Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23166, William Coley, New York
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(3-1776)

SERVICE
New York

Coley, William

NUMBER
S. 23166

CONTENTs
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Coley, William
(N.Y.) S-23166
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Albany 
William Coley
henango Co. in the State of N
s a Private in the [illegible]
in Coli[illegible] of the Reg [illegible]
[illegible] in the N. Carolina [crossed out] 
                                  NY
4 months
31007

_bed on the Roll of Albany
t the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th, day of March 1837 and ju[illegible] to Hon. B Swift Senator U.S. Present

Arrears to the 4th of March '37        280.00
Semi-ani. allowance ending 4 Sep      23.33
                                                            $303.33
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by D. Brown                              Clerk,
Book 3-2. Vol. 4 Page 11

J.
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State of New York
County of Chenango

On this fifteenth day of October in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court. before the Honorable Robert Monell. judge of the [illegible] Circuit in said state. being a Court of Record, now sitting, William Coley, a resident of the town of Otsilie in said County and State, aged seventy four years, [illegible] being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration. in order to obtain the benefit of the pensioners made by the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832.

That he entered the army of the United States in the year 1777 and served as follows (Viz)

That about the first of May in the year 1777 he resided at Havistraw in the County of Orange, state of New York, and was appointed a clerk to John Elsi. Issuing [illegible] to Gen. McDougal Brigade-  The said Brigade was composed of the Regiments commanded by Colonel Chandler and Denker. The Brigade was stationed at Peeks Kill. when he entered the service.  He remained there until some time in June of July following.  When he went to Kings Ferry. where the army [illegible] and then marched through the state of New Jersey. In the fall of 1777 he was appointed, by Colonel
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Stewart, Commissary General of War, by a [illegible] under his hand, an assistant or deputy in that department. That he has lost that written appointment. His business was, to receive cattle, have them slaughtered and see that the beef was delivered to John Cheesebrough, Commissary of War for the use of the North Carolina troops. These troops were commanded by Col Clark, Acting Commandant of the Brigade. [illegible] was afterward succeeded in command by Brigadier Genl McIntosh. The [illegible] into the [illegible] [illegible] at Valley Forge, he thinks, in the month of December, and remained there until the month of June in the year 1778. Recollects that Gen. Washington was there, and that he frequently saw him during the winter. In June the army was ordered to march from their quarters and went to Monmouth in New Jersey. He then volunteered as a private soldier under Capt Coleman of the 2nd North Carolina Regiment, Command by Col. Patten. Next he was in the Battle of Monmouth and knew Gen. Lee, Bacon Steuben, & Lord Sterling. After the Battle went to Kings Ferry, then to White Plain. Hence to a place called Oblong or Frederickburgh, he thinks, in the County of Westchester where he left the army in October 1778. As far as he can now recollect. That he received no written discharge as he remembers. That while he was with the North Carolina troops his pay was $40. per month. Was furnished with a horse & forage drew his regular rating and had a servant to attend him.
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I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension Roll of any agency in any state.

William Coley

Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid

Rob L Monell
Circuit Judge

O. Robert Monell, Judge of the Circuit Court of the sixth district in the state of New York. [crossed out]

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.

Rob L Monell
Circuit Judge

State of New York
Chenango County [illegible]: I, Jarvis K. Pike [illegible] of the said circuit court for the sixth Circuits of the State of New York in and for the County of Chenango do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Coley for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have [illegible] set my hand and seal of office this fifteenth day of October 1832.

P.B. Prindle
Dep. Clerk

And I further certify that Smith M. Purdy, before whom the annexed amended declaration purports to have been sworn and whose name is signed  [illegible]
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certificate at the bottom of said amended declaration was at the date of each of them the First Judge of the County Courts of said County and also that Norman Ford before whom the annexed affidavits of Nathan Card the Clergy man and Luther Bourn purport to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County and that the signatures of "Smith M. Purdy" and "Norman Ford" are the genuine hand writings of the said officers respectively. This I certify from a knowledge of their handwriting

Witness my hand and seal of office this 13th August 1833.


P.B. Prindle
Dep Clerk
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Amended Declaration

State of New York
Chenango County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a judge of the court of [illegible] mon pleas in and forsaid County, William Coley, of Otsilie in the said County to me known. Who being only sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grades, towich:

3 months
For three months I serve as a clerk to John Elles Issuing Commission to Gen. McDougal brigade of Connecticut hoops of the Continental Army. I drew 20 doll per month and 2 rations per day for my service and was paid by foreman

1 yr and 2 months
For one year and two months I served as assistant commissary to Commissary General Stewart of the Continental Army of the United States, as stated in my declaration, and for the above period of time combined making one year and five months I claim a pension

I also state that all the above services new rendered by me as I have stated in my declaration in emb[crossed out] a military staff duly organized under regulation and law of Continental Congress that I was not during any portion of the above period employed in any civil pursuit but was exclusively employed in the military

