Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 9748, for Jacob Smith, Vermont
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Vt.|

Smith, Jacob
Molly

R9748

CONTENTS
b. July 7, 1760 in Morris Co. N.J. 
res (residency) during Rev. (Revolution) Rutland Vt. & Bridport Addison Co Vt.
died at Bridport, Aug. 21, 1852.
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"Jacob Smith married to Molly Bond May the 7th 1816."
I hereby certify that the above certificate of marriage is a true copy of the original transferred from the family record kept in the Old Bible used by, & in the family of the said Jacob Smith. late of s'd Bridport, deceased.
I also certify that I have examined the Books in this office and find no record of their marriage, 
Bridport Vt Town Clerk
Office April 5, 1856
E.E.  Groomer
Town Clerk of
Bridport
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No 3750
Vermont
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BRIEF in the case of Jacob Smith of Bridport of Addison in the State of Vermont 
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 67
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
[column headings: Period.|Duration of Service.(Years,|Months,|Days.)|Rank. As a|Names of Generals and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen.|]
Jany In 1779|Substitute|4|blank])|Private|Capt Lee. Col. Warner|
May or June " |([blank]|6 to 7|Months)|} |Capt Sawyer|
[blank]|(by enlistments of one month each)|} do|[blank]|
[end of columns]
5. In what battles was he engaged? [blank]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rutland Vermont
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living & traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective Seal not properly attached
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
/s/Jas C Wilson Examining Clerk.
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Case of Jacob Smith
Affidavits.
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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 Udney H. Everest before whom the annexed affidavits of Sally Converse, George Gale, Pain Converse, Paris Fletcher, Calvin Solace and Horatio Seymour were made was at the respective dates thereof a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name severally subscribed thereto is his own signature.[court seal affixed] 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 25th day of February 1841. 
/s/Saml. Swift Clerk
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss } Be it remembered that before me Udney H. Everest a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Addison personally appeared Sally Converse a Resident of the Addison in the county of Addison afore'd aged Sixty three years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to Law do depose  testify and say - That I am the Daughter of Captain John Gale late of Bridport in the County of Addison deceased - my father John Gale was a commissary in the Vermont Militia during the Revolutionary War and was stationed at Rutland Vermont - and that in the year 1788. my fathers family were living in the fort at Rutland although then young I well recollect of living in the fort - and that according to my best of my recollection and belief Jacob Smith now of Bridport in the county of Addison afore'd was in the year 1779 a soldier at the fort at Rutland afores'd that he was a waiter to my father John Gale. And I do well remember of having my father John Gale in relating the times of the Revolution say that the afore'd Jacob Smith was a waiter to him while in the service of the United States at Rutland afores'd - I further testify and say that I have been acquainted with the said Jacob Smith ever since the year 1779. and that he is a man of truth and undeniable veracity - and that whatever he states can be relied on with perfect confidence - 
/s/Sally Converse
Sworn and Subscribed to this 12th day of February AD 1841
Before me /s/Udney H. Everest Justice Peace
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I hereby certify that Sally Converse who has sworn to and signed the preceding affidavit is a credible witness
Attest /s/Udney H. Everest Justice Peace
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss } Be it known that before me Udney H. Everett a Justice of the peace within and for the county of Addison afore'd personally appeared George Gale of Bridport in the County of Addison afs'd of lawful age and being duly sworn depose testifies and says that John the Son of John Gale late of Bridport aforesaid deceased that the s'd John Gale was a commissary in the Vermont Militia at Rutland during the war of the Revolution. And I further testify that I have frequently heard my father the s'd John Gale state that Jacob Smith now of Bridport afores'd was a Soldier at Rutland during the Revolution and that he was a waiter to my said father - 
I further testify that I have been acquainted with the s'd Jacob Smith from my earliest recollection and that there is ever since with whom I acquainted. man strictly honest and upright - That compleat confidence may be placed in whatever he states - The Said Jacob Smith has ever been considered and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that opinion - 
/s/George Gale
Sworn and Subscribed to this 11th day of Feby 1841.
Before me /s/Udney H. Everest Justice Peace 
I hereby certify that the above named George Gale is a credible witness
attest /s/Udney H. Everest Justice Peace
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss } Be it known that before me H Everest a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Addison afore'd personally appeared Pain Converse a resident of Addison aged Sixty three years and upward who being first duly sworn according to Law deposes testifies and says that he has been acquainted with Jacob Smith of Bridport ever since the year 1790. That he is a person whose veracity was never doubted - that whatever he thereto States may be relyed on as true - That he has ever since my acquaintance with him being considered to have been a Soldier of the Revolution in the Vermont troops - and I concur in that opinion
/s/Pain Converse
Sworn and Subscribed to this 18th day of Feby 1841.
/s/Udney H. Everest Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Pain Converse is a credible witness - Attest /s/ Udney H. Everest Justice Peace
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss} I Paris Fletcher of Bridport in the County of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age do depose testify and say that I have been acquainted with Jacob Smith of Bridport afores'd for twenty five years last past [illegible] is an aged man, and a person of strict veracity,  and in whom compleat confidence may be placed - That whatever he states may be relyed on.
/s/Paris Fletcher
The above affidavit sworn and subscribed to this 11th Feby 1841 Before me /s/Udney H Everest Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Paris Fletcher is a credible witness
attest /s/Udney H Everest Justice Peace
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss } I Calvin Solace of Bridport in the County of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age depose testify and say that that I have been acquainted with Jacob Smith a resident of said Bridport for about Eighteen years last past that he is a man of strict veracity and that there is no man in Bridport whose veracity can be more safely relyed on - 
/s/C. Solace
Sworn and Subscribed to this 29th day of January 1841
Before me /s/Udney H. Everest Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Calvin Solace is a credible witness
/s/Udney H. Everest Justice of the Peace
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I Horatio Seymour of Middlebury in the County of Addison and State of Vermont being duly sworn according to Law depose testify and say that I have been acquainted with Jacob Smith of Bridport in Said County of Addison for something like forty years last past that he a man of strict veracity and I can say that I know of no man whose veracity can be more safely relyed on, that said Jacob Smith was a member of one of the earliest families that settled in the western part of Vermont - That I have ever understood that his two Brothers older than himself (Viz) Nathan Smith and Marshall Smith during the Revolutionary war were taken prisoners and carried to Quebec where they were detained as prisoners for a long time & have frequent heard Marshall Smith relate the particulars of himself & others being taken prisoner & carried to Quebec And I further testify that perfect relyance can be placed on what the said Jacob Smith shall state or has stated [illegible] to his Services as a Soldier of the Revolution 
above interlineation made by me before signing
/s/Horatio Seymour
Sworn and Subscribed to this 29th of January 1841.
Before me /s/Udney H. Everest Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Horatio Seymour is a credible witness 
Attest /s/Udney H Everest Justice of the Peace

