Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13621, for John Kemper, New York
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Service
Continental (NY)
Penn Sea Service

Kemper John 

Number S13621


carded
Contents
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Service      Number
Continental (NY)  Kemper John  S13621
Pen Sea Service
carded
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Application of John Kemper

J.W. Fairfield
Agent

aomd
18 mo Conductor of Transport Teams 
6 mo midshipman of "Genl Green"

$216
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State of New York 
Columbia County} Ss. On this 20 day of July 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Justices Court of the City of Hudson in County and State aforesaid John Kemper a resident of Hudson State and county aforesaid aged 76 years after being duly sworn according to Law makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That he was born in the city of New York the September of the year 1756, that in the year 1777 being their in Philadelphia, he entered in the service of the United States, under Charles Young Deputy Clothier under James Mays Clothier General. This deponent was Mason Master and received a Captains pay and rations and was engaged in convoying the wagons and other transports from the Public stores to the army. He was in that service when the British entered Philadelphia and had at the time upwards of one hundred wagons under his command with a Lieutenants guard he protect the transports. He was in that service all the Spring after the British evacuated Philadelphia. While in his service, he was several times sent on foraging excursions. This deponent further says in explanation of the above mentioned service that his special duty was to superintend the convoy and of clothing from the public stores of Philadelphia and Lancaster to Genl. Washington's head quarters at the Park and that he had Washington's special protection against the interference of any other officer with his wagons. That he was in such service from Aug 1777 till the spring of 1779 being about eighteen months when he was discharged by  said Charles Young. 
 As they entered the service of the State of Pennsylvania in the Corvette Ship named "General [Prine?]" in the capacity of first Midshipman, & [laid?] her cruise out which was six months. This corvette was commanded by Capt. Montgomery, Samuel Carson First Lieut. Jacob Dehart became Lieutenant. In the Spring of 1780 he entered the Brig "Fair American" Capt Stephen Decatur & was a cruise of six months This was a brig of sixteen guns. He then entered the Brig. Hector of fourteen guns, Capt James Stevens & the day after sailing
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the Hector was captured by the British frigate Iris & the crew carried prisoners to New York. This deponent and others were confined aboard the old leakey prison ship & from there transferred by order of Admiral Rodney to the Provost and thence carried by the Yarmouth to England and confined at Mill Prison in Plymouth. Here he was confined till the Spring of 1781 when he [words crossed out] escaped and got home just after the taking of Cornwalis. 
And this deponent further declares that he has no documentary evidence, having lost all his papers when taken prisoner. That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to said service. 
And he further declares that he relinquishes all claim to any pension whatsoever except the present and  that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. 
John Kemper

Subscribed and sworn to the 
day and year aforesaid
 Hiram Wilbur

Mr John W Edmonds, Elisha Jenkins and [Gene?] Gardner of Hudson aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Kemper that we believe him to be seventy six years of age. That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 

J.W. Edmonds
Elisha Jenkins
Gayer Gardner

Subscribed and sworn to 
the day and year aforesaid
Hiram Wilbur Clerk
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And the said court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogating prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was in the service of the United States on the land and water during the Revolution and served as he stated. and the court further established that they are well acquainted with the persons who have also subscribed the above certificate that John W. Edmonds is recorder of the said city of Hudson, that Elisha Jenkins was formerly secretary of the State of New York and now vice chancellor of the Regents of the University of this State and that Gayer Gardner is a very respected Merchant and that all credible persons and their statements worthy of confidence. 
J W Fairfield
J McCagg

Subscribed and acknowledged before me 
Hiram Wilbur Clerk 

I Hiram Wilbur Clerk of the Justice Court of the City of Hudson aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Kemper for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have herein to set my hand and seal the say and year aforesaid. 
Hiram Wilbur Clerk
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State of New Jersey
County of Hudson} Ss
On this 29th day of May 1851 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Kemper a resident of Van Vorst in said county of Hudson who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an increase of pension in the case of John Kemper deceased under the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That she is the Administrator and one of the children of John Kemper dec'd late a resident of Columbia County NY and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of about one  hundred and eight dollars per annum. That John Kemper aforesaid died in the County of Columbia NY on the eleventh day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty five. That at the time of his death he left no widow and the following are the only children of the said John Kemper that was then or are now living viz- Sophia Willard, Daniel Kemper. Charles Kemper, John Kemper, Jane G. Crossman, and Elizabeth Kemper (this Declarant) and each of them are over twenty one years of age. In support of which claim this Declarant refers the Pension Department to the evidence on file in that office and to such other evidence as may be furnished by her Agent Wm Valentine of Albany NY or by his substitute. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me
this 29th day of May 1851
David Bedford
Justice of the Peace 

Elizabeth Kemper Administrator

I certify that I verily believe the above Declarant is the individual therein named and described 
David Bedford
Justice of the Peace
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State of New Jersey
Hudson County/ss: 
I Robert Gilchrist Clerk of the County of Hudson aforesaid do hereby certify that David Bedford before whom the within affidavit was made and whose name is subscribed thereto, was at the time the said affidavit was made and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county dwelling therein commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to administer affidavits. 
And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said David Bedford Justice of the Peace as aforesaid and verily believe the signature hereto to be genuine. (unknown) whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the 29th day of May 1851. 
R Gilchrist 
Clerk
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State of New York
County of Columbia
Surrogate Court} Ss
I C.B. Dutcher Surrogate of Columbia County aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears by evidence filed in this office in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two which was then and is now satisfactory to said Court that John Kemper a resident of Hudson in said County and a pensioner of the United States died in said county on the eleventh day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two. That at the time of his death he left no widow but left him surviving the following names children viz Charles Kemper, John Kemper, Daniel Kemper, Sophia Willard, Jane Crossman and Elizabeth Kemper. And that Elizabeth Kemper one of his children was duly appointed the Administrator of said John Kemper. And letters of Administration issued to her which are still in full force. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the official seal of said court this twenty first day of June 1851. 
C.B. Dutcher 
Surrogate
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New Brunswick Dec 13th 1832

Sir
Your favour of the 30th Ult I had the Honor to receive on the 3 Nov and should have paid earlier attention to its contents had my health permitted. I will now in compliance with the Secretary of War's request give all the information that I can respecting my brother John's services. His first was on board an Armed Vessel from Phila. She was captured and taken into N. York and the crew sent on board the prison ship from which he with a companion effected their escape and returned home. He soon after went again to Phila and entered on board the Gen. Green a State Ship as a midshipman on six months service. After a few days out she captured a Prize. He was just on board to being her in but was recaptured by the British Frigate and taken again into the Port of N York and again confined on board the same Prison Ship with many others. After some time they were taken from the Prison Ship and conveyed to the City and confined in the Provost Prison under Cunningham and after a few days they were sent on board a British 74 bound to England. The number of officers were about 70 men among whom were from Comr Manley, Capt Cunningham, Talbot Camp, Slover & Barnes and others. 
On their arrival to England they were confined in the Mill Prison and charged with piracy and high treason. After being a long time confined and at times cruelly treated with frequent specious offers to induce them to enter on board their vessel such there was not one of them that accepted the offer to forsake their Country.
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After a considerable time being confined and strictly guarded they obtained at times a little indulgence, when he with some others made their escape and entered on board a British vessel then ready to sail for the Island of Jamaica, when they arrived he was at some time permitted to go on shore but strictly watched, but at night he made his escape and lay concealed for some days until he got convoyed on board an American Vessel and arrived again on the continent but in a very ill state f health when he reached his home, owing to the many handwhips and sufferings he underwent. Thus I have endeavored to give as true and faithful a statement of my brother's early services, as the long period that has since passed away will permit. And all which was told me by himself immediately after his return from both of his captivities. And I am fully convinced that he cannot at this present procure a single evidence but myself to substantiate his claims. Sir soon as my brother's health was restored he went again to Philada [Philadelphia] and engaged himself as a Wagon Master was employed in transporting the Public Stores from the City to Lancaster before the British took possession of the City. And he continued in that Department a long time, probably to the close of the war. 
I hope his service and great sufferings in the service of his Country will entitle him to a pension and which I assure will be ^highly gratifying to the [Bosom?] of.
Sir with due respect
Your Obed. Servt
Daniel Kemper

J.L. Edwards Esq.
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February 27, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fredericka B. Peters 
85 Beech Street
East Orange, New Jersey

John Kemper 
S. 13621
BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:
You are furnished herein the record of John Kemper, as found in pension claim, S. 13621, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. 

