Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,252, Alexander Foster, Penn.
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(3-1776)

SERVICE.                                   NUMBER
Penn.   Foster, Alexander       S.32,252
———.  —————————       —————

============================

CONTENTS
15 blank lines
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Journal style document with writing on the left side only as follows:

25029
Indiana
===============================
Alexander Foster
Youngstown in the state of Indiana
He was a private in the
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State of Indiana Montgomery Circuit Court of Montgomery County
the Term of September 1832
On this 17th day of September 1832 Personally appeared in open court before the Honorable John R. Porter President Judge of said [two words crossed out] 
of the Circuit Court of said county now sitting Alexander Foster a resident of the county of Montgomery in the state of Indiana aged seventy four years. who being first duly sworn according to law, 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated namely that in the summer of the year he believes of 1776 (this applicant then being about 16 years old) he entered the service, of the United States under Capt Greaf of Landcaster
in Pennsylvania. The name in colonel of the Regt not now certainly recollected but thinks probably it was Col [large ink spot obscuring part of word. Probably "Cunningham"] of the Militia in the service of what was then called the Flying Camp. That he entered said service in town of Landcaster, Pa. at which time & previously his residence was above sd [said] Town in Landcaster County Hanover Township. That his first march in sd [said] service was from Landcaster to Philladelphia [Philadelphia] thence to Trenton. Thence to Amboy, the British then being in Staton [Staten] Island. From Amboy to Elizabethtown & to Newark & to Bargainpoint opposite New York. Thence to New York City. There about a mile out of the City, the main army being stationed part in the City & part at Bargain point. about this time 3 Regt of British having landed on the southern side of Long Island this applicant under Capt Greaf & some other companies under the command of Col. Lutes were dispatched to Long Island and landed on the west side & guarded at Flatt Bush
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about Eight days - Had frequent skirmishings [skirmishes] with British. was in the Army at the battle on Long Island after the main army or a considerable part thereof had come over to the Island in which battle Genl Sterling applicant thinks, was taken prisoner. This applicant being on and at flank escaped over and remained with the detachment in which he was then serving at York Island. From thence to Deland Mills & encamped with Col Hands Regt of Regulars from thence to West Chester to prevent the British crossing a marsh. had a skirmish with the British Col Hands Regt still
with us. From thence to East Chester to try to prevent the British from 
outflanking us, had a smart skirmish with a detachment of British troops
being covered by a stone fence. dispersed the British
This applicant thinks that Col Hand commanded having our Regt of Militia & his [illegible] Regulars. - From East Chester to Rockey Hill (so we called it) the hessians having lately landed in America & hear [here] our Picket Guard had a little skirmish with some plundering Hessians From Rockey Hall to White Plains and joined Genl Smallwoods [Smallwood's] Bragade [Brigade] stationed on two hills. Here British attacked our little army. our left wing gave way & lost (I think) a piece of artillery which was turned
against us. - From White Plains to North River applicant thinks at Kings Ferry in company with the main army he thinks under Genl Washington
here the company in which applicant served was made a rear guard. Crossed North River to Brunswick - Then crossed Raritan River. raized [razed] the bridge close persued [pursued] by the British who commenced firing across river soon after the bridge was razed.  Thence to Princetown. the main army being in advance or on some other road. Thence to
Trenton crossing the Delaware where we come up
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with the main army - and now at this time the term of our company expiring a part returned home & a part volunteered to remain longer. among which volunteers was your applicant who his first six months tour of Service now expiring + in addition to which your applicant volunteered for one month longer+ which term he served, and his former Capt. George Greaf returned home + applicant with others was attached to another Company the name of which Capt - he does not now recollect we lay at Trenton this additional month at the end of which he was discharged. his written discharges from these two terms of Service have been lost by time + accident. he does not recollect who signed his discharges. but thinks his captains he was discharged not long before Genl. Washington crossed over + took about 1000 hessians as he was afterwards in formed + believed. afterwards this applicant went to Philladelphia [sic] and entered as assistant in the recruiting business + assisted raising troops at Philladelphia [sic]. the next Spring [1 word crossed out:] after following, the British after wintering in + about New York. again made their appearance and landed their troops at the head of Elk, when this applicant again joined the army in the Service of the United States in the volunteer company of militia commanded by Capt. Joseph Work. Col. Cunningham, Reg--+" Len & Col. or Major. Clark. - rendevoused [sic] at Chester, went to Wilmington. this applicant and some others sent as spies discovered the British at MillTown. from Willmingon marched to Chaddeford. on Brandywine when the British were expected to cross here was the main army under General Washington, Layfayette here now also. and
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here we had  Woven ingagements [sic] with the British but they effecterd their crossing + our army retreated to Chester. had a skirmish with the British at a place called the White Horse, a Tavern about 60 miles from Philladelphia [sic]. [next 2 words crossed out:] Genl Washington Genl Wayne , applicant thinks commanded at the White Horse, we were driven by the British or rather by excessive rains. Thence marched through Donaldstown to Yellow Spring. Genl. Potter then being with us crossed Schoolkilm. to Germantown (The British being at this time on our right nearly opposite to Philladelphia [sic] as we learned. at or near Germantown at a place called the Trap. this applicant was in a battle with the British. Gen; Potter + Armstrong. commanding- a Genl. Stephens (supposed to be a little drunk. caused a blunder + bringing up his brigade which gave the British this advantage. from Germantown our marches short + irrigular - applicant was in a Battle at Chesnut [Chestnut] Hill. he things Col. Rodgers or Genl Irvine commanded, thinks the Genl. was wounded or some accident happened him. Leut. Little wounded at Chesnuthill. British about this time in or near Philadelphia. - that this applicant remained in Service of U.S. principally inployed [sic] in scouting parties. spies - or guards untill after this British evacuated Philladelphia [sic] when this 2nd or rather 3rd term of two months or more expired  this applicant was discharged. and after this applicant agiain entered the Service of U..S. and served a tour of two months as a guard of provissions [sic] + stores at Lebanon --
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This applicant further states that he was born from the best information he has had in Ireland, County of Dongeal in the year or about the year 1760, came to America before the Revolution that he is now about 74 years of age, has no recording of his age except a private record in the family bible.

