Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4,106, David Goodhard, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE                                        NUMBER
Conn.          Goodhard, David        R4106
                            or
                    Goodfaith
________________________________________________
CONTENTS
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[left side of page]
David Goodhard
Application
for a Pension-
not found on the rolls
of Connt. Continental regts.

Brown & Thompson
agents
Ballston [illegible]
Saratoga County
New York

[right side of page]
I am well acquainted with
David Goodhard
within mentioned. I have known
him for Thirty years
last past. His character for truth & genial
integrity is fair.
Washington Jan. 21. 1833
John W. Taylor
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[Stamp affixed to top of page-illegible]

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State
of New York ⎬
County of Saratoga ⎬Ss:
        On this twenty fifth day of December
one thousand Eight hundred thirty two
personally appeared the open court before the Judges of the Court
of Common Pleas of the County of Saratoga now sitting David
Goodhard a resident of the town of Ballston in the County
of Saratoga & State of New York aged seventy two years the
twenty fifth day of December this last, 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 7, 1832 -That he entered the service
of the United States under the following named officers &
served as herein stated. That he was born in the East suburbs
of the City of Hesse Castle in Germany on the 25th day of December
1760- that in the month of September 1776 he was a soldier in
the English service under command of General's Howe (English)
and Kniphausen (German) & landed on Staten Island N. Y.
That in the night of the 25th day of October 1780, he deserted from
York island, swam the North River & landed on the Palisadoes, from
there his went to the American Block's House at Topps ferry opposite
Tarrytown, Commanded by Major David Smith of Watertown Conn.
He gave information of twenty one cow boys who were taken that night. The
next morning he went with Major Smith & some American troops with the
cow boys to General Washington's head quarters at Verplancks Point. He was
introduced to Genl. Washington & took the oath of Allegiance which was
administered by Genl. Hamilton. He returned to the Blocks house
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and about a fortnight after by the consent and advice of Col.
Webb, Major Smith& Captain Taylor he entered the service of the
United States as a substitute for one William Russell of Stratford
Conn (as he said) who was a regularly enlisted soldier in a company of light infantry commanded by Capt William Taylor of
Litchfield, which company belonged to the fourth Connecticut Regiment under Command of Colonel Meigs. One company of infantry
was taken from each of the Connecticut Regiments making a Battalion
of five companies which was commanded by Colonel Samuel Webb of Weathersfield Conn. & Major David Smith of Watertown
Conn. Russell was discharged & immediately left the service. He had acted as waiter to Major David Smith and the applicant served in the same capacity- Col. Webbs battalion was stationed at this
time about half a mile from Verplancks Point where he staid till
about the first of December when he with the Battalion crossed
the river & entered winter quarters in the woods in the town of Trenton
New Jersey- About the middle of April 1781 he left winter quarters & marched to Amboy where he staid about two months, thence
to Springfield where he staid about one month, thence to Hackensack
where he staid one month. He spent the whole of the summer of
1781 in moving back & forth about the neighborhood of Hackensack
& 
Springfield [word "within" lined through] watching the movements of Genl. Clinton whose
troops were stationed at New York. In the early part of October
1781 when Col Webb's Battalion together with Col Swift's Conn. Regiment were at Springfield an express was received for the troops to
march to Yorktown-- They left Springfield immediately after having
cooked provisions for the march & travelled night & day till they arrived at Yorktown. About six miles from Philadelphia they fell in company with Col. Meigs Regiment, one regiment of Rhode Island troops &
some New York troops, Genl. Washington was with them.
They reached
Yorktown two days, before the Battle which took place on the 19th
of October 1781. On the morning precious to the Battle he obtained
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permission from Major Smith to enter the ranks on the next day,-
during the night before the battle he was engaged in throwing at
breast works under command of Genl. LaFayette. At day break
the firing commenced & continued till about Eight O'Clock when a
flag of truce was sent by the Enemy. The surrender was made
at about Eleven O'clock A.M. He discharged his gun seventy two
times during the engagement - He left Yorktown in four or five
days marched through Philadelphia to Hackensack, crossed the
river to Newark, after a few days returned to Hackensack built
huts & took up winter quarters about the first of December - About
the first of April 1782- left winter quarters & crossed the river to
Newark again -staid there about that neighborhood watching the
Enemy, keeping guard & taking tones till September when he again
went to Washingtons head quarters at Verplancks Point where he staid
till the month of November as he thinks when he left & went to what
was then called Continental Village in the Highlands. At this place
her entered in the woods. Major Smith, Battalion Col. Swifts
Regiment laid together-- In the month of April 1783 he left Continental Village crossed the North river at Fishkill to West Point
where he remained till the 29th of May 1783, when he received a
written discharge from the service signed by Genl. Putnam, Colonel
Samuel Webb & Major David Smith.
He has no documentary evidence of his services & he knows of
no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his
service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the
pension roll of the agency of any State.
Page 6


