Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 81, Aaron Aldrich, R.I.
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R.I.
SERVICE
CONTENTS
Aldrich, Aaron
R. 81
NUMBER
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29354

Otsego County

ILLEGIBLE
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State of New York
County of Otsego

On this fifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three _ Personally appeared before me James C. Walworth _ one of the Judges of the Court of Common Please in and for the County of Otsego. Aaron Alrich, a resident of the Town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego aforesaid, aged ninety years, for being first dully 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 or was drafted in the Army of the United States in the year 1775 or 1776 (the exact time of his Enlistment he does not recollect). That he Enlisted at the same time that _ William Parker _ Jonathan Herrington _  Stately Stafford & Mennafouboys enlisted, and served in the Militia Regiment then stationed at New Port in Rhode Island (the number of the Regiment he does not recollect) under the following -- named officers _ Colonel Jeremiah or Archibald [ILLEGIBLE] (the Lieutenant Colonel name he does not recollect) Major __ Dryer _ Adjutant Abraham Phillips (does not recollect the Christian name of the major nor the names of the other field officers), Captain James Williams First Lieutenant _ Whipple _ Second Lieutenant ___Bacon First Seargeant __ Raisor, Second Seargeant __ Oliver Hopkins, (does not recollect the names of the other company officers _ neither does he recollect the Christian names of Lieut. Whipple or Lieut. Bacon or Seargeant Raisor). Left the service on the 16th of March (does not recollect the year). Served nine full months, the full term for which he enlisted. He lived in the State of Rhode Island in the County of Providence in the Town of Syteate. When he entered the service, was not engaged in any actual battle. Was stationed at the East End of the Island _ Then marched to Bristol, Rhode Island, at which place he remained until his term of Enlistment Expired _ Engaged in guarding the Town & Then he went home to Syteate in the County of Providence and remained there until the next Summer at which time
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he was drafted and called up again in to the service to assist in taking possession of the Fort situated near Sleight Ferry (does not recollect the name of the Fort _) He was then commanded by Captain Benjamin Whipple General Sullivan was there at the same time. The British went off from the Fort a short distance and entrenched themselves beyond a little valley between themselves and the fort__ This applicant staid on the outside of the Ford and assisted in building an Entrenchment, behind which they secured themselves from the fire of the Enemy _ The British were engaged in firing up on the fort & Entrenchment with bombs etc _ This applicant staid at that time in the service one month. When he was discharged _ making in all ten months _ service _ he then went Home again in the County of Providence. He never received any written discharge _ has no written Evidence of his Enlistment or of his being drafted _ Does not know Whether any of the persons who Enlisted at the same time he did are living or not _ Does not know of any living witness who can testify as to his being a Revolutionary Solider _ He Hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present _ and he declares that his name is not on any Pension Roll of any Agency in any State. 

X his mark
Aaron Aldrich

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[ILLEGIBLE]
of Otsego County Courts

The following are the questions put to the applicant by the Judge after having sworn to the above.

1st Where and in what year were you born_
Answer _ (Situate, in the County of Providence in the year 1743_
2nd have you any record of your age and if so where is it _
Answer _ has not any record of his age in his possession _ But said he put it upon record upon the Town Record in the Town of Situate in the County of Providence _
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Transcript of the Document:
3rd Question:
Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer:
When called into service, lived in the town of Situate in the County of Providence. Since the Revolution, has lived in Guilford, Vermont, and now resides in Edmeston in the County of Otsego, where he now lives.
4th Question:
How were you called into service? Were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
Answer:
Enlisted in the first place for nine months and afterwards was drafted.
5th Question:
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 service.
Answer:
In addition to the names of the officers mentioned in the declaration above, he recollects the name of the Colonel under whom he served, viz.: Col. Henry Wheeler and William West the General at the time he was drafted.
6th Question:
Did you ever receive a written discharge from the service?
Answer:
Never did receive a written discharge.
(Signed with a mark by Aaron Hinsdale)
Sworn & subscribed this 5th day of October 1833 before me,
James O. Wattles, a Judge of Otsego County Court

