Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8899, John Handy, R.I.
Page 1

SERVICE
RI

Handy, John
Frances

Number
W. 8899
Page 2

805

Rhode Island

John Handy
of Newport in the State of Rhode Island who was a Brig Major in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the regiment commanded by Colonel [blank] in the [blank] line, for the term of [blank] from 17[blank] to 17[blank]

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 20. Dollars per month, to commence on the 30th day of March 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d of June 1818 and sent to the Pensioner Newport RI care of M Taylor

Arrears to 4th of 4 Sept 1818
Semi-anl. all'ce ending [blank]
$103.95

{Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820.}
Page 3

10
Rhode Island
Frances Handy
widow of John
RI
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a { Brigade Major Ensign Qr Mr [Quarter Master] }

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 567 Dollars 81 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of April 1837 and sent to
Alexr Ray Esq
Page 4

I, John Handy of Newport in the County of Newport of State of Rhode Island & Providence Plan. on Solemn Oath declare and say that I was app to a Quarter Master in the First Regiment in the Brigade raised by the State of Rhode Island, in Commission bearing date January 1776, which Brig was in June 1776 taken into Continental pay, and became a part of the Army of the United Colonies [in] the defense of American Liberty -- that I also as an Ensign in the Sixth Company in the said First mentioned Regiment as appears by my Commission signed by his Excellency John Hancock and attested by Charles Thompson [Thomson] Esq Secretary of Congress [illegible] the end of March 1777 -- in Oct. 1776 the Regiment I belonged to was ordered from Newport R Island by His Excellency George Washington while at White Plains, that a detachment was ordered on Long Island for an expedition to surprise a Guard on Hastings which we effected and brought the Prisoners the next morning to New Haven from March 1777 until June 1777

I served as an Adjutant from that Period until decr [December] 1779, at which time I resigned. I served as Major of Brigade under Generals Spencer & Sullivan, the last named General I was within the Battle fought on Rhode Island August 29 1778. In Consequence of my reduced Circumstances I apply for relief I am now in the Sixty Second year of my age -- Newport March 30, 1818.

John Handy
Page 5

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Newport Sc

Personally appeared before me Nichs [Nicholas] Taylor Chief Justice Court of Common Pleas for the County of Newport, John Handy subscriber to the written Declaration & on his Solemn Oath declared the same to contain the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  In Testimony where of I have herein subscribed my name & caused the seal of the Court to be affixed

Newport March 30th 1818
Nichs [Nicholas] Taylor


Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas County of Newport
26th April 1818

I hereby certify that Nicholas Taylor Esquire whose Signature is affixed to the above Certificate is Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Newport in Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seale [seal] of Said Court

Robert Rogers Clk [Clerk]
Page 6

John Handy
805

Sept. 1818

Ref to Mr C

W. Cranston Esq
Newport R.I.
26 Sept 1820
Page 7

7. Silver Spoons $.5
12 Green Windsor Chairs 6
4 Tables 8
1 looking Glass 6
1 Bureau 8
2 p. Andirons 4
2 p. Shovel & tongs 2
1 p. bellows .50
some necessary Crockery
Iron Ware &c [flourish bracket] 6
$45.50

John Handy
Newport R. Island
May 20, 1820
Page 8

On this twentieth day of May AD 1820 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of Record for the County of Newport State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations

John Handy in the sixty fourth year of his age a native citizen of and resident in said County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath declares that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows in the Regiment commanded by Col. William Richmond from the Time it was raised until March 1777 -- as Quarter Master & Ensign [illegible] as fully appear by documents lodged in the Office of the Secretary of War, accompanying my original [crossed out text] Declaration dated March 30th 1818 and on which Document and Declaration pension Certificates dated June 2, 1818 and Numbered 805 was granted from the War office and I do Solemnly swear that I was a Resident Citizen of the United States on the 30th of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by Gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision of and act of Congress entitled act of to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land or Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18th March 1818
Page 9

and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property, or Securities contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other that what is contained in the Schedule hearto [hereto] annexed and by me Subscribed.

