Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 45,615, Nathaniel Briggs, Navy
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service 
Navy 
Briggs, Nathaniel
Number S. 45,615

Contents
Page 2

Letter to M. Leake, Sept. 22 '46

Notify. sent to S.P. Webster Esq 26 Dec 1820
Plymouth N.Y.

New-Hampshire
17669 
Nathaniel Briggs, of Grafton co. in the state of N.H. who was a midship onboard of the Sloop of War, Capt Rathburne, Providence, 1 Year

Inscribed on the Roll of New-Hampsh. at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 27 of April, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d. of Aug 1820, and sent to E. Evans, agent now at the city of Washing.

Arrears to 4th of March, 1820 $178.10
Semi-anl all'ce ending 4 Sept 1820 48
$226.10

22 Mos. 4/30
+ 4/31

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}

Continued

4 March 1821
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State of New Hampshire
Grafton SS

On this twenty seventh day of April 1818 before the subscriber, and off the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County personally appears Nathaniel Briggs aged seventy years, resident in Orange in said County, 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 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."
That he the said, Nathaniel Briggs enlisted into said service in the month of March 1778 on board the Continental Sloop of War "Providence" of twelve years as a midshipman, commanded. by Capt John Rathburn, and saved on board said Sloop until the ninth day of January 1779 when he was put on board the Brigantine "Providence [illegible]" bound from Cork to New York, a prize master, which said Brigantine was captured by the "Providence" in Lat. 40' 9' North Lon. 81' 17' West by observation, that he brought said Brigantine into Boston in the Month of March 1779 when and where he delivered her to Mr. Bradford the agent of the government, and staid [stayed] and helped [illegible] her and was honorably discharged on the last of March or first of April 1779 having served my time out, he never had any written discharge, that he now is an always has been a citizen of the United States. that he has neither received no pensions, and that he is in reduced circumstances, and very infirm and stands in need of the assistance of his country.
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Country for support' and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said service. Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
Daniel Blaisdell} one of the judges of the court of common pleas in aforesaid county.

I Daniel Blaisdell judge as aforesaid, do testify that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Nathaniel Brigs did service in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration one year at one time against the common enemy. and that from my own knowledge and the annexed affidavit his circumstances are reduced and that he needs the assistance of his country for support 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.

In testimony where of I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court the first day of July AD 1818.
Daniel Blaisdell} one of the judges of the court of common pleas in aforesaid county.
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State of New Hampshire
Grafton District SS}

At a special probate court holden at Canaan within and fore the said district on this twenty sixth day of August AD 1851. Personally appeared George A Briggs of Orange in said District aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doath [doth] on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of congress passed June 7th 1832. That he is the same of Nathaniel Briggs late of said Orange deceased who was a pensioner under the act of the 18 of March 1818 as a midshipman at the rate of $96 per annum whose pension certificate was dated Aug 2 1820 commencing pay April 27, 1818. he served as he supposes about 3 years in the Continental Navy as a midshipman a part or the whole time on board of the Sloop Providence Capt Rathburn from Diton Ms. and that he died on the nineteenth of February 1843 and to his papers on file in the pension office he would refer the department. he makes this declaration to obtain the arrears due the said Nathaniel Briggs as a midshipman under the act of the 7th June 1832 over the date of March 18 1818 and that he the said George A Briggs + Benjamin Briggs and Elizabeth Briggs are his only surviving Children
George A Briggs 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.
Eleazer Martin Judge of Probate
I certify that the above contains the original proceedings in the case of George A Briggs for a pension in testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and afix the seal of said court at [illegible] aforesaid this 26 day of August AD 1851
Eleazer Martin Judge of Probate
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State of New Hampshire
Grafton SS
I Samuel Swasey, Register of the Court of Probate holden at Canaan in said County on the sixteenth day of December AD 1846 do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said court that Nathaniel Briggs late of Orange in said County was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of 1818 at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, that he died on the nineteenth day of February AD 1843. That he left no widow but left five children only surviving him, who are all of the age of twenty one years and upwards + whose names are as following to wit. George A Briggs. John Briggs. Benjamin Briggs + Elizabeth Briggs leaving in said Orange and Alithea Sleeper of Grafton in said County.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court on this the twenty second day of December Anno Domini 1846
Samuel Swasey Register
Page 7

