Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 2014, William Clarke, Privateer (Mass.) R.I. R.I. Sea Service
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(8-1776)
SERVICE
Privateer (Mass)
R.I.
R.I. Sea Service

Clarke, William
            Ruth

NUMBER
R2014
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State of Rhode Island & part L
On this 3d day of September 1838 personally
appeared before the Court of Probate of the Town of Newport, Ruth Clarke a resident of Newport
County and State aforesaid aged 72 years
who being first duly engaged according to law
doth on her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by
the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an
act granting half pay pensions to certain widows
That she is the widow of William Clarke late of
said Newport of County & state aforesaid
who was a soldier and mariner in the
War of the Revolution. That she has under
stood from her said husband & others, and firmly
believes that her husband said Clarke was at the com
=mencement of said war an apprentice to Griffin Parney
a member of the society of Friends, then residing
at New Bedford, Mass, and as his master could
not conscientiously release him for the purpose of ┃
enlisting; he said Clarke ran away, came to New
Port and enlisted in a company of State Troops com
=manded by John Topham Esq. this I believe was in
the spring or summer of 1775.
From Newport this
company was marched to Boston or its vicinity, and
in the summer or fall of said year was marched through the
wilderness to Canada, and attached to a Regiment
commanded by Col Arnold. In December of said  year my
said husband was dangerously wounded, taken
prisoner, sent to England, and confined as a pris
=oner of war in "Forton prison." That he said Clarke
escaped several times from said prison has [illegible]
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ured and came back to where he remained (if
my memory serves me) until some time in the first
part of the year 1777, he then got clear, and in the
spring of said year returned to this place, to wit,
Newport, where he remained a few days secreted,
After visiting his relations he went to Providence
R.I. where he entered as a mariner on
board the Galley Spitfire, of which Joseph Crandall
was Captain & Sheffield Attwood Lieut. said
Galley was then in the United States service and
stationed at & about Warren, Bristol & Mount Hope
Bay, where my impression is he served one year
but it being too small a field of action for him
he left said Spitfie and entered on board a pri
vate armed vessel at & belonging to Boston - That
while they were out in said private armed vessel
they were disabled & finally chased unto France where
husband said Clarke left the Privateer and entered
in a United States Frigate commanded by
John Paul Jones Esq- That her husband went out
in said Frigate, was dismasted, returned to France
refitted, & sailed again; While out on his
second cruise in said Frigate he was put on
board of a vessel they had captured as one of the
prise crew; That said prise was retaken and he
said Clarke with others was sent to England & imprisoned
where he her said husband remained until the Treaty
of Peace was concluded in the year 1783. he then
returned to Rhode Island in feeble health. She also
declares that her said husband received a slight
wound in the arm while on board of said Frigate
& under the command of said Jones; the scars of the
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wounds he received in Canada & onboard the
said Frigate under (leaving honourable testimony
of his service), be carried with him to his grave
She further solemnly & positively declares that she
is the widow of said Clarke whose service is above
stated that she was married to the said William
Clarke on the ninth day of May Seventeen hundred
and Eighty four, by Elder William Bliss, that her
husband said Clarke died on the 8th day of September
Eighteen hundred & thirteen; that she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the service, but
the marriage took place previous to the first of January
Seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz, at the
time above stated - That she had a record
of said marriage made by her said husband in a
family Bible & that said Bible containing
record was lost in the severe gale & deluge of
September 1815.  That she has no knowledge
of any church or Town Record now to be found
of her said marriage-
Ruth her X mark Clarke
Sworn to and subscribed
on the day and year
above written before
the Court of Probate
of said Newport

