Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4308, for Richard Pearse, Connecticut
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SERVICE
Navy (Conn.)

Pearse, Richard
Candace

NUMBER
W. 4308
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6342 Ohio, Cleaveland 
Candace Pearse - dec'd widow of Richard Pearse Conn who served in the Revolutionary War as a Seaman 
Ship Confederacy Capt. Hardwig  
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st July '48 & end August 8th 1848 
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of July 1855 and sent to B. B. Chapman, Present Elyria Ohio 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 357 Vol. 4
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1766
Vermont
Richard Pearse
of Sudbury in the State of Vermont who was a Marine on the Confederacy commanded by Captain Harding of the ___commanded by _____ in the U. S. Navy for 1 year

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 40 Dollars ~~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of November 1832 and sent to Dorastus Wooster Middlebury Vermont

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832    60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th March 1833   20.00
_________
$80.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J. M. Duffield Clerk, Book D Vol. 4 Page 79
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Town Clerks Office, Town of Rehoboth County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts
September 18th 1838
I hereby certify that the following appears among the Records of Marriages of said town of Rehoboth as returned by Silvanus Martin Justice of the Peace.
"Bristol Ss. Rehoboth October ye twenty eighth one thousand seven hundred & eighty one Then Richard Pearse and Candace Peck both of Rehoboth were lawfully joined together in marriage by one Silvanus Martin Justice of the Peace".
And I certify that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows. (October ye 28th 1781)
Attest Cyrus M. Wheerton Town Clerk

I Cyrus M. Wheerton above named depose and say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Rehoboth in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me, Cyrus M. Wheerton Town Clerk of Rehoboth
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol Ss. September 19th 1838
Sworn before me - James Blanding Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol Ss. I Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate in & for said county, do hereby certify that James Blanding is a Justice of the Peace in & for said county and that the signature to the within certificate purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty second day of September eighteen hundred & thirty eight.
A. Bassett
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2201
Candace Pearse
wid of Richard 
Vert.
Act July 7, 1838
Married 1781
died 1834
Allow $40 per ann. 
United States Navy
Capt. Harndon

Jesse Gove Esq.
Rutland Vt.
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State of Vermont
Rutland County, Ss}
On this 31st day of August, 1838, personally appeared before the Hon. Probate Court of the District of Rutland in said County, Candace Pearse a resident of Sudbury in said County, aged 74 years, who, being sworn according to law, doth on her oath make 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 Richard Pearse, who was a Mariner in the Navy of the United States in the revolutionary war, as is set forth in his declaration and the accompanying proofs now in the war office of the United States, upon which he was granted a pension of 40 dollars per annum, and his name placed upon the United States Pension Roll, on the 10th day of November, 1832. (See Vermont Pension Roll, p. 89.)
She further declares, that she was married to the said Richard Pearse on the twenty eighth day of October in the year, seventeen hundred and eighty-one; that her husband, the aforesaid Richard Pearse died on the sixth day of September, in the year 1834; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Candace Pearse
Sworn to and subscribed, in open court, on the day and year above written, before me, Wm. Hull Judge
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State of Vermont
Rutland County Ss}
I, Henry B. Towslee, Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the District of Rutland in said County, do hereby certify that the Hon. William Hall is Judge of said Court; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court, and subscribed my name, at Rutland in said District this 31st day of August, 1838.
Henry B. Towslee
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I, Timothy Pearse of Sudbury in the county of Rutland and state of Vermont, aged 37 years and upwards, being duly sworn according to law, do depose, testify and say, that Richard Pearse, late of the same Sudbury, deceased, who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States at the rate of forty dollars per annum was my father; and that he died at said Sudbury, on the sixth day of September, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four. And I do further depose and say, that Mrs. Candace Peirce, now residing ins aid Sudbury is my mother; that she was the respected lawful wife of the said Richard; and that she hath not intermarried since his said decease.
Timothy Pearse
Sworn to and subscribed, in open Court, this 31st day of August 1838, before me.
Wm. Hull Judge

State of Vermont
Rutland County Ss} I, Henry B. Towslee, Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the District of Rutland in said County, do hereby certify that the Hon. William Hull is Judge of said Court, and is lawfully authorized to administer oaths & take acknowledgements of affidavits in all matters depending in said Court; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court, and subscribed my name, at Rutland in said District this 31st day of August, 1838.
Henry B. Towslee
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STATE OF VERMONT,
Addison County ss}
I, EDWARD D. BARBER, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Addison, do hereby certify that the annexed documents contain the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Pearse for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 9th day of July A. D. 1832.
Edward D. Barber Clerk
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Timothy Pearse
and Joseph Warner's 
Affidavits

