Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 9392, Benjamin Cox, Vt.
Page 1

(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Vt.|Cox, Benjamin|W.9392|
[blank]|Irene or Irena|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
Page 2

Vermont 32,417 Rep
Benjamin Cox of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cox of the regt. commanded by [blank] in the Vt. militia line for 6 months & 4 days
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier at the rate of 20 Dollars 44 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of February 1846 and sent to Hon. J. Collamer, House of Representatives
______
Arrears to the 4th of March 1846 306:60
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 10:00
$316:60
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D Brown Clerk,
Book E2. Vol. 3. Page 60.
Page 3

3181
Vermont Montpelier
Irene Cox widow of Benjamin Cox Vt who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 20 day of March 1854 and sent to Jesse A. Gove Concord N.H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 27 Vol. A
32
Page 4

Benj'a Cox.
April 11 1836
Ref'd to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
Dec. 19 1836
Ref'd to the Committee on Rev'y Pensions
Feb 16. 1837 Com'ee disch'd to be 
Feb'y 17 1838 
Report & C. W on Bill 176
Jan. 4, 1840 - Ref'd under Resol. to the Comm'ee on Rev. pensions
July 10. 1840 - Reports [illegible]
Montpelier, Vt.
Page 5

1
State of Vermont
Windsor County} ss Reported against 1838 - the time of service to short - 
On this ninth day of August A.D. 1832, personally appeared in Open Court, before the Judge of the Probate Court of Hartford District, now sitting, Benjamin Cox, a resident of the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged sixty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7' 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - That he moved into Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, with his father when he was in his tenth year of age - and that he lived there when the Indians came to Barnard in the year 1780 - That he was then fourteen years old - His father was at this time a captain in the militia - I went with him as waiter, and served as such from the 12th day of August 1780 to the month of December following building a Fort at Barnard, and stayed in this service until the company was dismissed which was in December above stated I was out in this tour of duty about four months. 
In the year 1781 Lieut Beriah Green had orders to enlist a company to go to Corinth and I enlisted as fifer for four months, and marched from Barnard in December of that year - we were marched first to Woodstock
Page 6

2
and joined the rest of the company which was made up of the towns of Woodstock & Pomfret. We went from thence to Hartford and there crossed Connecticut River and up the river to Piermont in New Hampshire, where we again crossed the Connecticut river and went to the Fort at Corinth where he stayed about one month - He returned home on account of the shortness of provisions at the Fort - stayed a few days and returned to the Fort where we stayed a short time we were marched from there to Bethel and stayed until our times were out, making in this tour and in this service at this time four months.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any state.
/s/Benj'n Cox
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
/s/L. A. Marsh, Register
We, Preston Taylor, a Clergyman, residing in Barnard and Joseph B. Danforth residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Cox who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 66 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
/s/Preston Taylor
/s/Jos. B. Danforth
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid. } /s/L. A. Marsh, Register
Page 7

3
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. An the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Preston Taylor who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Barnard, and that Jos. B. Danforth who has also signed the same, is a resident in Barnard, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
[facsimile: 'Seal' affixed] I, Lyndon A. Marsh, Register, of the Court of Probate of the District of Hartford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 183[blank]
/s/L. A. Marsh, Register
I certify that the foregoing pages numbered from one to three, inclusive, are truly copied from the originals in the Pension Office
/s/J. L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions
April 9, 1836.
Page 8

State of Vermont.
Secretary of State's Office, 
Montpelier, March 8th, 1852.
I hereby certify that John Porter, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the accompanying certificates, is and was at the date thereof a Judge of Probate, for the district of Hartford, in Windsor County and, also, he was a Justice of the Peace, within and for said County, duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given. 
I also certify that Freeman Holt, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to an accompanying certificate, is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace, within and for the said County of Windsor, duly elected and qualified, and that to his official acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given. 
[official seal affixed] Given under my hand and the seal of this office, this the 8th day of March, A.D. 1852.
/s/Daniel P. Thompson
Secretary of State per George R. Thompson Deputy
Page 9