My Occupation has been that of a Merchant but from great infirmities subject to the Gout &c. and severe losses in my business and the pressure of the times I am not able to pursue in and am totally out of employ -- My family Consists of myself in this Sixty fourth year of my age, my Wife in the Fifty ninth year of her age, one Son aged twenty one years (whether living or dead I know not) he having sailed for the East Indies fifteen months since -- I have four daughters named Hannah Louisa aged twenty years residing in Massachusetts, Ann Elizabeth & Mary Catherine (twins) aged fourteen & Margaret Champlin aged eleven and [illegible] look up for support.

I do further declare that I was in battle on Long Island in October 1776 and in the battle on Rhode Island under Gen. Sullivan August 29th 1778 as Brigade Major.
John Handy

The Hon W. Hunter & the Hon. W. Burrill has made a statement of my length of service to this Hon. Secretary of War.
John Handy
Page 10

State of Rhode Island  & Providence Plantations
Court of Common Pleas for the County of Newport
May Term AD 1820

I hereby certify that the foregoing Oaths, and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of said Court; that the amount in value of the property mentioned in said Schedule is in the opinion of the Court Forty five Dollars & fifty Cents.

I further Certify that said Court is a Court of record within & for the County of Newport & State of R. Island; being so constituted by Statute & proceeding according to the Course of Common Law possessing original and unlimited Jurisdiction in all such cases and keeping a record of its proceedings.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this Twenty Seventh Day of June in the year of our LORD One thousand Eight hundred twenty & Party fourth of American Independence.

By and of Court
H.Y Cranston Clk [Clerk]
Page 11

No 15
Frances Handy
wid of John
RI 
Act 29 May 1848
Married 1796

Appointed Brigade Major
23 March 1777, Served until
March 1779 when he resigned

20 mos. Brig Majr & Ensign
3"23 Qr [Quarter] Master & Ensign
Page 12

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Newport. Ss.

On this second-day of September AD. 1848, personally appeared before me, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the State aforesaid. Frances Handy, a resident of Newport in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged eighty six years... who being first duly sworn according to law, doth in her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of provision made by the act of Congress passed July 29, 1848. That she is the widow of John Handy, who was a Brigade Major in the Revolutionary Army, and served as such under General Sullivan, that for said services, his name was inscribed in the Pension List Roll of the Rhode Island agency, by which he was entitled to a pension of twenty dollars per month, that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the secretary of war, which certificate was dated June 2d AD. 1818, and signed by J.C. Calhoun secretary of war. She farther [further] declares that she was married to the said John Handy in the second day of June AD. one thousand seven hundred and ninety six; that her husband the aforesaid John Handy died on the second day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty eight; and that she remained a widow, ever since that period; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the First day of January Eighteen hundred, viz. at the time above stated. She farther [further] declares that she does not now, nor ever has received any pension for the services of her late husband, the aforesaid John Handy.
Frances Handy

Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written before me and I farther [further] certify that the aforesaid Frances Handy, from bodily infirmity, was unable to attend in open court, and that the above declaration, was made, sworn to and subscribed at her residence.
Levi Haile Justice of the Supreme Court
Page 13

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Sc
Clerks office Supreme Court

I hereby certify the within signature "Levi Haile Justice of the Supreme Court" is of the own proper hand writing of the Hon. Levi Haile an associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Rhode Island, and that to all acts [crossed out text] and things thus by him attested full faith and credit are and ought to be given in Court of thenout,

In witness whereof I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State in and for said County duly elected commission and sworn have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at said Newport this second day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight
Wm Gilpin Clerk
Page 14

"Seventeen Hundred and Ninety Six, June Second - Married at the house of William Stewart Esquire
Mr. John Handy of Newport
and
Miss Frances Stewart"

I Robert A. Hallam of the Town and County of New London in the State of Connecticut, Rector of St. James Church in the said Town of New London certify that I have carefully examined the Parish Record of said Church and compared the foregoing extract with the said records, and that it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in said legible figures as follows:
"1796, June 2."

