Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19593, Joseph Ward, Continental (Mass)
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Ward, Joseph
Prudence
Service: Continental (Mass)
Number: W. 19593

Contents
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909
Massachusetts 909
Prudence Ward
widow of Joseph Ward
who was a Commissary General of Masters
Mass.
 in the Mass line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 600 Dollars ---Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of July 1843 and sent to Nathan Brooks
Concord Mass.

[Act of March 3 1843]
Recorded in Book A, Vol.1 Page 57
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of Massachusetts
County of Worcester
On this fourth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight Prudence Ward a resident of Spencer in the County of Worcester aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on er oath nake the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Co. Joseph Ward who was appointed by Congress, Commissary General of Musters in the American army with the rank of Colonel in april 1777, for proof of this reference is hereby had to the records of congress of that date. He continued to discharge the duties of this office until the Mustering Department was discontinued by a resolve of Congress formed January 12, 1780 which resolve was communicated to him by letter from Samuel Huntington President, enclosing a copy of said resolve signed by Charles Thomson Secretary, both of which documents are herewith enclosed. Enclosed also is a letter from Richard Lush dated at Albany June 28, 1779, also a another letter from Elbridge Gerry, dated at Philadelphia January 23, 1779, also, another letter from H. Sewall D. C. M. dated at West Point April 13, 1779 all addressed to the said Col. Ward all on business relative to his office. He was taken prisoner by the Brittish forces sometime in the year1778 and was exchanged in April 1779. Enclosed is a letter from General Artimas Ward dated June 21, 1779 and another from John Avery date April 28 1779, to Col. Ward attending to his return to the American army. The said Col. Ward was also appointed Commissary General of Prisoners by an act of Congress dated April 15, 1780. On the 19th of April 1775 being then a citizen of Boston Mass he rode to Lexington and joined
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the men in service as a volunteer in repelling the enemy and was afterwards appointed Secretary and aidecamp to Gen. Artemas Ward and on the memorable Battle on Bunker Hill June 17, 1775 he was there in the most dangerous part of the battle ground by order of General Ward. In allusion to this office of Secretary is a letter directed to him in that capacity by John Hurd dated July 27, 1775. there is also a voluminous correspondence of Generals Washington, Knox and others relating to his office as a Commissary General of Musters of a similar import of those herewith enclosed, which it is deemed unnecessary to transmit to the War Department as the records of Congress, it is presumed will be abundantly sufficient to prove many years service of Col. Ward as above stated.
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Ward on the thirtieth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four, that her husband, the aforesaid Joseph Ward died on the fourteenth day of February eighteen hundred and twelve; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated.
Prudence Ward (signature)
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.

Ira Barton, Judge of the Court of Probate Judicial County of Worcester
(illegible) the Court do declare it as their opinion after a full investigation of the matter that the said Joseph Ward was an Officer in the Revolution; that he married the said applicant, that he hath since deceased; and that (illegible)   as she had above on oath (illegible) she being a person of truth.
Ira Barton, Judge &c.
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I Dennis Ward of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, son of the late Colonel Joseph Ward, who was an officer in the Revolutionary war, do testify and say, that I now have in my possession the original record of the births, deaths and marriage of the family of the said Joseph Ward and the following is a true extract from the same, viz.
"Joseph Ward was married to Prudence Bird, November the thirtieth, seventeen hundred and eighty four"
"Joseph Ward died  February the fourteenth eighteen hundred and twelve"
And I hereby certify that it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows-
"Joseph Ward was married to Prudence Bird Nov 30, 1784"
"Joseph Ward died Feby. 14, 1812"
I Dennis Ward above named, depose and say that I have for many years kept in my possession the above named family record and the above is a true extract from the said record with the exception above named as certified by me.
Dennis Ward (signature)
Worcester ss August 3, 1838
Then personally appeared the above named Dinnis Ward and was sworn to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed and I hereby certify that the said Dennis Ward is a man of truth and veracity.
Before me
James Draper, Justice of the Peace
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I Anna Pope of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts being eighty three years of age do testify and say that I have been well acquainted with Col. Joseph Ward, from my earliest recollection to the time of his death, that in the year 1775 I then resided in Newton, Massachusetts near Boston and now that the said Joseph Ward was then in the American army encamped in Cambridge and that he had the reputation of being aidecamp to Genl. Artimas Ward, and as our families were inimately acquainted with each other, I now that he was absent from home a considerable part of the time the revolutionary war continued and he had the reputation of being engaged in the war during the term of his absence and held the title of Colonel but whether he had the command of a regiment or was in some other publik sevice I do not know. And I further testify that I am well acquainted with his widow Prudence Ward from the time immediately after his marriage to the present day and do know that she is his widow and has never been married to any other person.
Anna Pope (signature)

