Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,838, Cornelius Vanderbilt, New York
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New York

Vanderbilt, Cornelius
Catharine
NUMBER
R. 10,838
poses

CONTENTS
Page 2

1X2950
Declaration of
Catharine Vanderbilt
---
---
Act July 4, 1836
Married 24 Dec 1781
Husband died 1829
Vol 4 page 24 - 1780
[Sugh - illegible] $16.97
Page 3

State of New York
Rockland County, ss. On this twenty first day of November, in the
year 1837, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas, in and for said County, Catharine Vanderbilt, widow of the late
Cornelius Vanderbilt deceased, a resident of the town of Clarkstown
in said county, aged Seventy four - years, who being first duly-
sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of
Congress passed July the 4th 1836: That she is the widow of Cornelius
Vanderbilt, who was a Private during the Revolutionary War, and served
in a company whereof Hendrick Tenure was Capt in Coln A Hawkes
Hay's Regiment. That in the early part of the month of July, in the
year 1776. the British having sailed up the Hudson river and anchored in the Tappan and Haverstraw Bays, among others, the said Capt
was ordered out with his company to guard along the said river
in order to prevent the enemy landing to plunder and distress the Inhabitant, and that the said Cornelius with others did attend
to said call, and after meeting at Clarkstown (a small village in said
town) was marched to the said River at Nyack, and there remained
guarding at different stations, (a day or two at a time excepted, when permitted
to go home) until late in the month of November, when the
British sailed to New York, and that the said Cornelius did serve
not less than three months and a half
---
That in the following winter or early in the spring, in the year 1777.
Capt Tenure's company was put into classes of four men in each
in order that guards might be kept during the season that it
should be judged necessary, to consist of the one fourth part of the
Militia to serve in weekly tours, and the said Cornelius being
classed with others, did serve one week in each and every four weeks,
from early in the Spring until the first of November, a guarding
at some station along the said river between Snedens Landing and
Stony Point, or at Haverstraw. the Long or Short clove at Clarkstown
Sickeltown, Nanuet, Tappan town, or in the State of New Jersey
on scouting parties to Closter Schralenburgh, Liberty pole, and as
far below as [page folded - illegible]
to go, and served not less than
Page 4

one month and three weeks in weekly tours as aforesaid.
That on the first day of November, in the said year, her said husband, enlisted
for three months, at Clarkstown in a Company whereof Robert
Johnson was Capt. in said Coln Hay's Regiment, and was marched
to different stations to Closter to Bergen Woods, to the liberty pole
to Tappan Town and to Haverstraw, and was verbally discharged
on the first of February 1778, having served his full term of three months.
That early in the spring of the year 1778. her said husband was
again called out to serve his tours of duty agreeable to the Classification
as aforesaid, and served under the said Capt Tenure, or
some one of his under Officers, from the first of April until the
latter part of December, serving not less than the one fourth of
the time, in weekly tours, serving not less than one week in each and
every four weeks, serving at different stations, as from time was considered the most important, as is set forth in the services by him performed,
in the year 1777 in the said company, and served not less than two
months in Weekly tours
That in the year 1779, her said husband served in the said company
at stations and duty as aforesaid and served not less than two
months in Weekly tours.
That in the year 1780, her said husband served in the said Company, at stations and at duty as aforesaid, and served not less
than two months, in weekly tours as aforesaid.
That in the year 1781, her said husband served at duty and stations as aforesaid, and served not less than two months in weekly
tours as aforesaid.-
That in the year 1782. her then husband was ordered out to guard
along the Hudson river at Nyack, on the latter part of April or the
first of May, and was out a guarding at different stations along
the said river, and was out at least one week in each and every
four weeks until some time in the month of September after which
time the services her husband did perform was not as
Page 5

regular as those previous, and that he was absent from home
and as he informed her on duty at stations as aforesaid
and served not less than one month in weekly tours
That as to the services of her said husband, by her above set forth
she did receive the information thereof from her said husband
after their marriage, who also informed her that during the whole
of the Revolutionary War, his duty was almost one continued
duty, for when he was relieved from his duty as a guard
serving his tours of duty he was obliged to attend to alarms
and spent the greatest part of his time out, during the years
1777. 1778 & 1779. which duty she is unable to set forth
That she has not any documentary evidence to support her claim
for the services above set forth, and the annexed testimony is all
she now can offer to support the same.
she further declares that she was married to the said Cornelius
Vanderbilt, by the Revd Samuel Verbryck on the twenty fourth or the
twenty sixth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and
eighty one, she has forgotten weather it was the day previous or
the day after Christmas, and has no record thereof; that her husband
the said Cornelius Vanderbilt, died on the Seventh day of Novr
in the year eighteen hundred and twenty four and that she has
remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear
by reference to the proof hereunto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed, on
the day and year above written Catharine Vanderbilt
In Open Court -
I, Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the said Court, Do hereby
certify that the above declaration was publickly read, subscribed
and sworn to in open Court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and the seal of the said county this twenty first day of
November 1837
Abr Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 6

