Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 2536, John De Camp, New Jersey
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey

De Camp, John
Elizabeth

NUMBER
W 2536

CONTENTS
[blank]
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2894
 New York City
John De Camp, decd.
of New York in the State of N.Y.
who was an Express Rider in the ---commanded by Captain ---  of the --- commanded by --- in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 48 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831
& Endg. 24th Oct 1844

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Jany 1852 and sent to
Hon B. E. Grey
Hos. R. [House of Representatives]

Arrears to 4th of [blank]
Semi anl. allowance ending of [blank]

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by H. R. Weightman Clerk
E. 2. Vol. 4, Page 19.
8 5 81

Delivered to Markland
for Mr Grey, Jany 15/52
Hon. B.E. Grey Oct 20 1852
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3221
New York City
Elizabeth De Camp
widow of John De Camp
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Express Rider
New Jersey Mil
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
480 - Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the
14th day of Decr 1853.
and sent to
J. J. Coombs
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 71 Vol. A

Widow died Nov. 24. 1854
In Fall of 1778 to Fall Oct 1781
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[illegible]
State of New York
City and County of New York SS
On this Twentieth day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, now sitting John De Camp a resident of the City and County aforesaid aged 72 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 7th 1832.
That he was born in the township of Hanover, County of Morris and State of New Jersey on the 18th day of October 1760, that his birth was recorded in the family bible, he was at school near Morristown in April 1776 when one
third or one fourth part of the militia was drafted to march to Elizabeth town point, the british [sic] army was expected to land on Long and Staten Islands in a few days, they shortly after did land on these Islands The teacher of our School was drafted to go as a Soldier on
the first draft, and as it would have been a ruinous affair to him to have had his school broken up, he being a man of family, this deponent at his request proposed to the officers to go as a Volunteer in his stead, to which they readily agreed, and this deponent accordingly marched in place of the said Schoolmaster, under the command of Col. Ford
of Morristown, the name of this Schoolmaster for whom this deponent volunteered was Samuel Squire. This deponent continued in the militia of New Jersey from that time upwards of two years, as a Volunteer, and when he returned home, he was not yet eighteen years of age and of course not liable to be drafted in the Militia
This deponent was with Genl Washington, under the command of Col. Ford in the fall of 1776 when he retreated across New Jersey to Pennsylvania closely followed by the British army, the sufferings of the American troops for
the want of provisions and other necessaries were exceedingly great, Genl Washington's Army was at that time reduced to about three thousand men, nearly on half of whom, were
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sick, and unable to perform duty, and closely followed by about twelve thousand british troops, our only plan of escape, was to throw down all the large bridges over which our army had passed; our Regiment under the command of Colonel Ford while between New Brunswick
and Trenton was ordered by General  Washington to march to Morristown and from thence to Chatham, and from thence to Springfield within eight miles of Elizabeth town, where a part of the British army had taken up their winter quarters, we were stationed there to prevent the British from plundering the Inhabitants, and burning their Houses and barns, which they frequently did, and turned out with numbers so strong, that we were unable to drive them back. This deponent served in the Militia under Col Ford in 1776 shortly after that he died; then under Col. Bott our Adjutant Genl whose Horse was shot under him at the Battle of Springfield then
under Col Cook, under Col Wines under Col Lindley and under Col Frelinghuysen, (the father of the present Senator from New Jersey.) This deponent finds it more difficult to recollect the names of the Captains under whom he served, than those of the Colonels; he however thinks his first captains name was Day, the second Clayton, the third Osborn,  the fourth Hathaway, under the latter this deponent assisted in taking a Hessian piquet guard near Elizabeth town in the night, they
consisted of one Sergeant, one corporal, a drummer and fifer and twelve privates, in all Sixteen, their Centinel [sic] fired and shot our Captain in the neck under the ear he fell, but we helped him up and he got well, some time afterwards he was appointed a Colonel-- this was as near as deponent can recollect in the winter of 1777. This deponent under the command of the above named officers, has met the British and fought with them between Springfield and Elizabeth town in the year 1776 & 1777 three or four different times, and
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aided in taking about one hundred prisoners, besides killing and wounding a considerable number. In the action we had with the British at Springfield, Robert Pollard a Soldier belonging to our Regiment, received a ball a little below his breast bone, it was taken out near his back bone by Doctors Budd and Jones, he recovered-- some twenty years afterwards he was run over by a fluge near Newark, and killed. This deponent has also been in engagements against the British at Quibbletown [New Market], Bonantown [Bonhamtown], Elizabeth town point and near Newark, Belville [Belleville] and at the sign of the three Pidgeons [sic] near Hoboken ferry five miles from New York and deponent thinks at other places, which he cannot at this time recollect, upwards of fifty years having elapsed since these events took place, but he remembers to have met the British in the winter of 76 or beginning of 77 near Bonantown  [Bonhamtown], New Jersey when they were in possession of Elizabeth town, Rahway, Perth Amboy, Bonamtown  [Bonhamtown] and New Brunswick, and many other places in New Jersey; they came out to rob and plunder the Inhabitant; we
overtook them between Bonantown [Bonhamtown] & Quibbletown [New Market], Col. Morgan commanded a Regt of Riflemen from Virginia, & formed, on the right of our Regiment which was in the centre [sic] commanded by Col. Cook & Col Lindley and with a Regt on the left; a Regiment from the eastward, when in sight of the British filed off to the left unto the woods, where they remained until the Battle was over, for which conduct I was informed the Colonel who commanded that Regiment was tried and Cashiered; We had a hard fight with the british their force consisted of about four thousand,
as was said, with four field pieces; the inhabitants informed us some days afterwards that we killed and wounded as many of the enemy as loaded about forty waggons [sic], the remainder of their waggons [sic] they loaded
with beef, pork, wheat, rye, corn, hay and oats which they had plundered from the inhabitants, before we overtook them.-
As soon as deponent left the