POWER OF ATTORNEY. 
REVOLUTIONARY PENSION CLAIM. 
Know all Men by these Presents, That I Irena Cox of Royalton in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont do hereby constitute and appoint Jesse A. Gove irrevocably my true and lawful agent and attorney to prosecute my claim for ['any amount of' crossed out] Revolutionary Pension or Increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said agent to examined all the papers and documents of every description in relation to said claim that may be on file in the departments at Washington City or elsewhere; to file any additional evidence or arguments that can be obtained, and to receive the certificate which may issue for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable to myself; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might do were I personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said agent and attorney shall lawfully do in the premises. 
Witness my hand and seal this 23 day of August A.D. 1853 
/s/Irene Cox
/s/X her mark Irene Cox
Signed and sealed in presence of 
/s/Sarah M. Pierce
/s/A. C. Mosher
STATE OF Vermont
Windsor COUNTY, ss: On this twenty third day of August A.D. 1853, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Irene Cox and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to he her free act and deed for the purposes therein expressed. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year above mentioned.
/s/Freeman Holt Justice of the Peace.
Page 10

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 2d Section of the act of 3d February 1858: - 
State of Vermont
County of Windsor} On this seventeenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me John Porter, Judge of Probate for the District of Hartford, Vermont, Irene Cox a Resident of Royalton in the County of Windsor and state aforesaid, aged seventy seven years, who, first being duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oath, make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed February 3d 1853: granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war: that she is the widow of Benjamin Cox, who was a Soldier and Pensioner, and at the time of his death, in receipt of a Pension from the United States Government, at the (over)
Page 11

rate of twenty Dollars & forty four cents per annum: She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Cox on the twenty ninth day of November eighteen hundred and thirty seven. 
That her said husband died on the fifteenth day of May AD. 1847: That she was not married to him prior to the second of January eighteen hundred: but at the time above stated: she further declares that she is now a widow: - 
/s/X her mark Irene Cox
/s/John Porter
/s/Freeman Holt
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this day and year above written, and I certify that the said Irene Cox is a credible person, and entitled to full credit, and belief: That she is unable from bodily infirmity to affirm in open court: I further certify that I have no interest in the result of her case nor am I concerned in its prosecution.
/s/John Porter Judge
Page 12

I further certify that the above affiant cannot from bodily infirmity appear in open court
/s/John Porter Judge
Page 13

I Peletiah Metcalf of Sharon, in the county of Windsor, and state of Vermont depose and say that I am the Town clerk of Sharon aforesaid and have in my official custody the Record of Marriages of said Town, and after diligent search, duly made, I cannot find the marriage of Benjamin Cox to Irena Shephard on Record: nor is it any where to be found: I further say that I am disinterested in any case in which this affidavit is to be used:
/s/Pelatiah Metcalf Town Clerk

State of Vermont,
Windsor, ss. Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this seventeenth day of February A.D. 1854 and I certify that I have no interest in this case in which this affidavit is to be used as evidence:
/s/Freeman Holt Justice of the Peace
& I certify that the above affiant is a credible witness. That I have
Page 14

I Allen Cox of Barnard in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont depose and say that I well knew Benjamin Cox in his lifetime. That he was a pensioner of the United States, at the rate of twenty dollars & forty-four cents, per annum; under the act of 7th June, 1832: - That he Died at my house on the fifteenth day of May A.D. 1847: That he left a widow Irene Cox who still survives him and is now a widow, that she married said Benjamin Cox in Sharon, the very last day of November AD 1837: of the exact day I am not positive, but it was in the month of November aforesaid, immediately after their marriage they moved into my house, where they lived together as man and wife; I further say that I have no interest in the result of her application for a pension
/s/Allen Cox
State of Vermont,
Windsor ss. Subscribed & duly sworn to before me, this 17th day of February AD 1854 & I certify that the above affiant is a credible witness. That I have
Page 15

no interest in the result of her application nor am I concerned in its prosecution.
you sign /s/Freeman Holt Justice of the Peace

I Catherine Cox, wife of the above named Allen depose & say that I fully concur with the material facts expressed in his affidavit & in relation to the date of marriage 
I further say that they came to our house the day after marriage and they came on the last day of November 1837: That he died on the 15th day of May 1847: that at the time of his death he drew $20.44 per annum; that I was present at his death & funeral. That I am disinterested.
/s/Catherine Cox
State of Vermont,
Windsor ss. Subscribed & duly sworn to before me this 17th of February A.D. 1852: and I certify that the above affiant is a credible witness. 
/s/Freeman Holt Justice of the Peace
Page 16

