Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17652, for Samuel Richards, Connecticut
Page 1

Service
Conn.
Continental

Richards, Samuel

Number
S. 17652

carded
Page 2

[left side of page]
32120
New Hampshire
Samuel Richards, decd
of ___ in the State of N. Hamp
who was a Lieut. Paymaster & Clothier in the ___
by Captain ___ of the ___
by ___ in the Connecticut
line for 2 years, & Continental
Payable to John Richards of New Hampshire
and Cornelia Butler of Pennsylvania
John L. Butler

Inscribed on the Roll of Concord
at the rate of 600 Dollars __ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & end
31st December 1841 when he died

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of March
1844 and sent to Hon. G. P. Marsh
House of Representatives

Arrears to the 4th of ___
Semi-anl. allowance ending ___
Deduct what he recd. under act 15 May 28 at
$320 per annum since 4th March 1831

[Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7 1832.}

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E Vol. 1. Page 5

[right side of page]
Reported to Agent, see letter
let to Hon H Everett Mar 29 '44
"    " Jn Richards Jan 6, 1847

Examined with Orig. Rolls
Sept. 1883 M.G.
Page 3

S Richards
Jonathan Brace, Esq;
judge,
Farmington, Hartford
County, Connecticut.

Samuel Richards,
lieut;
Connecticut line,
Revolutionary Claim.

Commission sent -
found on the Connect.
rolls - Correct.
Page 4

Farmington Ct April 10, 1819

Samuel Richards of Farmington Hartford county - State of Connecticut - served as a volunteer in 1775 from May to November then commissioned as an ensign; com. dated Jan 11 1776. served thro' said year at New York, Long island &c - in that rank.
In 1777 appointed Lieutenant - commissioned January 1st in the 3d Connecticut regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Wyllys; served in that rank in said regiment four years, till January 1st 1781 - then retired as a supernumerary subject to be again recalled into service by order of government if needed.
At the time of my military service in '75 was in my 22d year possessing a vigorous constitution and during the last five years of service -from the best of my recollection, I was never unable for a day by ill health, to perform military duty.
In the seven summer and winter campaigns of '76 '77 & '78 in addition to other services, I was very frequently, and as it seemed of course designated, and served as a partisan officer.
The effects of this shewed itself on my constitution at the close of the year 1780, in a chronic rheumatism and a severe hemorrhoidal  complaint and poisoning the usual feelings of a soldier, hitherto habituated to be in the front rank of service and danger, I could not bear the idea of continuing in actual service with those threatening symptoms in my constitution. by the continuation and increase of those disorders I have for the last 14 years been disabled, principally, and for several years, last past wholly
Page 5

wholly from active labour and am constrained to say that "by means of reduced circumstances in life, I am in need assistance from my country for support" in whose munificence and justice I feel a confidence where the object is deserving.
Though at the age of 65 and sinking under infirmity without any office (but that of postmaster in this small village, the income of which is merely nominal) I doubt whether I should make this appeal but from the circumstance of having a son & daughter now in their teens leaning wholly on me for support, - from a second marriage. My first family, a wife, a son of 16 & daughter of 7 having died when I was 43 - my prospect of leaning on a son in my age being thereby cut off.
Samuel Richards

State of Connecticut Ss County of Hartford
April the 11th - Personally appeared Samuel Richards, Esq the signee of the foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath that the facts therein stated are true. Witness my hand and the Seal of the Court -
Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for said County

[seal affixed lower left]
Page 6

I testify that being a member of the town council (of Office) and at our last session chairman thereof - the duty of which is, among others, to excuse the heads or polls of infirm persons from taxation - The poll of Samuel Richards of this town is, & has for a number of years last past been excused & left out of the list for taxation by reason of his infirmity of body -
Farmington April 1st 1818
Ezekiel Cowls Justice Peace & Chairman of the above said Board

I hereby testify that I have been consulted as a Physician in the case of the above named Samuel Richards & that the disease which has a long time afflicted him still sometimes renders him very infirm - The disease with which he is afflicted is a continual loss of blood, from the hemorrhoidal vessels. In my opinion he is a proper subject for pension.
Hartford, April 11th 1818 Mason F. Cogswell, M.D.
Sworn before me Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford in the State of Connecticut

The above Doctor Cogswell is the same physician of the affliction for the [illegible]
Page 7

35596
Samuel Richards decd
Con:
Act 7. June '32
Admd
2 yrs Lieut.  - paymaster
& Clothier

600$

Deduct what has been
paid from 4 March 31 to
31 December 1841, the day of his
death - To John Richards
of New Hampshire, and Cornelia
Butler, of Pennsylvania, wife of
John L. Butler.
Payable at Concord N.H.