Richard Pearse's decd
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State of Vermont
Addison County Ss
On the 5th day of July 1832 personally appeared before the Judges of Addison County Court in open Court Richard Pearse, resident in Sudbury in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged about 70 years who being first duly sworn according to Law on oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he the said Richard Pearse enlisted into the service of the United States on board of the National Ship Confederacy at New London in the State of Connecticut in February or March 1779 not for any definite time, and served on board of said ship for the tour of one year and three months, and was discharged at Philadelphia from service and he says he thinks his discharge is now in the office of the war department at Washington. The said ship was commanded by Seth Harden of Norwich in said State of Connecticut. He declares that he has resided since his said enlistment at Bristol in Rhode Island, Rehoboth and Dighton Massachusetts, and Middlebury and said Sudbury in Vermont. That he relinquishes all claim to any pension or annuity except the present and that he is not now on the pension roll of any agency in any state and the said
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Richard Pearse further declares that he has been on the pension roll under the act of Congress of the 18th day of March 1818 and has been dropped or he has relinquished his pension in consequence of his property and that he then and ever since has resided in said Sudbury and that his pension certificate is dated November 27th 1819 and numbered 16.160.
Richard Pearse

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
E. D. Barber Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states; and the court also certify that, [smudged out] personal acquaintance with Joseph Warner, whose affidavit is herewith transmitted they consider him a person of veracity and entitled to credit, and that said affidavit was sworn before a person having competent authority.
Edward D. Barber Clerk
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Addison County Court
I Timothy Pearse of Sudbury in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I am knowing that the name of Richard Pearse of said Sudbury who is now applying for a pension has been placed on the pension roll at Washington. The evidence of which is now before me to wit his pension certificate dated Nov 27th 1819 and further say he has drawn money at the Vermont pension agency and pensioner by virtue of the same.
Timothy Pearse
Sworn and subscribed the 5th day of July AD 1832
State of Vermont
Addison County
I Joseph Warner of Middlebury in said county of lawful age depose and say that I am acquainted with the above named Timothy Pearse and believe him a man of truth and veracity and that he is entitled to credit as such.
Joseph Warner

Sworn to and subscribed this 9th day of July AD 1832.
Before me Dorastus Woosten Just of Peace
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File no. 4308
Candace Pearse
wid.
Richard Pearse
Seaman Rev. War
Act Feby 27/48
Index: Vol. M, Page 119
(Arrangement of 1870)
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Repd.
2598
Vermont.
Candace Pearse
widow of Richard Pearse Decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 6 September 1834 of Rutland Co in the State of Vermont who was a Marine in the --- commanded by Captain Harding of the ----- commanded by ----- in the U. S. Navy for 1 year, on board the Confederacy.

Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 40 Dollars ~~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of April 1839 and sent to Jesse Gove, Rutland Vermont

Arrears to the 4th of March '39   $120.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept: 20~
________
$140.00

{[cut off] july 7,}

Recorded by 
Book A
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State of Ohio
Lorain County} Ss. I William F. Lockwood Judge & Clerk of the Probate Court holden at Elyria in and for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court by the affidavits of William Pearse and Rizpah B. Pearse residents of Oberlin Lorain County & state of Ohio & who are persons entitled to credit, that Candace Pearse was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of forty dollars per annum, was a resident of said Oberlin Lorain County Ohio where she died on the eighth day of August in the year eighteen hundred and forty eight and was at the time of her death the widow of Richard Pearse and that she left children of whom only five now survive and whose names are Mary Rust, James Pearse, Phebe Wright, William Pearse and Sylvanus Pearse and I do further certify that William Pearse of this county and one of said surviving children of Candace Pearse was on this day duly appointed and qualified as administrator on the estate of said Candace Pearse deceased & gave bonds in the sum of three hundred dollars. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office at Elyria this 23d day of May A. D. 1855.
Wm. F. Lockwood
Probate Judge
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Candace Pearse
Richard
ohio [illegible] '43

Cole
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Oberlin Lorain Co Ohio
July 23d 1850

B. B. Chapman Esq
Dear Sir,
You will oblige the heirs of Candace Pearse who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of forty dollars per annum and died in this place August 8th 1848, if you will examine the original papers of her husband Richard Pearse who was a Revolutionary Pensioner & resident in the State of Vermont, and see whether they might not be a greater allowance awarded to the said Candace Pearse or her heirs than forty dollars per annum as the said Richard Pearse served fifteen months during the Revolution on board the continental ship Confederacy.
Very respectfully yours
William Pearse
One of the surviving children of the said Candace Pearse
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Candace Pearse

Sudbury
Rutland Co
Vermont
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She died Aug 6 1858 at Oberlin O
Richard Pearse served fifteen months on board the ship Confederacy enlisted at Bristol R.I & discharged Philadelphia served during the war.

Candace Pearse

Sudbury
Rutland Co
Vermont
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PENSION OFFICE
June 30th 1845

Sir:
In conformity with the regulations of this Department, you have this day been transferred from the Roll of Vermont to that of Ohio - Pittsburgh to take effect from and after the 4 March 1844.