In [illegible] to the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department to [illegible]
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for pensions he [illegible] as follows viz:
1. I was born in London City, Great Britain, on the 24th of June 1758.
2. Have no record of my age except in my family Bible which is at [illegible] at my present residence.
3. I resided at Haverstraw, Raven Co. NY now Rockland Co. NY. When I went first into the army. Since the war I have resided in New York City, in Allauchester, Vermont in DeRuyter Madison Co NY and in Otselic where I now live.
4. I was appointed by Col Stewart [illegible] as stated in my declaration.
5. I saw Genl Washington and Genl See & Baron Steuben & LaFayette - Timothy Pickering and knew them all. Col. [illegible] [illegible] land Regiment of N.Y. troops was in the army where I was. The general circumstance of my services are as stated in my declaration.
6. I recieved a commission from Col. Stuart signed by him - which I have lost long since.
7. I would give the names of Asa Pritchard Esq. PM - Elder Card - Luther Bowen - Wm. Tyler - Isaac Stokes - of Otselic Cherogu County - Peter Randall late county clerk - Robt Monell late member of Congress & now circuit judge - Heny Mitchell M.D. now member of Congress - John Clapp P.M of Norwich as men who would testify to my character for truth and veracity and to their belief of my service as a soldier of the Revolution.
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I know of no person living who can testify to my service as above stated except Joseph Cooley and Mary Coley of Madison County in this state and further say not. William Coley
Sworn & subscribing the 27th June 1833 before me.
Smith M. Purdy first judge of Chenango County Courts and I the said Judge do certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories perscribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary officer and served as he states.
And I further certify that it appears to me that Nathan Card who has signed the annexed certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Otselic in said county and that Luther Bowen who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. Smith M. Purdy, first  judge Chenango County Courts.
Certificate that Card is clergyman . See clergymans certificate.
Chenango County SS:
I certify that Nathan Card who has signed the annexed certificate in the case of the pension application of William Coley is a Clergyman of the Baptist Church, residing in Olselic in said County and that Luther Bowen who has also signed the same is a resident of the same town and that he is a gentleman of truth and veracity. August 13, 1833. 
Smith M. Purdy, first judge of Chenango County Courts. See Clerks Certificate
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William Coley, Pension Papers
18387
Address all papers to P. Randall
Norwich N. York
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State of New York Madison County SS
Joseph Coley of the town of Cazenovia and County aforesaid being duly sworn maketh oath & saith that he is the brother of William Coley of the Town of Otselic in the County of Chenango, that he this deponant was sixty seven years of age the 15th day of August last, and at the time the said William entered the service of the United States as a revolutionary soldier. The said William and this deponent lived at home with our father who then resided in the Town of Haverstraw then in the County of Orange and now County of Rockland and state aforesaid. And this deponent further saith that the said William entered the service either in the month of May or the forepart of June which he cannot tell in the year 1777, into the commissary of issues department as an assistant to John Ellis issuing commissary to the Brigade commanded by Brigadier General Alexander McDougal which Brigade was composed of Col. Chandlers & Col. Parkers Regiments of Connecticut State troops. And this deponent further saith that from the time the said William entered the service he the said William continued service for a period of more than two years, a part of which time he served in the Brigade commanded by Genl McDougal, the remainder of the time he the said William, served as an assistant in the commissary department [illegible] Brigade of North Carolina troops which said department was commanded by Stewart commissary of the said Brigade the said William continued in the two Brigades the whole period as an assistant in the Commissary of Issues Department. And this deponent further saith that the said William and the said John Ellis and many other officers were frequently at the house. Saith of this deponent in uniform with side arms and other equipage. And this deponent further saith that the said William was three or four times at home upon furlough and especially in the fall after the Battle of Monmouth. And further this deponent saith not. Joseph Coley
Affirmed & subscribed before me this 11th day of October 1832 & I further certify that I have been well acquainted with the said Joseph Coley more than 20 years past & that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity. Justin Dwinell Supreme County Court
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State of New York Madison County SS
I Ely Barnard Deputy Clerk of the said county of Madison do certify that Justin Dwinell before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Supreme Court commissioner residing in the aforesaid county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of office this 13th day of October 1832. E. Barnard Dep. Clk.
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No. 18.387
William Coley
Chenango Co. N.Y.
P. Randall, Norwich, N.Y.
E. Bernard D Clk
Chenango Co. N.Y.
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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, May 23, 1830
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the service of William Coley Chenango Co New York
Period when the service was rendered. May 1777
Duration of the claimant's service.
Rank of the Claimant. Private
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Genl McDugal, Col Chandler
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. 74 years, Orange County New York
Proof by which the declaration is supported. Witness J. Coley for year 1777. More than 2 years service no traditional evidence given
Period when the service was rendered. Fall 1777
Duration of the claimant's service.
Rank of the Claimant. Commissary gen
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Col Dunkee
Period when the service was rendered. Until June 78
Duration of the claimant's service.
Rank of the Claimant. Commissary gen
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  Col Stewart
Period when the service was rendered. No until Oct 1778
Duration of the claimant's service.
Rank of the Claimant. Service not stated
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Col. [illegible], Col Patten
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant, J.L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has ben construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,  In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 
State, Territory, or District of    County of    } ss.
