Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20793, William Briggs, R. I.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
R. I.
Briggs, William 
Catharine
NUMBER
W.20793
Page 2

No. 10378
Rhode Island
Wm Briggs
of Kent in the State of R Island and who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Whitmans of the Regt Commanded by Col Cook in the R. Island line for 16 months 20 days.
Inscribed on the Roll Rhode Island at the rate of 55 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th Day of Apl 1833 and sent N. Whiting Esq Greenwich R.I. 

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $111.10 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833 27.78
$138.88

(Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.)
Recorded by D.D. Addison clerk, 
Book E. Vol. 2d Page 103
Page 3

Date of death not on AB -

6140
Rhode Island

Catharine Briggs widow of William Briggs, decd R.I. who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 6th July 1838, of Kent Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Private in the compy commanded by Captain Whitman of the Regt commanded by Colo. Cook in the R. Island line for 7 Mos & 20 days

Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 25 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 6th of July, 1838 [4th of March 1836 - crossed out]

Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of April  1841 and sent Nathan Whiting [at?] Greenwich R.I.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $67.87
[Semi-annual allowance ending - crossed out]
$67.87
{Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 2
Page 4

No. 9348
Wm. Briggs
Pmt 16 months & 20 day
[crossed out -papers not properly authenticated 
MAR 13 1832
AC

55 55
        2
_______
111.10
  27.78
_______
$138.88
N. Whiting Esqr.
E. Greenwich R.I.
Page 5

BRIEF in the case of William Briggs of the County of Kent in the state of R. Island  (Act 7 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?  75 years
4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.  Duration of Service.  Rank.  Names of General and field Officers under whom he served

In 1776 3 months  As a private Col. Cook, Capt. Whitman
77 1 month do.  Col. Waterman, Capt Spencer
78 Spring 9 months do. Col. Cook, Capt Whitman
79 1 month drafted  Capt Johnson
79 Fall 1 month do. Capt Weedon
79 Novr.  1 month do. Capt Johnson
1780 Fall 20 days do. Capt. Bailey

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  R. Island & Prudence Island
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  E. Greenwich
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Depositions
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?
no Clergyman's Certificate
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Belt
Examining Clerk.
Page 6

Mar 11 '41
RI
Catharine Briggs
FREE 
[stamp] EAST GREENWICH 
MAR 8
Honle. J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington
Page 7

East Greenwich R.I. March 8th 1841.

Dr. Sir,

I have always been under an impression, that some mistake had occurred in your office, in relation to the application for a pension of Catharine Briggs, widow of William Briggs, late a pensioner of East Greenwich decd. But I have not been able, until within a few days past, to point out in what particular that mistake probably consisted. I have now ascertained that there was a William Briggs of North Kingston, who was a pensioner, and is also deceased. It strikes me as being highly probable, that his were the papers you inspected and on which you founded your opinion, and not the papers of William Briggs of East Greenwich, who I believe was born and always resided at East Greenwich. And I have also to add in confirmation of the fact being, as I have above supposed, that I drew the Declaration of W Briggs of E. Greenwich myself, and have no recollection of any such Services being therein stated in any form, as you have detailed in your Letter to me of Oct. 7th 1839. On the contrary my impression is, that although he performed some tours of duty, on the shores of North Kingston, he also served at various other places, and that his services and military tours of duty are particularly specified in his Declaration, and consequently are not liable to the objections, which you have raised. I was, Sir, very much disappointed at
Page 8

at the result of this woman's application, inasmuch as I verily believe her to be a meritorious Applicant, and certainly She is a most necessitous one. She is infirm and destitute, and has been poorly maintained by her two sons ever since the death of her husband; they being in very indigent circumstances. I, therefore, take the liberty to urge in her behalf, as prompt a revision of her case as possible, and that She may, without any unnecessary delay, receive a Certificate for the small pension that her husband drew, and to which I feel confident She is well entitled.

I am, Sir, with great respect, your most Obedt. Humle Servant
Nathan Whiting

Honle J.L. Edwards, Commr of Pensions
Page 9

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Kent Sc}
Court of Common Pleas August Seven AD. 1832.

