Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28671, William Capwell, R.I.
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE                                                 
R. I. 

Capwell, William               

NUMBER
S.28671  

CONTENTS
Page 2

31.605
New York Albany
William Capwell did
in the State of N. York
as a private in the ______ commanded
[by] [C]aptain Colvin (?) of the ______ 
commanded 
Col Brown in the Revolution
Rhode Island
[e] for one year ______
-------------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & Endg 13th May 1843.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the
7th day of Jany
1854 and sent to
Geo. C. Ames
Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semi-annual allowance ending
[illegible] from $23.33
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by /s/ H R Weightman Clerk
Book E. 2. Vol. 4 Page 14
12
Page 3

William Capwell
Declaration
16203
Isaac Wilson agnt [agent?]
Linden Genesee Co N.Y.
Page 4

[Uncertain]
June 7. 1832
State of New York.
County of [uncertain]
     On this 17th day of October 1832
Page 5

plunder Cattle & others property they were all called out. That he coninued in said alternate Service until after the arrival of General Spencer who was the first General officer whose name he can remember, they had been a long time stationed at Quitnesick or resitneck.  That by Orders of Gen Spencer, went to Warwick town after boats & took from thence about 100 boats to Warren & from thence to Tivertown where they were used in attempts to cross the army on to Rhodeisland. That some time in the Season when Gen. Spencer had the command he enlisted at Tivertown into a company of Artillery commanded by Capt Garzee as a Sergeant for and during the Terms of the continuence of the Enemy on Rhodisland and marched said company to Fogland point or Ferry for a station, some time after went on to Rhodisland under the command of General Sullivan - Went on to Gould Island and assisted to build a fortification and returned to Rhodisland was in the battle of August 1778 under Gen. Sullivan. After the fight retreated off the Island & crossed over to Tivertown where they were stationed a time, Afterwards marched to Providence and were stationed, and continued in said service in said company of Artillery until the British evacuated Rhodisland and was then regularly dismiss by written discharge since lost according to the terms of his enlistment, having then been in Service without intermission according to the best of his recollection something more than two years
  That just before the close of the Revolutionary war he moved into west Greenwich, Kent Co. Rhod. where he lived about 7 years next to Steventown N York, where he lived about 8 or 9 Years next to Coemans Albany Co where he lived about 22 years & moved to Middlebury Genesee Co. where he lived until lately removed to Attica in the same Co. where he now resides - has no record of his age - That he has no documentary evidence & knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
And he further says that the Honbl Isaac Wilson & William Mitchell are acquainted with him and can testify to his character & reputation of having been a Soldier of the Revolution.
William Capwell
(his mark)
Page 6

Sugscribe & sworn to the day & year aforesaid in open court.
Timothy Fitch Clerk
Isaac Wilson residing in the Town of Middleburg County of Genesee & State of New York, and William Michell residing in Bethany in said Co hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Capwell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Eighty one or two years of age as he states.  That he is reputed & believed in the neighbouhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that Opinion.
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
in open court 
Timothy Fitch Clerk
Isaac Wilson
William Mitchell 

We Isaac Wilson residing in the Town of Middleburg in said County of Genesee and William Mitchell residing in the Town of Bethany in said County
  And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigations of the matters and after putting the interroatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soliders and Served as he states  And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that Isaac Willson & William Mitchell who have signed the preceding certificate are members of this Court resident in this county whose Statement is entitled to entire credit.
James Taggart
Robert Earll Jr
William Mitchell
Judges of Genesee 
Com Pleas

I Timothy Fitch Clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the said county of Genesee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Capwell for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17th day of October l832
Timothy Fitch Clerk
Page 7

16203
William Capwell
Genesee County
New York
Isaac Wilson
Linden 
Genesee Co
N. York
Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 15 183[4?]

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
[table follows]
A Statement, shewing the Service of William Capwell, Genesee Co, N York.

Period when the service was rendered.
┃ When the British first blockaded Rhode     ┃ Island he was called out
 Duration of the claimant's service.
┃ 2 (Months)
┃ 2 (Months)
┃  More than 2 (years)
Rank of the claimant.
┃ [blank]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
┃ Capt Colvin
┃ Capt Garcia
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
┃ Col. Casson
┃ Gen. Sullivan
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
┃ Rhode Island in 1778
Country through which he marched
┃ Quitswick[?]
┃ Tivertown
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
┃ 81 or 82
┃ Coventry, R.I.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
┃ tradition

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
 J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

The Depart. has no knowledge of a continuous service of "more than two years" of a militia or Minute Company. Such an allegation
should be supported by proof of service by the authority requiring so much & such services
Page 9

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
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, musicians 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 or 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 provion 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 enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. {hand symbol} 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 Clergyman, 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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. ______ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ________ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department.   A very full account of the services of each person
Page 10

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted
; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be 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 Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war,
 and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
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 for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character
and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[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 for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
 is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 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 particulars 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 signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, 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.
Page 11

State of New York
Wyoming County [illegible]

I Marion Trall
County Judge of the said County of
Wyoming, do hereby certify that at
a Surrogates Court held in & for said
County before me the said Judge at
the Court House in the village of
Warsaw on the nineteenth day
December one thousand Eight hundred
and fifty three, it was proved by
testimony of John Capwell and Harvey Putnam witnesses duly sworn,
that William Capwell late of the
town of Attica in said County died
on or about the tenth day of May
one thousand Eight hundred and
forty four, that he left him surviving no widow; but he left him surviving the following named children and who are still living, viz,
Peter Capwell, Betsy Vincent, Polly
Worden, Laura Prebble, Amelia
Williams, Persis Taggart, Nelson Capwell and John Capwell, that they
are his only surviving children
and Each of them is over twenty one
years of age, and that at the time
of his death he was a Revolutionary
Pensioner of the United States.
I do also further certify that the
said John Capwell as
duly appointed administrator of the
Estate of the said William Capwell
deceased who has given a bond
with two sureties in the sum of
Page 12

five hundred dollars, and the said John Capwell is legally qualified to act as such administrator
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court this 19th day of December A.D. 1853.
M. Trall
Wyoming County Judge
Page 13

Revolutionary Claim of Wm Capwell New York Rolls 1832 = 3d Auditor see papers
Page 14

