Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5915, for Nathaniel Killam, Vermont
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[printed form with hand written answer]
(3-1776)
SERVICE           NUMBER

VT Killiam, Nathaniel R5915

CONTENTS
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22462
Nathaniel Killiam
Vt

Rejected
see [illegible]
29 May 1833 [illegible]

[squiggle line down page]

[signature]I. [illegible

[illegible]
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[STATIONARY WITH PRINTED FROM AND HAND WRITTEN ANSWER]

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir;
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June7, 1832, has been examined, and the paper herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will show what is necefsary to be done.  These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margins with a brace, (thus;}).  You will when you return your papers to this Department, send this {illegible scan] you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A STATEMENT, showing the service of Nathaniel Killam Vt

[table chart. words written sideways and up and vertical]

period when the service was rendered |Duration of the claimant's service| {under that heading] years| months| days|| ranks of claimant |Name and rank of the field officers under whom he served.| age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.| Proof by which the declaration is supported.
________________________________________________
[hand written response not lined up with columns]

1777 [illegible] during the fall of 1777 [illegible] 8 or 10 days, about 1st of Aug. 1777
1778 about 2[illegible]| {was out almost constantly |Sargent| [illegible]

|77 born in Map enture in Vt and now lives there|
Certificate of two [illegible]

I am, respectfully 
your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions

[symbol, plus sign with a dot in each quadrant] 
these seem some errors in dates
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volumeered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers,
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
On this
day of
of
A. B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
served in the
(e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:
and
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
ed under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched . This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
of the Court of
certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
& c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman residing in the
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
and C.D. residing in (the same)
who has
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
And then will follow the certificate of the 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 A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
do hereby certify that the foregoing
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
& c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the serupon
the transaction.
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all
in
material facts, which can be useful
the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be exexpected
. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
Case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it givsoldier
, and what has become of it?
on Office has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
7. 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.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure
, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will for
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. The should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for
conforming to the rule.
riage of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
the period or periods of the war when he served.
ecutor soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
┃ Every continental of
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with
the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language."
has entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
definite
declaration by making an undavit in the following words:
loss of a
A. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth
saith, that, by reason
for the paint swear positively to the precise length of his service; but, according to the
of his
months, and
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following pension."
days, I served as a
months and - days, I served
liant and the particular
rank he held, as the City
it is important, in all cases, to
of the phrase about three or four months,
for pensions merely state that they served two years
18
in the milita, &c.
without specifying
the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
It must, in every
cuse,
matter what officers the applicant served; the durat
tion of each term of engagement
that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent an
thority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
the relinquishment indispensable.
┃ a man
The opinion of the Court in
is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and it has no device or inscription by which it or
he distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubseal
of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certincate.
Proof of Service.
and on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
In a case where the
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the
claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witauthor
of the magistrate must be certiby
the proper
officer, under his seal of office
equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note ┃
applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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State of Vermont Orleans District Irisburgh At a  Probate court at [illegible] within [illegible] for the District of Orleans Present [illegible] John [illegible] Judge on this 13th day of September A.D.1832 personally appears in open court the court now sitting Nathaniel Killam a resident of Irisburgh in the District of Orleans and State of Vermont aged Seventy Seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and [illegible] as follows

