Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 10023, Seth Field, Mass.
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Mass. Field, Seth W10023
Martha BLWt.8382_160_55
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4670
Massachusetts
Seth Field of Worcester in the State of Mass. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the regt commanded by Col. Murry in the Mass. line for Drummer 3 mos
Private 5 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 27 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Jan'y 1833 and sent Hon [illegible]J G Kendall 
 H of Reps

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1832 $41.49
Semi=anl. allowance ending 
4 Mar 33  13.83_____$55.32

{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by J H Mc Blair Clerk Book D Vol 2[?] Page 51
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806
Massachusetts
Martha Field widow of Seth Field who served in the Revolutionary was, as private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on 30 day of June 1851 and sent to Jesse Bliss
West Brookfield
Mass.

[bottom right side of document written vertically] [illegible] 3 m-55-41001
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806
Massachusetts
Marth Field widow of Seth Field who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private. 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 27 Dollars 66 Cents per annum. to commence on the 21 of July 1850

Certificate of Pension issued on 3d day of June 1855 and sent to 
Jesse Bliss
West Brookfield
Mass.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 39. Vol. A
[bottom right side of document written vertically] 
[illegible] 3 m-55-41001
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[left side of document] Sir. A. Keefe Aug, 28/55
July 48 [illegible], 806

[right side of document] 
41001 
A[rt 5 '55
Act March 3 55
Martha Field widow of Seth Field Soldier
Was in the War of the Revolution Mass. Militia Was a pensioner
Act June 7th 1832
Applicant is a Pensioner
Corporal   Col Murry Rev Mass Troops

[written vertically] 8383
[written horizontally] Boynton
At. 160 ac's [acres] Oct 16/55
Dodge
Avery Keefe [or Keep?]
West Brookfield
Mass
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"Married are Seth Field and Martha Hitchcock both of Brookfield"
January First seventeen hundred and ninety seven. I Liberty Sampson of West Brookfield in the County of Worcester certify that the above is a true copy of the Church records of the first Congregational Church in West Brookfield formerly a part of Brookfield with the exception of the date which is expressed on the more fair legible figures as follows, " Jan'y 1st 1797

I Liberty Sampson above, warned, depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the first Congregational Church in West Brookfield formerly a part of the Town of Brookfield in County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts and that the above is a true extract from the records said Church with the exception above named as certified by me-
  Liberty Sampson

Sworn and subscribed this 22, day of May A.D. 1851 before me Jesse Bliss
Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Worcester ss.
On this twenty third day of May, A.D. 1851, personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the of the County of Worcester, Martha Field, County if Worcester, aged eighty three years, who being 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 July 29th 1848: That she is the widow of Seth Field, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and served as stated in his declaration which he was allowed a pension of $27.66 per annum, under the act of 7th June 1832. She further declares, that she was married to the said Seth Field on the first day of January in the year seventeen hundred and ninety seven and that her husband the aforesaid Seth Field died on the twenty first day of July 1850: that she was not married to him prior tohis leaving the service; but the marriage took place prior to the second day of January eighteen hundred at the time above stated. She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension. [signature] Martha Field
Sworn to and subscribed on this day and year above written before me  Thos Kinnicutt Judge of Probate
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16756
Seth Field
Drummer 3 months
Private 5
           ________
                8
$27.66

Hon J. G. Kendall
HR
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16756
BRIEF in the case of Seth Field
County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts
(Act 7th June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court

2. If before a judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  ----

3. How old is he?  70
4, State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period. Sub. In 1778 May 
Duration. 5 months, private, under Capt. Tucker

Period. Vol.  1780 July
Duration. 3 months under Capt. S. Pierce, Col. Murry

5. In what battles was he engaged?  none

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Franklin County, Massachusetts.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by rolls?  Traditionary evidence

