Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4699, Rulef Van Pelt, New Jersey
Page 1

(3 - 1776 )
SERVICE
New Jersey
CONTENTS
Varr Pelt, Rulef
NUMBER
S. 4699
carded
Page 2

New Jersey 31,
Rulef Van Pelt,
of Somerset Co. in the State of N. Jersey
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Hunn, of the regt commanded
Col. Freelinghussen in the N. Jersey Militia
6 months, private
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey
at the rate of 20 Dollars Cents per
is commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25th day of June
1838 and sent to Hon.
Joseph F Randolph, H of R
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $140.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 10.00
$150.00
Recorded by
Vol. 3,
Revolutionary Cla
Act June 7, 1832.
G. T. Rhodes clerk
Page 169
Page 3

Rulef Van Pelt
Page 4


the amended Declaration of Rulif Van Pelt who
has applied for a pension under a late act of Congress
He the said Rulef Van Pelt being Sworn maketh oath
and sayeth that he entered the service of the United States
in the summer of 1776 as a private militiaman under
Capt Hunn was a substitute for one David Covert
of the County of Monmouth we marched to the sea shore
or Long Branch
to a place called Deal at our duty was to guard the boats of
some tories that was the habit of coming there for to get produce
for the British I am positive that I was out at this time two
months there was but one company there at the time Sworn
In the Discharged and came home soon after which
removed to the County of Somerset In the year 1776 in
the War I was drafted in the militia of the County of Somerest
under Capt Thomas Hall we moved to the Delaware
river and crossed over in Pennsylvania was there some
her we returned to Princeton a few days of to the Battle of
Princeton recollect the rejoicing at Princeton some of our men
Such any certain was out this time two months and sowed as
private - In 1777 I again drafted in the matter
paid in Each we marched to Elizabeth Town only
to stand guard along the sound, I was out this time one month served
a private militiaman in the year 1778 I drafted
militia under either of My or kept by James
recollect which) we marched to Corpswich where we had a battle
with the British at Bridge we then marched to Monmouth was
the Battle which took place there at the Corps
the member of being under the command of Col Frelinghuysen
at Court Commonth I am certain out at
time at least two months and Lewis as a
private militaman
Immediately after discharged from the tour mentioned one
he went over into Pennsylvania at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton
 and while the British lay at New Brrunswick
volunteered as a private militiaman under Capt
Jacob Ten Eyck our duty was to guard the country from the
British scouting and foraging parties I was out the whole of the
Page 5

time of the the Battle of Princton and while the British
lay at New Brunswick and after they marched away
there we followed them up as far as Bonamtown over the
Raritan River I recollect Col Frelinghyson & Col Medack was there I am certain that I was out at this tour
for the space of Six months. In the year 1778 I volunteered
and under Capt Logan of Sount we marched to Elizabeth
town and was there one month our duty was to protect the
the place and stand guard along the sound. I was then discharged
I served as a private militiaman. During the same year
Jane Drafted on the militia under Capt McCoy
marched to Elizabeth town and done duty as last above
Stated and as a private militiman Sergent one month
and was then discharged and went home
the
Jun 1780
was in the Battle of Springfield under
Capt Saw Ten Eyck Junes out at this time two month
I served as a private militiaman and was drafted into the
and was discharged at or near Springfield and went home
Sworn and Subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
July 18th 1833. Capt Rulef Van Pelt
---
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid
Wm Gaston
in Eyck's pay will
I, William B. Gaston one of the Judges of the Court of Common
has in and for the County of Somerset do hereby Certify
that John Van Middlesworth who has subscribed and sworn
to an affidavit on the original declaration before me, is a person
of truth and veracity and that his statement
entitled to full credit and belief -
Commit County
July 18th 1833.
Waston
Page 6