Nathl. Briggs
Orange
17.66 Grafton Co
Page 8

Grafton SS.} State of New-Hampshire
On this 8th day of November A.D. 1820 personally appeared Nathaniel Briggs before the Superior Court of Judicature holden at Plymouth in the county of Grafton in open court being a Court of record, in and for the said county, by law established aged seventy two years, resident in Orange 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. I inlisted [enlisted] into the service of the United States in the month of March 1778 on board the continental sloop of War Providence of 12 guns as a midshipman commanded by Capt John Rathburn and served on board of said Sloop until the 9th day of January 1779. When I was put on board of the Brigantine Providence increase bound from Cork to New York a prize master which said Brigantine was captured by the Providence in lat 40 + 9 north Lon 81 + 17 west by observation. I Brought said Brigantine into Boston in the month of March 1779 when and where I delivered her to Mr. Bradford the agent of the Government and staid [stayed] & helped until I was honorably discharged which was on the last of March or the first of April 1779 having served my time out. I never had any written discharge.
The date of my original declaration in order to obtain a pension is the 27th day of April 1818. The number of my pension certificate is 17,669. I have received a Pension. 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. My occupation is a mariner and not of a sufficient ability to pursue it

in family residing with me Elizabeth Briggs my wife aged 73 years Benja. Briggs 39, Elizabeth Briggs 2d. my daughter 35 years

Their capacity to contribute to their support Elizabeth Briggs infirm much out of health Benjamin Briggs is helpless and has to be taken care of by some person as much as a child 3 years old and has been so for eleven years last part Elizabeth Briggs 2d. is healthy and able to support herself
Nathaniel Briggs
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I Nathaniel Briggs of Orange County of Grafton + State of New Hampshire claiming a pension under the act of Congress of March 18th 1818 + May 1st 1820 depose + say that the following is a schedule of all the property which I possess directly or indirectly (necessary bedding + clothing excepted)
Ten acres of improved land with a small barn
thereon very old + decayed
One acre of unproved land
11 swarms of bees
one 4th part of a low dwelling house all of which is situated in said Orange
1 ax 1 hoe
Nathaniel Briggs

We the undersigned hereby certify that we have appraised the property comprehended in the above schedule shown to me by the above named Nathaniel Briggs according to the best of our abilities. I estimated the same to be worth $120 dollars + cents and that annual income thereof to be equal to $13 dollars + 50 cents.
June 1820
Nathaniel Whittier
John Bullock } Selectmen of Orange
+ sworn to
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Sworn to and declared at Plymouth in said County on the 8th day of November AD 1820 before the Justice of said Court.
S.P. Webster Clerk

State of New Hampshire
Grafton SS.
I Stephen P. Webster clerk of the Superior Court of Judication for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing oath + the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of said Court. I further certify that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property in said schedule entertained is one hundred and twenty dollars. The yearly income of said real estate is only thirteen dollars fifty cents.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court on this 8th day of November in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred + twenty.
S.P. Webster Clerk
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Schedule
Contain the whole estate and income of 
(his necessary clothing and bedding excepted,) by him subscribed, exhibited to the Probate Court for the county of 
in the State of New-Hampshire, on the 
day of
18 , and annexed to his oath, viz.


Nathl. Briggs
Orange
17,669 Grafton Co.
Con
Sep '20
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Dr.   W. Nath Briggs in Dect. with Brown + Vernon
April
- . 14 to cash [illegible] on Aut. of Shop } 443.3.2.1/2
Nancy
To cash in full for first division of ship Nancy
w. Gushe P Order - - - 381,,16,,9 1/2
825
E Excepted Boston 5 June 1779
Brown + Vernon


By one full shone in the fourth class of the first division of ship Nancy - - - - 825



Invalid
File No. 45615 Navy
Nathaniel Briggs
midshipman
ship providence Capt Rathburn
Rev War
Act March 18, 1818
Index: Vol. _____ , Page _____
[arrangement of 1870.]
Page 13

Set to W.G.Wade Esq
Feb 9th 1819
A. Spear May 7/52
Same, June 28, 1852
Same Oct 12, 1852

Augt. 5th 1852
Rel to case of
Nathl. Briggs

Aranna Spear
West Randolph
Vt.
Page 14

Jan 22, 1841
[illegible]
Nathaniel Briggs


30
Hon. J.L.Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 15

Rose New York
January 18th, 1841
Sir,
I have the honor to [illegible] your examination, the certificate of Secretary of Massachusetts in support of the claim of the children of Nathaniel Briggs who was pensioned under Act of 1818, for an increase of pension under act of 9th June 1832.
Nathaniel briggs was upon the Massachusetts pension list.
I am respectfully your obt. servant
W.G. Wade

