Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15123, Dennis A Flanders, New York
Page 1

New York        Flanders, Dennis A.    S.15123

Carded
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8335
New York
Dennis A. Flanders, of Montgomery in the State of N York who was a Private in the Court commanded by Captain of the regt commanded by Col ock in the N.Y. line for 10 mo 20 days, Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, at the rate of 33 Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of [March 1834 is crossed out] September 1842
tificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Feby [illegible]
and Sent to
G.F. Yates
to the 4th of sent to A.A. Van Horne, Fonda, Montgomery
N. York
annual allowance ending
Reduced from $80 per annum.

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by F. J. Swann Cl
Book d2 Vol. [illegible] Page 71.

[Right side]
[Illegible] Feby 17, 1845
Page 3

1st Brief
No 10629
Denis A. Flander
---
Admitted
5. 14
Sep 26 1832
Dec 7 1832
John Nellis
Palatine
NY
DF38.
Page 4

Service
New York  
Flanders, Dennis A.
Number
S 15123
Carded
[I'm not sure what the above stuff is all about, but here is a transcription of the handwritten elements of the image number 75]
No. 11629
Denis. A. Flander of Oppenheim County
_Montgomery_ ... _New York._

1. 
In Open Court
2.
~~~~~~
3.
74 Years --
4.
Augst 1st. 1777 -- about _8._[days as a] private -- Capt N. Retchler. Col Jacob Klock

March 16th. 1776. -- 9. [months as a] boatman -- Capt Van Eps

April 10.--1778. -- about. _3._[months as a] --"--[ditto]-- Capt John Lefler

May 25 -- 1779. ----_3_ [days as a] ---- [no entry] -- Capt Retchler. Col Jacob Klock

-------- ---------- --------- ------- -------- Capt Hon Hess. Capt House. __J. D. .
from last date to the Year 1782
on duty about 15 days each month

5. Battle of Oriskany.
6. Palatine County of Montgomery
7. By One living witness. ~
8. ~~~~~~~~

James Ord  [Examining Clerk]
Page 5

State of New York
Montgomery County. Ss. On this 21. day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County now sitting Denis Augustus Flander a resident of the Town of Oppenheim County of Montgomery & State aforesaid aged Seventy four Years the 15 of Oct. last, who being first sworn duly according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed January 7, 1832 that he entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War in the militia of said State under the following named officers & served as herein stated, viz: that about the 1st day of August 1777, he was called out & warned to Enter the Service & at that time entered the Service as a private in the Company of Nicholas Ritchter Capt. John Scholl Lieutenant & John Frost Scholl (he thinks) was the Ensign in said Company & in the Regiment whereof Jacob Klock was Col. & Peter Waggoner was called Lieut. Col. & cannot remember the name of the Major but thinks Christopher Fox. that he resided in the Town of Palatine in said County when he entered said Service -- that he marched with his said Company in said Regt. from Palatine to Fort Herkimer where they stayed one night & from thence marched on the north Side of the Mohawk River to where Utica [illegible] where they crossed the Said river to the South-Side & on the South Side marched up to Oriskany, where he was engaged in the Oriskany battle -- that Genl. Herkimer Commanded the American Militia in said battle where Genl. Herkimer was wounded & Col Ebenezer Cox of the Americans was killed & that the battle Commenced (he thinks by about 10. [illegible] A.M. on 6th Augt. 1777. & the Same evening of the battle the Americans left Oriskany & went home and arrived home the Eighth of same month, having Served about Eight Days --
But he had forgotten to state in order that about 15 March 1776. he enlisted as a boatman for nine months in Capt. Evert[?] Van Eps Company, having no other officers -- He lived in Palatine & the now County of Montgomery aforesaid when he entered as such boatmans -- that said Company went to Schenectady on foot & that they there loaded boats with provisions intended for Fort Stanwix -- that they took two days to go to Schenectady & were occupied at Schenectady as he thinks three days in loading the boats -- that they then left Schanectady[sic] in the boats & went up the Mohawk River to Fort Stanwix in said boats with provisions -- that it took them more that a week to go to Fort Stanwix & at Fort Stanwix unloaded the boats -- & then went to Schenectady again & loaded provisions & carried Same to same Fort Stanwix & so continued to labor -- & serve until the last of December. thereafter -- he thinks
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Col Gansevoort Commanded at Fort Stanwix at the time --& Col Van Schaick during said nine months was brought down the River in the boats to Schenectady from Fort Stanwix -- on first Jany. 1777 he left said last Service -- that about 10 April 1778 he again enlisted as a boatman for nine months in the Company of John Lefler Capt. -- there were no other officers belonging to said Company -- that he resided in Palatine in the now County of Montgomery aforesaid when he enlisted as last aforesaid -- that he marched from Palatine to Schenectady on foot --& from thence to Albany, where he was employed in going to Coeymans & other places in the neighborhood to fetch & cut wood & loaded same in a Sloop & carried in said Sloop the wood to Albany for [soldiers so?] engaged at Albany for about three months only & why he did not Serve Said nine months he cannot recollect -- whether Sickness or Some other reason prevented his Serving said nine months he cannot Say -- he left about 15 April 1778 said last services as well as he recollects -- that about the middle of May 1779 he was called into Service & entered [Same?] time in the company which Nicholas Retchter was Capt. John Scholl Lieut. & John Jost Scholl was Ensign in said Company -- & in the Regt. where of Jacob Klock was Col. Christopher Fox Major & does not remember the other officers names -- that he resided in the Town of Palatine & in the now County of Montgomery aforesaid when he entered Said last mentioned Service -- that he left said Company about May 20 1779. having Served about three days in said Company -- that they marched northward from where he lived in Palatine aforesaid & came to the house of his Capt. the next morning when his Capt. Retchter was wounded in defending his house against the Tories & Indians -- that at Expiration of said three days he went home together with the others of said company -- he saw no other officers than those named --

that about 25 May 1779 he entered as a private the company of John Hess Capt., John Klock Lieut. -- & the names of his other Company officers cannot bring to his recollection & in Regt. of Col Jacob Klock, Peter Waggoner Lieut. Col & Christopher Fox Major of said Regt. --that he remained in said Company till the year a
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1782 or when the war ceased excepting Several time, as hereafter Stated that he served in Captain Christian House' Company -- that whilst said Hess' Company he was out repeatedly on scouting parties, or as [ranger?], & was called out & served on scouting parties whilst in said Hess' Company each month from 25 May 1779 (according to the best of his recollection) to the year 1782 -- & served about fifteen days each month on Scouting parties as aforesaid excepting the several times hereafter mentioned when he Served in House' Company -- that while on said scouting parties in Hess' Company he marched to wherever the Indians & Tories broke[?] in or were expected so to do -- once to the Royal Grant in said House Company & in the now County of Herkimer Some time, how long cannot say -- & at another time was gone 14[?] days on the Royal grant a place So called -- & so he was every month called out on scouting parties & served each month about 15 days while in said Hess' Company -- & so each month he was relieved by others of said Company -- which is the reason he did not Serve out each month during the whole time he was in Said Hess' Company -- that said company did not go on scouting parties composed of all the men belonging to it, -- but they relieved each other as before mentioned about the one half of Said Company going half of the months' on scouting parties & the residue the other half of said time & so alternately during the whole period he served in said Hess' Company -- that he resided in Palatine when he entered & Served in the Company of said Capt. Hess -- that while in said Hess' Company he was Engaged & he thinks in the fall of 1780, as near as he can recollect, when the wheat & other produced which was stacked & burned by the British under Sir John Johnston -- that he was in the Battle under Genl. Van Ransselaer against the British & Tories & Indians near the Mohawk River at a fording place -- said Indians & Tories & British were under the command of Sir John Johnston [squiggle] -- said battle was fought within
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now Town of Oppenheim near the house of one Richard Failing about three or four hundred yards from the now village of St. Johnsville in said Town -- the British forces after Sun Set on the day of the battle crossed the Mohawk river from the north to the South Side. that during the time he served in Hess' Company he was drafted out of Said Company into Christian House' Company & went to the Royal Grant for a few days & another[?] time for 14 days or about it as before stated -- 
& further States that he has no documentary witnesses -- He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present & declares that he [illegible] [illegible] is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State 
that he was born 05 Oct. 1757 at the now Town of German Flatts in Herkimer County. has no record of his age -- that he resided in the Town of Palatine & in the now County of Montgomery when he Served as before mentioned & has lived Since the revolution in the same place where he now resides --
He enlisted twice as a boatman as before mentioned -- each[?] time for nine months, but Served one of said times just three months -- that the other time of his Service he [illegible] & warned [illegible]; officers that he cannot further State [or give the?] names of any other officers that before given & stated -- or of any other continental formation[?] Regt. -- & cannot further State any other circumstance[?] of his Services than before stated -- cannot recollect of receiving any discharge at any time from the Service -- that he is well known to his neighbors John J. Frailing & Fredk. Baum who can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his Services as a Soldier of the revolution --that no clergyman resides in his neighborhood --
his
Denis X Augustus Flander
mark

Sworn this 21. day of 
Sept. 1832 before me
in open Court --
Geo. D. Ferguson, Clerk
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In the matter of the application of Dennis (A.) Flander for restoration to pension list. ~
________________________________________________

Afft of Henry (A.) Flander
No 1.