On this    day of     personally appeared (a) before    A. B. a resident (b) of    in the county of    and State, Territory of District of    aged (c)    years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)    , with    and served in the    (e) regiment of the    line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. > This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of     . 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I           of the Court of       do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of       for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this    day of    &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out    .
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B. a Clergy man, residing in the       and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with       , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be      years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that is appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the       and the C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the     and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,      Clerk of the Court of     do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal      of office, this    day of    &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroboration the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or volunteers, except the Milita of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for who?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. [To a Soldier {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
[To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character or veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represent, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The tradionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declartion of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particuar in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opionion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For ____ year ____ months, and ____ days, I served as a ____. For ____ months and ____ days, I served as a ____' and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period of which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particular respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signatuare of the magistrate must be certified by the proper office, under his seal of office.
> The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John N Ashton
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Wm Cooley
Adl. statement
Secy
To W M Edwards about this
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State of New York County of Cortland} ss
Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, Wiliam Cooley of the town of Otselic in the county of Chenango, to me well known, who being by me, duly sworn, according to law, doth, under his said oath, make the following statement, as supplementary to his former declaration, with the view of establishing his claim for a pension - that is to say - He the said William Cooley, says, that he received the appointment of assistant Commissary in the Army of the Revolution from Commissary General Stewart of the said Army. That the Warrant or commission of appointment which he thus received, is not in his possesion, but the same is lost, and has been for many years, as stated in his former declaration. That owing to the loss of time, his age and infirmity, and consequent loss of memory, he cannot state the language of his said Warrant or Commission verbatim, nor perhaps the entire substance, but according to his best recollection and belief, the same was written on parchment, with a ribbon and seal duly affixed thereto.
It was denoted William Cooley Esq. (this deponant) - saying (in substance) that, by authority vested in me, and reposing official trust and confidence in your ability, prudence and good conduct, you are hereby appointed to commissioned assistant commissary in the Revolutionary army, (a Army of the United States,) and annexed to the North Carolina Brigade; and subject to such orders and directions as you shall from time to time receive from the commanding officer of said Brigade, and others of your superior officers according to the established military rules and regulations of the Army.
The duty of this deponant was to receive beef cattle for the use of said brigade, see that they were kept safely - had
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a guard of men to take care of them, butchers to slaughter them, scalesmen to weigh them - all under his charge. Also, had a clerk to keep the account of the same. His particular duty was to deliver the beef to such commissaries of issues as had received the proper orders for the same from the Commissary General. He also, occasionally delivered beef to Commissaries of issue, belonging to other troops, than the said N. Carolina Brigade, when necessary, who had received order for the same from the Commissary General.
He has thus stated what was the substance of his commission, and his duty, that the Department of War may judge whether he was subject to military punishment in case he had been in default. He will add his own belief, and what has always been his own belief on the subject, which is, he supposed, and ever did suppose, that if he had been in default in the performance of his duty while thus attached to the army, that he was subject to arrest, and to a trial according to the articles and rules of military discipline, and to such punishment as would in such case have been due to his offences. And he has no doubt whatever that he would have found such to have been the case had he been guilty - and further saith not. William Coley
Subscribed and sworn to before me, the subscriber, this 21st day of May, 1835 - and I also certify that I am acquainted with the said deponant, and that he is a person of creditibility & truth.
Oliver Kingman, Judge of Cortland Com. Pleas.
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State of New York, Cortland County Clerks Office ss:
I Oren Stimson clerk of said county do hereby certify that Oliver Kingman Esq whose name is subscribed to the above affadavit (or before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken) was a Judge of the Com of Common Pleas in and for the said county aforesaid & dwelling in said county at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment and duly authorize. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and verily believe that his signature above written to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county this 23rd day of May 1835.
Oren Stimson Clerk
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Hon. Henry Mitchell
Mem. of Congress
Washington
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To the Hon. the Secretary of  War,
Sir, having understood that Col. William Cooley has applied for a pension, from the United States, for services rendered during the Revolutionary War; and having been personally acquainted with the said William Cooley and also his brother the Rev. Joseph Cooley, on whom he relies for testimony for more than twenty years, I should consider their statements and testimony entitled to the utmost confidence.
Delphi December 21, 1833
Elisha Litchfield
Late mem. of Congress
Sir, I have been personally acquainted with Col Wm Cooley for twenty years and by reputation with his brother Rev Joseph Cooley and I fully concur with Judge Litchfield in saying that their statements may be [illegible] on with the utmost confidence.
John Miller late a Member of Congress
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Orville NY [illegible]
2nd March
Col. Coley
Otselic, Chenango, NY
Page 25