That he was living in Lancaster County Pennsulvania when called into the service of the Unites States militia services the Revolutionary War he has lived in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky and now in Indiana.  And that he now lives in Montgomery County in state of Indiana.  That at the several times in which he entered the service of the U.s. he entered as volunteer in the militia service.

That the names of the regular Officers who were with the troops where this applicant served such Regiment as he can now recollect are given in the forecoing statements & declaration together with the circumstances of his services as is therein stated.

this applicant also states that he did received discharges fo rhis services he thinks signed by his captain but not certain by those which have been lost by time and accident.  This applicant further states that he has no documentary evidence in this knowledge or possession and that he knows of no person whose evidence he can procure by whom he can prove his services or who can testify to the services but himself.
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This applicant hereby relinquishes any claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not to his knowledge or belief on the pension roll of the Agency of any state or territory.

(15 lines crossed out)

Question of the Court.  Where and in what year were you born? ... Answer by Alexander Foster, applicant.

I was born in Ireland. County of Donegal. about the year 1760.

Question.  Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it?

Answer by Alexander Foster.  I have no record except the private record of my age in the familty Bible.
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Question by court: Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live?
Answer by Alexander Foster: I was living in Hanover Township, Lancaster Township, Pennsylvania when called into service as a private in the militia, since which time I have lived and since the Revolutionary war I have
lived I have lived in Pennsylvania, Virginia & Kentucky. I now live in Indiana, in Montgomery
County therein.

Question by the Court. How were you called into service? Were you drafted, did you
volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer by Alexander Foster: I entered the service of the United State as a volunteer, a private in Capt. Greafs company, in which I served six months. Again called into service as a volunteer a private in the militia, Capt name not recollected, served one month. Again called as a volunteer, to assist in raising recruits for the service; served in this employ about __ months. Afterwards called into the service as a volunteer, a private in the Militia under Capt Joseph Woek, Col. Cunningham,
Lieut Col. or Major Clark, served this term two months.

Question by court-- State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such Continental & Militia Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer by Alexander Foster, General Wayne, I think was with at the White Horse; Genl. Colonel Dutes, Col. Hands, and  Genl. Sterling & perhaps Genl Lee, at Long Island & New York. Genl Washington at Kings ferry.

And that the general circumstances of the services of this applicant are related in his foregoing declaration
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Question by Court.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the serivce and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.

Answer by Alexander Foster.  Yes, I did receive discharges when I left the services.  I think that they were given me by my cpatains but not certain by whom signed.. Does not know what has become of them..  but that they are lost by time and accident.