State of New Jersey ⎬ I John M. Mann Clerk of the Inform
Somerset County Court of Common Pleas in and for said
County do hereby certify that William B. Gaston whose proper
signature is subscribed to the foregoing applant and
Certificate was at the time of the State thereof and now is a
Judge of said Court and Justice of the peace in and ┃
for said County duly commissioned &
In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at Bridgewater this
fifth day of August Eighteen him
the thirty three-
J. Mann
Page 7

tate of New Jersey County of Somerset P. on this
thirteenth day of August. In the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally 
appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas
of the County of Somerset now Sitting Rulef Van Pelt
of Bridgwater County and State aforesaid aged Seventy three years
next October
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 the 7th June 1832
That he hired the service of the United States under the follow
ing named officers Towit In the year 1776 I entend the service of
The that States in the revolutionary war as a Substitute for Daniel
Covert in the County of Monmouth in said State we were called
to guard Boats along the sea shore in said County, we were on
about two months our Captains name Hunn the we returd
home. I then moved up to the County of Somerset. In the year
1777 I went out as a militiaman by Draft under Capt Hall at
much to the Delaware and crossed over with Pensylvania was their
same days when we returned to Trenton, a few days after the Battle of
Princeton recollect the pay of Clinton was out at this about
two months then return home same year ment or be under
letter to Elizabethtown one month, the
Bridge, when there was a battle there, we
then marched
to Mo.
Capt by as a militiaman we marched to
month was in the Battle which took place
there with the
British to June 1780 was in the Battle of Springfield
I was out this time at his month
of the Battle of Monmouth our Col Frelinghuysen
at the time and places that the distance of
I cannot particularly enumerate at my
all made upon me for service when the British by
at New Brunswick was out the whole time there it
was about his months think, his captain same was
this Col was Frelinghyson is positive he
was out more than
two years in the whole for he done
Page 8

service as a malitiaman untill the close of the war
That he resided in the County of Somerset the whole was
Except the first part when he resided in the County
of Monmouth never received a written discharge from
the army has no Documentary evidence of his services
I was born 1758. I have a record of my age in the family
Bible-- I have lived ever since the revolutionary war in
the County of Somerset was born in same County
Ridgement in which I served after leaving Monmouth was the
Somerset Regiment commanded by Col Frelinghuysen
Col Madach - I am known by a great many
persons in my own mighborhood who can testify to my
Charater for truth and veracity among whom are
such by- Richard Stout - Gidion Cox. Abraham D.
Wilson, Arthur Sheck and others. He hereby reling
wishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the
present and declares his name is not on any pension
roll of any agency of any State - Sworn and Subscriber
the day and year afore Rulef Van Pelt

J. Gaston
Somerset County. Be it Remembered that on this
Thirteenth Day of August in the year of our Lord
A.D. 1832. appeared in open Court John Van Middlesworth
who being duly sworn according to Law on his oath saith
that he knows that Rulef Van Pelt the above applice
and was out in the service of the United Sates in the war
of the Revolution. That he was with him at the Battle of
Monmouth under Col. Frelinghuysen and at the Battle of
Springfield under Captain Ten Eyck and was with
Page 9

him at other places at other times which he cannot now
hastently and knows he was at Crosswicks Bridge a short
Before the Battle of Monmouth. That said applicatant
as a militiaman there. That he is the did
heart is a man of truth and integrity and whose
applicant may be relied upon and faith lack not
Sworn in open Court-
John Middlesworth
Wm B Gaston
---
We Abraham D. Wilson a Clergyman residing at the North
Branch County of Somerset and Role of and John V Medlock
rending some County of hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with Rulef Van Pett who has
subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration and that we believe
him to be Seventy three 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 years
aforesaid-
A H Gaston
Abram D Wilson
)
John Van Middlesworth

and the said Court do herby declare their opinion of the
investigation of the matter the putting the interrogatories prescribed
the
war department that he above named it was
revolutionary
and in the Court forth Certificate
to the said
certify
of the
and who has also signed the same is a under the
County of the
is a credable person, and that the Statement 
to Credit - In open Court

Wm B Gaston Pres Judge
Page 10

State of New Jersey
Somerset County I John M. Mann Clerk of the
Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and of
the said County of Somerset do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceed
ings of the said Court in the matter of the
application of Rulif Van Pelt for a pension
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
Seal of Office this Eleventh
of March in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight
and thirty three
M. Mark
John M Mann
Page 11

