Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10,441, Evens Chance, Conn. Vt.
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Conn.|Chance, Evens|S. 10,441|
Vt.|or Evans|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS carded
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[damaged paper]
Private
cas. 1,952,
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Nov.  1833 and Sent to David Russell, Burlington
______
Arrears to the 4th of Sept'r 1833 - 200
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch '34 - 40
$240.
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by ['J. T. Sprague' crossed out] D. Brown Clerk
Book E Vol. 3 Page 58
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CHANCE, EVANS (CONN. VT.) S-10441
No 2963
Susp'd Novr. 30 1832. 
Ap. 5. 13
June 14. proof wanted
Evans Chance Vt
Susp'd 8 Oct 31
papers under former app wanted
Admit by Comm'r P 120.
2 years $80.
David Russell Burlington Vt.
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BRIEF in the case of Evans Chance of Chittenden Co. in the State of Vermont
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? County Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 86 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[column headings: Period.|Duration of Service.(Years,|Months,|Days.)|Rank. As a|Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen. Wadsworth|]
In 1776 April|( " |9| " )|Private|Capt. Chapman, Col. Seldon (Selden)|
1777 April,|( " |9| " )|[blank]| " Chamberlain, Col. Swift|
1779 July|( " |1| " )|[blank]|Volunteer,|
1780|(different tours, which he cannot recollect distinctly, each one, but is certain the whole was 6 months or more)|[blank]|Gen. Ethan Allen, Gen'l Enos, Capt. Bradley &c.|
[end of columns]
5. In what battles was he engaged? [blank]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? New London Co. Conn.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence, No clergyman, no reason
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
/s/D. Brown Examining Clerk.
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Revolutionary Claims.
STATE OF VERMONT,
Chittenden County, ss. }
ON this seventeenth day of August A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Honorable County Court for the County of Chittenden, now sitting, Evans Chance a resident of Burlington in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged eighty six 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 entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he enlisted April 1776 into Capt. Elisha Chapman's Company, Col. Seldon's Regiment, and General Wadsworth's Brigade, for nine months and was dismissed January 1777, resided in the town of Killingsworth (Killingworth) in the County of New London and State of Connecticutt at the time he enlisted. That he marched to New york City, from thence crossed into long Island, and was in Cobble Hill fort during the battle at the time Col. Webb's Regiment was cut off. by the British, We then retreated back to New york, and was stationed opposite two 40 gun British Ships during a severe cannonade from s'd ships and at the time Col. Seldon (Selden) and Major Willis were made prisoners and the Soldiers lost their packs at the battle in in the orchard when enclosed to throw the off and change bayonet. 
The first of April 1777 was enlisted by a Sergeant as a recruit when residing at Killingsworth aforesaid, marched to 
Danbury in Connecticutt soon after the town was burnt detained a while in the Hospital; afterwards was annexed to Capt Chamberlain's Company and Col. Swift's Regiment at the high lands on the north river, and was there detached to drive Col. Starr's bagage waggon from thence to Morristown in Newjersey and there left the service in January 1778 He volunteered in the Militia in the time of the alarm in July 1779, marched from Killingworth to Newhaven and arrived just as the British troops were embarking on board then shiping, after having plundered the town and destroyed the naval and Military stores. After which was guarding the court and in a scurmish with the enemy at Killingworth on the sound when one of the enemy were killed on board their boat. Was commanded by a Capt. Samuel Gale, and was out about one month
In the year 1780 he came to reside in Sunderland in Bennington County, State of Vermont. The same year he turned out in an alarm was marched to Castleton in Vermont under the command of Gen'l Ethan Allen. After that was called out again in ['under the command of' crossed out] Capt. Samuel Bradley's Company Col. Ira Allen's Regiment and General Roger Enose's (Enos) Brigade. First marched again to Castleton, from thence to Skeensborough (Skenesborough), and to fort Ann. He cannot now state how long he served at most of the pertinent times he was
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In the Militia service in Vermont, but can safely declare that in all it was six months or more, according to his best recollection after such a loss of time, and at his advanced age. He cannot now produce any person who was knowing to his services as stated in the aforesaid declarations, but under a former application he forwarded to the Secretary of War personal evidence of a part of said services, and is confidently assured they may now be found in the Pension Office at Washington; he has been so informed by communications from that Department. 
The following are the answers to the Interrogatories propounded by the hon Court to Evans Chance, required by the regulations of the Pension Office. 
Answer 1. I was born January 9, 1746
 " 2. I have no record of my birth or age
 " 3. I was living part of the time in Killingworth in Connecticutt, & in Sunderland Vermont. Since the war I have lived in Newbury live in Burlington Vermont
 " 4 I enlisted twice at other times volunteered
 " 5 I cannot name any regular Officers except those mention in my declaration
 " 7. George Robinson and Ephraim Mills
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. 
/s/Evens Chance
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid, } 
Before /s/Nathan B Haswell Clerk. 
We George Robinson and Ephraim Mills residing in Burlington hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Evans Chance who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 86 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
