Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 33,464, for Samuel Peckham, Rhode Island
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Service Navy R.I. 
Peckham, Samuel
Number S 33,464
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19.244 R
Rhode Island
Massachusetts
Samuel Peckham
of Newport in the state of R Island who was a Private in the Comp^y commanded by Colonel B. Fry of the regiment commanded by Colonel Richmond in the R. Island line, for the term of one year - 1776 - & Navy
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 21 of October 1823.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 of April 1824 and Sent to Benj Cowell Esq Providence, R. Island
Arrears to 4th of March 1824, $35.87
Semi - anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1824  48
[Total] $83:87
Revolutionary claim Acts March 18, 18[obscured] and May 1, 182[obscured]
March 1, 182[obscured]
[on upper left page]
Transferred to Massachusetts March 1 [fold] 1828, to take effect from 4 March 1828, and notification sent to Hon. I. L. Hodges.
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No 517
Saml Peckham
Musician Crary's Rhode Island Regt
 - 77 - 80 - 24 April 1818
Proof must be advanced to show that S. P. served 9 months after April 1779 - the time the reg^t was put on the Continental Establishment - 
[in the right margin vertically on a paper below this document]
M Davis Judge of the District Court U.S. Massachusetts District.
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United States,
Massachusetts District,
Samuel Peckham of Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol, and District of Massachusetts, a resident citizen of the United States, and applicant for a pension from the United States, under an Act of Congress, entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the revolutionary war, maketh oath, that he served as a drummer and mariner, in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war for upwards of four years - in manner following viz. - In the Spring of 1776 - enlisted on board the Continental sloop Providence ^at Newport^ commanded by Paul Jones, and served on board her as drummer in the West Indies and the Straits - until November of the same year; when he was taken prisoner, carried into Halifax and remained there until the Spring of 1777. when he enlisted in the company commanded by Captain Reuben Ballou ^as a drummer^ in the Rhode Island regiment, commanded by Colonel Crary, and served in the said corps at Tiverton and Bristol until the year 1780 - when he was honorably discharged at Newport, but have no written discharges and is in such reduced circumstances as to require the aid of his country - 
[signature] Samuel Peckham
Massachusetts District sc. Boston 24 April 1818
[the rest obscured by paper pasted over the bottom of the above document]
Massachusetts District, ss.
16 March 1819.
I am satisfied that the above named Samuel Peckham by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, is in need of assistance from his Country for support.
[signature] M[?] Davis    District Judge U.S. Massachusetts Dist.
To the Secretary of the Department of War.
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United States,
Massachusetts District,
Samuel Peckham of Dartmouth, in the County of Bristol, and District of Massachusetts, a resident citizen of the United States, and applicant for a pension from the United States, under an Act of Congress, entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval Services of the United States in the revolutionary war, maketh oath, that he served as a drummer and mariner, in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war for upwards of four years - in manner following viz - In the spring of 1776 - enlisted on board the Continental sloop Providence ^at Newport^ commanded by Paul Jones, and served on board her ^as Drummer^ in the West Indies and the Straits - until November of the same year; when he was taken prisoner, carried into Halifax, and remained there untill the Spring of 1777. when he enlisted in the company commanded by Captain Reuben Ballou ^as a drummer^ in the Rhode Island regiment, commanded by Colonel Crary and served in the said corps at Tiverton and Bristol, until the year 1780 - when he was honorably discharged at Newport. but had no written discharges, and is in such reduced circumstances as to require the aid of his country - [signature] Samuel Peckham
Massachusetts District ss. Boston 24 April 1818
Sworn to before me M Davis Dist Judge Mass Dist.
[typed document pasted at bottom]
Massachusetts District, ss.
Boston June 13 A.D. 1818
IT appearing to my satisfaction, that Samuel Peckham subscriber to the annexed declaration, sworn to before me, did serve in the revolutionary war against the common enemy, as stated in said declaration, I now transmit the testimony in the case, with the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the department of war, pursuant to the directions of the Act entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war;" the testimony and proceedings in the premises being the declaration aforesaid, with the accompanying documents marked A. B. C. D. E. together with this certificate.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the District Court of the United States for this District to be hereunto affixed.
[signature] M Davis Judge of the District Court U.S. Massachusetts District.
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[top section missing]
on board her ^as a drummer^ in the West Indies and the Straits untill November of the same year, when he was taken prisoner, carried into Halifax and remained there untill the spring of 1777. when he enlisted in the company commanded by Captain Reuben Ballou ^as a drummer^ in the Rhode Island regiment, commanded by Colonel Crary and served in the said corps at Tiverton and Bristol untill the year 1780 - when he was honorably discharged at Newport, but had no written discharges and is in such reduced circumstances as to require the aid of his country - [signature] Samuel Peckham
Massachusetts District ss. Boston 24 April 1818
Sworn before me
M Davis Dist Judge Mass Dist
Thomas Durfee of Tiverton to take evidence [Commissioner?] 24 April
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United States of America -
Rhode Island District County of Newport
District Court October term AD 1823
On this 27th day of October AD 1823 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of record Samuel Peckham, late of Dartmouth Massachusetts but now resident in Newport in said County aged 63, who being duly sworn maketh the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions of the Act of Congress of the 18th of March 1818, May 1st 1820 & March 1st 1823 - viz said Samuel declares that ^in^ the month of December 1775 he enlisted in Captain Benjamin Fry's company & in the regiment commanded by Col Wm Richmond of the Revolutionary Army & Rhode Island line for one year & that he continued to serve in said Corps untill the 28th of October 1776 when he was discharged to go on board the navy where he served in the Providence under command of Paul Jones - 
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred & eighteen; & that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, 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 eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred & eighteen; 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, & by me subscribed -
[signature] Samuel Peckham
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Schedule of property and income, necessary clothing & bedding excepted of Samuel Peckham - viz - 
Said Samuel declares that he has no property of any description except a few articles of house hold furniture, viz. - 6 common chairs, 2 maple tables, 3 pots & kettles, some cups & saucers, knives & forks, shovel & tongs, 2 looking glasses.
And the said Samuel further declares that he is a labourer & works when he is able & is unable to do but little labour that he has a wife aged 54 who has been sick 3 or 4 years - he has also five children viz, 1 Son aged 11 & 4 daughters aged 15, 13, 9 & 5 years old who now live with him. under these circumstances he thinks himself entitled to a pension under the acts aforesaid - 
[signature] Samuel Peckham