I know Jacob Smith well, and he is one of the most rigidly honest men I ever knew, and possesses a strong vigorous mind. 
/s/William Slade
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State of Vermont
District of Addison ss } On this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six, before the Probate Court for the District of Addison personally appeared Joseph C. Eldridge and Luther Smith both of Bridport in said District, and both of lawful age, who first being duly sworn, according to law, do on their said oath say, that they were present when Jacob Smith and Molly Bond (now Molly Smith) were united in marriage by Henry Chamberlin a Minister of the Gospel 
/s/Joseph C. Eldridge
/s/Luther Smith
Signed and sealed in presence of 
/s/Oliver Eldridge
/s/Jacob W. Conroe } Subscribed and sworn to this 20. day of March AD. 1856 
Before me /s/Calvin G. Tilden Judge of Probate for the District of Addison
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State of Vermont
District of Addison ss } On this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and fifty six before the Probate Court for the District Addison personally appeared E. S. Pettibone and Mary E Smith both of Bridport in said District of Addison both of lawful age, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on their said oath say that they were present at the time of the death of Jacob Smith of said Bridport, the husband of Molley Smith which occurred on the 21st day of August A.D. 1852 in said Bridport
/s/E. S. Pettibone
/s/M. E. Smith
Signed & sealed in presence of 
/s/Oliver Eldridge
/s/Jacob W. Conroe } 
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of March A.D. 1856
Before me /s/Calvin G. Tilden Judge Probate for the District of Addison
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State of Vermont
District of Addison ss } On this 20th day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty six, before the Probate Court for the District of Addison in said State, personally appeared Molley Smith a resident of Bridport in said District and State aforesaid, aged sixty six years who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 3d day of February A.D. 1853. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Jacob Smith, who was a private in Captain Lee's Rangers and served as a substitute of Benjamin Andrews about four months, and who also served from six to eight months in the company commanded by Captain Sawyer in terms of one month each, without leaving the service; that he enlisted in January 1779. at Rutland Vermont where he then resided, under Capt Sawyer and belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col John Claghorn; and that he was in the service over one year, as I verily believe, 
She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Smith, on the 7th day of May A.D. 1816 in said town of Bridport, by Henry Chamberlin a Minister of the Gospel and has lived with the said Jacob Smith
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as his wife from the time of their marriage to his death. She further states that her said husband Jacob Smith died on the 21st day of August AD. 1852 at Bridport aforesaid, that she was not married to him prior to the second of January eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated, She further declares that she is now a widow 
/s/Molly Smith
Signed and sealed in presence of us
/s/B. G. Bennitt
/s/Jacob W. Conroe } Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of March A.D. 1856 
Before me Calvin G. Tilden Judge of Probate for the District of Addison
State of Vermont
District of Addison ss } I Jedidiah S. Bushnell, Register of the Probate Court for said District of Addison, do hereby certify that the foregoing (including the depositions of Joseph C. Eldridge, Luther Smith E. S. Pettibone & M. E. Smith) are the original proceedings before said Probate Court on the declaration of Molly Smith made to obtain the benefit of an act of Congress passed Feb'y 3d 1853. and that Hon. Calvin G. Tilden who subscribed the certificates of the oaths of said witnesses to said depositions and of the said declarant to the foregoing declaration is the Judge of said Court. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court at Middlebury in said District this 20th day of March A.D. 1856 - 
/s/Jed. S. Bushnell Register
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3750
Jacob Smith
Vermont
act 7. June 32
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State of Vermont
Addison County ss } Ferrisburgh August 23rd 1832 then appeared before me William Myrick one of the Judges of the County Court for said County of Addison Josiah Kellogg of Ferrisburgh in said County and after having carefully examined doth depose and say that for many years he has been acquainted with Jacob Smith who now resides in the Town of Bridport in s'd County of Addison I well recollect that in the year 1778 or 1779 or both years he was a Soldier with me at Rutland Vermont under Capt Lee or Capt Sawyer I was in the garrison at Rutland both years and did duty in both Capt Lees and Capt Sawyers Company but for what period of time Mr Smith served I cannot say and further say not 
/s/Josiah Kellogg
Sworn to before me /s/William Myrick asst Judge