State of New York
Wyoming County ss
Be it known that before me Joseph W. Vincent a Justice of the Peace of the town of Attica in said County, personally appeared John
Capwell aged fifty six years, who being
duly sworn states that he is the son
of William Capwell, who was a Revolutionary pensioner in the State of New York, under the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, whose pension certificate was recorded in Book E.2. Vol 4. Page 12 as endorsed on the same, and that he died on the 13th day of
May 1843. That the mother of the said John died in the year 1806 and his father resided in the town of Attica in the County of Wyoming at the time of his death, and that he the said John now resides in said town of Attica - And futhermore he does by these presents constitute, appoint and fully empower F. E. Hassen of Washington D.C. his true and
lawful attorney for him and in his name and that status(?) to (illegible) into, to prosecute, demand and receive from the United States Government and State officers his right, in all and in any manner of claim for increase or
arrears of Pension or land that may be due the heirs of the said William Capwell on account of said William who died leaving the same undrawn as in right of law they may be entitled.
Page 15

In witness whereof he was on this
fourth day of October 1852, hereunto ┃
signed his name and affixed his
Seal-
In presence of John Capwell
H. Putnam
J W Vincent

---
Signed, sealed and [illegible] and
sworn to before me, and I furthermore
certify that the said John Capwell
has always by the community been
known as the son of the said
William Capwell. Dated this 4th
day of October 1852
J W Vincent, [illegible]
.
I hereby certify that J.W. Vincent
Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit
and acknowledgement were
made, and who has thereunto
subscribed his name, was at the
time of so doing, a Justice of the
Peace, in and for the County aforesaid
duly commissioned and acting as
such I am [illegible] acquainted with him
and said hand writing and the
above is his own signature and
hand writing-
H. Putnam
Late M.C. N. York
Page 16

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
MLB

Mrs. J. L. Gisriel
413 West Frack Street
Frackville Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

  You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutoinary War pension claim, S. 28671, that Willliam Capwell was born, October 18, 1749, 1750 or 1751, in Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island.
  While a resident of Coventry, Rhode Island, he enlisted in October, 1776, and served at various times, three years in all, as corporal and sergeant in Captain Benedict Colvin's company, Colonel Brown's regiment; and in Captain Garzia's company, and was in the battle of Rhode Island.
  After his service in the Revolution he moved to west Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island, where he lived about seven years, thence to Stephentown, New York, thence to Coeymans, Albany County, New York, where he resided about twenty-two years, thence to Middlebury Genesee County, New York, thence to Attica, Genesee County, New York, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed, October 17, 1832.
  He died, May 13, 1843, or May 10, 1844, in Attica, New York, leaving no widow.  His wife died in 1806; her name not given.  The following childdren survived the soldier and were living in 1853:
Peter Capwell
Betsy Vincent
Polly Worden(?)
Laura Prebble
Amilia (?) Williams
Persis (?) Taggart
Nelson Capwell
John Capwell, aged fifty-six years in 1852 and a resident of Attica, New York.
Page 17

  The surname Worden, and given names Amilia and Persis are not clearly written.
  The above noted William Capwell is the only soldier of that name that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 18

LEFT SIDE:
May 29-1902
Mrs. Della Howell
Flint Mich
(line)
May - 15 - 1902 Hist to
H.C. Capwell Oakland Cal.
(line)
Apl 1, 1904. Hist to
Nathaniel Freeman City
(line)
1904, Aug.11. B.A. Capwell
N.Y. City furnished service
1909 Apl.2. Hist. to Miss Marguerite
Dreypolcher - /C
(line)
1921.Dec.19. Hist to M.J. Barnes
1931-July 7-Hist to Mrs. J.L.
Gisriel - MLB.

RIGHT SIDE
28671
INVALID.
Revolution
File No. 28.671
William Capwell
Priv. Rev War
Act: 7th June 32
Index:-Vol. 2, Page 63

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

Pension Office
Jany 4,1854
Sir
Please state up to what
time the within named Wm
Capwell was paid -
Very respectfully
S Cole
for the Court [County?]


Fr Bush Esq
3d Aud[illegible]


William Capwell, Act 1832.
$23.33 per annum, paid
to 4 March 1843. No
death.
F. Bush
Auditor


Died May 13, 1843
Page 20

In this case the
letter is to be
filed with the
Papers 

Send the cert: to
the Hon. Wm Putnam
H. R.
Page 21

34622 N. Y.

Let. to Wm Mitchell, Aug. 13, '38.
to Hon. Wm Putnam 10 Jan. 1839

7 June '32
Page 22

dec. Oct.17, 32
Attica[?] N Y
born[?] Oct. 18, [17]49, 50 or 51 at
Coventry R I.

Oct.76. Benedict Colvin    Mil R. I.
Corp      Brown
Sgt.
4 mo.
--------------------------------
Spr 77   same capt             R I
Sgt         Casson? or Kasson
1 mo
----------------------------------
Sgt         Elihu Hopkins
 1 mo     Kesson ?
-----------------------------------
Sgt         Colvin
3 mo.     Casson?
              Spencers   ex[?]
---------------------------
              Sullivans [?]  ex[?] over

at enl.[?] Coventry R. I
battle Rhode Island
wife died 1806.
died May 10, 1844 at Attica N Y

Sur. children
Peter
Betsy Vincent
Polly Worden
Laura Prebble
Amelia Williams
Persis Taggart
Nelson
John

Sep 1777 Capt Garzee[?]
1 yr      Art.
Page 23

R.J. Bakwell, William S. 28671
Page 24

3-871.
Record Division.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by L.D.L.
Soldier Wm. Capwell
Service R.I.
Additional Service Rev. War
REMARKS:
No claim except
J-#28671

Chief Division
Page 25

STAMP:
CHIEF'S DESK
Old War and Navy
Division
Mar 30 1904

REFOLUTIONARY SERVICE.
O.W. & N. Div.
MEMORANDA.
3106
Please supply as much as possible to the data called for below.
Full name of soldier:
Wm Capwell
Place of residence before service:
(town, county, and State, if possible.)
RI or NY
Place of residence after service:
(Town, county, and State, if possible.)
Attica. NY
Date of death (as near as possible.)
1840-45
Christian name of widow:
Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Sol
Remarks:
Your name and address:
Nathaniel Freeman
914 french St
Wash D.C.

6-870
Page 26

New York
Rev:

Wm Capwell
Suspended
Let.  Nov 4, '33. to Isaac
Wilson.

