Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5, 639, Elijah Armstrong, R. I.
Page 1

Service Number
R.I.  Armstrong, Elijah W.5,639
Mercy 
B.L.Wt 197.713-160-55
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Providence Sc State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations; on this the sixteenth day of September AD 1818 Before me the subscriber Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Providence in said state personally appears Elijah Armstrong Esquire of Glocester in said County of Providence aged about 64 years who being by me first sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval Service of the United States in the revolutionary war, that he the said Elijah Armstrong was appointed Ensign in Captain Thomas Allen Company in Col. Archibald Cary, Regiment in June 1777 that he continued to serve in said Regiment nine months, and that he was in the year 1778 in the month of February was appounted Lieutenant in Capt. Abraham Tourtellot Company in said Crary's Regiment that he continued in the service of the United States one year & nine months at the espiration of said years he was honorably discharged from the service. That I was in the Battle of Bristol and in Rhode Island in the year 1778 under Major General John Sullivan and that he is in reduced
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Circumstances and stands in need of assistance of his country for support and that the evidence and the documents and vouchers here unto annexed are the evidence of said service. Elijah Armstrong
Providence Sept 16 1818 Then Elijah Armstrong made oath to the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me Wheeler Martic C J C C Pleas
I Wheeler Martin Chief Justice of said Court as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Elijah Armstron esquire, did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common enemy and I further certify that I am well acquainted with William Wilkinson and Henry Alexander whose certificates and Elijah Armstrong whose affidavit is annexed, and I now transmit the preceding Commissions and testimony taken and had before you to the Secretary
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the department of War pursuant to the directions of the fore mentioned act of Congress Providence Sept 18th 1818 Wheller Martin CJCCP
State of Rhode Island &c &c Providence Sc. I William Steere Esquire Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Providence, do certify that Wheeler Martin Esequire who has subscribed to the preceding certificates or affidavits is Chief Justice of said Couty duly appointed commissioned and sworn and that said Signature is his genuine hand writing. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at said Providence this the 16 day of September W. Steere Clk.
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State of Rhode Island &c &c I Wheeler Martin Esquire Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Providence certify that I have been for many years acquainted with Elijah Armstrong and have no doubt but that he is reduced in his circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support. In testimony of the truth of which I have caused the seal of the said Court to be here unto affixed Wheeler Marton C J C C P Providence Sept. 16th 1818
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[File card unfolded into a Left Hand page and a Right Hand page]

[Left hand page:]
2546
Rhode Island
=======
Mercy Armstrong
R. I.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as an Ensign & Lieut.
Increased from $266.64
========
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 270 dollars 66
cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853.
========
Certificate of Pension issued
4th day of March 1858
and sent to
Benjamin Cowell
Providence R. I.
=========
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 69. Vol. 36 [?]

[Right Hand page:]
[handwriting is vertical on the page]
Ben Cowell  Nov 26/59
Page 7

State of Rhode Island & Providence Planting

Clerk's Office of the Municipal Court
of the City of Presidence in said State.

I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of said Court, do hereby
certify that the preceding is the original Declara-
tion of Mercy Armstrong, made in said Court, in
the matter of her claim for a pension; and the
proceedings of said Court thereon.

I also certify that it was ordered by said Court,
that it be certified that Elijah Armstrong and Isaac
J. Hawkes, where affidavits are hereto annexed, are
credible witnesses.

in attestation whereof, I have hereunto
set my hand, and have affixed the seal
of said Court, this twenty first day of
June, A.D. one thousand, eight hund-
red and fifty three.

[Court Seal affixed]
[Signature:] Albert G Greene
                                  Clerk.
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State of Rhode Island
                      County of Providence
On this 21st day of June A.D. 1853, Personally
appeared in open Court being the Municipal Court
of the City of Providence Mercy Armstrong a
resident of Providence in said County of Providence
and State aforesaid Aged 77 years who first
being duly sworn according to law doth
on her oath, make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions
made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd
of February 1853 granting pensions to widows
of persons who served during the Revolutionary
war; that she is the widow of Elijah Armstrong
late of Glocester in said County, deceased, who
was an Ensign & Lieutenant in the war of the
Revolution one year and Nine months under
Captains Thomas Allen and Abraham Tourtelott
in Col. Archibald Crary's Regiment of
the R. I. State Troops; that her said husband
entered the service in June 1777 from said
Glocester and served nine months as an Ensign
& the next year as Lieut. to wit in 1778 as
will fully appear by the proof produced
in open Court   She further declares that
she was married to the said Elijah Armstrong
in December Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Seven
but that she has lost the certificate of Marriage,
that her said husband died on the 28th day
of February A.D. Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Nine
at said Glocester; that she was not married to
him prior to the second of January Eighteen Hundred,
but at the time above stated; and she further
declares that she is now a widow.

Attest. F Hopkin.     Mercy X Armstrong
                                 made her mark
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In Municipol [sic] Court of
the City of Providence
June 21 1853.

Subscribed and sworn to
by Mercy Armstrong
in open Court.
-
[Signature:] Albert G Greene
                               Clerk.
Page 10

I Isaac S. Hawkes of Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island, Aged 36 years, on my oath testify and say I am well acquainted with Mercy Armstrong of Providence in said Providence County.  I am her grand son and lived with her in December eighteen hundred and twenty seven at the time she was married to Elijah Armstrong of Glocester in said County of Providence, I was present at and saw them married at her house in Providence and this I clearly and distinctly remember.  They were married by the Rev. Salmon Loberz of said Providence now removed elsewhere.  I also remember of seeing the certificate of marriage a number of times after her return to Providence before it was lost.
Isaac S Hawkes

In [Word Unknown] of the City of Providence, June 21 1853. [Unfortunately the rest is illegible.]
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I Elijah Armstrong of Glocester in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island Aged 56 years on my oath testify and say I was formerly well acquainted with Col. Elijah Armstrong of this town, He was my father, and I have frequently conversed with him about his services in the Revolutionary War.  He always told me he was an Ensign and Lieutenant in the Army and served therein one year and nine months, to wit=Nine months as an Ensign, and one year as a Lieutenant, as will appear by his own declaration made in the year of AD 1818 which was sent to Washington at the time, but was rejected on the grounds that his name was not on the Continental establishment, but in the State Troops of Rhode Island.
I further testify and say my mother died in the year A.D. 1825, and my Father the said Elijah Armstrong was again married in December Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Seven to Mercy Hawkes of Providence in said County of Providence and they came and lived together in the same house with my family till his death on the 28th days of February A.D. 1829.  She has since lived in said Providence.  I did not see them married but believe it as much as though I had seen it because he told me so and they lived together till his death as before stated and no body ever
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doubted it to my knowledge. I further testify that at his death I was appointed executor of his last will and testament, and as such I have the custody of the papers sent to Washington in 1818 as proof of his services in the war of the Revolution and hereunto annexed.
Elijah Armstrong

