Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2568, for Joseph Peek, New York
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New York
Peek, Joseph
Catharine
CONTENTS
NUMBER
W. 2568.
Page 2

[Printed form with handwritten answers]

28512
New York
=====================
Joseph Peek
Schenectady, in the State of New York who was a Captain in the Comp'y commanded Captain of the Reg commanded ["by" obscured] Col Willett in the N. York line for 2 years
[in different hand] 
Sur File 46326
no jacket
======================
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 480 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
======================
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of April 1834 and sent Hon J. J. DeGraff Present
===================
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1834 - $1440.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep '34 240.00
==========
$1680.00
==========
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
[illegible due to tear]
ed by Jno Cromwell Clerk
E Vol. 4 Page 114
Page 3

[Printed form with handwritten answers]
2,856 [perhaps 2836, third digit obscured]
New York      A
Catharine Peek, widow of Joseph Peek
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Captain New York Mil.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of November 1853 and sent to
A. A. Vedder Schenectady N.Y.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 85. Vol. A
(32)
Page 4

State of New York
Schenectada County} ss
On this 6th day of June 1853 personally came before me Benjamin V. S. Vedder a commissioner of deeds in and for said county duly authorised by law to administer oaths Albert A. Vedder of the City of Schenectada in the County aforesaid to me well known being duly sworn deposeth and says that he was well acquainted with Joseph Peek of said City during his life time, lived neighbor to him from the 1st of may 1824 untill the day he died which event (it appears) took place on the 25th of May 1842, deponent further says that he visited him during his last sickness that he saw him dead, attended his funeral, followed him in the procession to his grave, at the head of which is a marble stone placed, from which this deponent this day copyed the following inscription (verbatim) "The Grave of -Joseph Peek- who died May 25th 1842- aged 86 years & 6 months"
this deponent further states that the said Joseph Peek when he died he left a widow by the name of Catharine, who bore the name of Van Vleck before he married her, that he is reported to have married her on the 25th day of June 1834 and that they were joined in wedlock by the Rev. Jacob Van Vechten the then Pastor of the Reformed Protestant Dutch church of said city. 
This deponent further says, that he is well acquainted with said Catharine, said Peeks reported widow, that they were married at the time above and this deponent has no doubt as the dwellings of said Joseph Peek & this deponent were only separated by the width of Union Street the one on the north & the other on the south side, the deponent further says he knows them to have lived together as Husband & wife from the day of their reported marriage untill the day he died. Deponent also says that from best information he can get he believes there were but two witnesses to the marriage aforesaid & the one was said Peeks son in law Jonas Holland & John Van Vleck, Catharine Van Vlecks (now Mrs. Peeks) son, who from this deponents knowledge are both dead, this deponent further states from evidence satisfactory to him he believes that said Mr. Vechten is not now in the state of New York he having received a letter from him dated at Cleveland, Ohio, in answer to one addressed to him at Albany requesting a certificate sworn to by him of the marriage of said Peek to said Catharine, the letter is annexed. 
[signature] A. A. Vedder

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first above mentioned before me
[signature] B. V. S. Vedder Comm'r of Deeds
Page 5

State of New York
Schenectady County} ss. 
On this 6th day of June 1853 personally appeared before me Benjamin V. S. Vedder a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths- Frederick A. Clute of the City of Schenectada in said county to me well known who being duly sworn, doth depose and say that he resides in said city- that he is now a Member of the Board of the Consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of Schenectada aforesaid & that he is Clerk of said board, and as such as now the custody of the church records, in consequence of there not now being a settled Pastor of said Church, to whom the custody belongs when there is one, this deponent further states that on the 25th day of June 1834 the Rev'd Jacob Van Vechten was the settled pastor of said Church, & was then the custodian of the book, containing the records of said church, and this deponent further states, that in the book containing the record of marriages, he finds on one of the pages headed 1833 & 1834- the following entry in the hand writing of said then pastor, with which he is well acquainted
"Marriages solemnly issued by J. Van Vechten Pastor D.C.S"
" Joseph Peek of Schenectady
Catherine Van Vleck of Florida
1834 Jun 25"
Deponent further states that on the same page, there are 13 marriage entries in a similar manner, & that the entry of Joseph Peek & Catherine Van Vleck is the 8th from the top of the said page, the other 5 are below it. and deponent further says, that from information derived from a source that he believes to be true, that said Rev'd Jacob Van Vechten is not now in the State of New York, but is travelling through the western states with his son for the benefit of his sons health
Subscribed and sworn to on the day 
and year 

[Separate page placed on top of the previous obscuring the bottom]
State of New York
{County of Schenectady, 
Clerk's Office,} ss. 
I, Marvin Strong, Clerk of the County of Schenectady, Do Hereby Certify, That B. V. S. Vedder Esq. whose name is subscribed to the two certificates of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instruments and thereon written at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Commissioner of Deeds for the City and County of Schenectady, dwelling in the said City, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And farther, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificates of proof or acknowledgement is genuine, and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 8th day of June 1853. 
[signature] Marvin Strong Clerk.
Page 6

[This page is a duplicate of page 5 without the second page covering up as much of the bottom of this page.]

State of New York
Schenectady County} ss.
On this 6th day of June 1853 personally appeared before me Benjamin V. S. Vedder a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths- Frederick A. Clute of the City of Schenectada in said county to me well known who being duly sworn, doth depose and say that he resides in said city- that he is now a Member of the Board of the Consistory of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of Schenectada aforesaid & that he is Clerk of said board, and as such as now the custody of the church records, in consequence of there not now being a settled Pastor of said Church, to whom the custody belongs when there is one, this deponent further states that on the 25th day of June 1834 the Rev'd Jacob Van Vechten was the settled pastor of said Church, & was then the custodian of the book, containing the records of said church, and this deponent further states, that in the book containing the record of marriages, he finds on one of the pages headed 1833 & 1834- the following entry in the hand writing of said then pastor, with which he is well acquainted
"Marriages solemnly issued by J. Van Vechten Pastor D.C.S"
" Joseph Peek of Schenectady
Catherine Van Vleck of Florida
1834 Jun 25"
Deponent further states that on the same page, there are 13 marriage entries in a similar manner, & that the entry of Joseph Peek & Catherine Van Vleck is the 8th from the top of the said page, the other 5 are below it. and deponent further says, that from information derived from a source that he believes to be true, that said Rev'd Jacob Van Vechten is not now in the State of New York, but is travelling through the western states with his son for the benefit of his sons health
[signature] F. N. Clute, Clerk of said Consistory 

Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above mentioned before me
[signature] B. V. S. Vedder, Com'r of Deeds
Page 7

State of New York
Montgomery County} ss. On this 1st day of June 1853 personally appeared in open court before the county court of the County of Montgomery in the State of New York Catharine Peek a resident of the town of Florida in the County of Montgomery and state aforesaid aged eighty years, who first being duly sworn according to law on her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war, that she is the widow of Joseph Peek late of the city of Schenectada in the County of Schenectada and state aforesaid, who was a pensioner of the United States, and was pensioned under the Act of 7th June 1832 for evidence of the rank he held, the services performed, the time he entered and left the service &.c. she refers the Department to the proofs contained in his application and now on file in the pension office and in which the certificate granting him a pension was found the amount of pension he drew was four hundred and eighty dollars per annum, and was paid to him semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in each year, at the New York Albany Agency. She cannot say whether the wording in the pension certificate just alluded to, reads forty dollars per month, or four hundred and eighty dollars per annum, by reason of her having surrendered said certificate at the time she made her application for the arrearage of the pension which had accrued to her Husband from the 4th of March 1842 to the 25th of May same year the day he died, which said arrearage was allowed and paid to her (Also at the New York, Albany, Agency) as the widow of said Joseph Peek. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Peek by the Rev'd. Jacob Van Vechten the then settled Pastor of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the city of Schenectada aforesaid, on the 25th day of June 1834, that her said husband died on 