State of New York,
Rockland County. ss
On this first day of November 1837
personally appeared before me Peter T Stephens, a Justice of the
peace in and for said county. Charity Smith, wife of Aury L Smith
a resident of the town of Clarkstown in said county, aged 73 years.
who being first duly sworn according to law, did depose and say, That
she was personally acquainted with Cornelius Vanderbilt, deceased and
his present widow Catharine Vanderbilt from her infancy, and was
at the wedding and saw the said Cornelius Vanderbilt married to the said Catherine (then Catharine Vradenburgh) Vanderbilt, by the
Revd Samuel Verbryck, the day previous or the day after Chrismas in the
year Seventeen hundred and eighty one, was at the residence of the
said Cornelius who died on the seventh day of November in
the year eighteen hundred and twenty four, and that the said 
Catharine has remained a widow ever since that period.
Sworn to, and subscribed,
the day and year aforesaid
Before me}
her
Charity X Smith
mark
Peter T Stephens Justice
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
the above named Charity Smith and know her
to be a woman of truth and veracity whose statement is entitled to Credit
Peter T Stephens Justice
Page 7

I, Abraham Hogenkamp Clerk of the County of Rockland, Do
hereby certify that Peter T Stephens Esqr before whom the foregoing
affidavit of Charity Smith, and the annexed affidavits of John I
Blauvelt. Garret Oblenis Luke Smith and James Vanderbilt was
taken, and whose signature is subscribed to the different jurats
thereof and the certificates under each respectively written is a Justice
of the peace in and for the said county, duly commissioned and
sworn, and that the different signatures on each of them respectively subscribed are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the said County
this twenty first day of November 1837
Abm. Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 8

State of New York
Rockland County. Ss. On this twenty first day of September 1837.
personally appeared before me Cornelius I Blauvelt, a Judge in
and for said county. The Revd Isaac D Cole, Pastor of the Congregation
at Tappan, in said county who being first duly sworn according to law
doth depose and say: That the Book containing the record of Marriages
of the formerly united congregations of Tappan and Clarkstown, are
in his possession, and that there is no marriage recorded therein from
the year 1754 to 1784 and that there is no record of the marriage of
Cornelius Vanderbilt to Catharine Vradenburgh recorded therein
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid 
Before me}
Isaac D Cole F.D.M.
Conl I Blauvelt Judge
I Abraham Hogenkamp, Clerk of the County of Rockland, Do
hereby certify that Cornelius I Blauvelt Esqr before whom the
above affidavit was taken is one of the Judges in and for said
county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above
written is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of the said county this twenty-first
day of November, 1837
Abrm Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 9

State of New York
Rockland County. ss. On this thirtieth day of August 1837 personally appeared before me Peter T Stephens, a Justice of the peace in and
for the said county. John J Blauvelt, a resident in the town of Clarkstown, in said county, aged 84 years, who being duly sworn according to law, did depose and say: That he was well acquainted with
Cornelius Vanderbilt, now deceased, the late husband of Catherine
Vanderbilt, whose maiden name was Catherine Vredenburgh during the Revolutionary war, and until the time of his death and
knows that the said Cornelius did belong to, and serve in a company whereof Hendrick Tenure was Capt in Col A Hawks Hay's Regiment during the said war - That in the early part of the month of
July in the year 1776. news was brought that the British had sailed up the
Hudson River and lay in the Tappan and Haverstraw Bays, when the ┃
company of Capt Tenure was ordered out to guard along the said
River and to meet at Clarkstown (a small village in said town) where the said company met, and the said Cornelius among the others.
and was marched from thence to Nyack, where they continued
to guard, at different stations along the river, as the enemy moved
up or down the same, until late in the month of November when
they returned to New York, the men composing said company, in small
parcels was permitted to go home for a day or two at a time, otherwise the service was
constant, and that the said Cornelius did serve not less than three
months and a half
That in the following winter, at a meeting of the Field and Company officers
in Coln Hays Regiment, it was thought most advisable, in order that the
domestic concerns should not be neglected to keep up a continued guard
to consist of the fourth part of the militia, and that the whole regiment
should only be called in the field when necessary, and in order that the
duty might be born equally by all the men composing the
different companies was directed to class themselves, and furnish
a man by hiring one or perform the same in tours, and in obedience to said orders the men in Capt Tenure's Company did class
Page 10

themselves, and among others the said Cornelius Vanderbilt
and in almost every class each man served his regular tours of
duty during the season of the year that guards was regularly
kept from the spring of the year 1777 until the month of-
September 1782. after which period there was yet some guarding
done but not constant or regular-
That agreeable to the above regulation the said Cornelis did
serve doing guard duty or scouting from as early in the Spring
of the year as the first of April until the first of december, and
some years after that time, from the spring of the year 1777-
until Winter in the year 1781. the year 1777 excepted, (in which
year this deponant was informed that the said Cornelius had
enlisted on the first of November for three months under Capt
Johnson, and served as a private not less than one week in each and every
four weeks, a guarding or scouting at on of the other of the following stations
at some station along said River from Snedens Landing to Stony
point at Haverstraw at the Long and Short cloves, at Clarkstown
Tappan Town, Sickeltown, Nanuwit [Nanuet], and in the State of New Jersey
at Schralenberg, Closter, and the Liberty pole or in scouting through
the lower part of the now County of Rockland or the County of Bergen
in New Jersey - and served not less than two months in each of the
years 1778. 1779, 1780 and 1781. and not less than one month and a
half in the year 1777 - in Weekly tours this deponant being a fellow soldier
That in the year 1782 the said Cornelius served a guarding
along the river at Nyack and at Clarkstown, serving not less than
one week in each and every four weeks, from the last of April
until the month of September, and served not less than one month.
That if the memory was sufficient or some record had been kept to refresh
it much more service could be truly set forth then is above,
as many of the tours far exceeded one week, and some one month.
in the year 1777. 1778. 1779 & 1780. besides all the duty on alarms, which
were often long and perilous, but time has so destroyed the memory
thereof, that an account of them with their length and number
Page 11

cannot now with certainty be set forth therefore they are left out and those only set forth that is known to be performed.
John J Blauvelt