Bay[illegible]
Prob. Clerk
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Mrs Ruth Clark
Widow
of
William Clark decd
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Supplemental Declaration
I Ruth Clark a resident of the Town and County
of Newport and State of Rhode Island, in the seventyeighth
year of my age, Being sworn, do on Oath testify
and declare that I am the widow of William Clarke late of
said Newport deceased; and that my late Husband Will
-iam Clarke aforesaid, was a Soldier and Seaman in the
Army & Navy of the Revolutionary War. Viz. First said
William was called into the service of his Country in the
early part of the year 1775 and enlisted as a Soldier in
the Troops raised and destined for the reduction of Quebeck
in Canada, the said William Clark served in the Company
commanded by Captain John Topham, which company was
as I now believe in Colonel Greens Regiment of Rhode
Island Troops, that marched thro the Wilderness of the State of
Maine, and after encountering innumerable hardships
and privations the Troops to which said William belonged
arived & laid Siege to Quebeck, and while the Troops
were engaged in storming the Enemies works said
William was wounded by a sabre cut in the forehead, who
as well as his Captain-the said John Topham & many
others were taken Prisoners, and confined in Prison.
Thomas Austin was a fellow soldier with my said Husband
was taken prisoner at the same time. He was a Newport
man; at length said William & Thomas were released
from confinement, & soon thereafter they sailed in a
Fishing Vessel and sailed on a fishing cruise to sea
and during said cruise the said William and Thomas
contrived to steal the Boat of their vessel, in which they effected
their escape from captivity, and after encountering innumerate
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hardships & privations they arived safely in some part of the
United States, from thence the said Thomas Austin returned
home to Newport, and the said William Clarke shipped on
board of a Privateer, and sailed on a cruise; at length the
Privateer in which he sailed, was captured, and the crew
taken to England & confined in Mill Prison, where were
confined many of his unfortunate fellow Countrey men.
At length said William and many others were drafted
out for an exchange & sent over to France in a 
Cartel
and on their arival said William and Others shipped on
board the Fleet, then fitting out on an Expedition to
the North Sea, under command of Commodore John
Paul Jones; and according to the best of my recollection
said William was one of the Crew of the Richard. In which
Vessel he sailed to the North sea on a cruise, during which
he was in a Sharp engagement with an enemies Vessel
and received a wound by a Musquet shot in his Arm,
but not dangerous. At length said William and others or
were put as a Prize Crew on board of a Prize Vessel, and ordered
to some Friendly port, but they were retaken by an Enemies
Vessel and carried to England, and again confined in Mill Prison.
from whence said William and others we in process of time ex-
changed & returned home to Newport towards the close of the
War, having been absent upwards of Six years; I was at
his Fathers house when he returned, as above stated, and at that
time, and for a long succession of years, I have heard him relate
all the circumstances of his service and of his suffering to
his fellow Townsmen and exhibit the scars of his wounds
which he received while fighting in the service of his Countrey,
the truth of which was never to my knowledge called in
in question.
Said William was by occupation a Rope Maker
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I was lawfully married to the said William Clarke by the
Revd William Bliss an Elder of the seventh day Baptist
denomination in this Town of Newport; I was then about
17 years of age; my Husband the said William was about nine
years older than myself. I have with my Friends sought
diligently for record proof of my marriage to the said Will-
iam but without success. The said William Clarke departed
this life in this Town of Newport in the year 1813 and I
have not intermarried since his death, but still remain
his widow
Ruth her X mark Clarke
State of Rhode Island
County of Newport
Newport March 19, 1846
Then came Ruth Clarke subscriber to the aforegoing 
declaration and subscribed and made oath to the truth of the same
in my presence, and I further certify that she is well
known to me as a respectable inhabitant of said town and
that her character for truth and veracity is good
Before me Daniel C. Denham
Justice Peace
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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc. We Ruth Clarke widow of William Clarke
late of Newport deceased and Abigail Durfee & Catharine
Williamson heirs at law of said William Clarke above
named being of lawful age on solemn oath do testify
and say that William Clarke above named who was a
mariner on board one of the ships of war commanded
by John Paul Jones at the time the British ships of war
Serapis and Countess of Scarborough where captured by
the squadron under his command during the Revolutionary 
war; died on the eighth day of September in the year
eighteen hundred & thirteen, in the Almshouse in this town
and that he left at the time of his death one brother and
two sisters viz. Henry Clarke, Elizabeth Britton & Olive
Brown who have all died and left heirs: Henry Clarke
left two
daughters viz. Abigail Durfee and Elizabeth
Ashton  ~ Abigail Durfee is the wife of Thomas Durfee
and now resides in this town and is one of the present
applicants ~ Elizabeth Ashton now resides somewhere
in the State of New York ~ Elizabeth Britton left three
heirs viz. William Britton her son, & two daughters Mar
=garet Cozzens & Elizabeth Finch, now residing in the State of
New York ~ Olive Brown left one daughter Viz Catharine
Williamson now a widow and resident of this town and
one of the present applicants ~ and that the said Ruth
Clarke, Abigail Durfee, Elizabeth Ashton, William Britton
Margaret Cozzens, Elizabeth Finch & Catharine Williamson
are the only heirs at law of the said William Clarke
now living ~ And further we do testify and say
that the said William Clarke in his life time never
did receive any portion of said Prize money nor has his
heirs since his decease either directly or indirectly received
any portion of said prize money either in whole or in
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part and further that all the aforenamed heirs are of age
age and capable of transacting business for themselves
and that this declaration is made on our part in order
to obtain our share of the said William Clarkes prize
money the other heirs at law residing at so great a
distance from us as to make it impracticable to
communicate with them for this purpose-
Witness
Daniel C. Denham
Ruth her X mark Clark
Peter P. Remington
Abigail Durfee
Catharine Williamson

Sworn to before me this 28th day of December 1839
Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Newport [illegible] December 28th 1839 I hereby certify that I am
well acquainted with Ruth Clarke Abigail Durfee
and Catharine Williamson above named and that their
character for truth and veracity is good and that
their testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Know all men that we Ruth Clarke widow of William
Clarke late of Newport deceased and Thomas Durfee
husband of Abigail Durfee in the right of his wife
Abigail Durfee wife of the said Thomas & Catharine
Williamson all of said Newport heirs at law of William
Clarke late a mariner on board one of the Ships comman
-ded by John Paul Jones during the Revolutionary war
do hereby constitute and appoint Hon. Robert B. Cranston
member of Congress our true and lawful attorney for
us and in our names to receive from the agent of the
United States of the proper officer for paying the prize
money belonging to the crew of the ships under the
command of John Paul Jones during the Revolu=
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tionary war
Witness our hands and seals this twenty eighth day
of December eighteen hundred & thirty nine.
Ruth her X mark Clarke
Thomas Durfee
Abigail Durfee
Catharine her X mark Williamson
Signed sealed & delivered ⎬
in presence of
Daniel C. Denham
Peter P. Remington
Newport [illegible] Dec. 28. 1839 Then came Ruth Clarke Abigail
Durfee & Thomas Durfee & Catharine Williamson and severally
acknowledged the above written instrument to be their free act
and deed,
Before me
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace 
State of Rhode Island  [illegible]
County of Newport
I Erastus P. Allan Clerk of the Supreme Judicial
Court in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record
do hereby certify that Daniel C. Denham is a Justice
of the Peace in the town of Newport in the County
aforesaid was appointed by the General Assembly
and commissioned by the acting Governor of this State
bearing date the seventeenth day of June AD 1839,
and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity
and that his signature before written is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said Court at Newport this
twenty eighth day of December one
thousand eight hundred and thirty
nine.
E.P. Allan Clerk
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Augt  19   47
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168
Pension Office
August 19 1847