I Sarah M. Pierce of Royalton, in the County of Windsor, in the state of Vermont of Lawful age, depose and say that I well knew Benjamin Cox in his lifetime, That he married Irene Shephard of Sharon, on or about the 29th of November, AD 1837. the day I cannot testify to and that I was present at the marriage, That he left a widow - Irene Cox, and she still remains his widow.
I further say that I am disinterested in this case or any one where this affidavit is to be used and as evidence
/s/Sarah M. Pierce
State of Vermont
Windsor ss. 
Subscribed and duly sworn to, before me, this 17th day of February AD 1854: and I certify that the above affiant is a credible witness:
/s/John Porter Justice of the Peace
Page 17

COX, BENJAMIN (VT.) W 9392
Page 18

THOMAS CHITTENDEN, Esq; Captain General, Governor and Commander in Chief, in and over the State of Vermont.
To Benjamin Cox Esquire
YOU are being elected Captain of a Company of Rangers in Maj. Allen's Detachment for the Defence of the frontier of this State; Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, I do by these Presents, in the name of the Freemen of this State, authorise and impower You to take charge of said Company as their Captain You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain of said Company by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging: And I do strictly chare and require all Officers, and Soldiers, under your command  to be obedient to your orders as Captain and you are to observe and obey such orders and directions from time to time as You shall receive from me the Governor of this State for the time being, or other your Superior Officers, according to the rules and Discipline of War, and the Laws of this State.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of this State, in Council, this 21st Day of August 1780
/s/Thos. Chittenden
By his EXCELLENCYs Command.
/s/Joseph Taylor Jr.
[receipt stamp: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES]
Page 19

Benj'a Cox - No. 5456
Page 20

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
/s/Benj'a Cox
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
/s/L. A. Marsh, Register
We, Preston Taylor a Clergyman residing in Barnard and Joseph B. Danforth residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Cox who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 66 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
/s/Preston Taylor
/s/Jos. B. Danforth
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
/s/L. A. Marsh, Register
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Preston Taylor who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Barnard and that Jos. B. Danforth who has also signed the same, is a resident in Barnard and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Lyndon A. Marsh  Register of the Court of Probate of the District  of Hartford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a Pension.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 183[blank]
/s/L.A. Marsh, Register
Page 21

STATE OF VERMONT,
WINDSOR COUNTY, ss. }
On this Ninth day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Probate Court of Hartford District now sitting, Benjamin Cox, a resident of the county of Windsor and State of Vermont, aged sixty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he moved into Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont with his father when he was in his tenth year of age - and that he lived there when the Indians came to Barnard in the year 1780 - That he was then fourteen years old - His father was at this time a Captain in the Militia - I went with him as waiter, and served as such from the 12th day of August 1780 to the month of December following building a fort at Barnard and stayed in this service untill the company was dismissed which was in December above stated - I was out in this tour of duty about four months - 
In the year 1781 Lieut Beriah Green had orders to enlist a company to go to Corinth and I enlisted as fifer for four months, and marched from Barnard in December of that year - we were marched first to Woodstock, and joined the rest of the company which was made up of the Towns of Woodstock and Pomfret - We went from thence to Hartford and there crossed Connecticut River and up the River to Piermont in New Hampshire where we again crossed the Connecticut River and went to the Fort at Corinth where he stayed about done month - He returned home on account of the shortages of provisions at the Fort - stayed a few days and returned to the Fort where we stayed a short time - we were marched from there to Bethel and stayed untill our times were out making in this tour and in this service at this time four months -
Page 22

Pension Office
March 14/54
[margin notes: 15 March 20.44 4m D7]
Sir
Please report time of last to, or death of, within named pensioner
Your &c. &c. 
/s/S. Cole for Comm.
F. Burt Esqr
3 aud Present 
Benjamin Cox Act 1832 $20.44, per annum, pd to 4 March 1847. No death
/s/F Burt Auditor
Page 23

Benjamin Cox - Vermont.
Suspended
Hon. Horace Everett
10th Oct'r 1834
Page 24

Vermont
Benjamin Cox
-Rejected-
2348
See letter marked on the [illegible]
Enclosed
Letters - H Everett HR apl 9 1836
Let to John [illegible] April 15, 1843
[illegible]
Page 25

Benjamin Cox 
Private 6 months 4 days
$20:44 per an.
Act 7 June 1832 
Montpelier Vt. roll
Page 26

Vermont
Benj: Cox
Rejected
1st term of srv. not within the law applicant 14 yrs was not mil. srv.
2nd & lst out 4 mos in length
See let to G. E. Wales Sept 5. 1833
See letter H Everett 12th Dec'r 1833
Hon. H. Everett
Mar. 14th 1834
Page 27