Question by Court.  State the names of persons to whom you are known in your neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a solder of the Revolution.

By said Alexander Foster, 
REv. Samiual Vancleave a minister of the Gospel resident in my neighborhood, and can state & testify my character for veracity and the belief of the neighborhood & theirs of my being a soldier of the revolution. I being know to them in my neighborhood.

Thereto subscribed in open court ... Alexander Foster.
John Wilson, Clerk

I'm Smauel Vancleave a Clergamin a minister of the gospel in Montgomery County, Indiana and William Ramsey and William M. Lane Thomas Henry (?) residents of the neighborhood od said Alexander Foster do herby certify that we are well acquainted
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with the said Alexander Foster, who has
subscribed the above declaration, that we believe him to be 74 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 we concur in that opinion.
Samuel Vancleave
William M Layne
Thomas Glenn
Wm Ramsey

Sworn to and subscribed in open court
John Wilson, 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 further certifies that it appears to them
that Samuel Vancleave, who has signed the
preceeding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in Montgomery County in the neighborhood of said applicant, and that Wm M Layne, Thos Glenn and Wm Ramsey, who has also signed
the same, is a resident in the same place and is credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
John R Porter

State of Indiana
Montgomery County
I, John Wilson Clerk of the said circuit court of said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Alexander Foster for a pension. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed of office this 17th day of September
1833.
John Wilson, Clerk
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Journal style document with writing on the right side only as follows:

No 24365
Alexander Foster Montgomery County
Indiana

From 1776 private 11 months
$36.66
        ~~
        100

18.33
——-
41.65


Jon Wilson Montgomery County
Indiana 
Crawford illegible
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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office
May 31, 1835

Sir:

the evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement ofyour case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace (thus }).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them;  and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate theinvestigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Alexander Foster, Montgomery County, Indiana

Period when the servie was rendered.
Entered December 1776
Vol.
Served
Served

DDuration of the claimant's service - Years. / Months. / Days.
- 6 -
- 1 -
- 2 -
- 2 -

Rank of the claimant.
Private
-
-
-

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Gen'l Washington
Capt. Greaf, Colonel Cunningham
Cap Work, Col Cunningham
Officeers not received

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
73 years, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary evidence, scrtupes (?) certified credible. No clergyman and no reason given - pepers not properly attached.

Battle of the Whit Plains, Brandywind, and German Town.

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissionr of Pensions
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
On this          day of         personally appeared (a) before          A.B. a resident (b) of       in the county of          and State, Territory or District
of          aged (c)           years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)          with           and
served in the          (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.    A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above-named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I,          of the Court of          do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of          for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this          day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in          and C.D. , residing in (the same)          hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with          
who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
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 we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
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 further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.       who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the          and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,         Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this          day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war,
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general  circumstances of your services.
6, To a Soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
6. To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for  veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b)The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c, A,B, who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For---year----months, and ---days, I served as a . For months and - days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which may pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove in service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses
and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by note applies to continental troops only.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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July 30, 1930

AWF:MLB
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

Mrs. W.R. Spence
Sayre, Oklahoma

Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 32252, that Alexander Foster was born in 1760, in County Donegal, Ireland.
While residing in Hanover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served as a private with the Pennsylvania troops, as follows:-
In the summer of 1776, six months in Captain George Greaf's Company, Colonel Cunningham's Regiment, and was in the battle of Flat Bush, skirmishes at Westchester, East Chester, Rocky Hill and the battle of White Plains; a little later, one month in Colonel Cunninghams' Regiment, and was in the battle of Brandywine, White Horse, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill; after which he served two months as a guard of provisions and stores at Lebanon.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Montgomery County, Indiana.
There are no data as to family.
The above noted is the history of the only Alexander Foster that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
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August 13, 1930

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB
[handwritten note: "Alexander Foster S-32252"]

Mrs. W.R. Spence
Sayre, Oklahoma

Dear Madam:
You are advised that the Revolutionary War soldier, Alexander Foster, whose pension claim was S.32252, was not allowed bounty land by the United States.
For information relative to land that may have been granted by the state from which any soldier served, you should consult the archives of that state in the capital.
This bureau has no general genealogical data on file and is unable to furnish the history of any soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.