In Municipal Court of the City of Providence, June 21, 1853.
Subscribed and sworn to by Elijah Armstrong, in open Court.
Albert G. Greene, Clerk.
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State of Rhode Island County of Providence On this 10th day of May A.D. 1855, Personally appeared before me Mercy Armstrong, now resident of Glocester in said County Aged 79 year who being duly sworn makes this supplemental declaration for the purpose of asserting the additional services of her late husband Elijah Armstrong Esq. deceased, of sd Glocester, in the war of the Revolution, and increasing her certificate of Pension & obtaining the amount of arrears due her as his widow under the "Act of February 3d A.D. 1853" granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war married subsequent to January A.D. 1800. That she is the widow of Colonel Elijah Armstrong of Glocester, deceased who was a sergeant, and Ensign and Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War; that at the time she applied and obtained her pension in October 1853 she was residing in the city of Providence in said County and was allowed a pension of $250 per annum for her said husband's services as an ensign and Lieutenant twenty one months in Captain Thomas Allen's Company under the command of Colonel Archibald Crary of the Rhode Island state Troops in the years 1777 and 1778, reference being had thereto for the proof accompanying her declaration for
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the same; that since she obtained her pension which was, she thinks, in October 1853, she has obtained further proof of her said husband's services to wit- of half a month as Lieutenant under Capt. Timothy Wilmarth of the Glocester Light Infantry in July and August A.D. 1780 and March 1781, & three months as sergeant in the militia of the state, to wit - from the 23 day of September to the 23 day of December 1776 under Capt. Samuel May, the proof will be here to annexed; that at the time her husband made his declaration under the act of 18th March 1818 it was not required to prove any more than nine months services to draw a full pension, on the Continental Establishment, consequently his militia services were not set forth as she has understood and believes. She declares she was married to the said Elijah Armstrong in December 1827 or January 1828 at Providence by Elder Tobey but lost her marriage certificate many years since, and it has never been found; that he said husband died at said Glocester the 28th of February A.D. 1829; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January A.D. 1800, but that the time above stated. She further declares she is not a widow, and that she was & is entitled to a
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pension under the aforesaid "Act of February 3, A.D. 1853" for two full years services of her late husband's in said war instead of but twenty one months as heretofore drawn, she therefore requests her pension certificate be increased by three months services, to wit - one half month as Lieutenant & two and a half months as sergeant with an order to pay it hereafter and its arrears from said 3d day of February A.D. 1853. Mercy Armstrong
Providence County Ss. In Glocester May 10th A.D. 1855, Personally appeared the above named Mercy Armstrong before me and made oath to the truth of the above declaration by her signed and I certify she is a credible witness & her statements entitled to full credit and I have no interest in this claim. Charles A. Slocum Justice of the Peace
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151972 Act Mar 3 SJ May 28
 Mery Armstrong widow Elijah Armstrong Lieuts R.I. State Troops Col. Crary Revy. War Revy. Pensioner R.I. Feby 53-2546 Ad: 160 acres, Incl. 25/26, Boynton Emior Smith Gloucester, R.I.  
No 19 H3 Mar 31/56
Vol. A 123
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I John Armstrong of Uxbridge in the County of Worcester in the Common Wealth of Massachusetts being now in Glocester County of Providence & State of Rhode Island in the seventy sixth year of my age on oath testify and say I was formerly well acquainted with Elijah Armstrong of said Glocester, he was my father. He married Mercy Hawkes as his second wife now Mercy Armstrong, still living & drawing a pension as his widow. When my fater made his application under the laws of 1818 & 1820, it did not require byt Nine month's services on the Continental Establishment to entitle him to any Pension under sd Acts, consequently, he did not state all his services, particularly in the militia & independant companies of this state. I have heard him say, & it was always understood in the family, that he served two years in the War of the Revolution. The first was a three months tour under capt. May, as Sergeant, to Rhode Island in the Fall of 1776. That he next enlisted into the State Troops, as Ensign & afterwards as Lieut, & served in said Troops twenty one months in said last capacities. I also remember of his frequently telling of joining
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into the "glocester Light Infantry company" under Capt Timothy Wilmarth of said town soon after his discharge from the State troops in 1778, am that he served several short tours in alarms, & half a month in all, at least in said Company as Lieut of this last was in 1780 & /81. Capt May under whom my father did his first services, as sergeant, I well remember, he was a neighbor to us, & afterwards became a Major in rani &c. My father was quite a military man & was Capt. of the said Light Infantry Company Sixteen years in succession after the Revolutionary War closed, & was Col. of our Regiment, & I have heard him say, he had held twenty six military commissions during his life besides his civil commissions John Armstrong. 
State of Rhode Island Providence Ss in Gloucester this 24th day of March AD 1855 personally appeared the above named John Armstrong & made oath to the truth of the within deposition by him signed in my presence and & certify I have no interest in any pension this testimony may go to [illegible]
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& I further certify the said John Armstrong is a credible witness Before me, Charles A. Slocum Justice of the peace
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151922
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State of Rhode Island County of Providence On this 10th day of May A.D. 1855 Personally appeared before me; a justice of the peach within and for the County & STate aforesaid, Mercy Armstrong, aged 79 years a resident of Glocester in the State of Rhode Island, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Elijah Armstrong, deceased, who was an ensign and Lieutenant in the Company of Capt. Thomas Allen in the Regiment of Col. Archibald Crary of the R. I. State troops in the Revolutionary war, in the years 1777 & 1778, fo9r twenty one months, as appears by the testimony accompanying her declaration when she was pensioned in October 1853, under the "Act of Feb. 3rd A.D. 1833" at the rate of $250 per annum, and she states her husband was honorably discharged in 1778 to /79. She further states that she was married to the said Elijah Armstron in december 1827 or January 1828 as stated in her Declaration for her pension at the time it was granted by Elder Tobey, Baptist minister in the City of Providence, & that her name before her said marriage was Mercy Hawkes, that her said husband died at Glocester on the 28th of Feb. A..
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D. 1829 and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3rd 1855 "Section 8th" She further states there is no Public nor private record of her marriage to be procured and refers the department to the proof accompanying her declaration for the Pension under the Act of February 3d 1853 as aforesaid, and to such testimony as she can now obtain, and also for her husband's military services for the term of twenty one months. Mercy Armstrong