[typewritten letter]
[margin notes: C & D own]
Holyoke, Mass. 
June 3, 1895. 
Commissioner of Pensions,
[receipt stamp: U. S. PENSION OFFICE I JUNE 6 1895]
[receipt stamp: U. S. P. B. OLD WAR & NAVY FILES JAN 8 1895]

Dear Sir: - 
I would like the Military record of [margin note: (4] George Cox served in Fort Defiance, in Barfield, Vt. 1780-3
Drew a Pension, Aug 22 1813 to date from Mar 4, 1831, allowence $56.66. [margin note: 7] per year, private, Vt Malitia, age 72 &c.
I learned this much from an old book but do not know how accurate it is His brother younger served at the same place but not till 1783, drew a pension but I have no date of his record and it is these two brothers that I want the records for permanent place in a history of the town of Barnard, Vt, now being prepared. The brother's name was 
[margin note: (2)] Benjamin Cox. They served under their father Captain Benjamin Cox who commanded at the fort. I suppose that the Captain would not have any record at that office as he died in 1788 before pensions were thought of I presume. I wish also the record of 
[margin note: (3] Samuel Downing, died 1866 aged 105 years, enlisted in Charlestown, N. H., I suppose settled in Edenburg, N. Y. born in Newport, Mass 1781; said to be the last Revolutionary pensioner and I want to know if Samuel Downing was the last revolutionary pensioner; that is the saying in the family but I know not whether it is true. He was a relative of my family and he must be put on record in the family history, Congress adjourned at his death. He was on exhibition at Barnums after he was 100 and celebrated his 100 birth day by cutting down and up a tree at the celebration given by the town on that occasion.
There are  3 questions
(1) George Cox's military history;
(2) Benjamin Cox's military history;
(3) Samuel Downings military history and if he was the last rev pensioner.
Sincerely yours,
/s/Dr Gardner Cox
Holyoke, Mass.
Page 28

['Acts of July 14, 1862 and March 3, 1873' crossed out]
2398
P.O. Benjamin Cox
Service: [blank]
Enlisted: [blank], 18[blank]
Discharged: [blank], 18[blank]
REJECTED
Page 29

[verso]
Hist. to Dr. Gardner Holyoke Mass. M.C.L.
Sept 29-1900 Date of building [illegible] Vt as shown by this case

[center]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9392 [initials: own]
Irina Cox Wid" Benjamin Cox Privt Rev War.
Act: Febry 3d 1853
Index: - Vol. A, Page 145
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
July 20/95 Cox, [illegible]
To above Fort at [obscured]
papers in
Page 30

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Hon. H Everett
Page 31

Very respectfully 
H. Everett
J L Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Page 32

J L Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Page 33

J L Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Page 34

Com'r of Pensions
Page 35

[handwritten letter]
Washington 12 Dec 1833

Sir
I retain the papers of Benj'a Cox - for further consideration - and refer to the additional testimony handed you yesterday - which I think will obviate the objection as to his age - It will appear from the testimony that the [illegible] did duty as a soldier - & was of ability to do duty as such.
Yours respectfully
/s/H. Everett
J L Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Page 36

[handwritten letter]
House of Representatives
Jan 20, 1846

Dear Sir,
Will you have the goodness to send me the papers in the case of Benj. Cox of Barnard in the County of Windsor, Vt. an applicant for a pension some years since.
Respectfully Yours
/s/J. Collamer
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 37

[handwritten letter]
Concord N.H.
March 10, 1854 }

Sir, 
I herewith transmit the application of Irene Cox, widow of Benjamin for a Pension under the act of 1853. with necessary proof attached.
Respectfully yours, 
/s/Jesse A. Gove
Hon Loren P. Waldo.
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 38

Brief in the case of Irene Cox widow of Benjamin Windsor County and State of Vermont 
act of February 3 - 1853 - 
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.") [blank]
Proof exhibited, (if original.) [blank]
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832 at $20 44/100 per annum
Allowed $20. per annum to commence Feb 3 1853
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible witnesses
Death of pensioner proved by credible witnesses
Identity of widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Examining Clerk.
/s/J L Gray
Name and residence of Agent
/s/Jesse A Gove Esqr
Concord N. Hampshire
Page 39