Oct. 21st 1823.
Sworn to in open Court.
Witness B Cowell Clk
District Court - Clerks Office Nov^r 3^d 1823 -
I Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Samuel Peckham did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under an engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath, & the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the s^d [said] Court & I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the s^d Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is fourteen dollars & Twenty five cents.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
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and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 3^d day of November 1823 - 
Benjamin Cowell
Clk of said Court
And I further certify that the deposition of Benjamin Fry is truly copied from the original, which original is now on file in the Office duly compared by me - 
Benjamin Cowell
Clk of said Court
[seal affixed below]
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[document appears cut off at top] information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
Samuel Peckham S.33464
[Table]
[Columns:] Date of Enlistment or Appointment. / Length of Service. / Rank. / Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered. / State.
[Line 1] Dec. 9 1775 to Oct. 28, 1776 / Pvt. / Captain Benj Fry Colonel Wm. Richmond / R.I.
[Line 2] 1776 / [blank] / Mariner / Captain John Paul Jones on Continental ship Providence and in Nov. 76 was taken prisoner and detained at Halifax until Spring 1777 when he escaped.
[Line 3] 1777 / 6 mos / Drummer / Captain Reuben Ballou Colonel Archibald Crary / R.I.
[Line 4] Mar 1778 / 1 yr. / [Drummer] / Captain Nathan Olney Colonel [Archibald Crary] / [R.I.]
[Line 5] [Mar] 1779 / 11 mos / [Drummer] / Captain [Nathan Olney] Colonel [Archibald Crary] / R.I.
[End of Table]
Battles engaged in , [check mark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [check mark]
Date of application for pension, Apr. 24, 1818. His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Dartmouth Bristol Co. Mass.
Age at date of application, 58 or 60 [63 in 1823 crossed through] [62 in 1820 crossed through]. Born in Newport R.I.
Remarks: In 1823 soldier had a wife aged 52 and six [?] children of whom one was a son aged 11 and four ^were^ daughters aged 15, 13, 9 and 5 names not stated, no further family data.
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Sam.l Peckham
See letter to J. W. Davis,
12 Nov - 1822 - 
See letter to B. Fry, dated 27 May 1823.
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Samuel Peckham's
Schedule.
[illegible initials in pencil]
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[Form with handwritten entries in {braces} ]
SCHEDULE.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol ss. {Circuit Court of Common Pleas}
On this {seventeenth} day of {July} 182{0}, personally appeared, in open court, being a court of record for the said county, {Samuel Peckham} aged {sixty two} years, resident in {Dartmouth} 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. That he entered in to the Service in the year 1775, in Col. Richmond's Regiment, and served until the year 1776. I entered then on board the Fleet at Newport R. I. and was taken by the British and carried to Halifax and was detained by them about five months. I escaped them and returned home; and in the year 1777 entered again into the Service in the Company of Capt Reuben Blue [Ballou] and served about six months; and in March 1778 enlisted again in Capt. Nathan Olney's Company and Archibald Crary's Regiment for the term one year, and served that term, and in March 1779 enlisted again in the same Company and Regiment, and in April the same year we were unorganized, and placed under the Continental Establishment, and served in the Continental Service eleven months 'till March 1780, when we were disbanded: That during all the aforementioned time, I served as a drummer. This last mentioned term of Service, the Regiment that I belonged to was part of the time under Care or Command of Christopher Manchester who had been our Major, but in the absence of Col. Crary Major Manchester took the command, as I understood: That I made application for a Pension to Judge Davis, in Boston, on the 24th day of April 1818 and have furnished and forwarded to him several depositions to be forwarded to the War Office, but have never obtained a Certificate for a Pension}
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 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.
{2 Iron pots 1.00 2 kettles 50..........1..50
1 Teakettle 50.. 6 Chairs 1.50..Shovel & tongs 50......2..50
Knives & forks 50 6 pewter plates 1.00 2 hoes 75.....2..25
1 axe 67...Chest with drawers 2.00........2..67
Some other trumpery say worth........1..00
[Total] $9..42.
That I am infirm, having been [illegible] for this four years; so that I cannot do much labour, I have a wife 50 years of age, not able to work, and four children the oldest of which is 13 years, one male and three females.}
[In the left margin]
{Property valued at $9 42}
[signature] Samuel Peckham
Sworn to, and declared, on the {seventeenth} day of {July A. D. 1820}
{James Sproat, Clerk of the Courts, Bristol County.} I, {James Sproat}, clerk of {the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bristol} do 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 is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is {nine} dollars and {forty two} cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this {eighth} day of {August} 182{0}.
{Ja^s. Sproat} Clerk of the Court for the County of Bristol.
[seal affixed to the left]
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I Abner Wilcox of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island of lawful age to give evidence to testify and say - 
that I served in the army [words crossed out] of the revolution - as a soldier for three years and three months, being the latter part of the war - and was disbanded in March 1780 - that my services were immediately preceding March 1780 that I was in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Archibald Crary - - ^and Major Christopher Manchester^ that in April 1779 - we were reorganized and became Continental troops as soldiers and [word crossed through] I served in the Continental service from April 1779 - to March 1780 - when we were disbanded - that Samuel Peckham served in the same [Company and same crossed through] Regiment with me during the time aforementioned - that from 1779 - April to March 1780 - Samuel Peckham [& myself crossed through] served in Captain Olney's Company - and the Regiment at that time was commanded by Major Christopher Manchester as Colonel [word crossed through] Crary was absent - that Samuel Peckham was a drummer in the service during that time that to my own knowledge s^d [said] Peckham served about eleven months in the Continental establishment - which - commenced in the Regiment that we were in - in April 1779 - and further the deponent saith not - 
[signature] Abner Will[cox]
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts-
Bristol ss. - On the 15th day of October in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Nineteen the within named Abner Wilcox personally came before me and made Solemn Oath to the truth of the within deposition by him signed - and who in my opinion is a credible witness
Abner B. Gifford Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. I James Sproat Clerk of the County of Bristol aforesaid. do hereby Certify that Abner B. Gifford Esq. before whom the depositions of Abner Wilcox Gideon Coggeshall and ^Christopher^ Manchester ^& Ichabod Simmons^ which are hereunto annexed appear to have been made. - is a Justice of the Peace duly [illegible] for that purpose acting under the authority of this Commonwealth and that his name subscribed thereto appears to be his own proper signature - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County at Tiverton in said Court this tenth day of November in the year of Our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and nineteen.
[signature] Jas Sproat Clerk of [illegible] Courts Bristol Co
[seal affixed to left]
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S. Peckham's Case
H
Page 18