John Kemper was born in September 1756 in New York City, where he resided until the beginning of the Revolutionary War; the names of his parents are not given. 

In August, 1777, he went to Philadelphia and was there appointed a wagonmaster under James Mease, Clothier General of the Army, stationed at Philadelphia, was sent out on several foraging excursions and was discharged in the spring of 1779. In May, 1779, he entered the sea service of the State of Pennsylvania, as first midshipman on board the corvette ship, "General Green", Captain Montgomery, and served six months cruising along the coast. In the spring of 1780, he went on board the brig, "Fair America", Captain Stephen Decatur, as a volunteer and served six months. In the spring of 1781, he entered on board the brig, "Hector", Captain James Seloover, served as lieutenant; the day after sailing from Philadelphia, the Hector was captured by the British frigate, "iris", he was carried to New York, imprisoned there and in Mill Prison at Plymouth, England, until the spring of 1782, when he made his escape, obtained passage to the West Indies, and from there to Philadelphia where he arrived in November, 1782. 

Sometime after the Revolutionary War he resided in New York City then moved tp Hudson, Columbia County, New York. 

John Kemper was allowed pension on his application executed July 20, 1832, while a resident of Hudson, New York, where he had lived forty-six years.
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John Kemper's wide, name not stated, did not survive him. 

He died August 11, 1842, in Hudson, New York, leaving the following children; it is not stated whether or not there were ever other children:

Sophia Willard

Daniel Kemper

Charles Kemper

John Kemper

Jane G. Crossman

Elizabeth Kemper, who in 1843 was living in Hudson, New York, and in 1851 in "Van Vorst", Hudson County, New Jersey. 

In 1832, reference was made to John Kemper's brother, Daniel Kemper, then living in New Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1840, reference was made to another brother, Jacob Kemper, his place of residence not shown. 

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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John Kemper N.Y. Albany Act 7 June  $216- when last pd?
GWC
19 Aug 40

pd to 4 March 1839
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To what time was John Kemper, act 7 June 1832, Albany Roll, last pens. ?

pd to 4 March 1839
JH

J.L. Edwards
Sept 27 1839
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Service          Number
Continental (NY)  Kemper John  S13621
Penn Sea Service
carded
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.  3-525 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS. 
Washington, D. C., 19—
In reply to your request of ---, received --- for a statement of the military history of [illegible] a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the information as contained in his [crossed out, (or his widow's)] application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK, OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. - CAPTAIN. and COLONEL. STATE.

[ALL ENTRIES ARE ILLEGIBLE]

Battles engaged in, [illegible]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [illegible]
Date of application for pension, [illegible]
Residence at date of application, [illegible]
Age at date of application, [illegible]
Remarks: [illegible]
Respectfully, Commissioner.
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[blank]
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85 Beech Street
East Orange, N.J.
February 7, 1935
The Commissioner of Pensions 
Department of the interior 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In tracing the lineage of the Kemper Family, I find that the following members of the family served in the Revolutionary War. I should like very much to have a copy of their pension records, if possibleCould you furnish this information 
The names of the soldiers are: 
1) John Kemper, in the naval service of the Colonies: born 1756 in New York City died 1842 Hudson, Col. Co. 
2) Jacob Kemper, his brother, who is listed as an ensign in the 2nd regiment, 1st battalion, 1st Enlistment of the State of New Jersey.
3) Daniel Kemper, his brother, who attained the rank of Colonel and was aide-de-camp to Gen. Washington at the battle of Germantown. Also Deputy Clothier General.
I would appreciate having this information. Thank you for taking the trouble. 
Sincerely yours,
[signed] Fredericka B Peters
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REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE. 
O. W. & N. Div. 
MEMORANDA. 
Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below. 
Full name of soldier John Kemper 
Place of residence before service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.) Hudson N. Y. 
Place of residence after service: (Town, county, and State, if possible.) Hudson N.Y 
Date of death (as near as possible): 
Christian name of widow: 
Did either he or his widow receive a pension? 
John Kemper
Remarks: 
Your name and address: 
Mrs. J. H. Evans 
301 W. Third St 
Oil City Penna
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316 Mt. Prospect Ave
Newark, N.J.
Oct. 1st 1919
Bureau of Pensions


[REMAINDER OF COPY IS TOO LIGHT TO TRANSCRIBE OTHER THAN A FEW SCATTERED WORDS]
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Rev [Lic?] 6?
[2 oval stamps]  SEP 6 1922 RECORD DIVISION
East Orange, N.J.
September 3, 1922.
U.S. Pension Office,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
 Will you kindly furnish me with the Revolutionary War record of John Kemper.
 He was born in Europe, probably Holland, in 1750, and died and was buried in Hudson N.Y. in 1842.
 Thanking you in advance for your courtesy, I am
 Truly yours,
 [signed] Anna Kemper Peters
Mrs. Ralph A. Peters
#39 No. Burnet St.
East Orange, N.J.

[round postal mark] SEP 6 1922 U.S. OFFICE
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[WIDOW, &c - crossed out]
Invalid
Revy Navy
File No. 13621
John Kemper
Midshipman (U.S. Navy)  Rev War
Act June 7 1832
Index: Vol 4, Page 39
Arrangement of 1870
Continental and * Pa. Lines
Records corrected Aug 4, 1906
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May 1st '96 [socd?]
Pens to Mrs J.H. Evans
301 3d St.
Oil city Penna    LWB
Feby 8 - 94 History to Mr. W.H. Graves
Wichita, Ks.
Ser Wid. 20-292
1919 Oct 16 History to Edna Sherwood Yarnall [AW?]
1922 Oct 2 Hist to Mrs. Ralph A. Peters
1935 Feb 27 - Hist to Frederica B Peters - MLB
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War Dep. 
Jan H
March 10 40 

Sir
Before a certificate can be passed in the case of John Kemper for his services as midshipman in th e PA Navy agreeably to genrs of 24 ult it will be necessary to cancel the certificate he now holds. It should therefore be returned to this office. 