I Robert A. Hallam above named depose and say that I hold the office of Rector of the St. James Church in the County, Town, and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exception above named
Robert A. Hallam
Rector of St. James' Church.
Page 15

Sworn before me
John PC Mather
Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
County of New London

I James Stedman, Clerk of the County Court in & for the County of New London aforesaid hereby certify that John P.C. Mather, whose name is in his own proper handwriting, is inscribed above to the foregoing [illegible], is for more than one year last past has been a Justice of the Peace for said County duly empowered to take depositions, administer oaths & be Witness my hand & the Seal of said Court this 29th day of August AD 1848

James Stedman, Clerk
Page 16

By the Honorable NICHOLAS COOKE, Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.

TO John Handy, Gentleman           GREETING.
YOU the said John Handy being appointed to Quarter Master in Col. Sullivan's Regiment 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 Defense 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, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take and exercise, the Office of Quarter Master of and over the Regiment aforesaid. And to command, guide and conduct the fame, or any Part thereof: And in Case of an Invasion of 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 Regiment under your Command, or any Part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your 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 other United States. You are also to follow such further Instructions, Directions, and Orders, as shall, from Time to Time, be given forth, either 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 the said State, this Third Day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven.
Nichs [Nicholas] Cooke

By His Honor's Command,
Henry Ward Secry [Secretary]
Page 17

IN CONGRESS.

The DELEGATES of the UNITED COLONIES of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New-Castle, Kent, and Suffolk on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, to John Handy, Gentleman, Greeting.

WE do resposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct, and Fidelity, DO by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be Ensign of the Sixth Company in the First Regiment of the Brigade raised by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, which had been taken into Continental Pay, and is now part of the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of Ensign of said Company by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Ensign of said Company. And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other you superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. Dated the Twenty sixth Day of August AD 1776.

Attest: Chas Thompson

By Order of Congress
John Hancock PRESIDENT
Page 18

By the Honorable NICHOLAS COOKE, Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.

TO John Handy, Gentleman. GREETING.

YOU the said John Handy being appointed Adjutant of Colonel Sullivan's Regiment 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, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take and exercise, the Office of Adjutant of and over the Regiment aforesaid. And to command, guidance and conduct of 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 Regiment under your Command, or any Part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your 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, either 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 the said State, this Twenty second Day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven.
Nichs [Nicholas] Cooke

By His Honor's Command,
Henry Ward Secry [Secretary]
Page 19

By the Honorable NICHOLAS COOKE, Esquire, Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.

TO John Handy, Esquire. GREETING.

YOU the said John Handy being appointed Brigade Major in the Brigade ordered to be raised by the General Assembly of this State, held at Providence, or 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 the State, authorized, empowered, and commissioned, to have, take and exercise, the Office of Brigade, Major of and over the Brigade aforesaid. And to this command, guide and conduct of same, or any Party 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 Brigade under your Command, or any Part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your 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, either 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 the said State, this Twenty-third Day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven.
Nichs [Nicholas] Cooke

By His Honor's Command,
Henry Ward Secry [Secretary]
Page 20

BY THE HONORABLE NICHOLAS COOKE, Esq; Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief, of and over the English Colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations, in New-England, in America.

TO John Handy, Gentleman. Greeting.

WHEREAS for the Preservation of the Rights and Liberties of His Majesty's loyal and faithful Subjects in his Colony, and the other Colonies in America, the GENERAL ASSEMBLY, at the Session held at Providence on the last Wednesday in October, A.D. 1775, ordered a Regiment, to consist of Five Hundred Men, to be raised; and at the Session held at Providence on the Second Monday in January, A.D. 1776, augmented said Regiment to Seven Hundred and Fifty Men, exclusive of an Artillery Company to the same belonging; and at the same Session passed an Act ordering another Regiment, consisting of Seven Hundred and Fifty Men, to be raised, and embodying the said Two Regiments into One Brigade: And whereas you the said John Handy are appointed Quarter-Master of the said first mentioned Regiment.

