Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,129, for Absalom Peters, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Conn Peters, Absalom S 14.129.
carded
CONTENTS
Page 2

New York City No. 9000
Absolem Peters
of Lebanon in the State of Connecticut
who was a Cap: in the Compy commanded
by Captain of the Regt commanded
by in the
line for 4 ½ months, aid de Camp, 4 1/2 mos
Private 1 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 160 Dollars Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of
1833 and sent
Skinner Present
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 34
see original envelope within
of which this is a copy
T Lillvady
Letter to a Ray Nov 3. 42
to same 25 Sept 1850
Page 3

9000. Increase, City
New York
Absolem Peters decd
died March 29 1840
of Lebanon in the State of Connecticut
who was a Capt & Aid de Camp
in the commanded
by Captain of the commanded
by in the
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 600 dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 
send 29th
March 1840 when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of October
1850 and sent to
Alexr Ray, Present
Increased from $320.00
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to
John R. Peters Admt.
for sole use of only surviving
children
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by J. P. Chase
Report
only surviving
Children
Viz.
Absolem Peters
Wm R. Peter
Phebe Fisk
Lydia Perry
Mica Mason
&
John R. Peters
Let to Wm S. Hascall 10 Oct 56 
1890
Dec 5 Malcolm Peters
" 5 W S [illegible]
history
[illegible]
Page 4

United States of America, }
Southern District of New-York, }ss
I, ALEXANDER GARDINER, Clerk of the CIRCUIT COURT of the United States of America,
for the Southern District of New York, Second Circuit, Do hereby Certify, that I am well acquainted with
the handwriting of Hon Samuel R. Betts whose
and
name is subscribed to the annexed certificate and [illegible]
and that the signature to the same is in his proper handwriting. And I do further Certify, that he
was at the time of signing the same on of the Judges of the
Circuit Court of the United States of America, for the Southern
District of New York.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and
affixed the seal of the said Circuit Court,
this Ninth day of October in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
and of the Independence of these United States the seventy fifth
Alex Gardner
Kingsbury of the City & County
of New York am acquainted with Absalom
Peters William R. Peters Phebe Fish, Lydia
Perry and Mira Mason and John R. Peters
that they are all children of Gent Absalom
Peters deceased, and are all living to the
best of my knowledge that they are the only
surviving children
Ephm Kingsbury
Sworn this 9th day of
October AD 1850 before me
Sam R Bitts
Judge of the United States
for the Southern District of New York
Page 5

I do hereby certify that satisfactory
evidence has been adduced before the court, to show, that
Absalom Peters who was a revolutionary pensioner, of the Connecticut
roll, died in the City of New York on the 29th of March
1840. leaving the following named children, who
now survive him. Absalom Peters, William R. Peters, Mrs
Phebe Fisk, Mrs Lydia Perry, Mrs Mira Mason and
John N. Peters of the City of New York. who is the administer
of the estate of said Absalom Peters who died without
being a widow
In testimony
Sam R Betts
Judge of
New York Oct. 9. 1850
I Ephm Kingsbury of the City & County
of New York am acquainted with Absalom
Peters William R. Peters Phebe Fish, Lydia
Perry and Mira Mason and John R. Peters
that they are all children of Gent Absalom
Peters deceased, and are all living to the
best of my knowledge that they are the only
surviving children
Ephm Kingsbury
Sworn this 9th day of
October AD 1850 before me
Sam R Bitts
Judge of the United States
for the Southern District of New York
Page 6

New York City
October 31st 1843
Sir
I have been requested by the heirs
of Absolom Peters, decd a pensioner under the
Act of 7 June 1832, to inquire of the
Department, if the proof on file will be
available in an application they intend
to make for arrears of pension due said
Absolom Peters, as an aid de Camp to
General Bailey of New Hampshire
The law of Congress, which allows
to aid de camp the rank and pay of
a Major, would seem to apply in this
case and they claim an increase in
conformity with the decision of the pension
department concerning Officers of
that grade.
I am, Sir
Your obedient servant
Robert C. Bacot
No 476 Broadway
To J. L. Edwards Esq
Commiss of Pensions
Washington
Page 7

State of New York }
City of New York } S.S.
On this Twenty fourth day of
October 1842. personally appeared before me
Robt H Morris Mayor of the City of the New York in and for
the City of New York. John R Peters a resident
of said City; who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath State; that he is the son
and administrator upon the estate of his deceased
Father Absalom Peters, who up to the time of his
death was a revolutionary pensioner under
act 1832 Connecticut roll, and died at his
house in the City of New York on the 29th of March
1840 aged 86 years
Now the object of this application
being made is in order as administrator to obtain
an increase of said Absolam Peters as an aid-
de- Camp to Genl Jacob Bailey during the war
of the revolution at the rate of 50$ pr month
and the arrears thereon from the 4 March 1831.
to 29th March 1840
Jno. R. Peters administrator
Sworn and subjected
the day and year above
written before me
Robt H. Morris J. P.
Mayor of the City of New York
I hereby certify that satisfactory has adduced
to me, shewing that Absolam Peters, late of Connecticut
did on the 29th March 1840. and that his son
John R. Peter, to me personally known of this City, is the administrator of his estate
Robt. H. Morris Mayor of the city of
New York
Page 8

No 1 -
Absalom Peters
Declaration
& Certificate of Judge
of probate
Capt. 4 mo & 1/2 $90-}
Aid-de-Camp 4 1/2 mo $60} $160
Private [illegible] $10}
$160 per an
Rev. J.L. Skinner
Present
Page 9