     The transcript from the Journal of William 
Russell, presented by you in support of the 
claim of Ruth Clark, widow of William Clark, 
does not remove any one of the objections heretofore 
urged against the admission of her claim. 
      It does not appear from any evidence 
now before the Department that Mrs. Clarks
husband rendered any service on board the Warren
and the prisoner of his name referred to in the
journal of Russell is not the William Clark
found upon the list of the Crew of the Bon
-Homme Richard under the command of Paul
Jones, as that imprisonment took place prior
to the enlistment of the Crew of that vessel in
France.
As the case now stands neither the
amount of service rendered by Mrs. Clarks husband
nor the date of their Marriage have been 
satisfactorily established.
Reuben Baldwin Esq.
Boston Mass
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Mch 6/48
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Pension Office
March 6, 1848
Sir,
In answer to your enquiry respecting
the case of Ruth Clark, I have the honor
to enclose herewith a copy of a letter to
Reuben Baldwin Esq of Boston, Mass, dated
Aug 19, 1847
Hon Artemas Hall
House of Rep
Page 16

Hon A. Hall
March 13.48
Page 17

W
⎬
Pension Office
March 13th, 1848
I have the honor to return herewith
the Communication of your Correspondent and
to state that a letter was addressed to you
on the first; enclosing one from this office to
Reuben Baldwin dated 19 Augt 1847, showing
the objections to the admission of the claim
of Ruth Clark, an applicant for a pension
under the act of 7 July 1838
Hon Artemus Hale
House of Reps
Page 18

16 Nov 1850
Page 19


Pension Office
Nov 16th 1850
Gentlemen,
The
enclosed copy of my
letter to R. Baldwin Aug 19, 1847
to disclose to you the reasons for
which the claim of Ruth Clark
widow of Wm was rejected.

[illegible]  Coombs
Page 20

Hon R B Cranston
Feby 16 1843
Page 21


256
Pension Office
February 16. 1843
Sir,
In answer to the enclosed letter from
Mr D. C. Denham, I have the honor to inform you
that there is no satisfactory evidence as to the alleged
service of her husband William Clark, who it is
said, served under Paul Jones.The witnesses did not
serve on board of any vessel, and what they have stated
is mere hearsay evidence. The rolls of men who
belonged to the vessels under Paul Jones do not
contain Clark's name.The evidence of the
claimants sister as to the marriage is on
file, but unless it can be shewn that no
other proof of marriage can be had, it will not
be considered sufficient.
Positive proof of service is indispensable.
Mrs Sarah Smith has been correctly in-
formed
as to her pension. It expired on the 31
of August last, in conformity with the provisions of
the act of August 16. 1841
I have the honor--
Hon. Robert B. Cranston,
House of Reps.

Enter Wm. Clark's
case - No. 2210
act 7 July '38
R. Icland case
Page 22

Hon. R.B. Cranston
Feby 25 1843
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484 
Pen Off
Feby 25 '13

Sir
I have the honor to inform
you that it does appear that the name
of Wm Clarkfor whose service Ruth
Clark his widow  is aperting a claim
is borne on the list of the crew of 
Bon Homme Richard, but there is no means
of ascertaiining 6^he truth of his servvice & captivity
which is necessary in adjusting a 
reliable pension


Hon. R. B. Cranston
H.R.
Page 24

Re. G = sus 1838
Let. to Reuben Baldwin
June 11 47
Let. to Same Aug 19.47
Let. Hon A. Hall Mch 6/48
let. to Same Same March 13 '48
N. Pease [illegible] 9 July 1850
Dickens & Coomb, Nov 1950

_________
Act - 7 - July - 1838
Page 25

M. B. K. Rev. War Section.

January 30, 1915.

Miss S. A. Jenks,
123 Mulberry Street,
Pawtucket, R. I.

Madam:

In response to your letter dated the 23" instant, you
are advised that Ruth Clarke whose application for Revolu-
tionary War pension was executed September 3, 1838 before the
Court of Probate at Newport, R. I. was the widow of William
Clarke (R. File 2014).
Very respectfully,
GM [illegible]
Commissioner.

sent as above by order of [illegible]
Page 26

seal

PENSION
    A
U. Jan S.
   25
  1915
 OFFICE
Page 27

Recv 1.2.cb stamp E of C
123 Mulberry Street
OK 
Rev S  Pawtucket R. I.
Jan 23 1915
1- 2 ct stamp recd
CLW

G. M. Saltzgaber
Commissiioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir-
I would like to know the
name of the husband of
Ruth Clarke who, in
September 1838 appeared in
court in Newport R. I. and
made a declaration for a
petition for a pension.
Will you kindly inform
me and obblige
Very truly
Mrs. S. A. Jenks
seal Record Division Jan 26 1915
Page 28

1915. Jan 30: Mrs. S.A.Jenks advised
that soldiers' name is William. MBH
REJECTED stamped on right side

Ruth Clark
William
Page 29

Sir          Ten of
               June 11th, '47

The above evidence in
the case of Mary Reynolds is satisfactory
to shew that her husbaand
served in the Lexington under Capt
Rounceville & subsequently under
the several Capt Pearces as detailed
by [crossed out] in the certificate of the Secy. but the
length of the service in Dykes regt.
should be accurately ascertained
before it can be seen whether the
appropriate amounts to time.  As to  the
alleged service of 8 mo under Capt. Rounseville 
^in 75 contradicted by the payroll ^before any
is at roll [?] & Oct. returns of that company  
it cannot be admitted that he
was a soldier in it
                                    The addl evidence
Reuben Baldwin Esq    in the case of Ruth
Boston                         Clarke has been filed with
Mass                            the other papers.
                                     over
Page 30

No service is set forth & proved or the 
rules required except that it is admitted
her husband is the Wm Clarke
who is borne on the list of the crew
of the Bon ne[crossed out] Homme Richard under
Paul Jones - but the length of that
service is not satisfactorily made 
out nor is the date of the [illegible]
established with the requisite certainty
the tradition is that being in that
cruize he was put on board a prize
which was recaptured.  But when
& how his captivity commenced & terminated
does not appear. 
June 11 '47 written on right margin
Reuben Baldwin Esq
of Boston
Mass
Now Present
Page 31

