Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23465, Jacob Van Tassel, New York
Page 1

SERVICE
New York

Van Tassel, Jacob

NUMBER
S.23465
Page 2

New York 30,655
Jacob Van Tassel
of New York Co. in the State of N.Y.
who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded
by Captain Combs of the regt. commanded
by Col. Hammond in the N. York
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 320 Dollars -- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Increased from $161.33
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of May
1840 and sent to Sylvester Spencer
New York
Arrears to the 4th of March 1840          2880.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep "   160.00
[line]
$3040.00
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book E. 2. Vol. 4 Page 78

Increased from $161.33
let to P. Agt. N. York June 25 '44
Page 3

Application of Jacob
Van Tassel for a
pension under the
act of 1832.
12.912

admd.
12. mo. 3. ds Lieuth
$161.33/100

Hon. S. B. Leonard
Ho.Rep.
Page 4

State of New York
City and County of New York SS
On this 3rd day of September personally
appeared in open court before the Marine Court of the City
and County of New York now sitting, Jacob Van Tassel
a resident of said City and County aged 88 years, who being
first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath
make the following declaration in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 1832.
[line inserted] That he was born in Tarrytown Westchester County in the year 1744. That he hath no record of his age
That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named officers [inserted] at Tarrytown aforesaid [text continues] and served as herein stated
He received a Lieutenants commission in a company
of Militia of the State of New York commanded by Capt
Combe in the Regiment commanded by James Hammond
in the latter part of the year 1778 or the beginning of 1779
which regiment was located in Westchester County State of
New York and served sometime as a Lieutenant and was
afterwards appointed a Captain in said regiment, and
was taken prisoner when in command of a small
detachment of men at Croton River Westchester County
in the night, the house where he lodged being surrounded,
and that he was held as a prisoner at the
prisons in New York for 5 weeks when he was suffered
to proceed to Long Island on parole where he remained
on parole untill after the surrender of Cornwallis
when he reported to General Heath then at West
Point and received orders from him to proceed with
a detachment of men to collect the public property
near the lines and that he performed that duty, and
Page 5

remained in service in his regiment untill the close
of the war, after which he was appointed a Major
in said Regiment
He was acquainted with Capt Bucannan, who
was ordered by Genl Heath, (Capt Bucannon being
commander of the American whale boats) to take
possession of Capt Van Tassel's house, which was
situated on the banks of the north river 2 miles
south of Tarrytown a favourable spot to view
the movements of the enemy, where they remained
two seasons, and soon after which the British
sent a force and burnt the house and all of the
out buildings, for which he has never received
any compensation
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a
pension or annuity except the present and declares
that his name is not on the pension roll of the
Agency of any state of
Jacob Van Tassell

Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforsaid
John Barberie
Clerk

We Caleb Brush and John M Lester residing
in the City of New York hereby certify, that we are well
acquainted with Jacob van Tassel who has subscribed and sworn
to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 88 years of
age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood
where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and
that we concur in that opinion
Caleb Brush
J M Lester

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
aforesaid
John Barberie Clerk
Page 6

And the said court do hereby declare there opinion
after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the
War department that the above name applicant 
was a revolutionary soldier and served
as he states,
And the court further certifies that it appears
to them that John M. Lester who has signed
the preceding certificate is a Commissioner of Deeds
resident of New York City and that Caleb Brush
who has also signed the same is a
resident of the City of New York and is a credible
person and that their statements are entitled to
Credit

I John Barberie Clerk of the [crossed out: court of]
Marine Court of the City of New York do hereby certify that the
foregoing contains the original proceedings of the
said court to the matter of the application of
Jacob van Tassel for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and seal of the court the third day of
September 1832
John Barberie
Page 7

18.912
Jacob Van Fossel
City of New York
admd
See Vol 4, page 43
$322. 41 - 
5.   P. 374
1 year & 3 days as
Lieut
Col James Hammond
New York
[vertical text: 6 May 33]
Admitted
                     160
Lieut 2 years-   1.33
[line]
161.33
         5
[line]
806.65
Sylvester Spencer Esq
[crossed out: N. York]
[crossed out - illegible]

[damaged text] New York
[damaged text] certificate
Page 8

BRIEF in the case of Jacob Van Fassel
Co of New York in the State of New York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 88 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[Table columns]
| Period.
In 1778 in 1779 Prisoner 
Time of Service not 
correctly stated

| Duration of Service.
| Years, Months, Days.
[Duration of service might have been erased. Appears to have been 1 month, 8 days]

| Rank.
| As a
Lieutenant 

| Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
| Gen.
Capt Combs  Col Hammond

5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Westchester Co New York
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary
Bracken
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.
Richard Cutts
Examining Clerk.
Page 9

March 11, 1939
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
Jacob Van Tassel, S.23465

Miss Marjorie Barnard
416 East Pine Street
Centralia, Washington

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary
War soldiers named Jacob Van Tassel who served from New York
State.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the
pension claim, S.23465, based on the military service of the only Jacob
Van Tassel that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Jacob Van Tassel (personal signature Van Tassel) was born in 1744
in Tarrytown, Westchester County, New York. The names of his parents are
not shown. At the commencement of the Revolution he was a farmer living in
Greensburgh which was two miles south of Tarrytown.
He enlisted in 1776 and performed various services at different
periods as private and sergeant in Captain Claude Regnaw's company of
Westchester County, New York militia until said captain resigned in
1778. On June 16, 1778, Jacob Van Tassel was commissioned second
lieutenant in the same company then commanded by Captain George Comb
in Lieutenant Colonel James Hammond's regiment of New York militia and
Cornelius Van Tassell (relationship not shown) was the first lieutenant.
Jacob Van Tassel was placed in command of a detachment of six privates
and they went down the Hudson River to obtain information relative to
the movements of the British and on the return trip the house in which
he was lodging for the night, located in the vicinity of the Croton
River, was surrounded by the British on July 1, 1779, and Jacob Van
Tassel was taken prisoner, was carried to New York City and held in
the "old jail" for four or five weeks when he succeeded in getting
information to Skinner, the commissary of American prisoners, at whose
instance he was placed on parole, was sent to Flatbush, Long Island,
and remained there on parole until November 27, 1781, when he was
Page 10

exchanged. He then reported to General Heath at West Point and received
orders to proceed with a detachment of men to collect public property
which service he rendered until the close of the Revolution.
Jacob Van Tassel stated that Abraham, Isaac and David Van Tassel
and William Raton, all his relatives (exact relationship not shown)
were taken prisoner along with himself but all were dead in 1836.
During Jacob Van Tassel's imprisonment the British destroyed his
dwelling and other buildings in Greensburgh which for two seasons had been
occupied by Captain Buchanan who commanded the American whale boats.
Jacob Van Tassel was appointed captain in Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert
Budd's regiment of Westchester County militia on June 24, 1786.
In 1828 Jacob Van Tassel was living in New York City.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 3, 1832,
while living in New York City. In 1836 he was living at 395 Greenwich Street,
New York City.
Jacob Van Tassel died August 24, 1840.
There are no further data relative to the family of Jacob Van Tassel,
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 11