/s/Geo. Robinson
/s/E. Mills
Sworn before /s/D. Russell Justice Peace
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 George Robinson and Ephraim Mills who have signed the annexed certificate and who are residents of the town of Burlington are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
Attest
/s/Eli Brownson
/s/John VanSickle Sr } Judges of Chittendon County Court 
STATE OF VERMONT,
Chittenden County, ss. } I Nathan B Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Evans Chance for a Pension. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal of office, this 17th day of August A.D. 1832. 
/s/Nathan B Haswell 
[margin note: Evans chance No 2963]
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Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden, Evans Chance, who being sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively, as to the length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grade. For three months in 1780 under the command of Gen'l Ethan Allen I served as a private Soldier. For two months in the same year 1780 in Capt. Lemuel Bradley's Company, in General Roger Enos's Brigade. I served as a private Soldier making six months service in the three terms of duty as above stated. For nine months commencing from the first of April 1776 to the first of January 1777, in Capt Elisha Chapman's Company in Col. Selden's Regiment, I served as a private Soldier. for nine  months from the first of April 1777 to the first of January 1778 in Capt Chamberlain's Company in Col. Swift's Regiment, I served as a private Soldier. The two last normal terms of service here stated, I commissioned by a letter from Mr. Edwards, that there is evidence in the War office which I understand is personal knowledge of my service of said terms, and I have no other evidence in my power to produce. 
/s/Evens Chance
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss.  } Burlington December 10, 1832. 
Personally appeared Evans Chance and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to his best recollection and belief
Before me /s/David Russell Justice Peace
[court seal affixed] I have hereunto annexed Mr Haswell certificate and the seal of the Court, by being in the care of his Office in his absence, he having left with me his own signature and the seal for such purposes. 
/s/David Russel Justice Peace
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of said terms, and I have no other evidence in my power to produce.
/s/Evens Chance
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss. } Burlington December 10, 1832.
Personally appeared Evans Chance and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to his best recollection and belief
STATE OF VERMONT,
Chittenden County ss } I Nathan B. Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify that, David Russell Esqr. before whom the annexed deposition is taken, was at the time thereof, a Justice of the Peace, duly qualified, acting under the authority of this State, and that I believe his name thereto subscribed, to be his own proper signature. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Burlington, this 10th day of December A.D. 1832
/s/Nathan B Haswell
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Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden, Evans Chance, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that there is no person now living within his knowledge who can testify to personal acquaintance of his services, as within declared, that his declaration within dated December 20th 1832, states the particular times and length of his services, as nearly as he can now recollect from his advanced age and consequent loss of memory, but he has no doubt in his mind, but he has stated short of the whole time he was in the Revolutionary service. He testifies that he served in Col. Swifts Regiment all of nine months, and that being detached to drive Col. Starr's baggage waggon may have been the reason of his name not being on the roll in that Regiment. that he made application to the Pension Office under the act of 1818 and forwarded being evidence of part of his services, which evidence is not now to be found among the living, and that he has been informed that the same was filed in said Office. This is all that he can state in addition to his former declarations
/s/Evens Chance
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss. } Burlington April 12, 1833,
Personally appeared Evans Chance and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true according to his best recollection and belief. 
Before me /s/David Russell Justice Peace
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Evans Chance 
old Case no 16.957.
Declaration in Open Court } Sept'r 11 1820 - 
P. Lyman Clerk
See remarks on original declaration
N. B. Haswell Esq'r
S. Burlington Vermont
Rec'd 12 Oct. 1820
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Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820. 
STATE OF VERMONT,
Chittenden COUNTY, ss. } ON this 11th day of September 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the County  Court, for the County of Chittenden and a Court of Record for said County. Evans chance aged 74 years, resident in Colchester in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he serve in the revolutionary war, as follows: - in Capt. Chipman's company in Col. Sheldons regiment of the Connecticut troops and ['in' crossed out] various other services - 
And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congres, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; [three lines of type crossed out]; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. 
Schedule
30 Acres of land with a break house $105.00
1 Cow - 10.00
1 Horse 21 years of age - 5.00
2 Hogs - 4.00
1 pot 2 kettles, Bake Kettle, Spider & frying pan 5.00
1 pair Hand irons - 1.50
amt a'd up -  $130.50
amt brot up - $130.50
4 Old chairs 1.50
1 pair [illegible] 60
1 Bureau 5.00
2 Tables 2.50
That amt $140.10
I have an infirm wife aged 76 years who is part labouring I have 2 grand children dependant on me for support viz, Evans Maxfield aged 13 years and Hannah Maxfield aged 11 years rendered incapable of gaining any subsistence by manual labour by reason of debility & old age - 
(Signed) Evans Chance