FREE for MC
Hon J. Collamer 
Washington D.C.
Hon J. Collamer
HOR
Page 40

State of Vermont
Secretary of States Office
Burlington. Feb 3d 1846

I J. McM Shafter Secretary of State of Vermont hereby certify that upon an external Pay Roll of  Revolutionary service of Capt Benj'a Cox's company of Rangers on record in this office occurs the name of Benjamin Cox Jr. with an allowance to him for service from Sept 3. 1780 for two months & twelve days as a private in said company.
I also further certify that upon another like recorded Pay-Roll of Capt Beriah Green's company of Rangers raised for the defence of the frontier of Vermont occurs the name of Benjamin Cox with an allowance to him as fifer for three months and twenty two days commencing on the 10th day of December AD 1781.
Page 41

[official seal 'SECRETARY OF STATE VERMONT' affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of this office this 3d day of February AD 1846 at Burlington 
/s/J. McM Shafter
Page 42

[handwritten letter]
Hon J. Collamer

Dear Sir
I send the certificate requested & all I can find of the service of Benj'a Cox jr. The junior is not added to the name in Capt Green's Co. (Green came in Capt Feb 11, 1782)
The fee is $2.
Resp yours
/s/J. McM Shafter
Page 43

Benjamin Cox
April 6, 1836
Revolutionary pension
June 1836
Com'r disch'd to be 
✓ Mr. Everett
86
Jany 14. vs to him
Page 44

Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives
April 6, 1836
On motion of Mr. Everett Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Pension be instructed to enquire into the expediency of  placing the name of Benjamin Cox a revolutionary soldier, on the pension roll.
Attest /s/W. F. Franklin Clerk
Page 45

Benjamin Cox
Papers in the R office
July 10, 1840
Report reasons -no-663-
Feby 12, 1840
Com Revy Pensions
Page 46

26 Congress 1. Session
Congress of the United States
In the House of Representatives
February 12, 1840
On motion of Mr Russell in behalf of Mr Everett }
Resolved, That the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions be instructed to inquire into the expediency of granting a pension to Benjamin Cox; and that the papers now on file in the office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives, be referred to said Committee.
Attest /s/H. A. Garland Clerk
Sent to Committee under Resolution of 4th Jany 1840
Page 47

[handwritten letter]
Barnard June 24, 1833

Sir,
The papers in the application of Benj'a Cox are herewith returned to the Pension Office.
The first objection appears to be that "his age at the time of the alledged service was not such as to make him liable to military duty"
It will be seen by the affidavits of John Ellis and John Foster that the applicant served in 1780 three months of service at what was called the Barnard Fort - The witnesses state this service at three months - and the applicant at four months. If the witnesses say true he ought to be allowed for three months at least - In his declaration the applicant says this service was performed as waiter. The witnesses say that he performed the duty of a soldier - And it does seem to me that it is altogether in material whether Capt Cox detailed him for duty as waiter or not - The witnesses who were soldiers with him say he did the service and as a soldier - 
The fact "that his age ['was such' crossed out] at the tine of the alledged service was not such as to make him liable to military duty" sounds strange to the case of our Old Men here - The truth was they did not stand about age - Every Boy who was large enough to shoulder a gun performed service and was obliged to - Population at that time was very sparse in this section of Vermont - and the circumstance that a boy was not 16 years old did not excuse him from defending against the Indians and Tories
The deposition of Peter Foster and Andrew Stevens prove a service in 1781 as a fellow soldier with them in that year of four months - and that this service was as fifer - I suppose a fifer is a soldier if he carries a fife instead of a Gun - 
turn over -
Page 48

[handwritten letter]
It is hoped that the objections raised are obviated - there is no wish that this claim should be passed unless it ought to be - but I confess that it is difficult for one to understand the equity of the objections made - 
I doubt very much whether Congress when passing the law meant that the officer whose duty it might be to carry it into effect meant that he should split hairs - or that an application should be refused because the applicant whose service was performed was not 16 or 18 years old - 
These remarks are made from no disrespect to Mr Edwards - I have had the pleasure of knowing him formerly - but they are made from knowing by information what was the State of this part of Vermont during the Revolution. The men & boys all went into service to keep off the Brittish and Indians - and the women stayed at home to protect the children from the bears and raise the corn and secure the crops - 
Yours respectfully
/s/George E. Wales
Page 49