To the interrogatories proposed by the Court the applicant
made the following answers
1. He was born in the East suburbs of the City of Hesse Castle in
Germany on the 25th day of December 1760
2. He has no record of his age-
3. Immediately before entering the service of the United States
he deserted from the British Army on York Islands. After
he was discharged he had resided first in  Old Windsor Conn. about
six months, then in Weatherfied with Col. Samuel Webb about
one year. Then in Greenbush N.Y. about one year, then at
Lake George N. Y. about three years, then in Hoosick Rensselar
County N. Y. about one year, then in Ticonderoga one year, then
in Hoosick a few months- then in what was then the town of Petersburgh now Grafton, Rensselaer County nine years, then in Saratoga Saratoga County N.Y. one year -then in Wilton Saratoga County about
three years, - then in Malta Saratoga County four years, then to the town of
Ballston Saratoga County N.Y. where he has ever since resided and
where he now resides.
4. He entered the service as a substitute for William Russell of
Stratford Connecticut-
5. At Verplancks point he saw Genl. Geo. Washington, Genl. Putnam,
Genl. Hamilton, Col. Meigs, Col Swift. There were four or five Boston Regiments, Rhode Island Regiments, several New York Regiments. Van Schaick's
was one at Yorktown he saw Genl. La Fayette & Genl. Lincoln who received Cornwallis' swords. The general circumstances of his service are
stated above.
6. He received a written discharge from the service signed by Genl.
Putnam Col Saml. Webb & Major David Smith on the 29th May 1783-
which was destroyed about two years afterward by getting wet-
7. He is known to Elder Wm= Anson Henry Doolittle Jesse Robertson Esq.
John Dunning Esqr. Doctor Samuel Freeman
Elder Matthias Swain.
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court}
the 25th day of December 1832.}
                          David Goodhard[signature]
Thomas Palmer Clerk
Page 7


We  Matthias Swain a clergyman residing in the town
of Malta in the County of Saratoga and Jesse Robertson
residing in the town of Ballston in said County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with David Goodhard who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe, him to be seventy two years of age: that he is reputed & believed
in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed in open court-           Matthias Swain
the 25. day of December 1832                  Jesse Robertson 
Thomas Palmer
Clerk
  And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states: And the
Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Matthias
Swain who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman
resident in the town of Malta in the County of Saratoga &
that Jesse Robertson who has also signed the same is a
resident in the town of Ballston in said County & is a
credible person & that their statement is entitled to credit-
 I, Thomas Palmer Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in
for the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of David Goodhard for a pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & seal of office this 25 day of 
December 1832-
[faint circular seal affixed left]
Thomas Palmer
Clerk
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No 35.503-
_______________________
copies of papers in the
claim of David Goodhart
N.Y. 7 June 1852
________________________
let= to Aaron Nash May 23, 184[0?]
"       "   "         "        July- 31-    "
"       "   G. Welles       Aug 8th   "
"      Hon N. B. Doe  -  "    16th  "
"        G. Welles-          "      "      "
"        G. Welles -      Sept: 15th: "
"       Hon J A Spencer Oct  5.     "
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[ words "Acts of July 14, 1882, and March 3, 1873." lined through]

4106
P.O.  [UNK]
David Goodhard
Service: [UNK]

REJECTED

Enlisted:   [UNK]           ,18
Discharged:   [UNK]     ,18

Application filed:  [UNK] ,18

Alleges: [UNK]
Re-enlisted: [UNK]
Attorney: [UNK]
P.O. [UNK]

[UNK] Recognized.        [UNK] Contract
[UNK] Cert. of Dis.   Searched for [UNK],18
Page 10

The Petition
of
David Goodhard
asking compensation for
Revolutionary services


Cramer 104
Rev. ["cls" lined through]  Pensions
Page 11

David Goodhard
_____________[double line]
Dec. 11. 1833 of NY
Ref's  for Rev Pensions
Feb.21.1834-Conn. disch-to be
---
[ faint writing -illegible]

23
Cramer.     Rev Pens
_________     ________
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To the Congress of the United States

The Petition of David Goodhard of Ballston
in the County of Saratoga & State of New York.
Respectfully therwith.
   That your petitioner was born on the
City of Hesse Castle in Germany on the 25th
day of December 1760. That in September 1776
he was a soldier in the English service
under command of General Howe and Knephausen
& landed at Staten Island N.Y.
That in the night of the 25th of October
1780 he left the British service from York
Island, & joined the American Army as
stated in the annexed "declaration made by
your petitioner in order to obtain the
Benefit of the act of Congress passed
June 7. 1832."-
That on an examination of the Returns of the Regiments of the Connecticut
Line in which your petioner served, your
petitioner's name can not be found &
therefore your
Petioner for pass that
your Honorable Body will pass
an act for his partial relief-
 Dated Oct. .17 1833  And your petetioner will every pray-
David good hard [signature] 

  The undersigned are personally acquainted
 with the above named David Goodhard. I know that he is a poor industrious & good citizen, and therefore ask
the passage of a law fer his special relief- Oct. 17.1833.
Joel Lee                              Ther. Jmarvin
LaEmbook                          Elias Benedict
Edward Hubbell                 Chester Clapp
Elijah Raymand                  Wm Stilwell 2nd
Samuel Hicks                      Jesse Robertson
William Marvin                   J.B. McCrea
                                            S. Davis
                                            Eriyzra Hullen
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Edmont Hubbell
Elijah Raymond
Samuel Hicks
William Marvin
Dennis Marom
Timothy Riggs
Cornelius Lansing
Adam Sevan
Ima Payn
Samuel R. Garrett
Joshua Talmerton
Daniel Marvin
O.P. Raymod
Harvey Doolittle
Daniel Allen
James Clark
Richard Dunning
Bushniell Benedict
Saml W. Crea
David Benedict
John Cader
Luther Landon Jr
John B Turner
Samuel Hunter
James O Shandler
Lynott Bloodgood
John C Valentine
Daniel Raymond
William Betts
Stephen Vernam

second column
J.B.McCrea
S. Davis
Elijah Holden
S Young
Roswell Clark
W. K. Booth
Elo Barnum
Jonathan Williams
William E Lee
A Goodrich
S. P. Leuman
John W. Taylor
Joseph Jennings
D.F. White
J. B. Aldridge
Jas Comstock
Samuel Cook
George Sheuner
L. Booth
John L. Davis
Henry Doolittle
Wm. Gordonter Plauck
Sylvester Blood
Seaman Lawrence
Timothy Tripp
Hinane Fellow
Ezekiel Horton
William Tibbett