                                                                              November 14, 1939

                                                                     RULET VAN PELT
                                                                     S. 4699
                                                                     BA-J/MLB


Mr. Gerald J. Parsons
172 Glasgow Street
Clyde, New York

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of Ruliff Van Pelt who was receiving a
pension in 1840 in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County, New Jersey
, then aged eighty-two years and who, you state, died
June 2, 1854.
The data which follow in regard to Rulef Van Pelt (as soldier
signed) were obtained from the papers in pension claim, S. 4699,
based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Rules Van Pelt was born in October, 1758, in Somerset County,
New Jersey; the names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Rulef Van Pelt
enlisted in the summer of 1776 and served two months as private in
Captain Hunn's New Jersey company, engaged in guarding boats along
the shore of Monmouth County. He then moved to Somerset County, New Jersey
, where he enlisted in December, 1776, and served two months
as private in Captain Thomas Hall's New Jersey Company. He enlisted
in 1777 and served as private in Captain Jacob Ten Eyck's New Jersey
company, length of tour six months. He volunteered in 1778 as a private
under Captain Logan, marched to Elizabethtown where he served
one month protecting the place; during the same year he enlisted and
served one month in Captain McCoy's company, Colonel Frelinghuysen's
New Jersey regiment, and was in the battles of Crosswick's Bridge and
Monmouth. He served, also, a tour of two months in 1780, under
Captain Jacob Ten Eyck in the New Jersey troops and during this tour
was in the battle of Springfield, after which he was discharged and
returned home.
Page 12

Rulef Van Pelt was allowed pension on his application executed
August 13, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Bridgewater,
Somerset County, New Jersey. He was still living there in 1854.
No reference was made in the claim to wife or children of
Rules Van Pelt.
In 1854, one John Ten Eyck witnessed the signature by mark of
Rules Van Pelt; his relationship to soldier's captain, Jacob Ten Eyck,
was not stated.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension and name
and address of the person paid in the case of Rules Van Pelt, you
should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Rulef Van Pelt
Certificate #31451
Issued June 25, 1838
Rate, $20 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
New Jersey Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 13

N. Jersey
Rulef Van Pett
Randolph
21 June 38
Page 14

PEORIA CHAPTER
DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
PEORIA, ILLINOIS
May 2, 1936
United State
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions:
Will you please send me a copy of the
war record of due
-
Rulif Van Pelt, from Somerset County
New Jersey
his wifes name was Catherine Ten Eyck
He was born 10 18/1758 and died 6/- 1854
I would like a list of his childrens names
if possible.
Very sincerely
Madge C. McCaddon

Mrs. Fred M. McCaddon
209 Flora are
Peoria, Ill
Page 15

GERALD J. PARSONS
172 GLASGOW STREET
CLYDE, NEW YORK
October 28, 1939
Veterans Administration
Bureau of Revolutionary Pensioners
Washington, D.C.
&
Dear Sir
M. J. B.
one of my ancestors
was Ruliff Van Pelt. He
appeared on the Revolutionary
Pension Roll of 1840 in the
township of Bridgewater, Somerset
Co. N.J. and was at that time
82 years old. He died June 2,
1854. would like the
pension record of Ruliff.
you may find his first
name spelled differently than
I have it as I have found it
spelled various ways
Sincerely yours,
Gerald J. Parson
Page 16

25.806
Susped
G. Schant,
29 Lot A
Hartwell
Thompson Do to Hon.
Randolph Mitton
in paper
Page 17

Rulef Van Pelt No 24. on 9
Page 18

Rulef Van Pelt


Act 32
June 1832
Page 19

                                                                             January 10, 1939


                                                                                  RULEF VAN PELT
                                                                                   S. 4699
                                                                                   BA-J/MLB



Mrs. Charles Lefler
6 Second Avenue
Johnstown, New York


Dear Madam:


Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you
requested the Revolutionary War record of Rulef Van Pelt who, you
state, received pension while living in Bridgewater, Somerset County,
New Jersey, with one Rulof Van Pelt.
The data which follow in regard to Rule Van Pelt (as soldier
signed) were obtained from pension claim, S. 4699, on file based upon
his service in the Revolutionary War.
Ruler Van Pelt was born in October, 1758, in Somerset County, New Jersey
; the names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Rulef Van Pelt
enlisted in the summer of 1776, and served two months as private in
Captain Hunn's New Jersey company, engaged in guarding boats along the
shore of Monmouth County. He then moved to Somerset County, New Jersey,
where he enlisted in December, 1776, and served two months as private
in Captain Thomas Hall's New Jersey company. He enlisted in 1777 and
served as private in Captain Jacob Ten Eyck's New Jersey Company, length
of tour six months. He volunteered in 1778 as a private under Captain
Logan, marched to Elizabethtown where he served one month protecting
the place; during the same year he enlisted and served one month in
Captain McCoy's company, Colonel Frelinghuysen's New Jersey regiment, and
was in the battles of Crosswicks Bridge and Monmouth. He served, also,
a tour of two months in 1780, under Captain Jacob Ten Eyck in the New Jersey
troops and during this tour was in the battle of Springfield,
after which he was discharged and returned home.
Rulef Van Pelt was allowed pension on his application executed
August 13, 1832, while a resident of Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey
. He was still living there in 1854.
Page 20

No reference was made in the pension claim of Rulef Van Pelt
to wife or children.
In 1854, one John Ten Eyck witnessed the signature by mark of
Rulef Van Pelt; his relationship to soldier's captain, Jacob Ten
Eyck, was not stated.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name of
person paid, and possibly the date of death of this soldier, you
should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Rulef Van Pelt
Certificate #31451
Issued June 25, 1838
Rate, $20 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act June 7, 1832
New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
-- 2 -
Page 21

                                                                                    May 14, 1936

                                                                      RULEF VAN PELT
                                                                       S. 4699
                                                                       BA-J/MLB


Mrs. Fred M. McCaddon
209 Flora Avenue
Peoria, Illinois


Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of Rulif Van Pelt, of Somerset County,
New Jersey, born October 8, 1858, whose wife was Catherine
Ten Eyck and who died in June, 1854.
You are furnished herein the record of the only soldier named
Rulef Van Pelt found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The data therein were obtained from the papers on file in pension
claim, S. 4699, based upon his service in that war.
Rulef Van Pelt was born in October, 1758, in Somerset County,
New Jersey; the names of his parents are not given.
While a resident of Monmouth County, New Jersey, he enlisted
in the summer of 1776 and served two months as private in Captain
Hunn's New Jersey company, engaged in guarding boats along the shore
of Monmouth County. He then moved to Somerset County, New Jersey,
where he enlisted in December, 1776, and served two months as private
in Captain Thomas Hall's New Jersey Company. He enlisted in 1777
and served as private in Captain Jacob Ten Eyck's New Jersey Company,
length of tour six months. He volunteered in 1778 as a private under
Captain Logan, marched to Elizabethtown where he served one month
protecting the place; during the same year he enlisted and served
one month in Captain McCoy's company, Colonel Frelinghuysen's New Jersey
regiment and was in the battles of Crosswick's Bridge and
Monmouth. He served also a tour of two months in 1780, under Captain
Jacob Ten Eyck in the New Jersey troops and during this tour was in
the battle of Springfield, after which he was discharged and returned
home.
Rulef Van Pelt was allowed pension on his application executed
August 13, 1832, while a resident of Bridgewater, Somerset County,
New Jersey. He was still living there in 1854. He signed Rulef
Van Pelt.
Page 22

No reference was made in the pension claim of Rulef Van Pelt
to wife or children.
In 1854, one John Ten Eyck witnessed the signature by mark of
Rulef Van Pelt; his relationship to soldier's captain, Jacob Ten
Eyck, was not stated.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name of
person paid and possibly the date of death of this soldier, you
should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office,
Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Rulef Van Pelt
Certificate #31451
Issued June 25, 1838
Rate $20 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act June 7, 1832
New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
2
Page 23