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me 
Peter J Stephens Justice 

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named John J Blauvelt and know him to be a man of truth and veracity whose statement is entitled to credit. 
Peter J Stephens Justice
Page 12

State of New York }
Rockland County } On this twenty fifth day of August 1837 personally appeared before me Peter J Stephens a Justice of the peace in and for said county Garret Oblenis a resident of the town of Clarkstown in the said county aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to law did depose and say that he was well acquainted with Cornelius Vanderbilt who had for his wife Catherine Vrandenburgh during the Revolutionary War. And knows that the said Cornelius Vanderbilt did belong to and serve in a company whereof Hendrick Tenure was Captain in Colonel A Hawkes Hay’s Regiment during the said war. That early in the month of July in the year 1776 the British having sailed up the Hudson River and anchored in the Tappan and Haverstraw Bays the Militia composing the said Regiment was ordered on mass and among other the company of Captain Tenure to guard along the west shoar (shore) of the said Bays when among other the said Cornelius Vanderbilt appeared and guarded along the river at Nyack and served until the last of said month when this deponent enlisted for five months in Captain Deronde’s Company and left the men composing Captain Tenures company excepting those that enlisted in the five months service on duty where he was afterwards informed at his return home they continued shifting from place to place as the enemy shifted their position until in the month of November (when the British returned to New York) except for a day or two at a time when some at a time was permitted to go home and that they stated that they did not serve less than three months on actual duty along said river and that the said Cornelius was one.
That early in the spring of the year 1777 the said company being class four men in a class  the said Cornelius did serve not less than one week in each and every four weeks guarding along the said River and of Clarkstown from the first of April until the first of August making not less than one month in weekly tours at which time this deponent left the said company and enlisted under Captain John Garner for 3 months. That on the first of November in the same year this deponent and the said Cornelius enlisted for three months at Clarkstown in a company
Page 13

whereof Robert Johnson was Captain in Colonel Hay’s Regiment and served therein until this deponent was wounded a little below Closter in the state of New Jersey when the said Cornelius assisted to convey him home to his father’s house and returned to his duty and the said Cornelius did once or twice thereafter call to see him when permitted to go home on furlough and he verily believes he faithfully served out his term of enlistment.
And this deponent doth further say that being wounded he did no duty until the spring of the year 1779 except a little late in the fall of 1778 and from his own person knowledge know but little of the services of the said Cornelius during the year 1778. But well recollects that the said Cornelius did serve in Captain Tenure’s Company during the year 1779 from early in the spring until winter during the time the British lay in said Bays and served not less than one week in each and every four weeks a guarding at several places along the river at Nyack and at the long clove at Clarkstown and at Tappan town and that he served not less than two months at different tours as he recollects of one tour which they commenced at Nyack from there went to the long clove and from there returned to Nyack which lasted for full three weeks.
That in the year 1780 the said Cornelius did serve from spring to winter in weekly tours a guarding at stations as aforesaid and served not less than two months in tours as aforesaid. 
That in the year 1781 the said Cornelius did serve from early in the spring until late in the fall until after the news of the taking of Lord Cornwallis’ army was received stations and duty as aforesaid and served not less than two months in weekly tours.
And this deponent doth further say that he well recollects that the said Cornelius did serve with him two or three weekly tours a guarding at Nyack in the spring or summer of the year 1782 he knows it was the next spring or summer after Cornwallis’ army was taken and believes that he served in the year not less than one month in weekly tours as the Refugees and tours did not cease to commit dep -
Page 14

dations nor the enemy to lay in the river until news that peace was likely to be made which to the best of his recollection was late in the fall of that year. 
Garret Oblenis

Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid 
Before me -
Peter J Stephens Justice 

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Garret Oblenis and know him to be a man of truth and veracity whose statement is entitled credit.
Peter J Stephens Justice 

State of New York }
Rockland County } On this First day of November 1837 personally appeared before me Peter J Stephens a Justice of the peace in and for said county Luke Smith and James Vanderbilt residents of the town of Clarkstown in said county who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that they were personally acquainted with Cornelius Vanderbilt and his present widow Catherine Vanderbilt and know her to be a person of truth and veracity. And further that it is reported and believed in the neighborhood in which the said Cornelius resided that he was a soldier during the Revolutionary War and did serve therein and we concur in that opinion. 
Luke Smith, his mark x
James Vanderbilt 

Sworn to and subscribed 
the day and year aforesaid
Before me 
Peter J Stephens Justice 

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Luke Smith and James Vanderbilt and know them to be men of truth and veracity whose statements are entitled to credit 
Peter J Stephens Justice
Page 15

Rev. War Records
3 - 525
Department of the Interior 
Bureau of Pensions 
Washington D.C. April 23, 1913
I.S.C.
R. File 10.838
Rev. War.

Mrs. John L. Mills,
Sixth & State Sts., Pine Bluff, Ark.
Madam:
In reply to your request of April 23, received April 23 for a statement of the military history of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in (his widow’s) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 
Only Cornelius Vanderbilt found on the Rev. War records of this Bureau.

