit has never been sent to the Secy of State of the State of Mass. as it is believed the service under these officers was in the Rhodeisland troops- From that affidavit it also appears that he lived in Clarendon and served in the Vermont troops and it appears by the enclosed certificate of the Secretary of the State of Vermont that Benjamin Whitman of Clarendon was in the Vermont service or He thinks he ought to be restored to the Pension list
I am very Respectfully
Yr obt sevt
 A S Campbell 
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr Pensions
Washinton City
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State of Vermont 
Secretary of State's Office 
Montpelier February 19. 1845 
I hereby certify that there is on file in this Office at Pay Roll of Capt Benjamin Hickok's Company in the service of the State of Vermont, under command of Capt Gideon Brownson, June 29, 1776: on which Roll is the name of “Benjamin Whitman” with an allowance for twenty eight days service as a private.
Also, A Pay Roll of Capt Abraham Salisburys Company for service in the year 1780: on which Roll is the name of “Benj. Whitman” with an allowance for five days service as a private. Said roll is sworn to Oct. 3. 1780 
Also, "Pay Roll of Capt Ichabod Robinson's Company of Militia in Clarendon in the State of Vermont, for the year 1781.”: on which Roll is the name of "Benjamin Whitman" with an allowance for ten days service as a private.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of this Office this 19th day of February AD 1845
Ferrand F. Merrill 
Deputy Secretary of State
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House of Rep. Aug. 29. 1842 
Sir
I send you an affidavit of Benjamin Whitman of my District, to be considered on his application to be restored to his pension. I have not the slightest doubt of the correctness of his statements. He is not to be classed among the man of broken down old soldiers, but is a very reputable man of uniformly temperate habits, & excellent character, and retains his mental faculties in remarkable vigour. It would be a wild good chore for him to undertake to go to R Island to hunt up testimony at this late period, and at his advanced age. I do hope you will restore him to what I have not the slightest doubt he is justly entitled to.
Respectfully yours 
William Slade 

J L Edwards Esq
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House of Rep Feb. 17. 1842 
Sir
I send herewith a letter from John Prout of my District requesting me to obtain the correction of a supposed error in the allowance of a pension to Benjamin Whitman of Leicester in my County. Will you please cause examination to be made, and communicate to me its result as soon as practicable.
The return of Mr Prouts letter is denied 
Respectfully yours 
William Slade 

J L Edwards Esq
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information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Benjamin Whitman S. F.  18650
 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. - CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE.

Oct 1. 1775 | 4 mos. | [blank] | Stephen Sheldon | Ezekiel Cornell | R.I.
June or July 1776 | 2 or 3 mos. | [blank] | Benjamin Hickok Gideon Brownson | Seth Warner | Green Mt Boys
Mch. 1777 | Sept. 1777 | Pvt. | Simeon Harrington | Ezekiel Cornell | R.I.
Sept. 1777 | Nov. or Dec. 1777 | [blank] | Jeremiah Davis | [blank] | R.I.
June 1778 or 1779 | 2 weeks | Sgt | Hutchins | [blank] | Vt.
Fall 1778 or 1779 | 1 mo | Sgt | Samuel White | Fletcher | “
[checkmark] 1780 | 5 days | Pvt. | Abraham Salisbury | [blank] | “
[checkmark] 1781 | 10 days | “ | Ichabod Robinson | [blank] | “

Battles engaged in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Scituate, R.I. 
Date of application for pension, July 5 1832 this cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Leicester, Addison Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, born in Scituate R.I. Feby 26, 1758
Remarks: Soldiers father and grandfather were alive in 1772 ^no names are stated and a son Nathan was born in 1854.

Very respectfully, - Commissioner.
21793b5m1C-07
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R.F.D. #2 Salisbury Vermont
July 12th 1911 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sir: -
I am trying to find out from what Town my Great Grandfather Benjamin Whitman enlisted in the Revolutionary war. He drew a pension for I have a book that tells the names of all the Revolutionary Pensions the States, and his name is in it He lived in Leicester Vermont and dec’d there, I have been told that
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he served under three Generals.
I want to get the dates &c as I can join the D.A.R. 
Very Truly yours
Mrs Moses H. Kelsey 
Salisbury 
Vermont 
R.F.D. #2
[half of round stamp] RECORD JUL 14
[round stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE D JUL 14 1911
[bottom right corner sideways] ALK JUL 18 1911 AW
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[left side]
18650
INVALID.