["Marvin Strong Clerk" visible from a page underneath]
Page 8

on the 25th day of May 1842 that she was not married to him prior to the second of January 1800 but of the time above stated, she further declares that she is now a widow
Catherine Peek 
["her" and "mark" written above and below the "+" mark designating her signature]

Sworn & subscribed on the day & year above written, in open Court before me 
[signature] S. Belding J'r County Judge of 
[cut off by second page covering this one]

State of New York,
Montgomery County Clerk's Office,} SS,
I, J. W. Van Derveer, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that S. Belding Jun'r, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement to which this is annexed was on the date of the same County Judge in and for said County, and dwelling in said County, duly qualified and authorized by law to take the same, and that the said certificate of proof &c., is taken according to the laws of this State. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe his signature to the said Certificate is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my official seal, at Fonda, this 2d day of June 1853. 
[signature] J. W. Van Derveer Clerk 

The Result of this application please direct to A.A. Vedder No. 74 Ferry Street Schenectada N.Y.
[signature] A. A. Vedder

[signature] L.P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 9

19652

Joseph Peek
Schenectady Cty 
New York 

D. Smp'd 


adm'd
24 mo Capt
480$


W. De Graff.

Giles F. Yates
Schenectady 
New York
Page 10

[Printed form with handwritten answers]

War Department, 
Pension Office, 
May 24 1833

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 of your case in 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. These 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 the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, showing the Service of Joseph Peek Schenectady Co. N. York
[Table with the following columns]
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service. Years | Months | Days
Rank of the claimant.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. 
Names of Rank of the General and Field Officers. 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. 
Country through with he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
[Handwritten table entries]
1775
8 3/4 [months ]
pr.
Capt. Mynderse
Lieut. Pendleton
N. York  
76
Schenectady, NY
Traditionary

1776
6 [months]
"
Capt Van Slyck
Gen. Gates

1778 
7 [months ]
-
Capt. Bradt
Col. Willett

1779 
3 or more [years]
Capt. 

1778 
4 [months]

[Total]
5 [years] 1 [month]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions. 

It cannot be admitted that the above service is insusceptible of proof & claimants are required to produce the best evidence in their power. There is no proof of his being commissioned.
Page 11

[Printed form]

2
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 } ss. 
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 addition, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the 
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 day 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 is appears to them that A.B. 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 many have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If 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 related 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
Page 12

[Printed form]

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 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?
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 he 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 r 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 of 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 Court, unless prevented from doing so by reasons 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 war when he served
[e] Every continental officer or soldier     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 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 is 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 place 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 must 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.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his 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 well 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.
[Hand arrow symbol pointing right] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in
[k]This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
[signature] R. Newman
Page 13

19652
In the matter of the application of
Joseph Peek
for a pension

No. 61 to the care of Giles F. Yates
Schenectady
N.Y.
Page 14

State of New York
Schenectady County
s.s.

Daniel Van Derheyden of the Town of Glenville in the County of Schenectady being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is well acquainted with Joseph Peek of the City of Schenectady, who
is an applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and was well acquainted with said Joseph Peek during the time of the Revolutionary war and ever since & this deponent further saith that some time in the month of December 1779 he this deponent enlisted in the service of the United States as a private Soldier for the term of one year in the company commanded by said Joseph Peek, & that said Joseph was Captain of said Company & was a good & faithful officer. The Company was formed at Schenectady and marched to Saratoga and was stationed there part of the time
Page 15

The Regiment was commanded as deponent very believes by Col. Christopher Yates. The company were not, nor was said Peek engaged during the said time in any civil employment, but he was to the best of the Deponents knowledge all the time on duty as a Captain of said Company in the State Troops of the State of New York in the Continental establishment of the United States.
Daniel Van Derheyden 
["his" and "mark" written above and below the "+" mark designating his signature]

Subscribed & Sworn this 4 July 1833 before me
[signature] Harm Peek Justice of the Peace

Schenectady
I the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the City & County of Schenectady do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Daniel Van Derheyden who has sworn to the foregoing deposition, and that he is a man of good moral character & that his statement is entitled to full credit & I do further certify
Page 16

good moral character & his statement is entitled to full credit & I do further certify that the said Daniel subscribed his name to the foregoing deposition by making his mark, for want of education. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 4th July 1833
[signature] Harm Peek Justice of the Peace in & for the City & County of Schenectady.

I John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Harmanus Peek before whom the foregoing deposition of Daniel Van Derheyden has been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, and that his signature thereto is genuine. 
Witness my hand & seal of office this fifth day of July 1833
[signature] John S. Vrooman Clerk
Page 17

State of New York
County of Schenectady ss:} William Corl of the Town of Rotterdam in said County of Schenectady being duly sworn doth depose and say that he this deponent is well acquainted with Joseph Peek of the City of Schenectady who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832, and was well acquainted with said Joseph Peek during the time of the Revolutionary War & ever since and this deponent further says that in the first of January 1780 he this deponent enlisted in the service of the United States as a private soldier for the term of one year in the company commanded by said Peek that said Joseph Peek had the command of the company to which deponent belonged for the term of one year and was a Captain thereof & was a good and faithful officer the company was formed at Schenectady and marched to Saratoga and was stationed there part of the time and part of the time at Albany part of the time at the place now called Schuylerville and part of the time near Lake George. The Regiment was commanded as deponent believes by Col. Christopher Yates. The Company ware not nor was said Peek engaged during the said year in any Civil employment but he was all the time on duty as a Captain of said Company in the State Troops of the State of New York in the Continental establishment of the United States. 
[signature] William Corl

Subscribed & Sworn this 3d July 1833 before me 
[signature] Harm Peek Justice of the Peace
Page 18

County of Schenectady ss: I the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the City and County of Schenectady do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Carl who has sworn to the foregoing deposition and that he is a man of good moral character and that his statement is entitled to the highest credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 3d day of July 1833.
[signature] Harm Peek Justice of the Peace 

State of New York 
County of Schenectady ss} I John S. Vrooman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Schenectady hereby certify that Harmanus Peek before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn to was at the time the same heard date a Justice of the Peace of the City & County of Schenectady. I am acquainted with his hand writing and I believe the signature of the said Justice is the genuine signature of the said
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this third day of July A.D. 1833. 
[signature] John S. Vrooman
Clerk
Page 19