I Nath Killam of Irisburgh in the County of Orleans State of Vermont depose and say that I was born in Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts on the 8th day of April A.D. 1755. There is a record of mu age in the town Clerk's office in Brookfield. When about nine years old my parents moved into Hartland now in the state of Vermont. I lived in Hartland until about twenty years old Then I went to Woodstock Vt. in which town I resided when I volunteered in the War of the Revolution in A.D. 1777 being past twenty two years old. I was one of those termed Minute Men In May the latter part I think soon after my spring work was done news arrived that Burgoyne's army was coming inn upon the frontiers when myself and fifteen others turned out voluntarily shouldered our muskets and marched over the mountains to Rutland Vt. Some of the names of the party were Benja Emmons, Nathan Howland Saml Pratt James Sanderson and others- As soon as our party arrived at Rutland we sent an express to Genl St. Clair at Mount Independence that we were ready to enter the service -  His reply to the express was in writing and to this import "that at present he had men sufficient and that raw militia would not answer his turn but that we should hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments warning when called for and do all in our power to call out the strength of the country when needed which would be wanted soon. I think I was out at this time eight of ten days. Directly after my return alarm posts were fixed and we held our selves responsible to guard the new settlements against the attacks of the Indians and Tories. I was out almost constantly in scouting parties during the summer and fall of 1777. My service during this period was extremely severe. I was at home sometimes a day at a time sometimes a week.
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About the first of August 1777 I went out in company with six others all volunteers from Woodstock. We marched for Manchester Vt. where we were embodied in the company of Capt John Benjamin of Windsor Vt. I was orderly sergeant in his company Jesse Safford of Woodstock was Lieut Our company was attached to the Regt of Col Brown from the State of New York. Herrick a continental officer was our major. Gen Lincoln was commander of that division of the forces to which I was attached. I remained at Manchester, Lincoln having arrived at Manchester which was Head Quarters to the new recruits and we were ordered to Pawlet. There were fifteen hundred volunteers at Manchester. Remained at Pawlet a few days and then five hundred men were selected out of the 1500 of which I was one and ordered to attack the British troops at Lake George Landing and Ticonderoga. The British were defeated five hundred were taken and one hundred American prisoners were found with the British- the same day after the prisoners were taken an attack was nade upon the Fort of Ticonderoga. I was selected by the command of Gen Lincoln to take the command of the artillery that played upon the Fort from the [illegible].

Four days night and day our cannon played upon the Fort on the fifth day early in the morning a large party of British were perceived making into the Lake in Bateaux. We were then ordered  by Col Brown to spike our cannon and abandon the attack after sinking nine hundred batteaux two sloops and one Gondalo -  all British vessels. We then retreated across the heights of land between Lake George and Lake Champlain to Pawlet. Then I was requested to take the charge of some invalid soldiers across the mountains home. I had no discharge It was the better part of October 1777 that I returned I was awl at this time about three months - This campaign was extremely severe there was much hard fighting - I took four prisoners personally at the Battle of Lake George Landing.