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
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West Randolph Vermont Aug 3d 1852
Hon J.E. Hath Con Pensions
Sir
From the contents of an answer from your office of June 29 last in relation to the claim of the heirs of Nathaniel Briggs for an increase of pension I perceive that this claim was asserted in 1846 of which I had no knowledge that there mite have been evidence furnished tending to show the identity of the Mass record service with him at that time + may have been done also all that ever can be done
That evidence tending to show that there was but one man of that name in said [illegible] at that time and that he claimed said services would not be an unnecessary reasonable requirement of such proof is not admissible according to the [illegible] rules of your office tending to sustain said identity if the service is obtained the same will be forwarded of which rule I wish your answer and much oblige your obt. servant 
Arannah Spear

P S I have been inform that there is a new rule established in that office in relation to [illegible] proof of identity.
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West Randolph Vermont Nov 10th 1857
J E Heath Com Pensions
Sir
I have with send your the papers in the case of George A Briggs for an increase of pension under the act of June 7 1832 his father drew $96 per annum as a midshipman the suppose he served 3 years if he served 2 years he was entitled to $144 a year and the arrears will be $48 on the [illegible] in proportion for a less term of service and am informed he drew nothing after Sept 4, 1842 if to it would leave $44 more not drawn
I also send you the affidavit of Abel Ford on whose statement Judge Morten likely founded his certificate of Nathaniel Briggs death and surviving heirs which is all the evidence I have in the matter. all of which I most cheerfully submit to your honor.
Sir I am your most obt servant 
Arannah Spear

P S
For a midshipman's pay see Samuel Baffum Rhode Island Rolls of 1833-4 page 27
Richard Lowe hon rolls 136
NH '' 38
A Spear
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West Randolph Vermont March 22 1852
Jas. E. Heath Com Pensions
Sir
There with forward additional evidence in the case of the heirs of Nathaniel Briggs it appears that he served 6 months + 5 days ending Dec 27 1776 as a boatswain in 4 days after he was a quartermaster and so continued for 1 month and 16 days the two Tiverton services amount to 28 days as a sergeant in the whole 8 months + 20 days this with the one years services as a midshipman is for less than the amount he used to claim in his conversation.
Your letter of February 7 1852 I am to infer that you have had a certificate from the secretary of Massachusetts of services claimed for said Briggs. How you come by such a certificate I know nothing have never sent you any I take it as granted that said Nathanial Briggs sent it in his original if so you should receive it with full credit for him, a good reason for not claiming the same or other services it was not available in his case under that act what is meant by said certificate I cannot tell you will not justify us in the conjecture that we wear [were] anticipated in the one now forwarded since the department has closed that office from public inspection and thereby made it a judge of identity or that your office is in such a habit of denials that it flows spontaneous. That Briggs had rendered linear service in a rank above a private is evident by his holding so high an office as a midshipman on a vessel of war. This view has much force in support of
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identifying his service with that of said Nathaniel Briggs.
I have no means of competing the services of 6 mos. + 5 days as a boatswain not knowing the grade of that office therefor shall omit the whole.
All of which I most cheerfully submit while I am your most obt. servant
Avannah Spear
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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SEAL ON LEFT SIDE NOT LEGIBLE

Secretary’s Office, Boston:
March 15. 1852.

     I hereby certify, that, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathaniel Briggs, is borne on a pay roll of Brig Freedom, Capt. Clouston: as Boatswain, from June 22 to Dec: 24. 1776 - 6 mos. 5 days.——— 
     On roll of men in charge of prize “La Toye Planter.” taken by Brig Freedom and from January 1, 1777. As quartermaster 1. Month & 16 days.———
     On roll of Capt. Elyah Walker’s Co., Col. Hathaway’s Regt - Tiverton service - as Sergt: for Dighton. Apr. 23.1777. 21 days. Company raised in D..  On roll of Capt. E. Watkins Co. Col. Hathaway’s Regt to Tiverton. Aug. 2, 1780 - as Sergt. Of days.

     In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
                          Amass Walker
                 Secretary of the Commonwealth
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APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES
Made by the Son of the party who rendered the service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                        State of New Hampshire
County of Grafton Town of Orange

      The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Nathaniel Briggs, my father who served in the war of the Revolution.
————————————————————————
     He was a native of the Town of Dighton in the county of Bristol and State of Massachutes
     He enlisted from the Town of Dighton, in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year 1775 or 6 or 7, as a midshipman in the company/commanded by Captain Rathburn on the sloop in Providence, Regiment:——and he served as follows; *vis:-and is supposed in other capacities for a long time two to three years —- and on or about the close of the Rev. War he was honorably discharged.
     He enlisted out of the land service into the naval, - in to and Sloop Providence, —the fleet sailed out o Boston Harbor, under command of- Whipple
————————————————————————-
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.
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     I am now Seventy-seven years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.