State of Connecticut Secd
[illegible] County Probate Court
District of Lebanon ss
On this 1 day of September AD 1832 personally
appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate 
in and for the district of Lebanon in
the County
of Said Lebanon and State of Connecticut and
sitting present Denison Wattles Judge
General Absalom Peters a resident of said
Lebanon aged seventy eight 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 act of
Congress passed June 7 1832 That he 
entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served
as herein stated. That he was heartily
engaged in the support of the whig cause
from the commencement of hostilities to the
close of the revolutionary war that he was
well drilled and equipped suitable to his
rank at his own expence during the war
First as a Volunteer soldier under Command
of Lieut Orlendo Mack he [illegible] in disarming
the many tories of Hebron Connt. also [illegible]
the whigs in their earnest [illegible] to
persuade the people to abandon their old
fashioned prayers for the King, From said
Hebron he marched & volunteer under
command of Capt Abijah Rowley for Boston
short campaign two days too late
to be in the Bunker hill battle
Page 10

Secondly In October 1775 he enlisted into a
volunteer infantry company at Hanover
New Hampshire commanded by Capt Mattoon
in which he performed military service
as often as called out which was frequent
untill April 1776
Thirdly In the Summer and Autumn of 1776
he was a volunteer soldier in Capt John
Wells Company Colonel Obediah Hosford Regiment of Connecticut militia stationed
at East Chester a three months campaign
Where the militia were so [illegible] struck at
the appearance of the British Army that
they fled in disorder being the sick
and baggage were many muskets and
sentiments. But this applicant [illegible]
by usurped command called back a sufficient
number of troops and brought off
the sick and baggage in the rear which
exploit gave him the reputation of a
capable military man worthy of [illegible]
command and this reputation he has
well sustained to this day
Fourthly in the Autumn of 1777 he enlisted
seventy two volunteers at Henner New
Hampshire who were bound to and did
equip themselves for and did perform
military service in support of the
War of the revolution by guarding the
College and vicinity when destruction
was threatened and by frequently marching
for the protection of the frontier settlements
Page 11

This applicant exercised drilled managed
and had the sole command of said company
untill August 1780 and he had served
as commanding officer of scouts composed
of sections of militia companies of their
election. He marched as volunteer
to Join General Starks army at Bennington
but did not arrive in season for
the battle.
Fifthly from August 1780 this applicant
served as Aid de Camp to Major General
Jacob Baily till the close of the war and
the full satisfaction to the General
both in the Council and in the field of
action since General was commissioned
by Congress and had command of the
northern line during the War had less
than a full regiment of continental
troops. His main support for the defense
of his [illegible] time consisted of volunteer
and militia. Their troops readily turned
out of his call and the outcry of the
People either that British army
were approaching or that the more
inveterate and large crew comprised
of refugees and [illegible] were [illegible]
plundering farming and destroying 
the frontier settlements which
were incessantly annexed during the War
the rich detached tories were fined once
the poor were whipped and all disarmed
Page 12

to be slain if known to where strolled from
home yet secrets of the enemy will
frequently [illegible] and secreted in the midst
of the settlements untill they found opportunity
to captivate plunder and escape
over the green mountain the inveterate
and savage enemy made depredations
alternatily in any part to the [illegible]
line so as to keep the whole frontier in
continual agitation and [illegible]
Now this applicant does affirm that according
to his best recollection he actually
bore arms as a soldier in the revolutionary
War more than six months and that the
whole time of actual service in
command of said volunteer infantry
company he estimates to have been not
less than one year his service in the
capacity of Aid De Camp were important
tent [illegible]  and expenses. Col
John Peters of Coos was richly compensated
for serving in the war for the King
that his Father Col. John Peters of Herkimer
Connt made greater sacrifice in the
cause of the whigs without any [illegible]
compensation and of four younger
brothers who performed much service
for their nature county only this one
[illegible] to ask for a pension and his [illegible]
circumstances demand it.
Page 13

I was born in the town of Hebron Connecticut on the 25 of March AD 1854 I have
no record of my age except that I have
understand it was recorded in said Hebron
records and in my father family bible 
lived part of the time in said
Hebron and part of the time in said
New Hampshire in the towns of Haverhill
Hanover and Bath County of Grafton 
during the revolutionary war when called
into service and since the war have
lived in said New Hampshire untill
the year 1820 since which last mentioned
time I have lived in said Lebanon
Conn. where I now live I never received
any written discharge and have no documentary
evidence of my services. I am known
to the Rev, Edward Bull and Deacon Solomon
Gilbert who can testify to my character for veracity
and belief my services, from bodily infirmity old
age from my much distance from New Hampshire and long length of time and
[illegible]I don't know if it is possible to obtain a [illegible] 
I hereby relinquish every claim  whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of
any State
Absalom Peters
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
The Edward Bull a clergyman residing
in said Lebanon and Solomon Gilbert residing in the same place hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with General
Absalom Peters who has subscribed and
sworn to the declaration that we
Page 14

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
Edwd Bull
Solomon Gilbert
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
and the said Court do hereby declare
their opinion after the investigation of the
matter and after putting the interragatories
prescribed by the War Department that the
above named applicant as revolutionary
soldier and served as he states
and the Court further certifies that it appears
to said Court that Rev. Edward Bull who
has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman
resident in said Lebanon and that
Deacon Solomon Gilbert who has also signed
the same is a resident in said Lebanon
and is credible person and that their
statement is entitled to credit
I John Nettles Clerk in the Court of
Probate in and for said district of Lebanon do
hereby certify that the foregoing, contains the original 
proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of general Absalom Peters
for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office and of said Court
this 1 day of September AD 1832
John Wattles Clerk Pro Tem
Page 15