State of New York 
County of Schenectady} ss
On this eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Sourt of Common Pleas in and for said County Joseph Peek, a resident of the City of the City of Schenectady in said County & State, aged seventy six years and upwards 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. 
He was born in the then township now City of Schenectady aforesaid in said State on the 25th Novem'r 1755. He has no record of his age except that contained in the Register of Baptisms of the R. P. Dutch Church of said city. 
When he was called into the service of the United States in the army of the revolution he was living in said township of Schenectady and since the revolutionary war he has lived in said township (now City) up to the present time. 
He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated. 
Earley in the spring of 1775 he enlisted in Cap't John Mynderse's Company of minute men. His other company officers were Lawrence Mynderse and Pendleton Lieutenants. Shortly after his enlistment as aforesaid he proceeded to Ticonderoga under an enlistment
Page 20

In Captain Canue's Company and was there employed in erecting works of defence and constructing boats for the American Army to be used on Lakes George & Champlain. 
He was there with the troops under the command of General Schuyler while General Montgomery effected the reduction of Chamblee and St. Johns. 
The period for which he served in this campaign was between eight and nine months. He did not return to Schenectady until late in the fall. 
In the beginning of January 1776 he was out with the militia & troops under General Schuyler & Ten Broeck to Johnstown on which occasion Sir John Johnson surrendered himself a prisoner of War & his tenants & dependents were disarmed. He was out in this expedition at least two weeks. Earley in the spring of the year 1776 he enlisted in Capt. Teunis Bradt's company of Artificey and served in said company for the whole season about one half of the time at Lake George landing went over Lake George to Ticonderoga from thence to Skenesborough. Under this engagement he was the most part of the time employed in constructing whale boats for the use of the American Army. 
In the month of April in the year 1777 he was drafted in Capt Jesse Van Slyck Company of militia was made orderly sergeant therof and marched with a detachment from his Company to Albany. from thence up the north river to fort Edward thence to Jesups Patent in pursuit of a large party of Tories who rendesvoused at that place in the summer of the year last named he was again ordered out in the same company of Capt Jesse Van Slyck to Fort Edward he was in service at that fort and at Stillwater Bemis's Heights and the other posts occupied by the American troops fall of that year until the surrender of Burgoyne and his army on the 17th of October. In the whole of this campaign he was out more than six months. 
In the Spring of the year 1778 he enlisted again in the aforesaid Company of Capt Teunis Bradt and served therein at Coeymans for the term of seven months.
Page 21

In the winter of 1779 he received the appointment of Captain on the Continental establishment and served as such until the end of the war. To wit, for three years and more, he believes in the Quarter Master's Department. 
He was in this capacity engaged and had the charge of the embarkation and transportation of the public stores to Forts Hunter, Plain, Plank, Paris, Schuyler, Harkimer, Fort Stanwix & other frontier Garrisons & posts. 
In the latter part of the summer or fall, he thinks of year 1778, he performed garrison duty at the lower fort in Schoharrie for the term of between three weeks and four weeks. 
He has also aided in guarding Schenectady during the winters of the year 1778 and the winters of the subsequent years of said war and was out on duty in this service at different times for a period in the whole exceeding four months. 
The following are the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, or who were with the Troops where he served; and such Continental & Militia regiments or companies with which he served & as he can recollect viz:
General Yates, Colonel Willett, Colonel Cortland, all the officers of Colonel Wemple's Regiment, Colonels Van Dyck, Gaansevoort, General Schuyler &c &c. 
The date of his commission he cannot recollect nor by whom signed as the same has been lost more than twenty years ago. 
He never received any written discharge from the service. He has a number of orders & letters received while he served as a Captain as aforesaid which will be forwarded to the war Department if required. 
He has no other documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except those whose depositions are hereunto annexed. 

[Part of a page underneath is partially visible]
and was stationed there part of the time
Page 22

The following are names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as aforesaid to wit: Joseph C. Yates and James V. S. Ryley. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. 
[signature] Joseph Peek

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first aforesaid
[signature] John S Vrooman Clerk 

On the day and year first aforesaid before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting personally appeared in open court Christopher Ward of the city of Schenectady in said county who being duly sworn said that he was well acquainted with Joseph Peek who subscribed and swore to the foregoing declaration and knows that the said Joseph was a Captain in the Continental line from the year 1779 to the conclusion of the war--and this deponent further said that previous to the year 1779 he was in several expeditions in company with the said Joseph one of which was to Jesups Patent. 
[signature] Christ. Ward

Sworn in open court as aforesaid 
[signature] John S Vrooman Clerk
Page 23

On the day and year first aforesaid before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting personally appeared in open Court Simon A Groat who being duly sworn said he was well acquainted with Joseph Peek who subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declarations and that he accompanied the said Joseph on several expeditions to Ticonderoga, Coeymans, Skenesborough and Lake George. 
[signature] Simon A Groot

Subscribed & Sworn in open Court this 18th Oct. 1832
[signature] John S. Vrooman Clerk 


On the day and year first aforesaid in open Court of Common Pleas of Schenectady County personally appeared John Corl who being sworn did depose and say that he was well acquainted with Joseph Peek who subscribed and swore to the foregoing declaration and that he accompanied him to Schoharie in the service as a soldier the war of the Revolution & that he served under a commission of Captain as stated in the said declaration. 
[signature] John Corl

Sworn in Open Court as aforesaid
[signature] John S Vrooman Clerk 

["and was stationed part of the time" visible from an underlying page]
Page 24

I, John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County of Schenectady, do hereby certify that Christopher Ward, Simon A. Groot & John Corl, who have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing depositions before me in open Court, appeared to the satisfaction of said Court, and I hereby certify them to be men of credibility & that their statements are entitled to credit. 
Witness my hand & seal of office this eleventh day of July 1833
[signature] John S Vrooman Clerk
Page 25

State of New York
County of Schenectady} ss
John Wemple of the town of Princetown in said County, being duly sworn, doth depose and say, that he was in the time of the revolutionary war & is now well acquainted with Joseph Peek of the City of Schenectady in said County--that he knows said Joseph Peek served in said war, but how long or in what expeditions this deponent cannot recollect if he ever knew--he remembers well however that they were in service together under Captain Jesse Van Slyck in the year 1777 with a detachment of men commanded by Colonel Warner. In this tour they marched to Jessup's Patent in pursuit of a party of tories, and were on duty at least one month and at Saratoga but how long he cannot tell
[signature] John Wemple
Subscribed and Sworn this the fifth  day of October 1832, before me 
[signature] Wm Strong, Justice of the Peace

I Wm Strong the Justice of the Peace above named before whom the deposition of John Wemple has been subscribed and sworn do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Wemple and that his statements are entitled to full credit and I further certify that I believe by reason of bodily infirmity he is not able to attend court 
Witness my hand this fifth day of October 1832
[signature] Wm Strong Justice of the Peace 

["and was stationed there part of the time" partially visible from underlying page]
Page 26

I Jacob Van Vechten a clergyman residing in the city & county of Schenectady, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted Joseph Peek an applicant for a pension under a law of Congress; and that I have the fullest confidence in his integrity and veracity.
Given this 25th Oct 1832. 
[signature] Jacob Van Vechten, Pastor of the Ref. D Church Schenectady
Page 27

We Joseph C. Yates residing in the City of Schenectady in the County of Schenectady aforesaid, and James V. S. Ryley also residing in the city of Schenectady do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Peek--who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have ben a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
[signatures] 
Joseph C Yates
James V. S. Ryley 
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid
[signature] John S. Vrooman 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 is appears to them that Joseph C. Yates who signed the preceding certificate is a resident of said City of Schenectady, and that James V. S. Ryley, who also signed the same is a resident 