[illegible] Mar. 25, 1834
Dear Sir
I [illegible] that your patience is noted in waiting this answer. I wrote you some time [illegible] that I had not received the expected letter from [illegible] Allen but it is at hand and inclosed. I waited some time after receving this in hopes the answer to the [illegible] wrote the last [illegible] wont become to hand but as it has not arrived, I [illegible] the [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] if the other [illegible] to hand it shall be sent and delay.
You have my best wishes that you may be able to obtain your [illegible] for your services in the Revolution. Mrs. Tousley & my self wish is to be remembered to Mrs. Cook.
S Tousley
Col Coley
I [illegible] it the officer & found the other better person the last marked. S. Tousley
Page 26

Cincinnatus, Cort. Co. N.Y.
Apr. 22nd 1834
Hon. Benj. Swift,
Dear Sir,
I enclose the within to your care as the friend of Co. Wm. Cooley, who has called on me for assistance. He showed me your letter [illegible] that of Doct. H. Mitchell. He feels grateful indeed, to you both for your friendship. We suppose Doct. Mitchell may be now at home on account of sickness in his family.
By your communication and that of Mr. Edwards, it appeared that an explanation was necessary regarding certain statements made in his declaration. The enclosed is intended to meet the same Col. C., last winter wrote, or got a friend to do so, inquiring for persons by whom he supposed he could establish his claim. He recd. information that such persons were decd. I requested Col. C. to forward those letters to you, Sir, or to Doct. M., and you will probably receive them about the time you do this. They will go to show his efforts. If the Dept. cannot by their rules allow him pay according to his rank in the Army, cannot it be done for a lower - part is better than nothing. It however seems to me the proof forwarded is well calculated to insure conviction that his statements are true. His reputation is fair and without blemish. He might procure dozens upon dozens, so to certify, if of any use. I lately enclosed to Doct. Miltchell such certificates from Doct. John Miller, and Judge Litchfield, late mem.
Page 27

bers of Congress and Col. C. told me then that he was known to you, Sir, to Doct. M. - Gen. Fuller, Mem. from our state & also to the mem. representing Onondoga Co. I supposed the statement of mem. as good or better than the affidavits of neighbors here.
I am acquainted with Col. C. I think him perfectly honorable and that he is incapable of stating an untruth. He feels wounded most of all, that his word is not sufficient alone - the same to feel that it is above doubt.
Please oblige him, Sir, by presenting the enclosed to the Dept. of applications. I cannot but hope it may with the other proof sent be  sufficient to establish his claim. Should it suceed, his pension certificate may be forward to me or directly to him, at Otselic, Chenango Co. N.York.
You will please excuse all trouble and accept the best wishes and respects of Yours most Repectfully Barak Niles
Page 28

Wm Cooley
X Wm Cooley
Col. Cooley
Application for Pension
Cincinnatus, N.Y.
Apr. 5th
Free
Hon. H. Mitchell Mem. of Congress Washington
If he is absent, to Hon. S. Page Mem. of Cong.
[illegible] Page
Page 29

Cincinnatus, Cort. Co. N.Y.
Apr. 5th 1834
Hon. H. Mitchell,
Dear Sir,
Col. Wm. Cooley of Otselic has just called on me in relation to his application for a pension. P. Randall Esq. drew his papers and forwarded them. They were returned for amendment and after being amended were again returned, and the Dept considered the proof added not coming up to what was required, retained the papers on file and suspended his case. Col. Cooley has since taken such pains to obtain more proof - sent letters of inquiry to several parts of the country, and has travelled personally considerably, and finds those persons dead to whom he was personally known in the service. He must therefore I fear be cut short of the benefits of the law of June 7, '32, [illegible] his statement, with the proof already furnished, together with his fair character for truth & versacity shall be sufficient to establish his claim. I believe, sir, he is personally known to you. He tells me that he is also personally known to Gen. Fuller of Madison Co., and to the members from Onondaga Co. and also to Hon. Benj. Swift fr. Vermont.
Page 30

He informs me that he had a conversation with you, sir, and said your kind assurance of such aid as you could render him in the [illegible]. I have thot of no way so good as to trouble you, sir, to call on the Dept. to advance his claim. I presume from his honorable character, and the manner in which he tells his services, that there can be no doubt whatever that he deserves and ought to receive the benefit of the law. The assurance of yourself, (and if further aid shall be necessary of that kind, that of the three above named  gentlemen,) as to the standing of Col. Cooley, together with the evi. in the Dept, I hope will be satisfactory to the Dept to establish his claim.
I write this at his request & have to solicit your aid in his behalf. Pray, sir, serve him in such way as you shall think best.
I have never yet acknowledged to your friend, Mr. Page, his kindness in attending to the case of Mr. Peter Vosburgh for me. I duly recd. a Certificate for him, and I assure you that both him and myself felt grateful to you, to Mr. Page, and to the Dept.
Page 31

I hope, sir, you pass your time pleasantly and profitably. Wishing you every enjoyment.
I am most Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. Barak Niles
Col. Cooley, lately saw Judge Litchfield of Onondaga Co. and Doct. Miller of this, and procured their certificate which enclosed.
on file [illegible]
Page 32

p. 9
Thomas Lumpking
August 30 30
Enclosing memorandum of Mr. Chester Babcock & requests that the pension cases of Wm. Coley or Coley & Charles Hunt may be examined.
Refd. to [illegible] of Pensions
Dep [illegible[
Aug 30th 1860
Page 33