We Isaac L. Hawkes and Betsey Cooks, residents of Glocester in the State of Rhode Island,, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaraion was signed and acknowledged by Mercy Armstrong in our presence; and we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents hereself to be. Isaac L. Hawkes Betsey Cooke.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be
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and that I have no interest in this claim. Charles A. Slocum Justice of the Peace 
THE STATE OF THODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. PROVIDENCE, SC. CLERK'S OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEASE, PROVIDENCE, May 24 A. D., 1855
I, Amasa S. Westcott Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within and for the County of Providence; DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Charles A. Slocum was on the 10th day of May A.D. 1853 a Justice of the Peace for said County of Providence duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgment of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine. IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written. Amasa L. Westcott Clerk.
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In reply to your request of , received for a statement of the military history of Elijah Armstrong a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (his widow's) application for pension on file in this Burea. W. File 5639
DATES OF ENLISTMENT. Sept. 76
June 23 77 Feby, 17 78 80
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 mos. 9 mos. 1 yr 12 days
RANK. Sergt. Ensign 2 Lieut. 2 Lieut. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. Saml. May Thos. Allen. Abraham Tourtellotte Timothy Wilmarth
COLONEL Archibald Crary Crary Fry STATE. R. I. 
Battles engaged in, Bristol, R.I. 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enl. from Gloucester R. I. 
Date of application for pension, Sept. 16 1818, claim not allowed; service not continental as required by Act 1818. 
Age at date of application, Gloucester, Providence Co., R.I.
Age at date of application, 64 yrs, died Goucester, R. I. Feby 28, 1829
Remarks: Sol. first wife (name not stated) died in 1825 Ch. mentioned John at 75 in 1855 & Elijah at 56 in 1853. Sol. mar (second wife) at Providence R. I. in Dec. 1829 Mercy Hawkes & she was Pens on applic ex June 21 1853 at 77 res. Providence Very Respectfully 1853 son Elijah Armstron at 56.
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1907 June 18 Hist to Mrs Wheeler Armstrong - C
1907 Sept. 27 - Correct age of widow to Mrs. Wheeler Armstrong and history to Mrs. C. E. Coolidge. C 
1915 Oct. 23. Histo. to Mrs. Herbert C. Wilson C
WIDOW, &C. 
File No. 5639 Mercy Armstrong Widow Elijah Armstrong Lieut. Rev. War. Act: Feby. 3d 1853 Index: - Vol. A, Page 17 [Arrangement of 1870.]
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Elijah Armstrong W. File 5639 A receipt for blankets from Col. Chad Brown: signed by Capt. Samuel May, Elijah Armstrong and 33 others: dated Gloucester, Sept. 23 1776 _ An order is Town Treasurer of Gloucester to pay Seth Bellou for purchasing one blanket: signed Asa Kimball, Collecter of Blankets for said town: dated - Nov. 30, 1776. An order to pay the collector Caleb Arnold for one blanket: signed Asa Kimball, Collector of Blankets. Gloucester, Sept. 18, 1777. A bill for rations: signed Elijah Armstrong, Ensign and dated Bristol Nov. 20, 1777. - The above papers have been removed from said claim to be sent to the war Dept. A. C. M. Jan. 20, 1911 
Sent to War Dept. Jan 16 1913.
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2546 Rhode Island Mercy Armstrong, widow of Elijah, who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Sergt. Ens. & Lieut. Increased from $250 - Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 265 dollars 64 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. Certificate of Pension issued 12th day of dec. 1857 and sent to Benjamin Cowell, Providence R.I. Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 69 Vol. H 
Let. E. Smith Jany 9 1858 Same " 29 " Same Mar 4 "
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No 2531 Mrs. Mercy Armstrong of Elijah Let to Sec of State of Rhode Island Sept. 17/53 Gray
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19713 Nov Aug
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2546 Thode Island Mercy Armstrong widow of Elijah who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Ensigh & Lieut: Inscribed on the Roll at the rateof 250 Dollars - cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of October 1853 and sent to E Smith Glocester Providence Co. R.I. Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 49. Vol. A
Upon examination of these papers the examiners brief and statement, were found to be missing May 23, 1857 E.S.
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2546 Rhode Island Mercy Armstrong widow of Elijah who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Ensign & Lieut. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 250 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of October 1853 and set to E. Smith Glocester Providence Co. R.I. Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 49 Vol. A 
Rez m55-151972 19713-160
Letter Benja Cowell, May 23, 1857 Ame June 17, 1857 Same Nov. 4 1857
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Mercy Armstrong widow of Elijah R. I. Providence Co. Act Feb 3d/53 - 2d Lieu. Admitted for increase to correct error. Lt. 13 mos 12 days $178.66
Ens. 7 mo 24 " 78
Sergt 2" 24" 14
at the rate of 270/66 per annum from Feb 3d 1853 deducting former payments at the rate of $265.64. Atty Benja Cowell Providence R. I.
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THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. PROVIDENCE, SC. CLERK'S OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, PROVIDENCE, May 24th A. D., 1855 I, Amasa L. Westcott Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within and for the County of Providence; DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Charles A. Slocum was at the several dates of annexed certificates a Justice of the Peace for said County of Providence duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledgment of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine. IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written. Amasa S. Westcott Clerk.
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hi Excellency NICOLAS COOKE, Esq; Governor; Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations. to Elijah Armstrong, Gentleman. GREETING. said Elijah Armstrong being appointed Second Lieutenant in the Brigade ordered to be raised by the General Assembly of this State, held once, on Friday the Nineteenth Day of December, A. D. 1777, for the Defence thereof and of the United States of America in general, are hereby, in the Name of the COMPANY of this State, authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take and of Second Lieutenant of said Company. And to command, guide and Part thereof: And in case of an Invasion or Assault by a common Enemy, to or any other of the said States you are to alarm and gather together the Company command, or any Part thereof as you shall deem [illegible], and therewith, to the utmost Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and [illegible] them, in order to preserve the Lives, properties of the good People of this and the other United States. You are also to follow instruction, Directions and Orders, as shall, from Time to Time, be given forth, either by , or you superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your 
GIVEN under my Hand, and Seal of the said State, this Seventeenth Day of February the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-eight. Nichs. Cooke. 
Excellency's Command, Hnery Ward Secry
Page 35

