Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,215, James Delap, New Jersey
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New Jersey     Delap, James    S. 32,215
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23141
Indiana
James Delap
[illeg] in the State of Indiana who was a private in the com commanded Captain Keighler of the regt  commanded by [   ] Taylor in the N Jersey { } for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana the rate of 30 Dollars and Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued teh 29 day of Nob 1833 and LL Harding Versailles

Arrears to the 4th of September  75.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 15.00
$90.00

Revoluationary Claim Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by Daniel Boyd    Clerk 
Book [illegible] Vol 7 Page 109
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Declaration of James Delap in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 -
State of Indiana
Ripley County}SS. On this 13th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable Henry B. Heskill probate judge of the Ripley Probate Court holder at Versailles in and for the said County of Ripley James Delap a resident of the said County of Ripley and State of Indiana aged seventy [illegible] year who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He entered the service of the United States as a volunteer, under Col Robert Taylor and Capt. Hillaren some time in the month of December 1777 and left the service the last of February or the first of March following after serving for a little more than two months in Col. Robert Taylors Regiment of the New Jersey malitia. He then in the spring of 1784 entered the service again as a volunteer under Col. Thomas Daughty Lieut Col Enoch Leeds, Maj John Steelman and Capt Richard Hisley and served for two months and a half left the same sometime in June the same year. In July following he volunteered again in a company of men (who were raised in Gloucester County New Jersey) under the command of Capt Davis, Lieutenant James Bell and Sergeant William Brown in this company. He served for six months when he was discharged by his captain During all his three several terms of service he resided in the Township of Galloway, Gloucester County and State of New Jersey. During his first tour of service for two months he marched from Sand Town to Hattenfield, from thence back to Sand Town where he remained stationary until he was discharged. During this first term of service at Thomson's Point on the Delaware River
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a British Man of War sent the Barge on shore for the purpose of plundering when a skirmish entered between the Bargemen and the company to which he (Delap) belonged and he was wounded in the thigh by a musket hole from the enemies barge. This affair took place in December or February.
   In the same month and year he was in another skirmish with some bargemen who attempted to land and plunder and took one of them prisoner by [illegible] his leg. In his 2d tour for two months under Col Daughty he marched from Chestnut Neck to Leeds and Summers point on the Sea coast a distance of about twenty miles and served as a guard along the sea coast between these places, and was engaged in several skirmishes with the marauding parties sp Brittish who came ashore for the purpose of plunder. During his third tour for six months and under Capt Davis he served as a guard along the coast between the same places as above mentioned (to wit) Chestnut Neck and Summers' point and was every few days in skirmishes with the enemy, who came a shore, and amongst the rest he was in the affair at Clam Town on the shore at Little Egg Harbor. That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can present who can certify to his service.
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He hereby relinquishes any 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. 
  Sworn to and subscribed this day and year afo. [written signature-his mark] James Delap
   We Elias Robinson a clergyman residing in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana, and Edmond Pendergast residing in the same County and State hereby certify that  we are well acquainted with James Delap -- who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that, we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he is respected 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 afd. 
Elias Robinson; Edward Pendergast
   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 applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that James Delap --who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana and that,  [blank]        who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
   H. B. Hukill  Probate Judge
    Answers to the Questions prescribed by the War Department and propounded to the above named applicant by the said Courts
  Answer to first Question. I was born the fifteenth day of September 1755. in the county of Burlington and State of New Jersey. Answer to Quest 2d. I have no record of my age only what my parents have told me. Answer to 3d Quest. I was living in Gloucester County as within stated. Answer to 4th Quest. 

