Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R, for Jesse Smith, Connecticut
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(3—1776)
SERVICE
Conn.  
Smith, Jesse  
NUMBER 
R-----
CONTENTS
born & lived in Stamford, Fairfield Co Conn died there in 1801 or 1802 or 1803
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[stamp] PENSION OFFICE MAY 3 1861
Jesse Smith Con
18 on 1818
R
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Norwalk 10th Spt 1861

Honl. Mr. Bennett
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Having been an applicant for pension, under your predecessor Mr. Whiting, permit me here to, make my statement of claim for pension,
My grand Father Jesse Smith of Stamford Fairfield Co Con was a soldier of the Revolution, serving as orderly sergeant in the Continental Army. He served nearly 6 years, was honorably discharged at the
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close of the War, returned to his family & home & did in 1803.

When the Act of Congress granting pensions to the widows of deceased soldiers was passed my father made application on behalf of my grand mother the widow of said Jesse Smith. She at the time being dependent upon her children of which my mother was the youngest and my grand mother was at the time residing with the family of my father.

In answer to this application, the return made, was that, the books to which were in the Department at Washington were last
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burned or destroyed in the War of 1812, so nothing could be done. Some 3 years since I saw it stated that an act was past granting pension to the children of deceased soldiers in cases where it had not been received by the parents.

I then found that their was a record of the service in the office of the Comptroller of this State. I procured a certified copy of the date & time of the services of my grand father Jesse Smith as orderly sergeant and forwarded in behalf of my mother who was the youngest and only living child of said Jesse Smith. Her maiden name was Sally SMith.
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The answer returned me by your predecessor Mr Whiting was "That the pension had been paid up to the year 1818 the time of the death of said Jesse Smith and consequently nothing was done.

I saw by this there was some error and set to work to find it and found that their was another of the same name but he was of the Eastern part of the State and died at the time mentioned. I made out a petition and sent by our late Rep Hon O. S. Ferry of this town and who I am sorry to say has been defeated inbeing elected.
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again - He is a good man &
a staunch Rep. He said he
would bring the case before
Congress to be acted upon
the past Session-- but so far
as I know nothing has been
done. I supposed though it
may be wrong that the neglect
shown by your predecessor
was That I was a Republican
yet I may be in Error I am
and have been a member of
the party from its origin and
a Working Member not only at
Home but abroad-- yet on this
I make no claim Justice &
Right should be awarded to all
without refference to party -- My
claim is a Just & Righting
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one if there be any such. If necessary
I can send. The certifficate to
you of said service-My
petition
I presume is on file in the office
To which I would respectfully call
your attention
Chs F. Raymond
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Chas F. Raymond
Oct. 27
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Encs

Pension Office.
Oct. 27" 1858.

Sir:

I Enclose herewith the letters of L.N. Fowler Esqr. which accompanies Your letter to this Office of the 16" Instant.

It is Evident from these letters that You have been in correspondence with Mr. Fowler in relation to the claim of the heirs of Jefse Smith to a pension, as well as other cases.

I find nothing unusual in the terms indicated by Mr. Fowler, upon which he proposes to prosecute Your case before Congrefs.

I have heretofore given You all the information the files of this Office afford in relation to the Service of Jefse Smith & neither Mr. Fowler nor any one else could procure additional Evidence in reference thereto, upon a personal search of Our rolls or files.
Chas. F. Raymon, Esqr.  Norwalk, Ct:
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Chas F. Raymond
June 14
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Pension Office, June 14, 1857.

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 5th instant, addressed to the President of the United States, and communicated through the Department of the Interior to this office, I have to state that as it appears your grandfather "died in 1803--before any pensions were granted," and that your grandmother "died a few months previous to the passage of any act granting pensions to widows" of revolutionary soldiers, no pension ["money" stricken out] or other allowance in money could possibly have been due them at the time of their respecctive deaths, in virtue of your grandfather's alleged service in the revolutionary war.  Neither children nor grand-children of revolutionary soldiers are entitled to pension under any law of Congress.
Very respy
Charles F. Raymond Esqr.
Norwalk, Connt.
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Norwalk Oct. 16th 1858
Hon Geo C Whiting
Hon Sir
Your Kind favor
came to hand this morning I hasten to
comply with your request and Enclose
both the Letter & circular of the said
Fowler with the hope that it may be
serviceable
Now Sir will you have the
kindness to inform me if there is any
Record of my Grand Father Jesse Smith's
service in the War of the Revolution. he
went from Stamford Fairfield Co. I think
in the [illegible] Line served 5 years &
some months. He died I think in 1801 or 2
- the Record of the exact time I have
not yet been able to find but can do
so by going to Stamford. There is also
now living old Soldier in the
town of New Canaan who was in the same Regiment.  I will endeavour to see him and get his affidavit before I come to Washington
Under gratefull Obligations
for your attention
Your Obt Svt Respectfully
Chs F. Maynard
Norwalk, Con
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Chas F. Raymond, July 7. 1858
Same Sept. 27, 1858
same, Oct. 5" 1858
Same Oct 13" 1858
same " 27" " 
Same June 14 /59
Same July 26 59
Same Aug 18 60
Hon. J. Thompson
cannot find
Oct 25/59
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These letters refer to
Jesse Smith
born Stamford, Conn.
res        "           "
Died      "           "  1803. or 1801

