Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13,634, for Rufus Lincoln, Massachusetts
Page 1

Mass.        Lincoln, Rufus       W13634
                              Lydia        B.L. Wr. 990-300
Page 2

9373
R
Massachusetts
-
Rufus Lincoln
Wareham in the State of Mass'tts he was a Captain in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Brooks of the Mass'tts: line, for the term of 6 six years. Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 14 of April, 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 of April, 1819 and sent to Nahum Mitchel
E. Bridgewater
---
Arrears to 4th of Mar. 1819  $213.91
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819  $120
10m. 1/2 of /30.   4 /31        $333.91
---

{ Revolutionary claim,   }
{ Act 18th March, 1818 }
Discontinued
Sent Atty Gen'l opinion
24 May 1821
Page 3

990
Rufus Lincoln -
Captain
7th Regt. Massa. line
989 Annulled
Warrant issued March 24th 1821
Joseph Watson
Page 4

Massachusetts 2379
Lydia Lincoln of Wareham 
Widow of Rufus Lincoln deceased
Request help under the act of 18 March 1818
who died on the 14th February 1836
of Plymouth Co. in the State of Massachusetts
who was a Captain in the _________commanded
by Captain _____ of the regt commanded
by Col. Brooks in the Mass line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 480 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 11th of February, 1838.
February 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Oct
1838 & auth by J. H. Loud Esq
Plymouth Mass

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 38 $264 00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 39 240.
                                                          $504.00
Revolutionary Claim Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd and Joint Resolution
Recorded by  D. McCurdy
Book A   Vol. 2   Page 54
Page 5

I Rufus Lincoln of Wareham in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth of Massachusetts & a citizen of the United States & now resident therein set forth and declare that I was an officer in the war of the revolution on the continental establishment for more than nine months, that from my reduced circumstances & need the assistance of my country for support and do therefore desire to obtain a pension under the late law of Congress of the 18th of March last -that I entered the 
service in 1777 as a Lieutenant under the continual Congress & afterwards had a commission of Captain from the same authority and served during all the war having served as a soldier before I had a
Commission and till the close of it and was discharged by the general proclamation. I served in the 3d Company and 7th Regiment in the Massachusetts line, under Col / now Governor/ Brooks
My Commission I herewith exhibit-
Rufus Lincoln
Sworn to April 14. 1818
Page 6

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Plymouth
SS.
On this 14th day of April AD. 1818, before me
the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Southern Circuit, personally appeared Rufus Lincoln of
Wareham Co. of Plymouth aged______years,
resident in said Circuit, who being by me duly cautioned according to law, on his oath made the following declaration, by him signed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled ""An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States
in the revolutionary war," viz. That he entered into said land service as a Lieutenant in the
3d Company & 7th Massachusetts Regimt
commanded by Col / now Governor / John
Brooks, and was afterwards promoted to
a Captain of said Company, and continued to serve in said Regiment as an officer from 1777 to the close of said war & was discharged by the general proclamation - that having served as a private soldier before he received any commission he was in the service all the war-
his commissions he now exhibits - that
from his reduced circumstances he
needs the assistance of his country for
Page 7

support - a statement of his services
by him signed and sworn to accompanies this certificate and is marked
A. - and also his Commissions.
And I, the said Judge, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Rufus Lincoln
did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment;
and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me,
to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress; and that he is poor and reduced in his circumstances & needs the assistance of his country for support.
Nahum Mitchell
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
SS.          1818.
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That
is one of the Judges of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern
Circuit, consisting of the Counties of Plymouth, Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket in said Commonwealth--that the same Circuit Court of Common Pleas is a Court of record -  that the signature to the above certificate is the true signature of the said Judge, and that the seal thereunto affixed is the seal of the said Court.
}Clerk of the Judicial
}Courts for the County
}of
Page 8

Rufus Lincoln's
9373 / Sept 1819
not entitled

May 1, 1821
Attn
Jno B Thomas Esq
Plymouth
Mass
Page 9


SCHEDULE.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Plymouth SS

On this 17th day of July 1820, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having a power also of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, personally appeared in open Court, being a court of record for the said County Rufus Lincoln aged
69 years, resident in Wareham in said County,
who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in
the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. for the term of 8 years & more in and that he has received a pension certificate dated  14th April 1819 and numbered 9373 - in pursuance of his original Declaration made 14 April 1818-
and also takes and subscribes the following oath, viz. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of he United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
I possessed a property on the 18th day of March 1818--
as follows 40 acres of land -  dwelling house, barn- Corn house- 1 Cow, 1 horse- 1 maple  desk 2 chests. 2 kettles, 2 pots, 8 chairs bible - hoe- axe- rake - plates - knives & forks old Books- looking glasses, no securities, except 1 note of $15- I owed 230 dollars. I have a wife 63 years old quite feeble 1 daughter Lydia about 20 years of age, pretty well - I am unable myself to perform hard labour- - -
Rufus Lincoln
Sworn to and declared the 17th day of July A.D. 1820, before
Nahum Mitchell} C. Justice of s'd court

I Jno B Thomas Clerk of said Court
do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is fifteen hundred & ninety nine dollars and __
cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the
said court, on this Twenty ninth day of Dec. A.D. 1820.
Jno B. Thomas
Clerk of the Court for the County of Plymouth
Page 10

(3810)
Court Reso:
Mrs Lincoln
Mass.

admitted
Capt. $480 

J H. Loud
Plymo
Mass
Sept 7
Page 11

State of Massachusetts}
Plymouth County         } ss
On this thirty first day of August 1858 personally appeared before Wilkes Wood Judge of the Court of Probate in & for said County of Plymouth Lydia Lincoln resident of Wareham in the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts aged seventy nine years
who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 and the joint Resolution
of July 7th 1838: That she is the Widow of Rufus Lincoln  late of said Wareham deceased, who was a soldier & officer in the Revolutionary War and according to her
recolection & belief he served in Revolutionary army during nearly the whole time of said War and over three years of said time as a captain in Colo. John Brooks Regiment and he received
a pension from Goverment as and for services as a Captain till his death all which will appear from Documents in the Pension office at Washington. She further declares that she was
married to the said Rufus Lincoln on the eleventh day of February in the year seventeen hundred and eighty three; that her husband the aforesaid Rufus Lincoln died on the eleventh day of February in the year eighteen hundred and thirty eight, and that she has
remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed-
Lydia Lincoln

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written before me and I further declare that the Declarant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to travel to any Court to make her declaration-
Wilkes Wood   J. Prob
Page 12

Plymouth ss. I Jacob H Loud Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Hon. Wilkes Wood is Judge of Probate for said County & that the within is his true &  genuine signature-
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand & the
Seal of the Court of Probate
for said County this first day
of September 1838.
Jacob H. Loud
Page 13

"Rufus Lincoln and Lydia his wife was married
Febmary eleventh seventeen hundred and eighty three.