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Militia, he furnished himself with a good horse, saddle and bridle, having received a letter of introduction to General Washington, he immediately rode to the Quarter, of Capt Asgill which was between New Windsor and West point at a place called Butter hill, and stated to
the Capt the object of his visit Captain Asgill was Captain of the Company of Express Riders at that time, he requested this deponent to proceed to West point and deliver to General Washington the letter this deponent had brought with him-- this deponent thinks the Capt sent a letter by him to Genl Greene who was acting at that time as Quarter Master General, this deponent proceeded to West Point and delivered the letter to General Washington, and offered himself as a Volunteer Express rider, the Genl requested deponent to call on Genl Greene which he did and delivered the letter written by Capt Asgill-- deponent was then received as a Volunteer Express rider - shortly afterwards Col. Timothy Pickering was Quarter Master General, his quarters were near Newburgh where deponent delivered to him several letters from General Washington and General Greene who were at that time at West point to the best of deponents knowledge this
was in the summer or fall of 1778, Deponent
continued with General Washington until after the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown, which he thinks was in October 1781, soon after that deponent resigned his place and returned to his home; deponents pay to the best of his recollection was the same as a Captain in the line, about forty dollars per month - the money
deponent received was very poor, and was obliged to spend his own money, or himself and his horse must have starved - General Washington often sent deponent with letters to the President of Congress at Philadelphia, and to his commanding officers in different parts of the United States, he was the bearer of many letters written by General Green to the
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Deputy Quarter Masters in different parts of the United States, when deponent was in Camp he received provisions for himself and feed for his horse, but when on the road he had to pay his own expenses while acting as an Express rider Deponent always used his own horse, until he broke through the ice and cut his ankle, near Baskenridge [Basking Ridge] meeting house Somerset Co N. Jersey - he then rode to Nealtown [Newtown ?] & exchanged him for a Continental Horse finding a number of them there in a yard, deponents horse soon got well but he never could recover him, deponent from that time until he left the army continued to ride a Public horse, which he gave up to the Quarter Master when he left the Army, in the settlement of deponents account he was allowed for his horse about $80. the he was worth at least $100 in good money-- deponent thinks there was a balance due him on the last settlement of about five hundred dollars, for which he received a Certificate. some four or five years after he sold it for ten shillings in the pound and losing all the interest at the time deponents horse broke through the ice and
cut his ankle he was the bearer of a letter from
General Washington to the President of Congress at Philadelphia and had to travel very rapid - some times all night, frequently changing horses two and three times between New Windsor and Philadelphia
In the fall of 1814 deponents house was burnt and all his old papers, those he received from General Green when he joined the Continental Army, and many others, being in a chest at the head of the stairs, in the confusion before day
light were forgotten, when day light appeared the papers were seen flying in the air, which was the first deponent had thought of the chest that contained them-- he lived at that time in Jefferson township County of Morris, State of New Jersey Deponent will now mention the names of the persons who
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served with him in Capt Asgills company of Express to the best of his recollection, to wit, Robert Dunn, James Gore, Charles Tackham, Moses Lyons, William Davis, Mathuleon Davis, Thomas Donelly, Mr Wells, Peter Mirsler, John Turner, who was killed in Smith's Cove by the Tories, with letters on him for Philadelphia from Genl Washington; if these men were living it might be possible some of them might recollect but men from the age of 21 to 72 alter so much it would be difficult to recognize each other, deponent does not remember seeing any of the above persons since he left the continental army except Robert Dunn and as to the militia officers under whom he served, he has reason to believe they are all dead, he was well acquainted with the most of them-
Deponent resided in Morris County, New Jersey until 1818 when he removed to the City of New York and has continued to reside
there ever since.
The testimony of Robert Dunn who served with deponent in Captain Asgills company and herewith annexed was procured at the time stated in said deposition since which time he died -- Deponent also produces the testimony of William Jessup and George Innes which is also annexed-
The foregoing statement is true to the best of the recollection of this deponent, he strictly believe every thing there set forth to be correct, but he may possibly err with regard to dates, having no documents to refer to; he therefore makes this qualification.
John De Camp

Sworn and subscribed in Open Court this 20th day of October 1832
[illegible] Adten Clerk Court of Pleas
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Power
John De Camp
N. Y. city
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Know all men by these Presents, That I Elizabeth De Camp of the City and County of New York and State of the same, and widow of John De Camp the deceased late of the City of New York aforesaid, who was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $240. per annum, for services in the Connecticut Continental line, in the war of the Revolution, as Express Rider, under the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832, do hereby nominate constitute and appoint George H Mousarrat  & Stephen F. J. Trabue my true and lawful attorneys for me and in my name to prosecute against the Government of the United States under the at of Congress passed 7 June 1832 or any other act or acts of the said Congress, the claim due me as the widow of John De Camp aforesaid, as arrearages of Pension and increase of Pension, he not having received the full amount per annum, to which he was entitled for his military services aforesaid
--- and there being a balance of pension still
remaining unpaid, from the date of (the date
of) the last payment to the time of his death, and when an amount or amounts are found due there my Attorneys or either of them are
fully authorised [sic] to demand and receive the money or certificate in satisfaction for the same from the Treasury of the United States
from any Department of the
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Government of the United States or proper accounting officer of the same, and to sign, seal and deliver any  instrument or instruments in writing in order thereto which they think right and proper, hereby ratifying and confirming all which my said Attorney may do by virtue of these Presents, and for good and sufficient Reasons Revoking all former Powers of Attorney or other authority given to any person or persons whatsoever

