Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12,281, William Briggs, Conn.
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(3-1776)

SERVICE NUMBER
Conn. Briggs, William S12,281 

carded
CONTENTS
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Connecticut 30970
 William Briggs 
of Windham in the State of Ct
who was a Corpl & Sgt in the Company commanded 
by Captain Botton of the Rgt commanded 
by Col Gordon in the Ct 
line for 1 month 10 days Corpl 
5 " Sergeant 

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut 
at the rate of 29 Dollar 90 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of [illegible, torn page] 
1837 and Sent [illegible, torn page] 
[illegible] 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 [illegible, torn page] 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 [illegible]
 $179.4[illegible] 
Jany 22, 1840
Revolutionary Claims [illegible, torn page]
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by [illegible] D. D. Addison Clerk
Book C2 Vol 3 Page 5 

let
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Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 

State of Connecticut 
Windham County    Js

On this 14th day of November AD 1835 Personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown in said County now sitting the same being a Court of Record, William Briggs a resident of the town of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 87 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, Doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein Stated

1st Tour 
That in 1775 I resided in the town of Voluntown as above Stated and on the 20th of April of said year; there was an alarm, and as near as I can recollect on or about the 21st of said month. I volunteered my services as a Corporal I then Belonged to Capt John Gordons Company of Militia as a corporal;_ and joined the Company at Plainfield Ct. and marched to Killingly where we joined the Regiment under the command of Col Douglas. officers in said Company, John Gordon Capt. _ Moses Campbell Lieutenant, Wm Edmunds Ensign Benj Dow Sergeant 10ds Moses Wylie Clerk, from Killingly we marched to Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts, where we were engaged in guarding said place & in that vicinity until on or about the first of May 1775 _ Making ten days that I was in this Tour of Duty at said Roxbury & was then discharged & come home by way of Providence where we stayed a few days to rest on our way
2 Tour that in 1776 I lived in said Voluntown & belonged to the same Company that I did in 1775 & on the last of August or first of September there was a Draft & I was Drafted to do a tour of Duty to the west. I joined the said Company at said Voluntown under the following officers viz.
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John Gordon Capt. Moses Campbell Lt Andrew Edmunds Ensign but he was taken sick & did not go on with us Moses Wylie Orderly Orderly Sergeant and I performed this Tour of Duty as a Corporal in said Company & as near as I can recollect, I joined the company aforesaid at said Voluntown on or about the 4th day of September 1776 & Marched to Canterbury. From Canterbury to Saybrook, Then to New-haven, where we stayed a few days Then to old Fairfield, & after passing old Fairfield a little distance we stopped on the Sabbath to Dine, & there was a meeting in the meeting house on a hill near where we stopped. Myself & Two or three others asked liberty of our Captain to go to the meeting & he granted our request, Provided we would not stay too long. We attended the meeting & returned to the Company and marched on with them to Westchester in the State of New York where we remained some time.  Then Marched to Kingsbridge & stayed a short time To White Plains & stayed a time & then back to the [underlined Quarterguard House] at Westchester. While at Westchester our Capt Died and at the time he lay a corpse in a Chamber in a two story house, There was an alarm & Lt Moses Campbell Came into our quarters and ordered us out and to be ready at a moments notice to March.
 
When we first arrived at Westchester I was put on quarter guard. As near as I can recollect, I was discharged up a little north of Westchester on or about the 6 or 7 day of December 1776 making at least 3 months that I was on this Tour of Duty as a Corporal 

[3 handwritten] 3 Tour
In 1779 I resided in Voluntown & belonged to the militia Company commanded by Capt Moses Campbell & in the forepart of August of said year I was drafted to do a tour of Duty at New London Groton Bank Ct. That as near as I can recollect on or about the 10th day of August of said year I met & joined the Company of Drafted Militia under the command of Capt. Bottom of Plainfield Lt Nicholas Keigwin of Voluntown Ensign [illegible] Titus= Amos Whiting was orderly sergeant James Maxfield & myself were also Sergeants in said Company, at Capt Branches in Plainfield and from there marched to Norwich. Zebulon Whipple of Plainfield
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carried our baggage & we at Norwich put it on board of Boats & part of the Company went down to Groton in Boats & part Marched Down by Land.