I certify that the above is a true copy taken from the family Bible of said Rufus Lincoln now in the possession of his widow, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows
February 11th 1783
Lydia Ellis

I Lydia Ellis above named depose and say
that the above is a true extract from the records in the family Bible of said Rufus Lincoln with the exception above named
as certified by me, and I further testify and say that the said record is in the hand writing of Rufus Lincoln deceased, which I further testify and say that the said Rufus Lincoln
was a pensioner of the United States and that he died on the eleventh day of February in the year eighteen hundred & thirty eight and that his widow Lydia Lincoln now living and has not married since the decease of her husband & she is the identical person now applying-
for a pension.                 Lydia Ellis

State of Massachusetts}
Plymouth County         } ss
August 31st 1838, then the above named Lydia Ellis, whom I certify to be a credible witness made oath in due form of law, that the above deposition is true.
Before me Seth Miller Jr  Justice Peace
Page 14

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth SS. I Jacob H. Loud Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Seth Miller Jr Esq is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that the within is his true & genuine signature-
In testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand & the Seal of the
County of Probate for said County
this first day of September 1838-
Jacob H. Loud
Page 15

.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBELED

To Rufus Lincoln Esquire
---
Greeting
The Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Vabour, Conduct and Fidelity DO by these presents constutute and appoint
trate and appoint you to be a Captain in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, in the Army of the United States, to take the rank as such--
from the Thirteenth day of April 1780, you are threrefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a captain by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders as Captain---- and you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for that propose appointed  a Committee of the States, or the Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the Unted States or any other your superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War in pursuance
of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress. The Committee of Congress before mentioned, or a Committee of the States
Witness His Excellency John Hanson Esq
President of the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia--the sixteenth    
day of September a.d. 1782 and in the seventh year of our Independence.
 John Hanson

    By Order of Congress   
   Benjamin Lincoln,  Secretary of War
Page 16

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13634

Lydia Lincoln
Widow of
Rufus Lincoln
Lt & Capt Rev. War
Act: July 4th '36
Index:____ Vol.__A__ Page: __429__
 {Arrangement of 1870}


---
July 4th 36
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 429
Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 17


UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED
For Rufus Lincoln, Capt.
Greeting. We Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be a Lieutenant in the
forces in the Massachusetts Regiment in the Army of the United States to take rank as 
Captain from the 1st day of January 1777. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Lieutenant- by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers, under your command , to be obedient to your orders, as Lieutenant.--
And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to time, as you
shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress
for that purpose appointed, a Committee of the States, or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance
of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue inforce until revoked by this, or a future Congress, the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency Saml Huntington Esq 
President of the Congress of the United States of America (illegible) - the 29th day of September 1779, and in the fourth year of
our Independence.

Entered in the War Office
and examined by the Board
Attest
Ben Stodard
Secretary of the Board of War
Sam'l Huntington President
Page 18

Rufus Lincoln Mass. Act 15 May 1828
to what time paid?
Pen: Office  Oct. 15, 1838
Died 11th Feb 1838 P% that period 
LH
Page 19

Verification sent the 1st May 1821 to
John B. Thomas Esqr Plymouth Mass'tts
---
See letter to Hon.    }
A. Hobart,  7 Dec. 1822 }

M. Henshaw
Page 20

Massachusetts
---
Rufus Lincoln,
Captain Revo. $20 pr Mo.
placed on roll 14 April
1819 - dropt May 1.
1821. Restored on
21st Feb. 1826 and
notification sent to
Hon. J. Reed, H.R.
---
Pen: Commencing
under act of March
1823, on 17th Feb.
1826--
---
allowed by Secrt of
War.
14 Apl 1819
(Sept. '19 )
Page 21

F. Mackie           $142-
B. Tobey                95.32
Ezra Swift              13.15
Bradford Lincoln-  93 -
M. S. Lincoln          25.18
P. F. Briggs              9.33
E. Crocker               29-
M. Crocker               9 .32
H. Swift                   31
W. Fearing              13.29
                              _________
                              $460.59
Page 22

Rufus Lincoln, Captain
---
Massachusetts
I served 6 years to end of war 1st Schedule, dated 17 July 1821- contains 40 acres of land-dwelling house-barn-- corn house--1 cow-
1 horse and sundry articles of household furniture and a few farming utensils not valued separately but collectively at $1599.00
claimant states, without giving the names of the creditors, that he owes $230--He is 69 years old, and unable to perform hard labor- wife 63 years old, quite feeble quit full and 1 daughter aged 20 pretty well.-
Application made to be restored and rejected 24 May 1821-
2nd Schedules dated 10 Apl. 1821- contains no real property- 1 -horse-1 cow-1 pig and sundry articles of household furniture valued
collectively at $86.00
States no debts nor says any thing about the property in the 1st schedule- claims  family as in  2nd Sched
John B. Thomas Plymouth Massachusetts

2nd Sched States, that farm house & barn
were all attached, & sold for the benefit of creditors, for $500, cash. a duly certified copy of deed, conveying the same is -and is dated
the 16 Feby 1821. & was not acknowleged till 15 April 1823-sold 1 horse to Jos Clark for $35 in April 1822.
Killed the cow, Nov. 1822. 1 pig, 1 Plough, rake, pitchfork, & some household furniture, remains all valued at $41.00

April 11th 1823.
cannot restore: see letter July 16. 1823, to J. B. Thomas. The last papers &c in this case is an Affidavit from the claimant's son stating that the Real Estate was given for a valuable 
consideration & that the purchase money was appropriated to the discharge of his Father's
debts - a letter from Judge Mitchell, stating as his opinion that Lincoln is entitled to a pension
   See letter April 6, 1824 to Sept 1819

Hon. A. Hobart
 H. of Reps
Page 23

Rufus Lincoln
Rufus Lincoln

Notified No 990

No 989 annulled
Page 24

State of Massachusetts
County of Plymouth

Wareham March 8th 1821
See office book  Re Rufus Lincoln

I Rufus Lincoln aged Sixty -nine years a Citizen of the United States do upon Oath testify
and declare that I served in the Army of
the Revolution against the Common Enemy
of my Country as Lieu't and Captain in the 7th Massachusetts Regiment Commanded by Col Brook until the close of the War in Seventeen hundred and Eighty three-
My Commission was forwarded to the War Department for the purpose of establishing my claim to a pensions & has not been returned
I further declare that I have never received a Warrant for the Bounty Land promised to me on the part of the United States, or transformed my claim to that gratuity______
know all men by these Presents that
I Rufus Lincoln aforesaid do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph Watson of Washington in the District of Columbia, Esquire to be my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name
to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States or of such other Person as is duly authorized to accept
and deliver the same - Warrant for the quantity of Land due to me as aforesaid and to sign a receipt an acquittance therefore
and my said Attorney hereby fully authorized & empowered to constitute & appoint one or name substitutes or attorneys under him
for the special purposes above expressed
Rufus Lincoln
Page 25