              D.B. W
Page 14

John C. Valentine
Daniel Raymond
William Betts
Stephen Vernam
Harry P. Scott
H. H. Ten Broeck
Moses Duncomb
Xenophon Haywood

second column

Seaman Lawrence
Timothy Tripp
Hinam Fellows
Ezekiel Horton
William Tibbitts
Wm. V. Vediscin
Jonah Ellis
Thos Scott
Jno Stewart
Mauley Amsden
S Stewart
Eli M Todd
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David Goodard
Page 16

David Goodard_ Resides in Ballyton N. York
On the 25th day of December 1832 he appeared before the Court of Common Pleas in & for the county of Saratoga & made his declaration in due form. It is authenticated amiamably to the rules & regulations of the War Dept. He states that he was born in Hesse Castle in German on the 28th day of December 1760. In Sept 1776 he was a soldier in the English Service under command of General Howe and landed on Staten Island N.Y. On the 25th of October 1780 he deserted from Long Island went to Gen. Washington's headquarters at Verplanks Point. He there took the oath of allegiance to the government which was administered by Gen. Hamilton. In about a fortnight after he enlisted into the service as a substitute for one William Russell who was a regularly enlisted soldier in a company of Light Infantry belonging to the 4th Connecticut Regiment. He states very minutely his services, officers and marches till he arrived at Yourktown two days before the battle which took place on the 19th of October 1781.  Says he was in the battle & discharged his gun 72 times during the engagement. He states his marches & services from this time till the 29th May 1783 when he
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received a written discharge at West Point signed by Gen. Putnam Cool. Webb & Major David Smith. Has no witnesses. His discharge was destroyed about two years afterwards by getting wet. His character is certified to by many respectable witnesses as unnacastionable.
the War Dept refused a pension on the ground that his name was not found on the Connecticut Continental Regiments. I know some of the persons who have certified to his character. Among them is John W. Taylor who has known him for 30 years.
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J. L. Edwards Esq
Commiss Pens
Washington D.C.
Page 19

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford 7th Oct 1843

Sir
Yours of the 25 allsins was received when I was confined to my room and bed by severe sickness from which I have as yet barely recovered.
I forwarded to you some weeks since copies of the two letters which I received from Aaron Nash in the case of David Goodhard alias Goodfaith. They are all the letters which I have ever received from him relating to that case. The copies were hastily but I believe correctly made, and if they can I wish might assure your purpose without the originals, though if required I will either send or take them to Albany.
Given the number of year and on examining the copy of my letter to Nash (Feb 7 28) I find there is an event which I should wish explained. I found the name of said Goodfaith a private in Sherman's Regt in 1781, and also the names of Major David Smith, and Wm Rusell on examining the preceding rolls of Sherman's Regt I found the name of Smith & Russell, but not Goodfaith. I there remarked incidentally in my letter that "there is a "David Goodfaith" whose name first appears on the books of the Line Jan 9, 1781" This I found is an error. His name first appears in Sherman's Regiment at
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that time. But I find he was a soldier in Starr's Regt from 1777 to '81 when he appears to have been transferred or to have enlisted in another Regt, but finding his name on Col Sherman's roll the proceeding years, but finding other names referred to and noy supposing other (unknown word), then that check was an honest means(?). I did not search the rolls of the other regiments and stated "First appeared on the books of the line in 1781" when I should have stated it first appeared in Sherman's Regt at the time.
I did not know until I made an examination since the receipt of yours in August last, that Goodfaith had served in any other than Sherman's Regt.
In justice to myself I make this application, and it would perhaps be better that I should go with the attny and state the facts, then to send the originals. I know not that I can give any other designation of them, than that they are the original letter of Aaron Nash to (unknown word), of which I have given you copes. They are on file in this office as follows "Aaron Nash for David Goodhard alias Goodfaith Feby 24 1843" "Aaron Nash for David Goodfaith 7th March 1843"
Very Respectfully
Gideon Welles

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commis Pens
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{top line illegible}
Utica N. Y. Sept 13, 1843

Sir,
I intend present the case of
Phinehas Culver at the next court
held in Albany on the 17 Oct
for [illegible]
the various
documentary [illegible]
mentioned in your other having written
the case & in attendance of [illegible]
will thus be required. I will [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
in this [illegible] an [illegible]
At a recent  trial in Tompkins County in
this state which I conducted this court
appeared as a witness & was thoroughly in
[illegible] as unworthy of credit under
oath. From inquiries which I then made
I doubt of he is more than 60 years old.
[illegible]
[illegible]
Page 22