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

F Waugh Examining Clerk.
Jan'y 22, 1833
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Theodore Fields Deposition
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I Theodore Field of Brimfield in the County of Hampden of lawfull age, do testify & say, that in the month of May or June seventeen hundred & seventy eight, my Elder brother Rufus Field, then of Northfield in the County of Franklin, was draughted with two others in said Town, the soldiers then employed in guarding Burgoines troops then stationed at Rutland in the County of Worcester, at the time my said brother Rufus was drafted, he was sick and unable to go, and my brother Seth Field took his place, and my Father went to carry him a part of the way from mid Northfield to said Town of Rutland, and brother Seth Field was absent on said service five or six months.- I am confident they were drafted to serve six month.- I also know that my brother Seth Field in the Summer of seventeen hundred & eighty, enlisted as a soldier with five others from said Town of Northfield to go to West Point under Lieutenant James Lyman then of said Town, at the time General Arnold betrayed his Country; I saw them march from Northfield under said officer for said West Point; and he was absent three months. he left home with a gun, and water [?] and with a Drum, being made drummer — further the deponent Saith not. -
Theodore Field

Worcester Ss. Augt. 18th 1832 Then personally appeared Theodore Field the signer of the foregoing deposition and made oath that the facts set forth in the same are true
Before me- Jessie Bliss Jus. Peace
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Seth Fields application
16756

[written vertically bottom left corner of document] Seth Fields?
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DECLARATION, in order to secure the of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. COUNTY OF WORCESTER, SS. On this twenty third day of October in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before Nathaniel Paine Egin Judge Probate now sitting Sith Field in the County of Wormston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. Viz the he the month of May or him 1778 he served as a soldier in the war of the revolution as a substitute for his brother who was drafted from the Town of Northfield in the bore of Franklin when they were born & at that time resided, for the term of six months, ┃ the said Seth at the time above named Marched from said Town of Northfield to the of Kirtland in said County of North and then joined the Company under capt ┃ Adam Henry Lieutenant, and the remained guarding Burgoine hoops stationed that place for the term of five or six weeks he was there detached with a number of the soldiers making the Liutenants guard & march to the Town of Brookfield & four or five weeks in guarding some military stores at that place-- he then ┃ back to Rutland and then remained guarding said troops untill they were sent to be exchanged to the State of Virginia as it was then said and he was then discharged in the fore part of November making the time of in five months; he then returned to his Father the said Northfield- that in the latter part of July seventeen hundred and eighty enlisted as a volunteer for the time of their month in the Company commanded by Capt Seth Pierce tising them in the County of Hampshire now in the County of Franklin which ┃ was attached to Col. Mary's Regiment & immediately march from the Town of ful to Northampton & Pittsfield in the State of Massachusetts a then to Hardson the North line from their down the men in a clock to humston Mann his wife to West Point and then remained unto his then months sping day as holden in said Company that he started from the Town & Northfield with but then this is done in the month at ┃ he was employed in a drum during his term of since General had the command of the place at the time he went the deserted I went to uniform, and the day after his desertion General Washington & member of other give came on to the point the saw Major Andre in the Port Arnold the day before he left that he was discharge in the month of to be again return to said town of Northfield, when he remained two or the he then command the sturdy of Physic with a Physician in the hour of the said County of Point which it four years in these command the praction Town of Hardwick in said County & then remained about for years he then to the Town of Brookfield when he now resides & has resided for many years that he may received any written discharge at the expiration of either of of sins but served out to give times of seven - that he knows of no other per who testify to his severe than Andring Bonister Modon Build Newton Martin He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except it the pension roll of the agency of any state. except the present, and declares that his name is not on Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Nothing Judge of Seth Field Son Probate for the County of Worcester Before
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We Micah Stone a Clergyman residing in the Town Brookfield and Solomon Gilbert residing in the same Town certify that we are well acquainted with Seth Field who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. -- Before Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the county of Worcester
Micah Stone. Solomon Gilbert 
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Micah Stone who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Brookfield  and that Solomon Gilbert who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. Nathl Paine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester 
I, Theophilus Wheeler Reg Clerk of the Court of Probate do  hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Seth Field for a pension & that Jesse Bliss &  Ebenz Merriam  before whom the annexed affidavits were made, and Justice of the Peace for the County of Worcester & that the signatures are genuine 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the said Court of Probate 23 day of  October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two 