J. Solsbury Hitchman aged Sixty-six years
Citizen of the United States do upon Oath declare that have been long acquainted with Rufus Lincoln who has subscribed the within declaration in my presence and well know that he is the identical person he therein represents himself to be & further I know that he did perform the military Service therein Stated   Wareham March 8th 1821 
Solsbury Hitchman

Plymouth ss. March 8. 1821 before me Benjamin Fearing Notary Public by legal authority appointed and sworn personally appeared the within named Rufus Lincoln Subscribed to the within declaration and in my presence acknowledged the presence of
Attorney thereto subjoining to be his free act and Deed and likewise personally appeared Solsbury Hitchman who has subscribed the above Certificate of identity both to me well known to be men of Respectability and truth and made solemn oath to the truth of
the deposition by them respectively subscribed this Eighth Day of March 1821.
Benjamin Fearing
Notary Public -
Page 26

Affidavit of Rufus Lincoln stating that he was a Captain  in the 7th Mass'tts Reg and that  his Commission is in the Pension Office.
Jany 29th 1821.
Page 27

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth Co. Wareham January 18th 1821. 

Personally appeared  before me Benjamin Fearing Notary Public by legal authority appointed sworn and dwelling in Wareham aforesaid Rufus Lincoln who on Oath
declared that he served as a Captain of the Light Company attached to the 7th Massachusetts Regiment Commanded by Col Brooks during the Revolutionary War
at the termination of which he retired from service that his Commission stating his grade
in the Army was handed instead to the 
to the War Department at Washington
for the purpose of being inscribed on the Pension rolls of this Agency & that the same was never been returned to him & that he
never has received his military Bounty Land. Rufus Lincoln
In Testimony whereof have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of Office the day & year first above written.
Benjamin Fearing    Notary Public
Page 28

I Minor S. Lincoln of Boston in the County of Suffolk State of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that Capt Rufus Lincoln of Wareham in the County of Plymouth State aforesaid in the year one
thousand eight hundred and twenty one was indebted to me in the sum of Twenty five dollars and eighteen cents which sum was
accounted for in the consideration of the Mortgage deed of real estate from said Rufus to me-  I further testify that the consideration of five hundred dollars named in said deed was appropriated to the payment of his debts and to that amount I did pay to Sundry persons-- I further add that at the time of said deed made in Feb. One thousand eight hundred twenty one no note was given by me to him but that the object of this conveyance was to pay my father's debts which I then undertook, to do and did perform _____
Further that since said mortgage I have contributed to his support more than three hundred dollars and he still is dependent on me for the principal part of his support.
Feby 10th 1826.
Minor S. Lincoln
Plymouth ss. Feb 10th 1826 Personally appeared Minor S. Lincoln and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts-
before me  Curtis Tobey  Just Peace
Page 29

United States of America.
COMMONWEALH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
SUFFOLK, ss. City of BOSTON, January 20, 1824
I, SAMUEL BLAGGE, Notary Public and a Justice of the Peace and Quorum, by legal authority appointed and sworn, and dwelling in Boston aforesaid, make known to all whom it may concern, that on the day & year above
Personally appeared before me the said Notary Minor Lincoln and made Oath that the Deed he received from his Father of a House & parcel of Land in Wareham in the County of Plymouth & Commonwealth aforesaid was given for a valuable consideration and that the amount of purchase money was
appropriated to the discharge of his said Father's debts-
Minor S. Lincoln
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Seal of Office the day year
above written-
S. Blagge
Notary Public & Justice Peace, Quor.
Page 30

Depositions
of
Perez F. Briggs
Eliphelet Bumpus
Timothy Savary
Page 31


We Perez F Briggs, Eliphalet Bumpus and Timothy Savary, Selectmen and overseers of the poor of the Town of Wareham do testify and say that we have been acquainted for a number of years past with Capt. Rufus Lincoln an inhabitant of this town and formerly an officer in the Revolutionary Army-
We further state that we have been intimately
acquainted with the real estate of Capt Lincoln as it has been our duty as assessors to value and estimate under the sanction of an oath the said real estate of said Lincoln and we now declare the said real estate of said Lincoln has not been considered or estimated to be worth so much as Seven hundred Dollars at any time for seven years last past. We further state as his property was mortgaged to his son for Five hundred dollars by his request was put up
at auction being previously advertised for sale in the neighbourhood the right in equity of redeeming the same, but no one would offer one cent more for it because five hundred dollars with the interest is its full value-- We further state that we intimately know Capt Rufus Lincoln and that in our opinion he is poor and destitute of property-
Feb 10th 1826.
Perez F. Briggs, Eliphalet Bumpus, Timothy Savary

 Plymouth Ss. Feby 10 1826
Perez F. Briggs, Eliphalet Bumpus, Timothy Savary   Personally appeared before me and
swore that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts-
Curtis Tobey  Just Peace
Page 32

Plymouth ss. Feb 8th 1826   Personally appeared
before me Perez F. Briggs and made oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed is true
in all its parts. Before me  Wm Fearing- Justice Peace
Page 33

House Reps. 26 Jany 1824
James L. Edwards Esq
Sir
I have read the enclosed Letter from Judge Mitchell, State Treasurer of Mass and Desposition of Minor S. Lincoln, relative to the
application of Rufus Lincoln to be restored to
the Pension List-
Very Respectfully, your Obt Svt-
Aaron Hobatt
Page 34

Act 1828
Settled
Treasury
Cons'd with
Add a Widow
File # 13.634
Page 35

(The transcription that follows is taken from a 
torn fragment of a letter written by Minor S Lincoln.)