I am, Sir, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions


Mrs. Candace Pearse
U. S. Pensioner
care of Mr. Timothy Pearse
Oberlin Ohio
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Pension Agency of Western Vermont
Bank of Poultney June 26 1845

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr Pensions
In answer to the inquiry contained in your letter of the 19 inst, I would inform that Candace Pearse, enrolled as a pensioner under the act of March 3, 1843, has been paid by the Agency at Burlington to the 4 March 1844.
Yrs mo Obt Sevt
M. Clark
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Oberlin Ohio Lorrain Co May 15th/45

Pension Office, Washington
In behalf of my Mother Wid Candace Pearse, (who has been a pensioner under under two different acts since my Father's death, Sept 6th/39 one of 5 years, the other of 1 year ending March 4th/44), I write requesting information, whether she would be included in an act passed in June 1844 extending the pension for widows of Revolutionary soldiers, whose term of pension had expired under former acts. It is one year since she removed to this place from Sudbury, Vt. She had lived there over 47 years. I obtained the last draft of R. R. Thrall Esq of Rutland Vt as her attorney, with whom was left her certificate I have made enquiries in this region with respect to the act of last year, but get no information, I would consider it a favor to be informed from Pension Office, if she would be encluded in the act of last year. Also what proof is necessary, that she is the person, and yet living. She is in circumstances needy, and desires it if entitled to it. She is now 81 years of age.
Yours with respect
Timothy Pearse
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Washington March 26th 1855

Hon. Comm of Pensions
Sir,
Allow me to reply to yours of the 24th inst int he case of Candace Pearse widow of Richard of Ohio Act of 1838 &c, by suggesting that in the examination of Seaman cases the same principle should not apply as in service on land. For oft times a ship may lay in port for weeks and months recruiting & fitting for sea and all on board being considered in regular service, nor like the case of a company of infantry, would a ship's captain be justified in discharging all of his men the very day he should reach port.
This was the case of the ship Confederacy. She was built and captain and officers appointed in Sept & Oct 1778 and yet for want of a sufficient number of men did not get to sea until seven months afterwards & this accounts for the fact that Pearse was enlisted on board of her three months nearly before he went to sea. I do think at least he should be allowed at his lowest estimate of service, when sustained by the very testimony pointed out for him to obtain by the Pension Office. That your decision in this case may not be influenced by a former one made to Hon. J. K. Giddings June 15th 1844 concerning this case, I will add that, by
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Resolution of Congress passed December 13th 1775 Seamen were allowed eight dollars per month & yet by the former practices of the Pension Office in the adjustment & decisions on this claim, only the pension to a private of infantry has been allowed.
I trust your decision in this case will be reversed and at least two months additional service be allowed together with the pay due a seaman.
Very respectfully yours
B. B. Chapman

P. S. If evidence showing that said ship was embarrassed & delayed in obtaining sufficient hands to man her before sailing on her cruise from New London in 1779 would be of any avail, it can be supplied, but I can conceive of no use for so doing unless the declaration of the claimant can, under the circumstances be allowed some might in establishing the duration of his service.
B. B. C.
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Washington March 20th 1855
Hon. Comr. of Pensions
Sir,
An increase of pension is asked in the case of Candace Pears of Ohio widow of Richard under acts of 1838, 1843 & 44.
Her said husband in his declaration made April 14th 1818 for the benefit of the act passed March 18th 1818, said,
"That, in the forepart of March 1779 at New London Ct. he enlisted for one year as a Mariner on board U. S. Ship Confederacy, Capt. Seth Harding, and in April sailed on a cruise in the Delaware & in November sailed on board said ship from Philadelphia for France with Hon. Mr. Jay American Minister, that after a short time out & in consequence of a severe storm in which the ship was very much damaged she put into the Island of Martinique for repairs, where she remained until Spring and returned to Philadelphia in May 1780 & in which month she was discharged."
On an examination of his declaration by Comr of Pensions he was instructed (see memorandum on his papers) to procure the affidavits of witness whose character well certified or the Certificate of the officers of his ship as to his service. Accordingly Oct 25th 1819 at New London Ct. Nathaniel Richards who was Purser on said ship testified that he had a distinct recollection that a Richard Pearse did serve on said ship and from incidents related by claimant had no doubt but he was the man

