Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21286, Selah Heart, Conn.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Conn.  Heart, Selah W.21286
or Hart
Ruth
CONTENTS
Page 2

[left margin]
Let. to Horatio
44
[crossed out "Friday Feb 22 [illegible]"
let to B. Collins June 18 184[illegible]
to B. Colton Aug 13 1844" 
end of crossed out portion]

Connect[cut off]
Ruth Heart
Berlin in the State of [cut off]
was a CoNN in the ETF. 391
Captain of the comm
in the 
[crossed out "line for"] widow of Selah Hea[cut off]
decd late a Lieut colon
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll of CT
at the rate of 575 Dollars and 00 Cents per ann[cut off] to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Jany 1837 and sent Rev
C. A. Goodrich Berl[cut off]

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1856 $3.16.2
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '37 287.50
_________
$3.450.00

{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by D. D. Addison Cler
Book A Vol 1 Page 79

Heart, Selah
Conn W21286
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Heart, Selah
Conn. W 21286
Page 4

Letter of Col. S. Hart
Page 5

[upside down on top]
Letter of Col. S. Hart

Hewlett Long Island Sept 18th 17[illegible]

Dear Wife,
by these lines I would let you know that through the kind providence of God I am in good state of health & have been so since I left home & that I recd your two kind letters by [illegible] Fanning which informed me that you & family were well. Which gave me joy and [illegible] to bless God for whose kind protection is ever all the works of his hand. & that same provisions that has carried us through so may changes in life will in his own time and way give us the opportunity of meeting together in this world but has seen God only knows but not likely till this camp pain is over as to your [illegible] affairs I must leave them with you & brother Stocking. I should be glad that the Clark moves last might be weaned so that the many might have a chance to get in State & I should hope that the young Clark son might not be put to any hard service this from your best friend & husband till death. 
Selah Heart
Page 6

G. 322   922 3sec

Declaration of Ruth Hart

Ruth Hart
widow of Selah
no evidence of his commission & service as Captain

5 June '76 commd and discharged from 
captivity May: 7$ [illegible]
23 mo Lt. Col

admd
23 mo Lt Col
[crossed out "600"] $575

Recd C. A. Goodrich
Berlin
Count
Page 7

State of Connecticut
Berlin Probate Probate] ss. Berlin Dec 14 1836

On this 14th day of December aforesaid Personally appeared before me Ira E Smith Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Berlin, (at her own residence in said Berlin, she being from age and bodily infirmity unable to attend in open court,) Mrs. Ruth Hart a resident of the Parish of Kensington in said Berlin in the county of Hartford & state of Connecticut, aged ninety four years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, AD 1836. That she is the widow of Selah Hart late of said Berlin deceased, who was at first a captain in the militia, and afterwards a Lieutenant Colonel of the fifteenth Regiment of Connecticut Troops composed of Horse & Foot, in the army of the Revolution. And who as said Captain of an enlisted militia company went with it to Roxbury in the neighborhood of Boston as at that time was about from home about the 2 day of February 1776 until some time in  April the same year, and served on this tour including the time spent in enlisting his company about three months.
2 - In June 1776 he received the commission of Lieutenant Colonel in the said Fifteenth Regiment of Connecticut Troops and immediately after joined his Regiment and served at New York, and was taken prisoner on the 15th of September following, and remained a prisoner about twenty months, where being exchanged he returned home on the 2nd Thursday of May AD 1778 or on Election day & having been absent about Twenty three months & that afterward he served a short tour at New Haven where the British made a descent on that town. She further declares that she was married to the said Selah Hart on the 22 day of December [crossed out "1763"] in the year Seventeen hundred and sixty three; that her husband the aforesaid Selah Hart died on the 10th day of June 1806, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Ruth Hart

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before me. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed my name and the Probate Seal of this District.
Attest Ira E Smith Judge
Page 8

Copy of Ruth Harts Will
I Ruth Hart of Berlin in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut being through the goodness of God in health & of sound mind & memory do hereby make & ordain this to be my last will & testament in a manner & form as follows that is to say - First & principally I give & recommend my soul to God who gave it hoping through the merits of Jesus Christ to obtain the forgiveness of my sins & to inherit eternal life - & my body I commit to the Earth out of which it was taken to be decently buried at the discretion of my Executor as near as conveniently may be that of my deceased husband General Selah Hart.
As touching the corporal interests which God in his providence has been pleased to bestow upon me I give & bequeath in the following manner viz - In the first place I will that my funeral charges & all my just debts be discharged & a decent monument be erected by my executor & the remainder of my estate I bequeath as follows viz - To my nephews Joseph Stocking & my niece Polly Langdon I give & bequeath three hundred dollars each in money. Also all my wearing apparel & my two best beds & all my bed linen & all my blankets & one calico bedquilt to be equally divided between them.
I give & bequeath to Olive Stocking daughter of Joseph Stocking all my silver spoons.
I give & bequeath unto my niece wd Mary Stephens my brassheaded undirous shovel & tongs.
I give & bequeath unto Selah H Langdon one hundred dollars in money.
I give & bequeath unto Wd Lucy Hart my best rocking chair.
I give & bequeath unto Ruth H Norton my parlor stove & my stand table.
I give & bequeath unto Emily H Moore daughter of Abigail H Moore my gold beads.
I give & bequeath unto Abigail H Moore all the residue of my householdd furniture & effects not heretofore disposed of.
And I as constitute & appoint Birdsey Judson of Berlin to be Executor of this my last will & testament
Page 9

in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this twenty sixth day of April AD 1841.
Ruth Hart [written seal] SS

Signed sealed published & delivered by the said testator Ruth Hart as & for her last will & testament in the presence of us who have subscribed our names at witnesses thereto in the presence of the said testator & of each other.
Theodore Ellsworth
Isaac Wm Judd
Oliver Moore
Page 10