Page 10

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
Montgomery County Clerk's Office ss
I, Chester S. Brumley, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify the Lawrence Marcellus Esqr whose name is subscribed to the annexed was at the time of the date thereof a Justice of the peace of said county; and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Jurat is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county, the 17 day of October 1844
[Signed] Chester S. Brumley Clerk
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State of New York
County of Montgomery}Ss.
Henry A. Flander of St. Johnsville in said County, and a pensioner of the United States, aged Eighty four years & upwards, being duly sworn saith, that he knows & is assured that his brother Dennis A. Flander was a private in the Company of Batteaumen commanded by Captain Evert Van Eps in the year 1776, & that he served in said Company but can't say how long. That his said brother served in the militia in 1777 at the battle of Oriskany -- that this Deponent & said Dennis Enlisted together in the spring of the year 1778 into the Company of Batteaumen Commanded by Captain John Laffler, & together served in said company pursuant to their enlistment -- that in 1780 when Col. Brown was killed said Dennis was on duty with the militia from the Regiment to which he belonged in the same Company with this Deponent, to wit in October 1780 -- That when Deponent was on duty under Col. Willett in the fall of 1781 said Dennis was on duty at the battle of Johnstown under Capt. Rightor of said Militia -- & that said Dennis was in a fourth battle at Mud or Mudder Creek or Kill in the summer of 1781
his X mark 
Henry A Flanders
Subscribed and sworn this 12th day of October 1844 * I
Certify that said Henry Flander 
is witness of credibility & that the
foregoing affidavit was carefully read 
over to him & its contents Explained
to him -- before he signed or made his
mark & sworn to the same
Laurence Marcellus/[squiggle]
[squiggle] the words (at least nine months) in the above were Erased before Execution
L. Marcellus Justice
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State of New York --
Montgomery County}Ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Oppenheim County aforesaid, Denis Augustus Flander who being duly Sworn, Says, in order to amend his declaration that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory, he Cannot Swear positively as to the precise length of his Services, but according to the best of his recollection he Served not less than the periods mentioned below & in the following grades: 
1. that he Served in Capt. Nicholas Retchter Company from the first day of August 1777 to the Eighth day of August 1777 as a private for Eight days --
2. That he served as a private in the Company of Capt. Evert Van Eps from fifteenth March 1776. to first of January 1777. for nine months & fifteen days --
3. That he Served as a private Soldier in the Company of Capt. John Lefler from tenth day of April 1778. to the fifteenth day of July 1778. for three months --
4. That he Served as a private Soldier in the Company of Capt Nicholas Retchter from the fifteenth day of May 1779 to twentieth day of May 1779 for three days --
5. That he Served as a private Soldier in the Company of John Hess Capt. from the twenty fifth day of May 1779 to the first day of January 1782 (the one half of the time) for one year three months & twenty two days being one half of said period --
his X mark
Denis Augustus Flander
Subscribed & sworn to}
this first day of January}
A.D. 1833. before me}
Ashbel Loomis Justice of the Peace
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I do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with John I. Failing, Frederick Baum & Henry Flander residing in the said Town of Oppenheim wherein I reside & who Signed the Certificate & affidavit, respectively, in the original proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Montgomery in the matter of the application of Denis Augustus Flander for a Pension, which said proceedings are now before me & Certified by Geo. D. Ferguson Esq. Clerk of the Said Court under his Seal of Office on the 21st day of Sept. 1832 as such original proceedings --& that they the Said John I. Failing, Frederick Baum & Henry Flander are persons of respectability & credibility -- all which I hereby Certify this first day of Jany. 1833 --
Ashbel Loomis Justice of the Peace
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State of New York
Montgomery County. Ss:
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery do hereby certify, in conformity to the directions of the Said Court of Common Pleas that Henry Flander who signed the affidavit in  the annexd [sic] proceedings in the matter of the application of Denis Augustus Flander for a pension  -- was Sworn in open court in the said Court, and that he is a person of credibility & entitled to full credit.
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of Ashbel Loomis Esquire, & believe his name subscribed to the preceding affidavit and Certificate is his proper hand writing; and that the said Ashbel Loomis was on the day of the date of the said affidavit & certificate a Justice of the Peace of Said County of Montgomery
In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this Second Day of January 1833
Geo: D. Ferguson
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Dennis A. Flander
___________________
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In the matter etc[?]}
of Dennis A. Flanders}
under the act of 7 June}
1832 --}
I have sent by this day's mail to the Commissioner of Pensions a Document containing the proof which the Commissioner said in his letter of the 3d inst. was wanting to show that Evert Van Eps was a Captain in the Department of the Quarter Master General. I found this Document among the papers of "the Patroon" at Albany. If the alledged service in 1776 under this Captain is allowed, it will restore to Mr. Flanders a small portion of his pension.
As to his service under Laffler, the fact is new to me that he served a portion of his term in a shoe shop. The techical [sic] name given to those who served in Batteau Companies, was "Batteaumen, fatigue men and laborers," for when they did not boat, they engaged in other fatigue  duty. The "barefoot" army of the revolution were very much in want of shoes & if Flanders did work at Shoemaking during
Page 17

the term of his enlistment under Laffler, he might have done so for aught that appears to the contrary pursuant to the terms of his enlistment as a "fatigue man & laborer". Some of the Batteaumen were engaged, as can be shown in Chopping wood, & others in burning tar etc -- Capt. Laffler served more than one year & may not Flanders have served under him during the year for which no rolls can be found. Mr. Flanders laid not much claim to militia service.
If he originally received full pay, it was not because he asserted in detail 24 months services. 
I am yours
G. F. Yates
Page 18

J.S. Edwards Esq.
Commission of Pensions.
Sir:
The accompanying Document is sent to substantiate the fact that Evert Van Eps was a Captain of Batteaumen regularly organized & in the Department of the Quarter Master General before 4th July 1776 (the day of the declaration of American Independence)
Note the entry at page 18a
As this Document does not belong to me I have to request that it may be returned. It is the property of the Hon Stephen Van Resselaer of Albany.
Very Respectfully 
Your obt. Servt
G. F. Yates
~
Schenectade N.Y. April 9th 1844:

(Capt. Wm Peters March 1776
 " John Clute March 1776
 " John Hume June 1776
heretofor recognized.)
Page 19

May 20, 43
N.Y.
Den. A. Flanders
St. John Ville N.Y.}
March 14th}
[upper right]
Free
[main section address]
Honr.
