Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11433, for Thomas Smith, Massachusetts
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Mass. Smith, Thomas S.11433
B.L. Wt. 17853-160-55
CONTENTS
enl at Northampton, Mass.
In 1832 res. of Headey, Hampshire Co. Mass. aged 70 yrs.
Page 2

11.070. Act Mar 3/55
Revd Mar 23/55
Thomas Smith
Capt. 
Vol
Revolution: 160 ac. Mch 1/56
Dis Boynton
Boynton
Jno H McCutchen
Washington 
D.C.
Duplicate ifo Nov 24/58
Page 3

(illegible) to J. H. McCutchen (illegible) 20/55
Nov. 23/58
Issue duplicate
to be sent to
Rufus W. Crain
Brooklyn N.Y.
Original Cancelled
Vol. S1. page 151.
June 18/57.  (illegible)  Com Land Office 3. (?)
Page 4

11.070 Acts 55
Thomas Smith
Revy. War
Warrt. 17853 for 160 acres
cancelled June 19/57
Died prior to the date of the
issue.
M
Page 5

New York 2303 City
Thomas Smith
of Hadley in the State of Mass
who was a Private in the company command
by Captain of the regt command
by Col Porter in the Mass
line for 6 May 17 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass
at the rate of 21 Dollars 55 Cents per annu
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of March
1832 and Sent Charles P.
Huntington Westhampton Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832 $32.32
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33.  10.77
$43.07
{Revolutionary Claim,
{Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by, J. H. (?) Blain Cler
Book D. Vol. 2(?) Page 83.
Page 6

Cir to Pen Agent 19. Feby 1841.
To New York City from 4 Sept1840. 3d March 1841.  Notification
to S. Spencer Esq. New York
Reg (?) m 58-11070
Page 7

46
Thomas Smith
Militia
2 Term by Simeon
Clapp's off
M2.655
Page 8

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS}
COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE.} ss.
ON this Eighth day of Aug, 1832 personally appeared in open court, before
Samuel Hinkley, Judge the court of Probate for (?) County now sitting,
Thomas Smith a resident of Hadley in the County of Hampshire, and
State of Massachusetts, aged 70 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 7, 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and
served as herein stated.  In June d1777 he entered said service as a volunteer
private under Capt. Johathan Stearnes, Lieut. Asa Wright,-2 Lieut
Asabel Pomeroy, at Northampton Mass, belonged to 
Col Elisha Porter, Major 
Clapp's regiment, marched through Worthington Williamstown to Stillwater
thence to More's Creek, thence on the retreat with the Northern army
to Stillwater & served about 2 months.  About the 25th of July he entered
said service again as a volunteer private at said Northampton to
go to New London, marched through Springfield to Norwich thence to
New London, there stationed & served 6 weeks, or more in Capt Joseph
Cooks company in Col Elisha Porter's regiment, one Whitmore of
Sunderland being Major.  In 1780 in July he was draughted at
said Northampton as a private in the company of Capt Sheldon Col
Murray's regiment & marched to Claverick thence to West Point
& was there stationed & served 14 weeks as the servant of the
Commissary.  He expected to prove each term of service by 
the affidavit, accompanying this application -7 months.
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Samuel Hinkley, Judge of Probate, Thomas Smith
We, Samuel Porter residing in the town of Hadley
John Hodge, residing in Hadley hereby certify, that we are
well acquainted with Thomas Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration;
that we believe him to be 70 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbor-
hood 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.
Sam Porter
John Hodge
Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and
served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Samuel Porter
who has signed the preceding certificate, who has been in several of the militia
and that John Hodge who has also signed the same, both of Hadley and
both are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hickley Judge of Probate
I, Sam F Lyman Register of the Court of Probate do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of 
Thomas Smith for a pension. 
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Eighth
day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty two Sam F. Lyman Register
Clerk.
Page 9

their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
I Sam F. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate do hereby
certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of 
Thomas Smith for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth
day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
thirty two Sam F. Lyman
Amended sworn I the Subscriber John
Brown of Hadley aforesaid hereby certify that I am
well acquainted with Thomas Smith who has subscribed
& sworn to the foregoing declaration that I believe him
to be seventy years of age; that he is reputed & believed
in the neighborhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution that I concur in 
the opinion.  John Brown
Sworn & subscribed this sixth day of November 1832 in open
Court before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate for 
said County.
And Samuel Hinckley aforesaid Judge of Probate for the
County of Hampshire further certifies that it appears to
him that John Brown who has signed the preceding
certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Hadley
aforesaid, that he is a credible person, & that his statement 
is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
I Samuel F. Lyman Register of the
Court of Probate do hereby certify that the 
foregoing contains the original & amended
proceedings of said Court in the matter of 
the application of Thomas
Smith aforesaid for a pension & that this 
added paper & certificate previously to being
signed & executed was affixed to the original
application.
In testimony whereof I 
have hereunto set my hand & seal of
office this sixth day of November in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
& thirty-two.
Sam F. Lyman Register
Page 10