State of Vermont
Addison County ss } I, Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison, do hereby certify, that William Myrick, before whom the above affidavit was made was at the time an assistant Judge of said County Court, and his name subscribed thereto is his own signature. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this 27th day of August 1832
/s/Sam'l Swift Clerk
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State of Vermont
District of Addison ss } 
On this 27th day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for said District of Addison, being a Court of record now sitting, Jacob Smith a resident of Bridport in said District of Addison, aged sixty seven 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 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated - 
At Rutland in the County of Rutland Vermont, - the forepart of January 1779, I took the place of Benjamin Andrus, then a private, in a company commanded by Captain Thomas Lee, - (Marsh & Mott being Lieutenants & Marsh Ensign - the latter having died, while I belonged to the company) - this company was not then attached, and I understood to any regiment, - but was afterwards attached to the regiment commanded by Colonel Seth Warner - I engaged for the term of four months, and served in that corps for that period, and at the expiration of that time, I was relieved by the said Andrus, who returned to his place: The said Andrus had enlisted, either for three years or during the war, I do not recollect which: - And the said company, as I understood, belonged to the Continental establishment: - This service was performed at Rutland aforesaid, - & consisted altogether of garrison at Fort Ranger - 
At said Rutland, not more than from ten to fourteen days after the close of the service above mentioned, I enlisted into a company of Vermont militia under the command of Captain Sawyer - for one month - and at the expiration of that time I again enlisted for one or two months, & under such short enlistments, I served without interruption, until the last of the month of January 1780 - the time I enlisted into the militia was last of May or first of June. - Although this service
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was performed under several distinct enlistments - there was no interruptions in the service, - and I continued on duty & drew rations the whole time. - Lieutenants Wright & Coburn are the only other officers I can recollect, - at that time - There was only one company of that place, after the Continental troops were marched away, which was about the first of June; and Capt. Sawyer had the command of the fort: - During this period, I performed garrison duty, for the forepart of the time; another latter part I acted as waiter to Capt. Gale, who acted as waggonmaster, and commissary of the troops in that neighbourhood.
Previous to the above mentioned service, I resided with my father in Bridport, in the County of Addison, Vermont, on Lake Champlain, - And being exposed to the incursions & ravages of the British, Indians & tories, my fathers family removed to Rutland, in the neighbourhood of the above mentioned fort, - and at length, the family removed into the garrison - where they resided when I first entered the service, being then only fourteen years of age. - I was born in Morris County New Jersey, July 7th 1765. - I do not know of any record of my birth made at the time - Since I have kept house, I have made a record of my birth, as I learned from my parents in my family bible. 
I have lived ever since the close of the Revolutionary war in Bridport Addison County Vermont. - I never had any written discharge nor have I any documentary evidence of my said service; nor do I know any evidence of my said service except the affidavits hereto annexed. - 
And the said Jacob Smith hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. - 
/s/Jacob Smith
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid 
/s/Sam'l Swift Judge
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State of Vermont
Addison District ss } 
On this 27th day of August 1832, before the Probate Court for the said District of Addison personally appeared Hannah Doty residing in Bridport in said District, aged sixty two years October last, and being duly sworn deposes & says, that in the time of the Revolutionary war, my father resided in Bridport in the County of Addison, Vermont on the shore of Lake Champlain; - And being exposed to the ravages of the enemy, the year after Burgoyne came out of Canada, 1778, he removed to the town of Rutland in the County of Rutland, near to a fort, then in possession of the American troops - And after remaining there for a time, - my father moved his family into the fort - and I think his family remained in the fort as much as a year: I well recollect that while there, my brother, Jacob Smith, now residing in said Bridport, who has this day made application before the Probate Court for the District of Addison for a pension served as a soldier. - and performed a soldier's duty, and drew rations; - but as I was then young, in my tenth year, I am not able to recollect exactly how long, - but he drew rations, if I am not mistaken about, or quite all the time we remained there. And I am not able to state under what officers he he served; but I recollect there was there at the fort a Captain Sawyer & a Captain Bronson. 
/s/ X her mark Hannah Doty.
Submitted & sworn the day & year aforesaid,
/s/Sam'l Swift Judge
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We William Myrick, lately residing in Bridport, now in Panton in the County of Addison, and an assistant Judge of the County Court for said County, and David Doty residing in said Bridport, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Jacob Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty seven years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - and that in our opinion his statement is entitled to full & implicit credit. - 
/s/William Myrick
/s/David Doty
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid.
/s/Sam'l Swift Judge. 

And the said Court 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 further certifies that it appears to them that that William Myrick, who has signed the preceding certificate is an assistant Judge of Addison County Court, resident in the town of Panton in the County of Addison, and that David Doty who has also signed the same is a resident in Bridport in said County, and is a credible person, and that their Statement is entitled to credit. 
/s/Sam'l Swift, Judge
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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 Jacob Smith for a pension
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 27. day of August 1832. 
/s/Harvey Bell Register
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9748.
P. O. Jacob Smith
Service: Molly wid
[overwritten: REJECTED]
Enlisted: [blank], 18[blank].
Discharged: [blank], 18[blank].
Application filed: [blank], [blank].
['Alleges:' crossed out] The printed list of 1852 gives cause of rejection as 
['Re-enlisted:' crossed out] "Under age."
Attorney: [blank]
P. O. [blank]
[blank] Recognized. [blank] Contract.
Page 26

No 38,358
R9748
Jacob Smith Vermont
det to Hesi Jas. Meacham Jun 24 52 52
Act June 7 1832
Page 27

Vermont
Jacob Smith
rejected
ans'd S. Haight - Apl. 8th 1834 cannot find
S. Swift Apr 23, 33✓
But 16 years dd in [illegible]
see letter S. Swift
23d April 1833✓
C. B. Hill, August 31, 1840
Hon: W. Slade, 6 March 41
Page 28