The first time I went upon guard on this Tour was down near the light house South from New London on the west side of the River. A few days after we had arrived there, we had an alarm, the British Shipping was seen off the harbor or sound & I was sent by Capt Joshua Bottom to fort Griswold to get ammunition, & the Shipping passed by, we soon after this moved over to Groton Bank and quartered to Benjamin Browns who then lived on the [illegible] Farm so called. _ We were here constantly engaged in keeping a guard along the Shores in various places around to the Eastward to Noank_ 
We here remained in actual service until on or about the 10th day of November 1779. Making 3 months at least that I was engaged in this Tour, when I received an honorable verbal Discharge and come home. Colonel Storrs Commanded the Militia during this tour. 
After we were ordered over to Groton Bank I was ordered to Voluntown to take and Bring to quarters four men whose names were Thomas Burgess, Jonathan Potter, John Stanbury & Lot Larkham which orders I faithfully obeyed, they were Drafted & their names returned to the Commanding officer & failed to appear agreeable to Draft. On this Tour I was a sergeant. 

4th Tour 
That in 1780 I lived in said Voluntown & belonged to Capt Campbells Company of CT Militia and that on or about 30 July 1780 I was Detached to do a Tour of duty as a Sergeant in R.I. and joined a Company of Drafted Militia at Sterling Hill on or about the first day of August, under Capt Titus Bailey, Ensign B. Dow Lt Wm Pierce Elisha Downer of Plainfield was our adjutant if I recollect right. James Gordon was our Colonel. 
From Sterling Hill we marched to Greenwich in the State of R. I. and remained a short time was then ordered to Tower Hill then marched to said place & was there actually engaged in keeping up a guard at said place. 
There was nothing of importance which transpired
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_ during this Tour, as our main occupation was in keeping a guard, except difficulties which naturally arise among Soldiers. - 

I recollect among which two men by the names of Benadam Gallup & one Andrews & others, got into some difficulty & I steped up to part them at which one & myself clenched & one other of the officers then immediately steped in & assisted in breaking up the quarrel which then soon ended. 

During this Tour we were actually engaged in keeping a guard as aforesaid Stated. as near as I can recollect it was on or about the 1st day of Oct. 1780 That we were discharged & come home to Voluntown I received an honorable verbal Discharge. In this Tour I served as a Sergeant at least 2 months.

Owing to the Great length of time since these services were rendered and the consequent loss of memory from my being sick a few years ago, Possibly I may not have Stated percisely the very days that I entered and was Dismissed, but I have endeavered to with the greatest possible Degree of correctness.

In Proof of the first Tour I refer to the Deposition of John Briggs James Briggs & others to Document marked A hereunto annexed 
In Proof of the Second Tour I refer to the affidavit of John Briggs & of Elizabeth Tucker, Samuel Briggs James Briggs and Document marked B & C. hereunto annexed. 
In Proof of the third Tour I refer to the affidavit of John Briggs Samuel Briggs & James Briggs & to Document marked D hereunto annexed 
In Proof of the Fourth Tour I refer to the affidavit of John Briggs Samuel Briggs & James Briggs & to Document marked E hereunto annexed 

I know of no other Proof by which to substantiate my claim now living _ although I have made the most diligent enquiry for it. 