Hon R. B. Cranston
Sep 13, 41
OC
Page 32

Pension Office     199 penciled in corner
Sept 13 1841

Sir
The letter W Denham is herewith
returned. and in reply to that part
of which relates to the application of Mrs
Ruth Clark for a pension under the Act of
July 7 1838 I have [illegible] to state that no
additional proof in her case has been seen
since the date of my letter to you ddd[crossed out]
Feb 14, 1849. a copy of which you will find
enclosed herewith.  I have the honor

2210 [check mark]
7 July 38

Hon R. B. Cranston
HR
Page 33

Hon. R. B. Cranston
Feby 14 '40
OC
Page 34

Dept of War
Pension Officer
July 14, 1840

Sir
The claim of Ruth Clark, the
widow of William Clark has again been
examined, with the additional proof enclosed
in your letter of Jany 20th and her papers
placed upon our files.

The evidence before the Depa V[iz] is not
such as will justify the admission of her 
claim - none of the witnesses having
served with said Clark.

Besides, the oath in War Office
of the crew of Jn Paul Jones for 1777  & log
do not bear his name.  Positive proof of
service & of the dates of the mans ap[?]
will be required.  
[name not legible] July 7 1838 2210
Hon. RB Cranston
HR
Page 35

Boston, Masstts, July 28th 1847
Sir,
I transmit herewith sundry documents as further
proof in support of the claim of Mrs. Ruth Clark, widow
of William Clark deceased, under the Act of July
1838 & 3 March 1843.
Be pleased to give the afore
mentioned case the usual course of investigation
and transmit the result to me.
Very Respectfully Sir I am
Obedient Servant
Reuben Baldwin

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 36

Ruth Clark decd
widow of
William Clark
R.I..
Page 37

Washington JUne 13th 1850

Sir,
At the request of Nial Pease
Esq. of Lenos, Mass. I respectfully
ask a reexaminnation of the case
of Ruth Clark, widow of William
Clark, deceased, claiming a pension
for the revolutionary services of
her said husband.  I have examiined
copies of new evidence on
our file, and think she is most clearly
entitled to a pension.

This is one of the case files
by R. Baldwin, decd, whose busi. rep
has papers into the hand
of Mr. Pease.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
J.J. Coombs 

Hon Jd Edwards
Court of Pensiions.
I authorize Mr. Coombs to attend to
the above case, which was put into
my hands by Mr. Baldwin's widow
Nial Pease
Page 38

Salem, Essex County, Massachusetts, July 27, 1847.
I, John Russell, of the City of Salem, in 
the County and State aforesaid, being sworn, do
on oath testtify and say that I have in my
possession a series of Manuscript Journals,kept 
by my late Father William Russell, late of
Boston, deceased, while he was a prisoner and
confined in Mill prison, in England.  I have also
a seperate Manuscript List of the names of
the prisoners confined in said prison, which list
is in the hand writing of my said care .  Taken, from
which the annexed list is a true copy.
John Russell [signature]
Page 39

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex SS
Be it known that on this twenty 
seveneth day of July AD 1847 before the subscriber
a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Essex
personally appeared John Russell & made
oath to the truth of the within affidavit by
him subscribed.

Saaid Russell exhibited 
to me the original manuscript from which
the writtien copy is taken.  and I have compared
said copy with said original, and find 
the same in all respects to agree word for
word & figure for figure.  I further certify
that said Russell is well known to me,
as a gentleman of truth & veracity, in whose
statements the fullest confidence may be place.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand the day & year first above written
Joseph G. Waters [signature]
Jus Pas

Court of Common Pleas
Ebenezer Shillaber, Clerk ----do certify that Joseph G. Waters 
Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within and
for said County & that his signature on the annexed paper is
genuine.
twenty-seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven
E. Shillaber [signature]
Page 40

List of American Prisoners committed to Old 
Mill Prison since the American War when
taken, vessels taken in, when committed, places
 of abode, exchanged or runaway, died, entered
on board a Man of War.

Schooner Warren taken
Dec. 27, 1777, crew committed
4th June, 1778

Thomas Austin
Samuel Harris
Wm. Clarke  [chart shows exchanged, 2nd draft, abode Rhode Island]
Preserved Sissil
Wm. Hall
Page 41

W. R. Noyes
Apl 19 '39
OC
Page 42

Depart of War
Pension office
Apl 19, 1839

Sir,
I have examined the claim of .
Mrs. Ruth Clark widow of William
Clark dec & have placed her papers
upon our files.  The proof in support of
the alleged service of her late husband is
not satisfactory.  The Depart. will require
positive proof, such as a documentary evidence, or
the testimony of persons who had a personal
knowledge of hiis service.  Hearsay evidence [crossed out]
cannot be used. [crossed out]  Her name & her home on any
roll in this office, [illegible] of the army of Navy.
[name illegible] July 7 1838, 2210

W. R. Noyes Esq
Newport R.I.
Page 43

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport  I Samuel Younge of the town and county of Newport
Fisherman being Eighty four years of age on oath do testify and
say that I was well aquainted with William Clarke husband
of Ruth [not visible] Clarke of Newport aforesaid that the said William
Clarke inlisted in Col. Tophams regiment as a private soldier
in the year 1777 and went from the island of Rhode Island
to Boston in the State of Massachusetts and from thence to 
Canada and there he was taken prisiner and carried to
England and afterwards was exchanged and went over
to France and entered on board of some vessel command-
ed by Capt Paul Jones.  I have often heard him relate the
services and fatiges under said Commander and other
services performed during the Revolutionary Warr and of
his having been taken prisoner a number of times

Witness                                                            his
Jonathan F. Almy [signature]             Samuel X Young
                                                                          mark