Blank page
Page 23

(Copy)
Pension Office,
 May 23rd, 1843

Sir,
In the case of David Goodhard or Goodfaith, asserted now for the first time upon the faith of an entry on the books of the Comptroller of Connecticut some explanation is required of you in relation to the circumstances attending the origin progress and presentation of such a claim. The soldier whose service in 1781 in the Connecticut Line , he has with your aid endeavored to appropriate to himself, ls a blars'(?) man enlisted on the 1st January 1777, and served to June 1783. As the claimant resided in your Town, it is not an unwarrantable inference that you are acquainted with his character and the tradition of his merits as a soldier of the Revolution, and if you have such knowledge you cannot overlook the further inference which involves you.
I am, very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servant
(signed) J. L. Edwards

Aaron Nash, Esh
Ballston Spa
New York
Page 24

Ballston Spa 17 April 1843

Sir
Inclosed herewith you will receive the papers of David Goodhard for a pension under the Act of Jue 7, 1832 which please examine and make returns to me early as convenient at Ballston P.O.

I am Very Respectfully
your obt. servant
Aaron Nash

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 25

35.503
David Goodhard
4105 NY
Act 7 June '32
Page 26

Ballston Spa, June 7th 1843

Sir,
Inclosed herewith you will receive the depositions of some of the neighbors of David Goodhard and others explaining the reasons why he makes application for a pension, and as traditionary proof to his claim it is hoped it will prove satisfactory.
And I would ask, is it certain that "David Goodfaith who" was a warsman enlisted in the 1st Jany 1777 and served to June 1783: is the individual of that name stated by the Comptroller of Connecticut of which the following is an estract to wit.
"David Goodfaith" private, commencement of service Jan 1st 1781 expiration of service December 31st 1781 term 12 mo:
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Aaron Nash

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 27

2. Eighty three years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit made my the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832. That he enlisted into the army of the United States and served under the officers herein named.

To the first interrogatory prescribed by the War Department.
1. Where and what year were you born?
He answers and says, in the suburbs of Hesse Castle in Germany in the year 1760. 
2. To the 2nd question
Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
He answers and says
the date of his birth and baptism were entered on the Church records if the Reformed Duch Church in the city of Hesse Castle, Germany
3. to the question
Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
He answers and says that about four years previous to entering into the army of the United States, he was a private of the British army in the city of New York, and that in the month of August or September, 1780 he deserted the British and came over to the American Army, as herein after stated, that since the Revolutionary War, he went to Connecticut & his first residence in the town of Windsor, one year, Middle Town, one yar, & in Hartford, one year, being three years in all. And thence moved to Greenbush in the State of
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New York, continued one year thence to Lansingburgh, in Reusselan County & continued 6 mos thence to Ticonderoga, N Y & continued there 18 mos thence to Hoosic and continued 6 months and again to Ticonderoga  and continued about two years; thence to Pitts Town and then to Grafton in both Towns continued 11 years. And that about the year 1804 he removed from Grafton into the county of Saratoga and has resided in said county ever since, and now resides in the Town of Ballston in the county of Saratoga and state of New York, in Saratoga Co 39 years.
4. To the fourth question
How were you called into service, were your drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom?
That in September 1780 he entered the British army at New York Island at the mouth of Spiten dewit creek, swam across the Hudson River, passed between two British War Frigates, (being forced by the tide) and landed at Pallisaid Mountain in New Jersey, naked, and from there went to the American Block House at Dobbs Ferry, where was a garrison commanded by Major David Smith, the soldiers here furnished him some clothing and took him to the officers room, where he was examined by an interpreter and stated to them that about six weeks back was a loghouse with several horses standing around, and men in the house appeared to belong to the British by their conversation, heard(to wit "heres a health to King George," That a party of about fifty officers and privates were sent the same night from the Garrison to the loghouse commanded by Major Smith (deponent went as pilot) conversed
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4
conversed by an interpreter a dutchman of the garrison from Pennsylvania, don't recollect his name, who was the only person of the garrison with whom he could converse, deponent marched beside the interpreter and on the way told him I have the British countersign & we can take them without any disturbance, he then went to the front and told major Smith, who requested me to give the countersign, I replied my oath forbid it, but give me a gun and cartouch box and I will do the business, this done the Major took me with him till the Sentinel hailed, deponent advanced and replied a friend (or friendly) and gave the countersign, the sentinel then said pass on, Major Smith and company passed on, and demanded their immediate surrender, they refused to comply, and fired out the windows with carbines but did no injury to Major Smith or any of his company, Major Smith commanded the men to put fire to the house and burn them out, we did so, and they came out when compelled by the roof falling over their heads, 22 Con Boys surrendered with their horses and were conveyed to the blockhouse, the next morning the said Major Smith procured a bout commanded by Capt Riley and conveyed the prisoners to New Plank Point, and from there they were taken to Hartford in Connecticut, Gen. Washingtons army was stationed at New Plank Point, this declarant then, at New Plank Point took the oath of allegiance, administered by Colonel Hamilton.
At this time a soldier named William Russell who belonged to the Connecticut troops and served under Major David Smith and desired to return home, and though the influence of my interpreter I engaged to serve as his substitute for the unexpired term of his engagement and passed muster at the blockhouse, he does not recollect the precise day but
Page 30