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and Declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State 
The following interrogatories were by said Court propounded to said applicant vis._ 
1st Where and in what year were you born? _ Answer I was born in the town of Taunton in State of Massachusetts, Oct. 1748. do not recollect the Day of the month.
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2 Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it? 
Ans I have no record and there is none of my age to my knowledge 
3 Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live? Answer I was living in Voluntown Windham County & State of Connecticut when called into service, I have lived in said Voluntown since the Revolutionary war and now live in said Voluntown. 
4 How were you called into service; were you Drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom?
Answer This question I have answered in the Body of my Declaration. 
5 State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the Troops where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service? 
Answer This question I have answered in my Declaration as fully as I am able to from recollection. 
6 Did you ever receive a Discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given & what has become of it 
Answer I never received any other than a verbal Discharge 
7 State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can Testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief in your services as a soldier of the Revolution 
Answer Elder Gersham Palmer and Thomas Gordon 

William Briggs 
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid before the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown in the State of Connecticut 
Kenney Gallup Judge
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We Gershom Palmer a Clergyman, residing in the town of Voluntown in said Windham County and Thomas Gordon residing (in the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Briggs who has Subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration. That we believe him to be 87 years of age That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion 
Gershom Palmer 
Thomas Gordon 

Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before the Probate Court for the district of Voluntown in the State of Connecticut 
Kenney Gallup Judge 

And the said Court do hereby Declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department[underlined], That the aforesaid named applicant, was a revolutionary Soldier and Served as he States. ---- 
And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Gershom Palmer who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said town of Voluntown and that Thomas Gordon who Signed the same is a resident in the said town of Voluntown and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. Kenney Gallup Judge 

I Daniel Keigwin Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceding of the Said Court in __
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the matter of the application of William Briggs for a Pension 

[Stamp of Court Seal]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 14th day of November A D 1835 

Daniel Keigwin Clerk
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MMHT [handwritten]
Our [handwritten]
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section 

April 24, 1925 

Mrs. Ellsworth L. Kelley 
25 Seward St., 
Putnam, Conn. 

Madam: 

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 12281 it appears that William Briggs was born in October 1748 in Taunton , Massachusetts. 
While a resident of Voluntown, Windham County, Connecticut he was called out on an alarm in April 1775 and served ten days as Corporal in Captain John Gordon's Company, Colonel John Douglas' Connecticut Regiment. 
He enlisted September 4, 1776, served as Corporal under said officers and was discharged December 6 or 7, 1776. 
During 1779 and 1780 he belonged to Captain Moses Campbell's Company of Militia, and on August 10, 1779 joined Captain Joshua Bottom's Company, Colonel Experience Storr's Connecticut Regiment and served three months as a Sergeant. 
On July 30, 1780 he joined Captain Titus Bailey's
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Company, Colonel James Gordon's Regiment and served two ,months as Sergeant. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 14, 1835 while a resident of Voluntown, Connecticut. He died January 22, 1840. 
The name of soldier's wife is not stated. 
In 1835 a son Samuel aged forty years, was a resident of said Voluntown and a son John "aged forty-nine years and upwards"" was a resident of Sterling a part of Voluntown. 

Respectfully, 
Bros. James & Peres [handwritten signature]

WILDER S. METCALF. 
Commissioner.
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[top left-hand corner]
1921 Jan'ry 31 Hist. to Mrs. Leonard 
P. Church. 
1924, Oct 6 - Hist to Kenneth B. 
Church. to me 
1925 -April-4 - Hist. to Ellsworth L. 
Kelley. Her letter [illegible] S.10721 [illegible]
John Gallop_MMHT
Revhay

[middle of page]
12.281 
INVALID. 
File No. 12 ,281 
William Briggs 
Sergt Rev. War 
Act: June 7th 1832. 
Index: -- Vol. [illegible] Page 47 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 
BRIGGS, WM (CONN.)
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Wm Briggs 
S. File 12281. 

Sent to War Dept. 
Nov. 13. 1905 

Order addressed to Capt. John Gordon Jr. of Voluntown signed James Gordon, Maj. dated Voluntown Apr. 20 1775 requesting him to assemble his company and informing him of battle of Lexington. 

Order addressed to Capt John Gordon of 3" Co. 21 regt. Conn. Militia to call out his co. signed J. Douglas Col dated Plainfield Sept. 1776. 

Order addressed to John Douglas B. Gen. 3" Brig. Mil. to assemble his troops, signed Jon Turnbull, dated Lebanon July 27, 1780. 

