Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,128, Benjamin Durfee, Mass.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
Mass. Durfee, Benjamin S.29,128
CONTENTS
Page 2

DURFEE, BENJAMIN
(MASS.) S-29128
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10,729
Massachusetts
Benjamin Dur[large ink blot]
Bristol Co. in the State of Mass.
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Reed of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Cook in the Mass.
line for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 30 Dollars [crossed out: Cents] per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1837

Certificate of Pension issued the 18. day of January
1839 and sent to Hon. N.
B. Borden. H. R.
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi=anl. allowance ending

Revolutionary Claim,
Act [crossed out: June 7,1832.]
7. July 1838
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 2. Page 18

[right page]
Agent notified
Page 4

[upside-down handwritten in upper right corner: S-29128]
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
BRISTOL, SS.
AT a COURT of PROBATE holden at [handwritten] Dighton [end handwritten] in and for said County on the
[handwritten] thirtieth [end handwritten] day of [handwritten] August [end handwritten] one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, [handwritten caret: ^by [illegible]] before the Honorable HODIJAH
BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared [handwritten] Benjamin Durfee [end handwritten]
a resident of [handwritten] Troy [end handwritten] in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged [handwritten] seventy eight [end handwritten] years,
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress,
passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated:
to wit: under [handwritten] Captain Oliver Read, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
John Cook - Captain Joseph Durfee [illegible] Colonel John Hathaway's
Regiment - Captain Henry Brightman in Colonel Hathaways
Regament - [end handwritten]

and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:

1. Where, and in what year were you born!
Ans. That he was born in [handwritten] Troy - [end handwritten] in the County of [handwritten] Bristol [end handwritten] and [handwritten] state [end handwritten] of [handwritten] Massachusetts [end handwritten]
[handwritten left margin: May 8th.] in the year one thousand seven hundred and [handwritten] fifty four - [end handwritten]
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
[handwritten] Ans. - That his birth and age are recorded in the town records of Freetown in sd. County of
Bristol, and in the family bible in my family - [crossed out text] [end handwritten]
.3 Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revoluionary War, and where
do you now live? [handwritten] ans That he lived, when called into service in what is now the town of
Troy - at that time Freetown in said County of Bristol -
that he has lived in said Troy ever since the Revolutionary War
and he now lives in said Troy - [end handwritten]
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substi-
Page 5

tute, for whom?
[handwritten] Ans. That he was drafted during some part of his service, while stationed
as a guard in Troy and Tiverton - but during the greater part
of his service in the War he was a volunteer [end handwritten]

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you ser; such Continental
and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
[the rest is handwritten]
Captain Oliver Read - Captain Joseph Durfee, Captain Henry
Brightman - Major Joshua Hathaway - Colonel John Cook Colonel
John Hathaway - Colonel Joseph Durfee. - Colonel - Carpenter -
Colonel [illegible] ane -
That he first entered into the service in the company commanded by Captain
Oliver Read, at the time the British troops landed on the Island of
Rhode Island, and was stationed at Howlands Ferry in Tiverton R. Island
and continued there - six weeks -
That in March 1777 he was stationed, with others, to guard the East and West shores of Taunton
River from Freetown, Massachusetts, to Little Compton, Rhode Island,
and continued ^on duty, at different places on said River in the following capacities one year & 7 months,
During some part of the time, he was here stationed he was in the Company
commanded [crossed out: commanded] by Capt. Joseph Durfee - at others in Capt Henry
Brightman's company, and during some part of the time he had command
of the guard himself - that he was in the engagement at Fall River when
the British landed there - that he was in Sullivan's expedition on Rhode Island,
in Colonel Carpenter's Regiment, and continued there until our
troops retreated from that Island, in the Fall of seventeen hundred and
seventy nine. - that, On leaving the Island, he was again stationed at Tiverton to
guard - and defend - the towns on the shores of the Taunton River, - in which
duty he continued to serve his country until the British troops evacuated
Rhode Island, which was late in ^December in the year seventeen hundred & seventy
nine, four months - That he was in the service
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[top line appears to be upside down line from the previous page]
of his country as a soldier of the revolutionary war something
more than two years -
Page 7

Benjamin Durfee
J. F. [underlined] 5886 [end underlined]

[upside down at bottom of page: Benjamin Durfee]
Page 8

6. Were you a soldier or an Officer? if 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? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom
was it signed, and what has become of it?
[handwritten] Ans. That he was a Soldier during the whole of his service - ^that although he received
a Lieutenant's commission during that time, yet he never acted in the service
under that commission - he never received any discharge except from
the mouths of his commanding officers - [end handwritten]
7. State the names of the 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.
[handwritten] Colonel Joseph Durfee, Captain Sheffell Weaver Doc Aaron Turner
Capt. Richard Durfee - Doct. Jason H. Archer - Rev Job Borden
Mr Samuel Reed - Rev. Bradley Miner [end handwritten]

And the said [handwritten] Benjamin Durfee [end handwritten] doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency
of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
[signature] Benjamin Durfee
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.  [signature] H. Baylies, [end signature] Judge of Probate.