Sworn to and declared on the 11 day of September 1820 } Before (sign) Tudock Wheeler Chief Judge of Chittenden County Court - 
STATE OF VERMONT,
Chittenden COUNTY, ss. } : Phineas Lyman Clerk of Chittenden County Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is One Hundred and forty dollars and 10 cents. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 3d day of October 1820 - 
/s/Phineas Lyman Clerk.
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['DISTRICT OF' crossed out]
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss,ss. }
On this Eight day of May 1820, before me, the subscriber, one of the Judges of the County Court for the County of Chittenden ['for the said district' crossed out] personally appeared Evens Chance aged 74 years, resident of Colchester in the said district, who, being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war." That he, the said Evens Chance enlisted ['for the term of' crossed out] on the First ['day' crossed out] of April in the year 1776 in Killingworth in the state of Connecticut in the company commanded by Captain Elisha Chapman of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Sheldon in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental Establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until the month of December 1777, when he was discharged from service in the state of ['state of' crossed out] New York, that he was in the battles ['of' crossed out] at Long Island also the Orchard Battle in New York & other States that he served in 1777 in Capt Chamberlins (Chamberlain) Company and Col. Swift's Regiment and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
/s/Evens Chance
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid.
/s/Truman Chittenden Judge of Chittenden County Court
I, Truman Chittenden Judge, &c., as aforesaid, do certify that it appears, to my satisfaction, that the said Evens Chance did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months at one time, on the continental establishment. I am also satisfied that he needs the assistance of his country for support. And I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. I further certify that he made a previous declaration, on the 12th day of April - 1818
[facsimile 'SEAL OF THE COURT' affixed]
/s/Truman Chittenden Judge of Chittenden County Court
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Evans Chance of Colchester in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont being sworn deposes that in the spring of the year 1776 he enlisted in Col. Selden's regiment of Connecticut infantry and served therein until the regiment was disbanded at the White Plains which as the deponent thinks was in January AD 1777 - That in the spring of the same year he enlisted into the continental service as a recruit at Killingworth in Connecticut - that his enlistment as the deponent understood, was not for any particular regiment, but generally for service in such regiment as the deponent should be assigned to - That immediately upon the enlistment of the deponent, he was ordered to the military Hospital at Danbury in Connecticut and remained there in attendance upon the sick until August of the same year, when he was ordered to join the army at the Highlands on the Hudson - That upon arriving at the camp, the deponent was informed that he was assigned to Capt. Chamberlain's Company in Swift's regiment - That the morning after the arrival of the deponent at the camp, and without having been mustered with the company, he was directed by the major of Swifts Regiment  to take charge of a waggon and continued in the waggon service, with the regiment, until they went into winter quarter at Morristown in New Jersey in the following winter - That soon after they were established in winter quarters this deponent
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received from Col. Starr, then in command of the regiment, a furlough for the  remainder of the time he had enlisted - That the deponent's enlistment was for one year, as the deponent believes, and that thirty days or thereabouts of his  time remained unexpired, when he received his furlough - That upon receiving his furlough, this deponent returned to Connecticut, and shortly after sailed for the Island of St Thomas in the West Indies in a merchant vessel and on the outward passage was taken prisoner by a British privateer, on which occasion he lost his personal baggage and other property, and that his furlough together with other papers was with his baggage and was lost - 
That while this deponent was in the waggon service as above mentioned, he was not rated and paid as a waggoner, but received the pay and rations of a soldier only and always considered himself as a detached waggoner - 
/s/Evens Chance
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Burlington April 7' 1831
Personally appeared Evens Chance, who hath subscribed the foregoing affidavit in my presence, and made oath that the same is true according to the best of remembrance and belief - 
Before me /s/George P Marsh Justice of the Peace
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State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } I Nathan B Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that George P Marsh before whom the foregoing affidavit is taken, was at the date thereof and now is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified acting under the authority of this State and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Burlington this 12th day of August AD 1831
/s/Nathan B Haswell
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10441
Rev War INVALID.
File No. 10,441
Evans Chance Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index: - Vol. A, Page 65
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Evans Chance
claim for Pension under Act of March 1818 and May 1 1820
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Evans Chance,
Revo: Vermont.
Rejected; see letters to N. B. Haswell, Nov. 13, 1821 - Dec. 28, 1822 - to E. Chance, 28 Nov. 1823 - and Hon. E. Meech, H.R. 1 April 1826 - also to Hon. B. Swift, H.R. Jan. 24, 1828, to claimant 28 May 1829 do to M. Catlin Oct. 8. 1931
see letter to Claim't Burlington, Vermont, dated 7th November 1832.
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[handwritten letter]
War Department Pension Office
November 7, 1832