After the surrender of Burgoyne there was tranquility among the settlements  during the remainder of the fall winter and spring until the next May 1778 when the tories and indians began to make predatory incursions upon the inhabitants - Alarms then became very
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W
the
law
tantly
al
1
repon
countains home. I had no discharge. It was the letter
part of October 1777. that I returned. I was out at this time I
out three months. This campaign hard fight
I took four prisoners personally at the Battle of Lake George
deny
After the surrender of Burgoyne there were[crossed out] was tranquility among
the settlements during the remainder of the full winter & spring until
the next May 1778 when the tories & indians began to make predatory incursions upon the inhabitants - Alarms then became very
frequent. I slept with my gun & equipments by my bedside constantly. I had but little time to devote to my own affairs but was constantly employed in guarding against the attacks of Indians &
tories & in scouting parties against them at the burning of
Royalton which I think was in October 1778 I was captain of
1
a company of Militia from Woodstock & Hartland
from that place my company marched to Newbury Vermont This
expedition lasted about two weeks. This was the end of my service
I have lived in Barre W & in Irasburgh since the Revolution-
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an
annuity except the present & declare that my name is not
on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
I have no documentary evidence whatever never had a discharge nor
do I know of any living witnesses to my service-
I believe the whole time I was in actual during the Revolution was
more than one years apart of which was service perform
in short scouts in 1776 nor my own residence
in the same town & towns adjoining
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Nath Killarth
Joseph Wiggin of as representation let to the
General Assembly
and Ina H Allen Clerk of the Supreme
the County of Orleans so certify
believe
him to be 77 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the
ghterhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution and we concur in that opinion
further state that the aforesaid Nathaniel Killam is
man of strict integrity and a person whose statements are
intitled to full ceded
Sworn and subscribed to the day and
year aforesaid
Joseph Wiggins
Ira H Allen
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of
on the
interest
by the way & partment at the within
plicant was a Revolutionary
---
with
that Joseph Wiggins J Allen
have to the within certificate in
Bert
the town of Marbury within
the
and
their statement is entitled to wit -
2
2
Register of the
white such for the district of Delia
State of Vermont do hereby certify
that the foregoing and within writing
the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application
Nathaniel Kellum for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have
hand and seal
Office this 13th day of September
1832
John H Kimball Register
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Killam, Nathaniel
VT R5915
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Vermont State Rioll
Nathaniel Killam
Suspd
See Letter to [illegible]
[illegible to end]
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State of Vermont 
District of Orleans 
on this 12th day of October A.D. 1833 personally 
appeared in open Court before the Court 
of Probate for sitting for the district of Orleans present the
Hon John Kimball Judge.  Nathaniel Killam a
of Irasburgh in the District of Orleans & State of Vermont
aged Seventy eight years the 8th of April last past who being
first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath
make the following declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th A.D. 1832
That I was born in Brookfield County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts 
on the 8th day of April A.D. 1755 there is a record of
my birth in the Clerks office in Brookfield from Brookfield 
my father moved to Charleston N.H. when I was about
seven or eight years old one thence he removed to Horton
Vt, when I was about twelve years old where I resided untill I
was about eighteen or nineteen years old I moved to Woodstock
Vt. bought a piece of land was married and settled down
[illegible] In the month of April A 1777 a party of was called for
to go to Rutland I volunteer under the direction of Captain
Phineas Williams of Woodstock I went in company with Burt
Ammon Samuel Howland Samuel Pratt Phineas Powers
Amos Powers & others. We went to Ruttland to the house
Esai Bowker from there, we sent a messenger to Genl
St. Clair to know whether we were wanted at Ticonderoga
We were answered that no more militia
were wanted but that we must hold ourselves in
readiness to march into action at a minutes
warning after receiving which information we returned to
Woodstock. From my best recollection I was in actual
service at this time are one to two weeks
Afterwards during the Summer I was out on scouts Almost
continually as I was always called upon when on a scout
went out untill the first of August - In July or August 1777 There
come order for Captain Williams to draft seven then from his company
to go and reinforce the American Army to stop the progress of Genl
Burgoyne's army. Our company was called together and a
consultation was held among the officers respecting the
manner to proceed in drafting I found that some men
were discouraged other disaffected and said that there
sons should not go if they were drafted I stepped to the officers
requested them to stop, before the company and inform
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(2)
the men of the distress of our country and see if volunteers
can not be obtained. They had not confidence
in the project But requested me to step out and address
the company upon the subject and by the effect
which I did in the best manner I was capable
of and in reaching round for volunteers there were
fourteen turned out and I volunteered among others
six besides myself out of the fourteen marched to Manchester
when we arrived there we were formed into a company under
command of Capt John Benjamin of Windsor Vt. I was 
appointed orderly Sargent we were in a Regt Commanded by
Col Benj Wall of Windsor Vt. While we lay at Manchester
Genl Benjamin Lincoln from Massachusetts and to the
with a detachment of Light Horse when he arrived
an expedition was placed against the garrison that
Burgoyne had left at by Ticonderoga. There was a detachment 
of five hundred men was sent from Manchester
across the lake for the purpose of effecting the object
This expedition was commanded by a Col. Brown from the State of
New York Col Benj Wait was second in command
Col Herrick who commanded a Regt of Rangers was the
third in command. Major Rowley was also in the detachment,
I was one who volunteered for this expedition
This detachment was called the green mountain boys although
we had men in it belonging to Massachusetts among
whom was a Captain Lamb who incurred some censure for
unmilitary conduct - among the officer who
commanded the Vermont troops was Capt Asa
Burton John Benjamin, Capt Allen and Lieut Banon
we crossed from Pawlet Vermont to the Cold Spring
when we look two [illegible] loaded with possessions
the property of Torys going to Skinshaw for their
families we crossed to the New York side of the lake; and then
over the almost impassable mountain to Lake
George Landing when we got into the top of the
ridge between Lake Champlain and Lake George
Captain Allen was detached from the main body
of our party of five hundred with a company of
men to take Mount Defiance, and his accomplished
the work. We arrived at Lake George Landing about
day break
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(3.)
We there attacked a British Sloop of war and nine hundred B[illegible]
& [illegible] boats and took them all and destroyed the whole flotilla we made above
three hundred prisoner. We also be up two sloop lying about
forty rods below the landing. A detachment from our party was sent
up to take Mount hope and were defeated and four men killed
among whom was Samuel Nutting from Massachusetts
and then I with others went up to the Block house at Mount
hope and the Garrison surrendered consisting of about
Seventy brave looking British troops, Col. Wait advanced
forward with a party of our troops and my self among them
up to a Barn about a half a mile from the fort
and retook one hundred prisoners which had been taken
by the British the summer previous. Col wait with his
party then advanced and took the French line the troops ran for
the woods and left us in possession of three pieces of Cannon
one Iron 18 pounder & Two Brass 12th This was about sunrise 
or a little after. After taking the Cannon, General Lincoln
aide whose name was John Marchant who had been a British soldier who
was in the Bunker hill battle and wounded there opened
a cannonade upon old sd fort. I by his request was
by the officers appointed to command the artillery company. 
I remained at my post throughout  sole command of the three
pins of Cannon and continued the Cannonade upon the fort
without cessation for four days and four nights our Ammunition 
being all expended about dusk, orders came from Col
Brown for us to Spike and cannon and leave the Fort which
we did and situated to Lake George Landing. We then
made a quick march to Pawlett Vt. where we remain about
two weeks I then received orders to take command of [illegible]
and invalids and return to Woodstock Vt.  I was out in this campaign
about three months in the spring of 1778 It began to be troublesome
time but the board of Safety for the State of Vermont consisting of
Joseph Marsh then Lieut. Governor of the State Asa Taylor Esq of
Horton Vt. and A. W.. Tilden appointed me to the Command
of a company of minute men. The company consisted
of all the able good trusty soldiers in the town of Woodstock
about fifty in number, who held themselves in readiness
to turnout when called for. We were scouting over almost
the whole Territory of the State of Vermont during the whole
summer of 1778 and I was always with my company
Page 15