Worcester SS August 3, 1838Tthen personally appeared the above named Anna Pope and was sworn to the truth of the above affidavit by her subcribed and I further certify that the said Anna Pope is a person of truth and veracity and of sound mind and memory.
Before me
James Draper Justice of the Peace
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Rev.
WIDOW&c.
File No. 19,593
Prudence Ward
Wid. of Joseph Ward
Gen. Rev. War
Act: March 3d /43
Index: Vol. M. Page 312

[Arrangement of 1870]
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Massachusetts  2y
Prudence Ward
widow of Colonel Joseph Ward, decd. who died on the 14th of February 1812 of Worcester Co. in the State of Massachusetts who was a Commissary Genl. of Musters in the Massachusetts
2 years Commissary General of Musters

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 480 Dollars.....Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23d day of August 1838 and sent to Dennis Ward Esqr. Spencer Mass

Arrears to the 4th March 1838 $960/--
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept "
240.00
$1200.00
{Revolutionary Claim 
Act July 7, 1838
Section the 1st}
5 years pension

Recorded by G. L. Rhodes Clerk
Book A Vol. 1 Page 143

L. M. Stow
Jany. 26, 1839
" to A. Ray July 21 1841
" to same Aug. 25, 1841
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29
Massachusetts
Prudence Ward
widow of Joseph Ward decd.
and who died on the 14th February 1812
of Worcester in the State of Mass. who was a 
Commissary General of Musters
in the Massa. line for 2 years
Increased fr $480 per an.

Inscribed on the Roll of Massa. at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Sept. 1841 and sent to Alexr. Ray Present
Arrears to the 4th March 1841  $3000.00

$3000.00
{Act July 7, 1838}

Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk
Book A Vol 1st Page 145

Let. to Pension Agent Sept. 8th 1841
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To-
Mr. Joseph Ward
Secretary to the Honble
General Ward
Cabridge

Colo. Bayley
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Haverhill (Cohoos) 27th July 1775
Dear Sir
As I promisd you at taking leave at Cambridge of any thing remarkable occurd here in our frontier Quarters I woud do myself the pleasure to write you.
I take this Oppo. to acquaint you that the Bearer of this Colo. Bayley one of our first & principal Settlers here at Cohoos goes down to Cambridge expressly on the purpose to accompany an Indian by name Louis of Caghnawaga Tribe who is just come in here from Montreal by way of the Lake Miphrimagog & the Upper Cohoos. The same who sent us some advices a few weeks agon wch. provd to be most truth & right by later Augst. & has all along appeared friendly to the New England people. He is a very intelligent Fellow & has the character among the Indian Traders of an honestm an, one who has always stood by & made good his word.  Tho. no very remarkable occurrence has taken place in Canada that he informs of-yet the acct. he gives of the present Disposition of the Indians & Canadians & the Situation of the Regular Troops there seems so interesting

Mr. Joseph Ward
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We of this place thout his informations might be of service to the American Cause-that the Gentleman of Influence in the Massa Congress or assembly & the Generals at Cambridge would be pleasd with an Oppo. to converse with him for wch. reason we have provided Louis having given a few small presents & engaging some pay for his time to make a Journey to Cambridge-tho his time is short as he coud not leave Montreal without the Governors pass & a promise to return in about twenty days, as if going out upon a hunt-he speaks very good French & English to tolerably well so as to be easily understood. By what we have learnt from him our people are much easier in their settlements on these Frontiers than they have been heretofore. 
For further particulars I must refer to Col. Bayley whom I beg you'll be kind enough to introduce to General Ward & to Col. Frye and to both of whom I pray my respectful Compliments with best wishes for preservation of their lives & health & gd. success of our American Cause & yr time
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will admit shall esteem as a favor a line from you of any late remarkable occurences at the camps, or if any interesting news from England. My best regards in the Mr Hurds Compliments attend you & remain very truely.
Dr Sir
Your sincere friend & most humbl. sevt.
John Hurd

Massa.
Jacky & Jacob desire their respects to you
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Boston April 28th 1779