G.F. Yates 
Schenectady 
NY
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J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I have received your communication relative to the case of John Kemper, dated 10th March inst. In my letter of the 24th ulto. I said something about accepting a certificate for Kemper as a midshipman. This I did without due consideration, supposing to pay as midshipman Mr. Master to be about the same and without consulting the applicant himself, whom I had not then seen. 
To receive a pension for his services as midshipman would be tantamount to receiving no pension at all, if he be allowed as such only for six months, the period he was allowed for before. It would take more than twice the period of his natural life still unspent to enable him to realize the amount necessary to refund the overpayment. 
I beg leave again to cite the case of Zaddock Hadden as analogous to Mr Kempers. Mr . Hadden was verified as a wagon master by
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Col. Aaron Ogden and John Kemper was verified as Wagon Master by Jacob Kemper. Mr. Ogden was not a superior officer to the same Department, but Mr. Jacob Kemper was, therefore the case of John Kemper has better evidence to verify it than Mr. Hadden's. If I am mistaken (which I am certified that I am not) in supposing that Mr. Ogden did not serve in the same Department with Mr. Hadden and as a superior officer, then the cases are exactly analogous. 
On ascertaining the amount of pension that will be allowed Mr. Kemper, he will return his certificate. 

I am very respectfully
Your obt servt
Giles F. Yates

Schenectady March 24th 1840
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Schenectady Augt 14 1846

J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I send enclosed Mr. John Kempers old certificate for which you pensioned in your last communication to me on the subject to substitute a new one. Although the stipend now awarded him is less than he conceives himself entitled to, he will accept it until he furnishes proof that he was a regular Wagon Master and entitled as such to the same pay as Zaddock Hadden and others, whose cases have been admitted on passed proof. 

Your obet Servt
G.F. Yates
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Aug 10, 1848
Hon J.S. Wiley
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183

Pension Office
Aug 10th 1848

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that my letter of the 25 ulta contains full information in the case of John Kemper, dec'd to which decision the Department adheres. 

Hon. J.S. Wiley 
H Reps
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Hudson, New York
Dec 25th 1850

Dear Sir, 
A portion of John Kempers children wish me to see if an increase of pension can be obtained. John Kemper obtained a pension as Teamster and midshipman under act of 1832. 
He resided in this city the commissioner of Pension Struck Kemper from the Rolls, but subsequently restored his service as midshipman alone refusing to allow anything for his services as conductor or Capt of trans. 
I wish you to look into Kemper's papers to see if Kemper ought to have been pensioned for his services as teamster. 
Yours 
Wheeler H Clarke

H H Sylvester Esq.
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Pen Off
Dec 26 44

Sir 
In the case of Hezekiah Ripley decd there is a misconnection as to the length of his service as apt commissioner which by the certificate of Saml Gray was 9 mo and estimated by Ripley himself at 10 months. 
The half pay of all the services rendered by him agreeably to his own statement which can not now be questioned, has been paid to his children. The proof of the date of the marriage in the case  of Asenah Hotchkiss is not as conclusive as it seemed be, but the wagoners under Jotham Parker were hired at 15$ pr mo. while the entitled teamster rec'd soldiers pay only. There were a number of Conductors in the Company and QrMr [quartermaster] Genl Depts engaged in procuring and transferring supplies in Con. at that period of the War who were under contract and consequently are not regarded as entitled to pensions.
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The state of the business in this office will not admit of correspondence with more than one person in the same case and no paper is presented in the case of Avery Downer whose claim has been heretofore rejected to raise a doubt as to the propriety of that decision so as to justify and require a re-examination.
The claim of John Kemper as conductor has been elaborately contested heretofore and in his lifetimes and upon mature declaration rejected. 
In the case of Abraham Furman the documents filed by him show his appointment to have been "Spacer of Forage to an Apt. Depy Forage Master" and he was allowed the full pay of the highest warrant  office of the same and it is inferred from his silence was satisfactory to him. If it can be shared that he rec'd more than 10$ p mo the increase will be allowed. 
N. Carrol Esq. 
180 Prince Street
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Washington July 20  48
Sir
I am desirous of obtaining the information desired by the within letter
By communicating the same in the receipt of this you will much oblige me 
I have the honor to be most respectfully
Your obed Servt
[signed] Jas. S Wiley
P.S. Will you also inform me in relation to the case of James M. Burton? Is having more evidence wanted? If so please inform me
J. S. W.
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John Kemper
 New York  Albany
 7th June 1832
$108.00 per Annum
 To What period last paid?

Died 11th Augt 1842
 Paid to his death.
 BLB

Pension Office
July 24th 1848
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July 27 1848
Hon J.S. Wiley
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Pension Office
July 25 1848
Sir.
  In answer to your letter of the 20 inst. in the case of john Kemper decd. I have the hand  inform you, that he was placed on the pension roll under the Act of June 7th 1832, at $216 per Annum, and that 1st May 1833, and was reduced to $108 on the 14th September 1840.
 He has been paid up to the 11th August 1842, the day of his death, as appear from the books of the  Third Auditors of the Treasury. The letter of 
[A Wedgerwood?] is herewith returned.

Hon James S. Wiley
 House of Reps
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Application of the heirs of John Kemper
who was a Conductor of Teams &c for arrearage
  N. Carroll   Atty.
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80 Prince STREET, NEW YORK, AND WASHINGTON, D. C. 
New York July 30 1844 
Sir
I enclose a power of Atty from Elizabeth Kemper, one of the children of John Kemper, decd formerly of Hudson, Colombia Co. in this state 
John Kemper was a “Conductor of Teams” during the war of the Revolution and was pensioned under the act of 1832 at $216 per annum. He also performed other service as set forth in his declaration. He was pensioned at the rate of $320 a “Conductor” when he was entitled to be pensioned at the rate of $480 - The object of this application is to procure the arrearage due his heirs from the 4th March 1831 until his death 
I am Sir
Respy. 
Yr. Obt. Sert. 
[signed] Nichl. Carroll 

Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Comr. of Pensions 
Washington 
D. C.
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J.L. Edwards Esq.
 Commissioner of Pensions
 War Department
 Washington D.C.

[on side] Hon. John Ely  H.R.

John Kemper
Page 41

admd
18 mo. Midshipman
108 $
to commence from 4 March '39  when the last payment was made to him

