Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,846, for Michael Smith, Connecticut
Page 1

Service
Conn.

Smith, Michael
Mary

Number
W.17,846

res. of Chatham, Middlesex Co. Conn.
he died May 10, 1828.
Page 2

Connecticut 4114
Mary Smith
widow of Michael Smith
who was a Private
in the Conn. Connecticut St. troops
for 11 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
Thirty Six Dollars Sixty Six
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
30th day of December 1843
and sent to N. C. Smith Chatham Connecticut

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 76
Page 3

I David Sears of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut aged 80 years depose and say that I enlisted into the State service in the month of March 1778 as a soldier in Captain Chapmans Company Col Tylers Regiment that I joined the Company at New Haven in the State of Connecticut and that Michael Smith of Chatham enlisted at the same time into the same Company when I did and was with me for the term of eight months in New Haven New London & at other places on the sea board & at the expiration of eight months myself and the said Michael Smith were discharged and returned to Chatham that I have been well acquainted with the said Smith from that time to the day of his death. & I further depose and say that I am & have been well acquainted with Mary Smith the widow of Michael Smith that she is at this time and has remained such since the death of her Husband -
David Sears
State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } Chatham June 11th AD 1839 -
Personally appeared David Sears signer of the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the same & I certify that he is a competent witness in a court of record -
Before me Nathl C. Smith Justice of the Peace

6114
Page 4

State of Connecticut }
County Middlesex } ss Chatham June 18th AD 1839 -

I Sparrow Smith of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut being Seventy eight years of age do depose and say that in the month of March 1777 I was drafted and mustered to go to Peekskills on the Hudson River in the Company commanded by Lieut David Smith Col Woolcott Regiment that I returned to Connecticut in the month of June following and Michael Smith of Chatham was drafted, went on with me and in the same company with me during the time that I was there and when I returned left him at Peekskill and further the deponant sayth not.
Sparrow Smith
Middlesex County of Chatham June 18th AD 1839 -
Personally appeared Sparrow Smith, signer of the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the same and I certify that he is as man of truth and veracity & a competant witness in any court
Nathl C. Smith Justice of the Peace
B.
Page 5

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } ss Chatham June 18. AD 1839 -

I the subscriber Rufus Smith do hereby certify that it appears by the Registry of Marriages now in my possession which were kept by the late Revd Lemuel Parsons now deceased formerly Pastor of the third Congregational Society in the Town of Chatham that there is the following entry viz -
Married July the twenty second one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven Michael Smith and Mary Hall -
That the above extract 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 - (Married July 22d 1787 - Michael Smith & Mary Hall - )
I Rufus Smith above named testify depose and say that I hold the Office of Pastor in the third Congregational Society in the Town of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut - that the above extract from the Records of Lemuel Parsons deceased formerly Pastor of the the third Congregational Society in said Chatham are true with the exception above named as certified by me
Rufus Smith Pastor
Sworn before me
Nathl C. Smith Justice of the Peace
C.
Page 6

V. 6114

Mary Smith
Con
Act 7 July '38

M 87. d 28
Page 7

We Henry Strong & Daniel Strong both of Chatham in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut do depose and say that Michael Smith died on the 10th day of May AD 1828 and that we were present when he the said Smith died and further say that we have been acquainted with his widow since his death and that she never has intermarried but still continues the widow of the said Michael Smith and further the deponants say not -
Henry Strong
Daniel Strong

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County ss Chatham August 13th AD 1839
Personally appeared Henry Strong & Daniel Strong signers of the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the same & I certify that the above deponants are credible witnesses in any court of Record -
Nathl. C. Smith Justice of the Peace
D.

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } I John Fisk Clerk of the County Court of sd County of Middlesex do Certify that Nathl C. Smith Esq was on the 11th day of June 1839 & now is a Justice of the Peace with in & for the County of Middlesex as sd Com on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceeding Certificates markd A.B.C.D. are his proper Hand writing & signatures
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my Hand & affixed the seal of sd Court this 12 day of Septr. AD 1839.
Jno Fisk Clk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 8

free
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner
of Pensions, City of Washington D.C.