State of New York
County of Herkimer
On this 7th Day of
March On Thousand Eight Hundred & fifty five
personally came before me a Justice of the Peace
within & for the County & State Aforesaid Thomas Smith
aged one hundred & four years a resident of the Town of Columbia
County of Herkimer & state of New York who being
my me duly Sworn according to law says that he is
the identical Thomas Smith to whom a Pension
Certificate was issued by the Government of the US for
service rendered in the War of the Revolution.  And 
he makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining 
the Bounty land granted under the Act of March 3rd
1855 He hereby declares that he has not applied
for or received &he believes he is not Entitled to
Bountyland Except as above stated &he hereby
appoints John H. McCutchen of Washington City
DC to prosecute his claim &receive his Warrant
when issued
his
Thomas X Smith
mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me
this year & day above written I
certify that I have no interest in
the above claim & am not (illegible)
in its prosecution
Philip Haner Justice of the Peace
State of New York}
County of Herkimer}
Personally came before me
Jacob Starling and Rachael Starling 
residents of the Town of Columbia
persons whom I certify to be respectable & Entitled
Page 11

to credit who being Duly Sworn Say that they
were present & saw Thomas smith sign his
name to the foregoing Declaration; &they further
swear that they have Every reason to believe from
the appearance of the application that he is the
identical person he represents himself to be
&they further swear that they are disinterested
witnesses. &have know Thomas Smith for fifteen years past
Sworn & Subscribed before me} Jacob Starling
this 7th Day of March 1855} her
Rachael X Starling
mark
Philip Haner
State of New York}
County of Herkimer}
I Elkanah J Cleland
Clerk of the County Court in & for the County
& State above mentioned do hereby certify that 
Philip Haner Whose genuine Signature appears
above is & was a the time of signing the 
same a Justice of the Peace in & for the County
& State aforesaid duly Commissioned & Sworn
That all his official acts as Such and Entitled
to full faith & Credit & that the aforesaid
County Court is a Court of Record having
General Jurisdiction; I also certify that
I have no interest in the result of the 
case & am not concerned in its prosecution
Given Under my hand & sealof office
at Herkimer this 12th Day of 
March AD 1855
E Heliland
Clerk
Page 12

7655
Thomas Smith
Mass
The 11, 12 & 14 interrog
above not complied with
Private
6 months & 17 days
A Smith
$21.55.
Charles P. Huntington
Northampton
Mass
Page 13

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Smith
of Hendly in the State of Massachusetts
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Court
2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.  How old is he?  Seventy years
4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.  Duration of Servie.  Rank  Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.
Years, Months, Days.   As a  Gen.
In 1777 25 Private Col Porter
77 14 " Col Porter
80 3-8 " Col Murrey
47
5.  In what battles was he engaged?  none Stated
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Northampton Mass
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, 
by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Living witnesses
8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Witnesses
not stated or credible.
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case
above mentioned.  D. D. Addison
Examining Clerk.
Page 14

J. Van Norden & Col, Printers, 27 Pine-street
DAPPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
State of New York,}
County of New York} ss.
On this 22nd day of January 184/, before
me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for said County,
personally appeared Thomas Smith-who, on his oath,
declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the
Company commanded by Captain Thomas Sterns-in
the Regiment commanded by Colonel Porter
in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the
pension roll of the state of Massachusetts from whence he
has lately removed; that he now resides in the state (district, or territory)
of New York & city of New York where he intends to remain,
and wishes his pension to be there payable in future; and that his reasons
for removing to the state of New York are to reside
with his relatives.
Sworn and subscribed to, before }
me, the day and year aforesaid.}
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public Thomas Smith
NOTES.-The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must
be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, setting forth that the person taking the testimony is a 
Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is
genuine.
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity.  The person must
swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must
certify that the deponent is a person of veracity.  This oath must also have the authentication as above required.
Page 15