G.F. Yates esqr
Schenectada [Schenectady]
N.Y.
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To J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I have been favored with the persusal of your letter of the 17th inst. respecting the suspension of the pension of John Kemper. 
On the first examination of this claim, all the evidence required was furnished. It was admitted on the oath of the applicant and his brother a Deputy Clothier General under whom he served, which was tantamount to documentary evidence, as his brother Jacob Kemper was on a posting of James Mease Clothier General of the U.S. army. The second examination of the claim took place after the pensioner's name had been striken from the roll, and he was then called upon to address further evidence of his having been a Wagon Master. That he could not have served as such under a civil contract. I endeavored to show in my letter dated on or about the 21st Oct ulto. Jacob Kemper was again applied to for his testimony but extreme old age and loss of memory rendered it out of his power to be more specific than to say that he :was fully assured of his brother having been a Wagon Master." This said he was only "one of the numerous employees attached to the Department of the Clothier General engaged under civil contract" and as to "the fact stated by him that he carried Gen Washington's protection against any interference of other officers," and which is said to corroborate the conclusion that his duties were not rendered under a regular appointment of the Quarter Master General, "which appointment it is adjudged" is necessary to entitle him to a pension
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for that appointment. I hope I will be excused if I again observe. 
That the applicant served under the Clothier General of Gen. Washington the Commander in chief and not exclusively or principally under the Quarter Master General. What sort of interference he carried Gen. Washington's protection against, I am not informed and of course cannot judge of its bearing on the case. The applicant is a man of little education and the person who drew his papers is alone responsible for the peculiar phraseology used in his declaration- yet let this be as it may I cannot see how the fact of his having had the protection of the Commander in Chief can warrant the conclusion that he was not regularly appointed a Wagon Master. He held an exceedingly important and highly responsible office and was engaged in carrying clothing to the army when its safety and the safety of the Country depended upon the faithful discharge of the duties assigned to officers of that description. (See Gen Washington's letter on the subject of the character of men to be appointed to such offices). It was not the Quarter Mr General alone, under whose direction such officers were appointed and served. The Quarter Mr General, the Clothier General and Commissary General or their Deputies acted together. See Journals of Congress 5th March 1779. Now is it to be supposed that either Department would have regularly in its employment and for eighteen months an officer entrusted with public property to an immense amount and all that time too under civil contract? Besides, these Departments or the heads of them, did not enter into civil contracts unless empowered to do so by law. Even in a case where oxteams were to be substituted for horses, the commander in chief could not do so till authorized by law to direct the Quarter Mr to that effect. See Journal of Congress Nov 10th
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1780. Again, if a civil contract had been entered into, it would have been with A.B. and not with a Wagon Master. I cannot help this again to attest to what I conceive to be strong points in opposition to the decision you have lately seen fit to make, and which is so much at variance with your first solemn adjudication in this matter. I have done only what I conceive to be my duty, and do not under the circumstances expect, nor can I consider thy demand a reversal at your hands. 
Mr. Kemper alleged three tours of service in the Pennsylvania Navy and you were pleased to observe that "his claim as midshipman would not be objected to." He solicits therefore a renewal of his pension for the amount of his navy services.
I am very respectfully
Your obt servt 
Giles F. Yates
Schenectady Feb. 24th 1840
Page 45

Hudson January 10th 1840

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Com. of Pensions

Sir
I was several years ago allowed a Pension for my service in the war of the Revolution. In the past summer an application was made on my behalf for a reexamination of any papers with a view of having my pension increased, should I on such reexamination be found entitled thereto and if not I was content to continue to receive the amount which had been awarded me. 
On the sd application for such reexamination and as I verily believe without due consideration or sufficient case my name was stricken from the roll of Pensioners.
In writing the ascertain the reason for it I was informed that my name had been stricken off without authority and thereupon I applied for my usual six months pay last fall when the Pension agent told me he had received another letter from you stating that the first order to have my name stricken off was correct. This result was very unexpected to me and likewise very unaccountable and I still think there must be some misapprehension as I most assuredly was in the service of the United Stats as stated in the papers now on file in your Office. 
Several months have now lapsed since my name was stricken from the roll and I am very desirous that you would in person take the matter into your own hands so soon as you can, believing that if you do so you will be satisfied that my name ought to be again placed upon the roll. 
I do not wish to trouble the President of the United Stats, who is one of my avouches and
Page 46

witnesses nor any of my other friends to intercede in an affair which improperly cognizable before you and should be decided solely by you. 

Very Respectfully yours, 
John Kemper
Page 47

witnesses nor any of my other friends to intercede in an affair which is properly cognizable before you and should be decided solely by you. 
Very respectfully yours, 
John Kemper
Page 48

Ho Reps Sept 9th 1841

J.L. Edwards Esq. 

Sir, 
I am requested to present ^ to you the accompanying papers in the matter of John Kemper of Hudson N.Y. I have read them from Mr Yates of Schenectady NY. I suppose he discuss an increase of his pension.
In haste
Truly your
R. McClellan
Page 49

Pen Off
Sep 10, 41

Sir
I have the honor to return you the letters in the case of John Kemper a pensioner under the act of 7 June '32 enclosed with your of 9 inst. They afford no evidence on the case. His pension was erroneously adjusted at first and was subsequently reduced to its present rate after repeated examinations and a long correspondence with M. Yates upon every consideration which he could  adduce to obtain a higher rate. The only question at issue was whether his employment in the clothing dept. in charge of Teams was under a staff appointment or not. The Dept. has decided and now repeats the decision that he never held a Staff appointment under military obligations. 

R. McClellan 
HR
Page 50

Albany March 20 1843

J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Mr. John Kemper has heretofore applied for an increase of his pension. Instead of an increase, it was stopped altogether. After protesting against such treatment you allowed him the service he had claimed as midshipman. He is undoubtedly entitled to a pension for all the service described in his declaration but if I understand his statement the service as midshipman is supported by no particle of such direct proof as that in the grade of Wagon Conductor. 
It has been intimated in your communication on the subject that the service as Wagon Conductor was under civil contract but it is clear from his own statement that he was not during the period referred to engaged for one moment under civil contract. His brother held an office of considerable importance in the army as may be seen by the Journals of Congress and actually assisted in the procuring of Mr. Kemper's appointment as Wagon Conductor. 
Mr Kemper is known if not to the late Secretary
Page 51

of War to many of the Secretary's friends as a highly respectable and worthy citizen and it is hoped that his former pension will be restored to him. 
It was no easy matter to get the appointment of Wagon Conductor , the pay was considerable and it was a highly respectable station. Mr Kemper had been a midshipman and thought himself in the way of promotion in being advanced to the grade of Wagon Master or Conductor and the pay too was that of a Captain of Infantry. 
I am aware that one objection to allowing the claim, or rather restoring the claim of the stipend is that there is no documentary proof of Mr. Kemper's having been a Wagon Master. Thus, the highest grade of evidence is not required in every case, and the next in rank, to wit the affidavit of a superior officer, Mr. Kemper's brother, has been addressed.
I am very respectfully
your mo. obt. servt. 
G. F. Yates
Page 52

Giles F. Yates 
April 12th 1843
Page 53

Pen Off
April 12 43

Sir
In the case of John Kemper to which you have so often called the attention of the Dept. without any additional proof, you are referred to the previous correspondence in which you have been repeatedly informed why his claim as Wagon Conductor has been rejected. So far from his brother's testimony or any proof on file establishing his appointment of service in any military staff, his own statements with that of his brother show conclusively that held a civil employment in the army. It is unnecessary in such cases to further the office with repeated letters where you are informed that proof is required. 

Giles F. Yates Esq. 
Schenectady NY
Page 54

Schenectady Oct 22d 1840

Sir
Your letter of the 17th Sept ulto in reference to the case of John Kemper, under the Act of 7th June 1832 has suggested to my mind a few thoughts which I wish to have placed on file with the other views, representations, and arguments in the Claimant's side of the question. This I wish more for the file of having "issue joined" fairly between us, than because I expect to effect a change in your last decision in the premises. 
You state in your letter above referred to, that none of the proof within the reach of the department show that he held military appointment, and this you say appears from his own and his brother's statement of his duties and c. But is it not in proof that he held a Commission? Take this fact in connection with his circumstantial statement relative to the superior officers who appointed him, his duties as an inclusive transporter of clothing in his particular department and compare this with the fact that by resolve of the Congress, the Quarter Master General and his Deputies, shall
Page 55

on the requisition of the Clothier General, furnish means of transporting clothing and that a careful Wagon Master or Conductor shall be appointed, who shall proceed with the clothing and c. If the clothing is damaged or deficient, the Wagon Master to be tried by a Court Martial. 
A person employed to "transport clothing" under civil contract, would hereby be subjected to Martial Law. 
By resolve of Congress passed in May 1777 vol 3. page 187, the pay of a Wagon Master or Conductor of Wagons was fixed at $40 per month and afterwards increased and cutoff in consequence of the depreciation of the currency. 
I am very respectfully 
Your obt Servt
Giles F. Yates

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 56

G.F. Yates
Sept 17, 1840


Record 30 page 251
Page 57

Pen Off
Sep 17, 1840

Sir
In answer to yours of 10 inst. referring to the records in the State Dept to show that James Young was a Wagon Master Genl and that John Kemper rec'd his appointment from him as established by the evidence, I have to state that his claim has heretofore been fully examined and upon all the proofs within the reach of the Dept. it has been decided that he held no military appointment in the Staff of the Revol. Army. This conclusion is warranted by his own and his brother's statement of his duties and employments and confirmed the relation in which he stood to the army requiring protection against impressment. 