Act of June '32
Page 27

S. Cole Esq.
Chief Clerk
Pension Bureau
Page 28

LEFT SIDE
31605
Albany, N.Y. 31605
William Capwell
of Genessee in the State of N.Y.
who was a private in the compy commanded
by Captain B. Colvin of the regt commanded
by Col. Brown in the R. I.. militia
line for 7 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of the Albany Agency
at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of March
1839 & sent to Hon H. Putnam
Attica Genessee, New York
Arrears to the 4th of March 1938 $186.66
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept '39  11.66
$198.33
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D.McCurdy, Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 4 Page 12

RIGHT SIDE
...at the Treasure
... Act of April 6th 1838 from
March 4th to Septr 4th 1841.
re/Agent notified July 8th 1842
___
G.C. Ames Mch 22 1853
Same Oct 27 1853
Same Nov 10. 1853
Page 29

Power of Atty.
John Capwell
to 
G.C. Ames
Page 30

State of New York    )
Wyoming County Ss)
  Be it known, that on this 22d day of February 1853, before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Wyoming personally appeared, John Capwell a resident of the town of Attica in said county and made oath according to law, that he is one of the legal heirs of William Capwell formerly a resident of the county of Genesee New York and a Revolutionary pensioner, whose pension certificate was recorded in the Pension office, in Book E.2. Vol 4 at Page 12, as appears by the pension certificate or indorsement made thereon.  That the said John Capwell in his own behalf and in behalf of the other legal heirs of the said William Capwell claims to now own interest in the said pension and that same should be increased, and claims that the papers on file on which the pension certificate was granted entitled the said William Capwell to a larger pension - and countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given I hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames Esq of Washington City my true and lawful attorney to prosecute the claim of the heirs of the said
Page 31

William Capwell deceased for any amount of Revolutionary pension or increase of Pension that may be due - And I do hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to [illegible] the certificate which may be issued in the pensioner, hereby ratifying and confirming all that the said attorney and agent shall lawfully do therein -
John Capwell

Sworn to, submitted and acknowledged upon me the day and year above written - and I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said John Capwell and believe him to be intrusted in said claim as set forth and to be the identical party therein alleged -
J.W. Vincent, Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the Justice whose named and know him to be a Justice of the Peace and saw him subscribe his name to the above [illegible].  Attica Feby 22d. 1853
H. Putnam date M.C
New York
Page 32

I William Greene of Coventry, County of Kent and State of Rhode Island, being now in the 85 year of my age on oath do testify and say; that I was well acquainted with William Capwell, formerly of Coventry, but now residing in Attica, Genesee County, State of New York, in the time of the revolutionary war.  In 1777 in the fall, I remember being in the revolutionary service with said William Capwell, stationed at East Greenwich R.I. in Capt. Benedict Colvin's Company, our Col. was Kapson or Brown, it was as late in the Fall as the last of November, we served at that time at least one month.  In 1778 we were in the service again together stationed at East Greenwich in the same Company and regiment, this was in the month of April, when we served another month. Also in 1778 in the month of August I recollect being in the service with said William Capwell stationed on Rhode Island, said Capwell in Captain Benedict Colvin's Company, and myself in Capt. Fraffsen's Company.  Col. Topper's regiment, I was myself an enlisted soldier at this time, Capwell at this time served one month.  I also recollect of his being in Spencer's expedition in 1777 - I also recollect of his being in the service with me at a number of other times but I cannot distinctly state them, he performed all his own tours of duty besides frequently taking the places of other people
Witness Samuel Arnold
William Greene
(his mark)
Kent Yc In Country October 3d AD 1837 is Sworn and subscribed before me And I further certify said William Greene is a credible witness and his deposition entitled to full credit
Samuel Arnold Justice of the Peace
Page 33

The State of Rhode Island &c
Kent ss. Clerks office Court of Common Pleas
  I certify that Samuel Arnold Esqr is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Coventry in said County of Kent, that the foregoing is his proper signature in his own hand writing, & that full faith and credence is & ought to be given to all his official acts -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at East Greenwich this 6th day of October in the Year AD 1837 -
Jer. S. Slocum Clk
(seal)
Page 34

I  Stephen Matteson of Country, County of Kent, and State of Rhode Island being now in the 79 year of my age on oath do testify and say; that I was acquainted with William Capwell formerly of said Country, but now residing in the town of Attica, Genesee County, State of New York, in the time of the revolutionary war - In 1779 in the spring, I think in the month of April, I well recollect being in the revolutionary service with him stationed at Quidneset in the town of North Kingstown in Capt. Benedict Colvin's Company, Col. Kasson's regiment where we served one month together.  I have no doubt I was in the service with him at other times, but this is the only tour that I distinctly recollect, said William Capwell was an able bodied man, and always took his regular tours
Stephen Matteson

Kent Yc  In Country October 3d AD 1837 - Sworn and subscribed before me And I hereby certify that said Stephen Matteson is a credible witness in the premises, and his deposition entitled to full credit
Samual Arnold Justice of the Peace
Page 35

The State of Rhode Island &c -
Kent ss. Clerks office Court of Common Pleas
  I certify that Samuel Arnold Esqr. is a Justice of the Peace, for the town of Coventry, in said County of Kent, that the foregoing is his proper signature, in his own hand writing & that full faith and credence is and ought to be given to all his official acts -
  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court, at East Greenwich this 6th day of October in the year AD 1837 -
Jer. S. Slocum Clk
Page 36

I James Capwell of Coventry, County of Kent, and State  of Rhode Island, being now in the 82 years of my age on oath do testify and say; that I was well acqquainted with William Capwell formerly of said Coventry, but now residing in the town of Atica, Genesee County, State of New York, in the time of the revolutionary war - In 1776 in the month of December, when the enemy came into Newport Rhode Island I remember being in the service with him stationed at East Greenwich, in Capt. Benedict Colvin's Company.  Col. Brown's regiment, From this time to the month of May following I was in the service most of the time, sometimes on my own turn, and sometimes taking others places, stationed sometimes at said East Greenwich and sometimes at Quidneset. I also well recollect that said William Capwell was there most of the time, either in his own turn, or in the place of some other person. In the month of May I enlisted and went away, and knew nothing of the militia service for three years of time but I well recollect, that said William Capwell and myself were in the service together most of the time from said December 1776 to the May following, and when I enlisted and went away, I think I left him in the service
Witness Samuel Arnold   James (his mark) Capwell
Kent Yc  In Coventry October 3d AD 1837 - Sworn and subscribed before me - And I hereby certify that said James Capwell is a credible witness in the premises and his deposition entitled to full credit.
Samuel Arnold Justice of the Peace
Page 37

The State of Rhode Island &c.
Kent Ss - Clerks Office, Court of Common Pleas-
I certify that Samuel Arnold Esqr. is a Justice
of the Peace for the town of Coventry in said County of Kent, that the foregoing is his proper signature in his own hand writing & that full faith and credence is and ought to be given to all his official acts- 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand & the seal of said Court, at
East Greenwich this 6th day of October in
the year AD 1837-
Jer. S Slocum Clk
Page 38