[written on the left side of text:]
Since the Revolution I have residence for about fourteen years in the state of Ohio and [illeg] that time I have resided in Ripley County State of Indiana
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I was a volunteer at all the terms of service--Answer to 5th Quest. I do not now remember the names of any regular officers with whom I was acquainted. The general circumstances of my service are stated within. Answer to 6th Quest In my first tour under Col Taylor I rec. a written discharge. the other times where I was discharged I rec. no writing but was discharged verbally.  My written discharge has long since been lost. Answer to 7th Quest. Esquire of Mr. Green Mr. Harward, Esqr Penderrast and all who know me
   I David P. Shook Clerk of the Ripley County Probate Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contained the original proceedings of the said Court in the Matter of the application of James Delap for a pension. In testimony whereof I have herento set my hand seal of office this 15th November 1832. David P. Shook. Clk
Versailles. Inda. Novm. 15th 1832 [illeg] you will please direct your communication to me at Versailles Ripley County Inda. as I am the Agent and Attorney for the above named applicant.  
Yours Tr
Stephen S. Harding.
[Honl.] Secretary of War}
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Know all Men by these Presents, That [illegible lines]
                               who was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint GEORGE H. MONSARRAT, true and lawful Attorney for [illegible] and in my name to prosecute against the Government of the United States, before any Department thereof, any and all claim or claims [illegible] have to arrears of pay or Pension money, under any Act or Acts, Resolution or Resolutions, of the Congress of the United States, and especially the Acts 4th July 1836, 7th July 1838, 3rd March 1843, 17th June 1844, 2nd February 1848, and 29th July 1848--as well as the more ancient Acts of 18th March 1818, 15th May 1828, and 7th June 1832.
Said Attorney [illegible] moreover authorised in my name to demand at any Department of the said Government, a reconsideration of any decision hitherto or hereafter to be given, touching [illegible] interests, and to obtain from any Department or the archives thereof, any and all information or evidence of whatever character relating to or in anywise bearing upon the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of.
  Said Attorney [illegible] moreover authorised to do any and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes, and to receive the Certificates of Pension or other character of drafts or evidences of the amounts de [illegible] and to appoint one or more Sub-Attorneys, and to confer upon him or them all the powers therein conferred upon [illegible] hereby ratifying and confirming all that [illegible] said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents. 
  WITNESS [illegible] hand and seal this [illeg] day of [illeg] 185[illeg]

[Nathaniel (his mark) Delap        [Stamp bearing "L. S."

[illegible signatures]

State of ..........................County, sec.........................
BE IT KNOWN, that on the        day of       185 , before the subscriber, a                       in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared                           subscribers to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledging the signing, sealing and delivering the same to be      own voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein set forth. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I do hereunto subscribe my name,    J.P.
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Triplett
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James Delap Indiana Ripley Co
from 1777 private 9 months $30
     Heighler Taylor [illeg]
S. S. Harding Versailles Indiana
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Sir:
  The evidece 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 a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes,  readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew 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 compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

Statement;, shewing the Service of James Delap
_________________________________
Table with 6 columns, with 3 sub columns under the 2nd column.
1st Column: "Period when the service was performed."
2nd Column: "Duration of the claimant's service." 3 columns under this column Years. Months. Days.
3rd Column: "Rank of the claimant" 
4th Column: "Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served."
5th column: "Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service."
6th Column: "Proof by which the declaration is supported."

Under 1st column:  1777   1781.
Under 2nd Column and 2nd subcolumn (Months.) for year 1777--2 months; for year opposite 1781--1 month   and 6 months
Under 3rd Column "Rank of the claimant." :  Opposite year 1777:  "Pr" Opposite year 1781:  opposite "1"  " Pr"  ; opposite "6"  "Pr"
[Remaining columns all blank]
The last service was as a minute man. An allowance can be made for the time only that the applicant was in actual service. Minute men were not in actual service the whole of the time but only upon an alarm.
I am respectfully, Your obedient servant, JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the
benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular
places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general
classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.
The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians 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 } ss.
County of
On this
day of
A. B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
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)
and
----
served in the
(e) regiment of the
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 men will now 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.
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
&c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his