over
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Also on same day Oct 25th 1819, at said New London Ct came Phineas Hyde who was "Surgeon's Mate" on said ship Confederacy & said on oath, that, he was well acquainted with and then had a distinct recollection of a man by the name of Richard Pearse who served on board said ship for upwards of twelve months, and that he is the same Richard Pearse testified of by Nathaniel Richards.
By act of 1820, said Pearse was stricken from Roll and July 5th 1832 over fourteen years after making his first declaration he applied for benefit of the act of June 7th 1832, and then swore that he enlisted on said ship in February or March 1779 for no definite time and served for the term of one year and three months.
March 31st 1818 just fourteen days before said Richard Pearse made his first declaration and neither of the persons probably knew of the intention of the other, and nearly forty years after the happening of the events testified of, said Phineas Hyde witness, above mentioned (see Ct. Roll act of 1818) made his declaration for a pension and said that in oct 1778 at New London Ct he entered on board said ship Confederacy as "Surgeon's Mate" and thus served until sometime in May 1780 & in explanation of said declaration said that about 1st of April 1779 said ship sailed from New London to cruise in the Delaware and in November sailed from Philadelphia for France (as stated by Richard Pearse) put into Martinique & in April sailed for Philadelphia where they arrived last of April or 1st of May 1780
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and there in consequence of ill health was discharged after having served eighteen or nineteen months.
Nathaniel Richards, Purser, and same witness as in Pearse's case corroborates the statement of said Hyde as to his service having been for 18 or 19 months.
Journals of Congress September 25th 1778 say on that day was Seth Harding elected Captain of Ship Confederacy then nearly ready to be launched at Norwich Ct.
Oct 21st 1779 (see J. C. ) Seth Harding Capt. of Confederacy then at Philadelphia was ordered to release seamen impressed from Pennsylvania immediately.
Richard Pearse claimant in 1818 says ship sailed from New London in April 1779, from Philadelphia for France in November and returned to Philadelphia in May 1780.
Phineas Hyde "Surgeon's Mate" in his declaration in 1818, said ship sailed from New London about 1st of April 1779, in November sailed for France and returned to Philadelphia last of April or 1st of May.
Thus clearly showing that all on board who enlisted at New London must have served more than one year. Whoever examines this case will bear in mind that it was incumbent on said Pearse & Hyde to show and claim only nine months service, but Hyde claims over eighteen and Pearse over fourteen months service.
Now in 1832 it was necessary for Pearse to specify precisely the length of service by him performed & he swears to one year & three months and for which pension is now asked.
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Respectfully submitted
B. B. Chapman
Atty for Claimant

P. S. As an evidence that may incidentally been in form of this claim, I will state July 23d 1850 before I had ever examined, or ought by whom the papers should had any one examined them since they were originally filed, William Pearse one of the children of Richard & Candace Pearse, requested me to make an examination into said case & see whether a greater allowance might not be obtained as he said his said father Richard served fifteen months on board ship Confederacy. Please see his statement hereunto attached.
Yours, &c. B. B. C.

Precedent
Since the above was submitted the following precedent has been found & is herewith referred to
John Ames N. Y. Roll act of 1818, claims to have entered on board ship Confederacy in March 1778 or 9 and served until into June 1780 when he was discharged at Philadelphia having performed fifteen months service. He had no proof of service except one person who saw him on board said ship while in service.
In 1845 his widow Sarah Ames was pensioned under act of 1848 for the fifteen months service as claimed by
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her said husband
How can the office be justified in allowing Mrs. Ames for fifteen month upon her husbands statements unsupported by evidence, and deny the same to Mrs. Pearse under the statement of facts set forth above?
April 10th 1855
B. B. C.
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Rutland Vt 29th Sept 1838 
Sir
I transmit herewith the application & proof of marriage of Mrs Candace Pearse, widow of Richard Pearse, deceased, for a pension under the act of July 7, 1838. Be pleased to communicate to, 
Very respectfully your obt. sevt 
Jesse Gove 
To The Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
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I, Roswell Bottum a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rutland and State of Vermont certify that I have for many years past been personally acquainted with the Widow Candace Pearse lately a Resident of the town of Sudbury in said County of Rutland now a resident of the State of Ohio, that I know that the said Candace Pearse was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838. and the act of March 3d 1843.  
Oswell Septr 26th 1844 
Roswell Bottum Jr
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Richard Pearse Vt. Burlington Agt Act M 
When paid?
Decd 4 Sept 1834 pd to that [unreadable]  
HHS 
1 H
Page 35

Mrs Dodge
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Mr. Dodge   In looking over the Pension Roll I find the name of John Ames, Chenango Co New York & Oliver Rogers Windham Co Ct. under Act of 1818 for service in Ship Confederacy.   Please refer to them as they may throw some light on the case of Candace Pearse which the Court refered to your examination & whose husband served on board of the Confederacy.
Respectfully Yours  
B. B. Chapman 
P. S. I asked Mr. Boynton to hand you this line as I go over to N.Y. this evening to be gone until Monday 
B.B.C.
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Pension Office, May 26, 1845, 
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 15th it I have to inform you that the payment of Mrs Candace Pearse's pension will be transfered from Vermont to Ohio, under the act of June 17, 1844, if she will make application according to the enclosed form. The form was prepared for male pensioners, but it can be so altered as to meet her case.   
I am, respectfully, Your Obt Servant 
J L Edwards 
Mr Timothy Pearse Oberlin Ohio
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Mr. Edwards Sir 
I send the enclosed paper from Vt. at my Mother’s request, not that it is necessary, it was sent at her request, last year, her signature is that of a palsied hand. 
Yours, 
Timothy Pearse
Page 39