Witness my hand and seal at New York City this 30th October 1851
Elizabeth DeCamp
Witness 
1. W. Ramsay
2. Elizabeth Ann Hartley

State of New York
County of New York
Be it known, That on the thirtieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty one before me, a Notary Public
in and for the State of New-York, duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the City and County of New York personally came Elizabeth De Camp known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing and acknowledged the above Letter of Attorney to be her  free and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office, the day and year last above written
Wm H Browne
Notary Public
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Elizabeth De Camp
wid. of John
N. Y. Act 1853 2nd sec

Supplemental declar

J. L. Coombs
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State of New York
County of Ulster Ss
Surrogates Court - On this 10 day of November 1853 personally appeared in said Court, Elizabeth De Camp of Ulster County who being duly sworn according to law declares and says, that she is the identical person who has recently made a declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act of Congress approved
To wit. That she is the widow of of John De Camp decd late of New York City who in his life time was a Revolutionary Pensioner on the New York roll - and died in said City in the year 1844, on the 24th October That she was married to the said John De Camp
in New York City on the 5th day of November 1827, and that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth Scott - She further declares that she has not again married since the death of said John De Camp but still remains his widow Elizabeth De Camp
Elizabeth De Camp
[seal]
S. S.

Sworn to and subscribed in open Court this 10th day of November 1853. And the Court further certifies that it has been satisfactorily proved by the affidavit of Elizabeth N. Hartley and John P Foland two credible witnesses, that Elizabeth De Camp who has made the foregoing declaration is the widow of John De Camp decd who was in his lifetime a Revolutionary pensioner and who died in New York County about the year 1844,
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and that she has not married since the death
of the said John De Camp but still remains his widow
In testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and [affix] the seal of said Court the day and
year first above written.
H Brodhead Jr.
Surrogate.
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[illegible]

Elizabeth DeCamp
wid of John
-
Marriage Certificate
J J Coombs
Page 17

THIS IS TO CERTIFY, That Mr John De Camp
was Married to Mrs Elizabeth Scott on the 5th day of Nov 1827 in the city of New York.
By me, Charles Knouse
PASTOR OF THE GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH.

Mrs Elizabeth Ann Hartley
Elizabeth De Camp
Pleas [sic] write on the receipt of this and
when done with the certificate Pleas [sic] return it
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De Camp
Mar 
Certificate

J J Coombs

Certificate
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Malden Ulster County Dec 8th 1853

Mr Coombs

Sir Mrs Elizabeth De Camp sends you her Original certificate, the one you have was a copy from this. she wished to retain the original one herself but sends it at your request.
We do not at present know where Mr Knouse
lives but if this is not sufficient she will go to New York and try to find him
I am Mrs De Camps Daughter and was present at their Marriage
Mrs Elizabeth Ann Hartley
Elizabeth De Camp
Pleas [sic] write on the recept [sic] of this and
when done with the certificate Pleas [sic]
return it.
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Surrogate's Court
the Matter of Proving the Last Will and
Testament of [blank] deceased.
Petition Filed this [blank] day of [blank]
Citation Returnable the  [blank] day of [blank]
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County of New-York,
SURROGATE'S COURT.

To Charles Mc Vean
Surrogate of the County of New-York:
The Petition of Isaac Bluxome of the City of New York, respectfully showeth, [blank]
That your Petitioner is one of the Executors  named in the last Will and Testament of John De Camp late of the City of New York, Inspector of Customs, deceased: That the said deceased was, at or immediately previous to his death, an inhabitant of the County of New York, and departed this life in the city of New York on the twenty fourth day of October last
and that said last Will and Testament relates to be personal estate only
Your Petitioner further shows, that the widow, and next of kin, of the said John De Camp, deceased, are Elizabeth De Camp, his widow and Sarah Bluxome the wife of your Petitioner, a daughter of the testator residing in the City of New York, Samuel G. I. De Camp, one of the testators residing at Fort Leavenworth in the State of Missouri, William I O'Hara residing at Austin in the Republic of Texas, Helen O'Hara
Harrell wife of Abram D. Harrell residing as your petitioner believes, at Lexington in the State of Virginia and Charles O'Hara where place of residence cannot be ascertained, the children of Susan O'Hara, deceased, a daughter of the Testator, all of said children and grand children being of full age.
Your Petitioner therefore prays, that the said last Will and Testament may be proved and Letters Testamentary granted thereon according to law. I. Bluxome

City and County of New-York, SS.
I, Isaac Bluxome the Petitioner named in the foregoing Petition, being duly sworn, do depose and say, that I have read the foregoing Petition, to which I have subscribed my name, and know the contents thereof, and that the matters of fact therein stated are true, and that the matters therein stated of my information and belief. I believe to be true.
I Bluxome