1776
3 1/2 months
Private
Hendrick Turnecur
A. Hawks Hay 
New York

1777
7 weeks 
“
Hendrick Turnecur
“

Nov. 1, 1777
3 months 
“
Robert Johnson 
A. Hawks Hay

1778
2 months
“ 
Hendrick Turnecur 
“

1779
2 months
“
Hendrick Turnecur 
“

1780
2 months 
“
Hendrick Turnecur 
“

1781
2 months
“
Hendrick Turnecur 
“

1782
1 month 
“
Hendrick Turnecur 
“

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at Clarkstown, N.Y.
Date of application for pension, by widow: Nov. 21, 1837
Residence at date of application, Clarkstown, Rockland County., N.Y.
Age at date of application, seventy - four years. 
Remarks: Soldier married Dec. 24 or 26, 1781 Catherine Vredenburgh or Vrandenburg. He died Oct or Nov 7, 1824 leaving her his widow. No further family data. The claim was never allowed, on account of the claimant’s inability to comply with all of the requirements of the pension laws under which she applied. 

Very Respectfully, 
Commissioner
Over
Page 16

Please send history to
Ella Mills (Mrs. John L. Mills
6 and State Sts.
[illegible] Bluff.
Ark.
APL.23, 1913
Page 17

1913 APL. 24 History to Mrs.John L. Mills C
10.838
Catherine Vanderbilt of NY
Cole Hays NY Regt.
REJECTED
Page 18

Petition of
Catherine Vanderbilt
Asking for a pension
Dec 31 1840
Referred to committee
On Revolutionary pensions
Discharged and to be
Can 105
[illegible] 
Montana
64
Page 19

Catherine Vanderbilt 
New York
Rejected 
See let. 20 Feb.
1838 to & Pye
To same 7 April’38
To Hon. A. Vandervier  9 May ‘38.
To David Pye 4, April 1839
Married after termination of her husband’s service 
act July 1836
Page 20

V N.York
Catherine Vanderbilt 
Let. To D. Pye 27 Aug. 1839
To same Sept. 12, 1839
to same 24 Oct. 1839
Further proof, no additional [illegible]
In this letter, which is filed in claim R. 11544. 
John Henry Wilkert 
10838
Act July 1838
Page 21

David Pye
24 Oct. 1839
OC
Page 22

317
War Department 
Pension Office
24. Oct. 1839
Sir
The abstract from Vol 4 LC in the [crossed out word] office of comptroller of New York given in your letter of 15 last relating to the claim of Catherine Vanderbilt furnishes no new evidence of the revolutionary services of her husband Cornelius Vanderbilt. All that is made out by the proof on file is one month and 18 days.
David Pye Esq.
Clarkstown
N.Y.
Page 23

David Pyle
27 Aug 1839
OC
Page 24

520
War Department 
Pension Office 
27. Aug. 1839
Sir
The declaration of Mrs.Catherine Vanderbilt widow of Cornelius Vanderbilt under the act 4 July 1838 has been examined and filed. The proof is required to her husband’s revolutionary services under Captain Robert Johnson is insufficient. Some evidence thereof may be had by application to the comptroller of New York. Bates Cook, Esq.
David Pye Esq
Clarkstown 
N.Y.
Page 25

4 April 1839
OC
Page 26

66
War Department 
Pension office
Apl. 4, 1839.
Sir
The additional evidence case of Mrs. [Word crossed out] Vanderbilt accompanying your letter of 4th December last has been examined. The witness who speak of [illegible] served by the claimant’s husband in Captain Robert Johnson company in 1775 must specify the names of four of the regimental officers. If the claimant is unable to furnish it [word crossed out] probably under the act of July 7th 1838. A copy of which is herewith entered 
David Pye Esq
Clarkstown 
New York
Page 27

4 April 1838
OC
Page 28

War Department 
Pension Office
APL. 7, 1838
Sir
In reply to your letter of the [illegible] relating to the claim of Catherine Vanderbilt I have to state that a claim cannot be allowed upon the evidence now before the department: all the service rendered by the claimant’s husband cording to the roles of Colonel Hawke Hays right from 1778 to one was one month and 18 days. There is no evidence that will justify the allowance of the 3 1/2 months tour in 1776, approved by this history of the service of the reg as well as in the character of the Militia service for that year. The allowance of claims for similar services in addition to sustain this application. But by way of evidence to this place it may be found that at the time those claims were admitted there was nothing in this office to rebut the statements of the claimants.
David Pye Esq.
Clarkstown 
New York
Page 29

War Department 
Pension Office 
May 9: 1838
Sirs
The claim of Catherine Vanderbilt referred to in the letter of David Pye Esq. cannot be allowed upon the proof on file. The claimant it says was married on 25th of December 1781 and there is no satisfactory evidence of the husband's military services after that time. From 1778 to 1781 it appears from the rolls of the regiment and the service evidence claimants husband was only one month and 18 days. It is issue that some allowance Would be made for service rendered in1776 and in 1777: but in relation to the former it may be said that without further specification there is no means of determining what ought or what ought not be allowed therefore it is [Illegible] that in 1776 of the companies campaigning colonel Hawks Hayes Regiment on the first [Illegible] service as volunteers a tour of one month and that afterwards some of the man campaigning that regiment we’re not in tours of [Four words crossed out] a few days at a time[Words crossed out] there id ens in the that a captain of the name of Johnson
Page 30

Belonged at any period during the war to Colonel Hawks Hayes regiment that part of cannot be deserved without sustained by further proof
E
9 May 1838
Hon. A. Vanderveor
House Rep
NY
Page 31