Return of 25 Regt Mill, Conn Signed J. Douglas Col dated Sept 26 1776. 

these papers have been removed from this case to be forwarded to the War Dept. 
Nov. 8, 1905.  AW

BRIGGS, WM. (C0NN)  S12281
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D

To Sergt William Briggs of Capt Bottoms Company in army Regt of Micklin Station at Groton,  Greeting  [illegible]  Wherein the names of Thomas Burges, Jonathan Potter, John Stanbury & Lott Larkham of Capt Bottoms Company were returned for Persons detacht  to serve in said Company and Regt at this place, Names in contempt of the Orders to them given neglected & refusal  to join said company & are still absent ...   These are  to  [illegible] you to repair to Voluntown os to whatever place are on the Connecticut shore said persons are ... apprehended take & bring to Headquarters at Newlondon, there to be Dealt-with conformable to the laws of this State & the Rules & Regulations for the assistance to Colo Gordon and said other officers as may be
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Voluntown  August 28th AD 1779

[Several words faded/illegible]  in Voluntown [next two words illegible]  each of the Company Officers in Voluntown [last two words inserted] of the Company is  [illegible] the   within detailed persons belongs you & each of you are hereby .... to give all headfull  assistance  to said Wm Briggs in apprehending  [illegible] again and [illegible]  the said
[next full line is illegible/faded]
agreeable in the within Orders 
      [Signed]  [illegible] James Gordon L
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No 33425 

Connecticut 
William Briggs 
Suspended 

Let to Hon A.T. Judson 9 Dec '35 
" " Same Aug 27 1836
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Voluntown 17th Dec. AD 1836 

Hon J L Edwards Comm Pen. 

Sir, the case of Wm Briggs of Voluntown is again before you, and in your letter to Hon. A T Judson of Canterbury one Great objection was  Mr Briggs Late[underlined] application for his pension. 

In relation to this objection to the allowance of Mr Briggs claim allow me to state to your Honor that said Wm Briggs is a man whose veracity is unquestionable. No man[underlined] in Voluntown stands higher in the estimation of all who know him. than Mr Briggs. 

He was not (at the time of getting pension) capable of making a correct statement of his Revolutionary services. He was called on by Capt Wm Gallup a pensioner of Late Deed as a witness in his Case who served with him during a part his service when said Gallup applied for a pension which was granted. He was not capable of Testifying for said Gallup at the time of his application from a complaint which effected his memory as per Depositions attached to former Declaration of said Briggs.  This fact is without doubt. And as soon as his said Briggs health & memory beome
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Restored to him again I waited upon him In Company with the Court and heard his Statement before the Probate Court. I also heard the last statement before said Court said Briggs was very careful in Stating Both times before said Court. It is the General opinion with all who are acquainted with Mr. Briggs that he is entitled to a pension. 
I would certify that I have seen the name of Wm Briggs on a roll of Troops at Hartford who were called down to Mass. in the Lexington alarm in 1775 but from the Compt Certificate it appears that that name nor that Roll as yet has been found. Wm Briggs Landis Kimm & others names were on that Roll for a short time.
All that is expected for Mr Briggs is when the true State of his case is known that he will have justice done him and when your Honor shall fairly understand his case no doubt exhists but that he will hastily receive his just dues. 

 [illegible] 
your Honor 
[illrgible] 
[illegible] 

Hon J L. Edwards 
Comm Pensions
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                 Canterbury  August 19, 1838

Sir 
I have entirely forgotten the decision of the department in the case of Wm Briggs for pension. Will you excuse me from giving you the trouble to inform me what was the decision in that case, that I may inform the Declarant.  If you sent me a communication, I have unfortunately misplaced it
                                         Your obd. sevt
                                           Andrew T/ Judson

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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                                      Comptrollers Office
                                      Hartford, Connecticut
                                      Nov 3d 1863

I certify that the name of Capt Joshua Bottom Appears on Haskill's Receipts under the following head to wit.  "The United States  Dr...  to the State of Connecticut for sundry expenditures for the service and expense of troop stationed at Greenwich for the defense of said State"  and he is credited August 21st 1781 [Pound sign}2.030_8_4 state money,  I further certify that the names of William Briggs, Capt John Gorden, & Capt Moses Campbell, have not been found

                           Wm Field  Comptroller
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Admd
1 mo 10 ds    Corpl
5. -----           Sergt

   3.67
   1.23
  25.00
 ______
  29,90

  Wm E Haley
     HR


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State of Connecticut
Windham County }  Voluntown
Robert Gabriel of Voluntown

I Stephen S. Kegwin Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Wm Briggs for a Pension.