Ordly Sergt 5 yrs
.
Found in the claim of
Jesse Smith S. File 36, 768
Sergt Conn line for the War
Pensioned under act 1818.
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Norwalk July 30th 1859

Geo C Whiting Esqr

Honb Sir

Your favor of the 26th is before me--I do not comprehend it--You say it appears that Jesse Smith & His Widdow Died before any Law was passed Granting pensions--Jess Smith my Grand Father Died in 1803--My Grand Mother in 1837--My Grand Mother through My Father made application I think in 1818 or thereabouts at the same time with others in the Neighbourhood--who Recievd pensions [last word underlined] and the answer Returned was that ["any" stricken out] the Reccords were Destroyed at the Burning--or some part of them so that His name was not found.

Sir In my letter to the President
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I did not suppose He had the power to Grant pensions--But the right in His next Message should He be Spared to propose one--He has the power & Right--to Recommend the passage of Such Laws--as Shall be Just and Equitable to all His Constituants and people--
I know the Man personally an well--and His Kindness--of Hart and believe He would do all in His power to render Justis & Equity to all--I speak not as a politician or partizan for I am neither further than to exercise my Right to vote if able to go to the polls--
And though I did not vote for James Buchanon I nevertheless believe Him to be a sound upright & Honest Man and one that will do that which He believes to be Right if in His power
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Yet I do not expect or wish or in anyway desire--that He or any other Officer or Servant of the Government should do or attempt to do a thing that Should be Unconstitutional--or in anyway--cans reproach--

I am a Yankee--born & Bread--And Love My Country--and Her Constitution and neither ask or Desire any form or thing incompattible therewith--

With Gratefull thanks for your Kind attention--I am Sir
Yours Respectfully
Chs. F. Raymond

Honl
G.C Whiting      )
Commissioner  )
of Pensions      )
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[stamp] PENSION OFFICE AUG 1 1859
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[Stamp in upper left corner of original]

[illegible]SION OFFICE
Jan
8
1860.

Commissioner of Pensions
_________________________________________
Rcd. Jan 7/60--and filed
The Sec'y having been fully informed
as to the certified master Oct 25/59

Norwalk 30 Dec 1859
K.G.
Sec'y Book

To the
Honbl Jas Buchannon
President of the
U.S.A.

Honr'd & Respected Sir

I have now I trust all the necessary Evidence for the claim for pension for Services Rendered by My Grand Sir in the War of the Revolution.

The petition made first in behalf of my Grand Mother was Registed as it was stated the Reccords were lost or destroyed in the last War [last word underlined] again the petition--on behalf of my own Mother--the last session--It was stated The pension had been
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paid-up to the day of the Death of my Grand Father Jesse Smith [name underlined] in 1818--This showed to me that there must be another of the same name or that some fraud has been practiced on the department.  I then went work to find out what & when if possible--

I found the Jesse Smith who had recev'd His pension [word underlined] resided in the Eastern part of this State--whereas my GrandSir resided on the Western--I found the old Reccords in the office of the Comptroller of this State--and Have obtained a Certified Copy [last word underlined] of the Same--and forwarded to our Repstv. [last word underlined]  I als find a Gentleman living in N.Y.
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who was personaly acquainted with my Grand Sire--and His Familey before and after the War of 1776--His affidavit I Expect to obtain and forward the Coming Week.

My Grand Sir served Five years was honourably discharged at the Close of the War returned to His Family & Died [last word underlined] in 1803--He was an Orderly Sergent in the Continental Army--His Brother being a Lieut.  He was shot at Fairfield after a Scirmish by a Tory--He left no Family [last word underlined]--My own Father Contributed to the Support of my Grand Mother Many years and she lived to Old age [last 2 words underlined]  I have expended near Two Thousand Dollars for the support of my own Good
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mother who for the past 10 years has been & Invalid--

I now submit the Claim--though justice & Right [last 3 words underlined] has been Long delayed [last 2 words underlined]  I may not be to late to remember the sufferings of the old Soldier for His County--in the times that tried mens souls [last 2 words underlined] There are yet Lands & Treasures [last 3 words underlined] and though those who should have been the Recipients are no more--yet their desendants Should be Compensated--

At the present time not so much as a simple stone marks their resting place [last word underlined]
Yours Respectfully
Chs. F. Raymond