Candace Pearse dec'd
Brief
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Brief in the case of Candace Pearse, deceased, widow of Richard 
Lorain County and State of Ohio 
act July 7. 1838 & subsequent 
Claim, (for increase) 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Richard Pearce was pensioned under the act of 1818, discontinued, and pensioned under the act of 1832 at $40 per annum, credited with 1 year service as a marine. (the pension should have been $48.)  He declared that he enlisted on board the Confederacy, Ship of war - Capt Seth Harding late in February or in March, 1779.  Sailed to Delaware River about last of April or 1st May ‘79. and to Martinique in Novr and returned in May 1780 to Philada and in May was discharged.  He alleged that his service was about 15 months. 
Candace Pearse pensioned under act of 1838 &c at $40 per annum. 
Richard Pearce died Sept 6. 1834. Candace died, his widow, Aug 8th, 1848 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? 
It was understood, generally and indefinitely, at the time these several claims were admitted, that the cruise of the Confederacy lasted about one year, but the exact duration of her cruise was unknown.  The claims were admitted on parol testimony, which did not determine the duration of Pearce’s service. By reference to numerous cases of claims admitted for the same service, it is found that they were allowed for 18 months.  It appears from the declaration of John Simons (N.Y. 1818 admitted) that the crew were discharged on and about May 28th 1780. Extracts from the collections of the N.Y. Historical Society show that the Confederacy sailed May 1st ‘79 & returned Apr 30th, 1780, and that a few days before she sailed she filled her complement of men by impressment. Pearse enlisted. His declarations are confirmed. It is but reasonable to assume that he was in service a month before the ship sailed. She had been waiting from the fall of 1778, at N. London, to make up her complement of men.  It is but just to allow for 14 months service at ½ pay of a Seaman.   The other proofs are supplied. 
Names and residence of Agent
B. B. Chapman
Now Present
Examining Clerk 
S. G. Dodge
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I Phineas Hyde of the Town of Torrington in the County of New London State of Connecticut, of lawful age, do depose & say that I served on board the frigate Confederacy, Capt. Seth Harding commander, in the capacity of Surgeons Mate for the term of Eighteen or nineteen months.  During this period I was well acquainted with & have now a distinct recollection of a man on board said vessel by the name of Richard Pearse who served on board in the capacity of a Marine for upwards of twelve months.  The said Richard Pearse who then served is the same Richard Pearse who has this day make application to Nathaniel Richards of the Town of Hartford for evidence in support of his claim for a pension, is the same to to whom the said Nathaniel Richards refers in his deposition taken this day before George H. Richards a Notary Public of the city of New London.
Phineas Hyde
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State of Connecticut
County of New London ss
City of New London
On this twenty fifth day of October in the year for one thousand eight hundred and nineteen before me George H. Richards a Notary Public duly commissioned and residing in said City  personally appeared Phineas Hyde signer of the foregoing deposition and of the made Solemn Oath in due form of law to the truth of the facts set forth therein. And I further certify & make known that the Deponent aforesaid is a credible witness whose testimony is & ought to be admitted to  full faith & credit.   
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused my seal of Office to he affixed at said City of New London on the day mouth & year above written.  
George H. Richards Not. Publ.
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I Nathaniel Richards of the Town of Waterford in the County of New London State of Connecticut of lawful age do depose say that served or board the Frigate Confederacy, Cap Seth Harding Commander, in the capacity of Purser, for more than the term of two years have a distinct recollecting of the name of Richard Pearse being on the Purser’s books of the said frigate Confederacy, but from the space of about forty years have not the remotest recollection of the person who bore that name. And however a man by that name having appeared to me for my testimony as to his service on board the said vessel Confederacy  for about the period of fifteen months & while, as he says, I was serving on board said vessel, I am now perfectly well convinced from the representations of said Pearse from his relation of a great variety of  incidents that occurred on board said vessel during the period for which he claims to have served of which incidents no person not on board would be likely to have any knowledge, that the said Richard
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Pearse is in fact & truth the same Richard Pearse that he claims himself to be & who actually served on board said vessel the Confederacy. 
Nat Richards 
State of Connecticut 
County of New London 
City of New London
On this twenty fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & nineteen before me George H. Richards a Notary Public duly commissioned in & residing in said City, personally appeared Nathaniel Richards signer of the foregoing deposition and made solemn Oath in due form of law, to the truth of the facts set forth therein. And I further certify & make known by these presents that the above aforesaid is a competent & credible witness whose testimony is & ought to be admitted to full faith & credit.
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In testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & caused my seal of office to be affixed at said City of New London on the day month year as above written 
Geo. H. Richards Notary Public
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MADISONIAN OFFICE.   
APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER. 
County of Lorain  
State of Ohio } ss 
On this twelfth day of June 1845, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Lorain personally appeared Candace Pearse who, on her oath, declares that she is the same person who formerly drew a pension of the United States under the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838 and the Act of mard 3d 1843.  
that her name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont whence she has lately removed; that she now resides in the State (District, or Territory,) of Ohio where she intends to remain, and wishes her pension to be there payable, in future. The following are  her reasons for removing from Vermont to Ohio,  that she resided with her son Timothy Pearse, he removed from Vermont to Ohio
Candace Pearse
Sworn and subscribed to before me, day and year aforesaid. 
Brewster Pelton Justice Peace 
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. The County Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine. 
The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the pensioner's identity. He must swear that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed. 
In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers. 
Mode of Authenticating papers – In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 47

