Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,785, for George Knox, Pennsylvania
Page 1

Penn           Knox, George               W. 15.785
                               Catharine
Page 2

no debts.
His age 63 ys. a Farmer
unable to labor in consequence
 of bodily infirmities
wife 57 ys.
Consumptive - 2 sons
13 & 10 - 1 Daughter 8 ys.
New Certificate issued 13th. Novr. 1828.
and sent to Benjamin Greene, South
Berwick, Maine.
Hon. Wm. Burleigh
H. of R.
Recd Jany 23
1824 & sent
to above
See letter 16 Oct 1848 to
Benj Greene Esq
19
Maine
David Knox, priv
1781 to close of War
st Sched. [illegible] July 1820
25 acres of land - 1 Cow
1 Yoke Yearlings - 1 swine
Total Value - $280.00
He owes - $160.00
Sched under act Mar. 1823.
to commence 6. Dec. 1823.
no property whatever

accounts for the decrease
of property by ^sale of Real
Estate under execution
to satify debt due to
Levi Nork & David
Nork Jr. on the 31 Jany.
1821. debt to L Nork &
Costs $233 25/100. and to D
Nork $463. 77/100 - authenticated
copies of Execution
within - 1 cow & 3 sheep &
1 yoke Yearlings, disposed
of for his support & to
pay.
Page 3

 4914                        
New York     City    
Catherine Knox
widow of George Knox  
who was a Segt Major
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
                 120 Dollars - 
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
______________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 
 4th day of Feb 1844
and sent to P. M. Irving
 No 15/2 Wall St
New York
______________________________
(Act of March 3, 1843.) 
Recorded in Book A
Vol  1              Page 108

 Letter to A Ray Aug 2 [illegible]

Reported

Let to Hon W. L. Marcy
March 22 "47
Page 4

                  V 1137
Catharine Knox
widow of George 
        N. York
act 4 July '36
[decorative mark]
      Feb '37

           A.

                

Hon. G W Lay H R
Page 5

p 1
State of New York 
City and County of New York } SS. On this second day
of February in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty seven personally
appeared before the Honorable John T. Irving First
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the City
and County of New York the same being a court
of record, Catharine Knox a resident of the city
county and State of New York aged seventy two years
the said Catharine Knox being unable to appear
in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, and who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on
her oath make the following. declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the
act of Congress passed July 4, 1836. That she
is the widow of George Knox who was a private
in the revolutionary army. That for the various
particulars required by the forms of evidence
under the said act, adopted by the Secretary of war,
she refers to the declaration of the said George
Knox and the proofs accompanying the same
upon which the said George Knox drew a pension
as an Invalid pensioner up to and including the
fourth day of March 1824, as appears by a reference
to Ledger B of invalid pensions in the custody
of the Branch Bank at New York; and that the
same will further appear from the return of
the name of the said George Knox, to the war
department in the semi-annual report of the
Pension office at New York of July 1. 1826 as
she is informed and verily believes.
Page 6

She further declares that she was married
to the said George Knox on the 13th. day of
October 1782, that her husband the aforesaid
George Knox died on the 22d. day of March
1824, and that she has remained a widow ever
since that period, as will more fully appear by
reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed on the
day and year above written
Catharie Knox
Before me
Jno T Irving
First Judge of the Court of Com
Pleas for the City & County of York
I, John T. Irving, First Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas for the City and County
of New York, before whom the preceding declaration
was sworn to and subscribed, do hereby certify
that I am acquainted with Catharine Knox
in the aforegoing declaration named, and that the
said Catharine Knox cannot from bodily infirmity
attend the court: And further that the said
Catharine Knox is well known to me to be in
all respects a person of undoubted veracity and
integrity, and fully entitled to credit; and I
do further certify that I am well acquainted with
Robert Hyslop in the annexed affidavit
named, and that the most implicit reliance
is to be placed in his testimony.
Dated at the City of New York the
Page 7

p 2
State of New York
City and County of New York, Ss:
On this Third day of
February in the year of our Lord one thousand
before the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York
eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared
Robert Hyslop of the City, County and State of New 
York merchant who being first duly sworn
according to law doth on oath declare that he
is well acquainted with Catharine Knox in the
preceding declaration and certificate named, and
that he has been acquainted with her since the
year 1802, that he was also well acquainted 
with George Knox the husband of the said Catharine
Knox from the same period until his death
which took place on or about the 22d day
of March 1824, and that the said George
Knox was the same person mentioned and described
in the said preceding declaration, That deponent
was during the whole of that period and has
ever since been in the constant and daily habit
of access to the family bible of the said George
and Catharine Knox from which it appears, and
which deponent has no doubt is true, that they
were married at Haverstraw in the State of
New York on the 13th day of October 1782; That 
the said George Knox during the whole of the 
period when deponent knew them before the death
of the said George Knox as aforesaid resided in
the City of New York, where they raised a large
family of children, and where they were uniformly
esteemed and accepted as husband and wife
both by their family and friends. And further
Page 8

that deponent has been married to one of the
daughters of the said George Knox and Catharine
Knox for more than twenty four years, during
which period he has had a perfect and entire
opportunity of becoming fully acquainted with the
domestic relations and concerns of the said
George and Catharine Knox and that the said
Catharine Knox has never been again married
since the death of the said George Knox.
And
further deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed on the
day and year above written,
in open Court, Before me
Tho Jeremiah Clerk
Robert Hyslop
I, Thomas Jeremiah, clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas for the City and County of New York
do hereby certify that the preceding deposition of
Robert Hyslop was duly sworn before me in
open court, on the day and year therein
mentioned -
Witness my hand and seal of
office the Third day of February 1837.
Tho Jeremiah Clerk
Page 9

3
second day of February 1837.
Jno T Irving
State of New York
First Judge of the Court of Com
Pleas for the City & County
of New York 
State of New York
City and County of New York } ss: I, Thomas Jeremiah
Clerk of the city and county of New York do hereby
certify that the honorable John T. Irving before
whom the aforegoing declaration was sworn
and subscribed, and by whom the aforegoing
certificate was given, is First Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas for the city and county of New York,
the same being a Court of record, and that the
signatures annexed to the attestation of the said
declaration, and to the preceding certificate are
his genuine signatures -
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office, the Third day
of February 1837.
Tho Jeremiah, Clerk
Page 10

George Knox was married to Catharine his wife 13 Octobr 178[illegible]

1st Mary Ann Knox was born 12th July 1783 abt 12 OClock and 13 April 1784 Departed this life aged 9 months & one day
2cd Elizabeth Ann Knox was Born 26th March 1785 at 9 OClock in the Morning. 
3d Catharine Fear Knox was Born 28th April 1787 at 9 OClock in the Morning. 
4th Georgianna Knox was Born 17 May 1789 at 3 OClock in the afternoon.
5th George Knox was Born 1st January 1792. 
6th Amelia Knox was Born 13th July 1795 at 8 Oclock in the Evening. 
7 Matilda Knox was Born 28th November 1797 at 9 OClock in the morning. 

Died at Burlington on the 13 September 1814 Ebenezer Beebe
Died at Greenbush on the 23 of September 1814 Catherine F Beebe in the 27th year of her age y/27 mo/5 dy/24
Died at 
George Knox ^ Senr Departed this life March 22 1824
George Knox Paulding Departed this life July 21th 1824
Aged 18 years 10 months 21 days
Page 11

Mary Ann Knox departed this life 13 April 1784 
               aged 9 Months one Day

George Knox was Born 14 June 175[9 strikethrough 8] - Eight
Catharine his Wife was born 12 June 1764

Eliza Ann Knox was married to Joseph Paulding 
24 November 1804

Catherine F Knox was married to Ebenezer Beebe 
29 December 1804

#N.B. Joseph Paulding was born 1t March 1774

#N.B. Ebenezer Beebe was born the 27th October 1771

George Knox Paulding was Born 9th Septemr 1805

William Rhinelander Paulding was Born the 
6 August & died the 10th of the same Month 
1807 aged 4 Days
_______________________________________________________________
Robert Hyslop was born 4th June 1787

Georgianna Knox was married to Robert Hyslop 
24th November 1812

William Irving Hyslop was Born 10th September 
at 6 Oclock in the Evening

Matilda Knox was married to Wickleff Bruen 
                        18th October 1819

Joseph Paulding died at Tarry Town          year                   mo
                              4th January 1833 aged 5[illegible]. 10. 3 [illegible]
Page 12

Declaration
Reviving on behalf of the children, claim of Catharine Knox
for Commissary service of her husband, George Knox, under
Act 4th July, 1836; first asserted August 16. 1843, and
suspended per letter January 25. 1844 to receive a pension
for two years service as Sergeant Major under act 7th
July, 1838, the claim for service as Commissary not having
then been sustained by satisfactory proof.
Westchester County ss: On this Thirty first day of March
A.D. 1846, personally appeared before the subscriber
a Justice of the Peace for said County, Amelia
Knox, formerly of the City of New York, now residing
at Tarrytown in said County of Westchester, aged
Forty five years, who, being first duly sworn, according
to law, doth, on her oath, make the following
declaration, in right of her mother, Catharine
Knox, deceased. and on behalf of herself
and the other surviving children of said deceased,
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made
by the Act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836.
That she is the daughter of Catharine
Knox, deceased, who was a pensioner on the roll
of the New York City agency at the rate of 120
dollars per annum; which pension was allowed
under Acts 7th July, 1838, 3d March, 1843 & 17
June, 1844, for the service, as she has been informed
and believes, of her husband, George Knox
the father of this declarant, as Sergeant Major in
the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment: that Catharine
Knox, her said mother, died in the receipt of such
pension as aforesaid in the city of New York on the
23d day of January, 1845, having continued to the
Page 13

day of her death the widow of the said George Knox:
that she left her surviving four children, (daughters,)
who are her only children, and whose names
are Elizabeth Ann Paulding, widow of Joseph Paulding
deceased; Amelia Knox, this declarant. -  residents
of Tarrytown, Westchester County, New York; Georgiana
Hyslop, wife of Robert Hyslop, a resident of the city of
New York, and Matilda Bruen, wife of Wickliffe
Bruen, a resident of Savannah, Georgia.
The declarant further saith that her father, the
said George Knox, as she has been informed and
believes, entered the commissary department subsequent
to his service as Sergeant Major, and continued
therein to the close of the revolutionary war; that
at the date of his marriage to her said mother, to wit,
on the 13th October, 1782, and long prior and subsequent
to that date, he was, as she has understood
and believes, Commissary at King's Ferry,
at or near the entrance of the Highlands of the
Hudson, embracing the fortresses of Stony Point on
the West and of Verplanck's Point on the East
side of the river: - and for further particulars
of his service in this capacity she refers
to the new and additional testimony herewith
submitted, and to the day-book and other documents
and depositions filed in the Pension Office at
Washington in support of the original claim, made
by her mother, the said Catharine Knox, in August, 1843
for a pension for service as Commissary under act
4th July, 1836.
Sworn to and subscribed | Amelia Knox
in the day and year above
written, before me,
Steuben Swartwout - Justice of peace
Page 14

I. Steuben Swartwout, the justice of the Peace
within named, hereby certify that I am well
acquainted with Amelia Knox the declarant
within named, and that she is a person of
truth and veracity and entitled to implicit
credit and belief - Dated [illegible] 31. 1846
Steuben Swartwout - Justice of peace
County of Westchester.)
Serving Warrant of a
*, MUNSON I. LOCKWOOD, Clerk of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY, That Steuben Swartwout Esqr
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed
Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate,
a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in and for the said County, residing in the said County,
commissioned and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And, further, 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, the Thirty-first day of March 1846
Munson I Lockwood Clerk.
Page 15

By Richard Varick and Richard
Platt of the City of New York Esquires.
This is to certify that in Pursuance of the Law of
the State of New York entitled "An Act making
"Provision for for Officers, Soldiers & Seamen who
"have been disabled in the Service of the United
"States" Passed the 22nd. of April 1786, We have
examined George Knox of the City of New York
Yeoman & find that in the year 1776 he inlisted as 
a Soldier in the fourth Pensilvania Regiment
in the Service of the United States commanded
by Lt. Colonel William Butler That on the
fifth day of October 1777. he was appointed Sergt.
Major of the same Regiment; That on the thirtieth
day of July one thousand seven hundred and
seventy eight, being on the March with the Regiment,
from the White Plains to Schoharie, at
the City of Albany, he was shot thro the Body by
one Richard Roack a Soldier of the same Regimint,
with a Musket charged with a Cartridge
& Musket Ball, the whole of which entered
on the right side of his Back Bone and
came out about two inches above his Navel;
That he continued in the same Regiment till
[written in upper left margin: 
"10
10-
13 99 -
14 - 1800
15 - Sept 1800
16 Mar 1852"]
Page 16

the Month of November 1779 when he was discharged
therefrom as unfit for Military Duty and
entered the Commissary Department, in which
he continued till the thirty first Day of December
1781. That by Means of his said wound he is
rendered incapable of obtaining his Livelihood
by Labour; That on the fourteenth Day of June
last he was twenty nine Years of age. Wherefore
in Pursuance of the Law aforesaid We do further
certify that upon the Principles of the Act of
Congress of the seventh Day of June 1785 the
said George Knox is entitled to receive from
the Treasurer of this State a Yearly Pension of
thirty six Dollars from the first Day of
January one thousand seven hundred &
eighty two, if not before paid.
Given under our Hands this
twentieth Day of February 1787.
Rich. Varick
Richd Platt
Page 17

POWER OF ATTORNEY - Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Mrs Georgiana Hyslop
daughter of this Catharine Knox (deceased widow of George Knox (decd)
hereby constitute and appoint D. L. & S. A  Peugh of Washington City D.C.
my true and lawful Agents and Attorneys to prosecute the Claim of Mrs Catharine Knox decd
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize
my said Agents to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments
at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate
which may be issued for said Claim, and
to appoint one or more substitutes under them for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I
might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorneys
and Agents shall lawfully do in the premises.
WITNESS my hand and Seal this 3d day Jany A. D., 1852
Georgianna Hyslop
Signed and Sealed in the presence of
Joseph Lawrence
Fridericke Rentsckler
STATE OF New York
COUNTY OF New Yor } ss:
On this Thus - day of Janry - A. D. 1852
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace [crossed out and "not Public" written above] in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared
Georgiana Hyslop known to me [crossed out] and acknowledged the foregoing Power,
of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand,
the day and year aforesaid. }
Joseph Lawrence J. Peace.
Noty Public
65 Wall St
Page 18

Claim of
Act of
STATE OF New York
City & COUNTY of New York } ss.
Be it known, That on this three
day of Jany A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty two,
before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace [crossed out and "noy Public" written above] in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared
Mrs Georgeana Hyslop a resident of New York City in said County, and
made oath according to law that she is the Child and daughter of Mrs Catharine
Knox (deceased) widow of George Knox (deceased)
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of Dollars per annum; that she has been
informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that she is directly interested as a claimant in
said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my
Agents may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and
years aforesaid, before me.
Joseph Lawrence | Georgianna Hyslop
Noy Public
I, Joseph Lawrence Justice of the Peace [crossed out and "Noty Public" written above], in and for said County do hereby certify that
Mrs. Georgeana Hyslop who executed the foregoing paper is a
[illegible] resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
Joseph Laurence
Noty Public
Clerk of the Court in the County
aforesaid, do hereby certify that before whom the
papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is
signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my official Seal, this day of
A. D. 185 .
Clerk.
Page 19

STATE OF New York 
City & COUNTY OF New York } ss.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Joseph C
Laurence a Notary Public in & for the State of N. Y.
that Mrs Catharine Knox (deceased) was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United 
States at the rate of $120 per annum and that she died on the
twenty three day of Jany - eighteen hundred and forty five
leaving surviving four Children whose names where Mrs Georgiana Hyslop
Matilda Bruen Elizabeth Paulding & Amelia Knox
and that Mrs. Georgiana Hyslop Matilda Bruen & Amelia Knox
are the only surviving children of the aforesaid. Mrs Catharine Knox (deceased) widow
of George Knox (deceased) who left a widow
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
my seal of office this three - day of
one thousand eight hundred and fifty. two
Joseph C Laurence
Noty Public
65 Wall St
NY
Page 20

p 1.
State of New York
Westchester County } ss:
On this thirty first day of July
A D 1843 before the subscriber, a Justice of the
Peace for Westchester County, personally appeared
Elizabeth Ann Paulding, a resident of Tarrytown
in said county, aged Fifty Eight years, who, being
duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is the
widow of Joseph Paulding, and daughter of George
Knox, long since deceased, and Catharine, his widow:
that previous to her father's death she has
repeatedly heard him speak of his adventures and
services in the War of the Revolution: that according 
to his relation, he entered the American army at
the age of Sixteen; that he received, while in service
in the line, a severe wound. inflicted by a soldier
of the American army in a drunken frolic, without
malice: that his strength was so much impaired
thereby as to unfit him, after recovery, for the fatigues
of the field; that, in consequence thereof
he received the appointment of Commissary and
was transferred to that department and continued
therein during the residue of his service.
which was, as represented by him, to the close of
the war. And this deponent further saith that
his term of service, from the time of his enlistment
as a soldier to the time of his leaving as commissary,
embraced, as stated by him, nearly the entire
duration of the war. She also saith that she
has frequently heard her father speak of the
difficulty he encountered in procuring provisions
for the army, and especially of the difficulty experienced
by him in obtaining cattle, when in the
commissary department. Deponent further saith that
she will remembers to have heard, in her youth,
from her mother, that her father failed to arrive
Page 21

at the wedding at the hour appointed for the
ceremony, in consequence of its being drawing day
and his being detained thereby.
Sworn to and subscribed
this 31st day of July 1843 | Elizabeth Ann Paulding
before me:
Steuben Swartwout. Justice of the peace
I. Steuben Swartwout, the Justice of the peace before whom the above deposition
was sworn to and subscribed, hereby certify that I am personally acquainted
with Elizabeth Ann Paulding, that she is a person of highly
respectable character, and entitled to the most implicit confidence
Dated July 31. 1843
Stuben Swartwout -  J.P.
Page 22

State of  New York
County of West Chester

I Charles Purdy, Clerk of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY That, Steuben Swartwout, whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed Instrument and endoresed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same.  And further, 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, the twenty-first day of [ ] 1843.