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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected
. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
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?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge of
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
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20519

James Delap
Indiana

Rejected services Three [illegible] of which were in the year 1786 which was after the Rev War and the 1st time was for two months only.
Declitte 8 April 33 to S.S. Harding Versailles
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Brief in teh case of James Delap of Ripley County in the State of Indiana
(Act 7th June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 77
4. State his services, as directed in the form annexed.
period duration of service rank Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

Vol in 1777 Dec  a little more 2 months as a pri. for Col Taylor Capt. Hillaren, N. [illegible]
Vol. 1784 x….2 months….as a pr. Col. Daughty, Capt. Highley, N. [illegible]
Vol 1784  X years …1 months     as a pri…..Capt. Davis…N. [illegible]

5. In what battles was he engaged? skirmishes
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Gloucester Co. N. J.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidency, by incidental evidence or by the rolls? trady.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so in what respect? correct

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

WL Well Examining Clerk
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June 28, 1934
James Delap-S. 32215
BA-J/AWF

The Quartermaster General
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of James Delap, died July 10, 1840 in Ripley County Indiana. The application for headstone for James Delap was enclosed with your request, which application (original) is returned herewith; there was no correspondence attached.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 32215, based upon the Revolutionary War service of James Delap.
James Delap was born September 15, 1755 in Burlington County, New Jersey; names of his parents not given. 
While residing in Galloway Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, James Delap volunteered and served as a private with the New Jersey troops, as follows-
From December 1, 1777, two months in Captain Hillman’s company, Colonel Robert Taylor’s regiment, was wounded in the thigh by a musket ball in a skirmish at Thomsons Point on the Delaware River; from May, 1781, six months in Captain Davis/ and Cooper’s companies, was in the “affair at Clam Town on the shore” and many other skirmishes.
After the Revolution, the soldier moved to Ohio, where he lived about fourteen years, when he moved to
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Ripley County, Indiana.
James Delap was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1832, then a resident of said Ripley County. He died in Ripley County, July 10, 1840.
He left no widow, his wife having died prior to his death. A son was referred to, but his name was not definitely stated.
On May 20, 1853 Nathaniel Delap stated that he was the heir of the soldier, James Delap, and Elizabeth G. Delap was a witness in the case of that date. No relationshiop to each other nor to the family is shown.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
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State of Indiana
Dearborn County

Personally appeared before me that under signed a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Dearborn aforesaid James Leeds who being first duly sworn according to Law deposits and said that he was well acquainted with one James Delap during his residence in Gloucester County New Jersey. Previous to the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty one that he said James Leeds was a resident of Gloucester County N. Jersey at the time that he knew the said James Delap as aforesaid. That he knows most positively that the said James Delap did serve as a soldier under the command of Col. Highly,  Maj Enoch Leeds ( the cousin of this deponent) and also Cap. Highly in the month of [illegible] 1781. that the said Delap served at Great Egg harbor in New Jersey. This deponent states that the said Delap served for one month under the shore [illegible]  officer, when he was discharged for those times as he has always understood. This deponent also states that the said James Delap [illegible]  six months more in the year 1781 at Chestnut [illegible] that the said Delap this six months time [illegible]  in Carp. Lieut. James Bell that he  [illegible]  served the full time of six months, but [illegible] time that he [illegible] the service, he cannot state that he [illegible] saw [illegible] will during his said service and states most positively that the service was rendered as above set forth and ruther deponent saith that it is the same James Delap who is an applicant for a pension and further saith not.
James Delap

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4 day of Sept. 1933.
John Columbia  
[illegible signature]

And the said Justice further certifies that James Leeds the above deponent is a person of truth and veracity and that his oath is entitled to full credit.