I Orlando Hall do hereby certify that I am acquainted and do personally know Mrs Candace Pearse that she is the person described in the within affidavit  
Orlando Hall
Sworn and subscribed  to before me this 12th day of June 1845 
Brewster Pelton Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that Orlando Hall is a person of truth and veracity Oberlin June 12th 1845
Brewster Pelton Justice Peace 
The State of Ohio
Lorain County ss }  Elymra Ohio June 12" 1845 
Lorain Com Pleas Clerk's office  
I Geo H. Benham do hereby certify that Brewster Pelton Esq is a justice of the Peace of said County duly commissioned and Qualified that his commission is dated Oct 24. 1844 and is valid for the Term of three years from its date, and that to all his acts as such justice due credit may and ought to be given throughout the United States and elsewhere, and that his signature to the accompany my certificate is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I do hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of the Lorain Common pleas the day and year above written 
Geo H. Benham Clerk of Court
 By H B Kelsey Deputy
Page 48

2638
Candace Pierce 
Declaration
$40 per annum
Page 49

Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3d March 1843 granting pension for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7. 1838 
State of Vermont 
Rutland County ss } On this 26 day of June 1843 personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the Peace Candace Pierce [Pearse] a resident of Sudbury in the County of Rutland, aged Seventy nine 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 3 March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That the is the widow of Richard Pierce [Pearse] who was a private marine in the Navy of the revolution, and that she received a pension of forty dollars per year for five years under the act of July 7. 1838.  She further declares that she is still a widow. 
Candace Pearse
Witness Asahel Barr 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me and I further certify that the declarant is personally known to me. 
James K Hyde Justice of the Peace
Page 50

State of Vermont 
Rutland County Clerks office } I  Frederick W. Hopkins Clerk of the County Court for the County Rutland do certify that James R. Hyde was, at the date of the foregoing a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Rutland, duly commissioned, and that I believe his signature to the same is genuine. 
Dated at Rutland this 10 day of July A.D. 1843. 
F. W. Hopkins
Page 51

Declaration of Richard Pearse 
Pension Office 
July 24, 1822 
Admitted $40 per annum 
A Seaman and to Dorastus Wooster Middlebury Vt.
Page 52

Richard Pearse 
Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of March next in Burlington by Heman Allen Esq Agent 
Recorded
Page 53

War Department 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. 
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 18th March, 1818, Richard Pearse late a Marine in the Navy of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Vermont Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the fourteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. 
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States , this twenty seventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and nineteen. 
C. Vandeventer
Acting Secretary of War
Page 54

Amos Thompson Judge 
Rutland County Court
Richard Pearse  
Naval Claim 
Ship Confederacy  
Commander Harding 
March 1777  1 year 
[unreadable]
Admd [admitted] 17 Nov 1819 
The deposition of a credible & disinterested witness duly to be taken & authenticated (or the certificate of an officer of the Navy) to prove the service of applicant, is required
Page 55

I Richard Pearse of Sudbury in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont in the fifty Seventh year of my age depose declare & say that I enlisted as a Marine on board the U. S. Ship Confederacy, as I think in about the fore part of March AD. 1777 for one year to fight against the common enemy.  Capt Seth Harding Commander & sailed in the month of April from New London to Delaware River from thence running through the season. And in the month of November by order of Government we sailed for France to carry an Ambassador Mr Jay & the French Ambassador Mr Gerrard & on our passage lost our Bowsprit & all three of our Masts & put into the Island of Martinique to refit & afterward returned to Philladelphia in the month of May following & received an honorable discharge signed by John Lawrence Capt Clerk. 
I furthermore depose & say that I am in Such reduced circumstances that I am under the necessity of constant & hard labour to procure a livelyhood & stand in need of assistance from my Country for support.   
Dated at Putney in the County & State as above this 14th day of April 1818. 
Rich’d Pearce
Page 56

State of Vermont 
Rutland County ss } On this 14th day of April AD 1818 before me the subscriber one of the Judges of Rutland County Court personally appeared Richard Pearse aged fifty seven years resident of Sudbury County & State as above who being first duly sworn according to law did on his oath make the foregoing 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.  Sworn to before and declared before me the day & year as aforesaid. 
Amos Thompson Judge Rutland County Court 
I Amos Thompson one of the Judges of the Rutland County Court do certify that it doth appear to my satisfaction that the said Richard Pearse did serve in Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy; and I now transmit to the proceedings and the testimony taken and had before me to the secretary for the department of war pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress 
Dated at Putney in the County & State as above this 14th day of April 1818 
Amos Thompson 
State of Vermont  I have affixed the seal of Rutland County Court to these presents by order of the Hon. Amos Thompson, one of the Judges of said Court 
R. Temple Clk
Page 57

State of Vermont 
Rutland County } Putney May first 1819  
This may certify that it has been made to appear to my satisfaction Richard Pearse is & was at the time of making his declaration in reduced circumstances & stands in need of of the assistance of his country for support  
Amos Thompson Judge Rutland County Court
Richard Pearse 
Naval Claim 
Ship Confederacy 
Commander Harding 
March 1777 1 year 
[unreadable] Admd [admitted] 17 Nov 1819 
The deposition of a credible & disinterested witness duly to be taken & authenticated (or the certificate of an officer of the Navy) to prove the service of applicant, is required
Page 58

Candace Pearse widow of Richard 
Pittsburgh Ohio Agency 
Act of 7th July 1838 
B.B. Chapman
Page 59