Mr Charles Lefter
6 Second are, Johnston, N. Y.
Veterans Administration

Dear Sir
would like to use the name
Van Pelt, as a Revolutionary Ancestor,
that a friend of mine may join the D.A.R.
I find in the year 1840, Rulef Van Pelt
was a pensioner, 82 years old, and made
his home at that time with Ruloff
Van Pelt in Bridgewater, Somerset Co
New Jersey, would be very gratefull if
one would send me the information you
have of this soldier. Thank you. Mrs.Lefler,
Page 24

RECEIVED NOV 26 1938

[internal stamp}
Page 25

1936, May 14 - Hist to Mrs. Fred
M. McCardon
1939 - Hist to Mrs. Charles
1939. Nov. 14 - Hist to Gerald
Persons
and
File No.

4699
INVALID.
---
4699
Rulef  Van Pelt

Pri. N.J. Line
●
Act: June 7. 1832
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 386
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 26

House of Representatives
Page 27

Sir
12
Pen of
Sept 1st 45
The application of Arantee(James)
Wintersteen decd for an increased 
alowance has been examined with the bedifit
fit of Capt Ten Eyck roll deposited by you
upon condition that they should be returned
to you-- In consequence of the in
definite & vague character of the war

rative & proof he claim in her
lifetime was adjusted by the offer
acceptance of a pension for
six months - The Documents show that
her husband entered that compy as early
as June 75 which in 76 was subjected to
the classification as established by law, &
his name is borne upon most of the

rolls for service at Newark Cowles Hook
Crosswicks - Bergen. the length
of service in very few instances as certain
ber-- one is for 10 days another for 8 days & a third
for 7 days- It would require a require a great number
Page 28

of such tours to make out one service
It is wholly impracticable to form a definite
estimate from the date filed as is necessary
 in awarding a pro rate pension.
who belonged to the Company through out the war
It may be that her husband served much
the months
make it out
more but she failed to set forth in her
lifetime and her children are more
recipients of what was due her at her deal
& have no claim in their on right
In the case of Rebecca Jane for service in
the same company no specification of 
service is given but the rolls relied upon
to furnish proof of service. The difficulty is
the same viz the amount of service - and if
she will accept, a pension for 6 mo
service will be granted to heal
Rulef Van Pelts claim was for service under
other militia officers than Ten Eyck & so
far from his application for service in
that company being sustained by the rolls
they shew that our estimated by him
at no was but 3 days & another of One
was but 3 days-- Ten Eyck rolls afford no grant
of an increase of his
present pension
Jesse Dow Esqr
Page 29

Vanpelt
31,450-
Payment to be made
at Trenton, N. Jersey,
by P. Dickinson, Esqr.
Agent for paying Pension
ers in the Agency of New Jersey
.
Recorded in the
Office, in Book
Page
by
$20
10
$46.99
Pension
Vol.
T. Rhodes Clerk
●
"
Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States
of the 7th June, 1832, Rulef Van Pelt
of Somerset County, New Jersey,
who was a private in the
Revolutionary War
is entitled to receive twenty dollars and
per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually
, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in
every year
Given at the War Office of the United States
, this twenty fifth day of
June
one thousand eight
hundred and thirty=eight
J R Poinsett
Examined and
Countersigned. }
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Secretary of War.
Page 31

Paid to 4 Sep 1838
Paid to 4 Mar 1837
Paid to 4 Sep 1839
-
Said Woman 1840
Paid to 4 Mar 1841
Paid to 4 Sep 1841
Paid to 4 March
Paid to 4 Septon
Paid to 4 184
Paul & 13
---
said to 4 Mar 1849
Paid to 4 Sept
Paid 4 Mar 1845
Paid 4 Sep 1845
Paid 4 Mar 1846
Paid H Septem
3145
Paid to my
Paid to 4 Mar 1848
Part to 4 Sep 1839
Paid to 4 Mar 1858
I
Paid to 4 March 1853
Page 32

That
NJ
June 23
amond
Watting
J L Edwards
F. Randolph
Page 33

Sir
by the son of Rulif Van Pelt
Your proposal of 6 months

person is accepted subject of
cil to any fate an
tion-- you will be in
good as to forward to in
the certificate
Yours
Jos F Randolph
H. F. June 22. 1838
Page 34