but it was in September, 1780, and a few days previous to the execution of Major Andre the British spy, he entered the service aforesaid as substitute and at roll call answered to the name of William Russell until the expiration of his engagement, being the last day of December in 1780, and performed duties as a private first at the blockhouse where we continued and performed garrison duties (and part of the time he served as waiter to the said Major Smith when required to do so) here we continued some four or five weeks, and marched to Springfield and continued there, say, six or eight weeks thence to Elizabeth Town where we had a skirmish with the enemy and compelled them to retreat and give up possession, here we continued about four days and returned to Springfield, a few days after the skirmish we marched to Aruboy, from there to the Blockhouse and there continued on duty as aforesaid until the last of December, 1780, having served as private the full term of David Russells engagement, for at least three months to wit: from the last of September 1780 until the last of December, 1780, three months and served as a private under Colonel Isaac Sherman, Major David Smith, and Captain Isaac Taylor, of the aforesaid services he know of ne person now living who served with him and who could testify to his services aforesaid, except Chadsey who belonged to the Connecticut troops but not of the 5th Regiment, to him I was partially known, he now resides in this County and he knows of no documentary evidence of his services, except that hereto annexed to that on the tab: day of January 1781 he again entered into the service of the United States, and enlisted for one year as a private under Captain Isaac Taylor, of
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6
of the 5th Regiment of the Connecticut troops commanded by Colonel Isaac Sherman and Major David Smith and served as follows to wit: passed muster and entered into the service of the blockhouse under the aforesaid officers where we continued and personel garrison duties until the spring; and in the month of March or April, marched from the blockhouse and patrolled from town to town, on the West side of the Hudson River, had no stationary place, but in open field struck our tents, except when at Aruboy and Elizabeth Town, and it was supposed that an attack would be made on New York; when we continued performing duties as aforesaid until about the 1st of October 1781. Our Regiment and one other Connecticut Regiment were called and ordered towards York Town (in order to join the main army then centering towards York Town) we slept within about two miles of York Town and continued a few days performing Military duties; that in the night season we were employed in throwing up beast work, where we continued performing fatigue duties as aforesaid until the battle, this declarant was engaged in the York Town battle, and when the battle was over and Lord Cornwallis had surrendered himself and Army to the Americans.
The regiment to which this deponent belonged, marched through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey to Haven straw Bay and from there to New Planks points, and continued there a few days and marched to continental village and erected huts or cabbins in the woods and continued there until his enlistment was expired, to wit: until the last day of December 1781, and further after the period of his said enlistment had expired, he was kept on duty with
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with the army, under the aforesaid officers until the Spring of 1782, that he with his regiment according orders, marched from continental village to Fishkill, from there was conveyed to West Point, and there performed garrison duties until the 28th or 29th day of May, 1782, when he received an honorable discharge and went to Connecticut.
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the army where you served; such continental and militia Regiment as you can recollect; & the general circumstances of your services;
He answers and says
that he has stated herein the general circumstances of his services, to the best of his recollection, he remembers that five Connecticut Regiments served where he served some the regular officers who served where he served are besides the General Washington, General Putnam, Colonel Hamilton, and others named herein.
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
He answers and says that he did receive a written discharge at West Point (in the State of New York, signed by Colonel Alexander Hamilton) dated 28th or 29th May 1782 his said discharge has been destroyed, about 58 years since when he was travelling from Connecticut to Greenbush in the rain, his nase sac was drenched and his papers, and discharge got wet and were destroyed.
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution, he gives the following names to
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8
to wit: Reverend Libbeus Armstrong, Henry Doolittle, Aaron Burl, Cornelius Lansing Esq: Justice of the Peace Edward Hubbell, Abel Meeker Esquire, Libbeus Booth Esquire.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity whatever except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any State.

David Goodhand

Subscribed and sworn before Seymour St John Judge of Saratoga County Court in oppen Court.


Comptrollers Office
Hartford
10th March 1843

This may certify that in the "settlement with the 5th Connecticut Regiment, Isaac Sherman Esq, Colonel for the year 1781" there is the following entry, Vol. 2 page 75 of the Connecticut line- "David Goodfaith private commencement of service January 1st 1781- expiration of service. Dec 31st 1781, term 12 months?"
David Smith was at this time Major of the 5th Regiment of the line.

Gideon Welles- Comptr.

We Libbeus Booth, Abel Meeker, Cornelius Lansing, residing in the Town of Rallston in the county of Saratoga and State of New York, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with David Goodhart who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to
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to be eighty three years of age, that he is believed and reputed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.

A Meeker
Cornelius Lansing

Subscribed and sworn the 11th day of April 1843, before Seymour St John Judge of Saratoga County Court.

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 named applicant, was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Abel Meeker who has subscribed to the above is Supreme Court Commissioner residing in the Town of Rallston in the county of Saratoga and state of New York, and that Cornelius Lansing who has also subscribed and swore to the above is a Justice of the Peace, also residing in the Town of Rallston, County and state aforesaid, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Horace Goodrich Clerk of the Court of common pleas of the County of Saratoga aforesaid certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Goodhart for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of said court this eleventh day of April 11th 1843.

George Satterlee
Dep Clerk
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State of New York
Saratoga County} ss.