John Columbia
[illegible signature]
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State of Indiana Dearborn County ss
I James Dill Clerk of the Dearborn Circuit Court do hereby certify that John Columbia before whom the above affidavit was taken and who has signed the within certificate then was and now is an acting justice of the peace in and for the said County of Dearborn duly commissioned and qualified such that full faith and credit are due all  his official acts and that the above signature purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th day of October in the year of our Lord 1833.  [signed] James Dill Clerk DCC 29th of October 1833
[seal affixed to the left]
James Delap
[signature] Ste. S. Harding Agent [illegible]
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[circular stamp to the left]  CITY OF WASHINGTON APR 9
J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Stephen S. Harding Esqr. Versailles Indiana
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War Department Pension Office April 8 1833
Sir, The papers of James Delap have been examined. He alleges to have performed one tour of service in 1777 of two months and two other tours in 1784. The war of the Revolution terminated in 1783, and the act of June 7, 1832 under which he claims, provides for none who did not serve at least six months during the period of the Revolutionary war. His claim has therefore been rejected. The papers will remain on the files in this office.
I am respectfully Your Obt. Servt. [signed] J L Edwards
Stephen S. Harding Esqr. Versailles Indiana
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Delap which require further proof or explanation.
I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period of the war when he served?
V.  *Has he mentioned 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?
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion?
IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscriptions by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2
XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. [cross-shaped footnote mark] If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?  If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI.  [double-cross-shaped footnote mark] Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades;  For ---- year ---- months, and ---- days, I served as a ----  For ---- months and ---- days, I served as a ----; and for such service I claim a pension.
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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 ["about three or four months" in italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[cross-shaped footnote mark]QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service. [heading in italics]
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 claimants 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.
[double-cross-shaped footnote mark]QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers. [heading in italics]
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 paper 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.
[hand icon with finger pointing to the right] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 24

[left side of page]
10,474
Lucy Salmon 
No. C
Lett: to J. N. Coffin [illegible]
Hon. R. C. Perigrin  4th Apl 18[year illegible]
915-7
act 7, July 3[year illegible]

[right side of page]
See Reg for letter Evo. town off
Page 25

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.  James Delap S. F. 32215
[table headings] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. [subdivided into two columns] CAPTAIN. | COLONEL. | STATE.
Dec. 1 1777 | 2 mos | Pvt | Hillman | Robert Taylor | N. J.
May 1781 | 1 mo. |  | Richard Higbee | Thomas Doughty |
July 1781 | 6 mos. |  | Davis, Cooper |  |
Battles engaged in,  wounded in thigh in skirmish of Thomsons Point was in the affair at Clam Town, and many others
Residence of soldier at enlistment,  Galloway Twp Gloucester Co. N. J.
Date of application for a pension, Nov. 13, 1832 His cl [claim] was al [allowed]
Residence at date of application,  born in Burlington Co. N. J. Sept. 15, 1755 died in Ripley Co. Ind. July 10, 1840.
Remarks: Soldier left no widow. a son is referred to in 1833 his name is not stated (This is the only record in this Bureau relative to the above name James Delap)
Very respectfully,
Page 26

(Typed Letter)
[word cut off]r Section,

Feb. 7, 1916.

Mrs. P. B. Story,
8350 Ryer Ave.
New York, N. Y.

Madam:

In reply to your letter of the 5" instant, you are
advised that this Bureau is unable to furnish the history o of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services.

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim claim on file for William or Samuel Delap. [In handwritten script in the margin next to this paragraph is the words "see negatives]

The history of James Delap Revolutionary War pensioner S. F. No. 32,215 was furnished you on Dec. 2, 1910, and it is not the practice to send the same statement more than once to the same person.

The records of lands granted before 1814 are incomplete owing to the destruction of papers when the British burned Washington in that year.

F For information in regard to lands that may have been allowed by the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, you should consult the archives of those states.

Very respectfully,
Gmsaltzgaber [handwritten signature]
Commissioner.
Page 27

January 4, 1913.