J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington 
D. C.
Page 20

St Johns Ville. Mont Co N.Y March 14th 1843
Dear Sir
I presume you have had time to investigate the matter of Dennis A Flander; and are prepared to decide whether he is entitled to his pension or not: which was stopped in Decr. last by your order, in consequence of an affidavit he made in the case of J. H. Walrath; in which it was alledg,d that his affidavit conflicted with his own declaration on file -- now it is possible that he may have made an unintentional mistake in the estimate of time; or in the Year of service: for the affidavit was made 10 or 11 years after the declaration when his mind had become impaired he being about 85 years old this fact of itself should have some weight in deciding his case.
I retained a brief of a part of his testimony and if I mistake not -- he did not testify to either time or place positively but that he thought or believed [the words "he thought or believed" are underlined] what was set forth in the affidavit; in his own declaration he testified positively so that the error in the affidavit is not so grat[great?] (I hope) as to deprive him of his pension on which his is almost wholly dependent for support  
If you should want any evidence as to his own Claim the affidavits (I believe) of his Brother Henry Flander and of L Kring (now deceased) are on file in your office which you can at any time examine if you have any doubts as to the Justice of his claim
Please to answer this letter as soon as you can consistently and enclose if you will a copy of the latest pension act passed by Congress directed to me as above stated
Honr J L Edwards       John Wilson
Comr of Pensions
PS I have not receiv,d any answer to the letter of the 4th [illegible] sent you through J. Sanford M.C. I have no doubt you have answered it but he has I presume misdirected it
J.W.
Page 21

Dennis A. Flander
asks to have his pension restored to him, under act of 7 June '32
New Proof exhibited etc

G. F. Yates, Atty
~
Page 22

Schenectada, N.Y. Oct 28, 1844
Sir,
I have received your favor of the 20th of May ult. in reference to the claim of Dennis A. Flander under the Act of 7th June 1832, to be restored to the pension list.
In your letter you acknowledge the receipt of an a/c Book of Genl Schuyler showing that Evert Van Eps commanded a Company of Batteaumen in 1776. Said Van Eps is also recognized as such Captain in the correspondence of Henry Glen & others. The case of Captain Van Eps's widow is before you & to it reference may be had for further proof if wanted.
Note, that Captain Laffler served in 1779 as well as 1778. If the Rolls of Capt. Laffler in your office are for the year 1778, you will find thereon the names not only of Henry (or Hendrick) Flander, Dennis's Brother & who now draws a pension for that service, but also of Tennis Flander, the name being spelt with a "T" instead of a "D".
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As a specimen of this diversity of orthography see the enclosed or accompanying document No 2, where the name of our applicant is spelt "Teanuse Flander", & "Tanis Flander".
The Germans use the letter "T" where we do the "D". The original Rolls from which the entries in the 10 volumes of militia & Levy service that were once in your office, were made, are, a few of them in the Comptroller's office. Those of Clock's Regiment are in the German language.
In the Comptroller's certificate enclosed you will find the name of Henry Flander coupled with that of Dennis or Tennis to show identity [identity is underlined in the original], as Henry Flander & Tenis Flander belonged to the same militia [same and militia are underlined in the original] Company, as well as Company of Batteaumen in 1778.
With regard to the discrepancies on rolls as to the mode of spelling [spelling is underlined] names. That depends on the nationality & education [nationality and education are underlined] of the clerk who copied them. To take down names from persons who cannot write & who do not speak the English language correctly, gives rise occasionally to the most singular metamorphoses. I satisfied you that "Felter Vrelig" on a roll was intended
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for the name as Anglified of "Valentine Freligh" [the name Valentine Freligh is underlined] 
You would not at first allow the case of the widow of Rosa, because the name was spelt on the Roll Elias Rosa, which I had written it from the mouth of the man himself before he died Alias Rosa. He was a Netherlander & pronounced this letter "e", "a".
From the thorough examinations & investigations I have made in this case I am certain that Mr Dennis Flander served in Laffler's Company in 1778 say 9 mos.
He served in Capt. Van Eps's Company in 1776 -- say for ________________________ 9 mos
He was in four battles or skirmishes & therefore must have rendered several  months service in the Militia. But as his tours of service were doubtless volunteer [volunteer is underlined] tours he was not paid for them & consequently his name did not get on the Comptroller's  Books. For his service in the militia in 1779, he was paid according to the Comptroller's certificate $8.62. He must therefore have served in the militia in that year nearly 5 weeks. He served in 1777 at the Oriskany battle. In the year 1780 he was on duty with his Regiment when
Page 25

Col. Brown of Massachusetts was killed. In the year 1781, he was at the skirmish at mud creek, when Lieutenant Adam Helmer killed an Indian, & in November 1781, he was at the battle of Johnstown. An allowance of 5 weeks for these four tours, it would not be unreasonable to ask for.
Mr Flanders has suffered severely in consequence of the loss of his pension for several years past, and all through no fault of his. Were I not fully assured that his claim is righteous and just, I would not be so importunate.
I have I trust now presented this claim in a somewhat new, & more favorable aspect that it heretofore assumed.
very respectfully
G. F. Yates.
~[flourish]
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr. of Pensions}

Dennis A. Flander
asks to have his pen-
sion restored to him,
under act of 7 June '32
new proof exhibited 
5A

G. F. Yates, atty.
~[more flourishes]
Page 26

Secretary's Office
Albany May 9. 1843.
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 6th instant received yesterday, I have to inform you, that a careful Search has been made in this Office and also in the ~ Comptrollers office for Dennis Flander, Dennis A. Flander and Augustus Flander, but no person by either of the Said names could be found on the records in either of the offices as a Batteaus man or Soldier in the war of the Revolution, serving in the Militia Levies or Regular Troops.
Yours respectfully
Archd. Campbell
Dep. Sec. of State

John Wilson Esq}
St. Johnsville}
Page 27

15123
INVALID.
File No. 15.123
Dennis A Flanders 
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: - Vol. 1, Page 127
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 28

Letter to T. W. Olcott Dec. 17. 42 & to Dennis A. Flanders.
letter to James Wilson April 7th 1843
"  " [letter to]  "  " [James Wilson] May 9 1843
"  " [letter to] John Nellis " [May] 26 1843
"  " [letter to] John Wilson  Aug. 19. " [1843]
"  " [letter to] B. Schram  Sept 1. "[1843]
"  " [letter to] G. F. Yates  " " " [Sept 1.1843]
"  " [letter to] Hon C S. Benton Jany 8. 1844
Let. to Hon C. Ellis April 3. '44
"  "  " [Let. to Hon C. Ellis] do May 30. 44
"  "  " C Sacia July 19. '44
Page 29

8335
11629 New York
Dennis A. Flanders
Montgomery in the State of N. York who was a Private in the Compy command by Captain Retchers of the Rgt command by Col. Klock in the N. York line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of N. York at the rate of 80 Dollars ____ Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3rd day of April 1832 and sent to J. Nellis Palatine
Arrears to the 4th of Mar '33  $160
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 33  40
$200

Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by G. C. Stiles Clerk
Book E, Vol. 4. Page 19.
Page 30

Winter 75-6 Capt Richter - sent [illegible, perhaps "to visit"] St Johnston
76 Spring Capt Van Eppes Batteauman 17 mo --
77 numerous Tours amounting to 2 or 3 mo --
78 Cap Leffler Batteaun [sic] man 9 or 10 mo -
79 Capts Waggoner -- Richter & House -- Getman 3 mo --
80 - Waggoner & House --  2 mo -
81 - --   2 mo
Page 31

Dennis A Flanders N.Y Albany. 80$ act 32 - last - pd?  GMC
14 Feby '45
pd to 4 Sep 1842
W. Hagner  JH
Page 32

Carded
Page 33

[Blank form]
ARMY.  3-445.