In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 6th day of Dec__ A/D/ 1836

    [Signed]   Stephen S. Kegwin Clerk Probate
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I Samuel Briggs of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 40 years & son of Wm Briggs of Town, Country and State aforesaid after being duly cautioned and sworn do on my oath Depose and say that I have always lived with my Father Wm Briggs and do now live in the Same home with him.

That more than twenty Five years ago & Since I have heard my Father on winter evenings tell of his services in the Revolutionary War and give his relation of the hardships of the Soldiers life & how  he used to endure those hardships when he was in the service of his country as a officer in the Revolutionary War.

I then frequently used to hear him tell of his being to Tower hill in Rhode Island on duty at New London & Groton & also of being to the west in the State of New York in the War of the Revolution.  

I do not now recollect that I ever heard him state how long he served in those Tours until after the Passage of the Pension Act of 1832.

That 2 years ago last fall my Father asked me when I see Capt J. Stanton (who was then engaged in getting pensions for the Revolutionary Soldiers), to ask said Stanton to come and see him.  Said Stanton did not come to see him (my Father) until 2 years ago last April, when he called & Capt Stanton then said my Father was so informed that he could not state particular enough about his services to substantiate his claim.

My Father was then quite informed and for about 7 years before that time he had been very much unwell and some of the time did not appear to be in his right mind, - but my Father for these years past has been regaining his health & memory & I believe he is now as capable of stating his services afrsd in the war as he was before he was sick-- Samuel Briggs

Sworn and subscribed, on the day and year aforesaid before the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown in the State of Connecticut

    [Signed} Kenney Gallup  Judge
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and the Court do hereby Certify that Samuel Briggs who signed the foregoing affidavit is known to him personally as a witness testimony is entitled to full credit &  belief

                Kenney Gallup    Judge























p7
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I James Briggs of Voluntown in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 74 years & upward do Depose & say that I am well acquainted with Wm Briggs  who is my Brother & now resides in the town of Voluntown & county and State aforesaid.

That as near as I can recollect my Brother, William went to Westchester in State of New York on the fore part of September 1776 & returned after it was cold weather and was said at the time that he was on duty

I recollect , that he was gone 3 other Tours on Duty but do not recollect particularly where all of those Tours were performed nor can I tell how ling he Served while out on sd Tours.
         [Signed]  James Briggs

Sworn and Subscribed the day and year last aforesaid before the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown in said Windham County & State of Connecticut
           [Signed]   'Kenney Gallup Judge

& The Court do hereby certify that James Briggs who signed the above Deposition is known to him as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief
         {signed} Kenney Gallup  Judge
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Passed 7th June 1832

State of Connecticut}
Windham County}  Js

On this 6th day of December A.D. 1836 Personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court, for the district of Voluntown in Said County now sitting William Briggs a resident of the town of Voluntown in the County of WIndham and State of Connecticut aged 88 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Amendment to his former Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832

That he entered the service of the United States and served as herein stated

1st Tour. As to this tour of service which was entered in 1775 in the State of Massachusetts I cannot make any further explanation than I have already made in my first Declaration and refer to that statement for a statement of this Tour of Service.
2nd Tour  I cannot make any different Statement of the Service of this Tour which was entered principally at the West-Chester New Yor, than that set forth in my former statement  before the Probate Court on 14th Sept 1835.
3rd Tour  This tour of service was from the best of my recollection entered in 1779 at New London and Groton as states in my former Declaration
4th Tour  My service in this Tour was entered as stated in my former Declation in 1780  in Rhode Island.