Giles F. Yates Esq
Schenectady
NY
Page 58

War Department
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the7th June 1832, John Kemper of the State of New York who was a Conductor of Transport teams and a Midshipman in the Army and Navy of the Revo. is entitled to receive Two hundred sixteen dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year. 
Given at the War Office of the United States this 1st day of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. 
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned

JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 59

To J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions

Schenectady Sept 10th 1840

Sir
Being convinced that your rejection of the claim of John Kemper for his services as a Wagon Conductor was owing to you not being satisfied that he served as such on the Continental establishment and believing that if you could be made satisfied of this fact, you would not refuse Mr. Kemper the amount of his claim for such service, which in fact you have already twice decided on and allowed. I deem it my duty, at the risk of being deemed obtrusive to call your attention to the fact of which a certificate can be furnished, that Mr. Young from whom Mr. Kemper  received his appointment, was a Wagon Mr Genl and in confirmation hereof. I beg leave to refer you to the records found in the State Department of Washington. In the Book labelled "Wagon Department" and for the year 1778, the names of James Young is recorded as a Wagon Master General and Js Yule as a Dep. W. Master General. These facts compared with his statements, will I trust suffice to convince you that Mr. Kemper's account is to be relied on. 
Yours very respectfully
G.F. Yates
Page 60

Giles F. Yates
April 25, 1840

G.C. 

Record 7 119 page 455
Page 61

Pen Off
Apl 25 1840

Sir
In reply to your of 24 ult received 6 inst respecting the case of John Kemper I have to remark that the account of his employment given by his brother (to which you refer as affording a proof equally authoritatively with that by which the service of Zaddock Hedden as Wagon Master was established by Col. Ogden) taken in connection with his own statement constituted the grounds upon which the Dept decided that he was acting under a civil appointment.  
His declaration shows three terms as a midshipman amounting to 18 mo and the Dept will not require of him to refund His stipend will be 108$ and - . 

Giles F. Yates Esq
Schenectady
NY
Page 62

Pension Office
March 22, 1852

Gentlemen, 
In reply to your letter of the 11th of December last relative to the case of John Kemper you are informed that we cannot decide upon the testimony taken upon to establish the [adm?] to an increase of his pension until it is submitted to this office
by Rep [illegible]

Reps French and Sylvester 
Present
Page 63

Washington City Dec 11 1837 [not certain on year]
Sir
We have recd your letter disallowing the claim of Jno Kemper of 107 as Wagon Conductor a pension under the act of June 7 1832 
Kemper was allowed 18 mos as a seaman to wit: 6 mos on board the "Genl Green: 6 mos under Capt Decatur and 6 mos on Board the "Brig Hector” and on board which he alleges he was made a prisoner and carried [illegible] NY, and subsequently to the Mill Prison in England from which he escaped in the Spring of 1782 
From a list of American Prisoners Seaman committed to the old Mill Prison Plymouth England from 1777 to 1781 I find the name of Jno Kemper as a Seaman belonging to the Brig Hector  what was [Illegible] NY [illegible] 1781. This list was [illegible] from the English papers on the Penn. Packet and date of Apl 23. 30 May 23. 25 June 15 18 & 22 c 1782 now to be found in Col Peter Foras [?] Library of this City.  admitting this proof, a full pension of $144 cannot be denied 
We are Respectfully
[signed] French & Sylvester

The Hon Comm Pensions
Page 64

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I take the liberty to address you again in the matter of John Kemper for an increase of pension under the act of 7th June 1832. I wish you would your self examine the papers. I understand that Mr. Van Buren the President of the United States interested himself in behalf of Mr. Kemper when he applied and you had all the evidence called for in the case and allowed his claim. I have on previous occasions referred to the claim of Mr. Zaddock Hedden of the City of New York and I know from what S. Spencer Esq of that city told me, that Mr. Hedden received a full pension as a Wagon Master, and upon less direct evidence than has been adduced in the case of Kemper. Now unless there was fraud practiced in obtaining the pension of Mr. Kemper, I cannot see upon what
Page 65

grounds his pension was suspended. If there was fraud practiced in getting the pension I wish you to say so at once, that the persons who were engaged in aiding the old gentleman may be prepared to meet the charge Mr Kemper was appointed by James Yale Depy. Wagon Master General and while engaged as Wagon Master received $40 per month until 1779, when the depreciation of the currency was such that he was paid at the rate of $60 per month - Mr Kemper had the rank of Captain Mr Kemper prefers a claim as a midshipman also 
very respectfully 
your obt Servt 
[signed] Giles F. Yates 
Schenectada [Schenectady] Jany 29" 1840
Page 66

Washington HR
4 Feby 1840
D Sir
At the request of Giles F. Yates Esq. I enclose you the pension papers of James [illegible, Barkgto?] to which you will be pleased to give your attention & communicate to me your decision in the case. I also enclose you a letter in relation to the case of Kemper. 
Mr Kemper is one of my constituents & I hope his case will receive a favorable consideration at your hands. Mr Yates is deeply impressed with the conviction, that Kemper ought to receive what he solicits.
Yours very truly
[signed] A Vanderpoel

Jas. L. Edwards Esq.
Page 67

Washington H.R. Feb 6th 1840
Dear Sir
  The enclosed papers have been directed to our care, with a request that I deliver them to you. When it suits your convenience to answer the request, be pleased to do so through me.
  Very Respectfully yours &c
  John Ely

Hon J L Edwards
 Comr Pensions
Page 68

Hon. A Vanderpoel 
Feby 17 1840
G.C.