....... Div.      ......., Ex'r.
...... No...........
Claimant ...........
Soldier...........
Co. ......, ....... Reg't .........

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., .........., 190....
In relation to the above-entitled claim, you are informed that the claimant has entered an appeal from a former adverse action taken by this Bureau in a claim under the ...........; and that the same is awaiting consideration by the Honorable Secretary of the Interior. Pending his action on the appeal, the claim is not within the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Pensions.
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
678b10m8-01
Page 34

[Left side of page]
Dennis A. Flanders
Pension Certificate
[Written sideways on the left side of page]
Reduced
Issue new certificate
107 no 20 00 pri
35.55 from 4 Sep. '42 to which time he was paid under a former certificate
[Signed] G.F. Yates

Christian House Capt.
Jacob Klock Col.

[Right side of page]
Payments to be made at N. York by Pres: U. F. Pr. DK
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol. 4 Page 19 by G. C. Stiles
Clerk.
Page 35

[This document has been crossed out]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Dennis A. Flanders of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Eighty dollars [and cents is crossed out] per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 3rd day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
[Signed] Lewis Cass 
Secretary of War
Examined and
Countersigned. 
[Signed] J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 36

Comptrollers Office
Albany June 24th. 1843
Sir
The name of Flanders is not found in the book, Documents or papers pertaining to the Revolutionary period remaining in this office.
Nothing has ever been found in relation to the services of Batteaux men.
I am very respectfully 
Yr. Obd Serv.
Philip Phelps
Dep Comptroller
J.o Willson
St. Johnsville
NY
Page 37

[Written sideways on the page]
Sept 5. 43
N.Y.
Dennis A. Flanders
[Round stamp] SCHENECTADY N.Y. SEP 3

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Page 38

Schenectada, Sept 10[?] 1843.
Sir,
I have been repeatedly requested to aid Mr Dennis A. Flander in obtaining his restoration to the Pension-Roll under the act of 7th June 1832.
1. He alleges service in 1776, under Captain Evert Van Eps. If you have not evidence that Evert Van Eps was a Captain in 1776, I will furnish it if you require it.
2. Under Captain Nicholas Righter in 1778 etc. I can furnish proof from the Comptroller's office Albany, that said Righter commanded a Militia Company in three different engagements -- the names of his men are not given.
3. In Capt. Leffler's Company of Batteaumen. That Capt. Leffler had such a Company at the time alledged, I can furnish documentary evidence of, but I have not full lists of his men. On those I have I do not find the name of Flander.
4. That Christian House Captain, (under whom Flander alleges service) was such I can furnish the same proof, as in the case of Capt. Righter.
4. [again] In regard to Flander's service under Capt. Peter Wagner, I can furnish the same evidence as in the case of his service under Capts Righter & House. But the evidence in these cases does not disclose the names of the privates.
If Mr. Wilson the former agent has not furnished the evidence above referred to, & you deem it of importance, I will procure it. Taken in connection with the parole testimony on file, I hope it will go far to satisfy you that Mr Flander should have at least a portion of his former pension restored to him.
I do not know what portion of the above recited documentary proof is already before you
Page 39

I therefore await your reply to this communication.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Sert
G. H. Yates.

J.S. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 40

Application of 
Dennis A. Flander
for restoration to 
his pension


G. F. Yates
~ Atty
Page 41

To J.L. Edwards Esqr -- Commissioner of Pensions
The Subscriber respectfully represents --
That nine years ago or more when his memory served him better than it does at present, he gave a specification of his military Services in the war of the revolution under the act of Congress Passed 7th June 1832. That he is now unable to give a like specification of his services except as follows or as herein after stated.
He received a pension under said act and enjoyed the same until about a year ago, when for some reason to himself never fully explained, his name was stricken from the Pension Roll. He has been informed that he was thus deprived of his pension for the reason that a statement he signed relative to the services of one Jacob Walradt, differed from, or was contradictory to the statement he originally made of his own services.
In reference to said statement for said Walradt, he would represent, that he was well acquainted with said Jacob Walradt during the war of the revolution, but he has no personal Knowledge except generally of the services of Said Jacob Walradt; and if in the statement aforesaid he gave any particular detail of said Walradt's services, it was contrary to his Knowledge & intention. He was repeatedly applied to to give his testimony for said Walradt, but refused.
He at length as he recollects, signed some paper in reference to this affair, but is not aware that he gave any specification that could or did conflict with the facts above stated , or with the statement of his own services previously given. That owing to his old age & defective memory, and being unable to read and write, he has ever been extremely cautious how he signed statements of any Kind, but was over persuaded in the instance above referred to, by Mr John Wilson, a Justice of the Peace, who, as it appeared, was prosecuting the claim of said Walradt.
It was in consequence of this interference in behalf of said Walradt, that, as he ["I" is crossed out] was informed, he ["I" is crossed out] lost my pension as aforestated-- and Mr. Wilson having
Page 42

done him the injury, by which in my extreme old age, when unable to work & earn his subsistence, felt bound, I presume, to attempt to restore to him his pension. Besides Mr. Wilson, other persons have acted as his agents, but he had not solicited their services. Yet of course felt anxious to have his pension, his only support in his declining days, restored to him. Mr. Nellis & Mr. Wilson and other agents, have applied, he is told, to Mr. Giles F. Yates of Schenectada N.Y. to aid him in this matter. Mr Yates is well known to him, and if and since he must apply himself, to regain what he has lost by & through others, it is his desire that he act as his attorney and he hereby revokes and annuls any and every other power of attorney by him heretofore given, & hereby appoints him and no other to act as his agent & attorney, to present his claim for restoration to the Pension list.
As to his services in the revolution, he served in the militia of Tryon County when not on duty in the Quarter Master Department, in the Companies commanded by Captains Nicholas Rector, Christian House, and others, also in detachments under command of Lieutenants Billington, Wagoner, & Shull -- He served in the Battle of Oriskany in the expeditions against Ross & Butler, when Col. Brown was killed, at Stone Arabia & adjacent forts, at the surrender of Sir John Johnson in January 1776, in all for more than six months. But he mainly relies on his service in the Quarter Master Department -- In the year 1776, he served in the Company of Batteaumen Commanded by Captain Evert Van Eps, commencing in the Spring of that year  when he enlisted in said Company and served for the whole of that season. In the year 1778, I served pursuant to enlistment in the Company of Batteaumen commanded by Captain John Laffler from the Spring of that year in the month of March when Leonard Crouse Sergeant of said Company enlisted him. When not on duty with the boats, or after navigation closed, he served out his time in performing fatigue duty at Coeymans & elsewhere. He served thus at least Eight months in 1776, and nine months in 1778. 
Dennis A.  his X mark  Flander
Witness -- Lucinda Flander
On this 18th day of November 1843, personally appeared before me the Subscriber, Dennis A. Flanders above named to me well known, and made oath that the facts set forth in the above statement by him signed are true, the said statement having been carefully read over to him & explained in my presince [sic].
Abm A Van Horne Justice of the Peace
State of New York}
County of Montgomery}Ss. I Henry Cook Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that Abraham A Van Horne Esq, before whom the above written statement was sworn, was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly appointed and qualified as such; and that the Signature above written Purporting to be his, is genuine. Witness my hand & official Seal this 18 day of November 1843.