["and was stationed there part of the time" visible from an underlying page]
Page 28

who signed the name, is a resident in the same place & are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I John S. Vrooman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Schenectady, do hereby certify that William Strong before whom the preceding deposition of John Wemple purports to have been taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that his signature to said deposition is genuine & I further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joseph Peek for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. 
[signature] John S. Vrooman Clerk

Before me the undersigned Eliud L. Davis a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, personally appeared Joseph Peek above named who being duly sworn saith that he is the applicant who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration, that by reason of old age & the loss of memory consequent thereon, it is impossible for him to specify all the officers under whom he served, but he has stated in said declaration the terms of each engagement and the place or places where his service was performed and this deponent will endeavor to state the same more particularly in this deposition and this deponent further testified that while engaged in these services set forth in said declaration & herein after repeated he was not employed in any Civil pursuit whatsoever. He served in Captain Camer's company in the garrison at Ticonderoga, with the troops under General Schuyler for a term exceeding eight months, in the year 1775. 
In January 1776, he served in Captain John Mynderse's company of minute men at Johnstown for the term exceeding twelve days
Page 29

garrison at Ticonderoga, with the troops under General Schuyler for a term exceeding eight months in the year 1775. 
In January 1776, he served in Captain John Mynderse's company of minute men at Johnstown for the term exceeding twelve days with the troops under Command of Generals Schuyler & Ten Broeck. In the year last named he enlisted & served in Captain Tunis Bradt's company of artificers at Lake George, Ticonderoga & Skenesborough for a term exceeding five months. 
In the month of April 1777, he was drafted & served in Captain Jesse Van Slyck's company of militia in the grade of orderly sergeant & marched through Albany and Saratoga to Jessup's Patent under command of Colonel Warner he believes and was out in this expedition at least one month
In the month of June 1777, he was again ordered out in said company of Captain Jesse Van Slyck and served at Fort Edward, Stillwater & other different posts occupied by the American Army until the capture of Burgoyne on the 17th October 1777, for a term in the whole not less than four months and in the grade of orderly sergeant. In the spring of the year 1778, he enlisted again in the aforesaid Company of Captain Tunis Bradt & served therein at Coeymans for the term of seven months. Thus the whole period of his service as a private exceeds two years & as orderly sergeant five months for which service he claims a pension. Sometime in the winter of the year 1779, say in the month of December, this Deponent received the appointment of a Captain the Quarter Master General's Department, and was without intermission on duty in that capacity as set forth in said declaration for a term in the whole exceeding three years, to wit until the end of said war for which he claims a pension. 
[signature] Joseph Peek

Subscribed & sworn this 24th June 1833, before me 
Note the words "and in the grade of orderly sergeant" interlined and "Five" interlined & "one" written on eleventh line from the bottom before execution hereof
[signature] E. L. Davis Justice of the Peace 

[A portion of another page is partially visible at the bottom]
and was stationed there part of the time
Page 30

State of New York 
Schenectady County 
Clerk's Office} ss. I John S. Vrooman Clerk of the Court of the Common Pleas, in and for the county of Schenectady, do hereby certify that E. L. Davis before whom the preceeding deposition of Joseph Peek purports to have been taken, was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that his signature to said deposition is genuine. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court this 9th day of July A.D. 1833. 
[signature] John S. Vrooman 
Clerk 

19652
In the matter of
the application
of
Joseph Peek
for a pension 

No. 61 to the care
of Giles F. Yates
Schenectady 
N.Y.
Page 31

Fwd
J. D. Freeman 
M.C.

Shimul Godwin Esq. 
Washington 
D.C.

[written sideways]
Joseph Peek 
NY T 32
Page 32

[Stamped]
FREE
[Stamped seal]
SCHENECTACDY

L. P. Waldo Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 
D.C. 

["Mayo" and what might be "1833" handwritten vertically in different hands]
Page 33

[Stamped seal]
SCHENECTADY N.Y. Oct 25
[Stamp]
FREE

Catharine Peek
wid. 
Joseph Peck [Peek]

L.P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C. 

[Additional handwriting across the page, perhaps "Geddes 1833"]
Page 34

Pension Off:
8 Nov. 1853

Sir:
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death. 
Very Respectfully
[signature] S. Cole

For the Com'r
Joseph Peck [Peek], Act 1832
$480 p. an. Died 25th May
1842. Paid to his death.
[signature] Sam'l S Rind
Actg. Auditor

Francis Burt Esq. 
Third Auditor Treasury
Page 35

[Stamped seal]
Schenectady N.Y. [illegible month] 31
[Stamp]
FREE

Catharine Peck [Peek]
wid
Joseph

L.P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C. 

[Additional handwriting across page, perhaps "Geddes 1833"]
Page 36

June 10 1853

Appl. of Catharine
Peek widow of 
Joseph

Montgomery

N. York p. $480 

Act 3d Feby 1853
$480 per an
Com Feby 3d 1853
Rev:

A. A. Vedder
Schenectady 
N. York

Department of the Interior, 
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 37

No. 3326

Catharine Peck [Peek]
Wid: of
Joseph

Sent to A. A. Vedder 21 Oct./53
"      "   "        "        28  "     "

Act 3 Feby 1853
Page 38

[Printed form with handwritten answers]

Ret. 
Widow, &c. 
File No. 2568
Catharine Peek
Widow 
Joseph Peek
Capt. Rev. War
Act: Feb 3 1853

Index:- Vol M, Page 119
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 39

State of New York
Schenectada County } ss.
I Benjamin V. S. Vedder a Commissioner in and for the said County duly authorised by law to administer oaths, do Certify that on the 31 day of October 1853 personally appeared before me, Margret Holland, Widow of Jonas Holland of the City of Schenectada, said County being duly sworn doth depose & say that she now resides in the City of Schenectada that her Husband died in 1839 & that she is the daughter of Joseph Peek of the City aforesaid, Deceased. She believes he father died on the 25th May 1842. She further states that he was a United States pensioner and drew a pension as she believes at the rate of four Hundred & eighty dollars per annum & further states that she is the daughter of said Peek by his first wife who died she believes in the year 1834 7th Feb, that he married for his second wife Jun 25 1834 the widow Catharine Van Vleck, and deponent further states that although she lived next door Neighbor to her Father in said City 34 years, their lots joined, they drew their water for family use from the same well, having been built on the line between the two lots, and believes that herself and Husband were invited to witness the Marriage, that the marriage took place in her fathers own House and Rev Jacob Van Vechten the Settled Minister where they attended Church married them, that she did not go to the wedding. She thought she could not bear to see her father Marry when the loss of her own mother was yet fresh in her memory, but her Husband Jonas Holland she believes saw them married because he told her he did. & she believes John Van Vleck, said Catharine's son by a former marriage was present, who is now dead & she further states that from what she has always understood that her husband & John Van Vleck were the only individuals who witnessed the Marriage & were the only persons in the Room except the parties themselves & the Minister who married them, she further states that the said Catharine Van Vleck, now Catherine Peek after the death of her father Joseph Peek went to Florida, Montgomery County said state where she now resides with her daughter who is a widow, & she further states that she has heard the said Catharine say that she had applied for a pension & that she had employed Albert A. Vedder of Schenectada to prepare & forward her papers to the pension office
Page 40

office to obtain it, and, she this deponent further states that she has no manner of doubt but that the foregoing statements [illegible] by her are all true [illegible]. She was not an eyewitness [covered by paper] to the whole of them & I further certify that the within 
[unreadable due to paper covering writing]
Margaret Holland is a credible witness and to 
[unreadable due to paper covering writing]
[signature] Margaret Holland