WE [handwritten] Philip Hathaway a Clergyman [end handwritten] residing in [handwritten] Freetown in the County
of Bristol [end handwritten] and [handwritten] James Ford [end handwritten] residing in [crossed out: the] [handwritten] Troy ^in sd. County [end handwritten] hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with [handwritten] Benjamin Durfee [end handwritten] who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration; that we believe him to be [handwritten] seventy eight [end handwritten] 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.
[signatures] Philip Hathaway James Ford
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. [signature] H. Baylies, [end signature] Judge of Probate.

AND the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as
he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that [handwritten] Philip Hathaway [end handwritten] who has signed the
preceding certificate is [handwritten] a Clergyman [end handwritten] resident in the Town of [handwritten] Freetown [end handwritten] in said County of
Bristol, and that [handwritten] James Land [end handwritten] who has also signed the same is a resident in [crossed out: said] Troy and is a credible
person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. [signature] H. Baylies, [end signature] Judge of Probate.
[crossed out: Register of Probate.]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
BRISTOL, SS.
I [handwritten] Anselm Bassett [end handwritten] Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of
[handwritten] Benjamin Durfee [end handwritten] of [handwritten] Troy [end handwritten] in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first
above written.  [signature] Anselm Bassett
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5886
Benjamin Durfee
Bristol Co
Mass.
Private 2 years
5 & 16 06.
Dec 21. 1832

A Bassett
Bristol Co
[illegible] Mass.
Page 10

BRIEF in the case of [handwritten] Benj. Durfee [end handwritten]
of [handwritten] Bristol Cty [end handwritten] in the State of [handwritten] Mass - [end handwritten]
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

[the answers to the following printed questions are handwritten]
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 78 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[column headings: Period. Duration of Service. (Years, Months, Days.) Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.]

In 17     3 - - privt. Captn = Oliver Reed Col. J. Cook
" Durfee - Hathaway
" Henry Brightman

5. In what battles was he engaged? Fall River

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bristol Cty

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence, living
witnesses -

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct -

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.
[signature] J H McBlair
Examining Clerk.
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[illegible handwritten text]
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
[illegible handwritten text]

June 29, 1925
Mrs P.R. Barr
[illegible] . R. 3
Lineville, Wayne County,
Iowa.

Madam:

I have to advise you, that from the papers in
the Revolutionary War pension claim [underlined] S-29128, [end underlined] it appears
that [underlined] Benjamin Durfee [end underlined] was born May 8, 1754 at Freetown,
Bristol County, Massachusetts where he resided during
the Revolution and in 1832 when it was called Troy and
in 1838 when the name had been again changed to Fall
River, Massachusetts.
He served from September 1775 to December 1779
at various times when called upon, amounting to nine
months, as a private under Captains Oliver Read, Joseph
Durfee, and Henry Brightman and Colonels John Cook, John
Hathaway and Carpenter. He was in the engagements at
Fall River and New Bedford and in Generals Spencer and
Sullivan's Expeditiona to Rhode Island.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
August 30, 1832. There is no data on file as to family,
Respectfully,

Commissioner.
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29128
Revy INVALID.
File No. 29,128
Benjamin Durfee
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 32"
Index: - Vol. 2, Page [illegible due to ink blot]
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 13

July 10 '96 [illegible]
period
Wm ' Durfee
Providence R.I.
[illegible]
1925 June 29 Hist to
Mrs P. R Barr. [illegible]
Page 14

[left page]
10729
Massachusetts
Benjamin Durfee
of Bristol Co in the State of Mass
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain Reed - of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Cook in the Mass
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Mass
at the rate of - 80 - Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of April
1833 and sent A.
Bassett Bristol Mass
Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " 40.00
$200.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2d. Page 16

[right page]
let J.K. Simpson
Apl. 5. 1837
52
let Hon N B Borden 30 Sep. '37
- - do do Jany 25 '38
Original papers sent to Speaker
of House of Reps. under a Resolution
of Feb. 19. 1838 -
See letter to Hon. J. K. Polk, Feb.
21. 1838 -
Page 15

Benjamin Durfee - Massachusetts
Act of June 1832, at $80 per Annum.
Be pleased to say to what time his
pension has been paid.
Pension Office
Jany. 18 1839.  pd to 4 March 1837
J H
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H.R - 785
Benj Durfee

[on a darker horizontal rectangle halfway down]
Hon. J. Gray J.r.
44. cw twin 1090
Page 17

Benj Durfee
of Freetown Mass
'75 SP at fall R. Cap J Durfee 10 mo
Sep '76 5 o 6 W. h Conl. of Co.
[illegible]
Nov 76. Ol Read: Capt.
& Jany '77 2 mo.
Apl 77 Ol Read to Nov 77 7 mo
Apl 78 Cap Hy. Brightman
Maj Jos Durfee 1 mo
Aug 78 same Capt. 3 mo
Mar '79 Brightm. a Read
3 mo.
Oct. '79 GW. Capt -
Capt Js Durfee Col
Page 18

HR 785.
25th CONGRESS,
2d Session. [Rep. No. 879.] Ho. OF REPS.

BENJAMIN DURFEE.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 785.]
MAY 11, 1838.