I do thereby, in His Majesty's Name, GEORGE this Third, by the Grace of GOD, King of Great-Britain, &c. authorize, empower, and commission, you the said John Handy to have, take, and exercise, the Office of Quarter Master of the said first mentioned Regiment and to command, guide and conduct the same, or any Part thereof. And in case of an Invasion or Assault of a common Enemy, to infest or disturb this or any other of His Majesty's Colonies in America, you are to alarm and gather together the Regiment under your Command, or any Part thereof, as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to Resist, Expel, Kill and Destroy them, in order to preserve the Interest of His Majesty, and His good Subjects, in these Parts. You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall from Time to Time be given forth, either 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 the Seal of the said Colony, this Eighteenth Day of January in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-six.

Nichs [Nicholas] Cooke

By His Honor's Command,
Henry Ward Secry [Secretary]
Page 21

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 8899
Frances Handy
Wid"
John Handy
Brid" Maj" Rev [War]

Act: July 29" 1848.
Index:-Vol. A, Page 306

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

Aug. 19/7 Chief Clerk of State Dept. informed that children have no title
White

Mch 23 - 1903
R. Hammett Tilley
Prov. RI.
Page 23

10
Rhode Island
Frances Handy widow of John Handy who served in the Revolutionary War, as an Ensign, Qr. [Quarter] Master and a Brigade Major

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 466 Dollars 81 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Novr [November] 48 and sent to Claimant Newport, R.I.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 29th July, 1848, Page 109 Vol. 1 book [illegible]

Reported
Page 24

[Blank form]

3-595.
O.W. AND N. DIVISION.

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.

Searched by  [blank]
Claim No.  [blank]
Certificate No.  [blank]
Claimant  [blank]
Soldier  [blank]
Service  [blank]
Additional service  [blank]
Remarks  [blank]

Chief of Division.
15444b10m8-1900
Page 25

8899
John Handy

Mch. 30, 1818 [illegible]
Newport RI

Janry 76 appointed Q. Mr, 1st RI in Aug 76 appted Ensign of 6" Co said Regm from Mch 77 to June 77 was Adjt from that time to Mch. 79 was Brigade Major under Gens. Spencer & Sullivan

In Newport, RI

Bat. Long Is. & R.I.

Mrs. Frances Stewart
June 2, 1896 New London CT
D -  ["J" crossed out] Mch 2, 1828
Page 26

805
Rhode Island

John Handy
Brigade Major 
3 years 8 1/2 months from Jan. 76
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
4

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 30 of March, 1818
Rhode Island Line

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d of June 1818 and sent to the Pensioner at Newport, R. I. care of Nich. [Nicholas] Taylor

Arrearages to 4th Sept. 1818
[illegible] months 2/31 & 4/30 $103.95

{Revolutionary claims, Act 18th March, 1818,}

3 Years
Did not Serve 9 months at any one period on the Continl Estabt

Newport, Newport
Page 27

Stricken from the Vol 21 Feb 1820

[illegible]
Pensioner
Newport
Apr 16, 1821

The agent was [illegible] to pay him from the time he was stricken off to March 4, 18[?]0
Page 28

[in vertical print on envelope]

Decr 28/50
Alex Ray
Washington

Requesting re-examination of Mrs Arrowsmith's claim + also [illegible] of Mrs. Frances Handy
RI
No 10
29 July

[address printed on envelope]
James E. Heath Esq.
Court of Pensions
Washington
Page 29

Department of State
Washington.

Aug. 18, 1879.

Dear Sir:-

Mr. Chas H. Russell, Jr. - the private Secretary of the Secretary of State - sends me the enclosed letter from Newport, such a request that I should submit it to your office.  He takes this course [illegible]ficially from a wish to get as early a
Page 30

reply as possible while he is at N. If you will be so good as to advise one as this inquiry, so that I can send the reply to him, I shall be much obliged.

Very truly yours
A.B. Wood
(Acting Chief Clerk)

The Chief Clerk
Pension Office
Page 31

OFFICE of the State Record Commissioner.
Providence, R.I., March 14th, 1903

Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pensions.