Subscribed & sworn to before me the 31 October 1853
[signature] B. V. S. Vedder, Com. of Deeds

State of New York
Schenectada County }
I Benjamin V. S. Vedder a Commissioner in and for said county duly Authorised by law to administer [writing covered by another page, likely "oaths, do"] Certify that personally Appeared before me, Albert A. Vedder to me well known and a resident of the City of Schenectada who being duly sworn doth depose & says that he is well & intimately acquainted with Catharine Peek named in the affidavit of Mrs. Holland and with Margaret Holland herself and was similarly acquainted with all the Individuals who in the foregoing affidavit of Mrs. Holland who are therein stated as dead, and this deponent further states that from her own knowledge she can positively say in addition to what is contained in her affidavit now on file in the pension office that the Catharine Peek named in an application by her for a pension as the widow of Joseph Peek Deceased, late of the City of Schenectada a Revolutionary pensioner and also named in the affidavit of Albert A. Vedder and in the affidavit of Frederick N. Cllute in which she is called Van Vleck and which affidavits are annexed to the Application & now on file in the pension office, and the Catharine Peek named in the foregoing affidavit of Margaret Holland are Identical one & the same person, and I further Certify that the above named Albert A. Vedder is a credible witness
[signature] A. A. Vedder
Subscribed & sworn to the 31st October 1853 before me
[signature] B. V. S. Vedder Com. of Deeds
Page 41

[Printed form with handwritten answers]

State of New York, {COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY, CLERK' S OFFICE.} ss.
I MARVIN STRONG, Clerk of the County of Schenectady, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that B V S Vedder Esq. whose name is subscribed to the CERTIFICATES of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment a Commissioner of Deeds for the City and County of Schenectady, dwelling in the said City, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. AND FARTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificates of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 31st day of October 1853.
[signature] Marvin Strong Clerk
Page 42

Public Service

Capt Joseph Peak [Peek] or Joshua Nickson

Joseph Peek
W. F. 2568
N.Y.

Saratoga

[very faint writing vertically]
Col. C. Yates
Letter Schenectady
Sept 8 1780
Page 43

Schenectady Sept 2th 1780
Gent.
Colo Lewis has strictly ordered me to have every man sent down to Albany that was not much wanted at our place, and a return of those who where not sent and the particular Imploy they where in. You will therefore order them to albany and make out a return of that bind. Returning one man in the Blacksmiths shop my waiter your waiter. John Sheldon to have cut his foot, James Turk in his place at wilcox. Potter sore leg or Emel out of faint another in his place. four men to transport Provision to F. Edward & F. George & four men to Bring Logs down to the general's Saw Mill one cook for the above Men those that are come down with the Liu't you need not return. 
Ride down to Swarts I have wrote for his men and see how many he sends and return what they are doing that stay Behind. I would advise you to keep all the Negros Claas V. D. Bogert and the French Man if possible however your prudence will Dictate. Let me have a Return by the Raror if possible 
I am Gen'l
Your Humb'l Serv't
[signature] Chris. Yates

PS. you will return the men at the different Saw Mill, In manner [?] as before

To Cap't Joseph Peak [Peek] and 
Joshua Nickson
Page 44

Joseph Peek
W. F. 2568
N.Y.
Page 45

Schenectady June 30th 1780
Sir
I wrote you last night by And'w Brown concerning the men I have ordered them all Back [?]. 
You will order Brown to be with this company and [illegible] him to stick close to his [illegible] for the future 
Let no one go upon [illegible, perhaps "furlow"/"forlow"] Mr. Swart whom I have seen in Albany last night has promised me to try to provision for our post if so then the men can [illegible]
You will send Brown with a Serg't to Saratoga Lake with particular order not to be away from his [illegible] day or night the whole of this affair. Brown and Jashua [Joshua] have been at the had of [?] Jashua is the man that spread the report of the girls having the Cloath. 
["Tell him to send me the Returns" and more writing crossed out here]
I shall make out my monthly Return here inclosed I send you a Certificate which you may [word torn off, perhaps was "show"] any one that will [illegible] you
I am [illegible due to torn & soiled corner]
Page 46

Col. C
Yates Saratoga
June 8 1780
N 2

Orders for Capt Peake [Peek]

Joseph Peek
W. F. 2568
N.Y.
Page 47

Sir
You will proceed with what wagons and Horses can get to Fort George and bring as many Battoes as you can
You will get a Receipt of Colo. Safford for the amunites the Governor Left there, and if you can bring the two Iron Carrage wheels along that lay by the Lake side I shall pay the Farrage of the wagons and your Men
You will bring Mr. Swarts Battoe and two other small Battoes the other wagons Must Bring Large Battoes with two span of Horses before one wagon you will make out the best you can dont force People if possible to avoid
Saratoga June 10th 1780
I am Sir your Hum'l Serv't
[signature] Chris. Yates DQM

To Capt Joseph Peake [Peek]
Page 48

Joseph Peek
W. F. 2568
N. Y.
Page 49

Captain J Peek will furnish Emmeaildly [immediately] 4 of his men to go with two men of Captain Lefferts Company with two Battoe Load of Provisons as far as F. Plank You will see the Boat loaded & Let them sill off Emmeialdly
Yours &c
[signature] H Glen Q Master

Sch. 7th July 1779
To Capt J Peek
Present
Page 50

Joseph Peek.
W. F. 2568
N. Y.
Page 51

We whose Names are hereunder written do Voluntaraly enlist ourselfs in the Continental Service as Batt [illegible, perhaps "Battalion" or "Batteaumen"] Teamsters, Labourers, &c to serve as such from dates of our inlistments to the thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty if not sooner discharged 
[it appears some writing has bled through here from another page]

Dates of inlistm't  Mens Names
Dec 25 [signature] Cornelius Peek 
Dec 28 Denel Van Derhyden ["his mark" written around the mark indicating his signature]
Jan 12 Michel Tyom ["his mark" written around the mark indicating his signature]
Dec 25 [signature] William Corle
Dec 26 [Name crossed out]
Jan 12 [signature] Joseph Van De Bogart
Jan 10 [signature] Nicholas V D Bogart

["Daniel Van Derheyden" is obscured and spelled differently but he is referenced elsewhere in these pages as having his enlistment records annexed to the papers]
Page 52

Col C. Yates Letter
Schenectady June
29 1780

[very faint but date confirmed in letter on the other side of this page]
Page 53

Schenectady June 29th 1780
Dear Sir
I this moment arrived from Albany. I have settled the dispute with your company. I told Collo Lewis that you had detained the Cloath with the Trimmens [?] by my order and that it was intended to give to the poor of your company in the fall when the could weder [cold weather] sat in, that the Public suffered by the people not being Cloathed when could. he approved of the matter but things were represented to him that your sister and my daughters wore the shall one and that you had sold great part of the Cloaths. I told him that I was shure that you could produce every inch of the Cloaths and Trimmens Except what you had given to the men, he further told them that everyone had to pay for what he took so that there could be no injustice in not giving it. I am now in a hurry shall write you more at large by the day
I am [illegible] yours
[signature] Chris. Yates
Page 54