Under Act of 7th June, 1832.
City and County of}
New-York, } ss.
Be it Known, That before me, SYLVESTER SPENCER, a Notary Public in
and for the City and County aforesaid, personally appeared Thomas Smith
and made oath, in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original Certificate, in his
possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
 I Certify, That in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832,
Thomas Smith of the State of Massachusetts who was 
a Private in the army of the Revolution-
is entitled to receive Twenty one dollars and 55 cents per annum,
during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable, semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN AT THE WAR OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES,
this 23rd day of November one thousand 
eight hundred and thirty two.
(L.S.)
Examined and}
Countersigned.} 
Lew Cass
Secretary at War.
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
That he now resides in New York city
and has resided there for the space of almost four months past, and that pervious
thereto he resided in Hadley Massachusetts.
SWORN and Subscribed, before me,}
this 22nd day of January 1841} Thomas Smith
Sylvester Spencer 
Notary Public.
Page 16

State of New York
City and County of New York} ss.
On this twenty second day of January one thousand 
eight hundred and forty one, before the subscriber a Notary Public
in and for the State of New York, residing in the City of
New York personally appeared Thomas S. Richardson
of said City, and made oath in our form of law, that he is well 
acquainted with Thomas Smith, who is a pensioner under the
Act of 7th June 1832, and knows him to be the identical person
described in his own affidavit hereto annexed.
Sworn to and Subscribed 
the day and year first Thos Richardson
above written before me Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
I certify that the above named Thomas S. Richardson, is a credible witness. 
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
Page 17

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
S F. 11433 Washington, D. C., , 19
In reply to your request of , received
for a statement of the military history of Thomas Smith
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-
sion on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENTLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. STATE.
June 1777 2 mos. Pvt. Jonathan Stearns Elisha Porter Mass.
2 mos July 25 1778 6 weeks Joseph Cook Elisha Porter
3 mos July 13 1780 Ebinezer Sheldon Seth Murray
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, drafted at Northampton Mass.
Date of application for pension, Aug 8, 1832 His cl was al
Residence at date of application, Hadley, Hampshire Co Mass.
Age at date of application 70 yrs
Remarks:  I 1841 soldier had moved to Columbia Herkimer Co. NY.
Children are referred to no names stated other than Thomas.
Soldier left no widow.
Respectfully,
6-2856 Commissioner,
Page 18

No 11070
ACT OF March 3rd, 1856
Received , 18
Thomas Smith
Private
Mass. Mil.
Revy. War.
Warrant No. 17853
For 160 acres.
Jno. H. McCutchen,
Washington,
D. C.
Page 19

Bounty Lands
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
160 ACRES 160 ACRES
Department of the Interior
OFFICE of THE COMMISSIONER of PENSIONS
This hereby Certified that under the Act of March 3rd 1855
entitled "An Act in addition to certain Acts granting Bounty Land to certain
Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the 
United States.
Thomas Smith
Private
Cancelled Warranter died prior to (illegible)
Revolutionary War
is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES, at any Land
Office of the United States, in one body and in conformity to the legal sub-
divisions of the public lands upon any of the public lands subject to sale at either the minimum or lower graduated 
prices."  Given under my hand and the seal of the
Department, this 6th day of March 1856
No. 17853 Commissioner.
Note.  You can locate this certificate at any of the United States land offices or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request
to that effect endorsed thereon, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made.  If you locate it (illegible) and sign the following application.
To the Register of the Land Office Locate this Certificate in the quarter of section
in Township of Range
at 18 Attest Register.
Page 20

State of New York
Herkimer County
On this the 17th Day of May
A D 1836 personally appeared before me a Justice of the
Peace within & for the County aforesaid George N House
Who being by me duly sworn deposes & says that he is
well acquainted with Thomas Smith & knows him to be
the identical person to whom the within warrant issued
Sworn & Subscribed before me 
the day & Year first above Written George N. House
William Schooley Justice of the Peace
Page 21

RevWar
11433 1915 Mch. 23 Hist to Raymond E Van Syckle V. L. clk.
INVALID.
File No. 11,433
Thomas Smith
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7"1832
Index:-Vol. A, Page 348
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPSHIRE ss. I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Pro-
bate in and for said County, do herby certify that Charles P.
Huntington Esquire, before whom the annexed depositions (3)
were taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said Coun-
ty, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted
with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annex-
ed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said Court this tenth day of August
A. D. 1832. Sam F. Lyman Register of Probate.
Page 23

17.853.
160 acres.
Page 24

Pages Corners
June 5 1857
Sir
Enclosed find the
Land Warrant of Thomas
Smith, deceased -
Yours &c 
R w lain
Page 25