War department
Pension office
Feb. 20 1838
Sir
The papers in the case of Catherine Vanderbilt end of Cornelius Vanderbilt, deceased, have been examined. [Crossed out word]. She was married in December 1781 and alleges that her husband’s last term of service was in 1782 as a Militia man of New York. The British did not commit hostilities in that part of the state where the claimant’s husband resided after 1781, and the Militia consequently performed no actual service there after that year. The act of 3rd Dec, of the act of 4th July 1836 provides for none whose husbands did not perform
Page 32

actual service in a military capacity after the period of their marriage. The claim has therefore been objected to and the papers filed in the office.
The papers in the case of Mrs. Rachel Polhamus formally widow of John, has ordered to have also been ex’d and filed with suspended cases. She alleges. Her husband served three months in the spring of 1776 and 3 1/2half months from July [Words crossed out] until late in the fall of that year as a militia. There was no more service as alleged performed by the militia of New York in the spring of 1776 or in the fall of that year excepting by who [Words crossed out] engaged for five months. [Illegible.] also alleges in subsequent years under captain
[Illegible] in the office, have an aggregate of
Page 33

less than two months service under that officer. It has been ascertained that one [illegible] actual service in each unit was not performed by the New York militia from 1777 to 1782, from the spring until the fall of each year as alleged. The affidavit of John J. Blauvelt is exhibited in this case. If John J. Blauvelt is meant an error has to be connected. [crossed out three words.] the proof of the period of carriage is also unsatisfactory. If there be any record or documentary proof it should be exhibited.
David Pye Esq.
Clarkstown 
N.Y.
Page 34

Clarkstown May 8th 1837

Hon. Sir,
I enclose the Declaration of Catherine Vanderbilt under the act of July 7, 1832 as it appears by your letter that satisfactory evidence of the services rendered by her late husband after marriage has not been offered.
In your letter of the 4th April last you request that the witnesses who testify as respects Captain Johnson should specify some of the Regimental officers they inform me that it being so long since that Captain Johnson rendered said service that they have no present recollection of any of the Regimental officer’s but if they can hereafter recollect any of them they will inform me thereof. 
If thereof their names is recollected or any other information or their names is received it will be immediately forwarded. 
I (illegible), respectable sir
Your obedient servant 
David Pye

Hon. James L. Edwards
Page 35

Clarkstown December 4, 1838

Hon Sir,
In your letter of May 9 1838 you in the case of Catherine Vanderbilt to the Hon A Vanderveer  you say there is no evidence in the Department that a Captain of the name of Johnson belonged at any period during the war to Colonel Hays regiment. I find that I was (illegible) informed that Captain Johnson did even ever belong in Colonel Hays regiment but he residing within the bounds of that regiment was except the reason they so thought. I have since been informed that he belonged in one of the New York Regiment of Continental troops as he was with Montgomery at Quebec in 1775. 
The enclosed affidavit I expect will satisfy that he did command a company and that Cornelius Vanderbilt her late husband do serve therein.
you are therefore requested to give her papers a reexamination 
I remain Respectable Sir
your Humble Servant 
David Pye

Hon. James L Edwards
Page 36

Widow
Catherine Vanderbilt 
Cornelius
December 24, 1841
Page 37

Catherine Vanderbilt 
Feb12 1841
Mr. Carr from this court
In Rev- Pensions made the 
Following report
Feb-12-1841
Read to lis
Not printed
26th
Can 165-$
Page 38

The Committee on Revolutionary pension to whom was referred the petition of Catherine Vanderbilt reports what the petitioner states that her husband Cornelius Vanderbilt was a soldier in the revolutionary war, served in Capt. Hendricks Tenine, that in much of July(early), this was the year 1776 the British [word crossed out] having sailed up the Hudson River anchored in the bay amongst others, Captain was ordered out to guard along the said river, that the said Cornelius was one of the privates of said company and sere at different (a day or two at a time, excepted when permitted to go home) until [illegible] that he served not more than 3 1/2 months. That in the following winter or early winter to spring of the year 1777 the same captain’s company was put in classes and that has served one week in each and every four weeks from early in the Spring to the first of Nov and guarding some states along the river or in the state of New Jersey on scouting parties and served not less than one month and three weeks. 
That on the first day of November 1777 her said husband was for two or three months in Clarkstown in Captain Johnson’s company and marched to different stations and was discharged on the first day of 7 Feb 1778 having served three months. That in the spring of 1778 he was again called to serve his tour of duty agreeable to classification or leaves or before, states from the first of April of April to the latter of December as tour of  one week in June and served out less than two months. Then in 1779 he was in [illegible] manner not less than two months. Then the year 1780 he served not less than two months  in 1781 he served in like manner not less than two months
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And in 1782 he served in like manner not less than one month. John Blauvelt swears he knew Cornelius Vanderbilt during the revolutionary and that he had belonged Henrik Tenures company and that he saw Cornelius and served as he states. Not less than 3 1/2 months guard different stations on the Hudson River. That is the following winter meeting of the field officers colonel Hayes regiment to wartime and arrive to class in the new early company that each man served his town from early in the spring of 1777 to the month after he saw Cornelius serve not less than two months in weekly tours in the 1778, 1779, 1780 & 1781 and not less than one month in the 1782, and in the year 1777 not less than 1 1/2 months. 
Garret Oblenis swears to the same facts.
The marriage is proven by the oath of Charles Smith to have taken place the day previous or the day after Christmas in the year 1781 that he was at the wedding. That Cornelius Vanderbilt died on the 7th Nov. 1824 and that Catherine Vanderbilt has remained a widow ever since.
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Nyack Turnpike