in actual service our souls required a party of from five
to fifteen men and the company took their tours as it come
round but I being there Captain was always out when
any of them were in 1778 or 1779 and think in 1778 I was appointed
quartermaster of the Regiment and had a commission
signed by the first Governor of Vermont. Thomas Chittenden
This commission I shall supposed was at my house but
I have not yet been able to find it in 1779. I continued to
command the company of minute men under the Board
of safety and holding my commission as quarter master
My service in 1779 were almost incessant occupying my whole
time very nearly in Scouts alone and watching [illegible]
In 1780 my Services were of a similar character of those in 1778 & 1779
I then commanded the company of minute men and was
Scouting almost continually untill the time that Royalton was
burnt there came on express that Royalton was burnt
and that the enemy were advancing to Sharon. I sent an
express to Windsor and marched the company from Woodstock
to Royalton and was the commander. When we arrived at
Royalton we appointed Col John House Commander
in chief, we went up as for as Brookfield but the Indian
had retreated and escaped and we returned to Horton
where I met Col Benj Wait who requested me to march my
company directly to Newbury at which I did as soon
as I possibly could. I was put with my company under the
Command of Col. Wait and Col Bellows from
Walpole N.H. I was absent from home on this expedition
about three weeks. According to my best recollection during
four summer I must have spent something more than
one half of my time in actual service for which
received no compensation from government not even
so much as my board. I stated in my former declaration
which I made last year that my recollection was that
Royalton was burnt in 1778. and from that circumstance
though that my service would amount to more than
one year that declaration being made soon after the act
become a law and I being called upon suddenly did
not recollect as distinctly as I do after more deliberation.
I did not in my former declaration state
who commanded the company of minute men to
which I belonged this originated from a [illegible] on
Page 16