File No. 18,650
Benjamin Whitman
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7" 32
Index:- Vol. 1, Page 419

[Arrangement of 1870]

[right side] 
1911 July 30 Hist to Mrs. Moses H. Kelsey J.L.M.
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State of Vermont County of Addison Town of Salisbury
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of my services in the Revolutionary War.
In October 1775 I commenced serving as substitute for Thomas Simmons in Capt Stephen Sheldons Company went to Conanicut Island and remained there until December of that year then returned home, staid a few days, and then joined the same company and went to Newport RI. and was discharged after having performed about four months service in the whole under Capt Sheldon
I also served under Captain Harrington, and under Capt Jeremiah Davis from March 1777 for about eight months. In my declaration which has been sent to the commissioner of pensions I think I stated that I served this Eight months under Capt Harrington, that I now recollect that a part of the time was under Capt Jeremiah Davis in Warwick R I. I also served in the Vermont troops in the year 1776 about one and 1/2 months under Col Seth Warner, and in 1779 one and ½ months, under Capt. White ^and Hutchins. When I performed the above mentioned service except the Vermont service I lived in Situate Rhode Island and Capt Harrington & Capt Davis both lived in the same town, and when I performed the service in the Vermont troops I lived in Clarendon I am now Eighty seven
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years of age and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required
Witness my hand this day of Feby 1845
Benj. Whitman
Signed in my presence by the above named Benjamin Whitman and sworn to by him 
Before me 
John G Perry Justice Peace
State of Vermont Addison County ss} I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison do hereby certify, that John G. Perry before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been made is a Justice of the peace for the said County of Addison duly authorized to administer oaths, and that his name subscribed to the above certificate is his own signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my ^hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 19th day of February 1845. 
Saml Swift Clerk
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John G Perry of Leicester in the County of Addison and State of Vermont being of lawful ^age depose and say that I have been well acquainted with Benjamin Whitman of Leicester where he has resided since the first settlement of the town or more than fifty years and that he has always sustained a fair character for truth and honesty and has often been elected by the people to the most important offices in the town.
I further say that I have often heard him speak of his service in the Revolution and relate incidents that occurred during said service at several of the places named in his written statement which I have examined and that these relations were long before any act granting pension for revolutionary service was passed and from my recollection of the agreement of these statements with the one he now makes and the soundness of mind and correct memory which he seems to possess I am satisfied that his statement is entitled to full credit 
I further say that I have twice examined the original Pay Rolls now in the office of the Secretary of State of Vermont together with the transcrip of the same and am satisfied that but part of these Rolls are now to be found so that an applicant for a pension for services performed in Vermont has but little chance of proving his services from any record in the Secretary possession
John G Perry
Addison County at Salisbury in said County this 9th day of June A.D. 1845 personally appeared John G Perry and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is according to truth:
Before me John Prout Justice Peace
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State of Vermont Addison County Clerks office 
I, George S. Swift, Deputy Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison do certify that John Prout Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate to which this is attached, a justice of the peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature to the same is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Middlebury in said County this fifth day of July A.D. 1845 
George S. Swift Deputy Clerk
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I Ebenezer N Briggs of Brandon in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont an Attorney & Counselor at Law, of lawful age depose and say at a term of the Addison County Court. I made the declaration & took the testimony upon the application of Benjamin Whitman of Leicester in the County of Addison for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832, upon which application a pension was granted to the said Witman of fifty dollar per annum a certificate of which was issued dated 9th March 1833. signed by Lew Cass Secy of War, (as appears by the Certificate which I have before me.)
I further say that at that time said Whitman procured the testimony and deposition of Caleb Howland, by whom he proved some service in the revolutionary war, but how much service of the particulars I am unable now to state. I think that Howland was also proved to be a credible witness to the satisfaction of the Court. I now understand that Howland is dead.
I further recollect that said Whitman had also the testimony of the Honl Henry Olin of Leicester who has since deceased but I cannot from recollection State what proof he made by his witnesses.
I further say that I have been well acquainted with Benjamin Whitman for the last twenty years and that he has always sustained a fair character for honesty, integrity, and veracity and I would believe him or his testimony as readily as most any man with whom I am acquainted and he stands high among all his neighbors for honesty & truth
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I further say that said Whitman has always had the reputation of having been a revolutionary soldier, and done service, I have often heard him relate his services the times places & his officers, before he thought of obtaining a pension & before the person law was passed entitling him to pay and further say not. ---
