Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 34,096, Leonard Briggs, Continental Mass.
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service
Continental
Mass.

Briggs, Leonard

Number
S. 34,096
Page 2

9525 R
Massachusetts

Leonard Briggs

Middleboro in the state of Mass [w]ho was a private in the regiment commanded by [C]olonel Tupper of the Mass -
[li]ne, for the term of one year. -

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 18th of April, 1818 -

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th of April 1819 and sent to Nathun Mitchell, Esq East Bridgewater, Mass -

Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819. 10 mos 13/30 4/31 84.49
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Sept. 1819 48.00
$132:49

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.]

Discharged

Certification sent June 1st 1821 to John B. Thomas Esq Plymouth Massachusetts
Page 3

I Leonard Briggs of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth Mass and a citizen of the United States in the 69th year of my age set forth and declare that I entered into the service of the united states in the war of the revolution and served eight months at Roxbury near Boston and afterwards in the first day of January 1776 I enlisted into a company commanded by Capt. Clapp for one year in Col Cottons Regiment and the Massachusetts Line - that I was taken on the night of the 14th Feb. 1776 by the British while on duty and carried a prisoner into Boston and actually confined in prison - that about the 10th of March following I was taken from prison and put on board a 50 Gun Ship, confined between decks with heavy irons, and carried to Halifax Prison, and there remained till June 18th when I made my escape by breaking the walls of said prison, and was five days in the woods without much food, that I travelled through the eastern wilderness by a pocket compass and joined my company again at New York and was in the battle of Harlem heights, and served my time out, receiving a furlough on account of sickness only three days before the year expired - While I was at New York we belonged to Col. Tupper's Regiment and Massachusetts line, and I was attached to a Boat party which burnt

18
Page 4

a british ship - that from my reduced circumstances I need the assistance of my country for support, and am desirous of obtaining a pension from the united States agreeably to the late act of Congress. 

Leonard Briggs

Sworn to April 18. 1818

Leonard Briggs
Middleboro
(1776)

18
Page 5

Leonard Briggs
Statement & Schedule
& deed -
Page 6

SCHEDULE.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Plymouth ss

On this thirteenth day of May 1823, before the Supreme Judicial Court proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having a power also of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, personally appeared in open Court,
being a court of record for the said County Leonard Briggs aged seventy three years, resident in Middleborough in said County,
who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in
the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. for the term of twelve months having enlisted
[handwritten insert in margin] 
the first day of January 1776, in a company commanded by Cap. Earl Clapp (?) in the Regt of Col Benjamin Tupper continental service Massachusetts line, was discharged at the end of the year at Verplanck's Point in N. York by said B. Tupper
[form continues]
and that he has received a pension certificate dated [left blank] and numbered [left blank]
in pursuance of his original Declaration made
[left blank] 
and also takes and subscribes the following oath, viz.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent
thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress,
entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of
the United States, in the Revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; 
[handwritten insert in margin] 
or of the act of Congress passed for said purpose in March 1st 1823.
[form continues]
and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, con-
tracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the 
schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
[handwritten insert below] 
My family consists of the same persons, with 
the addition of a widowed daughter named Hope Brownson, & her three children, Marinda
Leonard and Camilla of three, five and seven years. I have now neither cow, calf, sheep or pig, or house or waggons [wagons]
which have all been disposed of for the support of my self and family; and have no property contained in my former schedule or any other property except twenty dollars
worth of Household furniture. I have sold all my real estate, for cash, which I have disposed of as will appear by receipts.

Sworn to and declared on the 13th day of May 1823 before the Supreme Judicial Court
Attest John B. Thomas Clerk [signed]
Page 7

I John B Thomas, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Leonard Briggs did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of nine months, under one engagement on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court.

And I do further certify, that it is the opinion
of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is twenty dollars.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this Sixteenth day of June 1823.
[seal of the court attached]
John B Thomas [signed]
Clerk of the Supreme
Judicial Court for the
County of Plymouth
Page 8

Leonard Briggs
95,25
Sept. '19

Not entitled

I.L.E.
Page 9

SCHUDULE.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Plymouth ss.

On this seventeenth day of July 1820, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having a power also of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, personally appeared in open Court, being a court of record for the said County, Leonard Briggs aged seventy one years, resident in Middleborough in said County, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary was as follows, viz. for the term of twelve months in the Company commanded by Earl Clapp & in the Regt commanded by Col. Tupper Massachusetts line and that he has received a pension certificate dated 20th April A.D. 1819, and numbered 9525 in pursuance of his original Declaration made 18th April 1818. and also takes and subscribes the following oath, viz.  And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or any manner, disposed of my property, of any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.  I am a farmer but in consequence of old age & infirmity am unable to do much work my family consists of myself, wife & two daughters, named Elizabeth & Joanna Elizabeth aged 22 Joanna aged 20years
Schedule.
25 acres land with the buildings thereon under poor improvement
1 cow, 6 Sheep - 1 pig - 1 old horse waggon (wagon) - debt due me $13 - 
house furniture clothes & beding (bedding) excepted - 
Leonard Briggs - 

Sworn to, and declared, on the 17 - day of July AD. 1820
before Nahum Mitchell} C. Justice afsd. Courts.

(Written in the right margin beside the following paragraph:) 504.00

I, John B Thomas clerk of said Court so hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it if the opinion of the said court that the total mount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Five hundred & four dollars and - cents.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this thirtieth day of December 1820

Jno B Thomas
Clerk of the Court for the County of Plymouth
Page 10

I Rowland Briggs of Winthrop in the County of Kennebec, & State of Maine, Testify, and say that I am the reputed Son of Leonard Briggs of Middleborough in the county of Plymouth, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, That I labored for him, and for his benefit, and that of his numerous Family until I was twenty one years old, at which time he being poor I had nothing except a very few articles of clothing, the next year I labored for him, with an understanding that I was to have pay therefor, but he having been unable to pay me; without Distressing him, over same, I have delayed to inforsce (enforce) it; said Service was rendered about Eighteen years ago - Last May I learn he sold a Small plot of Land he owned to two men by the name of Keith, at which time he promised a note signed by them in my favor for one hundred, and fifty Dollars which I consider less than my due, he has since conveyed the note to me, and I have receipted him therefor as past payment, and further Saith not 
Rowland Briggs
Winthrop 24. October
AD 1823 -
Page 11

Kennebec ss October 24th AD 1823

Then the within named Rowland Briggs personally appeared, and after being duly cautioned to Testify the truth, and nothing but the truth, made oath to the truth of the within Deposition by him signed before me

Saml Wood Justice of the Peace


State of Maine
Kennebec ss

I the subscriber clerk of all the Judicial Court within and for the said County of Kennebec do hereby certify that Samuel Wood Esquire before whom the above proceeding were had was on the said day a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum within & for the said County of Kennebec - In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the County Seal this twenty Seventh day of October AD. 1823 - 
R.C. Vose, Clerk

150

(Written sideways on page:)
Deposition of R. Briggs

(Written upside down on page:)
Deposition of R. Briggs
Page 12

Leonard Briggs & Benjn Stutson of my Department have hereby have to pass into (ye ?): Country for the recovery of their Health
for Benj. Tupper Lt Col & Comd

Verplanks point}
Decr of 23d AD 1776}

(Round Stamp:)
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

3
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34096
Revy INVALID.

File No. 34,096
Leonard Briggs
Pri Rev War

Act: 18" March 18"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 55
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Apr. 6/86 Soldier pensi
James J. Tracy, Bos.
Page 14

(illegible) P. Mass}
Novm (7 or 9?)}

Hon John C. Calhoun
Secretary department
Washington

pension department

(Written sideways on page:)
1 March 1823,
Mass
Leonard Briggs

Recs. 13 Nov: 1823.

Sept 19
Page 15

Plymouth Nov 6th 1823

Sir,

The enclosed depositions have been transmitted to my office to be sent to (illegible) in the case of Leonard Briggs an applicant for a pension under the late law - 

I am Sir very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Jno B Thomas
Page 16

Affidavit of P.H. Pierce

74:80
Page 17

I Peter H. Pierce of Middleborough County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence testify and say that I with my Partner keeping a grocery Store in said Middleborough have for more than two years previous to the tenth day of May last from time to time supplied Leonard Briggs of this Town with articles of support for himself & family, and paid sundry small debts for him during that time in credit; on the said tenth day and we received from him a note of hand payable to us for the sum of seventy four dollars & eight cents signed by Aberdeen Keith which we entered to the said Briggs credit upon our Books which then left a balance on sd books due to said Briggs of five dollars and seventy nine cents which balance the said Briggs soon after took up in articles essential to the support of his family and is now in debt to us. - and further saith not. - 
Oct. 11th.1823. -      Peter H. Pierce