     Witness my hand, this Twelth day of March
A.D. 1852
Geo A. Briggs

Signed by said George A. Briggs }
In my presence.                              }
JR. Wallace Justice of the Peace.        Vertically on page: 4792
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Nathanial Briggs
6 mos 5 days  Boat Swain
1  mo 14 days Qr Master
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
November 18 1846
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of is borne upon
Nathaniel Briggs 
" Pay Roll of the Big Freedom, Capt John Clouston as Boatswan [boatswain], from June 22 to December 27 1776, 6 months and 5 days
upon a Pay Roll of Men on board of a
page ship taken by the Big Freedom
and brought into Boston, as Quarter
Master from January 1 to February 16
1777- 1 month & 16 days.

No roll of the vessel Providence
No roll of Capt Peck Rathbone
The above is all the evidence of service
of any one of the name ^as an officer^ shown by the Naval
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rolls in the Office
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search
was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written 
John B
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Illegible seal attached
Page 26

Application for certificate of Revolutionary services.
State of New Hampshire
Orange County Town of Grafton
he Secretary of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, is hereby requested
to furnish evidence from the rolls in
his Office of the service of Nathaniel Briggs
[illegible] he was as a native of the town of Dighton County of Bristol State of Massachusetts, he served on
board the Ship or Sloop of war called
Providence, at the Town of Enlistment
one of thirteen months, (or twelve of the
other town, it is not know the exact
length of times, a part or all of the service
done as Midshipman Peck Rathburn is
believed to have been the captain, and town
believed to have been the first in 1778, at one town he stated that he was sent to Boston as
Master of a Brig which they had taken as a
prize, he Nathen Briggs died in 18
I have empowered, W G Wade of Rose
New York to act in the premises as my attorney
Geo. A. Briggs
W G Wade
Signed in my presence by said
W. Wade, this 13 day of Oct 1830
C. B. Collins Justice of the Peace
Satisfactory documentary evidence was exhibited to me to show that said W. G. Wade
be allowed advised
C. B. Collins Justice of the Peace
Page 27

 I Abel Ford of Orange County of Grafton &
State of New Hampshire being fifty two years of age depose and say that I have been personally acquainted with Nathaniel Briggs and family for the last twenty five years and was with him at his death which took place Feb 19th 1843 he left no widow but five children
two of which have since died the other three surviving Children are all that I have any knowledge of whose names and ages are as follows viz George A Brigg Seventy six years of age) Benjamin Briggs Seventy years of age as they call Elizabeth Briggs Sixty six years of age themselves And know the above named Nathaniel Briggs to be the Identical Nathaniel Briggs that drew a pension of ninety six dollars per annum
Abel Ford
 
Orange Aug 23 1851
personally appeared and subscribed and made oath that the foregoing was true before me -
John French Justice of the peace
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss August 26. 1840 I hereby certify
that I am well acquainted with
John French and know that he is
an acting Justice of the Peace for said county and that Abel Ford is a credible witness
Eleazer Martin Judge of Probate
Page 28


Orange Grafton County N. H.
July 11th 1846
Sir
You are hereby requested to permit W.G.
Wade Esqr of Rose N. York or any person he may request to Examin [examine] any papers on file in your office relating to the Pension of my late father Nathaniel Briggs, who was pensioned under act 18th March 1818 from N. Hampshire, as said Wade is duly authorized to make an investigation for the purpose of obtaining an increase of Pension believed to be due the children of said Briggs
J. L. Edwards
I am Respectfully
Your Obt Servent [Obedient Servant]
George Anson Briggs

Hon JL Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
D. C.


Rose July 29 1846
Sir,
Mr. Nathan Leake is duly authorized
to examine papers filed in case of
Nathanel Bugg decd [deceased] l[illegible] of N. Hampshire
Yours Respectfully
Your Obt Sert [obedient servant]
W. G. Wade
Page 29

State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss
At a Special Court of Probate holden at Canaan
in said County on the twenty-sixth day of
August A.D. 1851, I do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Nathaniel Briggs was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety-six Dollars per annum and was a resident of the town of Orange in said County of Grafton in the State of New Hampshire and that said Briggs died in said town of Orange the 19th day of February AD 1843- that he left no widow but left three children now surviving
him whose names are George A.
Briggs, Benjamin Briggs and Elizabeth
Briggs now of said Orange-
In testamony [testimony] whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Canaan aforesaid this 26th
day of August AD 1851
Eleazer Martin Judge of Probate
Page 30

Copy
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss
Personally appeard [appeared] before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace
in and for said County George A Briggs of
Orange Grafton County N. Hampshire of
lawfull [lawful] age who being first duly
sworn according to law doth on his
oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain a reexamination
of the papers filed the pension office by Nathaniel Briggs late deponents father, for the purpose of obtaining an increase of pension. That he is a Son of Nathaniel King late a pensioner of the United States at the rate of
$96.00 per annum. That he has always
understood from his said father that
and done two tours of service on board the Providence & other besides in
the revolutionary war. that deponent
respectfully refers the department to
proofs filed herewith forwarded in
support of said claim
George A Briggs
Sworn & subscribed
fore me this 16th December 1846
Converse Goodhue J.P.
I certify that the above named office
a credible witness
C. G. Justice Peace
Page 31

(Envelope place over the letter)
paid 5
Copy of Georg A. Briggs App
forms to Mocking
Jan 18
W Topsmam
31 Dec
F. E. Hassler Esqr
Rose
Wayne Co
N. Y.
 (Following is the beginning of the letter)
Copy
State of New Hampshire
Grafton  ss
Sir 
I, Samuel Smarty Register of
the Courts of Probate holder in said co.
on the 16th day of December A.D. 1846, do hereby certify that N. Briggs late of [Illegible] mas or pensioned of the M.N.S. under act 1818 at the rate of $96.00 that he died on the 19th
day of Febuary [February] 1843 that he left no
widow but 5 children who are all of age of 21 years and upwards whose names as as follows, to wit
George A. Briggs
John
Benj
& Elizabeth, in Gray
Alithen Sleeps of Grafton said Co.
Given testimony where of I have hereto set my seal this 22 day of Dec 1846
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Nathaniel Briggs,
Grafton Co. N. H. 
27 April, 1818.

Midshipman onboard
the Sloop of War, 
Providence, Capt. Rathbone
March 1778, for one year


Admitted.

E. Evans, agent
now in the city of 
Washington.
Page 33

Nathl Briggs
Application for Pension
Midshipman
Sloop of war "Providence"
Capt Rathbone
March 1778, one year
April 27. 1818
Admitted
E. Evans Esq
Agent
now in Washington
Proof of service required and the Judge must certify to the credibility of the witnesses
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I Solomon Tayles of Grafton in the County of Graf-- and State of new Hampshire and one of the Justices of the Peace in said County, do testify that I am well acquainted with Mr. Nathaniel Briggs of Orange who is the same person that makes application for a pension for his services as a sailor on board of the Sloop of War Providence in the revolutionary war, and that his circumstances in life are reduced and poor, and stands in need of his Country's assistance for support.
(signed) Solomon Tayles

Grafton April 27. 1818
State of New Hampshire  Grafton ss   April 27, 1818
Sworn to before me 
Daniel Blaisdell } One of the Judges of the Court of Common Please in a& for said County 

I John Bullock of Orange in the County of Grafton and State of new Hampshire, and one of the Selectmen of said town, do testify, that I am well acquainted with Mr. Nathaniel Briggs of said Orange, who is the same person that make application for a pension for his services as a Midshipman on board the Sloop Providence in the revolutionary war, and that his circumstances in life are reduced and poor, and stands in need of his Countrys assistance for support
John Bullock

Grafton April 27. 1818
State of New Hampshire Grafton ss  April 27. 1818 
Sworn to before me
Daniel Blaisdell} One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county
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State of New Hampshire
Grafton. Ss

Personally appeared before and subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for said County George A. Briggs of Orange Grafton County New Hampshire of lawful age who being first duly worn sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain a reexamination of the papers filed in he pension office by Nathaniel Briggs late deponants further, for the purpose of obtaining an increase of pension that huge is a son of Nathaniel Briggs, late a pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum, that he has always understood from his said father that he had done two tours of service on board the Providence and other vessels in the revolutionary war, that Deponent respectfully refers the department to the proofs filed herewith forwarded in support of such claim.
Geo A Briggs
Sworn and subscribed before me this 16th day of December 1846
Converse Goodhue Justice of the Peace

    I certify that the above named affiant is a credible witness
Converse Goodhue Justice of the Peace
Page 36