Mr. FRY, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred a resolution
of the House of the 19th of February, in behalf of Benjamin
Durfee, of Fall River, in the State of Massachusetts, praying to be reinstated
on the pension-roll, report:
That the petitioner states that he served as a private soldier in the revolutionary
war, under various officers, and in various tours of duty,
amounting to about two and a half years, and that he was put upon the
pension-roll; and after receiving his pension for some time, was dropped
from the said roll, and asks to be reinstated. The Commissioner of Pensions
states that the pension was allowed previous to the receipt of the
rolls, and that the said Durfee's name does not appear upon the rolls, as
far as any rolls have been found, except for two short tours.
In support of the said claim, there is the testimony of several credible
witnesses, who testify that they knew the said Benjamin Durfee in the
revolutionary war, and they knew him to have been in the service of his
country as a soldier in that war; but none of the witnesses state the
length of time, except Captain Joseph Durfee, under whom the petitioner
alleges that part of his service was performed. He, the said Joseph Durfee,
testifies that he is 87 years of age; that he has known the petitioner
from his childhood, and knew him to have been a soldier in the revolutionary
war; that the said petitioner did duty as such, in a company under
the command of deponent, stationed to guard the towns on the shores of
the Taunton great river, during part of the years of 1775-'76, but how
long in each of said years he cannot distinctly recollect - he thinks nine or
ten months, at least; that the petitioner served in deponent's company in
May, 1778, under an order from General Sullivan, but does not recollect
how long. Deponent further states that the petitioner served also at Howell's ferry, Tiverton, in Captain Rhoads's company.  He knows that the
said petitioner was on duty at Rhode Island, and assisted in covering the
retreat of the American troops from that island; that he was also on duty
there when the British evacuated that island in 1779; that he was in the
engagement between the British and American troops at Fall River, in
1778. Deponent served at the last-mentioned places with him, but, from
his advanced age, he is unable to state how long the different periods of
service continued.
Captain Durfee is certified to be a credible witness; and the committee
think it but an approach to justice to the petitioner to allow him the nine
or ten months recollected by the witness. They therefore report a bill
for nine months.
Thomas Allen, print.
Page 19

Personally appeared before the undersigned, a
Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of
Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Benjamin
Durfee of Troy, in said County of Bristol,
who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that sometime
in the month of November seventeen hundred and
seventy six, he enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary
War, in a company commanded by Captain Oliver
Read and was stationed at Howland's Ferry, so called, in
Tiverton, in the state of Rhode - Island, and continued
on duty there six weeks - I then returned home to Troy
and continued at Troy until the following spring -
Sometime in March in the year seventeen hundred
and seventy seven, I enlisted in a company commanded
by Captain Joseph Durfee, and was stationed at
said Troy and in Tiverton to guard the shores of Taunton
River against the frequent depredations of
the British - I continued to serve in Capt Dur 's company
in Troy and in Tiverton as aforesaid, not less
than eight months - Sometime in the latter part of
November, or the beginning of December in the year
seventeen hundred and seventy seven, I enlisted in a
company commanded by Captain Henry Brightman
in Colonel Hathaway's regiment - & was stationed
[crossed out text] in Tiverton in the state of Rhode - Island and in
Troy aforesaid, two towns adjoining each other, to guard
the shores of the Taunton River against the attacks of
the enemy, who were constantly harrassing the towns
on said river, and with whom we had several skirmishes,
I continued in said Brightman's company, at said
Troy and Tiverton until the following April, when
I was ordered, with the company to which I then
belonged, to Little Compton, in the state of Rhode -
Page 20

Island, where I continued on duty until the latter part of May 1778- I was then ordered back to Tiverton again with the company to which I belonged, where I continued to do duty as a soldier until the last of July following- making the time of my service, at Troy, Tiverton and Little Compton, in Captain Brightman's company, not less than eight months- In the beginning of August seventeen hundred [crossed out, "& seventeen"] and seventy eight, I was chosen Lieutenant of a company of militia in Troy aforesaid, and had command of a company stationed as a guard in said Troy on the bank of the Taunton River to protect the inhabitants from the frequent attack of the enemy, where I continued to do duty not less than ten weeks-

In the month of January seventeen hundred and seventy nine I was again stationed at Troy on the Taunton River in the company [crossed out, "company"] commanded by Captain Brightman, in Colonel Hathaway's regiment, and continued on duty here [inserted, "as a private"] until the May following, not less than three months-

In the fall of seventeen hundred and seventy nine, I think in September, I was stationed in Tiverton at Howland's Ferry, so called, and continued there not less than four weeks, when I was ordered on to the Island of Rhode Island with Colonel Carpenter's regiment, where I continued on duty until the first of November of the same year- I was then ordered back to Tiverton again, where I continued until the British evacuated Rhode Island late in December seventeen hundred and seventy nine- The time of my service in this last enlistment was not less than three months- The name of the Captain under whom I served the last time above named, I have
Page 21

forgotten- - 

I have made dilligent [diligent] enquiry for some of my fellow soldiers, who served in the companies with me in the Revolutionary War, but cannot find any living, that I recollect, who served with me as aforesaid, except Joseph Durfee and Aaron Turner, whose depositions accompany this declaration.

In consequence of my extreme old age and the consequent loss of memory I cannot swear positively in every instance as to the day or month when I enlisted or was discharged. Nor can I, in every instance recollect the names of the officers under whom I served. But according to the best of my recollections, I served not less than the periods above mentioned.