12.712
New York
Revo:
Jacob Van Tassel
Rejected
let. to M Myers &co
4 June 1833
Let to Hon L B. Leonard
Feb. 15. 1836 Same March 1836
" 30  "  "
Let. 7. Apl '36. to A.G. Thurston Esq. N.Y.
17 May 36 to Hon T. B. Leonard
Act of June '32
Page 12

[handwritten] P. #23465
( 3--469. )
Bureau of Pensions.
Application No. [blank]
Certificate No. [blank]
NAME OF SOLDIER,
Jacob Van Tassel
Co. [blank], [blank] Reg't [blank]
INFORMATION DESIRED.
Revolutionary Pensioner
name placed upon the
rolls about in 1855-6.
Rinby [signature unclear]
Jny 17 / 93
Page 13

New York 30.655
Jacob Van Tassel
of N. York City in the State of N.Y.
who was a Lieutenant in the Company commanded
by Captain Combs of the Regt. commanded
by Col Hammond in the N. York
line for 12 mos & 3 days
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York
at the rate of 61 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of May
1836 and sent Hon S. B. Leonard Ho of Rep
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836     $806.65
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept "  80.66
[line]
$887.31
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 4 Pge 78

Sept & June 11, '36
D.D.A.
Let. to A. S. Thurston Aug 18. 36
"  "  same " 18. 36
Page 14

New York City Pension Agency
June 21. 1844
Sir
I deem it proper to apprize you of the following
discrepancy in the Books of my immediate predecessor.
By his Ledger of Act of 7th June, 1832, it appears that
Jacob Van Tassel, Lieutenant, drew a pension of 160.33 Dollars
per annum, and was paid at that rate to the 4th March
1840. There is no entry of any subsequent payment. He
died on the 24th of August, 1840. The whole amount paid
as shown by the Ledger, is 1451 93/100 Dollars; but in
the copies of abstracts of payments made to pensioners
under this act for the 4th Quarter of 1840, ending
December 31" 1840, I find that Jacob Van Tassel,
Lieutenant, was returned as having been paid
at the rate of 320 Dollars per annum from the
4th March, 1831 to the 24th August, 1840, deducting
former payments. The balance paid according to the
Abstract was 1579 12/100 dollars, of which the Ledger
contains no account; nor does it appear from it
that the pension had been increased from $161.33
to $320 per annum. It may not be irrelevant
here to add the statement of the Executor of
Jacob Van Tassel that in November 1840 he was
paid by Mr Sylvester Spencer, then Pension Clerk,
the sum of 76.17 dollars, as the amount due at
the decease of the pensioner, being at the rate of $161.33
Page 15

per annum. Of this also there is no entry.
The above facts were brought to light yesterday
in consequence of an intended application by the
Executor for an augmentation of pension under the
supposition that no claim for increase had
yet been made or allowed. I submit them in
discharge of what I conceive to be an official
duty.
I am
very respectfully
your obedient Servant
Jno A Stevens
Pension Ag.

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 16

Jacob Van Tassell, New York roll,
Act of June 7, 1832, at $320 per ann.
Be pleased to say to
what time payment was last made
Pension Office
June 24. 1844
Paid to 4th Sept 1840
New York City Roll. B L Bogan
Page 17

Payment to be made
at New York City
by Presdt Mechanics Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners
in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book E2 Vol. 4
Page 78 by D. D. Addison
Clerk.
Page 18

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United 
States of the 7th June, 1832, Jacob Van Tassel
of the State of New York
who was a Lieutenant in the War of the
Revolution
is entitled to receive One hundred & Sixty one dollars and
thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing
on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually,
on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in
every year.
Given at the War Office of the United 
States, this Twenty fourth day of
May one thousand eight
hundred and thirty six
[signature damaged]

{Examined and }
{Countersigned. }
J L E[dwards]
Commiss[ioner of Pensions]
Page 19

New York 8th February 1840
Sir
Jacob Van Tassel, a pensioner under the act of
7th June 1832 at $161 33/100 per annum, and Mrs Elizabeth
Rooza, widow of Cornelius Roosa, a pensioner under the
act of July 7th 1838 at $25 45/100 per annum, have requested
me to enclose the certificates herewith, for an increase of
their pensions,
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Sylvester Spencer

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 20

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Com'r Pensions
Washington
Page 21

House of Reps.
May 10 1836
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
The papers which
I have the honor of herewith transmitting,
relative to the claim of
Mr Van Tassel to a Pension came
to hand by this morning's mail.
Have the goodness to cause them
to be acted upon immediately, and
oblige
Yr. Obt. Servt.
S. B. Leonard
Page 22

NY Mar 18
Honbl. J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington
D.C.
Hon S B Leonard
H R
Page 23

New York
12 March 1836
S. B. Leonard Esq
Dear Sir
Not having heard from you I wrote
you yesterday, but today yr. letter came
to hand, enclosing Mr Edwards',
Mr. Edwards letter is as unsatisfactory
and non-commitful as it well
could be made. I did not know but he
might be willing to answer questions relative
to revolutionary services, but I do 
not now believe that he is. I can't
find out from his letter when Van Tassel's
period of service commenced. If
you think it will do any good, I wish
you would ask him to let you inspect
the pay rolls - he ought to, they are 
[underlined] public records.
Page 24

Will you do that, and will you also if
it is not too much trouble, ascertain
whether any, and what record of the
[underlined] parole or [underlined] exchange of prisoners in the
Revolution, was kept, and where
such record can be found. When
prisoners were [underlined] paroled or [underlined] exchanged
the commissaries must have
kept some record of it. The old man
was a prisoner two years and is
entitled to a pension for that time.
There is nothing of interest
occurring in this city, except that the
knowing ones in Wall St. have strange
presentiments on the subject of the U.S. Bk
and all [crossed out: things] subects connected therewith
Very truly,
Yours 
Ariel S. Thurston
Page 25

P.S. Let me hear from you as
soon as consistent. A [underlined] document
occasionally would be truly acceptable
Respy, [Respectfully]
A.S.T.
Page 26