The service I rendered, as before stated I cannot aver from. The Sergeants warrant which is required cannot be produced by me, it being lost many years ago, as that of Corporal's also.
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In the 3rd Tour of Duty I served as a sergeant but at the time held a Corporals Warrant.

On the 4th Tour of Duty I held a Sergeants Warrant and performed the duty of a Sergeant
It is not now in my power to further explain or more clearly relate my Services in the Revolutionary War than I already have.

The reason why I did not make an earlier application for a pension is that, before the passage of the pension act of 1882 and for a long time after I was so deprived of my reason and recollection that I could relate my services.  But through the Bountiful Blessing of a Allwise Being [last two words underlined] I have my reason and recollection in a great measure restored to me again.

I submit my case to the Department with the annexed Testimony which I think is all that can be procured to my sd knowledge at this date Period.  No other person with whom I served that I was acquainted with now survives to my knowledge,

[Signed]  William Briggs

Sworn and Subscribed before the Probate Court for the District of Voluntown the day and year [next word crossed out] aforesaid mentioned

Certified by
Daniel Keigwin Judge
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I Samuel Gallup of Sterling in the County Of Windham & State of Connecticut aged 73 years and upwards a Soldier in the Revolutionary war do Testify and say, That as near as I can now recollect I was drafted to do a Tour of duty to the west in the year 1778 -
  I joined a company of Drafted Militia at Plainfield under Capt Bottom [word crossed out] the latter part of the season of Mowing and marched to Windham Ct then I applied for a Discharge from this Tour in consequence of being lame, & received it and then retureid home -

That after remaining at home about ten days I was again drafted to do a Tour of Duty to the East and joined the Company of Drafted Militia at Sterling Hill and went from Sterling to Greenwich then to  Tower Hill.  Officers in the Company on this Tour was Capt. Titus Bailey. Lt.= not recollected, Ensign Benj. Dow,-   Peter Morgan was one of the sergants,  We were here engaged in keeping guard at said place -  I was on duty here for about two weeks when I was dismissed and came home -  Col James Gordon was there while I was.

That I am & have been well acquainted 
 with William Briggs of Voluntown in the County & State aforesaid eversince [sic]I was a boy he & I having always lived in the same Society & Neighborhood.  That said Briggs was in the Company of Capt Titus Bailey at Towerhill  the whole time that I was & how much longer he served than I did I do not know -  after I left said Company.
   Said Briggs is the same Wm Briggs who served as above stated
              [Signed]  Samuel Gallup

State of Connecticut}
Windham County}  Js   Sterling Nov 12th A.D.
Personally appeared Capt Samuel Gallup signed to the foregoing deposition & who is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the Truth of the Same

Before Me    
   [Signed]     Wm B Stanton Justice of Peace
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2 c stamp recd  36 Alneas St Norwich Ct

Rev W
Pension Dept
Wash. D.C.

Dear Sir
Will you kindly send me the record of William Briggs of Voluntown Ct born 1746 died Jan. 22 1843  son of Noah & Elizabeth (Trumbul) Briggs.  To what company,  Regiment, when enlisted, his rank, when discharged, how long he served, and who under and was he a pensioner.  Will be very glad of
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any informaition that will help to meet the D.A.R. requirements.
  Yours respectfully
Mrs. Leonard P. Church

[Horizontal stamp]     RECORDS
                                DEC 30 1920
                                   DIVISION


[Vertical stamp]             PENSION
                                            A
                                          DEC
                                      U.  29   S.
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                                       OFFICE
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                  Bureau of Pensions
             Washington D.C.

Sir, will you kindly send me the military records of the seven or eight ancestors mentioned below to meet the requirements of the S.A.R. society.

James Comstock of Montville, CT or [illegible] there, was killed at Fort Griswold 1781.  Born June 12m 1712, son of Daniel Comstock.

Thomas Kinne removed from Preston, Ct. to Worthington, Mass.  Born May 11 , 1717 and died In Trafton, VT  I think he received a pension.