Hon
Js. Buchanon        )
President of the   )
U.S.A.                   )
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Savannah Ga. March 5 1859
To His
Excellency
James Buchannan
President of the U.S.A.
Hond & Respected Sir
Once again I take
the Liberty of addressing you on the
subject of Pensions.
I think I stated to you
in a letter that I had found at Hartford
Cont-- the Record of the Services of my
Grand Father Jesse Smith - Also the reply
I recvd from the Pension Office at
Washington. I hope to be in Washington
before you leave and to have satisfactory
proof of the Identity of this Jesse Smith
being my Grand Father, and that no manner
of Compensation has ever been recvd by
any of his desendants-- as a polititian I
make no claims - Neither do I desire or
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ask anything further than the Constitution
and Laws of my Country have made
Just & Equitable
To you sir as the Chief
Magistrate & Head of Government and one
whom I have always respected as a Friend
of Earlier Days - Do I now look for Justice
in this Respect-
There are some modes &
menes [means]- I trust by which this
right may be obtained.
I notice the Death
of Robt Walsh Esq. - Our Consul at Paris
There will doubtless be numerous option
I am not as yet in Robust Health-- and think
a year or twos Residence in Paris would
do me Good. Having spent sometime 
there in years past and understand something
of the manner & Customes.  I would not be
presumptuous - yet think myself Qualified
to discharge the duties of that Office.
There is another and one
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that would suit me well-- that is the Post
Office of the Town where I reside at
Norwalk, Cont- This Office is and has been
badly conducted for some years and much
to the dissatisfaction of the people-- not that
doubt the Honesty of the present Incumbent
yet he is not a proper man for the Office
I would not speak evil of him or
in any way wish to injure him. He is a
Competent man & Good neighbour when
Himself-- But this is not often. I think
I may safely say there is not a day in
the Year neither has there been for some
Years that he is Competant after 10 or 11
Oclock in the Morning for the discharge
of the duties of the Office -
I have been repeatedly
advised to get up a petition to be signed by
my Fellow Townsmen-- Yet I do not wish
to do so - and for the Reason that it would
make more or less enimies, whether or not
Successful- Grant me but that which
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Justly my right the pention due for
services rendered and I ask not neither
desire any office within the Gift of the
Government-- as I much prefer to be
free from the responsibilities of such
Office
Your
kind concideration and
attention will confer a favour and
lasting obligation on Sir
Your Obt Svt-
Respectfully-- Chas F. Raymond
of Norwalk
Fairfield.
Co
Connct
To His
Excellency
James Buchannan
President
of the USA
[illegible]
Pension Office
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Norwalk June 15th 1854
Sir
Your favor was duly
Received. I think there is a miss
apprehension - Application was
made in due fome and at the
propper time previous to the
Death of my Grand Mother the
the answer then was that the
Records were destroyed at the
Burning of the Capital
So that their
was no fault on the part of
any parents or Grand Parent is
it just or Rightious that for the
Incecirity of the Department the
rightfull heirs should be debase a recovery- my Grand Father
was paid off for a part of the
service in Continental Shin
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plaster of these it required $60.00 to buy a Barrel of Flour is this just & Right. Though Respect and esteem the President and believe him to be a High-minded Honorable man-- there are also others of the party which I highly esteem-- Yet the self Stiled Democratic the Loco Fore
party I look upon as the most Corrupt & Degraded party that ever existed or had Rule in any nation and I hope and believe its days are Numbred.  Mena Mina Tikell Upharsin are now
Indeliable writen, and I hope to live to see the true democracy once more in power-- though no
politician I have some influence and It shall be exerted to the utmost of my abilities for the time- time that Intervenes between this and the Election. I am and
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have been for years a Traveller
through most of the Southern States
am well known to the business community
and can both write and speak if occurs
requires after a fashion and shall do so
the summer affords me time to Read &
Collect. Mother and I shall do so, there
is abundance of it--

Look at the Finance
Department, the Post office Department,
the Travel Department &c &c. theirs will be
no lack of subjects and news to
show to any Honest mind the Country
Now Existing in any or all the
Departments. I have been an Employee
under Goverment and know some
of its doings-- and shall know more.

I can name those who have &
their Families. Recieve pension who
were Tories - one who was forced to
to stand guard for 12 hours. He received
a pension during life - His Family still
receives it though he had not the
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Wife or Family untill 1820. But
there is no compensation for the
faithful Soldier who has born
the heat and burden of the Times
that tried mens souls. Is this
my Country.  Justice
Yours Respectfully
JUN
C. F. Raymond
[stamp] PENSION OFFICE JUN 17 1859
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Norwalk 21 Aug 1860

Hon. Geo C Whiting

Sir
Yours of the 18th July read. In the letter you refer to your stated I think that the pension to Jesse Smith as a soldier of the Revolution had been paid to the day of his death in 1818.

I then accertained that it was paid to one of this name in the Eastern part of this State. I then informed you that there must be some error or some [illegible]-- as Jesse Smith my grandfather was a resident of Stanford, Fairfield Co, Conn. 