In addition to the times and places of my service as above stated, I was drafted as a soldier in Capt. Oliver Read's company & ordered to New Bedford, I think in the fall of seventeen hundred and seventy eight- I was in the engagement at New Bedford, when the town was burnt by the British- I served at New Bedford as aforesaid not less than one month- The whole of my service in the Revolution [inserted, "was"] more than two years [obscured, "for"] such service I claim a pension- Benjamin Durfee

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol Is. -February 18th 1833-
Subscribed and sworn to the day & year aforesaid
Before me James Ford Justice of the peace.
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Commonwealth Of Massachusetts

Bristol Is. Feb. 21st 1833- I hereby certify that Benjamin Durfee within named, is the same Benjamin Durfee who, on the 30th day of August 1832 made his declaration for a pension before the Hon. H. Baylies, Judge of Probate in and for said county of Bristol
James Ford Justice of the Peace
Page 23

I, Joseph Durfee of Troy in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence, do testify and say, that I have known Benjamin Durfee for more than seventy five years, that the said  Benjamin Durfee was engaged in the service of his country during a considerable part of the Revolutionary War - that some part of the time aforesaid, he was in a company under my command that served as a guard to assist in protecting the towns on each side of the Taunton River against the British troops who were then harrassing and threatening to burn our towns. that he coniinued on duty in said service for a great length of time but how long. I am not able to say - that the said Benjamin Durfee was in the engagement at Fall River, when the British landed and burnt one building and set fire to several others - that he was on Rhode Island during Sullivan's expedition there- that he believes the said Benjamin Durfee was in the conflict New Bedford, when the British burnt that town, and that he was at all times armed and equipped as minute man, ready at the shortest notice, to march in defence of his country and further the Deponent says not
Joseph Durfee 

Bristol Ss. January 5th 1833. personally appeared the above named Joseph Durfee, a credible person and a disinterested witness the same Joseph Durfee who commanded a company in which the said Benjamin served, and made oath to the foregoing statement by him made and subscribed before me 
James Ford Justice of the Peace
Page 24

I, Aaron Turner of Warren in the State of Rhode Island, Physician of lawful age to give evidence, do testify and say that I have been well acquainted with Benjamin Durfee of Troy in the County of Bristol and state of Massachusetts for more than sixty years, that the said Benjamin Durfee was a soldier in the Revolutionary War in the Massachusetts State service, that he was stationed in the town of Troy in the State of Massachusetts, and in the town of Tiverton state of Rhode Island, to guard the shores against the attacks of the British, that he continued doing duty as a soldier in the war of the Revolution for a long time, but how long I am not able to state 

And further the deponent saith not 
Aaron Turner 

Bristol ss May August 27th 1832 - Personally appeared the above named Aaron Turner and made oath to the foregoing statement by him made and subscribed 
Before me James Lord Justice of the Peace 

I the subscriber before whom the above named Aaron Turner made oath to the foregoing statement, do hereby certify, that the said Aaron Turner is a disinterested witness and a credible person 
James Ford Justice of the peace
Page 25

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol Ss. 

I Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that James Ford, whose signature is affixed to each of the foregoing certificates is a Justice of the Peace within for said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court this second day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty three
Anselm Bassett
Page 26

I, Joseph Durfee of Troy in the County of Bris tal and state of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say, that I have known Benjamin Durfee of Troy in the County and State aforesaid for more than seventy five years- that the said Benjamin Durfee was engaged in the service of his country during a considerable part of the Revolutionary War - that some part of the time he was in a company under my command-- that he served as a guard to assist in protecting the towns on each side of the Taunton River against the British troops who were then harassing and threatening to burn own towns. that he continued on duty in said service for a great length of time- but how long I am unable to say - that the said Benjamin Durfee was in the engagement at Fall River, when the British landed and burnt one building and set fire to several others-- that he was on Rhode during Sullivan's expedition there - that he [inserted: believes the s'd Benjamin] was in the conflict at New Bedford, when the British burnt that town, and that he was at all times armed and equiped, ready at the shortest notice to march in defence of his country 

And further the deponent saith not 
Joseph Durfee 

Bristol Ss. August 28th 1832. Personally appeared the above named Joseph Durfee and made oath to the foregoing statement by him made and subscribed- Before me 
James Ford Justice of the Peace
Page 27

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 

I, James Sproat, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that James Ford Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within certificate, is a Justice of the peace in & for Bristol, and duly qualifying to administer oaths- 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seal of said Court, this eighth day of September in the Eighteen hundred & thirty two 
Jas Sproat 

[on right, sideways]
Deposition of Joseph Durfee for Benjamin Durfee
Page 28

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol Ss. 