June 13
file this

S.B. Leonard

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Pension Office
Washington

Hon S B Leonard
H R
Page 27

Ho. Reps. June 13, 1836.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
You will recollect
I called upon you a few days
time, saying that the Pension
Certificate of Mr Van Tassel has
been lost, and asking for instructions
how to proceed in order
to obtain a duplicate. You
favored me with the necessary blanks,
which I immediately sent to New
York. From the accompanying
letter, you will see that
all is straight. I am sorry that
you have had so much trouble
respecting the matter.
Yours respectfully
S. B. Leonard
Page 28

New York Aug. 2. 1836.
Sir,
Enclosed is a supplementary declaration
of Jacob Van Tassel, setting forth the
particulars of his imprisonment.
It is perhaps unnecessarily long, but
it contain his own story. I hope
that a pension will be awarded
to him; no person who knows him
doubts but that he is deserving of it.
Many with whom I have conversed
have told me that his period of imprisonment
was long. Should the
action of the Dept be favourable, the
certificate he now holds will be
fowarded, that a new one
may issue.
Page 29

The papers enclosed look rather slovenly
but they are precisely in the same
state as when sworn.
Very respectfully
Yr obt. Servt.
Ariel S. Thurston
59 Cedar St. N.Y.

Hon. J L Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington
Page 30

pm[?]
Hon. S. B. Leonard
House Rep.
Washington D.C.
Page 31

New York June 4th 1836
D.pm.[?]
Yesterday your letter covering a blank
affidavit came to hand. Immediately upon the
reception of it I called on the Recorder to go
with me that it might be sworn. It not
being convenient for him to attend to it
then I thought I would make one more
search at the P. Office. I did not know
but that from its appearance the letter
might have been mislaid in the 
newspaper Dept. but it could not be found
there. I then went into the letter office &
got the Penny Past who delivers my
Page 32

letter to make a search, which resulted
in his bringing to light the lost
document! (A fact for Mr Kendall) The
letter had lain there since the 27th May.
I hope you will make the necessary
explanation to Mr. Edwards, and
believe I am yours much obliged.
friends & [???]
Ariel S. Thurston

Hon. S. B. Leonard
H. Rep.
W[?]
P.S. I may probably write you
again soon, upon matters of Mr Van T.
I acknowledge a daily Globe.
A.S.T.
Page 33

Answered by a rept
June 11, 1836
D.W.A.
James L. Edwards Esq
Comissioner of Pensions
Washington
[inverted writing]
Jacob Van Tassell
De  Cnmp[?]
Page 34

Mechanics Bank
New York 9th June 1836
Sir
The original certificate of Jacob Van Tassel
a Lieutenant at $161 33 per annum under the Act of
7th June 1832, was this morning presented at this Bank
for payment of his pension. This pensioners name has not
been reported to this agency.
I am very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Jno Fleming Presd'al Pens. Agt.
James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

[illegible]
Stephen B. Leonard
House of Rep.
Washingon
D.C.
Page 36

New York May 14. 1836.
Dear Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of yours of the 12 inst. this morning
enclosing Mr Edward's communication
to you relating to Mr Van Tassel's pension.
You will receive a certificate from
Mr Edwards for the amount due on the 4th
of March last which is $806.65 and foward the same
to me. Mr Edwards suggests in his
letter that he can pay no more without
further evidence. I will see what can be
done and if further evidence can be procured,
I will procure it. Please to forward the certificate
to me as soon as convenient and much
oblige.
Your friend,
and Obt Sert,
Ariel S. Thurston
Hon. S.B. Leonard
Page 37

Jacob Van Tassel

May 7.
N.Y.

S. B. Leonard
H.R.

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner [of] Pensions
Washington

Hon. S. B. Lenard
HR
Page 38

House of Reps.
May 17. 1836.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
I rec'd the letter
herewith transmitted, by this morning's
mail. You will perceive that Mr.
Thurston desires W. Van Tassel's Certificate
of Pension forwarded as
soon as convenient. I will transmit
it to him immediately on 
receiving it from you.
I have the honor to be, sir,
Yours truly,
S. B. Leonard
Page 39

Van Tassels

Jul 23
N.Y.

S. B. Leonard
H.R.

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Comm'r Pensions
Washington

Hon. S. B. Leonard
HR
Page 40

Washington, Feb. 22d. 1836.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
In your late communication
to me, on the subject of Mr.
Van Tassel's claim to a Pension you say
"It appears by the pay rolls, that
"Mr. Van Tassel served twelve months
"and three days, as a Lieutenant
"in Col. Hammond's Regt., for which
"he will be allowed a Pension."
I wish now to ascertain:
First, When this period of service
commenced;
Secondly, Whether Mr. Van T. will be
allowed a pension for this period
Page 41

of service the same as though he had
served two years.
Thirdly, Whether, in addition to the
documentary evidence in this case, it will be
necessary for Mr. Van T. to make the usual
sworn statement required in Pension cases.
Fourth, What amt. of Pension, in dollars
and cents, will Mr. V. T. be entitled to draw,
for his term of Revolutionary services,
as stated in your communication to
me?
Have the goodness to honor me with
a reply as soon as convenient, and
believe me
Yours truly
S. B. Leonard
Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 42

Jacob Van Tassell

Mar 16
N.Y.

Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington
D.C.
Page 43

New York.
March 14th. 1836.
Sir,
I have before me your letter to Hon.
S. B. Leonard, stating that a Pension
Certificate will be issued in the case of
Jacob Van Tassell. I presume this is to be
understood, that it will be issued, when the
Department is furnished with satisfactory
evidence, that the applicant in this case,
and he whose name is upon the pay
rolls of Col. Hammonds Regt, [underlined] are one
and the same person. Permit me to ask,
whether, upon my furnishing unquestionable
proof of this fact, the certificate will 
issue, as stated in yours of the 4th. inst.
I have the honor to be,
Respectfully your ob. Sert.
Ariel S. Thurston
59 Cedar St. N. Y.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
War Department,
Pension office.
Page 44

Jacob Van Tassell
July
NY

for
Hon. Stephen B. Leonard
M.C
Washington DC

Hon. S. B. Leonard
HR
Page 45

New York 59 Cedar St.
Feby 1st. 1836.
Hon. Stephen B. Leonard
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty to enclose to you two letters
relating to a matter concerning which I wish to obtain
information at the Pension office. The letter No. 1 from
Saml Youngs refers to certain documentary evidence
relating to pensions which he supposed could be
obtained at Albany. But by the letter No. 2 from the Secy. of 
State it appears that all the papers relating to
pensions are removed to Washington. I wish to
obtain from the pay rolls, or from any other of
the papers, relating to the troops of Col. James Hammond
of Westchester Co. all the information
they contain relative to the service of Jacob Van
Tassel in the Revolutionary war. Tis for him
that I am trying to obtain a pension. If 
you will do me the favour to call at the
Pension office & obtain such information &c
and all the information you can relative to Van Tassel from the
papers mentioned in the enclosed letters you
will be conferring upon me a great obligation
Page 46