Regd By Auth. 
It does not appear that the applicant was on continental establishment. Rejected May 22 1819 Elijah Armstrong
Page 36

By the Honorable NICHOLAS COOKE, Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, or and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Planntations. TO Elijah Armstrong Gentleman GREETING.
YOU the said Elijah Armstrong being appointed Ensign of a Company in the Second Batalion in the Brigade ordered to be raised by the General Assembly of this State, held at Providence, on Thursday the Twelfth Day of December, A. D. 1776, for the Defence thereof in particular, and of the United States of America in general, are hereby, in the Name of the GOVERNOR AND COMPANY of this State, authorized, empowerd, and commissioned, to have, take and exercise the same, or any Part thereof: And in Case of an Invasion or Assault by a common Enemy, to infest or disturb this or any other of the said States, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or any part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of you Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy them, in order to preserve the Lives, Liberties and Properties of the good People of this and the other United States. You are also to follow such further Instruction, Directions and Orders, as shall, from Time to Time, be given forth, wither by the General Assembly, or your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant. GIVEN under my Hand, and Seal of said State, this Twenty-third Day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thosand Even Hundred and Seventy-seven. Nichs. Cooke By hi Honor's Command, Henry Ward Secry.
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I Isaac S. Hawkes of Glocester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island, aged 40 years on oath testify and say I am well acquainted with Mercy Armstrong of this town. She lives with me now, and has continued to live with me a good many years. She is a pensioner of the United States the widow of Col. Elijah Armstrong, a soldier of the Revolution, and is now living. 
Isaac S. Hawkes
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence Sc. at Glocester in the county of Providence and State aforesaid this 18th day of November A. D. 1857 personally appeared before me the subscriber, the above named Isaac S. Hawkes and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed in my presence, And I certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Isaac S. Hawkes and that he is a credible witness. And that I have no interest in what this testimony may prove. Ezra Hawkins Justice of the Peace
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THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS. PROVIDENCE, SC. CLERK'S OFFICE, SUPREME COURT. PROVIDENCE, November 23 A. D., 1857
I John A. Gardner, Clerk of the SUPREME COURT of said State, within and for the County of Providence: DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Ezra Hawkins is a Justice of the Peace for the twon of Glocester in said County & State & as such was at the time of signing the annexed certificate duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depoisionts and the acknowledgment of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine. IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereing subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, the day and year above written. John A. Gardner Clerk.
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[Top left corner - Lithograph:] Lith of Knowles Anthony & Co. Prov.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

I certify that it appears from the records in
this office, that at the session of the General Assembly
of said State holden in December A.D. 1776, a brigade
of State troops was ordered to be raised "for the defence of the
United States in general and of Rhode Island in particular,"
for the term of fifteen months ending March 16. 1778.
That in June 1777 Elijah Armstrong was appointed an
Ensign in Captain Allen's Company in Colonel Crane's
Regiment in said Brigade. That in February 1778 the
said Brigade was again ordered by the General Assembly
to be raised and to serve twelve months longer from the
said sixteenth day of March 1778; and that Elijah
Armstrong was appointed a second Lieutenant in said
Regiment to serve until the sixteenth day of March
1779 when his time of enlistment expired. And it
appears from a list of those officers and soldiers who belonged
to said Brigade and who were entitled to depreciation
of pay, that said Elijah Armstrong was allowed $102..4..9
for depreciation of pay
     And I further certify that it appears from [...]
Page 40

[...]
said records that Elijah Armstrong was appointed a
a Lieutenant in the Glocester Light Infantry of which
Timothy Wilmarth was Captain, at the May Session
of said General Assembly A.D. 1780, but there were
no rolls of said Regiment[lined thru - erased] Company on file in this
office; nor are there any rolls of Captain Samuel
May's Company in the three months service in the
autumn of 1776 in this Office, connected with
the island of Rhode Island.

[Rhode Island seal affixed]

I certify the foregoing to be correct.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of the
State aforesaid this 21st day of October AD. 1837
[Signature:]     John R Partllett
                          Secy of State
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            Pay Abstract of Capt. Timothy Will- |
           moths Company, Col. Fry's Regiment, |
            who did duty 12 (twelve) days in July  |
            and August in the year 1780.                   Viz. |
Timothy Willmoth, Jun. Capt. William Hawkins      "   | [" = ditto Viz]
Martin Smith 1st Lieut.            Jonathan Vallet       "   |
Elijah Armstrong 2 "                Frances Hambelton "   |
Ezekiel Brown, Ensign               Solomon Owen, Jnr "  |
Elisha Hopkins, Jun, 1st Ser'gt Zepheniah Cooke    "   |
Peter Cowen             2      "       Ahab Sayles            "   |
Rufus Steere             3       "       Urial Sayles             "   |
Benjmin Hawkins      4       "      William Field            "   |
Thomas Raymond Coe'l            Adam Philips           "   |
John Coller                "               David Richardson    "   |
Charles Wright          "                Jesse Eddy              "   |       
Elisha Mitchel            "                Sephen Eddy           "  |
Caleb Arnold, Jun, Fifer               John Phetteplace, Jr. " |
John Sprague, private                 Jesse Armstrong      "  |
Stephen Barnes   "                      Elisha Raymond        "  |                 
Thomas Barnes    "                      Elisha Sayles             "  |
Andrew Mowry    "                      Joseph Steere           "  |
Samuel Ross         "                      David Mowry            " |
Thomas Shippee   "                      Moses Hawkins        " |
Joseph Ballou        "                     Esek Eddy                 " |        
Jesse Potter           "                     David Cowen            " |
William Colwell, Jun. "                  Thomas Sayles         " |
Stephen Evens        "                    Darius Smith             " |          
Jail Smith                "                     Joseph Shippee, Jr.  " |    
Darius Mitchell        "                    Ephraim Brown        " |
Elisha Brown, Jun,    "                    Samuel Clarke         " |
Elijah Cooke, Jun.     "                   Johah Sprague        "  |            
David Arnold, Jun.    "                  Stephen Cooper       "  |
Ishmael Inches          "                  59 men  Delinquents  |   
William Tourtellot     "                   Jirah Ballou                 |
                                                      Peter Aldrich              |
Joseph Hawkins        "                   John Harringden, Jr.   |
Page 42

I Emor Smith of Glocester in the
County of Providence and State of Rhode Island,
of lawful age, do testify and say, -----
   That the within pay-abstract is a true
and correct copy of the original pay abstract
of Captain Timothy Wilmarth's Company of
Light Infantry during the War of the Revolution
raised in Glocester, Rhode Island. I took
the copy four years ago when the original
was in the hands of Horace A. Manchester,
which original now understand, is lost.
I am a neighbor of the family of Elijah
Armstrong, (deceased, the Second Lieutenant
in said Company, and was acquainted with him
in his lifetime, and I always understood that
he was an officer in said Company in the
latter part of the War of the Revolution.
His widow, Mercy Armstrong, is now
living.        [Sigature:]          Emor Smith
 
State of Rhode Island, Providence County, Ss,
In Providence this Twenty Fifth day of February
A.D. 1857, before me personally appeared Emor
Smith and made oath that the statements in the
foregoing affidavit signed by him are true. And
I further certify that he is a credible witness,
and that I have no interest in the claim
of the said Widow Armstrong for a pension
        [Signature:] Edwin Metcalf   Justice of the Peace
Page 43