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford } ss Berlin

On this 24th day of August in the year 1844 personally appeared before the Court of Probate for the district of Berlin Birdsey Judson, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an allowance on the pension granted to Ruth Hart the widow of Selah Hart. That he is Executor of the last will of the said Ruth Hart & that she was pensioned under the act of 1836 for the services of her said husband as Colonel and Brigadier General in the Revolutionary War, at the rate of five hundred & seventy five dollars per annum. That he now claims that she was not allowed for the services of her said husband as a captain in the year 1776 & that she was entitled at the rate of six hundred dollars per annum. He further claims that the said Ruth Hart died in said town on the 15th day of Jan 1844 & left no children.
Birdsey Judson

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written, and I certify that it appears by papers on file in this office and by the records of this event, that the declarant was duly appointed executor of the last will of the within named Ruth Hart, and that she died on the 15th day of January 1844, and the annexed is a true and exact copy of the said Ruth Hart's last will, which appears on file in this office.
E. A. Andrews, Judge
of the Court of Probate

I certify that the above and foregoing are the proceedings of the Court of Probate for
Page 11

the District of Berlin in the matter of the declaration of Birdsey Judson, Executor of the Will of Ruth Hart deceased for an application for an increase on a pension granted to the said Ruth Hart; and the signature of the Judge is his genuine signature.
In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this 26th day of August in the year 1844.
Isaac C. Andrews
Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Berlin
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G322
Certificate of Rev Royal Robbins
Page 13

To whom is may concern I hereby certify that on the 22nd day of December 1763 Selah Hart and Ruth Cole of Kensington Blue Hills were united in marriage by Rev Samuel Clark then minister of the Congregational Church in said Kensington, as appears from a "Record of Marriages", kept by said Mr. Clark & now contained in the Church Records of said Society of Kensington; and I further certify that the said Selah Hart died on the 10th of June 1806 at the age of 74 years, as appears from a "List of deaths" which occurred in the Parish of Kensington from April 21, 1779 kept by Rev Benoni Upson, minister of said Parish & successor of Rev Sm Clark, & which List is contained in the aforesaid Church Records & I further certify that the said Mrs Ruth Hart has continued since his death, & still remains the widow of said Selah Hart.
Royal Robbins

Berlin Kensington
Dec 22 1836 } Pastor of the Congregational Church in Kensington

State of Connecticut
Berlin Probate District }ss Berlin Dec 22 1836

I Ira E Smith Judge of Probate for Berlin District do hereby certify that the Rev Royal Robbins, who had signed the above certificate, is the regular officiating clergyman and Pastor of the Congregational Church in Kensington in this Probate District, and that the said signature is genuine. In witness whereof I have signed there presents and affixed the seal of this office hereto certified & sealed by me.
Ira E Smith Judge
Page 14

In reply to your request of __, received ____ for a statement of the military history of Selah Heart or Hart a soldier in the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in [crossed out "his (or"] his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. 21286

[columns titled as follows]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
CAPTAIN
COLONEL.
STATE.

Feb 2 1776 3 mos Capt Col. Erastus Wolcott Conn.
June 1776 Lt Col.   15 Rgt.
was taken prisoner Sept 15, 1776 and detained 20 mos, when exchanged, in May 1778.
On tour to New Haven at time of attack; names of officers not stated.

Battles engaged in, *see above
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated
Date of application for pension, Dec 14, 1836. & her cl was al
Residence at date of application, Kensington Parish, Berlin, Hartford CO, Conn.
Age at date of application, 94 yrs
Remarks: Soldier mar Dec 22, 1763 at Kensington Conn. Ruth Cole, and died June 10 1806 at Kensington Conn, at the age of 74 yrs.
She died Jan 15 1844, leaving no children.

Very Respectfully,
Commissioner.

1806
74
__________
1732
Page 15

THOMAS FITCH, Esq;
Captain General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut in 
NEW-ENGLAND

To Selah Hart. Gent Greeting.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this Colony accepted to be Captain of the seventh Company or Train band in the 6th Regiment in this Colony Reporting special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Letters Patents from the Crown of England, to this Corporation, Me thereunto enabling, Appoint, and Impower you to take the said: Trainband int oyour care and Charge as their Captain carefully and diligently to discharge that trust exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their arms according to the Discipline of War: keeping them in good Order and Government and commanding them to Obey you as their Captain for his Majesty's Service and you are to Observe all such Orders, and Directions as from Time to Time you shall receive either from Me or from other your Superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you. Given under my Hand and the Seal of this Colony, in Hew Haven the 23d Day of October, in the 4th Year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third, King of Great Britain, &c. Annoque Domini, 1764.
Thos Fitch

By His Honour's Command,
George Wyllys, Scct
Page 16

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire,
Governor and Commander in Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New-England, in America

To Selah Hart Esq; Greeting.
WHEREAS you are appointed by the General Assembly of said Colony, to be Lieut. Colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment of Horse and Foot in said Colony, reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, Care and good Conduct, I DO, by Virtue of the Laws of this Colony, constitute and appoint you to be Lieut Colonel of said Regiment; you are therefore to take said Regiment into your Care and Charge, as their Lieut Colonel and carefully and diligently to discharge that Care and Trust, in ordering and exercising them, both Officers and Soldiers, in Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey you as their Lieut Colonel for the Service of this Colony; and they are commanded to obey you accordingly. And you are to conduct and lead forth the said Regiment, or such Part of them, as you shall from Time to Time, receive Orders from me, or from the Governor of this Colony for the Time being, to encounter, repel, pursue and destroy, by Force of Arms, and by all fitting Ways and Means, all the Enemies of this Colony, who shall at any Time hereafter in a hostile Manner attempt or enterprize the Invasion, Detriment or Annoyance of this Colony; and you are to observe and obey such Orders and Instructions as from Time to Time you shall receive from me, or other your Superior Officers, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in your and the Laws of this Colony.
Given under my Hand, and the Seal of this Colony, at Hartford, this eighty Day of June Anno Domini, 1776.
Jon Trumbull