I Christopher Manchester of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island. of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that. I served in various capacities from the commencement [to the close crossed through] of the revolutionary war untill the year 1780 in March when we were disbanded & that I was commissioned and served as a major in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Archibald Crary. and while in that capacity & service - we were stationed and did duty at various places. and untill the latter part of the time. considered we were officers acting under United States - but perceiving about the  first of the year 1779 - that there was a difference between United States officers  - and those who were considered statesmen [militia?] - in the month of April 1779 - we were reorganized and  entered into and was made United States officers & soldiers - and served in the Continental establishment - from April 1779 - to March 1780 - when we were - disbanded - I being a major in the army - and our Colonel being absent - I had the command of the Regiment [most of the time crossed through] during the last mentioned time - (viz) from April 1779. to March. 1780. and I became acquainted with Samuel Peckham while in the service - before we were reorganized. as he was a drummer in the regiment with me. and particularly while in the Continental service. and to my own knowledge he the said Samuel Peckham served in the same Regiment with me - in the Continental establishment from April 1779 - to March 1780 - being about Eleven months - when we were disbanded - 
[signature] Christopher Manchester
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. October 15, 1809. personally came before me Christopher Manchester (to me well known -) who signed the within deposition and made Solemn Oath that the same was the truth - and who in my opinion is a credible witness - 
[signature] Abner B. Gifford Justice of the Peace
NB. For County Clerk's Certificate see Abner Wilcox's Deposition herewith submitted
Page 20