Dear Sir:- In my work of compiling a "list of the officers and soldiers of the Colony and State of Rhode Island who were engaged in the Colonial Wars and the War of the Revolution", I often find it necessary to prove service by the application for a pension made by certain soldiers. I find I need the services of Major John Handy who received a pension. He was placed on the Rhode Island Pension Role June 2, 1818, aged 72 years. Can you give me a copy of his claim?.

In this matter will you kindly inform me how far you can help me to make the lists I am compiling complete.

An early answer will oblige
Yours Respectfully
R. Hammet Tilley
State Record Commissioner

[seal:] U.S. PENSION OFFICE Mar 16 1903

K.M.S.
Page 32

[stamp:] Newport RI Apr 9
[stamp:] FREE

Hon. J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of the war department
City of Washington
Dist. of Columbia
Page 33

Newport 6th April 1821

The Honorable J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of the War Department

Sir
The most urgent necessity, compels me to entreat your further attention, to the evidence in favour of my claim to a pension, as an officer in the service of the United States, in the Revolutionary Army.

By a letter written in July last, by J.L. Edwards Esq., to my friend Mr. C. Ellery, I was informed, that my case was Suspended for further evidence. From the Same letter, I perceived, that a mistake was entertained as to the regiment to which I had belonged:

Mr. Edwards observing, that it did not appear that Lippitts regiment was placed on the continental establishment prior to Sept 1776,
Page 34

or that it continued in the Service after Decr. of the Same year. It was Richmonds, not Lippitts regiment in which I served; as will be seen from the documents, which accompanied my application.

Being now informed, through Mr. Eddy (member of Congress) that Since thee date of Mr. Edwards' letter, the Department has decided that Richmonds regiment was on the Continental establishment from January 1. 1776; I humbly trust, that the evidence presented in favour of my claim, will be considered satisfactory. The period of my Service in that regiment, and the Stations in which I Served, are correctly stated in the affidavit of Col. Henry Sherburne, to which I beg leave to refer.

I am Sir with profound respect,
your most obedient humble Servant
John Handy
Page 35

[stamp] Newport RI Apr 9
[stamp] FREE

Honble John C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
Washington D.C.
Page 36

Newport April 7th, 1821.

Sir

I have perused Major Handys letter and believe the Statements in it are correct accurate as Mr. Edwards in general is I presume he has made the mistake that is alluded to. Major Handy did certainly belong to Richmonds [underlined] Regiment and that you have decided to have been on the continental establishment. Should the evidence in favor of Major Handys claim prove satisfactory and it should not be repugnant to any established regulation of the Department it would afford great relief to his much distressed and very aimable [amiable] family to permit him to receive the amount due to him up to the 4th of March last.
Page 37

I know and respect your perspective on this unfortunate Subject to Pensions, but I believe you may rest assured that the present case is clear from any taint of fraud or deception.

With Sentiments of the highest esteem & Respect I remain your obedient faithful Servant
William Hunter

Honble J.C. Calhoune
Sect of War.
Page 38

Newport R. Island
Nov 1. 1820

Hon Sir

I received a letter from the War department dated in Feb 1820 saying that as I was not at any one time 9 months on the Continental establishment my name was stricken from the Pension Roll. I was in hopes I have substantiated my claim on my Country by the documents I first forwarded - subsequent documents in June last I forwarded with a Schedule of my property under the solemnity of an Oath. I now take the liberty to enclose a document which I hope will satisfactorily
Page 39

that I may receive the two last payments March and Septem - it will soften the sojourn of the approaching season and give comfort to a distressed family.

I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect
Your Most Obedt Servt
John Handy
Page 40

Washington
Decr 27, 1850.

James E. Heath Esq.
Court of Pensions

Sir,
I enclose, herewith, an appreciation made by Mrs. Frances Handy of New Port [Newport] Rhode Island, a Pensioner Widow act July 29, 1849 [1848] at the rate of $466.80 per annum.