By his Honor's Command,
George Wyllys sec'ry
Page 17

The money was never reset on this order & photos never mailed, so I did not return this to Chief Clerk
Page 18

[left column, far left side was cut off]
Dec 13 Hist & tracing [illegible] to 
[cut off]ines, Meriden Conn
5 Hist to 
M. H. Webster
US Civil service Com
Wash [illegible]
1913 Aug 20 History to Mrs Ida B Claroye
1922 Mar 29 Tombstone
data to Hon G. P. Merion
see cor. in Justus [illegible]
w814.)
1937 - James E Hart, C. J. [illegible]
[illegible] to Mrs Wm. N. Lewin

[middle]
Rev
WIDOW, &c

File No 21286
Ruth Heart
wid of
Selah Heart
Lieut Rev. War

Act June 7th /36
Index: vol A, Page 316

[right column, far right side cut off]
1894 D
of signatu[cut off]
D & W L[cut off]
1895 Feb
Maj: W

(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 19

Suspd

Chs A Goodrich
Jany 2 1837
Page 20

Blank
Page 21

I presume that the pamphlet containing the sermon preached at the funeral of Ruth Hart, referred is in letter of June 9, 1844, from Benj. Calton, was sent in this envelope. It was a personal gift in the Com. Of Pens. and is not on file in this claim.
[illegible] June 3 '37

Important
Page 22

State of Connecticut
County of Hartford} ss Berlin

On this ___ day of Augt in the year 1844 personally appeared before the court of Probate for the district of Berlin Birdsey Judson who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an allowance on the pension granted to Ruth Hart the widow Selah Hart. That he is Executor of the last will of the said Ruth Hart and that she was pensioned under the act of 1836 for the service of her said husband as Colonel & Brigadier Genl in the Revolutionary War at the rate of five hundred and seventy five Dol. per annum. That he now claims that she was not allowed for the services of her said husband as a captain in the year 1776 and that she was entitled at the rate of six hundred Dol per annum.
He further declares that the said Ruth Hart died in said town on the 15th day of Jany 1844 and left no children.
Birdsey Judson
Page 23

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year first above written and I certify that it appears by papers on file in this office that the declarant was duly appointed [crossed out "appointed" when written a 2nd time] Executor of the last will of the within named Ruth Hart and that she died ont he 15th day of Jany 1844 and the annexed is a true and exact copy of the said Ruth Harts last will which appears on file this office.
A.B. Judge of the Court of Probate

I certify that the above & foregoing is the proceeding of the Court of Probate for the district of Berlin in the matter of a declaration of Birdsey Judson executor of the will of "Ruth Hart decd for an application for an increase on a pension granted to the said Ruth Hart and the signature of the Judge is [cut off]
Page 24

is his genuine signature.
In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this __day of Augt in the year 1844.
A.R. Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Berlin

[handwritten]
(seal)
Page 25

Depositions of Col. J 
L Deacon D. Galpin.
Page 26

I Joseph Galpin of Berlin in Hartford County & State of Connecticut being now eighty-two years of age. Depose & say that I well remember Col. Selah Hart who was a prisoner on Long Island & that in the Spring of 1777 he returned on parole home for the purpose of seeing his family & procuring assistance from the State of Connecticut for himself & other officers of the army then in captivity on Long Island and I well remember that application was made to me to exchange silver money for Continental currency as the latter would not meet the demands of the officers on Long Island; and I did exchange with him to the amount of a number of dollars.
And I also remember that he said he had made like application among others to Samuel hooker of whom I think he obtained some; and I further remember that he returned to Long Island at the expiration of his parole, and said that he would not exceed his furlough as others would suffer if he did. And my impression & belief is that his captivity was about eighteen months, but I am not able to state the day of month of his return.
I further depose that I well recollect that in the winter of 1776 that Capt. Selah Hart raised an independent company with which he marched to Boston soon after & that my brother Daniel Galpin who was at that time an apprentice to Austin Mygate inlisted, as did also Mr. Mygate himself, and I also well remember that George Hubbard enlisted in the same company, and they enlisted for two months.
Joseph Galpin
State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss. Jan. 7th 1837
Personally appeared Joseph Galpin who subscribed the above deposition in my presense, & with who I am personally acquainted, & know him to be reported a man of truth & veracity, and he mad solumn
Page 27

Oath to the truth of the same.
Before me, Luther Berkley Justice of Peace

I Daniel Galpin of Berlin in Hartford county & state of Connecticut being now eighty years of age, do depose & say that I enlisted under Capt. Selah Hart in the month of January 1776 and went to Boston with him in his company & continued two months for the time enlisted and I well remember seeing the British fleet sail out of Boston Harbor on the 17th day of March 1776.
At the time of my enlistment I was an apprentice to Austin Nygate, who also enlisted in the same company, and died soon after our arrival at Roxbury.
Daniel Galpin

State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss. Jan 7th 1837.
Personally appeared Daniel Galpin with whom I am personally acquainted & know him to be reputed for truth & veracity. & who subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
Before me, Luther Berkley Justice of Peace
Page 28

Hon. Benjamin F Butler
Secy at War And Interior
Washington D.C.