Very truly yours

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner

[handwritten note: "Her letter in George Foster R.3685"]
Page 18

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
AWF:eel

January 4, 1930

Mr. John F. Clearwaters
514 West Market Street
Crawfordsville, Indiana

Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.32252, it appears that Alexander Foster was born in 1760, in County Donegal, Ireland.
While residing in Hanover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served as a private with the Pennsylvania troops, as follows:
In the summer of 1776, six months in Captain George Greaf's Company, Colonel Cunningham's Regiment, and was in the battle of Flat Bush, skirmishes at Westchester, East Chester, Rocky Hill and the battle of White Plains; a little later, one month in Colonel Cunninghams' Regiment and was in the battles of Brandywine, White Horse, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill; after which he served two months as a guard of provisions and stores at Lebanon.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Montgomery County, Indiana.
There are no data as to family.

Very truly yours

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Page 19

May 9, 1929

J.F. Clearwaters,
Crawfordsville, 
Indiana.

Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 32252, it appears that Alexander Foster was born in 1760, in County Donegal, Ireland.
While residing in Hanover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served as a private with the Pennsylvania troops, as follows:
In the summer of 1776, six months in Captain George Greaf's Company, Colonel Cunningham's Regiment, and was in the battle of Flat Bush, skirmishes at Westchester, East Chester, Rocky Hill and the battle of White Plains; a little later, one month in Colonel Cunningham's Regiment; in 1777, two months in Captain Joseph Work's Company, Colonel Cunningham's Regiment and was in the battles of Brandywine, White Horse, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill; after which he served two months as a guard of provisions and stores at Lebanon.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
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September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Montgomery County, Indiana.
There are no data as to family.

Very truly yours

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Page 21

May 8, 1929

Mr. Verhis B. Servies
Culver
Indiana.

Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 32252, it appears that Alexander Foster was born in 1760, in County Donegal, Ireland.
While residing in Hanover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served as a private with the Pennsylvania troops, as follows:
In the summer of 1776, six months in Captain George Greaf's Company, Colonel Cunningham's Regiment, and was in the battle of Flat Bush, skirmishes at Westchester, East Chester, Rocky Hill and the battle of White Plains; a little later, one month in Colonel Cunningham's Regiment; in 1777, two months in Captain Joseph Work's Company, Colonel Cunningham's Regiment and was in the battles of Brandywine, White Horse, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill; after which he served two months as a guard of provisions and stores at Lebanon.
Page 22

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832, at which time he was living in Montgomery County, Indiana.
There are no data as to family.
Respectfully, 

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Page 23

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., April 25, 1906.
S. F. 32252.
Rev. War.

Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Alexander Foster, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Summer 1776
LENGTH OF SERVICE: 6 mos
RANK: Private
CAPTAIN: George Greaf
COLONEL: Cunningham's 
STATE: Penn.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT:
After 1777
LENGTH OF SERVICE: 2 mos
RANK: Private
CAPTAIN: Joseph Works
COLONEL: Cunningham's 
STATE: Penn.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT:
Same year 1777
LENGTH OF SERVICE: 2 mos
RANK: Guard of provisions and stores at Lebanon

Flatbush, White Plains; skirmishes at West Chester, East Chester and Rocky Hill, Brandywine, White Horse
 

Battles engaged in: Germantown, Chestnut Hill
Residence of soldier at enlistment: Hanover Township Lancaster Co. Penn. -
Date of application for pension: September 17, 1832: his claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application: Montgomery Co. Indiana
Age at date of application: born in 1760 in County Donegal, Ireland -
Remarks:
Mr. James D. Smith
205810311 - 05
Very respectfully,
R.F.D. No.
Danville, Indiana
Commissioner.
Page 24

March 31, 1911

Mrs. Catherine C. Warren, 
133 Liberty Place, 
Princeton, N.J.

Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 25th and received the 27th instant, you are advised that in the claim of Alexander Foster, Sur. File No. 32,352, Rev. War, the application is on file, but owing to a lack of clerical force available for the purpose, this Bureau is unable to furnish full copies of such papers, but any person designated by you will be allowed to examine and copy the same.
The dates of Rooky Hill skirmish and of his death are not stated. For date of last payment of pension, person to whom paid and probable date of death, application should be made to the Auditor for the Interior Department, U.S.  Treasury Department, citing the following data: Alexander Foster; Certificate No. 35,027: issued November 13, 1833, Act of June 7, 1832: at the Indiana Agency.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 25

Sayre Okla
July 26, 1930
Mr. E. W. Morgan
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C
Dear Sir,
Replying to your letter of the 21st, let me give you the following information in regard to my 
ancestor, alexander Foster. 
The former received
Page 26

A grant of land at Shells Ford, Warren Co, Tenn.  I think he fought in Virginia Militia, perhaps or possibly South Carolina. His son, Richard Foster Married Margaret Shell in Warren Co. Tennessee. The had the following children: 1. Mahala 2. Thurza Jane 3. Caroline 4. George 5. Rachel, born in 1825 6. Richard 7. Alexander, Born 1832.
Richard Foster is supposed to have fought in War of 1812. He fought in some war. My grandfather Alexander was an infant or very small child
Page 27

where Richard died.

Richard may have been too yound to fight in 1812 I figure his first child must have been born about 1817.

I am most anxious to get record of Alexander I pp.  He must have fought in the Revolution since he had a grant of land.

Very sincererly,

Mrs. W.P. Spence
Sayre, Okla.



Deputy
JUL 28 1930
Page 28

[letterhead]
The Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Office of the Secretary-Treasurer and Genealogist
John F. Clearwaters, Ph.D.
514 West Market Street
Crawfordville, Ind

[handwritten letter]
Nov 13 1929

Sirs:
On page 183 of the Census of Pensioners for Revolutionary Services with their Names, Ages & Places of Residences 6th Census 1841 is found the name of Alexander Foster living in Brown Tshp Montgomery Co. Indiana, said to be 83 years of age and residing with Alex. Foster.
You will greatly oblige quite a number of people, if you will inform me what your records show as to his service, his pension, place of payment, and whether continued after death to his wife
Thanking you, I am 
Sincerely yours
Jno F. Clearwaters
Page 29

Crawfordsville, Ind, Nov 3. 1928

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

Sir:
In the Census of Pensioners, take in the 6th Census showing Revolutionary Pensioners & c. on page 183 appears the name of
Alexander Foster aged 83 residing under own name, in Brown Tshp Montgomery Co. Ind. Will you please give me a statement of the Revolutionary service on which his pension was based?
I shall be very much obliged.
Yours 
J.F. Clearwaters
Page 30

Culver Indiana
Oct. 22, 1928

Pension Commissioner
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you please give me information concerning my Second great grand father - - Alexander Foster, Revolutionary War Soldier; he inlisted from Pennsylvania Lancaster County I think. I want the date of his inlistment-time served, date of discharge --Company & Regiment.
Thanking you I am
Resp.
Veris B. Servies
Culver Indiana.

[stamped] U.S. Pension Office G Oct 24 1928
Page 31

R.R. No 1
Waveland, Indiana,
April 11, 1918.

Bureau of Pensions, Washington D.C.

Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly furnish me a certificate of service of our my revolutionary War ancestor
Alexander Foster B. Feb. 10, 1759
d. June 27, 1843, Montgomery County, Ind. He married in 1795 Sarah Campbell. His Revol. Service was in Pa.
The Daughters of the American Revolution are holding up my papers for said certificate and asked me to procure the same.
Thanking you for same as promptly as possible, 
I am,
Very truly yours, 
Mrs. Mary W. Oldshue,
R.R.No.1, Waveland, Indiana.

U.S. Pension Office L Apr 18 1918
Page 32

[handwritten comment "Reva Sec "]

Room 1333, #30 N. La Salle St.,
Chicago, Illinois.

Bureau of U.S. Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:-
Some five weeks ago I wrote you for a certificate of service of my ancestor ad have not had a reply from you. Was elected to membership some weeks ago in the Sons of the American Revolution, and on receipt of same I can finish my final papers. Will you not kindly give this your earliest attention and greatly facilitate matters.