East Hampton Ct
April 3d

[written vertically at left] Apl 6. 1840.
Page 9

Sir I have the pleasure to acknowledge the Receiving of your Letter of the 28th of March on the 2nd Instant, Relative to the claim of Widow Mary Smith of Chatham for a pension for her Deceased Husband Michael Smith, we had hoped & expected that the Department would have been satisfy'd with the Testimony forwarded to your Office before - As the Evidences were men of as good Character for Truth & veracity as any In the Town - And were all of them Pensioners, And the Department could see by turning to their Declaration & Comparing, would know whether their Statements agree - As you have their testimony I shall not pick at them, I have called on the widow this day & showd her your Letter, And as she is Old & very needy & not Expecting to Live long, She has Authorized me to write to the department to send the pension Certificate for Eight Months Service. If you are not fully Satisfied that she is truly Entitled to more 

You will please to Direct your Communication & Certificate to Me, Directed to Middle Haddam Post Office Con

I Remain with Sincere Respect Your Obedient Servant
Elisha Niles
Agent & Attorney for Widow Mary Smith
Chatham MiddleHaddam Society April 3rd 1840 -

Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington

P.S. please forward your Communication As soon as Convenient, EN
Page 10

feb 26. 1841

feb 26. 1841
Hon. War Department
City Washington D.C.

Mary Smith
Ct
Care of J. L Edwards Esq
for increase of Pensions

East Hampton Ct
Feb 23rd

Free
Page 11

To the Honorable Department of War City of Washington
At the Repeated Request of the Widow Mary Smith Relict of the Late Michael Smith of Chatham Deceas'd a Soldier of the Revolutionary War - And Likewise of her Children & relatives &c who Claims a pension under the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838 Granting half pay & pensions to Certain Widows &c.
We have to acknowledge the Receipt of a pension Certificate for 8 Months Instead of 11 Months - which was suffered to be fully prov'd by Respectable men who was with him & knowing to his Service for sd term & say they are drawing pensions for sd time Sparrow Smith for 3 months In 1777 from March untill June In Capt David Smiths Company that he servd as a Volunteer In the State of Newyork & you state that Unquestionably the Militia was Drafted but for 2 months only - we Grant it, but say the truth & Facts, is that Sparrow Smith & about 12 or 15 more turned out as Volunteers without being Drafted & servd 3 months in stead of 2 mo. I have Lately found another Testimony which I send you Enclosed From John Markham of sd Chatham who was a Servant in sd Company & States that he turned out as a Volunteer & served 3 Months & that Michael Smith Deceased & Sparrow Smith Served In the same Company 3 Months sd John Markham Is a pensioner & says he draws for 3 months on that tour of Duty - I wish the Department would be so good as to Look at the Declaration of Sparrow Smith & John Markham and see if their statement agrees - If it does we Expect the Department will allow the other month to the Widow Smith In Course &c

I have Likewise sent Enclosed a further & more Explanatory State of Facts from Mr Jacob Hurd & David Sears whose Testimony you have given under Oath, that they servd In the State Service In the year 1778 from March - Untill November, & was in actual Service 8 Months, you stated that you have the pay Rolls of Several Companies that was Discharged - at Six Months - we dont dispute If as Capt Chapmans Company was never with the Regiment & acted as a flying Camp from New Haven &c - on the Sea Coast - Enlisted for a year & does pay for a year, discharged at 8 months - to Return if called for - was not called for
Page 12

I shall not intrude on your patience much further As you have the Testimony of Sparrow Smith - that he knew Michael Smith to be in the Service 3 Months - from March Untill June following in the year 1777 In the State of New york - Acting as Volunteers
In Addition to the same you have Enclosed, a Statement from John Markham who was a Sergant in the same Company that turned out as a Volunteer & Servd 3 Months from March 1777 Untill June following who says he draws a pension for 3 months - on that Service and that Michael Smith Deceased was In the Same Company & Servd 3 months likewise - - - If his Statement is disputed, he is ready & willing to give oath to the same - the object of obtaining his Statement is to Establish the testimony of Sparrow Smith - now in your Department If you find that Sparrow Smith & John Markham who say they draw a pension for 3 months the same year & months say from March to June 1777 we trust you will, be Satisfyd that Mrs Smith ought to have one month allow
You will Likewise have the Goodness to Compare the Declaration of Jacob Hurd & David Sears - now in your Office who State that they are now drawing a pension for 8 months service from March 1778 untill November following & was Discharged at New London on the Condition of Returning If calld for - the Enlistment was for 12 Months and Received pay for 12 months - But they was never sent for after 8 months and they have given under Oath that Michael Smith Deceasd served as long as they - If the Department cannot find a pay roll or other Satisfactory proof that Capt Chapmans Company did not Serve 8 months - we trust they will feel justifyd to grant the widow of Michael Smith an addition of 2 months And Likewise the addition of 1 month In the year 1777 In Capt D Smiths Company - If Sparrow Smith & John Markham draw for 3 months, the same Company As you have the Testimony of Capt Jacob Hurd, & of David Sears - in proof of 8 Months Service of Michael Smith & the Deposition of Sparrow Smith now in your Department It was Considered of no use to give their oath again. If it would be more satisfactory to the Department Mr John Markham is ready to give oath to the truth of his Statement, I will Conclude by saying that Jacob Hurd David Sears Sparrow Smith & John Markham are, all of them, Respectable men & of Good Moral & Religious Character
Page 13