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY
October 17, 1929,
Anita C. Stone
P. O. Box 275
Caldwell, New Jersey.
Dear Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary 
War pension claim, S. 14129, it appears that Absalom
Peters, the son of Colonel John Peters was born March 25,
1754 in Hebron, Connecticut and lived there at the commencement
of the Revolution.
He stated that he was drilled as a volunteer, under
Lieutenant Orlando Mack, marched to Boston under Captain
Rowley, arriving there after the battle of Bunker Hill.
In October 1775, he was a student at Dartmouth College,
Hanover, New Hampshire, and was enlisted in Captain Mattoon's
Company until April 1776, during which time he was frequently 
called out.
In the summer or fall of 1776, he enlisted in Captain
John Wells' Company, Colonel Obadiah Hosford's Regiment of
Connecticut Militia and served three months at East Chester.
In the fall of 1777 he raised a company of volunteers
at Hanover, New Hampshire, for the protection of Dartmouth
Page 16

College and commanded the same until August 1780.
Upon his graduation in August 1780 he was appointed
Aide-de-Camp to General Jacob Bayley and was stationed at
Newbury, Vermont and guarded the frontiers for more than
three years.
His four younger brothers also served during the
Revolution, but he did not state their names.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 1, 1832, while living in Lebanon, Connecticut.
In October 1839 he moved to New York City, where he
died March 29, 1840 at the home of his son John R. Peters.
His wife whose name is not stated died before he died.
Six children survived him; Absalom, William R., John R., Mrs.
Phebe Fisk, Mrs. Lydia Perry and Mrs. Mira Mason.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner
Page 17

Rev War
14.129
INVALID.
File No. 14,129
Absalom Peters
& Aid de Camp
Captn Rev. war
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index: --Vol. 1, Page 293
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 18

Nov. 7-1902
G.A. Taylor
Albany N.Y
Dec. 20, 1902
Mrs Sarah Messer Haselton
Effingham Ill
1915 Nov. 26. Hist to F.C. Bissell
letter in W.2630 Abel Phelps
1922 May 12. Hist. to Geo. A. Taylor
1929 Oct. 17. Hist. to Anita C. Stone
ny
Page 19

A certificate for $320 per
Annum was issued on the
15th of March 1833 - and
on the 9th of Sept. 1833
the Agent was directed
to pay him agreeably
to the tenor of that
certificate at $320
per ann.
Sent to Pen agt 23 Nov 1839
To New York City from
4 Sept 1839. 11. Jany
1840. Notification to S.
Spencer New York
New York City 9.000
Absalom Peters
of Lebanon in the State of Connt
who was a Cap. in the Com - commanded 
by Captain of the Regt commanded
by in the
line for 4 1/2 mo-
Aid de Camp 4 1/2 mo
Private 1 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of Connt
at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents per
to commence on the 14 day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day mch
1833 - and sent
Skinner. Present
Arrears to the 4th of March 33
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sep. 4. 33
$400,00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E.D. Bullock Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 34
Page 20

21
Absalom Peters do
Connecticut
Act 7th June, 1832
Admitted-
2 years Capt & Aid de Came
$600 per ann. from
4 Mch 1831 to 29 Mch
1840, the day of his death
Payable to John R
Peters,  Adm for the
benefit of Absalom Peters
Wm R Peters, Phebe
Fisk, Lydia Perry,
Mica Mason and
John R. Peters surviving 
children.
payments made under
said Act to be deducted
at the rate of $320
per Ann
Certificate sent to
Alexr. Ray
Present
Page 21

New York Oct 7/56
157. Broadway
Judge Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Dr Sir
Captain
Absalom Peters a resident of Connecticut 
was during his lifetime a
pensioner under act of Congress
of June 7 1832 at $320 a year-
Some time in the year 1850
Mr Alexander Ray of Washington
as Attorney for John R. Peters Esq
of this City (a son of the late Capt
Absalom Peters) made application
and obtained an increase of the
above pension to $600 per annum
I am informed the New
pension Certificate was handed
by Mr Ray to Mr Jno. R. Peters who as
the son & Admr of his father received
the money in New York and paid Mr
Page 22

Ray for services rendered-
Very lately a Mr Samuel A.
Peugh of Washington has presented
a claim of his for services
&c incurred by him in procuring
proofs in support of the increase
allowed and in his bill of complaint 
such for three thousand
dollars as his counsel fee for
Mr Peters in the case -
It is important for me
on the trial to be in possession
of certain facts in the case
and therefore beg to put a
few questions to your department
1st with whom did your office
correspond with in the application
for increase of pension and to
whom was the Pension Certificate
of $600, a year issued (what Atty.
I mean) -?
2d Is there on file any power of attorney
from John R. Peters to Samuel A. Peugh
Page 23

3d Did the Department ever recognize 
said Peugh as agent or
Attorney in the application for
increase of pension?
4th Does it appear that said Peugh
did ever make application for
an increase of Pension?
5th Is it shown that he ever filed
proofs of service of Capt Absalom
Peters as "aid de Camp" or any
other proof of service upon which
the increased pension was allowed?
Your early reply to the above
several questions is highly important 
to me and by complying 
with the request I shall
be very much indebted- Aug
official charge I will promptly
pay on learning the amount
Yours truly
Wm S. Hascall
Attorney &c
159, Broadway
Page 24

25
4th vol Journals of old
Congress - 30 Oct -
1783 direction [illegible]
with Genl Baily
Page 25