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City, D. C.
Page 41

Clarkstown September 3 1839

Hon Sir,
In your letter of the 27th of August in the case of Catherine Vanderbilt you say, “The proof in regard to her husband’s revolutionary service render Captain Robert Johnson is insufficient some evidence may be had by application to the Comptroter of N york” in your letter of the 4th of April last you say it is necessary to specify some of the immediate officers under whom Captain Robert Johnson served - a short time after the receipt of your letter of the 4th of April I went to Albany and by the assistance of the officers searched the records and all that could then be found respecting the service of Captain Robert Johnson was that he was a Captain in the Regiment of Continental troops. Commanded by Colonel James Clinton (I think) a Certificate thereof signed by Arch Campbell Department Secretary was then made out and sent to you in a letter respecting the Claim of Jane Stephen’s to which you was referred to in the claims of Mrs. Vanderbilt.
Mrs. Vanderbilt has proven the service rendered by her husband by Garret Oblonis supported by the testimony of John House and the Certificate of the Department Secretary of States shows that there was such a Captain Commissioner and that he served under Captain Clinton is testimony that I am led to believe would be satisfactory in a Court of Justice and I think is in accordance with the rules adopted by the War Department. 
When at Albany as aforesaid I was informed that there was a great quantity of papers in loose sheets purporting to be relative to the war that he was then about employing a person to examine and made enclosed thereof which work is progressing but not yet completed and as soon as done I am to be informed thereof and all that I can find that will be in anywise satisfactory copies will be sent but I think that Mrs. Vanderbilt’s claims ought not to be delayed. 
I remain Hon. Sir 
your obedient servant 
David Pye

Hon. James L Edwards
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Clarkstown February 26th 1838

Hon Sir,
In your letter of the 20th instant in the Case of Catherine Vanderbilt widow of Cornelius Vanderbilt you state “The British did not commit hostilities in that part of the state where the claimants husband resided after 1781 and the militia consequently performed no actual service there after that year” from what source you have received such information is to me unknown. But if the soldiers of the revolution can be believed and them more than sixty in number they say and have sworn to that fact that the British from time to time during the seasons of the that it was practicable from the year 1776 until the month of September 1782 continue at different times to come up and anchor in the Tappan and Haverstraw Bays and if they committed no hostilities in the year 1782 it was owing to the guards stationed along the shores to prevent their landing - 
you also say that “the 3 section of the act of 4th July 1836 provides for none whose husbands did not perform actual service in a military capacity after the period of their marriage.” Annexed to her declaration is the affidavits of Garret Oblenis and John J Blauvett both certified by the Magistrate who took the affidavits to be credible persons who both positively say under their oath that Cornelius Vanderbilt (her late husband) did actually serve a guarding along the Hudson River at Nyack not less than one month in different towns in the year 1782 and after the marriage. 
The 5th section of said acts directs “That the Secretary of War shall adopt such forms of evidence in applications under this act as the President of the United States shall prescribe. And agreeable to said section on July 9 1836 the rules prescribed for the information of applicants under the law were published setting forth the manner in which the declaration must be made out and sworn to how the marriage must be proved and that in every case where there is no record or documentary proof and produce the testimony of at least one credible witness.
In the case above referred to every particular directed in the said prescribed rules has been complied with and the services of Cornelius Vanderbilt proven by two credible witnesses as is above stated.
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Then, if each claimant is bound to comply with the said prescribed rules (if possible) does not the said act make it equally obligatory on the Secretary of 
10ar and Commissioner of Pensions.
Her case would not have been presented unless her claim could be supported by credible testimony and to find objections raised not warranted by either the law or the rules published. 
I have some reason to suspect that her claim would have been more acceptable had they been placed in other hands as almost every claim by me presented there is some reason advanced for not allowing the claim.
I one more wish you would overlook her papers and if the foregoing reasons are of no avail and you still persist in rejecting her claim be pleased so far to oblige me as to inform me thereof.
I remain Respectable Sir
your most obedient servant 
David Pye

Hon James L Edwards
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Clarkstown April 20th 1838