X on G. P. Marsh
H.R.
Page 8

1

The declaration of John Richards of Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of Newhampshire, and Cornelia R. Butler, wife of John L. Butler, of Wilksbarre in the State of Pennsylvania, the only children and heirs at Law of Samuel Richards, late of said Wilksbarre, deceased made for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of amnesty or pension of the said Samuel Richards under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832.
The said John Richards and Cornelia R. Butler do severally declare, that they are the only surviving Children and heirs at law of the said Samuel Richards; and that the said Samuel died at said Wilksbarre on the 31st day of December 1841, - leaving a widow: [For further proof of his death they refer to the testimony, in the Pension Office, furnished for the purpose of obtaining the arrears annuity of the said Samuel under the act of 15 May 1828:] = And that his said Widow died at said Wilksbarre on the fourteenth day of September 1842 and the said Cornelia doth declare that she was present at the death of the said Samuel and of his said widow - and that she was married to the said John L.
Page 9

2

Butler at Farmington in the State of Connecticut on the ninth day of November 1826 and the said John Richards doth declare that he was present at her said marriage.
And the said John Richards & Cornelia R. Butler do further severally declare that they have reason to believe and do believe that the said Samuel Richards was inscribed on the Pension Roll of the Connecticut agency as a Lieutenant [in the 3d Regiment, commanded by Col. Samuel Wyllys] in the Connecticut Line under the act of the 18 of March 1818 at the rate of twenty dollars per month; and also under the act of the 15 of May 1828, at the rate of twenty six & two thirds dollars per month [His first pension certificate they annex hereto - His second certificate they suppose has been returned to the Pension Office ] - that the said Samuel Richards was appointed Paymaster [and in virtue thereof] Clothier of said Regiment, on the 8 day of September 1778 and that he continued to hold said office untill the 1 January 1781 - [and for sometime thereafter in the settlement and completion of the business of the Office] when, as Lieutenant,
Page 10

3

he retired from the service, as a Supernumerary; and that neither his widow nor heirs have received any annuity or pension, on account of his services as Paymaster.
And the said John Richards further declares that the said Samuel, some time, before his death delivered to heirs, all (as he believes) his papers relating to his revolutionary services, in a dozen files. - That he has examined all said papers - (the greater part of which are in the hand writing of the said Samuel and he believes the filings of all to which he was a party are in his hand writing) that he hath not found among them or elsewhere, the warrant of his appointment of Paymaster - But most of said papers refer to his examination of the office of paymaster or clothier of said 3d Regiment during the years 1778. 1779 & 1780 - and some to the completion of the business of said office in 1781 - from which he has selected, to accompany this declaration - the following issued in the hand writing of the said Samuel - as follows [but numbered by him the said John Richards) viz
No. 1 - "Field & Staff. 1777 to 1780."
Page 11

4

2. "Recd in full from Wm Bedlow Esq. Aud Oct 1779 - from Augt 1 '78 to June '79."

2.2cc List of money due absentees as p all + dd the Auditor Oct 3d 4 1779"

3. "discharge from the Auditors for money drawn for June, July, and Augt. 1779."

4. "Genl. Acct current, United States. Oct. 1779. (copy)"

4.2 discharge of Auditors up to Jan 7. 1780."

4.3 Copy's of Sept '79 pay rolls."

5. "Rec in full from Paymaster Genl - July 22. 1783"

6. "Copies of pay Rolls, April, May, June, & July 1780"

6.2 "Capt Judd's from '80 to '81."

7. "Clothing issued the Officer of the 3d Cont Regt by S. Richards.

7.2 Officers and Soldiers Wyllys's Regt., their orders. (copy) "
Page 12

5

7.3 "Officers Clothing received of Mr. Hubbard, 1780"

7.4 "Recd for clothing Dec. 1780."

7.5 "Acct of clothing left with Mr. Heart to [illegible] 3d Cont Regt for Dec. 1780 - compared & settled. S.R."

8 "Petty seperate order for Clothing. 1780." - [a.to p.] & lo t

9 contains sundry papers relating to 1781. - [I. to G.]

10 a Book, entirely in the hand writing of the said Samuel, having on the 3 page the following title, "Clothing book for the 3d Connecticut Regiment commanded by Saml Wyllys Esq. Col. kept by Samuel Richards Clothier to said Regiment begun January 1st 1780" and having on the 2d page the following
"Index
Page
2 Index
3 Title
4 to 19 Gen acct of Clothing
21 to 50 special art light Infantry Company
57 " 70 Capt Warner's Co.
71 " 100 Colonel's "
Page 13

6

101 " 130 Capt Ealls's "
131 " 160 Major Clift's "
161 " 190 Capt. Judd's "
191 " 220 Lieut Col's "
221 " 250 Capt Stillwell's "
251 " 270 Capt Barnards " "

11. is a true copy of the General account in said Book

12. is a true Copy of the 82d page of said Book, containing the account of two of the Soldiers of said Regiment - the other accounts are of a similar character. A part only are receipted by the soldiers.