My ancestor was Alexander Foster
born Ireland, Feb. 1, 1759
died in Montgomery Co., Indiana
June 27, 1843; served in the 
Revolution from Lancaster Co. Pa.
Was twice married, last wife wife was Sarah
Campbell, who d. Dec. 11, 1845.
Awaiting your kind courtesy, 
Very truly yours, 
Robert Franklin Foster.
Page 33

Room 1333 Stock Exchange Building, 
Chicago, Illinois
January 9th, 1917

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-

Will you kindly give me the pension certificate of service of my ancestor,
Alexander Foster born in Ireland about 1757 and came to American when but a boy and took part in the Revolutionary War soon after. He is buried in Montgomery County, Ind. 1841 or 2 he died, but can get exact date from marker. He received a pension for his service, so kindly oblige me by giving the facts as stated therein.
Thanking you, and hoping for a very early reply, as I want to qualify for membership in the Sons of the American Revolution,
Very truly yours, 
[signed] Robert Franklin Foster
Page 34

March 25, 1911

RECORD DIVISION - MAR 27 19911

133 LIBRARY PLACE
PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY

Bureau of Pensions

Alexander Foster was granted a pension on application made on Sept. 17, 1832 - residence Montgomery County, Indiana.

---

For his record see
Pg 229 Vol IV  Penn. Archives 5 services
" 1074 Vol VII  "  "  5 " "

---

I want to get the date of his Rocky Hill Skirmish and the date of his death.

---
Page 35

I presume the application for pension has been destroyed.  If not is there any way by which I can get a copy of it and a facsimile of his signature.
(Mrs.) Catherine C. Warren
Page 36

[letterhead]
[upper left]
Foster V Smith
[upper right]
American Central Life Bldg.
Indianapolis

[typewritten letter]
March 8, 1909.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-
The writer is engaged in gathering such evidence as there is inexistence showing that Alexander Foster was a solider in the United States Army in the War of the Revolution and am addressing your Department at the suggestion of the Adjutant General. I wish to obtain, if possible, a copy of such records as there are in existence bearing on this subject and also if possible have such copy certified by some official of your Department, as correct. 
I am advised that said Foster enlisted in the Revolutionary Army in the summer of 1776, served sic months as a private under Captain Greaf, Colonel Cunningham's Flying Camp of the state of Pennsylvania; that he later served two months under Captain Joseph Wark. At the time of enlistment he was a resident of Hanover Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He made application for pension September 17th, 1832 and resided at the time of applying for pension in Montgomery County, Indiana.
I would thank you to advise me what expense there will be attached to the foregoing.
Assuring you that this favor will be greatly appreciated, I am, 
Very truly yours, 
Foster V Smith

[stamped] U.S. Pension Office A Mar 10 1909
[stamped] Records Division Mar 17 1909
Page 37

Danville, Ind. April 14, 1906.

Hon. V. Warner, 
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:-
For family history and genealogical purposes, in a book to be gotten out this fall I will thank you to give me such information as is afforded by the records of your office concerning the military service of my grand father, Alexander Foster, of Montgomery Co., Ind. who was a pensioner on account of services in the Pennsylvania state troops in the Revolutionary War.
Please address me at R.F.D. #1, Danville, Ind.
Yours Respectfully,

[signed] James D Smith

[stamped] O.W. & N. Div. Files Apr 19 1906
[stamped] U.S. Pension Office A Apr 18 1906
Page 38

[letterhead]
[upper left]
President Isaac F. Mack Sandusky, O.
Treasurer Stimpson G. Harvey Toledo, O.
Registrar William L. Curry Columbus, O.
Historian George H. Twins Columbus, O.
Chaplain Rev. Julius A. Atwood Columbus, O.
[center]
Vice President
William H. Hunter
Chillicothe, O. 
Ohio Society
Sons of the American Revolution
Office of the Registrar 
Columbus
[upper right]
Secretary
William A. Taylor
Columbus, O.
Board of Management
Orlando W. Aldrich Columbus, O.
James H. Anderson Columbus, O.
Charles O. Probst Columbus, O.
Thomas M. Anderson Sandusky, O.
John W. Harper Cincinnati, O.
Moulton Houk Toledo, O.
James H. Bradford Columbus, O.
The President, The Vice-President,
The Secretary, The Treasurer, The Registrar
[stamped] Old War & Navy Files Feb 10 1905

[typewritten letter]
Feb. 7th. 1905.