I wish an Answer as soon as convenient, as the Widow is ill and infirm And wishes if the Department are satisfy'd that she has more justly due they will attend to the same soon

you will please write me soon after Comparing the Testimony of the Evidence of the witnesses with their own Declaration. In order to Obtain their own pensions - which I believe is the most certain means to obtain the truth.

Please direct your Communication In Answer to this, Directed to me, at Middle Haddam Post Office Conn
Elisha Niles Agent & Attorney for Widow Mary Smith
Dated at Chatham Middle Haddam Society February 22nd 1841

Hon Department of War }
City of Washington D.C. }

P S I would state that my wife was taken dangerously sick about the time of obtaining the Statement of Jacob Hurd & David Sears & not Expected to Live from one day to another for near a month, which was the cause of my not sending this Communication sooner (E Niles)
Page 14

Record Division.
3-525.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions.
Washington, D. C., ___, 19 __

W.F. 17,846

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

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

Mch 1777/ 3 mos./ Lieut David Smith/ Wolcott/ Conn.
1778/ 8 mos. Pvt/ Elisha Chapman/ Abraham Tyler

Battles engaged in, ___
Residence of soldier at enlistment, ___
Date of application for pension, June 1839 His cl was al
Residence at date of application, Chatham, Middlesex Co. Conn
Age at date of application, He was 71 yrs old
Remarks: He married at Chatham Conn July 22, 1787. Mary Hall and died May 10, 1828.

The only one this name Conn Troops

Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 15

[left side of page]
Rev Widow, &c.
File No. 17846
Mary Smith
widow of
Michael Smith
Pri Rev War
Act: March 3d '43
Index: - Vol. M, Page 223

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side of page]
1913 Nov. 1 Hist. to Mrs. Harriet C. Cole. V.L.M.
Page 16

5262
Connecticut
Mary Smith
widow of Michael Smith
and who died on the 10 May 1828
of Middlesex Co. in the State of Connecticut
who was a private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Chapman of the Regmt commanded
by Col Tyler in the Connecticut State
line for 11 months increased from 8 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of May
1841 and sent to Elisha Niles. Chatham
Middle Haddam Society. Connt.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $183.30
Semi-annual allowance ending Sep 1841 18.18
$165.12

{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by Theo L. Moody Clerk,
Book A Vol. 1. Page 209

[right side of page]
See letter to A. H. Pomroy
Pension Agent May 6, 1841
Page 17

[left side of page]
5262
Connecticut
Mary Smith
widow of Michael Smith, decd.
and who died on the 10th May 1828 -
of Middlesex Co in the State of Connecticut
who was a private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Chapman of the regt commanded
by Col. Tyler in the Con. State
line for 8 months. Increase to 11 mo

Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of April
1840, sent to Elisha Niles, 
Chatham, Middle Haddam Society, Con.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840 $106.66
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept '40 13.33
$119.99

{Act July 7, 1838.}

Recorded by D. M. Curdy, Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 1. Page 209.