Certification:
We, John C. Hulbert, a clergyman residing in the Town of Edmeston, in the County of Otsego, and Louice Hopkins, living in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron Hinsdale, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ninety years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
(Signed)
J.C. Hulbert
Louice Hopkins (her mark)

Final Certification:
I certify the foregoing and duly recorded in the office of the court this 5th day of October 1833.
Jameís O. Wattles, Judge of Otsego County Court
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I, James C. Walworth, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Please in and for the County of Otsego, 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 I hereby further certify that the said applicant is unable to attend in open Court, by reason of his extreme bodily infirmity owning to his extreme old age. And I hereby also further certify that I am acquainted with J. C. Hurlbent who has signed the preceding Certificate and that he is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego and that Louis Hopkins who has also signed the same (by making his mark) is a resident in the same Town and County aforesaid _ is a credible person and that their Statement is entitled to Credit. 

James C. Walworth 
a Judge of Otsego County Courts
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34236
Aaron Aldrich
Pension 
Application 
of Edmeston
Otsego Co. N. York
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Oliver Hopkins
Affidavit
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State of New York
Otsego County 

On this 15th day of March 1834 personally appeared Aaron Aldrich of the Town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego and State of New York before James C. Walworth one of the Judges of the Court of Common Please of this County of Otsego aged 93 years [ILLEGIBLE] who having duly sworn according to [ILLEGIBLE]. doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the Benefits of the Act of Congress passed June 4th 1832.

That he entered into service of the United States under the following [ILLEGIBLE] officers and served as have stated. That in the year 1775 or 1776 at the town of Scheate County of Providence State of Rhode Island he enlisted into the Company of Captain James Williams Col. Hardwork [ILLEGIBLE] or militia of Rhode Island for the term of nine months in the month of July and served that length of time and was discharged verbally by said Captain James Williams of Rhode Island and returned home to Scheate in the month of April according to the best of his recollection. 
And that soon after he returned home he was drafted into the state militia in Captain [ILLEGIBLE] Whipples company and served one month guarding the shores ag. the British and on Rhode Island at the time he was drafted he was under Col. Archibold Crary according to the best of his recollection. 

And he further states from his old age and [ILLEGIBLE] he cannot state [ILLEGIBLE] the length of his service or the [ILLEGIBLE] that he served more than four months. And that he does not no one knowing of any documentary evidence
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[ILLEGIBLE] his name should be found on records either at Washington or Rhode Island and that he does not know of any living witnesses except Oliver Hopkins who was [ILLEGIBLE]. 
And that he is not acquainted with any clergyman living in his neighborhood but that William [ILLEGIBLE] and Benjamin Hopkins are his neighbors and [ILLEGIBLE] testify to his [ILLEGIBLE] character for truth and integrity and their belief of his services.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to pension or annuity except to [ILLEGIBLE] and declares that his name is not on the Pension Rolls of the agency of any State. 

The following is his answers to the interrogatories [ILLEGIBLE] to be proposed to him by the Court. 

1. [ILLEGIBLE] he was born in the [ILLEGIBLE] in the State of Rhode Island in the year 1743.
2. Has no record of his age there is a town record in Rhode Island.
3. Was living in the town of Schi[ILL] county of Providence RI state wherein he first enlisted [ILLEGIBLE] he has [ILLEGIBLE] in [ILLEGIBLE] Rhode Island and Edmonton New York where he now resides. 
4th That he enlisted and was drafted [ILLEGIBLE] for any reason. 
5th That he [ILLEGIBLE]
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6th Never had any written discharge
7 that he is acquainted with Har[ILLEGIBLE] Erastus Walda William Kennedy Benjamin Hopins [ILLEGIBLE]

and sworn before me this 15th day of March 1834 James C. Walworth othe Judge of Otsego County Court