Sworn to before me and subscribed this third day of 
December AD 1839
E. T. Allan Justice Peace
Newport ss Newport December 3 1839  I hereby certify that I
am well acquainted with Samuel Younge above named and that his character is good and that his testim-
ony
under oath is entitled to credit
E. T. Allan Justice Peace
Page 44

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport fc  I John B Atkinson of the town and county of Newport
being sixty three years of age on oath do testify and say
that I was well acquainted with William Clarke
the Husband of Ruth [not visible] Clarke aforesaid of the Town and 
County of Newport.  that he inlisted in Col Tophams regiment
and went on an Expedition to Qubec and was taken
prisoner and sent to England.  and also that he
told me that he was with Capt. Paul Jones during
the Revolutionary War and his having been taken pris
-oner and sent to England and remained a prisoner
until the close of the War.
John B. Atkinson [signature]

Sworn and subscribed to before me this Fourth day of December
AD 1839     Before me
E. P. Allan Justice Peace [signature]

Newport fc   Newport December 5th 1839
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
John B. Atkinson above named and that his Character
for truth and veracity is good and that his testimony
is entitled to full faith and credit
E. P. Allan Justice Peace [signature]
Page 45

V[iz] Ruth Clark R.I.
wid of William
R.I.
Act 1838 Let to W.R.
Noyes 19 Apr 1839 [check mark]
Hon RB Cranston 14 Feb
1840 [checkmark] same Sep 13, 1841 [check mark]
[illegible] to same Feb. 16, 1843 [check mark] to same 
Feb. 25, 1843 [check mark]

Act 7 July 18 [corner of bottom of page torn off]
Page 46

June 9, 47
Mrs Ruth Clark
Widow of
William Clark dec.

Reuben Baldwin [signature] bottom of page
Page 47

Washington June 9th 1847

Sir
I would hereby call your attention to the case of Mrs.
Ruth Clark of Newport R.I. widow of William Clark
deceased, under the Act 7th July 1838.

The said William Clark
was one of the first Troops raised in R.I. in the early part
of 1775 and marched away from Newport under Capt John 
Topham, and subsequently thro the wilderness to Quebeck,
where he was wounded in storming that place, who as well as
his Captian & many others, were taken prisoner.  From which 
himself & fellow townsman Thomas Austin rescued themselves
in the following Spring while on a Fishing Voyage off the coast
of the British Provinces to the Eastward.  He also served on board
of the Bon Homme Richard under Comm Paul Jones; as 
is acknowledged in your letter to Hon. H. B. Cranston dated
February 25th 1843.

The Supplemental Declaration of Mrs. Ruth
Clark accompanies this communication.  I exceedingly regret
that there is no apparent testimony within the reach of
the Aged claimant at the present time, and probably never
will be defining the precise duration of her husbands service
in the Land as well as the Naval sservice.  But as
he the said William Clark was absent from the place 
of his Nativity from early in 1775-thence six years afterwards , would
it not be a low computation to estimate that at least he
was in public service one third that time, and issue a
Pension Certificate for the benefit of his widow accordingly

I would therefore commend the case of Mrs. Clark to the attention
Page 48

of the Commissioner of Pensions, That an aged widow may
receive from the General Government, if not the whole, at
least a part of what is justly her due.

Verry Respecfully Sir I am
Your Obedient Servant
Reuben Baldwin

James L. Edwards Esq,
Present.
Page 49

Ruth Clark
widow of
William Clark decd

Reuben Baldwin [signature]
bottom of page
Page 50

I John B. Atkinson a resident of the Town and County
of Newport and State of Rhode Island, grocer, aged sixty
nine years.  Benig sworn do on oath testify and say
that I was formerly well acquainted with Willam Clarke of this
Town of Newport and with his wife Ruth whose family name
was Geer; said William was a rope maker by occupation and
resided in my immediate neighborhood.  The said William
as well as many others of the old inhabitants of Newport
for a long succession of years used to visit my store, and
frequently conversed together relating to their services in the
time of the Revolutionary War, many circumstances were
related, and many anecdotes were told by them, most
which from the lapse of time is obliterated from my memory.
I distinctly remember that said William Clarke affirmed that
he was one of the crew of the Bon Homme Richard under
commodore John Paul Jones, that he was in the Battle 
when the British ships were taken by said Jones.
Said William frequently gave a description of his suffering
and privations while he was in Mill prison in England
where he had been confined for a long period before he was
exchanged & returned to his native conuntry.  the truth of which 
was never called in question by any person to my knowledge.

Said William Clarke and his wife Ruth always sustained
good characters for truth and veracity.  He died in this town of Newport
upwards of thrity years since, and left said Ruth his widow,
who is still living near my residence, and has never inter
married since the death of her late husband, William Clarke
aforesaid.
John B. Atkinson
Page 51

I Jeremiah Bliss a resident of the Town and County of Newport
and State of Rhode Island, aged seventy six years, being
sworn do on oath testify and say that I am the youngest
son of Elder William Bliss late of said Newport deceased.
I further testify and say that I was present at the
wedding of Ruth Geer and a man by the name
of Clarke were married.  the nuptials were celebrated by
my said Fathers at his house and myself and family generally
were present.  I was then about fifteen years of age.
and one incident which occurred during the ceremony 
I particularly remember viz when my said Father gave
the word "join hands" the said Clarke held out his ---
finger which the bride took hold of instead of his hand.
I thought it very singular.  The marriage referred to
occurred upwards [crossed out] about sixty years ago. and I do know that
the said Clarke and Ruth Geer were lawfully married
by my said Father.   Jeremiah Bliss [signature]

N.B.  The word "upwards" erased and the word "about" written before signing

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport  Newport March 19, 1846

Then came John B. Atkinson & Jeremiah Bliss and
severally subscribed and made oaths to the aforegoing
depositions, and I further certify that they are severally
know to me and respectable inhabitants of the town of Newport,
and that their characters for truth and veracity is good
Before me Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Page 52