[upside down]
G322
27 December 1836
Pension Office
Reg
ACT 4 July 36
3 [illegible]
Page 29

Berlin Con. Dec 22 1836

Hon B. F. Butler,
Secy at War and Interior,
Sir
In behalf of Mrs Ruth Hart, widow of the late Gen. Selah Hart of this place, I herewith transmit certain papers with a view to procure for her a Pension under the act of Congress of July 4th 1836. I suppose her title will be found to be a clear one. You will perceive by her "Declaration" that her husband, who served as a Lieut. Col. in the war of the Revolution was taken prisoner on the 15th of Sept 1776 during the retreat of the American Army from Long Island, and was kept a prisoner about twenty months. ie till 2nd Thursday of May 1778, at which latter date, having ben a few days previously discharged, he arrived home. In proof of this fact of the "Declaration" I beg leave to direct your attention, by way of facilitating your understanding the case, to an item in his Act with the State of Con. viz "By his wages while prisoner £358..4" which sum, it appears, was allowed him by the state and which fact will probably be deemed a sufficient corroboration of the Declaration of his widow, as to the time he remained a prisoner.
Whenever a decision shall have been
Page 30

made by the proper department, it may be transmitted to her, if agreeable, under direction to myself; or should further testimony be necessary, or explanation required I shall be happy to furnish it, as the friend of Mrs Hart, to the extent of my power, upon the necessary advisement.
I remain respectfully
your obed. sevt.
Charles A Goodrich

My address is "Rev. Chas. Goodrich 
Berlin Con"
Page 31

G322
Account
State of Connecticut
with
Selah Hart
Page 32

I certify that the following accounts are on the Pay Table Books now in this office, to wit

1777 Dr   Cole Selah Hart
May 21 To order on Treas on acct wages while in captivity 96 " "
"  "  do for wages sundry offices in do 400 " "
78 May 27 " do   264.3."
_________
760.3."

77 Contra
Augt 15 By Cash Advanced Capt Beebe 8 " "
"21 "do do Lt Thos Fanning 8 " "
78 Jany 10 " do do Lt Suber Fitch 8 " "
Mar 10 " do do Capt Burall & Lt Gillet 16 " "
May 22 " do do Lt Solo Orcutt 8 " "
712.3."
27 " acct rendered in which the above sums are included £ 760.3.0

1779 Dr B Gen Selah Hart
Jany 16 to Powder Foints
Augt 10 " order on Treasurer 150 " "
Oct 5 " do 833.9."
1780 July 13 To order on Treasurer Lawful money 1362 " "
Augt 31 "713 lb Lead & 800 lb Powder
81 May 17 "1042 1/4 lb of Poweder for Elijah Hinsdale
83 Jany 20 " cash recd of Col Hooker 921.1 "
Feb 8 " do of Col Burrall 774.13.4
87 Jany 29 " do of sundry persons 925 " "
91 Nov 12 "discount with Col Hooker 8.6.5
___________
4974.9.9

Contra
1779
Oct 5 By account rendered 983.9."
84 Jany 17 By Cash paid Col Noadiah Hooker 1060.12.6
26 Augt 23 "cash paid Col Seth Smith State mo 139.12.8
87 June 29 " sundries 2588.1.1
91 Nov 12 "grant of assembly 202.14.6
________________
6974.9.9

I further certify that there is a document in this office containing the names of 57 officers & privates who received money of Col. Selah Hart, said document is headed as follows, to wit, "Moneys advanced to Prisoners as for receipts" amounting to £336.18. Said receipts are dated in 1777 at Long Island, said £336.18 is part  of the £712.3. above.
Comptrollers Office
Hartford, Connecticut Nov 30th 1836
Wm Field Comptroller
Page 33

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire,
Governor and Commander in Chief of the English Colony of Connecticut, in New-England, in America,
To Selah Hart Esq; Greeting.
WHEREAS you are appointed by the General Assembly of said Colony, to be Lieut Colonel of the fifteenth Regiment of Horse and Food is said Colony, reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage, Care and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this Colony, constitute and appoint you to be Lieut Colonel of said Regiment; you are therefor to take said Regiment into your Care and Charge, as their Lieut Colonel and carefully and diligently to discharge that Care and Trust, in ordering and exercising them, both Officers and Soldiers, in Arms, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, keeping them in good Order and Government, and commanding them to obey you as their Lieut Colonel for the Service of this Colony; and they are commanded to obey you accordingly. And you are to conduct and lead forth the said Regiment, or such Part of them, as you shall from Time to Time, receive Orders from me, or from the Governor of this Colony for the Time being, to encounter, repel, pursue and destroy, by Force of Arms, and by all fitting Ways and Means, all the Enemies of this Colony, who shall at any Time hereafter in a hostile Manner attempt or enterprize the Invasion, Detriment, or Annoyance of this Colony; and you are to observe and obey such Orders and Instructions as from Time to Time you shall receive from me, or other your Superior Officers, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you and the Laws of this Colony.
Given under my Hand, and the Seal of this Colony, at Hartford, this eighteenth Day of June Anno Domini, 1776.
Jon Trumbull

By his Honor's Command
George Wyllys sec'ry
Page 34



THOMAS FITCH, Esq;
Captain General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Colony of Connecticut in
NEW-ENGLAND

To Selah Hart. Gent Greeting.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this Colony accepted to be Captain of the seventh Company or Trainband in the 6th Regiment in this Colony Reporting special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Letters Patents from the Crown of England, to this Corporation, Me there unto enabling, Appoint, and Impower you to take the said: Trainband and Charge as their Captain carefully and diligently to discharge that Trust; exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their Arms according to the Discipline of War: keeping them in good Order and Government ; and Commanding them to Obey you as their Captain for his Majesty's Service. And you are to Observe all such Orders, and Directions as from Time to Time you shall receive either from Me or from other your Superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you. Given under my Hand and the Seal of this Colony, in Hewhaven the 23d Day of October, in the 4th Year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third, King of Great Britain, &c. Annoque Domini, 1764.
Thos Fitch

By His Honour's Command,
George Wyllys, Scct
Page 35

Certificate of Comptroller
Page 36

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Connecticut
Jany 6th 1837
I certify that it appears from the books and papers now in this office that the pay of a Lieutenant Colonel from October 1777 to 1780 was Eighteen pounds per month.
I further certify that there are fifty seven Receipts on file in this office from as many officers and soldiers acknowledging the receipt of money of the State of Connecticut by the hand of Col Selah Hart to the amount of £336.18. and said receipts are all dated at Long Island between June 3d & July 15th 1777.
Wm Field Comptroller
Page 37