At a Court of Probate holden at Freetown in and for said County of Bristol on the Second day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight, before the Honorable Oliver Prescott, Judge of the Probate &c. for said County, personally appeared Benjamin Durfee, a resident of Fall River in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832 make the following declaration 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as hereinafter stated to wit, under Capt Joseph Durfee, Capt. Henry Brightman, and Capt Oliver Read - Col Joseph Durfee and Col. John Hathaway - And further declares, as follows 

I the said Benjamin Durfee was born in the the then town of Freetown, since changed to Fall River, the name by which it is now known, in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, in the year seventeen hundred and fifty four and am now in my eighty fourth year - my age is on record in the family bible 

When I was first called into the service of my country, I lived in Freetown, now Fall River in the State of Massachusetts - I have lived in the same
Page 29

town ever since, and now live in the same town in which I lived during the Revolution 

I was a volunteer in the service of my country during the Revolution. I was never a substitute for any one-- I was first stationed at Freetown now Fall River, in September seventeen hundred and seventy five, in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Durfee, to guard the shores of Taunton Great river against the attacks and depredations of the British troops, who were constantly harassing the inhabitants living on those shores. I served under the aforesaid Capt Joseph Durfee from September 1775 to August 1776, ten months during which time, I was several times with the company commanded by said Durfee called into Tiverton, the adjoining town to protect the inhabitants of that town against the attacks of the British troops - After Capt Durfee left the command of the company in which I was stationed, I was discharged for a few weeks.

Early in September 1776. I was stationed again to guard the shores of the Taunton Great River and prevent the landing of the British troops who were continually plying up and down the river. at this time, and for six weeks, I had command of the company in which I served. I was elected Capt. by the company, but did not accept and was not commissioned. In the beginning of
Page 30

November 1776, I was again called out and stationed to guard and protect the inhabitants living on the shores of the aforesaid Taunton River in the company commanded by Capt. Oliver Read - at this time, I was on duty night and day 

In the latter part of the same November, I was ordered with the rest of Capt. Read's company to Howland's Ferry in Tiverton R.I where we continued on duty until some time in December following, when we were ordered on to Rhode Island in Colonel Cook's regiment to assist in covering the retreat of the American troops from that Island. I continued on said Island on duty until early in January 1777- when I was discharged and returned home. I was on duty at this time two months. In the latter part of March or the beginning of April 1777. I am not certain which, I was again called into service in Capt. Oliver Read's company, and continued on duty in the company commanded by said Read until sometime in the month of November 1777 - seven months and one or two weeks. During the last above named time of my service, I was stationed to guard the towns lying on the East side of Taunton River, part of the time, I was on duty in the town of New Bedford part of the time at Howland Ferry, and part of the time in Spencer's expedition on Rhode Island-- But how long I was at each
Page 31

of those places, I cannot now remember I am now in my eighty fourth year - my memory, as well as my body is much impaired with age. and it will not be exacted or expected of me, I trust, at this age, that I can remember and distinctly state the exact dates, when I commenced duty at the several times of my service, or exactly how long I served in each place - I well remember and do know that I was in the service of my country during the greater part of the time for several years of the Revolution 

I was again stationed with the company commanded by Capt. Henry Brightman sometime in April 1778 to guard the towns on the borders of the Tiverton Great River, where I continued on duty until the first part of May following, when I was placed in a company of twenty men under the command of Major Joseph Durfee to guard the towns on both sides of the aforesaid Tiverton river - at this time we received an order from General Sullivan for two boats and rations. During the month of May 1778, the British troops attacked the town of Fall River. I was in that engagement, when two of the British soldiers were killed and several others were wounded. I continued on duty in the company of twenty under the command of Major Joseph Durfee one month. 

In August 1778, I was again placed on duty in the company commanded by Capt Henry Brightman, and with that company was marched on to Rhode Island and was there engaged in Sullivan's expedition and continued there on duty until sometime in the latter part of September following, when I returned back to had therein and continued on duty there until late in the Fall, as near as I can now remember, until the middle of November 

I was on duty at this time as a soldier three months
Page 32

In February in the beginning of March 1779 I was again ordered, and with the company to which I was attached, commanded by either Capt. Brightman or Capt Read, and which I cannot remember to Howland's Ferry - after tarrying there a short time we were marched to Little Compton (R.I). I continued doing duty as a soldier at the two last named places until May or June following, not less than three months - when we were ordered back to Fall River. Early in October following I was again ordered on to Rhode Island and was then on duty as a soldier, when the British troops evacuated that Island on the 29th day of October. I was on duty at this time a little over six weeks. who was my Captain at this time, I cannot recollect - my impression is that it was Capt. Brightman 

I was on duty as a soldier in the service of my country in the Revolutionary war nearly two and a half years and when not on active duty I kept myself constantly armed and equipped, ready to march in the defence of my country at a moments warning 

for information relative to my character, for veracity, permit me to refer to the Hon. Nathaniel B. Borden - then Dutee J. Pierce - Hon. Tristam Burgess
Page 33

Col. Joseph Durfee, Col. Joseph E. Read, Rev Orin Fowler, David Anthony Esq. and James Ford 

And I, the said Benjamin Durfee do further declare, that I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, unless it be that of the agency of the State of Massachusetts, where it has been placed - but from which I have been informed, that for some cause, it has been stricken off and my pension stopped Benjamin Durfee

Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate 

We David Anthony residing in Fall River and James Ford residing in Fall River aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Durfee who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be eighty three 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- 
David Anthony 
James Ford 

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesd
Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate
Page 34

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinions after the investigation of the matter & 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 David Anthony and James Ford Esquires who have signed the preceding certificate reside in the Town of Fall River in said County of Bristol & are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit 

Oliver Prescott  Judge of Probate 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Briston Ss

I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the second application of Benjamin Durfee of Fall River in said County, for pension 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court the day & year first above written
A Bassett
Page 35