Col Yates letter
Schenectady Nov
20 1780

Cap. Joseph Peake [Peek]

Joseph Peek
W. F. 2568
N. Y.
Page 55

Schenectady
Nov. 20 1780
I was down with [illegible] Quackenboush last Fryday. He desired me to  stay untill Colo. Hughs comes up and beged that you should keep your men at work. Let them cut wood every day if there is nothing else for them to do but tell them cut it in dry places so that it may be had any time of year also pile it in cords each to cut a cord a day and split it handy to put on waggon or cart. I expect when Col. Hughs comes up that he and Quackenboush will come up with me. I could wish that every thing is put in good order, especially in my and the other store. Let Joshua see this for a close examination will take place. don't fail in getting forage for the officers horses of [illegible] Could be sent home he is much wanted Some of the men have made complaint about there cloathing get all your vouchers and certificate ready it is only to Quackenboush who has nothing to [illegible] but you may convince him
Page 56

to clear up your charector against such Bad people. I believe it was some of the [illegible, perhaps "Schaticooke"] people. Desire Nick [torn, likely "Nickson"] to [illegible] Colo. Yates [illegible]. Make up my waggon compleat and if possible make up the other cart wheels. Send the horses you can spare to Mr. Swart and a good man to take care of them and feed them two times a day with grain. don't fail in getting things in good order as that may be of service to you in a future day. I would dismiss Brown if I was in your place as you will not Both be wanted there. Probably Colo. Gansevoort if he comes up will want him for a forage master. Let my Hogs be good care taken of the other pigs found if possible
I am your Hum'l Serv't
[signature] Chris. Yates
P.S. My compliments to Joshua and all the Gen of the Reg't }
Page 57

Schenectada 31st October 1853
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you, which together with the evidence already furnished I trust will be Satisfactory. I was not aware untill I Read your letter of the 28th last that there was any Question about Identity, I placed a great deal of Reliance that her having drawn the Arreages of her Husbands pension after his death (of which there must evidence in the pension department some where would alone be very strong evidence of her being Joseph Peek the pensioners widow--The Reason why I did not Call on Mrs. Holland before was she felt delicate about it, she said it would look so strange that her living so near to her fathers & living so near for 34 years, that she should not be present at her fathers wedding-- but her own mother had been dead but 3 months & 18 days it Effected her so much that she could not be present although he married a worthy woman
Respectfully yours &.c.
[signature] A. A. Vedder

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner &.c.
Page 58

[Postage stamp]
U.S. POSTAGE THREE CENTS
[Postmark stamped seal]
NEW YORK FEB 18

Giles F Yates Esq
Schenectady
N.Y.
Page 59

New York Feb 18 1852
Giles F Yates Esq
Schenectady

Dear Sir
Will you have the goodness to present and urge the payment of an increased allowance to the heirs of the late Joseph Peck dec'd, late a Captain of Batteaumen Fatigue men, and laborers in the war of the Revolution, under the Act of 7 June 1832- Myself and my sister Jane are the only surviving children
Very respectfully yours
[signature] Margret Holland

I hereby authorize Shimuel Godwin Esq of Washington D.C. to act as my substitute in the above matter-- Schenectada N.Y. Feby 21. 1852
[signature] G. F. Yates
Page 60

State of N. York
Schenectada 3rd October 1853
Dear Sir
Permit me once more to draw your attention to Catharine Peek's papers, now on file in the pension office, who claims a pension as the widow of Joseph Peek, her papers were sent in company with those of Deborah Kingsley & Huldah Van Vorst in the 3 of June last [illegible carat note written above]. The last two have been rec'd by me, and duly paid, Mrs. Peeks' I have not yet heard from, the old lady is very anxious about the result, she says the scanty means left her by her Husband are nearly exhausted.
She almost imagines, she can see herself a tenant of the Poor House, or absolutely dependent on a poor widowed daughter for subsistence with whom she now lives
With due Respect Yours &.c.
[signature] A. A. Vedder

L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner &.c.
Page 61

Schenectady, Oct. 25. 1853
Sir:
There is now on file, in the Pension Office, as appears by a letter just shown to me, bearing your signature, an application of Catharine Peek, in which she claims a pension, as the widow of Joseph Peek, annexed to which are two affidavits, viz:, one by Frederick N. Clute, the other by Albert A. Vedder, both subscribed & sworn to before me. It seems that I omitted to certify that the said Clute & Vedder, were credible witnesses, not being aware that the rules of the Department required it. I do now, therefore, hereby certify, that I know personally & well, the said Clute & Vedder, and that they are credible witnesses, reliable & beyond reproach.
[signature] B. V. S. Vedder, Comm'r of Deeds

L . P. Waldo, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

the name in the letter above alluded to is written Peck 
it should be written Peek
Page 62

[Printed form with handwritten answers]

Brief in the case of Catharine Peek, widow of Joseph, Montgomery County and state of New York, 
act 3d Feby: 1853,

Claim, ("original," [or "for increase." crossed out])
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 1832.
Record evidence of Marriage.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
A. A. Vedder, Esq'r
Schenectady, N.Y.
Name and residence of Agent
[signature] D. C. Boynton,
Examining Clerk.
Page 63

Revolutionary claim
Free

[Postmark stamped seal with handwritten date]
SCH'DY
Dec 18 1829

Hon: J. D. Ingham
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington
Page 64

Rec'd 23 Dec 1829
1211
Schenectady Dec'r 10th 1829
Hon. J. D. Ingham
Secretary of the Treasury
Sir.
Your favor of the 7th November last was duly received by me, and I trust the following remarks in answer thereto will be permitted.
Had I not been so unfortunate as to lose my Commission, I think I could by it, have established the fact, that I held "a rank in the line of the army." I do not know exactly what evidence you want or what particular points you want proved. I can abundantly prove that I had the Commission of a captain, granted by Quarter Master General Morgan Lewis in this State, and that I served as such until the end of the war, in manner stated in my declaration. As to rank, I perceive that by a resolve of Congress of 22d Dec'r 1775, the Quarter Master General has the "rank of Colonel in the army of the United Colonies." What rank his subordinate officers held I have not the means of ascertaining.
Very respectfully
Your Ob't Serv't
[signature] Joseph Peek
Page 65