[right side of page]
See let. Elisha Niles
March 22d 1841
Page 18

6114
Let. to Elisha Niles,
October 15, 1839.
To same March 28, 1840.

Act 7 July 38
Page 19

Mary Smith Power of
Attorney to Elisha Niles
Page 20

To the Honorable Department of War -
I Mary Smith of Chatham In the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut do by these presents appoint & constitute Elisha Niles, of Chatham County & State aforesaid my true & Lawfull Attorney for me & in my behalf, to aid & assist me in Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838 Entitled an Act granting half pay and Pensions to Certain Widows & to Obtain Evidence of the Actual Service of my late Husband Michael Smith Deceased, to Forward papers and Documents to the department of War & Receive the same. And I do hereby Ratify & Confirm whatever my sd Attorney shall do as Respect the Above Business - In Testimony whereof I hereunto Set my hand & Seal this 3rd day of June AD 1839.
Mary Smith
In presence of
Abigail Smith
Elsey Nichols
Page 21

6114
Mary Smith
Wid of Michael
Conn
Act July 7 1838
Married 1787
died 1828
Allow 8 mo pri
to 26.66 per ann
Cap Chapman
Col Tyler Conn
State troops

Mr. Elisha Niles
Chatham Middle Haddam Society
Conn.
Page 22

Comptrollers Certificate
Page 23

Comptrollers Office
Hartford June 27 1839
I Certify that on application for evidence of the service of Michael Smith who claims service in the War of the Revolution under Captain David Smith in 1777 and Elisha Chapman/McLellans Regt in 1778 - that no Pay Roll of the above officers can be found in this office that in Pay Table Book is the following amount -

Cap David Smith, Chandler Regt DC
1777 March 1 To order on [illegible] in ap his Company this State Bounty [pound sign] 500.0.0
May 19 To order on [illegible] in ap his Company 160.0.0
June 25 To Cash paid by Col Chandler 200.0.0
July 17 To 12 Blankets 9.7.0
1778 Jany 15 To 12 Blankets 9.1.0
July 21 To clothing & Blankets 256.2.3
[pound sign] 1134.10.3

Supra
1778 Nov 25 By Account tendered for his Company [pound sign] 820.
1779 March 10 By Cash & Sundries to [illegible] 2314 10.3 = 1134.10.3

Cap Elisha Chapman/McLellans Regt Dc
1778 Nov 25 To order on [illegible] in his Company [pound sign] 600.0.0
1779 March 10 To order on [illegible] a Cash/Col. Cook 2234.1.5 [pound sign] 2834.1.5

Supra
1779 March 10 By Account Sundries for his Company [pound sign] 2834.1.5
Henry Kilbourn Comtr
Page 24

To the Hon Department of War

I Jacob Hurd of Chatham In the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut Aged 77 years Depose and say - that in the Month of March 1778 I enlisted as a Soldier in the States Service & did the duty of a waiter to Lieut Nathan Hale In Captain Chapmans Company Col. Tylers Regiment, joind the Company at New Haven in said State, And depose & say that I was well acquainted with Michael Smith of Chatham And know that he Enlisted the same time, and in the same Company & Regt And was in Actual Service at New London & New Haven, in said State Eight Months at the Expiration of which he was discharged, he Enlisted & servd as a private in said Company - And have ben acquainted with him for a number of years since further the Deponent saith not
Jacob Hurd

State of Connecticut
Middlesex County Ss Chatham June 12th AD 1839
Personally appeard Jacob Hurd Signer of the Above Deposition and made Oath to the truth of the same - And I Certify that he is a Credible Witness for any Court of Record
Before me Noah Brooks Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } I John Fisk Clerk of the County Court of sd County of Middlesex do Certify that Noah Brooks Esq was on the 12th June 1839 a Justice of the
Page 25

Peace within & for sd County of Middlesex as Commission on file in my Office. & that his name subscribed to the foregoing Certificate is his proper Hand Writing & Signature
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my Hand & affixed the seal of sd Court this 12th day of Sept AD 1839.
Jno Fisk Clk
Page 26

Testimony of Jacob
Hurd - David
Sears, John Markham
Page 27

To the Honorable Department of War - this may Certify that I Jacob Hurd of Chatham Middlesex County State of Connecticut, aged 79 years A Pensioner of the United States, Have [illegible] Given my Declaration Respecting my Service In the Revolutionary War in Order to Obtain me Pension And Once to [illegible] the Widow Mary Smith widow of Michael Smith Deceased to Obtain he pension as his Widow, the truth of which I still Adhere to that is that I Enlisted In March 1778 In the Company Commanded by Capt Elisha Chapman - In the States Service for 12 months or one year - And that I was In Actual Service 8 months or more & was Discharged at New London In sd State on or About the 20 of November following on the Condition of Returning Again If Sent for & Received pay for One year, I would State that Capt Chapmans Company was most or all the time alone - & the Regiment was never Together But was Stationed at different places. In the Sea Coast And I was not, but other Companies In the Regiment was Discharged at 6 Months - But I have Given my Oath twice that I served in Actual Service 8 Months which is a Fact, and if the pay roll of Capt Chapmans Company can be found It will be proved so & I who have Given my Testimony that Michael Smith was In the Said Company & served 8 months which is [illegible] I would do again
Jacob Hurd Chatham January 22nd 1841
as the Widow & wife of Michael Smith, Deceased still living
Page 28