(5 )
my hart being an old man and fearing that people
might think are disposed to be asked of my feats
and importance when young
I reside in Woodstock until the month of May 1779 where
resided till some time in 1785. When I moved back to Woodstock
resided in Woodstock until some time in the year
1796 or 1797 from there I moved from Woodstock to Barre
Vt, where I resided nine years and from Barre I moved to
Irasburgh my present residence where I have resided twenty
Seven years. I have no discharge or paper evidence in my
possession. I never had any commission except the
quarter masters commission as above stated
I have been intimately acquainted with Roger Enos of Irasburgh
formally Collector of the District of [illegible] for
at least forty years and with Ira H Allen for twenty
years and with Heron Allen of Burlington for
about twenty seven years. I was formally when I
resided in Barre personally acquainted with Dudly
Chose late Senator from Vermont, I am also personally
acquainted with Samuel S Crafts of Craftsbury Vt
late Governor of Vt & Member to Congress
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a
pension or annuity except the present and also
declare that my name is not on the pension
Roll or agency in any State
was in actual service in April 1777 at least 10 days
and from August to October of the same
year at least three months. I was in actual service
was Captain of a company of minute men under the
board of safety for the State of Vermont in 1778 at
least four months and in 1779 at least five months
and in 1780 at least five months and think I must
have spent one month more those above stated in
each year but cannot be position of that fact
I know of no living witness of the services stated in
this declaration
Nath Killam
Page 17

I Roger Enos formally collector of the customs in the
district of Humphrey residing in the Town of Irasburgh
County of Orleans hereby certify that I have been well
acquainted with Nathaniel Killam who has subscribed
Sworn to the above declaration for above forty years
and believe him to be seventy eight years of age that he is
reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides
to have been a soldier of the Revolution and I
concur in that opinion I also consider said Nathaniel
Killam to be a man of undoubted veracity and
entitled to full credit and belief
Roger Enos

I Ira H Allen of Irasburgh Clerk of the Supreme and
County Court for the County of Orleans hereby
certify that I am well acquainted with Nathaniel
Killam who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration that I believe him to be Seventy
eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in
the neighborhood where he resides to have been
a soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that
opinion Also that his is a man of undoubted
veracity
W W. Allen
Page 18

[left side cut off]
5915
O.
Nath Killam
service: REJECTED
listed; ---18 --
charged: --- 18 --
plication filed:
eges:
enlisted:
ney:
--- Recognized. ----Contract.
Cert. of Dis. --- Searched for --- 18
[sideways]
1927 Mar. 22. Photos delivered to Miss Kate Curry who
paid for them for Mrs. Geo. Wm Burpee. aut
Page 19

Hon. Herman Allen
Burlington
Page 20

Analytical view of the applicant's service
for which he claims a pension.

Time the Service was performed
1777
1777
1778
1779
1780

Co officers Names under who served
Capt Phineas Williams
Capt J Benjamin

Field officers
Col. B Wait 

Genl officers
Genl Lincoln
Lieut Col Marsh

Time of service as a private
2 months 10 days
2 months 10 days

Time served as a Sargent
3 months
3 months

Time served as a Captain
5 months
6 months 
6 months
17Months

Battles in which I was Engaged
Strated from Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga again
-
Country through which I passed
across the Green Mount from Champlain to Lake George
Scouting on the frontiers of Vermont
Do
Do

Myservices were two months and three days as a private
Three months as orderly Sargeant, Seventeen
months as captain-- for which I claim a
pension
Nath Killam
Page 21

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after putting the interrogatories prescribed by
War Department and after the investigation of the matter 
that the above named named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier and served as he states - and the court
further certifies that Roger Enos, and Ira H. Allen
who have signed the preceding certificates
[illegible]
credible persons and that their testimony is entitled
to credit
I John H. Kimball Register of said Court do hereby 
certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
the said Court in the matter of Nathaniel Killan for pension
In testimony thereof & I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this
12th day of October A.D. 1833
John H Kimball register
Page 22

To the Honorable Secretary of the Department of War,
I certify that I have been acquainted with Nathan
Killam of Irasburgh in the County of Orleans
and State of Vermont, who will forward his Declaration, and other
papers, for the purpose of procuring a pension, & I have long
considered him a person of the strictest integrity - and patriotism
and that his character for truth and veracity is unimpeached.
Craftsbury, Vermont
October 18th 1833
Samuel C Crafts, late Member of
Congress & Gov.
of the State of Vermont
Page 23

Oct 18th 1833

Hon H. Allan

I am requested to forward the within certificates to your care and also to request you to certify that this certificate is signed by me and forward it to the war Dept.