The Collections of the Massachusetts Historical Collections
1st Series, 2d Vol. Page 125, contains the following
statement in a Historical Journal of the American war
for 1777.-
"The returns of Genl Gates army the 16th of
October, was 13.216 fit for duty under command of
Brigadier Generals, Nixon, Poor, Learned, Glover,
Patterson, Warner Stark, Baily, Whipple, Bricket,
Fellowes, Wolcott, Ten Broeck."
16 Jany 1833
Page 26

I James A Bayley of Newbury in the County of Orange & 
State of Vermont of lawfull as testify and say that some time
since the death of Gen Jacob Bayley, which was in the year
1815. on examining said Bayley's papers found a commission
appointing him a Brigadier General which said Commission
was I think signed by the Governor of the State of New York that
Bayley was commissioned during the Revolutionary 
War I further testify that I have made diligent search for
sd Commission but have not been able to find it
Feby 19, 1833
James Bailey
State of Vermont }
Orange County ss } Newbury Feb 14. 1833 then the above named
James A Bayley personally appeared and made oath that the
above affidavit by him subscribed is the truth and nothing but
the truth Before me
J. Bayley Justice of Peace
Page 27

No. 4
Col Brewster
Certificate
Genl Absalom Peters
Lebanon
Conn
Page 28

To the Honourable the Secretary of the
Treasury of the United States.
Sir
Having been
made acquainted with the application of
Genl. Absalom Peters of Lebanon Conn
for a pension in consideration of services
as an officer in the war of the revolution
I cheerfully state that I have known him
from my youth, and can assure the
department that entire confidence may
be placed in his statements concerning
himself and I do know that since the
revolution he has [illegible] highly [illegible]
character as a military man in the State of
New Hampshire
Amos. A. Brewster Sheriff
of the County of Grafton
State of New Hamp
Page 29

Hanover July 10th 1832
My dear Sir,
On my return from a journey
last evening I found your letter of the 25th
of last month. James Wheelock Esqr is
now living in Burlington Vt. and I know
of no person in this neighbourhood that
was acquainted with your services
or [illegible] early settlers are
now returned to their mother [illegible]
or are removed to distant lands
I have copied what you requested
and hope you may secure
your application
with respect & esteem
I am dear Sir
Your obt Servant
Amos A Brewster
Page 30

No 2
Testimony of
Majr Jacob Bailey
Page 31

I Jacob Bayley of Newbury in the County of Orange and State of
Vermont aged 76 years testify and say that I am well acquainted with
General Absalom Peters Now of Lebanon in the State of Connecticut 
who formerly resided in Wentworth in the State of New Hampshire
that the said Peters acted as Aid D Camp to General Jacob Bayley I think
who was employed in the defence of his country in the revolutionary war
that said Peters acted as aid to sd General Bayley I think
from the year 1780 to the close of the Revolutionary war and
I can say that said Peters was considered a true and faithfull
friend and supporter of the American cause I further testify
that the sd Peters & myself were aid to sd Jacob Bayley and
were obeyed as such. Newbury Sept 7, 1832
Jacob Bayley
State of Vermont } Newbury Sept. 17, 1832 then the above named Jacob
Orange County ss } Bagley personally appeared and made oath that the
above affidavit by him subscribed was the truth
Before me J Bayley Justice of Peace
And further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jacob
Bayley and that he is considered and esteemed a man of truth &
veracity
J Bayley Justice Peace
Page 32

New York
Oct. 10. 1850
Jas. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Sir
In compliance with
your letter to me in the case of Absalom Peterdecd
late of Connecticut, you will receive herewith the
evidence or the time of his death, (he resided in this
City at the time of his death) and the evidence of
the names of his children that then and now survive
him.
I remain very
respectfully your
most Ob Ser
Alex Ray
Page 33

Washington July 18th 1843
Sir
In an application I made some short time
since in the case of Absolem Peters deceased, late a pensioner
of the Connecticut roll act 1832.
You inform me in
your letter of the 3 Nov last the "Claim was adjusted
by two special decisions of the Secretary of War" and that
"He was first allowed $120 and subsequently $320 per an
as aid to Gen Bailey a malitia Office
say, "was not himself in service as much as 6 months
in the rank of Brigadier".
There is no doubt entertained as to the fact of the two
Special decisions of the Secretary of War, in Peters case. Wis
true he was a militia officer in command of the
New Hampshire & other militia men. But instead of his
service not being as much six months. I am of the opinion his
service can be shown in the years 1778. 9.80.23 with
the service to ascertain if the Washington paper deposited at
the State Department afford any evidence of the fact, I
have respectfully to request you will ask for an examination 
to be made,
I presume the question may have arose in the Second
adjustment of this claim, whether an aid-de-Camp
Page 34

was entitled to a pension.
[illegible] this be so. the question
was decided in the affirmative by the Secretary of War,
and a pension was allowed at the rate of a Lieut pay.
should the evidence of Gen Bailey service be satisfactory
Shown embracing the period set-forth by his aid Absolem
Peters. will the claimant not be entitled to a pension as
aid-de-Camp at the rate of 600$ [illegible] under the decision
of the late Secretary of War.
I am very
respectfully your
Most. On Ser
Alex Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

Department of State
September 20th 1843
J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
the examination
requested by your letter of the 7th
instant, has been made, but nothing
has been found to shew the service
of Absolam Peters
I am, Sir
your obedt Servt.
A P Upshur
Page 36

Washington
Nov. 1. 1842.
Sir
I enclose an application, from Jno
R. Peters the son and administrator upon the
estate of the late Absalom Peters, who, up to
the time of his death was a pensioner under
act 1832 Connecticut Roll.
You will perceive that the claim is
made to an increase as an aid de camp to
Gen Jacob Bailey, and I am informed by the
court that the evidence in this case as aid de Camp
is corroborated in the case of Jacob Bailey a pensioner
under act 1832. Vermont roll, who served
with his father, under Gen Jacob Bailey. Be
pleased to have the papers in both cases examined
and Oblige
Your most hul ser
Alex Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 37