X his mark 
Aaron Aldrich 

Mr. Benjamin Hopkins and William Kennedy residing in the town of Edmeston in [ILL] county hereby certify that we are made acquaintance with Aaron Aldrich who has declared and sworn to be ninety three years of age. That he is refuted and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 

Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid. 
Wm. Kennedy
Benjamin Hopkins
J. C. Walworth, Judge
of Otsego County Courts

And the [ILLEGIBLE] judge does hereby declare his possession [ILLEGIBLE] that investigating the matters and after [ILLEGIBLE] the interrogatories foresworn by the [ILLEGIBLE].
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State of New York
Otsego County 
I George C. Clyde clerk of the county of Otsego Do hereby certify that James C. Walworth Esquire before whom the two written affidavits on this Sheet purport to have been sworn was on the day of the Date of the said Affidavits a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county duty commissioned and sworn _ And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and hereby [ILLEGIBLE] his name subscribed [ILLEGIBLE] two affidavits are [ILLEGIBLE] and also to the certificate of credibility also on this sheet are his genuine hand writing and signature__
Witness my hand and seal of Office this Sixteenth day of March A.D. 1837
George C. Clyde Clk
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Cortland County _ Oliver Hopkins of the town of  Virgil in said county being duly sworn saith that he knows Aaron Aldridge of Edmiston in the County of Otsego and State of New York that he knew said Aldridge in the time of the Revolutionary War in the State of Rhode Island and Deponent knew Aldridge to be a soldier in Captain James Williams army Col. Hitchcocks Regiment and General Goens Brigade that  Deponent and said Aldridge joined said Regiment at Providence in the year 1775 as Diplomat [ILLEGIBLE] and that said Aldridge served about nine months to Deponents knowledge. 
Before the time when said Aldridge enlisted he lived in the town of Situate County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and at the same place after the term of his service. 
Oliver [ILLEGIBLE]
Sworn and subscribed
February 13th 1837
Before me L L [ILLEGIBLE] Justice
Cortland County Js
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Oliver Hopkins the above named Deponent and that his character for truth and veracity is as good as that of man in Common - February 13th 1837
C Comstock Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Cortland County Clerks Office Js. I Oren Stimson Clerk of Said County hereby Certify that Cephas Comstock Esq was at the date of the foregoing affidavit a Justice of the Peace in foresaid County duly qualified & sworn. & further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his Signature to the above to be genuine testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said County this 25. day of February 1837 Oren Stimson Clerk
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Revolutionary power of atty for 
Alney Aldrich
heir of 
Aaron Aldrich 

Aept 832
NY
Suspended

Filed 9 June 1837
F.E. Hassler 
Washington
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State of New York
County of Tioga

I Olney Aldrich do hereby declare that I am the son of Aaron Aldrich who was a Revolutionary Soldier that said Aaron died about the year 1840 in the town of Edmeston in the County of Otsego & State of New York, that said Aaron was [ILLEGIBLE] married but once & that his wife died previously to his own death that no pension was drawn by the said Aaron or his wife. That I am informed that the children of said Aaron are entitled to a pension on account of the Revolutionary services of the said Aaron. Wherefore I hereby appoint F E Hassler of Washington city my attorney as such attorney I empower him to investigate & substantiate all claims which I may have to said pension & to do all things in as full a manner as I could myself in relation to said claims. Written my hand & [ILLEGIBLE] at Oswego Tioga County New York (that being the place of my residence) this fifth day of March A.D. 1853.
Olney Alrich
State of New York
County of Tioga
On this 5th day of March 1853 personally came before me Olney Alrich who is to me known & he acknowledges that he executed the above power o attorney & I certify that he executed the same in my presence. 
Charles A. [ILLEGIBLE]
[ILLEGIBLE] County judge of Tioga County
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INVALID 
REJECTED

Aaron Aldrich 

PO Printed Volume. Rejected. Suspended Pension - Page 105 Suspended clams - act of June 7, 1832

Service: 

Reason: The service and identity requires proof -- claim must be asserted by widow, and if no widow, by the children, 

Discharged: 
Application filed: 
Alleges: 
Re-enlisted
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[ILLEGIBLE]
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[ILLEGIBLE]
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Nov. 7, 1837 

Sir the papers of Aaron Aldrich an applicant for a pension under the Act of June 7, 1832 have been examined and filed. The claimant states that he enlisted into a company under the command of Capt James Williams, Col. Hitchocks Regt in 1775 or 1776 for nine months and that soon after he was drafted and served one month in Capt Whipples company, Col. Crary Regt.