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 20th June last I have to state, that there is a good deal of evidence in this office to establish your service in the Revolutionary War, but without a more explicit declaration than there is on file, your grade, and period of service cannot be established. You will therefore make an affidavit setting forth these particulars in language so definite, that your annual allowance may be calculated with accuracy, should your claim under the act of June 7, 1832, be admitted.
The official character and signature of the magistrate before whom the affidavit is made must be certified by the proper officer under his seal of office. 
I am, very respectfully Your Ob't Serv't
/s/J. L. Edwards
Mr. Evans Chance
Burlington Vt.
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[handwritten letter]
Burlington April 12, 1833

Dear sir, 
Again I return you E. Chance's papers with his additional affidavit, it is all the evidence he can furnish. He is confident that there is in your Office some personal evidence of part of his service and relied on your letter herewith enclosed for the facts. 
I have known Mr Chance for many years and am fully confident that he would state nothing he did not believe to be true; he is very aged and needy, and justly entitled to all he can claim within a liberal construction of the later Act of Congress. Will you have the goodness to decide on this among others as soon as convenient, particularly my own claim. 
Respectfully sir Your obedient servant
/s/David Russell
J. L. Edwards Esqr
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[handwritten letter]
Burlington August 12" 1831

Mr. Edwards
Is requested to examine the papers of the undersigned already on file in the pension office together with papers which will be exhibited by the bearer Moses Catlin Esqr. to relative to a pension and if the testimony exhibited should prove sufficiently to make out a certificate and hand it to Mr Catlin - should the testimony exhibited prove insufficient to give Mr Catlin a memorandum of what further testimony is required - 
/s/Evens Chance
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Evans Chance of Burlington, in the County of Chittenden, and State of Vermont, personally appearing before me David Russell Justice of the Peace, within and for said County of Chittenden, having been carefully examined, duly cautioned and sworn, doth depose and say, that he enlisted as a private Soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Chamberlain, in Colonel Swift's Regiment, in the Continental service, as stated in his original declaration, (now filed as he understands in the War Office at Washington) that although true it was, that he drove the Officers' baggage waggon, he did it by command of his Officers, detached from the ranks for that purpose, that he was never engaged as a waggoner, and that he never received any other, than the pay of a common Soldier, during the whole term of his service, in the Army of the United States. 
/s/Evens Chance
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Burlington August 30th A.D. 1823. 
Personally appearing Evans Chance, and made solemn oath, that the above deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but truth. 
Before me /s/David Russell Justice Peace
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[handwritten letter]
Litchfield Connecticut Nov'r 5th 1825

