Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20554, Josiah Abbot, Mass
Page 1

8-13
(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Mass
Abbot, Josiah
or
Abbott
Anna
NUMBER
W. 20554
B.L. Wt. 17.150 - Ensign
Issued Feb. 27, 1790 to
Theodosius Fowler Assignee
no papers
CONTENTS
Page 2

No 7518
Vermont
Josiah Abbott
of Lemington in the State of Vermont
who was an Ensign in the  commanded
by Captain  of the regiment commanded
by Colonel Tapper in the Massachsetts
line, for the term of 2 years
from   ,  17  to    17
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 1 day of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 of Mar:1819
and sent to Judge Ingham
Canaan Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1819 $222.58
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819 $120-
$342.58
Revolutionary Claim
Acts March, 18, 1819
and May 1, 1820
Per letter 19 March 1820
to Hon Wm Cahoon [illegible] Hon
W. Cahoon
7 March 1831
This pensioner availed himself of the pensions of
the Act of May 15 1828. [illegible] your roll
23 August 1828 in letter to the Pen. agt
Page 3

No 7518
Vermont
Josiah Abbott
of Lemington in the State of Jam
who was an ensign in the  commanded
by Captain  of the regiment commanded
by Colonel Tapper in the Ma[illegible]
line, for the term of 2 years
from   ,  17  to    17
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 1 day of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 of Mar:1818
and sent to Judge Ingham
Canaan Vermont
Arrears to 4th of Mar: 1819 $222.58
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1819 $120-
$342.58
Revolutionary Claim
Acts March, 18, 1819
and May 1, 1820
Per letter 19 March 1820
to Hon Wm Cahoon
[illegible] to Hon
W. Cahoon
7 March 1831
[illegible] pensioner availed himself of the pensions of
the Act of May 15 1828. [illegible] your roll
23 August 1828 in letter to the Pen. agt
Page 4

case of 
Josiah Abbott 1289
Ensign
Oliver Ingham judge
Canaan. Essex Cy
Vermont
recd. July 16. 1818

Admitted
on Commission
Admitted
on
Commission
[seal] [illegible]
Page 5

State of Vermont
Essex County ss, 
On the 1st day of April A.D. 1818 before
me the Subscriber, chief Judge of Essex County Court,
in said State, Personlly appears, Josiah Abbot in the fifty
ninth year of his age resident in Lemington in said County
who being duly sworn, doth on his Oath, make the following
declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the
late act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain
for certain persons engaged in the land and Naval service
of the United States in the Revolutionary War." That he enlisted
six times as a private soldier in the service of his Country
and duly & faithfully served the several periods for which
he was engaged for - two of said terms, he did the duty of
a Noncommissioned Officer, as the Warrants herein inclosed
may appear, - the whole of said six terms amounted to Twenty
three months, and was preformed previous to the year 1781.
- that in July 1781, as a volunteer he joined the 10th Rigement of the Massachusetts
line commanded by Col Tupper; who in the autumn of [illegible] year obtain'd for
him from Governor Hancock an appointment & Warrant
to be an Ensign in sd. Rigement & line, which is herein
inclosed; and in said Regiment, and in company commanded
by Capt. Christpher Marshall, he did do duty, and was
duly Muster'd as Ensign, till the Reduction of sd. Rigement
in December AD 1782, at which time he was arranged into
the second Massachusetts Regt Commanded by Lieut
Colonel Commandant Ebenzr. Sprout, and in Capt. James
Manesy Company, and in said last mentioned Rigt. & Compy.
he continued to do duty, and was duly Muster'd as Ensign
till the close of the year 1783, the sd Regiment was then disbanded, at which time he retired
from the service of his Country, - and his Commission
from the then Congress is also herein inclosed - that
he is in Reduc'd circumstances, and stands in need of the
assistance of his Country for support, - and he disclaims,
and relinquishs all pretentions to any pension heretofore
Sworn too, the day and Date above
Written before me Oliver Ingham Chief Judge
as [illegible]
Page 6

State of Vermont
Essex County Ss
I Oliver Ingham chief Judge of said Essex
County Court in said State of Vermont do certify that it appears
to my satisfaction that the within named Josiah Abbot
did serve in the Revolutionary war Nine Months or longer
on the Continental establishment against the Common Enemy, that from my own
personal knowledge consider him a poor Man;
and a fit subject for the provision of the Act of
Congress of which he Claims the benefit of -
and I having examined the document described
in his declaration, and which is herein inclosed,
I transmit the proceedings in the case to the Secretary
for the department of War, agreeable to the act of
Congress of March 18th 1818.
[signature] Oliver Ingham Chief Judge
[illegible]
Page 7