Jacob Smith
Declaration Case 32 of Vermont
I have a copy of the letter from pension office to Wm Slade of march 6. 1841
from Arad Joy
9748
Page 29

[' Sec'y's certif - 
78. July. Cap't Allen - Col Herrick - pri 4 mo. 25
79 Aug  " Sawyer - " 2. 00
79. May  "  "  - " 1.11
81 aug  "  Galusha  "  Allen Saratoga Corp - 4
81 oct.  "  Hurlburt ' Sec - - Smith Corpl. 10 ds - 
81 oct.  " Trains  "  "  - - pri. - 9
81. Oct. " Galusha  "  "  Sergt. - 10-
82 Oct.     "  Arlington - Sergt. - 3/ -9 -2' crossed out]
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[blank page]
Page 31

[handwritten letter]

Salisbury Vermont
Sept 11, 1851

Dr sir
Yours in reply to mine inquiring for information in relation to the claim of Jacob Smith for a pension and retaining a power of attorney to me before communicating it  is rec'd. Herewith you have the Mr. Smith's power of atty. 
I suppose the evidence to be a file in the department entitling him to a pension, when his application has been pending a long time. Will you write me how the matter has been disposed of, and if his application has been denied, the [illegible] in the allowance of it? An early reply is hr'by requested.
Your obt servt
/s/J. Prout
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[handwritten letter]

Rutland, Vermont
Apl. 9. 1856. - 

Sir
Enclosed you have the application of Mrs. Smith for bounty land - Please advise me of the result of the application
Respy yrs
/s/J. Prout
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[handwritten letter]

Salisbury, Vermont
May 20. 1851 }

Sir - Will you inform me whether a pension has ever been granted Jacob Smith of Bridport in this State. He enlisted in Jany 1779 at Rutland Vt, in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Claghorn, and into the company commanded by Capt. Thomas Sawyer, and served over a year. He sent on his papers for a pension some years ago, through a Mr. Arad Joy, of New York, and has been ever since unable to learn any thing of the matter. Will you be so good as to refer to the papers and inform me what disposition has been made of his application, and if it was not granted upon the papers sent, what the difficulty is and reason why he is not entitled to it. 
Very Respy Yours
/s/John Prout.
Page 34

[handwritten letter]

Pen: off [margin note: 353]
Aug 31, 1840

Sir
In the case of Jacob Smith  under the act of 7 June '32, he asserted upon oath in Aug 32 that he was born in JUly 1765, served about 4 mo in Lee's Rangers ['in Summer of' crossed out] from Jany 79 as substitute of Benjamin Andrus - and about 6 or 7 mo under Capt Sawyer in terms of one mo each without leaving the service from summer of 79 to last of Jany 1780 - 
This is a narrative of his service upon oath in his sixty seventh year with a view of establishing a pro rata pension - The certificate of the Sec'y shews that Jacob Smith is credited with 145 days service ['in 79 from' crossed out]  in 1778 under Capt. Allen of Col. Herricks reg't of Rangers - The claimant as is seen above never asserted any such service & besides being but 13 years old was absolutely incapable of rendering it - The certificate applies to a different man - 
The other terms under Galusha Hurlburt - Trains & Sawyer (the 3 first not mentioned in his declaration) in which service is credited to Jacob Smith
Page 35

[handwritten letter]

pri. Corp'l & Sergt. do not amount to six months even if it could be shewn that he is the individual nominated in the certificate - 

E. B. Hill
August 31, 1840
O. C

E B. Hill esqr
Shoreham Vt.
Page 36

Hon J. Meacham
June 22, '32
Page 37

[handwritten letter]

Pension Office [margin note: 329]
June 22 1852

Sir
The informal declaration of Jacob smith has been received and filed, and I have the honor to inform you that the Department can not consider a declaration made before a Justice of the Peace. It must be made in Open court or his declaration, if made before a Justice of the Peace om account of infirmity, must receive the approval of a Judge of a Court of Record in Open Court, Proof of some must also accompany the Declaration. 

Hon James Meacham
H of Reps
Page 38

23d April 1833.
O.C.

Index

Recorded Vol. 8.
Page 501.
Page 39

[handwritten letter]

War Dept
Pension Office
April 23d 1833

Sir
The claim of Jacob Smith to a pension has been rejected. ['Without dwelling upon' crossed out] Independent of the other objections to which it is liable, if appears that the claimant, was born in 1765, and he alleges that ['he entered the' crossed out] his service was performed when he was but 14 years old. 
This statement cannot be regarded as correct. His papers are placed on file in this office. 

Samuel Swift Esq
Middlebury ['Co' crossed out] Vt.
Page 40

June 9 1852
Page 41

[handwritten letter]

[margin note: 105]
Pension Office
June 9 1852

Sir
Yours of Feby 13 1852 has been received together with the un-official Statement of the Secretary of the State of Vermont. Under a recent decision of the Secretary of the Interior, the claim of Jacob Smith can not be reopened, no additional evidence having been received for five years since the last ['decision' crossed out] adjudication of the claim.