William Bowsman of the town of [unk] aged 84 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he this deponent in the year 1780 and previous thereto he this deponent resided about one and a half miles from the blockhouse near Dobbs Ferry in the State of New Jersey. That sometime in the month of September or latter part of August 1780 (it was before Genl Arnold deserted the American Army) he this deponent became acquainted with a man in the blockhouse who was a German but generally called Hessians who was usually called by the name of David Goodfaith, but sometimes he was called Guthart and sometimes he would be called by the soldiers in the blockhouse Goodfellow he could not speak the English language so as to have conversation with him on any particular subject this deponent at that time was informed by the soldiers in the blockhouse and also by the above named Guthart that he has deserted from the British at New York; this deponent was frequently at the blockhouse above named sometimes once a week and sometimes twice a week and sometimes but once in two weeks, excepting in the month of February 1781 this deponent done duty about three weeks in the blockhouse above named. Whenever this deponent visited the blockhouse as above named he this deponent most generally saw the above named Guthart or Goodfaith in the blockhouse performing Garrison duty (excepting a part of the time in the fall a part of the troops was called off from the blockhouse to some place in the Jerseys) Major Smith at that time
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time was in command of the blockhouse. In the month of April 1781 this deponent left his place of residence near the blockhouse in the Jersies, and went to reside near Saratoga Lake then Albany County, now Saratoga County, where this deponent has ever since resided, that in the year 1794 or 1795, this deponent again became acquainted with the above named David Guthart (who at this time and ever since has went by the name of Guthart) in the county of Reansaerlan, town of Grafton in the State of New York and that this deponent has ever since been acquainted with the above named David Guthart but not very intimately except while living at Grafton that for the last 30 years or upwards the above named Guthart has resided in the town of Ballston, Saratoga County- the deponent knows that the above named David Guthart is the same person that this deponent saw in the blockhouse as above named performing Garrison duty and that this deponent has never known any other person (except as above stated by this deponent) by the name of Guthart or Goodfaith.

William Bowsman his mark X

Sworn and subscribed before me this 11th day of April 1843.

Wm B Naxon, Justice of the Peace

And I the said Justice hereby certify that from several years acquainted with the above named deponent William Bowsman. I believe
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12
believe him to be a man of strict integrity, that he is a credible witness and that he is unable to write his name on account of almost total loss of sight.

Wm B Naxon Justice

State of New York
County of Saratoga} ss.

I Horace Goodrich Clerk of said County do certify that William B Naxon is, & was in the day of the date of the foregoing affidavit a Justice of the Peace of said County, duly qualified and that his signature as such Justice appended to the preceding affidavit and certificate are his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 15th day of April 1843.

George Satterlee Dep Clerk

State of New York
Saratoga County} ss.

Benjamin Chadsey of the Town of Clifton Park, aged 75 years who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he this deponent entered the service as a private soldier of the Revolutionary War at West Point, State of New York in the month of March 1787 and under the following named officers John Lamb Col. William Haring Capt. John Smith comitant. In the month of June we marched to White Plains where this deponent continued until the month of August or October of 1781 when
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13
when this deponent under the above named officers marched to Trenton New Jersey, when this deponent arrival at Trenton there was a body of American troops at that place who were preparing to go to York Town, this deponent remained at Trenton as near as he can recollect six days while at Trenton this deponent became acquainted with a man who was a private soldier doing military duty under Major David Smith (Major David Smith was a brother to the above named John Smith) who was a Hissian and called David Goodfaith, or Goodhart at Trenton this deponent under his officers above named embarked in boats and proceeded to Chesipeke Bay, leaving the above named David Goodfaith and Major Smith and a number of troops at Trenton. A few days before the surrender of Cornwallace at York town this deponent again became acquainted with the above named Goodfaith who was engaged in the engagement at York Town in the American Army, that after the surrender of Lord Cornwallace at York town this deponent under his officer as above names in company with the above named David Goodfaith and the troops under the command of Major Smith proceeded to Philadelphia where we arrived the latter part of November 1781 where this deponent remained for winter quarters. Major Smith and a number of the American troops proceeded on northward and also the above named Goodfaith, that at the different times this
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14
this deponent saw the above named Goodfaith as above stated, he was performing military duty in the american army of the revolutionary war as a private. That after this deponent left the service of the revolutionary war he again became acquainted with the above named David Goodfaith at Middletown in Connecticut for a short period where he went by the name of David Goodhart. That about 30 years ago while this deponent residing where he now resides (and ever since resided) he this deponent again became acquainted with the above named David Goodfaith who then resided in Ballston where he now resides and that this deponent has ever since been acquainted with the above named Goodfaith but not very intimately, at the time this deponent became acquainted with the above named Goodfaith at Middletown in Connecticut and ever since he has went by the name of David Goodhart and this deponent knows that the above named Goodfaith or as he is now called Goodhart is the same person that this deponent saw performing military duty under Major Smith in the revolutionary war as stated by this deponent above. Sherman was Col. in Major Smith Regiment Connecticut line of troops.

Benjamin Chadsey

Subscribed and sworn before me this 12th day of April 1843.

Henry Clow Justice of the Peace

And I the said of the peace hereby certify that from many years acquaintance with the deponent Benjamin Chadsey I verily believe him to
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15
to be a person of strict integrity and that he is a credible witness.

Henry Clow
Justice of the Peace 

State of New York
County of Saratoga} ss.

I Horace Goodrich clerk of said county do hereby certify that Henry Clow whose signature is set to the foregoing affidavit was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, dwelling therein, duly elected and sworn and duly authorized by the laws of this State to administer oaths and further the signature "Henry Clow" subscribed thereto is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 15th day of April, 1843.