Wm Bliss'
affidavit
Page 21

I William Bliss of Newport in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Rope maker of lawful age to give evidence, do testify and say that I served as a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain John Carr in Colonel Archibald Crary's Regiment of Rhode Island and that I knew Samuel Peckham, now of Dartmouth in said County of Bristol, and that I am knowing to his having served as a Drummer in said Regiment, in the War of the Revolution for the term of two years. having been myself employed in the service and in the same regiment during all that time and that I was acquainted with said Peckham and know that he served as a Drummer for the term of two years - and further saith not 
[signature] W, Bliss
Bristol ss. April 20th 1818. Then personally appeared William Bliss and made solemn Affirmation to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed before me
[signature] John Nye Jus^t [Peace?]
Page 22

Inventory of all the Property belonging to & Owned by Samuel Peckham of Newport R. I. & now residing in Dartmouth State of Massachusetts. April 23, 1823 - viz.
Two Feather Beds & Two Old Maple Bedsteads, with a small quantity of Poor Beding [bedding] for the same --------
Six Common Chairs (old)
Two Maple Tables. Three Iron Potts & Four Kettles,
Two Small Old Looking Glasses, One Dozen Liverpool Plates,
Six Puter [pewter] Plates, One Puter Platter (or Dish)
Two Puter Quartz Basons [basins], Three [Pink?] Porrengers,
One Pair Old Iron Dogs (or hand irons). One Pair Old Iron Shovel & Tongs,
And some few other articles of Old Household Furniture, broken and of Little or no Value - 
Together with an infirm Family consisting of a Sick Wife and six children, all of whom are Depending on, and are obtaining a miserable support from me this Subscriber.
[signature] Samuel Peckham
Newport ss. = at Newport this 23 day of April 1823
Personally appeared the above Named Samuel Peckham and made Solemn Oath to the truth of the above Statement by him Subscribed
Before me Daniel Denham Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerks office Court of Common Pleas for the County of Newport: I hereby certify that Daniel Denham Esq whose Signature is affixed to the within attestation is a Justice of the Court aforesaid duly commissioned and otherwise qualified as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 28th Day of April 1823
[signature] Henry Cranston Clk
[seal affixed to the left]
Page 24