Sir,
Your favor of the 19th ult'o, addressed to me at Fairfield, Conn't came by the last Mail - 
I have examined the papers relating to E. Chance's application for a pension, & find two irreparable Objections besides that of not finding his name on the Roll of the 2d Reg't Lt. Dragoons. The first is he claims to have served in s'd Reg't in the year 1776, which was before that Reg't was formed - The 2d is he claims to have enlisted under Capt. E. Chapman or Chipman in s'd Reg't - There certainly never was an Officer of either of those Names in the 2d Reg't Lt. Dragoons. 
I would however remark that I well recollect while I served in a Brigade of Infantry called Livies from the State of Connecticut, in the year 1776, that Col. Sheldon, who afterwards commanded the 2d Reg't Lt. Dragoons, came down into the Vicinity of New York, with a Detachment of Light Horse, & served
Page 24

[handwritten letter]
in that Campaign. The applicant may have served under him then, but these were not called Continental Troops - 
I am, Sir, Your most obed't Serv't 
/s/Benj'n Tallmadge
Mr. Edwards
Page 25

[handwritten letter]
War Department, Pension Office,
Nov'r 13th 1824

Sir,
The documents transmitted by you to this Office in support of the claim of Evans Chance to a pension, have been duly examined; and it appears that the claimant did not serve on the continental establishment - He is not therefore entitled to a pension under the act of the 18th March, 1818, under which he has made application.  - He might perhaps have served under Col'o Sheldon; but at the time at which he states to have served, that officer did not belong to the continental army. 
The papers will remain on our files, agreeably to the regulations of this Department. - 
I am, respectfully, Your Obed't Serv't 
/s/J. L. Edwards
N: B: Haswell, Esq'r
Burlington, Vermont.
Page 26

FREE
Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 27

Joel Brownson of Richmond in the County of Chittenden in the State of Vermont being duly sworn according to law testifies that he was personaly knowing that Evens Chance was in service in the Vermont Militia in the revolutionary war the particular time he cannot now recollect, but thinks it was in 1778 or 1779 he was in service himself in the same time with Chance, they were in service at the time six weeks according to his best recollection and that Chance was as he understood in Col. Roger Enos'  Regiment Deponent further recollects that he was in service at sundry other time during the wars with Chance but the length of terms of those services he cannot now state. He however is confident that said Chance would not make a solemn declaration under oath of more service think he performed according to his best recollection at this his advanced age. And further deponent cannot state
/s/Joel Brownson
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Burlington October 24, 1833,
Personally appeared Joel Brownson and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but truth according to his best recollection and belief. And I hereby certify that he is a credible witness. 
/s/David Russell Justice Peace
Note Mr Brownson has heretofore been for many years a Judge of Chittenden County Court -
Page 28

Joel Brownson of Richmond in the County of Chittenden in the State of Vermont being duly sworn according to law testifies that he was personaly knowing that Evens Chance was in service in the Vermont Militia in the revolutionary war the particular time he cannot now recollect, but thinks it was in 1778 or 1779 he was in service himself in the same regiment with Chance, they were in service at the time six weeks according to his best recollection, and that Chance was as he understood in Col. Roger Enos' Regiment. Deponent further recollects that he was in service at sundry other time during the wars with Chance but the length of terms of those services he cannot now state. He however is confident that said Chance would not make solemn declaration under oath of more service than he performed according to his best recollection at this his advanced age. And further deponent cannot state
/s/Joel Brownson
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Burlington October 24, 1833,
Personally appeared Joel Brownson and made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but truth according to his best recollection and belief. And I hereby certify that he is a credible witness
/s/David Russell Justice Peace
Note Mr Brownson has heretofore been for many years a Judge of Chittenden County Couert
Page 29

Signature of the Magistrate. (David Russell) Justice Peace.
State of Vermont,
[blank] COUNTY, SS. } I, Nathan B Haswell Clerk of the Chittenden Court, of the County, and State, aforesaid, do hereby certify that David Russell is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the first day of December 1832, and will expire on the first day of December 1833, and that his signature above written, is genuine. 
[county seal affixed] Given under my hand and the seal of said County, this 25th day of October 1833. 
/s/Nathan B Haswell Clerk.
Page 30