George Satterlee
Dep Clerk

Ballston Spa August 9th 1843

Sir,

In the pension case of David Goodhart or Goodfaith, my first acquaintance with him was about 25 years ago, and I think it might have been 30 years, that sometime previous to the passage of the act of June 1832, I understood he had been a British soldier and had deserted to the american army and joined a Connecticut line of troops, and was in the battle of York Town, which appeared well understood among
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among his neighbors in this town and believed to be true.
And it was well known that he claimed a pension under said act, that he went before the court in this county in the fall or winter after the passage of said act and made application for a pension. That about 12 mos ago, Goodhart called on me and requested my aid to obtain a pension for him, alleging that he has served in a connecticut line of the Revolution under Major David Smith and other officers and was in the York Town battle, but could not prove his services so it rested until some time last winter, when Thomas Staats Jun of this town and not far distant from Goodharts (say near a mile) and said he called by request of Goodhart wishing my assistance in presenting the claim of said Goodhart to a pension, alleging that it could be proved by reputable witnesses of this county who were knowing to Goodharts services and mentioned the name of Benjamin Chadsey and who was with Good hart in York Town battle, and I had long since understood that said Chadsey was a pensioner and served in a Connecticut line, and [unk] wished me to go and examine W. Chadsey but ill health prevented my going to Chadseys.
I then wrote a letter to the comptroller of Connecticut stating the circumstances as related to me by Goodhart, requesting him to examine the rolls, to which the comptroller returned answer, that no such name as David Goodhart appeared on the rolls in that office, but says,
"There is a David Goodfaith whose name first appears on the book of the line Jany 1st 1781, as
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contained in the certificate with the declaration of Goodhart, and goes on and says, "It is possible and not impossible that being a foreigner his name was mistaken on it may have been changed since that period."
That ill health and severe winter weather prevented me from calling on Goodhart, (who lived 1/2 mile distant or more) I requested Staats to call on him, and requested him not to inform Goodhart of the contents of the communication from the Comptroller, and ask him (said Goodhart) whether he was known by any other name in the army than Goodhand or Goodhart, and if so, what names to which he answered (so said Staats) that his name in the army was sometimes called Goodfaith, Goodfellow, &c.
From which and the circumstances previously stated by him (Goodhand) led me to the conclusion that he was the person named by the comptroller, (Goodfaith) is his communication, and subsequently in his certificate, and I went with him the the Court, then sitting at Ballston Spa Village.
And all the interrogatories required by the war Department were put to him separately, (after being sworn in open court) and by him answered, and subsequently the depositions of Benjamin Chadsey and William Bowsman were delivered to me by Thomas Staats Jun before named; and as it did not seem to me possible that David Goodfaith who enlisted 1 Jany 1777 for the war and served to June 1783 could be the same person named in the Comptrollers certificate who entered the service 1st January 1781, for one year, could be the same
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same person, I therefore procured and transmitted to the Department, such traditionary evidence as appeared to me calculated to remove the objections made by the Commission of Pensions in his communication bearing date 23d May last.
Mr Benjamin Chadsey has been known to me for many years to be a man of fair reputation for truth, but for 2 or 3 years last past I had only seen him occasionally, he resides in this county 9 or 10 miles from this place, and in an obscure place, I did not know that he had become feeble in mind, eyesight, and hearing much impaired until last week, after this information I called on him and asked said Chadsey when did you become acquainted with David Goodhart, who replied upwards of twenty years ago at Marvins Tavern, in Malta, (which is adjoining to Ballston) that until this day, I had not doubted the truth of the contents of Chadseys deposition relative to the services of David Goodhart, or until your last communication to me on this subject.

I am respectfully your obedient servant

Aaron Nash

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions 
Washington City
D.C.

State of New York
County of Saratoga} ss.

Be it known that before me
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me Abel Meeker a commissioner of the Supreme Court, personally appeared Ziba Dykeman of the town of Ballston in the county of Saratoga and State of New York, aged fifty one years; who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that he has been acquainted with David Goodhart upwards of thirty years in the Towns of Malta and Ballston in this county, and for many years deponent has lived in the same neighborhood with the said David Goodhart, that from his first acquaintance with him has frequently heard him relate the circumstances that in the time of the Revolutionary War, he deserted the British army and joined the American army, that he swam across the river passing near two British wars men, and arrived safe on the Jersey shore and went to a block house, naked, and the soldiers gave him clothes, that he entered into the American service, as a substitute for a William Russell of Connecticut, and at roll call answered to his name, and that he was engaged in the Battle of York Town at the capture of Lord Cornwallace. And that he has often heard the said David Goodhart relate the same circumstances to others, and that the truth of said circumstances (as above related) have never been doubted in the neighborhood, to my knowledge.
And further deponent believes that the statements of the said David Goodhart are entitled to confidence and credit, and his reputation is fair as an honest man and unimpeached.

Ziba Dykeman

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 6th day of June 1843.

A Meeker Supreme Court Commissioner
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Saratoga County ss: I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Ziba Dykeman that his character for truth and veracity is unimpeached, that he is blind that his statement is in opinion entitled to credit.

A Meeker Sup Court Comm

Dated Ballston Spa 6th June, 1843

At a Court of Common Pleas held at the Court house in the Village of Ballston Spa in and for the County of Saratoga on the last Tuesday of December 1832. Present

Hon. James Thompson First Judge 
Judges} Guert Van Schoonhoven
John H Steel
George Palmer
Harvey Granger

In the matter of David Goodhart a pensioner}

Applicant appears in open Court and makes declaration and answers interrogatories under oath.