Dear Colo.
Your two Letters, one dated Flatt Bush Long Island March 26th 1779-the other dated head Quarters April 5 Inst. have just now received. The latter of which gave me the more Pleasure as I found you had got out of the Clutches of our inveterate enemies at NYork upon which I heartily congratulate you. I observe what you mention respecting the officers belonging to this State, Prisoners on long island. Be assured there has been attempts to relieve them in their Distrest situation but all to no Purpose. Their complaints have been heard and attended to by this State, but some how or other there has been a Fatality attending the many generous (illegible) in supplying their wants. I could point them out to you, if I had Time seems to me the Company of Prisoners
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has not done them Justice or rather has shown too much Partiality-a representation was made to the Hon'ble Congress not long since in Consequence of your kind letter to me soon after you was taken Prisoner which Letter was said before the General Court and they thought it of so much Importance that they sent a copy of it to Congress. The copy of their Letter I herewith inclose-but whether that Hon'ble Body have attended to it or not I am not able to say-perhaps you can make some Enquiry. I really pitty them poor officers and hope that some Steps will be taken for the Purpose of easing their distressed minds. I am much pleased that the proposed Exchange procured you Liberation. Your Friend exerted themselves not a little to bring this State about and among the Number your Friend General Ward, by the way I wish you
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had wrote him for I found upon showing him your Letter to me that he was a little displeased with you for not writing. Be assured he has a great Regard for you.
I am obliged to you for your Intelligence but I hardly think that Peace is so near at Hand. The virtue of America my friend, if there is any left, must save us and I trust there is some left. Tho we experience some severe Tryals perhaps they may work out for our good. You may depend upon it that the present abandoned Ministry will leave no Stone unturned to carry on their wicked measures but you may remember the old Proverb that, whom God wills to destroy he first makes them mad.
Hon'ble Mr. Dana has just informed me that Congress had ordered Provision to be made by the Commissary of Prisoners to the officers on Long Island some time ago, but why he has not provided for them accordingly will I dare say be the subject of Enquiry. I shall endeavour to communicate what you have wrote me to some members of Congress and will use my Endeavour here to see that some Provision is made. I have got almost to the end of my papers therefore can add no more (illegible) wishing you Health & Happiness (illegible)
J. Avery (illegible)
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Colonel Joseph Ward
Commissary General of Musters in the American Army
North River

A Ward
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Your favour of May last came to hand some days since after traveling about a month. It gives me pleasure to hear of your welfare and that you have been so fortunate as to obtain your deliverence from out of the most abandoned & Cruel me on Earth. I am Extreamly sorry for the officers belonging to this State, who are still detained in captivity & would do any think in my power to obtain their Liberation.  Sundry attempts have been made by the Council to obtain their discharge but heitherto all efforts of that sort have proved ineffectual. I hope the time is not so far distant in which all the captives will be permitted to go out free. I now congratulate you upon the favourable news we have from the Southward and sincerely hope it will be followed with still more important events in our favour. I have the pleasure to inform you that one Privateer from Salem in a short time has taken five or seven Prizes near Sandy hook, three of which were Privateers, Several of which Prizes have arived safe into Port. Three Continental Armed Vessels sailed last week, another is to sail this week. The armed Vessels belonging to this State are out and Private armed vessels are pushing out with great zeal, Manly in the Jason, is going if not gone. The Marine department seem to be some what roused & I hope we shall see good effects arise therefrom. Orders are out & now carrying into Execution the Resolves of the General Court for detaching for nine months or inlisting for three years or during
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The war two thousand men to fill up our fifteen Battalions, they are directed to march by the first of July next. This State is also raising two Regiments to do duty in the New England States, by which you will perceive that we have not wholly given over the war. The duke I have left I found him to be a lying deceitful dishonest old wretch. When I see you I can give you a particular account of some matter not proper to be wrote in a letter.
I conclude with wishing you every Felicity in this Life and Eternal Happiness in that which is to come, and subscribe myself your real friend and
Humble Servant
A. Ward
P.S. Since writing the above the Hazard and Tyrannifide two State Brigs. have come into Port, they have taken nine Prizes, five of them have got into Port two of which are very Valuable, the remaining four are soon Expected.
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On public Service