Nathaniel Adams who was killed at Groton Heights 1727 from New London or near there.

Nathaniel Palmer born 1709 and died May 1790, Lived in Stonington or near New London, Ct. I think he responded to the Lexington Alarm.
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Ebenezer Smith born 1747 and died May 27, 1827, of a Mass Line.  Was from Groton in Montville  Ct.

Jesse Brown born Apr. 1, 1747 Died June 28, 1822 from Westerly R.I. or New London, Ct.

Peleg Church of Montville, CT.  Was in Capt Calkins Co, Saratoga 1777 and died before 1805.

William Briggs of Voluntown, CT born 1748 and died in same place Jan. 22, 1840.

Will thank you very much for the above information.
  Yours respectfully
Kenneth Briggs Church
         +R

[Stamp affixed to lower right corner of page]

    PENSION
           S
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
          SEP
    U.     16     S.
          1824
        OFFICE
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I John Briggs of Sterling in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut aged 49 years & upward after being duly sworn do depose and say That I have always lived in Voluntown  in County & State aforesaid & Sterling which was formerly a part of Voluntown.  I am son of Tom Briggs of Voluntown aforesaid.  I recollect when I was a boy & lived at my Fathers of hearing him tell of being in the army in the Revolutionhary War.  I have heard him tell of being to Rode Island on duty & of being to a place called Westchester: and that when he was coming home from Westchester of his stopping one Knight [sic] [next several words crossed out] in a wilderness all a lone [sic] and tied his horse to a bush  took off his pack and lay down on the ground covering himself with such clothing as he had, (he being very much fatigued) and slept till morning when he awaked, that it rained very hard and that his horse had during the night, ate off the brush around where was hitched. I used to hear my Father tell a great deal about his services in the Revolutionary war when I lived with him, but I do not now recollect all the particulars as so as to State them as he used to.  I used to hear my Father and those who served with him talk over their services in the Revolutionary war, of their marching from place to place & of the fare of the soldiers in the war, etc., etc.   And of being to Roxbury Mass -- That my Father has been very much unwell for some 9 years past (until within two years) I had several poor turns and some part of the time not in his right mind & his memory very much impaired & gone.  That for Two years past he has gradually a regaining his health & memory, his health & recollection appears to be at this time quite good and the past season he had been so as to be out and help do some of the work & do chores

That Capt Jonathan Stanton mentioned t a pension for Wm Gallup (then a Voluntown now deceased) & that he should be up to see my Father & wished me to mention to him that he should be up.  & I did accordingly mention to him  This I should think was about  3 years ago & shortly after this my Father asked me when Capt Stanton
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was coming up, and I see said Stanton and he set a time when he would be up but some business prevented Capt Stanton coming up the first time he set but afterward called & see my Father.  I was not present when he was up  
              {Signed] John Briggs

State of Connecticut} Windham County} Voluntown 11th Nov 1835

Then personally appeared John Briggs who signed the foregoing affidavit in my presence & who is personally known to the Subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit & belief & made Solemn oath to the Truth of the same before me 
   [SIgned] Jthn  C. Stanton Justice of Peace
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I Elizabeth Tucker of Voluntown in the County of Windham & State of Connecticut aged about 69 years, ([illegible]  Before I was married (Elizabeth Keigwin) after being duly cautioned and sworn do depose and say that as my parents used to tell me I was born in the town of Voluntown aforesaid  on the 7th of October 1766 -  That I have always resided in Voluntown since my Birth, - That I am fully acquainted with Wm. Briggs of Voluntown in the County and State aforesaid and have been well acquainted with him since I was a Child he always frequently visited my Uncle where I lived during the Revolutionary War  I have since lived at the same house.  That I have always lived within one &  half miles of said William Briggs.
    That I recollect of the militia's Being called to the [illegible] in 1776   Tht I then lived with my Uncle Wm. Keigwin and about the Forst of Sept. of said year My Father Thomas Keigwin and my Uncle Wm. Keigwin & Tom Briggs aforesaid & Peres Briggs & Isaac Briggs together with others I do not now recollect Set out for Westchester on a Tour of Duty under Capt John Gordon who also went with them.
   That I distinctly recollect of Capt Gordon riding up to my Uncles Dressed in uniform and talked a few minutes on the morning they set out on their march to Westchester    And then they started Capt Gordon particularly bid us all "Good bye". [quote is underlined] Tom Briggs together with all those above named lived to the East of my Uncles & all passed by the house where I lived.  Lt. Nicholas Keigwin went on a distance with them [word inserted] to take back [last word inserted] the horses of those who rode  [next word crossed out]   Capt John Gordon died while on this Tour & never returned home.  I used to hear my Father tell after his return home of his being with Capt. Gordon & taking care of him in his sickness and of being with him when he died.  Isaac Briggs also died while at Westchester.