  I Horace A Manchester of the City and County of
Providence and State of Rhode Island of lawful age
do testify and say that I had in my possession for
many years the original Pay Abstract of Capt Timothy
Wilmoth, Company mentioned in the annexed Deposition of
Emee Smith, That the same was copied by said Smith in
my office several years since. That I do not know at
this time where said original is, as it has become mislaid
with other papers of a similar character, I would further testify
that said original were in the possession of the late Samuel
S Atacle deceased and used as evidence in the applications
for Pensions in 1834 and 1836, and came into my possession
with his other papers.
                                [Signature:]  Horace A Manchester

State of Rhode Island,  }
County of Providence,  } Ss.   In Providence this Second
day of May A.D. 1857 before me personally appeared
Horace H. Manchester and made oath that the facts
and statements set forth in the foregoing deposition
by him subscribed are true.  I further certify
that he is a credible witness, and that I
have no interest in the claim of the said Mercy
Armstrong for a pension.
                  [Signature:]  Edwin Metcalf  Justice of the Peace
Page 44

THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
                            ----------""-----------
PROVIDENCE, SC.
CLERK' S OFFICE, COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,
PROVIDENCE, May 20th A. D. 1857

[Circular Seal of Providence SC affixed]

                   I, Amasa S. Westcott
                 Clerk of the COURT OF COMMON PLEAS of said State, within
                 and for the County of Providence:
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Edwin Metcalf is & was on the
second day of May A.D. 1857 a Justice of the Peace in
and for said County of Providence
duly appointed and qualified, and authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and the acknowledge-
ment of deeds and other instruments, and that the signature to the annexed Certificate purporting to be his,
is genuine.
           IN ATTESTATION WHEREOF, I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal
              of said Court, the day and year above written.
[Signature:]     Amasa S. Westcott__ Clerk.
Page 45

I Thomas Owen of Glocester
Esquire make oath that I
am well acquainted with
Elijah Armstrong Esquire and
his Circumstances and do know
him to be aman[sic] of little or no
Property, and that he is indebt
and that he is infirm and
past his labour.
[Signature:]           Thomas Owen Jr [?]

Providence Sept 16 1818 ---
Then Thomas Owen Jr Esquire
made oath to the above affidavit
by him signed before me
[Signature:] Whelan Martin
                                 C J S C Play[?]
Page 46

I Henry Alexander of Providence in the County of Providence a late Lieutenant in the Rhode Island Regiment commanded by Col Archibald [? - could be Archibale] Cray, 1777. I did duty in said Regiment and well know Elijiah [could be Elejiah] Armstrong who was an Ensign and Lieutenant in said Regiment, that said Regiment was enlisted for [cross outs] fifteen months and that he served nine months in said Regiment at the close of the fifteen months he then was appointed Lieutenant in the said Regiment which again was engaged for one year longer. 

Henry Alexander

Providence September 16th 1818
Then Henry Alexander made oath to the above affidavit by him signed before me 
Wheeler Martin; [initials following signature also illegible but might stand for Rhode Island Court of Common Pleas]
Page 47

Providence September 16. 1810[?]
I William Wilkinson of Providence in the County
of Providence and State of Rhode Island on Oath
Testify  That in July 1777 I joined the Regiment
commanded by Col. Archibald Crary as Clerk to the
Colonel in which Station I remained till March 16,
1779. That during the whole of said Term Elijah
Armstrong served faithfully and respectably first
as an Ensign and afterward as a Lieutenant in
said Regiment. The Department in 1777 was
commanded by Major Genl Joseph Spencer and in
1778 by Major Genl John Sullivan. The Regiment
during the period stated was present when the Towns of
Bristol and Warren were burnt by the British Troops
on the 25th May 1778 and also in the Expedition on
Rhode Island under Genl. Sullivan in August 1778
[Signature:]                   William Wilkinson

Providence September 16th 1818
Then William Wilkinson Esquire made
oath to the above affidavit signed by
him before me  
                     [Signature:] Whelan Martin C J C P
Page 48

     I Amey Hopkins of Glocester
in the County of Providence & State of Rhode
Island Aged 58 years on oath testify & say I
am the daughter of Zebede Hopkins late of
Glocester, deceased, who held the Office of Town
Treasurer for said Glocester during the most
of the Revolutionary War and as such he
left a good many papers both civil and
military in my hands, and I state the three
papers attached hereto were taken from those
he left.       [Signature:] Amey Hopkins

Providence Ss
                At Glocester this 12th May AD. 1855.
Personally appeared the above named Amey
Hopkins & made oath to the truth of the above
Affidavit by her signed in my presence and
I certify that she is a credible witness,
that I attached the papers to the Affidavit
in her presence with seals, and that I have
no interest ^in^the claim of pension this testimony
may go to prove -
[Signature:] Charles A Slocum Justice^of^the Peace
Page 49

Payment to be made at Providence
by
Paris Hill

Agent for paying Pensioners, as in
Agency of 
R Island

Payable on the 4th September and 4th
March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the
Roll of Pensioners under act February
3d, 1853, Page 49. Vol. A
[Signature:] G. T. Getty  Clerk.
Page 50

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
-----------
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb-
ruary 3, 1853,
                Mercy Armstrong
widow of  Elijah Armstrong
who was a Ensgn. and Lieutenant in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Two hundred & fifty,
dollars and ------ cents per annum, commencing on the
3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such
marriage.

[Indented:]  Given at the Department of the Interior,
                    this twentieth day of October
                    one thousand eight hundred and fifty three.
[Signature:]           R McClellan
                               Secretary of the Interior.