Col. Crarys Regt. was not organized until 1778 & the enlistments in the Regt for fifteen months. 

Mr. Aldrich it appears is incapable of amending his statement. To sustain his claim of service in Col. Cray Regt in 1778, he must be identified by
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a witness who is able to specify the time of entering & the time of serving the regt & the names of the officers. The dates of the service in Col. Hitchcocks regt should likewise be definitely stated & the place or places where rendered. 

The letter of Nov. 24, 1837 shows that Aldri is dead and that widow or children must make claim before a Court of [ILLEGIBLE]
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State of New York
Otsego County Js: 

Aaron Aldrich of the Town of Edmeston Otsego County being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has made an application for a pension _ That he employed J. H. Stewart to assist him in drawing his declaration & _ that J. H. Stewart did draw up his declaration and that among other things He did State in said declaration that the said Aaron Aldrich did serve under one Col Jonathan Olney, which said Declaration did subscribe was duly sworn thereto. This Deponent further saith that the said J.H. Stewart informed him that he had forwarded said declaration and other papers to the Pension Office at Washington _ And that said papers were returned to him, with directions, that applicant must produce the best Evidence in his power, And that if he could write to Benjamin Cowell of Providence R. G. the Claimant might obtain proof of his services in that State. This Deponent further states that J. H. Stewart did apply to Benjamin Cowell of R.I. and did obtain from him a Certificate under his seal of Office.___
Stating that Aaron Aldrich, A Revolutionary Soldier, whose name was found on a Roll in his Office of a Regiment raised in the winter of 1776 & 77 which was Commanded by Col. Archibald Crary (or in Substance to that effect) This Deponent further saith that when J.H. Stewart received said Certificate, He came out into Edmeston to see this Deponent upon the Subject. And that said J. H. Stewart asked this Deponent whether he recollected of having served under one Archibald Crary. And that this Deponent  replied that he did recollect the name of Archibald Crary and that he believed that Either Jonathan Olney or Archibald Crary was his Colonel. And this Deponent further saith that
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from Extreme old age and the Consequent loss of memory that at the time of making out the declaration He did not recollect the Name of Archibald Crary and that It was not until after J.H. Stewart had received the Certificate from the Secretary of State of R.I. and mentioned to me the name of Archibald Crary that I recollected the name at all. But as soon as he mentioned the name to me I recollected that I had served under him, and his name was perfectly familiar to me. But whether Archibald Crary was my Colonel or Whether Jonathan Olney was my Colonel I could not say. But I distinctly recollect that Archibald Crary was an officer under whom I served _ I did Authorize J. H. Stewart to insert in my Declaration that I served under Col. Jonathan Olney or Col. Archibald Crary. The Facts as above stated are true, according to the best of my Knowledge and belief. 

Aaron Aldrich 
his X Mark

Sworn before me
This 7th day of August 1834
Silas Burleson Justice Peace
State of New York 
County Js. Horace Lathrop Clerk of said County and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do certify that Silas Burleson Esquire before whom the preceding Affidavit purports to have been sworn on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County & further that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name above written is his genuine signature. With my hand & seal of Office this 9th day of August 1834. Horace Lathrop Clerk
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State of New York
Otsego County Js