Hon Sir,
Your letter of the 7th instant respecting the claim of Catherine Vanderbilt widow of Cornelius Vanderbilt was received on the 11th instant by which I now perceive that your objection to allowing her a pension is that “There is no evidence that will justify the allowance of the three and a half months tour in 1776 it is opposed by the history of the services of the regiment as well as the character of the militia service for that year.”
What information you have received respecting the service of the militia in Colonel Hays Regiment in the year 1776 since you have allowed claims for such service and from what source they have originated, I am unable to judge but after the receipt of said letter being desirous to know if it was possible for so many old men to have been guilty of perjury I thought it to be my duty to call and see most of the remaining few and inform them what was now your opinion respecting the service by then set forth under oath rendered in said year they all say that from about the 10th or 15th of July in 1776 until near the last of November that all the militia who did not enlist in the five months service did actually guard at different places the whole of the time except at times they would occasionally go home for a day or two at a time by permission that it was but one continued tour and many of them lost nearly the whole of their corps by not being permitted to remain at home to gather them which can be proven by men who was not of age at that time to serve.
They desire to be informed from what source your recent information has been received and stand prepared to refute it in any Court of Justice feeling satisfied that with you their oath has no weight.
As respects the Claim of Mrs. Vanderbilt I have one more proposition to call your attention to it is nothing but justice I ask for her and if you think proper not to allow her for 3 1/2 months in 1776 then how does her claim stand her husband served three months under Captain Johnson commencing in November 1777 (if you will believe Garret Oblenis who was wounded in that service for which wounds he receives a pension) by the rolls in your office he served from 1778 to 1781 one month and eighteen days she has proved that he served 1 3/4 months in
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1777 previous to this enlistment under Captain Johnson for three months and I have not as yet understood that you was in the possession of any document or other testimony to contradict the services proven to have been rendered in that year and I must believe that you are satisfied that some services was rendered in the year 1776 which services if admitted will make more than six months exclusive of all the service rendered in 1776.
Be pleased to pardon my importunity. I wish not to trespass on your time but the applicant feels dissatisfied with your decision in her case as also the old surviving soldiers of the Revolution who say that they suffered every thing but death during the Revolutionary War to gain the Independence of America and no when their last sand is almost run out they are to be told that their oath is not believed. 
I remain Respectable Sir
your Humble Servant 
David Pye

Hon. James L Edwards
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State of New York }
Rockland County } On this twenty sixth day of November, 1838, personally appeared before me Peter J Stephen’s a Justice of the Peace in and for said County John House a resident of the town of Clarkstown in said county aged 79 years who being first duly sworn according to law did depose and say that he was acquainted with Captain Robert Johnson during a great part of the Revolutionary War and well recollects that he was a Captain and did command a company composed of men from different Companies during a part of said war that he well recollects that in the year 1777 he was in the command of a Company whereof Cornelius Vanderbilt the late husband of Catherine Vanderbilt (whose maiden name was Catherine Vrandenburg) was one whether the said Captain held his Commission under Colonel Hay or in the Continental line he is unable to say. And further that he was well acquainted with Cornelius Vanderbilt and knows that he served much of his time during said war in Captain Tenures Company in Colonel Hays regiment and was a faithful soldier.
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid 
Before me
Peter J Stephen’s Justice
John House

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named John House and know him to be a man of truth and veracity whose statement is entitled to credit
Peter J Stephen’s Justice
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State of New York
Rockland County § SS: on this 17th day of November 1830, personally appeared before me, Peter T. Stevens, a justice of the peace in and for said County. John Hutton a resident of the town of Clarkstown in said county, aged nearly 70 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, did depose and say, that that he was well acquainted with Captain Robert Johnson in the revolutionary war and know that the said captain Johnson Did command a company of men during a period of the sad war, especially in the year 1777 and see the said company stationed at Closter and at other places that the family of Captain Johnson resided during the said war in said town of Clarkstown and whether the said captain belonged to Colonel Hayes regiment or not, this deponent cannot say, but knows that his company was composed of men belong to different companies in said regiment and that the said captain did command a company and was with General Montgomery when he was killed at Quebec in December 1775 and whether he held his commission in the militia or continental line. This opponent is unable to say.
John Hutton
Sworn to and subscribed
The day and year aforesaid before me.
Peter T Stephens Justice
I hear by certificate that I am well acquainted with the above named John Hutton, and know him to be a man of truth and veracity, whose statement is entitled to credit.
Peter T. Stephens Justice
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State of New York
Rockland County § SS: on this 25th day of August 1838 personally appeared before me Peter T. Stephens a justice of the peace in and for said county, Cornelius Marie a resident of the town of Orange in Sid County,, age 84 years who being duly sworn, according to law, did depose and say that he was well acquainted with a man called Captain Robert Johnson and did often during the revolutionary see him in command of a company that was then present with him and that they were at Tappan town and passing through that place into the state of New Jersey.
Cornelius Mabie 
Sworn and subscribed before me this
25th day of August 1838
Peter T. Stephens Justice
I hear my certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Cornelius C. Mabie and know him to be a man of truth and veracity, whose statements is entitled to credit.
Peter T. Stephens justice
Rockland County SS:
I, Abraham, Hogenkamp clerk of the county of Rockland do certify that Peter T Stephens Esquire, before whom the above affidavit of Cornelius C. Mabie and the annexed Affidavits of John Hutton and John House, was sworn, is a justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the signature annexed  to each is his genuine signature.
In testimony  whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this 25th day of November 1838.
Abraham Hogankamp, Clerk
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Clarkstown Oct. 15th 1839
Hon. Sir
I last week spent most of the week in the Comptrolers office at Albany serching for record evidence of services rendered by some of the old Revolutionary Soldiers who-served in this part of the then county of Orange during the Revolutionary War, and among others for those of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the late husband of Catharine Vanderbilt, and all the evidence of his services that I could find any Record of is contained in Book 4. "The number and amount of Certificates Issued by the Treasurer of the State of New York for Levies and militia services v: continued from Book 3." In said book folio 23 is entered as ervice rendered under Captain Henry Tournuer—
May 4, 1770 1h342. Cornelius Vanderbilt Prvt. 
In folio 24 is entered
1780 Augt. 9, 1h398 Cornelius Vanderbilt Sergt
The above being all the services I could find entered under any officer which according to the pay allowed would make 6 days as a private in 1778 and 1 month and 20 days as a Sergeant in 1780, which in your letter of May 9, 1838 to the Hon. Abm Vandeweer you make in all to be one month & 10 days—
As to Capt. Robert Johnson all that dose appear of record is that in 1775 he was appointed Capt. of the 10th Company in the 3rd Regiment commanded by Col. James Clinton and in 1776 did rank as fifth Capt in said Regiment—
In your letter of the 27th of last August you refered me to the Comptrolers office forproof and I have now to inform you that I with the assistance of Clerk in the office could bring no other evidence, of which I expect you are in possession of. By said books there appears to be two settlements of the services in capt Tornures Company, one of a small amount in 1778 and one in 1780 and nothing as to the years of 1776, 1777, 1779, & 1781 of the war is then considered closed-and as it has been positively proved by many soldiers that in the month of Sept 1778 when Cornwallis this Army marched from New York through the country and Tappan and some as far as Clarkstown when the whole regimanet was on duty for more than a month. That 10/7 would be any compensation for services rendered during that campsaid exclusive of the duty otherwise performed during that year, or that during the year 1779 when the enemy was for a great part of that year is possession of Stony Point, a post near the Center
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of 60th Hays Regiment as it repeated the Hudson River that the Militia in Capt Tenures Company should not be called upon to take part in the contest as some others it appears, were Every thing possible to satisfy your Honor of the Justice of her claim has been done. The services both under Capt. Tenure and Capt. Johnson proven by two Creditable witnesses, so Certified by the proper officer under his seal of office, agreable to the printed rules of the department under the head of Proof of Service(s)
I remain Respectable Sir
Your Obt Servt
David Pye
Hon. James L. Edwards
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5374
Declaration of 
Catherine Vanderbilt
NY
Act. 7, July '38