I am, very respectfully,
your Obeat Servant,
Samuel C Craft
Page 24

March 15, 1927

Commissioner of Pensions,
 Please furnish two negative copies each of five pages from the Rev. War pension claim, R. 5915
of Nathaniel Killam, (not certified) to

Mrs. Geo. Wm. Burpee,
Care of Miss Kate Curry
1420 Fairmont St. N. W.
Washington, D. C.

received payment
$1.59
[signature]
Cheif Rev. & 1812 Wars section
Page 25

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE. 1-681 PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 13648

Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON March 10 192 --
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5063

(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

Title and description of job photostat copies of 5 pages from the
Pension claim, R. 5215, Nathaniel Killam,

No of copies * 2 [illegible] Shall form be kept standing? --- days
For further information see [illegible]
Approved O.L. Ganbon  W E Wilson
Chief Clerk of Bureau  Chief of Branch
NOTE: No order made ""SPECIAL"" unless statement showing necessity is written below
approved by Chief Clerk

CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate 
Multigraph single or double space?  Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice ? Side ? End ?

Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? --- dated?

Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size Cards, size
Proof list  Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample)   Corrections
Fill in letters Tabulation sheets
Room No. 1

Photostat Size actual  Official use   Repay yes $1.50
Blue Print Size --- Official use --- Repay -- $ --
Remarks

(over)
Page 26

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.
_______ 192
( Date )
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
as follows:
on list -----

Now reads
1 ____
2 ____
3 ____
4 ____
5 ____
Should read
1 ____
2 ____
3 ____
4 ____
5 ____

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made
Operator
MULTIGRAPH
Operator Date ---- Type set by -----
Remarks:----- 
Operator Date ---- Cut by -----
Remarks: ----- 

MIMEOGRAPH
Operator 
Remarks:----- Date ---- Type set by -----Date
Page 27

6769
3 - 2223

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
March 15, 1927.
Chief, Rev. War Section
I have this day received from
Mrs Geo. M. Burkee
cash No ...
for $1.50 requesting
photostat copy as per
letter herewith.

O.J. Randall
Chief Finance Division.

1927 mar 22
Photos mailed
& Finance Div. Notified
AU
.
Page 28

Col J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
War Dept.

Hon B. Swift
Senate US

Mar 3 Vt
Page 29


Senate Chamber June 2, 1839
Sir,
Will you be so good as to furnish
me with the information asked for by the
enclosed letter
Respectfully Yours &c
B. Swift
Page 30

Office [illegible] U.S.
Burlington 29 Oct 1833

Sir,
Having been intimately acquainted with Mr Nathl Killam for the last twenty seven years, and requested by him to forward his declaration for a pension, under the act of the 7 of June 1832 and to express my opinion of his character and standing in society. I take great pleasure in stating, that I have always considered him a man of undoubted veracity and as such, entitled to full faith and credit. I have further
understood, that Mr Killam was a soldier of
the revolution, and such I believe has been the
uniform opinion of the neighbourhood in which
he resides- Under such circumstances, I beg to 
recommend his claim to your favourable consideration, 
and am respectfully, your obt Servant 

Herman Allen Priest
& agent forpreparing U.S. Pension

L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 31

No. 22462
Nathaniel Killam
Vermont

Rejected
see let. to L. Bridgman
May 29. 1833
Page 32

Nath'l Killam
Vt
Page 33

War Department
Pension Office
November 16. 1833
Sir, The papers in support of the claim of Nathaniel
Killam have been examined and an placed on our files