I, Joseph Durfee of Freetown in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence, do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Dunfee of Fall River in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, and have known him from his childhood to the present times. I knew him to be a soldier in the service of his country in the Revolutionary war , but how long he served his country in that war, I have not the means from my own personal knowledge of knowing, being myself during much of that war in several of the different states on duty and travelling from one place of duty to another 

the said Benjamin Durfee was a soldier and did duty as such in a company under my command, stationed to guard the towns on the shores of Taunton Great River, so called, during a part of the years seventeen hundred and seventy five and seventeen hundred seventy six, but how long in each of those years do not distinctly remember-- I think nine on ten months. But I am now in my eighty seventh year and cannot recollect part events with that accuracy with which once could. The said Benjamin was in a company of twenty men under my com and during the month of May 1778 under an order from General Sullivan - We were then stationed to guard and protect the inhabitants of the shores of Taunton River. We had an order from General Sullivan for boats and rations - I well remember that the said Benjamin Durfee had the command of a company station to guard the shores of said Tiverton river sometime in the latter part of 1776, but how long, I cannot tell. I very well remember that the said Benjamin Durfee was stationed at and did duty as a soldier at Howland's Ferry in Trenton, I think in Capt. Read's company, sometime in the latter part of 1776 on the beginning of 1777 - But if I ever knew
Page 36

how long he served there, I do not now remember 

The said Benjamin Durfee was on Rhode Island as a soldier, and assisted in covering the retreat of the American troops from that Island. He was also on duty on Rhode Island at the time the British troops evacuated that Island in 1779. He was in the engagement between the American and British troops at Fall River, then Freetown in May 1778, I was on duty at the last named time and places with the said Benjamin, but having been called from one place to another so often myself, I am unable to state have long the said Benjamin was engaged and Rhode Island-- I know that the said Benjamin Durfee was much in the service of his country during the war of the Revolution, and that he was an efficient and faithful soldier, always ready at the call of his country and further the deponent saith not 
Joseph Durfee 

Bristol Ss. Jany 2d 1838- Then the above named Joseph Durfee a credible witness, made oath to the foregoing statement by him made and subscribed Before me 
James Ford Justice of the Peace
Page 37

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol Ss

I, Anselm Barrett Register of the Court of Probate in afor said County do hereby certify that James Ford whose signature is affixed to the certificate aforesaid is a Justice of the Peace in for said County 

In testimony whereof of have hereunto at my hand the seal of said Court the fourth day of January Eighteen hundred thirty Eight - 
A Bassett
Page 38

I William Read of Somerset in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence do testify and say, that I am acquainted with Benjamin Durfee of Fall River in the County aforesaid. I knew him during the Revolutionary war. I knew him to be in the service of his country at that time. I was on Rhode Island in Sullivan's expedition there, and saw the said Benjamin Durfee there at that time doing duty as a soldier 

I saw him several times on duty as a guard stationed at said Fall River and in Tiverton, R.I. during the war of the Revolution, but I cannot state how long he served in that war. I believe him to have been an active, efficient and faithful soldier  in the service of his country And further the deponent saith not 
Wm Read
Page 39

Washington City Jany 24th 1838 

Dear Sir
Annexed is a copy of so much of the letter of James Ford Esq which accompanied the papers of Mr Benjamin Durfee filed in the Office a few days since, as relates to Durfee's declaration, and the apparent discrepancies, should there be any, between this declaration and the one in which he formerly need a pension

"Dear Sir Enclosed is Mr. Benjamin Durfees application for a renewal of his pension together with Depositions of Col Joseph Durfee and Capt. William Reed. the latter was taken after the action of the Probate Court was had upon his papers, and is not therefore annexed to the declaration. I do not expect that this declaration in very many respects, is like the one he first made on which is in the possession of the Department. I have no doubt but it will vary in many material points. Mr Durfee is very old and very childish - Still he appears to recollect events, which occured fifty or sixty years ago with a good deal of accuracy.  The disappointment of having his pension stopped effects him powerfully and if it can be consistently done I really hope it may be renewed. He cannot want it but very short time. He is fast housing out."
Page 40

The foregoing is formerted you in accordance with request when the papers we thended in Shore the honour to be Sir with great respect your obt Servant Nath B Borden

J L Edwards Esq
Page 41

The foregoing is formerted you in accordance with request when the papers we thended in Shore the honour to be Sir with great respect your obt Servant Nath B Borden  J L Edwards Esq
Page 42

Benjamin Durfee 
Feb. 22, 1838 

Ref'd Com on Rev Pensions - 
May 11 1838 
Bill - No. 785 
Hon J. Fry
Mr Borden
Page 43

5886
Benj Durfee

a Bassett Esq
Taunton Mass
Page 44

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benj. Durfee Bristol City  Mass - which require further proof or explanation. 

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? - 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes 
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? no
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
Page 45

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?-- 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? --
XIV. +If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth 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 recolelection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: Foryear  months and days, I served as a For months and days, I served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
Page 46

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be 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. QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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
Page 47

WAR DEPARTMENT. Revolutionary Claim. 

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Benjamin Durfee of the State of Massachusetts who was a Private in the army of the the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year. 