I, Samuel Rodman, of New Bedford, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, testify & say, that I have known Samuel Peckham, of Newport, now residing in Dartmouth for some years; and that he is extremely poor and in very indigent circumstances.
[signature] Sam^l Rodman
Bristol ss. April 20th 1823
Then personally appeared the Subscriber Sam^l Rodman and made affirmation to the above Certificate before me
[signature] Jno [John] Hawes Justice of the Peace
I John Hawes of New Bedford in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to [do?] testify and say, that from the knowledge which I have received of Sam^l Peckham of Newport now residing in Dartmouth, I believe he is extremely poor and in indigent Circumstances
Bristol ss. N. Beyond Ap. 21. 1823 [signature] Jn^o Hawes
Then made oath John Hawes to the truth of the above by him subscribed
Before me [illegible] Just. Peace
Page 25

Tiverton 11th May 1818
Jn W. Davis Esq. Clk
D. Court Mass.
Sir [agreeable?] to the within commission this instant affidavit was taken and is herewith transmitted accompanied by a certificate sworn to before G. Hicks Esquire, the Deponent having called [at?] my office in my absence and the [assistance?] being considerable he made oath to as within - 
To which full faith and credit is due - 
I am Sir respectfully
your humble Serv^t
[signature] Wm Durfee Just Peace
Page 26

[Form with handwritten entries in {braces} ]
[Eagle emblem]
United States of America
State of Rhode-Island, &c.
By this Public Instrument be it known and made Manifest unto all whom the same may or shall concern,
That I the Undersigned, a Public Notary for the County of Newport, in the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, duly elected, commissioned and sworn, residing at Newport, within said County, Do Hereby Certify, Declare, and make Known, {that Daniel [Sheldon?] Esquire, the Signer of the annexed deposition, personally came before me, and Signed the same & made Solemn Oath to the facts therein set forth - }
In faith and testimony whereof, I the said Notary, have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed my Notarial Seal, this Day, the {twenty-fifth} day of {June} Anno Domini, One Thousand Eight Hundred and {nineteen}
[signature] Benj B. Munford
Public Notary.
[seal affixed to the left]
Page 27

Newport sc.
I Daniel Sheldon of Newport, in the county of Newport and State of Rhode Island the gentleman on Solemn Oath testify and say that Samuel Peckham a native of said Newport, but now a resident in Boston State of Massachusetts was enlisted by him the deponent in Captain Nathan Olney's Company as Drummer for the term of one year which year of service he [obscured by fold in document] at the time of this first enlistment, the Deponent was first Lieutenant of that company - At the expiration of that year the company was reorganized and the deponent was appointed Captain [^lieut^?] to the same and enlisted the said Peckham for one year more as Drummer, who served his time out and in the second enlistment also - at the expiration of the second year of service which the deponent thinks was in the year 1780. - the company ^and Regiment^ was disbanded - And the Deponent further testifies & says that said company was in Col. Crarys regiment, which Regiment was in the actual Service of the [hole in the document but most likely: United States].
The Deponent not having any [hole in the document] to fix a date [word crossed through] for the enlistment [hole in document] [illegible] cannot with accuracy fix their [hole in document] duty.
[signature] Danl Sheldon -
Page 28