[handwritten letter]
Burlington October 25, 1833

Dear sir, 
I have been surprised that I have not for a long time heard anything from Even Chance's claim for a pension. He has unexpectedly met with the testimony herewith sent and hopes that he may soon receive a certificate of a full pension, for which his services and suffering justly entitle him. 
Your obedient servant 
/s/David Russell
Page 31

I Ephraim Pratt in the town of Lewis in the county of Essex (mason by occupation) of Lawfull age testify & say that in the year 1777 I belonged to the United States Army & held a Lieut. commission in Col. Wards Regiment in the Massachusetts line and officiated as adjutant & in that capacity became acquainted with Evens Chance who was then a continental soldier in the Connecticut line in Col. Swifts Reg't who was detached to the waggon service by which means I became acquainted with him & he is the identical person at whose request this deposition is given 
I was acquainted with him in service somewhere about seven months was knowing to his getting hurt in the waggon service so as to be unfit for duty and as I then learnt was furlowed & returned to his friends after which I know nothing more of him until I saw him here at Burlington in the State of Vermont about six months since and further your Deponent knoweth not to depose
/s/Ephraim Pratt
Signed at Burlington this 28th day of Sep'r 1822
Page 32

State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Burlington Sept 28 1822
Personally appears Ephraim Pratt and made solemn oath to the foregoing deposition by him subscribed 
Before me /s/Nathan B Haswell Justice Peace
State of Vermont
Chittenden County } I Nathan B Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that Nathan B Haswell before whom the foregoing Deposition is taken, was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace duly qualified citing under the authority of this state, and that above is his own proper signature. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington this 13th day of December AD 1822
/s/Nathan B Haswell
Page 33

Evans Chance
to W. Slack letter
Heman Allen House of Representatives
Page 34

[handwritten letter]
Burlington May 21, 1832. 

Hon. W. Slack
Dear Sir,
I was a soldier in the Revolutionary war in the years '76 and '77. I am 86 years old, feeble and poor. The evidences of my service have been 12 or 14 years in the proper office, which I beg you to examine and put in the right train. I have been flattered from session to session and have realized nothing. 
If the evidences are insufficient, please to inform wherein and if possible I will supply any deficiency. Your strict attention to this subject will cheer the spirit of the indigent war worn soldier of the Revolution. 
Yours sincerely
/s/Evens Chance
Page 35

To all whom it may be [illegible]
that we the [illegible] in authority of the town of Colchester, & County of Chittenden State of Vermont  for a long time acquainted with M. Evens Chance a townsman among us hesitate not to say that he is under indigent circumstances, besides being according to the common course of human nature [illegible] his bodily infirmities as an additional calamity, two breaches he now & for some years has been oblidged to labor under, he possesses no family or staff  he rest on in his old age his wife almost seventy six and as much [illegible] as himself, has grandchildren one eleven the other thirteen which proved fit to cast under his cares which constitutes the whole of his family finds he is at the present in possession of about 30 acres of pine plain land & a small plank house & that under a mortgage encumbrance - that at present could not or ever be able in all probability & if indigent is the criterion for the exercises for Charity from government toward the old soldier his claim stands high 
/s/Samuel Smith Selectmen
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Gideon Buell of Middletown in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont of lawfull age testifies and says - 
That from my youth to the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six I was well acquainted with Evans Chance and that during that time and untill I entered the service of the United States myself I lived near him in the town of Killingworth in the state of Connecticut, and that in the month of April in the said year 1776, the said Chance inlisted into the service of the United States under Lieutenant Job. Wright who then resided and was recruiting at the place, and went shortly into service and both set out for New York. and returned some time the next winter sick: and was reputed to have performed his tour of nine months for which he had enlisted - 
I further say that afterwards in the next year the said Evans Chance enlisted into the continental service for nine months , as I then understood and as was then then reputed and went into said service accordingly and I afterwards was informed by ['the' crossed out] several persons that the said Chance was while in service under Capt. - Chamberlain, and in Col. Heman Swifts Regiment in which company I afterwards did duty myself 
I also further understood that the said Chance
Page 37

during part of his time of service ['did duty' crossed out] was detached and did duty as a waggoner in the Brigade to which said Regiment belonged, and when the said Chance returned home it was universally said in the vicinity where we then lived that he had performed his duty as a soldier for his nine months enlistment, and some time more, but at what time he enlisted or at what time he returned home, the long loss of time forbids me to recollect. 
And further deponant saith not
/s/Gideon Buell
State of Vermont
Rutland County ss. } Middletown 5th July 1820
Then the above named Gideon Buell personally appeared and made oath to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed and I also certify that the said Gideon Buell is a creditable witness
/s/Jonas Clark Just. Peace
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State of Vermont
Rutland County ss } I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do hereby certify that Jonas Clark Esqs is & for more than three years last past has been a Justice of the peace within & for the county of Rutland and that the foregoing is his signature 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland in said County this 6th day of July AD 1820
/s/R. Pierpoint
Page 39