J. H. Stewart being duly sworn doth depose and say - that he drew up the declaration of Aaron Aldrich (An Applicant for a pension) That he forwarded said Declaration to the Pension Office at Washington - That said Declaration and papers--thereunto attached were returned to him with directions from the Commissioner of Pensions (To wit J. L. Edwards) Stating that By the Regulations of the Department, Every Applicant was required to produce the best Evidence in his power. And referring me to Benjamin Cowell Esquire of R.I. who might supply with such proof. This Deponent further saith that he did apply to said Benjamin Cowell who furnished this Deponent with a Certificate under his hand & Seal of Office, which said Certificate is attached to the papers of the said Aaron Aldrich, which are now on file in the Pension Office. This Deponent further saith that the name of Aaron Aldrich was found on a Roll (In the Office of Benjamin Cowell) of a Regiment raised in the winter of 1776-77 which was commanded by Col. Archibald Crary--as it will appear from the Certificate on file. This Deponent further saith that when he received said Certificate from Benjamin Cowell as aforesaid, His this Deponent went to see the Applicant. And mentioned to him the name of Archibald Crary.  And asked him whether he recollected the name, and whether he served under him &C &c &c. This Deponent further saith that the Old Man replied the at first he did not recollect the name. But after hearing git mentioned He recollected of having served under him in the Revolutionary War. But whether Archibald Crary or Jonathan Olney was his Colonel he could not say
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This Deponent further saith that Aaron Aldrich authorized him. This Deponent to say in his said declaration that he the said Aaron Aldrich did serve under Col. Jonathan Olney or Col Archibald Crary. This Deponent further saith that he did then introduce the words "Or Archibald Crory" between the 17th & 18th line of the Declaration. This Deponent further saith that the facts as herein set forth are true according to the best of this Deponents Knowledge & belief, and that the words "or Archibald Crory" were introduced upon the suggestion of the Applicant himself__
Sworn & subscribed before L. H. Stewart
me--This 11th day of August 
James C. Walworth
a Judge of Otsego
County Courts
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Otsego County ss
Aaron Aldrich being duly sworn, doth despose and say that when he was sworn to the declaration (before the certificate of his having served under Col. Archibald Crary was obtained from the Secretary of State of State of Rhode Island). He then was under the impression that he served the major part of his time under Col Jonathan Olney___
But after the Certificate was received, this deponent recollected well that he did serve under the name of Archibald Crary. But whether he acted as a Col. during his whole service under him, this deponent can not say. And this Deponent further saith owing to his extreme old age, and the imperfect state of his memory, that at the time of receiving the said Certificate he could not positively say whether Jonathan Olney was his Col. or whether Archibald Crary was his Col. But at all events this Deponent can safely say that he served under both Jonathan Olney - and Archibald Crary-
But which one acted as Colonel during the major part of the time - this Deponent cannot say. This Deponent further saith that he advised S. H. Stewart who made out his papers to say in the declaration that he this Deponent served under one of the other either Col Archibald Crary or a Col. Jonathan Olney-

Aaron Aldrich 
x his mark 

Sworn before me this 8th day of May 1834
James C. Walworth 
a Judge of the County
Courts
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State of New York
Otsego County. Js

J. H. Stewart being duly sworn _ 
doth depose and say that he this Deponent did insert the words "or Archibald Crary" between the 17 and 18th line of the declaration made out for Aaron Aldrich and that it was done at the suggestion of the applicant himself
And this Deponent further saith that he was under the impression that it was not necessary to supply the defect to wit Why the words "Col. Archibald Crary" were inserted between the 17th & 18th line of the said declaration of an affidavit 
Because this Deponent supposed that the certificate was 
ample proof of the old mans service, and that this Deponent did not want to go to the expense of supplying the defect by supplemental affidavits. 

J. H. Stewart

Sworn and subscribed to, 
before me, this 9 day of May
1834 J. C. Walworth a 
Judge of Otsego County 
Courts
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Edmeston NY
Nov 14

J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington D.C.

Commission of Pensions
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Edmeston Nov. 14, 1837

J. L. Edwards Esq

Dr Sir your favor of 7th Nov was duly received in reply to which I would observe that -- Mr Aldrich is now dead and for ought I know all matters is at an end - yet he has friends here who have already (through charity to the old man) extended considerable money and if by identifying witness the times of said Aldrich enlistment and entering the army - also the time of leaving the regiment for the nine months service in Col. Hitchcock's regt. also the places where the services were rendered and the different places where he was stationed
now if the above facts could be conclusively shown by affidavits could be said [ILLEGIBLE] be entered on the Pension Lists Roll and his friends benefited in a measure for his services. 

I am respectfully yours
Silas Burleson

You will please give an answer soon
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NY
Oct 1832
Aaron Aldrich

J. Burleson PM Edmeston
NY April 5

Hon. J. L. Edward Esq
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington City 
D. C.
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J. L. Edwards Esq. Edmeston N.Y. April 5, 1837

Dr Sir

Permit me for the first and I hope the last time, to trouble you with a Pension application and were it not owing to the solicitations of friends of humanity I should not at this time trouble you - yet I think if the evidence here adduced is sufficient to place this applicant on the Pension roll I think the wants of necessity may be in a measure supplied and no one the poorer. 

The papers here presented are not in the order they should have been - yet with some trouble you will be able to spread them so as to gather their contents correctly. 

The Judges before whom they were taken so covered this sheets so that nothing could be properly attached without covering in parts the substance yet you will find on the back of his sheets the certificate from the Clerk of Otsego Co. setting forth his authority so to act. 

You will also find attached within a seal this affidavit of Oliver Hopkins I think duly acknowledged. In addition to which I forward you a letter written by HR Benjamin Cowell formerly Clerk of District Court Rhode Island upon which Letter you will place such confidence as to your seemeth sights _ You will see by Mr. Cowells Letters that said Aaron Aldrich's name is on the Roll of Col Crarys Regiment also the time which he thinks could be substantially proven should trouble enough be taken __ yet if you should think the evidence sufficient to entitle the applicant it might be worth as much to him as more in fact he has become a child and should an attempt be made - he does not remember any of his comrades in arms saving his officers. 

I wish you would give these papers a perusal and if any defects sufficient to reject them be found please send them to me with such instructions as the case may require. 

Examiners of Pension Office
J. L. Edwards

Respectfully Yours
Silas Burleson
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Silas Burleson, Esq
Post Master
Edmeston
NY

Benjamin Cowell
Letter
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Providence March 27 1837

Dear Sir

Your letter of 20th has been read and in answer have to say that when I was the Clerk of the District Court and old rolls of R [ILLEGIBLE] were directed in the office with a view to ascertain those of who should apply for Pensions, my [ILLEGIBLE] 

I did not prove the length of service without the aid of some other testimony 

there saith here [ILLEGIBLE] names have been withdrawn from the office not being [ILLEGIBLE]

I have a copy of them and find the name of Aaron Aldrich on
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the roll of Crarys regiment. I have 
no doubt he served 15 months in Capt
Whipple Company & Col. Crarys regt
ending in March 1778 -- Neither have I 
any doubt but he served in Col Hitchcocks regiment in 75 and you with all procure the testimony of those who served with him, at least I am acquainted with many who served in those regiments having received pensions for them & no doubt many of them are still living & will give their testimony. It would facilitate the business if he would remember the names of his comrades in Capt Whipple's Company also in Capt Williams [ILLEGIBLE] them to me. 
I am now now District Clerk but
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have the honor to be chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas -- but still 
I continue to render assistance to those 
who desire it, in their efforts to obtain 
pensions and will give Aaron Aldrich 
all the assistance I can if 
he desires it. [ILLEGIBLE]

I am respectfully
Benjamin Cowell

Silas Burleson Esq
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29354
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Rhode Island District 
Clerks office of the District Court of the United States in the City of Providence 

March 4th 1834

I certify that it appears from the Roll of a Regiment raised by the State of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War & Commanded by Archibald Crary in the years 1778 & 1779 now in this office, that the name of "Aaron Aldrich" is born on said Roll as a private but it does not appear how long said Aaron served
It appears said Roll was made in the 
year 1785 to ascertain the amount of 
depreciation of wages due to each one who 
served in said Regiment $10.02 found 
due Aaron