To the Hon^l Justices of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bristol ss. Plymouth - 
we the undersigned ask leave to represent, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Peckham of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol, who says he was in the service of his Country in the Revolutionary War, and should he satisfy you of the Justice of his claim upon the Government, as to the time he then served etc. - we are of Opinion that he would be justly entitled to a pension on account of his indigence as it is well known that he is now very poor - 
Yours with every sentiment of Respect & Esteem - [signatures] Abner B. Gifford Joseph Gifford Selectmen of Dartmouth
Westport Ap^r 20, 1818
Page 29

Massachusetts District ss.
Boston 24 April 1818
Thomas Durfee of Tiverton in the District of Rhode Island is appointed by the District Judge, Commissioner to take any evidence on the applications of Sandford Hurt ^and Samuel Peckham^ of Dartmouth, for a Pension. Any evidence so taken to be returned with this order, sealed and directed to the District Clerk.
Att Jno W Davis Clerk of the Massachusetts District.
Page 30

I Benjamin Fry of Newport in the County of Newport on solemn oath certify & say, that I was a Captain in the regiment of Col. William Richmond of the Revolutionary Army - And I further certify & say that in December 1775 I enlisted as a private in my company, a man by the name of Samuel Peckham formerly of Dartmouth Massachusetts but ^who^ now resides in Newport & who is now present before me, for one year - said Samuel served in my company ^untill^ after the 28th [until crossed through] ^of^ October AD 1776 - for I find by my books that on that day I paid the Commissary of the Army some money on his account - his original enlistment has been already transmitted by me to the pension office with a former application of said Samuel - I have no hesitation in saying that said Samuel served from 9th of December 1775 to 28th of October 1776 - in my company, as this fact is not only proved by records in my hands but is also within my perfect recollection
[signature] Benjamin Fry - 
Rhode Island District sc
In Newport October 21st 1823 - 
Personally appeared before me the above named Benjamin Fry & made oath to the truth of the deposition by him signed & I further certify that said Deponent is well known to me & his testimony as a witness is entitled to the fullest credit - 
Benj'n [Benjamin] Cowell Commiss^r^ of the Dist^r^ Court for R. I. District -
Page 31

Affidavit of
Dan^l Page - 
Taken [illegible] and for
Sam^l Peckham

E
Page 32

I Daniel Page of Troy county of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged about Seventy years produced as a Witness and sworn do Depose and say That in the year 1775 I knew Samuel Peckham for whose case this deposition is taken, and he was then in Col. William Richmonds Regiment in Newport Rhode island and Captain [word crossed through] Benjamin Frys company and in the Month of April in the [word crossed through] year ^1776^. - the Sloop Providence Commanded by Paul Jones came down from Providence to Newport Rhode Island, and enlisted a number of People out of the regiment, among others this above named Samuel Peckham who enlisted as drummer, and went on board the same - 
Further saith not 
[signature] Daniel Page
Newport ss [word crossed through] Tiverton 5 May 1818 - 
Personally appeared the above named Daniel Page and being duly cautioned made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him Subscribed which was taken at the desire of Samuel Peckham of Dartmouth commonwealth of Massachusetts, to be used before the honorable Jos. Davis Judge of the District of Massachusetts for obtaining a Pension, taken in [pursuance?] of a commission from Judge Davis - 
By me [signature] Wm, Durfee Jus. [Peace?]
Page 33

[Form with handwritten entries in {braces} ]
Application for a Transfer
County of {Bristol} ss.
On this {twenty sixth} day of {February} 182{8}, before me, the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, for the said County of {Bristol} personally appeared {Samuel Peckham} who, on his Oath, declares that he is the same Person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain {Benjamin Fry} in the Regiment commanded by Colonel {------Richmond} in the Service of the United States; that his Name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of {Rhode Island} from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State [District, or Territory,] of {Massachusetts} 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 {Massachusetts, are that he has become aged and infirm so that he is unable to obtain even a scanty support by his labour, and firewood, house rent & provisions are cheaper in Dartmouth Mass. than in R.I -}
[signature] Samuel Peckham
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the Day and Year aforesaid.
[signature] Anselm Bassett Justice of the Peace
Notes
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official Character and Signature must be proved by the Certificate of the proper Officer, under his Seal of Office, 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 witness must swear that he well knows the person who has taken the above oath to be the same person described therein, and no other than the identical person to whom the pension was originally granted. The magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity. The witness's affidavit must be authenticated in the manner above described.
Page 34