Mr Ward the M.C. from Westchester Co. knows
Sam Youngs the writer of one of the
enclosed letters, & would I dare [illegible], do
any thing to aid me in getting this pension
but I do notknow him personally.
We all feel very much interested
in the daily intelligence which reaches
us from Washington & there is much
speculation on the course of J.Q.C. as
well as on the purport of the [illegible inserted word] British
embassy.
I have not been to Tioga Co.
since last spring, & have opened a law
office in this city. Pardon me if I
have presumed too much in asking
the favour which is the object of
my communication, & believe
me to be
With great respect
Your obt. svt
Ariel S. Thurston
Page 47

416 East Pine Street
Centralia, Washington
January 20, 1938
Veteran's Administration
Washington D.C.
Attention: A. D. Hiller
Gentlemen:
Continuing my genealogical 
pursuits, I am now in quest
of the service records of Jacob
Van Tassel, a Lieutenant in
Hammond's Regiment and also
that of Jacob Van Tassel, a
private in Brinckerhoff's Regiment.
Both served from New York State.
Any information that you 
can supply will be gratefully
appreciated.
Very truly yours
Marjorie Barnard (Miss)
Page 48

Revolution 23465
INVALID
File No. 23,465
Jacob Van Tassel
Lieut Rev War
Act: June 7th '32
Index:-- Vol. 2, Page 433
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 49

1893 Jan 24 Hist
to Judge A. S. Thurston
c/o Hon. H H Rockwell
H.R.
JS
39 Mar. 11 hist to Miss
Marjorie Bernard   MCS
Page 50

State of New York
City and County of New York SS
Personally appeared before me the
undersigned a Public Notary of the
State of New York duly commissioned
and sworn, dwelling in the city of
New York, Jacob Van Tapell
who being duly sworn does depose and saith that by
reason of old age and consequent loss of Memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of
his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less then the periods mentioned below
and in the following grades he served as a Lieutenant
for Eighteen Months. . . in the Company commanded
by Captain Combs in the Regiment commanded by
Col James Hammond in the year 1778.
He served as a Captain from the time of his promotion
which was in the year 1779 until the end of the
War in 1783 when he was promoted to a Majority
in said Regiment. That he cannot at this late
period find any living witness, who can swear
to his service or rank Nor has he any Documentary
evidence to prove those facts and this deponent
further saith that he is not acquainted with any
Clergyman that knows or is willing to swear for
him to the facts required so to be proved
Page 51

but that the Affidavit of John M. Lester a Commissioner
of Deeds and Caleb Brush a Merchant of this City
is the best evidence he can procure under the
XII section of the brief, and further this deponent
saith not.
Jacob Van Tassell

Sworn before me
this 10th day of May 1833.
Solomon Seixas
Public Notary
Page 52

Extract from Book A. of Audited Accounts from
May 22nd 1782 to March 4th 1786
"State of New York Dr. To Lieut. Jacob Van
Tassell, Isaac Van Tassell & four privates of
Col. James Hammond's Regt, Westchester County
Militia for pay from the time they entered service
and during the time they were taken prisoner to the
day they returned from captivity"

[2 columns]
[column 1]
To Jacob Van Tassel Lieut from 16th Decr 1778 to 8th Jany 1779 is 23 days @ 21 2/3 Dolls. pr. mo. 
To ditto from 27th May 1779 to 1st July 1779 is 35 days at 26 2/3 Dollars pr .month
To ditto for the time he was prisoned from 1st July 1779 to 27th Novr 1781 is 28 months and 26 days at 26 2/3 Dollars pr. month
To Retain'd Rations 866 @10d
[column 2]
8. 3. 7
12. 8. 10
307. 18. 2
36. 1. 8
[line]
364. 12. 3

[3 columns]
[column 1]
By depreciation note received
" Cash from Lewis Pintard
" do. from the Governor pr Col. McClaughry
" do. from do. pr. Col. Allison
[column 2]
134. 18. 0
 25. 0. 0
 5. 18. 8
19. 16. 4/4
[line]
[column 3]
[blank]
[blank]
[blank]
235.13.0
[line]
128.19.3

Audited Sept. 17th 1754
Comptrollers Office
Albany 21st. Aug 1839.
I hereby certify that the above is a true and correct
extract from Book A of Audited Accounts now remaining
in this office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
office this 21st day of August, 1839
Bates Cooke
Comptroller
Page 53

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 54

New York May 10th 1833
Sir
We enclose the original declaration of
Jacob Van Tapell a Revolutionary Militia Officer
Also the brief and his additional affidavit of the
facts relative to the omissions in his first declaration,
the Witnesses Mess. Lester and Brush are known
to us as Gentlemen worthy of credit so far as they
are concerned, you may recollect that when our
Mr Myers had the pleasure to see you in December
last, he stated the difficulty of obtaining Clergymans
Testimony, and his objections to the rule requiring it
as giving additional credence to the testimony
of that class of citizens over others and that he had
also corresponded with the Secretary on that subject
who said that the rule would not be made imperative,
The Legislature of this State which lately
adjourned repealed the only Law that created
any connection between Church and State by
allowing pay to Legistative Chaplains, the repeal
took place on numerous petitions from almost
every County in the State on the principle that no connection
should exist, and it is very desirable here that the rule
respecting Clergymans testimony should be abolished by
substituting some public Officer, if private Citizens of
reputable standing is deemed insufficient our poeple
are very jealous of such distinction and fear other
encroachments of the same nature; Mr Van Tassell is
very old and infirm and we therefore solicit your early
attention to his claim, such men cannot be long
burthenson to the Government,
We are very respectfully Your M.O.H. Sts.
Myers & Co.
Page 55

Tarrytown N.Y.
15 Jan

Thurston Esqr
Counsellor at Law
to be left at the office of Wm. N Dyckman Counsellor
at Law
New York
Page 56