12. is a Book in the hand writing of the said Samuel, and was found with the account Book - it is entitled "issues of Clothing 1780" and appears to contain the original entries from which the particular accounts with soldiers were made.
The said John Richards further declares that he found another book among the papers of the said Samuel and in his hand writing relating to his accounts, which about Two years ago he presented to the Historical
Page 14

7

Society at Hartford Connecticut on account of its containing the autographs of the Officers and soldiers of said Regiment. but he does not recollect distinctly to what accounts that Book relates but believes that it relates to his paymaster Accounts: - that he has directed inquiries to be made at the office of Comptroller of the State of Connecticut relative to the service of the said Samuel but has received no return there from. He is now advised that the returns of the Adjutant General or Paymaster General, among the Washington Papers, in the State Department, may furnish full evidence of the services of the said Samuel, and to which he begs leave to refer the Commissioner of Pensions.
And the said John Richards further declares that he is well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Samuel Richards and that of the papers herein before referred to Nos 1. 2.2. 4. 4.3. 6. 7. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. and 13, are in the hand writing of the said Samuel.
John Richards
Cornelia R. Butler

State of New Hampshire Grafton ss Hanover
October 11th 1843 Subscribed and sworn to before me D. C. Churchill J. C. C. Pleas
Page 15

I further certify that the accompanying papers numbering from 1 to 13 inclusive (except No 10) are the same presented by said John Richards and the same refered to in his Declaration
D. C. Churchill Justice of the Court of Common Pleas
Page 16

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County Ss -
I Nathan B Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Daniel C. Churchill is an acting Judge of said Court in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 24th day of November AD. 1834, and will expire on the 16th day of December AD. 1860 and that his true signature herein written (on the two preceding pages of this sheet) are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County this thirteenth day of October AD 1843
N B. Felton Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 17

In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Samuel Richards a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. File 17652

[five-column table:] Dates of Enlistment or Appointment./ Length of Service./ Rank./ Officers Under Whom Service was Rendered. Captain. Colonel./ State.

May 75 to Nov. 75/ [check mark under Captain and Colonel]

Jan. 1. 76/ 1 year/ Ensign/ Amasa Mills Samuel Wyllys/ Conn.

Jan 1. 77 to Jan 1. 81/ Lieut. & Paymaster/ Henry Champion Samuel Wyllys/ 3 Conn.

Battles engaged in, L. I., & Elizabethtown.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [check mark]
Date of application for pension, Apl. 11. 1818. Allowed.
Residence at date of application, Farmington, Conn.
Age at date of application, 65 yrs.
Remarks: Related that his first wife, son & daughter (names not stated) died when he was 43 years of age.
Sol. died Dec. 31 1841 at Wilkesbarre Pa where his widow Sarah (Welles) d. Sept 14, 1842 leaving two children John Richards 
Cornelia wife of John L. Butler whom she wed Nov. 9, 1826 [illegible]

Very respectfully,

[written vertically at left] No. 1878 appln papers on file &c.
Page 18

[left side of page]
17.652
Invalid.
Rev War
File No. 17.652
Samuel Richards
Lieut. Paymaster Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
Index: - Vol. 1, Page 442

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side of page]
1909 June 28. Hist to
Mrs. Emily S. Miller
1911 Sept. 29 Walter C. Booth
Page 19

Affidavit
of
Francis L. Butler.

277.4
20
6/5544
12/924 -
77
Page 20

I Francis L. Butler of lawful age testify and say that Sarah Richards widow of Samuel Richards late of Wilkes Barry in the County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania deceased a pensioner as a lieutenant in army of the Revolution, died at said Wilkes Barry on Wednesday the fourteenth day of September A.D. 1842. I was at her residence at the time of her decease and attended her funeral.
Francis L. Butler

State of New Hampshire - Grafton Ss. Hanover Oct 10th A.D. 1843. Then personally appeared the above named Francis L. Butler and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true. Before me
Daniel Blaisdell Justice of the Peace

Grafton, Hanover Oct. 10th A.D. 1843. I further certify that the above named Francis L. Butler is a respectable person and a credible witness.
Danl. Blaisdell Justice of the Peace
Page 21

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County set
I Nathan B Felton, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Daniel Blaisdell is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was started on the 9th day of January AD 1843, & will expire on the 9th day of January AD 1848; and that his two signatures above (within) written are genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County this 15th day of October AD 1843
N B. Felton Clerk
Page 22

Free

Hon
John C Calhoun
Secretary at War
City of Washington

Correct
Page 23

Farmington May 29th 1818

Hon
Secretary at War,
Sir,
At the request of Samuel Richards Esq, an officer in the Revolutionary war, I send you his application for a pension, under the late act of Congress. Mr. Richards is my neighbor & a Gentleman of good character & of respectability. I know that he was in the service of the U States during the greatest part of the revolutionary war. Full faith & credit may be given to his statements made before the Judge, both as to his time of service & his present circumstances.
He has been in frail health for some time & unable to labor; has held the office of Post Master for a number of years, the income of which is trifling. Possessing an high and honorable mind, as well as the spirit of a soldier, the present application to his Country for a partial support, was not determined upon without a severe struggle with his feelings.
From statements & disclosures he has made to me, I am satisfied that the income
Page 24

of the little property he has is insufficient for his support, & his circumstances are reduced.
I have the honor to be with great respect,
Your Obd Servt
Timo Pettison
Page 25

District of Connecticut - ss ---Hartford

On this 26th day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford in said district, personally appeared Samuel Richards, Esq aged 64 years resident in Farmington in said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war;" That he, the said Samuel Richards on the 1st day of Jany of 1777 in the state of Connecticut was appointed a Lt in the company commanded by Captain Henry Champion of the Regt commanded by Col. Samuel Wyllys being the 3d Connecticut Regt; that he continued to serve in the said corps as a Lt. aforesaid in the service of the United States until the first day of Jany 1781, when he left said service in the Highlands state of New York, that he was in the battles of Long Island & at Elizabethtown State of New Jersey and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; [part of line obscured] now in his power of his said services except the subjoined -
[separate piece of paper placed over  paragraph, obscuring all text except the following]
County Court
aid
,that it appears to
did serve in the
for the term of
proceedings and testimony
taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.

[the following is written on the separate piece of paper which obscures the above paragraph]
My last (lieutenants) commission I sent to the war office the 11th of last April, with my other documents but finding by the rules of the office those were not in form - I would refer you to that; & also pray that my certificate may be considered as bearing date from said day.
Samuel Richards

May the 26th 1818 Jonathan Brace Judge as aforesaid

May 26 1818 sealed with the seal of said Court by direction of the Hon Jonathan Brace who is the Presiding Judge of said Court
Thomas Chester Clerk

[seal at left]
Page 26

District of Connecticut ---ss---Hartford

On this 26th day of May 1818, before me the subscriber, Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford in said district, personally appeared Samuel Richards Esq aged 64 years resident in Farmington in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war." That he, the said Samuel Richards on the 1st day of Jany 1777 in the state of Connecticut was appointed a Lt in the company commanded by Captain Henry Champion of the Regt commanded by Col. Samuel Wyllys being the 3d Connecticut Regt ; that he continued to serve in the said corps as a Lt aforesaid in the service of the United States until the first day of Jany 1781, when he left said service in the Highlands state of New York, that he was in the battles of Long Island & at Elizabethtown State of New Jersey and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he presents no other evidence of his said services. except the subjoined
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for the County of Hartford aforesaid

I Jonathan Brace Judge &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Samuel Richards Esq did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
May the 26th 1818 Jonathan Brace Judge as aforesaid
May 26. 1818 sealed with the seal of said Court by direction of the Hon Jonathan Brace who is the Presiding Judge of said Court
Thomas Chester Clerk

[seal at left]
Page 27

State of Connecticut ss County of Hartford May 26th 1818
I hereby certify that it appears to my full satisfaction by the testimony under oath of Samuel Coules Esq who is a credible witness, that the within named Samuel Richards Esq is in reduced circumstances and needs assistance of his Country for support.
Jonathan Brace Judge of the County Court for the County aforesaid -
Page 28

[seal at left]
* third
# 1777
[illegible]

No. 3. 
The United States of America In Congress Assembled
To Samuel Richards Gentleman Greeting. We, Reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the third* Connecticut Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as such from the 1st day of January AD 1777#. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things the rank belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time, as you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for that purpose appointed at Committee of the States or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your Superior Officers according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness his Excellency John Jay Esq President of the Congress of the United States of America, at Philadelphia the 16th day of March 1779 and in the third year of our Independence.
John Jay

Entered in the War Office and examined by the Board
Attest
P. [illegible] Secretary of the Board of War
Page 29

In Congress.

The Delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to Samuel Richards Gentleman

We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Ensign of Captain Amasa Mills Company in the twenty second Regiment of foot, commanded by Colonel Samuel Wyllys - in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Ensign by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders as Ensign. And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being of the army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
By order of the Congress.
John Hancock President
Attest
Chas Thomson [illegible]
January the first 1776
Page 30

In Congress.
The Delegates of the United States of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, TO
Samuel Richards Esq Greetings
We, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be first Lieutenant of a Company in a Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel Wyllys in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of first Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as their first Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress 
Dated at Hartford in the State of Connecticut the first Day of January Anno Dom 1777
By Order of the Congress,
John Hancock President.
Attest. Cha Thomson
Page 31

[left side of page]
3 commissions on file
June 28. 1909

[right side of page]
1,202
Connecticut
Samuel Richards,
lieutenant,
Continental and
Connecticut line - 4
1777 4 years
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 11th of April, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 of July, 1818 and sent to the care of Jonathan Brace, Esq; Hartford, Connect.

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818 . . $96 -
4 months, 24/30 . . . $96. -

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818 }
Page 32

Department of State

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington City.

[vertically at right] State Department

[vertically at left] March 29/47
Evidence Saml Richards
file with
papers
Page 33

Lt. Samuel Richards - Connecticut
Bal. of Service - act 15 May 1828 $320

Died 31 Dec 1841 paid to that period
3d Aud. Office
21st March 1844
Peter Hagner Aud

Col Edwards
Page 34

3d Nov 42

Washington Feb 24. 1844

Sir
I have been requested to ask an early decision on the application of John Richards and sister for arrears of pension of their father Samuel Richards. After some preliminary proceedings in your office, I am informed that the additional proof required was furnished in December last, but no decision has been made known to the applicants.
If the case is decided, I beg that the decision may be communicated to me and if not that the case may be examined and determined as early as may be with justice to other claimants.
I am, sir
very respectfully yours
Geo P Marsh

J L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 35

Department of State,
Washington City,
March 28, 1844.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 20th inst: I have the honor to inform you that the name of Samuel Richards appears as Paymaster on two of the returns of Wylly's 3rd Connecticut 
Regiment, which returns are without date, but are with the "Army Returns" one with those of 1778, the other with those of 1780, he appears also as 2nd Lieut. in the same returns with the date of his Commission 1st Jany 1777.
I am Sir, Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant.
Jno Nelson
Secretary of State
ad interim

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 36

Windsor Vt 18 Mar '44

Sir
I request your attention to the case of the Rev. Jno Richards - The proofs were completed in Dec - The case was taken up in order in Nov. The defect of proof was then merely furnished - when the defect was supplied I suppose the case should have then [illegible] again taken up as in order.
Respectfully
Your ob Svt
H. Everett

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 37

Certificate of the
Comptroller of
Ct

Horace Everett Esq
Windsor
Vermont
Page 38

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 20th Oct 1843

On application for the evidence of the revolutionary services of Samuel Richards, I certify that I find the following on the books of the Pay Table committee. In the "Settlement with the 3d Connecticut Regt., Samuel Wyllys Esq Colonel, before January 1st 1780", there are these entries viz -

[five named column headings] Rank/ Com of Service/  Time of Sett/ Time Y. M. D. }/ Amt of wages

"Samuel Richards/ Lt. PM./ Sept 8 '78/ Jan 1 '80/ 1Y. 3M .22D./ 221. 16. 10
ditto/ Clothier/ April 5 '79/ ditto/ 8M. 26D./ 79.16
ditto/ Lieut./ Jany 1 '77/ Sept 8 '78/ 1Y. 8M. 8D./ 164. 3. 2"

On the settlement with the same Regt, same Colonel and service "for the year 1780", there are these entries viz

[five named column headings] Rank/ Com. of Service/ time of S/ Time Y/ Amt of Wages
 
"Samuel Richards/ Lieut./ Jany 1 80/ Jany 1 '81/ 1Y }
ditto/ P.M./ ditto/ ditto/ 1 Y}
ditto/ R. Clothier/ ditto/ ditto/ 1Y } 277.4"

Gideon Welles Comptroller
Page 39

6
Rev. John Richards
Hanover
NH.
Page 40

Sir
I have been absent as a witness before the gran jury of the U.S. Circuit Court at Albany from where I returned this day, which will account for the delay in not answering yours by return mail as requested
Very Respectfully
Gideon Welles

Horace Evrett Esq
Page 41

Payable on the 4th of
March, and 4th of
September, in each year
at the Branch Bank of
the United States, Middetown,
Connecticut.

Recorded
Page 42

War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.

I certify, That in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, Samuel Richards, late a lieutenant in the Connecticut line of the revolutionary army, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Connecticut Agency, at the rate of twenty dollars, __ cents per month, to commence on the eleventh day of April, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this sixteenth day of July, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

J C Calhoun
Secretary of War.