Examined and Countersigned.
[Signature:] L P Waldo
                 Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 51

Providence November 24th, 1857
Sir
     I duly received your letter of the
4 int respecting the claim of Mrs
Mercy Armstrong for increase of her
pension informing me, that if
her Pension certificate is returned
together with evidence that she
is still living her allowance
under the act of Feb 3d 1853
well readjusted
I now enclose her Certificate
together with the evidence
required - 
                     I am respectfully
                        you obt svt
        [Signature:] Benja Cowell

Hon G C Whiting
Page 52

[Centered]  Providence June 11 1857
Sir
I have received your letter of 23 Oct[?] respecting
the claim of Mary Armstrong for an increase
of her pension under the Section of the
act of Feb 3/53 & have been requested to
reply. The objection seems to be that all
the "service in her husbands declaration &
all the time he claimed has been allowed
for"  Her husband Elijah Armstrong
applied for a pension under the act,
of March 18, 1818 & May 1,1820 and the
reason why he did not allege the services
for which an increase of pension is
sought I suppose, two fold.[underlined] First[underlined]
It was not "Continental" [underlined] as required by the 
above act and secondly[underlined], its allegation 
would have been entirely unnecessary
as there was 9 months service without
it, and only 9 months was required.
Besides under these acts, service in
State Troops & Militia were both disallowed
and did not entitle any one to a pension[.]
The service must have been a 9 months
service on the "Continental establishment" [underlined]
  The act of June 7 1832 was different
   This act made service both in State [...]
Page 53

[...]
Troops & Militia available but required
two years for a full pension-
Now I would respectfully ask, if this
widow is not entitled to a pension, two
years service would produce, if she
can prove it? She now receives only[underlined] what
21 months service produces. Her husband
served 2 months in State Troops and
she was allowed for that amount. But
he also served in the militia about
8.1/2 months for which ^she^receive nothing
when she applied for a pension. She
probably referred to her husband['s] declaration
in the pension office, and to nothing
more, & she was allowed for what he
alleged. But she has since ascertained
the husband served in the Militia
and she now claims for what that
service would produce or at least
for what two years service, in different
grades, would produce, or in other
words for 3 months service in addition
to the a21, and I certainly think she
is entitled to this according to the
several acts of Congress I hope it only
be all amend       I am Respectfully
                            your obt Svt
                             Benja Cowell

Hon Geo C Whiting
Page 54

Providence October 30 1857
Sir
  Your letter of June 19 last past respecting
the claim of Mary Armstrong for an
increase of her pension was duly received
You observe that no additional amount
could be allowed except upon a readjustment
of her pension and to do this record
evidence must be produced.
I have no disposition to urge this
claim beyond what the record
evidence distinctly suoaes [shows?] and
I now enclose such evidence. This
evidence shows the time of his
appointment & service as Ensign
& Lieut in Col Crarys Regt. & his
appointment as Lieut in Capt Timothy
Wilmarths Co of Light Infantry, and
his service in this Company as also
his service in Capt Samuel Mays
Company as "Sergiant"[sic] is followed
by documentary evidence already in
the Pension office sent by me ---
Page 55

The record evidence now furnished
proves the following services --
9 months as Ensign }
12 months as Lieut  } Col Crarys Regt
15 days 1/2 month in Capt Wilmarths Co
2.1/2 months in Capt Samuel Mays Co
He served 3 months in Capt Mays Co
but it only requires 2.1/2 months to
make out the 24 Months, the time
limited by the act of June 7 1832--
and the above serving as I compute
them will give the following result
9  months as Ensign -----     90
12   do      as  Lieut  ------   160
15 days     as  Lieut  ------       6 67
2.1/2 Months  as Sergeant     12 50
                                              --------
                                             $269.17
From this amount deduct her present
pension & the difference is the mean
which ^should^ be allowed.  -
I also enclose an oiu original "Nation
Bi66th[illegible] signed by Elijah Armstrong
as Ensign which I found among
the papers of the Pay Master
Page 56

[...]
of Col Crangs Regt which shows
service from an early period of his
appointment. His allowance also
of [British Pound symbol] 100.49 equal to $334 12.1/2 for the  
determination of pay only [4 words underlined] also confirms
the service claimed in Col Craigs
Regt-    I am Respectfully
                   your obt svt
                       Benja Cowell

[Foot of page]
Hon Geo L Whiting
Page 57

       Glocester R. I. Feb. 15/58
Commissioner of Pensions
              Sir
                 In your letter of Jan.
29th last, you say, with reference to the
correction of the Certificate of Mercy
Armstrong of this town widow of Elijah
for increase of Pension under the "Act of
Feb. 3 1855" that you "cheerfully ack-
knowledge the error of  $5 02/100 per year"
running back to Feb 3rd 1855, and if I
would[erased] would return her certificate to
you a new one would promptly issue
to her for the sum of $270.66/100 per year
back to said 3d Feb. 1855 &c.
          Now Mrs Amstrong is sick and
has the certificate in her possession[underlined], and
as it would be likely to worry her, by
taking & sending it to Washington in her
old age & present weakness ^therefore^ her Physician
says it will not answer--- We, her
relations who take care of her and my
self request of you the favor of your
making & sending said new Certificate
to your Agent in the City of Providence
[...]
Page 58

[...]
to be held in his hands till the 4th
of March next (now very soon) when it
shall be exchanged before being paid
or anything done with it at all[.]
This we think you can do altogether
with safety to yourselves as well as
to us, & as it was an error on your
part we think you ought to do
so & accommodate us & oblige, and
   If so please inform me and it
shall be attended to by all means
I think it would be right
          Yours as Ever
            Emor Smith
Page 59

Providence May 20th 1857
Sir
    I herewith enclose the application
of Mercy Armstrong widow of Elijah
Armstrong for an increase of her
pension for the following services
of her husband in the war of the
Revolution. viz for three months in
Captain Samuel Mays Company as Sergeant
in [illegible] and [illegible] of 1776 and for
15 days service ^including travel to Newport in Captain Timothy
Milmarths Company as Lieutenant in August
1780. Neither of these services were
Alleged in her first declaration
as I am informed and it is since 
her pension was granted that the
evidence has been found. ---
She now claims in addition to the
former serving for three months
as Sergeant in 1776 and 15 days as
Lieutenant, the proof of which is ample
The term of duty performed by Captain
Samuel Mays Company in the year
1776 was three months.  This is not only
proved by the enclosed original
receipts herewith enclosed, but it
has been invariably all allowed in [...]
Page 60

[..]
pensions heretofore granted to soldiers
under the act of June 7 1832
& to widows under acts granting
pensions to them[.] The same may
be said with regard to the 15 days
service in Capt. Wilmarths Company
I have myself seen the original Will
of Capt Wilmarths Company when
it was in the hands of Horace
A Manchester Esq. but it seems
it is now lost or mislaid a Copy
therefore is the best evidence --
The loss of the ^original^ pay abstract of
Capt Wilmarths Co has been one
cause of the delay in sending her
papers    I am Respectfully
                     your obt svt
                       Benja Cowell