To the Honorable Department of War or whom it may concern
This may Certify that I David Sears of Chatham Middlesex County State of Connecticut Aged 83 years a Pensioner of the United States Enlisted In the Month of March 1778 In the States Service for one year & served In Capt Elisha Chapmans Company Col McClellans Regiment And was Discharged at New London About the 20th of November In the same year - and that Michael Smith of sd Chatham was in the same Company & Served the same time, & Likewise Jacob Hurd, we was paid for one year. On the condition of Returning when calld for, we was In Actual service 8 Months or more the Statement of Jacob Hurd Given, Is a true State of Fact I have Given my Declaration twice before once to obtain my own Pension & once for Widow Mary Smith. I have nothing more to Add. Unless to say that I know not when the other Companies was discharged. As our Company was never with the Regiment It may be some was Discharged In 6 months
In Witness hereto I set my hand this 24th day of January 1841
David Sears
Page 29

To the Honorable Department of War City of Washington -
I John Markham of Chatham Middlesex County State of Connecticut Aged 85 May 1841 - a pensioner of the United States - I hereby State & Affirm that in the Month of March 1777, I volunteered to Serve In the Company Commanded by Lieut David Smith Acting as Captain of sd Company - I Served from March 1777 until June 1777 being 3 Months - And that Michael Smith of sd Chatham was a private In sd Company & served 3 months Likewise Sparrow Smith of sd Chatham Served In the same Company 3 Months as a volunteer - & Michael Smith the same, [illegible] had to my Declaration In the War Department In proof of the Above sd Service to which I now Draw a pension -
NB - I was Sergant of sd Company & had my [illegible] and Draw pay as such - for sd 8 Months Service - And I now Declare & State that Mary Smith Widow of Michael Smith is Still Living - the Above Declaration I am Ready to Give Oath to, - If Need say & Requested In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 18th Day of February 1841 - John Markham
Page 30

Mary Smith
Con
Act 7 July 38

[illegible] new certific
for 11 mo pri
$36.66
deduct what has been paid -

Elisha Niles
Middlesex Haddam
Conn
Page 31

Free
Hon War Department
City of Washington D.C.
To the Care of J. L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Apl 21. 1841

[circle stamp] Middle Haddam Apr 17

Mary Smith
Page 32

Chatham, Middle Haddam Society April 13th 1841

To the Hon War Department DC
I have the pleasure to Inform you that I Receivd your Communication of the 22nd of March, was happy to find the Additional Claim of the Widow Mary Smith, for 3 Months pay; was Allowd  In Consequence of her Husband Michael Smiths Services - In the war of the Revolution - which was no Question, her just due you stated the Original Certificate given her 8 months Pension which was to Expire on the 4th of March 1841 for the 5 year - previous, must be Returnd to the Department, & a new Certificate Given for the Three Months due, would be Issued, & forwarded & In a few days after receiving your Letter I called on Mrs Smith & read to her the contents of sd Letter which was highly pleasing to her, in her old age & poor She said her Certificate was Sent to Hartford by Esq Nathaniel C Smith - who told her that he could not Obtain her Last Pension without It, As It was the Law, or Custom, when a Pensioner Died. & had Obtaind all that was due or a Widow had Obtaind her 5 year pension in full, the Certificate must be Returnd to the Department, that gave it, Consequently I could not return It, But Expect you have Receivd It from the Pension Office at Hartford, Some time past - If so I shall expect a new Certificate will be Issued and forwarded as soon as Convenient - you will please to direct your Communication Including the Certificate for 3 Months as you stated to me, at Chatham Middle Haddam Society - Conn And Oblige the poor aged widow I Remain with due Respect & Consideration yours &c
Elisha Niles Agent & Attorney
For the Widow Mary Smith