[seal at left]
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FREE

James L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[vertically at left] Dec 22 1843

Vt
Sarah Richards
a proof
Page 44

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania }
County of Luzerne Ss} Be it remembered that at a Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record held at WilkesBarre within and for said County on the sixteenth day of December AD 1843
On application on behalf of John Richards of Hanover in the County of Grafton & State of New Hampshire and Cornelia R. Butler wife of John L. Butler of WilkesBarre in said County of Luzerne
It is hereby certified that it hath this day been proven by credible witness examined on oath that Samuel Richards (Sometime a Lieutenant in Col. Wylly's Regiment in the Connecticut line and late a Pensioner of the United States) died at said WilkesBarre on the 31st day of December AD 1841 leaving a widow Sarah Richards; that the said Sarah Richards died at WilkesBarre aforesaid on the 14th day of September AD 1842 - leaving two children the said John Richards and Cornelia R. Butler wife of John L. Butler, and that the said John and Cornelia are the only surviving children of the said Samuel and Sarah Richards. Done and certified in Court hereto affirmed this 16th day of December AD 1843 at Wilkes Barre in said County of Luzerne
A. Bedford
Prothonotary
by Geo. W. Smith
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WilkesBarre Dec 18 1843

J L Edwards Esq
The enclosed certificate as directed by Hon H. Everett of Windsor Vt to be directed to you yours with respect
John L Butler
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25 [with line drawn through it]

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington
DC

[vertically at left] Nov 14 1843
Vermont
Rev. J. Richards
Saml Richards
Page 47

Windsor Vt 10 Nov 1843
Sir
On the 24 ult I forwarded the Application of the Rev. John Richards & for the increase of Pension of Samuel Richards but am not advised of its receipt - May I solicit your attention to this case - I am very respectfully
your ObSevt
Horace Everett

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 48

James L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 49

Windsor 28 Oct. 1843

Sir
I forward, herewith, the application of the Rev. John Richards of Hanover N.H. and Cornelia Butler (wife of John L Butler of Wilkesbarre Penn) for the increase of Pension due on act of the services of Lt. Samuel Richards as Paymaster and Clothier in the 3 Regt in the Connt Line (Col. Wyllys')
You will not find it necessary to examine the mass of papers that accompany the declaration, as the case is fully made out by the [illegible] papers.
 - The Certificate of the Comptroller of Ct proves the service of Lt. Richards - as Paymaster from 8. Sept 1778 to 1 Jan 1781 and as Clothier from 5 Apr 1779 to 1 Jan 1781
 - Your records [referring to the application of his widow for the arrears of Pension] will prove his death.
 - The deposition F. L. Butler proves the death of the widow
 - The Deposition of E. Hooker, S. Hart, A North & S. Strong prove the applicants to be the only surviving children & heirs at law of Samuel Richards
As the Proof is direct and conclusive, I shall be obliged to you to decide upon the case at as early a day as practicable.
Mr. Richards desires the return of the Revolutionary papers if consistent & to preserve among the family papers. If I had had the Comptrollers certificate I should have proposed the case without them. Very respectfully 
Horace Everett

James L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions

[written vertically at left] The Certificate may be sent to me
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Affidavit of
Edward Hooker &
Simeon Hart
Page 51

I Edward Hooker of Farmington, Hartford County and State of Connecticut, of lawful age, being duly sworn, do depose and say, that from my childhood (fifty or more years ago) I have been well acquainted with the family of the late Samuel Richards Esq. that some twelve or fifteen years ago I was the register (or town-Clerk) of said Farmington, and that when I took the charge of the records of said town I discovered that the practice of recording births, and deaths had almost entirely fallen into disuse for a long course of years previously and that if the names of the children of said Richards are not to be found on the town records, it is unquestionably to be accounted for from the disuse referred to. I know the fact that the said Richards has had four children and only four (unless possibly there may have been some who died in infancy) - Those four I was or am personally acquainted with and their names are as follows - James, the eldest, who died in youth, well advanced towards manhood - leaving no children - Sarah, who died before James (and according to my present impressions when about ten or twelve years old, but not improbably younger). John, who is now living and who resides in Hanover, New Hampshire, and Cornelia, the wife of Col Butler of Wilksbarre in Pennsylvania. I should suppose the ages of Rev. John Richards to be from thirty eight to forty five and Mrs. Butlers age to be some three or four years less. My acquaintance with the late Mr. Samuel Richards was intimate and particular. he and Mrs. Richards and the two children last mentioned having been among my best friends. Mr. Richards' life was mostly spent
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in this Town, but since about the year 1830, he has spent much of his time at Wilkesbarre in Penn and within about a year past (a report has it and as I have not the smallest doubt) he died there. And further deponent saith not. Farmington, Oct. 7. 1843.
Edw. Hooker.