Hon Geo C Whiting
Page 61

Commisioner
of Pensioner
Page 62

Glocester July 4th 1853
To the Commissioner of Pensioners
                      Sir
                          Within is the papers
containing the testimony of Mercy Armstrong
widow of Elijah Armstrong of this Town
for a pension and it is as clear a case
as can be. I live within a mile of where
the said Elijah & Mercy lived in this Town
and actually know all about it-- said
Elijah was the greatest military man
we ever had in our parts. --He was [actually - erased]
Col. of our Regiment sixteen after
the Revolution in succession, and was ^lawfully^ married
to the said Mercy & they lived together till his
death as within stated ^& proved^ to my certain kno=
wledge within my memory-- The Court
would have willingly vouched her credibil=
-ity[word underlined] but said it is not necessary or usual.
    I hope this case may be allowed
as clear as it is, without delay-- I had
seen the papers several years ago which
were sent to Washington & returned[underlined] because
his name was not found on the Continental
establishment, it is on the State Troops
all correct in Cowell's Book &
---
Please write me when necessary
and Oblige
                  Emer Smith, Agent.
Page 63

Providence Nov 23rd 1859
Sir

In May 1859 I transmitted to your
Office the claim of Mercy Armstrong
widow of Elijah Armstrong for an increase
of her pension and among the documents
sent was an original receipt Roll 
signed by many of the soldiers who
served in Capt Mays Company
in the Autumn 1776, I have to request
a certified copy of this document
It is wanted for the purpose of prosecuting
a claim before the next Session of
Congress. Be pleased to send it at your
earliest convenience & much obliged
Respectfully yours
Benja Cowell


Hon Geo C Whiting
Page 64

Glocester R. J. December 21st 1857.
Commissioner of Pensions
                         Sir. -- I have just Received
of B. Cowell, Esquire the Pension Certificate[underlined] of
Mrs Mercy Armstrong of this town, only increasing
it from 250 Dollars to $265.64 cts per annum from 3d
of February 1853 forward. Now there must be some
mistake, I think, somewhere-- In the first place
you have the old Roll or list of names who were
furnished with Blankets by the town for the Campaign which was for 3 months as Sergeant. in the 2d place
John Armstrong swore his father served this campaign of 3 months which was enough, but as we
could show by one of the old papers on hand that
they were still at Newport late in November it
was thought best to send it for your satisfaction
not that that was to end[2 words underlined] the service by any means
but merely to show them there and the inference
was and is that they were there, their term out, of
which there is no sought[sic] of doubt, but we did not
need to claim on it but 2 ½ months, as we had a month
more exactly 12days in 1780 as Lieutenat in the Light Infantry of Glocester
which was proved by Lawyer Manchester and myself now this last would have amounted to 6.66 increase as there was travel, and besides these names were down on an
alarm roll for the other three days as stated in her 2nd Declaration, but
suppose you allowed only for the 12 days it would then be ┃
5.33 [illegible] - and the other 2 ½ months would come
to 12.20 cents which added to 6.66 would make 19.86 cents [illegible]
if you put that down to the 5.33, it would then amount to 17.83 cents
which is the smallest sum you could call it possible for if ever 3 months service were shown at all as Sergeant
it was shown in this case, much more were 2 ½ months
shown as sergeant and I protest against cutting down
this case as I can show clearly the 3 months and a half by
further affidavits if it be important.
                     Respectfully yours, Emor Smith

[Note written in left margin - veritical to submission:]
P.S.  Please report to me at Glocester, as soon as convenient. We wish the Certificate to be corrected.
Page 65

151972
Page 66

                                          Glocester, May 25, 1855.
Commissioner
                            Sir, within is the declaration
of Mrs. Mercy Armstrong for Bounty
Land - She has never drawn any Bounty
nor applied till now.[underlined] She draws a
pension under Act 3d March 1853 for
250 Dollars per Annum -
                 Please attend to this at the earliest
opportunity & direct me at Glocester
R.I. as above ---you will see it was
me that assisted to get her pension
in 1853.
[Signature:] Emor Smith


P.S. -- For proof of services & marriage refer-
ence to her declaration & testimony with it
in June 1853, under the act of 3d March
1853 in favor of Revolutionary widows
married since 1800.
[Initials:]   E. S.
Page 67

Glocester R.J. Jan'y 18th/58,
Commissioner of Pensions
                         Sir
                                  Your letter of January
9th is recd in relation to Mrs Mercy Armstrong's
increase of Pension under the act of Feb. 3d 1853
to the present time. -- She had been receiving a
pension at the rate of 250 Dollars per year, - 9
months as Ensign, and 12 months as Lieut.--
90 Dollars as Ensign and 160 Dollars as Lieut, making
250 Dollars per year of both [last 2 words underlined]. You say in your last
letter, "On reexamining the Rolls it was found that
the allowance for 9 months as Ensign was wrong, as
the service in that rank was only 7 months and
24 days, while the service as Lieut. was 13 months
instead of 12 months besides the 12 days in 1780-
- The allowance was therefore, made for 13 months &
12 days as Lieutenant, 7 months and 24 day as
Ensign, and 2 months and 24 days as Sergeant
which makes up two years service-- As this
computation is correct, beyond doubt, it canot [viz]
be changed" --- Now I am an old
Schoolmaster and think I know how to
compute by figures at least, if not by symbols,
and I say that 13 months & 12 days as Lieut. amou=
nts to 178 Dollars & 66 cts. ^a year^ recurring[?] at the rate of
320 Dollars for every 24 months services which
is the pay allowed for Lieutenants. --And that 7 months [...]
Page 68

[...]
and 24 days as Ensign at 2.40 dollars for every
24 months amounts to 78 Dollars per year.
--And that 2 months & 24 days as Sergeant am=
ounts to 14 Dollars per year recoring[sic] at the rate
of 120 Dollars for every 24 months' services.[underlined] -
--as Follows {fractional calculation}  320 = per year as Lieutenant
                                                          160 = for 12 months as Lieut.
6/24/30days - 4/5 of Mo  4/5             13.33  "    1      "      "       "
                                                              5.33        12 Days   "       " 
                                                       $  178.66 - as Lieutenant
--------
2nd G  4)    240.  = the pay of an Ensign for year ^or 24 mos
Days    6)      60.  = the pay for 6 mos.
[Fractional    10.  = the pay for 0   "
Calculation]  8/78 Dollars as Ensign Armstrong's pay for year ^or 24 mos.
---------
3rd G           120. the pay of a Sergeant for ^every^ 24 months
 2months is 2/24 or 1/12) 120.
[Fractional                       2/ 10 = for 2 mos. as Sergeant.
calculation]                        /   5 =  or 1 h?    "          "
                                               4
                                           5)20
                                                4. for 24 days
                                               10. for 2 mos as above
                                              $14. as Sergeant  2 mos & 24 days
                                              $ 78. as Ensign 7 mos & 24 days
                                             $ 178.66 as Lieut for 13 mos & 12 days
                                             $  270.66 = per year, the Amount 
                                                              Mrs Mercy Armstrong is 
                                                              Certificate ought to be & 
it is not but 265.64  leaving a balance of  
                        5.02  due per year for all
time back to 3d Feb, 1853 which we want you
should be good enough to correct soon as convenient
at any rate so it can be settled the 4th March 
[Signature:] Emor Smith
Page 69