To. 
Colonel Joseph Ward
Commissary General of Musters
Head Quarters

Jt. favor
Colo. Carlton
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I am very happy in an opportunity of congratulating you on your safe return from Captivity to the Duties of your Office.
By Colo. Varick's particular desire I present you the enclosed abstracts of the Brigades mustered by me which I have continued to make out ever since I have been at this Post.
The new forming Regts. on the Arrangement  retarded by business considerably, but they are now compleated, except a few Vacancies, whereby the public musters will be conducted with more facility.
I have also enclosed the abstracts of the Company of Artilery & Artifiers which have fell under my notice. Duplicates of all which I have enclosed to send by a different Conveyance, so that one or the other may arrive safe.
I am Dear Sir
With every Sentiment of Congratulation and Respect
Your most obt. hble. serv.
H. Sewall D. C. (torn)

Colo. Ward, C. G. Musters
Page 22

Tuesday April 20 
I must apologize for the detention of the Abstracts to this time. Colo. Carlton who now favors me with the Conveyance has been going ever since I wrote the preceding, & had he not set off this day, I had determined to have sent them to the post Office, Fishkill, from whence they would have gone off next Thursday. I have forwarded the other Duplicate by a different Conveyance & hope that will arrive in season.
H.S.
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Colo. Joseph Ward
late Muster Master General
at Morris Town

free E. Gerry
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Philadelphia 23d Jany. 1780
Sir
Your letter to Congress on  the Subject of Subsistence for the Officers who lately acted in the Muster master Department ins referred to the (illegible) of War to whom I shall communicate your letter of the 20th to me on the same subject with my (illegible) of the Justice of the application I have no Doubt that an additional allowance will be also made to the two officers who have not served eighteen months in the Department. I remain sir with esteem your friend & very huml. Serv.
E. Gerry
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Public Service

Colo. Joseph Ward
Commissary Genl. of Musters 
at
Head Quarters
Page 26

Albany June 28th 1779
Dear Sir
Yours of the 24th & 28th of May were received on the 14th instant just as I was going off in Compy. with Genl. Clinton to Conogohany the Reordinence of the Troops from this Quarter intended for the Western Expedition in order to Muster them. I arrived here yesterday after having finished that Business with a great deal of Trouble being obligated to supply many of the Officers with paper to make their Rolls, others the Genl. has finished out of his present stock in order to enable them to compleat the Musters.
I have showed Genl. Clinton your orders to me in respect to proceeding with him, he is of oppinion that as all the Troops have been so lately Mustered & that the Expedition in all probability will be short & of such a nature as that the Troops will be almost Continually moving through the woods or on Rivers and not having any paper with them, he thinks it will be needless to proceed with then as he thinks the mustering Business cannot be attended to.
While in Camp. I received a letter from Colo. Warner of Fort George which I showed the Genl. requesting my attendance there to Muster his Regt. which I had been obliged to defer for the last two months-the Genl. denied me to repair there immediately to do that Business. I shall set off from here for that place tomorrow & shall also Muster his Rangers at Saratoga which will compleat all in this Department- as soon as I return I shall make out the abstracts & forward them to Colo. Varick with all possible Dispatch.
Though I am concious Sir, that you as well as Colo. Varick have often Endeavored to produce a more liberal provision for our Department I assure you I have not the most distant thought that Congress mean to do any thing in the matter if they had intended it, they would hardly have taking two years in considering about what they ought have done in two hours & as for keeping an account of our expenses which
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(which I constantly do) will Immagine answer no other purpose than to afford us in future the pleasing consolation of being convinced that we worked for nothing & found ourselves. I am sure however thtat this will nearly be the case with me for as I am obliged to be almost continually on the road my pay will hardly maintain me if I was to eat but one meal a day. I believe tis needless to mention any thing more to you on the subject as I am well assured you can be no stranger to the expenses attending travelling at this time.
Should you still insist in my following the army on this Excursion, I shall endeavor to join them if it is possible (although my health at present will very poorly admit of it) by you signifying you plans to me, your letter possibly will reach this near about the time I shall return from Fort George.
With my best respects to Colo. Varick & Capt. Lansing I am with respect Dear Sir
Your most obedt. humble servt.
Richard Lush