Given at the War Office of the United April this twentieth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three

Examined and Countersigned}
Page 48

Benj Durfee 

Payments to be made at Boston Mass by the Pres of US Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Mass 

Benj. Durfee Act July 7. 1838
$30 per annum to commence on the 4th March 1837. 

send cert to Hon. N.B. Borden 
H R 

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 2 16 Page by D. D. Addison Clerk
Page 49

Washington City Jany. 8th 1839 

Dear SIr
At the last session of Congress on Act passed allowing to Benjamin Durfee of Fall River Mass a Soldier of the Revolution, a pension. I had charge of his petition, and united it to Congress, and of a certificate has not been forward. I should be glad you would furnish it me that it may be forwarded 

I am Sir with much respect --- your obedient Servant Nath B Borden 

J L Edwards Esq Com of Pensions
Page 50

Bemjamin Durfee

Admd Jan 8 1839
Pen cert req'd
Page 51

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol Ss

At a Court of Probate holden at Dighton in and for said County on the thirtieth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty two by adjt. before the Honorable Hodijah Baylies Judge of the Probate & for said County, personally appeared Benjamin Durfee a resident of Troy in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid aged seventy eight years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 1832, make the following declaration 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated ; to wit: Under Capt Oliver Read in the regiment commanded by Col. John Cook Capt Joseph Durfee, in Col John Hathaways regiment. Capt Henry Brightman in Col Hathaway regiment. and further declared as follows , in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War to me. 
1st Where & in what year were you born? 
Ans. That he was born in Troy in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts May 8th in the year one thousand
Page 52

seven hundred and fifty four 
2d. Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it 
Ans That his birth and age all recorded in the town records of Freetown in County of Bristol, and in the family bible in my family 

3 Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live 
That he lived, when called into service in what is now the town of Troy at that time Freetown in said County of Bristol that he has lived in said Troy ever since the Revolutionary war and he now lives in said Troy 

4 How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? Ans. That he was drafted during some part of his service, while stationed as a guard in Troy and Tiverton, but during the greater part of his service in the war he was a volunteer 

5 State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served; such Continental and militia regiments as you can recollect , and the general circumstances of your service 
Capt Oliver Read, Capt Joseph Durfee, Major Cook Capt Henry Brightman Joshua Hathawan, Vol. John Hathaway Col John Col Joseph
Page 53

Durfee, Col. Carpenter Col Lane 
That he first entered into the service in the company commanded by Capt Oliver Read, at the time the British landed in the Island of Rhode Island, and was stationed at Howlands Ferry in Tiverton - R. Island and continued there six weeks. That in March 1777 he was stationed, with others, to guard the east and west shores of Taunton River from Freetown Massachusetts to Little Compton, Rhode Island and continued on duty at different places in said river in the following capacities, one year & 7 months during some part of the time he was here stationed, he was in the company commanded by Capt Joseph Durfee at others in Capt Henry Brightmans Company, and during some of the time he had command of the guard himself, that he was in the engagement at Fall River when the British landed there that he was in Sullivans expedition on Rhode Island in Col Carpenter Regiment and continued there until our troops retreated from that Island, in the fall of Seventeen hundred and seventy nine that on leaving the Island, he was again stationed at Tiverton to guard and  defend the towns on the shores of the Taunton River in which duty he continued to serve his country until the British Corps evacuated Rhode Island late in December in the year
Page 54

seventeen hundred & seventy nine, four months. That he was in the sence of his country as a soldier of the revolutionary war something more than two years 

6 Were you a soldier or an Officer? if Soldier did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
Page 55

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol D.                        At a Court of Probate holden at
Freetown in aforesaid County of Bristol, on the second
day of January one thousand eight hundred a thirty
eight, before the honorable Oliver Prescott, Judge of the
Probate, and c. for said County, personally appeared 
Benjamin Durfee, a resident of Fall River, in the County
and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged eighty three years, who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June
7th 1832, make the following declaration.
That he entered the service of the United States under the
following names officers and served as herein after stated
to wit, under Capt. Joseph Durfee, Capt. Henry Bright-
man and Capt. Oliver Reed, Col. Joseph Durfee and Col John
Hathaway, and further declares as follows:
I, the said Benjamin Durfee, was born in the then 
Town of Freetown, since changed to Fall River, the name
by which it is now known, in the County of Bristol and State of
Massachusetts, in the year seventeen hundred and fifty four 
and am now in my eighty fourth year-my age is 
on record in the family bible.
When I was first called into the service of my Country
I lived in Freetown, now Fall River, in the State of 
Massachusetts; I have lived in the same town ever
since, and now live in the same town in which I lived
during the Revolution.  I was never a
substitute for any one- I was first stationed at Free
town now Fall River, in September, seventeen hundred and
seventy five, in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph
Durfee, to guard the shores on Taunton Great River, against 
the attack and depredations of the British Troops who were
Page 56