I am informed that the evidence presented in this case, shows about 21 mos. service as a Brigade [underlined] Major [underlined] this would entitle her at once to a pension upward of $500 per annum. Brigade Majors are certainly entitled to rec. $25 per mo. at that rate various pensions have been allowed; See resolutions of the [old?] Congress. vol 2. page 88 "the pay of brigade Majors in the continental army be raised to $50. per mo;
again a Qtr Master is entitled to 40$ per mo. a Qtr Master and Ensign. should therefore be entitled to 55$ per mo.

I, therefore, claim for Mrs. Handy a pension of $600 per annum, and beg for an re-examination or the allowances.

I remain very respectfully your [obed ser?]
Alex. Ray
Page 41

No 15
Frances Handy
Wid of John
RI
Act 29 July 1848

admd
20 mo. 7 day Brig Major & Ensign  404.66
3" 23" Qtr M & Ensign 62.15
$466.81 from 4 March 1848

Claimant
Newport R.I.
Page 42

Increase

Frances Handy, wid of John
R.I.

Act 29 July 1848
for 23 mo 7 d Brig Maj 505.66
3" 23" En & Qr Mr 62.15
$567.81

from 4 Sept 1848
June payments re-directed

lett sent to A. Ray [illegible]
Page 43

I Christopher G. Perry of Newport in the County of Newport & State of Rhode Island, Esq. of lawful age, being duly sworn, in solemn oath, depose and say -

I am well acquainted with Mrs. Frances Handy, & was also well acquainted with her late husband Maj. John Handy. I know that he died March 2, 1828. I have known the aforesaid Frances Handy intimately ever since that period, & I know that she has not married since that time, that she is still the widow of the aforesaid John Handy, & has remained such ever since his death.
C.G. Perry


State of Rhode Island, &c.
Newport, Sc.
Newport, September 2nd, 1848.

Then personally appeared, Christopher G. Perry, of Newport in the County of Newport and State aforesaid, the subscriber to the foregoing deposition, and made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, before me,
Chris E Robbins
Justice of the Peace.
Page 44

State of Rhode Island &c.
Newport SC
Clerks Office Supreme Court

I hereby certify that the within signature "Chris E. Robbins Justice of the Peace is of the own proper hand writing of Christopher E. Robbins Esq a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Newport legally authorized to administer oaths, and take depositions &c, & that to an act and things thus by him attested full faith and credit are and ought to be given in Court and thereout.

In witness whereof I William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for the county of Newport have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this Second day of September in the year eighteen hundred and fifty eight.
Wm Gilpin
Clerk Sup Court
Page 45

Newport, R.I. Sept. 2, 1848

Sir,

Enclosed herewith I send the declaration of Mrs. Frances Handy, the certificate of her marriage and my deposition as to the fact of her being still the widow of the late Maj. John Handy, for the purpose of establishing his claim to a pension, under the Act of Congress passed July 29, 1848, and respectfully ask that her name be placed in the Roll of the Rhode Island agency, and a certificate be issued accordingly.

I have the honor to be your obdt servt
C.G. Perry

James L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
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State of Rhode Island &c
Town and County of Newport Ss

On this twenty third day of december, 1850 before me Christopher G. Perry a Public Notary in and for the County and State aforesaid and being duly authorized to administer oaths, personally appeared Frances Handy, a resident of said county, who being first duly sworn according to law; doth in her oath state, that she is a pensioner under act of July 29, 1848 at the rate of $466.80 per annum on account of the revolutionary services of her late husband John Handy_

Now the object of this declaration being made, is in order to assert a claim for a higher rate of allowance than has been granted for the services of her said husband as an Ensign Qr [Quarter] Master and Brigade Major, and the payment of the increase therein from the 4th of March 1848_

Frances Handy

Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year first above mentioned.
C.G. Perry
Public Notary.