Record 49 page 259
Page 69

War Dept
Pen Off
Feby 17 40

Sir 
In answer to that part of your letter of which relates to the case of Jno Kemper under the act of 7 June 32 and to which the letter of W. Yates enclosed in yours refers, I have the honor to refer you to the enclosed copy of my letter of this date to your colleague W. Ely. 
The reference to the case of Zaddock Hadden in the letter of W Yates as analogous to Jno Kemper is not borne only by the facts. Hadden was a Wagon Master in the staff of the New Jersey line and was verified by the late Col. Aaron Ogden. John Kemper was engaged in superintend by the transportation of clothes under the Clothier General

Hon A Vanderpoel 
HR
Page 70

War Dept
Pen Off
Feby 17 40

Sir
I have the honor to enclose herewith the letters respecting the suspension of the pension of Jno Kemper forwarded with yours of 6 inst. His case has been again thoroughly examined and no reason is perceived for not adhering to the decision heretofore communicated to his attornies [sic]. His own description of his duties and employment under Young and Mease of the Clothing Department as a Wagon Master to superintend the transportation of Clothing as also the statement of his brother who was a D.y. Clothier furnish evidence that he was one of the numerous employees attached to the Department of the Clothier Genl engaged under civil contract, as well in procuring the materials and converting them into clothes as in transporting them to the stations occupied by the public force. The fact stated by him viz that he carried Genl. Washington's protection against any interference of the other officers corroborates the conclusion that [he was appointed - crossed out] his duties were not rendered under a regular appointment of the Qr Master Genl which is necessary to entitle him to a pension for that employment.
Page 71

Record 19 page 258

It may here be remarked that it has not been shown that he held the grade of Wagon Master by the tenure of a commission or tantamount instrumental acquired by the rules. Even if it could be proved that he was a component part of the staff and as the rules and articles of War, the grade could not be allowed upon the present proof. 
The other part of his claim as a Midshipman will not be objected. 
The application of Maria Tenbrook formerly the widow of Andrew Hermance for an increase of pension has been examined. Her claim was adjusted upon a thorough examination of all the proofs and altho he was in the Qr Master Genl Dept from 79 to 82 the character of his staff appointment is no where shown by the documents filed. The Dep Comr Genl of Issues in 79 [stiles?] him his [Assist?] but most of the subcompanies were styled Deputies or assistants. The character of the orders to him more definitely show his grade. It appears to have been Asst. Dep. Forage Master and accordingly she was allowed for 2 mo service in that grade and 3 mo as Capt. If it can be satisfactorily shown that he served in a higher grade or rec'd more than 20$ p mo her stipend will be increased proportionally

Hon J Ely
HR
Page 72

Schenectady Oct 22 1839
J L Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
Since Mr. John Kemper's pension has been suspended, he has made several appeals to me to see them righted. 
Mr. Kemper, although not rich, has ever sustained the highest character for integrity and veracity. The story of his services as a conductor of wagons or Wagon Master 18 months and for more than 6 months as a midshipman on the Pennsylvania navy, he has repeated to his friends and acquaintances years ago, and before the pension law of 1832 was passed as many of his neighbors or those who were such formerly, can testify. The statement, therefore of his services as set forth in his declaration, being in accordance with the uniform statements of Mr. Kemper on this subject (except perhaps as to some technicalities of language in describing his offices for which his agent or attorney only is responsible) are not obnoxious to suspicion, and cannot without an imputation cast upon his character, which is without reproach, be gainsaid. Besides, his character and statements are vouched for and confirmed by gentlemen worthy of the highest credit. Now it does seem to me, that by disallowing his pension granted once upon an admission of these statements
Page 73

his own truth, and that of his components and avouchers, is called in question!
Mr. Kemper, as I understand the matter, was pensioned for the 24 months service above alluded to. I feel sure of the corrections of my impression that at the time Mr. Kemper's pension  was allowed, the rates of payment were less than they now are, and that the rate for officers such as he held was then not fully settled. Knowing the course you had adopted in analogous cases in which I was the agent, I had reason to hope for a similar decision in the case of Kemper and made my application in his behalf accordingly, not having the most remote idea, that the proof in the case could in any respect be considered defective. 
The claim of Kemper was admitted on his own oath and that of his brother, who was at the time the Service was rendered Assistant Clothier General to James Mease Clothier General of the U States as I discovered in examining the Washington papers in the office of the Secretary of State and the Journals of Congress, Mr. Kemper therefore produced as competent a witness as could have been had as to the facts in the case and moreover as it seems, it was all the evidence called for to establish the claim. 
The objection seems to be, that if Mr. Kemper was employed in the army at all, it was in the transport service  under civil contract by which a change is cast upon Mr. Kemper and his brother and their avouchers as before attended to. With a view to meet this objection I have made a careful examination of the case. Mr. Kemper served under the direction of the Clothier General aforesaid and the Commander in Chief was engaged in carrying clothing to the army and at a time when its safety and the safety of the Country
Page 74

in fact depended upon the faithful discharge of the duties assigned to such officers. See Genl Washington's letter on the subject of the Character of men to be appointed to fill offices of that description. The Quarter Master Genl, the commissary Genl and the Clothier Genl and their deputies acted together. See Journal of Congress March 5:1779. 
The Quarter Master General. the Com. Gen and Clothier General and such of their deputies as they shall appoint be and they are hereby authorized in the line of their respective "Departments."
Now is it to be supposed that either Department would have had regularly in its employment a Wagon Master entrusted with public property to an immense amount for a year and a half and at that time under civil contract! Besides, these departments or rather the heads of them did not enter into civil contracts unless empowered to do so by law. In a case where oxteams were to be substituted for horses if thought beneficial to the service, the Com in Chief was authorized by law to direct the Quarter Master to that effect (See Journal Nov 10 1780). Again if a civil contract had been entered into, it would have been made with A.B. as a private individual and not as an officer. 
If Mr. Kemper then served under the direction of the Clothier General and it is unreasonable to expect to find his name on the roll of any Depy Wagon Master, were if the few rolls of that description hitherto found could be relied upon so perfect which it is notorious is far from being the case on the whole if the Washington papers, which I have examined faithfully. I cannot find more than two or three of these rolls. I have found a few rolls of Naval officers in the Treasury Department (Registrars Office) but none among the Washington papers; and have never turned my attention to the examination of documentary proof to establish Kemper's naval
Page 75

service, which alone, unless I very much misjudge the matter, would entitle him to all the pension he formerly received. Whether such proof is or is not to be found in your Department, we are not informed. 
I feel bound to solicit a reexamination of the claim. 
I am very respectfully
Your most obt servt
G. F. Yates

John Kemper
Page 76

Schenectady Nov 26 1839

J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
In reference to the claim of  John Kemper, I feel bound to trouble you again. Mr. Kemper informed me that the reason assigned for the rejection of his claim is that his name is not borne on the rolls of a certain D.W.M. General and that he was a "Conductor of Teams". In Connection with the facts and statements contained in my last letter on this subject to which I beg leave to your attention, I would now state, that Mr. John Kemper was not a conductor of teams, but a Wagon Master. If he is otherwise suspended in his declaration, it has been owing to the invigoration of the agent who drew his papers who supposed the office of
Page 77

Wagon Master and Conductor of Teams to be identical. I have received a letter from Daniel Kemper apt Clothier General under whom the said John his brother served and he writes that he is fully assured that John Kemper was a Wagon Master and that he served under him the said Daniel. He has also a recollection of his having served as a midshipman in the navy, but is now unable to give particulars. He further states that his revolutionary papers and documents are destroyed. In the absence of these, it has been used in your Department to receive as competent and conclusive ( and should so be) the testimony of officers under whom the applicant served. In this case, Daniel Kemper has given his affidavit and I cannot possibly concur what sound objection there can be to the reestablishment and allowance of the claim with the encased allowance to which John Kemper is entitled and which others who held the same rank now receive. 
I am very respectfully
Your obt Servt
G.H. Yates
Page 78

G.F. Yates
Dec. 30 1839

G.C. 