Theophilus  Wheeler Reg of the Court of Probate  for the County of Worcester in Massachusetts
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Declaration
State of Massachusetts
County of Worcester } SS
 On this Thirtieth day of March AD. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Worcester and State aforesaid Martha Field aged eighty six years a resident of West Brookfield in the State and County aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law declares that she is the widow of Seth Field deceased who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and that he received a pension under act of June 7th 1832 of $27 66/100 anually till his decease, that a widows pension was granted her for her husbands services in said war the certificate for said pension bearing date of June third 1851 it being for a like annual sum of $27 66/100 and  she also declares that she is the identical Martha Field named in said certificate of pension, she further declares that Seth Field deceased was drafted at Northfield & County of Franklin, into the service of the United States and was in actual service for a term of more than fourteen days and was honourably discharged, that she has not his discharge certificate that she was married to the said Seth Field in Brookfield on the first day of January A.D. 1797 by Rev Ephraim Ward and that her name before said marriage was Martha Hitchcock and that her marriage as she believes was recorded at Brookfield Mass. That her husband died at West Brookfield on the twenty first day of July 1850, and that she is still a widow She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County Land to which she may be entitled under the act passed March 3d 1855 and she also declares that she has never before applied for or received any part of the 160 acres of Bounty Land which she believes she is legally entitled to She also requests the Commissioner of Pensions to deliver the warrant to Avery Keep Esqr of West Brookfield County of Worcester and State of Mass whom the claimant hereby appoints as her attorney to receive and take charge of the same
 Claimant} Martha Field 
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written  Ebenr Merriam} J. Peace
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Affidavit of Witnesses 
State of Massachusetts Ss County of Worcester, 
On this Thirtieth day of March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid [crossed out: ‘who being duly sworn according’] William Curtis and Loring Thompson residents of West Brookfield in the County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that Martha Field is the widow of Seth Field deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the revolution and who received ┃ pension under act of June 7th 1832 for $27-66/100 anually during his life time for services rendered in said war and that they have every reason to believe that the said Martha Field is the identical person she represents herself to be and that she is the person who holds a certificate for a widows Pension granted under act of July 29th 1848 which Certificate bears date of July 21st 1850 granting her the like sum of $27-66/100 anually during the term of her natural life, for services rendered the United States by said Seth Field in the war of the Revolution that the said Martha Field was married to the said Seth Field on the first day of January A.D. 1797 by Rev Ephraim Ward at Brookfield and that the Record of said marriage was made at Brookfield, That the said Seth Field died at West Brookfield on the 21st day of July 1850 and that she is still a widow, that they of their own personal knowledge know that the soldier died at or about the time stated, that they were well acquainted with the parties during the lifetime of the husband and knew them to live together as husband and wife and to be reputed as such, and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses, and they believe she has never applied for or received any Warrant for Bounty Land 
Witnesses Wm Curtis 
Loring W Thompson 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of March A.D. 1855. - And I certify that William Curtis and Loring Thompson are credible witnesses 
Ebenezer Merriam State of Massachusetts J. Peace State of Massachusetts SS
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the Revolution, that the said Martha Field was married to the said Seth Field on the first day of January A.D. 1797 by Rev Ephraim Ward at Brookfield and that the Record of said marriage was made at Brookfield,  That the said Seth Field died at West Brookfield on the 21st day of July 1850 and that she is still a widow, that they of their own personal knowledge know that the soldier died at or about the time stated, that they were well acquainted with the parties during the  lifetime of the husband and knew them to live together as husband and wife and to be reputed as such, and they swear that they are disinterested witnesses, and they believe she has never applied for or received any Warrant for Bounty Land 
Witnesses} Wm Curtis 
Loring W. Thompson 

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of March A.D. 1855. And I certify that William Curtis and Loring Thompson are credible witnesses Ebenezer Merriam J. Peace 

State of Massachusetts, 
County of Worcester} SS.
 I Joseph Mason Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify that Ebenezer Merriam whose genuine Signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and Sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit, and that the above Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction
 Given under my hand and seal of said court at Worcester Mass this thirty first day of March A.D. 1855 
Jos. Mason Clerk
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Revolution 
Massachusetts
WIDOW, &c.
- of File No. --- 10023 
Martha Field 
Wid. of Seth Field
Pvt. Rev. War 
Act: July 27 1778
 Index:--Vol. A Page 237
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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No. 41001 
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855. 
Received April 5, 1855. 
Seth Field 
Rev. War
Warrant  8383-160-55 
Avery Keep 
West Brookfield 
Mass
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8383

160 Acres
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[the front of the envelope is addressed as follows]
Hon J. Minot   [postmark] Boston Mass. Oct 12
Commissioner of Pension
Washington D.C.