E. N. Briggs 
Addison County ss. Middlebury June 19. 1845. Personally appeared E. N. Briggs above named and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is according to truth 
Before me John Front Justice Peace 
State of Vermont Addison County Clerks Office I, George S. Swift, Deputy Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison do certify that John Prout Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate to which this is attached, a justice of the peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the same is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Middlebury in said County, this fifth day of July A.D. 1845 
George S. Smith Deputy Clerk
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Benjamin Whitman of Leicester in the County of Addison and State of Vermont being duly sworn, deposes and says, that under the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 he made application for a pension on account of his revolutionary services and was placed on the pension list at the rate of fifty dollars per annum, and has regularly received the same, until the fourth of September 1841; but on his application for the instalment due 4th of March 1842, he was informed that his pension was suspended. From a letter of the Commissioner of pensions to Hon William Slade dated 28th February 1842, he supposes his pension was suspended, on account of doubts as to his service, as he stated in his original declaration. In that letter the Commissioner States that the service “of 8 months” on account of which this deponent claimed and was allowed a pension, is said to have been under under Capt. Simeon Harrington of Scituate R. Island in 1777. Capt. Harrington of Scituate was a militia officer, and at that time served monthly in rotation of 3 classes, and could not have served more than 4 months in 1777.” and the Commissioner adds, that “there are now persons in Scituate whose testimony should confirm his required statement upon oath of each tour &c.” - That this deponent says that he is now eighty four years of age, and it is sixty four years since he left Scituate, and is not aware that any person is now living in that place, with whom he was acquainted or who had any knowledge of his service; and besides, on account of his advanced age and infirm he is not able to go to Rhode Island to find the required testimony, and is a wholly unable to pay any person for going there for that purpose. But he avers on his oath and on his honor as a man, that he did serve, at last eight months in the year 1777, under Capt Harrington without interruption. He has no recollection of monthly service in solution, as stated in the commissioners letter, [crossed out] but he recollects [/crossed out] but he recollects, that during the time some of the troops left the service, and others entered to supply their places, but as to his own service
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there was no rotation or interruption during the whole period. He entered the service in the month of March of that year, there being the snow on the ground, and continued in the service, and did not leave ^it until the month of December, or possibly November, the weather being then cold and the ground frozen hard. Being about removing to Vermont, he had no engagement or business in Rhode Island, and he knows that he was not employed during that season in any other business, any part of the time, except in the above mentioned service. The service was performed at Warwick in Rhode Island. The corps stationed there was under the command of Coll Cornell, afterwards General. The troops had no active service, except that this deponent, with about two thirds of the troops, on an expedition, one night to Prudence Island, took seven British soldiers prisoners, who had come to that is land for water from the British fleet, which was then lying off that place. This, I think, was in July or August. This deponent also served, as he stated in his declaration, four months in the year 1775, under Capt Sheldon, two months of which time he was stationed on Conanicut Island, and two months on Newport Island. He also aver, that he served two months under Capt. Hickock in 1776, in Vermont; being stationed at Pittsford, but was employed most of the time on scouts - one month at Castleton in 1778 ^or 1779 under Capt. White, & half a month at Rutland under Capt. Hutchins. The statement of service ^in Vermont as mentioned in the Commissioners letter, above mentioned, is not according to the fact, but whether there was the same mistake in his declaration, he is not now able to say; but if that mistake occurred in his declaration, the statement was taken down differently from what he related it. This deponent knows of no direct evidence, of his said service, which he can obtain, but herewith forward the testimony of some of his neighbors, who have long known him, that his character for veracity as such, that he would not be likely to perjure himself for the small pension to
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which he is entitled, according to the laws of his country for his revolutionary Services. 
Benj Whitman 
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 21st day of May 1742  James Andrews Justice of the Peace
We the undersigned residing in the town of ^Salisbury and Leicester in the County of Addison in the State of Vermont, being duly see in deposes and say, that for many years, we have lived near to the residence of Benjamin Whitman of said Leicester, who has made the foregoing affidavit and have been well and intimately acquainted with him and his reputation; that his character for integrity and veracity is wholly unimpeached and unimpeachable; and that from our knowledge of him and his reputation, we cannot know and do not believe, that he has made, or could be evidenced to make a false or erroneous Statement under oath or without oath, for the sake of attaining a pension. We further say that he retains his mental faculties and especially his memory to an uncommon degree, for a man of his age. 
S. W. Stanley Justice Peace
John Prout Justice Peace 
James Andrews Sworn to the above affidavit before me this 23rd day of May 1842 John G Perry Justice Peace