The scouting parties in which he was engaged, and
his services as minute man from the Spring of 1777, to August,
as well as those of 1778-79-80, are inadmissible, unless he
can give a full and minute detail of his various tours, and
the officers under whom he served, and that he was called out
by competent authority, and subject to military penalties
He must state with precision the terms of his enlistments,
"nearly, or quite four or five months", are too indefinite
His service as Captain of a company of minute men cannot
be allowed, unless he was duly commissioned by competent
authority. If he never had a commission, he must give the
reasons why, supported, as well as his other service by such
proof as he can procure. He does not say whose Regiment
he was Quarter Master of, nor the length of his service
it appears from his statement that he was acting as Captain
while discharging the duties of Quartermaster, Minute men
cannot receive compensation, but for the time they were in
Page 34

actual service, and such service must be clearly set
forth, corroborated by the best possible proof. The accompanying
printed brief will explain more fully
His papers will remain on file until the
requisite proof is adduced agreably to the usages of the
Department.
I am respectfully
Your Obt Svt.
J L Edwards

To Jesse Cooper Jr Esqr
Irasburgh
Vermont
Page 35

Nathaniel Killam
Act June 7, 1832. rest.
suspd   AWB

A.H. Markland
Page 36

State of Vermont
County of Orleans
Be it Known that on Second day of November A. D. 1853, before me, the undersigned, 
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared John H. Kellam
resident of Irasburgh in said County, and made oath according to law that he is a legal heir of
the identical man who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of .....  . That he is directly interested as a claimant in said pension, 
and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or 
arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim

Countermanding and revoking all Power of Attorney and authority heretofore given I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT, of Washington City my true and lawful attorney to prosecute the claim of Nathaniel Kellam for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive
for my exclusive benefit the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made  payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency;
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purpose herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present.
Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises
John H Kellam

Sworn to Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that believe the said John J. Kellam to be directly interested in said claim as set forth to be the identical party 
therein alleged.
Thos Jameson Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
County of Orleans
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Deputy Clerk of the
Court in and for said County that John H. Kellam the party who has sworn to, and
acknowledged the foregoing declaration and power of attorney is the identical Grandchild of the reputed soldier aforesaid, I further certify that Thomas Jameson Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to his I believe to be genuine
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office
this Second day of November 1852
A. Cushman, Dep. Clerk.
---
1. Claimant's name or names in full. -2. Post Office address.
3. That he is the identical man, or that she is the widow of the identical man, or that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man,
4. Leave this line blank 5."he is" "She is" or "they are" 6. Revolutionary soldier's full name. 7. Claimant's signature 8. Claimant's name 9. Magistrate's signature.
10. identical," "widow of," or "child of" -- 11. Magistrate's name." -- 12. Clerk's signature.
N. B. -- Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.
Page 37

Nathaniel Killam
Declaration
Page 38

Let returns be made to Jesse. Cooper 
or Nathaniel Killam Irasburgh Vt
Page 39

Nath'l Kellam
Page 40

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office
Nov 15th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:}).You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, showing the service of Nathaniel Killam
[no information written on the form]
Period when the service was rendered

Duration of the claimant's service
Years  Months  Days

Rank of the claimant.

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 41

2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance , make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION. In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. State, Territory District of County of On this ---day of --- personally appeared (a) before ----- A. B. a resident (b) of ----- in the county of ---- and State, Territory or District of ----- aged (c) --- years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the pension made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ----, with ---- and served in the ---- (e) regiment of the ---- line, under the following named officers (Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I -------------------- of the Court of ----------------------------- do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of --------------- for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ------- day of ------------------ & c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ------------- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---------------- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be -------- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [And then will follow the certificate of the 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 A.B. ------ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ------- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, -----------Clerk of the Court of ---------------- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this --- of ---- & c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his 
[last line underlined]
Page 42

3
[most of the first three lines underlined]
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. To a Soldier Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7. 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. The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. {a] the declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county were he resides. If he should fail to do so he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] the declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served [e] Every Continental officer or soldier must give the name of the colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly worn, deposes and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the persons mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- years ---- months, and -----days, I served as a . For months and days, I served as a ----- for ----- months ----days, I served as a ----- and for such service I claim a pension." it is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the miliia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority ; that was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit, [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which in can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. Mode of authenticating papers. in every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying once, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. Proof of Service. [j] in a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service and the time and manner of his leaving the same as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibly of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. the notes [a] to [i] are equally applicable to the cases of militia men, volunteers, and state troops The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensible in militia cases [l] if a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration

[much underlining in section [e]]