Certificate of Sec 7.
[illegible]
Page 38

At a General Assembly of the Governor and Company of the State of Connecticut in New England in America holden at Hartford on the second Thursday of May, being the fourteenth day of said month and continued by several adjournments until the 13th day of June next following Amog Dam 1778

State of Connecticut's office of the Secretary of State January 7th AD 1837
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of record in this office. In testimony of which I have hereto affixed the seal of this state and signed the same at the date last aforesaid.
Royal N Hinman
Secretary of State
Page 39

Deposition of Saml Bishop
Page 40

I Samuel Bishop of Berlin in Hartford County & State of Connecticut now nearly seventy two years of age, do depose & say that I well remember Col Selah Hart of the Revolutionary Army & saw him in the year 1777 in the spring while on a visit at the house of John Gridley & then & there heard him say that he had come home on his parol, but must soon return as his furlough would soon expire, that I well understood he was a prisoner & that as a prisoner he returned to Long Island, but how long he remained a prisoner I do not know.
Samuel Bishop

State of Connecticut, Hartford County ss. Jan 7th 1837
Personally appeared Samuel Bishop with whom I am acquainted & know him to be reputed as a man of truth. & who subscribed the above deposition in my presence & made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Before me Luther Berkley Just of Peace
Page 41

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Jan 1 1844
Ruth Hart
Page 42

Berlin Conn Dec 28 1843

Sir
Mrs. Ruth Hart of this Town aged one hundred and one years is now receiving the pension of a Lieut Col which office her husband, Selah Hart, held in the Revolutionary War. She requests me to address you and enquire whether from her papers on file in the Pension Office, you can give any information as to her husband, being a Col. by [illegible] when he left the army.
Her object is to ascertain whether or no she may be entitled to any escalation at pension.
Very Respectfully Yours
Horatio Gridley

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 43

West Hartford Conn
May 8th 1844

Sir
I send you herewith a certificate from the comptroller of the State of Connecticut showing the service of Genl Selah Hart in the Revolutionary War, in which it appears that he was appointed Lieut Col in June 1776 & in Sept following he was made prisoner for a term of 18 or 19 months, although he was on paroll some part of that time and retd home to his family. It also appears that he acted as Brigadier Genl from 1779 to 80.
If his Service of Lieut Col & Brigadier Genl both amounted to a term of two years, there cannot be any doubt but his widow Ruth Hart was entitled to the highest rate of pension. viz 600 Dol per annum. There is proof in the comptrollers office that Selah Hart served as Capt in 1775 & 6, but that service was not thought material in this case & therefore was not stated.
His widow Ruth Hart was pensioned under the act of 1836 at the rate of 575 Dol per annum & you will please examine the proof in her case & grant such an allowance as she was justly & equitably entitled to.
Your early attention will be expected.
Respectfully &c. Benjm Colton

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 44

H. Gidley
Feb 22 1844
Page 45

Pen Off
Feby 22 44

Sir
In reply to your inquiry in the case of Selah Harts widow Ruth Hart I would inform you that she is allowed for 23 mo (from June 8 '76 to May 8 '78) of service & captivity as a Lt Col which grade receives the highest rate of pension allowed by law. He was a Brigadier from 79, there is no evidence that he was in service in that grade. Her present allowance is 575$ & the maximum is 600 per anum.

Horatio Gridley Esq
Berlin
Con
Page 46

West Hartford Conn
June 9th 1844

Sir
I forward to your Dept a number of weeks since a certificate of the comptroller of this state showing the service of Genl Selah Hart in the Revolutionary War & asked your report in the case, whether his late widow Ruth Hart was pensioned as high as she was entitled for the service he performed. If an allowance is made I suppose the Executor of the will of Ruth Hart would be the proper person to claim it & if so I presume I shall be advised on the subject.
I take the liberty to send you herewith a pamphlet containing a sermon preached at the funeral of Ruth Hart which I present to you personally not supposing it will have any influence or bearing on your official action upon the case.
The extraordinary age to which Mrs Hart arrived at and the many incidence in the life in which the sermon discloses I presume may be found interesting to you as well as to the public generally.
The Pamphlet was forward to me by mail by some of the friends of Mrs Hart for my personal use & you will please accept it as a small present from me.

I am very respectfully 
your obt sevt
Benj Colton

J. L. Edward Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 47

B Colton
June 18 44
Page 48

Pension Office
June 18 1844

Sir
On examining the case of Ruth Hart widow of Selah Hart decd a pensioner under the act of July 4 1836, it does not appear that the is entitled to a higher rate of pension than she has received, viz $575 per annum.

Benj. Colton Esq
Hartford CT
Page 49

Comptroller Office
Hartford Conn
Augt 21 1844

I certify that the following is the heading of a Payroll in this office viz
"A marching roll of Captain Selah Harts company in Col Erastus Wolcotts Regiment March 10 1776"
I further certify that the following is the heading found in a Book in this office
"Col Erastus Wolcott, Regiment raised for 2 months" April 1st 1776
I further certify that the following is the heading of another roll in this office "An abstract of the pay of the second Regt of Ilitia under the command of Col Erastus Wolcott." April 1776

Capt Noadiah Hooker & Company, Payroll
Capt Abner Prior & Company do
Capt Selah Hart & company do
Capt Hezekiah Wells & company do

A. Carrington, comptroller
Page 50

Pension Office,
August 13 1844
Sir,
I return you the Certificate of the Comptroller in the case of Ruth Hart, and would inform you that it is not competent for an Attorney to assert a claim. She was allowed for the captivity of her husband, and for all actual service set forth in her papers except that of Captain which was not sustained either as to length and grade or the rules require.
I am, Sir,
Very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant,
J L Edwards

Benjamin Colton, Esq
West Hartford
Connecticut
Page 51

Benj Colton
Oct 29 '44
Page 52

628

Pension Office
Oct 29 44

Sir
The papers in the case of Ruth Hart deceased claiming an increase of pension un der the Act of July 7th '38 have been examined & filed. On a thorough examination of the case including the papers now sent it appears that it has been rightly adjusted there being no evidence of the duration of any service by Selah Hart as a Captain.