Mercy Armstrong
R. J.
Act Feb 3, 1853
for increase

Brief


Dodge
Page 70

Brief in the case of Mercy Armstrong, widow of Elijah
Providence County and State of Rhode Island
2d Sec act Feb. 3, 1853
======
Claim, ("original," or[erased] "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Originally pensioned for service of husband 9 mos as
Ensign and 12 moos as Lt - at $250 - 
increased to $265.64-

(Certificate returned)

(If for increase.)
    Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Original roll corresponding with poavol[?] testimony for
3 months service as Sergeant in 1776-
and Copy of roll - duly verified, showing service of 12 days
as 2d Lt in 1780-
   The record evidence on which the claim was
originally allowed showed 7 months & 24 days service
as Ensign and 13 months as 2d Lt. In this allowance
the adjustment is made - corresponding with the facts-- at 13 mos
12 das St. 7 mos 24 das Lus, and 2 mos 24 das (to make up 2 years) as Sergt.

Name and residence of Agent           [Signature:] S. G. Dodge
Benjamin Cowell                                 Examining Clerk.              
Providence
R. I.
Page 71

 7   Mos  24 days  Ensign    72.98
13     "     12    "        Lt       178.66
 2      "      24    "     Sergt.     14.00
24              0                     $ 265.64

Elijah Armstrong was commissioned
Ensign June 23d 1777- 2d 17th
February 1778 and served, as appears,
to March 16th 1779-
  Sergeant 3 mos in 1776
2 Lt 12 days in 1780
Page 72

[Company Title written vertically to letter:]
Glocester Providence Co R. I.

Mercy Armstrong
Widow of Elijah
Revy War - R I
File 5639
Page 73

Brief in the case of Mercy Armstrong widow of Elijah
Providence    County and State of Rhode Island
                       act of Feb. 3 - 1853
===========
Claim, (" original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband an Ensign and Lieutenant in Rhode Island
State troops
                  Ensign 9 mos.
                 Lieutenant 12 mos.
                                                Died Feb. 28-1829

Allowed $250 per annum
(If for increase.)  Com. Feb. 3- 1853
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by Isaac S Hawkes and
Elijah Armstrong Jnr residents of said County
and who are certified to be credible by the court
               Death proved by credible witnesses
             Identity & widowhood by credible
             Witnesses

Name and residence of Agent
Emer Smith
Glocester Providence Co. R Is.
be
                                                  Examining Clerk.
                                                      I LeGray
Page 74

Mercy Armstrong
widow of Elijah
  R. Is.
Act Feb 3d 1853. 2d Sec
             Brief
Page 75

Brief in the case of Mary Armstrong, widow of Elijah
Providence County and State of Rhode Island
2d Sec   act    Feby 3, 1853
========

Claim, (" original" or [lined thru] "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.


(If for increase.)
   Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
No [underlined]
by an error in computation the pension was
increased to only $265[.]64 per annum, when the amount
should have been $270[.]66 It was a mere error in
figures, in making the pension for 7 mos 24 days $72.98.
when it should have been $78-

Name and residence of Agent
Benjamin Cowell                                          S. G. Dodge
Providence                                                        Examining Clerk.
R. I.
Page 76

Pension Bureau  [2 circular stamps follow:]
                            US Pension Office                    O. W. & N. DIV. FILES
                                JAN 5 1907                                  JUN 6 1907

Can you give me the pension
record of Lieutenant Elijah Armstrong born in
Chepachel - R. I. 1755. His appointments
were between 1778 and 1784, according to
letter from office of Secretary of State of
Rhode island-
 Lieutenant Armstrong drew 6 pounds as Ensign
in Captain Thomas Allens Company in Colonel
Crarys Regiment in February 1778 also 3 pounds in
March 1778, (or is supposed to have).

Mrs Whulee Armstrong
102 W. Liberty St
Rome
N. Y.

June 3. 1907
Page 77

[Circular stamp:) O.W.& M. DIV. FILES 
                                 AUG 22 1907

65 Ward Place
South Orange N. J.
Aug 20 - 07
-
To the Commissioner
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Will you kindly send me
the record of Lieut James Place
who served in the Continental
Army- 4th Regiment - 6 th Company
Glocester, Rhode Island.
   Can you also inform
me. if the pension record of  [...]
Page 78


Mercy Place Armstrong
gives the name of her
father and
mother and
her birthplace
I am
seeking
proof that
she was the daughter of the
above mentioned James Place
She was a
pensioner from
about 1859 to Apr 22, 1864
-
Her husbands name was
Elijah Armstrong
and if [illegible]
for his
service
in 
the
Continental Army
that
I
understand
he received her pension. Thanks, I am yours very truly
Eva Cole Coolidge
(Mrs. C. E)
Page 79

Rev. Sec H
United States Pension Office,
    Wasling M. - S. C.

I am anxious to Find
out if there is any record
of a pension having been 
paid to one 
Elijah Armstrong son
of Jos Armstrong. There
is a record in
Chepachet, R. I. Showing  [...]
Page 80

[...]
that he was Ensign
June 1777 and Lieut
Dec. 1777 in the
Revolutionary War. I am
trying to establish a
a brief discreet and I 
would like if possible
to verify this record.  
I don not know the 
proper person to address
this request to -this
but I shall be very
grateful for any [...]
Page 81

information
Thanking you for any favor,
I am

Yours very truly
Blanche B Wilson
Mrs. Herbert C. Wilson
Berwich St
Worcester, Massachusetts
October 18, 1915
Page 82

J.S.C.
of
Mrs. C. E. Coolidge,
65 Ward Place,
South Orange, N. J.
Madam:
Sept. 27, 1907.
In reply to your letter dated the 20th ultimo
and received the 22d, you are advised that the
Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any
information in regard to James Place.
The papers in the claim of Mercy Armstrong
(File 5,639) fail to show the date and place of her
birth or parentage; she was 77 years of age in 1853,
and the widow of Elijah Armstrong, whom she married
in December, 1827 (as his second wife), under the name of
Mercy Hawkes. In that same year her grandson, Isaac
S. Hawkes, aged 36 years, testified to her marriage.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 83

J.S.C
Madam:
September 27, 1907.
Mrs. Wheeler Armstrong,
102 W. Liberty St.,
Rome, N. Y.
Madam:
In relation to the claim of Mercy Armstrong
(File 5639), you are advised that a further
search of the papers on file shows her age to
have been seventy-seven years in 1853, instead of
seventy-nine as you were informed under date of
June 18, 1907.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner,