Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,624, for Paul Palmiter, Connecticut
Page 1

Conn
New Jersey

Paul Palmiter

S17.624

carded
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33.364

Connecticut

Paul Palmiter, dec'd

in the State of [blank]
who was a Private in the Conn commanded by Captain [blank] of the R.I. commanded by [blank] in the Revolution line for 1 year.

Inscribed on the Roll of Hartford at the rate of 210 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March,1831 and end 13th December 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th day of Sept. 1836 and Sent to J.C. Ames.

Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-allowance ending Present

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7th, 1832
Recorded by [illegible signature] Clerk
Book 36 Vol. [illegible] Page 82
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State of Connecticut
Hartford County SS Burlington Sept 24th 1832

On this 24th day of September 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Probate for the district of Farmington, now sitting, Paul Palmiter, a resident of the town of Burlington in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut, aged 75 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served where in stated (Viz)

1st. On the first of May 1775 he enlisted into a company of State Troops for the term of nine months. The Company was commanded by Capt. Roswell Smith of Stonington, Con, Col Gideon Hawksey’s Regiment. He joined that Company at said Stonington, marched from there to Charlestown, Rhode Island, where he was attached to said Regiment. From there he marched to Conanicut Island, and was there stationed for several months, from there he moved to Newport where his Regiment fitted for an expedition to Long Island. They took passage by water on board of Whale Boats and passed by Stonington Point, New Haven, to Milford Con, & from there to Long Island. His company there had an engagement with a collection of tories. They soon returned to New Haven from there they moved to New London were there encamped until the term for which he enlisted expired.

2nd. In the month of February 1776 he enlisted into a company of State Troops for the term of ten months. The Company was under the command of Captain Roswell Smith. (the Col.’s name is not recollected) joined the company at Stonington, marched from there to Westerly, R.I. from there to Charlestown and from there to Newport. They were forced to a retreat
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from Newport by the Brittish troops who at that time landed and took possession of that place- they retreated to Bristol where they were stationed for several weeks
from thence he marched to Swansey and from thence to Providence- they soon marched to South Kingston and he did duty in that neighborhood until the expiration of the term of his enlistment--
In March 1777 he enlisted into a company of State troops for one year- The company was commanded by Capt. Joseph Springer, Col. John Toppin's Regiment- He enlisted
at Providence and joined the Company and was attached to said Regiment, at Tiverton, 
R.I.- He was there encamped and labored at and in erecting the fort at that place - He was engaged in several skirmishes with the Hessians. He did duty at Tiverton and in
that vicinity during the whole time for which he enlisted- He frequently saw General Sullivan while in service on this tour--
In August 1778. he was drafted into the service in a Militia Company for the term of 4 month- said company was commanded by Capt William Hall of Stonnington [Stonington], Con. He joined the company at New London
and was then encamped during the whole term
He has no documentary evidence of his services and knows of no person living who can testify to his services-
To the interrogatories propounded, he says to the 
1st. He was born at Stonnngton Con on the 5th day of September 1757 --
2d. His age is recorded in his family Bible--
3rd. When called into service he resided at said Stonnington where he lived until 1801 when he removed to said Burlington where he has lived ever since--
4th. Already answered--
5th. He knew no officer except as above stated--
6th. He ^never^ received a discharge in writing--
7th. He is generally known to the inhabitants of Burlington and in the adjacent towns and is well acquainted with
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Darius F. Butler and the Rev Erastus Scranton of said Burlington--
He hereby relinquishes every claim ^whatever^ to a pension annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State--
Paul Palmiter

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Henry Nash Clerk of Probate
Farmington District
I. David F. Butler residing in Burlington Hartford County and State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Paul Palmiter of said Burlington for twenty years past, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration-- That I believe him to be 75 years of age. That he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the revolution-- And I further certify that said Palmiter is a man of truth and honesty and that his statements are entitled to full credit and that I believe he served in the war of the Revolution as by him stated in the several particulars of his declaration
Darius F Butler
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Henry Nash Clerk of Probate
Farmington District--
I, Erastus Scranton, a Clergyman, residing in Burlington Hartford County, do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Paul Palmiter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration for three years past-- that he is a man of truth and honesty and that I believe that he was a soldier of ^the^ revolution
and that he served as stated by him in the several particulars of his declaration
Erastus Scranton
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
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-year aforesaid-

Henry Nash Clerk of Probate
Farmington District

And the said court do hereby certify this opinion after the investigation of the matter and after getting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states – And the court further certifies that Erastus Scranton who has signed and sworn to a preceding certification is a clergyman resident of said town of Burlington: and that Darius F Butler who has also signed and sworn to a preceding certificate is a resident of said town of Burlington and is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit-  This case was taken at Burlington in the Probate District aforesaid on account of the great infirmity of the applicant, and his inability to travel.

Lemuel Whitman Judge of the Probate
Farmington District

I Henry Nash, Clerk, of the Court of Probate for the District of Farmington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Paul Palmiter for a pension – And I also certify that Lemuel Whitman, who has affixed his name in his own proper handwriting, as above, is Judge of Probate of Farmington District

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 5th day of October 1832

Henry Nash Clerk

13.404
Paul Palmiter
Claim for Pension
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13404

Paul Palmiter
Ct

[illegible]
delivered to me by 
Alliman
[illegible]

L Whitman
Farmington
Court
Page 8

War Department
Pension Office
183

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Paul Palmiter Ct

Period when the service was rendered - May 1775 [illegible] # see over
Duration of the claimant’s service - 9 Months
Rank of the claimant - private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served – Capt Smith
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers – Col. Hawksey
Country through which he marched – Marched to R.I. and C.T. Isl and L. Isl
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period – 75. born and entered service in Stonington Ct now living in Burlington, Ct. 

Period when the service was rendered – Feb 1776 
Duration of the claimant’s service - 10 Months
Rank of the claimant – private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served – Capt Smith
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers – Col. forgotten
Country through which he marched – N Port R.I. South Kingstown

Period when the service was rendered – State Troops Mar 1777
Duration of the claimant’s service – 1 year
Rank of the claimant – private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served – Capt Springer
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers – Col. Toppin

Period when the service was rendered – Aug 1778
Duration of the claimant’s service – 4 Months
Rank of the claimant – private
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served – William Hall 

Knows of no living witnesses to prove service.
Certificate of Clergyman and Citizen

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

It cannot readily be admitted that witnesses might not with suitable exertions be obtained to substantiate a claim for services unbracing for many years
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2 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 

The following regulations have been adopted: 

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers." all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 

1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION. 

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 

State, Territory, County of, or District of } ss.

On this _____ day of ____ personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of ____  in the county of ____ and State, Territory or District of ____ aged(c) ____years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ____, with ____ and served in the ____ (e) regiment of the ____ line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 

I ____ of the Court of ____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of ____ for a pension. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ____ day of ____ & c. 

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ____ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ____ , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ____  years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. ____ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ____ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I, ____ Clerk of the Court of ____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. 

____ In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal ____ of office, this ____ day of ____ & c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

The service stated is not supported by the general course of testimony and requires further proof.
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3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?

3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
, and where do you now live?

4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6. To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?}
To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?}

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the declarant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; 
otherwise a satisfactory examination of the cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to deter be to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:____For____year____months, and ____ days, I served as a ____ For ____ months, and ____ days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i]  The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of one of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensible in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

The duration of the enlistment in May 75 is [illegible] in Connecticut. 7 months was the longest. The claim cannot be admitted unless it can be supported by the Certificate of the Comptroller of Public accounts in whose office are the documents relating to revolutionary service - The duration of the service requires certification.
Page 11

Paul Palmiter
61
Act 7 June 1832

[illegible signature]

Geo. C Ames
Present
Page 12

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford
SS Probate District of Burlington

Satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to this court and this court doth find upon the testimony under oath of Nelson E. Fletcher & William Palmiter both of said Burlington to the court well known as credible witnesses that Paul Palmiter late of said District and Town of Burlington was an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7th 1832 and that he died on the 13th day of December 1834 & that there are now living of the children of said Paul Palmiter the following, Clark Palmiter, Green Palmiter, Elkanah Palmiter, William Palmiter, Asa Palmiter, Susan Byington wife of Joseph W. Byington, Eunice Wright, wife of Sheffield C. Wright and Mary Ann Humphrey, widow of Orin Humphrey. And I further certify that William Palmiter is the surviving Administrator of said Paul Palmiter duly qualified in every aspect & that his official bond given in conformity with law is for the sum of fifteen hundred dollars-

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court this 5th day of August 1856.

David Bennet Clerk
Page 13

Know all men by these presents that I William Palmiter of the town of Burlington County of Hartford and State of Connecticut Administrator upon the estate and one of the heirs at law of Paul Palmiter late of said Burlington deceased do hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames of Washington City my true and lawful agent and Attorney to prosecute the claim of the said Paul Palmiter for any account of revolutionary pension or increase of pension that may be due. And I hereby authorize my said agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim on file in the department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments & to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said claim which I wish made payable to me as administrator of said estate, to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein [illegible]. And to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present.
And I hereby revoke all power or powers of attorney therebefore given by me in the previous. And I hereby ratify & confirm all that my said attorney may there lawfully do in the previous.
Witness my hand & seal this 26th day of May 1856
Signed sealed & delivered in presence of
Abijah Catlin
Mary W. Cather
Page 14

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford

On this 26th day of May 1856 personally appeared William Palmiter [illegible] of the foregoing instrument and acknowledges the same to be his free act and deed.
Before me
Abijah Catlin
Notary Public
Page 15

Left Side:

17 624

INVALID

File No. 17.624
Paul Palmiter
Pri. Rev War

Act: June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. 1,Page 426

Right Side:

Dcer, 14, 1903 – [illegible]
Mrs. Louis D. Porter
Solvay N.Y.

Feby 3, 1904 To above
Soldiers rank correct
stated – was not a Corporal
Page 16

13.404

[illegible]
Connecticut
Paul Palmiter
WH L. Whitman
5 July 1834
G.C. Ames June 21 1856
Page 17

Paul Palmiter's 
Claim for Pension
Page 18

State of Connecticut
Hartford County 
SS Burlington 
June 12th 1833

On this 12th day of June 1853 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the district of Farmington, now sitting, Paul Palmiter a resident of the Town of Burlington in the County of Hartford and State of Connecticut who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration as supplementary to the declaration by him made and subscribed on the 24th day of September 1832, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States and served 

1st as follows – on his tour in 1775 he thinks that the Major of Col Hawksey’s Regiment was Tolman as Tollman, In the engagement with the torries on L.I. his Regiment was joined by a detachment from Col. Livingston’s Regiment.

2nd – On his tour in 1776 in Captain Roswell Smith’s Company he recollects that Joseph Cotes of Stonington Connecticut was Lieutenant and is of the opinion that the Colonel of the Regiment was Spencer but is not confident.

3rd – He recollects that in his service in Captain Joseph Springer’s Company in 1777 Walter Burdict was Lieutenant, Joseph Tanner was Sergeant, who was enlisted into the Continental Service for three years or during the war. The Major of the Regiment commanded by Col. Toppin, was Phillips, and he frequently saw General Cornwall when at Tiverton

4th – In 1778 in Captain Hall’s Company Joshua Whitford was Lieutenant & Joshua Whitford Jr. was a Sergeant.

5th – He says that he knows of no person living who can testify to any of his services, and has made every exertion to obtain evidence to support his declaration of services so far as his health and pecuniary means would permit.

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year aforesaid.

Signed
Paul Palmiter

Henry Nash Clerk of Probate
Farmington District
Page 19

And the said court do hereby declare this opinion after a further investigation of the matter that the said Paul Palmiter was a soldier in the war of the revolution and served as he states. The applicant is a man of fair character for truth and honesty, but extremely poor and infirm in health, so much so that he has been unable for a long time to leave his home, and the court will under the necessity of attending at his dwelling for the purpose of taking his evidence. If there are any living witnesses to his service (which he cannot learn) they must be at such a distance from his present place of residence, as render it improbable in his state of health and renounces to obtain their evidence.

Signed
Lemuel Whitman Judge of Probate
Farmington District

I, Henry Nash, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Farmington; do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the supplementary proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Paul Palmiter for a pension. And I also certify that Lemuel Whitman, whose name is affixed, as above, is Judge of Probate for said District, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Office this 12th day of June 1833.

Signed
Henry Nash Clerk
Page 20

Comptroller's Office
September 25th 1833

I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that I have examined the rolls & other documents regarding the military operations durint the War of the Revolution; & cannot find the name of Paul Palmiter; nor can I find the names of the officers under whom he claims to have served. It is believed that they acted under the authority of the State of Rhode Island.

Signed
Elisha Phelps
Page 21

Henry Nash Esq
Collinsville
Connecticut
Page 22

Providence Nov 22nd 1833

I find nothing which can be of service to Palmiter.

Royzel Smith was appointed as Capt in Stanton's Regt in Decem 1776. General Spencer commanded the expedition against R. Island in 1778.
John Topham was Lt Col of Cravy's Regt in 1777. But at what time the services were rendered by Palmiter cannot be ascertained from documents in this office.

The fact of the existence of this Regt is notorious at Washington.

Signed
Henry Bowen

Henry Nash Esq
Page 23

Paul Palmiter's Claim for Pension
Page 24

State of Connecticut
Hartford County
SS Burlington
Oct 4th 1833

On this 4th day of October 1833 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the District of Farmington now sitting, Paul Palmiter a resident in the town of Burlington in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath make the following declaration as supplementary to the declaration by him made and subscribed on the 24th day of September 1832 and also to the supplementary declaration by him made and subscribed on the 12th day of June 1833, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

1st – He thinks that the name of the Colonel to whose Regiment he belonged in 1775 was Gideon Hoxie instead of Gideon Hawksey as stated in the first particular of his declaration but is not confident.

2nd – According to his recollection & belief he served in the War of the Revolution for as long a period, and in the manner, as he has stated in his declaration.

3rd - That from bodily infirmity and loss of memory he can give no further particulars with regard to his services. His whole service was done in the capacity of a private.

Signed
Paul Palmiter

Subscribed, and sworn to the day and year aforesaid.

Signed 
Henry Nash Clerk of Probate District of Farmington
Page 25

Farmington Nov 28 1833
I again transmit the papers of Paul Palmiter, as evidence of his claim for a pension, with my opinion unchanged as to his service except in the first town which I believe ought to be seven months instead of nine. The inaccuracies in his statement may be fairly attributed to his defect of memory, arising from age and extreme debility both in body and mind. His infirmities are indeed extreme and almost total. It is with much difficulty that he can be aroused to any recollection. Much effort has been made by his friend to obtain living witnesses, but none can be found with whom he was acquainted with in service. The certificate of our Comptroller only shows that nothing can be found in his office relating to this service, and his opinion that the services were performed under the authority of the State of Rhode Island, which is undoubtedly the fact. The letter of Henry Bowen Secretary of State of Rhode Island, hereto annexed shows that there were in that state which troops and officers as Palmiter mentions. The difficulty of obtaining proof is much increased by the desultory nature of his service.
Lemuel Whitman Judge of Probate
Farmington District

I Henry Nash Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Farmington do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the [illegible] proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Paul Palmiter for a Pension. And I also certify that Lemuel Whitman whose signature is annexed is Judge of Probate of said District & that the signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28th day of November 1833.
Henry Nash Clerk
Page 26

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 27

 Farmington Decr 2 1833
Sir,
I again transmit to you the papers of Paul Palmiter for a pension with such further evidence as the applicant has been able to obtain.
In your of the 9th [illegible] you say that the claim of Daniel Bunnell is rejected and the papers placed on file. I had formed a different opinion of the merit of his claim. I had thought that his service of six or seven months on the Hudson river and vicinity was sufficiently supported by the testimony of Mark Hamlin and therewise; and though there may be a mistake as to the names of the officers under whom he served, and perhaps the time when, and other inconsequential errors, yet I had no doubt  but the service was performed. This added to his service under Ed Mead, which you admit is allowable, would entitle him to an allowance for ten or eleven months. I must request you again to examine his papers and review your decision [illegible]. His [illegible] requires all he is entitled to.
In [illegible] of the 1st[illegible] I requested your attention to the papers of Rosanna Willson widow of Josiah Willson dec'd transmitted to your department on the 4th Sept 1832. I have as yet received from you no information respecting them. When the above are finally disposed of I think I shall give your department no further trouble on this [illegible] subject.
With much respect
Your sr
L Whitman

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 28

Washington June 3rd 1856
Hon J Minot
Sir
I filed in your office a day or two since a Power of Attorney in the case of Paul Palmiter of Conn. An applicant for a pension  [illegible] the act of 7 June 1832.
Palmiter [illegible] his declaration made but a short time after the passage of the act of 1832 claimed for service in 1775 & 7th under Capt Roswell saith of Col Hawkins Regiment. Also for 12 mo service in the N J Brigade under Capt Joseph Springer of Col Tophams regiment.
I am not certain that there are any Rolls of Capt [illegible] Co in your office but the names of the officers of Col Tophams regiment may be found on the large "Index" in Col Niles Noom and by reference to "Bundle No 1" to the master Roll of Capt Springer Company the name of Palmiter as a corporal and as having enlisted for 12 mo will appear. Which fact so clearly sustains the statement of the old soldier made more than 20 years ago when it was not known that there were any rolls accessable that I presume there will be no hesitation in admitting this time of
Page 29

Service for 12 mo

Very Respectfully
Your obt Svt
Geo C Ames
Page 30

Paul Palmiter
dec'd of Connecticut
[illegible] June 7 1832
12 ms pri $40 a
year from 4 Mch 1831 
to 13 Dec 1834 - when he died.