Record 49 page 134
Page 79

War Dep
Pen Off
Dec 30 39

Sir
In the case of John Kemper it is apparent from the character of his service and from the several statements of his brother that he was an employee in the transport service under the Qr Master Genl and was not one of the "Deputies" to which the resolution of Congress quoted by you refers. A large proportion of those who were attached to the Dept of the Clothier Genl were engaged under civil contract as well in procuring the materials and converting them into clothes in transporting them to the points required by the stations of the public force. Upon a close examination of the case I think it clear that he is not entitled as a "Conductor of Transport Teams" as he termed his office or as Wagon Master agreeably to your designation.
G.F. Yates Esq. 
Schenectady N.Y.
Page 80

Hudson September 23. 1839. 
Dear Sir Mr John Kemper of the City of Hudson who has been in the Recept of a pension for some few years past has just Received notice from the agent for paying Pensions in the City of Albany that his pension was suspended for Reasons not stated, and Mr Kemper feels very much disappointed and as his pension has been his only support, he being old and Infirm, wishes me to ask you for the Reasons for the Suspicion of his pension. So that if it is possible to give him an opportunity of being heard in answering or explaining whatever the objections may be. My own personal acquaintance with Mr Kemper is such that I know him to be Considered an honorable poor man and has been a Citizen at of our place for more than thirty years past. 
I am with much respect your obedient Servant
[signed] James Rowley

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Page 81

Jas Rowley
Sept 23 '39

Record 48 Page 491
Page 82

War Dep
Pension Office
Sept 28th 1839

Sir
In answer to your letter of the 23rd inst. I have to inform you that I know of no reason for not paying the pension of John Kemper. He was paid up to the 4 of March last, and I have given no order whatsoever to stop his pension. The Agent should have given notice to Mr. Kemper in writing and assigned a reason for not paying him. I have written to the Agent on the subject.

Mr. James Rowley
Hudson, 
N. York
Page 83

J Rowley
Oct 5th 1839
GC

Record 18 Page 502
Page 84

War Dep
Pen Off
Oct 5th 1839

Sir
In answer to your enquiries respecting the suspension of John Kemper's pension under the act of 7 June 32 I have to state that the neccy documents of Genl Washington rec since the admission of his claim furnish a very strong presumption that the allowance to him as Wagon Conductor in the Dept of the Clothier General is not warranted. He alleged and was allowed a service of 18 mo from Aug 77 to Spring 79 as Wagon Conductor in transporting clothes from the Depart. to the Head Quarters. There is a return of the Depy Wagon Mr Genl Wagon and sub conductors now present with the army on 1st Feby 78 on which his name is not borne. This in concession with the source whence he alleges he rec'd his employment or as
Page 85

he terms it, appointment, furnishes strong evidence that his service of superintending the teams employed in transporting the clothing of the army from the Depots of the Clothier Genl to Head Quarters was under civil contract and therefore afforded no grounds for a claim. He should state in detail the circumstances under which he was appointed. the responsibilities of his duties and to whom he was amenable for the faithful discharge of them. How the teams and teamsters were procured and paid and how and under what circumstances he left the service. 
He was allowed for 6 mo as midshipman in the PA Navy which carried his alleged service to 24 mo the maximum of the Act of 7 June '32. He also alleged 2 other terms in the PA Navy which it may be important to him to establish if the 18 mo as Wagon Conductor should be finally disallowed. The proof of his rank and service as midshipman and of the public character of the ships in
Page 86

which he sailed should be drawn from the office of the Secy of Pa. to whom a brief of the cruises should be submitted as necessary data for conducting his examination. 

James Rowley Esq
Hudson
N. Y.
Page 87

City of Hudson July 5th 1837.
Dear Sir – I herewith enclose to you a copy of a Certificate for a pension belonging to John Kemper, who is a resident citizen of ours - War Department – Revolutionary Claims – 
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 John Kemper of  the State of New York who was a conductor of Transport Teams [illegible] served in the Army & Navy of the River is entitled to receive [illegible…] during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March, 1831. and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year
Given to [illegible] office of the United States this 1st day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
[signed] Lew Cass  Secretary of War 
Examined and countersigned
J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions

[illegible…]
than he is now receiving under the act of 1832 – he wishes or has been [illegible] to relinquish his present claim and ask for [illegible] an act of Congress passed May 1779. Where it provides that [illegible] Deputy Waggon Master General shall receive 100 dollars per month [illegible...] and that a Waggon Master be allowed Eighty dollars per month & some Ration per day & [illegible…] whether he is, or is not entitled to any additional pay for his services during the Revolutionary War and if so, how and in what manner must he [illegible] to get it
Yours with Respect &c 
[signed] James Rowley

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Page 88

To Mr. Giles F. Yates- Schenectady

I wish you would the next time you go to Washington-attend to my application for an increase of pension. I am satisfied that I do not get as much as I am entitled to. Let me know what papers if any you wish me to furnish you. 
Your John Kemper

Hudson Apl 20- 1839

Schenectady Apl 23 1839

J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir, 
At the request of Mr. John Kemper of the City of Hudson, I solicit a reexamination of his papers with a view of getting his stipend increased. He served both in the Marine and Quarter Master's Department and he does not as he believed get the amount of pension his his services in those departments as proved entitle him to. 
I am very respectfully
Giles F. Yates
Page 89

Hudson Nov 26 1832

Dear Sir
On the 20th of July last I forwarded in the Pension office the application of John Kemper in this city for a pension. I have since ascertained that said papers have now reached your office. Where they have been lost or retained is impossible to ascertain and he has reached his application. It appears to be in accordance with the regulations from your Department and I hope is all in place satisfactory. For reasons which I have mention to Secretary Woodbury. I am desirous these papers might be examined and acted upon out of the Regular course. In making those suggestions to him & in expressing this wish to you I trust I am actuated by pure motives & with no intent to transgress any of your rules and regulations. I am sir with great Respect
Your Obt Servt
J.W. Fairfield

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Page 90

a letter to J. Rowley J
1837 - do to same & Ptg 20
Sept 1839
Sep [?? '39] to Pen: Agt
[next 6 lines crossed out]
Octo 5 1839 to J. Rowley
[?] to G F Yates Dec 30 1839
Hon A Vanderpoel [illegible] 1840
" J Ely Feb 17 1840
Let to G.F. Yates March 10 1840
to same April 25, 1840

do to same May 13th 1840



[right side]
8859 New York
 John Kemper at Hudson in the State of New York who was a Condr of Trpn [Transportation] teams in the [illegible] by Captain [blank] of the [illegible, Troops? Rejt?] commanded by Col May in the Pennsylvania line for 18 months Conductor of Transportation and 6 mo Midshipman  18 mos. Midshipman $108

Inscribed in the Roll of New York at the rate of 216 dollars   Cents per ann to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of  [illegible] 1831 and sent to [name illegible] Hudson

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 33  $40
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept 33  10
[total] $540 [? is this correct?]
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7 1832
Recorded by Jno Cromwell
Book E Vol. 4 Page 23
Page 91

State of New York
Columbia County} Ss On this 24 day of November 1832 personally appeared in open court now sitting before the Justices of the Justices court of the City of Hudson, county aforesaid, John Kemper a resident of said city, aged seventy six years, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
That he was born in Sept of the year 1756 at the City of New York. That he resided in said city until the opening of the Revolution. That in the month of August of the year 1777 he went to Philadelphia and there was appointed Wagon Master under Colonel May and Clothier General of the Army. That his brother Daniel Kemper was Deputy Clothier at the Park or Headquarters and Col. Charles Young was a Deputy at Philadelphia. That he served as said wagon master receiving a Captain's pay and rations and the same for his horse till about May of the year 1779 making one year and nine months. That he left Philadelphia on the afternoon of Sept 25, the day before the British invaded said city with upward of a hundred wagons under his command and laded with clothing and that he had a "Captains guard" to convoy said Wagons to head quarters. That he received his orders of march from Colonel Hamilton at Wall Street in said city. The cloths he convoyed to Lancaster. He always had a protection from
Page 92