Charles A Purdy, Clerk
Page 23

1137 

In the matter of the application of Mrs Catharine Know for a pension as Commissary's widow, under Act 4 July 1836


Aug 43
Page 24

State of New York  
City and County of New York ⎬ SS.  

On this fourteenth day of August in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-three, personally appeared before the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York, Catharine Knox, a resident of the City of New York, aged seventy-nine years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4, 1836.  

That she is the widow of George Knox, an Invalid Pensioner of the United States, who was a Private, Sergeant Major, and Commissary of Issues in the Revolutionary Army and served successively in these different capacities from the year 1776 to the close of the war in the autumn of 1783.  

That for the particulars of his service as Private and Sergeant from 1776 to November 1779, she refers to the accompanying original certificate of Messrs. Varick & Platt, of which a certified copy from the Comptroller's office at Albany is also in her possession, being the evidence, as she is informed and believes, upon which an invalid pension was allowed to her said husband.  

She refers also to the same certificate for proof of his services in the Commissary Department from the last mentioned period to the first day of January 1782.
Page 25

Deponent further avers that said Knox was discharged as Sergeant Major at Pumpton, New Jersey, on the 24th day of November 1779, as will appear from the accompanying discharge. That immediately thereafter, as she has always understood from him, he received the appointment of Commissary and thereupon went into the Commissary Department and continued therein not merely to the thirty-first day of December 1781, as might be supposed from said certificate, but long subsequent to said period, as will hereafter appear.  

She further saith that, to the best of her recollection and belief, she became acquainted with the aforesaid George Knox in the autumn of the year 1781, about a year before their marriage; that the acquaintance was formed at the house of a Mr. David Pye of Clarkstown, Rockland County, who, as this deponent has been informed and believes, but cannot speak from personal knowledge, was Deputy or Assistant in the Commissary Department under said Knox for a considerable period prior to their marriage.  

That at the time of forming said acquaintance, she understood and believes that the said Knox held the office of Commissary; and it is within the personal knowledge of the declarant that for some months previous to her marriage, while said Knox was paying his addresses to her, which was subsequent to the 31st day of December 1781, he continued to fill said office, having charge and control of the Commissary Department at Stony Point.  

For further proof thereof, she refers to the accompanying documentary testimony.
Page 26

Marked A, being the mutilated fragment of a journal of his accounts as Commissary, in his own handwriting from June 2nd, 1782, to October 6th of said year, seven days prior to her marriage.

And deponent further saith that said Knox continued in service as Commissary at Stony Point up to and long after their said marriage. She distinctly remembers that the wedding occurred on a day when the troops drew their provisions at Stony Point, designated as "drawing day," and that in consequence thereof, said Knox was somewhat belated at the ceremony, much to the merriment of the guests who had been kept in waiting.

Said ceremony was performed at the residence of her father, Cornelius Paulding, who some time previous had removed from Clarkstown, Rockland County, and was then living in the township of Haverstraw in said County, on the farm of Colonel Hay, in the vicinity of Stony Point. Some weeks after her marriage, she removed to her husband's quarters at Stony Point.

Her husband was at that time Issuing Commissary at said post but was occasionally absent to make purchases of provisions and cattle for the Army. He had under his entire charge and control two storehouses in which the provisions for the army were deposited—one appropriated exclusively to flour, and the other containing a mixed assortment of pork, groceries, liquors, etc., which last store was contiguous to and adjoined the dwelling in which deponent and her husband resided.
Page 27

husband lived, and was guarded night
and day by a sentinel: that she continued
at said quarters until the approach of the
birth of her first child, when she removed
to her father's house, and was there confined
on the 12th July 1783. that some weeks after
wards she returned to her said quarters at
Stoney Point where she remained until the
troops were disbanded her husband continuing during the whole of said period of their
marriage to fill the office of Commissary
as aforesaid. And deponent well remembers
that during this said period, her said
husband had a clerk under him, by the
name of Moses Fairchild, who received orders
from him, as his superior, and was his Assistant in the Commissary department, as well
in writing as in other ways: but whether
said Fairchild be now living she cannot say.
She also distinctly remembers, that on drawing
days he had an additional assistant by the
name of Falconer, who was busy with the
Scales in weighing out meat.
And this deponent further maketh oath and
saith that in her former declaration, under
this said act, forwarded several years ago,
she made no suggestion of the services of her
said husband in the Commissary department
of which services only she could speak from
personal knowledge) because she was not
interrogated as to this point, and was entirely
ignorant of what, or how much, or how little,
it was necessary for her to set forth to sustain
her application. The further declares that
she was married to the said George Knox
Page 28

on the 13th day of October 1782; that the marriage solemnity was performed by the Rev David Burnes, a Presbyterian clergyman, of Haverstraw, long since dead; that the accompanying record of her marriage and the births of her children is extracted from the family Bible which was in the keeping of her husband until his death, and has since been in her keeping; that said family record, except such parts thereof, as are below the red lines, is in the handwriting of her said husband, and is, as has been satisfactorily ascertained, the only record proof of her marriage in existence; that her said husband died on the 22nd day of March 1824, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear, by reference to the proof hereto annexed.

Catharine Knox

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me,

Wm Inglis
Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the city and county of New York, in the state of New York.

I the Judge before whom the foregoing depos(ition)
Page 29

(depo)sition was subscribed and sworn, hereby certify that the declarant, Catharine Knox, is unable from bodily infirmity, to attend and make the same in open court.

August 14, 1843

Wm Inglis
Associate Judge New York Common Pleas
Page 30


State of New York
County of New York

Robert Hyslop, of the City of New York, Merchant, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he is the son-in-law of George Knox and Catharine Knox, mentioned in the preceding declaration. He has been married to one of the daughters of the said George and Catharine for more than thirty years.  

The said George Knox died on the 22nd day of March in the year 1824, and his widow, Catharine, has never remarried.  

Deponent further saith that he is well acquainted with the handwriting of the said George Knox. The family record mentioned in the preceding declaration is in his handwriting, except as therein stated, and the mutilated journal of accounts, marked **A**, referred to therein, which came into deponent’s possession at his death, is also entirely in the handwriting of said George Knox.  

Deponent also saith that he has frequently heard said Knox, in alluding to his Revolutionary services, mention his role as Commissary. In such conversations, he spoke of himself as having the entire superintendence and control of the Commissary Department at some post on the Hudson River. He particularly described the occasional difficulties he faced in procuring the necessary supplies for the troops. However, deponent has forgotten at which specific point or points on said river Knox served in this capacity, or in which year or years.
Page 31

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of August 1843.

Wm Inglis
Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the city and county of New York in the state of New York

Robert Hyslop

I the Judge before whom the preceding deposition was sworn to and subscribed hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Robert Hyslop, the above deponent, and that he is a person of high respectability and of undoubted veracity and integrity.

New York, August 14, 1843
Wm Inglis
Associate Judge New York Common Pleas
Page 32

State of New York
City of New York

Elizabeth McCarter of the said city, widow, aged 73 years, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that she is the sister of Catharine Knox, widow of George Knox. that said George Knox was a soldier in the War of the Revolution from near its commencement to its close; that he served originally in the line, as she has always understood from him, and was afterwards, and prior to this deponent's acquaintance with him, transferred to the Commissary department; that he was commissary at Stony Point when paying his addresses to her said sister, and always went by that title. And deponent furtherbsaith that she has a distinct recollection of his visit to her father's house, during the period of his Courtship, and that he was generally dressed at such times in the uniform of a red coat, or coat of which the prevailing color was red, and a cocked hat, but whether this was the customary military dress of Commissaries she cannot say.  She also saith that she was present at the Marriage of her sister & said Knox. that said Knox was on that occasion dressed in his uniform, and was engaged in military service as Commissary as aforesaid; that after her marriage her sister removed to the quarters of her said husband at Stony Point and there remained until near the period of the birth of her first child, when she was brought to her fathers house. And deponent well remembers that prior to this event she spent some days with her sister at her said quarters; that said quarters joined the Commissary store, which was under the entire charge and control of said Knox.
Page 33

and that a sentinel was constantly on guard, pacing to and fro in front of said store. She distinctly remembers also, that said Knox had a clerk under him, of whose name she cannot be positive, but thinks it was Childs, or something resembling that.  Deponent further saith that said Knox continued in service as Commissary at Stony Point for a considerable period after the birth of the aforesaid
child, and to the best of her recollection and belief, to the conclusion of the War.

Elizabeth McCarter

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of August 1843
Wm Inglis
 of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York in the state of New York.

I, the Judge before whom the preceding deposition was sworn to and subscribed, hereby certify that Elizabeth McCarter, the above deponent is a person of reputable character to whose statements full faith and credit may be given

New York August 14th 1843
Wm Inglis
Associate Judge New York Com Pleas
Page 34

State of New York City
City & County of New York

I, Andrew Warner Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York, do hereby certify that the honorable William Inglis, before whom the three foregoing depentions were sworn to and subscribed, and by whom the three foregoing certificates were given is an associate Judge of
said Court, and that the signatures, annexed to the attestation of the said depositions and to the preceding certificates are his genuine signatures.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the fifteenth day of
August in the year one Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Three

Andrew Warner Clk
Page 35

The Bearer George Knox of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment having engaged in militia to do his duty till the 1st day of January next in the said Regiment has permission to pass to Pennsylvania, and to continue absent from his regiment till the said first day of January next, at which time he is to join the said Regiment except he shall inlist as an able bodied Soldier to serve in his place during the War, who shall be prooved of as such by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment.  Given under my hand at Osago Lake this 26th day of July 1779

Tho Church, Major, 6th Regiment

Wm Butler
4th Regt
Page 36

N York


Act July 4, 1836
Page 37

5111
New York City

Catharine Knox

widow of George Knox who dies on the ___ of NY County in the state of NY who was a Comm'y (Commissary) in the _ by captain _ of the _ by _ for two years.

Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 100 dollars per annum to commence on the fourth day of March 1831, ending 23rd January 1845

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of February 1852 and sent to S A Peugh

Arrears to the 4th of Present

Deducting former payments at $120 under acts 7 July 1838, 3rd March 1843, 7 June 1846

Recorded by S R Weightman

Book D, Vol 2, Page 258
Page 38

This certifies that George Knox, Sergt Major of the 4th Pennsylvania Regt, is hereby discharged by order of Col William Butler, commanding 1st Regiment, he having procured an able bodied man in his place and to serve  1st Reg.  Given at Pumpton Nov 24th 1779

Thos Church, Major, 4th Reg
Page 39

1137

Catharine Knox
NY

Let to Hon H Fish, Dec 15 1843

Act 4 July 1836
Page 40

Geo Know - N York Invlaid ad'd

get the papers

Two papers on file [illegible] 
Wid. papers [open] to him the 22nd
Page 41

Butler Reg't $36 [illegible] [feb] '87

[per com'y Jan 17 '82 and 7 Jun '85]
Page 42

Review for the Hon W Curtis, HR, the case of Mrs Catharine, widow

George Knox, N York
Act July 4, 36

Report immediately
Page 43

Mr Edwards will oblige Mr Chamberly by making him to answer the enclosed and by returning Mr Graham's letter
Page 44

Decision of the office confirmed by Secretary of the Interior.  See hie letter of June 20, 1850 filed with "decision"

A Revy Act 18 / 51
Page 45

Geo Knox
PA line
4 or 6 Reg
ret'd for B land?

13 Nov 44

GW

The case of Geo Knox is not retained in the records of the Pension Office [illegible] entitled to, or who has received bounty land from the U States.

W Gordon
November 15
Page 46

Geo Knox   d 1824
Calhoun   1782 Oct 13

Invalid

26 July 29  Geo Knox was furloughed to Jan 1 1780.  Was then to join his Regiment unless he procured an able bodied man to serve in his place during the war

Name does not appear on Penn Roll [illegible] Geo Knox that ....
Page 47

Depositions of Depaw- Stevens &c

no evidence of grade!

GW
Page 48

NY

Rev Widow &c

File No.  15785

Catharine Knox

widow of George Knox
Commissary Rev. War

Act July 4, 1843

Index: Vol A, Page 408

(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 49

No 7783

Catharine Knox, dec

widow of George

NY

Act 4 July 1836

Adm'd 

2 yrs commissary $100 per annuam to 23rd January 1845 when she died

former payments under Act 7 July 1838 at the rate of $120 per annum to be deducted

Allowed by order of Sec'y.

Payable to

Elizabeth Paulding
Georgiana Hayslop
Amelia Knox, and
Matilda Bruen

only children

Cert to S A Peugh
Present
Page 50

Catharine Knox

See letter Oct 6, 1837 to Hon CC Cambreleng

Let to D Graham Jr Esq, 8 Dec 1837 and 4 Jan 1838
to Hon E Curtis 6 July 1838
to S H Hill 28 Oct 1841 and 18 Nov 1841
same Dec'r 6th 1841
to R Hyslop April 19, 1843
to Hon H Fish Dec 14, 1843

Letter to Hon Geo W Lay 3 June 1877
46
Page 51

Catharine Knox

to

Robert Hyslop

Power of attorney

Geo W Sec'y
Page 52

Power of Attorney
---
Sold by J.B. Jam

Know all Men by these Presents, THAT I Catharine Knox of the City of New York widow have made, constituted, and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute, and appoint Robert Hyslop of the said City Merchant my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name, place, and stead, to ask demand and receive from the Government of the United States, all sum and sums of money due and payable to me as the widow of George Knox late of the said City of New York under the act
of Congress passed July 4, 1836, and all sum and sums which may at any time or times hereafter grow due to me thereunder

giving and granting unto my said attorney full power and authority to do and perform all and every act and thing whatsoever requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as Imight or could
do, if personally present, with full power of substitution and revocation, hereby
ratifying and confirming all that my said attorney or his substitute shall lawfully do or cause to be done, by virtue hereof.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the Eighth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven

Catharine Knox

Sealed and delivered in the presence of Samuel A Porter

United States of America,
City and County of New-York,

BE IT KNOWN, That on the ninth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven before me Samuel A. Porter a Public Notary in and for the State of
New-York, duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the City of New-York,
personally came Catharine Knox to me known to be the person described in & who executed the preceding instrument and acknowledged the above Letter of Attorney to be her act and deed.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my
seal of office, the day and year last above written.