[the left side of the envelope has notes]

41001   Mass
Martha Field
Wid
Seth
Ad July 4 80-806
Boyntons
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts. WORCESTER COUNTY, SS.
 I, CHARLES W. HARTSHORN, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Jesse Bliss on the Twenty Second day of May A.D. 1851 was and still is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the Certificate of Oath upon the Depositions of Liberty Simpson and Eben Merriam hereunto annexed is genuine. --- 
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this Twenty fourth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. 
Charles W. Hartshorn, clerk
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West Brookfield Mass Sept 18th 1855 
To Hon J. Minot Commisioner of Pension 
Dear Sir
Your communication of a recent date was duly received informing me that no record evidence of Seth Fields Service in the war of the Revolution is found on your Books at Washington, and further stating that should record evidence be found of such service, the claim of Martha Field No 41001 for Bounty land would be favorably considered, Now I have the pleasure of accompanying this with a certificate from the Secretary of this State, showing that such Record is found in his office, & I have no doubt that it will be entirely satisfactory to you, and I would respectfully ask you to again take up said to consider and adjudicate on it at the earliest moment your regulations will admit and forward the result to me, 
Respectfully yours, Avery Keep 
Attorney for Martha Field
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N. B. Although this is mailed at Boston I wish the Land warrant to be forward to me at West Brookfield Mass 
Hon J. Minot 
Avery Keep 
Hon J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
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[blank - the writing is bleed-through from other side]
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I Neverson Hastings of Brookfield in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts Yeoman of lawful age do testify & say- That in the summer of seventeen hundred & seventy eight: Seth Field, then of the town of Northfield in said Commonwealth, was one of the Guard then stationed at Brookfield for the purpose of guarding some Continental Stores near my present dwelling House. I understood that this Guard was part of the one then stationed at Rutland over the prisoners of Burgoine’s [Burgoyne's]Troops that were kept at that place. 
And further this deponent saith not. 
Neverson Hastings 
Brookfield Aug 7, 1832 This may certify that the above named Neverson Hastings personally appeared before me this day and made solemn oath to the statement therein made. 
Ebenezer Merriam Just. Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Neverson Hastings the signor  or the above deposition and am of opinion that his testimony is entitled to credit and justify 
 Jesse Bliss Just. Peace
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I Ebenezer Merriam of West Brookfield in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts being seventy three years of age Depose & say that I have been intimately acquainted with the late Doct Seth Field & wife Martha Field for more than forty years previous to the death of said Seth Field which death happened in July now last past and know that they have lived together as husband & wife in said West Brookfield during that period of time. I further testify that the said Martha Field is now & has lived the Widow of said Seth Field since his decease.
Ebenz Merriam 
May 22, 1851 
Sworn & Subscribed this day before me Jesse Bliss Justice of the Peace
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Secretary's Office, Boston
Sept 6th 1855

I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Seth Field is borne on pay roll of Capt. Seth Pierce, Comp Col Seth Murray's Regt raised  to reinforce the Continental Army for three months from July 15th to Oct. 10th 1780. 3 mos [smudged] days travel included, as Corporal.
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APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES
Made by the Widow of the party who rendered the service. 
County of Worcester State of Massachusetts Town of West Brookfield 
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of Seth Field in the war of the Revolution. 
He was a native of the Town of Northfield in the county of Hampshire (now Franklin) and State of Massachusetts in the year 1780 was a  private or noncommisioned officer in the Company commanded by Captain Seth Pierce  in Col. Seth Mannings Regiment of Continental troops and he served as follows, viz:-- From July 15th 1780 to Oct 10th of the same year, together with other service during said war, the dates of such service I have no means giving further than what is given above Said Seth Field was a resident of West Brookfield for over forty years prior to his decease.
  West Brookfield Sept 17th 1855 Martha Field Applicant  Personally appeared before me, Martha Field of West Brookfield and swore to the above, and subscribed to the same
 Avery Keep Justice of the Peace 
…be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all
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[This is a blank template]

I am now —- years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.