Boston June 11th 1828
Hon. Richard Rush
Secretary of the Treasury U.S.
Dear Sir

Inclosed therein is an application from my Father Capt Rufus Lincoln for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of an act entitled an act for the relief of certain surviving officers & soldiers of the Army of the Revolution
approved May 15 - 1828 - Also power of Attorney to receive what money may be allowed him.
     -March 3. 1826 -- I believe the papers correctly
     - from forms given by you few days prior
     - thing further should be required please
     -  me by letter -- you will please
     - what money may be allowed him.
     - the Branch Bank in this City
     - any way you may think proper
I am Respectfully your
Obt Sevt--
Minor S. Lincoln
Page 36

I Ephraim Swift of Wareham in the
County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts
of lawful age to give evidence do testify and
say that in the year 1821 Capt Rufus Lincoln of
said Wareham was indebted to my father, Ezra Swift in the sum of Thirteen dollars & Fifteen Cents that Minor S. Lincoln paid me said sum
I further add that I understood it was a part of the consideration of the mortgage deed of real
estate from Rufus Lincoln to his son Minor
Feby 10th 1826    Ephraim Swift
Plymouth Ss. Feby 10th 1826 Personally appeared Ephraim Swift before me and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its part
Benjamin Fearing     Just. Peace
Page 37

I Perez F. Briggs of Wareham in the County
of Plymouth State of Massachusetts of a
lawful age to give evidence do testify and say
that in the year one thousand eight hundred twenty one that Capt Rufus Lincoln was indebted to me in the sum of Nine Dollars & thirty three cents and that Minor T. Lincoln paid said sum in said year - I further add that said sum was a part of the consideration of a mortgage deed of Real estate from said Rufus Lincoln to said Minor S. Lincoln as understood.
Feby 9th 1826
Perez F Briggs
Plymouth ss Feby 9. 1826 Personally appeared
Perez F. Briggs before me and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts
Curtis Tobey   Just Peace
Page 38

Rec 6 Augst 1823
FREE
Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secretary of the Department of War
Washington  ( D.C.)
Page 39


Wareham       July 29th 1823
Sir
Since the application of Capt Rufus Lincoln of this town to be restored to the Pension list for services rendered during the revolutionary was as before been examined, and rejected at the Department of war, we should feel so little
delicacy in favoring a renewal of his application, did we not conceive that though some informality his claims upon the County of government have not been properly represented or have been misunderstood. It is true that about fifteen hundred dollars of property were returned in his first schedule, which was altogether an error of the clerk who made at the papers, for to the about we do not conceive it could have amounted to a third part of that sum; but it situation was of that embarrassed nature, that had his creditors demanded an immediate payment of their claim we are certain his case would have been one immediately contemplated by the act of Congress, as he must then have depended either on the liberally of the government or benevolence of funds and relatives for assistance. To relive himself from difficulties he
executed a mortgage deed of all his property to one of his sons whom good fortunes and success in business had rendered capable of affording his father some assistance in a case of
charity; and hence he has nothing he can call his own, as old age and a variety of infirmities must forever preclude the possibility of his relieving himself from the embarrassments
under which he labors --To his second schedule the Hon. Secretary must be referred, which we believe exhibit a true statement of his property. The deed of mortgage made to his son is in official a complete transfer of his property forever, as he can never expect to redeem or enjoy it as he has done, and we think our
selves justified in affecting that it was not a conveyance made with fraudulent intention of bringing himself within the
Page 40

provisions of the pension act from the uprightness of his conduct and uniform integrity of his character. In making this declaration we are governed no less by our own knowledge of him, than by the opinion
universally entertained of him wherever he is known. His documents have been before the Department, and doubtless thoroughly investigated yet we cannot help believing there is something relative to his case, that has
not been clearly explained to the mind of the Secretary, or something lacking that has not yet come to his knowledge. Services and 
indigence being the grounds which give a title to a favourable consideration of every claim as they come within the particular provisions of the act of congress, we are acquainted with few cases, where it would apply in our
estimation with greater force than in the present. Acknowledged service, unblemished reputation, old age, infirmity, a helpless family and indigence are circumstances which he may justly urge in support of a claim upon the munificence of a grateful and liberal government and if from any inadvertence or error a wrong representation has been made
which has led to so unfavorable a conclusion respecting him, we are persuaded from the acknowledged correctness of the Secretary that he would reverse his decision whenever convinced of the propriety of so doing. We know not in what way we can be
instrumental in bringing about a result so desirable not only to himself but others who know and feel for his situation than by a relation of circumstances as we know them to exist. Relative to the construction which ought judicially to be given to the deed of mortgage aforesaid we will not undertake to say, but
simply observe that virtually it must, operate as a conveyance in fee of the estate therein mentioned, as he has not the remotest possibility of redeeming it.-- We would not be thought impertinently to intrude ourselves into the business of Capt. Lincoln or cast any reflections upon any quarter that his application has been rejected-- but we willingly state at his solicitation that we have
a particular opportunity of knowing relative to his circumstances on what a long acquaintance with him and his family enables us to certify relative to his character.--
Page 41

We have the Hon to be Sir
Your most Obt. Servants

Perer F Briggs      }  Selectmen
Ebenezer Bourne }   of Wareham
Uriah Savery        }
Page 42

3-1883
Old War and Navy Division

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON D. C.
Page 43

Nov 13, 1903. Hon. H. C. Lodge
declining to furnish original
commissions of Lt. & Capt
Lincoln as W. L. M  (Illegible)
Page 44

John Reed's
Certificate-
Allowed
           JB
Page 45

House of Representatives
Feb 17th 1826.
Sir
I send you herewith the Depositions of
Minor S. Lincoln
Perer F. Briggs
William Fearing
Jeremiah Bumpus
Ebenezer Crocker
J. H. Swift
Perer F Briggs
Eliphalet Bumpus
Timothy Savary
Rufus Lincoln
Nath'n Haskell
David Nye
Silvanus Bourne
Ichabod Leonard
Bradford Lincoln
Peter McKie-- said Depositions were taken before Curtis Tobey I am acquainted with said Curtis Tobey & know the signature to be his & I also know he is a Justice of Peace and authorized to take Depositions in the State of Massachusetts
I also have one other Deposition
Ephraim Swift
-taken before Benjamin Fearing. I know there is a man by that name a Justice in sd Wareham
but do not know his hand writing
Page 46

I personally know most of the witnesses &
know them to be highly respectable
There was in Capt Lincolns original statement a mistake made probably by the
Clerk $1599.00- It unquestionably should
have been $599. The three selectmen who
depose in this case are conclusion upon this
point beside Judge Mitchell certifies the same
fact --
One other difficulty occurs it is this by
the deed it appears that Minor S. Lincoln
gave Rufus Lincoln a note-- this mistake
arose from the circumstance of copying
a Mortgage deed. The fact was that the
old Gentleman was sick & in great distress & probably no person but the son would
undertake- He took a mortgage deed
& paid the debts amounting to more than
the property is worth as the old Gentleman has ever since had the improvements. A Public Auction was held & the Equity would not sell for a dollar -
I have written to two men & received answers & I directed to take the depositions of men of the first character all speak of him in high terms- all
Page 47

concur in saying he is very poor and
needy. I have no doubt upon the
strictest construction of the Pension
Law he is and has been for years
entitled to a Pension & that the evidence
of his true situation & circumstances
is alone wanting to entitle him to it
If any further evidence be wanting please
to inform me & if possible it shall be obtained- 
I am
Respectfully
Yr. Obet Servt
John Reid