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United 
States of the 7th June, 1832, Absalom Peters
of the State of Connecticut
who was a Captain Aid de Camp and Private
in the army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive One hundred and Sixty dollars and
- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the
4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this 14th day of
March one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War. 
Examined and }
Countersigned. }
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 38

24
Let the applicant
be allowed two
years pension [illegible]
[illegible] Cauch to
Gen Baily
L.C.
$320 per am
and decrease [illegible]
to $ [illegible]
Rev. Wm Gurley
Present
Page 39

District of Columbia SS.
Washington County March 18th 1833
Personally appeared before
me the Undersigned a justice of the Peace R.S.
Briscoe, Genl Absalom Peters of Lebanon of Connecticut
who being duly Sworn deposeth & saith
That by reason of the distance of time
since the
revolutionary war & on account of the comparative
irregularity of the frontier warfare with which
he was connected, he cannot detail minutely
the various services which he rendered during
eight years of the Revolutionary struggle, for
in it he was engaged either as a soldier
or an officer from the beginning to the
end as stated in his declaration dated
On the last item - his
services as aid to General Bailey, he would
be more particular than he has been
in his former declaration and therefore
Page 40

request that the following may be annexed
to it as an amendment. The Deponent
entered Dartmouth College August 1775 &
graduated in August 1780, having lost
one year of his College life on account
of time spent in Volunteer services for
the Colonies as stated in his declaration.
the Deponent having by this time on
several occasions distinguished himself
as having some military talents, as well as
by his devotion to the American cause
became known to General Jacob Baily
whose head quarters were at Newbury on
the Vermont side of the Connecticut thirty
miles above the college.
As soon as the deponent
had taken his degree of college & before
he had had time to go home to his
parents in Connecticut General Baily
sent for him to come to his quarters
at Newbury which he did & received from
Page 41

General Baily the offer of a commission
as his Aid de Camp & the deponent thereupon
accepted the appointment & continued to
in that capacity until the close of
the War. He has not now his commission
in his possession nor does he know what
as become of it.
This deponent further states
that General Baily had been in command of a Regiment during the French war that he had this to command and the sole command in some character of that
frontier station, locking his head quarters of
Newbury according to his best recollection
from that commencement to the
close of the revolutionary war, but that he had no
particular  knowledge of General Baily until
sent for by him, as aforesaid in 1780 when
he entered into his service as aid in
which capacity he continued for more than
three years until the end of the
war. Nor was he during that period engaged
in any employment or benefits interfering with his duties
as aid De Camp in actual service to
General Bailey nor did he at any time
Page 42

during said period leave the service of General
Baily for any purpose whatsoever not even
for that of visiting his parents of Hebron
Connecticut nor did he in any manner
settle himself in life during that period
As to the discrepancy between the
statement in the deponents former declaration
& the testimony of his witnesses in regard
to the rank of General Bayly the deponent
believes it to be owing to an oversight
in said witnesses who had they detected
any error in his declaration (with copies
of which they were furnished) would hardly
have failed to mention it.
the Deponent cannot believe himself
mistaken in asserting that General Baily
did visit Congress & receive a Commission
from that Body as Major General & he
distinctly recollects that at the interview
when a commission was offered to him
General Baily declared that the deponents
rank would be that of Colonel & such
title was given to him during his whole
Page 43

term of Service as Aid de Camp. General
Baily also stated to the deponent that
he was instructed by Congress with blank
Commissions to be filled with the names
of persons he might select & in one call
said deponent knew him to fill a Cole
Commission for a man by the name of
Lewel In the opinion which he entertains
in regard to the rank of Genl Baily, the
Deponent is confirmed, by a Revolution passed
by Congress after the close of the war directive
Commissioners to settle with the said Genl Baily
for services rendered by him & by the such that
General Baily received from time to time letters from
General Washington & Genl Green. Within a few miles
of the Head quarters of General Baily,
on both sides of the Connecticut river,
were several stockade Forts under his call -
he had constantly about him a corps of
an army sometimes more & some time less
consisting of enlisted & drafted men &
occasionally of Militia & Volunteers &
soon after Royalto was burnt in 
1780 his whole force amounted to 4000
men.
Page 44

The Colonels who commanded successively
under him were Bedell Hazen Hasselton
& waite (the last of whom continued with
him to the close of the war) & occasionally
many militia Colonels were present among
whom was Col Webster Father of the
distinguished Senator of that name,
The deponent to sum up his case
& show as far as he can in a
plain statement the amount of his
services during the revolutionary war
says 1st That according to his best
recollection he served about six months
as a volunteer under Capt Matoon & Capt
Wells as stated in his declaration-
2nd That the time spent in forming
& drilling the volunteer company which he
commanded & in scouting & guarding, from
1777 to 1780 was at least equal to
one year which was the amount of time he
actually lost in his College life as before
stated.
Page 45

3
That the amount
of serving as
and de la
to General Baily was more
thou three years as stated
in
his
declaration
-
Subscribed & sworn to March
Absalom Peters
18th 1832 before R.S. Briscoe J. Peace
The Border warfare in which the deponent & his associates were engaged required important vigilance & activity, the whole line of our Territory for 150 miles was in constant alarm & exposure to very frequent incursions from Indians & refugees & it was indispensable for the security of the inhabitants to keep scouting parties constantly in motion to watch the insidious approaches, repel the attacks of the enemy, who notwithstanding our best efforts did frequently commit depredations, capture & sometimes murder our citizens, burn their dwellings & produce various outrages consternation throughout the frontier settlements.