Samuel A. Porter
Notary Public
Page 53

5300

Application of Catharine Knox for a pension under Act 3rd March 1843

Feb 44
Page 54

State of New York 
City & County of New York

On this First day of February A.D. 1844 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the City & County aforesaid, Catharine Knox, a resident of the City of New York, aged Seventy Nine years, who, being first duly sworn according to law doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d March, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of George Knox, who was a Sergeant Major in the war of the Revolution, and that she has received a pension of one hundred and twenty Dollars per annum under the act of 7th July 1838.

she further declares that she is still a widow.

Catharine Knox (her mark)
Witness: Amelia Knox

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me,

Henry Richardson
Commissioner of Deeds


I hereby certify that the declarant is known to me to be the identical Catharine Knox described in and who signed the preceeding deposition by making her mark thereto; She being at present too ill and feeble to write her name

Henry Richardson
Commissioner of Deeds
Page 55

STATE OF NEW YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK,

I, James Conner, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Henry Richardson whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Commissioner of Deeds for said City and County, dwelling in the said City, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.

In testimony hereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 1st day of Feby 1844

James Conner Clerk.
Page 56

No 1

J L Edwards

to

Hon Hamilton Fish

36
Page 57

No 1.
Copy
From J L Edwards to Hon Hamilton  Fish

Pension Office

13 Decr 1843

In the case of Catharine Knox, the proof is satisfactory to show that she was married in October 1782 and that her husband served two years as Sergeant Major in the Pennsylvania line ending the 24th Nov. 1779.  But she claims that her husband was a Commissary when she married and therefore apart a claim under the act of July 4th 1836 which provides a pension for life to these marriage took place before the expiration of the husband's service. There is no record evidence of his appointment, as the rules require, and the certificate of Col's Varick & Platt shows that he entered the Commissary Department about the time he was discharged in November 1779 and continued to the 31st December 1781. She is therefore not entitled under the act of 4th July 1836

If she should renew her claim under the act of July 7, 1836, she can be allowed only for the service in the Pennsylvania line as Sergeant Major. The claim for service as Commissary is not sustained. No one of the documents assign him that rank, and the "Day Book"  which has been filed does not even bear his name. The evidence of Cols Varick and Plattt & Platt does not show in what capacity he entered the Commisary Department, and it may have as a clerk
Page 58


Washington
July 23d 1857

Jas E. Heath Esq
Com of Pensions

Sir:

In the case of Catharine Knox of New York, act 1838, I herewith present an additional
affidavit from a gentleman of high standing & to the effect that he was acquainted with George Knox at King Ferry New York, was known and called George Knox, Commissary as late during the revolution in 1783.

In a report made to secretary Marcy (upon my appeal) March 22, 1847, he admits "that (when Knox was discharged from Pa Line), he entered the commissary Department in November 1779, and continued therein to 31 Decr 1781" But says the commissioner "that
if his employment at King Ferry was under a militia appointment, it having terminated
in 1781, she could not claim the benefit of the act of July 4, 1836 as her marriage took place in a succeeding year.

In a same report to the Secretary, the Commssioner again says "it is admitted that he was from Nov. 1779 to Decr 1781 in the Commissary Department: but whether a clerk, quarter master sergeant, commissionary" can not made our for the grade of evidence required.  And concludes in report, upon the most extraordinary reason that as the claimant
Page 59

is dead, and the large amount claims must go
to those who have no claim in their own right.”
I regret, that I am under the necessity
of asking your attention to three very important points
of evidence in this case, and which were entirely omitted
in the Commissioner’s report to the Secretary of War,
[First], refer to a certificate I filed in the case being an
“Extract from the Register Office of certificates issued by
" Jonathan Burnall Commission for settling the accounts
" of the Commissary and Quarter Master Department of
" the revolution showing on the 1 Jan 1782, a certificate [fw’d]
to him as an officer of the Commissary Department, as
Q. M. Department for $286.30”
Now it is very clear from this issued certificate,
that Mr Knox was under military obligation,  as [illegible] was
only authority under his special appointment
“to settle the accounts of the Commissary & Quarter Master 
of the Revolutionary army, not civilian, but officer accounts.
Again, in a former application, to the Commissioner, 
I submitted the question to him, whether or not the
reference made to the American State Papers, page 717 & 718
“ do not afford sufficient evidence to shew that George Knox 
" was acting & performing duty at Kings Ferry at the
" date of the correspondence in Oct 1782” The question
was answered "in the affirmative,’ but adds "what that
“ duty was, under what appointment rendered, is not 
“ sufficiently shown.” See Com’r let to me Oct 9. 1846.
Page 60

There is one more important omission in the
report to the Sec’y of March 22/47. A book of account-
kept by Geroge Knox, a commissary filed with the
paper showing certain entries up to Oct 1782. These
facts were not presented to the Secretary, and which
I consider had a strong bearing [inform] on the case.
Beside all this, there are several affidavits made
by person[s] who served under "Knox, while commissary
at Kings Ferry,” and who are now pension[er]s for the same
period of service they claim to have served
under Knox in the year[s] 1781-2.
There are also affidavits of other
persons, showing conclusively that said “Knox” was
in service after Marriage in Oct 1782.
Since the adverse decision in this case, it has
been decided by your Department to [count]
parole testimony, I refer to the decision in the case
of Hannah Cook of New York at 1836 and ask
a comparison of evidence and testimony in the
two cases.
In consideration, I claim at your hands a like
disposition in the case of Mrs Knox as extended to Mrs
Cook, and rel[y]ing on your just view of right, entertain
the hope the claim will now be allowed
under act 1836 at the rate to which a commissary
is entitled to receive for two years service.
I remain very respectfully
Your Obt Ser
Alex Ray

Note: In the examination
of [NJ] case, will show the reference
Americ'n State Papers. pages 717-718
Page 61


New York Dec 18, 1837
Sir.
I have received yours of the 8th request
relative to the application of Mrs. Catharine Knox
and in reply I beg leave to call your particular attention
to the facts of the case as they appear from the evidence
which I have had the honor to transmit to you, in
relation to it.
Mrs Knox makes her application under the act
of July 4 1836 on the ground that her husband
was a private in the revolutionary army
In her declaration which was forwarded to you
in the latter part of February, or beginning of March
last she states in the form prescribed in the printed
rules issued from the War department, (Pension
Office )
July 9 1836. and in the formed of the decclaration 
accompanying the same, to which I refer
you, that she is the widow of George Knox who
was a private in the revolutionary army. she
refers for the service of her husband to his declaration
and the proofs accompanying the same upon which
her husband drew a pension as an invalid pensioner
 up to and including March 4 1824. as appears
by reference to Ledger B. of invalid pensions in
the custody of the Branch Bank at New York, and
from the return of the name of her husband to the
War department in the semiannual report of the
pension office at New York, of July 1. 1826 and
she then states her marriage, the death of her husband
and her continued widowhood in the very words of the
formed to which I have referred
to. This declaration was annexed the affidavit
of Mr Hyslop, shewing that he knew the applicant
Page 62

and her husband; that he had married one of their daughters; that they had lived for many years together down to the death of Mr Knox; that they had raised a large family of children; that their marriage was entered in their family Bible; and that they were always accepted as husband and wife among their relatives, and friends, and the additional fact that Mrs Knox, had remained a widow ever since her husband's death.

These papers having been transmitted to your office through the politeness of the Hon. Geo. W. Say then
a member of Congress from this State, you addressed to him a communication dated Feb 18. 1837. stating
that the pension papers referred to for evidence of his revolutionary services were burnt, when the war
office was destroyed by fire in August 1814 and that in order to afford the means of a satisfactory
investigation of the claim, the names of the Officers under whom the service was rendered should be
furnished, and that Mrs Knox should also produce some witness able to prove the fact of her marriage
before her husband left the service.

Some time after the reception of this communication, I had the honor to transmit to you the positive evidence of a witness present at the marriage proving that fact distinctly, together with the evidence of another witness (Mr Hyslop ) shewing that the memory of Mrs Knox by reason of age, and infirmity was so impaired as to render the statement of the particulars of her husband's service, and the Officers under whom rendered, wholly impossible; and a sworn copy attested by the President of the Mechanic's Bank, in whose custody the pension Books now are, of the receipts of pensions
Page 63

by Mr Knox as an invalid pensioner, proving that he had received the sum of $28.80, every six months from the 4th of March 1818 to the 4th March 1824, and that his name was sent to Washington in the list of July 1. 1826, he having died as stated by Mrs Knox in her declaration, in the latter part of March 1824, a few days after the receipt of his last pension.

In reply to these papers, your letter to the Hon C C Cambreleng through whom they were presented dated Oct. 6. 1837, stated "that neither the papers exhibited in support of the claim, nor the books, and papers of the Department afford any evidence whatever as to the duration of the service. No one, (you observe) doubts that he was in the service, for he was in the pension list, as an invalid, but how long he served before he was disabled, does not appear. The books furnish no evidence in relation to the husband, except that he drew an invalid pension. As the pension under the act of July 4 1836. is a pro rata allowance and provides for none who served less than six months, and as we cannot determine how long
Mr Knox served, the claim cannot be allowed without proof on this point."

Presuming that the evidence as to the fact of service, entitling Mr Knox, and consequently his Widow to a pension under the act, had been sufficiently established, as conceded by your letter of October 6, just cited, and that the only question was as to the duration of his service, I enclosed to you on the 5th of November last, the deposition of a witness, (the same one who had proved the actual marriage ), that Mr Knox was married in his uniform, and that the
said George Knox continued in actual service as
Page 64

a soldier in the revolutionary army for at least one year after the period of his said marriage and that he had so served for a considerable period amounting to several years previous to his said marriage.


These proofs I had supposed embraced every thing suggested by your various communications and particularly that of October 6 and I beg leave respectfully to contend, they embrace all that the law
or the rules established under it require.

The claim of Mrs Knox is under the 3d section of the act of July 4 1836. which gives to the widow the same pension which her husband would have had under the act of June 7 1832, if living, when
it was passed, provided the marriage took place before the expiration of the last period of his service.

The 6th section of the rules prescribes the mode of proof to be such as the "foregoing regulations direct",
in addition to which it must be shown when the claimant was legally married to the deceased officer or soldier, etc and that the marriage took place before the last term of service of the husband expired, and that they (widows) were never afterwards married

As you have expressed it in your letter of October 6  "no one can doubt that the husband was in the service, for he was on the pension list as an invalid," and I apprehend that the proof subsequently furnished, shows as clearly, that he served more than six months, and that the proof previously in your possession, as well as that subsequently furnished, incontestibly established that the marriage took place before the last term of service of the husband expired, for it appears by the last deposition I sent you, that he was married in
Page 65

his uniform, and served for at least a year thereafter."

But you suggest in your letter of Dec 8. 1837 that the services, the names of the Officers, and the time of entering, and leaving the Company, or regiment must be proved

I contend that they are proved, and that by the highest evidence known to the law, the public records of the War department. Abundant reason is shown why the applicant does not state them in her declaration. It is sworn that her memory is impaired by age, and infirmity, and it can be no matter of surprize that direct proof by witnesses of events occurring nearly sixty years ago should not be at hand. But neither the act of Congress, nor the rules require such proof where other satisfactory evidence is furnished. The 6th article of the rules requires under this section the same" proof as the foregoing regulations direct. " The first articles provided that proof of service must be had, either from the records of the war department, the muster rolls, the testimony of commissioned officers, or affidavits of persons of known responsibility.  And the 7th article expressly provides that in a case where the service of
the deceased officer or soldier is clearly proved by record or documentary evidence, or the affidavit of a
commissioned officer, showing the grade and length of service of the deceased, the particulars in relation to the service are not required to be set forth in the declaration, except so far as other that the
claimant, or claimants, is or are the widow, or children of the deceased.

Now I would respectfully enquire, does not the reference to the declaration of the husband, and
Page 66

the proofs accompanying the same on procuring the allowance of his pension, and the subsequent payment of a pension as attested by the authenticated extracts from the New York pension books, coupled with the return of the name of the husband to the depart-ment on the list of unclaimed pensions on the first of July 1826.  being the case clearly within the 1st and 7th articles of the rules, admitting proof by record, or documentary evidence" and proof from the records of the War department" in lieu of the statement of the particulars of the service in the declaration of the wife, and proof by witnesses of the facts it contains.  If the records of the department were in existence they would be the highest proof.  But, it is said, they are destroyed, and therefore the facts must be prove again,, notwithstanding, the great lapse of time, of itself, rendering it almost impossible, and notwithstanding the imbecility of mind of the claimant arising from age, and infirmity.
    I apprehend that the destruction of the record by a public calamity is to work no prejudice to an innocent party, but that it is your duty to assume that the facts entitling the husband to a pension under the former act, which required the same particulars, as are now wanting, were duly, and sufficiently proved, otherwise the pension which it is clear he received would never have been allowed him.  This presumption, which is one of law, as well, permit me to add, as of common sense, is further sustained by the establishing and conceded fact that he did receive his pension, and seems to me to follow from your own remark
Page 67

in your letter of October 6, that no one doubts that he (the husband,) was in the service for he was on the pension list as an "invalid".  Besides are not the pension books showing the payments to him for six years of themselves "proof by record or documentary evidence?" And does it not follow, from them alone either that the department has been on a former occasion remiss in its duty in not requiring sufficient proof, or that the facts on which the present claim is founded have been heretofore duly, and fully established? One of these propositions seems undeniable.  I cannot suppose the former will be for a moment entertained, and if not, the latter must of course be assumed as true.
     I feel assured that when the importance of the principle involved in the case under consideration is viewed you will require no apology for the length of the present communication.  The amount claimed, although not large, is still of some little consequence to the claimant.  The fairness of the claim I will venture to say, is beyond a question; and I cannot but believe, that upon reexamining it, and looking at the views I have above suggested, as you will no doubt do, with care, you will come to the conclusion that the facts upon which it rests, have been satisfactorily proved, within the spirit of the Act of Congress, and the rules prescribed for carrying that spirit into effect:

Very respy,
Your obt Sert
D. Graham Jr

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Washington
Page 68

55

James E Heath

Commissioner of Pensions

February 8, 1833

Report on the cases of Catharine Know and Wm Dodge, directed by the Secy

Mr Kay's letter returned

Papers in both cases herewith enclosed
Page 69

Pension Office,
February 8th, 1853.

Sir:
     I have been prevented, by the pressure of official duties, from giving earlier attention to the letter of Mr. Alexander Ray, of the 17th of November last, referred by you to this Office, in which he complains of injustice having been practiced towards him, in the allowance, to another of the pension claims of Catharine Knox and William Dodge.  Mr. Ray exonerates me personally from all censure in the matter of complaint, in which he does me no more than justice, as I was never consulted in the cases referred to, by the Examiner who had them in charge.  It is utterly impossible that I can bestow a personal examination upon every case allowed or rejected in this Office, and I am necessarily compelled to rely, in a great measure, upon the capacity and integrity of the Examiner, whose duty it is, to adjudicate claims.  If I should unfortunately be deceived in the trust which I am forced to repose in them, it is a necessary consequence of a system which, like all other things, is not free from imperfections.
      In compliance with your directions, to report "the facts in these cases, and the action thereon in the Pension Office," I have given to them a very careful consideration, and beg leave to submit the following statements, derived from an examination of the papers filed in each case:

Case of Catharine Knox, N.Y. Roll.