Sworn this Fourth day of November A.D. 1864 before me,
Charles Mc Vean
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John De Camp case
New York City affidavit
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State of New York
County and City of Same SS.
On this 30th day of October 1851. Before me Wm H. Brown in and for the State of New York, and residing in New York City personally appeared Elizabeth De Camp aged 62 years a resident of New York City aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law declares and says, That she is widow of John De Camp deceased late of New York City, and she further certifies that she was married to John De Camp aforesaid on the 5th day of November 1827, in the City of New York, by one Charles Knoux, then Paster of the German Reformed Church - and that her name before her said marriage ┃
was Elizabeth Scott She further certifies that her said husband John De Camp died in New York City on the 24th day of October AD. (1844) Eighteen Hundred and Forty Four being
about 83 years old at the time of his death, and that he left only two living Children, to wit, Sarah Bluxome aged about 50 years, and Samuel G. J. De Camp aged about 55 years, She also states that her said husband John De Camp was a Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of $240. per annum for services in the Connecticut Continental line, as Express Rider under the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832, and that she is still a widow
Elizabeth De Camp

The Certificate of Pension has been lost or mislaid so that it cannot now be found
Elizabeth De Camp

Sworn to before me
Wm H Brown
Notary Public
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State of New York
County of New York SS

On this 30th day of October 1857. Personally
appeared before me Wm H. Brown a Notary Public in and for the State of New York Elizabeth Ann Hartley aged 41 years a resident
of the City of New York, who being duly sworn 
according to law declares, that she was made
acquainted with the contents of the affidavit and declaration, sworn to subscribed by Elizabeth De amp above and that she is herself knowing the correctness and truth of all facts and statements therein contained She also swears that she was present at the Marriage
of John De Camp and Elizabeth Scott and that it was performed in the city of New York, by one Charles Knoux
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on the 27th November 1827 as above stated, Sworn to before me
Elizabeth Anne Hartley

Printed and Sold by Bell & Gould, 158 Nassau-st.
United States of America,
STATE OF NEW YORK, ss.

By this Public Instrument be it known to all whom the same doth or may in any wise concern, that I, William H. Browne Public Notary in and for the State of New York, by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the said state, duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the city of New York, Do hereby Certify, That Elizabeth De Camp who signed the annexed paper is known to me, and that Elizabeth Ann Hartley is also known to me, that they signed and swore to the said paper before me, and that they are credible persons and of known
respectability
In Testimony whereof, I have subscribed my name and caused my Notarial Seal of Office to be hereunto affixed, the thirtieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and fifty one
Wm H. Brown
Notary Public

[seal]
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on the 27th November 1827, as above stated
Elizabeth Ann Hartley

Sworn to before me
Wm. H. Browne
Notary Public
1827,
Page 27

January 19, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN DE CAMP
W. 2536
BA-J/MLB

Mr. James Edgar Gibson
500 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

You are furnished herein the record of John De Camp as found in the claims for pension on file under W. 2536, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John De Camp was born October 18, 1760, in Hanover Township, Morris County, New Jersey. The names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Morris County, New Jersey, and attending school near Morristown, John De Camp's Schoolmaster, Samuel Squire, was drafted in April, 1776, to go to Elizabethtown Point, and John Volunteered to go in his place, and served at various times when called upon as a private under Captains Day, Clayton,  Osborn and Hathaway and Colonels Ford, Bott, Cook, Winds, Handley and Frelinghuysen in the New Jersey troops, until the summer or fall of 1778 when Capture Asgill, then captain of the Express Riders, gave him a letter of  introduction to General Washington at West Point, also a letter to General Nathaniel Greene then acting as Quartermaster General; after fitting himself out with his own horse, saddle and bridle, he proceded [sic] to West Point where he volunteered as an express rider, delivering messages at different times from Generals Washington and Greene to Colonel Timothy Pickering shortly afterwards Quartermaster General, also delivered letters to the President of the Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and served in this capacity until after the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in October, 1781. During his service he was in engagements at Springfield, Quibbletown,
Bonhamtown, Elizabethtown Point, Belleville and at the sign of the Three Pigeons.
In the fall of 1814, the soldier was residing in Jefferson Township, Morris County, New Jersey, and continued to reside in Morris County, until 1818, when he moved to New York City. In 1830, he was Inspector of Customs at New York City, and still acting in that capacity in 1844.
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John De Camp was allowed pension on his application executed October 20, 1832, while a resident of New York City. He died there, October 24, 1844.
John De Camp married Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, November 5, 1827, in New York City. The date and place of her birth and names of parents
or her maiden name were not given, nor was reference made to her former marriage, or to a former marriage of the soldier.
Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her application executed October 30, 1851, at which time she was aged sixty-two years and a resident of New York City. In 1853, she was residing in Ulster County, New York, with post office at Malden. She died November 24, 1854.
Reference was made to children of the soldier, John De Camp; the name of their mother was not given their names follow:
Samuel G. J. De Camp, who in 1844 was living in Fort Leavenworth, Mo., and whose age in 1851 was fifty-five years.
Mrs. Sarah Bluxome, in 1844 of New York City and the wife of Isaac Bluxome, and in 1851 aged about fifty years.
Mrs. Susan O ' Hara, age not stated, nor name of husband shown. She died prior to 1844, survived by children, named as follow:
William I. O'Hara, in 1844 living in Austin, Texas
Helen O'Hara Harrell, then the wife of Abram D. Harrell
Charles O'Hara, whose place of residence in 1844 was not known.
Reference was made to a daughter of soldier's wife, Elizabeth, by a former marriage, namely, Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Hartley who, in 1851, was
aged forty-one years and living in New York City and stated that she was present at the marriage of her mother to the soldier, John De Camp. She did not state the name of her father.
Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
-2-
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January 28, 1939
JOHN DE CAMP
W. 2536
BA-J/AMMHF:MLB