Hon. E.F. Ware,
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir:-
Alexander Foster who served as a Private in Pennsylvania Troops during the Revolutionary War, is supposed to have drawn a pension. I therefore write you by request of one of his descendants, asking you for a certificate as to the fact that he drew pension.
This is for use in an application for membership in the Ohio Society, Sons of the American Revolution.
Yours very truly,
W L Curry
State Registrar
[stamped] U.S. Pension Office A Feb 8 1905
Page 39

32252
Revy Invalid.
File No. 32,252
Alexander Foster Pri Rev War
Act:  June 7th 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nov. 21 - 1902
Mrs. Eliza E. Davis
Crawfordsville Ind.
Feb'y 18. 1905- Hist. W. L. Curry. Columbus
1906 Apr 25- History to James
1909 Mch. 31. Hist. to Foster V. Smith V. L. M
1911 Mch. 31 Catherine C. Warren
that she can have papers copied 
also where to apply for probable date of death V. L. M

1917 Feb. 19 Hist to Rob't F. Foster aw
1918 Apr. 20 Hist to Mrs. Mary W. Disshoe
1929 May 8   "      "  Voris B. Servies {initials illegible}
1929 May 9. Hist. to J. F. Clearwaters. A. D. Y.
1930- Jan 4 - Hist to John F. Clearwaters awy.
1930- July 30 - Hist to Mrs. W. R. Spence awy
1930- Aug. 13 - Mrs. W R. Spence
adv. no {initials illegible} from U. S. See letter in Geo Foster R. 3685 awy
Page 40

John Wilson Clerk
Page 41

Alexander Foster application for a Pension.
24365
Page 42

State of Indiana
County of Montgomery SS
Montgomery Circuit Court of the {illegible} of September in the year 1832.
On this 17th day of September in the year 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Hon John R. Porter President and James Still associate Judges of the Circuit Court of Montgomery County now sitting.  Alexander Foster, a resident of the County of Montgomery in the State of Indiana aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated namely.  That in the summer of the year he believes of 1776, then about Sixteen years old. he entered into said service under Captain Greaf of Landcaster in Pensylvania.  The name of the colonel of the Regiment not certainly now recollected, but thinks probably it was Col. Cunningham, in the service of what was then called the flying camp. that he entered said service in the Town of Landcaster Pa. at which time & previously he lived in Lancaster County, Pa above s'd town in Hanover Township.  that his first march in s'd service was from Landcaster to Phillidelphia, thence to Trenton.  thence to Amboy, the British then being in Staton Island. - From Amboy to Elizabeth town, to Newark, & to Bargain point opposite New York.  thence to N. York City. thence about a mile out of city.  the main army being at this time part in the city & part on bargain point.  about this time three Regiments of the British having landed on the southern side of Long Island. this applicant under Capt. Grief & some other companies under command of Col. Lutes were dispatched to Long Island & landed on the west side and guarded at Flatt Bush about Eight days. had frequent skirmishings with the British, was in the army at the time of the battle after the main army or a considerable part thereof had come over to the Island, in which battle & Sterling were taken prissioners.  this applicant being on an out flank escaped over - and remained with the detachment in which he was then serving at York Island. from thence to Delances mills & encamped with Col. Hands Reg't of Regulars. from thence to West Chester to prevent the British {illegible} a marsh had a skirmish with the British.  Col Hands Reg't & ours still together.  From thence to East Chester to try to prevent the British from out flanking our troops had a smart
Page 43

skirmish with a Detachment of British troops being covered by a stone fence dispersed the British.  this applicant thinks that Col Hand commanded having his Reg't of Regulars & our militia. from East Chester to Rocky Hill (so we called it) the Hessions having lately landed in America, & here our picket guards had a little skirmish with some plundering sessions.  From Rocky Hill to White Plains and joined Gen'l Smallwood's Bragade. stationed on two hills. here the British attacked our little army. our left wing gave way & lost (is thought) a piece of artillery. which was {illegible} on our retreating men.  From White Planes, marched to North River. applicant thinks at Kings ferry, in company with the main army he thinks under General Washington.  Here the company to which applicant served was made a rear guard. crossed {illegible} River to Brunswick, crashed Raritan R. raised the bridge, close followed by the British who commenced fireing across river soon after the bridge was raised. thence to Princetown. the main army being in advance or taken an other road. thence to Trenton crossing the Delaware where we came up with the main army. and here at this time the time of our company expireing a part returned home & a part volunteered to remain in service a month longer among which volunteers was this applicant his first six months tour of service having now expired. and his former Capt. George Greaf having returned home. this applicant & the other volunteers were attached to an other company the name of the captain of which he does not now recollect. we lay at Trenton this additional month. at the end of which last month this applicant was discharged his written discharge is lost by time & accident. he was discharged not long before Ge'l Washington croossed over & took about 1000 Hessiens as he was afterwards informed and believes. - and after his discharge this applicant went to Philladelphia and entered as an assistant in the Recruiting Service. and assisted in raiseing & recruiting troops at Philadelphia and at Landcaster.  The next spring following, the British after wintering in and about New York. again made their appearance and landed their troops at the head of Elk. when this applicant again joined the army in the service of the United States in the volunteer company of Militia commanded by Capt. Joseph Work. Col. Cunningham's Reg't Leut. Col. or Major Clark. rendevoused at Chester went to Wilmington. made from this place this applicant & some others sent as spies. discovered the British at Mill Town. from Wilmington marched to Chadds ford on Brandywine where the British were expected to cross. here was the main army under General Washington. Lafayette now here also. and Here we had warm engagement with the British. but they effected their crossing & our army retreated to to Chester. had a skirmish with the British at a place called the White
Page 44