     Catharine Knox originally applied for a pension under the Act of the 4th of July, 1836, on account of the Revolutionary services of her husband, George Knox, of the Pennsylvania Line.
Page 70

2.

and subsequent declarations, she set forth the services of her husband, and filed a great deal of evidence in support of the claim.  That evidence established, beyond dispute, that he served in the Fourth Pennsylvania regiment as a private and sergeant major, from 1776 to November, 1779, at which time he was discharged on account of disability.  The claimant contended that he then entered th Commifsary's Department, and served therein until the close of the war, in the autumn of 1783, but the evidence of this service was not deemed satisfactory by the Office.  She was, therefore, only pensioned for his services as sergeant major under the Act of the 7th of July, 1838, and not under the Act of the 4th of July, 1835, her marriage not having taken place until the 13th day of October, 1782.  The claimant, not satisfied with this decision, brought the case, by appeal, before Secretary Marcy, who, on the 5th of June, 1847, affirmed the decision of the Commissioner.  His affirmation is in the following words:  
        "I am not satisfied that the husband of Mrs. Knox was a "duly commifsioned commissary in the service of the United "States, or that he was in the service of the United States after "the time mentioned by Cols. Platt and Varick.  I cannot, "therefore, reverse the opinion of the Commissioner of Pensions."
"June 5th 47."       (Signed)    "W.L. Marcy."
         Here the case seems to have rested until 1850, when some additional evidence, taken from the American State Papers, was filed by Mr. Ray, and the application was renewed for the pension of a Commissary, under the Act of the 4th of July, 1836.  The Office deciding as before, an appeal was taken to Secretary Ewing, and, on the 20th of June, 1860, the decision of the Commissioner was again affirmed.  In July, 1851,  Mr.
Page 71

3.

Ray filed some additional evidence, and, in a letter addrefsed to the Commissioner, presented various reasons why the claim should be allowed.  To this letter, no reply seems to have been made, the Office probably deeming the decisions of two Secretaries a final settlement of the case.  In January, 1852, a power of attorney from one of the heirs of Mrs. Knox, to "D.L. & S.A. Peugh," executed in New York on the 3d of that month, was informally filed in the Office, and on the 9th of the month, the following letter was addressed by Mr. S. A. Peugh to the Secretary of the Interior, appealing from the decision of the Commissioner in the case, though, in fact, no regular decision had been made since the date of that affirmed by Secretary Ewing, (see paper 54.)  It will be seen that no new evidence was filed by Mr. Peugh, he apparently relying upon that which had been already collected by the industry of others.
                              "Washington City. D.C.,
                                      " 9th January, 1852.
"Hon. A.H.H, Stuart,
"Secretary of the Interior
                                    "Sir:
                                     "In the case of Catharine" Knox, widow of George Knox, a pensioner under Act 1838, at "the rate of $120 perannum, on the New York Roll, I am requested to appeal from the decision of the Commifsioner of "Pensions. for increase of pension from said sum of $120 to "$600 per annum.
     "There is abundant evidence on file in the case to show " Several years' service as Commissary, not only to entitle her to
Page 72


                                                                        4.

"the increase to $600, and also under Act of 4th July, 1836.  I "therefore respectfully ask that the papers in the case be referred "to your Office for final action.
                         "Yours, very respectfully,
                                   "S.A.Peugh."
     This letter of appeal was, as usuall, referred to the Office for a report, and on the 22d. January, the following report, prepared by Mr. Kirby, was transmitted to the Secretary.
                                         "Pension Office,
                                                January 22d. 1852.
"Sir:
     "I have the honor to return herewith Mr. Peugh's letter "of appeal from the decision of this Office, in the case of Catharine Knox, widow of George, of New York, who was pensioned "under the Act of 7th July, 1838, as serjeant major, but who claims " unde Act of '36, as Commifsary.
     "From and inspection of the papers, it will be perceived, "that there is no reliable evidence of the performance of any " military service after marriage.  Nor is it sufficiently shown "in what grade the service claimed was performed, if performed "at all.  The papers in the case, numbering from 1 to 52 inclusive, are enclosed.
                            "I have the honor to be,
                                "Very respectfully,
                                         "Your Obt. Servt,
                           (Signed)          "JE Heath,
                                                 "Commissioner.
"Hon. A.H.H. Stuart,
           "Sec'y. of the Interior."
     This report, with the papers in the case, was returned to the Of(fice)
Page 73

                                                                  5.

(Of)fice, accompanied by the following letter:
                       "Department of the Interior,
                       "Washington, Jan'y 26, 1852.
"Sir:
     " I herewith return the papers in the case of Catharine "Knox, decd. for re-examination, as, from your report in the case, "it appears there was a misapprehension of the nature of Mr. "Peugh's appeal; he having claimed under the Act of July 7th "1838, whilst, from your report, the case appears to have been "rejected under the Act of 4th July, 1836.  You will, therefore, "re examine the case under the Act of July 7th 1838, as desired "by Mr. Peugh, and if rejected under that act, report the same.
                        "I am, very respectfully,
                         "Your obedient servant,
          (Signed)  "Alexr. H.H. Stuart,
                          "Secretary.
"James E. Heath, Esq.
      "Commissioner of Pensions."
On the 12th  of February, 1832, the following additional report, prepared by Mr. Kirby, was sent to your Department.  It, of course, had my signature attached, but was never read by me, my attention not having been specially directed to it by the Examiner, as ought to have been done in a case of such magnitude.
                            "Pension Office,
                              "February 12th 1852.
"Sir:
      "I have the honor to return, herewith, the papers in the "case of Catharine Knox, which you directed me to examine
Page 74

“under the Act of 7th July, 1838, and to state that I am of opinion
it should be allowed under the Act of 4th July, 1836; but, as
it has heretofore been refused by a higher tribunal, to wit: a
former Secretary, I do not feel at liberty to allow it.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt
(Signed)
J. E. Heath
Commissioner


Alex H. H. Stuart,
Secy of the Interior

Upon the receipt of this Report, expressing a favorable opinion
of the claim, it was allowed by the Secretary in the following
letter:

Department of the Interior,
Washington, February 17, 1852.
I herewith return the papers in the case of Catharine
"Knox, and have to inform you that, as it appears from your
report, that the claimant is entitled to the benefit of the Act
of July 4th 1836, instead of the Act of July 7th 1838, under which
"the claim was made, and upon which the appeal was taken,
I am of opinion that the claim should be allowed under the
Act of July 4th 1836. You will, therefore, be pleased to issue
a certificate accordingly.
I am, very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(Signed )
Alex H. H. Stuart
Secretary

"James E. Heath Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 75

Upon a candid review of the foregoing facts, I think it must
be obvious to every one, that the Examiner (Mr. Kirby), who had charge of the case, designed and succeeded in practising a gross deception upon the Secretary In the report which was
prepared by him on the 22d of January, he states, very properly, that there was "no reliable evidence of the performance of any military service after marriage.”
In other words there was no evidence to admit the claim under the Act of the 4th of July, 1836. He should, however, have gone
further, and stated that the claim had already been rejected
by two Secretaries, since which time no material evidence had been filed.This Report, as well as the letter of Mr. Peugh,
which gave rise to it, seems to have been somewhat misapprehended at the Department, for it was returned to the
Office, accompanied by a letter, stating that Mr. Peugh
claimed under the Act of the 7th of July, 1838, and not under the Act of the 4th of July, 1836, as appeared from the report.
An inspection of Mr. Peugh's letter will show that he really
claimed under the latter Act, and not under the former, as
supposed. The error, however, was immaterial, and had
no bearing upon the merits of the claim. It was the duty
of the Examiner simply to have pointed out the mistake; and
if he had gone further to have assigned the reasons why the
case should not be admitted, even under the Act of 1838, much less under that of 1836. His course however, was very different. He returns the case to the Secretary, expressing
the opinion that it ought to be allowed under the Act of 1836
though, from the fact of its having been rejected by a former Secretary, he did not feel at liberty to admit it. In the face of this
Page 76

such a report as this, the Secretary very naturally directed the
claim to be allowed. That his decision was based upon the
report, is very apparent from the terms of his letter.
I have no means of ascertaining what influence operated
upon the Examiner, so as to produce such a change in his mind between the 22d of January, the date of his first report, and the 12th of February, the date of the last.
In the former, he says positively, that there is no reliable evidence of the performance of any military service after marriage; or, in other words, that the claim ought not to be admitted under the Act of 1836; and yet, in less than three weeks afterwards, he expresses an opinion directly the opposite.
Not a particle of evidence had, in the meantime, been filed, and no new reasons presented in support of the claim.
I am forced, therefore, to conclude that it could not have resulted from an error of judgment, but was done to subserve some private purposes of his own.
I deem it unnecessary to give in detail the grounds of
my opinion, that the case should not have been admitted.
An inspection of the evidence will show that it is utterly
without merit - a conclusion which both Secretaries Marcy
and Ewing arrived at, after full investigation.
If the view which I have taken of this case meet
with your approval. I would recommend that the Agent
who prosecuted the claim, be required promptly to refund his
fee in the case, and that an effort be made to obtain the balance of the money from the heirs. The pension was increased from $120 to $600 per annum - the aggregate increase amounting to near $7000.
Page 77

Case of William Dodge, decd, N.Y. Roll.
William Dodge was pensioned in March, 1834. under the
Act of 7th June, 1832, for a service of seven months as a private,
and twelve months as an Assistant Commissary of Hides
This is all the service claimed in his declaration, or
 supported by the evidence then filed.
An increase of pension was allowed in 1850, not, however,
for a greater length of service, but for a higher rate of pay
as commissary.
On the 28th of January 1857, the attorney for the claimant
 (Mr Ray) filed some additional evidence, to wit: two
original papers signed by Dodge, as "A.C. Hides,” in August,
1780, and contended that this evidence, taken in connexion with what had already been presented, proved two years service as Commissary, or certainly a service of one year and nine months.
In reply to this the Examiner (Mr. Kirby) who had the case
in charge, addressed him a letter of which the following is a
copy:

“Pension Office
July 18th 1851
Sir
I have very carefully reexamined all the papers in the case of Wm Dodge, dec’d.
"Although he only claimed to have served from the Spring
of 1781 to the Spring of 1782, for which he was pensioned, yet I  am of the opinion that he performed some service in August,
1780; but there is nothing to show a continuous service to the
Spring of ‘81, or, indeed, any particular length of service previous to that date.
Mr. Brooks does not certify, as you suppose, that Dodge
Page 78

10
"served two years. He distinctly asserts that he knew of
no service performed by him prior to the Spring of ‘81, although he had heard of it. Without further evidence,
no additional allowance can be made.
Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt
(Signed ) F S Evans,
For Commissioner"

Alex. Ray Esq
Present.

Subsequently, in accordance with the opinion expressed
in the second paragraph of this letter a slight increase of
pension was allowed for one months additional service as
Commissary, making in all, thirteen months service in that
capacity. The claim, however, for two years service was unhesitatingly rejected.
On the 31st of March, 1852, a power of attorney from the Executor of Wm Lodge, was executed to J. M. Thayer, of this city. And on the 1st of May following, Mr S.A. Pugh, on behalf of Mr. Thayer, addressed a letter to the Office, renewing the application for an increase of pension for two years service as
Commissary.
Accompanying this letter, was an extract from the records of the State Department, showing Dodge to have been in service as a Commissary, in January 1781. Subsequently, another extract from the records of the same Department
was filed, establishing the fact that David Brooks, by whom
Dodge was appointed, was a regular Clothier General, in the
Continental Army. Shortly after the presentation of this
evidence, Mr. Kirby admitted the case for two years service
as Commissary, and the pension was increased from $373.33
Page 79


11
to $600 per annum, the arrears amounting to over $3,500.
Upon a review of all the evidence filed in the case, the impropriety of this increase seems to me very apparent. There
is no satisfactory proof to show that Dodge served two
years as a Commissary of Hides, though by a liberal construction, somewhat over thirteen months service might have been admitted. An admission of seventeen or eighteen
months, service, would have been a very liberal allowance.
Mr. Ray's complaint that some injustice was practised
towards him by the Examiner, in the allowance of this claim to
another Agent, is certainly not without foundation.  The
only evidence which warranted an increase of the pension at
all, was filed by him in January, 1837, but it was not deemed
satisfactory by the examiner, as will be seen from his letter
copied above. The evidence subsequently filed by Mr. Peugh,
really amounted to nothing, for it only went to establish facts
before admitted. It simply proved that on the 6th of January, 1781, Dodge was an Assistant Commissary of Hides, a
fact admitted when he was originally pensioned in 1834, and
that David Brooks was a regularly appointed Clothier
General, a fact never before denied. It seems, however, that the
Examiner, for reasons no doubt satisfactory to himself, viewed
the evidence in a very different light.
I would respectfully suggest, that, as in the case of
Mrs. Knox the Agent who received the pension certificate, be
required to refund his fee, and an effort be made to obtain
the balance of the money from the heirs.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Page 80

12

Your obedient Servant,
J E Heath
Commissioner

Hon. A. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
Exd)
Page 81

State of Connecticut
Hartford Feby 14, 1853.

I Elon Gleason do hereby certify that
I have in my possession deposited with me
by the Heirs of Col. Henry Champion, several
Manuscript Account Books belonging to the
late Henry Champion, Deputy Commissary General
in the War of the Revolution, on which I find
the name of George Knox with the following
caption viz: An account of Beef Cattle and
"Pork, received and delivered for the use of
"the Garrison at Stony Point in Jan. 1783,” which
accounts are continued to and for the month
of July 1783, as "Delivered to Geo. Knox Issuing
Commissary" at Stony Point.
Elon Gleason

State of Connecticut Hartford County ss
Hartford Feb 14th 1853
Personally appeared Elon Gleason, to me
well known as a respectable resident of this
City and made oath that the above
certificate by him subscribed is true.
before me,
Geo. Robinson
Notary Public
Page 82


Washington
March 4. 1850

Hon Thomas Ewing
Department of the Interior
Sir
in respectfully submitting for your consideration and decision, the claim of Mrs Catharine Knox late of New York deceased; I shall endeavor concisely to state the case.
Mrs Knox in her original application for a pension, claimed
the benefit of the act of July 4, 1836, on account of her husband’s services in the revolution as a Commissary, but, in consequence of no record or documentary evidence having been adduced, of his appointment, the claim was disallowed under act 36 and subsequently admitted under act July 7, 1838 for two years, from 1777 to 79 as Sergeant Major of the New York line.
in the year 1846-7, the claim was renewed under act 36 for
the previous alleged service as Commissary; the testimony
then adduced, were the affidavits of soldiers who performed actual service under said Knox. and are themselves, pensioners. They testify in the clearest and most positive manner of their own personal knowledge to the fact, that said Knox was designated, recognised, and known as the Commissary at the Port at Stoney Point from 1779. to June 1782. And on the affidavits of persons of the highest standing, and of the most undoubled integrity and veracity, that Commissary knew, performed service after marriage, and resided with his wife at his quarters at Stoney Point, until near the birth of their first child, on the 12 July 1783.
And finally, reference, was made to the American State Papers
Book of claims pages 717, 718, to show in the correspondence
with the Hon Robert Morris superintendent of Finance: and
with the Hon Ezekell Cornell Intendant of the main Army
in Oct 1782. That Knox was commissary at Kings Ferry
(or Stoney Point - one and the same place,) receiving large supplies of flour and whiskey &c &c.
Page 83