Mr. James Edgar Gibson
500 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you express appreciation of the record of John De Camp, W. 2536, which was furnished you, and in which you request to know whether or not John De Camp's captain, Asgill, applied for a pension, and whether or not the pension records of this office are classified in any way under "Express Riders", in order that you might examine them sometime in the future.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of any soldier with the name Asgill.
The Revolutionary War records of this office are not arranged in any way according to the organizations in which the soldiers served.
If at any time you are in tris city, it might be of interest to you to call and read the papers on file in the above cited pension claim based upon service of John De Camp. The records are at present located in Room 1851, Wing 8, Navy Building, 19th Street and Constitution Avenue, N. W.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER

Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 30

January 19, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN DE CAMP
W. 2536
BA-J/MMHF: MLB

Mr. James Edgar Gibson
500 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you state that you are glad to accept a full abstract from the papers on file in the claims for pension based upon service of John De Camp in the Revolutionary War, on file under W. 2536, instead of the photostatic copies noted in letter of January 4, 1939. You request to know, also, the number of Revolutionary War pension applications there are on file in this
office, this question being prompted by one asked you by some one who his interested in supplying funds for securing photostatic copies of all those documents for deposit in Philadelphia.
The record of John De Camp is furnished you herewith as shown in the papers in the Revolutionary War claims for pension on file under W. 2536.
There are approximately 90,000 claims for pension and bounty land on file based upon service of soldiers in the Revolutionary War. The matter of securing photostatic copies of the papers on file in those claims has not been presented to this office on any recent date.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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January 4, 1998
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN DE CAMP
W. 2536
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mr. James Edgar Gibson
500 West Chelten Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of papers on file in the claims for pension based upon service of John De Camp, express rider, in the Revolutionary War
The number of pages to be copied in th  applications for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War, and on file under W. 2536, is thirty. The cost of the copies is twenty-five cents a page.
Remittance should be made by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States and mailed to the Veterans
Administration, Arlington Building, this city.
It may interest you to know that all papers in this file will be examined very carefully and the data found therein in regard to services, residences, family, etc., incorporated in a report without cost to you. These official reports have been accepted as authentic by various historical, patriotic and genealogical societies.
It is regretted, indeed, that your former letter could not have been answered sooner.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 32

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
W.F. 2536
3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. [blank] 19. [blank]
In reply to your request of [blank] received [blank] for a statement of the military history of John De Camp soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
April 1776
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
Served at various times when called upon until
late in 1781
RANK.
Pvt. and Express Rider
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Day
Clayton
Osborn
Hathaway
Asgill
COLONEL.
Ford
Bott, Cook
Winds, Lindley &
Frelinghugden
STATE.
N. J.
---
Battles engaged in, Springfield Quibbletown Bonhamtown Elizabeth Point, Belville, and sign of the Three Pigeons
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
Morris County N. J.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 20 1832 His cl. was al. [claim was allowed]
Residence at date of application, New York 
N. Y.
Age at date of application born Oct. 18, 1760 in Hanover Twp Morris Co. N.J., died Oct. 24, 1844 in New York City.
Remarks: He near Nov 5-1827 in New York City Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, who was al. pens. on her app. Ex. Oct. 30, 1851 while a res. of N. Y. City aged 62 years. Sarah wife of Isaac Bluxome Samuel G. I. De Camp and Mrs Susan O'Hara were Soldiers children by a former marriage name of that if not stated, William J. O'Hara, Helen wife of Abram D. Harrell & Charles O'Hara were children of Mrs. Susan O'Hara.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
6-2856
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Hartley
was daughter of widow by former mar.
Page 33

JAMES EDGAR GIBSON
500 WEST CHELTEN AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.

Gentlemen,
Ref. John De Camp W. 2536-B A.S/ MLB. many thanks for your letters of the 19th
The abstract of John De Camp papers suggest another query which if you have the answer might add considerable interest to the story I am writing that Captain Asgill was the Captain
Page 34

of the Express Rider and I am hoping that he
applied for a pension and that his papers  contain a record his duties and service. If so, I shall be very grateful for full abstract.
Will you further inform me whether your own
records have been so kept that you have a classification under "Express Riders". If so I should like to examine them on my
next visit to Washington
Page 35

3
for such papers might contain an interesting cross section of the service
Very sincerely
James E Gibson
Jan 22nd 39
Page 36

Jan 6th 39

JAMES EDGAR GIBSON
500 WEST CHELTEN AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Veterans Administration
Washington DC
Ref. John De Camp, W 2536
B. A. - J/ MMHF; MLB.

Gentlemen:

I have your letter of Jan 4th, and am very appreciative of your willingness to send me a full outline of the available data.
I am collecting material for a book on the life of John Borrows who was Genl Washington
personal Express Rider. Borrows discharge from the service, given him by the commander in Chief
Page 37

4
was worn out by frequent handling and his other papers had been lost or destroyed, or when he made application for a pension in his
73rd year, to John De Camps testimony that supplied John Borrows with evidence for his claim.
For this reason I am anxious to obtain as full an account of John De Camp as your time and patience will permit you to give me. My research  and writings in Rev. war historical subject is proving on expensive hobby, so I am glad of my opportunity to avail myself of your kind offer of assistance
I am wondering whither you are able to inform me how Many Revolutionary War
Page 38

3
Pension application you have on file in your office, and would you venture a guess as to the number of others that might have been made to the 13 original States under their provision for pensions to their own citizens.
My question is prompted by a similar one asked me by a person who is considering supplying funds to have photostat copies made, such a collection for deposit here in Phila
With many thanks for your courtesy
Sincerely
James E Gibson
Page 39

Dec 27th 38

JAMES EDGAR GIBSON
500 WEST CHELTEN AVENUE 
PHILADELPHIA. PA.

Rev. War Veterans Bureau
Washington DC

Gentleman

Several months ago, I wrote  asking for an outline of the services Rev. Pensioned soldier, named John De Camp, an express Rider.
I also asked the extent of his application and the cost of obtaining photostat copies.
as 
As yet I have had no reply and it is possible that my inquiry did not reach you, I am
repeating my request.
Yours
Jas E Gibson
Page 40

JAMES EDGAR GIBSON
500 WEST CHELTEN AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PA.

Veterans Administration
Washington DC

Gentlemen;

I her reasons to believe that a John De Camp, a veteran of the Revolutionary war as an Express Rider received a pension for his services.
I am anxious to have a copy of his record and
will appreciate your informing me what you
have on this man; also what it will cost to

[stamp]
OCT 10 1938
MAIL SUB. DIV.
VET. ADM.
READER NO. 16
Page 41


to obtain photostat copies of his papers.
Very sincerely
James E. Gibson
Oct 9th 1838

[stamp]
RECEIVED 
OCT 10 1938

MAIL SUB. DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER No. 16
Page 42

Rev. 1 ED

611. Pearl St. Lynchburg, Virginia
20 March 1920

The Commissioner of Pensions at Washington
D. C.

Dear Sir-

I am most anxious for information concerning my great-great-grandfather John De Camp. He was born in New Jersey 1760 and lived at different places in that state Upper Longwood among others. He is said to have died in New York City 24 Oct. 1844 where he was employed in the Custom House
I would be very grateful for a copy of his pension papers. He was several times married and we (a large family connection ) are anxious
for the name of his wives. Can I also obtain his
war record. He was called Col. in his obituary notice
For the above facts I will be
Page 43

truly indebted. The information is desired
for historical purposes.
Very truly
Mary de Camp Moore
(Mrs Maurice Moore)

[stamp]
U. S.
PENSION OFFICE
D
MAR 22 1920
Page 44

Rev.

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2536

Elizabeth De Camp
Widow
John De Camp
Pri. Rev. War

Act: Feb 3, 1853
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 174

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1920 Apr. 7. Hist. to Mrs. Maurice Moore
Jan 5 Mr Jas Edgar Gibson adv'd [illegible] photos MHH F B
Nov. 19. Hist to Mr. Jas E. Gibson M.L.B.
Jan 28 J. E. Gibson add. rel. his [illegible], captain, etc. Jany 45
Page 45

Appl. of  Elizabeth
De Camp widow of
John 
C
N York
2894
Act 3rd Feby 1853

Revy
Mayo
Allowed $82.80 annum to Feb 3, 1853


J J Coombs 

Louis P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 46

24 Oct 44
Pension Office
December 12, 1853
Sir
Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioner
Respectfully &c.
F. Burt Esqr
S Cole
Present for Commissr.

John De Camp Act 1832
$480 per annum
Died 24 Oct 1844, paid
to his death
F Burt
Auditor
Page 47

2894
New York
John De Camp
of New York in the State of New York
who was an Express rider on the Continental Army - for
2 years &c.

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
the rate of 240 Dollars per annum to
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Decr. 1832-- and sent to Claimant Prst.

Arrears to 4th of Sepr. 1832             $360
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4th [illegible] '33
                                                          $120
                                                           $480
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Geo. C. Stiles Clerk
Book D Vol. 4 Page 81
Page 48

No. 721
Elizabeth De Camp
Widow of John
N. York
Let to J. J. Coombs
May 28 / 53
Act Feby 3 / 53
Page 49

Power Jno De Camp
New York city
Page 50

Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth
De Camp of the City of New York, and State of New York, and Widow of John De Camp deceased late of the City and State aforesaid and formerly a pensioner of the United States under act of Congress of 7th June 1832, at the rate of $240 per annum, which pension has lately been increased and paid to me his widow
at the rate of $480 per annum do hereby nominate constitute and appoint D.T.M. Bevans, my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute against the Government of the United States under act of Congress passed 7th June 1832, or under any other act or acts of the said Congress the claim due me as increase of Pension and arrearages of Pension, as the widow of John De Camp aforesaid, on account of his military services in the war of the Revolution as an Express Rider- And when an amount or amounts are found due then my said Attorney is hereby fully authorised [sic] to demand and receive from the Government of the United States, or any Department thereof or proper accounting officer of the same the certificate of Pension, in satisfaction for the same, and to sign seal and deliver any instrument or instruments in writing in order thereto which he may think right and proper, hereby ratifying and confirming all which my said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents -
In testimony whereof I do hereunto
Page 51

set my hand and seal this 7th February 1852,
Elizabeth De Camp
In presence of
W. Ramsay
Elizabeth Ann Hartley

State of New-York-
County of New York ⎬ SS.
Be it known, That on the seventh day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty two before me, William H. Browne a Notary Public in and for the state of New-York, duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the City of New York personally came Elizabeth De Camp known to me to be the person described in, and who executed the annexed instrument and acknowledged that the above Letter of Attorney is her free act and deed.
IN TESTMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office the day and year last above written.
W. H. Brown
Notary public
Page 52

Elizabeth De Camp
wid of John
[illegible] Act 3d Feb 1853.
the
J. J. Coombs
Page 53

Know all men by these presents, That I Elizabeth De Camp - Widow of John De Camp
who was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint J. Monsarrat true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to prosecute against the Government of the United States, before any Department thereof, under any and all claim or claims I have to arrears of pay or Pension money, under any Act or Acts, Resolution or Resolutions, of the Congress of the United States, and especially the Acts 4th July, 1836, 7th July, 1838, 3d March, 1843, 17th June, 1844, 2d February, 1848 and 29th July, 1848 -- as well as the more ancient Acts of 18th March, 1818, 15th May, 1828, and 7th June, 1832.
Said Attorney is moreover authorised [sic] in my name to demand at any Department of the said Government, a re-consideration of any decision hitherto or hereafter to be given, touching my interests, and to obtain from any Department of the archives thereof, any and all
information or evidence of whatever character relating to or in anywise bearing upon the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of.
Said Attorney is moreover authorised [sic] to do any and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes, and to receive the Certificates of Pension or other character of drafts or evidences of the amounts due me and to appoint one or more Sub-Attorneys, and to confer upon him or them all the powers herein conferred upon himself hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents.
WITNESS my hand and seal this 12th day of March 1853
Elizabeth De Camp

LS

State of New York, Ulster County, sct.
BE IT KNOWN, that on the 12th day of March 1853 before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Elizabeth De Camp the subscriber to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged the signing, sealing and delivering the same to be her own voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein set forth.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I do hereunto subscribe my name.
S Merclean
J. P.
Page 54

State of New York
County of [blank] sct
On this 12th day of March 1853, personally appeared Elizabeth De Camp, aged 63 years and made oath, that she is the widow of John De Camp deceased late of the City of New York, who in his lifetime was a pensioner of the United States on account of his services in the Revolution as an express Rider on the Pension roll of New York at the rate of $240. per annum, which pension has been increased since his decease & paid to me his widow at the rate of $240- per annum increase, that her said husband was pensioned under the act of 7 June 1832, that she was married to the said John De Camp in or about the 5 day of November 1827, that her said husband died in the City of New York on or about the 2 day of
18, leaving this declarant his widow, that she has not since married but still remains the widow of the said John De Camp She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the additional increase which is still due her as the widow of John De Camp-- and which was due to said John De Camp and also for the purpose of obtaining the benefits of the act
of Congress passed
Elizabeth De Camp
LS

Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County-- & I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Elizabeth De Camp aforesaid & believe all her statements to be correct & true,

Samuel Merclean
Justice Peace
Page 55

State of New York,
ULSTER COUNTY CLERK' S OFFICE, SS.

I CERTIFY, That at the date of the certificate of proof or acknowledgment, to which this is
subjoined, the said Samuel Merclean Esq. was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 26 day of March A. D. 1853
M Shelden Clerk of Ulster Co.
Page 56

Washington, March 31, 1853

Sir:

Enclosed please find the declaration of Elizabeth De Camp, widow of John, claiming pension under the 2d Section of the act of 3d Feb. last 
Her husband was pensioned under the Act 1832 for services as an Express Rider. Since his decease said pension has been increased and the arrears paid to the present claimant, as his widow 
I presume, therefore, the proof of Marriage,  death, &c. is now complete in your office
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obt Servt
J. J. Coombs

Hon L. P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions
Page 57

To Maj Bryan
New York City Roll, act 7 June 1832
John De Camp, Express Rider $240 per annum,
To what time last paid?
Pension Office
Cole

Pd. to 4th Sept. 1844
B. L. B.
Page 58

Ho of Reps
25th June 1852 ┃

Hon. M. Heath
Herewith please find power of atty of John Decamp
Please have the case examined and the increase allowed
with Great Respect
Ben Edwards Grey
Page 59

Washington, Dec. 10th 1853

Sir:

Enclosed please find the amended declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth De Camp of N.Y. under 2nd Section of the act of 1853, with her marriage Certificate
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
J. J. Coombs


Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions

P.S. I submitted the enclosed certificate to the Court before filing, and he said it would in connexion [sic] with the parol evidence on
file, be sufficient evidence of marriage
J.J.C.