H. Cook Clerk
Page 43

Mr. John I Failing & Frederick Baum residents of the Town of Oppenheim, County of Montgomery & State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Denis Augustus Flander who has Subscribed & Sworn to the foregoing declaration --that  we believe him to be Seventy four Years of age -- that he is reputed & believed  in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion --
Sworn & subscribed the} 
day & year aforesaid }  John J. Failing
Frederick his X mark Baum
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk

Montgomery County}
State of New York}SS. On this 21 day of Sept.1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for Said County Henry Flander aged about 73 Years who being first duly Sworn according to Law doth depose & say that he knows that the said Denis Augustus Flander served about Eight days in Capt. Nicholas Retchter' Company in Jacob Klock (Col.) Regt. from first of Augt.1777 to 8th of same month or thereabouts -- that he said Henry went as a soldier in the Same Company with said Denis Augustus Flander as far as Fort Herkimer (where he was taken sick & remained behind on the way to Fort Stanwix -- that the battle at Oriskany was fought during said time & said Denis Augustus returned after the battle of Oriskany where he saw him again --
that he knows that said Denis Augustus Flander Served in the Year 1776. as a boatman in Capt. Evert Van Eps' Company for about nine months -- that he saw him said Denis while in said Service repeatedly -- that he said Henry also Says that he knows that said Denis Flander Served about three months as a boatman in Capt. John Lefler' Company -- that he said Henry Served the same time in said Company as a boatman & said Denis was at Albany Serving as a boatman & the said Henry further says that he knows that Said Denis Augustus Served in the Militia Company of Capt. Nicholas Retchter' [illegible] Regt. of Col. Jacob Klock from about [illegible] May 1779. to the 20th May 1779. from what he then understood & believed  & still believes Serving about 3 or 4 days & the said Henry further says that the Said Denis Augustus Flander Served in the militia Company
Page 44

of John Hess Capt. from as near as he can recollect from May 1779 to the Year 1782 -- in the Regt. of Col. Jacob Klock -- that he said Henry served the most part of the time with the said Denis Augustus in the said Company & Regt. aforesaid -- that it was usual for about half of said Hess' Company to go on Scouting parties -- that in each month from 1779 to 1782 aforesaid about half of the time was Served by one half of said Company & the other half relieved  & served out the residue of said month while he served in it -- that he often went with the Said Denis Augustus on Scouting parties while in said Capt. Hess' Company -- & that he believes the said Denis Served half of the time from May 1779. to the Year 1782 in said Hess' Company on scouting parties as aforesaid -- 
Henry   his  X  mark   Flander
Sworn & Subscribed 
to this 27th day of Sept.
1832. before me in open Court
Geo. D. Ferguson, Clerk

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories presented by the war Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier; & served as he states -- & the Court further Certify that it appears to them that John J. Failing & Frederick Baum who Signed the foregoing Certificate are resident in the Town of Oppenheim, County of Montgomery & State aforesaid & are credible persons, & that their Statement is entitled to credit, -- and that no clergymen resides in the neighborhood of the applicant.

I, George D. Ferguson Clerk of the Said Court of Common Pleas in said County of Montgomery do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Denis Augustus Flander for a Pension --In testimony whereof I have hereunto [set?] my hand & Seal of office this 21st day of Sept. 1832 ---
Geo: D Ferguson

Denis Augustus Flanders}
Application for}
a Pension}
1162

Admitted 
Private 2 years
$80
Page 45

State of New York}
Montgomery County}S.S.
On this 1st day of April 1843 personally appeared before me James Wilson a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Dennis A Flander of the town of Oppenheim County of Fulton New York aged Eighty four years last past a pensioner of the United States or was until payment was stopped by order of Honr. J. L. Edwards in Decm. last doth upon his oath make the following supplementary deposition in order to correct and explain the deposition made by him this deponent in the case of Jacob H Walrath on or about the 9th day of November last past before J. Wilson Convr.[?] of Deeds in which he this deponent testified that he thought or believed that the whole length of time the said Walrath served under Captain Brodbeck in Col. Klocks Regiment of militia as a private in the three Campaigns of 1776-7 and 8 "was" in the whole Seven or Eight months he this deponent wishes to be understood instead of "was Seven or Eight months" may have been that length of time but that this deponent does not know it of his own knowledge and if in the deposition of November 9th he this deponent testified that he had served under the same officers and the same length of time as above mentioned he wishes to be understood that he served under the same Regiment officers such as Colonel and Major but that he never served under the same Captain as did Walrath and that he saw him once where the companies or Regiment were called out to defend this Country the year he this deponent does not recollect -- but it was in the vicinity of Johnstown or Caghnawaga - this tour lasted two or three days more or less -- this is the only service done by Walrath within the knowledge of this deponent -- And if in the deposition of Novr. 9th the deponent testified that Col Klock's Regiment was stationed at Palatine Stone Arabia or German Flatts for a stated time he wishes to correct it by testifying that -- he this deponent served at those last mentioned places when ordered out by his officers from two to five and from Six to twelve days more or less and that he deponent cannot precisely state the length of time he deponent served in those years above mentioned exclusive of the Batteaury Service and that he never saw the said Walrath in any engagement but he has been informed that the said Walrath was wounded in the battle of Oriskany but that he this deponent does not know it of his own knowledge and was so informed by said Warath soon after his (this deponents) return from said
Page 46

battle of Oriskany and that the deponent does not write his name and further saith not
Dennis A   his  X  mark   Flander
Sworn & Subscribed before
me this 1st day of April 1843
JaS Wilson Justice of the Peace

State of New York}S.S
Montgomery County}
I do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Dennis A Flanders who did Execute The foregoing Deposition by making his mark (after I had carefully read over & Explained Same to him) & I further certify That he is a man who cannot write his name but that he is a man of Truth & Veracity & That his Statements made understandingly are Entitled to full credence & belief
JaS Wilson Justice of the Peace
of St. Johnsville Monty. Co N.Y.

Montgomery County}
Clerks Office} I hereby certify that Jas. Wilson whose name appears to the above affidavid [sic] & Certificate, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the county duly Elected and qualified to act as Such, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing. and that the Signatures to Said Certificate and affidavid is his genuine hand writing.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my official Seal this 3rd day of April 1843. 
H. Cook Clerk
Page 47

State of New York}
Montgomery County}SS. John Nellis of the said County being duly Sworn, says that he this deponent prepared the original pension papers of Denis A. Flander then of the said County on which he obtained his Certificate Entitling him as a Soldier of the revolution to a full Pension -- that the said papers were prepared by him he thinks, at the Village of Johnstown during the sitting of the Court of Common Pleas of said County -- that there were many applicants attending the said Court in order to get their papers prepared to go before the said Court to swear to the same -- that the said Flander was among that number, & this deponent drew his papers he thinks at the time -- this deponent was then for many years previously residing in same town with him & still is acquainted with him -- that this deponent recollects that the said Flander among others, was then Considered by his Cotemporaries [sic] there attending & acquainted with him as having been a faithful & meritorious Soldier of the revolution & as having rendered Services Enough & more than Enough to Entitle him to full pay --that this deponent Considered that the said Flander' case was a clear one, & this Deponent' usual practice has been in Such Cases to notice & Set forth So much Services as would Clearly in his opinion Entitle the Soldier to full pay & [illegible] State [illegible] Services not necessary to Entitle the applicant to a full pension, unless the Services were more than ordinarily interesting that this deponent has no doubt whatever that after he had in preparing said papers, set forth & noticed Services of Mr. Flander Entitling him to full pay he omitted to notice Short tours of duty mentioned by him because it was his usual practice So to do, at the time rendered in a measure necessary by the great number of applicants attending Court & waiting to have their papers also prepared -- & further says that Mr Flander' character as a patriot & soldier has never been in any way impeached or slightly spoken of, to his knowledge --
John Nellis 
~
Sworn & Subscribed 
to before me this 18th September
1843 Bartholomeu Schram Justice
Page 48

State of New York} S.S.