Candace Pearse Pittsburgh Ohio Agency 
Act of 7th July 1838 
B.B. Chapman
Atty for Claimant
Page 60

16,160
Vermont R 
Richard Pearse of Sudbury in the State of Vermont who was a Marine in the Confederacy  commanded by Capt Harding of the U.S. Navy line, for the term of one year. 
Inscribed on the roll of Vermont the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence at the 14 of April 1818. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 of Nov 1819 and sent to Amos Thompson Pulteney 
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1819   133.60 
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4 March 1820   48    
$184:60 
16 21/30
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}
Page 61

Pension Office July 11, 1855 
Sir
Please state to what time of arrears were paid the pension of Candace Pearse of Ohio. Pittsburgh Agency under act of 1838 and subsequent acts, was paid.  
If arrears were paid, please state to whom, & for whose benefit. 
Very respectfully 
S. Cole
For Comm Pen
R. J. Atkinson Esq 
Third Auditor 
Candace Pearse paid to 4 March 1848 
R. J. Atkinson
Auditor
July 11 / 55
Page 62

2397 
Ohio Pittsburgh . Bus  
Candace Pearse widow of Richard Pearse who was a Marine in the U.S. Navy for one year.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of Oct. 1843 and sent to Reuben R. Thrall Rutland  Vt.  Reuben R. Thrall 
Stephen Pronty
[Act of March 3, 1843. ]
Recorded in Book A Vol 1 Page 29. 
let to T. Pearse May 26, 1845 Ctf to Pen Age 19 June 1845.  
Rpt Oct 24
To Ohio Pittsburgh from 4 March 1844 - 30 June 1845. Notification to Timothy Pearse, Oberlin Ohio 
B. B. Chapman Mar 24 1855
Page 63

6342 
Ohio Cleveland  
Candace Pearse decd  widow of Richard who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Seaman. 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 56 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848 and ending 30 June 1848  
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of July 1855  sent to 
B. B. Chapman Present 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 357. Vol. 4
Page 64

Ohio Cleveland 
Candace Pearse, decd widow of Richard who died on the of 6th Septr 1834 of – in the state of -  who was a Seaman in the - commanded by Captain  - of the - commanded by in the Revolution line for   $ Incd [increased] from $40  
Inscribed on the Roll of Cleaveland at the rate of 56 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of July 1855. and Sent to B. B. Chapman Present
Arrears to the 4th of – 
Semi-annual allowance ending – 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk
Book D. Vol 1 Page 395
Page 65

2397 
Ohio Cleveland 
Candace Pearse, decd widow of Richard who was a Seaman in the Revolution 
Increased from $40  
Inscribed on the Roll of Cleaveland at the rate of 56 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of July 1855. and Sent to B. B. Chapman Present
Arrears to the 4th of – 
Semi-annual allowance ending – 
[Acts of March 3 1843 and June 17, 1844]
Recorded in Book A. Vol 2 Page 208
Page 66

1166 
Ohio Cleveland 
Richard Pearse, decd of the state of - who was a Seaman in the - commanded by Captain - of the - commanded by in the Revolution line for 
$ Incd [increased] from $40 
Inscribed on the Roll of Cleaveland at the rate of 56 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. and ending on Septr 6th 1834  
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of July 1855. and Sent to B. B. Chapman Present
Arrears to the 4th of – 
Semi-annual allowance ending – 
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832} 
Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk 
Book E 2. Vol 8 Page 46
Page 67

Candace Pearse, deceased, widow of Richard 
Ohio - Lorain Co. 
Act July 7. 1838 & subsequent 
Admitted 
Seaman 14 months at $56 per annum, from March 4th 1836 to August 8th 1848, when she died, excepting 2 years- at $96 per annum after July 1. 1848. deducting former payments, from July 4th, 1836 to March 4th 1848 at $40 per annum, excepting 2 years 
Admitted  Richard Pearse, decd under act of June 7th, 1832. Seaman at $56. per annum from Mar 4, 1831 to Sept 6th 1834, when he died, deducting former payments at $40 per annum 
Certificates payable to William Pearce Admr of Candace. for benefit of himself, and of Mary Rust, James Pearse, Phebe Wright, and Sylvanus Pearse only surviving children. 
Atty B. B. Chapman Now Present
Page 68

Elyria Lorain Co Ohio July 7th 1855 
Hon. Comm of Pensions 
Sir 
According to your suggestion made to me in March last after your decision made March 24th 1855 in the application for increase in the case of Candace Pearse, Widow of Richard of Ohio under act of 1838 &c. I am enabled to furnish documentary evidence as to the exact period of the sailing of the Ship Confederacy from New London in 1779 the return of the said Ship from Martinico [Martinique] to Philadelphia in 1780 and which so completely corroborates the declaration & testimony in the case of Mrs. Peace that it seems the increase asked must be allowed.  I take it the increase per month as asked for in my second letter in March is not disputed.   
The question then is how long did Richard Pearse serve on board of the Confederacy.  Under the act of March 1818 when time more than nine months was unnecessary to be proved, he said in his Declaration that he enlisted at New London on board Ship Confederacy Capt. Seth Harding
Page 69