Plymouth ss.  On this eleventh day of October A.D. 1823 personally appeared the above named Deponent a person well known to me, was examined, cautioned and sworn to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed taken at the request of Leonard Briggs to be used in support of his petition for a pension from the United States
Wilkes Wood Justice of the Peace. -
Page 18

Affidavit of Jno Tinkham

$7

213
Page 19

I John Tinkham of Middleborough, Massachusetts Esquire of lawful age testify and say that on the tenth day of May past I received of Leonard Briggs of said Middleborough a promissory note for the sum of seven dollars signed by Aberdeen Keith and Foster Keith payable to me on demand with interested: which note I received in payment of a debt of the same amount which the said Briggs then owed to me for corn, Rye and other articles of provisions before stated time delivered by me to said Briggs at different times for the support of his Family. - And further the Deponent saith not. - 
Octb 10th. 1823       John Tinkham

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss  October 10th. 1823. -  The above named deponent a person well known to me was Cautioned and examined and sworn to the truth of the aforesaid deposition by him subscribed taken at the request of Leonard Briggs to be used by him in support of his petition for a pension from the government of the United States
Wilkes Wood Justice of the Peace
Page 20

Affidavit of
Docr. John Perkins.


11.22
Page 21

I John Perkins of Middleborough, Massachusetts, Physician of lawful age to give evidence testify and say that on the tenth day of May last Leonard Briggs of Middleborough aforesaid was indebted to me in the sum of Eleven dollars & twenty two cents for medicine and and attendance for his family all which has been rendered before that time that on the day above mentioned I received payment by a promissory note made payable to me for the above sum signed by Aberdeen Keith and then executed a discharge of my said debt to the said Briggs and the Deponent saith not.
Oct. 23d. 1823.      John Perkins
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Massachusetts.

Leonard Briggs
Private
1776 one year.

Aged 73 years by occupation a farmer but unable to work on account of infirmities and old age.  his family consists of his wife age not given, and two daughters ages 22 and 20 years.

A Schedule dated 17 July 1820 Real property, 25 Acres of land with the buildings thereon under poor improvement.

Personal Property, 1 cow, 6 Sheep, 1 Pig, 1 Old horse & waggon (wagon).  Due to him $13. The Court values the Real and personal property at - $504.00

Schedule under the Act March 23dated 13 May 1823.

His family consists of the same persons with the addition of a widowed Daughter and her 3 Children - ages 3. 5. & 7 years

He accounts for the decrease of his property as follows.  all the articles of personal property contained in his 1 Schedule have been disposed of for the support of his family except $20 worth of household furniture.  He has sold all his real property for cash as will appear by the receipts filed within.  One piece of land sold to A Keith and F A Keith for the consideration of $300 paid the applicant by the said Keiths. Deed day 10 May 1823
See letter of 17 July, 1823

J B Thomas Esq Plymouth Mass
Page 23

Massachusetts

Leonard Briggs priv
served 1 yr. in 1776

1st Sched: July 17 1825.
Real Estate - 25 acres of
land with buildings thereon
"under poor improvements"
Personal Property - 1 cow, 6 Sheep,
1 Pig, 1 old horse & waggon (wagon).
Sue to him 13 dollars
Total amount as valued 
by the Court $504. - 
no debts given

Sched: made 13th. Ma 1823.
Exhibit $20. -
accounts for the decrease
of Property -
By sale of his Real Estate
the 10th. May 1823 to
Aberdeen Keith & F.A. Keith
$300 in money (authorized 
copy of Deed within)
the following debts
of his creditors. - 
To P.H. Peirce - $74.80}
To J. Tinkham - 7.-}
To D. J. Perkins - 11.22}
To his son R. Briggs 150. -} $213.02

His son swears that after he 
became of age he agreed to
live with his father on
wages, & that he does not
consider the $150 an equivalent
for his services. - 

States that he sold the whole of his personal property (with the exception $20 worth of furniture) for the maintenance
of himself & family. - 

His age 73 yr. a Farmer too
infirm to work - 1 wife, age not
given - 2 Daughters 22 & 20 yrs.
one other widowed Daughter (her age not given) with 3 children, aged 2, 5, & 7 years

J.B. Thomas Esq -
Plymouth
Mass - 

(illegible) Apl
14. 1824 & sent
to Hon A. Hobart.
Page 24

Affidavit of Aberdeen
Keith. -
Page 25

I Aberdeen Keith of lawful age to give evidence testify & say that I with Foster A. Keith purchased a small farm of Leonard Briggs last May and towards payment for the same L Briggs discounted with me the sum of fifty dollars or there about according to the best of my recollection which sum he previously owed me for labour (labor) & services performed from time to time on his farm by wherein the said debt had been for many years accruing. - And further the I the Deponent say not. Novemb. 7th. 1823. - 
Aberdeen Keith

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss.  November 7th. 1823. Personally appeared the above named Aberdeen Keith and was cautioned, examined & sworned (sworn) to the above deposition by him subscribed taken at the request of Leonard Briggs and to be used in support of a petition by him presented to the Government of the United States for a pension. - 
Before me Wilkes Wood Justice of Peace
Page 26

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss.  Clerks Office of the Judicial Courts.

I John B Thomas, clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Plymouth, certify that Wilkes Wood Esq is a Justice of the peace for said County of Plymouth, duly appointed and qualified to discharge the duties of said office and that the signature to the foregoing attestation is the true signature of said Justice of the peace.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Courts this seventh day of January AD. eighteen hundred and twenty four
Jno B Thomas Clerk.
Page 27

I Leonard Briggs of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, do testify & say that in the year 1775 I served in what is called the eight months Service at Roxbury Ms as a private soldier under Capt. Earl Clap of Rochester, Ms was attached to Col. Cottons Regiment - that, when this service ended which was on the 1st day of Januy. 1776 I again enlisted under the sd. Capt Clap for one year - that on the night of Feby 14th 1776 I was taken a prisoner by the British, carried to Boston lodged in Prison & about the 10th of March I was taken from thence and put on Board a 50 gun ship, with heavy Irons confined between Decks, among the guns of sd. ship conveyed to Halifax Prison, there remained until June 18th when I made my escape by breaking open the wall of sd. prison - was 5 Days in the woods without much food - traveled through the Eastern Wilderness by a Pocket compass - joined my Company again at New-York - was in the action at (illegible)-plain Served my time out - 3 days before my time was out, being unwell the sd. Capt Clap gave me a furlow (furlough) and I returned home. 

While I was at New -York our company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col. Tupper - which was attached to a Boat-party which burnt a British ship. - and now by reason of my extreme suffering which I went through in the service of my county, it so injured my constitution I have been lingering ever since for a number of years have not been able to perform but any little work and having a small piece of land with poor House which has enabled me to keep two cows, which has been my principle support. & being now in my 69th year with my family of 6 to support (all women) I feel the need of the assistance of help from my county
Leonard Briggs
Page 28

I the subscriber having been acquainted with Mr. Leonard Briggs for 15 or 20 years  together with his way and manner of living am (illegible) of the oppinion (opinion) that he needs help from his country for support - but whether he is so poor as to come under the late pension Law I cannot tel (tell), as I do not know how poor a man must be reduced, in order to to be entitled to the benefit of sd. Saw - I should say if L. Briggs should sell his Land & House at this time it would not bring him more than 450 Dolls - His Statement as to his Health is correct - 
Middleborough}
April 16th 1818}
Levi Pierce Post Master
Middleborough 4 corners
Ms -


The above named Levi Pierce is a respectable Magistrate and the Post Master of Middleborough as he states and the above and the within is his hand writing - I did not take the within examination and declaration, nor was he sworn to it, but I took another which is enclosed, and forward this only to shew the circumstances of the claimant, under which I have certified to his need. - 
Nahum Mitchell: Judge &c

(Written sideways along the right margin of the above paragraph:)
Leonard Briggs
Middleborough
Page 29

Leonard Briggs
to Aberdeen & Foster Keith
a Copy
33 cents
Page 30

Know all men, that I Leonard Briggs of Middleborough in the County of Plymouth and Commonwealth of Massachusetts yeoman In Consideration of Three hundred Dollars paid to me by Aberdeen Keith yeoman, and Forster A. Keith yeoman both of Middleborough aforesaid the receipt whereof I do acknowledge do by these presents bargain and sell to them the said Aberdeen and and Foster the following parcels of real Estate, viz. One peice (piece) of land being part of the Eighth lot in the first division of the twelve mens purchase and bounded as follows, viz. beginning at a stone standing in or near the wall and is the Southwest Corner of a peice (piece) of land sold by Samuel Purrington to Ezra Harlow thence by the highway to the turn of the road thence by the lane to the line between the Eighth and ninth lots and by other parts of said ninth lot and lands lately owned by said Harlow with buildings standing thereon and all the privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging also a wood lot Containing about five and an half acres being the same wood lot which I purchased of William Harlow Refering  (Referring) to said William Harlow deed to me for the boundaries thereof said deed being Recorded in the Registry of Deeds or the County of Plymouth Book 139 folio 278 both peices (pieces) of land lying in Middleborough aforesaid To have and to hold the above bargained premises from me the said Leonard and my heirs to them the said Aberdeen and Foster their heirs and assigns forever And I do for myself and my heirs Covenant to and with the said Keith their heirs and assigns that I am lawfully seized of the premises that they are free from all Incumbrances that I have right to sell and convey the same  And that I will warrant and defend said premises against the lawful claims and demands of all persons whatevever (whatever) witness my hand and seal this tenth day of May in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty three. is Signed, Sealed, and Delivered in presence of William Wood
Leonard Briggs (Seal)

Plymouth. ss. May 10th 1823 Then the above named Leonard Briggs and acknowledged the above Instrument to be their deed 
Before me Wilkes Wood Just: Peace
Received May 13th 1823 & Recorded (illegible) Rosseter Cotton Regr"

This is a true Copy of a Deed Recorded in the Records of Deeds for the County of Plymouth Book 147 folio 251 or 2
Attest Rosseter Cotton Regr
Page 31

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth. ss. clerk's office of the Judicial Courts

I John B Thomas, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Plymouth, hereby certify that Rossetter Cotton Esq. is Register of deeds for said County of Plymouth, duly appointed and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that the signature to the foregoing attestation is the true signature of said Register of deeds - 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court. this eighteenth day of June. AD. 1823

Jno B Thomas {clerk of the 
                        {Judicial Court 
                        {for the county of 
                        {Plymouth
Page 32

Depositions of
Peirce, Tinkham
& Perkins
Page 33

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss

I Jno B Thomas Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the said County of Plymouth hereby certify that the Hon Wilkes Wood is a Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum & Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Plymouth at the present time, & that the signature to the attestation of the depositions of Peirce, Tinkham & Perkins is the true signature of the Hon Wilkes Wood -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Courts this sixth day of November AD 1823

Jno B Thomas
Page 34

Leonard Briggs
Middleborough


Admd.

one year - 1776 - Tupper's regt.
Page 35

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss.
On this 18th day of April AD. 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Leonard Briggs of Middleborough aged sixty eight years, resident in the said Circuit, who being by me first duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United Stated in the revolutionary war," Viz.  That he served in said war as a private soldier during the first year service in 1776 in Capt. Earl Clapp's Company and Col. Cotton's Regiment & Massachusetts line - See his said declaration of all his services particularly stated as enclosed - & also a furlough signed by the Col. Tupper - 

other soldiers have represented the same company as belonging to Lieutenant Col. Tupper's Regiment - & others as Col. Ward's Regiment - The truth is, I believe, it was Col. Cotton's in 1775 & afterwards Ward's & Tupper was a Lieut. Colonel -
Page 36

And Capt. George Dunham, a credible witness, here present before me the said Judge, on oath testifies & says that the said Briggs did serve as he has stated during the year 1776; was taken prisoner at Dorchester, and joined the army again at New York before the year expired and went into the boat service - that he the said Dunham was Lieutenant of said Company, under Clapp. and after they marched to New York he commanded the company. - That Clapp was removed to the Western Country, & whether living or not the Deponent does not know. - 

And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said __________ did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. & that he needs the assistance of his county for support -

Nahum Michell


COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ss.     ________1818.
I HEREBE CERTIFY, That _________ is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth - that the same Circuit Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record - that the signature to the above certificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Cout.


____________ }Clerk of the Judicial
                   }Court for the County
                   }of _______