Hon Department of War }
Page 33

Mary Smith
$36.66 per an

N. C. Smith
Chatham
Con
Page 34

Chatham October 24 - 1843 -

Sir
Inclosed is the Declaration of Wd Mary Smith & Rebecca Johnson for one years pension under the Act of March 3d 1843. I would call your attention to the declaration of Eunice Smith the widow of Sparrow Smith deceasd a pensioner, which I forwarded to your office in April last, and have heard nothing from them since - also the declaration of Mrs Ruth Gates which was sent to the pension Office in 1839, supposing that she was a subject for a pension and according to your letter her papers were placed on your files you will please state what further proof you want in addition to the papers of of Ruth Gates the widow of Jeremiah Gates a pensioner - if she is a subject for a pension & they shall be forwarded -
Respectfully yours,
Nathl. C. Smith

To J L Edwards Esq }
Commissioner of Pensions}

Mary Johnson's dec returned
See let. Dec. 16. 1843
Page 35

The Deposition of Sparrow
Smith Esq. for Mary Smith
Page 36

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } ss Chatham January 13th 1840

I Sparrow Smith of Chatham in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, aged Seventy nine years last August do depose & say that in the month of March (say about the middle) in the year 1777 myself Gillet Hinckley, Roderick White, John Goodrich, Josiah Goff, Elijah Hubbard all belonging in the society of East Hampton in said Chatham enlisted or volunteered for the draft that was to be made from the militia in said place we marchd for Peeks Kills on the North River, and when within one days march of said place, we received the news of the British burning Peeks Kills - we all went on to the North River under the command of Lieut Joseph Sage and were afterward mustered under Capt. David Smith Michael Smith from the Society of Middle Haddam was there and should say from the best of my recollection that he was there through the tour of the draft, and returned to Chatham about the first of June - and further the deponant saith not -
Sparrow Smith
Middlesex County ss Chatham January 13th AD 1840
Personally appeared Sparrow Smith signer of the above deposition and made oath to the truth therein contained and I certify that he is of sound mind and a credible person - Before me Nathl. C. Smith Justice of the Peace
Page 37

Declaration -
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d of March 1843 - granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7th 1838 -

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } ss Chatham October 16th AD 1843 -

On this sixteenth day of October AD 1843, personally appeared before Nathl. C. Smith a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mary Smith a resident of Chatham in the County of Middlesex aged Seventy Six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d day of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Michael Smith who was a private in the army, according to the best of my recollection in Tylers Regiment, and the annual amount of pension which she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was Twenty Six dollars and Sixty six cents per annum and also the sum of Fifty dollars for further services, which was proved after the five years certificate was granted - she further declares that she still is a widow - Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written
Mary X her mark Smith
Abigail Hord
Nathl. C. Smith
[written vertically] In presence of Witnesses

before me

A.  Nathl. C. Smith Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have been personally acquainted with Mary Smith the signer of the foregoing declaration for more than thirty years and that she is the widow of Michael Smith deceased and is still living. Nathl. C. Smith Justice of the Peace
B.
Page 38

State of Connecticut }
Middlesex County } I John Fisk Clerk of the County Court for the County of Middlesex do hereby Certify that Nathl. C. Smith Esq. is a Justice of the Peace within & for sd County of Middlesex as per commission on file in my Office & that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificates markd A. B. are his proper Hand Writing & signatures - In Testimony whereof I have hereby set my Hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 16th day of Oct AD 1843.
Jno Fisk Clk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 39

To the Hon Department of War
Care of James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington 
D C
Page 40

To the Honorable War Department
Enclosed I send you the Power of Attorney from the Widow of Michael Smith, Late of Chatham, Middlesex County, State of Connecticut Deceased - who was a Soldier of the Revolution - who Died before the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838, Granting half pay & Pension, to Certain Widows & sd Michael Smith had never drew a pension - as there was no Act of Congress at the time he died - that Embraced his case, - Accompanying this Letter I send the Declaration of Mary Smith Widow of the Above Michael Smith, Deceasd, taken by Ezra Foot Esq then Judge of Probate for the District of Chatham with his seal affixed Together with the Evidence of Jacob Hurd & David Sears who servd in the same Company & Regiment Eight Months or more in the States Service Like the testimony of Esq Sparrow Smith who was with him three months or more in the same Company & Regiment in the State of N York the above sd Jacob Hurd - David Sears & Sparrow Smith are all pensioners - And as Respectable men as any in the town & are all Members of Christian Churches in Good standing. the testimony of the Revd Prupur Smith, taken from the Records of the Revd Lemuel Parsons deceased, is correct as I have seen them, & Agrees with the Widows Declaration & their Family Records. I have likewise forwarded you the proof that Noah Brooks & Nathaniel C Smith was Justices of the peace at the time of taking the Deposition of Jacob Hurd David Sears & Sparrow Smith, Signd by John Fisk Esq Clerk of the County, & Superior Court, for Middlesex County, & has affixed his seal of Office there to be Likewise the seal of Philip Sage Now judge of probate for the District of Chatham to the other papers &c And hope & trust that the department will be satisfyd,
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In addition to the Declaration of the Widow as to the time of her Husbands Death, we forward you the Testimony of Mr Henry Strong & Daniel Strong who were present when he died & assisted to Lay him out - It is Considered & believd by the judges of probate & Clerk of the County & Superior Court - that the testimony, contained in the Several Documents - is all the Department Requires - And believe her claim as just, as any Widow who has Obtaind, & better provd than some