Montgomery County} I, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County do hereby that I am well acquainted with John Nellis within named; and who made the within affidavit & that he is person of good Character & that is statement is entitled to full credit & belief; Given under my hand this 18th. day. of. September 1843
Bartholomew Schram. Justice
[Justice Schram must have been in a hurry because he left a couple of entire words out of his statement]

Montgomery County
Clerks Office Ss I do hereby Certify that Bartholomew Schram whose name is Subscribed to foregoing Jurat of an affidavit was at the time of taking said affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly Elected and qualified to act as such Justice, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to said affidavit is his genuine hand writing --
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of Said County this 18th day of September A.D. 1843
J. Cook Dep Clerk
the clerk being absent
Page 49

Tenis Flander
or
Denis Flander

Comptroller's certificate
~
No. 2.
Page 50

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
[Chart below has 5 columns; no headings; there is a checkmark at the end of each row]
1779. Decr 4. | 1285 Teanuse Flander private | £2. | 9. | 9.
" " " [1779. Decr 4.] | 1286 Hendk. Flander " [private] | " [£] 2.| 9. | 9.
" [1779] Augt 6 | 1375 Tunis Flander "[private] |  " [£] | 17. | 9.
" " " [1779 Augt 6] | 1376 Hendk. Flander " [private] | " [£] | 10 | 8
" " [1779 Augt] 18 | 1541 Tunis Flander    " [private] | " [£] 1 | 1 | 4
" " [1779 Augt] 18 | 1542 Hendk. Flander " [private] | " [£] 1 | 1 | 4
1 mo.  20 01 pri

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Oct 17th 1844.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. One now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
First-under Capt. John Hess in Col. Jacob Klock's Regt.
Second " " [-under Capt] Ditto [in Col.] Ditto Regt.
Third  " " [-under Capt] Ditto [in Col.] Ditto Regt.
Fourth  " " [-under Capt] Nich. Righter [in Col.] Ditto Regt.
Fifth  " " [-under Capt] Ditto [in Col.] Ditto Regt.
Sixth "  "     " "            
Seventh  "  "     " "   
Eighth "  "     " "   
Ninth "  "     " "   
Tenth  "  "     " "   

[Signed] Philip Phelps  Dep Comp
Page 51

In Chap 7
C Ellis

Dennis A. Flander
app. for restoration of 
Pension under act of 
7th June 1832.


J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr. of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.
Page 52

Schenectada N.Y. Dec 1st 1843
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions
Sir.
If you have no evidence that Evert Van Eps was a Captain in 1776, I think I can furnish it. The year that Laffler served with his Company of Batteaumen was 1778. I presume some confusion has arisen in consequence of representing Capt. Laffler as having served in 1777 & 1779. What year is asserted in the papers of Dennis A. Flander whose application accompanied this letter I do not know, but Mr Flander's recollection is clear as to the year 1778.
It will be seen that the applicant claims only about 6 months service as a militia man - The balance of his claim is for service in the Quarter Master Department.
As to his militia service I have the same plea to urge in relation to it, as in the case of Sarah Widow of John T. Leonardson sent by this day's mail.
In answering a previous letter in reference to this claim you very justly declined corresponding with me for the reason that there were two or three other agents engaged in prosecuting the claim. Under the circumstances detailed in the statement enclosed I trust you will be induced to review the case, and restore the poor old gentleman, ignorant but honest as he is, to his place on the pension Roll.
I am your obt. Servt
G. F. Yates
Page 53

St. Johnsville Monty, Co N.Y.
Sept 20th 1843
Sir
I receiv,d your letter of the 19th ult in the case of Dennis A Flander whose pension has been suspended  
as I have been for many years well acquainted with the applicant & [illegible] affirm the uniformly good character he has borne as a meritorious Soldier of the Revolution among his cotemporaries, I cannot forbear urging his case upon the further consideration of the department. I do think (perhaps erroneously) that the dept does not make sufficient allowance for his being an illiterate man of great age, laboring under the infirmities of mind & memory normally attending those of his age; & for the nature of his services rendered, on the then frontiers harrassed by almost continually apprehended dangers; & by frequent incursions of the wily Indians & for the great length of time since those services were rendered Consisting of repeated short tours of duty: & that at a time when a verry loose and unsettled State of things prevailed. It seems to me that the discrepencies in his Statements alluded to in your letter, should be viewed as naturally arising from the above circumstances -- such in fact as would arise in almost every similar Case resting as his different Statements do; merely in his opinion or belief [opinion and belief both underlined] of the several times when & how long [times when and how long all four underlined] each tour of service was rendered; If no considerable discepencies existed under the circumstances It would I think afford presumptive evidence that he had testified from a copy of his original declaration, kept by him; Had more evidence been required of him at the time his original papers for a pension were presented; it would & could have been furnished; but now he finds as every other of his cotemporaries would find; that his Companions in arms have nearly all gone to their long holme, and where he must soon join them -- The delay on the part of the Department so long, must operate although
[all deviations from modern spelling are in the original document, and not from the transcribing process]
Page 54

not intended, with great severity & injustice in his case; I have seen & conversed with John Nellis Esq; who drew the Flanders original pension papers & obtained his affidavit -- (which is enclosed) to account among other things; for the discepencies or difficulties alluded to by the department; in relation especially to the service rendered in the years 1777, 1779, 1780, & 1781; I presume the department in its letter to me only meant to say that the settlements in the Comptrollers books were considered conclusive as against the applicants own oath but liable to be explained & even corrected by testimony & circumstances corroborating the applicants statements if furnished to the satisfaction of the depart.  I do think that there may perhaps be found some still living who served with him those years on some of the short tours stated by him 
Will the department advise me whether such testimony would be receivd If it can be furnished. The discepency alluded to in the letter of the depart. as to his services as a Boatman under Capt Van Eppes in 1776 is that in his original declaration; he stated  the length of these services at 12 months & in his recent affidavit at least 9 or 10 months. I am inclined to believe that the applicant was mistaken in his original declaration; as to the length of his enlistment & service & that from the nature of those services, he was enlisted for 9 months & served that period; & that his recent affidavit is correct in  that respect. If the depart are satisfied in that respect the applicant should be content with 9 months; allowance, under Capt Van Eppes, unless he can adduce Satisfactory testimony to the contrary which I am not prepared to say he can do 
A discepancy also exists in regard to his services as a Boatman under Capt. Leffler as is alleged in the last letter of the dept; I do not know what testimony he furnished as to his services under Capt Leffler but the applicant has since the receipt of the letter
Page 55

from the department informed me that according to his recollection he enlisted for 9 or 10 months in this service & that he served the whole of said period that is about 3 months at Boating and the remainder of the term he was ordered by Capt Leffler into different service than that of boating viz to picking oakum and making shoes he being (as well as Capt Leffler) a shoemaker by trade or occupation that he well recollects returning with some of his companions at the end of said enlistment to his holme about 60 miles west of Albany --
Mr Nellis who drew his original papers cannot recollect the particulars of any of his tours of duty as he has informed me as they were stated to him; & the applicant is therefore probably the only person Capable of testifying to the particulars,
Will the department examine all the testimony furnished when his pension papers were originally made out as to those services -- 
I presume there must be some mistake occasionally, when his original papers were prepared by Mr Nellis; in not Considering him entitled to pay for the time he was engaged, as a shoemaker etc; or omitting it as was Mr Nellis' practice; Mr Flander had possibly shown enough without it to entitle him to full pay
The question in my mind is whether he is entitled to pay for the 6 out of the 9 months he was making shoes etc; according to the orders & directions of his Capt
Will the department advise me on that point -- I have given in this letter freely my views with such explanations as I have been able to obtain & enclose the affidavit of Mr Nellis
I think it Cannot be deemed improper for the department to examine all the testimony in the case furnished when his original papers were prepared and since with my views Contained in this letter & affidavit of Mr Nellis -- and therefore allow him what is satisfactory & inform me thereof as well as to inform me what is rejected & for what reason etc. This Course would enable me to bring the matter to a close in some way for the old Soldier
Yours with Propriety
John Wilson
Honr J.L. Edwards Comr of Pensions
Page 56

St. JohnsVille
June 29th. N.Y. 