I Benjamin Greene of Coventry, County of Kent, and State of Rhode Island being now in the 78 year of my age, on solomn oath do testify and say; that I was well acquainted with William Capwell formerly of said Coventry, but now residing in Atica in the Genesee County, State of New York, in the time of the revolutionary war - In the year 1777 in the month of October, I remember being in the revolutionary service with him at Tiverton in Rhode Island, in what was called Spencer's expedition, where we served together one month, in Capt. Benedict Colvin's Company, our Col. was either Brown or Kasson I am not certain which, In 1778 in the Spring, I believe in April, I remember serving with him, stationed at East Greenwich, where we served one month in Capt Benedict Colvin's Company.  Kasson I think was our Col. at this time - I am confident that we did other services together but I cannot distinctly recollect the times and places, but the above two tours of service I distinctly recollect
Benjamin Greene -
Kent Yc.  In Coventry October 3d AD 1837 - Sworn and Subscribed before me. And I hereby certify that said Benjamin Greene is a creditable witness in the premises, and his deposition entitled to full credit.
Samuel Arnold Justice of the Peace
Page 39

The State of Rhode Island &c
Kent ss. Clerks office Court of Common Pleas
  I certify that Samuel Arnold Esqr is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Coventry in said County of Kent, that the foregoing is his proper signature in his own hand writing, & that full faith and credence is & ought to be given to all his official acts -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at East Greenwich this 6th day of October in the Year AD 1837 -
Jer. S. Slocum Clk
(seal)
Page 40

I Moses Kenyon of Cranston, County of Proficence and State of Rhode Island being now in the 81 year of my age on oath do testify and say, that I was acquainted with William Capwell formerly of Coventry in the County of Kent and state aforesaid, but now residing in Atica Genesee County, State of New York, in the time of the revolutionary war. I well remember his performing the following tours of service said war viz. In 1777 I was in the service with said William Capwell, stationed at East Greenwich, it was in the month of June, said Capwell was in Capt. Benedict Colvin's Company Col. Kasson's regiment, and I was in Capt. Toby Hoxsie Company Col. Barton's regiment, Capt. Colvins Company and Capt Hoxsie's joined together and marched to Warwick, and here I became acquainted with said William Capwell, we remained at Warwick two months and then marched to Tiverton under Col. Barton, where we remained untill the 15th day of March 1889, While we remained at Tiverton a detachment was called out to go to Swanzey for the purpose bringing down a number of boats, said William Capwell was a sergeant of that detachment, we carried them down to Fog Corner ferry.  I well remember said William Capwell was with me in the service the whole time from June 1777 to the 15th day of March 1778.  I was an enlisted soldier, but said William Capwell was serving as a drafted soldier in his own place and in the place of other persons.  The term of my enlistment ended on said 15th day of March and I was discharged at said Tiverton but cannot say whether said Capwell served at that place any longer or not. In 1778 in the month of August I was with him again stationed on Rhode Island but not in the same Company.  I was in Capt John Clark's Company and
Page 41

Col. Charles Dyer's regiment, and said Capwell was in Capt. Benedict Colvins Company Col. Hasson's regiment, at this time we served two months - while we were at Tiverton we were in Spencer's expedition, and while we were on Rhode Island we were in Sullivans expedition
Moses Kenyon (signature)
Moses (his mark) Kenyon
Witness Samuel Arnold
Page 42

The State of Rhode Island &c
Kent ss. Clerks office Court of Common Pleas
  I certify that Samuel Arnold Esqr is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Coventry in said County of Kent, that the foregoing is his proper signature in his own hand writing, & that full faith and credence is & ought to be given to all his official acts -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court at East Greenwich this 6th day of October in the Year AD 1837 -
Jer. S. Slocum Clk
(seal)
Page 43

LEFT SIDE
No. 34622  N.Y.
34717
Declaration & proof
in case
of William Capwell
an applicant for a Pension
Act 7 June 1832.
Agency Albany, N.Y.
William Mitchell
Agent
Bethany
N.Y.

Admitted
Private 7 months
$23.33
Hon H. Putnam
House Repr
N.YY.

RIGHT SIDE
Wm Capwell
N.Y.
Page 44

I James Howard of the Town of Foster in the County of Providence in the Sate of Rhode Island being Seventy Eight years of age and duly sworn according to law. to testify and say that I was acquainted with William Capwell in the time of the Revolutionary War. who then resided in the Town of Coventry in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island. now residing in the Town of Atica-Gennesee County State of New York, and that the said William Capwell was a Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution and served in said army in the Rhode Island Militia at the following times and places in the said State of Rhode Island to wit, In the Year 1777, he served with me one month at the Town of Warwick in the spring of said year he served under Capt. Benedict Colvin in Colonel Kasson's Regiment. he also served with me one month at the Town of East Greenwich and at Quidneck in the same Company & Regiment in the summer of said year, and that he also served in the same Company and Regiment one month at the said Town of Warwick in the same year. we were there in August or September, and that he also served with me at Tiverton in General Spencers expedition in the fall of the same year in General Cornells Brigade one month,
In the Year 1778, he served one month at the Island of Rhode Island in General Sullivan's expedition in Capt. Colvins Company.  Col. Kapson's Regiment in General Cornells Brigade; we were there in the month of August.  I then belonged to Col. Gray's Regiment of State Troops -
In the Year 1779, he served with me at the Town of East Greenwich and at Quidneset one month, he served in Capt. Colvin's Company in Col. Kasson's Regiment it was in the spring of said year - and in the summer of the same year, he served with me one month at the Town of Bristol in Capt. Colvin's company in Col. Kasson's Regiment. we were there in the month of July -
Page 45

And in the year 1781, he served with me one month at the said Town of Warwick in the Spring of said year, he then belonged to the same company commanded by Capt. Colvin - I further testify and say, that the said William Capwell served as a Sergeant at all the tours hereinbefore specified that I served with him - and that I served with him other tours which would amount to more than two years of the whole -
James (his mark) Howard
State of Rhode Island )
County of Providence ) ss
In Foster in said County on the 9th day of October 1837
There personally came before me the subscribed a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County James Howard abovenamed and made solumn oath to the truth of the aforegoing Affidavit by him subscribed - I further certify that the said James Howard is a person with whom I am acquainted and that he is entitled to credit in his statements therein contained -
Daniel Howard Justice of the Court of
Common Pleas, County of Providence.
State of Rhode Island
Providence.  I  Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within aforesaid county - being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Daniel Howard Esqr. before whom the aforegoing Affidavit was sworn - is a Justice of the said Court - That by Law he is duly authorized and empowered to administer oaths and take depositions and that the signature above written is Genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Providence this tenth day of October AD 1837.
Dexter Randall Clk     (seal)
Page 46