I Lambert Clark (yeoman) of lawful age testify & say that in the year of seventeen hundred & seventy seven I was a soldier in Cap'n Robert Warners Company in the Regiment of Col. Samuel Willis, & in that year was detached to the waggon service, & in that employment became particularly acquainted with Evens Chance & is the same person who requests this affidavit. I heard him to be a soldier in Col Heman Swifts Regiment & drove a waggon under the direction of Lieut Col Starr in s'd Regiment in the latter part of the fall or the beginning of winter I was knowing to his being lame & unfit for duty he then told me that he had obtained a furlow & was about to return to his friends after which I knew nothing more about him untill I met him at Burlington in the State of Vermont & further your  deponent knoweth not to depose
State of Vermont Burlington Sept'r 3 1822
/s/Lamberton Clark
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss. } Burlington, September 3d, 1822. 
Then Lamberton Clark, personally appearing and after being carefully examined, and duly cautioned, made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, contains the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, before
/s/David Russell Justice Peace
[margin note: 8p paid]
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State of Vermont
Chittenden County } I Nathan B Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that David Russell before whom the foregoing deposition is taken, was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace, duly qualified acting under the authority of this State, and that the his name, thereto subscribed is his own proper signature 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court this 13th day of December AD 1822
/s/Nathan B Haswell
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[addressed envelope]
[postmark: BURLINGTON VERMONT JUN 23]
FREE
Heman Allen Esqr
Washington Member of Congress
Page 42

Evans Chance Lett rec'd June 25, '32
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[handwritten letter]
Burlington June 20 - 1832
Heman Allen Esqr
Sir
I wish you to examine my papers in the pention department and see whether then it is sufficient so that I can draw my Pention under the old act so that I can draw my back pay agreeable to the old act you will find by [illegible] that there is sufficient evidence there I think in the Office. I have rote to Slade from him & his Letter you will learn more about it & expect it only want attention. but if I cannot obtain it under the old act you will please see whether there is sufficient Evidence there for me to obtain it under the new act if not you will please to examine and rite me what more evidence want under the new act. I have procured evidence and sent them on which [illegible] told me here was sufficient which you will find by examining at the pension office your faithfull attention will much oblige 
yours &c &c I will satisfy you for Trouble 
/s/Evans Chance
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Know all Men by these presents
That I Lambleton Clark of Charlotte in the County of Chittenden & State of Vermont of lawful age testify & say that I am well acquainted with Evens Chance ['Chance' crossed out] of Colchester (late of Burlington) County aforesaid & that I was well acquainted with him in the American revolution in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred & 77 that he then belong'd to Col: Swifts Reg't Connecticut line from which he was detached into the waggon service and actually served over nine months, as a soldier belonging to said Regiment and further your Deponant knoweth not to depose 
/s/Lamberton Clark
Charlotte
State of Vermont Chittenden County ss } Charlotte 22nd November 1825
then Lamberton Clark personally appeared and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Before me /s/Jeremiah Barton Jus Peace
The above Deponant is a man of my long acquaintance
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State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Clerk of Supreme Court's Office. Burlington November 23, 1825
I David Russell Clerk of the Supreme Court of Judicature of the State of Vermont and Notary Public within and for the same, hereby certify that Jeremiah Barton the within subscribing Authority is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden aforesaid and duly authorised to administer oaths. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Supreme Court.
/s/David Russell Clerk and Notary Public
Page 46