I need as Orderly Sergeant in the Continental Army is entitled He died at Stanford. In the year.
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180[3] as no pension act was passed
so early he could not have Rec'd
anything. His widdow my Grand
Mother _ as I stated _ made an
application _ or rather my Father
made it for her, and the answer
returned was that the Records
were destroyed _ so _
If the Records
are in Washington, you can
readily see how long when
and where my GrandFather served
If not there they may be found
in the Office of the Comptroller of this state
Excuse me Sir. I have
no doubt that you are desirous to
do your duties in the responible 
office intrusted to you
Yet I insist
that my claim is a just + righteous
one and that no neglect on my
part or on the part of my [unintelligible]
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I said could be a Bar to recovery- if
neglect or even it has been on the
part of the Department
I am prepared
to bring it before the coming session
of Congress and thank life be spared
I shall be there to attend to it
Yours Respectfully
C. F. Raymond
P.S. There's a good time coming
Boys and I can Wait a little longer
C F R
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[stamp] PENSIONS OFFICE AUG 25 1860
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[stamp] PENSION OFFICE JUN 11 1859
Pension Office
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Norwalk  June 5th 1859

To

James Buchannon--
President of the U.S.A.

Hond Sir--

I once more presume to address a letter to Your Excellency--though not much of State affairs--yet of Real Estate to Me--if I can but get Justice--I have before Stated in a letter--My Claim--as the Decendant of a Worthy and devoted Soldier of the Revolution--for a pension--a long time has passed without any thing having been awarded--and that without fault on the part of my progenitors--as I stated in my former letter--when application was served at the propper time--the Reccords were Said to have been destroyed--one excuse or Reason after another untill I became discouraged--

At Length the Reccord of this State is found and gives the necessary information that application is made and answered
Page 38

that it has been paid-up to the date of the Death of the Old Soldier--in 1818--this Meanly Shows that there was another name of the Same Kind--is it to be wondered at as--the name was Smith [last word underlined]--the Error is that My Grand Father--Died in 1808--before any pensions were granted--My Grand Mother Died a few months previous to the passing of the act--Granting pensions to Widdows--in 1837--Now Sir I believe you are one that would Do justice--therefore I take the Liberty of personaly addrefsing you--

There are others in the Same Situation as myself and--Hond Sir--though you may retire from public life--You would by and act--Granting Justice to those who Not by any act or neglect of their own have been deborn--cause your name to go down to posterities--with an Odour [word underlined] of Rightiousnefs--and the prayers of the Widdow & Fatherlefs would ascend for your peace and repose--for Time and for Eternity

The papers giving the Date and time of service of My Grand Father Jesse Smith
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as a Soldier in the Continental Army with Rank as Orderly Sergant--I have Sent to my Friend Coln T.B. Florence--now in Washington

I now think of Visiting Europe and wish to leave here the Last of this month if possible--and should be pleased to be charged with some Service--which would aid in deffraying my Expence in "Love & Tolerable" knowledge of the French Language and a Smattring of German & Italian--having pafsed a year in Europe in 1832 & 33.  So that a Short time in those Countrys would inable me to acquire a Knowledge Sufficient for the Transaction of Businefs--

It will afford me much pleasure to hear from you over your own Signature and to receive your Counsel and advice
Your Obt Svt Respectfully
Chs. F. Raymond
Norwalk
Fairfield Co
Conct
Page 40

[unintelligible]  Oct. 7 1858
To Geo [unintelligible] Commissioner
[Unintelligible]
Kind favour was duly [unintelligible] this
day for which Please accept
my gratefull acknowledgement
[unintelligible] Jesse Smith
You mention was not my Grand
Father _ the Jesse Smith who
was Resided in Stamford Fairfield
Co. Conn _ he died in 1801 I think
The record of his service is at the
Office of the Com[ ] troler at 
Hartford of which I have a copy
under seal_ There is also an old
Gentleman now living in the town
of New Canan adjoining the who
was in the same service and was
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acquainted with my Grand Father
His affidavit _ I shall procure _
My Grand Father was Orderly Sergant
he had a Brother Moses _ who was 
a Lieutenant in the same service
he was shot _ it is said by a Tory
after the Battle at Fairfield _ he
has also a Brother Eathan _ or hath one
who was in the same service _ he
recieved a pension _ But my Grand
Father neither received pension or
Bounty Lands _ and his pay was
in Continental Money _ allmost
worthless _ as I have heard from my
Grand Mother
I expect to be in your
City during the coming session and 
shall be prepared with the documents
to show this service
Again I would
thank you for your kindness as
yesterday I Recd a letter from one
[unintelligible] pretending to be an agent
Page 42

he wanted $20.00 in advance-- to examin
the Records in your Office-- I wrote him
That a Good paymaster payed when
the work was done and that I should
come to Washington and would attend
to it myself-- if I need aid I shall
ask of you the propper person to apply
to
Acknowledging my obligation
I Subscribe myself
Yours Respectfully
C.F. Raymond
Norwalk-
Co
to Geo [illegible]  Esq
Commissioner