All of which was submitted to the Hon W L Marcy then
Secretary of War, by the undersigned on an appeal from the
decision of the Commissioner of Pensions.
After an examination of the evidence presented in support of the service as commissary in connexion with the Commissioner’s report of the 22d May 47,
a copy of which is herewith enclosed paper marked N1.
The Secretary decided, and so endorsed on the papers to wit.
“I am not satisfied that the husband of Mrs Knox was a duly
commissioned commissary in the service of the United States
after the time mentioned by Col Platt & Varack, and therefore
cannot reverse the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions.”
To show, that George Knox was acknowledged as a Military
Officer in the service of the United States,  I now submit an “Extract from the Register of certificate issued by Jonathan Burrell Commissioner for settling the accounts of the Commissary and Quarter Masters Department for 1786. “ No.2 
Evidence of this character has heretofore been regarded as entirely satisfactory in establishing the military capacity of an officer, in the Staff department of the army. It certainly is very conclusive; if George Knox had not been an officer in the staff
Department and duly appointed his accounts would not
have been settled or adjusted, by a commissioner appointed by the continental Congress.
But a word in relation to the period of George Knox
serving as commissary. The Commissioner of Pensions in his
report to Secretary Marcy says, “ Her husband is shown
to have entered the commissary Department in November 1779 and continued therein to 31 Dec 1781 and terminated at that time; thus fixing on the Secretary’s mind, that Knox was
not in service after that time.
But what says the commissioner in his letter to
the undersigned in this case of Oct 9 1846 (No. 3) why he admits, as you will perceive - “That George Knox was acting and performing duty at Kings Ferry at the correspondence in Oct 1782”
Page 84

being ten more months service that admitted and than was
reported to the Secretary.
Again, there is a mutilated Journal of accounts marked filed with the papers in this case, in the hand writing
of George Knox, from June 2, to Oct 6th 1782. And altho the
s’d journal is much defaced, yet the most satisfactory evidence is filed to prove the hand writing of Knox. This important link in the chain of evidence goes to prove that he certainly was in Service in October 1782. And this also appears to have been omitted in the Commissioner’s report of March 22. 1847. These omissions alone are sufficient grounds, and constrain me in behalf of my constituent to bring the case before you. 
Had these facts been presented, the impression is entertained
the Secretary might have taken a more favorable view of
the claim than he did.
It is not my intention, nor do I wish to be understood
as applying any uncourteous remark, nor to accuse the
Commissioner of intentionally preparing a partial report
of the applicant’s husband’s actual service. The report
may have been written, and no doubt was, at a time
of business pressure, and perhaps, may not even have
been written by the Commissioner. But certain it is,
the omissions were made, and it is evident the Secretary
formed his opinion, without a full knowledge of the fact,
that the service up to Oct 1782 had been admitted. And
it is but reasonable to suppose, that these important
omissions in the Com’rs report militated against the
claim in the mind of the Secretary.
The evidence now submitted, shows that George Knox’s
account was settled by Jonathan Burnall, Commissioner &c
up to Jan 1782. The testimony of several pensioners
prove he was in service to June 82 as Commissary at Stoney
Point, while the old account book proves he was in the
Service to Oct. 6. 1782. This, with the best possible evidence of
Page 85

persons of the highest character, proves he was in actual
service after marriage, and so conclusive is the testimony.
that it seems to me, it cannot be resisted.
And finally the American State Papers designated
Knox as Commissary at Kings Ferry in 82 is of itself
sufficient, under the rule adopted by Secretary Cass 23
Feby 1833 Pension laws (44) and still in force, in my
mind, to settle the question of rank and appointment.
All I claim in right of my constituent is the benefit of the act of July 4, 1836 at the rate which a commissary is entitled to receive, deducting therefrom the amount already paid up to the day of her death, under act of July 1838.

In submitting the question,
I have the honor to be
Your [very] Obt Ser
Alex Ray
Page 86

Surrogates Court  County of New York ss
I Alexander Bradford Surrogate of said
County hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has
been exhibited to me, that Catharine Knox widow
of George Knox, was a pensioner of the United States
at the rate of one hundred and twenty dollars
per annum, was a resident of the City of New York
and died in said City in the year 1845 on
the 23d day of January; that she left four children one of whom, Elizabeth Paulding hath since died, and that the names of the only surviving children are Georgiana Hyslop,
Amelia Knox, and Matilda Bruen.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
of Office my seal [illegible] of office this Tenth day of February A.D. 1852
A M Bradford
Surrogate
Page 87

[circle stamp] 
HARRISBURG PA.
NOV 8

Silas H Hill, Esq
Washington City

[Single]
Page 88

Ninth Regiment.  Subsist’ce
We and each of us whose names are hereunto subscribed do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen, and Captain Ercarius Beatty, agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our names respectively, in certificates, dated July 1st 1784, bearing interest at
six per cent, from August the first 1780 Signed by John Pierce, Commissioner
and described as below, being for the balance of a settlement between the
United States and us for subsistance to August the 1st 1780

date of [hours] | no. of certificate┃[Letter?] | names  | Sums Dollars | Signers


Novr 18th 1784 | 68328 |  G | William Van Lear | 81.58  | Wm Van Lear |

April 19th 1785  | 68329 | W  | George Knox | 78.17 | George Knox

Aug 14th 1785 | 68330 | P |  Stephen Stephenson  | 59.39  | Wm Nichols

Auditor General’s Office, Pennsyl’a
Harrisburg November 6th 184[4]
I certify that the foregoing is a correct copy taken from
pay roll Book 13. page 35, on file in this office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal
of office
Geo. R. Espy
Aud’r General
Page 89

Secretary Office
Harrisburg
Nov 8, 1841

Silas H Hill, Esq

I herewith send you the only evidence to be found among the records of the proper office of the service of George Knox.

I am with great respect yours &c

Frs R Strunk
Secy [Court'y]
Page 90

In the matter of the application of Catharine Knox for pension

Sep '37

B

Hon C C Cambreling
HR
Page 91

Extract from Ledger A. Army Pensioner Invalid
George Knox, Private @ $4.80 per mo

From what time paid | To what time paid | When paid |  Amount paid | We the undersigned acknowledge to have
received the sums to which our
signatures are affixed |

4 March 1818┃4 Sept 1818 | Sept 4 1818 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox |
4 Sep. 4. 1818 | 4 March 1819 | 4 March 1819 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox |
 4 March 1819 | 4 Sept 1819 | 6 Sept 1819 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox |
4 Sep. 1819┃4 March 1820 | 25 Apr 1820 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|
4 March 1820 | 4 Sept 1820 |28 Sep. 1820 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|
4 Sept. 1820 | 4 March 1821 | 8 March 1821 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|
4 March 1821 | 4 Sept 1821 | 6 Sept 1821 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|
4 Sept. 1821 | 4 March 1822 | 21 March 1822 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|
4 March 1822 | 4 Sept 1822 |4 Sept 1822 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|
4 Sept 1822 | 4 March 1823 | 6 March 1823 | 28.80 | Geo. Knox|

Page 227

Extract from Invalid Ledger, page 198
Geo. Knox P. @ $4.80


Geo. Knox | 9 Sept 1823 | 28.80 | 4 March 1823 |4 Sep. 1823 | 28.80
Geo. Knox | 5 Mar 1824 | 28.80 | 4 Sep. 1833  | 4 Mar 1824 | 28.80
X | 4 Mar 1824 | 
X Name Sent to Washington, list 1 July 1826

True extract from the pension rolls in the
Pension office of the Mechanics Bank New York
J Lorillard P't
Page 92

State of New York City and County of New York  ss
Be it remembered that on the twenty eighth day of
 September 1837, personally appeared before me 
Sylvester Spencer a Notary Public duly commissioned
and sworn, dwelling in the City of New York,
Jacob Lorillard Esquire, President of the
Mechanics Bank in the said City to me well
known who having been by me duly sworn,
deposed that he had compared the extracts
contained on the preceding page with the
Original Entries contained in the pension books
now in the Pension office of the said Mechanics
Bank, and that the same are true copies thereof.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
 and affixed my seal of office on the day
and year first above written
[crossed out-’J Lorillard P’t’]
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public

Note. I certify that J. Lorillard signed his
name above by mistake and was obliterated
by him, and I further certify that I and
personally acquainted with Jacob Lorillard and
know him to be a credible person
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
Page 93

No. 2
State of New York City and County of New York. 
Elizabeth McCarter of the City and State of New
York, widow, being duly sworn doth depose and 
say, that she was present at the marriage of
 George Knox late of the City of New Yale aforesaid
deceased, to Catharine Paulding, at Haverstraw in
Rockland County in the said State, about
two years before the close of the war of the
revolution. That they were married at the
house of the father of the said Catharine Paulding
by the Reverend Mr. Burnes, since deceased.
That after the marriage, the said George
Knox removed with his said wife to his
quarters at Stony Point, and that deponent
distinctly recollects that the said George Knox
served in the army at Stony Point aforesaid,
for some time, but how long she cannot
State, after his said marriage. And further
deponent saith that the said Genge Knox
at the time of his said marriage wore his
military uniform. And deponent further saith
 that the said Catharine Paulding (now Knox) has
Page 94

resided in the said City since a short time
after her said marriage. And that during the
whole of the period from that time
down to the death of the said George Knox,
which took place in March 1824, she so
resided and lived with the said George Knox
as his wife, and was the mother of a large
family of children by the said Genge Knox, and
that ever since his death, she has resided
in the said City, and has continued to remain
the widow of the said George Knox to the
present time and further deponent saith
not. 
Elizabeth Carter 
Sworn to and subscribed
before me the second day of October 1837
Jno T Irving
First Judge of the Court of Com Pleas
for the City & County of New York

No 3

State of New York City and County of New York City ss
 I Robert Hyslop of the
said City, Merchant, being duly
Sworn Saith that he has examined the
Original Entries of which copies are set forth
Page 95

3
in the preceding Extract from the Pension
Books now in the custody of the Mechanics
Bank of the City of New York. That he is
well acquainted with the handwriting of the
said George Knox from having been in the
constant habit of seeing him write for many
years previous to and down to the period
of his death and that the signatures "Geo
Knox appearing on the said Original entries
are the true and proper handwriting of the
said George Knox. And further deponent
Saith that Catharine Knox the widow of the
said George Knox, now resides in the said
city, and that her constitution and memory
are much impaired from infirmity and
age. And further deponent saith not.
Robert Hyslop
Sworn to and subscribed before me,
the second day of October 1837
Jno T Irving
First Judge of the Court of Com Pleas
for the City & Ct’y of N York
Page 96

I, John T. Irving, First Judge of the Court
 of Common Pleas for the City and
County of New York, do hereby certify that
I am well acquainted with Elizabeth McCarter
and Robert Hyslop, the deponents in the
preceding two affidavits named, and
who have duly sworn to and subscribed
the same before me: that they are persons
of undoubted veracity and integrity, and
fully entitled to credit and that the most
implicit reliance is to be placed upon their
testimony. 
Dated at the City of New York the
Second day of October 1837.
Jno T Irving
First Judge of the Court of Com. pleas 
for the City & County of New York

State of New York City and County of New York ss
I Thomas Jeremiah Clerk of the City and County of
 New York do hereby certify that Sylvester Spencer
 before whom the aforegoing deposition of Jacob
Lorillard was sworn and subscribed and
whose seal, and signature are thereto affixed
Page 97

was at the time of the said attestation and
still is a Notary Public duly commissioned
and sworn residing in the City of New York
and that his said seal and signature are
genuine and full faith and credit are to
be given to his official acts. And further
that the honorable John T. Irving before
whom the preceding depositions of Robert
Hyslop and Elizabeth McCarter were sworn
and subscribed, and by whom the aforegoing
certificate was given, is First Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas for the City
and County of New York the same being a
Court of record, and that the signature affixed
to the attestation of the said depositions, and
certificate, are his genuine signatures.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and seal
of office the second day of
October 1837. the above alterations of
date in the [Journals] of affidavits and of
this certificate made before executing
Thos Jeremiah Clerk
Page 98

In the matter of the application
of the children of Catharine
Knox, deceased, for a pension
in right of their mother for
service as Commissary
under Act 4th July, 1836,
being the renewal of a former
 claim of their mother in
1843, not then established
by satisfactory proof
March ‘46
K
Page 99

No 4
State of New York Westchester County  ss
Abraham Hitchcock of the Town of
Ossining in said County being duly sworn according to
law deposes and says that he will be eighty one
years of age on the sixteenth day of April next,
that he is a revolutionary pensioner and receives his
pension at the pension office in the City of
New York; that he was stationed at King's Ferry
on the Hudson River during the Revolutionary war
on the Eastern side of the River at Verplanks Point.
That he went there in 1780 and remained until
the close of the war. Was in the quarter master
department-- his officers were changed at different
times - one was a Captain Bond another a Captain
Dennis McGuire. The troops stationed there were from
the Eastern States. Was at Verplanks Point -- when
Major Arnold was taken - Had seen [illegible] before in
company with General Arnold and Joe Smith, but
did not know who he was-- knows Benjamin
Acker - Acker was stationed on the other side of the
River, was also in the quarter-Master department
and frequently employed on the ferry.
That he this deponent was well acquainted with
George Knox. Knox was the Commissary at Stoney Point
during at the time deponent was at Verplanks Point from 1780 to the close of the war. Deponent knew
of no other commissary but him. Allways
drew his rations from said Knox - Knox had charge of some
stores at Stoney point-- and had a butcher to assist
him - does not think that Captain Bond or McGuire
are alive now-
Abraham Hitchcock
Subscribed & Sworn this 28th day of March 1846
Before me
Charles Yoe Justice of the Peace

I, Charles Yoe before whom the above deposition
was sworn to & subscribed do hereby certify that
that I am personally acquainted with Abraham
Hitchcock the within named Deponent and that
he is a man of truth and veracity and entitled
to credit and belief.
Charles Yoe Justice of the Peace
Page 100

State of New York, County of Westchester  ss
I , MUNSON I. LOCKWOOD, CLERK of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Charles Yoe, Esq
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the
annexed Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said certificate, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in and for the said County, residing in the said County,
commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, 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, the twenty eighth day of March 1846.
Munson I Lockwood Clerk
Page 101

No 5
State of New York West Chester County ss
William Davis of the town of Ossining in said
 County being duly sworn according to
law depose and saith that he will be eighty
one years of age in the first part of May next
and is a pensioner of the United States, and receives
his pension money at the pension office in the city of
New York - that he was stationed at Kings Ferry on
the Hudson River during the revolutionary war
from May 1780 until the fall of 1781. Was at
Verplanks Point during the year 1780 and at Stony Point
in 1781. Was in the quarter master’s department listed
for a ferryman. Was there at same time with Abraham
Hitchcock and Benjamin Acker-- his officers, were changed
at different times - one was Captain Bond and another was
Capt McGuire. This deponent was well acquainted with
George Knox - Knox was Commissary at Stony
Point during the whole time deponent was at Kings
Ferry. Knox was always called Commissary and
deponent allways drew his rations from Knox. Knew
of or heard of no other Commissary. Knox had charge
of a Storehouse and had a [sort] of Butcher to
assist him. 
William Davis his mark
Witness H. Ogden Irving

Subscribed & sworn this 28th day of March 1846
Before me-
Charles Yoe Justice of the Peace
I Charles Yoe before whome the above Deposition was
Sworn to and subscribed to do hereby certify that
I am well acquainted with William Davis
the within named deponant and that he is a
man of truth and veracity and entitled to credit
and belief.
Charles Yoe Justice of the Peace
Page 102

State of New York, County of Westchester  ss
I , MUNSON I. LOCKWOOD, CLERK of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Charles Yoe, Esq
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the
annexed Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said certificate, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in and for the said County, residing in the said County,
commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, 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, the twenty eighth day of March 1846.
Munson I Lockwood Clerk
Page 103