Washington, D.C. August 30th 1850
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose herewith the memorandum from Mr. Chester Babcock of N. York asking that the case of William Coley or Coley, Act 7th June, 1832, N. York roll who claimed an increase of pension by a Captain and Deputy Commissary, may be examined, and also the case of Charley Hunt, Act 7th June, 1832, from New York, may be also re-examined. Hunt was pensioned and afterward, discontinued. He was pensioned as a private and teamster. He is contended that he ought to be allowed for the service performed as teamster. You will please cause a re-examination to be made in their cases, and if my [illegible] the reasons for which may be printed out.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respy, Your O.W. [illegible[ Th. Lumpkin
Hon. D.C. Goddard, Acting Sect of the Dept of the Interior
Page 34

You will no doubt give us some credit [illegible] acting that [illegible] terms case that you are about to get for Mr. Cropsey of Trega Co.
I hope you will succeed all right.
CB
he asked who to send case to and by this circumstance you [illegible] [illegible]
Page 35

Also, the case of William Coley who was a pensioner in Chenango Co. Coley himself made a declaration claiming an increase, he claimed a pension as a Captain and Dep Commissary. He was a captain at Kings Bridge one year. He is now dead, died about 7 years since. His widow who he married 1820 died 2 years ago.
I will also send you the suspended case of Charles Hunt who is now living in Madison County, he offers us about 30 per cent and that is the best I can do. I inclose a letter from no longer T. Edgcomb, although Edgcomb has no interest nor has not had any. He [illegible] for me.
I would like to hear good news from you in Knox case, what is the prospect in the King case.
In haste, I am sir your &c C. Babcock
T. Lumpkin Esq. Washington
Page 36

Otselic, N.Y. April 23rd
Free
Benjamin Swift Esq.
Senator in Congress
Washington D.C.
Hon B. Swift
for D. Trump
Page 37

Otselic, N.Y. April 23rd
Free
Benjamin Swift Esq.
Senator in Congress
Washington D.C.
Hon B. Swift
for D. Trump
Page 38

April 22nd 1834
My Dear Sir,
Your truly welcomed letter came to hand the 17th teatime. Accompanied with a letter addressed to you from the Hon. JL Edwards on the subject of my claim to a pention. In his remark first says those were some persons imployed in the Com. Department under Govt. contract. Secondly that I claim the grade of an Assistant Com. with the pay of a Captain and entered the rank as a private and thereby my youth at the time of my service seams to be a question to remove these doughts. I conceived it my duty  to give every light in my power on the subject. I year tenday presented Mr. Edwards letter to Judge Niles the gentleman imploy by me to make out my paper, to the War Department to whom I give my narative to answer the [illegible] to which I have testified before a proper officer which I cannot but hope may prove satisfactory as Doc. [illegible] is now about who has very faithfully attended to my [illegible] at Washington. I have taken the liberty to request Judge Niles to direct my papers to you being with aforesaid that your influence will [illegible] wanting to have justice take effect. I hope it may not cause you much trouble but I am aware of the [illegible] of the War Department and [illegible] of attendance on my part but my Dear Sir when I [illegible] to recolection the testimony of myself as  also the testimony of my brother and his wife and the very respectable number of gentleman who have been acquainted with me for a long term of years who say that the fullest confidence and reliance may be placed on what I have related. I cannot see any [illegible] reason why my application should not meet with a favorable [illegible].
Most Res. your Friend, {illegible] [illegible] William Coley
The Hon. Benj. Swift
Page 39

P.S. I enclose some letters which will share that I have [illegible] [illegible] to get satisfactory proof [illegible] in the revolutionary war. The family of [illegible] within one mile of head teamster at Valley Forge. A certain Col. Thomas [illegible] [illegible] master genl a Capt [illegible], [illegible] staff quartered in a room in his house from the [illegible] of our winter quarters until time when the whole army under G. Washington would to the return at monmouth which was I think the 14th. The old gentleman and lady had seen any [illegible] knew will my employment to  my [illegible] and grade in the army but they are decended to the tomb. WC
Page 40

24th CONGRESS, 2d Session. 195.
An Act
Granting a pension to William Coley.
1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
2. of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That
3. the Secretary of War be, and he hereby is, directed to enter
4. the name of William Coley, a soldier in the revolutionary
5. army on the roll of revolutionary pensioners, and allow and
6. pay him a pension at the rate of forty dollars a year, during
7. his natural life, commencing on the fourth day of March, in
8. the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-
9. one
Office Secy Senate [illegible]
March 6, 1837
I certify that the above act passed the Senate the 28th Feby 1837.
Asbury Brikins, Secy Senate
Page 41

I think the applicant should be allowed a pension as a private for fourteen months.
B.F. Butler, March 7th, 1837.
Page 42

State of New York, Madison County ss:
Mary Coley of Caymanian in said county aged sixty four years being sworn deposeth & saith that she was born at Haverstraw in the state of New York and resided there during many years and that William Coley now of Otselic in said state then resided at Haverstraw aforesaid & was in the year 1777 in the Revolutionary army, in the continental service, and in the Commissary Department and continued in said service for two or three years according to the best of her recollecting, that the American Troops, were stationed at that time at Stony Point, the distance of four miles & a half from the place where she & the mother of William resided, that during said two or three years aforesaid, she this deponant often saw him the said William at his mothers, from the army, in his Regimental dress, & was thus called, Commissary Bill, to distinguish him, from his father Capt. William Coley, who then kept Kings Ferry on the
Page 43