John Foster Depo. for Benj'a Cox -
Page 50

I John Foster of Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age, and now a Revolutionary Pensioner, do testify and say  - That I was a soldier in the year 1780 and under the Command of Capt Benjamin Cox who then commanded the Company of Militia in Barnard aforesaid; and that I served under said Capt Cox at the fort in said Barnard in said year, and that I went to said fort as a soldier in August of said year; and at the time I went to said fort as a Soldier I found there Benjamin Cox Jr, now Benjamin Cox; and said Benj'a Cox Jr. remained there untill we were dismissed which was on or about the first of December 1780 - I was out three months - 
I further testify and say that said Benjamin Cox Jr. now Benjamin Cox, was at that time a large, stout young man - and larger and more able to do the duty of a soldier than many who were years older than himself - He was at that time larger and more athletic than myself. 
I understood that said Benjamin Cox Jr. went there at the same time with his father who was sent to superintend the building of the Fort which was as early as the 13th or 14th of August of that year, to wit, 1780 - 
/s/John Foster
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss Barnard October 3d A.D. 1833
Then John Foster personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - and I also certify that said John Foster is a person of truth and veracity and a credible witness.
Before me /s/George E. Wales Justice of Peace
Page 51

I John Foster of Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify in addition to a former deposition given by me, That on the twentieth day of August 1780 I joined the company under Capt Cox who were then stationed at Barnard Fort for the purpose of defence against the Brittish and Indians - 
That at the time aforesaid when I joined the company Benjamin Cox now of said Barnard was with the said Company as a Soldier at the Fort - 
The fort was finished before I joined and I understood that said Cox had been there some time previous - 
I suppose said Benj'a Cox entered the service to do duty as a Soldier but after I joined the Company a'said Benj'a Cox was taken as a waiter by his father Capt Cox who commanded at the Fort - 
Said Cox's name was on the roll of the company as a soldier - 
/s/John Foster
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss. Barnard December 26, 1833
Then John Foster personally appearing made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - I also certify that said John Foster is a person of truth and veracity - 
/s/S. L. Hemenway Justice of Peace
Page 52

I certify that S. L. Hemenway is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Windsor Vt - I am not acquainted with his hand writing - but from the accompanying letter of the Hon Geo. E. Wales (formerly a member of Congress) that I can have no doubt but the signature to the caption of the within Deposition is genuine - The body & caption of the Deposition are in the hand writing of said Wales - 
/s/H. Everett
Page 53

John Ellis 
Depo - for Benj'a Cox
Page 54

I John Ellis of Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, a revolutionary Pensioner, do testify and say, That I was a Soldier in the year 1780 and under the command of Capt Benjamin Cox, who then commanded the company of militia in Barnard aforesaid, and that I served under said Capt Cox at the fort in said Barnard in said year - and that I went to said fort as a soldier in August of said year; and at the time I went to said Fort as a soldier I found there Benjamin Cox Jr, now Benjamin Cox; and said Benjamin Cox Jr, remained there untill we were dismissed which was on or about the first day December 1780 - I was out three months - 
I further testify and say that said Benjamin Cox Jr, now Benjamin Cox, was at that timed a large, stout young man - and larger and more able to do the duty of a soldier than many who were years older than himself - He was at that time as large and as athletic as myself - 
I understood that said Benjamin Cox Jr went there at the same time with his father who was sent to superintend the building of the Fort which was as early as the 13th or 14th of August of that year to wit 1780 - 
/s/John Ellis
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss. Barnard October 3. A.D. 1833
Then John Ellis personally appeared and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - and I also certify that said John Ellis is a person of truth and veracity and a credible witness - 
Before me /s/George E. Wales Justice of Peace
Page 55

Town of Potsdam St Lawrence County
State of New York }ss
Amos Bicknell of Stockholm in said County being duly sworn before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of said county deposes and says that on the first day of August 1780, during the revolutionary war, the Indians made an attack upon this deponent's Father's House, in the Town of Barnard in the State of Vermont - destroyed what property they could find & carried away some provisions on the 12th or 13th day of the same month Captain Benjamin Cox came with a company of men and commenced building a Fort around the House of this deponents Father & was stationed there one season and in the company of the said Capt Benjamin Cox, as an enlisted Soldier, was his son Benjamin Cox Junior. & did duty as such soldier about Four months, the first month in building the said Fort & the remainder of the time as a servant or waiter to the said Captain - Captain Benjamin Cox's company were detached for this duty & pas'd inspection under Col. Safford - 
/s/Amos Bicknell
Subscribed and Sworn this fifth day of February 1834 before me /s/Zenas Clark Justice Peace
State of New York
St Lawrence County }ss I Alvin C. Low Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Zenas Clark Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time of taking the said affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County and duly elected and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing the said Justice of the Peace and verily believe that the Signature "Zenas Clark" subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine. 
[county seal affixed] Witness my hand and the Seal of said County this 7th day of February 1834
/s/A C Low clk
Page 56