No. 3
State of New York Westchester County SS. 
Benjamin Acker of the Town of Ossining
in said County being duly sworn deposeth
and saith that he was a private in the
the revolution and is now a pensioner of the
United States; that he is upwards of Eighty
years of age.  That during the revolutionary war he
was stationed at Kings ferry on the Hudson
River from 1780 to the close of the war; that one year
of that time he was at Verplanks Point; 
the remainder of that time he was at Stony
Point; that he assisted as a ferryman in ferrying
persons across the river at Kings Ferry. That he helped
ferry Andre [illegible] after his interview with General
Arnold and also on his return as a prisoner.
Deponent further saith that he knew George Knox. That
said Knox was at Stony Point during the whole
time that deponent was at Kings Ferry in from the year
1780 to the close the of war: that said Knox
acted as Commissary during the whole of that time.
And deponent knew of or saw no other commissary.
Said Knox was always called commissary and deponent
always drew his rations from him; said Knox had
Butcher's store where he kept meat, provisions
and flour. An office and store of liquor. Said
Knox lived in the house where his office was: He
had a sort of butcher to help him give out meat.
A sentinel was always stationed at the store house;
Deponent further saith that he saw Mrs Knox the wife
of the said George Knox at Stony Point after her
Marriage and more than once.  Does not know if
she lived there.  Said Knox was Commissary when
he saw her there; that he never saw Knox in regimentals or
went [?] in the Quarter Master General's department.
One case was Deputy Quarter Master General; deponent knew one Henry, who he thinks, was Deputy under Master General
Page 104

before said Cale: but not while deponent was there
Deponent was in Capt Bond’s company for three or four
months, then with Capt Knapp then with Captain
McGuire: does not know of any of these officers
are living: thinks they must be dead as they were
all older than deponent:
Benjamin Acker
Sworn to and subscribed this 7th day of March
Before me
Charles Yoe Justice of the Peace

I Charles Yoe before whom the above
deposition was sworn to and subscribed do hereby
certify that I am personally acquainted with
Benjamin Acker the within named deponent, and
that he is a man of truth and veracity and entitled
to credit and belief. 
Charles Yoe Justice of the Peace
Page 105

State of New York, County of Westchester  ss
I , MUNSON I. LOCKWOOD, CLERK of the County aforesaid, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Charles Yoe, Esq
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the
annexed Instrument, and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said certificate, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE in and for the said County, residing in the said County,
commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, 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, the twenty first day of March 1846.
Munson I Lockwood Clerk
Page 106

No 2
State of New York City and County of New York ss
I James Conner Clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas, holden at New York, in
and for the City and County of New York, on the Thirteenth day
of June 1845, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence
was exhibited to said Court that Catharine Knox was a
pensioner of the United States, at the rate of one Hundred
and Twenty Dollars per annum, was a resident of the city of
New York and died in said City on the twenty third
day of January AD 1843; leaving her surviving four children,  and only four, whose names are Elizabeth Ann
Paulding, Georgiana Hyslop, Amelia Knox and Matilda
Bruen.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal of office this
fourth - day of April AD 1846
James Conner, Clerk
Page 107

In the matter of the application of Mrs Catharine Knox for a pension as Commissary's widow, under Act 4 July 1836

July 43

Mrs Knox letter to Secy of State
Page 108

State of New York Rockland County ss
I, Abraham Hogencamp, Clerkof said County, 
hereby certify that Joseph P. Brower, before 
whom the foregoing deposition was taken
is a Justice of the Peace for Rockland County, duly
commissioned and qualified, and that the 
signature to said deposition and also to the
 foregoing certificate is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed
the seal of said County this twenty
fourth day of July A.D. 1843
Ab’m. Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 109

No. 4
State of New York Rockland County ss
On this 24th day of July AD 1843, personally
 appeared before the subscriber, a Justice
 of the Peace for the County of Rockland,
 Matthew Benson, aged Seventy nine years,
 a resident of the township of Haverstraw
 in said county, who being duly sworn
according to law, maketh oath and saith that
he was a soldier in the Revolution and is
now a Pensioner of the United States; that he
was born and has always resided in the vicinity
 of Stony Point in said township of Haverstraw.
That he was well acquainted with George Knox
in the Revolution and with his wife Catharine.
That said Catharine was the daughter of Cornelius
 Paulding, who, during the year of his said
daughter’s marriage, was a near neighbour of his
father, occupying the house owned by Colonel Hay.
which was scarcely a hundred yards from his
father's dwelling in which deponent lived: that said
Cornelius Paulding was at that time, as he believes,
working the farm of Colonel Hay on shares. And
this deponent further saith that he well recollects
the period when said Knox was paying his addresses
to the said Catharine, that he was frequently
at that time at his fathers house, visiting there in
terms of great familiarity: that then and before he
filled the office of Commissary at Stoney Point, having
charge of the stores and provisions for the army at
that garrison, and having others under him, subject
 to his orders; that he has frequently been
present when said Knox was superintending
the issuing of provisions to the troops; that at
the time of his marriage to the said Catharine
and for many months afterwards he was in service
Page 110

as Commissary at Stony Point, as this deponent can
testify from his personal knowledge, but the precise
 period of his continuance in service after
his marriage he cannot state at this distance
of time, though it is his impression he remained
until the army broke up. And this deponent
further states that during what was called the
hard winter of the Revolution, when the Hudson
was frozen over, he was employed with three [crossed out-’four’]
others in conveying in sleighs on the ice stores
and provisions from the Commissary store at
West Point to the Commissary store at Stoney
Point; and that said shares and provisions
were delivered at the latter place either to the
said George Knox or to one David Pye, now
dead, the father of the present David Pye of
said County of Rockland, but to which of the
two he cannot say positively, though he inclines
to the opinion that it was said Pye.
Matthew Benson
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day
of July AD 1843. (the word "three" 
having been
previously interlined)
Joseph P Brower Justice of the peace

I Joseph P Brower the Justice of the peace before
whom the foregoing deposition was sworn to and
subscribed, hereby certify that I am personally
acquainted with Matthew Benson and that he
is a man of highly respectable character and
entitled to full faith and credit.
Joseph P Brower
Page 111

No 2

State of New York Rockland County ss
Cornelius Depew, being duly sworn, deposeth
 and saith that he was a soldier in the war of the
 revolution and is now a pensioner of the United 
States. That he resides in the township of 
Clarkstown in said County of Rockland and
has always resided there, except when absent
on service in the war aforesaid: that
he is upwards of Eighty three years of age
but cannot state his precise age, the leaf
of the family bible in which it was registered
having been torn out: that he was also a
ferryman in the employ of the United States
in the Revolution, and kept the ferry between
 Stony Point and Verplanck's Point,
then called King's Ferry, from April 1779
to June 1780, the interval excepted when
the British were in possession of Stoney Point,
during which interval he kept the ferry at
West Point. And this deponent further
saith that before he ceased to keep said
King's Ferry, though how long before he
cannot say, he saw Genge Knox in the
commissary store at Stony Point and 
understood that he had in charge the supplying
of provisions to the troops. That he
well remembers said Knox as a short
thick man, and the impression on his mind
from all that he saw and heard of him
at that time is that he filled the office
of Commissary.
Cornelius Depew his mark
Witness
[Pierre] M Irving

Sworn to and subscribed before me this
24th day of July, 1843
Joseph P Brower Justice of the Peace
Page 112

I Joseph P Brower before whom the within deposition
was sworn to and subscribed do hereby certify that
I am personally acquainted with Cornelius Depew
the within named deponent and that he is a man
of truth and veracity and entitled to credit and belief.
Joseph P Brower Justice of the peace

State of New York Rockland County ss
I, Abraham Hogencamp, Clerk
of said County, hereby certify that
Joseph P. Brower, before whom the within deposition
was taken, is a Justice of the Peace for Rockland
 County, duly commissioned and qualified
and that the signature to the within deposition 
and also to the foregoing certificate is
his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed the
seal of said County this twenty
fourth day of July AD 1843.
Abm. Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 113

No. 3
State of New York Richland County ss
Peter Stevens, being duly sworn
maketh oath and saith that he was a
private and Sergeant in the war of the Revolution
and is now a Pensioner of the United States.
That he was born and has always lived in
the township of Clarkstown in the County
of Rockland and State of New York: That
he is Eighty Two years of age: that after
he had [interlined] quit the service as Sergeant as aforesaid,
he served for a term of four or five weeks
as private in a company commanded by a
Captain Bowen, which was stationed at
Tappan [interlined] town on the Hudson River; that
such service was performed by him as a
substitute for Garret Cooper, who was a private
 in said company and was needed at
his father's house to do some weaving and
also that it was performed in the autumn
of the year of the surrender of Cornwallis, being
 the year 1781. And this deponent further
saith that during the term of his service as
substitute as aforesaid, the provisions for said 
company were furnished, as he then understood, 
from the commissary store at Haverstraw or
 Stony Point, and were issued to the
said company under the superintendance of
George Knox, who acted as Commissary and
was so designated and called. Deponent also
saith that said Knox filled the office of
Commissary at Stony Point, that he frequently
saw him there during the was acting in that
capacity, but he cannot be positive as to the
times when. That he also frequently saw him
passing backwards and forwards in the country
Page 114

and that he went every where, to the best of 
deponent’s knowledge, by the title of Commissary.
He also remembers in particular to have heard
one Jacob Wood, who was in the commissary
department, say that he was a deputy under
said Knox and that he assisted him in
writing. 
Deponent further saith that he was
acquainted with said Knox after the revolution;
 that he has visited him at his house
in the City of New York and that he married
as he has always understood, a daughter of
Cornelius Paulding of Richland County.
Peter Stephens
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24th day of
July AD 1843, (the words “quit" and "town" having been
previously interlined)
Joseph P Brower Justice of the peace

I Joseph P Brower the Justice before whom the
foregoing deposition was sworn to and subscribed
hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with
the above deponent Peter Stephens whose name
in his pension certificate as he informs me is spelt
Stevens, as in said deposition, that he has heretofore
filled the office of Sheriff of Rockland County for
several years and is a man of respectability and
entitled to full credit and belief.
Joseph P Brower

State of New York Richland County ss:
I Abraham Hogencamp, Clerk
Page 115

of the County of Rockland, hereby certify that
Joseph P. Brower, before whom the foregoing
deposition was taken, is a Justice of Peace
for said County, duly commissioned and
qualified, and that his signature to said
deposition and also to the foregoing certificate is
his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed
the seal of said County this twenty
fourth day of July AD 1843
Ab’m Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 116

State of New York, Rockland County ss
 On this fourteenth day of July AD 1854 personally appeared before me William of Fraser County Judge in
and for the said County David Pye, a resident of the town of Clarks
town in said county, who being first duly sworn according to law,
doth depose and say that agreeable to the family records of his Father,
now in his possession, his birth was on the fourteenth day of February
in the year 1776, that during the Revolutionary war he became personally
acquainted with George Knox, reported and then said to be
Commissary at Stony Point, situated in town of Haverstraw, in said
county, who had for his wife a Daughter of Cornelius Paulding, who then
resided in the immediate neighbourhood with his father. That I
this deponent then being a small boy and the said George Knox, often
coming to the residence of his father and being at all his visits seeming
to very friendly with him, he became very much attached to the said
George and fond of his company which has caused his perfect recollection
of the said George Knox, and of the incidents that then transpired. And this deponant doth further depose and say, that his mother
died on the twentieth day of January, 1783, and his father (who
bore the same name of this deponant) was then, and had been for some
time, Deputy or assistant, in the Commissary department,
the under the said George Knox (as he then and afterwards heard his
father say) and he being small and no one at home to take particular
care of him, his father took him at times with him to Stony Point
where he remained until his father returned home, and while at that
place, he see George Knox (who resided there with his wife,) at that place
with other officers and called Commissary, that he has a perfect recollection
of the year, as his father remarried on the twenty second of October
of the same year, and his visit with his father to Stony Point was between
the time of the death of his mother and the remarriage of his father.
And this deponant doth further depose and say, that after that time
and he believes it to have been after the war was ended, the said George
Knox, with another Gentleman by the name of Earnest, was for some time 
at his fathers, giving certificates to farmers for supplys furnished the
Page 117

the army. And this deponant doth further depose and say, that
he recollects that Books of the proceedings of the Commissary department was in the possession of his father (who died 1804) but since his
death has been destroyed either by his step mother, who kept a small
store, or by a younger brother, got by his second marriage, as they cannot now be found. And this deponant doth further depose and say that the
said George Knox, after the close of the said war, removed to the
City of New York, where this deponant occasionally called to see him.
David Pye

Sworn to and subscribed before me this fourteenth day of July, 1851
Wm F. Fraser
County Judge
for Rockland County

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the
above named deponent and that I know him to be
person of truth & veracity, whose oath may be relied on.
Wm F. Fraser County Judge
for Rockland County

State of New York Rockland County ss
I, John E Hogenkamp, Clerk of the
County of Rockland Do hereby certify that William F
Fraser, is a magistrate as above and that the signatures
purporting to be his, are genuine-
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of the
said county this fourteenth day of July 1851
John E. Hogenkamp Clerk
Page 118

Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions for a report of the facts in these cases and the action thereon by the Pension Office

G W

Secty of Int.
Nov 18/52

Rec'd Nov 18, 1852
Page 119

Washington
Nov 17. 1852

Hon A. H. H. Stuart
Secretary of the Interior
Sir
In 1846 I was duly appointed attorney in fact, in the case of Catharine Knox late of New York deceased, widow
of George Knox. She was pensioned during her life time under
act July 7. 1838 at the rate of $120 per annum, on account of
her Husband’s revolutionary services as Sergeant Major
But, George Knox acted as Commissary. It was for that
service an additional allowance of pension was claimed by to
children in right of the parent under act July 4 1836.
In 1847, the undersigned presented an argument in support
of a claim as Commissary.  On the appeal, the Hon W Marcy
then Secretary of war, decided against an increase and against an allowance under act 1836. On the ground, the service as Commissary was not performed under a military obligation.
See his endorsement on the papers.
On the production of additional evidence. I again as
atty in fact, submitted a further appeal from the report of the late Commissioner of Pensions to Secretary Ewing of the Interior, with the hope, that his liberal views might be favorable to the case. But he too confirmed the report of Commission Edwards, against the allowance of the service as Commissary, under the same view entertained
by Secretary Marcy.
Having but recently understood, that the claim in
question has within a few months been allowed on application
Page 120

of another Attorney, under act July 4 1836. for the service as Commissary, and increased from $120 to $600 per annum; involving arrears from eight to nine thousand dollars.
And I have reason to believe, not only on the proof pled by myself, but in direct opposition to the decisions of both Secretary Marcy and Sec’y. Ewing
And I beg further respectfully to State; that an increase
and an allowance has been made in the case of William Dodge dec’d, who was pensioned under act of June 1832. New York roll. (Arrears about three thousand dollars.) In this case I presented certain evidence as attorney in fact, which was rejected by the Pension office for the time claimed,
and which was subsequently allowed to another attorney,
on the identical proof on which a disallowance was made to me.
If the statement herein made be found to be true, then I hope [that] this communication may be regarded as entirely a proper one. And in justification to myself, trust the Department
may see fit to place me in possession of such facts (if they
appear) as will enable me to satisfy my constituent. There was no additional evidence filed by the last attorney, in support of [illegible] that the service as Commissary was rendered under a military obligation in the one case. And in the other, there was no additional proof of service as Commissary of Hides.
In this formal communication to you, as the Head of
the Department, to which the subject property belongs: I wish
it distinctly to be understood, as not reflecting or imputing
to the present Commissioner of Pensions, as a party to the late examination, reports, and allowances; further that his simple Signature, in the usual reports, and pension certificate.
I have the honor to remain your
Very Obt Sv’t.
Alex Ray
Page 121

State of New York City and County of New York,  ss. 
Elizabeth McCarter of the said City, Widow, being duly
 sworn, deposeth and saith that she this deponent was
 present at the marriage between George Knox, and 
Catharine Paulding as heretofore stated, and deposed by
 this deponent. That she distinctly remembers that upon
that occasion the said George Knox was dressed in
his uniform, and that the said George Knox continued in
 actual service as a soldier in the
revolutionary army for at least one year
after the period of his said marriage, and that
he had so served for a considerable period amounting to several years previous to his said marriage. And further deponent saith not.
Elizabeth McCarter
Sworn to, and subscribed
the fifth day of December 1837
before me
Jno T Irving
First Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas
for the City & County of New York

I John T. Irving First Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas for the City and County of New York
before whom the preceding deposition was subscribed
and sworn do hereby certify that I am acquainted
with Elizabeth McCarter the above deponent,
and that the said Elizabeth McCarter is well
known to me to be a person of undoubted veracity
and integrity, and upon whose statements the
most implicit reliance is to be placed.
Dated at the City of New York the
Fifth day of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand
Page 122

eight hundred and thirty seven.
Jno T. Irving 
First Judge of the Court of Com. Pleas
for the City & County of New York

Note the word December in the first & 
[eighteenth] written by me is a cancellation of
Nov the [all] being being done the 5th Dec’r 1837.