Hon. Ralph W. Moss,
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr. Moss:

In response to your personal inquiry of the fourth instant, and the enclosed letter of Mrs. Ida Henderson of Box 68, North Terre Haute, Indiana, requesting information in regard to James Dunlap or Dunlop who is recorded in the Pension Bureau in Book E, Vol. 7, page 109. I have the honor to advise you that said reference is to James Delap, a Revolutionary War pensioner Sur. File No. 32,215.

From the papers in said claim it appears that James Delap was born in Burlington County, New Jersey, September 15, 1755, and while residing in Galloway Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey, enlisted December 1, 1777, and served two months as a private in the New Jersey troops under Captain Hillman and Colonel Robert Taylor, and during said period was wounded in the thigh during a skirmish at Thomson's Point. He enlisted in May, 1781, and served one month under Captain Richard Higbee and Colonel Thomas Doughty, and again enlisted in July 1781, and served six months under Captains Davis and Cooper.

He was allowed pension on an application executed in Ripley County, Indiana, November 13, 1832, and he died July 10, 1840, in said County.
Page 28

He referred to a son whose name he did not mention.  In 1853, one Nathaniel Delap stated that he was the heir of said soldier, but did not state his relationship or Post Office address.

A careful search of the records of this Bureau fails to show that a claim for bounty land was filed on account of the Revolutionary War services of James Delap or Dunlap for Dunlop.

There is no provision of law which would entitle the descendant of a soldier of the Revolution to bounty land or pension.

Very respectfully,
J.C. Davenport
Commissioner.
Page 29

Request for Rev. War
record of James Delap
died July 10 - 1840
in Ripley Co. Indiana

Furnished June 28 -
34 - & application
for headstone store
AWF
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
WASHINGTON

___ JUN 20 1934 ____ 1933

Memorandum for

The Surgeon General,
Bureau of Navigation, Navy Department,
Commandant, United States Coast Guard, Treasury Department,
The Commissioner of Pensions, Interior Building,
General Accounting Office, F Street, between 4th & 5th, N. W.

1.  The attached application has been submitted to this office for Government headstone to be erected at the grave of the decedent named thereon. In order that the proper inscription may be placed on the stone it would be appreciated if your office would verify the name and service on the application, checking and making such
corrections in red ink as may be necessary to show the correct spelling of the name and complete designation of the organizations.

2.  In addition, please advise State from which decedent came.

[stamp:]. RECEIVED JUN 22 1934 MAIL SUB-DIV. [illegible]

1 enc.
Page 31

3 - 081.
CONGRESSIONAL.
No. _________-
NAME OF CLAIMANT:        over
___ Mrs Ida Henderson ____
P.O. { ______ Box 68 _______-
{ N. Terre Haute, Ind. ____

NAME OF [illegible]
[stamp:] COMMISSIONER JAN 4 1913 ROOM 202
___________________
Co. _______, Regt. ___________
_______________________
------------------------------
The above named claimant is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, a bona fide resident of the District which I represent; and this inquiry is not made at the request of any pension attorney or claim agent.

I desire to advised as to  ___ letter
__ herewith, which appears _____
___ to refer to Bounty _______
____ Land Warrant ________
_________________________

___ Ralph W. Moss, ___ M.C.
____ Jany 3, 1913, ____
-------------------------------
These slips are exclusively for the use of Representatives in Congress, and when used by any other person will not receive consideration.

Representatives will greatly aid the Bureau of Pensions in giving them an early answer, if they will fill and use these slips in making calls in pension cases.

J.L. Davenport,
Commissioner.

6 -- 16
Page 32

her letter __>
said she had a copy of James Dunlap's "War certificate by J.L. Edwards, and by Thomas Posey agent for pensions in the agency of Indiana.  Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 7 page 109 by Daniel Boyd Clerk."

see ctf. jacket of James Delap
S32216
Page 33

New York City
2260 Ryer ave
2 - 5 - 16

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

I write to ask concerning one William Delap
(may or may not have middle initial) who served in the Revolution.  I think he registered from Gloucester Co New Jersey, but may have registered from Penn. At the close of the war, having lost an arm was given land from the government for his service. Our family records
show that this land was in the vicinity of Philadelphia Co. and possibly may be in N. J.