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport

I Daniel C. Denham Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record
do hereby certify that Daniel C. Denham is a Justice
of the Peace in the town of Newport in the County
aforesaid was appointed by the General Assembly
and commissioned by the Governor of this State and
is fully authorized to act in his said capacity.
And that his signature aforewritten is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of of
the said Court at Newport on this nineteenth
day of March A.D. one thousand eight
hundred and forty six.  [seal affixed]
Daniel C. Denham Clerk
Page 53

State of Rhode Island
County of Newport

On this twenty first day of July A.D. eighteen hundred
and forty seven came Thomas Hornsby
a reisdent of the town and county of Newport
and State aforesaid & being duly sworn [crossed out] engaged testifies
and says that he is nearly eighty one years of 
age.  That I was born and brought up at Newport
aforesaid and that I was formerly well acquainted
with William Clarke of said town of Newport, and
with his father, said William was an own 
cousin of mine.  At the commencement of the
Revolutionary war, it was a matter of public notoriety
that Capt John Topham of said Newport
enlisted a company of soldiers to serve in the
common defence of the country, that said William
Clarke and a man by the name of Thomas Richardson,
the latter person resided in a part of the
same house with my late fathers family, enlisted 
as soldiers under said Capt. Topham, and with
the rest of the company marched to Boston, and
from thence to Quebeck.  I did not see the said
William again until after the British army
took possession of Newport, where said William
came privately on to the island to see his kins father.
he came to my mothers house and in my hearing
stated to her that had been a prisoner in Quebeck.
He also stated the hardships and sufferings
Page 54

encountered by the troops in their march through
the wilderness on their way to attack Quebec
the truth of which was never to my knowledge
called in question by any one.  After said
William left our house it was reported and
believed that he went to Boston and from
thence sailed in a privateer and was captured
and taken to England and confined in
prison.  We never saw the said William
from the time he went to Boston until after
the peace nor had we heard a word from
him for several years and supposed he
was dead.  but after the Peace he came
home to Newport and called at my mothers
house, and I well remember the surprise
his appearance occasioned, my mother remarked
"why William I did not know that
you was in existence.  we really thought 
you was dead years ago"  Said William
then gave my mother an account of his
services and captivity, and related many
incidents connected with the same.  Some of
which are obliterated from my memory.
said William stated that he was on board
of a privateer and was capterves an carried
to England and confined in prison.  but the
manner of his liberation I cannot now remember.
Afterwards he served in Paul Jones
Fleet sailed on a cruise from a port in France
Page 55

during which he was again captured and the second
time confined in an English prison where 
he remained in confinement until peace was 
proclaimed.  when he was liberated by exchange
or otherwise and returned home.  of the truth
of which relation I never had a doubt.
sworn to and subscribed  Thomas Hornsby [signature]

Newport county fc. July 21, 1841.  Then personally
appeared the afore going[crossed out] named Thomas 
Hornsby subscriber to the above affidavit
and made solemn oath [crossed out] affirmation to the trruth of his
same, and I hereby certify that I have
been acquainted with the said Thomas
Hornsby for forty years past and that he
is one of our most estimable citizens and 
that his character for truth and veracity
is good.   Before me
Daniel C. Denham
Justice Peace
Page 56

State of Rhode Island andProvidence Plantations
Newport fc  I Thomas Hornsby of the town and County 
of Newport & State aforesaid being seventy four years 
of age on solemn affirmation do testify and say that
I was well acquainted with Mrr. William Clarke from 
my early childhood until his death.  He enlisted in
the army during the Revolutionary war in the early
part of the war.   he joined Capt. Tophams Company
and went with him to Boston, and from thence was
one as I have always understood from him, that went
through the wilderness to Quebeck and was there taken
prisoner and carried to England and put into Fortune
prison where he remained some time, he afterwards 
made his escape and finally came back to Newport
he disguised himself and got on to the Island and camae
to this town sometime in the winter after the British
took possession of this island, at that time he told
me of what had befel him since he went to Quebec.
He staid in Newport a short time and then entered on 
board the Spitfire Galley commanded by Joseph
Crandal, my father in law John McClish belonged to 
the same galley.  after leaving the galley he went
in a privateer out of Boston.  as I have heard him say
was taken carried to England and got from thence 
over to France and entered on board the ship commanded
by Capt John Paul Jones and was afterward
put on board one of the prizes captured by Capt. Jones
and was retaken by the British and sent to England
and again thrown into prison.  during this time we heard
nothing of him until he returned after the general 
release of prisoners.  he called on my mother the morning
after his return to Newport after the Peace, at that 
time I heard him give a general account of where he
had been and what his situation had been duing the
war.  from that time he generally resided in Newport
and worked at his trade until he became disabled
which was some time previous to his death.  He was
Page 57

always a poor man he was a journeyman ropemaker
and from my knowledge of him he ne [crossed out] I do not believe 
he ever received any portion of his prize money and 
I further believe that I should have known if it he
had received any.  I have often heard him say that
he wanted to get enough ahead to get a little shelter 
over his head,  but he was never able to do so. and 
I believe if he had have received his prize money 
he would have been able to purchase a shelter.  I 
was always intimate with him from childhood
but never heard him say that he had ever received
any portion of his prize money nor do I believe he
ever did receive any.  I do further testify and
say that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Ruth 
Clarke the widow of said William and know her to be
a person of good character for truth and veracity 
and that her declaration under oath ought to be 
entitled to full faith and credit.   That sworn by
affirmed to before me this thirtieth
day of December A.D. 1840
Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace

Newport fc december 30th 1849
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
Thomas Hornsby above named and that his character
for truth and veracity is good and his testimony
entitle to full faith and credit
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace
Page 58