I Elijah Reed of Westport in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do testify and say that I well know Samuel Peckham, the person who has taken the within oath to be the same person described therein & no other than the identical person, to whom the pension was originally granted - and that I first became acquainted with said Samuel Peckham in the army of the Revolution - 
Feb. 26, 1828
[signature] Elijah Read [elsewhere Reed]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts -
Bristol ss - February 26. 1828. - This certifies that Elijah Reed above mentioned, personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County of Bristol, and took and subscribed the affidavit above mentioned - I further certify that I have known the said Elijah Reed for twelve years or more and that he is a person of veracity - 
[signature] Anselm Bassett Just. of the Peace
Page 35

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss.
I James Sproat Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bristol, do hereby certify, that Anselm Bassett Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Instrument, is a Justice of the Peace, duly qualified & acting under the authority of said Commonwealth of Massachusetts, within the County of Bristol, and that full faith & credit is due to his Official Acts & attestations, and that the Signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court, this tenth day of March AD. 1828 - 
Jas. Sproat
[seal affixed to the left]
Page 36

District of Columbia
County of Washington towit
On this 26th day of May 1823 before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for said County, appears Benjamin Fry formerly a Captain in the Regiment of Rhode Island troops commanded by Col. Wm. Richmond, and makes oath in due form of law that from a Memorandum in a Book now in his possession there appears a charge against Samuel Peckham for a sum of money paid Commissary Miller on the 28th October 1776 - from which circumstance he believes said Peckham then belonged to the Company commanded by him - and that the original enlistment hereto attached is genuine -
Sworn, and Subscribed to before me the day and Year above written - 
Jno N. Moulder
Justice of the Peace
[signature] Benjamin Fry
Page 37

[Printed form]
I the Subscriber hereby solemnly engage and enlist myself as a Soldier, in the pay of the Colony of Rhode-Island, for the preservation of the Liberties of America, and the Defence of the United Colonies in general, and of this Colony in particular, from the Day of my Enlistment, for One Year, unless the Service admit of a Discharge sooner, which shall be at the Discretion of the General Assembly: And I hereby promise to submit myself to all Orders and Regulations of the Army, and faithfully to observe and obey all such Orders as I shall receive, from Time to Time, from my Officers.
Newport December 9 1775
[signature] Samuel Peckham
Page 38

Newport December 9 1775
In pursuance of my within inlistment I have rec'd [received] of Lt. Benjamin Fry forty shillings Lawfull Money in full [blotted out] for one months [illegible] wages as a soldier - [signature] Samuel Peckham
Page 39

[on left]
Sam^. Peckham
Mass^tts
See letter on file among Sandford [Harts?] papers - 
[paper torn - illegible]
[on right]
Samuel Peckham
[faded writing illegible]
Abner B. Gifford Westport [crossed through]
Jany. 10 1820 Further evidence offered, marked F. G. H.
Page 40

Page 141
Samuel Peckham
Rhode Island Rev:
Benj^m Cowell, Agent
Providence R Island
Rec^d 10 Nov. 1823
[circular stamp] Providence R. I. / Nov. 5
(old case see register [2nd?] decl^n [declaration] made in Mass [illegible]
The [Last?] Paper
[above written over vertical handwriting] 
FREE
James L. Edwards, Esquire
Superintendent of the Pension Office
Washington
Page 41

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.
[Circular stamp: O. W. & N. DIV. / Files / APR 22 1907 ]
Kindly send the history of Samuel Peckham, a drummer-boy in the Revolutionary War to - 
Courtland P. Chapman,
Westerly R. I.
[Circular stamp: U. S. / Pension Office / APR 22 1907 ]
April 22, 1907.
Page 42