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington
Page 66

Schenectady Nov'r 5th 1834.
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
On the receipt of your letter stating the reason why the name of Joseph Peek of this City, had been dropt from the Pension list, Mr. Peek pursuant to your suggestion, wrote to General Morgan Lewis to the following purport.
"Gen'l Morgan Lewis- 
Sir- "Last year I was admitted on the Pension List under the act of 7th June 1832, & received pay as a Captain. In my declaration I stated that I had received a commission as a Captain and served as such in the Quarter Master's department under Col. Christopher Yates Deputy Quarter Master, yourself being Quarter Master General. In corroboration of my appointment and services I forwarded to the War Department sundry letters received by me while in service from said Chris'r Yates & others. On the twenty-fourth day of September last to my surprize I received a letter from the Commissioner of Pensions in which he stated that my pension had been suspended in consequence
Page 67

of an anonymous letter, in which the writer represented that I was only a transporter, and as such had command of a boat, and that my address as Captain could not have been intended in a military sense &c. The commissioner also stated that in order to get my pension restored, it was necessary to procure your testimony as to my appointment, and the military character of my duties &c."
"It is true that we were frequently detached to guard public stores transported by  water, but it was done with arms in our hands and a disposition in our hearts to serve our Country in any emergency. I have the testimony of Governor Yates & of other respectable Citizens of this place as to my Character, and I flatter myself I can procure the like testimony from any individual in this place, except the malicious and envious enemy who wrote the anonymous letter referred to."
"It is not probable that you can give any testimony in my behalf from personal knowledge of my services, as your Deputy Colonel Yates attended to all the details of the business of your Department in this vicinity, but perhaps you may have some rolls on which my name may be found. In any event be
Page 68

pleased to furnish a statement of the nature of the services of the officers in your Department. During Col. Yates's absence I had several times the charge of the garrison at which we happened to be stationed - and altho' my duties prevented me from serving with the regular army, yet I was occasionally called upon to mount guard, and was uniformly under the command of my superior military officers."
(Signed) "Joseph Peek"

In reply to this letter Gen'l Lewis favored Mr. Peek with the communication which is enclosed, and which will I trust satisfy your department that the representations and insinuations of the anonymous writer are false & malicious Gen'l Lewis has been kind enough to say that any further information which may be wanted & which it is in his power to give, shall be afforded by him.  Should you therefore wish any additional explanation from Gen'l Lewis, I shall try to procure it. From the General's communication it is evident that Mr Peek was not a transporter merely, and that his duties were of a military & not civil nature - that his men were regularly enlisted, enrolled in companies & officered. The men employed as transporters, were not attached to the Quarter Masters' Department.  See the paragraph
Page 69

in Gen'l Lewis's letter marked with an asterisk 
*
I am very respectfully
Your mo. Ob't Serv't
[signature] Giles F. Yates 

[written sideways below] 
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington
Page 70

[Postmark stamped seal with handwritten date]
SCH'DY N.Y.
Sep 18 1834
[Stamp]
PAID 18 3/4

J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington City
D. C.
Page 71

Schenectady Sep 17- 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner &c

I have this day received a line from the Pension Agent at New York in which he states that the pension of Joseph Peek of this city, has been dropt on the Agents Books per letter from the War Department dated 19 August 1834. Mr. Peek informs me he has received no notice of this fact & wishes to know if his pension is stopt, the reason. A certain person in this place, who like many of our race, envy the prosperity of others, has been heard to swear that Mr. Peek's pension should be stopt, & that he would write to Washington on the subject. Mr. Peek thinks this person has made himself busy in this matter & wishes to be informed- Presuming it cannot be inconsistent with propriety that
Page 72

he should be made acquainted with the facts in relation to this matter, a matter which involves the most important interests, he has solicited me to request from your Department the desired information.
I have the honor to be very respectfully
Your ob't & obliged Serv't
[signature] G. F. Yates
Page 73

[Postmark stamped seal with handwritten date]
SCH'DY N. Y.
Oct 22 1829

Revolutionary claim
Free

Hon: J. D. Ingham
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington D. C. 

[written upside down]
1730
5678.
Page 74

26 Oct.
Schenectady, Oct'r 15th 1829

Hon. J. D. Ingham
Sir
I have received your favor of the 7th inst, requesting me to transmit
additional information respective my services in the revolutionary war--my services were all performed in the State of New York, in whose quota I served. The nature of my services were such that I and my Company were sometimes under the controul of one Regiment & sometimes of another. I had the honor to send you in my former communication a copy of an enlistment roll showing the nature of my services, also some orders from Col. Chris Yates & Col. Henry Glen to the same effect. I received my Commission from Morgan Lewis Quarter Master General, and my Commission was either signed by him or one of his Deputies. 
with great respect
Your ob't Serv't 
[signature] Joseph Peek

[Handwritten]
1071
Page 75

P. S. If any additional affidavits respecting my services are required, I think I shall be able to furnish them.
Page 76

[Printed form with handwritten answers]
1730
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
26 Oct 1829.
Joseph Peck [Peek] of Schenectady in the County of --
in the State of New York has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution,” approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the War,
at which period he was a Captain in the -- regiment of the New York line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary F. A. Dickins.

[Handwritten in pencil]
#2568 Wids
OK
No record of Tm

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
28th October 1829

[Paragraph is crossed out with handwritten hash marks across it]
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to   the line, amounting to   dollars.

It further appears that Joseph Peek is not now on the pension list of any agency, and has not been since the 3d March 1826
["at the rate of" and "per month" crossed out]

The Revolutionary records in this office furnish no information whatever in relation to the services of Capt Joseph Peek of the New York line-
[signature] Peter Hagner Aud

/correct/
Page 77

War Department
Bounty Land Office
Nov. 5th 1829
The name of Joseph Peek is not returned on the Records of the New York (or any other line) on file in this office, among those officers entitled to Bounty Land, or, to whom, a Land Warrant has ever issued
[signature] Wm Gordon
Page 78

J L Edwards Esq
Commissoner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 79

To the Hon Lewis Cass secretary of war
Dear Sir
An imposition has been practiced on the government by a pious frand. A certain person by the name of Joseph Peek of the city and County of Schenectady and state of New York not being entitled to the benefit of the act of June 7th 1832 at the time his papers were prepared to obtain a pension he charged his two witnesses as I understand from the witnesses themselves (to wit) William Corl and Daniel Vanderhyden who were boatmen under him not to lisp a word about the boating buisness as they were not entitled nor embraced in the law to obtain a pension and would at once defeat the application to obtain it. Much more might be said on the subject matter of his claim to it but I have the vanity to presume although I have never seen his application papers for a pension that it was not sufficiently scrutinized at the pension bureau which the nature of the claim required or he would not have been entitled to $480 per annum nor even to one cent as he is not embraced in the law and agreeably to the adjudication of the Honorable board of war under similar claims brought forward agreeable to the services as was his: only his was brought forward in disguise, and fraudulently; and my word for it if his pension is stopt and he called to account by the government he will refund being of good responsibility so to do the ill gotten wealth which he is not entitled to and which he can be readily compelled to do and will never litigate about it knowing it will not avail him. I am the last man who would grudge a revolutionary pensioner the bounty bestowed on him by government -but- at the same time cannot bear the idea that it should be obtained by fraud as is the case in this instance: and what
Page 80

will put the matter at rest should J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of pension Bureau in case of the abscence of the Honorable secretary of war address the person who prepared the pension papers of the said Joseph Peek and put to him the following interrogatories under oath, that he was captain of in his application for a pension? he would either refuse to answer and if he answered different from a company & parcel of boatmen a refutation can be made by dozens of witnesses who know all about his revolutionary services. This ought to be attended to before the half year & ensuing pension comes about and the cat will be out of the bag at once. Although this is an anonymous letter it will notwithstanding if the preceding course is pursued have the desired effect as the writer hereof knows all about how matters are sometimes managed. Dont treat this letter lightly being anonymous as rest assured it is entitled to full credit; it is the first one of the kind I have ever written. The people of this county were struck with astonishment and he himself expressed that he felt much surprised when first announced to him. He said he expected he might recieve perhaps something like one hundred dollars and he ought to receive a severe rebuke for his temerity.
Niskaguna town Schenectady County N.Y.
12th August 1834
Page 81

[Postmark stamped seal with handwritten date]
SCH'DY N.Y.
May 6 1835
[Stamp]
FREE

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C. 