State of New York  )
Genesee County    ) ss:
On this 3d day of July 1838 personally appeared before me William Mitchell first Judge of said County, William Capwell a resident of the town of Attica in the county of Genesee and State of New York, aged eighty eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. And first that in the month of December 1776 being then an inhabitant of the town of Coventry in the County of Kent in the State of Rhode Island where he had resided since his birth in 1749 upon the report of the British Army having landed at Rhode Island, he volunteered as a Corporal in the company of Militia under the command of Capt. Benedict Colvin and marched to Quidneset Neck in the town of Kingston where he joined the regiment under the command of Colonel Brown who was however soon superseded by Colonel Kasson.  That he served as Corporal under Colonel Kasson about one month when he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, that he continued to do duty at Quidneset until the spring of 1777 when he went with his regiment to Warwick, and from thence to Warren, and back again to Warwick where he remained until sometime in the month of August when he went to Tiverton under Colonel Barton in what was called Spencers Expedition.  That he remained at Tiverton and in the vicinity of that place until March 1778 that during this time he was several times at East Greenwich and that he also during the same time went to Swansey to
Page 47

bring down some boats to Fogland's Ferry, that in the month of March aforesaid as he now believes he returned home to Coventry having been in the service of the United States as a corporal at least one month and as a Sergeant at least one year and two months.
That in the month of April 1778 he again volunteered as Sergeant in Capt. Colvin's Company and joined Colonel Kasson's regiment at East Greenwich where he remained sometime and then went with the regiment in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island and remained there until after the Battle of Rhode Island, was in the battle and afterwards went to Tiverton and remained there and in the vicinity until the fall of the same year when he returned home having been in the service as Sergeant, not less than six months at this time.
That in the spring of 1779 he again volunteered as Sergeant in the company of Capt. Colvin and in the regiment of Colonel Kasson, and that he served about one month at East Greenwich, then went with his regiment to Quidneset where he served about one month, and then marched to Bristol where he remained on duty until August when he returned home having served at this time about four months.
That in the Spring of 1780 he again volunteered as Sergeant in Capt. Colvin's Company and served at East Greenwich and at other places in Rhode Island about two months.
That in the Spring of 1781 he again volunteered as Sergeant in the company of Capt. Colvin and, the regiment of Colonel Kasson and that at this time he served at Warwick about one month.
That he performed other services during the Revolutionary war at different places, but which he
Page 48

cannot now distinctly recollect.
That he has never had a written discharge,
That he resided in Coventry in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island until 1787 when he removed to Steventown in the State of New York where he resided about one year, then removed to Coeymans in the same State where he resided 22 years, then removed to Middlebury in the County of Genesee and in the same State, and afterwards removed to Attica in the county and state last aforesaid where he still resides.
That he never had any record of his birth, but states his age, from information derived from his parents and from memory to be eighty eight years and upwards
And that he has no evidence to prove these statements other than the affidavits hereto annexed
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. 
Sworn to and subscribed  
the day and year aforesaid  William (his mark) Capwell
William Mitchell First Judge of Genesee County

Genesee County ss
  We Hermon Jenkins clergyman residing in the town of Bethany in said County and Hanford Conger residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Capwell who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be eighty eight 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
Hermon Jenkins
Hanford Conger
Sworn and subscribed this 3d day
of July 1838
William Mitchell
First Judge of Genesee County
Page 49

And I the said William Mitchell First Judge
of Genesee County do hereby declare my opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after putting
the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department,
that the above named applicant was a revolution
ary soldier, and served as he states
And I further certify that it appears to me
that Harmon Jenkins who has signed the
preceding certificate is a clergyman, is a resident
in the town of Bethany aforesaid and that Hanford
Conger, who has also signed the same is a resi
dent of the same place and is a credible person,
and that their statement is entitled to credit
And I further certify that the above named
applicant on account of bodily infirmity
is unable to attend the court

Bethany written
twice on an erasure
William Mitchell

William Mitchell First Judge of
Genesee County

State of New York
Genesee County Clerk's Office
I hereby certify that the above named
William Mitchell Esq. is First Judge of the 
Court of Common Pleas of said County and
that the signature annexed to the above certificate
is his genuine signature
In witness whereof I have here
unto set my hand and the 
seal of the said County at
Batavia this 6th day of
July in the
year 1838
Horace M. Soper, clerk
of Genesee County
Page 50

William Capwell
Page 51

State of New York    (seals)
Genesee County Ss.
  Personally appeared before me the undersigned first Judge of said County of Genesee William Capwell who being duly sworn deposeth and Saith that by reason of old age, (being 81 or 82 years of age I cannot tell which) and consequent loss of Memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service in the Revolutionary War, but according to the best of his recollection he Served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For two months I served as a soldier in Capt. Colvins Company of Militia as set forth in his Original Declaration at Greenwich Newtown he cannot recollect the time precisely but knows that it was on the alarm when the British first took possession of Rhode Island. And from his best recollection it was in November 1776. when that service commenced & terminated in January 1777.
That from January 1777 to some time in May of that year I served as a Soldier two months  in alternate monthly tours of duty in the same Company & with the same officers & at the same place as before & that he was also some times on Guard dury on Potawoonneck (underlined).
That at the end of these tours of duty, the arrangement was made As set Forth (finding it too burthensome for the militia to be from home a month at a time in hurrying season of the year.) by signing a Written engagement to the minute Company raised under the same officers before set forth to serve alternately for 13 days or half a month & also to be ready  on a moments Warning in a [illegible] he believes the engagement was to continue during the continuance of the British on Rhode Island.  That in said alternate half months service, I served Two months as a soldier on the shores & in the removal of boats &c as set forth. continuing therein one half of the time in actual service on military duty in the field, in tents or temporary huts or barracks & was not employed in any civil pursuit whatever & untill, according to the best of his recollection, the middle of September 1777.
That at that time as near as he can recollect he Enlisted into the company of Capt Garzee, an independant Compy of Providence Artillery so called. And he further says that from his great age infirmity of body & confusion of mind, he fell into two or three errors or mistakes in his former delcaration, particularly in stating that his enlistments into Capt. Garzee's Compy of Artillary was "for and during the terms of the continuance of the Enemy of Rhode Island." from further reflection & examination he is now convinced that condition was attached to his enlistment into the minute company as above set forth -
Page 52