(illegible) Evidence Act 55
Hon Geo C Whiting
Court of Pensions
Washington
McC
Th Smith
1783
W17
Page 26

FREE Free
To the Commissioner of
Pensions Dep Interior
Washington 
DC 
17853.160
Thos Smith
BROOKLYN N.Y. NOV 19
Page 27

11070
Thomas Smith
of 
War of the Revolution
Pensioner of Her-
kimer Co N.Y.
Act
Act 3 March 1855
Jno H McCutchen
Present
Page 28

& Suspended. The Applicant should prove her marriage
by record Evidence if any such exists.  if not then by 
paral proof.  The death of her husband & the date 
should be establish (illegible)
Page 29

169 Broadway
New York City
To 
The Commissioner of Pensions
Dr. Sir
(illegible) you
Circular of Nov of 58 relates to Law of June 1858, "declaring
title to Land Warrants"
Thomas Smith
a Revolutionary Soldier
applied for the Land Warrant
under act of 1853.- a 
Land Warrant for 160
acres No 17.853 was
issued to him by your office
but in consequence of his
death before its receipt
the said Warrant. was
returned to J H McCutchen
Page 30

of Washinton City to be
Surrendered to the Government 
& cancelled-The
Soldier left no widow
His children now wish 
the reissue of the Warrant
to the name of the soldier
& to them as may be proper
Be Kind Enough to inform 
me whether the Said Warrant 
was Surrendered & Cancelled
& what steps are to be 
taken if any by the heirs
to obtain its reissue
Nov 17. 58} Your Obt Servt
Rufus W Crain
atty for 
Thomas & other children of 
Thomas Smith deceased
Page 31

Washington City DC
June 11th 1857.
Sir
I herewith return the warrant of
Thomas Smith No 17.853 for 160 acres
for the reason (as I informed) that
he died prior to its issue.  Tho I have
no proof of the same.
I return it to be disposed 
of as the Department may think proper.
Very Respectfully
Jno H McCutchen
Hon Geo C Whiting
Coms of Pensioners
Present
Page 32

Ad Evidence
Thos Smith
Act 3rdMarch 1855
Bounty Land
Boyntons
Jno H McCutchen
Present
Page 33

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston,
February 25, 1856.
I Hereby Certify, That from an examination of the
Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of 
the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the
name of Thomas Smith is borne on key
roll of Capt. Joseph Cook Comp. (illegible)
Elisha Porter's Regt. from July 20 to
Aug. 27 1779 1 month 12 days, (illegible)
included, as private.
Also on (illegible) roll of Capt. Ebenezer Shel-
don's Comp. Col. Seth Murray's Regt. from
July 13, 1780.  3 mos. 5 days, as private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal
of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Francis DeWitt
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 34

Washington D. C.
July 18th 1856
Sir
Thomas Smith has
employed me as his attorney
to procure Bounty Land Act
55 and States his service as follows
At time of Entry into service a 
resident of Northampton
Mass, Service in 1777 & 1780.
Officer Captains Thos Sterens
" " Sheldon
Jos Cook
Major Clapp
Cols Porter & Murray.
If you have any thing on your
rolls to confirm the above please
send me certificates & your change 
for same 
Respectfully Yours
Jno H McCutchen
Secty of State 
Mass.
Page 35

THE MICHIGAN SOCIETY
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
OFFICERS
FRANKLIN S. DEWEY
REGISTRAR
ALBERT M. HENRY
PRESIDENT
REV. JOSEPH A. VANCE, D.D.
CHAPLAIN
GEN. CHARLES A. COOLIDGE
VICE-PRESIDENT
CLARENCE M. BURTON
HISTORIAN
RAYMOND E. VAN SYCKLE
SECRETARY
ENOCH SMITH
TREASURER
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
1729 FORD BUILDING
DETROIT, MICHIGAN
March 9, 1915
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:-
Kindly advise me services and family
data of Joel Haydon, Revolutionary pensioner 
living at Lee, Mass. in 1841, age 78.  Also
Ichabod Shurlock of Lanesboro, Mass., who re-
ceived bounty to serve from Continental Army,
1781, age 19.  Also Tom Smith, age 19, in 1780
engaged for North Hampton, Mass.
Very respectfully,
Raymond E. Van Syckle
Secretary.
REVS HED
P.S. I am not advised whether the two 
last mentioned applied for pensions or not?
R.E.V.S.
Page 36