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport fc
I Sophia L. Little of the town & County of Newport being of lawful age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Thomas Dufee and his wife, Abigail Durfee & Mrs. Catharine Williamson and have been acquainted with them for several years and know them to be persons of good character for truth and veracity and that their declaration under oath ought to be entitled to full faith and credit.
Sophia L Little

Affirmed to before me this 25 day 
of January A.D 1841
Daniel C. Denham Just peace
Newport fc January 23 1841 I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Sophia L. Little above named and that her character for truth and veracity is good and her testimony entitled to full faith and credit.
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport fc I Peter P. Remington of the town and County of Newport of lawful age on oath do testify and say that I have been acquainted with Thomas Durfee & Abigail Durfee his wife & Mrs. Cathatine Williamson for several years and know them to be persons of good character for truth and veracity and that their declaration under oath ought to be entitled to full faith and credit.
Peter P. Remington

Sworn to before me this 9th day of Feby 1841
D. C. Denham Just Peace

Newport fc Februarry 8, 1841 I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Peter P. Remington above named and that his character for truth & veracity is good and his testimony entitled to full faith & credit
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace
Page 59

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport fc
I Ruth Clarke widow of William Clarke and one of the applicants for the prize money due the said William in addition to my former declaration on solemn oath do testify and say that I have reppeatedly heard my husband say that he had spent a great many years in the service of his country and had been imprisoned and his constitution injured and had got nothing for it.  and that if he had what belonged to him he should not suffer as he did.  I heard him say that he had never received any thing from Government just before his death and whiile he was suffering in his last sickness.  I did not state the above facts before because I did not think it necessary to do so.

Ruth X Clarke
  her mark

Sworn to and subscribed. 
before me this 2d day of Senptember 1841
Daniel C. Denham Just Peace
Newport fc September 2d 1841
Page 60

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations
Secretary's office Sept 2d 1841

I Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State, and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof
do certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on third Monday of June last, Daniel C. Denham was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Newport in the county of Newport, for and unntil the first Wednesday of May next, and commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.

In testimony whereof I have herunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year first above written.
Henry Bowen
Fees of 5 cts-Paid
Page 61

Heirs of William Clarke
application for prize money
Jn Paul Jones
Page 62

State of Ehode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport  I Elizabeth Stevens of the town & County of Newport daughter of John Williams deceased late keeper of the Alms house at Newport aforesaid, on solemn affirmation do testify and say that I am forty Four years of age that I lived with my Father at the time when Mr. William Clarke was admitted to the Alms house as a pauper, that my Father was then keeper of said house and that I now have in my possession the Record Book kept by my Father containing ann account of the time when the inmates of said house where admitted and that it appears by said Record that said William Clarke was admitted into said Alms house on the First day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirteen and that he died on the eighth day of September one thousand eight hundred & thirteen.
Elizabeth Stevens


Sworn to and subscribed this Elizabeth Stevens [inserted above] fifteenth day of November A.D. 1838  Before me Daniel C. Denham Just Peace Newport Nov. 15, 1838  I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Elizabeth Stevens above named and that her character for truth and veracity is good and, her testimony entitled to full faith and credit.
Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Page 63

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport I John B. Atkinson of the town & County of Newport being sixty two years of age, on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with William Clarke of Newport aforesaid, whose heirs are the present applicants for his share of the prize money due from the Government to the officers & crew under the command of Capt. Paul Jones. that I have often heard him relate the service he performed under said commander and of other service performed during the Revolutionary War & of his having been taken prisoner and carried to England and of his expeditions to Quebeck.  Said Clark boarded with me some time in the year eighteen hundred and [crossed out] eleven & twelve, and that [crossed out] left me in the spring of the year of eighteen hundred & twelve as near as I recollect and the next year afterwards he died in the alms house in this town, he was very poor at the time he boarded with me and left me in debt for his board & some clothing.  I never heard of his having obtained any prize money for services as rendered as above stated, nor do I believe that he ever received any.  I am also acquainted with his widow who is now living in this town.  I never heard of her having made application for his share of the prize money nor do I believe she ever did until recently.  I understand she has now made application for the same.
John B. Atkinson
  
Sworn to before me and subscribed this seventeeth day of November 1838.  Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace,
Newport Nov. 17, 1838  I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John B. Atkinson above named and that his character for truth and veracity is good and that his testimony is entitled to full faith and credit
Daniel C. Denham Just. Peace
Page 64

V  2210
Ruth Clarke  R.I.
  wid of William
act of July 1838
2014

Ruth Clarke [upside down, bottom of page]
Page 65

I Thomas Hornsby of Newport Rhode Island aged 72 years being duly engaged according to law on solemn oath [crossed out] affirmation do affirm and say I was well acquainted with William Clarke late of this Town deceased.  he was my 1st cousin, being sisters children.  I distinctly recollect that some time in the spring or summer of 1775 said William Clarke came to Newport and entered as a private soldier in a company belonging to the Army of Observation commanded by John Topham Esq and my impression is that said company was marched to Boston soon after the enlistment of said Clarke and on the arrival said company at Boston they said company together with [smudged, illegible] Army of Observation was placed by the Legislation of this State under the command of the Commander in chief of the Armies of the United States.  I also recollect of hearing & firmly believe that said company of which said Clarke was a private soldier was marched from Boston through the wilderness up to Canada and was in the Battle before Quebecck.  that he said Clarke was wounded there in said actions, taken prisoner and sent to England as a rebell & confined in Fortum[?] Prison where he together with others escapted by mining out under the walls was recaptured & sent back, he finally got away and went to France but how I do not now recollect of hearing.  The next knowledge I had of said Clarke was his arrival in Newport
Page 66