Sept. 12. 1846

Power of Attorney
Case of 
Nathaniel Briggs.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Present
Page 37

Washington Sept. 11. 1846~

Sir
     I enclose herein Power of Attorney in the case of Nathaniel Briggs who was pensioned under the act of 1818, in New Hampshire for service performed as Midshipman in the Continental Navy the on believes his father was long enough in service in that capacity to enable him to pension under the law of 1832. To $144 per annum if so he wishes to make application for it. And if it is found to the contrary he desires not to trouble the office for farther with again to is a report is respectfully requested at your early convenience
Very Respectfully
Your obedient servant
Nathan Leake

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 38

I Daniel Fish of Dighton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do testify and say that in the year Seventeen Hundred and seventy eight I entered as a Marine on Board a Continental Sloop of War called the Providence, Commanded by Captain John Peck Rathburn; And at that time Nathaniel Briggs then an in habitant of said Dighton, but ow of the town of Orange in the County of Grafton, in the state of New Hampshire was a midshipman on board the same sloop; and I was then informed that he was part of a squadron under the Command of Commodore Whipole. We cruised at the eastward in the neighbourhood of Novia Scotia, that on our cruise in a very heavy gale, we sprung our mast and carried away our Bowspirit the said Nathaniel Briggs being acquainted with the coast piloted the sloop into a little river in port Roseway where we purchased a new mast, had it made and set.  Also repaired the Bowspirit=. I was then informed that Captain Rathburn drew an order in favor f those who asssted in repairing said sloop and for some supplies on the Board of War at Boston. to receive their pay - when the time expired I signed for.  I left the Sloop and received at Boston forty shillings and onto for my services which was owed me by an agent or some officer (as I then understood of the Continental Government - ) I further say that I was at Boston when the aforesaid Sloop was about
(End of page)
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Page 2

Landing on her second cruise I saw Captain Rathburn and Lieutenant. House and I then understood that Nathaniel Briggs aforesaid was on board but I did not see him and that he went out with Captain RRathburn on the second cruise. And I was afterward informed that the said Nathaniel Briggs came into Boston as a prize Master of a Brigg which they had Captured on their cruise - 
Daniel Fish January 27th 1820 -

Bristol January 27th 1820. Then the above named Daniel Fish personally appeared and made solemn Oath that the foregoing deposition by him signed in the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth - And I further certify that the said Daniel Fish is esteemed as a person of truth and tenacity - 
Thomas B. Richmond
Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bristol County s.  I James Sproat, Clerk of the county of Bristol aforesaid do hereby Certify that Thos Baylis Richmond Esq before whom the affidavit of Daniel Fisk within named appears to have been made is a Justice of the Peace acting under the authority of this Commonwealth - and duly authorized for that purpose and that his name subscribed then to appears to be his own proper signature——

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County At Laughton in said County this forteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

James Sproat {Clerk of the Judge Counts Bristol Co

A star shaped seal with no writing legible on it is located upper left hand corner
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I Nathaniel Briggs of Orange in the County of Grafton & State of Massachusetts in relation to the declaration which I made before the Honorable Daniel Blaisdell Esqr for pension under the act of Congress of March 19th 1818 Depose & say that of the men who served into the service with me & continued on board during the term of my engagement from my neighbourhood (sic) are all dead, that after close inquiry I find but one man living (viz) Daniel Fish who served as a marine on board said Sloop but a part of said term whose affidavit is hereunto annexed that I am informed that Capt . Rathbone died in Prison in England during the late war that Lieut. Hanse died in New London Connecticut that of (illegible) of no person living by whom I can prove my service on board said Sloop
(signed) Nathaniel Briggs

April 10th 1820

I further Declare & say that while I was on board said Sloop we captured five British vessels among which was the ship Nanny
(signed) Nathaniel Briggs

State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss }  Wentworth April 10th 1820
then personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Briggs & made solemn oath that the above declaration by him subscribed contains the truth & nothing but the truth before me
(signed) E Evans (Illegible) public
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Norwich Ct
Jan 27th
John Hathaway Esq.
Postmaster
Dighton
Ms.
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Post Office Norwich Ct. Jan 27th, 1820
Sir, yours of the 22d. inst. was duly recd. and I have made the enquiry and find that the George House alluded to died at New London about ten years ago. I knew the man myself he was an officer on board the [illegible] cutter at New London for many years. His widow is since married to Asa Fitch Esq who lives in the town of [illegible] in this county.
Respectfully Yours,
John Hyde