as a mariner for one year in the forepart of March 1779, and in April sailed from New London to the Delaware River &c. thence to Martinico [Martinique] and returned with the ship to Philadelphia in May 1780, the following when he was discharged.   
Phineas Hyde Surgeons Mate aboard said ship, testified that said Richard Pearse served upwards of one year. 
Again July 5th 1832, when it became necessary under act of 1832 that the precise time of service should be stated, Said Pearse in his declaration says, that in February or March 1779 he enlisted at New London &c for no definite time and served on board of said ship for the term of one year and three months.  
Precedent 
John Ames of New York, admitted case act of 1818, said in his Declaration that in March 1778 or 9 he enlisted “for the cruise” on board of the Ship Confederacy and was discharged at Philadelphia in June having served fifteen months. 
May 1845 his widow Sarah Ames of Chenango Co. was admitted under act of 1843 to a pension for the fifteen months service of her husband by him stated/  
Also See case of John Simons of New York admitted act of 1818. 
It may then additional [unreadable] I have not seen the papers
Page 70

up to March 24th 1855 date of last decision in this case there was no record evidence in Pension Office of the definite time of the said of the Confederacy on her first Cruise as stated by claimants husband, nor of the day of her return to Philadelphia from Martinico [Martinique] in 1780.  “Produce record evidence of those facts" said Dr. Waldo & the claim for increase will be considered.” 
It is reasonable to suppose that a ships crew like that of the Confederacy, were not made up on the my day of sailing not discharged on the day of her arrival in port and if it shall appear that she was delayed for several months in consequence of the difficulty found in Manning her and it shall appear that she was one year at sea then the statement of those claiming or one years service must be admitted. That such was the case of the Confederacy the following evidence will show, also Phineas Hyde of Ct. admitted on act of 1818 in declaration say that he entered on board Confederacy then lying in River Thames, as Surgeons mate in Oct. 1778 & served until into May 1780.  “In an explanatory statement with his said papers he said he continued in said capacity while said ship lay in port of New London fitting & recruiting during fall of 1778 & winter of 1779 &c.” 
Also Journals of Congress of Sept, 25th 1778 state that, on that day Seth Harding elected Capt. of Ship Confederacy then nearly ready to be launched at Norwich Ct.
Page 71

By the foregoing it will appear that the Confederacy sailed on her first cruise from New London on the 1st day of May 1779 and returned from Martinico [Martinique]  to Philadelphia the 30th day of April 1780,  making just one year & then completely corroborating Mr. Pearse & his witness statements.   
Also confirm the statement of the delay in getting the ship ready for sea for the not of a sufficient crew &c the claim in this case therefore is, that the service be computed for fifteen months instead of twelve as heretofore adjudged, and service per month be considered at $8, the pay of a Seaman, instead of $6.66 the pay of private of infantry as was erroneously accredited in this case.
I also enclose certificate of Administratorship in whose name you will please issue Certificate & enclose to me at Elyria Lorain Co. Ohio. 
Very Respectfully yours 
B. B. Chapman 
P.S. Since Writing the above I have seen the papers of John Simons referred to above & find a perfect corroboration of the of the statement made by Richard Pearse of the service of the Confederacy.  These papers are with Mr. Dodge.  BBC
Page 72

Record proof 
“The Confederacy a continental ship of thirty two guns built in the Thames near Norwich and equiped at New London, sailed on her first cruise May 1st 1779.   
To make up her compliment of men for her crew it was necessary to have recourse to the odious practice of impressment.   
Monday night last about fifty seamen and landsmen were pressed by a gang from the Ship Confederacy now lying in the harbor and carried on board, a part of them have been since released.   Greens Gazette of April 29th 
Truly copied from pages 540 and 541 of "History of New London” by Frances Manwaring Caulkins” and to be found in Gilroy of New York Historical Society.  
“From the Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia May 3. Sunday last arrived from Martinico the continental frigate Capt. Harding”   
Truly copied from the Royal Gazette published at Newark Wednesday May 10th 1780 by James Revington and to be found in City of New York Historical Society State of New York. 
B. B. Chapman City & County of New York  
Be it known that before me
Page 73

Robert M. Strebeigh a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the City of New York duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared B. B. Chapman above named & upon his oath subscribed to the above & declared the facts by him attested true   June 28th 1855 Robert M Strebeigh - Com of Deeds &c 
of of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being [unreadable] 
BY CERTIFY, That Robert M. Strebeigh before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds, for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State, and for general purposes; and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 29th day of June 1855.
Rich B. Connolly Clerk
Page 74

Robert M. Strebeigh a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the City of New York duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared B. B. Chapman be named & upon his oath subscribed to the above & declared the facts by him attested true.
[unreadable] 
State of New York, City and County of New York, } ss. 
I RICHARD B. CONNOLLY, CLERK of the City and County of New York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being a Court of Record DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Robert M. Strebeigh before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds, for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorized to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State, and for general purposes; and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 29th day of June 1855 
Rich B. Connolly Clerk