he came to the house where my mother lived in the evening.  She was much surprised & asked him where he came from.  his appearance to us was as one from the dead.  he said Clarke replied as before stated and that he came across the mainland in the night, in a small boat, he visited us secretly in the evening as we had an English officer & Lady quartering in the house at the time.  this I distinctly and well remember and also remember it was the last of February or the first of March 1777 as my mother [2 words illegible] in March of said year and went to Providence with a flag - shortly after our arrival in Providence said Clarke came and stayed with us a short time.  he [illegible] with my father in law, John McClish entered onboard of a state galley called the Spirfire, then commanded by Joseph Crandall.  Sheffield Atwood [illegible] and stationed in and about the waters of Mount Hope Bay and said Clarke was attached to said galley was attacked [crossed out] several months, but the exact time I cannot state I know he belonged to her sometime after we removed from Providence to Warren which was in the month of July or August of said year.  I also well remember his leaving said galley and starting, as he said for Boston.  The next news we had of him he had sailed in a privateer said Boston on a
Page 67

cause against the enemy and the next time [crossed out] next knowledge we had we received from him after the Peace when he returned to Newport.   I also recollect of hearing him say that he went out in said privateer as before stated was disabled- just into France. left her and entered on board a United States Frigate Commanded by John Paul Jones Esq. that on his first course in said Frigate he was dismasted & returned to France refited and sailed again that they captured several prizes & that he was put onboard of one of them where he was recaptured sent to England and again imprisoned. & from which he was not released until after the Treaty of Peace.  I further affirm that I am well acquainted with Ruth Clarke widow of said William Clarke recollect of hearing of said marriage at the time it took place in the month of May seventeen hundred & eighty four.  I remember of hearing him say to my mother he was married last evening to Ruth Geers who is now Ruth Clarke the present applicant for a pension.  I also  know that said applicant has not intermarried with any other person since the deceased of said William Clarke.  Thom Hornsby [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before the Court of Probate of said Newport
Benj B Howland Probate Clerk
Page 68

I Elisabeth Woodard of Newport Rhode Island being duly engaged according to law on solemn oath do testify & say that I am in the seventieth year of my age.  I am the sister of Ruth Clarke widow of the late William Clarke of this town deceased.  That I was present at the marriage of said William Clarke & Ruth Geers.  They was married by Elder William Bliss a Baptist minister.  On that next Sabbath after the General Election in the month of May Seventeen Hundred Eighty four & that said William Clarke died on the Eighth day of of September Eighteen Hundred Thirteen and that said Ruth has unmarried a widow ever since that period.  I also testify & say that I know that said Clarke had a scar on his forehead which I understood from said Clark & others was caused by a wound he received in the Battle before Quebeck where he was taken prisoner & sent to England.  I also recollect of hearing said Clarke say he was also wounded in action while he was attached to a United States Frigate Command led by John Paul Jones and from what I have heard from said Clarke & others who had an opportunity of knowing I have no hesitation in saying that I firmly believe that he said Clarke was actual engaged in the defence of his country as a soldier, mariner & prisoner more than three forths of the time from the commencement to the end of said war.
Elisabeth X Woodard
              mark
Page 69

Sworn & subscribed before me this thirty first day of August  A.D. 1838
Wm Gilpin
Just. Peace
Page 70

I Catherine Kaull of Newport Rhode Island aged 66 years being duly engaged according to law on solemn oath do testify & say I was well acquainted with William Clarke late of Newport deceased who was as I have always understood a soldier & mariner in the War of the Revolution.  I am also well accquainted with Ruth Clarke widow of said William.  I was present at the marriage of William Clarke and Ruth Geers.  They was married on the ninth day of May in the year Seventeen Hundred Eighty four.  I recollect it was the next Sunday after the Election in this state which was then as it is now a great day with us.  They was married by Elder William Bliss a Baptist mimnister of this town.  I also recollect of hearing and firmly believe that said Clarke was a private soldier in Capt John Topham Company who was marched to Boston & from there to Quebeck in Col. Arnold's Regiment where he was wounded, taken prisoner, sent to England and afterwards was with John Paul Jones and again taken prisoner & have no hesitation is saying that I firmly believe that said Clarke was in the United States Service as a soldier, mariner & prisoner at least five years of the War of the Revolution.

Catherine Kaull

Sworn and sub___ before me this thirty first day of August 1838
William Gilpin Just. Peace
Page 71

I James Varnum Turner of Newport Rhode Island being duy engaged according to law on solemn oath do testify and say I am well acquainted with Ruth Clarke widow of William Clarke late of Newport deceased who is now applying for a pension.  I know her to be highly respected and that her character for ruth and veracity is good and her declaration is justly entitled to full faith & credit to best of my knowledge & belief.
J.V. Turner

Sworn and subscribed on this third day of September 1838 before me
Josiah C. Shaw Jus. Peace
Page 72

Newport September 3rd 1838

I hereby certify that Ruth Clarke of said Newport, this day appeared in open court, and after being duly engaged according to law, made and subscribed the annexed declaration.  also appeared Thomas Hornsby and subscribed and made affirmation in due form of law to the truth of his deposition hereto annexed.  I also certify that William Gelpin before whom Catherine Kaull and Elisabeth Woodward testifies and Josiah C. Shaw before whom Doctor James Varnum Turner testifies are Justices of the peace in and for the county of Newport and were elected by the General Assembly of this state and commissioned by the Governor thereof and are otherwise duly qualified and their signatures affixed to the annexed depositions are genuine.  And the opinion of this Court is that the character of the Declarant said Ruth Clarke and affiants Catharine Kaull, Elisabeth Woodward, Thomas Hornsby and Doct James Varnum Turner for truth and veracity are good and the statements by them made is just and true and are entitled to full faith and credit  and it was ordered by said Court that the depositions of said affiants produced to this Court be annexed to said Declaration.

In testtimony of all which I Benjamin B. Howland Clerk of said Court have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court the day and year first above written.
Benjamin B. Howland Probate Clerk
[seal affixed]