I, Simeon Hart, of Farmington, Connecticut, of lawful age, being duly sworn do depose and say that for more than twenty years past I have been well acquainted with the family of the late Mr. Samuel Richards formerly resident in this Town and for some years previous to his death a resident of Wilkesbarre (Penn). I know that Rev. John Richards of Hanover, New Hampshire and Mrs. Cornelia Butler of said Wilkesbarre are children of said Samuel Richards, and I have never heard or known of any other children living of his since I lived in said Farmington, and I fully believe that there are no others, and have been no others living for the last twenty years -
I further say that I am Town Clerk of said town of Farmington, and that for the last fifty years as I find by examining the records there has been kept no regular record of births within said town - very few being entered on the books and with no regularity. and further deponent saith not - Farmington Oct. 7. 1843
Simeon Hart.
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State of Connecticut. County of Hartford Ss Farmington Oct. 7. AD 1843
Before me John Hooker, Justice of the Peace for said County, personally appeared Edward Hooker and Simeon Hart, signers of the foregoing depositions, and made solemn oath that the same contain the truth, the whole truth & nothing but the truth.
I further attest that the said Edward Hooker and Simeon Hart, to me well known, are persons of unexceptionable character and of undoubted credibility
John Hooker
Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford October 23d 1843

I Thos. H. Seymour hereby certify that John Hooker Esq whose name is subscribed to the above certificate was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Hartford, and that he still continues to act as such; and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and that the above is his genuine signature.
Thos. H. Seymour M.C.
1st Cong Dist
Conn.
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Depositions
of
Aaron North &
Susannah Strong
Page 55

I, Aaron North of Windsor in the county of Windsor, and State of Vermont, aged sixty six years, being duly sworn, do depose and say that I was born in Farmington, and the County of Hartford and state of Connecticut, and resided in that place until the year eighteen hundred and two, when I removed to said Windsor, where I have ever since resided. That whilst residing in Farmington aforesaid I lived in the immediate neighborhood of Samuel Richards, who was usually called Capt. Richards, and who was reputed to have been an Officer in the war of the Revolution. And I further say that I was well acquainted with the family of the said Samuel Richards; he had two children Cornelia Richards, who so I understood afterwards married a man by the name of Butler, and resides in Pennsylvania, and John Richards who afterwards resided in Windsor aforesaid during some eight years and who now resides in Hanover in the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire, and who is now present. And I further say that the said Cornelia and and John are the only surviving children of the said Samuel Richards. Aron North
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Aaron North on this 27th day of September AD 1843. Before me
Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of Probate for the District of Windsor, Vermont.

I, Susanna Strong of Farmington in the county of Hartford and state of Connecticut, aged sixty eight years, being now on a visit at Windsor, in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, and being duly sworn, do depose and say, that I was born in Farmington aforesaid where I have ever since resided; that from my earliest recollections, up to about the year eighteen hundred and thirty seven, I lived in the immediate neighborhood of Samuel Richards, who was usually called Capt. Richards, and who removed from said Farmington to Wilkes Barre in the State of Pennsylvania, in 1837, or about that time, where, as I afterward
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wards understood, he died, in December, eighteen hundred and forty one. And I further say that I was intimately acquainted with the family of the said Samuel Richards; his wife, Sarah Richards, formerly Sarah Welles, as I understood, died at Wilkes Barre aforesaid, in September, eighteen hundred and forty two, that the said Samuel Richards has only two surviving children, Cornelia Richards who married John L. Butler, and resides at said Wilkes Barre, and John Richards who is now present, and who resides at Hanover, New Hampshire. I further say that the said Samuel  Richards was a pensioner of the United States, but I cannot say as to the amount of his pension, but think it was over three hundred dollars per annum.
Susannah Strong
Sworn to and subscribed by the said Susannah Strong on this 27th day of September, in the year 1843. Before me, the words "the," "that," & "then" being erased, and the words, "or about that time," being interlined before signing.
Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of Probate for the district of Windsor, Vt.

State of Vermont }
District of Windsor ss. } I, Thomas F. Hammond, Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said district of Windsor, hereby Certify, that the said Aaron North and Susannah Strong, who have severally sworn to and subscribed the foregoing affidavits, are persons of truth and veracity, and that the statements by them respectively made, are entitled to full credit and belief.
In testimony of which I have hereunto affixed
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Depositions
of
Aaron North &
Susannah Strong
Page 58

Windsor Vt Sep 9. 1843.
Sir
Samuel Richards, of the Connt Line, was placed on the pension Roll under the act of 1818 - suspended under the act of 1820, - and restored under the act of 1828. - He entered the service at the commencement of the war as a private - & continued as a private - Ensign. Lieut. (and paymaster and Clothier) and (I believe) Capt to nearly the close of the war. - His services are probably fully stated in his declaration.
I am requested by his heirs to inquire - 
1. Whether he was even placed on the roll under the act of 1832?. - and if not,
2. Whether the services - stated in his declaration, would not have entitled him to have been placed on the roll under that act - and at what [illegible] per anm? - and
3. Whether his heirs are entitled to claim the difference from 1831, between the rates of this act of 1818 & 1832. -
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I will thank you to send me a copy of Mr. R's declaration - he was entered on the Roll in July 1818 -
Very respectfully
Your Ob S
Horace Everett