J Prout Esq
Salisbury Vermont.
Page 42

Hon W. Slade
March 6. 1841
OC
Page 43

[handwritten letter]

[margin note: 41]

Pension Office
March 6 1841

Sir
I have rec'd the additional proof in support of the claim of Jacob Smith to a pension under the act of June 7 1832, and have placed it on file with his original papers. The objections to the administration of the claim, you will find fully stated in my letter to Mr Hall, on the 31. of Aug't last, a copy of which is herewith enclosed 
Those objections are not removed by the proof now submitted.
I have the honor 
/s/OC
✓June 7 1832
3750

Hon Wm. Slade
M. C. of Vermont
Present.
Page 44

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State, }
Montpelier, Dec. 3. 1851 }

[margin note: 1852 86/1766  1779 1766/13]

Dear Sir
I find the following service of Jacob Smith:
1 month & 11 days service as private Capt. Thos. Sawyer's Co. commencing May 19. 1779.
10 days as serg't Capt Elijah Galusha's Comp'y in Oct 1781.
9 days as private Capt Orange Train's co. Oct 17 81. Col. Lee's Reg't - commencing Oct 22d.
2 months as private in Capt. Thos. Sawyer's Co. 1779 from Aug. 15 to Oct 15.
"Smith Corp'l" (christian name not given) is allowed for 10 days service under Capt Hurlburt in Oct 1781, stationed at Castleton.
[margin note: 130 145 7/282]
Jacob Smith - 145 days Capt Eben'r Allen, Col Herrick - from July to Dec. - year not stated, except that it is stated that enlistment was out Jan'y 15, 1778.
3 days serg't Capt Galusha May 1782
10 days corp'l  "  Galusha Aug. 1781
You do not ask a certificate but only information. Should you want a certificate you can have it for $2.00.
Very respectfully, 
/s/F. F. Merrill

John Prout Esq.
Page 45

Hon Stephen Knight
City of Washington
Page 46

[handwritten letter]

Middlebury 27. Nov. 1833.

Dear Sir,
I advised several applicants for pensions in this neighborhood, who have not yet succeeded in getting their pensions, to commit their papers to your hands, - as I understood you proposed to visit Washington; and I had agreed to see you or write to you before you started; As I was about writing, I was informed, that you had started; and I now forward the papers in two cases, through my brother. - 
The papers in the case of Jeremiah Parker, have been retained for the purpose of his making a more definite statement of his service. - The friends have procured one additional affidavit, which is enclosed. - But I have advised them, that it will be wholly useless, to try to get any more definite statement from him. - His recollection has wholly failed, and is in such of state of utter confusion, as to all past events, that there is now not the least dependance to be placed on it. - Before his declaration was made I advised his  friends to sit down with him. - in circumstances the most free from all embarrassment, - and ascertain the facts as correctly as possible, from his respecting the periods of his service; - so that, if in making his declaration he should be confused, they might aid in my inquiries by referring to the statement he has made, when in a state
Page 47

[handwritten letter]

of entire composure. - And I spent nearly a whole day, in endeavoring to get the facts correctly; and I believe they are stated as correctly, as it is possible to state them from his own account. - Since that time his memory has failed still further; so that no reliance can be placed on it - 
I believe Mr. Edwards will be satisfied, that he served at least long enough to entitle him to some pension; and all that can now be done is to persuade him to allow him as much as you can. - He has no further testimony within his reach; and the papers cannot now be improved. - 
The case of Jacob Smith was rejected, - as you will see by the enclosed letter of Mr. Edwards - because he was too young - being only 14 years old, when he entered the service. - The applicant is so deaf, that it is impossible to carry on conversation with him, except by writing. It is possible some error crept into his declaration, on this account; but it is a fact, that he was only 14 years old, when he first entered the service; but still I am satisfied, that his application was rejected unjustly. - There is no a man in the county, more honest & upright - & on whose statement more entire reliance can be placed. - He has always been considered one of the most substantiated, - Straightforward men in Bridport I cannot, - from what I have seen of him, - be mistaken in the fact, that his story is true. There is no case in which I am more certain. - Besides, it will be found, on ex-
Page 48

[handwritten letter]

amination, - that one of his witnesses, - Kellogg of Ferrisburgh, - who now has a pension under the act of 1818, & was younger that this applicant. - I hope you will press this case, with all your might, - as I am entirely confident of its merits. 
He has provided one additional affidavit, - & the certificate of several of the most respectable men in Bridport & Addison, - including that of a very respectable Baptist clergyman, - to whose church I think he belongs, - together with the certificate of Mr. Seymour & Mr. Slade; - these are enclosed. - 
The case of Asahel Parsons' father, - whose christian name I cannot, at this moment recollect, - was, I understand, rejected, because, it was presumed, from his statement, that he served under a contract, - instead of being a regularly enlisted soldier. I am not, of course, able to recollect what I made him say, in his declaration, - that is, what form of expression was used, - but I am confident, he said nothing which conveyed such an idea to my mind. - His service was performed in guarding stores &c. - He is I understand, made to say, - that the guard were obliged ['one' crossed out] each to be on guard, at particular times, unless he hired some one to take his place. - He now says, that he thinks he did mention as exception of that kind, - because he think that some of them, from ill health or other cause, did in a few instances get others to take their places for a night, - but no instance occurred in his case, - and they had no more right to do so, than any other soldiers. - He is now confined with a broken leg, so that it is difficult to get an affidavit from him him, making an explanation - and besides he is not able to recollect the expressions used in his declaration, so as to correct
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[handwritten letter]

them. These are some of the reasons, why no additional declaration from him is now forwarded. Another reason is, that he has recently learned, - by the letter I enclose, - that all the persons living who were on that guard & in the same service, have lately obtained their pensions. - Asahel Parsons was to have furnished me the names of such as have obtained pensions; - but has not, except that of the sargeant of the guard - which is Moses Willson. - By referring to this case, & others, if they can be ascertained - this fact may be ascertained. - And it is thought this fact may obviate the necessity of further explanation. - If it does not, Mr. Parsons wishes you to examine his declaration & copy & send him, the exceptionable expressions. - These applicants wish you to inform me of any thing interesting in their cases. - This may be done through my brother or some other person having a franking privilege. - Respectfully &c. - 
/s/S. Swift. -
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State of Vermont