Transcription

Horse, a Tavern about 60 miles from Philadelphia. General Wayne he thinks commanded. at the White Horse ^ [inserted: but not certain] we were driven by the British or rather by the rain that fell – from thence marched through Don nals Town [Downingtown] to Yellow Springs. Genl. Potter then being with us – Left Yellow Springs crossed Schoolkill, thence to Germantown (the British being at this time on our right nearly opposite Phillidelphia as we learned) – here at Germantown at a place called The Trap, this applicant was in a battle with the British Genls Potter & Armstrong commanding our troops – a Genl Stephens. supposed to be a little drunk. caused a blunder in bringing up his bragade which gave the British the advantage of us in the battle – from Germantown our marches were short and irregular. this applicant was in a Battle at Chesnut Hill he thinks Col Rodgers or Genl Irvin commanded. thinks the Genl. was wounded or some accident here happened him. – The British at or about this time being in Phillidelphia. Lieut. Little wounded at Chesnut Hill – That this applicant remained in the service of the United States. principally employed in scouting parties. spies and guards. untill after the British evacuated Phillidelphia. when this this second or rather third terms being a tour of Two ^ [inserted: or more] months expired. this applicant was discharged. and after this. this applicant, again entered the service of the United States and served a tour of two months as a guard of Provisions & Stores at Lebanon.

This applicant further states that he was born from the best information he has had. in Ireland [crossed out text] ^ [inserted above: County of Donegall] in the year or about the year 1760.. ^ [inserted: came to America before the Revolution (illegible) 7 years of age] that he is now about 73 years old. has no record of his age but his own private [illegible] That he was living in Landcaster County in the State of Pennsylvania when called into the service of the United States. That since the Revolutionary War he has lived in Pennsylvania & Virginia and in Kentucky and now in Indiana. and that he now lives in Montgomery County in the State of Indiana. That at the several times in which he entered into the service of the United States. during the Revolutionary War. as aforesaid. he always entered the service as a Volunteer. – That the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where this applicant served and such Regiments as he can now recollect, and some of the general circumstances of his service are as above stated This applicant also states that he did receive discharges for his
Page 45

Transcription

said services, but does not now recollect by whom they were
signed.

This applicant further states that he is known in the
present neighborhood in which he now lives by the following
named gentlemen who can testify as to the character of this
applicant for veracity and their belief of my services as a
soldier of the revolution, to wit — David Jones, Thomas Glenn
[line partially struck through / overwritten]

This applicant further states that he has no documentary evidence
in his knowledge or possession and that he knows of no person
whose testimony he can get who can testify to his service
other than himself.

That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not
to his knowledge or belief, on the pension roll of the agency of
any state or Territory.

Alexander Foster

Sworn to and subscribed the day
and year aforesaid.

John Wilson, clerk

We David Jones & Hugh Galey
residing in the County of Montgomery state of Louisiana hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Alexander Foster, who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be
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
we concur in that opinion.

David Jones
Hugh Galey

Sworn and subscribed the day
and year aforesaid

John Wilson clks

and the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the
investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories
Page 46

Transcription

prescribed by the War Department that the above applicant was
a revolutionary soldier and served as he states — And the Court
further certifies that it appears to them that David Jones
& one Hugh Galey who has signed the preceding
are resident in the County of Montgomery state of Louisiana, and
are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.

John R. Porter
James D. Till

I John Wilson clerk of the Circuit Court of the County of Montgomery
in the state of Louisiana do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of Alexander Foster for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office
this 17th day of September in the
year eighteen hundred and thirty two.

John Wilson, Clerk