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Com. of Pensions

P.S. will the appt of paymaster entitle a Lt. to an increase of pension

This letter pertains to Samuel Richards S.17652 - Conn. soldier
Page 60

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
City

[circle stamp] Hanover NH Dec

[written vertically at left] Jany 4 47

Saml Richards
Ct [illegible]

R 32120 NH 32
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Hanover N.H. Dec 28 - 1846

J L Edwards Esq. }
Com. of Pensions }
Sir
My Father, Samuel Richards, Lieutenant 3d Connecticut Regt Continental Line, died at WilkesBarre Pa. Dec 31. 1841. He was in the receipt of a pension under the act 15 May 1828. There should have been a balance due him at the time of his death reckoning from the 3d Sept previous. Will you have the goodness to inform me if that balance has been paid? and if so, to whose order? If it has not been paid, will you instruct me what course to pursue, as Executor of Will, that I may receive it.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
John Richards
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Deposition
of
Nathan Beers.
Page 63

Clerk's Certificate. Sold by Croswell & Jewett, No. 2 Street's Building, New Haven.

State of Connecticut, }
County of New Haven, }
County Court, Clerk's Office. } SS.
[portions of the above obscured by the ribbon tied through the document to affix the seal]

I, Robert H. Osborn  Esq., Clerk of the County Court, within and for the County of New Haven, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the Commission of the Justices of Peace for said County, hereby Certify: -
That, R. S. Hinman Esquire was on the 3d day of October 1843 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, with power by the laws of this State, to administer Oaths, and take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other instruments; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature to this instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 4th day of October 1843.
R. H. Osborn Clerk.
Page 64

I Nathan Beers of the city and county of New Haven and state of Connecticut, now in my ninety first year of age, being duly sworn depose and say, that I have known and been well acquainted with Samuel Richards, formerly of Farmington, Connt., more recently of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and now deceased. I knew him as belonging to Col. Samuel Wyllys's Regiment of the Continental line, from an early period of the revolutionary war to the close of the war, myself being during that period in the Regiment of Col. Samuel B. Webb. During the war there was but little intimacy between our regiments, but since the close of the war I have been intimately acquainted with said Richards. It has uniformly been my understanding that he was Paymaster in Col. Wyllys's Regiment; but at this remote period I cannot say definitely what period he held that office. I cannot on oath say that he acted as paymaster to the close of the war; nor have I a definite recollection of facts, of my own observation, which enable me positively to specify any period of the war that he acted in that capacity. It has been my understanding that he was paymaster during the most of the war; I know that he was in the army to the close of the war; and I have no recollection of any facts which would lead me to suppose that he discontinued to be paymaster while he remained in the army - and further the deponent saith not.
Nathan Beers
State of Connecticut
New Haven County ss.
Personally appeared this 3d day of October 1843, before me a Justice of peace within and for said County, Nathan Beers to me well known signed the above affidavit
Page 65

and made solemn oath to the same. And I certify that he is a credible witness, and respectable man
R. S. Hinman Justice of peace
Page 66

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

[circle stamp] Record Division Jun 19 1909

Will you please send Pension Record of one Captain Samuel Richards - who enlisted from Farmington Connecticut in the Revolution 1776 - like names of sons and daughters all pertaining
Page 67

to his Record - also one George Gordon who enlisted from Elizabeth New Jersey in the war of 1776 - Also one Richard Gregory - who served in the war of 1812. Was he a Pensioner & will thank you for all information the Records give - I remain Respectfully -
Page 68

Mrs Emily S. Miller
308 3rd Ave North
Great Falls Montana
June 11 - 1909
Page 69

[circle stamp] U.S. Pension Office G Jun 19 1909
Page 70

Frederick P. King
Walter C. Booth.

Telephone Call 5572 John
Cable Address "Ronda"

King and Booth
Counsellors at Law;
Mutual Life Building, 32 Liberty Street
New York, September 21 1

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs: -

Can you give me any information relative to the rank with which Samuel Richards retired from the War of the Revolution? He enlisted with the Connecticut Volunteers on or about May 5th, 1775, in the Continental Army and served through the entire War. My information is that he retired at the close of the War and returned to Farmington, Connecticut and served as postmaster for twenty years.

Any and all information with which you can furnish me from your records will be gratefully received.

Very truly yours,
Walter C. Booth

[circle stamp]
U.S. Pension Office D Sep 25 1911