P.S. I cannot make out
your name
C.F.R.
Page 43

Norwalk July 17th 1858
To James Buchanan President U.S.A.
Your Excellency will excuse
the Liberty. I take in writing you
as I feel that you are [illegible]
and esteemed acquaintance _ aside
from the High position you now
fill _ I wrote you a short time line
in relation to Pensions _ I yesterday
received a letter from the pension
office _ which mearly says there is
no claim _ I now would respectfully
ask what constitutes a claim
Was my Grand Mother in 
fault that the Office of Records was
Burned _ was any in fault that the
office at Stamford was burned
And now when I find there
is a Record which showes that my
Grand Father was a soldier _ and that
he is there credited by 5 years service
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and also that there is one living [illegible]
who was in the service with him is the
answer _ there is no claim! one that any
reasonable man would concider satisfactory
My Grand Mother who died in the Spring
of 1839 _ was one of the women of the times
while the soldiers were quartered in Stamford
she was Bakeres for the camp to which
my Grand Father belonged
My Mother her youngest
daughter is the only surviving child
My Grand Mother lived to upwards of
80 _ My parents had to do much for 
her support
There were three brothers
Eathan Smith _ Jesse Smith + Moses Smith
The first tried to receive a pension _
Moses was shot by a Tory after the
Battle at Fairfield _ he was a Lieut
Grand Father was an Orderly Sargant
Eathan a soldier of the Rank + File
Moses was unmarried _ had no family
Page 45

My mother would be the only heir _ if
he had left property _ Now to be told
there is no claim _ appears to me the 
highth of Injustice
I trust Your Excellency
in your next message will open or
provide a way for a claim in such
cases _ An Act of the Government could
be more just _ or make you more
appreciated _ Justice should be the matter
of our Government
Do me the favour to [illegible]
one with your own signature
Yours Most Respectfully
[illegible] L. Haymond
Norwalk _ Con
To His Excellency
James Buchanan
President of
the USA
P.S. I was under the impression when I wrote
at first that my Grand Father served 7 years _ but
find by the Record _ a [illegible] of but 5 [illegible]
Page 46

it was for during the War
and he was honourably
Discharged-- should health permit I hope to
be in Washington at
the opening of the next Session.
C. F. R.

Pension Office
Page 47

Norwalk Sept 21 1858
To the
Hon James Buchannan
President of the USA
Hon + Respected Sir
Once more I take
the liberty of addressing you to ask
of you some further information in
relation to pensions _ and herewith
send you a copy of thr record
now in the Comptrolers Office at Hartford
State of Connecticut
Comptrolers Office
Hartford Sept 1 1838
I certify that an application for evidence
of Jesse Smith as a Sergant in the War
of the Revolution. I have I have examined
the documents in this Office and find the name
of Jesse Smith on the pay roll, under the
following Heading viz "Settlement with the
Page 48

6th Conneticut Regt. Return I Meigs. Esq.
Colonil "before January 1780. Where the said
Jesse Smith is credited with service
as a Sergant from Jany 4th 1777 to Jany
1st 1780 _ 2 years 11 months 27 days
In another settlement with the
same redgment for 1780 I also find the same
Jesse Smith credited with service as a 
Sergant from Jan 1st 1780 to Jany 1st
1781 _ 1 year. In a settlement with the 4th
County Ridgment under the Reorganization
of the Connectict Line of the Continental
Army Commanded by [illegible] Butler Esq.
Colonel for the year 1781_ I also find the 
said Jesse Smith where he is credited
with the service as a Sergant from Jany
1st 1781 _ 12 months
The foregoing is certified
under seal by
Wm H Buell
Comptroler
Geo Robinson Clerk
Page 49

Norwalk Sept. 21. 1858

Honr. & Respected. Sir

Will you be so kind when you have a leasure moment as to write to me and informe me--what  Course to take in regard to the forgoing 

How and where application is to be made--My Mother is the only Surviving Child of my Grand Father Jesse Smith--She is now upwards of 80 years of age--and quite infirm and has been for years dependant on her Children for Whome my Mother is the only Legal representitive was a Lieutenant in the same Service--he was shot by a Tory--after after the Battle at Fairfield
Page 50

would their be a just Claim for his Service--Further--will it be necessary to get any further proof--that my mother is the Daughter of the afforesaid Jesse Smith--

From my former Knowledge of you--I take this liberty--Knowing that you will be pleased to render me such Information--as is requisite

Your Obt Svt Respectfully
Chs. F. Raymond
Norwalk, Con

To the Honl
James Buchannon  )
President of the     )
U.S.A.                     )

Referred to the Commifsioner
of Pensions, with the request
of The President that the 
information asked be
furnished
JBH
Pri Secy
Sep 23, 1858
Page 51

C. F, Raymond
Let of Inq abt his Grand
father Jesse Smith Rev War see Jesse Smith Con
[illegible]

Respectfully referred to
the Commissioner of
Pensions:
JB  H
Priv Secy
July 1 /58
Page 52

Norwalk  June 25, 1858

To the Hon James Buchanon
President U.S.A.