St Lawrence County ss
I hereby certify that the within named Amos Bicknell the signer to the written deposition is a man of truth & veracity 
/s/Zenas Clark Just Peace. - 
I do further certify that the Signature to the preceding certificate is genuine. Witness my hand & Seal of Office the day and year aforesaid
/s/A. C. Low clk
Page 57

[addressed envelope]
[margin notes: cut out this seal attention No 1]
Barnard Vt
Sept 27. } free
The Hon. Horace Everett
Member of Congress
City of Washington D.C.
Page 58

I John Foster of Barnard in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say in addition to former deposition by me given: That the service therein testified of the said Benjamin Cox as having been performed at a Fort in Barnard was on the part of said Cox and all others belonging to said Company enlisted service - or service performed by voluntary engagement - The company was raised by Capt Benjamin Cox and my engagement was by enlistment and that of all the others who belonged to it - The commission of Capt Cox was to raise a Company of Rangers, and under that authority the company was raised and when this service has been spoken of in my former deposition as service performed in the militia I meant the service above mentioned as being performed under Capt Cox in this company which were called Rangers - and for the raising of which Company Capt Cox was commissioned by Gov. Chittenden then Gov. of the State of Vermont.
/s/John Foster
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss Barnard Sept 2d 1834
Then John Foster of said Barnard personally appearing, made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth - And I further certify that said Foster is a credible witness - 
/s/Jos. B. Danforth Justice Peace
Page 59

I John Ellis concur in and state the same to be the truth which is stated in the foregoing Deposition of John Foster in every particular - 
/s/John Ellis
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss. Barnard Sept 27th 1834
Then John Ellis personally appearing made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth - and I further certify that said John Ellis is a man of truth & veracity - 
Before me /s/Jos. B. Danforth Justice of Peace
Page 60

John Ellis & John Foster Depo. for Benj'a Cox
Page 61

We Peter Foster and Andrew Stevens both of Barnard in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont of lawful age testify and say that we was acquainted with Benj. Cox in the year 1781 that some time in the month of December in said year he Enlisted into a company Commanded by Lieut Beriah Green for the defence of said State, that we marched from Barnard to Hanover in the State of Newhampshire, and marched from there to Pierpont in said state. and from thence to the Fort in Corinth in the State of Vermont, and that we was in the same company with the said Benj Cox and that he served at Corinth about two months, and from thence marched to Bethel Fort and served about three months longer and that the said Cox was a Fifer in said Company and further the deponent saith not
/s/Peter Foster
/s/Andrew Stevens
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss } Barnard August 9th 1832
Then personally appeared Peter Foster & Andrew Stevens and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed contains the truth, and nothing but the truth
/s/Jos. B. Danforth Justice Peace
I also certify that Peter Foster and Andrew Stevens are credible witnesses - 
/s/Jos. B. Danforth Justice Peace
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss.} Woodstock County Clerk's Office August 14 1832 I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County Court, do hereby certify that Joseph B. Danforth is one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County, and that the above is his signature - 
/s/Benj'a Swan
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I hereto affix the Seal of said Court and subscribe my name the day & year last above - 
/s/Benj'a Swan
Page 62

Andrew Stevens & Peter Foster Depo. for Benj'a Cox -
Page 63

John Ellis & John Foster Depo. for Benj'a Cox
Page 64

Mr John Foster and John Ellis both of Barnard in the county of Windsor and State of Vermont of Lawfull age testify and Say that in the year 1780 we was both acquainted with Benjamin Cox then and now of Barnard in Said county that he served in a company of Rangers under the command of Benj Cox Senior his Father and that he served in said company three months. the above service was rendered at a Picket Fort in Barnard and Further the deponent saith not - 
/s/John Ellis
/s/John Foster
State of Vermont
Windsor County ss} Barnard August 9th 1832
Then personally appeared John Ellis and John Foster and took solemn oath and that the above Affidavit by them subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I hereby certify that the said John Ellis & John Foster are credible witnesses
/s/Jos. B. Danforth Justice Peace