R
Westerly RI 7-13-'04
Pension Bureau
Please give me the Revolutionary Service of the Samuel Peckham
[Ana?] Oblige
Mrs G. A Main
98 West [Briosa?] St
Westerly R.I.
[square stamp] Old War & Navy / JUL 16 1904/ Files
[circular stamp] U.S. Pension Office / A JUL 15 1904
Page 43

Mrs. F E. Marchant
West Kingston R.I.
October 15th 1896 - 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Will you please to send me whatever record you may have of the military service of Samuel Peckham who served in the Revolutionary War at Newport, R.I. under General Sullivan and afterwards moved to the town of Plainfield, Windham County, Conn. and drew a pension. I wish the information to help me in joining the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Respectfully 
S. P. Marchant.
Page 44

33464
Revy Invalid.
File No. 33.464
Samuel Peckham
Pri Rev War
Act: 18th March 18 [?]
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 320
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 45

Oct 28 '96 [illegible] [send?] to 
Mrs. F E Marchant
West Kingston R. I.
1904 Aug.4 Mrs C.A.-Mainfur. hist. of Service aw
1907 May.8. Hist. to Mrs C.P.
Chapman aw
Page 46

[envelope address]
50
James L Edwards, Esq
Superintendent of the Pension Office
Washington
[circular stamp] Providence [faded: RI?] / Mar 10 [year faded]
[at left] recd. 15 Mar. 1824
Page 47

Providence March 10 1824
Sir
I am requested to enquire if the application of Samuel Peckham, transmitted by me on 5th of Nov last has been examined & what occasions the delay: Should any further proof of his service be wanting besides the affidavit of his Captain there are numbers of his associates ready to testify - It will be recollected that Mr Peckham made his first ^& second^ applications in Massachusetts his last in Rhode Island in Newport his native town he would therefore prefer to be placed on the R.I. agency but if it is most proper to be placed on the Massachusetts Roll he can have no objections, as it can be easily removed afterwards - The Court thought the affidavit of Col Fry satisfactory as he was examined in open Court before his testimony  was reduced to writing and as he contains a very unexceptionable character in the State - 
I am Sir respectfully yours
Benj n Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 48

Providence Nov 4th 1823
Sir
I herewith transmit a supplemental ^application^ of Samuel Peckham ( who has recently removed from Massachusetts into this State) together with his evidence of service which has been made agreeably to your directions - Mr Peckham, first made application on the 24th of April 1818 before Judge Davis in Boston & afterwards on 17th of July 1820 pursuant to the Act of May 1, of that year he made out his schedule of property before the Court in Taunton in the County, in which he then lived - In his declaration of the 24th of April '18, he stated that in the Spring of 1776 he entered the sloop of War Providence. This was a mistake of recollection; he did not enter the Providence until after the 28th of October of that year as appears by the deposition of his Captain (Fry: who is a very reputable citizen among us) and I hope this mistake will not be considered singular especially after a lapse of more than 40 years
Page 49

and more especially, as he appears to me, to be a man almost worn out with infirmities - But whatever his recollection was about it, the deposition of Capt Fry, which is founded upon a matter of record, puts the matter to rest
In explanation of the reason why Mr Peckham did not state his service in Col. Richmonds regiment in his declaration of the 24th of April I am requested to state that he did not think it necessary not knowing, that that service would be considered "Continental" - but afterwards in his declaration of the 17 of July he stated it having been informed that service in that regiment would entitle him to a pension - There appears to be some contradiction between his first declarations - but whatever contradiction there is, I am confident, and bold to say are from misrecollection and not from any fraudulent intention - And I have no doubt the deposition of Capt Fry and the original enlistment will satisfy the Department of War of that fact - Mr Peckham now lives in the State & wishes to be placed on the R.I. roll and as he has never
Page 50

[reced?] any pay. he thinks himself entitled to his pension according to the provisions of the Act of 1818 from the time he first made application, viz. from April 24th 1818 or at any rate from July 1820 from the time he made his second application. His original enlistment is now in the pension office with his former application as I am informed and as his Claim has been pending a long time I hope it may speedily reconsidered
I am respectfully your most obt svt
Benj Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq