Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13491, for Abijah Hutchinson, Connecticut
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE                                             NUMBER

Connecticut     Hutchinson, Abijah    S. 13491
Continental    
   

CONTENTS                                      carded
Page 2

Albany
          Vermont                            18.931
                         Abijah Hutchinson

of Orange County in the State of Vermont who was a [illegible] in the Company commanded by Captain Chapman of the [illegible] commanded by General Putnam in the {illegible]

17 1/2 months of {illegible]                58.34
6 1/2 months of infantry                     21.66
                                                           $80.00

Continental and [illegible]
Records corrected April 23, [illegible]
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 80 dollars and 0 cents per annum to commence on 4th day of March, 1831
Certificate of Pension issued [illegible] day of November 1833 and sent to
Sent to {illegible] W. Smith, Esquire [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of September 1833  200.00
Semi-annual allowance ending after '31 40.00
                                                             $240.00

                                        Revolutionary claim
                                        Act June 7, 1833
Recorded by P.T. Springer, Clerk

Book 6, Volume 3          Page 40
Cir. Tra. March 11-183
Transferred to Albany for 4th September 183 4 - March 10-11 order to pay.
See letter 1 December 1836
O.M. Willey and P. A. J.
James Hutchinson
[illegible] 27, 1855
Page 3

                             Libertyville 15th March 1855

Honorable S.P. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sit,
I wish you would inform me if I am entitled to any additional pension money on account of my father's service as a revolutionary soldier. My father was born in Lebanon, Connecticut 4th of July 1756 soon after the Battle of Lexington on the 19th day of Aril 1775 he enlisted under Ensign Abner Robinson in the regiment of General Israel Putnam who then had command of the Brigade was one of the first on the ground at the Battle of Bunker Hill serving the full term of 8 months received a discharge and In November 1776 he enlisted on board the Oliver Cromwell for 6 months received a discharge and In November 1776 he enlisted on board the Oliver Cromwell for 6 months in New London served full term and discharged In October 1777 he enlisted again on board the Oliver Cromwell at Boston for one year, [illegible] Parker Captain sailed a cruise for the West Indies on the 23 of March 1778. The Oliver Cromwell had 20 guns and about 200 hands was in the privatizing service captured two British vessels and brought them both into port. The Bristol to Boston the other to New London served full time and discharged In March 1780 he went to Vermont in October following he was taken by the Indians at burning of Royalton and carried by them to Montreal sold to the British for 8 [illegible] remained a  prisoner from October 1780 to November 1782 then exchanged as a prisoner of war.
Page 4

2 years and 2 months service under enlistment 2 years and 1 month a  prisoner in close confinement. I have given you a brief, plain and true account of the time of service as I could but the suffering in after life can never be told. in the engagement with the British he was crippled for life. all his papers were destroyed by the Indians.
     Since June 1831 (If I mistake not) he had received a pension from the government of $80.00 a year. My father Abijah Hutchinson died at Genesee division County New York on the 11th day of February 1843 leaving no widow or child but myself. My father died intestate not having any property but his pension. I have been informed that on account of recent laws passed by Congress, I am entitled to additional pay. S.M. Wright, Esquire has had the case under advisement for nearly two years and I hear nothing satisfactory. If you will write me you will much oblige your humble servant.

                                 James Hutchinson
                       Libertyville Lake County, Illinois
Page 5

No 4317
Abijah Hutchinson

Declaration

Return to be made to HEGMc
Laughlin Chelsrar Orange County Vermont
Page 6

State of Vermont,    At Chelsea in said County on
Orange County ss.   this 22 day of August A.D.
                                 personally appeared in open                    
                                 Court, before the Honorable
                                 Titus Hutchinson, Daniel
                                  Cobb and Thomas Jones
County Court of and Orange County, now setting, being a Court of Record Abijah Hutchinson a resident of Tunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, aged 76 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 7, 1832, I was born in Lebanon in the State of Connecticut in the year 1756, the Record of which I have in my Bible now in my possession. In 1775, I lived in the town of Canada in the state of Connecticut, with Nathaniel [illegible] where soon after the battle of Lexington I enlisted 8 months under Ensign Abner Robinson in the Regiment commanded by General Putnam who then had the commission of the Brigade - Steves from Mansfield the duty of Colonel Durkee from Norwich was 1st Major and Johnson [illegible] I joined the company and marched to little Cambridge I stayed there until the battle of Bunker Hill at the time of the Battle I started with the company to which I belonged to go serve Charleston neck, was met by Colonel Garish and ordered back to Cambridge where I stayed my time out took discharge and returned home.
     Some time in the fall of 1776, I think in November - I enlisted on board the ship Oliver Cromwell at New London for six months in the State Service and served five and half months got my pay I was discharged in October 1777. I enlisted on board the Oliver Cromwell again, then Lying in Boston Timo Parker Captain - Chapman First Lieutenant Tuesday 20 September - Marvis mate and Craig Botswain we sailed a cruise from Boston about til 23 March 1778. The ship had 20 guns and about 200 men, about the middle of April next after we came in contact with a British Vessel of 20 guns, we had a severe engagement which lasted three and one half [illegible] hence 2 men killed 6 wounded, we took the ship and found her to be a Sutter of Marques bound from England to St Kitts with a Richeller Cherret his wife and 2 daughters on board with their effects, we sent her into Boston we then steered to the south and went into Charleston South Carolina to clean the ship and make some necessary repairs and - about the 25th of July same year we sailed from Charleston another cruise, and in August we met with a storm of the Bahama Islands which swept away masts we then rigged up [illegible] masts and steered for New [illegible] on our way we came upon a vessel which had[illegible] in the storm from St. Augustine and was steering for New York which the the British Army [illegible], She had but few hands and no commander on board. This being on shore where she was driven out she had a large number of large anchors and cables [illegible] casks of [illegible] 500 bolts of Lopac [illegible] was about half loaded we made her a prisoner and brought her safe into New London, The government - one half of both prisoners, - Governor Trumbull of Connecticut I was informed was [illegible] about of said Oliver Cromwell, I then received my pay of Captain Timo Parker at Norwich for one year, I then went to Salisbury Connecticut, to see my brother Hezekiel, from Salisbury. I went to Tunbridge Vermont, In the month of March, 1780 - In the same year in October I was taken by the Indians in Tunbridge near Royalton line at the house of my brother John Hutchinson and carried by them to Montreal, was there sold to the British for eight dollars as I was told, where I remained a prisoner from October 1780 to November 1782, I was carried in a cartel from Montreal to Boston, then I went to Salisbury in Connecticut, In March 1783 I went to Tunbridge Vermont where I have lived ever since and was on the 4th of July {illegible] I was 76 years of age - my discharge from the service and all other papers which I had with me at the time I was taken by the Indians was destroyed, and I do not know of a man that is now living that served with me,    either in the land or naval service
Page 7

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State as I know of

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.     Abijah Hutchinson
              H. E. Mc Laughlin Clerk

We Josiah Dona residing in the said Tunbridge
residing in Chelsea in said County of Orange and John Moody residing in the said Tunbridge hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abijah Hutchinson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be 76 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 and we know of no clergy in the vicinity would probably be able to testify on the subject

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
                           Josiah Dana
                           John Moody
           H.E. Mc Laughlin Clerk

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 certify that it appears to them that Josiah Dana who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in Chelsea in said County, and that John Moody who has also signed the same, is a resident in Tunbridge place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
                           Josiah Dana
                           John Moody
                           H.E. Mc Laughlin Clerk

H.E. Mc Laughlin Clerk of the Court of Orange County aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court to the matter of the application of Abijah Hutchinson for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 23 day of August A.D. 1832.
                H.E. Mc Laughlin CLERK
Page 8

I John Hutchinson of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of Seventy seven years of age last Oct. depose and say that I was born in Lebanon State of Connecticut and lived there til 1775 on the morning of the day of the Battle of Lexington I started for Junbridge in Vermont and lived there throughout the summer - returned the last of Nov of the first first of December and learnt that my Br Abijah Hutchinson has listed as a soldier in the revolutionary war - I went to Mr Nathl Hoveys in Canada when my Br was living when I went away Mr Hovey told me he had been you [illegible] and had just returned I save him he had his canteen with him and he he had been in the service 8 mo in Genl Putnams Reg - I heard others say that my Br Abijah was in the service on [illegible] and I then did and have ever since believed the segment to be true----
I further state that I was at New London when [illegible] said Abijah was on Board the Oilier Cromwell which had sailed for a cruise but found her masts to be to hight and some other repairs to be necessary had returned to New Lord I saw her guns on the wharf I was also knowing the the sd Abijah afterward sailed in the sd Oliver Cromwell under Capt Tim Parker from Boston and I have been creditably informed of an engagement with a Letter of Margin of 20 guns - and they made her a prise___I have always understood that they took two pride I have ever since been acquainted with the sd Abijah Hutchinson and do believe his statement which has been read in my hearing to be true___
John Hutchinson
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                                  13,491
                                INVALID

File Number       13,491
Abijah Hutchinson
[illegible] Revolutionary War

Act:  June 7th 1832

Index: ______Volume 1, Page 186

                   {Arrangement of 1870.]
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March the 17      Paid                          K3
Abijah Hutchinson
New York   1832

Honorable L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 11

                   February 24

           Immediate Attention
      [illegible] Hutchinson
 
J.L. Edwards, Esquire
Pension Office
Honorable P.C. Fuller
[illegible]
Page 12

Honorable P.C. Fuller will thank J.L. Edwards for direction how to answer the enclosed

23 February
Page 13

March 19
M. Burdner
Abijah Hutchinson
[illegible] March 22 [illegible]
Albany
18,931
J.L. Edwards,
Pension Office
Honorable P.C. Fuller
[illegible]
Page 14

Ho of R
18 March

Dear M
     I cannot find the letter enclosing Hutchinson request to be transferred ---- and I think I sent it to your office. I am at a loss whether it was from Willey or Gibbs.

                                Yours,
                                 P.C. Fuller
Page 15

E.T. Englesby
March 5, 1836

Abijah Hutchinson

James L. Edwards, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Page 16

                              Bank of Burlington
                              March 5th, 1836

[illegible]

     The last payment made at this agency to Abijah Hutchinson a pension under the act of June 6th 1832 at $80 per annum, was for the semi annual stipend due him in the 4th day of September 1834.

                                       I am very respectfully
                                       Your [illegible]
                                       Edward T. Englesby
                                       William Weston

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 17

Honorable Lewis Cass Secretary War
City of Washinton
D.C.
Page 18

     [illegible] October 11, 1833

Honorable Lewis Cass Secretary of War

Dear Sir

     I send you enclosed the original papers in the case of Abijah Hutchinson agreeable to request and hope I shall have a return soon ---

                        Respectfully yours
                          John W. Smith

Honorable Lewis Cass
Secretary War
City of Washington
District of Columbia
Page 19

October 21 1833
[illegible] October 21
Pensioners Office


Admit -

17 1/2 months Private of Mariner
6 1/2 month Private of Infantry
24 

N. 18 

40
18.34          [illegible]      40
58.34                               20
                                          1 [illegible]

50 1/2             20                  20
                          1. hh 1/2        3.33
                                               16 hhh
                        18.34
Page 20

                                War Department
                                 Pension Office
                                  25 September 1833

Sir,
     The papers of Abijah Hutchinson have been again examined and are herewith enclosed to you.
The certificate of the clerk, not given in the present papers, nor the opinion of the Court
filled up. The papers originally sent must be returned to the office with the now enclosed.

                                I am, respectfully,
                                Your obedient servant
                                 J.L. Edwards
                                 Commissioner of Pensions
Page 21

I, Samuel Austin of Tunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont sixty years of age depose and say that I lived in Salisbury in the State of Connecticut during the revolutionary war with Great Britain. Sometime in the latter part I became acquainted with Abijah Hutchinson in the Town of Salisbury. I learned from him that he had recently came from sea and had been employed as a seaman in the war with Great Britain. I understood that he had been out two or three times had one severe engagement with a British letter of Marque. I have been acquainted with him ever since except two years that he became a prisoner in Canada from that time to this I have often heard him detail various circumstances of his sufferings by sea and by land he has ever told one uniform story and I never have heard it doubted by any. I can cheerfully affirm that I believe his declaration for a pension while I have expressed to be true.
                                     Samuel Austin
State of Vermont at Tunbridge on the 14th day of June A.D. 1833 personally appeared Orange County Vermont Samuel Austin and made solemn affirmation that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me.
      Cyrus Chapman Justine of the Peace

I hereby certify that the said Samuel Austin who has subscribed the above deposition a fair character and that his statement is entitled to the fullest confidence and belief
        Cyrus Chapman Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont. Orange County Clerks Office
     I Harry Hale of Orange County Court do hereby certify that Cyrus Chapman is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orang and that the within writings purporting to his signatures are genuine. In testimony which I have unto set my hand and affix my seal of office at Chelsea in County this 28th day of June A .D. 1833
                                  Henry Hale, Clerk
Page 22

I John Hutchinson of Royalton in the County of Windsor State of Vermont seventy eight years of age last October depose and say that I was born in Lebanon State of Connecticut and lived there until 1775 and early in the morning of the same day of the Lexington Battle I started for Tunbridge Vermont and lived there until the last of December following when I returned to Lebanon, Connecticut. I then and there learned that my brother Abijah Hutchinson had enlisted in the army. I went to Mr. Nathaniel Hovey in Canada where my brother was living when I went away, Mr. Hovey told me he had been gone 8 months in General Putnam's Regiment. I heard others say that my brother Abijah was in the service one season and then did and I have ever since believed the statement to be true and the Abijah Hutchinson is now present.
     I further state that I was at New London when the said Abijah was on board the Oliver Cromwell commanded by (I believe) William Coit or Qoit. They had sailed a cruise but found it necessary to make some repairs had returned to New London this was the last of January 1777 (if I recollect) I was on board saw her guns on the wharf there. I was told that my brother had enlisted for six months.
     I was also knowing that the said Abijah Hutchinson enlisted on board the same vessel Oliver Cromwell and sailed from Boston. Captain Timo Parker of Norwich commanded but the wait time I do not remember so that I should be willing to attest to it. I have been credibly informed of an engagement with a letter of Marque of 20 guns and they made her a prise.
     I was also knowing to the said Oliver Cromwell coming into New London dismantled with a prise. I always understood that he enlisted the last time for one year and served his term of enlistment. I have ever since been acquainted with the said Abijah and the same man is now present and I believe his declaration which has been read in my hearing to be true
Tunbridge June 14th 1833
                     John Hutchinson
State of Vermont, Orange County, at Tunbridge  on the 14th day of June 1833 personally appeared John Hutchinson and made a solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed to be the truth and nothing but the truth before me
     Cyrus Chapman Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the said John Hutchinson sustain a fair character and his statement is entitled to the fullest confidence and belief.
        Cyrus Chapman Justice of the Peace
Page 23

I Hezekiah Hutchinson of Tunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont eighty years of age the 6th day of October last depose and say that sometime was during the revolutionary war with Great Britain I went from Salisbury Connecticut to Lebanon where I had formally lived and then I heard that my brother Abijah Hutchinson had enlisted on board the Oliver Cromwell of New London. I went to see him went on board the ship they told me he belongs to the vessel but had gone after water so that I did not see him but returned to Lebanon the next day I believe it wa. the said Abijah came to Lebanon on a furlough - as he said.
     I have heard the said Abijah relate many circumstances and anecdotes while he was at sea but  I do not like to state particular as my memory fades but I have no doubt but that he served as he states in his declaration. I have been acquainted with him and lived within 2 miles of him ever since.
        Tunbridge June 14, 1833
        Hezekiah Hutchinson

State of Vermont
Orange County
At Tunbridge on the 14th day of June A.D. 1833 personally appeared  Hezekiah Hutchinson and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him submitted contains the truth and nothing but the truth
        Before me
         Cyrus Chapman Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the said Hezekiah Hutchinson sustains a fair character and that his statement is entitled to the fullest confidence and belief

        Cyrus Chapman Justice of the Peace
Page 24

Honorable Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

Dear Sir,
     Enclosed is a new Declaration of Abijah Hutchinson of Tunbridge - his old declaration was drawn in great haste by H. Ely McClaughlin the former clerk of this Court in [illegible] time, not according to the regulations of the war department the interrogating was not answered which the applicant was able to a sworn in a clear and unequivocal manner. And the Court advises
[illegible] in this case as well as in [illegible] as these other cases, which are sent to the Department to draw near as correct 
Declaration - which I have done accordingly -

Chelsea July 10th A.D. 1833

       Respectfully you obedient servant
                        John W. Smith
Page 25

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 26

                      Genesee, November 22, 1836

Sir
     At the request of Mr. Hutchinson I transmit the enclosed to you for the purpose of obtaining a special direction authorizing the payment of his pension. Should any thing further be wanting before giving such direction I shall esteem it a favor to be informed of it.

                           Very respectfully
                            O. M. Willey

J. L. Edwards, Esquire
Court of Pensions
Page 27

                     Abijah Hutchinson
                    Persons Testimony
                    Three affadavits


Sam Austin
Page 28

I Hezekiah Hutchinson of Tunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I was seventy-nine years of age the 6th of October last and that same time during the revolutionary war with Great Britain I went from Salisbury in Connecticut to Lebanon where I had formerly lived. I then learned that my brother Abijah Hutchinson had listed on board the Oliver Cromwell of New London. I went to see him and went on board the vessel. They told he belonged to the ship but was gone our after water so that I did not see him but went back to Lebanon the next day (I believe) the said Abijah came to Lebanon as he said on a furlough. I have heard the said Abijah relate many circumstances and anecdotes while he was out but I do not like to be particular I have heard of his being at Charleston in South Carolina and about his taking a prisoner. I make the above according to the best of my recollection. I believe my brother to be the age he states himself and the statement he made to notation to his services to be correct.
                       Hezekiah Hutchinson

State of Vermont at Tunbridge on the 18th day of August Orange County A.D. 1832 personally appeared Hezekiah Hutchinson and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me
                        Isaac Howe Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the said Hezekiah Hutchinson sustains a fair character and that is statement is entitled to the fullest confirmation and belief
                         Isaac Howe Justice of the Peace
Page 29

I Samuel Austin of Tunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and say that I lived in Salisbury in the State of Connecticut during the Revolutionary War with Great Britain but was quite young when the war was closed - sometime in the latter part of said war I became acquainted with Mr. Abijah Hutchinson in the said town of Salisbury and I then learned from the said Abijah that he had recently came from sea and that he had been employed in the privateering service which was common talk and disputed by none - Soon after that he went to Vermont and as I understood was taken by the Indians and came to Canada and sold to the British and held by them as prisoner of war after which he returned to Salisbury. I then learned from him that he been a prisoner about two years and that he came home by way of Boston and was exchanged as a prisoner of War - he soon moved to Vermont and I soon followed him and settled and have ever since lived in the same town with him and have after heard him detail the various circumstance of his hardship and suffering by sea and by land~ I then believed he told the truth and I now believe the statement he makes to be substantially true and it has been uniform from that time to this ~ I further state that I am and have been for a long time acquainted with the Reverend David H. Williston, Deacon John Hutchinson and can truly say that they are individually are of the first rank as to morality integrity and veracity ~ 
Tunbridge August 11th 1832
                     Samuel Austin

State of Vermont Orange County at Tunbridge on the 11th day of August 1832 made solemn affirmation that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me

                      James Noyes Justice of the Peace
Page 30

I hereby certify that the said Samuel Austin sustains a fair character and that his statement is entitled to the fullest confidence and belief.

                   James Noyes Justice of the Peace
Page 31

State of Vermont Orange County at Tunbridge on the 18th of August 1832 personally appeared John Hutchinson and made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed to be the truth and nothing but the truth before me.
                  Isaac Howe Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the said John Hutchinson sustains a fair character and his statement is entitled to the fullest confidence and belief
                    Isaac Howe Justice of the Peace

                          J. Hutchinson Dep
State of Vermont Orange County Clerks Office
August 22nd A.D. 1832
I O C, H. E. Mc Laughlin Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that Isaac Howe before whence the depositions of John Hutchinson and Hezekiah Hutchinson was taken, also that James Noyes before whence the deposition of Samuel Austin was taken all in the case of Abijah Hutchinson, were at times of taking the same Justice of the Peace for the County of Orange duly authorized to administer oath, and that the several signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
  Attest O C  H. E. Mc Laughlin Clerk
Page 32

                               4317
                 Abijah Hutchinson





Mark Return to 
John W. Smith
Chelsea Vermont
Page 33


                                    War Department,
                                     Pension Office,
                                     April 27, 1833

Sir:
     The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these paper 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 necessary to be done. These point 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
Period when the service was rendered
Duration of the claimant's service
    Years.       Months.      Days
Rank of the claimant.
Name and rank of the Field officers under
     whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he
     entered the service
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

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

Mr. Abijah Hutchinson
Page 34

[printed]
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, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of

On this _________ day of _________
personally appeared (a) before _________
A.B. a resident (b) of _________in the county of
and State, Territory or District of
_________ aged (c) _________years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _________ 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _________
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _________
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _________ Clerk of the Court of _________
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
[handwritten]
Claimant must state whether he was a man
Page 35

[printed] 
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 ex-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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. 
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
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 claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: 
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly 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 recollect, 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 grate 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 place 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 office 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 claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the 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 [j] note applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 36