Pay to Mr Palmiter 
[illegible] for himself, Clark - Green - Elkanah - Asa Palmiter - Susan Byington - Eunice Wright & Mary Ann Humphries any any other [illegible]

Certify
G C Ames Esq
[illegible]
Page 31

Pension Office
Sep 6 1854
Sir
In answer to the enquiries stated by yourself in the case of Paul Palmiter dec'd. I have to answer that the claim was acted on in 1834 and suspended for the very proof which is now discovered to be in the office. Most of the cases now allowed are those that were made many years ago and the evidence for their completion is of recent discovery. Since 1834 rolls have been discovered in every part of the country, some have been sent to this office, some are in the State Department of the several states and some are in private hands. Whether the evidence upon which this case is allowed was here in 1834 I am not able to answer. If it was here it was not known or not examined. The proof was complete upon the discovery of the evidence & upon the filing of the evidence of his death & of the [illegible] & the administration upon his estate. This latter from [illegible] was made 5 [illegible], sent to this office and acted on the day the [illegible] sent to the Department. A declaration made by a [illegible] who had no knowledge of the existence of records of service has always been deemed amply sufficient when the discovery of the
Page 32

record shows that his statements must have been correct unless he has had a cap to it before he declared, that this man had no such knowledge is evidence by the fact that he [illegible] exhibiting it and it is only a few months since that it was known to be in existence, 4 The office has always presumed that a soldier served as he enlisted unless the rolls show a different state of care. The rolls confirm his statements exactly as far as they go - 5 [illegible...] is [illegible] until the [illegible] of [illegible] is deemed complete. There can be no doubt in this case but that the office might not here after be obliged to readjudicate cases before the [illegible] of other heirs than there mentioned in the [illegible], the commissioner of Pensions has directed the use of the form which implies the possibility of others, in order to place the responsibility of knowing exactly who all the heirs are upon the administrator. 6 The office has for many years held itself bound to pay to newly [illegible] covered heirs, but the heirs and [illegible] has lately refused to allow the Agents for paying pensions before [illegible..], and it is now held to be the Rule not to pay.
Page 33

Very respectfully
[illegible]
S Cole
Act Commissioner

Hon G. C. Whiting
Act Secretary of the Interior
Page 34

How is it their case was not acted on before [illegible] [illegible] was no proof completed? Is no other evidence req'd  that his declaration in 1832? The Rolls [illegible...] that he enlisted in 1777 but not the length of his service. Why is not the [illegible] fully established? If Wm Palmiter [illegible] the allowance those named in the certf. as the heir of parent, & afterward another or other heirs or other heirs abt as would not the W.S. be [illegible] to them for their distinctive hand. as in the case which occurred as [illegible] agency?

GCW
6 [illegible] 1836

Wm Cole
Page 35

Brief in the case of Paul Palmiter decd.
County of State of Connecticut
act June 7 1832
=========================
Claim, (original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

He made a declaration in 1832 in which he claimed that in 1777 he enlisted under Capt Springer for one year & served out his enlistment.
The Rolls of this office (Bundle No 1) show that he [illegible] just as he ordered.
Proof of death, herewith and administration made agreeably to an [illegible]

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
G C Ames
Regent
Page 36

17624
3-068
(Old No. 3-649.)
____________________
Bureau of Pensions.
Paul Palmiter
__________________________
Sept 24, 1832 - 75
Burlington Conn
_______________________
May 1 75 Stonington Conn
Capt Roswell Smith
Col Hawksey
Pvt - 9 m
________________________
Feby 76 - Capt Do
Col ---
Pvt - 10 m
_________________________
Mch 77 Cpt Jas. Springer
Col Jm Toppin
pvt - 1yr
________________________
Aug 78 Capt W Hall
Col -
Pvt - 4 m
__________________________
Born Sept 5 1757
Stonington Ct
Died Dec 13, 1834
__________________________
Several skirmishes
__________________________
Ctf 33.364.32
Page 37

DATE STAMP: U. S. PENSION OFFICE DEC 9 1903
Page 38

Record & Pension Office
of the War Department
Referred me to you. Thanking you in advance.
I am
Yours truly
Isabella Yates Porter

address (Mrs Louis D Porter
Appleby
Orchard Road
Solvay N.Y.
Anmdapa County

date stamp: U. S PENSION OFFICE DEC 9 1903
Page 39

M. W.
Dec 7 1903

Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir, 
My great grandfather Paul Palmiter served as a corporal in the Revolutionary War and years, after, I believe, his widow received a pension and I wish to find out if this is so and the
Page 40

Record & Pension Office
of the War Department referred me to you. Thanking you in advance
I am 
Yours truly
Isabella Yates Porter

address (Mrs Louis D. Porter
Appleby
Orchard Road
Solvay 
N.Y.

Anmdapa County 

date stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE DEC 9 1903