Hon & Respected Sir

I once more take the liberty of adrefsing you and as you are now for a season released from public duties, I trust you may be able to give me the Information I need.

I would state there were three Brothers--viz Jesse--Eathan & Moses Smith--of the Town of Stamford Con--The first named Jesse was My Mothers Father--he was Orderly Sergant--Served 7 years in the Revolution was honourably discharged--came home--and died.  The following year his Brother Moses was a Lieut--he was shot by a
Page 53

a Tory--while at Fairfield--he was noted as a Brave man and good Officer--

My Grand Father received no pension  My Grand Mother--also died--about Six months previous to the Act of Congrefs Granting pensions to the Widdows of Revolutionary Soldiers--My Mother--the youngest child of Jesse Smith--is now the only Surviving Child--She being now upwards of 80 years of age--I understand there has been some Act pafsed by where the Children-or Grand  Children--of Revolutionary Soldiers are entitled to a pension--where none has been received

My Fathers Brother Moses Smith, though not a Soldier--but a Sea Captain on a voyage to India--being at Liverpool during the War of 1812--was on Shore there and taken prisner by a prefs gang and retained 18 months--

I find there is yet living one Old Soldier--now 96 years of age in the Town of New Canaan--who knew
Page 54

My Grand Father--while in the Army--I understand also there are Records in Hartford Containing the names of those who were Soldiers of the Revolution from this State.

Now I wish to Enquire of you if with Such Evidence there is a Ground to work on--My Mother is Old & dependant --and if there is any Justice--is entitled to receive a pension--will you be so Kind as to give me the requested Information at your earlyest conveniences--

You may recollect me as having been your Hatter--in Philadelphia previous to 1842--First under the name of Rupell & Co--afterwards as Chs. F. Raymond, No. 104 Chestnut St--

Yours Respectfully
Chs. F. Raymond
Norwalk, Co.
Fairfield Co.

Hon James Buchannon    )
President U.S.A.               )
Page 55

Pension Office,
September 27, 1858.

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 21st instant, addressed to the President, and by him communicated to this office, ["for" stricken out] you are respectfully informed that Jesse Smith was a pensioner of the United States for service in the Connecticut line as Sergeant, and continued to receive his allowance to the Date of his Death--No arrears of pension could possibly be due therefor in his case, nor could your mother be, under any circumstances, entitled to any pension money in virtue of the services of her uncle.

Children ["of" stricken out] of revolutionary soldiers are not entitled by law to pension.  In the case of your mother, Congress alone can afford relief.
Charles F Raymond
Norwalk
Connecticut.

[written vertically on left side of page]
This was written referring to Jesse Smith of Conn. S. 36768 who died Aug. 1st 1831 and therefore could not have been the father of these people as he died in 1801 or 1803
Page 56

Chas F. Raymond
Oct. 13th /58
Page 57

Pension Office.
October 13" 1858.

Sir:

Your letter of the 7" Instant is before me.

You say that "yesterday You received a letter from One Fowler, pretencing to be an Agent he wanted #20 in advance to examine the records in Your Office &C:"  Be pleased to send to this Office the letter You have reference to as received from Fowler.  ["to this Office" stricken out]  I know of no such Agent in ["this" stricken out ] Sd Washington City & if there is such a person attempting to impose upon Claimants throughout the Country, I desire to know the facts & to learn who he is & where he resides & whether he writes You under his real or an afsumed name.  After an examination of Mr. Fowler's letter it shall be returned to You.
Chas. F. Raymond Esqr.
Norwalk. Ct:
Page 58

J. F. Raymond
July 26
Page 59

Pension Office,
July 26" 1859.

Sir:

Your letter adrefsed the President on the 14" instant has been referred to me for reply.

It appears that Jesse Smith and his widow died before the pafsage of any law Allowing pensions to revolutionary Soldiers or their widows.  There cannot therefore be anything due their children under existing pension laws.

In respect to your appeal to the President's humanity it is proper to remark that , however much disposed he might be to felicitate You, it would be incompatible with his Public Duty to afford the relief You desire.

The only remedy in the case is in an appeal to Congrefs.

Charles F. Raymond, Esquire
Norwalk.
Fairfield Co. Ct:
Page 60

[Stamp affixed on left side of page]
PENSION OFFICE.
JUL
18
1859


Referred by direction
of the President to the
Special attention of
the Commissioner of Pensions
July 16 '59
Page 61

Norwalk, Con   July 14th 1856
To
His Excellency--
James Buchanon--
President of the U.S.A.
Hon & Respected Sir
Excuse me Entring you private domicil--whare for a Season you are Entitled to Repose--Yet time is Flying--and and Necessity compells me to Intrude--
You have been an Advocate--Councellor & now Chief Magistrate.  I have a Just Claim--on the Government--yet How to proceed I know not--
As I have before stated My Grand Father Jesse Smith--of Stamford Fairfield Co--State of Connecticut--Was a Soldier of the Revolution in the Continental Service with the Rank of Orderly Sergant--He served to the Close of the War--Was Honorably Discharged--He came Home--and His Health having been Impaired--was unable to do much for the support of his Family--He Died in 1803--When the pension act was first pafsed--My Father in behalf of my Grand Mother Made application for a pension in due forme--The answer Returned at that time was that the Records were Lost - again

Note:  Misspellings were part of original
Page 62

Act was passed Granting Pensions to the Widdows of of Revolutionary Soldiers who had not Received at in the Lifetime of the Husband & Soldier--Here again an application was made--but the name could not be Found--Every thing that Could be done on the part of the Applicant was & has been don--in accordance with the Act & Law--

There has been no Error on the part of the applicant--and now that the Reccord giving in part--the name and Residece and Time of Service Is found--To be in the Office of the State Comptroler--It appears from the answer I have received that it is to Late--The whole Error Has been in the Government Offices & Officers--from First to last--and those Honorably and justly Entitled to Compensation Cut off without One Cent [last 2 words underlined] or Rcd. of Sail [last 3 words underlined]--While many who Rendred no Service but for a few Hours--and that by Compuncsion--Have & are Receiving Rich Rewards--loathe in Money & Soil

This is not a Solitary or Isolated Case as I Know a number in a Similar Situation.

Now Hon Sir permit me to say--that no Act [last 2 words underlined] of your Usfull and Hond Life Would or Could Confer on you so Grate and Lasting Honor and Gratefull remembrance as this Simple act of Justice--True I write--Interestedly--Yet not for myself alone--There are others that would be enabled to Recover that which is their due--at your leasure be pleased to examine [illegible] of months of notice--drop me
Page 63

a line from your Home--with such advice as to you may appear advisable--an Confer a Favour on Hond. Sir.
Your Humble & Obt Servant
Chs. F. Raymond
Norwalk--
Fairfield Co
Con

To His Excellency
James Buchanan     )
President                )
of the U.S.A.           )
Page 64

Chs F. Raymond
Aug 18
Page 65

Pension Office Aug 18th 1860
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 6th inst - addresed [addressed] to the President, you are referred to my letter to you under date of the 26th Ulto. which was an answer [illegible strike out] to a similar letter from you to the President upon the same subject.
Chs F. Raymond Esq.
Norwalk Conn [Connecticut]
After a copy of this letter was sent it was discovered that the letter referred to was dated "26th July 1859" instead of 26th ult" as stated
G.P.S.
Page 66

Chas F. Raymond
Norwalk, Ct. Aug 6. 1860. 
Com Pensions
[crossed out]
In regard to a pension
on account of his grandfather's services in the
Revolution, for which
he has sent the necessary certificates, & for
which application was
made in due time.
Would like the office of P. M. incumbent
being a Douglas man
Page 67

His Excellency James Buchanan
President of the U.S.A.
Hon'd & Respected Sir
Bare [bear] with me while I again adress [address] you sometime since I wrote directing my letter to you at your quiet home I [illegible] by the papers you are yet at the Capitol I have stated my claim before to you for a pension on account of services rendered by my Grand Father Jesse Smith of Stanford Fairfield Co. Connecticut I also sent a copy of a certificate from the office of the Comptroller of this state where the records are kept showing day and date and a time of service - 5 years 11 month in the continental service as orderly sergeant under Colo Meggs also showing that it was from no fault of my Grand Mother or of my mother after her that this pension has not been obtained My father having made application in due time and form Receiving for answer the records were lost or destroyed and the hance could not be found again & appled in behalf of my mother rec'd answer that the pension has been paid at the time of the death of Jesse Smith in the
Page 68

Year 1818.  This showing that there was some error or someone of the same name who was a soldier, or a fraud had been committed as my grand father died in 1803 and before any pensions were granted.  Besides he never resided where the Jesse Smith who has received a pension is said to have resided.  My grand father was a native of this state.  Born and reared in the town of Stamford Connecticut, county of Fairfield, and there he died with his family in  1803, or 1802, never having received a pension or even pay for service except in Continental bills, which were next to worthless.  Sir, is this just.  I appeal to you as I once had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you and esteemed you very highly.  I honestly say I am not and never was a member of the so called Democratic party, yet a Democratic in the fullest sense of the term.

Sir one thing I will state, our present post master here is now a Douglas advocate.  I did recommend him for this office and he is I believe an honest man.  Yet he does not need the office for his support.  I feel that I do or something that will afford me a living, and although I perhaps should not be able to hold it longer than the 4th of March yet it would be of much service to me.  Yet  give me that which is justice & righteousness, my just due, the pension for service rendered by my grand father and I ask no more.