[handwritten]
[top left]
Abigail Hutchinson
Vt 
to Albany


Jan 6
Abijah Hutchinson
[illegible]
[illegible]
18931 Vt

J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 

[round stamp with illegible parts, "N.Y. " & "DEC 30" visible]
Page 37

[handwritten]

State of New York
Livingston County ⎬ ss. 
On this twenty ninth day of December
1835 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said County personally appeared Abijah Hutchinson who on his oath declares that he is the same person who who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Major Johnson in the Regiment commanded by General Putnam of which one Storr was the acting Colonel in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont from whence he has lately removed, that he now resides in the town of Geneseo  County of Livingston and State of New York where he intends to remain and wishes his pension to be
payable in the State of New York in future. The following are his reasons for removing from Vermont to the State of New York that is to say to reside with his son James Hutchinson, on whom he descend in part for his support
and who removed from Vermont to Geneseo in February last, and the said Abijah Hutchinson on his oath further says that he has receive the payment due to him on account of his pension on the fourth day of September 1834, and has not since received any thing on account of his pension, having removed from Vermont in February last
[signed] Abijah Hutchinson
Subscribed & sworn to before in
the day and year first aforesaid
[signed]
Ogden M. Willy  - Justice

State of New York
Livingston County ⎬ ss

On this 29 day of December 1838 personally James Hutchinson of Geneseo in the
said County of Livingston who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is the son of Abijah Hutchinson named in the foregoing affidavit and that the
the said Abijah Hutchison who has taken the above oath is the person described in the said affidavit and I do certify that I am acquainted with the said James Hutcheon and that
he is a person of veracity
[signed] James Hutchinson
Subscribed & sworn to before me
this 29 day of December 1835
before me [signed] Ogden M. Willey Justice
Page 38

[handwritten]

State of New York
Livingston County ss

I, Elias Clark Clerk of the said
County do hereby certify that Ogden
M. Willey Esquire before whom the
annexed affidavits appear to have
being taken was at the time of
taking such affidavit a Justice
of the Peace in and for the said County legally
authorised to act as such. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the Peace and verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavits to be genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this 29th day of December 1835
C. Clark Clerk
by J. W. Curtiss Dep Clk
Page 39

[handwritten]
Geneseo Dec 29 1835

Sir:
Enclosed is an application by Abijah Hutchinson
for a transfer- If sufficient please appraise him of
the fact as soon as may be. Please notice that he
has not drawn his pension since Sept 1834
Respectfully
[signed] O M Willy


J. L. Edwards
Comms of Pensions
Page 40

[handwritten]

Abijah Hutchinson
Declaration
Page 41

[printed form completed in handwriting]
State of Vermont
ORANGE COUNTY SS. }

At Chelsea in said County on this 19th day of June A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open Court, before Hon Titus Hutchinson Daniel
Cobb Thomas Jones Esqrs. Justices of the County Court of said Orange County, now setting, being a Court of Record Abijah Hutchinson resident of Tunbridge in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, aged 77 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 7, 1832, that he was born at Lebanon in the State of Connecticut on the 4th day of July 1756, the only record of his age is in his bible now in his possession, that he resided there till he was 17 years of age and then went to a trade in Canada now Hampton in [illegible] State & afterwards resided a few years in Salisbury, Connecticut, and then in Tunbridge Vermont, where he now resides and has resided for the last fifty years or more, that he enter
and their
of the united stairs in the year 1818 and
sehttps://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.pngrvice as herein State - that he
enlisted at Canada afsd soon after the battle of Lexington and according to his best recollection the last day of April of that year in the Connecticut State troops on Continental service
he cannot now be positive which in the company commanded by Major Johnson who
served as Captain & Ensign Abner Robinson in the regiment commanded by Col Stoons - a brigade of Gen. Putnam who commanded the Brigade, for the term of Eight months and
was ordered forthwith to Little Cambridge in Massachusetts and there remained till after the battle of Bunker hill. At the battle of Bunker hill he marched with his company for the purpose of Crossing Charleston neck & were ordered by Col. Garish to return to Cambridge. that he & his company marched back to Cambridge and were then stationed to help guard and build fortifications till the expiration of his said term of service which according to his best recollection was the last of December 1775 when I recd a written discharge which he believes and signed by Major Johnson & he then returned home - there were Pensylvania Troops stationed them but can not recollect the Commanders - Also that in the year 1776 some time in the month of September near the last of the month according to his best recollection he enlisted in the Naval
service of the United States on board the Sloop of war Oliver Cromwell at New London in Connecticut for the term of six month William Cart or Gait Commander William Elderkin Commander of Marines - Elderkin Sargent of Marines, that they did not sail out on a cruise but were detained in port at New London & were employed refitting sd sloop shortening the Masts & fixing Rigging
[smear] term of five and a half months which expired about the middle of March 1777 as much as he can recollect & thinks he recd 5½ months pay & the Crew were then discharged at New London verbally & he with the rest. - Also that in October 1777 on or about the 25th according to his best recollection he again enlisted in the Naval service of the United States on board the Sloop Oliver Cromwell at Lebanon afsd. for the term of one year and was ordered immediately to Boston in Massachusetts on board sd. Oliver Cromwell then being at Boston, Timothy Parker
Captain Chapman. 1st Lt. Frisby 2d Lieut. - Morris was mate & Craig Boatswain. Enlisted this term of service & the Last time mentioned as a Marine. that he & the crew here wintered on
[midway through this document is the printed statement below]
He hereby relinquished every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Page 42