Matthias Swain & Jesse Robertson Esq
sworn. ordered certified

I certify the foregoing to be a true copy from the minutes of said Court.
Given under my hand and seal this 5th day of June 1843.

Horace Goodrich
Clerk
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State of New York
County of Saratoga} ss.
Be it known that before me Abel Meeker a Supreme Court Commissioner of said county personally appeared Anson Buell a resident of the Town of Ballston in the county of Saratoga and State aforesaid, aged forty eight years: who being first duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he resides about one mile from David Goodhart the applicant for a pension & has been acquainted with him for several years last past and believes him to be of the age, he states, to wit: eighty three years, and he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he now resides and has resided for many years, to have been a soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that opinion, and the same opinion is general (and nothing new) and further the character of the said David Goodhart is fair for truth and veracity.

Aaron Buell

Subscribed and sworn before me the 6th day of June 1843.

A Meeker Supreme Court Commissioner

Saratoga County ss. : I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Anson Buell that his character is fair and unimpeached & that his statement upon any subject upon his oath or otherwise is in my opinion entitled to full credit.
Ballston Spa 6th June, 1843

A Meeker Sup Court Comm
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State of New York
County of Saratoga} ss.
On this second day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty three, personally appeared before me Abel Meeker Supreme Court Commissioner of the county of Saratoga, Thomas Staats Jun of Ballston County of Saratoga who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is upwards of forty seven years of age, that he has been acquainted with David Goodhart of Ballston in said County for upwards of twenty five years, that from the time this deponent first became acquainted with said Goodhart until the present time this deponent on different occasions has heard said Goodhart say that he deserted from the British army of the Revolutionary war and that he was in the service of the american army and was in the engagement at York Town where Lord Cornwallace surrendered to the american army and this deponent has never heard it disputed by any person as to the truth of said Goodharts having deserted the British army and joined the american army in the war of the Revolution. That some time in the month of March last Mr Aaron Nash of Ballston informed this deponent that he had received a letter from the Comptroller of Connecticut (which he read to this Deponent) stating that the name of David Goodhart was not found on the books in his office, but the name of David Goodfaith was found in said Books who probably was the same person. Mr Nash being unwell requested me to call on said David Goodhart and enquire of him if he went by any other name
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23
name in the american army, except David Goodhart, but not to inform him of the contents of the letter from the Comptroller, I recordingly went to said Goodhart, and asked him if he was known by any other name in the american army-excepting Goodhart, he replied that in the american army he was called Goodfaith but sometimes the soldiers called him Goodfellow, he answered as above stated without my informing him anything about the letter to Mr Nash from the Comptroller.

Thomas Staats Jr

Subscribed and sworn before me the 2d day of June, 1843

A Meeker Supreme Court Commissioner

Saratoga County ss: I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Thomas Staats Jun: and believe him to be of the age stated in his deposition above set forth, and that in my opinion his statement is entitled to credit.

A Meeker, Supreme Court Commissioner

Comptrollers Office, Hartford, 28th February 1843

Sir
David Smith was a Major in the 8th Regt of the Connecticut line, commanded by St Col Isaac Sherman, William Russell was a drummer in
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in this regiment. I do not find the name of David Goodhart or Goodhand (for you mention the name but once and then so obscurely that I cannot satisfactorily decypher it) on the books of the Connecticut line.
There is a "David Goodfaith" whose name first appears on the books of the line Jany 1st 1781. He may have entered a few months previous. This man was a private in the 8th Regt. It is possible and not improbable, that being a foreigner, his name was mistaken, or it may have been changed since that period. Should such be the case, or should you desire it, I will forward you a certificate of the services of David Goodfaith.

Very respectfully
Gideon Welles

Mr Aaron Nash

State of New York 
Saratoga County} ss.
Be it known that before the subscriber, personally appeared Joel Kellogg of the Town of Ballston in the county of Saratoga in the State of New York, aged seventy four years; who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he has resided in said Town of Ballston for upwards of forty years; and that about the year 1823, David Goodhart moved into the said Town of Ballston and into the immediate neighborhood of deponent, and with whom he has been well acquainted ever since, residing in the same neighborhood from the time aforesaid
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aforesaid to the present time, and that upwards of ten years ago, and at different time, since that period have heard him say that in the time of the Revolutionary War, he deserted from the British army and joined the americans that he entered the service of the United States as a substitute, and at roll call answered to the name of the soldier in whose place he served, and that for many years past deponent has frequently heard the said David Goodhart afform that he was engaged in the York Town battle, at the taking of Lord Cornwallace; and deponent believes and thinks it is not doubted in the neighborhood where he lives, and is known, that the said David Goodhart was a soldier of the Revolution and was engaged in the York Town battle.

Joel Kellogg

Subscribed and sworn before me the 31st May, 1843.

A Meeker Supreme Court Commissioner

Saratoga County ss: I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Joel Kellogg that his character for truth and veracity is fair  and unimpeachable and any statement made by him is in my opinion entitled to credit.

A Meeker Supreme Court Commissioner

Ballston Spa 31st May, 1843

Pension Office, October 4th 1843
Composed with the original papers and found correct.
by Thomas Lumpkin, Clerk
by W M Stewart clk