On this 28th day of August AD. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting, William Briggs, a resident of East Greenwich in the County of Kent and State aforesaid, aged Seventy five years, who being first 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: -- That he was born at said East Greenwich on the fourteenth day of May AD. 1754, where he has always resided ever since. And that his age is recorded in the Town Clerk's office at said East Greenwich. That he enlisted into a Company commanded by Capt Reuben Whitman in Col. John Cook's Regiment of State Troops, in the fall of the year of 1776, and served in said Company on Rhode Island for the term of three months. That we were driven off the Island by the enemy in December following. That in the Summer of the year 1777 he served one Month in Capt. Michael Spencer's Company at Warwick in the Regiment commanded by Col. Waterman. That in the spring of 1778 he enlisted into a Company commanded by Capt Reuben Whitman in Col. Cook's Regiment, and served on Rhode Island in said Company, for the term of nine months, a part of the time as a Sergeant of said Company. That he was in the battle with the enemy in August and some of the Company were killed. Genl. Cornell commanded the Division where said Company was stationed, whom this Claimant well knew. We went to Tiverton after the battle, where we stayed until discharged. That afterwards early in the spring or latter part of the winter of 1779, he
Page 10

he was drafted in the Militia and served in Capt Allen Johnson's Company for the term of one Month. That we were on the Island of Prudence and had a skirmish with a Company of the enemy's Marines, who landed on the Island from a man of War, then lying in the River. That some of them were killed and others wounded; and we took one prisoner. That early in the fall of the same year he was again drafted, and served the term of one month in a Company commanded by Capt. Ephraim Werdon. That we were stationed at Warwick neck. That a Brig of the Enemy's forces was sent there to storm the fort on the neck, which got aground; and the men got off in barges and blew up the Brig. That in November of the same year he was drafted and served one month in Quidnesett neck in North Kingstown under Capt Allen Johnson. One of the enemy's vessels got aground near the neck and was scuttled and abandoned. That afterwards early in the fall of 1780, he was drafted and served twenty days at Howland's Ferry in Tiverton under Capt Bailey, making in the whole Sixteen Months and Twenty days. That he has no Documentary Evidence, or discharge.

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.

William Briggs
Page 11

State of Rhode Island
Kent County Sc

On this second day of August AD. 1839, personally appeared before me Benjamin Tibbitts, one of the Associate Justices of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, Catharine Briggs, a resident of Warwick in said County of Kent, aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" That She is the Widow of William Briggs, who was a private & Sergeant in the army and Militia in the State of Rhode Island in the war of the Revolution. That her said husband William Briggs was placed on the pension Roll of the United States in the District of Rhode Island under the act of Congress of June 7th AD. 1832, at the rate of $[blank] per annum, which he drew while he lived, and this applicant has recd the balance of said pension since his decease, up to the time of his death. This applicant is not able to specify or prove the service of her said husband in the War aforesaid, but rests her claim to a pension on his Declaration and the evidence therein contained, now on file in the War Department to which She begs leave to refer for that purpose. She further declares that she was married to the said William Briggs on the Eighteenth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty one; that her husband, the aforesaid William Briggs, died on the Sixth day of July AD. 1838; that She does not recollect of his being in the service much, but he was some, after the marriage, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.

Catharine Briggs her X mark.

State of Rhode Island
Kent County Sc

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me, and I certify that the applicant cannot, by reason of bodily infirmity, attend a Court.

Benjamin Tibbitts Just C. C. Pleas
Page 12

We Susannah Briggs and Deborah Briggs, both of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify that we were both present at the residence of William Briggs, late of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, decd at the time of his decease, and that he died on the sixth day of July AD. 1838, leaving his Wife Catharine Briggs, a Widow, who now resides in said Warwick, and has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband.

Susanna Briggs
Deborah Briggs her X mark

State of Rhode Island
Kent County Sc
Warwick August 2nd 1838. Sworn to and subscribed before me; and I certify that the above Witnesses are persons of unquestionable veracity.