Saml Youngs
Tarrytown. Jany 18 1836
Page 57

No 1.
Dear Sir
I yesterday called again on the Browns in order to obtain their affidavits
respecting the Service of Jacob Vantassel in the revolutionary War, but they said that they could
not recollect any thing respecting his being in service. Benjamin Brown obtained a pension as
ensign in Col Hammonds Regt of Militia but last March his Pension was stopt Brown
applied to me to know what he must do. I informed him that Nathan Fish and myself
made out the pay rolls of Col Hammonds Regiment, that I knew that at one period that
Regt drew pay for one year, the other periods of Service I could not exactly recollect. that
he must obtain a copy of those pay Rolls. A letter was addressed to the Secetary of War on
the subject who employed a man to go to Albany and search these records, the rolls was
found and Benjamin Brown was about two months ago again place on the Pension
list and it was discovered by those documents that he had served longer than he
had alledged on his first aplication. The Secretary of War then added to his Pension this:
three dollars more than was before allowed and Issued a New Certificate which will entitle
him to draw all his back pay from 1831. my opinion therefore is that you must have
a Search made in the office at Albany where you can obtain from those pay Rolls the
exact time of Jacob Vantassels Service and the grade in which he served. And also the
time he was imprisoned and the pay he drew during his imprisonment when this documentary
evidence is obtained the Major will immediately obtain his certificate
and be entitled to draw pay from 1835. The Browns are both of them old and appear to
have forgotten that they ever see the Major in Service.
I have two Sales at Newburgh and must set off tomorrow when I return I will go to
N York as soon as possible but you must immediately obtain copies of the pay Rolls from
Albany.
yours
Saml Youngs
Jany 13th 1836
Page 58

488.
J. Vantassel
died 14 July 1828
Revolutionary Claims
The Hon Richard Rush
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington
Page 59

Sir
New York July 11th 1828
Herewith enclosed is a power of attorney
from Jacob Vantassel to me, accompanying the documents relating
to his military services in the Revolutionary war. The principal
reason of Mr Vantassel giving this power, is his very advanced age
being on the verge of Eighty four years and his inability to attend
to any active business.
I have the honor
to be Sir
with sentiments of high consideration
Your Obed Servant
Wm M. Morris

The Hon Richard Rush
Page 60

O[ffice of] W[ar] Mil[itary]
Inv
File #23.465
Page 61

Jacob Vantassel - Lieut n Soldier
Col. Jas. Hammonds Regt
probably NY line

New York
Inv File No 23.465
Not Allowed
Page 62

Know all men by these presents that I Jacob Vantassel of the City and
County of New York in the State of New York do hereby constitute and appoint
William W. Morris of the City County and State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney
with a power of substitution, for me, and in my name to receive from the United 
States the amount of pay now due to me, under the act entitled "Act for the relief of
certain surviving officers and Soldiers of the Revolution" approved 15 May 1828, as
an officer in the line of the Army of the Revolution
Witness my hand and seal this 11th day of July in the year 1838
Jacob Vantassel

Sealed and delivered
in the presence of
Jacob Brush
E Barnes

Before me James Flanagan a Justice of the Peace in the City and County
of New York in the State of New York personally appeared, this day Jacob Vantassel
whose name is subscribed to the foregoing power of Attorney, and acknowledged the 
same to be his act and deed, and also declared that the same was not given by reason
of any transfer or of any attachment, levy or seizure by any legal process whatever,
of the pay therein authorized to be received but that the said pay is intended to
enure wholly to his personal benefit
Witness my hand this 11 day of July in the
year 1828 at the City and County aforesaid 
James Flanagan
Justice of the Peace

Before me James Flanagan a Justice of the Peace in the City and
County of New York in the State of New York personally appeared this day William
W. Morris the Attorney named in the foregoing power of Attorney, and made oath
that the same was not given to him by reason of any transfer or of any attachment
levy or seizure, by any legal process whatever, of the pay therein authorized to be
received but that the said pay is intended to enure wholly to the benefit of the
person by whom the said power was executed.
Wm W. Morris

Sworn t before me this
11th day of July 1828
James Flanagan
Justice of the Peace
Page 63

State of New York,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK. SS

I, NICHOLAS DEAN, Clerk of the City
and County of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the said City and County, do hereby certify,
THAT
James Flanagan Esq before
whom the annexed power of Attorney
was acknowledged is a Justice of the
Peace in & for the said City & County
duly appointed & sworn

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed
the Seal of the said Court and County, this 11 day of
July 1828
N. Dean
Page 64

488.
I, Jacob Vantassel of the City of New York and State of New York but formerly
of the County of Westchester in the State aforesaid do declare that in the year Seventeen
hundred and Seventy Seven I was attached to a Regiment commanded by James Hammond
Capt Geo, Coons to
with the rank of Lieut. [inserted: Capt Geo. Coombs Co]] I continued in the service untill the latter part of the year
seventeen hundred and seventy nine performing various duties among them I received
an order to take the command of a Detachment of men for the purpose of discovering
the movements of the English Troops and finding that their demonstrations threatened
the State of New Jersey I returned with my Detachment towards Head Quarters
and in my route was intercepted by the Enemy then in the occupation of Verplanks
point and made a prisoner of war in which situation I remained on my parole on
Long Island two years and four months when I was liberated by a regular exchange
Major General Heath then commander of all the forces on West Point sent for me &
in the interview I had with him he expressed a wish that I would take the command
of a Detachment of observation and place myself on the lines which were at that time
upon the Croaton River. I consented freely to the arrangement and with his written
order I obtained the requisite number of men and continued in command untill
the end of the war of the Revolution and I do further declare that I have not been
on the pension list and that I received at the end of the war certain Certificates
the nature of which I know not except that they bore a very depreciated value
Witness my hand this 11th day of July 1828
Jacob Vantassel

Before me James Flanagan one of the Justices in the City and County of
New York in the State of New York Personally appeared this day James Archer
and William Odell of the said City County and State aforesaid who did severally
make oath that Jacob Vantassal by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed
is known to be to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution in manner
as therein stated.
James Archer
William Odell

Sworn to before me
this Eleventh day of 
July 1828
James Flanagan
Justice of the Peace
New York
Page 65

State of New York,
CHIY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK SS

I, NICHOLAS DEAN, Clerk of the City
and County of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the said City and County, Do hereby Certify,
THAT
James Flanagan Esqr before
whom the annexed depositions were made
was on the day when the same were so
made a Justice of the Peace in and
for the City & County of New York duly
appointed & sworn & authorized to take
affidavits & administer Oaths

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed
the Seal of the said Court and County, this 11 day of
July 1828
N. Dean
Page 66

Documentary Evidence
and papers relating
to the claim of Jacob
Van Tassel for a Pension
Hon. S. B. Leonard
HR
Page 67

STATE OF NEW YORK,
City and County of Ross SS

I, THOMAS JEREMIAH, Clerk of the City and County
of New York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the
said City and County, Do Hereby Certify, THAT Richard
Riker whose name is subscribed to the
annexed Declaration, Certificate, and affidavit,
was at the time of subscribing the same,
Recorder of the City of New York, duly appointed
and sworn, and further that I am
well acquanted with the Signature of
the said Recorder, and verily believe
that the signatures therein subscribed
are genuine

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of
the said Court and County, the Sixth day of May 1838
Thos Jeremiah Clerk.
Page 68

State of New York City
and County of New York SS to wit:
On this thirtieth day of April
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty
six, personally appeared before me, Richard Riker Recorder
of the City and County of New York Jacob Van Tassel a resident at
No 395 Greenwich Street in the City of New York, who being by
me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath
make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit 
of the provisions of the act of Congress passed June 7th
1832.
That he is now upwards of ninety one years of age.
That on the breaking out of the Revolutionary war, he was a
farmer living in the town of Onenburgh in the County
of Westchester in the State of New York. That he first entered
the service of the United States in the year 1776 in an embodied
corps of Militia commanded by Capt Claude Requaw
That as a private and as a sergeant in his company
he performed various services, at deferent periods until
the resignation of Capt. Requaw in 1778. That in the month
of June 1778 he received the commission of a Lieutenant in
the same company under Capt. George Comb which more
fully appears upon reference to the certificate of the secretary
of State of the State of New York hereunto annexed. And
the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his oath as aforesaid
further declares, that he is the person called in the said certificate
"Jacob Van Tassel" and that he was acquainted with all
the other individuals whose names are mentioned in the
said certificate and that they are now all dead to
Page 69

the best of his knowledge and belief.
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his oath
further declares, That upon receiving his commission as Lieutenant
(which commission is lost) he enlisted in the service
of the United States and served as a Lieutenant in the
said company of Militia one year and as this deponent
has been informed and believes he drew pay for one year
and Three day's service; and he cannot, relying upon his
memory alone, name the particular days to and from
which his period of service was reckoned in the settlement
of his account of services in the year 1788.
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his oath further
declares that while he was Lieutenant and attached
to the Regiment of Col. Hammond he received an order from
him to take as many men from the said Company as he
should think advisable and go as far down the Hudson
River as he could with safety (the British at that time
having possession of the City of New York) and gather all
the information he could relative to the movements and
designs of the enemy; and that he selected six privates
from the company and went down the river in pursuance
of this order and on their return put up for the
night at a private dwelling in the vicinity of
Croton River. That in the morning as they were about
in readiness to march they were supprised by a party
of British consisting as he afterwards learned from
one of the British soldiers of seventy two foot and
nine horse, and he further learned they had been betrayed
Page 70

into the hands of the British, by the person at whose
house they had lodged. Two of his men escaped
but himself and four others were taken prisoner & sent to Verplanck's
Point, and there put on board a vessel and transported
down the river to Younkins where the
British had other prisoners. That he was kept at
this last place but a short time, before he was
put on board a vessel and sent to New York city
and confined there in the building called the
"Old jail". That having been confined four or five
weeks he was enabled to get information to Skinner
the Commissary of American Prisoners and at his
instance was put upon his parole which was
executed at the old "Sugar-house" in Liberty Street
New York, and was sent to Flatbush L. I.  where
he remained till he was exchanged in the fall
of 1781. On his way home to Greenburgh he
first heard of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his
oath further declares, that during the year of his service
previous to his being taken prisoner as above
narrated and while he was Lieutenant he was
in no battle, but was engaged in several skirmishes
with the British. That he remembers in one instance
that the British followed the American troops in
Westchester County for 15 miles or upwards and that
they were fighting for the most part of a day. In
this affray two Americans were killed. the name of one
Page 71

was Dykman. About twenty of the British were
killed and one Totten a British officer was taken
prisoner The British greatly outnumbered our men.
Upon one occasion he recollects to have shot
a deserter from our troops who had been with the
British at Fishkill, and that he frequently shot
at the British Gulley running up and down the
river. That on one occasion the British having
taken a number of cattle he and a party among
whom was Capt Buchanan recaptured them
and killed four or five of the British. And he
further saith that his only pursuit during the year
of his service as Lieutenant was in the discharge of
the duties of that office on and near the "lines"
in the County of Westchester.
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his
oath further declares, that he has never received a pension
for any revolutionary services and he relinquishes every
claim to a pension as a Lieutenant except the
present (unless he may hereafter be able to recover a pension
for the time of his imprisonment) and that his
name is not on the pension roll of any agency of
any state. And he further states that he has no
documentary evidence in regard to his Revolutionary
services except the certificate of the Secretary of State of
the State of New York, hereunto annexed and
that he knows of no other except the pay rolls of
Col. Hammonds Regiment which this Deponent
is informed are in the archives of the War Department
Page 72

and he further saith; that he has heard read the annexed
letter of Hon. J. L. Edwards and that he is the same
person of his name mentioned in that letter and that
no other person of the name of Jacob Van Tassel was
in the American service in the Revolutionary War
to the knowledge of this deponent in the County of
Westchester and in the Regiment of Col. James Hammond.
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his
oath further states that his great age and consequent
bodily infirmity are the reasons why this his
declaration is made at his dwelling house and
not in open court.
Jacob Vantassel

Duly sworn before me
this Thirtieth day of April
1836
R Riker
Recorder of the City
of New York

State of New York
City and county of New York SS
I hereby certify that I have for many years
known Jacob Van Tassel the person named in
and who signed the preceding declaration and
that on the thirtieth day of April last past
I attended him at his house No 395 Greenwich
Page 73

Street in the City of New York, he being in
my opinion unable on account of his age and
bodily infirmities to appear in open court. That the
said Jacob Van Tassel after having heard read
the preceding declaration was questioned by
me as to the matters contained in it relative
to his age and revolutionary services generally
and that he answered them as he has sworn
in the said declaration. I further certify that the
said Jacob Van Tassel is generally known
and reputed to have been a Revolutionary
Soldier and I have no doubt but that
his statement in relation thereto is substantially 
correct. I further certify that
for thirty years or upwards I have known
Samuel Youngs whose affidavit is
annexed and that he is a member of the
bar of New York, as is also Mr Thurston whose
affidavit is annexed and that they are
entitled to full faith and credit.
Dated May 5th 1836
R. Riker
Recorder of the City of
New York
Page 74

On the matter of the
application of Jacob
Van Tassel for Pension
Secy of State's Certificate
Page 75

This certificate was annexed to Jacob
Van Tassel's declaration at the time he
was sworn to the same by me.
R Riker
Page 76

Extracts from the Minutes of the Council of Appointment
of the State of New York
Dated June 16. 1778.
Resolved that Lieutenant Colonel James Hammond be
Lieutenant Colonel of the Regiment of Militia in the County
of Westchester commanded by Joseph Drake Esquire. That George
Comb be captain (vice Claude Requaw resigned) that Cornelius
Van Tassell be first Lieutenant, Jacob Van Tassel Second
Lieutenant and Thomas Bruce Ensign of the company
heretofore commanded by the said Claude Requaw in
the said Regiment."