Benj Colton Esq
West Hartford
Connt

391 Act July 7th 38
Page 53

West Hartford
Augt 26 1844

Sir, 
I send you herewith additional proof in the case of Ruth Hart referred to in your Letter to me of the 13th Sept.
I am very respectfully 
yr Obt Sevt
Benj Colton

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 54

Certificate of the Secy. of State
G.322
Page 55

Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut Nov 29th AD 1836
I hereby certify at the [illegible] of the general assembly of the state in May AD 1777, that Lieutenant Colonel Selah Hart of Farmington in this state [illegible] his memorial to said assembly for himself and about thirty eight other continental officers captive and by the enemies of the United States and confined by them on Long Island, [illegible] that officers & their families were reduced to want & inactivity by said officers confinement most of them from the 15th day of September preceding, and that most of them had recd no wages or allowance from the U. States or from the individual states that they were destitute of money & in debt [illegible] praying relief upon which memorial the following  resolution was passed & recovered in this office, passed, resolved by this assembly that the committee of the paytable be and they are hereby directed to adjust & settle said officers amounts when produced to them and to allow to them the same wages since their captivity as was allowed to officers of their rank in the continental army at the time they were captured and that the committee pay to them or to said Selah Hart for their use the [illegible] due
Page 56

to each of said officers or such part then of as on consideration of their case may appear necessary for their relief, provided such evidence shall be produced as shall satisfy said committee that said officers have not received their wages already and said committee are directed if payable to make said payment or considerable part then of in hard money and for that purpose to draw on the treasurer of this state for the same as bills of credit to exchange for the same, and the treasurer is directed to pay the same accordingly and said committee are to charge the sum so paid to the United states and transmit  an amount then of to General Washington with the names and officers of the persons to whom or for whome the same is paid and the attention and company to which they belonged, as soon as they can ascertain the same, and request the general to vie orders that said sum may be ordered and paid to the Treasurer of this state for the use of this state.
I hereby further certify that the aforesaid resolution is a true copy of record in this office, immediately following
Page 57

she counting upon said petition aforesaid attest Royal N Hinman Secretary of State

Office of the Secretary of the State of Connecticut Nov 30th AD 1836
I hereby certify that at the session of the General Assembly of this state on 14th June AD 1776, said assembly appointed many officers named upon the record i this office to take the command of six Battalions ordered by said assembly to be raised and marched directly to New York, and these to join the continental army in that place; and the governor desired authorised and impowered to give commission annexing to the form proceded and ordered for each respective officer according to his office and rank; and warrants to such as are appointed in the staff.
And I further certify that it appears from the record that Selah Hart Esq was appointed to be Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Battalion, so to be raised as aforesaid.
Attest Royal N Hinman Secretary
Page 58

G322
Account
State of Connecticut
with 
Gen Selah Hart
Page 59

Dn Lieut Col Selah Hart in Account with the State of Connecticut
[left column]
1777 May 21 To order on Treasurer in rel for Wages £96.0.0
" To ditto............in for Prisoners in N York 400.0.0
1778 May 27 To ditto...........for Balance 264.3.0
____________
£700.3.0

(right column - right side is cut off)
By his Wages while Prisoner.....Bill
By his 'illegible' lost when taken 
By Cash Advanced prisoners
By Treasurer Note

Ledger A page 155

Hartford May 27 1778
Errors Excepted
Eleazer Wales
Page 60

W 19721

Meriden CT
April 12 1895

William Lochren
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly at your earliest convenience send to me, a tracing of the signature of Ruth Hart in the widows declaration? Her husband Gen Selah Heart or Hart was an officer in the Revolutionary War, who died 1806.
Ruth Hart received a pension in 1840 when 98 years of age.

Respectfully
Mr. Charles L Upsham
Meriden Conn
Page 61

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington

Accept CT
4 July '36
Page 62

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington

Accept CT
4 July '36
Page 63

Berlin, Jun 7 yoL 1837.

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner on Pensions,

Sir,
Your favor of Jan 2 was duly received. At the time the Declaration of Mrs Ruth Hart was forwarded (with other papers) I was not aware that any evidence could be furnished of G. Harts Service as Captain. Since the receipt of your letter, however, his account Book has been found by the family, containing the names of the company, which he enlisted, the time when, and on the last page of the portion sent the receipts of most of them, with the time for which they were enlisted. I have no means of authenticating this document, but suppose there can be no question that it is veracious in every respect, and will be satisfactory proof of his service as Captain for the time specified. My next door neighbor, Daniel Galpin was one of his company, and his deposition I forward, as also the deposition of his brother, Col. Joseph Galpin, relating to the same service. There are several others, who are still living in this town; but I have thought it needless to multiply depositions in a case so plain. His commission is not to be found. Indeed it is questioned whether he ever had one for this particular service. It was an independent company, which, like many others was collected by a patriotic spirit - marched to the place of [illegible] of the American Army, and for the time being became a constituent part of it. No account of this service would be found in the army records of the State of Connecticut. I will only suggest, that Mr Hart was a Captain Commissioned in 1764, and it may be he acted under this commision as it is well known many did at that early period of the war. This [illegible] forward
In your letter Jan. 2d your present two inquires 1st What was the wages of a Lieut Col in 1777 and 1778?
By a certificate from the Comptroller of this State you will perceive that the pay of this officer was £18 per month. I bet to leave to add, that in the early part of '75 his pay
Page 64