And tat 2nd he was entirely mistaken in supposing & Stating, "And continued in Service in said Company of Artillery untill the British evacuated Rhodisl and" - This important eror in his mind occasioned by the misplacing of dates & of confounding different arrangements & transactions, led him into several erors in the same train as will be seen by a reference to the declaration
And he further says that he is now satisfied that the terms of his enlistment into Capt Garzees Compy of Artillery as a Sergeant was to fill up said Compy and to continue to serve therein so long as the said Company should be required to act against the enemy upon Rhodisland -
That he entered the said Company While Gen. Spencer had command in Sept. 1777 & continued with the same untill sometime after Sullivans Battle on the Isl. and as he believes not less than one year.  And was dismissed at Providence by written discharge as formerly set forth
And he further says that in stating "in service without intermission according to the best of his recollection something more than two years" he had blended together in his mind his Services in the Minute Compy & in the years Service in the Artillery & Supposed the latter was continued untill the British evacuated Rhodisland -
And he further says that after he was discharged from the Artillery at Providence as aforesaid he immediately returned again to his usual half month alternate Service, under the same Officers as before Guarding the Shores &c Stationed at Quidnesick & other places - & continued to do duty half a month off & half a month on, from the month of September 1778 to the month of March 1780 And until the time the British Troops evacauated or left the State of Rhodisland & In this last alternate Service I served nine months out of eighteen months the whole term. to wit from the 15 Sept. 1778 to 15 March 1780 - And for such Service I claim a pension -
And this Declarent further says that it is entirely out of his power to take a long journey for the purpose of discovering living witness to prove his service, that he is infirm & nearly Stoneblind & that he does not know of any person with whom his friends could correspond for the purpose of obtaining testimony.  And further says not.
William (his mark) Capwell
Sworn and Subscribed, this 10th day
of July One Thousand and eight hundred and
thirty three before me 
Isaac Wilson
first Judge as aforesaid
Page 53

I Isaac Wilson first Judge of Genesee County hereby certify that I have been acquainted with William Capwell for a number of years, that I consider him a credible witness & his statement entitled to credit for far as his recollection serves him which is somewhat confused & broken  And further certify that he is in reduced circumstances.& that he is nearly blind, having lost one eye entirely & the other discerns but little light & is dependent on some friend to lead him about.
Isaac Wilson
State of New York
Genesee County Ss  I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said county certify that Isaac Wilson, before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county.  And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge and verily believe his name subscribed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate to ge genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal of Office at Batavia in Said County this eighteenth day of July 1833.
Timothy Fitch Clerk
By B. Pringle Dep. Clk
Page 54

William Capwell deed
New York
Act June 7, 1832.
Admitted Private 1 year
being an increase of 5 months
at $40. per annum from
March 4, 1831, to May 13, 1843
when he died, deducting former
payments at $23.33
Certificate to
John Capwell admr
for benefit of himself
Peter Capwell
Betsey Vincent
Polly Worden
Laura Preble
Amelia Williams
Persis Taggart and
John Capwell his
only surviving children
Agent
Geo C. Ames
Present
Page 55

Brief in the case of William Capwell, deceased
Wyoming County and State of New York
act June 7. 1832

Claim ("for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Pensioned at $23.33 for 7 mos service in
the R.I. militia

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filled since the admission of the cliam? If so, what?
No additional proof of service. It appears there was a misapprehension of the proof. It is,
unquestionably ample to show at least 1 year
as private. A better understanding of the
R.I. militia service from the documents accumulated
since this claim was first admitted enables us to determine
the duration of service more accurately

S.G. Dodge
Examining Clerk

Name and residence of Agent
Geo C. Ames
Present.
Page 56

Afficiant of William Capwell a Revolutionary Soldier -


H

H. Putnam -
Page 57

State of New York)
Genesee County SS)  William Capwell of the town of Attica in said County being duly Sworn according to law doth depose & Say that in addition to or explanation of his declaration heretofore made by him in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress, passed the 7th day of June 1832 granting pensions to revolutionary Soldiers in certain cases, he further says that in the year 1776 he resided in the town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island that in the fall of the  year & as he believes in the month of October & Soon after the british fleet was stationed off Rhode Island he was called out on an alarm & joined the company of Militia commanded by Captain Benedict Colvin & marched to East Greenwich in Rhode Island about eight miles from this deponents place of residence that as he now believes Colonel Brown had the command of all the forces at Greenwich that the business of the Militia at Greenwich was to keep a guard to protect the inhabitants & the country against the invasions of the British when he first arrived at Greenwich the malitia was boarded out among the inhabitants that the roll was called each morning & evening & the company were paraded and exercised every day that guards were posted along the Shore & also in the town that guards were relieved once in two hours that after being at East Greenwich about four weeks it was agreed among the inhabitants as far as he was acquainted that one half Should remain & the other half should return to their farms a draft was then made for the half to remain in this arrangement this deponent was drafted to remain another month that after this time they drew rations from the publick stores that their duty & the exercise of the men was the same as before mentioned that in this Service he performed the duty of Corporal for the
Page 58

first month & after that he performed the duty of Seargeant, that after staying at the village of East Greenwich about two months he was stationed at another part of the town of East Greenwich called Pottowooneck where he remained two months  Col. Brown had the command of the men at this place, at this place he drew rations out of the publick stores: the men were paraded & exercised daily & a part kept constantly on guard, this neck was about two miles from East Greenwich, that in this Service this deponent remained at least four months. the first month of which he did the duty of a corporal & the other three months he did the duty of a Sargeant that he does not now remember whether he received a written discharge or was only dissmissed. he then returned home to Coventry. he does not know how many men were embodied at this place but he thinks about seven hundred,  That in the Spring of 1777 he was again drafted & Joined the Company Commanded by Capt. Colvin at Kingstown in the State of Rhode Island about twelve miles from this deponents place of residence that he was here upon Guard, drew his rations from the publick Stores, the roll was regularly called morning & evening & the men  paraded & exercised as usual.  Colonel Casson had the command of the men that he here did the duty of a Sargeant & remained one month.
  He now believes that there were Several hundred men embodied at this place but the number he cannot tell, that he now does not remember whether he returned home at the end of the month or not.
  That he then took the place of another man whose name he does not remember & either returned to or Staid at another place in the town of
Page 59