Benjamin Tibbitts
Just C. C. Pleas

[sideways] 5908
Declaration of Catharine Briggs
Nathan Whiting Agent
East Greenwich
R.I.
Act 7 July 38
m 85, d 38.
admd
7 mo. 20 days
$25.55/100
Died 6 Apl 38
Pen. Com. 7 Apr 38
Nathan Whiting
E. Greenwich
R.I. [/sideways]
Page 13

These may certify all persons, whom it may concern, that William Briggs and Catharine Boss both of East Greenwich was lawfully married November ye Eighteenth AD. One Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty one by me
James Wightman Elder
Recorded & compd. with the original
June the 14th AD. 1785, by H. Cooke Jr Clerk

State of Rhode Island
Kent County Sc }
Town Clerk's Office, East Greenwich August 2nd AD. 1839.
I certify that the above is a true Copy of the Record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record of the Certificate in fair legible figures, as follows, "ye 18th AD. 1781"

In Testimony whereof, I William J. Sheldon, Deputy Town Clerk of said Town of East Greenwich, have hereunto set my hand an Seal of Office the day and year last above written, to wit, August 2nd AD 1839.
Wm J Sheldon Dep Town Clerk

I William J. Sheldon above named, depose and say, that I hold the Office of Deputy Town Clerk under Thomas R. Tilley Esqr. Town Clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception above named as certified by me.
Wm J Sheldon Dep Town Clerk

State of Rhode Island
Kent County Sc
Subscribed and sworn to before me August 2nd 1839.
Witness, Nathan Whiting Just. Peace
Page 14

Kent Sc. The State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks office Court of Common pleas

I certify that Benjamin Tibbitts Esqr is a Justice of said court, and that Nathan Whiting Esqr is a Justice of the Peace in and for the town of East Greenwich in said County of Kent, that the foregoing and the following are their own proper signatures in their own hand writing & that full faith and credence is and ought to be given to all their official acts.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at East Greenwich in said County of Kent this 3d day of August AD 1839.

Jer.[?] S. Slocum Clk
Page 15

September 28, 1932
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/AWF [illegible]
William Briggs
W. 20793

Irma H. Briggs
221-15th Street
Denver, Colorado

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for the record of William Briggs, a Revolutionary War pensioner of East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.20793, based upon the Revolutionary War service of William Briggs.

He was born May 14, 1757 at East Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island.

While residing in said East Greenwich, he enlisted and served with the Rhode Island troops, as follows- in the fall of 1776, three months as private in Captain Reuben Whitman's company, Colonel John Cooke's regiment; in the summer of 1777, one month in Captain Michael Spencer's company, Colonel Waterman's regiment; from the spring of 1778, nine months, a part of the time as sergeant in Captain Reuben Whitman's company, Colonel Cooke's regiment, was in the battle of Rhode Island; a little later, one month in Captain Allen Johnson's company and was in a skirmish with the British Marines on the Island of Prudence; in the fall of 1779, one month at Warwick Neck in Captain Ephraim Weedon's company, a British brig was sent to storm the fort there and was blown up by the Americans; again in the fall of 1779, one month in Captain Allen Johnson's company; in the fall of 1780, twenty days in Captain Bailey's company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1832, then a resident of East Greenwich, Rhode
Page 16

Island. 

 The soldier, William Briggs, married November 19, 1781, Catharine Boss.  They were both then of East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

He died July 6, 1838.  
The widow, Catharine, was allowed pension on her application executed August 2, 1839, then aged eighty-two years and living in Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island.  

 Two sons were referred to in 1841, their names not given.  

In 1838 Susannah and Deborah Briggs were both living in Warwick, Rhode Island, no relationship to the family shown.  

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 17

1923 Aug. 31, Hist to Mrs. G. T. Brockway AWF
1932 Sept 28 hist to Irma H. Briggs AWF

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 20,793
Catharine Briggs
Widow of William Briggs
Priv. Rev. War

Act July 7 1838
Index: Vol A, Page 90

[bracket] Arrangement of 1870. [/bracket]
Page 18

R.I.
5908
Catharine
Briggs
widow of William
---
See let to Nathan Whiting,
Oct. 7. 1839-
To Hon J.L. Tillinghast
April 2, 1840
---
Nathan Whiting, March 15, 1841
Act 7 July 38

Wm Briggs R.I. $55.55 act 7 June 32 when last paid?
1 Apl '41  GWC
Died 6th July 1838 pd to that period
JH

4
12.77
51.10
---------
67.87
Page 19

Apl 1 1841.
In at
R. I.
Hon’l. J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington City
[postmark] GREENWICH MAR 28
Page 20

                            East Greenwich March 29th 1841.

 Sir, 

The Nine Months service stated and claimed
by William Briggs of East Greenwich I did suppose was rendered under an Enlistment for that Term.
Also, however, it is evident that he was mistaken in the name of the Colonel of the Regiment in which he served, as it does not appear that Col. Cooke commanded either of the Regiments raised by this State.  I am, therefore unable, at this time to give any satisfactory Account of the matter.- As you have said nothing about the other portions of Service for which he was allowed a pension, I presume no objections are to be urged against them.  And I hope you will furnish a Certificate for the same to his Widow, Catharine Briggs, to whose necessities a small sum will be a great relief. 
I am, Sir, your most Obedt Servt
Nathan Whiting

Honl. J.L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions}
Page 21

Jas. L. Edwards Esq
 Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 22

Saturday Evg. March 28 1840.

Sir,
The letter of Maj. Whitney relative to Mrs. Catherine Briggs' application, mentioned in my letter to you of today & intended to be inclosed in that, was by accident left not inclosed & I now find it under cover with this, respectfully requesting its return and a reply to mine of this date. I am respectfully yours
Joseph L. Tillinghast

Jas. L. Edwards
Com. Pensions
Page 23

March 30. 1840
J. L. Tillinghast
HR

Jas. L. Edwards. Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Page 24

Ho. of Reps.  March 28, 1840
Sir,
I inclose a letter from Nathan Whiting Esq. to me, explanatory of the claim of Catherine Briggs & requesting my attention to it.  Will you have the goodness to state to me the difficulty that has existed?  I will come over & get you to examine the papers with me in a few days, according to Maj. Whitney's request, if his explanations are not sufficient, which I hope they may- & respectfully request in return of his letter.
With high respect
Your obt serv
Joseph L. Tillinghast
Jas. L. Edwards Esq.}
Commr. Pensions.}
Page 25

No. 9348
Wm. Briggs
N. Whiting Esqr.
E. Greenwich R. I.
Page 26

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Briggs which require further proof or explanation.

l.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  [yes]
ll.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? [yes]
lll.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?  [no response indicated]
lV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? [yes]
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?  [yes]
Vl.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  [yes]
Vll.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  [yes]
Vlll.  Has the Court given their opinion?  [yes]
lX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  [yes]
X.   Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  [yes]
Page 27

2
Xl.     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?  [no]
Xll.     If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  [no]
Xlll.    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?  [no response]
XlV.    If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?  [yes]
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?  [yes]
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?  [yes]
XVl.    Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  [no]
XVll.    Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And if not, which of them is not so answered?  [yes]
____________________________________

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, & 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."
Page 28

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 be 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.
++QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated 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 end 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.
*not required where a claimant proves all
his service by witnesses who had an actual
knowledge of the same
Page 29

I George Wells of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, & State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify that, William Briggs of East Greenwich aforesaid, was in the service on Rhode Island in the year 1778.  I was in the service at the same time, and saw the said Briggs a number of times on the Island, as a soldier in the spring and summer of that year; and he was in the battle; but how long he served I cannot say-  and I also know of his serving in a Company under Capt. Allen Johnson; and I was with him at Tiverton, but cannot say how long he served there.
George Wells
State of Rhode Island &c}
County of Kent Sc}
At East Greenwich August 22nd 1832.  
Sworn to and Subscribed before me; and I certify that the Deponent is a credible person; and bears a good character for truth
Nathan Whiting  J Peace
Page 30

Kent sc  The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations  Clerks Office, Court of Common Pleas
I certify that Nathan Whiting is a Justice of the peace for the Town of East Greenwich in our County of Kent that the within is his proper signature & in his own hand writing; that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to all his official acts--
In Witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office at East Greenwich the first day of September in the year 1832.
John Brown, Clk
Page 31

9348
Wm Briggs
Page 32

9348
Wm Briggs.
Page 33

5908
Augt. 8
R. I.
Act 7 July 1838
cir [certificate] sent Augt 11
Catharine Briggs

J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions
Washington City
[Stamped]  AUG 5  FREE
Page 34

I Frederick Hamilton of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify that I was well acquainted with William Briggs of East Greenwich in said County in the Revolutionary War and have been acquainted with him ever since.  That the said Briggs served on Rhode Island in the fall of the year of 1776 under Capt. Reuben Whitman, in Col. John Cook's Regiment for the term of three months.  That I served in the same Regiment the same term of time under Capt James Parker.  We were there when the enemy landed and were driven off the Island.  That I also saw the said Briggs in the service at Warwick neck in the summer of 1777 in a Company commanded by Capt. Michael Spencer, but cannot say how long he served.
Frederick Hamilton
Kent sc  Court of Common Pleas 
August Term AD 1832
Sworn to in open Court the seventh day of the Term
Witness  John Brown - Clk
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 ___________________ who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the __________________ and that Frederick Hamilton who also signed the same are residents in the Town of Warwick in our said County and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, JOHN BROWN, Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Briggs for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this fifth day of September in the year 1832
John Brown
Page 35