Hudson, in the service of the American Government. That she this deponent, has been well acquainted with the said William Coley, the younger ever since her first remembrances till this time & of his family connections and it has always since the Revolutionary War, when the subject has been [illegible] on, been said that the said William Coley served several years in the Commissary Department in the Continental army in the revolutionary war, and that she has no [illegible] that the said William did so seem as above mentioned, from what she knew & saw herself and from what has been uniformly said from & by his commissary & other reporting such service since the Revolutionary war & further saith not. Mary Coley
Sworn before me this 13th day of July 1833
Justin Dwinell, Supreme Court Com.
I certify that I have been many years acquainted with the above named Mary Coley.
Page 44

wife of the Reverend Joseph of Coley of Caymanian Madison County New York, and that she sustains a good character for truth & veracity, and that the reason that she signed the above deposition with the mark of the cross, is that she is unable to write in consequence of having the palsey in her hands. Caymanian July 13. 1933
Justin Dwinell, Supreme Court Com.
State of New York, County of Madison ss: 
I Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the said county do certify that Justin Dwinell before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn and also whose name appears to the above certificate was at the date of the same a Supreme Court Commissioner in and for the said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand & seal of office this 27th day of July 1833
A.S. Sloan - Clerk
E. Barnard, Dept. Clk
Page 45

Department of State
Washington June 2nd 1845
Sir
In reply to your note of the 26th [illegible], I have to say, that upon an examintion of the Washington Papers, no evidence is found of the service of William Cooley Assistant Quarter Master in the North Carolina Line.
Very Respectfully I am sir James Buchanan
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension office Washington
Page 46

ch to [illegible] 25 Sep
Hon J.L. Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 47

Ovid Sept 12th, 45
Sir
If I have a right according to your rules, to ask, I would respectfully ask you to please give me a copy of the claim for service made by Wm Coley late a pension from this state, & who it is said died in [illegible] 1843. I am the agent for his widow, & his having only drawn $46.66 per annum, & when it is supposed as the the history that I have stated, that he served 2 years as Dept. Commissary & his widow claims an increase of back pay, but wishes a copy of her late husbands claim for service in his declaration, which his copy she cannot get from their quarters.
Respectfully Your Most Obt Servt Asad Joy
Hon J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 48

N 18387
William Coley
New York
Suspended
See let to Hon Benj Swift April 26. 36
Set to Hon. L. Cass Feb 10, 1836. Set to Hon. G. Tomlinson, Jan 18 1837, Let to same, Jan. 23, '37.
$46.66 per ann
Hon. B. Swift
Senator U.S. present
Act of June 1832
Page 49

Let T. Lumpkin 11 Sept 1850
Ad N.Y. '32
No 31007
Page 50

[illegible] 250
Wm. Coley
5 Feby. 1836
N. York
Pension Office
Act 7 June 1832
Report recd 11 Feby
Page 51

TO THE HON. THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS:
I hereby appoint Mr. Giles F. Yates, of Schenectady, N.Y. my true and lawful attorney, with power of substitution to prosecute before you the claim of William Coley did for a pension find the act of 7th June 1832 for an increase of his stipend and I hereby revoke all powers of attorney by me at any time heretofore made.
You will be pleased to allow him, or his substitute, to examine the papers on file in your office relating to this claim. Witness my hand and seal, this fourth day of October 1852. John S. Coley
Signed, sealed and acknowledged before me: Myron S. Pritchards J.P. of Chenango Co N.Y.
Page 52

Resolved, that the Committee on Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of placing the name of William Cooley, an officer of the army of the Revolution, on the Pension Roll.
Page 53

Washington January 13th, 1838.
J.L. Edward Esq.
Board of Pensions
Dr. Sir
Permit me to call your attention to claim of William Cooley for a pension as assist. commissary, as described in the enclosed letter, and to bespeak your favorable consideration of it, so far as his papers will justify.
Very respectfully Your Obt. Serv.
N.P. Tallmadge
Page 54

James. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Jan 21
Wm Cooley
N.P. Tallmadge
Sworn to us
Page 55

Washington Jun 20. 1837
Sir,
I request you to send me, for the information of the Committee on Pensions, a copy of the papers, in the pension office, relating to the claim of William Cooley to be placed on the pension list.
I am yours respectully
G. Tomlinson
Page 56

Aurora. N.Y. March 3rd
Hon. S. Tousley Esq
Orville
St. of N. York. [illegible]
Page 57