warfare
in
which the deponent
& his associates
wal
engaged required incessant
rigilouel
& activity
the whole line of our Territory
for 150 miles was in
constant loven & exposed
to very frequent incursions from
Judian
& refugees
inhabitants
it was indispensable for the security of the
to keep scouting parties
constantly in
to watch
motion
the insidiout
approber
refel the
1
attacks
of the
every
best efforts
1
who notwitstanding our
did frequently commit depredations
some time
under our citizens
burn their
dwellings
& produce
by various outrages
constanation
throughout the frontier settlements.
Page 46

New York Oct 1880
Jas. L. Edwards
Com of Pentions
Dear Sir
May I ask
the favour of you to direct the [illegible]
of the [illegible] of my late Father Absalom
Peters pentioner to be paid in this City It
will save us time & expense in going to
Hartford & your compliance will
much oblidge
Your very
obt Servant
Jno. . Peters
Administrator
Page 47

Ho of Reps Sept 20. 1850
Colo,
James L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions,
Sir, I am desired to request
a reexamination of the evidence filed
in the case of Absalom Peters decd
upon the application of his son, John
R. Peters Esq of New York. His father
was pensioned under Act of June
1832 on the Connecticut roll, but
resided in New York. The Examination
is requested because it is [illegible]
that under the late decision of the
Department of the Interior the
pension of Absalom Peters may
be augmented - Please make your
report to Alexander Ray Esq
An early attention to the
oblige Your Hum Servt
H. Putnam
Page 48

Concord, N.H. Sept 16, 1832
To the Honl
Lewis Cass, Sec of War
This certifies that I have seen and perused 
a copy of the declaration of services
performed by Absalom Peters during
the War of the Revolution; that
have long known Gen. Peters
both when a resident and since he
removed beyond the limits of the
State of New Hampshire; that he
supported an excellent military
character as an officer of militia in
this State subsequent to the revolution,
that he had the reputation of a [illegible]
revolutionary soldier, and
was classed with the heroes who achieved 
our Independence.
Respectfully
Isaac Hill
Page 49

War Department
Pension Office.
December 17. 1832.
Sir
The papers in support of
your claim to a Pension have
been examined, and they are
herewith returned, your statement
as to the duration of
your service being too general
you should amend your declaration 
by stating more particularly 
the different periods for
which you were actually engaged
in the performance of military
duty, and you should shew what
rank you held while acting as
an Aide-de-Camp. As the Pension 
claimed is a pro rata allowance, 
it is indispensably necessary 
in order to determine the
amount to which you are entitled, 
that the service should be
specified.
same, very respectfully
your obt servt
J.L. Edwards
Absalom Peters
of Connecticut
Present.
Page 50

Statement of
Absalom Peters
Let a year pension 
he allowed
L. C.
Page 51

The Hon
Secy at War
Sir
The undersigned beg leave to give, as
explanatory of his declaration a very brief historical [illegible]
part of which is matter of general notoriety
1 It is well known, that his connections were divided as to 
the Colonial cause and that his father and himself were from
the begining, and always, unwavering and active friends of the
revolution.
2 For such reasons it was, that the undersigned immediately
upon joining College in 1775 volunteered first as a soldier- then as
commander of a volunteer company which he himself had formed
and drilled, and commanded till 1780, when he took his degree
at College, as stated in his declaration - having lost one year in consequence 
of time spent and services rendered as aforesaid
As an example of this devotion; and this is not the only one; while
at home in College at Hebron Connect his native place, he [illegible]
in a three months tour under Col Herford at Eastchester and
although the Col was disgraced on that occasion, yet the underd
brought off under the fire of the enemy who were then landing
a number the sick with some military stores, which had been
abandoned and left by the American officers in command
3 By such things the underd had in 1780 acquired some
military reputation; and was sent for as soon as he had graduated,
by General Baily from Newbury a distance of thirty miles from (Col -
Page 52

College - when he arrived at Newburg the Genl offered him a commission
as one of his aids, which he accepted, and was thereafter known
and obeyed accordingly; and in this capacity he served till the
close of the war. nor did he leave it to engage in any other business
or to settle in life or in matrimony till after this period.
4 the nature of the warfare, which the geography as will as
history of the country shows to have been a border warfare, shows
also the kind, if not the amount, of actual service which he
must have rendered. It was a warfare of constant alarm,
on account actual or expected invasions of scouting
and depredating parties such the Quans Rangers, made up
of Canadians - Indians - and forces who knew the country.
the families, and the individual to be aimed at, and who
could in a night capture burn and destroy-- as they did
at Royalton which was burnt-- Baily's defence was of this
frontier, which was open for more than an hundred miles.
Nor had this soldier any other defence - the American
army was on the west side the mountain
Baily head quarters were at Newbury
on the her side of the Hon River then doomed both by New
hampshinin N York and he had dog forts and Stock
on both sides the River as places present and of defence
in case purprize hidden invasion, and without us
this whole region would have been divested, or desertas
indeed many of the inhabitants did leave their farms
and dwellings, and fall back into the settled part of the
County.
all which is respectfully submitted
Washington March 6th 1833-
Absalom Peters
Page 53

the Colonel who served at different times and in succession as
named, under Baily were Col Bedel - Col Hazen - Col
Hasselton - Col Hoit who commanded respectively
enlisted or drafted men and volunteer companies from
the whole region occasionally. We had at one time or
the spot more than four thousand
Page 54