Hon James Barbour
Secretary of War
Page 48

Boston Jan. 19. 1824.
Hon Aaron Hobart
Sir
A son of Capt Rufus Lincoln of Wareham has called upon me and desired me to write you
respecting his father's claim and application for a pension now before the Secretary of War.
The papers will be found in the Pension Office. Some difficulty has arisen in consequence of his appearing to have too much property.
It has been suggested, that there was a mistake made at Court either by the Clerk or myself, when he made application at Plymouth, in adding up the figures, which will appear by a recurrence to the papers, and the
evidence accompanying them. your attention to it is requested. I am inclined to believe there was a mistake made, and think I some time since gave my opinion on the subject either by letter or by a deposition which perhaps will be found in the case; but it is not in my power now to state precisely what the mistake was or how it arose, I believe the applicant is in all
respects entitled to his Pension
Yours respectfully
Nahum Mitchell
Page 49

Know all men by these presents
That I Rufus Lincoln of Wareham County of
Plymouth and commons with of Massachusetts greatness. In Consideration of five hundred Dollars paid by Minor S. Lincoln of Boston & County of Suffolk (Illegible), the receipt
whereof I do hereby acknowledge, do hereby give gran sell and convey unto the said Minor S. Lincoln to his heirs and assigns two acres of Land situated in Wareham in said County of Plymouth, and lying on both side of
the Road leading from Rochester to Sandwich and being the place whose the sd Rufus now resides containing by estimation about forty acres, more or less for the boundaries and description there off reference to be had to the Deed the sd Rufus had from David Ney Esq- --To have & to hold the afore granted premises to the said Minor S. Lincoln to his
heirs and assigns to his said Minor all will be had forever. and I do covenant with the sd Minor P. Lincoln his heirs and assigns, that I am lawfully served in for of the afore granted Premises; that they on free of all encumbrances that I have good right to sell and convey the same to the said Minor S. Lincoln and that I will warrant & defend the same premises to the said Minor
S. Lincoln to his heirs and assigns for ever against the lawful claims & Demand of all persons - Provide nevertheless that if the said Rufus Lincoln his heirs Executors or Administrators pay to the said Minor S. Lincoln to his heirs Executors administrators and assigns the sum of five hundred Dollars
and Interest in five years from the date here after mentioned then this deed is also a certain Note bearing this date with the presents given by the said Rufus Lincoln to the Minor S Lincoln to pay the same at the time aforesaid shall be void otherwise shall remain in full forever in witness whereof I the sd Rufus Lincoln have hereunto set my hand & seal this
sixteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and twenty one.  igned sealed and Delivered
in presence of us
Bradfod Fearing
John Fearing
Plymouth ss. April 15th 1823 then the above
Rufus Lincoln  acknowledged the above
to be his free act & Deed
before me Bradford Fearing
Page 50

Plymouth April 17th 1823. I hereby certify that
this is a true copy from the records of deeds for
the County of Plymouth
Attest Rossiter Cotton Reg'r
Page 51

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss. Clerks office of the Judicial Court

I John B Thomas Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Plymouth, hereby certify
that Rossiter Cotton Esqr is Register of deeds for said County of Plymouth, duly appointed and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that the signature to the foregoing attestation is the true signature of said Register of deeds.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the cost of the said Court this eighteenth day of June AD. 1823
Jno B Thomas
Clerk of the Judicial Court for the
County of Plymouth
Page 52

Ebenezer Crocker of Wareham in the County of               
Plymouth  State of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that Capt Rufus Lincoln was indebted to my father
Timothy Crocker now deceased in the year 1821 in the sum of Twenty nine Dollars and that Minor S. Lincoln in said year paid said  sum to my father. I further add that said sum was paid in consideration of a Mortgage deed received by him from his father in 1821 as I understand.
Feby 9 1826     Ebenezer Crocker
     Plymouth Ss. Feb 9. 1826 Personally appeared before me he above Eben'r Crocker & made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts.
Curtis Tobey Just peace

I Hallett Swift of Wareham in the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts
of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that Capt Rufus Lincoln was indebted to me in the year 1821 in the sum of Thirty one Dollars and that Minor S. Lincoln in said year paid me said sum- I further add that I understood said payment was made to me in consideration of a mortgage deed received by him from his father in the same year
Feby 9, 1826       Hallett Swift

Plymouth ss Feby 9th 1826 Personally appeared before me the above Hallett Swift and made oath that the above affidavit by
him subscribed is true in all its parts.
 Curtis Tobey  Just Peace
Page 53


I Rufus Lincoln of Wareham in the County
of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts aged
Seventy four formerly an officer of the Revolutionary army do on oath declare that I 
did receive no note from my son Minor S. Lincoln at the time I mortgaged to him in the Spring of 1821 my real estate that I had no demands against him and that the object of this conveyance was to pay my just debts and that he has done it to the amount of the consideration of said deed which you will see by the several affidavits with the exception of about forty dollars which has been paid in small sums but owing to the lapse of time I am unable to obtain the precise sums from the several persons to whom it was paid -
     I further add that I am justly indebted to my son Minor for the principal part of my support since the time of said Mortgage to the amount of more than three Hundred Dollars. And that I still chiefly dependant on my son for myself and family's living
Feby 9th 1826         Rufus Lincoln

Plymouth

Plymouth SS. Feby 9th 1826 Personally appeared Rufus Lincoln before me and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts.
Curtis Tobey   Just. Peace
Page 54

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Plymouth,Ss. J C Pleas April Term 1823
on the 16th day of April 1823 personally appeared in said Court, being a court of Record & providing according
to the course of the common law with a
Jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount having power also offices and imprisonment and keeping a record of their proceedings Rufus Lincoln a resident of Wareham formerly of Taunton in the County of Bristol, seventy two years old who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the acts of Congress of 18th March 1818 and first of May 1820, that he the said Rufus Lincoln enlisted as a sargent in the State service and served six months. I then enlisted for eight months in Col. Walkers Regiment in Francis Liscomb's Commd. I then enlisted in Capt. Randal Co Col. French's
Regiment for two months I then enlisted as
second Lieutenant in Col. Marshals Regmt. I then served as first Lieutenant in Capt Coopers Co, Col. Bradford's Regmt I was then appointed a capt under Col Brooks and served under him untill the close of the war, making nearly nine years in all. And that my the said Rufus Lincolns name has been placed on the pension list, and that it was dropt therefrom on account of my property, and in pursuance of the act of the 1st May 1820. I the said Rufus Lincoln do hereby sware that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within provisions of an act of
Page 55