Hon. J. F. Randolph
26 June 1838
Page 35

War Department
Pension Office
June 21, 1838
Sir
The papers of Mrs Rulif Van Pelt here again been
examined. The claimant will be allowed upon the
proof on file a pension for six months -
If he deed to accept a pension for that term in
Certificate will be issued accordingly

Hon J. F. Randolph
House Reps
M
Page 36

Hon. Jos F Randolph
March 19

1838
G C
Record 1 Page 361
Page 37


War Dept
Pension office
Mar 19. 1838

Sir:

Herewith enclosed are the
original papers of Peter Patterson
Jacob Neff, Rulef Van Pelt, Mary
Harriot, Rachel Stewart and Mary W.
Brown. The claim of Moses Dunn
having been admitted, the original
hapen cannot agreeably to the rules be
ant from
the files
not Copies
inth be
prepared and sent to you
Be pleased to acknowledge
the receipt of the papers
herewith transmitted
A. Jos. F. Randolph
Page 38


W Thompson
Dec 28. 1837
OC
Page 39

War Dept
Pension Office
Dec 28. 1837
Sir:
In reply to your letter of
the 20th it I have to inform you
that the papers of Rulif Van Pelt can
not consistently with the rule with
drawn from the files. But any additional
proof which may be offered with be
duly examined

W. Thomson ⎬
Somerville,
N. Jersey
Page 40


JA Hartwell
Apl. 29. 1837
OC.
Record
246
Vol. 45, P. 420
Page 41


War Dept
Plupon Offer
Apl 29. 1837

Sir:
In answer to your letter
of the 24th inst. I have to inform you
that the papers of Rulif Van Pelt
were examined on the 29th of June
1836. An extract from my letter to
that date to the Hon H.S. Schenck will
show objections to the admission of
the claim.

T. A Hartwell Esq
Somerville
New Jersey
Page 42


War Dept
Pension H
June 1836
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that the
papers in support of the claim of Rulif Van Pelt
have been examined & filed in this office-
He alleges & terms of drafted militia service
of  2mo in which he must be mistaken
except as to the first. The classification &
alternate service of the New Jersey occasion
ally for 15 days & more generally for 30 days
at a time was so systimated that the Dept
cannot withent abundant & credible proof
admit that a term of drafted service
exceeded that amount-
The term of 6 mo in 78 must have been
rendered under a special act for further
defence as it was termed, and no doubt the
records at Trenton will establish the authority for raising the corps & the length of
the service & names of the officers. The
regulations require the best attainable
evidence, he should therefore furnish what
proof the records afford of that term and procure
more specific testimony as to his several
Page 43

erms of alleged service from the numerous
survivors of the N Jersey Militia still residing
in that State
an extract from my letter of 24 July 1835
herewith enclosed will shew the ground upon which
-
Joseph Freeman's pension has been suspended
The papers in the case of Cornelius Messler were
to to Mr Bartley in 1833 and there is no entry which
shews that they have since been returned to this
office, they are not among the files of the N. Jeresey
suspended cases
Hon Schenck
Hon Rep
June 29 1834
Page 44

2
V. S.
FREE.
and
J. L. Edwards Esq

Commr of Pensions
War Office
Washington City
Page 45


Somerville N.J. Decr 20th 1837
Dear Sir
The application of Rulif Van Pelt
(a revolutionary Soldier) for a pension was presented
at the War office & not allowed on account
of some defect he wishes to make another effort
may have the defects Supplied
am yours
respectfully &
W Thomson
J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 46

J.L. Edward Esq
Pension Office
City of Washington
Page 47

J.L. Edward Esq
DSir:
the Pension
papers of Ruliff Van Pelt of Somerset, NJ
the same time since fowards
to the City of W. Not having
heard from them since they were
amended, he has requested me
to write to the War Department
upon the subject-
Please to have them
forwarded to me (if wrong) with
instructions -
yr. ob. serv
The A Hartwell
Somerville,
N. J.
April 24th
Page 48