Kingstown called Quitnissit neck where his principal duty was on guard.  he was attached to Capt Elihue Hopkins' Company in Colonel Kessons Regiment the Colonel remained at Kingstown. that he here did the duty of a Sargeant & remained one month the duty & exercise of the men was the same as before Stated, there were two or three companies embodied at Quitnissit neck that after Staying one month for another man he was drafted & Staid another month at the same place under the same officers the duty & service being the same, as a Sargeant -    1 month
That he then returned home & was immediately drafted & Joined Capt Colvins Company & marched to Warwick in the State of Rhode Island, about ten miles from this deponents place of residence that Colonel Casson Commanded the regiment. that his first duty was in removing some boats from Warwick to Tivertown for the publick service - one Gorton had the command of the company who removed the boats, that he was then employed on guard & other common camp duties - General Spencer had the Command at this place & this season, was called General Spencers expedition that he drew his rations from the publick Stores, that from Warwick he was removed to Warren in the State of Rhode Island where he remained a part of the time, that he was also removed to Bristol, but how long he was at either of the places he does not distinctly remember -
That he was in this service at least three months & did the duty of a Sarageant. That he does not remember the number of the men embodied at either of these places, but the number was not large as the main body of the American Army was at Tiverton & other places making preparations to cross onto the Island -
Page 60

That he then marched to Howlands Ferry in Tiverton in the same State & joined the main body of the American troops & that place under general Shaw that he Still belonged to Capt Colvin's Company & Colonel Cassons regiment & continued to do the duty of a Sargeant.  That while at Tivertown part of the American army attempted to cross to the Island. that this deponent was among those who attempted to cross, but a landing was not effected & the men returned. That he remained at Tivertown & at Fogland at least two months. At Tivertown this deponent enlisted for the campaign & remained the two months as before Stated. That the duty was such as was usually performed in camps in actual Service & their rations were drawn from the publick Stores, the number of men embodied this deponent does not know but thinks there was a number of thousand. That he was then dissmissed & returned home-
that in the winter following he was drafted & marched to East Greenwich again under Capt Colvin in Col Cassons regiment & remained on duty one month & took the place of another man & Staid another month as a Sargeant the duty & Subsistance of the men was the same as before Stated - That in the Spring of 1778 he was again drafted & joined the company company commanded by Capt Colvin & went to East Greenwich & joined Colonel Cassons regiment. That his duty was upon guard & as before that. That during this season he was part of the time at East Greenwich, part at Kingstown & part of the time on the Island, General Sulivan had the command of the troops during this season. This deponent was in the battle of Rhode Island & remained with the Army at least eight months & did duty as a Sargeant. That during all the time he was actively employed
Page 61

as such Sargeant & returned home late in
the fall, the number of men embodied he does
not know but some part of the time it
must have been very large.
That he was again immediately drafted &
went again to East Greenwich & performed
duty as a Sargeant under Capt Colvin _______
in Col Capons Regiment performing such
duties & in every way under the same circum
stances as before stated. In this service he 
remained until some time after the British
left Rhode Island the time of which he does
not now remember but he is certain that
he remained as much as three months as a Sargeant,
And this deponent further saith that
from his extreme age his memory is very
indistinct & he may be mistaken in some of
the dates & perhaps the years in which the
services were performed, that he performed
other services not set forth, but his recollection
is so indistinct that he is not able to set it 
forth. That he believes that he performed
at least three years service in the whole.
That he made an application for a pension
in 1832 or 1833, but could not procure
necessary proof at the time, that being blind
& being more than four hundred miles from
the witnesses he was unable to obtain any 
proof of his services until recently.

his
William  X    Capwell
mark

Sworn & Subscribed
before me this 20th
day of November 1838
William Mitchell
first Judge of
Genesee County
Page 62

State of New York
Genesee County
ss: I Horace M. Soper Clerk of
said County do certify that William
Mitchell was first Judge of Genesee
County at the time of taking the
foregoing affidavit and that the signature
to the certificate of taking said affidavit is
his hand writing.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and official seal this 7 December 1838
H. M. Soper, Clerk
Page 63

MADISONIAN OFFICE.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
July 5th, 1842.
-
Sir:
Under the Act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," 
William Copwell, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N. York Agency, at the rate of Twenty three - Dollars and 33 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March, to the 4th Sept. 1841 
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 64

Washington Feby 28. 1853
James E Heath Esq
Sir,
You will find herewith
the application for an increase of the
allowance made to William Capwell
of New York who was placed on the Pension
Roll under the act of 7 June 1832 at $23.33 per ann.
In his declaration Capwell
states that he served about 4 weeks as a private
under Capt Colvin of Col Barnes Regiment when he was promoted to the Rank of Sergeant, and 
when he went to Tiverton in what was called
Spencers Expedition, he remained at
Tiverton until March 1778 served as Sergeant
one year and two months. In April 1778 he
volunteered again under Capt Colvin and 
served 6 months. He claims for 1 year 8 mo
as Sergeant and 1 month only as private.
I ask that his case may be reviewed
and that he may be allowed the pension
that the service claimed may entitle him
to receive viz 1 year 8 mo as Sergeant and 1 mo as
private
Two witnesses, Mary Kenyon
and Benjamin Green testify to Capwells
Page 65

Service as Sergeant.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Geo. C. Ames
Page 66

Washington Oct 19. 1853
Hon. I.P.  Waldo
Sir
William Capwell of
New York was allowed a pension under 
the act of 7 June 1832 at 23.33 per annum
for 7 mo service as a private.
In his declaration Capwell
states that he served about 4 weeks as a
private under Capt Colvin of Col Barnes
afterward Col Wasens Regiment when
he was promoted to a Sergeant, and that
he served as such 1 year 8 mo.
His declaration is sup
ported by the witnesses both of whom
testify to his having served as Sergeant,
and is it appears that claimant has
not had justice done him in the adjust
ment of his pension I ask that his
claim may be examined and that he
may be allowed for the service set forth
by him
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt     {Your Obedient Servant}
Geo C. Ames
Page 67

Washington Decem 27. 1833

Mr. Cole

Dr. Sir
Will you be so good as to have this paper entered and charged to Mr. Dodge. It is a certificate of the court in the case of William Capwell did, and comes under the immediate attention Rule

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert            {Your Obedient Servant}
Geo C. Ames
Page 68

Bethany February 2nd 1839
Hon. H. Putnam
Dear Sir
I sent yours containing a
copy of a letter from the pension office in relation to
William Capwells application for a pension I understand
the commissioner to say that but seven months
service are proved and that the papers are on
file for a pension for that amount of time
if the applicant elects to have the certificate
issued for the same. I have consulted with the
applicant and he has elected to take the certificate
for the amount of time proved as the witnesses
live in Rhode Island more than four hundred 
miles from this place and it would be very
difficult proving any thing further. I shall
write to you again soon. I was at your office
last evening and learned that your family and 
friends were all well
In haste yours
with much respect
William Mitchell
Page 69

In July 24
file in the Wm Capwell's paper 

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 70

Bethany Genesee County New York July 19th 1832
Dear Sir
A short time since I sent to your office
The declaration & proof of William Capwell of
Attica New York an applicant for a pension
under the act of June 2d 1832. At that time
I was not aware that it was necessary
that a letter from me should accompany
the papers-- I hope that this may supply
the deficiency & that the papers may be
examined in their turn. Direct your
report of the case to me at Bethany Genesee
County New York as the agent of the said
William Capwell as I have been fully
employed by him to act as his agent
Very respectfully yours
William Mitchell

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Page 71

Wm Capwell   RI
Act June 7, 1832

Evidence
Moses Kenyon - testifies to service from June
1777 to 15 March 1778 at Warwick & Tiverton 8 1/2
and 2 mos in Aug &c 1778 at Tiverton and
in Spencer's Expedition ___________________________2
Benj'n Green - Oct 77. 1 mo - Spring of 78 1 mo
James Capwell - From Dec'r 76 to to May 77 most
of the time_________________________________________3
Stephen Mattison - 1 mo in 79                               1
Jas Howard - 1 mo in 77 - summer 1 mo - 1 mo in Aug or Sept    14 1/2
fall of 77 - 1 mo- 1 mo in 78 - 1 mo in 79
and 1 mo in 81 -                                                      1 mo
This witness discredited                                           15 1/2  

These witnesses state that Capwell served not only
his own monthly tours but a great part of his terms as
substitute. He asserts that he served over two years,
specifying the service, and all but one month as
Sergeant. There is some proof that he did serve as
Sergeant, but not, as I think, enough to warrant
his admission as Sergeant, but as to time I think there
Page 72

can be no doubt that he [illegible] as much as one year. It is certain that he did uniform service sergeant and tho' the length of that service is not determinate, the fact that he did serve in this capacity is an additional reason for granting an increase.
S.G.D
Page 73

O.W. & N.
Flint Genesee Co, Michigan.   April 14 1902
The Hon Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D. C.    Dear Sir.
I am very anxious to find the record of my Grand Father who was a
Revolutionary Soldier. I am told that he Enlisted in the State of
R. Island.   I do not know the name of Company or Regiment he belonged
too.   And he might have Enlisted from the State of New York.
I know he drew a Pension, and it was paid him in New York.   But whether
this was the State he Enlisted from I have not the knowledge.
If possible will you undertake to find the record.
His name was William Capwell.
Yours very truly Mrs Della Howell
Address  Mrs Della Howell.  914-Church St, Flint Michigan.

PENSION
D
U.  APR   S.
15 
1902
OFFICE
Page 74

KENYON, HOAG & CAPWELL,   TELEPHONE 827
COMMISSION MERCHANTS,                 FRANKLIN.
345-347 BROADWAY,
         _____________
AGENTS FOR
FRED'K VIETOR & ACHELIS.

NEW YORK, AUG. 5th. 04.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly send me, to the above address, the record of the Revolution.
By so doing you will greatly oblige me and I shall take pleasure in remitting for any expense in the matter.
Very respectfully yours,
B.A. Capwell

[stamps saying: Aug 8 1904 FILES.]
Page 75

THE H. C. CAPWELL CO.
(THE LACE HOUSE)
1069 - 1071 WASHINGTON STREET.

OAKLAND, CAL.
May 4, '03.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir, --
Will you kindly give me a statement of
the military history of William Capwell, who was 
a soldier of the Revolutionary War and enlisted at
Coventry, Rhode Island. Kindly give time of service
and all other information available, and if there
is any expense attached to this, kindly inform me
what it amounts to and I shall be pleased to remit.

Yours very truly,
H.C. Capwell

Dic. H. C. C.

U.                 S.
WAR & NAVY
MAY 13 1903
FILES
P.                  B.
Page 76

1301 X St.
Sacramento, Cal.
Bureau of Pension
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs,
I would like to
have the record of one
William Capwell, who
inlisted at Courtney R.I.
in the Revolutionary War

And oblige
(Miss) Marguerite Dreypolcher
Mar. 7, 1909.
Page 77

Whippany, New Jersey
December 4, 1921.
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions,
War Department
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Can you give me any
information concerning the
war record and pension
of William Capwell, a
soldier in the Revolutionary 
War?  He enlisted in Rhode
Island in May, 1775 and
served for seven years.
A pension was granted
to him and paid to his
daughter, Betsy Capwell
Vincent (at least it was
paid to her during the latter
years of his life) who cared
for him until his death,
which occurred in 1845.
Page 78

This is family tradition
which I am anxious to
verify and I believe your
office will have the 
necessary records to help
me in so doing.
Thanking you for the
anticipated help, I am
Very truly yours,
Mildred J. Barnes


   PENSION
         D
U.    DEC     S.
          6
       1921
      OFFICE
Page 79

413 W. Frack St.
Frackville, Pa.
June 10, 1931
United States Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Will you please
confirm the following
information regarding the
Revolutionary War record
of William Capwell. (only one of all)
William Capwell enlisted
in Coventry, Rhode Island
in Fall of 1776, his rank
was Corporal or Sergeant,
he served to 1778. He
drew a pension no. 40427.
If this information is
not correct, please


   PENSION
      JUN
U     13
      1931

   OFFICE
Page 80

send me correct pension
number etc. and any
other information
regarding the war record
of the said William Capwell
will be gratefully received.
Very truly Yours,
Mrs. J.L. Gisriel
Page 81

In reply to your request of _____________,
received _________________
for a statement of the military history of William Capwell a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S. File 28,671
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
┃ Oct 1776
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
and
┃ served in various times, 3 yrs in all
RANK.
┃ Corpl 
┃ Sgt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
┃ Benedict Colvin
┃ Elihu Hopkins
┃ Garzia
COLONEL.
┃ Brown
┃ Casson
STATE.
┃ R.I
Battles engaged in, Rhode Is.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, 
┃ Coventry, R. I.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 17. 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Attica, Genesee Co. N. Y.
Age at date of application, Born Oct 18, 1749, 50 or 51, at Coventry, R.I.
┃ Remarks: Sol died May 13, 1843 at Attica, Wyoming Co. NY leaving no wid. but the following ch. living in 1853. John, Peter,
Nelson, Betsey Vincent, Polly Worden, Laura Prebble, Amelia Williams & Persis Taggart.