Quit
Page 60

Brief in the case of Elizabeth De Camp widowof John 
Ulster County and State of New York
act of February 3-1853

Claim (" original, " or " for increase.) [blank]
Proof exhibited, (if original.) 
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband an express rider in revolutionary war
A pensioner under act of June 7, 1832 at $480 per annum I paid to his death 24th Oct. 1844
Allowed $480 per annum to Com. Feb. 3, 1853
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by clergyman, certificate
Death of husband proved by Auditor report
Identity & Widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
J. J. Coombs
Present

Examining Clerk.
J L Gray
Page 61

John De Camp, decd
Increased to $480. dedg. [deducting]
$240 per annum,
Com'ng 4 March 1831 &
Ending 24 Oct 1844
Payable to
Elizabeth De Camp
his widow
NY City Roll

Hon B. E. Grey
H. of R [House of Representatives]
Page 62

House of Representatives
13th Dec 1851

Hon James E Heath
Comm of Pension

Sir

Allow me to ask your early attention to, and consideration of the claim of the widow of John De Camp now pending in yr. office which when allowed the certificate you will please
enclose me
With great regard
I am yr obt svt
Ben Edwards Grey

Quit
Page 63

Brief in the case of John De Camp, decd. late of
New York County and State of New York
act 7 June 1832
Claim,  for increase
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
(If for increase.)

Has additional evidence been filed in the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Express Rider - Increased to $480.
deducting $240.
S. Cole
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
B. E. Grey,
H of R [House of Representatives]
Page 64

Department of the Interior
Pension Office
December 9, 1845.
Gentlemen

Sir,

Helmick & Winn Dec 11 '65
Page 65

Dept. Int: Pen: Off:
Dec. 11" 1865.

Gentlemen.

In answer to the enclosed letter of E.B. Peel.
Esqr I have to state that the heirs of John & Elizabeth De Camp are not entitled to an increase of their Ancestor pension. The act of 2d of April 1862 prohibits allowances of this kind. Mrs. De Camps pension, Commence Feb 3, 1853, It could not commence prior to that date, she having intermarried with Jno. De Camp Subsequent to the year 1800.
[illegible] &c.
Messrs. Helmick & Winn
Present
Page 66

In the matter of
John De Camps
Application for a Pension
-
Allow of the pension
of an Ensign
L. L.
$240 per an
Page 67

State of New York
City and County of New York Ss. 
William Jessup of the said City, Boarding House Keeper being duly sworn according to law saith that Robert Dunn named in the foregoing affidavit is now dead, that this deponent knew the deceased for the last Eighteen years and believes him to have been a man of the strictest honesty and integrity, that the said Robert Dunn showed him his revolutionary
papers concerning the services he rendered his country as express rider, the particulars of which this deponent does not now remember the said Robert Dunn died on or about the first day of June last This deponent further saith that he is well acquainted with the applicant John De Camp and has known him for eighteen or nineteen years as a Citizen and as a Magistrate of the first respectability and this deponent further believes that the said applicant has rendered services to this Country in its struggle for independence in the capacity of Express Rider in the most perilous section of our Country, and this deponent further saith
that he is well acquainted with George Innes named in one of the foregoing affidavits and knows him to be a man of excellent moral character and the strictest integrity
Wm Jessup
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court this 20th day of October 1832
[illegible] Aston
Com Pleas NY
Page 68

City & State of New York Ss. 
Robert Dunn of the City of New York being sworn says he belonged to Captain Asgills Company as an Express Rider under General Nathaniel Greene, that John De Camp at present of the City of New York Custom house Officer also belonged to said company as an Express Rider, that the said John De Camp Joined said Company as deponent believes in the year one thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Eight and continued in said Company for three years and upwards and further sayeth not.
Robert Dunn
Sworn this 10th day of November 1830 before me
Wm Dunscomb
Notary Public

City of New York Ss
George Innes of the said City Custom house
Office being sworn saith that the above named Robert Dunn is now dead - That the Deponent & he were brothers in Law That they were intimately acquainted for about Twenty five years & the said Robert Dunn was a man of
strict veracity & in all respects of good moral
character and has always understood from him that he served as he stated above
George Innes

Sworn 26 Sept 1832
R Riker

Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court this 20th October 1832
Allen Asten Clerk Com Pleas
New York
Page 69

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 Express Rider and served as he states 
And the Court further certifies, that it appears
to them that William Jessup & George Innes who have subscribed and sworn to the preceding affidavits are persons of credit and that their statements are entitled to belief.
Jno T Irving
First Judge of the Court of Com Pleas for the City & County of N York
I  Abraham Asten Clerk of the City and County of New York and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John De Camp for a pension. And I do hereby further certify that William E Dunscomb whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit was on the day of taking the same a Notary Public in and for the City and County aforesaid duly commissioned and Sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Notary 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 Court of Common Pleas this Twentieth day of October 1832
Abrm Asten Clerk
Page 70

Exemplified
Copy of Petition
the matter of the
Will of John De Camp
deceased,
Fees $1.25
Quit
Page 71

State County of New-York,
Surrogate's Office, ss.
I, ALEXANDER W. BRADFORD, Surrogate of said County, and acting as Clerk of the Surrogate's Court, do hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing copy of the Petition in the matter of proving the last Will and Testament of John De Camp, deceased with the original record thereof now remaining in this Office, and have found the same [illegible] transcript therefrom, and of the whole of such original record.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of Office, this first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one and of our Independence, the Seventy sixth
A W Bradford
Surrogate.

State County of New-York,
Surrogate's Court, ss.
I, ALEXANDER W. BRADFORD, Surrogate of said County, and presiding Magistrate of the Surrogate's Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing exemplification of the Petition in the Matter of proving the last Will and Testament
of John De Camp deceased, is authenticated in due form.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the Surrogate's Court, this first day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one and of our Independence the Seventy sixth
the Seventy sixth
A W Bradford
Surrogate

[seal]