July 1, 1843
N.Y.
Dennis A. Flanders
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Free (top corner)
Page 57

St Johns Ville 28th June 1843
Dr Sir
Enclosed I send you the affidavit of Dennis A Flander containing a statement of the period length and grade of each term with the names of officers etc with the letter of the Secretary of State and Comptroller annexed as required by your letter to him of Decr 17th 1842. You are probably aware that no record evidence exists in the Comptollers Office previous to 1778 they having been destroyed as I am informed.
Please direct -- as usual
John Willson
Honr. J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Page 58

[main section, right side up]
Free
Honr. 
J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington
D.C

[left side, at 90 degrees, starting with printed bold-faced]
ST JOHNSVILLE NY.
Aug 9th
Aug 11 1843[barely legible, but probably]
NY
D. A. Flanders
[and in very light script] Jm ar[maybe]
Page 59

St Johns Ville August 8th 1843
Dr Sir
On the 28th or 29th of June I sent you a letter in which was enclosed the affidavit of Dennis A Flander and the letter or Certificate of the Secretary of State as you requested him in yours of Decr. 17th 1842 to which no answer has been had as yet.  after waiting double the usual length of time and not getting a return from Washington the old soldier became impatient and wished me to write you to know what hindered him from receiving an answer to his letter of June 28th or 29th. Accordingly I wrote to you on the 24th ult with the Comptrollers certificate enclosed stating to you that no answer had been received and to this last letter no returns has been receiv,d the old soldier being wholly dependent upon his pension for his support which has been stopped since Decr. last is very anxious to have his case attended to  -- I hope you will pardon me for writing you this second letter in order to get an answer to that of June 28th or 9th. But I have to do business for a Soldier of between 80 & 90 years old which I think you will appreciate. Yours with Esteem
John Wilson
Honr. J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Page 60

[Left margin]
St. Johns Ville
July 24, N.Y.

[Central address]
Honr. 
J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.

[Right side]
July 26 1843
NY D. A. Flander's 
Case N.Y.
Page 61

St Johns ville 24th July 1843
Dr Sir
On the 29 ult I sent you a letter enclosing the affidavit of Dennis A Flander and the letter of the Secretary of State as you requested him in yours of 17th Febr 1842
to which letter as above stated I have received no answer as yet owing probably to its being mislaid or miscarried. I have enclosed in this the letter of the Compt which I have received since I last wrote it is the same in substance as that of the secretarys sent you on the 29th ult excepting that in this he (the Comptroller) says there never were any Records of Batteaux services in said office. If you have answered the letter of the 29th ult then this will need no answer. if not write me so that I can inform Mr Flander
Yours with Esteem
John Wilson

Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 62

Ul. [or Ml]
Sep 22, 1843
Add evidence case
Dennis A Flanders
N.Y.

ST JOHNSVILLE NY.  free
Sept 20th

Honorable
J.L. Edwards 
Comm. of pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 63

St Johns Ville Sept 21st 1143 [1843, but it looks like 1143 to me]

Sir[Looks more like Hi, but I don't think that would be the case]

Enclosed I send you a letter with my views and requests and the affidavit of John Nellis in the Case of D A Flander

Yours etc
John Wilson

Honr
J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 64

Free
Hon.
John C Spencer
Secretary of War
Washington D.C.

{upside down on facing page}
St. Johnsville, NY
Aug 23/43
B. Schram
As to Restoration of Dennis
Flander's pension roll.
S2sg[?] Rec Aug 29, 43[presumably]
Pension [the last syllable I'm sort of sure about, and I'm guessing at the first syllable from context] office
NY


[Sideways on left margin]
ST JOHNSVILLE NY
Aug 24th
Page 65

Honorable John. C. Spencer; Secretary of War.
Sir
Mr. Dennis Flander a Revolutionary pensioner has requested me to write to you concerning his pension being stoped, he has drawn pension something like 10-or 12 years. It appears that om. John Wilson tried to get pension for Jacob Walrath and drew up an affidavit for Mr Flander and stated in said affidavit that he has seen said Walrath in several battles during the Revolutionary War,. Mr Flander informs that he is illiterate and cannot read nor right that said Wilson red the affidavit to him different what it contained. Mr Flander made oath to the paper, presented to him by said Wilson, Mr. Flander informs me that he never see Walrath in any engagement during said war, Mr. Flander is an aged man 85 years old. he is very poor although an honourable man. I want you to inform me whether he can draw his pension or not, He has been deceived by Wilson in making is affidavit for Walrath. he can not live without his pension, he was a faithful soldier during the war which can be proved without hesitation from the beginning of the war till the end, You will therefore not hesitate informing me the reason why the old gentleman is deprived from his pension also what mode must be adopted to regain the same. Yours etc.
Bartholomew Schram --
August 23rd. 1843
St Johnsville
Montgomery County N.Y.
Page 66

service  number

New York  Flanders, Dennis A.  S. 15123

Carded
contents

[transcribed contents below, starting with the address of the intended recipient]

Hon
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C

[and on the left the return address and date sent; same script as above]

St John Ville
April 5th}

[and on the left, written at 90 degrees, in a different hand, the date of the receipt?]

Apl 10 1843
NY
D. A. Flanders
J. H. Walrath
Page 67

St Johns Ville April 5th 1843
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 15th ultimo I enclose the supplementary deposition of D A Flander; and hope: if the corrections and Explanations are satisfactory and do not essentially conflict with his own declaration on file, you will be pleased to reinstate him in his pension
Since D A Flander  has corrected his deposition of Nov.. 9th, in the case of Jacob H Walrath, as is stated: in the enclosed supplementary deposition the claim of Jacob H Walrath will be forever abandoned
Please answer this letter as soon as you can consistantly so that D A Flander need not remain longer in suspense   Treat me as usual[This doesn't make any sense-- it could be Great rather than Treat, or it could be some other word I just can't figure out] 
Yours Respectfully,
John Wilson
Honr J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 68

service  number

New York  Flanders, Dennis A.  S. 15123

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[I'm not sure what's up with the above, but below is a transcription of the contents of the image]
[starting  with the right-side-up contents]

Free
James L Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington 
D.C
~~
St John Ville NY}
March 21/43

[continuing with the date and subject on the left half of the image, written at 90 degrees to the first inscription]

Mar 27 1843
NY
Dennis Flander
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Page 69

service  number

New York  Flanders, Dennis A.  S. 15123

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Page 70

State of New York } SS
Montgomery County} On this 26th day of June A.D. 1843 personally appeared before me James Wilson a Justice of the Peace in and for Montgomery County Dennis A Flander a resident of the town of Oppenheim County of Fulton and State aforesaid aged Eighty four years last past who being first duly Sworn according to law says that he entered the service of the United States in the winter of 1775 - & that he was ordered out by Genl Schuyler and paraded on the ice at Caughnewaga under Captain Nicholas Richter & John Shull first Lieut that he was one of six men at that time selected to ascertain the views of Sir John Johnson at Johnson Hall & that the company was headed by Col Cox he thinks as said Cox took an active part in the interview which lasted two or three days -- That early in the Spring of 1776 he enlisted under Captain Evart Van Eppes in the Batteaux service for one year he thinks or for the season and served at least nine or ten months and that the freight taken at Schenectady and destined for Fort Stanwix consisted of provisions ammunition & that he returned holme about  the last of December of said year
That in the year 1777 h served at the house of a Mr Haring in Dilleburg (so called) under Capt N Richter about four days 
the next service he did was at the house of John Kessler in German Flatts under Capt Hess or Richter about nine days - he next served at Fort Hess assisting to build the same in company he thinks with Daniel Hess and Christopher Fox who was a committee man he thinks about seven days at one time and about two weeks more at at different times that he was next engaged in the Battle of Oriskany under Capt N Richter in going and returning about six or Eight days that he next served at the home of Mr Keller on the south side of the Mohawk River about Eight days under Capt House or Richter and that he also did duty about two weeks at Fort Paris under Capt Hess at Stone Arabia in Col Klocks Regiment the whole length