State of Rhode Island &c
Newport Sc Clerks Office Supreme Court.
J. William Gilpin Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for the County of Newport do hereby certify that Christopher G. Perry is a Public Notary in and for the County of Newport duly authorized by law to administer oaths. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this 23d Day of Dec. 1850. 
Wm Gilpin
Clerk S.C.
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Newport October 30th 1848

Respected Sir

To intrude the sorrows of a riven heart claiming the attention of a Sranger [stranger] needs the preface of apology alas, the preface would only portray the various afflictions of that heart since for long years the dark clouds of adversity have obscured the bright rays of prosperity that once illumined my path 
the necessity this imposes could alone occasion my addressing you suspense is ever painful even when the youthful imagination paint hope's gay visions in varied point of view how much more keenly felt in old age that has oft found bills drawn on deceptive hope protested [illegible] anxiously on one fair prospect of relief -- cheared [cheered] by the [assumance?] that the bill for those Widows married previous to 1800 should receive a pension for the service of their Husbands during the War of the Revolution -- after the bill passed both houses of Congress and received the signature of the President there seemed no doubt but the claims properly authenticated would be immediately attended to as it was to comence [commence] in March the first semi annual would be paid in Septr -- Dr CG [Christopher Grant] Perry, Son of the Lamented Commodore OH [Oliver Hazard] Perry (whose faithful Friendship can never be [effaced erased?] from the records of memory) kindly offered to attend to the business of my claims he promptly procured all the necessary papers the law required wrote you enclosing more papers sent them the second of September after waiting three weeks receiving no answer he wrote again [underlined] requesting information of the cause of delay -- 5 weeks have expired no answer arrives -- his feeling heart having the anxiety of mine which necessity imposes -- requested me to write --
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in the hope my letter might be better attended to than his -- your prompt attention to my Husband's application Major John Handy when a Pensioner leads me to hope a chord of sympathy may be awakened for his unfortunate Widow and [render?] on me the law or so give immediate information of the reception of my papers the cause of delay and when I may receive the tribute of justice awarded the Widows for the faithful services of their Husbands in aiding the cause of their Country in the eventual struggle for Liberty -- the impaired energy of mind & body years of ill health -- added to the many infirmities of 87 years will I hope excuse the many inaccuracies of this I fear unintelligable [unintelligible] scrawl --

with every sentiment of respect believe me Sir yours Frances Handy
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I Henry Sherburne of Newport in the State of Rhode Island Esq. and late a Col. commanding a Regiment of the [illegible] States Army in the Revolutionary War _ Do solemnly swear that I am personally acquainted with Major John Handy, that he entered the Army in the year 1775 in a Regiment commanded by Col. William Richmond, as Quarter Master, that the year following he received a Commission as an Ensign in said Regiment signed by his Excellency John Hancock Esq. President of Congress, and attested by Charles Thompson Esq, that he remained in the Regiment until the term of their Enlistment expired in the Month of March 1777, upon the expiration the officers were generally reappointed, and the Men mostly reenlisted for 15 months. Major Handy was at that time appointed an Adjutant in the Reg in June following he was promoted to a Brigade Major, in the month of October following the command of the Brigade was given to me in an expedition against the British Army then in possession of Rhode Island, which expedition was under the command of the Hon. Major Gen Spencer of the Continental Army. Major Handy during which time doing duty with me as Brigade Major, on the failure of the expedition the command of the Brigade devolved on General Cornell, and he the said Major Handy was continued as Brigade Major, which Brigade was in Continental pay and service and fed and
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cloathed [clothed] from the Continental stores, until the expiration of their time in May 1780, and were under the immediate command of Generals of the United States Army, commanding in Rhode Island. Major Handy has frequently been on duty with me and in the battle on Rhode Island under the Command of the Hon. "Major Gen." Sullivan on the 29th August 1778, in which battle I personally saw him as acting Brigade Major of the day, with the Hon. Major General Greene, second in Command.

Major Handy, I have known from his youth, being both natives of the Town of Newport, State of Rhode Island, he is not in the 65th year of his age, subject to many infirmities and complaints, and in circumstances truly distressing. From his long tried services being continually in Commission for several years, as a Soldier in the defence [defense] of his Country's Rights, form [from] that Country he solicits assistance, and which I think him justly entitled to.

Henry Sherburne
Newport RI.
Novr 1st 1820

Newport Sc. Newport Ss November 1st, 1820
Then personally appeared the above named Henry Sherburne I made Oath to the above Deposition by him subscribed before me.
Benj B Mumford
Just Peace