I Pardon Tillinghast of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, a Clergyman, aged Sixty two years, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Briggs of said East Greenwich, an applicant for a pension. That I believe him to be of the age of Seventy five years: and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and in that opinion I concur

Pardon Tillinghast,
State of Rhode Island &c
County of Kent Sc} at East Greenwich
Novr. 30th AD 1832

Sworn to and Subscribed by the said Pardon Tillinghast the Day and year above written and I certify that the deponant is an ordained Clergyman at said East Greenwich

Witness Jos. J. Tillinghast
Just C C Pleas

Kent Sc. The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas

I certify that Joseph J. Tillinghast is a Justice of said Court, that the above is his proper signature in his own hand writing

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my name & seal of office at East Greenwich this thirtieth day of November in the year 1832

John Brown, Clk
Page 36

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL 19 1923 [/stamp]

MRS. GEORGE T. BROCKWAY
RICHFIELD
NEW YORK

Pension Dept--Washington--D.C.

As registrar of Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, I am assisting a woman in obtaining proof of Revolutionary service of her ancestor. Family records state that William Briggs, served in the Revolutionary war, enlisted in 1776, and that he applied for a pension. It is not known in the family, whether he received one. His wife's name was Catherine Boss, if this will be of any help.

(See Sheet 2)
Page 37

(2)
MRS. GEORGE T. BROCKWAY
RICHFIELD
NEW YORK

A copy of whatever is necessary for proof of his service is greatly desired by his descendants, in order to complete application papers for membership in the D.A.R. society; I will appreciate any help you are able to give me.

Respectfully yours,
Mrs. George T. Brockway

July 17--1923.--

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL 19 1923 [/stamp]
Page 38

Denver, Colorado
September 8th, 1932

Pension Department
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:-

William Briggs born in North Kingston and died in East Grenwich was placed on the pension roll in 1831 for over 20 months actual service of Private in the Rhode Island Line. His widow also received a pension.

Will you kindly let me have a Certificate as to above? If there is a charge, kindly let me know and I shall be happy to remit. I wish this information for admission to D. A. R.

Very truly yours,
[signature]
Irma H. Briggs
221 15th Street
Denver, Colorado

[stamp] RECEIVED SEP 12 1932
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION [stamp]

[stamp] RECEIVED SEP 12 1932
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
RECORD SECTION [/stamp]
Page 39

Rev. War Section.
August 31, 1923.
Mrs. G. T. Brockway,
Richfield, N. Y.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 20793, it appears that William Briggs was born May 14, 1757 at East Greenwich, Kent Co., Rhode Island and while living there enlisted in the Fall of 1776 and served 3 months as a private in Captain Reuben Whitman's company, Colonel John Cooke's R. I. regiment.  In the Summer of 1777, he enlisted and served 1 month in Captain Michael Spencer's company, Colonel Waterman's regiment.  In the Spring of 1778. he enlisted and served 9 months, a part of the time as Sergeant, in Captain Reuben Whitman's company, Colonel Cooke's regiment and was in the battle of Rhode Island.
The latter part of the Winter or early Spring of 1779, he enlisted and served 1 month in Captain Johnson's company and was in a skirmish against the British marines on the Island of Prudence.  In the Fall of 1779, he en-
Page 40

listed and served 1 month at Warwick Neck in Captain Ephraim Weedon's company; a British Brig was sent to storm the Fort there, it ran aground and was blown up by the Americans.  In November 1779, he enlisted and served 1 month in Captain Allen Johnson's company and in the Fall of 1780, he enilsted and served 20 days in Captain Bailey's company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 28, 1838, while a resident of East Greenwich, R. I.  He died July 6, 1838.
Soldier married at East Greenwich, R. I. Nov. 18, 1781, Catharine Boss and she was allowed pension on her application executed August 2, 1839, while living in Warwick, Kent Co., R. I., aged 82 years.
In 1841, two sons were referred to, no names stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.