To Colo. Joseph Ward
Commry. Genl. of Musters
Page 28

On Public Service

The Commissary General of Musters
at Head Quarters

S. Huntington
Page 29

Muster Master General
Page 30

In Congress 12th Jany. 1780

Resolved,
That the mustering department be discontinued and the officers thereof discharged.
And whereas the Commissary General of Musters has approved himself a good and faithful officer & those who have been employed under him have given satisfaction in their offices.
Resolved, That the said Commissary Genl. of Musters and those officers who have continued in that department under him for eighteen months last past shall be entitled to receive a sum equal to their pay respectively for the term of twelve months from this day.
Resolved, That in future the business of Mustering the troops be performed by the inspectors of the army in such manner & under such regulations as the Commander in chief shall direct who is hereby authorised to make the arrangements reporting the same to Congress.
Extract from the minutes
Chas. Thomson, Secy.
Page 31

Philadelphia Jany 12, 1780

Sir,
By the act of Congress of the 12 instant herewith enclosed you will be informed that the Mustering Department is discontinued & the Officers thereof discharged.
And that the Commissary General of Musters and those officers who have continued in that Department  under him for eighteen months are entitled to receive a sum equal to their pay respectively for the Term of twelve month from Date of this Act.
I am Sir,
Your hble. Servt.
Saml. Huntington, President

Commissary Genl. of Musters
Page 32

60
Prudence Ward
widow of Joseph
Mass.
5 years
act 7 July 38

admd. 
2 yrs. Commsy. Genl. of Musters
480$  480$

Dennis Ward Esq.
Spencer Mass.
Page 33

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester, Ss.
(seal)
I, Charles G. Prentiss Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify that Ira Barton is the Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature to the paper hereto annexed is his own genuine signature.
I also certify that James Draper is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County and that his signatures to the papers hereto annexed are his own genuine signatures, and that he is duly commissioned and qualified as such Justice.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court this fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register
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24
24
___
48

Colo. Joseph Ward
Commissary General of Musters in the American Army

Middle Brook

J. Avery Jr.
Page 35

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.
Page 36

Spencer August 6 1838
James L. Edwards Esqr.
Sir if this evidence is satisfactory please to transmit the Pension Certificate to Dennis Ward of Spencer, Mass. son of the applicant and you will oblige.
Yours &c.
James Draper
Page 37

Boston 19th Jany. 1839

Sir
On the 25th August last a pension certificate was issued under the Act of 7th July 1838 in favor of the Widow of Col. Joseph Ward who was a Commissary General of Musters in the Revolutionary Army. She is allowed only Captains pay by the certificate while her husband rec'd. the full pay of a Colonel for two years and upwards. Is she not therefore entitled to a pension of $600. per annum instead of $480.?
I am requested to make the above inquiry by D. Ward Esqr. to whom the certificate was forwarded who is a member of the Ho. of Representatives in this City & to whom you will be pleased to direct your reply.
I am Sir very respy. your obt. servt.
L. M. Stow

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commr. of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Page 38

July 6, 1841
Prudence Ward
Masstt. for increase

J. L. Edwards
Pension Department
Washington
Page 39

Washington July 6th  1841

Sir
In my last letter to Mrs. Prudence Ward of Masts. who was a pensioner under act 1838 after an examination of the case was made of the service performed by her late husband Joseph Ward I increased her pension her agent, That I was inclined to (illegible) I could establish her claim at the rate of 600$ a year instead of 480$ for five years ending the 4 March 1841
The enclosed letter is in reply. My opinion was based upon the following (illegible) service as shown by the journals of Congress Vol. 11 page 87. "April 10 1777 Joseph Ward was elected Commissary General of Musters". August 6th 1777 page 219 "Allowed the pay and rations of a Colonel". Vol. 111 April 15, 1780 Page 449. Colonel Joseph Ward was elected Commissary of Musters page 346 Aug. 19 "resolved, that the pay and subsistence of a Colonel " (illegible) allowed to the Commsry. General of Prisoners.
It will be seen that the service  grades of service performed by the late Joseph Ward entitled him to the pay and rations of a Colonel in the army which establishes it (illegible) the right of the applicant to a pension at the rate of 600$ per annum, (illegible) &80. Be kind enough to have the papers of Mrs. Prudence Ward  under act 1838 examined
Page 40

with a vein to an increase.
Very respectfully
Your (illegible) 
Alx. Ray
Page 41

Aug 11 1841
Prudence Ward
Masstt. 39
for increase

James L. Edwards, Esqr.
Commr. of Pensions
Washington
Page 42

Washington
August 11th 1841

Sir,
In compliance with your letter of the 21st Ulto. I enclose herewith the application of Mrs. Prudence Ward of Mass. for an increase of her pension under the act of July 7, 1838.
I am very respectfully 
Your obt. Sev.
Alx. Ray
Page 43

Issue a certificate for $600 per annum in lieu of one Dated 23d August 1838 which has been cancelled.