I was at my Fathers when the Letter came bringing the news of the Death of Isaac Briggs & of Moses Barrett as also others which I do not now distinctly recollect   I was sent to carry the Letter over from my Fathers to other Briggs & recollect that I went very early in the
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morning and stayed and ate breakfast.

That my Uncle Wm Keigwin (with whom I lived) was taken sick at Westchester and returned home after being gone 6 weeks -- That my Father, Thomas Keigwin Wm Briggs & Peres Briggs Stayed longer than those who came home sick.. That they were gone according to the best of my recollection 3 months.

That WM Briggs & Peres Briggs were Brothers and lived in a farm house together & among other things which transpired while they were gone on the Tour are the hardest .... of the two last named  Mrs Briggs Cond the wife of Peres Briggs made a husking & on the evening the young people as as was then customary assembled to participate in their usual recreations ___ Wm Briggs wife said she would  have a husking if she could have it without a Frolick"!

I recollect that Samuel Tucker (The Father of Elisha Tucker who now is my husband) Died some time in Nov. of said year 1776  and That my Father Wm Keigwin Wm Briggs & Peres Briggs had not then got home from their Tour of Duty.

That all the aforesaid named persons are now dead except Wm Briggs aforesaid   That Wm Briggs of Voluntown aforesaid is the same Identical Wm Briggs who marched with my Father & the others named for Westchester in 1775 and, who were gone from home as aforesaid stated   I believe said WM Briggs to be 87 years old or upward
   [Signed]  Elizabeth Tucker

State of Connecticut}
County of WIndham}  Js  Voluntown  Nov.11th 1835

Personally appeared  Elizabeth Tucker who signed the foregoing Deposition in my Presence and who is personally known to the subscriber as a witness whose testimony is entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath to the Truth of the same before me
      [Signed]  Jonathan Stanton  
                     Justice of Peace
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
October 6, 1924.
Kenneth B. Church,
36 Uncas St.,
Norwich, CONN.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.12281, it appears that William
Briggs was born in October 1748 at Taunton, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Voluntown, Windham County, Connecticut, he was called out on an alarm in April 1775 and served
10 days as Corporal in Captain John Gordon's Company, Colonel
John Douglas' Connecticut Regiment. He served from September 7,
1776, for 3 months as Corporal under the same officers.
While belonging to Captain Moses Campbell's Company, he was
drafted and served from August 10, 1779, for 3 months as
Sergeant in Captain Joshua Bottom's Company, Colonel Experience Storr's Connecticut Regiment. While belonging to Captain Campbell's Company, he was detached and on August 1, 1780,  joined as Sergeant, Captain Titus Bailey's Company,
under Colonel James Gordon in the Connecticut Troops and served 2 months.
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He was allowed pension on his application executed November 14, 1835, while a resident of Voluntown, Connecticut. 
He died January 22, 1840.
The name of soldier's wife is not stated. In 1838 a son, Samuel, aged 40 years, was a resident of Voluntown,
Connecticut, and a son, John, aged 49 years and upwards,"
was a resident of Sterling, Windham County, Connecticut.
Respectfully, Acting Commissioner,
Note
He had a bro, James,
& a bro. Peris, Reference
to soldiers having a wife
in 1776  UM