But at any rate I was informed that you could
give me this information, and will appreciate any favor you may bestow.

Can you also give me the war records or pension record of both William Delap and James Delap, the latter I know registered from Gloucester Co. N. J.

If you cannot furnish this information, will you
kindly direct me to the right office.

Thanking you in advance, I beg to remain

Very Truly Yours
Mrs. P. B. Story

[stamp:] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O FEB 7 1916
Page 34

Rev Sec
New York City
2280 Ryer ave
H    2-4516

Mr Stillwell
Dept of the Interior
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am writing again in regard to records. I will thank you very much to give me the Revolutionary Record of one William Delap (may or may not have a middle initial) a brother of James Delap who served in the Revolution. Also the record of Samuel Delap another brother. I will appreciate it very much if you will send me the records of all three and in regard to William Delap we have family records that show he was given land from the Government, and I want to locate it. I wrote a few days ago regarding the land grant, but made an error in writing that William Delap was a son of James. Instead he was a brother as was also Samuel, and will thank you for all the information you can give me, and the records of all of them.

Assuring you of my appreciation of your kindness and past favors, I beg to remain

Very Truly Yours
P. B. Story

P. S. I forgot to state they registered from Gloucester Co, N. Y.
Page 35

2072 Ryer ave, Bronx
New York

Nov 25-1910

Mr. L. Stillwell
Acting Commissioner

I received answer to my communication
of Oct 24 inst, on Oct 29, but feeling that
your reply did not contain the information I have been seeking, I write again.  I have rec'd letters from some of the heirs of James Delap saying his estate was given
Page 36

him by the Government either under the name of Delap or Dunlap. They say he registered under that name.  Now in referring to the book
again will you let me know just what name he went under.  I will thank you so much for this favor and you also wrote that the Bureau of
pensions would have no record of the issuance
of a bounty land warrant.  Now I will ask you, which Bureau would have such a record and to whom shall I
Page 37

(3 )

write?  The record of James Delap or Dunlap
can be found in Book 2, Volume 7, Page 109.
He was granted a pension of $30.00 per month
on June of 1832; same was recorded by Dan
Boyd Clerk of Pension Office. I am enclosing
stamp for reply and will deem it a great favor
if you will tell me to which Bureau I refer in regard
Page 38

to the land grant, and which name James Delap went under in the war, and also which state did he register from.

Thanking you kindly
I remain
Mrs. Pauline B. Story
2072 Ryer are
Bronx
N. Y

[stamp:] Army and Navy Division FILE NOV 28 1912 RECEIVED

[stamp:] U.S. PENSION OFFICE. D NOV 28 1910
Page 39

[left side]
32215
Revy INVALID.
---------------
File No. __ 32,215 _______
____ James Delap ___________
_____ Pri Rev War ___________
------------------
Act: ___ June 7" 32" ______
Index: --Vol. __2 __, Page __ 107 __

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side]
1910 Dec. 2 His [illegible]
His. Pauline B. [illegible]
V.L. [illegible]
1912 Jan. 31. Hist. to [illegible]
Ralph W. Moss
1916 Feb 7. Mrs [illegible]
infd. hist. [illegible]
furnished
1934 June 28 [illegible]
Memorial Br. [illegible]
Page 40

Declaration for a Pension.