Witness my hand, this —- day of —-.  A.D. 18–

Signed by said in my presence,

—-
Justice of the Peace.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
Secretary's Office, Boston, 18 
Sir, 
Be pleased to file a declaration in this office, agreeably to the accompanying regulations, and search will be made for the revolutionary service of (blank) and the result forwarded to your address. Particular attention is called to the second regulation.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
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The following REGULATIONS, to be observed in the examination of the Revolutionary Rolls in this office, have been rendered necessary under the rules which are established in the Pension Department at Washington, viz:-- 1. Every application requiring search or certificate must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant: and the signature to the application must be attested by some magistrate. 2. In all cases where the application is made by any person other than the claimant, a power of attorney, attested by a magistrate, authorizing such person to act in the claimant's behalf, must accompany the application. 3. The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence and service of the soldier, and the names of the officers under whom he served; and no search will be made until after the filing of such written application. 
" Regulations to be observed in the examination of the Massachusetts Revolutionary Papers in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 
The application must be made to the Secretary, in writing, by the claimant, or by some person duly authorized by the claimant, by a written power of attorney, attested by a magistrate. The signature of the claimant must in all cases be attested in like manner. The application must set forth, as fully as the circumstances of the case will allow, the residence of the soldier, &c., at the time of the service, and the names of the various officers under whom he served, as well as the nature of such service. The certificate of the Secretary must show that the search was made, after the filing of such application, by himself, or by one of his Clerks, alone, and must be accompanied by the original application of the claimant or of his attorney, and by a detailed statement, under the signature of the Secretary and the Seal of the State of the circumstances which satisfied that officer of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service. 
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions."
The following is an extract from a letter received by the Secretary from J. E. Heath, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions, dated March 19, 1852: -- 
"I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 3d inst., accompanied by a copy of the Regulations now in force in your office in the examination of your Revolutionary Rolls; and, in reply to your questions, have to state that, in my opinion, the said Regulations could not be relaxed in any particular without serious injury to the Government and the rights of individuals justly entitled to the benefits of the Revolutionary Pension Laws. Indeed, even with those guards around your rolls, I am satisfied they are frequently used by unscrupulous individuals to sustain applications not embraced by the laws, and as a means of obtaining exorbitant fees.
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Seth Field which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes 

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? —-

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes 

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes 

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, conformity with the regulations? yes 

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes 

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  yes 

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes 

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? ——

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?  Witness

XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes 
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes 

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes 

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes 

XVI. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 2.7 

EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: “Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --year —- months and —-days, I served as a ——.For ——months and —-days, I served as a — -;for such service I claim a pension."
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3 
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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No 933. 
Martha Field widow of Seth 
Mass
Oct 29 July 1848 
Married 1797
Husb died 21 July  1850 
Admd Priv & Drummer $27.66 per annum comg 21 July 1850 
Jesse Bliss 
West Brookfield Mass
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER, SS 
I, Charles C. Prentiss Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Seth Field was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $27.66 per annum was a resident of the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and died in West Brookfield in said County in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty on the twenty first day of July and that he left a widow, whose name is Martha and who now  resides in said West Brookfield.
⎬ 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Worcester, this twenty fourth day of May in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty one 
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register.
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James E. Heath Esquire 
Washington City
Page 39

Adams E. Heath Esquire
Dear Sir, enclosed I send you the application of Mrs. Martha Field of West Brookfield for the renewal of the pension of her late husband to her who died at West Brookfield July 21, 1850
 I forwarded some few days since a request that the Laws as to granting Bounty land to Revolutionary soldiers & their wives & other soldiers & the form to make application for the same - you will confer a favor by pur[??] the same

I am Sir 
Respectfully your Obt St [Servant]
West Brookfield May 26 1851
  Jesse Bliss
Page 40

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester Ss.
 I Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do certify that Thomas Kinnicutt is the Judge of said County, duly Commissioned and qualified and that his signature to the Certificate hereto annexed, is genuine.
 In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court this twenty fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one.
  Chas G. Prentiss, Register

[round seal]
COURT OF PROBATE WORCESTER
Page 41

Andrew Banister
 Deposition
Page 42

I Andrew Bannister of Brookfield in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy years do testify and say, that in the summer of Seventeen hundred & eighty, I was a piper in the Company of Militia commanded by Timothy Paige of  Hardwick then stationed at West point on the Hudson river to guard the place having enlisted for the term of three months in the war of the Revolution and served at that place during said term - I well remember that Seth Field was a Drummer in the company commanded by Capt Pierce in Col. Murrys Regiment during said three months at said West Point our terms of service expired in the month of October of the same year and both Companies were dismissed at or about the same time - further the deponent saith not
  Andrew Bannister