Hannah Hicks of Burlington in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont of lawful age testifies and says, that early in the year one thousand seven hundred and ['and' crossed out] seventy six who lived at the house of Evans Chance in the town of Killingworth and State of Connecticut and was well knowing that said Chance enlisted under Lieutenant Job. Wright an Office in the Continental service of the United States, and marched for Newyork, and was absent until the winter following, at which time he returned home sick and unable to do duty. In the spring of the year next following the said Chance returned into service and did not return until the winter of 1777
This deponent further testifies that the last time said Chance came home he was lame, and she understood that it was occasioned by an accident which happened to him while driving a Continental Waggon, and that he remained a long time under the case of a Physician at his own expense, that after recovering from his wound he returned to his Regiment as this deponent understood she knew that he left home for that purpose
/s/X her mark Hannah Hicks
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Burlington August 16, 1820
Personally appearing before me David Russell Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden, Hannah Hicks and being duly sworn according to law solemnly declares that the foregoing deposition subscribed by her mark, contains the whole truth and nothing but truth. And I do hereby certify that the said Hannah is a credible witness
/s/David Russell Justice Peace
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Lamberton Clark of Charlotte in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont of lawful age depose and says that in the Summer of 1777 meaning the Summer before the hard winter then Located at the head quarters of the Army was at Morristown State of New Jersey the deponant further States that he then became acquainted with one Evans Chance now residing in the Town of Colchester in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont. that he new the same Chance to be a deck waggonner and drew pay and rations as a private Soldier further the Deponant Saith not
/s/Lamberton Clark
State of Vermont
Chittenden County ss } Charlotte August 12th 1831
personally appeared Lamberton Clark the Signer to the above written deposition in my presence and made Solemn Oath that the Same is true according to his best remembrance and belief 
Before me /s/Jerem'h Barton Jus't Peace
Page 48

State of Vermont
Chittenden County } I Nathan B Haswell Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that I Jeremiah Barton is a Justice of the Peace duly qualified acting under the authority of this State and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington this 12th day of August AD 1831 
/s/Nathan B Haswell
Page 49

The within Deposition of Lamberton Clark was taken and Sealed up by Jere'h Barton Just. Peace
Page 50

[handwritten letter]
Burlington Dec 12th 1822

J. L. Edwards Esqr
At the request of Mr Evans Chance I enclose some further evidence to substantiate his claim for a pension, - he is very poor and stands in need of the Pension, and should it be one of the doubtful cases, as it respects evidence, he would feel very grateful for a favorable decision - I enclose your Letter of Nov 13. 1821 - which will refer you to his claims.
Mr. Chance says he served in Col Swift's Reg't in 1777. - that he served as a Waggoner drove Col Starr's waggon, - that he injured himself while in service, - received a furlough and was a long time in Danby Hospital, - after recovering, he was kept in the hospital as an assistant. - If a Pension is granted you will have the goodness to enclose it to me 
And oblige Yours Respectfully
/s/Nathan B. Haswell
Page 51

Evans Chance Con't
['Service' crossed out]
File in ad'm F 10441
Evans Chance Revy
Page 52

Colchester April 28 1822
Sir
I was Born in North Carolina 76 years send and in year 59 belong to the British Navy to defend the Contry and in and before Revloshon (Revolutionary) War & comanded a [illegible] vesell in furnishin the war then Left the Sea and tuck up My [illegible] in year 76 and 77 but the Last year I inlisted for Nine Months or one year  long in the Spring I went in Sick to Danbury Hospital and continued till August in taken Care of the sick. then joined Col' Swift Regment Capt Chamblin (Chamberlain) Company in fore days After I was Drafted to Drive a control wagon and on the March from the North River to Morristown to travel Cor'l Starrs Bageg (baggage) waggon and was Lame by the Wagen  Cor'l Star(r) or Cor'l Swift gave me a (furlough) in stade (instead) of discharge then in year 78 I commanded a [illegible] in furneshin the War I was taken 2 and lost all my property and Long time on bord the prison ship and in the year 1818 Congress posed act to help such poor helpless Men as I be But Being so far from the place of service and 76 years send But I have non(e) Acording to the Act so fore as to convince last 2 certs and acording to governors request and of Chittenden sent on his set first Im not able to travel to git them that served in the Company 4 or 5 hundred Miles which some has trouble has and not find them But A grat Number has on this return home found som one But we [illegible] roll through that Governors County or Supreme Corts would answer Sir you will find My papers in your file
Sir I am your humble servent /s/Evens Chance