Page 71

State of New York } SS
Montgomery County} On this 26th day of June A.D. 1843 personally appeared before me James Wilson a Justice of the Peace in and for Montgomery County Dennis A Flander a resident of the town of Oppenheim County of Fulton and State aforesaid aged Eighty four years last past who being first duly Sworn according to law says that he entered the service of the United States in the winter of 1775 - & that he was ordered out by Genl Schuyler and paraded on the ice at Caughnewaga under Captain Nicholas Richter & John Shull first Lieut that he was one of six men at that time selected to ascertain the views of Sir John Johnson at Johnson Hall & that the company was headed by Col Cox he thinks as said Cox took an active part in the interview which lasted two or three days -- That early in the Spring of 1776 he enlisted under Captain Evart Van Eppes in the Batteaux service for one year he thinks or for the season and served at least nine or ten months and that the freight taken at Schenectady and destined for Fort Stanwix consisted of provisions ammunition & that he returned holme about  the last of December of said year
That in the year 1777 h served at the house of a Mr Haring in Dilleburg (so called) under Capt N Richter about four days 
the next service he did was at the house of John Kessler in German Flatts under Capt Hess or Richter about nine days - he next served at Fort Hess assisting to build the same in company he thinks with Daniel Hess and Christopher Fox who was a committee man he thinks about seven days at one time and about two weeks more at at different times that he was next engaged in the Battle of Oriskany under Capt N Richter in going and returning about six or Eight days that he next served at the home of Mr Keller on the south side of the Mohawk River about Eight days under Capt House or Richter and that he also did duty about two weeks at Fort Paris under Capt Hess at Stone Arabia in Col Klocks Regiment the whole length
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2
of time he served during said year 1777 amounting to two or three months
That in the next year 1778 he enlisted under Captain Leffler (he thinks his Christian name was John) in the Batteaux services and took freight from Schenectady to Fort Stanwix and the intermediate places and for some time from Coeymans to Albany - freight consisted of wood for the use of of the army. That he enlisted for one year or for the season of boating under the said Leffler and served as above stated nine or ten months 
that he returned holme about Christmas or New Years day and that Henry Glenn was the commissary at Schenectady
That in the 1779 the first service rendered was at Krings Bush under Capt Waggoner (he thinks his Christian name was George) to remove the corpse of Joseph Davis to Fort Hess for burial about two days - he next served at Garoga Creek under Cap Nicholas Richter (who was wounded at the same time) and he remained there on duty about Eight days in all. being relieved Once within the time  - the next service he did he thinks as a draft under Capt Christian House at Fort Brell or Fort Cox in the Royal Grant was on duty about two weeks and then returned holme and that he also servd under Capt N Richter about ten days at Fort Dayton or Herkimer and five or Six days at Johnstown or Mayfield under Captain Getman he thinks but is not sure it was that officer but is positive he served the length of time as just stated and that he also did duty at Fort Plain he thinks in this year about two weeks under Capt Waggoner - That he also served in the same year he thinks under Capt House in the vicinity of Little Falls & herkimer as a scout about Eight days and also served about three days at Bowmans Creek under Col Klock in the above year he thinks to protect the inhabitants from being plundered etc the whole of the service
Page 73

done during the year 1779 was in Col Klocks Regiment and about three months in all as near as he can remember
that in 1780 he did duty as a private in the militia at the house of Geo Countryman used as a fort under Capt Waggoner and served about fourteen days - the next service was guarding Boats to Fort Stanwix under Capt House or Waggoner and did duty ten or twelve days he was next engaged in the skirmish against Sir John Johnson when he passed up the Mohawk river and served under Capt Waggoner he thinks two or three days and that he served under Lieut. Billington at Sharon Six or Eight days and arrested John Clouse a tory and brought him before the Committee at Col Waggoners at Stone Arabia also one day at a place called Mother Creek under Capt Waggoner he thinks and two days at Timermans Creek [Timmerman] under the same officer and also served Six or Eight days at the home of Mr Fry and in the vicinity to arrest a tory whose name he thinks was Cook - the above service was rendered in Col Klocks and Col Waggoner Regiment - the whole length of time served this year was about two months
That in the 1781 he was in the battle of Johnstown when Major Ross and Captain Butler came from Canada under Captain Waggoner or House in Col Willets Regiment that the length of time he served during this year at various places under the above officers was about two months chiefly at Fort Hess and Fort Paris at Stone arabia and he has no doubt that some other services he has done during the Revolution has passed his recollection from the lapse of time but he verily believes that the whole length of time he did duty in the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1783 in the capacity of Batteauxman and private in the militia would amount to three years and that he has no documentary evidence and that he has caused the secretary of State & Comptroller to be written to and their answer is hereunto annexed and that      
3
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4
he has been audibly informed that there are no records of services in the Comptrollers offices prior to 1778 and that he does not write his name by makes his mark
Sworn & Subscribed This 26th day}
of June 1843 before me}
JAS Wilson Justice of the Peace}

Dennis A his X mark Flanders

State of New York} SS~
Montgomery County} This is to certify that the above named Dennis A Flanders to me personally known came before me & made Oath in due form of Law to the foregoing Affidavit & I know the Said Dennis A Flanders to be a respectable person of Sound Mind & his Statements are Entitled to full evidence & beleif & that he cannot write his name (for want of Education) but made his mark to the foregoing June 26th 1843
JAS Wilson Justice of the Peace
~~

Montgomery County}
Clerks office}
I Henry Cook Clerk of Said county do hereby certify that Jas Wilson whose name is Subscribed to the above Certificate and the above Pierat [I'm not sure if this word starts with a P or an F, or the rest of the spelling for that matter, and I have no idea if it's a real word -- perhaps some sort of legal concept] of Affidavit was at the date of Said Certificate & Pierat a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County duly Elected and qualified to act as Such and the Signatures thereto are genuine,
In Testimony whereof I have affixed the Seal of the County of Montgomery hereunto and Subscribed my name the 26th day of June 1843.
J.H. Cook, Clerk
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service  number

New York  Flanders, Dennis A.  S. 15123

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New York  Flanders, Dennis A.  S. 15123

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July 25 43
Dennis A. Flander
Jed Wolcott

St Johns Ville May 23d
M Free 
Hon. J. L. Edwards 
pension Commissioner 
Washington City.
Page 78

Palatine, Mongomery Co., N. Y.
May 22, 1843
Sir .
Mr. Denis A Flander, a Soldier of the revolution, obtained a certificate for a Pension bearing date April 3. 1833. allowing him $80. per year. He did draw his pension money under said Certificate until about a year since, when it was suspended by the Depart. The reason of the suspension is contained in a Letter from the Depart. under date of Decr. 17. 1842. This Letter was not recd. as Mr. Flander has informed me until sometime in the Course of the present spring. I have been personally acquainted with Mr. Flander for many years & can state that he is about 85 Years of age, neither able to read or write & liable to be imposed upon. He has informed me that a neighbor of his, in whom, he thinks he had placed perhaps too much Confidence, called on him & wanted him to make an affdt. to support the pension application of one Jacob H. Walrath. He has no recollection whatever what facts he was Sworn  to in said affdt. as he says & I have no doubt, & thinks he may have been imposed upon or misunderstood the contents of this affdt. He wishes & public justice may require that the contents of said affdt. should be known to ascertain whether the old & illiterate Soldier was imposed upon or not.
I would therefore request, if consistent with your duty, to transmit me a Copy of his affdt. for him. I write this at his request, & hope the Depart. will gratify his wishes & that of his friends. Please to address this as soon as may be Convenient.
Yours &c.
John Nellis
~