June 24th 1786
"Resolved that Gilbert Budd be and he is hereby
appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of a Regiment
of Militia in the County of Westchester. Jonathan Hallet
Major No. 1. Daniel Williams Major No. 2. Robert Morris
Adjutant No. 1. Leonard Lispenard Paymaster No. 1 James
Ferris Junr. Quarter Master No. 1 and John Wright Surgers
No. 1 of the said Regiment."
"Jacob Van Tassell Captain No. 6 of a company
in said Regiment. Thomas Boyce Lieutenant No. 6 and John
Van Wert Ensign No. 6 of said Company"

[faint handwriting over preceding paragraph]
This is the Scry's Certificate
of the appointment of Mr
V. T. to the office of Captain [underlined] after
the revolutionary war [illegible]
& not relevant to his pension
claims A. S. Thurston

State of New York
Secretary's Office SS
I certify the preceding to be true
Extracts from the minutes aforesaid being part of
the records of this Office, and that commissions were
issued to the said officers at the date aforesaid
Given under my hand and the seal
of this Office at the City of Albany the
Twelfth day of July in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty
five.
Arch. Campbell
Dep. Secretary
Page 77

This letter was annexed to Mr
Van Tassel's Declaration at the
time he was sworn to the same
by me.
R. Riker
Page 78

War Department
Pension Office
Feb. 13th 1836
Sir
The papers relating to the claim of Jacob Van
Tassel, referred to in the letter of A. S. Thurston Esqr
have again been examined. Since the former examination
of this case, a pay roll of Col Hammonds regiment
has been obtained from the Archives of the State of New
York; it appears thereby that Mr Van Tassell served
twelve months and three days as a Lieutenant in
Col Hammands regt. for which he will be allowed a
pension: His claim for service as a Captain is not
supported by these rolls, nor can it be allowed without
further evidence.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J L. Edwards

Hon S. B. Leonard
House Reps
N.Y.
Page 79

State of New York
New York City and County SS
Samuel Youngs of the Town of Greenburgh in the County
of West Chester and State of New York being duly sworn saith that he is and
for more than sixty years has been acquainted with Jacob Vantassel who formerly
resided in the said County of West Chester but who now resides at No 395
Greenwich St in the City of New York and is aged as this deponent
is informed and believes Ninety one years. That during the Revolutionary 
war the said Jacob Vantassel resided about two Miles South of Tarry Town
on what was then called the "American lines" in the said county of Westchester
and this deponent further saith that some time in the early part of June 1778
the said Jacob was appointed a Lieutenant in Capt George Combs Company
in Lieut Col James Hammonds Regt of Militia That deponent often during
that year see the said Jacob Vantassel on duty in said Militia Regiment and
who then held the rank as a Lieut in said Regt and this deponent further saith
that the pay rolls for the said Col Hammonds Regt was made out by this deponent
and Nathan Fish that the name of the said Jacob Vantassel who now resides
at No 395 Greenwich Street was placed upon the said pay rolls as a Lieut in
said Regiment that there was no other person of that name in the said Regiment
who held the rank of Lieut and this deponent further saith that the time
of the said Jacob Vantassal, actual service as a Lieut in said Regiment as it
appears by the said pay rolls is correct according to the best of this deponents
knowledge and belief except that this deponent well knows that he the
said Jacob had before that period performed other revolutionary services
on the American lines in said County and in a particular manner in the Summer
of 1776 at a time when two British Ships of War passed all the American works
in the City of New York and anchored opposite Tarry Town and continued in
that vicinity about one month. And the said Jacob was a prisoner to the
Brittish and parolled as a Lieut on Long Island but for what length of
time the Deponent cannot recollect and the Deponent further Saith that
he the Deponent will be seventy six years of age on the fourteenth day of May Instant
as he has been informed by his Parents and verily believes to be true
Saml Youngs

Sworn this second day of
May 1836
R Riker
Page 80

State of New York
City and County of New York to wit: SS
Ariel S. Thurston of the city
of New York being duly sworn saith that he is acquainted with
Jacob Van Tassel named in the papers and proceedings 
hereunto annexed and that he was present on
the thirtieth day of April last past at the time the said
Jacob Van Tassel made his declaration relative to his
Revolutionary services before his Honor Richard
Riker Recorder of the City of New York and that he
knows him to be the person named and intended in
the annexed papers and he further saith that Mr
Van Tassel's character for truth and veracity so far as
this Deponent knows or has been informed and believes
is unquestionable and that he is reputed to have been
a revolutionary soldier by many persons who are
his neighbors and acquaintance with whom
this deponent has conversed. And this Deponent
further saith that he has no doubt but that the
said Jacob Van Tassel was in actual service
as he has stated in his said declaration.
Ariel S. Thurston

Sworn this 5th day of
May 1836 before me
R Riker
Page 81

Papers relating to Jacob
Van Tassels claim to a
pension for imprisonment
from July 1st 1779 till
November 1781
Augt 1st 1836.
Vol 4, page 43
$322.41
36. 12. 3
Page 82

STATE OF NEW YORK,
City and County of New-York SS.
I. THOMAS JEREMIAH, Clerk of the City and County
of New-York, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the
said City and County, Do hereby certify, THAT Richard
Riker and Sylvester Spencer before whom
the annexed affidavits were taken, were
at the time of taking the same, the said
Richard Riker Recorder of the City of New York
and the said Sylvester Spencer Notary
Public in and for the City of New York, Duly
Commissioned and Sworn, and further
that I am well acquainted with their hand
writing and verily believe that their signatures
thereto Subscribed are genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of
the said Court and County, the 2 day of August 1836
Thos Jeremiah Clark
Page 83

State of New York
City and County of New York to wit: SS
On this first day of August
in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six
before me Richard Riker Recorder of the City and County
of New York personally appeared Jacob Van Tassel
who resides at No. 395, Greenwich Street in the City of
New York; who being by me first duly sworn according
to Law, doth on his oath make the following
Declaration, supplementary to his declaration
sworn the 30th day of April last past, in order
to obtain further benefit under the provisions of the
Acts of Congress passed June 7th 1832 and also the
Act passed July 11th in the same year
That the said Jacob Van Tassel's period of
active service in the Regiment of Col. Hammond of
twelve months and three days as appeared by the
pay rolls of his Regiment and as sworn in the former
declaration of the said Jacob Van Tassel was
terminated by his being taken a prisoner in the
manner narrated in his said Declaration. That
at the time he was so taken prisoner he was called
out by and acting under the orders of Col. James
Hammond in an embodied corps of Militia and
was then under pay as a Lieutenant in the
Company of Capt. George Comb. That he was
taken prisoner on the 1st day of July in the
year 1779 and remained a prisoner until the
latter part of October or the 1st of November in the year 1781.
Page 84