General Washington against detention from any other officers. While the British lay at Philadelphia his route was from Lancaster to Headquarters and after the British evacuated said city the stores were carried back again and there he served till said expiration of one year and nine months. In May of 1779 immediately after quitting the Army, he joined the navy of Pennsylvania. He entered the ship "General Greene" Capt. Montgomery as first midshipman and served six months and was discharged in November of same year. During this service he was cruising on the coast. In the Spring of 1780 he entered the Brig "Fair America" Capt. Stephen Decatur as a volunteer and served as such, for six months cruising all the time. Again in the spring of the year 1781 he entered the Brig Helen Capt. James Slover as a Lieutenant. Sailed from said Philadelphia in the morning and was taken prisoner about 9 o clock some night by the British Frigate "Iris." He was taken to the city of New York and imprisoned in the Old Scorpion. From thence he was transferred with the other prisoners on board the "Old Jersey." He with 71 other officers were then transferred thence to the "Provost" under Cunningham Provost Marshall where he was confined three weeks. Then by the command of Admiral Rodney they were removed to the "Old Yarmouth" and convoyed to England and confined at Mill prison. They sailed from New York for England in November of '81. In the Spring of '82 he escaped from prison, obtained passage to the West Indies from thence
Page 93

to Philadelphia where he arrived in November of the year 1782, making one year and nine months absence. And he further declares that in all said time, he was in actual service of the United States four years and six months. And he further declares that he always served as volunteer and in the grade above set forth and never received any written discharge. When taken prisoner he lost all his papers and has no documentary evidence. That the only record of his age is memory and addition. That since he Revolution he has resided some time at New York and the last 46 years at Hudson aforesaid. That he can find no living witness of his said service and earnest for the Department to John. W. Edmond, Recorder of said Hudson Joseph D. Monell, Clerk of this County, Elisha Jenkins Vice Regent of the University of this state and this of his neighbors who can testify as to his character and veracity and his reputation as a soldier of the Revolution. That he is not personally acquainted with any clergyman of this city, there being none of his resident home of his acquaintance. And he would also refer the Department to the Hon. Martin Van Buren, who can testify as to the same facts as the other persons referred to. 

John Kemper

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid 
John D. Parker Clk
Page 94

We John W. Edmonds and Elisha Jenkins of the city of Hudson aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Kemper who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration, that we believe him to be seventy six years of age. That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
J.W. Edmonds
Elisha Jenkins

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid
John D. Parker Clk

And the said court hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, That the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states; & he said and further certifies that they are well acquainted with John W. Edmonds and Elisha Jenkins who have signed the above appeals that both are residents of the city and their statements entitled to full credit. 

JW Fairfield

John Kemper 

I John Parker Clerk of the Justices Court aforesaid do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of John Kemper for a pension.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 24th of November 1832. 
John D Parker Clk
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Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Kemper of the City of Hudson in the County of Columbia and State of New York administrator of all and singular the goods chattels and credits which were of John Kemper late of said City of Hudson a revolutionary pensioner of the United States deceased do hereby constitute and appoint Nicholas Carrol of the city of New York my true and lawful attorney in my name or otherwise and for my use and benefit to ask demand and institute such proceedings as to him shall seem proper to recover all or any arrears of pension monies now due from the United Stats for or on account of services rendered by the said John Kemper in his life time and to receive the same and in all things necessary to the recovery thereof as fully to act as I myself might or could do. 
Witness my hand and seal this 5th day of December 1843. 
Sealed and Delivered in presence of Levi Rowley
Elizabeth Kemper

State of New York
Columbia County}ss. Be is known that on the fifth day of December 1843 before me a commissioner of deeds of said County personally appeared Elizabeth Kemper to me known to be the individual described in and who subscribed to the foregoing power of attorney and acknowledged the same to be her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above written
Levi Rowley Com of deeds
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New Brunswick Apr 18th 1833

Sir
Yours of the 15th I have received, and agreeable to your instruction I shall endeavor to give another statement of my brother John's services but Sir I fear that owing to the debilitated state of body and mind (having been severely afflicted the last winter) I may differ something from my former statement, as I kept no copy but I hope nothing material. 
My brother John in the early part of the Revolution joined and did duty with the Militia in New Jersey and after some time he went to Phila and entered on board an Armed Vessel. After a day or so she was captured and taken into N York when he with the crew were confined on board the prison ship [forsed?] under severe treatment. He after some time with one of his ship mates made their escape in a very singular manner and reached the Jersey Shore and found his way to my house. After recovered his health again he went to Phila and entered on board the ship Genl Green as Midshipman for a six month cruise, She after a few days out captured a Prize, he was put on board as Prize Master the following he was recaptured by the British Brig Iris and carried into N York and again sent on board the same Prison Ship. He was under great fear he should be recognized as having deserted from her before. But after some time he was with many others. As Comr. Manley Capt. Camp Cunningham, Talbert, Slover, Barney and others were taken on shore and confined in the [?] Guard house in the city under Cunningham and from there they were sent on board an old British Ship of War and sent to England and confined in the Mill Prison charged with Piracy and rebellion on the High Seas. They were severely treated for a long time, hoping thereby to induce some to enter their service but all in vain as not one complied while he was there. After a long time he with another effected their escape and got on board a ship bound for the Island of Jamaica where they arrived and after some time he again effected his escape on shore and was
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was concealed by a Colored Woman, until he was conveid [conveyed] on board an American Vessel and arrived once more on his Native Shore, but very much reduced by his hard usage. After he had recovered his health and strength towards Spring he went again to Phila was in the Fort on the River with Gen. Marlborough was afterwards employed by Mr Mease Clothier Gen and was appointed a Wagon Master and engaged in transporting the public stores from the City to Lancaster. He continued in that employ for a considerable time perhaps to the close of the Revolution. Thus Sir I have endeavored to give as true and candid a statement of my brother's sufferings and services as I am enabled. And I hope Sir that for the same he will be derving [deserving] of a suitable compensation from his Country particularly now as he is and has been for a long time a perfect cripple, not being able to move without his brothers, cannot attend to his being and is supported by his children. 
Daniel Kemper

Sworn and subscribed to before me
the 22nd of April A.D. 1833
J.B. Ford Judge of Com
Court and Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey
Middlesex County
I Nicholas Booraem Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Middlesex do hereby certify that Josiah Ford before above the foregoing deposition was taken was at the time of taking the same and still is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas and a Justice of the Peace of the County of Middlesex and that his name "Jos Ford" testing said deposition is his proper handwriting. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 22d day of April A.D. 1833.
N Booraem Clk
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Sir, 
May I present to intreat your interest in my behalf owing application for my Bounty of Lands, there has several letters passed between Col. Watson and myself. I have by his request sent his customary fee of 10 DO and he has promised his interest on my behalf, may I hope for you to cooperate with him. 
Your compliance will be gratefully acknowledged by 
Sir Your most obt and very Hbl [humble] Servt
Daniel Kemper

J.L. Edwards Esq.
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51 
12-5-41 
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* 
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives 
NAME Kempfield, Napthali or (Campfield)  GRADE Private  LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 4530  ACREAGE  100  ISSUED  May 24, 1790
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