Secretary of State's Office
Montpelier July 25. 1840

I hereby certify that there is on file in this office a paper purporting to be a "Pay Roll of Capt Eben'r Allen's Company in Col Samuel Herrick's Regiment of Rangers raised by the States"; on which Pay Roll, in the list of privates, is the name of "Jacob Smith." with an allowance for 145 days service, commencing July 15th and ending December 6th 1778.
Also a "Pay Roll of Capt Thomas Sawyer's Company of Militia raised for the defence of the Northern frontiers of America - August 1779"; on which Roll, in the list of privates, is the name of "Jacob Smith", with an allowance for two months service, commencing August 15th and ending October 15th. 
Also "A Pay Roll of Capt. Thomas Sawyer's Company of militia raised for the defence of the Northern frontiers of the United States 1779"; on
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which Roll, in the list of privates, is the name of "Jacob Smith", with an allowance for one month and 11 days service, commencing May 19th and ending June 28th.
Also a "Pay Roll of Capt Elijah Galusha's Company in Col. Ira Allen's Regiment on the alarm in August 1781 To Saratoga"; on which Roll is the name of "Corpl Jacob Smith" with an allowance for four days service. 
Also "A Pay Roll of Detachment of men, being a part of the non commissioned officers and soldiers of two companies raised as a Serg from Col. Tho's Lee's Regiment of militia, for the defence of the frontiers of the State of Vermont, in October 1781, stationed at Castleton during their service, and commanded by Israel Hurlburt Capt in pursuance of orders from the Hon. B. Gen'l Enos, as appears by copy of orders from Lt. Col'o Clark to Capt Hurlburt, herewith"; on which Roll is the name of "[blank] Smith Corp'l" with an allowance of 10 days service. "A Pay roll of Capt Orange Train's Company in Col'o Lee's Regiment of Militia, commencing the 26th day of Octo. and ending the [blank] day of Nov'r 1781 inclusive the money being due from the State of Vermont"; on which Roll in the list of privates is the name of "Jacob Smith," with an allowance for nine days
Also
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service.
Also "a Pay Roll of Capt Elijah Galusha's Company of Militia in the town of Arlington, who marched for the defence of the frontiers of the State of Vermont in the month of October 1781": on which Roll, is the name of "Serg't Jacob Smith", with an allowance for 10 days service.
And, also, "A Pay Roll of a part of Capt Elijah Galusha's Company that went in the alarm in May last - Arlington Octo. 21, 1782"; on which Roll is the name of "Jacob Smith Serg't", with an allowance for three days service.
And said Pay Rolls appear to have been duly approved and paid. 
[official seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and the seal of this office this 25th day of July A.D. 1840. 
/s/Ferrand F. Merrill
Deputy Secretary of State.
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[handwritten letter]

Salisbury, Vermont 
February 13, 1852}

Dr Sir - Yours of Nov. 26, showing the condition of the claim of Mr. Jacob Smith of Bridport, who some years since applied for a pension is received. Since the receipt of yours I have seen him and learn that an omission was made in his original declaration in omitting to set forth any service under Galusha, Hurlburt and Trains. If it is necessary to [illegible] it in this report it can taken  anew.
He does not claim the 145 days service referred to by you but the mistake consists in not allowing him for his service as the substitute of Benj. Andrus. If this was allowed him his term would exceed six months and would unquestionably entitle him to a pension. The rolls [illegible] show that it was performed by Andrus and on examination of the rolls in the office of the Secretary of this State I find that Benj Andrus time was 3 years in Capt. Tho's Lee's Company, - and 9 months and 20 days in Capt. Parmenter Allens Co in 1780. This service was performed by him in that  year. I have taken Mr. Smiths affidavit and Mr. Dotys, and enclose them to Mr. Meacham our Rep in Congress to present to you. If any additional testimony in relation to Mr. Smiths reputation is required I can furnish it abundantly from the most prominent men in Bridport, as well as any amount of traditionary evidence of
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[handwritten letter]

service, but I am unable to find any living person to testify to the fact. If any further evidence of this character or an amended declaration is required, will you be so fine as to inform me, 
Respy Yours
/s/J. Prout, 
I herein enclose the letters of our Secy of State in relation to the service of Mr. Smith and Andrus to aid in any inferences you may make
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[handwritten letter]

Washington March 4. 1841.

Sir
I send, herewith, additional papers in the case of Jacob Smith, applicant for a pension under the law of 1832, & which I wish to call your early attention. 
Very respectfully Your obedient servant
/s/William Slade

J. L. Edwards Esq
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[handwritten letter]

STATE OF VERMONT.
Office of the Secretary of State, }
Montpelier, Feb'y 10th 1852 }

John Prout Esq
Dear Sir

I find 3 years service of Benjamin Andrus, in Capt Thos. Lee's Comp'y - commencing Dec. 21. 1776 - I say 3 years - time not otherwise stated on the roll now before me. 
9 mos. & 20 days in Capt Parmalee Allen's Co. 1780.
Respectfully
/s/F. F. Merrill
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[handwritten letter]

War Department Pension Office
23d April 1833. 

Sir, 
The claim of Jacob Smith to a pension has been rejected. Independent of the other objections to which it is liable, it appears that the claimant, was born in 1765, and alleges that his service was performed when he was but 14 years old. This statement can [obscured by fold] are placed on file in this office.
I am, respectfully your obt. s't
/s/J. L. Edwards

Samuel Swift Esq'r
Middlebury Vt.
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[handwritten letter]

Shoreham August 14th 1840

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
Mr Jacob Smith of Bridport informs me that he made application for a pension on account of his Revolutionary services under the act of 1832. and that he has not as yet obtained his pension, He has lately secured the enclosed Certificate from the Secretary of State of Vermont as evidence of his services and requests me to forward the same to you which according to Mr Smiths Statements he thinks will fully substantiate his claim to a pension.
Mr Smith wishes his pension certificate forward to me as soon as his pension is granted.
your attention to the same will much oblige Mr Smith's case 
yours Respectfully
/s/E. B. Hill PM
Page 59

Jacob Smith.
Supplemental Declaration.
Page 60

State of Vermont
District of Addison ss } On this 27th day of January 1841 personally appeared before the Probate Court for the said District of Addison in open Court, Jacob Smith a resident of Bridport in said district aged seventy five years, in July last, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in addition and explanation of his former declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1832: - At the commencement of the Revolutionary war, in 1775 he resided with his father on the Shore of Lake Champlain in Bridport, south east from Crownpoint fort, a short distance, and continued to reside there until the year 1778 - in October of that year, on account of the constant exposure of the inhabitants to the depredations of the British, who had possession of Lake Champlain, his father and mother and himself & one sister removed to Rutland, and went into the fort there to reside: - And his family being poor and destitute of the means of subsistence, and he having no other employment, he enlisted in the January following, into Capt. Lee's company or Rangers, there stationed at that fort, as a substitute for Benjamin Andrews, - the Captain consenting to receive him in his place and for the same wages. - being a robust, healthy and active boy; the pay and rations went to the use of the family and for their support. The above named company belonged to the Continental troops, but was not at that time attached to any particular regiment. He enlisted for and served the full term of four months, in the fort at  Rutland. Soon after this declarant's father removed from Bridport to Rutland, this declarant's two brothers, Nathan Smith
Page 61

and Marshall Smith, who were left behind, to take care of the property, were taken prisoners, with many others, by the British and carried to Quebec, and there detained for a considerable time, Ten [illegible] days after the expiration of the above mentioned service, for the month of May 1779, this declarant enlisted into a company of Vermont militia, commanded by Captain Thomas Sawyer, for a short period of one or two months - this declarant does not now recollect which - and at the expiration of the period of that enlistment, he enlisted again for a short period, and continued to serve under short enlistments, without any interruption, he thinks, for the period of eight months, until January 1780; he does not recollect that there was any time during that period, in which he did not receive rations; the service was performed in the same fort at Rutland; - from the last of August or first of September, he was selected and employed as waiter to Captain John Gale, then in the commissary department, and served in that character until the close of his said service, although he was daily mustered and annexed to his name at roll call; during the above service, he occasionally  served as a launched corporal, for want of a person in that office; in February 1780, his father removed to Tinmouth, in the same County; and while there he was attached to Capt. Orange Trains company of militia, but he does not now recollect the particulars of any service under Capt. Train; but he recollects, that a part of Capt. Train's company, of which he was one, was detached into the service, and went to Castleton, and was then put into a company under the Command of  Capt. Israel Hurlburt; and he there served under Capt. Hurlburt
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for ten days or more in October 1781 - he may have besides served in Capt. Train's company, for he recollects that he received his pay from Capt. Train; [illegible] he knows that there was no other Jacob Smith in Trains company: - This declarant distinctly recollects and knows that he performed the services above mentioned, notwithstanding the doubts, which the Commissioner of pensions entertains on account of his age; and he makes no claim for any other service; and supposes the other services referred to in the certificate of the Secretary of Vermont belong to some other person of the same name. 
/s/Jacob Smith
Subscribed and Sworn the day & year written before the said Court.
/s/Sam'l Swift, Judge
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. 
/s/Sam'l Swift, Judge

State of Vermont
District of Addison ss} I, Samuel Swift, Judge 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 Jacob Smith for a pension.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court this 29th day of January 1841. 
/s/Sam'l Swift, Judge
Page 63

In matter of the application of Jacob Smith for a pension for Revolutionary Service } 
State of New York
Essex County SS. }
Elijah Bishop being duly sworn doth depose, and say, that he reside in the town of Elizabethtown said county. That he is Seventy years of age and upwards. That he knows Jacob Smith now residing in Bridport Addison County State of Vermont. That he also knew said Smith when he known said lived in Rutland said state some years since. That he has known said Smith since early in the Spring in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy nine. That at that time this deponent first became acquainted with said Smith - That this deponents acquaintance with said Smith commenced as above at Fort Ranger in the town of rutland in the now State of Vermont - That within two days from the time of first seeing said Smith, this deponent became a soldier in a company stationed in said Fort. That said company was commanded by Thomas Sawyer who was Captain - The Lieutenant of said company was Joseph Holmes - Ensign Jonathan Coburn. Said Sawyer was commander of said Fort - said Company belonged to a regiment - commanded by Col. John Claghorne. That this deponent was enlisted and served nine months. That directly after this deponent commenced said service the said Smith also acted as a soldier in the same company with this deponent. That said Smith to the certain knowledge of this deponent did Soldiers duty in said company as well and ably as any Soldier belonging to said company and as this deponent believes to the entire satisfaction of his commanding
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officers; That this deponent after being in said company a little over three months acted as Corporal nearly two months and then acted as Sargeant four months. That while acting as Sargeant and having charge of the guard this deponent recollects said Smith was launched as corporal several times. - This deponent does not know but said Smith was a soldier when this deponent went to said Fort as aforesaid nor does this deponent know but he left said Smith acting as a soldier when this deponent left the army. On this point this deponents recollection is not distinct - but this deponent from the best of his recollection, thinks said Smith was in the service as aforesaid all or nearly all the times this deponent was a soldier as aforesaid
/s/Elijah Bishop
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 9th day of Oct 1833 at Elizabethtown Essex County }
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elijah Bishop the above witness and that he is a credible witness } /s/Alexander Morse Justice of the Peace
witness /s/Alexander Morse Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Essex County ss. } I Samuel Stow Clerk of the County of Essex & Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of said county do hereby certify that Alexander Morse Esq af'd before whom the above or foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said county - And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily  believe his name subscribed to the said jurat of the affidavit to be his genuine signature and hand writing Witness my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October in the year one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three 
/s/Samuel Stow clerk
Page 65

We Jonathan Merriam, a clergyman lately residing in Bridport in the County of Addison, and Benjamin Miner Ju'r Daniel Hamblin. Wm. H. Picket. Calvin Solace, Martin Gay, Luther Cory. Mitchel Kingman and John Burwell - residing in Bridport & Addison in said County hereby certify that we are, and have been for many years well acquainted with Jacob Smith, who has heretofore made application for a pension as a Revolutionary soldier; that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and no man in the community stands fairer, as an honest man, or a man of truth & veracity
/s/Benjamin Miner Jun'r - 
/s/C. Solace
/s/Luther Cory
/s/Daniel Hamblin
/s/Wm. H. Picket
/s/Martin Gay
/s/Mitchel Kingman
/s/John Burwell
Sworn & subscribed this 15th day of October 1833.
Before me /s/Joshua S. Strong Justice Peace

I certify that the above named Jonathan Merriam is a clergyman, and resides for several years, until last January, in the Town of Bridport, & that the the said Benjamin Miner Jr, Daniel Hamblin, Wm. H. Picket, Calvin Solace, Martin Gay Luther Cory Mitchel Kingman and John Burwell reside in the towns of Bridport & Addison, and are credible persons and their statement is entitled to full credit. 
Before me /s/Joshua S. Strong Justice of the Peace
This certifies that I have been acquainted with Mr. Jacob Smith of Bridport for about thirty years of no man has stood fairness or sustained a better character as a man of truth & veracity & an honest man than Mr. Smith - I am too acquainted with all the persons who have signed the above certificate they are among our most respectable citizens - Middlebury Vt. Nov'r 8th 1833 - 
/s/Horatio Seymour - 
I have not had any personal acquaintance with Mr. Smith, but know that his reputation stands high in the Town in which he resides. I am well acquainted with most of those who have signed the above certificate & know them all to be among the most respectable citizens of Bridport. Nov. 8. 1833 /s/William Slade.
Page 66

State of Vermont
Addison County ss } I. Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Addison, do hereby certify that Joshua S. Strong, before whom the within certificate was sworn to was, at the time a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name subscribed thereto is his own signature.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 27th day of November 1833.
/s/Sam'l Swift Clerk
Page 67

I, Jacob Smith of Bridport in the county of Addison and state of Vermont, on oath say that I am eighty seven years of age next July (1852) and I am the identical person who served in the army of the Revolution in Captain Thomas Sawyers Company - in Captain Orange Trains Company - in Captain Hurlburts Company, and in Lees Rangers, 
The service performed by me in Lee's Rangers was as a substitute for Benjamin Andrus, I further say that my term of service amounted to over six months, and to above a year, and that a part of it was in the Vermont Militia under Lee who was authorized by Congress to organize an independent Command under Col. John Claghorn. I further say that during that time I drew my rations and pay which was in Continental money. I also say that I done Garrison duties at Rutland Vermont, and was called out with my Company to Castleton Vermont, and acted for above four months at Rutland aforesaid in the Winter of John Gale who was baggage master Captain and Commissary [illegible] 
/s/Jacob Smith

State of Vermont
Addison County ss} Bridport January 28, A.D. 1852 - Then personally appeared before me Jacob Smith aforesaid and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is according to truth
Before me /s/John Prout Just Peace
Page 68

Know all men by these Presents, that I Jacob Smith of Bridport in the county of Addison and state of Vermont, do hereby constitute and appoint John Prout of Salisbury in said county, my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to receive from the agent of the United States a pension that may due me and to prosecute my claim for a pension for any services that I may have rendered in the service of the United States Army. 
Witness my hand and seal this 22d day of August A. D. 1851 - /s/Jacob Smith
Sealed and [illegible] in presence of 
/s/James O Connors
/s/Luther Smith
State of Vermont
Addison County ss } Be it known that on the 22d day of August A.D. 1851. before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said county, duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared Jacob Smith above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed.
[court seal affixed] Luther Smith Justice of the Peace
Page 69

No [blank]
Jacob Smith
Vt.
Act 7 June 1832
Page 70

I Marshal S. Doty of Salisbury in the county of Addison and state of Vermont of lawful age on oath say that I formerly lived in the town of Bridport in said county, and that I have been well acquainted with Mr. Jacob Smith of said town of Bridport for many years; that he has always been esteemed a very respectable man and is of an impeachable character, that he is generally regarded, and that full reliance may be placed in his veracity, as much so as in any man with whom I am acquainted
/s/Marshal S. Doty
State of Vermont
Addison County ss } At Salisbury in said county on this 4th day of February A.D. 1832 personally appeared Marshal S. Doty, and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is according to truth;
Before me /s/John Prout, Justice of the Peace