Congress entitled an act to provide for certain
persons engaged in the land and naval service
of the United States in the Revolutionary war
passed on the 18th March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities or debts due to me, nor have any income other than what is in the schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed. My occupation is that of a labourer, but being old and very feeble
and have been so for many years - that I am
rendered unable to do but a little in occupation. My family consists of my wife about sixty five and one daughter, twenty two years old. The landed property and other articles contained in my former schedule or statement has been sold for cash
for the purpose of paying my just debts. Since
the exhibition of my first statement the following changes have been made in my property.
[ How disposed ]
all attached & then
sold for the benefit
of the creditors &
Minor S Lincoln--

[Property]                      [Cash]
Farm House & Barn       500.00
                                           &
1 Horse                            35.00                           
1 Cow

[when disposed of]
Feby 10th 1821
April - 1822
Nov. - 1822
Joseph Clark
kiled my com
-

My present property consists of the following
1 pig   $3
1 Plough, 1 Harrow,Rake and Pitch Fork  $8

Sundry articles of Household Furniture} 30.00
                                                               ________
                                                                 $41.00

Rufus Lincoln
Page 56

Sworn to and declared on the 16th day of April before the Court of Common Pleas
Attest
Jno B Thomas Clerk

I John B Thomas Clerk of the Court of  Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that it appears to the satisfaction of the
Court, that the said Rufus Lincoln did serve in
the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the Continental establishment. I also certify, that the
foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto 
annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is forty one dollars-
     In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this the twenty third day of April 1823
Jno B Thomas
Clerk of the Court of
of Common Pleas for the
County of Plymouth
Page 57

No of orig. Pay 87
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
1 July 1828
of
Rufus Lincoln, of Wareham in the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled ""An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution,” approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the War,
at which period he was a Captain in the Seventh regiment of the Massachusetts
line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, sum of four hundred and eighty dollars, paid to him by the agent
in the State of Massachusetts.
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated
by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary
A. Dinkins

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
2nd July 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Rufus Lincoln - Captain in the Massachusetts line, amounting to Twenty four Hundred dollars.
It further appears that Rufus Lincoln is now on the pension list of the Massachusetts agency, and has been since the 3rd March 1826
at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month.-
Page 58

for the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act titled "an act for the relief of certain surviving offcers & soldiers of the army of the Revolution", approved the 15th of May 1828, I Rufus Lincoln of Wareham in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, do hereby declare, that I was an officer in the continental Line of the army of the Revolution & served as such to the end of the war; at which period I was a Captain in the seventh Regiment commanded by Col. John Brook of the Massachusetts Line. I also declare that I afterwards received certificates for a sum equal to the amount of five years full pay, which was offered by a resolve of Congress of the 22d of March 1783, instead of the half pay for life to which I was entitled under the resolve of the
21st of October 1780.
Witness my hand this sixth day of June
A.D. 1828.
Rufus Lincoln

Before me Benjamin Fearing a Justice of the peace for the County of Plymouth, State of Massachusetts, , personally appeared this day Wm Fearing and David Nye
of the said County, in
Page 59

whom the foregoing declaration is subscribed
is generally reputed & believed to have been an officer in the army of the revolution, in man
ner as herein & above stated - Witness my hand this sixth day of June A.D. 1828
Benj Fearing


I Clerk of the Court of the County of Plymouth in the State of Massachusetts, hereby certify
that Benjamin Fearing Esqr. before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was at the time & still is a Justice of the peace for said County duly empowered to administer oaths. In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this Seventh day of June A.D. 1828.
Jno B Thomas

I Rufus Lincoln, above or within named, do also declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner, since the third day of March A.D. 1820 four hundred & eighty dollars
paid me by the agent for paying pensions
in the State of Massachusetts aforesaid-
Witness my hand this sixth day of June 1828
Rufus Lincoln
Page 60

other papers relating to my service as an officer
revolutionary army, were sent on to
Washington some time ago, & I suppose
are now in the war department, or pension
office of the United States,
Rufus Lincoln
Page 61

Wareham   December 17 1823
Dear Sir
I Recd a letter from you in March last
informing me how to make out my return
if I aplyed again for a Pension_____in April
I went to Plymouth and made one out according to your direction- I there Recd one from Mr Edwards which was like your--
in July I Recd a few lines from the Clerk of the Court informing me he had Recd a letter from the War department that my return had been
examined and was rejected, but gave me no
Reason for it-- Some time in October I Rote
a letter to the Sectary and stated to him to
to whom the money was paid to that I recd for
my place that I sold-- and how I came to be in debt to each person - I further stated to him that if I had the property again clear of det and hire it out to best advantag it would not half suport me Wich I am Willing Sumit to any man that knows it-I wish you to have the goodness to send me a few lines in answer to this favor
after you Recd This am fit with.
 Respect Your Servnt,   Rufus Lincoln

Hon Aaron Hobart
Page 62

None
Revolutionary War
Oct-31
-
John C. Calhoun
May 19, '12
Washington
1
Recd 8 Novr 1823
Page 63


Wareham   Octr  30 1823
Dear Sir
After my respects to you-- I Recd a few lines
from the Clark that my Return had ben examined and that it was rejected but did not State the Reason- I will state to you how the money that I sold for how it was disposed of - some time before I gave the deed my property was attached by Doctor Peter Macky and Benjiman Tobey - the amount to both of them
with the Exence was about two hundred and
forty Dollars these notes I sined with another
man and he failed I was able to go to pay I never expect to git a cent from the man I was oing a number of just debts I was obliged to sel Minor S Lincoln bought it and went and paid these men and agreed to pay all of any debts He paid to Bradford Lincoln 93 dollars
as he had ben a helping me for a number of years--to Zelit Swift 31 Dollarsthat was for money I had of him some years ago--to Decon Crocker 29 Dollars that was most of it was for shoes and lither--To Perez Briggs 58.29 that was for provisions I had of him--to William Fearing Esq 15 dollars that was for going with me to Plymouth an for services--to Nathaniel Crocker 4 dollars for services--to Ezra Swift 8.15 for services--to Minor S. Lincoln 25.18 for clothing and services--
I will further state that if I now had the property I sold clear of det and I was to hire it out to the best advantage it would not half suport me--I should be very well pleased if it  could be so that you could know yourself my situation as to what proposal I poses to the situation of any familiarity. I am sir with great respect your humble,    Rufus Lincoln

Hon John C. Calhoun
Page 64

I have due to me from my Country about
160 Dollars for what I had taken me when I was take prisoner and lost -and for services I was on command at Springfield fourteen day and marched 20 men to Westpoint never Recd any thing for it. I have Pettioned Congress but could not get any thing because I could not prove what was taken from me--
I hear by certify that the above statement
and all in this letter is true as near as Can Ricklect----        R. Lincoln----
---
Plese to rite me a few lines in answer--
Page 65

Peter. F. Briggs
Ellizabeth Bumpus
Timothy Savary
State that they have been intimately acquainted with the real estate of Cap R. Lincoln as they were bound to value it under
Oath -- say his estate has not been
worth $700. for 7 years past - attended auction no person wd give any thing for Equity because it was worth nothing Know L. intimately - is poor & destitute of property____