And that he recollects Isaac Delematers saying that
he should never forget the day he was twenty one years
of age, which was the 1st July 1779.
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon
his oath further declares, that at the time he, with the
other individuals by him selected, by the order of Col.
Hammond went out upon the scouting party as
mentioned in his former Declaration, the Regiment
to which they were attached was quartered up by
Green's, near Pin's bridge, over the Croton River and
South of Chum Pond in the town of Yorktown in the
County of Westchester. That they went down towards
New York nearly to Kingsbridge and lay over
night in the bushes, and were supplied with vituals
by a person friendly to the American cause but
who dare not manifest it openly. That from him
they obtained much information relative to the intended 
movements of the British. That they requested
such information in writing, but that for the reason above
stated he declined giving it to them in writing
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his oath
further declares, that on their return they took two prisoners
(sailors from the British Guardships) and had them in
custody, when they themselves were taken prisoners at
Croton river. That during the whole adventure they were
in eminent danger of being taken prisoners, particularly
when they lay in the bushes at Kingsbridge as the British
were constantly passing in their immediate view
Page 85

And he further declares that Abraham Van Tassel Isaac
Van Tassen David Van Tassel and William Raton his relatives, and Isaac
Delamater were persons who were taken prisoner with
him, and that they are all dead except Isaac Delamater,
to the best of his knowledge and belief.
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his oath
further declares, that at Flatbush, where on account
of his being an Officer, he was sent by the British on
his parole, there were many American officers. that he
remembers one Capt. Snow, one Capt. Hutchins, one
Hambright, and one Cherv, who he believes had been
one of Genl. Washington's aids. Col Hammond was
also a prisoner the latter part of the time, he was
taken out of his bed when made prisoner. That
when they were exchanged Hammond accompanied
them up through New Jersey to Greenburgh, that
Skinner the American Commissary advised them
to return that way as the British lay in New York.
One Maynard of Boston was with them (he
remembers him because he was a Yankee).
And the said Jacob Van Tassel upon his
oath further declares that he was engaged in the Revolutionary 
war from its commencement to its
termination, first as a private, then as a Sergeant
and lastly as a Lieutenant to the entire abandonment
of all civil pursuits, and that he was
under pay and acting in obedience to the orders
of Col. Hammond when taken a prisoner, that
he knows of no documentary evidence by which
Page 86

he would be able further to prove his captivity or
imprisonment; and that he believes his rations
were taken to defray his expences while he was at
Flatbush. And he further saith, that during his
imprisonment or captivity, his dwelling house
and out houses in the town of Greenburgh were
burned by the British, and his personal property
wholly wasted and destroyed. And he further
saith that on account of his great age and
his bodily infirmity he is advised that it would
be imprudent for him to attempt to appear
in open court to make his Declaration.
Jacob Vantassel

Duly sworn this
1st day of [crossed out: July] August 1836
[underlined] 1st August 
R Riker
Recorder of the City
of New York

State of New York
City and county of New York to wit: SS
Isaac Delamater residing
at No. 115. Suffolk Street in the City of New York being
duly sworn saith that he is 78 years of age and receives
a pension for his Revolutionary services, that he has
heard read the preceding declaration of Jacob Van
Tassel, and that he is the person named Isaac
Delamater and intended therein. That at the time
they were taken prisoners as therein mentioned
the said Jacob Van Tassel who now resides at
No. 395 Greenwich Street in the City of New York
belonged to Capt George Comb's Company and was
Page 87

a Lieutenant in the said company and
attached to the Regiment of Col. James Hammond
and this Deponent, belonged to Capt. Dutcher's
company in the same Regiment. That when
the said Jacob Van Tassel and his comrades on
their return from Kingsbridge as he has stated
arrived at Sing Sing, this Deponent joined them,
and they took two prisoners as Jacob Van Tassel
has stated in his Declaration; and that they themselves
were taken prisoners together at the Croton
River in the manner therein stated, having been
betrayed by the person with whom they
stopped for the night. And he further saith that
he has known the said Jacob Van Tassel for
[crossed out: more than] about sixty years. that the time when
they were taken prisoners is correctly stated, as
this Deponent on the 1st day of July 1779 was
twenty one years of age, and from this circumstance
he is able to fix the date. And this Deponent
further saith, that he has no doubt that all
the particulars stated by Jacob Van Tassel are
in substance correctly stated.
Isaac Delamater

Sworn and Subscribed before me
this first day of August, 1836.
Note: the words "more than" erased and the word "about" interlined
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
Page 88

I do certify that Jacob Van
Tassell within named is the same person
for whom I certified on 30th day of April
last. That full confidence may be
reposed in his deposition. Mr Van
Tassell informs me in addition to his
affidavit that he was about Six
weeks in close Confinement in the
Gaol of New York before he was
sent to Flat Bush on parole.
R Riker
Recorder of the City
of New York
N York 1 Aug. 1836

I hereby certify that full confidence may be placed
in the preceding affidavit of Isaac Delamater, and that
when it was sworn to by him, it was annexed to the declaration
of Jacob Van Tassel. I further certify that Isaac Delamater
is unable from lameness and the infirmity of age to go from
his house to transact business.
New York 1st August 1836
Sylvester Spencer
Notary Public
Page 89

N.Y. Aug 18
[illegible]
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 90

Sir,
I this day see a letter from you to Mr Thurston relating to the claim of Jacob
Vantassel, wherin you state that no allowance can be made fo the he
was a Prisoner on Parole. A distinction has been heretofore made between
those officers who were left at home on Parole and those who after they
were captured and taken to N York and then Parolled on Long Island and
continued there until exchanged, which was the case in respect to Van
Tassel. And during the time he was a Prisoner on Parole he drew
pay from the State of N York. I was with him when he received his certificate,
I think it was from the office of Peter Cortinus, but for what
year I cannot recollect.
With due respect
I am your obedient servant
Saml Youngs
August 15th 1836

Sir, I rce'd your letter of the 13th inst this day.
Above is a letter written at my request by Mr
Youngs. If it will be of any use, the same statement
can be embodied in the form of an affidavit. The
Act of Congress of July 14th 1832 provides for "prisoners". I
should think Van Tassell ought to come within its provisions.
Is there any doubt as to the correctness of his
declaration? I am satisfied that it is entirely correct.
It may be proper for me to say, that at the time I
sent on his first declaration I supposed Delamater
was dead. I had been so informed. It was by accident
that I found him. Van Tassell was paroled on
account of being an officer I suppose. he was however
confined in jail for some weeks previous, which will probably
be taken into account.
Very respectfully
Your obt. Sevt.
Ariel S. Thurston

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Wash'n City.