Your Obt Svt Respectfully,
Ch. F. Raymond, Esq

To his Exc Js Buchanan
President
USA
Page 69

Chas. F. Raymond
Norwalk Ct. Aug 6/60
Relative to his pension in
right of his grandfathers
services in the Revolution
Jesse Smith Con
Respectfully referred to
Com Pensions
Int. Dept
Aug 13 /60
[crossed out] Chf. Clk
Is other Jesse Smith on Con. pd. or suspd.
Must be original
Recd 13 Aug. 60
Mr. Rhett
Page 70

Pension Offices
Oct. 5 1858

Sir:

In reply to your letter of the 29th ulto:
You are informed that Jesse Smith of Woodbridge Ct. made application for a pension in 1818 & his claim was allowed for #96 per an. under the Act of 18" March 1818 for services in the Ct. Continental line from 1777 to the close of the war.  He served under Capt. Prentiss & Cols, Douglas & Meigs.  His service was proven by a cotemporary named Isaac Northrop of Woodbridge and by the Ct. Continental rolls.  The pension allowed Jesse Smith he drew to his death.  He was a shoemaker by trade & claimed to have served as a sergeant.

There is no law by which heirs of a deceased revolutionary soldier are entitled to a pension.

(These would not be his heirs as they claim this soldier died in 1802 or 1803)

Chas. F. Raymond, Esq.
Norwalk. Fairfield Co. Ct:
Page 71

{Illegible} Sept 29th 1858
Gev

Sir
Your favor of the
27th {illegible} came duly to hand advising
me that you had recvd mine {Illegible}
to the President.
You state that Jesse Smith
was a pensioner and continued to receive
his pension untill his death-
I have to inform 
you that this isa an error- Jesse Smith
My Grand Father never received any
Pension- he died within one year
after the close of the War- and no
pensions were paid at that time-
Theire may have been another
Man of that name for aught I know
yet I think not from Stamford- and
Page 72

a pension was paid- in that name- it
must have been to an Imposter
He received pay for his Service
to the Close of the War-in Continental
Money- which was worthless-
His Brothers widdow- received
a pension- His Brothers name was Eathan
Smith- his brother- Moses Smith, Lieut
was shot by a Tory at Fairfield-
If a pension was paid- I presume
Your records will show to whom and
to what time it was continued it never
came to my Grand Mother- neither to 
any of her descendants.
My mother is the only
living child and there are but g
Grand Children- the names of which
I can give you at any time-
I wish this mystery to be solved 
and shall esteem it a favour if you
will inform more particularly as to the
time when the pension you name was.
Paid and to whom- the Record of
Page 73

service of my Grand Father - I find at Hartford Con, - There is also one living witness as to the service of my Grand Father - who I think was in the same Ridgment [Regiment] - he is now 94 years of age and yet retains his faculties - and and [sic] is able to walk into town - a distance of 2 miles.
Yours Respectfully -
Chas. F. Raymond
Norwalk
Fairfield Co.
Conn
Geo. C. Whiting, Esqr}
Commissioner}
Page 74

C F Raymond
July 3
Page 75

Pension Office, July 7, 1838

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 23rd ultimo, addressed to the President of the United States, and by his order communicated to this office, I have to inform you that no law has ever been passed by Congress granting pensions to the children of revolutionary soldiers.  No pension money or other gratuity could consequently be now due the children of Jesse Smith, who is stated to have served in the revolutionary war as a sergeant.

Very respectfully
[initials]

Chas. F. Raymond Esq.
Norwalk, Connecticut
Page 76

Norwalk Oct 30th 1859

G. Whiting Esq
Commissioner of Pensions -

Sir

Your favour was duly received this day and being written in more gentlemanly stile I take pleasure in replying.

The Jesse Smith you mention as stated in a former letter resided east of this.  My grand 
fathers only place of residence was Stamford Fairfield Co. Connct.  He was an orderly sergant.  Died in 1803.  My grand mother died in 1834.  She was entitled to pension from the time the Act was passed to the time of her death , and application was made at the propper time and in due form and the reason given for its not being paid as I have before stated.

If another person has received it, this is the fault of the Department.  I have the certifficate of this service and I have also found living one gentleman in the City of N. York who was intimately acquainted with my grand father and with his family
Page 77

He was a resident of Stamford and a neighbor at the time although for many years he has been and still is a resident of N.Y. a gentleman of the first standing & Respectability. I hope to be prepared to present a petition to the House at the Coming Session in due form.
                                     Right and
Justice is the same in all places. Time cannot alter it. I neither ask nor desire any thing but Right and Justice. If the Government has been wronged in this matter it is no fault of my ancestors nor of myself and as they the propper offices know if paid to whome paid they know what course to take if there is wrong to make it right and to recover the same.

Please accept my grateful acknowledgent {sp.} for your kind letter
Yours Respectfully
Chs F Raymond.

G C Whiting Esq
Commissioner of Pensions  )
Pension Office                     )                    Washington                         )
D.C                                      )