was £12 but was raised the following year.
2nd you inquire "Whether his (Col Harts) petition to the General Assembly (May 1777) shows that he was in actual confinement in the enemy's hand at the period of its date?"
The Secretary has not been able to find that petition and it is probably not in existence, as he informs me and the aged Mr. Kingsbury, formerly Treasurer of the State also informs me, that as the substance of the petition of that day, usually formed a preamble to the Bills, less care was taken of the petition themselves. 
In order to answer your inquiry, I have taken the depositions of Col. Joseph Galpin, and Samuel Bishop, which go to show that Col Hart was in Connecticut at that time on his parole, and that he came for the purpose of procuring assistance from the State for himself and fellow officers. In June, the 3rd he was again on Long Island, where he paid out between that date and July 15th £336.18 as is apparent from the certificate of the comptroller in relation to 57 receipts taken between those dates. On the 18th of September 1777, we find Col Hart still on Long Island, as is evident from his letter of that date addressed to his wife, and which is herewith forwarded; and from which it may be fairly inferred that he had been home, and that at that time he had no certain prospect of soon meeting his family.
In her Declaration, Mrs Hart state that Col Hart arrived home on the 2 Thursday of May 1777, which was, as we term it in Connecticut, "Election day". I forward the certificate of the Secretary of State that this was on the 2nd Thursday of May, of that year, and the 14th day of the month. We have traced Col. Hart from Sept 15th 1776, the time of his being captured, till Sept 18 1777, and at this latter date, according to his letter, he had no prospect of returning home till the then campaign was over, perhaps not then. Thus far Mrs Harts Declaration is corroborated, and what confirms it is a comparison of his pay as Lieut Col with the sum, which was allowed him while prisoner viz £358.4. I take the liberty of making this comparison by way of presenting the subject as I have begun:
Page 65

From Sept 15th 1776 to May 12th 1778 is one year 7 months & 27 days, which at £18 per month is £358.4 the exact sum which he was allowed as wages while prisoner. It would require 2 days for him to make the passage from New York to Berlin. His pay from the time of his Commission to the 15th of Sept 1776 would be derived I conclude from another quarter, and consequently would not appear on the pay table account of Connecticut.
Not being accustomed to transactions of this kind, I know not but that I have violated the rules of propriety in this presenting my own views of the case; if it should to appear to you, Sir, accept my apology; my chief object having been to facilitate your acquaintance with the case; and, more over, I deemed it a matter of some importance to explain, wherefore I forwarded certain documents.
Should thee still be question raised in the case, I will again trouble you to transmit them, but I hope, on Mrs Harts account, that her claim will now be a plain one.
I remain respectfully your obet
Humble Servt
Charles A Goodrich

[in right margin] Daniel
Page 66

Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
August 9 1913

Department of the Interior
Pension Bureau
Washington D.C.
Your favor of 5th in reply to my query of July 24th at hand and well say in regards to Abner Griffis a Rev Soldier. He removed from Otsego Co N. Y. in 1799 to [illegible] Luzerne Co PA where he resided a number of years. There removed to Unadilla Otsego CO NY so I concluded that he must have served from NY State. But he probably served from "Massachusetts" or Vermont.
Thomas Marshall who served as Colonel was married in Fauquier CO Virginia and lived there some years. Nine of his children was born there. His Eldest son John Marshall served as Lieutenant and Captain and in 1801 was appointed Chief Justice of U.S. It may be that they served from Maryland. If not it was from Pennsylvania or New Jersey.
Page 67

Thomas Marshall is said to have lived in the last 3 named states at different periods. He was born 1739 died 1802. His wife May Isham (Kieth) Marshall died in Mason co. [illegible] 1809.

Have you any record of a pensioner named Ruth Hart whose maiden name was Ruth Cole born Oct 29, 1742 married to Selah Hart in 1763: Selah Hart is said to have enlisted in Rev War at the beginning of same and within a year to have been commissioned Captain, and Colonel is said to have been taken prisoner. In retreat from New York. And in 1777 to have been exchanged and rejoined the army. In May 1779 he was appointed Brigadier General succeeding Gen. Oliver Wolcott of sixth Brigade of Connecticut Militia. Selah Hart died June 11, 1806.
Mrs. Ida B. Claroye
228 Colong St
Winnepeg Manitoba Canada
Page 68

[typed document with writing across the page]
[written]
Because of the urgent request for Mrs Lewin three Hon F. C. H, for a special date, I had photos made, so that when money came they would be ready to mail, but not money came & no further response.
All pages copied & copies locked up to [illegible] in late requests.

[typed]
BA-J/MMHF

Rev & 1812
no. 104

June 3, 1932
Rev & 1812 Wars Section      541
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rev. War claim for pension of Selah Heart, File No W.21.286.

Actual
1 of each page, except the 2 commissions, 2 pages to be copied twice.

UNCERTIFIED

SPECIAL: Congressional and to be used in a celebration early this month.

xxx   
$5.55....................37 pages

Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.


Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
Page 69

June 3, 1932.

BA-J/MMHF

Honorable Frederic C. Walcott,
United States Senate,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your letter of May 27, with copy of letter attached, from Mrs. William H. Lewin, New Britain, Connecticut, requesting photostatic copies of original papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim of Ruth Heart or Hart, widow of Selah Heart or Hart, W.21286.

Photostatic copies of above noted papers will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page. The number of pages to be copied is thirty-seven.

Mrs. Lewin will please forward the proper amount by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States, and the photos will be prepared and mailed to her direct, if you so advise.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 70

W. H. SAULT
SECRETARY


[letterhead]
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C.

May 27, 1932

My dear Sir:
As per conversation with your office this morning, I am enclosing herewith copy of a letter from Mrs. William H. Lewin of New Britain, Connecticut, which is self-explanatory.

Sincerely yours,
F. C. Walcott

Administrator of Veteran Affairs,
Attention: Revolutionary and 1812 Wars Section,
Interior Department,
Washington, D.C.