State of New York City and County of New York ss
I Thomas Jeremiah Clerk of
the City and County of New York do hereby certify
that the Honorable, John T. Irving before whom
the aforegoing deposition was sworn and subscribed, 
and by whom the aforegoing certificate
was given, is First Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas for the City and County of
New York, the same being a Court of record,
and that the signatures annexed to the
attestation of the said deposition, and to the
preceding certificate are his genuine signatures.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and
affixed my seal of office the Fifth day of November, one
thousand, eight hundred, and thirty seven.

The word November erased & December interlined.
Thos Jeremiah Clerk
Page 123

The Bearer George Knox of the 4th Pennsylvania
Regiment having engaged a man to do his duty till the
11th day of January next in the said Regt has permission
to pass to Pennsylvania, and to continue absent from his
Regt till the said first day of January next - at which time
he is to join the said Regiment except he shall
inlist an able bodied Soldier to serve in his place
during the War, who shall be approved of a such by
the commanding officer of the Regiment.
Given under my hand at Osage Lake this
26th day of July 1779.
Signed Tho’s Church Major Lt Regt
Wm Butler Lt.  Col Comd’r
4th P. Regt & Rifle Corps
I testify the above to be a true Copy form
the original in my possession.
New York 27th Feby 1837.
Robert Hyslop
Page 124


New York September 30. 1837

Sir
I beg to enclose additional testimony in relation
to the claim of Mrs Catharine Knox, for a pension under
the act of Congress of July 4, 1836.
The declaration of the applicant together with
accompanying proofs were presented to you in February
last by [Mr Lay] then a member of Congress from this State
Through that gentleman, your letter of Feb. 18, 1837
was received requiring further proof on two points, 1st
the service of Mr Knox in the revolutionary army, and
2d the marriage of Mr Knox to the applicant. The delay
which has since taken place in furnishing these proofs
has arisen from causes not under the control of the
applicant. But it is hoped that the papers now presented
furnish reasonable and conclusive evidence upon both
the points referred to in your letter.
First, as to the service of Mr Knox. The former
papers referred to the documents supposed to be on file
in your office, and which were presented when Mr Knox
applied for and obtained his pension. These it seems have
been destroyed. We now furnish the extracts from the
pension books in New York showing that Mr. K received
Page 125

his pension from March 1818 down to the period of his death
in March 1824. From this; we suppose, it is to be inferred
that the proof of his service must have been deemed
by the department sufficient. If so, the consequences of the
destruction of the papers through a public misfortune
should not be visited upon the applicant, who it is
Sworn by Mr Hyslop is aged and infirm, and whose
memory is so for impaired as to render the required statement impossible. If the records now existed there could
not be any doubt upon the subject. Ought not every
[intendment] to be made in favor of the sufficiency of
the proofs heretofore received and acted on by the department? Especially when followed up by a continued payment during the life time of the pensioner, of the pension
granted by a former law requiring the same proofs?
Second, as to the marriage of Mr & Mrs Knox. 
The former aff’ts were considered defective in not containing the testimony of a witness present at the marriage. This defect is supplied in the present proofs. And the further fact is
stated corroboration of the statement of the applicant that
she was married “before the last term of service of the husband [afores’d]” (See Instructions Art. O) that Mr Knox was married in his uniform and afterwards went to Stoney Point, his quarters, and that he served in the army for some time afterwards.
Page 126

Let me suggest further, that the source from which
these proofs are derived is of the most unquestionable character. On this head, I beg to refer you to the Hon. C. C. [Cambreling,] through whose politeness these papers will be handed to you, who will inform you that Mr. Hyslop is one of our most respectable merchants. Mr H. as you will perceive
by the former papers, is the son in law of Mrs Knox. Let
me further remind you that if an indistinctness exists in
regard to some of the parts, the great lapse of time near
60 years, renders more direct proof entirely out of the
question. You will, I am well convinced, upon examining
all the papers, entertain but little doubt of the propriety
of the application.
The power of attorney, forwarded with the former
Papers, will, if the claim be allowed, direct you as to the
mode of remittance.  
Should any further information be required, by addressing me on the subject, you may be enabled to receive it.
I have the honor to be Sir
Your obt Servt
D. Graham Jr

James L. Edwards Esq. 
Com’r of Pensions
Page 127

Washington July 8 1826
Sir
In the case of Catharine Knox, under act 1838
on the New York agency, (and on the request of [J M.] Irving
Esq. of the City of New York, her former agent, whose letter to
me is herewith enclosed.)
I beg leave to renew the former application
under act July 4, 1836, for the services of her Husband
as Commissary in the war of the revolution.
I understand by your letter of the 15 Decr 1843, as the
was no record of her husbands appointment or service
as Commissary; the claim made for that service
could not be allowed. A pension was, however, [printed or issued]
for his years previous service as a Sergt Major in the
Penn’a line ending Nov 24. 1779.
You allow, that the marriage of the applicant was satisfactorily established to have taken place in Oct 1782.
And the claim now presented for the second time, is
on account of George Knox’s service as Commissary
for two years.
It is also admitted in your letter of Decr 15. 1843
that "the certificate of Cols Varick & Plate shews that he entered the commissary department about the time he was discharged in Nov 1779, from the Pa line, and continued 
to the 31 Decr 1781. But as no grade was shown, the facts given in the certificate were not deemed sufficient, to allow a pension as Commissary.
I now present three affidants, from pensioners who were
acquainted with George Knox, commissary; at Stoney
Point and Kings Ferry, in the year 1780, 1, 2 & 3.  They state with distinctness their knowledge of Commissary Knox and the duty he performed.
The Justice of the Peace certifies, the affiants are know
to him, to be men of truth and veracity, and entitled to credit: and
Page 128

and confidence; these affidavits, with those already on file
and to which I beg to refer you, and also, to the Journal or
Account Book kept by said Knox, and which should I
think, conclusively prove that George Knox was a commissary
for the times specified.
But if this [proof?] of respectable evidence be not sufficient for you to grant a pension under act 1836 at the rate of $600 per annum, I have respectfully requested the favor of you, to make application to the Department of State, for an examination of the records there, with the view to ascertain, if George Knox is [returned] as a Commissary, at Kings Ferry, or at Stoney Point in the year 1780, 81, 82, or 83.
I remain Sir
Yr most obt servt
Alex. Ray

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm’r of Pensions
Page 129

Wash’n Oct 15 ‘46
Alex Ray

Asks decision on case
of Catherine Knox dec’d
R 143, [Res] Oct 22/46
Pension Office
D’r 6
38
Page 130

Washington
Oct. 15, 1846

Sir:
In submitting with great respect, for your consideration and decision, the case of Catharine Knox dec’d, in behalf of her children, I shall endeavor as concisely as possible to place the points of the claim before you, relying upon an examination of
the evidence submitted.
Catharine Knox, widow of George Knox, and late
of New York during her life time asserted a claim for
the benefit of the act of 4th July 1836, on account of the
Revolutionary services of her husband as a sergeant
Major from 1776 to Nov 1779, and Commissary from that time
to the close of the war in 1783.
Upon examination of the claim the Commissioner
of Pensions in his letter of Decr 15 1843 [within?] Hamilton
Fish says "if she should renew her claim under act of July
1838, she should be allowed upon the services
as Sergeant Major, The claim for services as Commiss
sary is not sustained." See paper marked No 1. Applcation was accordingly made by the widow under said
act of 1838, as she enjoyed a pension to the day of her
death as the widow of a Serjeant Major.
It is for services performed by her husband as
Commissary to which I beg to call your attention,
claimed under act of July 4th 1836.
In a recent correspondence between the Commissioner
and myself, you will perceive by his letter of 21st Aug 1846,
marked No 2, that under a certificate of Col Richard Varick
in 1789, it is shown that George Knox was discharged from
military duty in Nov 1777, and that he then entered the Commissary department in which he continued till the
31 December 1781, being a period of upwards of two years.

Hon W L Marcy
Sec’y of War
Page 131

From this date no records appear except the day book kept
by her husband, and filed in the case, from Jun 2 to Oct 6 1782, and the American Archives, book of Claims,” under date of 9th Oct 1782 hereinafter referred to:
But in addition to these I present testimonials of
the most positive character, in the affidavits of soldiers,
then serving in the Army of the Revolution and now in the
receipt of pensions from the U. S. for those services whose
means of knowing with certainty the facts - a knowledge
derived from a daily observation and participation in the
acts of said George Knox as Commission who designated
with accuracy the time of such service as Commissary as
aforesaid. And:
1st - I beg leave to refer to the deposition of Cornelius Depew, who swears he kept the Ferry between 
Stoney Point and Verplanks Point, then called Kings Ferry
from April 1779 to June 1780, and before he ceased to keep
said Ferry, he saw George Shore in the Commissary's Store at
Stoney Point, and understood that he had charge of and
supplied the troops with provisions as Commissary.
2nd - The testimony of William Davis, a pensioner, goes
to show, that he was stationed at Kings ferry from May
to the Fall of 1781, and that George Knox was
Commissary at Stoney Point during the whole of that
time, was known and called as such, and always drew
his rations from said Commissary.
3rd & 4th - Depositions of Abraham Hitchcock and
Benjamin Acker, pensioners who severally swear to
being at Kings Ferry, from 1780, prior to the capture of
Andre to the end of the War, engaged (as well as Davis)
on the Ferry, and who both depose in the most direct
manner that George Knox was Commissary and the sole
Commissary during the whole of that time.
This consistent testimony of Davis, Hitchcock &
Acker, embraces a period commencing prior to the 2nd June
1782 when the old day book kept by Knox commenced, and
subsequently to the 6th oct following when it ended, and
although the mutilated fragment of this journal does
Page 132

not bear the name of those, yet, that it is in his handwriting
is clearly proven.
By extracts from a correspondence, under
date of October 9th 1782, American Archives pages 717 & 718,  a recent subject of correspondence between the Commissioner of Pensions and myself, as you will perceive by his letter enclosed marked No 31 the evidence is sufficient, as stated by the Commissioner to show that George Knox was acting and performing duty at King's Ferry at that time, but
under what appointment it is contended. is not
sufficiently shown.
The services of time in the Commissary’s department, 
for upwards of two years, I fancy will admit
of no doubt: indeed the fact is conceded. But
as there is no documentary evidence of his appointment
as Commissary, however satisfactory the evidence of service
may be, the claim cannot be allowed under the rule of
of the Pension Office. Under this failure, then, to obtain
the record of his appointment, it become necessary, and the
only redress, to submit the whole case to your consideration
upon its merits for your decision, with a full confidence
that the case comes within the spirit of the Pension Laws,
if not within their prescribed rules and limitations.
It is admitted by the Commissioner that
satisfactory evidence has been exhibited shewing the marriage took place on the 13th October 1782 and to shew
that service was rendered at the time of the correspondence
referred to above, on the 9th October 1832 and
for some time after the marriage, I beg to refer you:
1st-  To the affidavit of Robert Hyslop Esq, a gentleman represented to be of eminent respectability.
2nd - The deposition of Mrs E. McCarter of the City of
New York and sister to Mrs Knox, a lady of undoubted
 veracity and integrity, as attested by the late
Judge Irving before whom her deposition was taken in
1837, who testifies, that she was present at the wedding
of her sister and said Knox: that he, Knox is represented
to have been dressed in uniform, and was engaged in the
Page 133

military service: after the marriage her sister removed
to the quarters after husband at Stoney Point and there remained until a short time previously to the birth of her first
child, and that said Know continued at Stoney Point some
considerable time after the birth of said child.
3rd - The deposition of Mrs Elizabeth Ann Paulding
sister in law to Hon James K Paulding, a former Secretary
 of the Navy - a lady of high character and scrupulous
veracity who states, as you will observe, that her father
told her he received the appointment of Commissary in the
consequence of a wound he received: and well remembers
that her mother stated, that her father failed to arrive
at the wedding at the hour appointed for the ceremony
in consequence of its being "drawing day.”
One other deposition only will be referred to: 
That of Matthew Benson, who states his perfect
recollection of George Knox as Commissary at Stoney
Point having charge of the stores and provisions for
the army, and having others under him and subject to
his orders, and of his service after marriage. That he
was employed with three others in conveying, in sleighs,
on the ice, stores and provisions from the Commissary’s
Store at West Point to the Commissary’s Store [at]
Stoney Point, and delivering the same to said George Knox.
With this array of evidence of the most positive and respectable order of the service of the
said George Knox in the Commissary Department, both
before and after marriage, taken in connexion with the
documentary evidence, and particularly the extracts before referred to under date of 9th Oct 1752 naming Knox
Commissary at Kings Ferry, as [proving] the grade of
his service. I respectfully submit the case for your
decision, and ask, if the evidence submitted is not
sufficient to establish the fact of the service of George
Knox as Commissary for a period of two years, and of
a consequence the right of his widow to a pension at the
rate of $50 per month, under the act of July 4th 1836.
Page 134

for the services of her said husband as Commissary,
subject to a deduction of whatever sum may have been
paid her on account of the services of said Knox as
Sergeant Major.
I have the honor to remain Sir 
Your Most Obt Srvt
Alex Ray

Hon W.L. Marcy
Secretary of War
Page 135

(Copy)
Pension Office
Feby 12th 1852
Sir,
I have the honor to return herewith the papers in
the case of Catharine Knox, which you directed me to 
examine under the act of 7th July 1838, and to state, that
I am of opinion it should be allowed under the act of
4th July 1836, but do it has heretofore been refused by a
higher tribunal, to wit, a former Secretary, I do not
feel at liberty to allow it.
Hon Alex H. H. Stuart
Sec’y of the Interior

The above letter was transcribed by me from the
original, bound up with other letters, in a book, marked
Original and general correspondence, Pension Office
No 213, for February 1852.
Harvey Mitchell
Page 136

Pension Office
March 22nd 1847
Commissioner of Pension
Report in the case of
Catharine Knox dec’d
(A) 16
I am not satisfied
that the husband of
Mrs. Knox was a duly
 commissioned commissary
in the service of the U.S. or that he
was in the service of the U.S. after
 the time mentioned by Cols Platt
& Varick. I cannot therefore
reverse the opinion
of the Com’r of
Pensions 5 June 47
W. S. Marcy
Page 137

Copy
Pension Office
October 9th 1846
Sir
Your enquiry whether the reference you
make to the American State Papers pages 717, 718 "do not
afford sufficient evidence to shew that George Knox
was acting and performing duty at Kings Ferry
at the date of the correspondence in October 1782” is 
answered in the affirmative. But what that duty was - under what appointment rendered, and what was the tenure of that appointment is not sufficiently Shown.

I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
(Signed) J L Edwards

A. Ray Esq.
Present
Page 138

Brief in the case of Catharine Knox dec’d wid of George
County and State of New York
act 4 July 1836.