Perhaps you will wonder at their being so long a time since taking the first deposition to this time, the Cause was My Family - & Family Connections have for Two Months ben visited with Differing Sickness - One of whom has lately died - Others not out of Danger And the Clerk of the Court & Judge of probate - who must Affix their Seals Livd from 10 to 12 Miles from my house - & It was not proper or prudent to leave home

I hope & Expect, that an early Attention will be paid to the Subject, as the widow is verry poor & needs her just due

I remain with Sentiments of due Respect -
Elisha Niles -
Agent & Attorney for the Widow Abigail Smith
Dated Chatham Middle Haddam Society September 17th 1839

P.S. you will please send me the returns, Directed to be left at Chatham Middle Haddam post office Con

Hon War Department }
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of Connecticut }
County of Middlesex } ss Chatham Probate District
On this twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred & thirty nine personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the District of Chatham in said State Mary Smith a resident of Chatham in the County of Middlesex aged Seventy one years who being first duly 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 Michael Smith who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution And that she has often understood from her late husband the said Michael Smith deceased and from other persons the following facts which she verily believes to be true viz:  that her late husband the said Michael Smith enlisted into the Army of the Revolution some time in the year Seventeen hundred & seventy eight and that he served for a period of about eight months at different places on the sea board in Connecticut as a private soldier and belonged to a Company commanded by Captain Chapman which company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col Tyler And that her said husband was also drafted and went to Peekskill in the State of New York in the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy Seven that he was commanded by Lieut Smith, in the Regiment commanded by Col Wolcott and that he was on duty as a private soldier in said Company more than three months. She further declares that she was married to the said Michael Smith on the twenty second day of July, seventeen
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hundred & eighty seven and that her husband the aforesaid Michael Smith died on the tenth day of May in the year One thousand eight hundred and twenty eight, 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.
The word "three" written on erasure.
Mary Smith
Subscribed & sworn to before the Court of Probate for the said District of Chatham the day & year first above written. And I do further certify that the deponent is a Competent and credible witness.
Ezra Foote Judge of Probate for the District of Chatham

I Ezra Foote Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Chatham hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in this matter of the Application of Mary Smith for a pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this twentieth day of June in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty nine.
Ezra Foote Judge of Probate
for the District of Chatham

[seal affixed at left]

I hereby certify that at the time of taking the above declaration of Mary Smith Ezra Foote was Judge of Probate for the District of Chatham, that at the last Session of Legislature I was appointed his Successor
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this twelfth day of September AD 1839
Philip Sage Judge of Probate for the District of Chatham