Rufus Lincoln --says he received no worth when gave mortgage that M S L. had paid
his debts--that he had done much more &
Page 66

Sched-1820} Served 8.  years
July              } Rec'd pension dated 1819

says he possessed property March 18. 1818
40 acres land dwelling house & corn house
1 Cow -1 horse. I desk & one not $15 &
no other securities-- owes $230
Property valued at $1599.00-

Schedule } aged 70 years -- property-
April 10   } 1 horse - 1 cow Pig & a few
1821-      } other article of small value
Judge certifies that he had made
a mistake of $1000.___ in 1820 set schedule

Deed of Rufus Lincoln to Minor S. Lincoln
Feb. 18, 1821. Consideration $500-
Mortgage to be paid in five years-

Schedule 23d } House Sold for benefit of 
  Apri 1823__   }creditors  __$500__
                        } 1. Horse to Jos. Clock - 35.00
                        }   Cow killed _______1822              

At present. A few trifling articles in all
amount to $41. - or
Page 67

deposition of Minor L. Lincoln that
purchase was bona fide & valuable consideration & that amount of purchase
money was appropriated to the payment
of his debts -Does not mention when not
what__contradicts deed-

Letter from Rufus Lincoln says his property
was attached by Dr Peter McKie & Benj. Tobey 
Exes $240 - signed as Bondsman-- says Minor
L. Lincoln went & paid these men-- Paid Bradford Lincoln $93. for Labor &c. --Swift $31

As Bondsmen Peter McKie}   240.00
                        Benj. Tobey}
For labor done   B. Lincoln      93.00
For cash I had of -  Swift----    31.00
For shoes & leather_Asa Crocker  29.00
For Provisions--   Percy  Briggs----58.00
Wm. Fearing for going to Plymouth--15.00
For necessaries__Ezra Swift-----8.15
                                                 474.32
To Minor Lincoln for clothes,----25.18
                                                  499.50

Letter from Selectmen
Giving an Excellent character & stating his case to be a good one
Page 68

Wm Fearing-- in 1821 owed him $13.29
M S S. paid me & says said sum
was a part of the consideration
of a Mortgage due from his Father

Nath Crocker received at said time 9. 32
Say as above---

Jeremiah Bumpus --
Brig. Tobey held a note is
R. Lincoln left with him to carry
to an atty-- note Int & cost______95.32
paid by M S L..- In part consideration of Mortgage Deed ________
Efr. Swift for Ezra Swift as above -  13.15
Percy F Briggs as above--      9.33
       

Eben Crocker- debt to his Father from
Crocker _____________________ 29.00
Paid as above ______________
J. Hallet Swift as above_________31.00
Page 69


Deposition of Nath'l Haskell states that
he is an Auctioneer - put up the Equity
of Redemption of Rufus Lincoln, Real estate
and no one would bid upon it as it was of no value
---
David Nye
Silvanus Bourne
Ichabod Leonard
Testify same facts as to auction also that Lincoln is an Poor Man needy & destitute-

Bradford Lincoln Says R Lincoln owed him
in 1821 _$93___ for labor & provisions 
Says same was paid by Minor S. Lincoln
& that he knew bargain with his Father
& that a sum was part of the consideration & that he knew original bargain -
Peter McKie says in 1821 that Capt Rufus Lincoln owned him_________142.00
paid by Minor L. Lincoln being consideration
of Deed - his demand of Long standing & knows him to be poor_____
Page 70

Depositions of
Nath'l Haskell
David Nye
Silvanus Bourne
Ichabod Leonard
Bradford Lincoln
Page 71


I Nathaniel Haskell per of Rochester in the County of Plymouth Auctioneer licensed for that purpose certify that I have been called by Capt Rufus Lincoln of Wareham in said County to offer for sale the rights in equity of redeeming the real estate which he the said
Lincoln had  mortgaged to his son Minor S. Lincoln in Feby 1821 for the sum of five hundred Dollars which sum and interest amounted to Six hundred and fifty or thereabouts that I did offer said rights
in equity of redeeming said property at Public Sale a number being present for that purpose but that no one would bid more for said right in equity of redeeming the same-
I further add that the sale was duly advertised and further that I am acquainted with
Capt Rufus Lincoln and that he is needy and destitute of property. Wareham Feby 4th 1826
Nathaniel Haskell     for Act

Plymouth SS. Feby 4 1826
Personally appeared before me Nathaniel Haskell and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts
Curtis Tobey. Justice of peace

That David Nye, Silvanus Bourne, Ichabod Leonard of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that we attended the sale of Capt Rufus Lincoln's right in equity of redeeming the real estate which he mortgaged to his son Minor S. Lincoln in Feby 1821
that the sum of said mortgage with interest amounted to Six hundred and fifty dollars or thereabouts and that said property was duly
offered by N. Haskell per auctioneer for sale and that no one would bid more for the same-- because it
Page 72

that said right of redeeming the right in equity
was not worth anything more We further
add that we have been acquainted with Capt Rufus Lincoln for a number of years past and that we consider him a needy and destitute
person well deserving a pension
Feb. 4th 1826.
David Nye
Silvanus Bourne
Ichabod Leonard  

Plymouth Ss. personally appeared before me David Nye, Silvanus Bourne and Ichabod Leonard and made oath that the aforegoing affidavit by them subscribed is true in all its parts.
Curtis Tobey  Justice of peace

J Bradford Lincoln of Wareham in the County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that
Capt Rufus Lincoln was in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty one
indebted to me in the sum of ninety three dollars for labor done in the said year and the preceding year and for provisions-
I further testify that said sum of ninety three dollars was paid me by Minor S. Lincoln and that said sum was a part of the consideration paid by said Minor for the real estate mortgaged to him by his father Rufus Lincoln -
I do further add that I was knowing to the transaction of said mortgage that the consideration of five hundred dollars named in said deed was to be appropriated to the discharge of his fathers debts-
Bradford Lincoln
Feby 9th 1826
Plymouth Ss. Feb 9th 1826 Personally appeared before me Bradford Lincoln and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts 
Curtis Tobey  Just. Peace
Page 73

Peter Mackie of Wareham in the County
of Plymouth State of Massachusetts Physician of lawful age to give evidence-
do testify and say that in the year 1821 Capt Rufus Lincoln was indebted to me in the sum of one hundred and forty two dollars and that Minor S. Lincoln paid me said sum which 
payment was made in consideration of a
mortgage deed which he had received from
his father Rufus Lincoln as I understood in
said year of 1821, of the truth of which I have
no doubt as I have been for some years past
acquainted with the circumstances of said Rufus Lincoln and that my demand had been of long standing :- and further add that I have been his Physician for several years past and that he is in needy circumstances-- 
Peter Mackie
Feby 9th 1826