James Delap

State of Indiana 
Ripley County. SS⎬ On this 22d day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable the Judge of 
the Ripley County Circuit Court now sitting James Delap a resident of the County of Ripley and State aforesaid aged Seventy Eight
years the 15th day of September 1833 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 the 7th 1832. [And the said James Delap would also further state that he applied at the October Term of the Ripley County Probate Court 1832 by his attorney Mr. S. Harding and had his former Declaration for a pension (which now remains on file in the War Department) regularly authenticated, that the same was sent on to the War Department by his attorney, and that the same was rejected by the said Department on the following grounds to wit, That said applicant (in his Declaration which is rejected  alleged to have performed one tour of two months service in the year 1777, and also two other tour in 1784, and that the Revolutionary War closed in 1783, consequently a pension certificate could not issue as there was not six months service rendered during the Revolution (see Mr. J. L. Edwards letter herewith sent}. In answer to this the said James Delap states most positively that his memory as it regards date was governed by a chronological [illegible] contained in an Almanac to which 
he and his said Attorney refer in making out the said rejected declaration; and that they both [k]new into the error of 1784 instead of 1781. the year that Cornwallis surrendered in consequence of the said chronological error which stated that Lord Cornwallis surrendered the 19th of October 1784. That it was only by referring to the date of certain great events
that he could recollect the particular dates of his service, and that his two last tours of service were rendered the same year that Lord Cornwallis surrendered. That the said Error was discovered to[o] late for the papers had been sent on to the War Department, and could not then remember, and that he has also been informed that there are two or three witnesses now living in the state of Ohio who can testify  to seven months of his services (see applicants  and also see the affidavit of Mr. Harding as it regards the chronological error afsd] That he entered the service of the United States and served under the following named officers as herein stated.  The first of December 1777 he entered the service as a volunteer, and served
under Col. Taylor, & Captain Hillman for two months, the other officers names he cannot now recollect. He came out of the service this tour the first of February 1778 as near as he can now remember, after serving faithfully for
Two months. Then there in the month of May 1781 (and the reason why he can the date is, that it was the year that Lord Cornwallis Surrendered) entered the service a second time as a volunteer and served for one month more
under Col. Doughty Maj. Enoch Leeds and Captain Richard Higley and left the service, some time in the month of June following after serving for
Page 41

one month more, which added to the first tour of two months makes the term of three months. He then immediately in the month of July 
following (to wit) (1781) entered the service  a third time as a volunteer for Six months and served under the folllowing named officers Captain Cooper, Lieut. James Bell 1st Sergeant-- Davis and 2d Sergeant William Brown the names of his Colonel and Major, he has forgotten, as they were not with the company in which he served. This was a company of Guards which was sent from near Philadelphia or Trenton for the purpose of guarding the coast along Chesnut Neck, and to keep the British from landing with their barges and small boats for the purpose of procuring provisions, which they did by plundering the coast and robbing the inhabitants of sheep, cows, hogs, &c &c  He left the service the last of December or the first of January 1782 after serving faithfully for the term of six months more, which added to the other two tours of two months and one month makes the term of nine months for which he claims a pension.   At the time he entered the service (at all of the several times), he resided in the County of Gloucester State of New Jersey and continued to reside there untill the Revolution was closed. He was a volunteer at all of the several times that he entered the service. He was in no real Battles, but was frequently engaged in severe skirmishes with the British, and during his two months tour in 1777 whilst engaged in one of those encounters, was badly wounded in the fleshy part of his thigh by a musket ball from the enemy. This happened at Thompsons point in the Delaware River. He  was also in many other such encounters during his six months tour and prisoners we frequently taken and lives lost on both sides at Chesnut Neck one of men belonging to his company was shot through the breast and died immediately of the wound. During his tour of two months he marched from his residence in Gloucester County to said town, which is situated about five miles from the Delaware & Aldmans Creek. From thence he marched to Hattenfield, where he remained for one night, from thence he was ordered back to said Town, where he remained for the balance of the two months.  During his tour of one month he remained nearly Stationary at Great Egg Harbour, in Gloucester County New Jersey during this tour several prisoners were taken by the Americans, and one or two them killed in skirmishes, During his third tour (for six months) he remained nearly stationary at Chesnut Neck, on Mullikin River except 
occasionally he marched up and down the coast for 20 or 30 miles when an alarm would be raised that the British were landing from the
boats and barges for the purpose of marauding
the coast.  He cannot now recollect the names of any Regular officers only Captain Cooper was a regular officer, but as for this he cannot 
state.  He has no documentary or written evidence, but he knows of two* persons (if he is correctly informed) to reside in the State of 
Ohio who can testify to seven months of his service (see affidavit). 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.