Hartford 6th Sept 1833
Hon Lewis Cass
Sir
By your certificate of
the 15th of March last, I am "entitled to receive
three hundred & twenty dollars" per annum
on
account of my services as an Aid de Camp
in the army of the Revolution; but
the
return to the Branch Bank in this city
directs that I shall be paid one hundred
& sixty dollars annually.
Will you have the goodness to cause
this mistake to be corrected, so that I may
receive the full allowance to which I am
entitled,
Vry Respectfully Absalom Peters
Absalom Peters
Page 55

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
State of New-York }
County of New York } ss
On this nineteenth day of November
1839, before
me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for said County,
personally appeared Absalom Peters, who, on his oath,
declares that he is the same person who formerly was
Aid to Gen Bailey
in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the
pension roll of the state of Connecticut from whence he
has lately removed; that he now resides in the state (district, or territory)
of New York and City of New York where he intends to remain,
and wishes his pension to be there payable in future; and that his reasons
for removing to the state of and City of New York are to
reside with his son
Absalom Peters
Sworn and subscribed to before }
me, the day and year aforesaid }
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
NOTES. The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must
be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, setting forth that the person taking the testimony is a
Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is
genuine.
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must
wear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must
certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also have the authentication as above required
Page 56

(Under Act of 7th June, 1832.)
City and County of }
New-York, ]ss
Be it Known, That before me, SYLVESTER SPENCER, a Notary Public, in
and for the City and County aforesaid, personally appeared Absalom Peters
and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original Certificate, in his possession
, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS
I Certify, That in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832,
Absalom Peters of the State of Connecticut
who was 
an Aid de Camp in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive three hundred and Twenty dollars cents per annum,
during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of
March and 4th of September in every year.
GIVEN AT THE WAR OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES,
this 15th day of March one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three
( L. S. )
Examined and }
Countersigned }
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
That he now resides in the City of New York
and has resided there for the space of three weeks past, and that previous
thereto he resided in Lebanon in the State of Connecticut
Absalom Peters
SWORN and Subscribed before me }
this 19th day of November 1839 }
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public.
Page 57

State of New York 
City and County of New York }ss 
On this nineteenth day of November 1839 before
the subscriber a Notary Public in and for the State 
of New York, residing in the City of New York
personally appeared Absalom Peters Jur. of said City
and made oath in due form of law, that he is well
acquainted with Absalom Peters, who is a pensioner of the 
United States, under the act of 7th June 1832, and knows
him to be the identical person described in his own
affidavits hereto annexed,
Absalom Peters Jr
Sworn to and Subscribed
on the day and year first
above mentioned before me,
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
I certify that the above named Absalom Peters Jr is
a credible witness.
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
Page 58

Pension Agency
Hartford Nov. 21. 1839
Sir
In answer to your enquiry as to
what time Absalom Peters a pensioner
on the roll of this Agency under the act
of 7 June 1832 at $320 per annum was
last paid I have to inform you that he
has been paid to the 4th day of September
1839.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
S L Pitkin
Agent
Geo Wm Crump
Acting Comr of Pensions
Washington
Page 59

New York 19th November 1839
Sir
I enclose the application of Absalom Peters,
a pensioner under the act of 7th June 1832, at Three hundred
and twenty Dollars per annum, for the transfer of his name
from the Pension Agency in Connecticut, to that of this City.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Sylvester Spencer
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 60

Newbury Vt
Feb 5
Genl Absalom Peters
City of Postmaster
case of the Recd P City of Washington
R Gurley
Columbia
Page 61

Newbury Feby 2d 1833
Genl Peters
Sir In you letter of the 2 of
January last I have made all the nessesary
inquiries respecting you request but have not
been able to obtain anything at present I think
I shall be able in the course of a week at most to
obtain the Commission appointing my father
Brigadier Genl under New York and letter
from Genl Washington and Genl Green which
will go to show that my father was in the service
of the U.S. in the revolutionary War. If I do not
find the Commission I shall be able to obtain
affidavits of the fact of several individuals who
are knowing and here on the Commission
I shall attend immediately to your business and
will endeavor to send the result in season before
the 4th March next
your Hanl Servt
Isaac Bayley
Page 62

No 3-
Genl Moody Bedly
Affidavit-
Page 63

I Moody Bedel of Bath in the County of
Grafton & State of New Hampshire of Lawfull
age Testify & say that I am well acquainted with
General Absalom Peters Now of Lebanon in the
State of Connecticut who formerly resided in Landaff
& in Wentworth & in Haverhill in said County of
Grafton that I acted for several years in the Militia
next in command to him in the Militia in this
State that I was acquainted with him while he
was a Student in Dartmouth Colledge that he
the said Peters acted as Aid De Camp to General
Jacob Bailey of Newbury in the State of Vermont
I think from the year 1780 to the close of the
Revolutionary War the said Jacob Baily, otherwise
was his son Jacob Bailey jr & that they were reputed
& obliged as the said General Bailey, Aides
Moody Bedel
State of New Hampshire Grafton ss } Bath 12th Septr
1832 Then Personally appeared Moody Bedel Esq. Signer
of the above affidavit & made Solemn Oath that the
same is true before me Elnor Carlton Just Peace
and further state as a Justice of the peace that I am well
acquainted with the said Bedel & that he is considered as a
person of truth & Veracity
Elnor Carlton
Page 64

Rev. War Section.
May 12, 1922
Mr. George A. Taylor,
P. O. Box 2629,
Boston, Mass.
Sir:

In response to your letter of the 19th ultimo, you
are advised that from the papers in the pension claim,
Survivor File 14139, it appears that Absalom Peters, the
son of Colonel John Peters of Hebron, Connecticut, was
born there March 25, 1774, and there lived at the commencement
of the Revolution.
He stated, that he was drilled a volunteer, under
Lieutenant Orlando Mack, marched to Boston under Captain
Rowley, arriving here after the battle of Bunker Hill. In
October 1778, he was a student at Dartmouth College, Hanover
, New Hampshire, and was enlisted in Captain Mattoon's
Company, until April 1776, during which time he was frequently
called out.
In the summer or autumn of 1776, he enlisted in Captain 
John Wells' Company, Colonel Obadiah Hosford's Regiment
of Connecticut Militia and served three months at
East Chester.
Page 65

At Hanover, New Hampshire, in the autumn of 1777,
he raised a company of volunteers for the protection of
Dartmouth College and commanded the same until August
1780.
Upon his graduation in August 1780, he was appointed
Aide-de-Camp to General Jacob Bayley and was stationed at
Newbury, Vermont and guarded the frontiers for more than
three years.
His four younger brothers also served during the
Revolution, but he did not state their names.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
September 1, 1832, while living at Lebanon, Connecticut.
In October 1839, he moved to New York City, where he died
March 29, 1840, at the house of his son John R. Peters.
His wife whose name is not stated died before he died.
six children survived him; Absalom, William P., John R.
Mrs Phebe Fisk, Mrs Lydia Perry and Mrs Mira Mason.
Very respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
Page 66

Rev. War Section.
November 26, 1915.
Mr. F. C. Bissell,
Sir:
Deputy Comptroller of Conn.
Drawer 22,
Hartford, Conn.
Sir: see W. 2630 Abel Phelps
In response to your letter dated the 20" instant, you are
furnished the histories of the three Revolutionary War pensioners
named therein.
Sur. File No. 14,129, Rev. War Absalom Peters was the
son of Colonel John Peters of Hebron, Connecticut, where he
was born there March 25, 1754, and resided there at the outbreak of the
Revolution.
He stated that he was drilled and equipped as a volunteer
under Lieutenant Orlando Mack; and marched to Boston
under Captain Rowley and arrived after the battle of Bunker
Hill in October 1775, he was a student of Dartmouth College,
at Hanover, New Hampshire, and was enlisted in Captain Mattoon's
company until April 1776, during which time he was
frequently "called out" amounting to about three months
service.
In the Summer or Autumn of 1776, he enlisted in Captain
Page 67

John Wells' company, Colonel Obadiah Hosford's regiment Connecticut
Militia, stationed at East Chester; three months.
At Hanover, New Hampshire, in the Autumn, 1777, he raised
a company of volunteers for the protection of the College, and
commanded the same until August 1780, 
Upon his graduation in August 1780, he was appointed Aide
de-Camp to General Jacob Bayley and was stationed at Newbury,
Vermont, more than three years.
He also stated that during the war he resided at Hebron, Connecticut,
Haverhill, Hanover and Bath, New Hampshire, and that
his four younger brothers served in the Rev, but did not
give their names.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September
1, 1832, at which time he resided at Lebanon, Connecticut.
In October 1839, he removed to New York City, where he 
died  Mch. 29, 1840, at the house of his son John R. Peters, leaving no widow
and only six children; Absalom Peters, William R. Peters,
Mrs. Phebe Fisk, Mrs. Lydia Perry, Mrs. Mira Mason and John
R. Peters.
G M Saltzgaber
Page 68

213 Lancaster St
Albany NY
Oct 18/02
Gentlemen. Sometime
ago I to asking
for Revolutionary
Record of Capt (later
Genl.) Absalom Peters
of N. H. & of Conn. You
wrote you had not
such Record. I have
found his name among
the Pensioners in
"Conn Men in the
Revolution" and
therefore suppose said
Pension came from
Washington and that
his record is probably
there and was overlooked
by you & others  Please let me know
Respt G.A. Taylor
Page 69

Inv. 14129
Effingham Illinois
Commissioner of Pensions
Will you please have
search made in the Revolutionary 
War and Pension records for the
service of Captain Absalom Peters
who drew a pension and in 1832 was
living in New London County, Connecticut;
also, will you give us the service of
John this is the only John Peters that I can find from any New England State Peters who was the father of 
Absalom Peters and who was living in
Hebron, Tolland County Connecticut,
in 1781. I wish to use the services of one
or both in becoming a member of Daughters
of the American Revolution
Sarah Messer Haselton
By Mary Crooker Lloyd Regent
Effingham, Ill.
Ann Crooker St Clair Chapt DAR
December 8th 1802
Inv. 14129
Page 70

Stamps enclosed
P.O. Box 2629
Boston, Mass.
April 19, 1922
Revolutionary War Records
Dept. of Pensions
Gentlemen:- Will you be so kind as to
send me the Revolutionary War Records, so
far as they may be in your custody of the
following four officers for whom I descend
and greatly oblige (I enclosed postage for favor
of a reply)- Very respectfully yours
Geo. A. Taylor
1 - Capt. Absalom Peters (N.H.) - Aid de Camp to General Bailey -
(he was retired after 24 years service as
Brig General to which position he was elevated 1801)
2 - Lieut Wm Mollohan of Md.
3 - Lieut John Givens of Conn.
4 - Corporal Silas Covell of Conn.
Mollohan
(also Chas (?) Mollohan of Ohio in the War of 1812)
The Hon. (Congressman) Tunkham sent me your name & address
Page 71

P. O. Box 275;
Caldwell, N. J.,
August 12, 1929.
U. S. Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen,
Will you please give me all the data
you can from the pension application of
Absolem Peters who served in the American Revolution
from Connecticut. The pension number
is S14129.
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Yours truly,
Anita C. Stone