In testimony whereof I have had to
set my hand & affixed the seal of said
Court on the day of year first above 
written

Benja Cowell
Clerk of said Court
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Otsego Co., N.Y., Burlington, August 11th, 1834
Dear Sir,
After waiting a long time, I received your answer to a letter of mine, wishing to know if you had received explanatory affidavits from me concerning the defect in the Declaration of Aaron Hinsdale. I cannot divine the cause of your not receiving them. I regularly mailed them. The reason why I did not receive your letter sooner is because it was directed to Henry Crine, Esqr., of DeKalb Co., N.Y., instead of to me. I presume it was owing altogether to mistake.
I send you enclosed affidavits, similar in substance to those I sent you before. You will observe that the Old Man’s affidavit was taken before I had Mr. Eliason Esquire. I have sent a certificate from the County Clerk attached to the affidavit of the Old Man, certifying that the person before whom it was taken was authorized. I have not sent a certificate certifying that Judge Scarriott was authorized, because the original papers were taken before him, and the necessary certificate was thenunto attached.
You will discover this fact by looking at papers on file, to which the enclosed affidavits ought to be attached. I hope there will be an immediate action upon the case and that you will let me know the result as soon as possible. I believe every defect is now amply supplied.
Yours very respectfully,
J.H. Stewart
To the Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
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Aaron Aldrich 
[ILLEGIBLE]
N. York 

May 14 - 

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
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1834
Burlington, Otsego Co. NY. May 9th

J.L. Edwards Esq
Coms. of Pensions

Dear Sir, 

Enclosed I send you the papers on affidavits explanatory of the reasons why the words "Archibald Crary" were introduced between the 17th and 18th lines of the Declaration of Aaron Aldrich. 
You will notice that I have not sent a certificate under the hand & seal of Office of the Clerk of this County Certifying that James "C" Walworth (the person before whom the enclosed affidavits were taken) was duly --
and legally qualified to act as a Judge -- and therefore authorized to take the affidavits-- Because I supposed that it would be wholly unnecessary in as much as the enclosed affidavits would be attached to the other papers in file "where" you have the certificate to the same effect. 
And besides I did not wish to incur the expense unnecessarily. 

I am Respectfully 
Your Obt. Servant 
J. H. Stewart
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John L. Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
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Otsego County, N.Y.
Burlington, March 8th, 1834
J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I have received your letter enclosing the papers of Aaron Aldrich, stating to me that the regulations of the Department required the applicant to produce the best evidence in his power, and referring me to Benjamin Cowell, Esq. of Providence, Rhode Island.
How you was aware of the fact that Mr. Cowell could furnish me with the necessary proof at first, I could not divine. But according to your directions, I immediately wrote to Mr. Cowell, wishing him to furnish me with any proof that he might have of the service of Aaron Aldrich. He replied that he knew of no other proof than the fact that he found his name on the Roll of a Regiment raised in the years 1778 & 1779.
I immediately wrote to him, requiring him to send a certificate of that fact, which he did accordingly. And this certificate I send you attached to the other papers. You’ll notice, by examination, that the certificate does not state the length of time Aldrich served. I apprehend that the Department will not be very particular on that point and will not hesitate in allowing him the full term (which he swears he served) inasmuch as it appears from the certificate that he did actually serve.
And we are to infer that he did serve in the regiment for a considerable time before the making up of the Regiment Roll, because it appears from the certificate that £10.0.2 was found due to Hinsdale. And unless that has been paid, he is entitled to it.
The Old Man is quite sure of having served the full ten months. I hope that the Department will examine his papers as soon as may be and grant him a pension for the full term. He cannot stay in this world long—he is quite infirm.
If the Department shall allow him a pension, of course, you will send him a certificate authorizing him to draw back pay.
Yours respectfully,
J.H. Stewart