[Round Stamp]
PENSION
D
U. S.
MAR 10 1915
OFFICE
Page 37

Thomas Smith
Hadley
Massachusetts
No2655
Page 38

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which these
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Thomas Smith which require further 
proof or explanation.
I.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  It does
II.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? he did
III.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason
assigned for his not doing so?
IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? he has
V.  *Has he mentioned 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? he has
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of 
June 7, 1832?  he has
VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion? yes in his favor
IX.  Has the clerk given his certificate? he has
X.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguish-
ed from any other seal? yes.  it has an inscription 
Whereby it can be distinguished
Page 39

2
XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolu-
tionary service?  he has not
XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assign for not obtain-
ing it? no
XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence and has not obtained the testimony of at least
one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV.  **If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who
administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no
XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an
age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  yes
XVI.  ***Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  yes
XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, 
if not, which of them is not so answered? they are
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V.  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 an 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 recol-
lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in 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."
Page 40

4 
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of
the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too
indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. 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 claimants 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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 in
properly attached to the certificate.
Page 41

New York 30th January 1841
Sir
I enclose the application of Thomas Smith,
a pensioner under the act of 7th June 1832, at Twenty one
55/100 Dollars per annum, for the transfer of his name from the Mass-
achusetts Agency to that of this city.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
Sylvester Spencer
James S. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 42

Merchants Bank.
Boston, 25th Feby. 1841.
Sir
Your letter of the 19th inst. is received
In reply I have to state that Thomas
Smith a pensioner now on the roll of
this Agency under the Act of 7th June 1832,
at $21.55 per annum has been paid up
to the 4th September last.
I am very respectfully, 
Your Obt. Servt.
Franklin Hasen
Pension Ag
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 43

John Hodges
Affidavit for Thos Smith.
3 (illegible)
Page 44

I John Hodge of Hadley County of Hampshire Mass.
aged 71 years do testify & say that Thomas Smith of
Hadley aforesaid served as a private in the Massachusetts
state troops three months under a draught, in Capt
Sheldon's Company, Col Murray's Regiment.  He was
draughted at Northampton & served at West Point.
I should say his service began in July & ended in
october (illegible) time after the execution of Andre.  I was
out at the same time & served the same length
of time in the same regiment in Capt. Albord's
company.  I knew Smith there & have always
known him.  And further saith not,
July 2nd, 1832.  John Hodge
Committ of Mass Hampshire July 21st 1832
The personally appeared the
above named John Hodge & made oath to the
truth of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed
Before me Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the Peace
Hampshire ss Nov 6th 1832.  I hereby further certify that John
Hodge above named who signed & swore to the foregoing affidavit before me
is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit.
Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the Peace.
Page 45

Simeon Clapp
for Thos Smith
Page 46

I Simeon Clapp of Northampton Mass aged
72 do testify depose & say that I have known Thomas 
Smith of Hadley since he was a boy.  In 1778 the fore
part of August or latter part of July we both enlisted into
Captain Joseph Cook's company to go to New London
& thither went & served 2 months in Col Porter's 
regiment stationed at said New London.  We were
both privates & enlisted at said Northampton.  
Aug 7th, 1832.  Simeon Clapp
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Hampshire ss. Aug 7th 1832 Then personally appeared the
above named Simeon Clapp & made oath to the truth of
the foregoing instrument by him subscribed before me.
Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the Peace.
Hampshire ss. Nov 6th 1832
I hereby further certify that the above
named Simeon Clapp who made oath
to the truth of the foregoing affidavit before 
me is a credible person & that his 
statement is entitled to credit.
Chas. P. Huntington
Justice of the
Peace.
Page 47

Asahel Wright
for Thos. Smith
1st Term
Simeon Clapp 
&
John Hodge for
other terms
Page 48

I Asahel Wright of Northmpton Mass. aged
76 do testify depose & say that I have known Thomas
Smith of Hadley ever since 1775.  We both entered
the service of the U States in the Massachusetts state
troops in June 1777 as privates at Northampton aforesaid
in Capt. Stearnes Company. Maj Clapp's regiment 
& joined the Northern army at Moses Creek
& retreated with them to Saratoga or Stillwater &
served bout two months.  Aug 6th 1832.
Witness C. P. Huntington Asahel Wright
 his X mark
Commwth of Massachusetts.
Hampshire ss. Aug 6th 1832 Then personally appeared
the above names Asahel & made oath to the truth
of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed with
his mark before me 
Chas. P. Huntington 
Justice of the Peace.
Hampshire ss. Nov 6th 1832.
I hereby further certify that the 
above named Asahel who swore to the
foregoing affidavit before me is a 
credible person & that his statement 
is entitled to credit.
Cha. P. Huntington
Justice of the Peace.