Claim, (original, or for increase.) [blank]

Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Record and parole evidence in abundance
Allowed by order of Secretary

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?  [blank]

F. F. Kirby
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
S.A. Pugh
Present
Page 139

54 (B)
Washington
Jany 9. 1852
S. A. Pugh

Appeals from the decision
of the Comr of Pensions
in the case of Catharine
Knox; Act 7 July 1838

Ret’d to the Commissioner
of Pensions for a report
Dept Int’r Jany 12 /51
Page 140

Washington City, D. C.
9th Jany 1852,
Hon A. H. H. Stewart
Secretary of the Interior,
Sir
In the case of Catherine
Knox, widow of George Knox a pensioner, under act 1838,
at the rate of $120, per annum, on the New York Roll,
I am requested to appeal from the decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, for increase of Pension from said sum of $120 to $600. per annum.
There is abundant evidence on file in the
case to show several years service as Commissary,
not only to entitle her to the increase to $600 , [also] under act
of 4th July 1836. I respectfully ask that the papers in the case be referred to your office for final action.
Yours very Respectfully
S. A. Pugh
Page 141

Department of the Interior
Washington Jany 26, 1852
Sir
I herewith return the papers in the case of
Catharine Knox dec’d for reexamination, as from your
report in the case it appears there was a misapprehension
 of the nature of Mr Peugh’s appeal; he
having claimed under the act of July 7th 1838
whilst from your report the case appears to have
been rejected under the act of 4th July 1836. You
will therefore re-examine the case under the act
of July 7th 1838, as desired by Mr Peugh and if
rejected under that act report the same.
I am very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Alex H. H. Stuart
Secretary

James E. Heath Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 142

Department of the Interior
Washington Feby 17 1852
Sir
I herewith return the papers in the case of
Catharine Knox and have to inform you that as
it appears from your report that the claimant is
entitled to the benefit of the act of July 4th 1836
instead of the act of July 7th 1838, under which
the claim was made and upon which the appeal
was taken I am of opinion that the claim should
be allowed under the act of July 4 1836. You
will therefore be pleased to issue a certificate
 accordingly.
I am very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Alex H. H. Stuart
Secretary

James E. Heath Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 143


Department of the Interior
June 20, 1850
Sir.
I herewith return you the papers
in the case of Catharine Knox, and have
to inform you that your report therein has
been confirmed by this Department.
I remain
Very respectfully
Your Obt Serant
(Signed) T. Ewing

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 144

Pension Office
January 22 1852
Sir
I have the honor to return herewith
Mr Peugh's letter of appeal from the
decision of this Office in the case of 
Catharine Knox, widow of George of New York
who was pensioned under the Act of 7th
July 1838 as Sergt Major, but who claims
under act of 36 as Commissary.
From an inspection of the papers it
will be perceived, that there is no reliable
evidence of the performance of any military
service after marriage. Nor is it sufficient
by shown in what grade the service claimed
was performed, if performed at all. The
papers in the case numbering from 1 to 52
inclusive and enclosed.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
your Obt Senr
J E Heath
Comm’r of Pensions

Hon A. H. H. Stuart
Secy of the Interior
Page 145

New York Decr 5. 1837
Dear Sir
I enclose you a supplemental affidavit proving
the facts which were omitted in the former proofs
forwarded to you relative to the claim of the widow
of George Knox.
In your letter to the Hon. C. C. Cambreleng
to whom I took the liberty of enclosing some papers
relative to the claim, (of Oct. 6. 1837,) you observe
that the papers before furnished do not “afford any
evidence whatever as to the duration of the service,”
and that "the claim cannot be allowed without
proof on this point.” The omission was attributable
to my oversight in preparing the papers and to
my not having referred to the previous act. I think you
 will agree with me that it is satisfactorily established
 by the papers now enclosed.
Page 146

If so, let me request you to remit the sum due
to Mrs Knox to Robert Hyslop Esq, Merchant
New York who is her attorney in fact by virtue
of a power heretofore provided to your department
or to me, as soon as conveniently can be done.
I can only add my regret that you should
have had so much trouble relative to this claim,
but you will readily perceive that it was in
some measure unavoidable from the great
distance of time in which the facts required
to be proved took place, and from other [cases]
to which I have before had the honor to
draw your attention.

Yours very resp’y
D Graham

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 147

Apl 19 1843
[to get] papers
Cath. Knox
N.Y, not allowed

[circle stamp]
NEW YORK
APR 18

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 148

New York 17th April 1843
J L Edwards Esq
Dear Sir
Some time in the year 1841
I sent to the Pension office, under your charge, sundry
 papers in relation to a claim made by Catherine Knox for 
the Pension of her late Husband George Knox.
To enable her to establish her claim you will 
oblige me by returning to me all the papers which 
she has sent to your office that they may
be [reviewed] & corrected.
by so doing,
you will much oblige
your obt Serv’t
Robery Hyslop
Page 149

Secretary's Office
Harrisburg Nov 25th 1841
Silas H. Hill Esq
Sir
I have caused a thorough examination of the
Records and papers in the Office to be made, and regret
to state that no evidence exists of the service, or duration
of service of George Knox, either as a private, or in the
Commissary Department. The truth is not much evidence
of service is to be found among the records in the Office
at this place, in consequence of many of the books and
papers having many years ago been sent to Washington &
I have been informed they were subsequently destroyed by
fire. Now and then we are able to make out a case,
but the absence of proof from this office ought by no means
to invalidate a claim. No doubt Mr Knox performed the
service you state; and because his name, or the evidence
of his service does not exist in our records it should not
follow that the claim is not substantiated.
I am with great respect
Yours &c
Francis R. Shunk,
Secy Comm’th [Commonwealth]
Page 150

Rec'd Nov. 21st ‘41

[circle stamp]
NEW YORK
NOV 20

Paid
PAID
Silas H. Hill Esq
Washington, D. C.
30
Page 151

New York 20th Nov 1841
Silas H. Hill Esqr.
D. Sir
Your [esteemed favor] under date of the 29th ult came duly to hand, and contents noticed.  I have deferred answering your letter at an earlier period in the hope of being able to communicate something more than has already been done on the subject of Mrs Knox’ application, and regret to say
that I have been unable to learn when Mr. Knox joined
the army. Permit me here to state my own knowledge
and long acquaintance with him commencing in 1802
at which time I entered his service as a clerk and married
of his Daughters in 1812.  He died I think in 1824. And
as a man of veracity and high sense of honor he
stood second to no man during my clerkship
and [illegible]  in his family.  I have over & over again
listened with much pleasure to his account of the
many privations met with during the Revolution, the
several Battles in which he was engaged - such as
the taking of the Hessians at Trenton,  the massacre
at the Paoli where he was wounded. He was under Genl
Wayne better known as mad Anthony and was engaged
in the Indian War and my impressions are that
he enlisted in the any two years after the commencement
of the Revolution and continued in the army till
peace took place.
At this late period, it is impossible to find 
proof when he enlisted and how long he continued.
Page 152

in the Line of the army. There can be no
doubt however,  that he remained in Line from time of his enlistment to the period when he was so severely
wounded - which wound rendered him unable to do
the duty of a soldier [&] he was placed in the Commissary Department. 
It seems to me that the fact of Mr Knox 
having drawn pension for so many years, his
widow ought not to be excluded, because the original
papers [showing] his claim having been destroyed when
the War Office was burnt.
I feel particularly [indebted] to you for
the trouble you have taken in this matter and
sincerely trust that these gentlemen who [control]
the department before whom Mrs. Knox makes her
claim, will not shut her out because she
cannot at this late period prove some minor
points. If ever there was just & equitable
claim it is hers. She has done & [proved] all
she can in relation to her claim and if
our Government sees fit to say that she has
[not] proved enough, then the matter must
end.
I am yours very Sincerely
Robert Hyslop
Page 153

New York August 16. 1843

J L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I herewith transmit the renewed application of Mrs
 Catharine Knox for a pension under the act of 
4th July, 1836. The former application was made
 in 1837. It was presented by Mr David Graham, a 
gentleman of high standing at the bar in this city, but possessing a very limited and imperfect acquaintance
 with the pension laws. The declaration of Mrs Knox, with whom he had but a brief interview of a few moments, was prepared by him on a very inadequate idea of the extent of
her husband's services, and was limited to the
assertion that he was a private in the war of the
revolution, when, as will be seen from the testimony,
he served successively in the capacity of private, 
Sergeant and Commissary. At the date of the marriage
he filled the latter office, a post to which he was
no doubt recommended by his early mercantile education
and knowledge of accounts, while Mr Graham acting
 upon his preconceived impression, was laboring
with egregious misapprehension to prove that he
was still in service, as Private. This hasty and
fallacious assumption, so unfavorable in every respect to the interest of the applicant, presented an effective
Page 154

impediment to a satisfactory investigation of the claim.
It would appear also, from Mr Graham's explanatory
statement to me, that both he and Mr Hyslop, at whose
request he undertook the application, were of opinion
that the widow could in no event receive a higher
stipend than was allowed her husband as Invalid
Pensioner, and that to this she was entitled of course
when proof of marriage during actual service, in whatever
military capacity. Hence, he assures me, that even if
his attention had been drawn to the services of Mr
Knox in the Commissary department, of which he has
no recollection, he would not have thought it necessary
to give any special prominence to the fact, believing,
as he did, that it could in no way affect the
amount to which the widow was entitled,
With this brief explanation of the gross fallacy
under which the former application was conducted,
I now renew the application of Mrs Knox for a pension
on the ground that her husband was not only a
Private, but also a Sergeant Major & Issuing Commissary,
or Assistant Issuing Commissary in the War
of the Revolution. Mrs Knox claims a full pension
as Commissary’s widow, and relies with entire confidence
upon the evidence now submitted for proof
that her husband was in actual service, as Commissary,
at the date of the marriage, and that his service
in this capacity continued through a period of nearly
Page 155

four years.
It may be proper to add that the documentary
testimony, which forms the basis of the present 
application, has been obtained from Mr Hyslop, & has
been in his possession since the death of Mr Knox,
without any special knowledge on his part of its
contents of bearing. Mrs Knox was not even aware of
the existence of the journal, until currently submitted
to her inspection by me to verify the handwriting. The
undersigned evidence, therefore, between that document
and her deposition, as regards the name of Moses
 Fairchild, is a circumstance deserving attention.
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Pierce [Pierre?] M. Irving
15 ½ Wall Street
Page 156

33
James L Edwards Esq
Com’r of Pensions

4914
[resh’d?]
Sept 30 46
Cath. Knox
wid [?]

A Ray
Page 157

Washington Sep. 28, 1846

Sir
In the case of Catharine Knox dec’d widow of
George Knox late a pensioner under act 1838 New York
Agency, for the services of her husband as Quarter Master
Sergeant. A claim has been made on account
of her husband’s services as a commissary. 
You state in your letter of the 21 August
that "Col Richard Varick in 1787, certifies that George
Knox was discharged from Military duty in Nov
1777; and he entered the Commissary Department
in which he continued till the 31 Dec’r 1781.”
In the American State Papers, Book of Claims
page 717, we find a letter to the Hon. Robert Morris Super’t
of Finance Oct 9, 1782, requesting direction, and delivery to
the Commissary at Kings Ferry, four thousand
barrels of Flour and on the following page 718 requesting
immediate measures be taken to procure and deliver
to Mr Knox at Kings Ferry, the quantity of Flour & Whiskey &c.
I have respectfully to request to be informed if the correspondence referred to, is not sufficient evidence to show that George Knox was acting and performing duty at Kings Ferry at the time of the correspondence Oct 9, 1782. The several affidavits on file go to establish the service, of George Knox as Commissary at Kings Ferry at the time above specified, and subsequent thereto.
I remain very respectfully your obt servt
Alex. Ray

J. L. Edwards
Com’r of Penn
Page 158

Dec. 1 1841
N. Y.
Catharine Knox

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 159

Washington City Nov 30th [“ Let?]
Sir
I have been requested to present the enclosed papers respecting the claim of the Widow of George Knox of New York City for a
Pension. They are all calculated to throw any light on the subject, in addition to those already on file in your office, that can be obtained; and your final decision in the premises is respectfully solicited.
The parties will be happy to answer any inquiries you may make, but
they despair of obtaining further testimony having already sought
it carefully. Your attention is particularly requested to the Statements of Mr Hyslop, whose means of information have been good, and
whose statements may be relied on, as far as high character for intelligence and integrity is concerned.
I beg leave to add, that I have no interest in the result whatever;
nor shall I in any case that may come before any of the Governmental
offices so long as my official connexion continues.
The Vouchers of payment of Mr Knox's Invalid Pension are of course on
file in this office; but I have not procured one of them, as doubtless you will make a demand of them if desired.
Very respectfully Sir,
Your Obd. Servant
Silas H. Hill

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Page 160

New York April 10. 1846
Dear Sir
As the attorney who presented the former
application for Commissary service in the case of Mrs
Catharine Knox, now deceased, and with the full and
express sanction of Mr Robert Hyslop, the husband of
one of the four children, and the representative of
all five (one of whom, Mrs Paulding, is the widow of my mother’s brother.) I hereby authorize you to renew the application on behalf of the heirs for a full pension at
 $600 per annum under act 4th July 1836.
The former application was withdrawn by me per
letter January 25. 1844 with the distinct [illegible] of
 undiminished confidence in the justice of the claim. The
evidence subsequently discovered and to be now submitted
 by you will more than satisfy - what could not then be done -  the requirements of the Pension Office.
Yours res’y
Pierce M Irving

Alex’r Ray Esq
Washington D.C.
Page 161

C. Knox
$120 per an
[31]
P.M. Irving
No 15 ½ Wall Street
New York
Page 162

New York February 1, 1844

Sir
I herewith transmit application of Mrs
Catharine Knox for a pension under Act 3 March
1843.

Very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Pierce M Irving
15 ½ Wall Street

J L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 163

Department of State
November 8th 1843.

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
The examination
requested by your letter of the 30th
ultimo has been made, but no
evidence of the service of
George Knox has been found.
I am, Sir,
Your Obedt Servt.
A P Upshur
Page 164

Name - George Knox
Letter - H
No - [196]
Date -  July 1. 1785
Amount - $786.30
When due - January 1. 1782

Treasury Department
Registers Office Feby 22 1850

I certify the above to be a true extract from the Register of
Certificates issued by Jonathan Burnall, Commissioner for [sealing] the accounts of the Commissary and Quarter Master Department from the 22d August 1782 to the 7 May 1789.
Townsend Haines
Register
Page 165

10399
Jan 27 1844
Cath Knox
NY
21
Issue Certificate under
 act July 7. 1838,
at the rate of $120 per
Annum as Sergeant
Major
send Cert to
P. M. Irving
N. York
Page 166

New York January 25, 1844

Sir
On the 16th August last I forwarded the
application of Mrs Catharine Knox for a pension, as Commissary’s widow, under act of 4th July
1836. The claim for service, as Commissary, was
not allowed, but it was stated in your letter
of the 15th ultim to the Hon: Hamilton Fish that the
proof was “satisfactory to shew that she
was married in October 1782, and that her
husband served two years as Sergeant Major
in the Pennsylvania Line ending 24th November, 1779”; 
and it was intimated that she would
be allowed for this service, if she should renew
her claim under the act of 7th July 1838.
I beg leave therefore, to make application
on her behalf for a certificate under the act of
7th July 1838 and one also under the act of 3d
March, 1843, for service as Sergeant Major.
In so doing it is due to Mrs Knox to state
that the claim for service, as Commissary, is
not withdrawn from diminished confidence in
the Justice of that claim, but from the 
impossibility at this lapse of time of establishing it in a
manner answering to the requirements of the
Department.
Very respectfully
Your obedient servant
Pierce M Irving
Page 167

Reported

8037
New York

Catharine Knox
widow of George Knox
who was a pensioner under the Act of –
and who died on the 22 March, 1824
of N. York Co. in the State of New York
who was a Sergt in the Company
commanded by Captain — of the —
commanded by – in the Pa.
line for —

Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 120 Dollars – Cents per 
annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of
June 1844 and sent to P. M. Irving, Esq
New York

Total Amount, $600
(Act July 7, 1838.)

Recorded by Tho Lumpkin, Clerk
Book D  Vol. 1 Page 165

49
Page 168

By the State’s [Papers]
It appears that he
was a commissary
in the service of
Sam’l Livingston

That they had “issuing
commissaries” 
appears by the letter on 
page 716 - where
they were complained
of.
Mr Knox is told 
to [obtain] [illegible] and
 told to “Our Commissary” 
and this herein shown by the
 following letter to Mr Knox


No 3
J L Edwards
to
A Ray
Page 169

No 3.  - Copy

Pension Office
October 9 1846
Sir
Your enquiry whether the reference
you make to the American State Papers pages 717 & 718
“do not afford sufficient evidence to shew that George
Knox was acting and performing duty at Kings Ferry at
the date of that correspondence in October 1782” is 
answered in the affirmative. But what that duty was,
under what appointment rendered, and what was
the tenure of that appointment is not sufficiently
shewn.
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Serv’t
(Signed) J.L. Edwards

A Ray Esq
Present