constantly harassing the inhabitants living on these shores.
I served under the aforesaid Capt. Joseph Durfee, from
September 1775 to August 1776, ten months, during which
time I was several times, with the company commanded
by said Durfee, called into Taunton, the adjoining town
to protect the inhabitants of that town against the at-
tacks of the British Troops- after Captt. Durfee left
the command of the company in which I was stationed
I was discharged for a few weeks. Early in September
1776, I was stationed again to guard the Shores of
the Taunton Great River, and prevent the landing
of the British Troops, who were continually plying
up and down the river at the time, and for six
weeks I had command of the company, in which
I served; I was elected Capt. by the company, but
did not accept and was not commissioned. In
the beginning of November 1776, I was again called
out and stationed to guard and protect the inhabitants
living on the shores of the aforesaid Taunton river
in the company commanded by Capt Oliver Read,
at this time I was on duty night and day. In the latter
part of the same November, I was ordered with the rest
of Capt. Read's company to Howlands's Ferry, in
Tiverton, R.I. where we continued on duty until some
time in December following, when we were ordered on
to Rhode Island, in Col. Cook's regiment to assist in
covering the retreat of the American troops from that
Island. I continued on said Island, on duty un-
til early in January 1777, where I was discharged 
and returned home. I was on duty at this time tow
months. In the latter part of March or the beginning 
of April 1777, I am not certain which, I was again
called in service in Capt. Oliver Read's company
Page 57

and continued on duty in the company command-
ed by said Read until some time in the month
of November 1777, seven months and one or two weeks.
During the last above named time of my service, I
was stationed a part of the time, to guard the towns
lying on the Eastside of Taunton river; part of the
time I was on duty in the down of New Bedford;
part of the time at Howland's Ferry and part
of the time in Spencer's expedition on Rhode Island.
But how long I was at each of the places I
cannot now remember.I am now in my eighty
fourth year, my memory as well as my body is 
much impaired with age; and it will not be ex-
acted or expected of me, I trust, at his age, that 
I can remember and distinctly state the exact dates,
when I commenced duty at the several times of my
service, or exactly how long I served in each place-
I well remember and do know that, and ever in the ser-
vice of my country, during the greater part of the
time for several years in the revolution.
I was again stationed with company com-
manded by Capt Henry Brightman some time
in April 1778, to guard the town son the border of the
Taunton Great River, where I continued on duty 
until the first part of May following when I was
placed in a company of twenty men under the com-
mand of Major Joseph Durfee to guard the towns 
on both sides of the aforesaid Taunton River.
At this time we received an order from General
Sullivan for two boats and rations. During the month
of May 1778, the British Troops attached the Town
of Fall River. I was in that engagement when two
of the British soldiers were killed and several others
were wounded. I continued on duty in the company
Page 58

of twenty under the command of Major
Joseph Durfee one month.
In August 1778 I was again placed  on duty
in the company commanded by Capt.
Henry Brightman, and with their company was 
marched on to Rhode Island and was
thence engaged in Sullivan's expedition
and continued there on duty
until the latter part of September following when I returned back to Fall River
Page 59

25th Congress
2nd Pension
Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives
February 29th 1838
On motion of Mr. Borden
Resolved that the Comittee on Revolutionary Pensions be instructed to inquire into
the expediency of restoring the name of 
Benjamin Durfee, a soldier of the 
Revolutionary War, to the Pension Rolls, one
that the Commissioner of Pensions be requested to furnish the Committee with the papers of said Durfee now on file in his office and upon which he was allowed a pension
Attest:
W. S. Franklin Clerk
Page 60

Benjamin Durfee
Feb 19 1838
Revo Pensions
Mr Borden
Page 61

Pri. 171
25th Congress
2d Session
H.R. 785
(Rep. No. 879)
May 11 1838
Read twice and committed to the Committee 
of the Whole House tomorrow
Mr. Fry, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
An act
Granting a pension to Benjamin Durfee
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of 
Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, That 
the Secretary of War be required to place the
name of Benjamin Durfee, of Fall River, 
Massachusetts, on the roll of
revolutionary pensioners; and pay him the sum of thirty dollars per annum during life; to 
commence and take effect from the day upon
which his former pension was suspended
the same to be paid out of any money
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated.
Appears July 9th 1898
A true copy compared with
the roll in this office.
Dept of State
July 11th 1838
Page 62

Benjamin Durfee
Page 63

// -
Page 64

Lineville, Iowa
April 28 1925
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,
Will you please send me the military record of my ancestor Benjamin Durfee ?
This is what our genealogy gives; "Mr. Durfee was a resident of Fall River Mass and was chosen a Selectman for the years 1803 and 1804.
He was a soldier during the Revolutionary War.
Upon the requests of William Durfee of Providence R.I. the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington D.C. on the 10th of
July 1896, mailed him the following statement
relative to his military service.
'Replying to your request concerning the military record of Benjamin Durfee, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he
Page 65

2.
made application for pension
August 30th 1832, at which time
he was residing in British County,
Mass, and 78 yrs of age, and his 
pension was allowed for nine
month's actual service as a private
in the Massachusetts troops, Revolutionary
War; A part of the time he served
under Capt. Oliver Read and Colonel John Cook. He enlisted at Freetown Mass."
Thanking you for this great favor.
I remain
Very Truly Yours,
Blanche Willis Barr
Address
Mrs P.R. Barr
Lineville
Wayne Co.
Iowa
RR3
Page 66

July 1890

Commission of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir-

Will you kindly furnish me with a Copy of 
the papers on file upon what the claim for pension of
Capt Benj Durfee of Massachusetts [illegible] during the Revolutionay
War-was made-
The information[?] is denied for the Historical
Record of the family not for any purpose of claim
against the U.S. government

Most[?] Respectfully-
Wm. Durfee

P O Box 511