David Pye Esq
Clarkstown
NY
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State of New York
Rockland County P. On this Twentieth day of April 1809-personally appeared before me Abraham B. Stephens a Judge in and for said County, Catherine Vanderbilt, a resident now of the town of Orange, in said county. Aged Seventy two years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled, "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows:" That she is the widow of Cornelius Vanderbilt who was a private during the Revolutionary War and served as follows. That early in the month of July in the year 1776 her said husband belonging in a company whereof Capt. Hendrick Tenure was Capt. in 60th A. Hawkes Hays Regiment, and the British having sailed up the Hudson River and anchored in Tappan Bay, Capt. Tenure ordered out his company to gard along said river at Nyack, to which, places her said husband was marched and there stationed with others to prevent the landing of the enemy, and there remained until the latter part of the month of August following, and served at least one month, many are of opinion that the first tour of duty ws not less than one month and a half that the British then sailed away and was absent a few days and the guard, discharged to be ready at a minuts warning, and to meet again when alarm guns was fired. That after some short time, not exceeding two weeks in the month of September following the British having returned to their former station on the signal given. Capt. Tenure's company, of which the said Cornelius was one, was again stationed as a guard at Nyack at aforesaid, and served for two weeks and continued to serve with very short intermissions until the mother of November when the British finally sailed for New York for that season-when the guard was discharged, having served in all the towns not less than three months.
That during the following winter there was much scouting and guarding necessary to prevent the refugees and tories plundering and disrupting the inhabitants in which service
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her said late husband was much engaged, and served several tours, but as this late period she is unable to state the time or length of each tour.
That early in the spring of the year 1777, Capt. Tenure's company (like other companies) was divided into four clases, so that the one fourth part might be kept as a guard of such stations as was most necessary for a guard to be kept and to serve one week at a time, so that the domestic concerns might also be attended to in which manner her said husband did serve during the remainder of the war, (excepting the three months under Capt. Johnson,)service on, two, and three weeks at a time. The service not being always in exact rotation. The time of the commencement and end of each tour cannot now be exactly stated, but that the tours performed in each year until 1781 being added together would not be less than two months. That in the month of November, in the year 1777, her said—husband enlisted at Clarkstown, for three months, under—Capt. Robert Johnson, a Capt. in the Continental line, (as he was a Capt. and with Gen. Montgomery when he fell at Quebeck in December 1775) and served out the term of enlistment in different marches down to Berger Woods and other places and at times stationed at Clarkstown, Tappantown and Closter. That she has above set forth the services rendered by her late husband Cornelius Vanderbilt, as particularly as her memory of the recitals thereof by her late husband and information received from some of the old soldiers will enable her to do—and for the proof of his services as a foresaid the time of their marriage and the time of his Death. She must refer the Commisioner of pensions to the affidavit annexed to her Declaration heretofore made in Open Court. under the Act of the fourth of July 1836, and papers subsequently sent. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Cornelius Vanderbilt the day previous of the day after Christmas in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one, that her husband the aforesaid Cornelius Vanderbilt died about the middle...day of October-eighteen hundred and
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twenty four that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, that is not prior to the services that could satisfactorily be made out to have been performed; but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, Niz: at the time above stated.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written. Catherine Vanderbilt
Abm. B Stephens, Judge

I do certify that I am well acquainted with Catherine Vanderbilt the above Deponent and believe her to be a person of veracity whose testimony is entitled to the fullest credit and by Reason of age and informity she is able to make at this Court
Abm. B. Stephens, Judge

State of New York
Rockland County  P. I Abraham Hogenkamo, Clerk
of the county of Rockland. Do hereby Certify that Abraham B. Stephens Esqr. before whom the foregoing Declaration was taken, in one of the judges in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said count, this twenty-second day of April, 1839
Abm. Hogenkamp, clerk