Enclosure.
SES

[handwritten pointing to the "Attention"]
This letter was directed just as I advised, but it got in the wrong channel & was not rec. in this section until June 3, '32
[illegible signature]

[stamped]
RECEIVED MAY 28 1932 PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION

[stamped]
PENSION SERVICE
WIDOW SUBDIVISION
JUNE 1 1932
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

[stamped]
REVOLUTION & 1812
SECTION
JUN 3 1932
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 71

Mrs. William H. Lewin
36 Everett St.
New Britain, Connecticut

May 25, 1932.

Hon. F. C. Walcott,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Please forward this request. I greatly desire a photostatic copy of the Pension Records in the case of Ruth Hart of Berlin, or Kensington, Conn., who received a pension as the widow of Gen. Selah Hart, who served from Farmington, or Kensington. On receipt of the number of pages, money will be sent at once. Next month a suitable tablet will be placed on the house where he was born, just a short distance below Berlin R.R. Station. A paper concerning Brig. Gen. Selah Hart will be read by one of the ladies now living in his house, descended from his adopted son and nephew. They have his commission hanging in their parlor. A great many references to him are found in the Revolutionary Papers at the State Library. This photostatic copy will be placed with other family papers, and greatly prized. He had no lineal descendants. He allowed his colored slave Pharaoh, to enlist for three years. (Pharaoh also had a pension, Resided in N.J.). General Selah Hart died too early to have a pension. My own interest lies in the fact that I am a neighbor of these ladies, and belong to their D.A.R. Chapter.

The Meriden Chapter is named for Ruth Hart. She received a back pension, and devoted it to improvements on the Kensington Church, a fence around the graveyard, and a part to Yale College for the education of ministers.

Thanking you for your attention to this matter,
I am Respectfully
/s/ Mrs. Wm. H. Lewin


COPY

[stamped]
JUNE 3 1932
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[stamped]
RECEIVED MAY 28 1932
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION

[stamped]
PENSION SERVICE
WIDOW SUBDIVISION
JUN 1 1932
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Page 72

[written on top]
1 1/2 margin top pension
Rev & 1812 
No. 104.

[TYPED]
U.S. Veterans Bureau
Form 9 - Rev. Feb., 1924

BA-J/MMHF

U. S. VETERANS' BUREAU
CHIEF CLERK'S DIVISION
REQUISITION FOR PHOTOSTAT COPYING

June 3, 1932. 193_

FROM: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section. DIVISION   
Phone No. 541
To: Photostat Section, Chief Clerk's Division, Room 1123

Please furnish (Photostat copies of the papers listed below:
DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL PAPERS
Rev. War claim for pension of Selah Heart, File No. W.21286.

SIZE OF COPY DESIRED
Actual

NO OF COPIES
FACE  BACK
1 of each page, except the 2 commissions, 2 pages to be copied twice.

SPECIAL: Congressional and to be used in a celebration early this month.
Total $5.55...................37 pages

The above reqeusted work (may not) be reduced to (one half) (one quarter) of its original size in reproduction.

REMARKS: Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.

MN Finch
Requisitioning Officer
Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

Received by ______________
Date ________________

[stamped]
RECEIVED JUN 3, 1932
PHOTOSTAT SEC
CHIEF CLERK DIV

[handwritten in various parts of page]
J. Haller
6/4/32

68 1/4 B.W.
Page 73

THE H. WALES LINES CO.
BUILDING CONTRACTORS.    [illegible writing]

MERIDEN, CONN., Nov., 20, 1894

Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-

Will you favor me with a copy of the military record of the two soldiers of the war of the American Revolution from Connecticut named below-
Selah Hart who is supposed to have been a private in Col. Wyllys Regiment, having enlisted April 21, 1778, and being discharged Dec., 31, 1781. Also, a private in Col. Webb's Regiment, Capt. William's Company. Having enlisted March 5, 1781 and being discharged Dec., 31, 1781. This man is in our Connecticut records reported as having been a United States Pensioner form Litchfield County., in 1832.
The other is Selah Heart who is believed to have been from Jan., to March 1776 Capt., of the 3rd Co., Col. Wolcott's Regiment. Also, Lieutenant Colonel of Col. Fisher Gay's Regiment June 20, 1776, and promoted to Colonel after the death of Col Fisher Gay. He was taken prisoner near New York Sept., 15th, 1776. He was also Brigadier General of the 6th Brigade of Conn., Militia, May 1779 and served until the close of the war.
The widow of Gen. Selah Heart received a pension, and I have the impression her name was spelled Hart.
Respectfully,
H. Wales Lines
Page 74

[in left corner]
COMMISSONERS:
JOHN R. PROCTER, President
CHARLES LYMAN
THEODORE ROOSEVLET.
WM. H. WEBSTER, Chief Examiner,
JOHN T. DOYLE, Secretary,
Address: "CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION,
WASHINGTON D.C."
[right corner] 
IN YOUR REPLY REFER TO 
FILE NO.

UNITED STATES
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. February 4, 1895.

WLP
The Honorable,
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir:
I have  the honor to request information from the records of your office in regard to the correct spelling of the name of Selah Hart. It is alleged he spelled his name "Heart". If the record of your office show the fact please inform me whether he or any member of his family spelled the name as above.
Very respectfully,

[illegible] A. Webster [?]
Page 75

O. W. & N. Division,
F.S.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D.C. February 5, 1895

Sir:- Replying to your communication of yesterday in which you request information relative  to the correct way of spelling the name of Seleh Hart, a Revolutionary officer, you are advised that his widow, Ruth, was granted a pension for his services in that war and in furnishing evidence to substantiate her claim a letter from her husband, written while he was in the service, was filed as evidence. In this letter the officer signs his name very plainly "Heart" as may be seen by tracing of the signature which is herewith enclosed. It seems that this should be accepted as evidence sufficient  to remove all doubt as to the correct spelling of this officer's name.
Very respectfully,
Maj. Wm. H. Webster
U.S. Civil Service Commission
Washington, D.C.
Commissioner