James Andrews Justic Peace
John G Perry Justice Peace
John Bullock
AA Swinington                           (Select Nine of Leicester
Marshal A Doty Justice Peace     L. D. Jenny 
Sam Briggs
Aaron Barrows              Wm Perry
Mark R Weeks               Edward Morin
E. B. Jenny Justice Peace
Mateo J. Enos
R S Larrabee Justice Peace
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 21th Day of May 1842
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 23 day of May 1842  James Andrews Justice Peace
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I am aquainted with Mr. Whitman. He is a man of the most undoubted truth, and is among the most reputable man in the community, in which he resides. I am also acquainted with the signers of the foregoing affidavit, and have them to be among the most intelligent reputable in the community
William Slade 
Aug 24. 1842 
State of Vermont Addison County ss} I Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison do hereby certify that Same Andrews Jun. and John G. Perry, before whom the within affidavits were made were at the time Justices of the peace for said County and their names respectively subscribed to the certificate thereto attached on their respective handwriting
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 23 day of May 1842. 
Saml Swift Clerk
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I Benjamin Whitman of Leicester in the County of Addison and State of Vermont of the age of Eighty Seven years do declare and say, that I was born in Scituate in the State of Rhode Island on the 26th day of February 1758. about the first of October AD 1775. when I was in my eighteenth year I joined the company of Malitia, then stationed on Connonicut island in the State of Rhode Island under the command of Capt Stephen Sheldon, and Lieut George Torrance, and ensign Peter Tift and Caleb Harrington was orderly Sergeant. I traveled thirty miles to go to said Island, and took the place of Thomas Seaman who I suppose was drafted for the service, I joined the company on Connonicut island, which had been stationed there previous to my joining the service and I suppose was made up by a draft from the Malitia of Rhode Island when I went there I did not go as a soldier but after I got there the Said Seaman who was an uncle to me, got me to take his place, and he returned home immediately after, and did not return. Of the privates of the company I recollect [illegible] Fry, Benj’n Fry, James Brown, Thomas Thorington Jonathan Harrington Links Harrington Joel Davis Philip Parker & Stephen Bennett. and those men were from the town of Scituate R.I. The company consisted of Sixty or seventy men, & were all the troops when was then Connonicut Island during the time I was there. The quarters of the Company were the house of Mr Hawler a little South of the ferry. I did service in this Company as a private soldier from the time I joined it in October until the December after when the whole company left the island in a sloop and went to Providence R.I. and from there to Situate Eighteen Miles. I was in the Company the whole time, I think in some three or four days after we went to situate, I again
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left Situate under Capt Stephen Sheldon & the other same officers and the same company thought there might have been some change in the privates. We march the first day after leaving situate to Providence 18 miles, on the second day went to Rehoboth 10 or 12 miles from Providence, and on the third day crossed Bristol ferry on to the island of Rhode Island, and on the fourth day arrived at Newport and was quartered at the house of Mr Bannister, about one mile North East of the town. I recalled seeing Genl Lee when I was going on the towards Newport at the ferry house & had a company of Riflemen with him. Our principal business near Newport was to keep guard, & while I was there, the troops built a picket fort around the house of Mr Dudley, which was the head quarters of the American force. I think there was three companies when I was there and Col Ezekiel Cornell, commanded the whole force. a seventy four Gun British Ship lay in Newport harber all the time I was on the Island. I remained at this station till some time in February 1776, when I left-- I think it was the 10 or 12 of February, I left my company there, my brother who was also a soldier was there & taken sick, & I obtained leave of absence from Captain Sheldon to return with my brother home, when I left Newport I received from Capt Sheldon an order on Mr Tillinghast of Providence, paymaster, from whom I received my pay but how much pay I received I cannot recollect, I recollect that I receive pay in Rhode Island money. And according to my recollection I served as before stated making some over four month service as a private soldier according to my best recollection which I think is correct.