25806
Rulef Van Pelt
N. Jersey

Hon. F.
Schenck H R
-
Page 49

Sir
WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
June 9th 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 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 shew what is
necessary to be done. Those 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.
po
76
A Statement, showing the Service of
Duration of the
claimant's service.
Rank of
the
claimant.
---
{not a blank form but not clear either}
Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
4
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
Page 50

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:
The Regular Troops.
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 claim
ing 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.
Ste, Territy, or Dist
County of
On this
day of
A. B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
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.
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
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C.D. residing in (the same)
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.
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
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
Page 51

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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 exexpected
. 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.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
6.
en, and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tesas
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.
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.
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.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must incution the period or periods of the war when he served.
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim 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 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
than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months, andseven
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
and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three 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
-
Relation I
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
thority; 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
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk thust give his certificate in every case.
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 pubthe
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.
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 witter
and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note il applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
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 52

New Jersey
Application Ruliff
Van Pell for increase
of Pension under
act 7th June 32
James F Randolph,
Mansfield
No.
attorney
Page 53

all of Newbury former County, SS:
On this thirty day of June 1845, before he
Justice of the Peace, personally appeared
Raliff Van Pelt of said County, Known
to me as credible person, and in the receipt
of opened for services rendered in the war
of the Revolution, who being duly sworn on
her oath saith, that he is in the 80 year of
her age, a soldier in the War of the Revolution in the militia of the County and said
foresaid; that he applied under the act of
June, 1832, for a pension, but for want of
due proof failed to receive as much as he was
entitled to obtain only twenty dollars per
annum; that since the date of his office
cation, he understand that some further rolls
of Capt. Jacob Ten Eyle, the Captain of his
company, have been discovered, containing
evidence of deponent's services beyond that
was known to the department at the date
of his pension certificate; and that hetherefore

respectfully and earnestly applies
for seed increase of his present allowance
as may be deemed just & proper, referring
to such rolls as may now be in horseman
of the department, or may be offered in his case
Subscribed Sworn on the day
Rulof Sanfort
year
aforesaid before me
Aaron Anton J.P.
State of New Jersey
Somerset County ss
I Dumont Freelingheson my son
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in
& for the County of Somerset do hereby
Page 54

certify that Aaron J. Auten before whom
the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the
time the same was so taken a Justice of the
peace in & for said County & by law on
theed to take the same
and under my hand and
the seal of my office this
4th day of July 1845
Dumant Frelinghyson clk
Page 55

Know all men by these Presents that I
Rulif Van Pelt of Bridgewater in the County
of Somerset and State of New Jersey an Pensioner
of the United States do hereby constitute and
appoint R.D. Young Esq of Washington City
my true and lawful attorney for me and in my
name to examine my papers on file in the Pension
office, to present additional evidence andarguments
for the purpose of procuring a merean
of Pension under the act of June 7th 1832 to which
am justly entitled for or in the Revolution
Witness my hand and seal this twelfth
day of January Eighteen hundred & fifty four
In Presence of
John Ten Eyck
Aaron Cantin
Bulif Vandeltmack

State of New Jersey
Somerset County Be it Known that on the
12th day of January A.D. 1854 before the subscri
a Justice of the Peace within and for the County
& State aforesaid Personally appeared Rulif -
Van Pelt to me well known and acknowledged
the foregoing power of attorney to be his act deed
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
my hand the day and year above mentioned
of
Aaron J Auton
Justice of the Peace
Page 56

State of New-Jersen
I, THOMAS S. ALLISON, Secretary of State of the State of
New Jersey, do hereby certify, that
Aaron Anton
Esquire, before whom
the within affidavit taken, power of
attorney was acknowledged
was, at the time of the doing thereof, a Justice of
the Peace
in and for the county of Somerset
in said state, duly commissioned and sworn; that full
faith and credit are to be given to his official attestations
, and that the signatures thereto are in the
proper handwriting of the said
Aaron Allen Esq
---
---
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office,
at Trenton, in said state, this twenty seventh day of January
A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty four
Thos S Allison
Secretary of State