Sworn unto and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
            his
James  X   Delap
         mark

*On Enquiry he could find but one, to wit, Wm.  Leeds-
Ste. S Harding
Page 42

We Meshack Hyatt --- a clergyman residing in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana, and Benjamin Hamilton residing in the same County and State do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Delap who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy Eight 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 to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Meshack Hyatt
Benj Hamilton

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Meshack Hyatt who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Ripley and State of Indiana and that Benjamin Hamilton who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and State and is a person
of credibility and that statement is entitled to Credit.
A. H. Reed. A. J.R.C.C.  {Seal}
Joseph Robinson  J.R.C.C.

Answers to the Questions presented by the War Department which Answers were made in open Court-- Answer to Quest 1st. I was born in
Burlington County New Jersey the 15th day of September 1756.   Answer to 2d Quest.  My age is recorded in the Bible of my son the one in
which it was originally placed was consumed by fire and it was put in the Bible of my son immediately from recollection. Answer to 3d Quest. I was residing in Glouster County New Jersey, and continued to reside there untill about sixteen years since, when I removed to the State of Ohio where I resided untill about four years since when I removed to the County of Ripley Inda. where I now reside.   Answer to 4th Quest.  I was a volunteer at all of the several times which I served. Answer to Quest. 5th.   I do not remember the names of any Regular officers who were with the troops where I served, only Captain Cooper was a Regular officer, the general circumstances of my service are stated within Answer to 6th Quest.  I never  recd a discharge other than a verbal one from my officers.   Answer to 7th Quest. Enquire of Edward Pendergast William Lippard John Johnson Esqr Merit S. Clay Esq. and all who know me.
Page 43

State of Indiana. 
Ripley County ss. } On this 22d day of August in the year Eighteen Hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before the Hon the the [sic] Judges of the Ripley Circuit Court now sitting [illegible] who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that
some time in the month of October last he was employed by James Delap (the within applicant) as his attorney for the purpose of applying to the War Department of the United States for a Pension for the said James Delap that he accordingly prepare the papers in the said case, appeared at the October term of the Ripley County probate Court 1832 and had the said Declaration of the said Delap regularly authenticated before said Court and transmitted the same to the War Department.  That in making out the said Declaration the said James Delap could fix the time of the last two tours of his service only by refering to the time that Lord Cornwallis surrendered, as it was
that year in which his last services were rendered; that for the purpose of ascertaining the precise date of that event this deponent referred to an Almanac which contained a sort of Chronological Table and there found that Lord Cornwallis' surrender the 19th day of October 1784 according to the said chronology, and that this deponent made a mistake [illegible] three years in consequence of the said Chronological [illegible] and that said mistake as egregious as it is accorded in the
[illegible] aforesaid.  That he was much pressed with professional [illegible]at the time, and the said Declaration for a Pension was sent to the War Department without further revisions
and it was not untill it was too late to correct the error, that this deponent discovered that it had occurred. This deponent further states that he has no doubt in his own mind but that the
said James Delap would be greatly injured in his rights were he to be deprived of his Annuity in consequence of the mistake aforesaid. And further this deponent saith not.

Sworn to and subscribed the day &
year aforesaid.
Ste. S. Harding

I David P. Shook Clerk of the Ripley Circuit 
Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of 
James Delap for a Pension. The testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 22 day of August in the year of our Lord 1833--
David P. Shook Clk