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In March 1776. I went to Vermont and hired out to work to Mr Green of Clarendon in Vermont, and on the last of June of the same year I enlisted under Capt Benj Hickock, and served under him one & Capt Gordon Brownson as a private soldier. When I enlisted at this time I do not recollect that any time was fired upon was the enlistment was as a scout or ranger, I believe I was out one two months at this time, altho the Vermont pay rolls only put me down for 28 days, but they could not include 14 days which I was sick at Pittsford near the fort. I was stationed some time at Pittsford and at Middleby & other places.
I further say that I performed service as the return of the Vermont pay rolls show under Captain Abraham Salisbury in 1780 five days, under Capt Ichobad Robinson in 1781 ten days as a private.
I further say that in the commencement of the winter of 1776:7 I returned from Vermont to Situate R.I. my native place and some time in March 1777. I went to Warwick Rhode Island where I found I think three companies of troops under the command of Col Ezekiel Cornell. I there in said month of March enlisted into the Capt Simeon Harrington, who commanded one of the Companies there, I recollect as members of the company Ebenezer Cole James Loman Stephen Bennett John Bennett Asher Bennett Jonathan Harrington John Collins Elish King Anthony Brown Stephen Brown, Gideon Hamon, Asa Turtlot Thomas West Wm Ferer, Salisbury, Nathl Cornell, I think Capt Isaac Paine, commanded one other company there at the same time & Capt Coomer Smith commanded the other-
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While at Warwick the Company of Captain Harrington to which I belonged was stationed at a red house at the head of Sloop navigation & the house of Mr Green, we were then moved to a cow house west of the first Station about 1/4 of a mile, towns Greenwich, then I think in June, we moved quarters to the commons to a house of Mr Lockwood - I served in the Company of Capt Harrington from Much untill I think in September following when my time of service expired under Capt Harrington, at which time a new draft was made for men from Situate when William Sheldon was drafter, who hired me to take his place & I did so leaving Capt Harringtons company and immediately joining Captain Jeremiah Davis’ Company, where I remained till cold weather. I think till December, I cannot State the precise time but I recalled of Standby sentry at Warwick neck when it was cold weather & when the ground was frose [sic] hard. Capt Davis Company was stationed about one mile west of Warwick Common, and as to pay for the service of this year I cannot recollect. I recollect one transaction near the last of July or first of August, Col Cornell had the troops together in the afternoon, and told them to be in readiness if a call should be made, about ten oclock the drums beat “to arms” the three companies were assembled & drawn up in a line, Col Cornell went through the time & other for volunteers for a scout service that night & upon passing through the line a sufficient number volunteered for the service, among which I joined, we went from Warwick & embarked in boats, and crossed over to Providence
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Island, and were secreted under a stone wall till near morning when we intersected a watering party of the British and took six prisoners and went back to Warwick. Warwick is 25 or 30 miles from Situate.- 
In the winter of 1778-9. I returned to Vermont and in June 1779. I joined the company commanded by Capt Hutchins, and served and was stationed at a picket fort at Rutland Vermont. I served at this time one half month and acted as Sergeant during this service. This was a volunteer service, and in the same year I volunteered and went to Castleton in Vermont and there served one month as Sergeant, and served in the Company command by Samuel White of Shrewsbury, and this service was in the fall of the year, there was a picket fort there, at Rutland there was not more than 15 or 20 men at the time, but A Castleton there was about 150 men and were under the command of Col Fletcher. I recollect very distinctly about the service last above mentioned making one & one half month, and this service was fully proved by Caleb Howland at the time I first made my application for a pension. Said Howland is now dead, & if his testimony was distroyed [sic] after it was sent to Washington, I have no means of supplying it.
I know of none of my comrads [sic] who were in the service with me, now alive, and I am not able to procure the same testimony which I did & could at the time I first made my application for a pension 
Benj. Whitman
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Addison County s. at Salisbury in said County, on this 9th day of June A.D. 1845, personally appeared Benjamin Whitman aforesaid, and made oath that the foregoing declaration by him subscribed, contains the whole truth:
Before me. John Prout Justice of the peace 
State of Vermont Addison County Clerks Office 
I, George S. Swift, Deputy Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Addison, do certify that John Prout, Esquire, was, at the date of the certificate, to which this is attached, a justice of the peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the same is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Middlebury, in said County, this fifth day of July A.D. 1845. 
George S. Swift Deputy Clerk