[seal affixed at left]
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Hon J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington D.C.
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Chatham Middle Haddam Society January 22nd 1840
To the Honorable Department of War -
I have to Acknowledge the Receipt of your Communication - Some time past. In Answer to the Declaration of the Widow, Mary Smith of Chatham In Order to Obtain a pension for the Services of her Late Husband Michael Smith Deceased, a Revolutionary Soldier. And the Deposition of Capt Jacob Hurd & David Sears, who Certifyd that they know him to be in the service In the same Company, with them In the Year 1778 Say from March, Untill the Latter part of November. At Least 8 Months or More, As they was both Pensioners. And knowing that you had their Declarations in your Office to Obtain their Pension - They was not so particular In their Evidence as they otherwise would have been. I Understand their papers forwarded by Judge Comstock was Sent back. As they Stated that they Enlisted for one Year. And Receivd pay for one Year in the States Service but the Department Requird they should State & prove how long they was In Actual Service - Which was Correct & just - And the truth was that they Enlisted for One Year, Joind the Army In March at New Haven in Connecticut under Capt Elisha Chapman in Abraham Tylers Regiment - And at the Expiration of 8 months or more about Thanksgiving they was Discharged at New London 4 month before their time was out. Relievd by a party of Continental Soldiers their never was more than half the Regiment together at a time part at Fort [illegible] at Groton & part at New London - & part at New Haven Guilford.[illegible] Under Lt Col Tyler & then at New London & Groton under Col. M Lellan - Capt. Hurd - David Sears & Michael Smith were under Capt Chapman & Col Tyler. And never see Col McLellan the whole time who was stationed at Fort [illegible] or New London; who it appears by the comptroller present was the Head Col - as Elisha Chapman was Capt In his Regt, which will throw more light on the Subject If any further Doubt Remains - Reference had to the Declaration of Hurd & Sears to Obtain a pension Now in your Office - As they are men of Good Character & have testifyd that Michael Smith was with them the whole time - It is hoped that their will be no further delay in to widows Obtaining the pension Due her husband you will be pleasd to Notice Capt Chapmans Order on the Treasurer for pay for his Company Bearing Date November 25th 1778 Exactly agrees with the time that Hurd & Sears Testify they was Discharge - About the Last of November &c The Comptrollers Certificate I send you Enclosed. Carried Forward
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As it Respects the Testimony of Sparrow Smith Esq Stating his knowledge of Michael Smith's being in the Service In the year 1777 Say from March - Till June - following - I have Calld on him, to renew his Testimony. After Shewing him your Letter Stating that no Draft was 3 Months, or to that Effect - I Believe that it was not Common If Ever the Case to Call the Militia Out of the State for more than 3 Months without their Consent. In the State they did 3 or 4 If not 6 Months - But he has Renewd his Evidence more full. which I send you Enclosed, which I trust will be Satisfactory you will please Refer to the Declaration In your possession, that he sent you by Judge Comstock - to Obtain his pension and you can Compare If you have any doubts Respecting the truth of his Testimony he States that he & a Number of Others Enlisted as Volunteers - & not Drafted - the Exact time and Mention how long but the time of Service appears to be 3 Months & that Michael Smith was there as long as he -
In the Comptrollers Certificate it appears that Capt David Smith was in Col Chandlers Regiment which appears to Exactly agree with Sparrow Smiths Evidence who states that in the month of March 1777 He Enlisted as a Volunteer & It appears by the Comptrollers Certificate that the [illegible] March 1777 that Capt David Smith In Chandlers Regiment was Chargd to an Order on the Treasurer to the of his Company for States Bounty 500 L and In May - June & July more - &c - which appears to Establish his Testimony - to be sure it is more than probable - that the Enlisted men servd Several Months more than the Drafted men - As they had 16 Dollars Bounty. In his first Testimony I think he Stated that he was in Col Wollcotts Regt perhaps Wollcot was dismisd & Chandler took the Command. Or some Company transferd to Other Regiments which was Often done I trust I shall soon have the pleasure to Receive a Certificate for the poor Widow - who no One Doubts Is as well Entitled to it as any other that has Obtaind It I should have wrote sooner but I see a Letter from Mr. Pitkin at Hartford in the papers that no pensions Due Widows would be paid till the 4th of March 1840 you will please Direct your Communication to me to be Left at Middle Haddam or East Hampton Post Office being Each 3 miles off I Remain with due Respect & Esteem your &c
Elisha Niles

Hon J L Edwards Esq
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To Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: -
Have you on file in your Bureau an application for pension by one Michcal Smith of East Hampton, Conn., who fought in the battle of "Long Island" 1776. Any information kindly send to
(Mrs.) Harriet C. Cole
#31 Clinton Av.
Ossinning
N.Y.
Oct. 28th 1913 -

[circle stamp] U.S. Pension Office O Oct 29 1913
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The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*

Name Smith, Michael Grade Private Line Maryland

Warrant Number 11679 Acreage 100 Issued June 17, 1799 to James DeBaufre, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.
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The National Archives
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

Bounty Land Warrant Record Card*

Name Smith, Michael Grade Private Line Maryland

Warrant Number 11694 Acreage 100 Issued March 18, 1795 to - not shown -

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