Dear Sir,
I recd. a letter from you dated the 16th day of Jany. I have been confined to my room all winter wholly unable to  attend to any business. About four weeks ago I was attacked with a severe shock of the apatetic. I lay some hours wholly insensible of anything, through the aid of able pysicians. I have so far recovered as to be able to walk about the house had I been well your letter would have been answered long since. The Grenhart Family appears to be the object on enquiery. I was well acquainted with the family. The old gentlemand and lady died some years ago. The family are scattered. I have assertained with some degree of certainty that George lives in Nondy County of Allegany. Coln Cooley will readily understand whether George was old enough to have any recollection of the revolution. I am so [illegible] I cannot write.
I am yours with respect S. Allen
S. Tousley Esq.
Page 58

Washington Jan. 17.1837
Sir,
The enclosed copy of a resolution of the Seante is transmitted to you for the purpose of obtaining such information, as may be in your possession relative to the claim of William Cooley of New York to be placed on the revolutionary pension roll.
I am yours respectfully. G. Tomlinson
Page 59

Office of the Secy Senate US
March 7th 1837
Sir,
In the case of William Coley, for whose relief a bill passed the Senate at the last session there are no papers. The Bill was reported from the Committee on Pensions, upon a resolution, a copy of which is enclosed.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt. 
L.H. Machen, Principal Clk.
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 60

Revolution
23166
INVALID.
File No. 23,166
William Coley
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7 32
Index: Vol. 2, Page 71
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 61

Col. J.L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
War Dept.
Feb 13
N.Y.case
Hon. B. Swift
Wm Coley
Page 62

Senate Chamber Feb.12.1835
Sir,
I herewith enclose to you the letter of N. Osgood Esq of Rutland Vermont, which I mentioned to you this morning and I take the liberty to repeat that, N. Osgood is one of our most respectable men and untill prevented by age and infirmity was much employed in the public service of the state.
With great respect
Your Obdt. Servt.
B. Swift
PS. Since writing the above M. Mitchel of the Ho. of Reps. has put into my hands a letter from Col. Cooley whose case I mentioned to you this morning. As the letter contains sundry arguments by which he attempts to obviate difficulties suggested by you, I herewith enclose it and ask your particular attention to the contents and can duly express the hope that on a review of the subject, you will find Col. Cooley justly entitled to a pension. B.S.
Page 63

Otselic N.Y.
Dec. 11th
Free
Benjamin Swift
Senator in Congress
Washington D.C.
Hon. B. Swift
HR
Page 64

Dear Sir
Your letter of April last enclosing one from the Hon. Sect. of War on the subject of my claim was handed in due time on the receipt of which I made out a statement under oath directed to the Hon. Commission of Pentions which I then believed would clear up and obviate the objections; but Mr. Edwards in his answer to my papers has started a new objection [illegible] he doughts the authority of the Commissary Genl. of issues of the Amercian Army to grant an appointment to so high a grade as mine; that he granted commissions to [illegible] Commissarys and assistant commissarys, I can be qualified. One in particular came under my notice I was present when the commission was presented to David Pye Esquire [illegible] Commissary for the Continental troops stationed at Stoney Point his authoirty was never questioned to my knowledge. I knew several gentlemen in the Com Department who served these commissioners from the Con Genl of [illegible]. My desire now is that my last paper [illegible] to the War Department be handed to Gov Cass who has favored me with what proof I must produce to establish my claim with and [illegible] [illegible] that demands my sincere thanks. This last paper I assume he has it [illegible]. Will you be pleased to let him see it should the department still refuse my claim. I would beg your advice on my coming to Washington. I have suposed by being there in person redy for to answer questions that may be thought proper and oborate the objections should you be of opinion this step will favor my claim. You please write as soon as conveniant as I can have the Company of two gentlemen of my intimate acquaintance who will leave this county on a visit to Washington the last of this month. I am fully apprised of the fatigue and expence of so long a journy to a man of my years but my Dear Sir I feel the future of my claim and believe it my duty to continue my application untill it is granted.
With the gratest Respect & Esteem believeone Sir your [illegible] Friend William Coley
Hon Benj Swift
Otselic Chenango Co
Dec 4th 1735
Page 65

N.B. See Judge Purdy certificate at the end of amended declaration.
Page 66

We Nathan Card, a clergyman, residing in the town of Otselic and Luther Bowen residing in the same town, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Coley who is now applying for a pension. That we beleive him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Nathan Card, Luther Bowen
Sworn & subscribed the 6th day of Jun 1833 before me. 
Norman Ford, JP
See Judge Purdys certificate for character.
Page 67

For John Mosher [illegible]
[illegible] on springs [illegible]
Sylvinus Tousley Esquire
Orville
Onondaga Co. N.Y.
Page 68

Union Springs 20 March 1834
Dr. Sir
Yours of 26 [illegible] was [illegible] and I have to say that old Mr. Gearhart who resided in this vicinity is dead, as is also his wife. His oldest son (who perhaps might have had some knowledge of Revolutionary times) I believe from what I can learn from enquiry lives in Nunday in the County of Allegany. His name is George Gearhart.
I am Sir respectfully [illegible] John Mosher
S. Tousley Esq.
Page 69