Plymouth SS. Feb. 9th 1826 Personally appeared before me Peter Mackie and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts.
Curtis Tobey Jus. Peace
Page 74

Depositions of

William Fearing
Nath'l Crocker
Jerimiah Bumpus
Page 75

I Jeremiah Bumpus per of Wareham in
the County of Plymouth State of Massachu
setts of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty one Benjamin Tobey of said Wareham now deceased held a note against Rufus Lincoln which he left with me to carry to an Atty to collect that the note interest and cash made on the same amounted to Ninety five dollars and thirty two cents & that said sum was paid by Minor S. Lincoln at my
dwelling house. and further that the said
Minor paid this sum in part of the consideration of a Mortgage deed of real estate given him by his father Rufus Lincoln in 1821, as I understood at that time and of the truth of it I have no doubt from the circumstances of Capt Rufus Lincoln
Feby 9th 1826
Jeremiah Bumpus
Plymouth ss Feb 9 1826 
Personally appeared Jeremiah Bumpus per before me and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts.
Curtis Tobey  Just Peace
Page 76

I William Fearing Esqr of Wareham in the County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts do testify and say that Rufus Lincolnr of said Wareham in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty one was indebted to me in the sum of thirteen dollars and
twenty nine cents & that Minor S. Lincoln paid me said sum in said year. I further add
that said sum was a part of the consideration
of a mortgage deed of real estate received by
him from his father Rufus Lincoln as I was informed at the time
Feb 9th 1826,

Wm Fearing
Plymouth SS. Feb 9th 1826 Personally appeared before me William Fearing & made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is true in all its parts
Curtis Tobey,  Just. peace

I Nathaniel Crocker of Wareham in the County of Plymouth State of Massachusetts of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say that Capt Rufus Lincoln was indebted to me in the year one thousand eight and twenty one in the sum of nine Dollars and thirty five cents and that his son Minor L. did pay me said sum in said year. I further add that said sum was a part of the consideration of a Mortgage deed of real estate received by said Minor from his father I understand.
Nathaniel Crocker
Feb 9th 1826
Plymouth Ss. Feb 9th 1826 personally appeared before me Nathaniel Crocker and made oath that the above by him subscribed is true in all its parts.
Curtis Tobey,  Just. Peace
Page 77

Wareham July 29, 1823
J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir
As you have had the goodness to take
an apparent interest in my application to be restored to the Pension list. I would take the liberty of referring you to a letter just forwarded to the war Department by 
by your consideration of it. Through a mistake of the Clerk of the Court who made out and forwarded my first schedule, fifteen Hundred Dollars was put down as the amount of property at that time possessed-
It was embarrassed with debts and the estimate was too great by nearly or quite two thirds- to relieve myself from difficulties I mortgaged the property I had and labouring as I do under infirmity and old age there
is no probability of my ever extricating myself from that -the property is not mine for it has been conveyed for a valuable consideration and that consideration has been expended toward relinquishing myself of our  debts and not with a view of practicing a fraud 
upon government-if you would want to take
the trouble of referring to the letter just mentioned and give me a little advise upon the subject, should the Secretary
not reverse his decision, if there be any favourable munificence of our government
may that I may yet become a partaker in the
munificence of our government- I should esteem it a particular favour-
I am with Respect Your obt sert-
-
Rufus Lincoln
Page 78

SCHEDULE.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
County of Plymouth ss.

On this Tenth day of April 1821, before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Southern Circuit, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, having a power also of fine and imprisonment, and keeping a record of their proceedings, personally appeared in open Court, being a court of record for the said County Rufus Lincoln
aged seventy years, resident in Wareham in said County, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows, viz. for the term of Eight years
in Capt Crossman, and Capt Liscom companies & Col Millers Regt & Capt Randalls compy & Col French Regt & Capt Coopers compy & Col Marshalls Regt - I commanded a company over three years under Col. John Brooks-- previous however to my taking charge of a company I served in Capt Coopers compy & Col Bradford's Regt
and that he has received a pension certificate dated 14 April 1810, and numbered 03-3
in pursuance of his original Declaration made 14th April AD 1818, and also takes and subscribes the following oath, viz.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent
thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress,
entitled ""An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of
the United States, in the Revolutionary war,” passed on the 18th day of March, 1818;
and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts
, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the
schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. I possess property as follows:

1 horse - 1 cow- 1 pig- plough pitch fork-
old maple desk- 2 chests - 6 chairs kettles
small looking glass- a few other articles of
house furniture-
I have a wife 64 years of age quite feeble. One
daughter Lydia aged 20 years -- am unable myself to perform labour -
Rufus Lincoln
Sworn to, and declared, on the Tenth day of April AD 1821-beforet he Circuit Court of Common Pleas
Attest John B. Thomas Clerk
I John B Thomas Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is eighty six dollars and __ cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this seventeenth day of April AD 1821
Page 79

Rufus Lincoln
Sworn to, and declared, on the Tenth day of April AD 1821 before the Circuit Court of Common Pleas
Attest John B. Thomas Clerk
I John B. Thomas Clerk of said Court
do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath
and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is eighty six dollars and --cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this seventeenth day of April AD 1821
Jno B. Thomas
Clerk of the Court for the County of Plymouth
Page 80

Rufus L        Rufus Lincoln
                    Statement

Vide Schedule of 17th July 1820
Page 81

It appears upon a reexamination of the papers
before forwarded by the Clerk of the court that
we made a mistake as to the value of the claim
and property - proof was made of the value
of the several parcels of estate, but upon
casting & summing up the whole the 
character ( $ ) for dollars was mistaken for a figure of one ( 1 ) in the place of thousands which made the sum total one thousand dollars more than it should have been. The claimant has therefore made a new declara-
tion & application-
Nahum Mitchell C. J.
of sd - Court

True copy of the certificate of Judge Mitchell
Attest
Jno B Thomas Clerk
Page 82

H. C. LODGE.
CHAIRMAN.
990-300
UNITED STATES SENATE
COMMITTEE ON THE PHILIPPINES
Personal.

November 11, 1903.

My dear Mr. Ware: --
A constituent of mine is anxious to obtain from the files of the Pension Office the original officer's commissions of his great grandfather, Rufus Lincoln of Wareham, Massachusetts. These commissions were filed in 1819 in connection with Captain Lincoln's application
for pension and his grandson desires to have them for use in a life of Captain Lincoln which he is about to publish. He is ready to furnish certified copies of the same for the use of the Pension Office and I should be glad if you would inform me whether it is possible for you to comply with his request.
Very truly yours,
H. C. Lodge

Hon. Eugene F. Ware,