[handwritten vertically]
In attention
May 9
NY
Jos Peck [Peek]
NY Wh
Page 82

Schenectady May 6th 1835
Hon: J. W. Edwards
Commissioner &c
Sir
Mr G. F. Yates informs me that he has not yet received any decisive answer respecting my pension and says he does not like to trouble you with so many letters. Do my dear Sir let me or Mr Yates hear from you soon.
Did you know the uneasiness of my mind occasioned by the state of suspence I have been kept in for a long time on account of my pension. I am quite sure you would decide upon it at once
I think after you have examined Genl. Lewis' letters and other facts which have been stated I have no reason to fear that the decision you make will be unfavorable to me my claim notwithstanding what an anonymous enemy may have said without proof is as honest as any claim before you and as it grieves me at my age that my just rights should have been doubted 
Turn over
Page 83

may I hope dear sir to hear favorable from you soon.
Yours with respect &c
[signature] Joseph Peek
Page 84

To: 
Christ'r Yates Esq
A Q.M. Gen'l in his service
to Cap'n Peak [Peek]
Saratoga

[Written upside down]
Cap't Cadmus
Albany 7th
July 1780
Page 85

Albany 4th July 1780.
Sir
This will inform you Mrs. Cadmus & myself are but in a poor State of Health, or I would have endeavored to come & seen you; you will greatly oblige me in sending what of my Hogs are remaining, I have been inform'd some of them have been kill'd or lost, the sooner you can send them down, will lay me under the greater obligation, the method of sending them down in safty I leave to yourself
Late acc't from Boston is that the French fleet of 17 ships of the Line with 10000 troops on Board, its look'd upon as truth, they was upon the Coast ten days ago.
Mrs Cadmus Joins me in Comp'l to you & all friends.
I am
DSin
Your oblig'd hum'l Serv't
[signature] Cornelius Cadmus
Page 86

Public Service

Capt'n Joseph Peek
Saratoga

By Ft. Bloodgood {

[Written vertically]
Joshua Nickson
Letter Albany
Sep't 27 1780
Page 87

Albany Sept 27th 1780
Dear Sir-
I am very sorry I cannot get things in better order, so that you might get provisions and [illegible, perhaps "Rum"] for our post, there is Neither a gill of Rum nor a hand of Bay in store, But there is expected in every moment a quantity of Bay and Rum, But wether it is for our garrison or no I cannot tell, Heveanly times now in Albany Fireking [?] in great plenty, Admiral Rodny is arrived in New York with thirteen face of the Line and his Excellency Gen. Washington is gone to Hartford. My compliments to Joseph [illegible]
Page 88

Der Bogart and all enquirys this
Col. Gates in town today.
and am Sir your Very 
humble servant
[signature] Joshua Nickson
Capt Peek
Saratoga
Joseph Peck
W.F. 2568
N.Y.
Page 89

Joseph Peek.
W. F. 2568
N. Y. 

[vertical handwriting]
Major Quarter
[illegible, see p.92 for another version] Letter
Albany Oct
25 1780
Page 90

Albany Octo. 25. 1780
Sir-
Mr. Quackenbush A. D. Q. M. has requested me to inform you that you immediately make out a return of your Company, and what they are employ'd at, and bring it down to the office at this post- as the service requires immediate return of all persons employ'd in the Quarter Master Generals Department in this State. I beg you will not fail to make it known-
I am Sir
Your most hum'l Serv't
[signature] Oliver Glean Clk

Capt' Peek
Page 91

Joseph Peek
W. F. 2568
N. Y.
Page 92

On Service
To
Cap't Joseph Peeke [Peek]
Saratoga

[written vertically]
Major Quarter 
[illegible, perhaps "bust"] Letter
Nov'r 16 1780
Page 93

Albany Nov 16 1780
D Sir-
Those men who have been employ'd a cutting wood below, have made out so Indifferently, that Major Quackenbush has thought proper to discharge them, their is ten of them who
was there who is now dismissed
you will please to note them accordingly
I am
Sir
yours &c
[signature] Oliver Glean

Cat' Peeke [Peek]
Page 94

Rec. Ev. 25" May 42 [?]
Boynton
Page 95

Treasury Dept.
17th Sep't 1829.
Page 96

[Postmark stamped seal with handwritten date]
SCH'DY
Sep't 13 1829

Revolutionary Claim
Free

Hon: John H. Eaton
Secretary of War 
Washington City 
D. C. 

[written upside down]
Joseph Peek
Re'c 18 Sept 1829.
650.
Page 97

Schenectady Sep 12th 1829
to the Hon. Secretary of War
Sir
As I have lost my Commission, in order to show the nature of my service, I take the liberty to enclose to you, some orders received from my superior officers, also a paper showing the terms, on which I enlisted the members of my company &c I have many such orders in my possession-
I have the honor to be
Your ob't Serv't
[signature] Joseph Peek
Page 98

Cleveland May 16th 1853.
Dear Sir, 
Your letter of the 10th has been forwarded to me from Albany and overtaken me in this place. I recollect the marriage of Mrs. Peek perfectly and remember that Mr. Holland was present, but cannot determine the time without a reference to the Church register. For the want of this, the required certificate cannot be prepared here. If spared to return home, I shall endeavor to visit Schenectady and with pleasure do all you desire. I am on a journey Westward with my son for the recovery of his health. If he is not essentially benefitted, we shall turn our steps Eastward within three
weeks.
With my best regards to Mrs. V
I am with much respect your friend
[signature] Jacob Van Vechten

A. A. Vedder Esq.
Page 99

1730
[Handwritten in another hand]
Probably not entitled

For the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an act entitled "an act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution" approved on the 15th May 1828, I, Joseph Peek of the City of Schenectady in the State of New York, do hereby declare that I was a Captain in the Continental line of the army of the Revolution, and served as such until the end of the war- that I was elected such officer in the month of February in the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine - my Commission has long since been lost or mislaid. Witness my hand this Eighth day of September 1829.
[signature] Joseph Peek

The above declaration sworn to this ninth day of September 1829, before me-
[signature] John Worden
Justice of the Peace

Before me John Worden a Justice of the Peace in the City of Schenectady aforesaid personally appeared this day, William Corl and Daniel Van Derhyden all of said County of Schenectady, who did severally make oath, that the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration subscribed & sworn to by Joseph Peek are true according to the best of their knowledge and belief, that they are well acquainted with said Joseph Peek, and have been acquainted with him previous to the year 1779, that they severally enlisted in his company, and know that he served as an officer in the revolution in
Page 100

manner set forth in said declaration. Witness my hand, this Ninth day of September 1829 -
[signature] John Worden
Justice of the Peace

I John S. Vrooman Clerk of the Court of the County of Schenectady, do hereby certify that John Worden Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was at the time thereof & is now a Justice of the Peace & duly empowered to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this Eleventh day of September 1829-
[signature] John S. Vrooman Clk