Otselic Feby 23 1835
Sen. Harvey Mitchell
My Dear Sir
Your kind favors of the 11th & 13th I [illegible] came to hand in due time in which you are please to inform me that you had a conference with Judge Swift handed him my letter [illegible] and that Wm. Edwards agreed to give my papers a carefull review. I would sugest the propriety of Judge Swift & yourself attoning with Wm. Edward at the time he makes the review his objections.  have answered in my letter [illegible] to you dated Dec. 14 in a short manner & should be again [illegible] all or any of the objections made or to be made. You will be able to reason on the subject and give your opinion. I therefore indulge the hope that you will attend if permited of which then can be no dought. Mr. Edwards objects to my claim on the ground that some good contracts was made with some persons in the Commissarys department & therefore he had his doughts of my being a componant part of the staff. I never know or knew while in service any person so employed, but my appointment came from under the hand & seal of Col. Stewart Commmissary Genl. in the Continental Army, directed and in the body of the said commission was to William Coley Esq.  Assistant Commissary. This I think not many will say was a civil contract. There was a time after I left the service that Joshua Sands V. Co. made a contract with the government to  furnish the troops at so much C. Ration this I supose was a civil contract but I was not then in service. I am fully [illegible] of the trouble and purplexity. My [illegible] must be to you & my good friend Judge Swift but be assured I have a high sense of your [illegible] which will remain and fill my brest [illegible] I take leave of a troublesome world. In almost every letter I have [illegible] to you on the subject of my claim I have had some desire of making acquainted with some of the trials & sufferings of our family in the revolution. I shall state the facts which can be now proved it can have no effect in my claim to a pention but it may create a desire with the gentlemen in the pention office to some relief if it can be done consistant with those duty I will now give in short some particulars. We lived in New York City my father keep a grocery store and two [illegible] courting on the North
Page 70

we moved out of N York in the fall of 76 as did all the wigs. Lord how with his fleet was anchored in the Bay one of our [illegible] loaded with goods was taken in the [illegible] by the boats of the men of war my father sent the other before up the river to Fort Montgomery when Fort Montgomery was taken by the British. They burnt her. My father moved from N. York within 2 2/4 miles of Fort Lee took his goods and  family there. The British troops in a few days took N York then they took Fort Washington [illegible] they took all our goods and my father prisoner. The enemy left the nighborhood of Fort Lee & march throw [illegible]. My father was released from imprisonment & moved our family to the Town of Haverstraw 4 miles from Stoney Point. A Continental Army was established from Stoney Point to [illegible]. My father was appointed to the command of the ferry [illegible] king ferry. The British took possession of Stoney Point. Col. Johnson who comanded came in the night time accompanyed by two of our [illegible] nighbours as [illegible] my mother was cald out of bed & Col. Johnson told that her husband and son was in the rebel army & that he had orders from Sir Harry Clinton to burn the house & take what property we had which was done. This sir is a true relation of some of our sufferings for acting in the cause and defence of that Liberty & Blessed country we now profess. You will please show this letter to my dear and good friend Judge Swift and serve for him and yourself my sincerely thanks and prayers for your health & [illegible].
William Coley
Page 71

[illegible], January 28 1836
Dear Sir
I wood inform your honnar that there is a nother peace of frad a goun on in this place that is there is comeing to your office a lawer to git John Greens pention astabeshed again his name is Alanso G. Hammond. He will tell you that Green is intitled to a pention but pay no attention to him for Green never did enny duty in the Revolutionary War as I shall show you by other meens [illegible] this same Hammond is to have a part of it if he can git it for Green. There is two men in this place that told me that thay wood sware that thay belonged to Cornal Waterman rigment the same that John Green says that he did and thay say thay never new John Green to do enny duty in that rigment but now these two men says thay wont give them affadafits thay have imployed this atorny to git a pention for them. These two mens name is John G. Green and Arnold Wescoat, It is thought by some old men here that neither of these two men is intitled to a pention how this is of [illegible]. No but there is two other men in this place that this lawyer will present to you for a pention that is not deserving of enny thare name is John Green got his pention established and that was by the oath of Job Green. Job swore for John and John for Job and it is thought that Job is no  more intitled then John is. This lawyer will tell you a very fine story but you must put such wate to it as you please. What I have wrote to to you is fatckt. There is a man in Petersburgh by the name of Abraham Lewis that is drawing an officers pay that never helf a commishon tell long after the war then he had a captins commishon in the malisha he says himself he is not intitled to officer pay. I shall send on to your office in a few days affidafits to this afect. I [illegible] another man that is drawing a pention that was in Canida through that war. This I can send you affidafits to your sattisfaction if you shoud wish. This same lawyer has ofen bin heard to say that John Green was not intitled to a pention of your [illegible]. Shoud see fit to write to me again direct your letter to Berlin Center post office. these few lines from your friend and a friend of the country and a friend to the adminerstration and a friend to all soldiers that fought for libity and I am [illegible] aposees to them that is not intitled. Berlin Kingsclaes County New York. George Reynolds
Page 72

Coley, William
(N.Y.)
S-23166
Page 73

Let to Hon. N.P. Tallmadge
Jamuary 13, 1838
To Hon. F. Pierce.
April 14, 1840
to Asad Joy 23.Dec.1840