(hand-drawn pointing hand) Inform the Agency of the increase

Hand cert. to Mr. A. Ray, Present
Page 44

Pension Office
August 25, 1841

Sir, 
The application of Mrs. Prudence Ward for an increase of her pension has been examined and filed. Her pension certificate must be returned to this office before a new one can be issued.
I am respectfully
Your obdt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Page 45

This document is too faded to recover text.

Signature: Peter Hagner
Page 46

Prudence Ward
27 Aug. 1841
Resp'g. Pension Certificate
of Prudence Ward
Mr. Sylvester

James L. Edwards
Commr. or Pensions
War Department
Page 47

Washington
Augt. (faded) 1841

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 25th in the case of Mrs. Prudence Ward I herewith enclose a letter from the 3d auditor stating the certificate in question is filed in his office with the accounts of the Boston agency and can be drawn on your applications.
Very respectfully your most obt. sevt.
Alex. Ray


James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 48

Pay of Commsy. Gen. of Musters?
=$40 per month=
Page 49

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex County SS

On this twentieth day of May 1843, personally appeared before me, Nathan Brooks,, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Prudence Ward, a resident of Concord in the County of Middlesex, aforesaid aged seventy eight years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Joseph Ward who was a Commissary General of Musters with the rank of Colonel and served in the Military family of General Washington in the war of the revolution, that the said Prudence Ward received a pension under the act of July 7, 1838 for six Hundred Dollars per year although the certificate for the pension aforesaid was at first made incorrectly for the sum of two Hundred and eighty Dollars per annum it was afterwards cancelled and an additional was received making it equal to six Hundred Dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me,
Nathan Brooks Jus. of Peace

State of Massachusetts
County of Middlesex SS
may 20th 1843
I Nathan Brooks a Magistrate in the County above named do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence viz. from personal knowledge that the above named Prudence Ward is the identical person named in a certificate for a pension under the act of July 7,1838 and the widow of the said Joseph Ward.
Nathan Brooks, Just. of the Peace
Page 50

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex Ss.
I Elias Phinney Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the County of Middlesex aforesaid do hereby certify that Nathan Brooks Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County of Middlesex, duly commissioned and qualified; and that his name subscribed to the within certificates is his genuine signature.
(seal)
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the twenty fourth day of May 1843.
E. Phinney Clerk
Page 51

1508
May 27 1843
Mass.
Mar 3d 1843
Prudence Ward

$600 per ann.
Send cert. to Nathan Brooks
Concord Mass.

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington D. C.
Page 52

Concord Ms. may 25th 1843

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Inclosed is the Declaration of Prudence Ward of Concord, Mass. Her certificate is granted. Please forward the same to Mrs. Prudence Ward of Concord Massachusetts.
Respectfully Yours
Nathan Brooks
Page 53

State of Massachusetts
Worcester County

Personally appeared before me James Draper a Justice of the Peace in and for said County aforesaid Mrs. Prudence Ward a resident of said County and makes on oath the following statement in order to obtain an increase of her pension under the act of July 7 1838. She states that upon application for the benefit of said act and in consideration of the service performed by her late husband Joseph Ward as a Commissary General of Musters and Commissary General of Prisoners in the war of the Revolution. Her name was placed on the Massachusetts Pension roll at the rate of $480. per annum. She now claim an increase to $600 a year in lieu of the $480 through her attorney Mr. Alexander Ray, and therefore respectfully asked that her pension may be increased to $600 under said act and the payment of the difference. She hereby relinquishes every other claim to pension or annuity except the present to which her deceased husband Joseph Ward may have been entitled under any act of Congress.
Prudence Ward 

Witness James Draper
Dennis Ward

Worcester ss. July 28, 1841
Personally appeared Prudence Ward above named and made oath to the truth of the above  application by her made before me
James Draper Justice of the Peace
Page 54

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester SS
I certify that James Draper, Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County o Worcester, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature to the certificate on the preceding page hereof is in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I hereto set my name and affix the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of said Commonwealth at Worcester, this twenty ninth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty one.
(seal)
Wm. Jennison
Assistant Clerk
Page 55

The National Archives
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*

Name: Ward, Joseph
Grade: Private
Line: Maryland
Warrant Number: 11805  
Acreage: 100
Issued: April 6, 1797
to Joseph DeBaupre, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.