[handwritten]

Oliver Cromwell at Lebanon afsd for the term of one year and was ordered immediately
to Boston in Massachusetts on board sd Oliver Cromwell then lying at Boston, Timothy Parker
Captain Chapman 1st Lt Frisby 2d Lieut. Morris was Mate & Craig Boatswain. Enlisted this
term of service & the Last time mentioned as a marine - that he & the crew wintered on
bound waiting for enlistments in addition to their crew till about the 23d of March 1778
when they sailed on a cruise.  they had 20 guns & 200 men on board. near the last of April
they came in contact with a British vessel of 20 guns & had a severe engagement, which lasted
3 ½ glasses & they had 2 new killed (one the Capt. of Marines) & six wounded. they took the ship & found her to be a Letter of Margue borne from England to St Kitts with a Rich Merchant his wife & 2 daughters on bound with their effects.  sent her into Boston & then sterned South & went into Charleston
South Carolina to clear the Ship & make repairs & sailed again about the 25 of July following Put to sea again on a cruise and in August following encountered a violent storm off the Bahamas Islands which swept away our Masts - they then rigged up their masts and steered for New London
on the passage they came across a vessel which had been driven by the Storm from St. Augustine
& was steering for New York, with four hands & no commander on bound & the crew being on shore when she was driven out - she had a number of Large Anchors & Cables or bourd for large vessels & betwen 300 & 400 barrels of Biscuits  500 bolts of Topsail Duck & was about half landed, they made him a
prize & brought him safe into New London-- Governor Trumbull of Connecticut he understood - was Commandore of sd Oliver Cromwell, that he then recd his pay of Capt. Timo Parker at Norwich Connecticut for one year
the Crew were discharged at sd. New London a few days before the Expiration of their year which was near the close of October 1778 - his discharge was verbal -  that in the month
of October 1780. while living in Tunbridge (Vermont) he was taken by the Indians who burnt Royalton  the house where he lived was burnt & all his papers & his discharge & was carried with more than 20 others to Montreal + was then sold to the British for 8 dollars as he was told where he remained a prison
from October 1780 to November 1782 more than 2 years & was then carried in a cartel from Montreal to Boston
& returned home - that he lost his discharge as afsd. & all his papers & has no documentary Evidence
to prove any of his terms of service nor does he know of any p rson living whose testimony
he can procure to  prove sd. service that his memory is now impaired, but according to his his recollection he served not less than two years and one month in the active service of the
United States as a soldier & Marine Except his imprisonment & captivity by the Indians
Page 43

[printed form completed in handwriting]
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
[signed] Abijah Hutcheson
Attest Harry Hale, Clerk

We David H Williston Clergyman
residing in Tunbridge in said County of Orange
and Samuel Austin residing in the said Tunbridge hereby certify that we well acquainted with Abijah Hutchinson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be 77 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.
[signed] David H Williston
[signed] Samuel Austin
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest [signed] Harry Hale, Clerk

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 certify that it appears to them that David H Williston who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Tunbridge in said County, and that Samuel Austin who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest [signed] Harry Hale, Clerk.

I Harry Hale Clerk of the County Court of the County of Orange aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abijah Hutchinson for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this
19th day of June A.D. 1832
Attest  Harry Hale CLERK
[bottom left corner is a multi-pointed seal with a ribbon underneath]