State of Vermont
Essex County Ss
I William Gates Clerk of the County
aforesaid, do hereby certify that
Oliver Ingham whose name is affixed to the subjoined
certificate and declaration was on the day of date
thereof the said Judge of Eden County Courts
within and for the County aforesaid acting under
the authority of the State of Vermont and
that his name thereunto affixed is his own proper
signature. In testimony of all which I have
hereto subscribed my name and affixed the
County Seal this 19th day of June 1818
[signature] Witness William Gates County
Clerk
[seal] [illegible]
Page 8

State of Vermont
Essex County ss
Essex County Court June Term AD. 1820.
On this 24th day of June 1820, personally appeared
in open Court (being a Court of accords, having unlimited
Jurisdiction in point of amount with power of Fine &
imprisonment) for the said County, Josiah Abbot, in the
Sixty first year of his age, resident in Lemington, in said
County, who being first duly sworn according to law,
doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary
War, as follows, (viz) that he enlisted six times as a
private soldier, and duly served the several terms for
which he engaged; all of which was previous to the year
AD. 1781-- that in the year AD. 1781, he joined as a volunteer
the 10th Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by Col.
Tupper; and in the Autumn of that year received an appointment
as Ensign in said Regiment and did perform
duty, and was duly mustered as such, to the close of the
year AD. 1782; at which time, said Regiment was reduced
or deranged, and transferred into the other Regiment in the
Massachusetts lines that the declarent was transferred into
2nd Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Col. E. Sprout,
and in Capt. James Means Company, in which last mentioned
Regiment & Company he did perform duty, & was
duly mustered as Ensign to the close of the year AD. 1783
- that he made a declaration to this amount on the first
day of April AD. 1818, and that he has received the pension
and his certificate is No. 7518. And now, I, the above
declarant do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen
of the United States on the 18th March AD. 1818 - and that I have
not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed
of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby
so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of
an Act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons
engaged in the land & naval service of the United State in the
Page 9

revolutionary War" passed on the 18th March AD. 1818 - And
that I have not any property or securities, contracts, or debts
due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained
in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed'
(viz) About twenty acres of feasible land, six acres of which is under
some improvements with a log house & stone chimney; a framed
Barn 26 by 36 feet square. Income, about 15 bushels of wheat & other
grain - 100 bushels of potatoes - 30 lbs of flax, 2 tons of hay; &
a small supply of common Kitchen garden [illegible]. -
Personal property, is one horse, one cow, 4 sheep, & at this time
3 swine; but in years past, generally less in number. -
My household furniture consists generally of such utensils
as constitutes the necessary articles in poor families, and of
small value. Husbandry tools consist of one broad axe, two
common axes, one hoe, one small plough, one small harrow,
two augers, one scythe, two hay forks, [illegible]. And that I owe to the
amount of one hundred and fifty three dollars
[signature] Josiah Abbot

And further the said declarant avers himself to have been
a laboring man, that at this time he feels himself in a
debilitated state, owing to a ruptures, which increases on him
as he advances in age - that he has a wife 53 years of age, &
two children, minors, which constitute his family.
Moses S. Abbot, a son of 12 years of age, & a daughter, Maria
F. Abbot aged 9 years. Their capacities good.
[signature] Josiah Abbot

N.B. His Ensigns commission is on the files of the war department
Sworn to and declared in open court on this 24th
day of June AD 1820 before me
[signature] William Gates Clerk of [illegible]
Page 10

Vermont (Bur.) 1237 [illegible]
Anna Abbott,
widow of Josiah Abbott, dead
MSS
who was pensioner under the Act of 18 Mar. 1818
and who died on the 15th Feby. 1837
Essex Co. in the State of Vermont
who was an Ensign in the --- commanded
by Captain --- of the Regt commanded
by Col. Tupper in the Massts.
line for 2 years Ensign
Inscribed on Roll of Vermont (Bur.)
at the rate of 240 Dollars [illegible] per annum
to commence on the 16 day of Feby. 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of November 1838 and sent to Ira
Young, Colebrook, N.H
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838 = $434.28
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar '39 180.00
$614.28
Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk
Book A  Vol. 2  Page 34.
Page 11

2
State of Vermont Essex County ss.
On this third day of September A.D. 1838
personally appeared before me Archelaus Cummings
Esquire one of the Judges of the County Court in and
for the County of Essex and State of Vermont, Anna
Abbott a resident of Lemington in the County of
Essex aforesaid aged seventy years, being first duly
sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress
passed July 7, 1838, entitled "an act granting
half pay and pensions to certain widows" That
she is the widow of Josiah Abbott late of said
Lemington, who was an Ensign of Infantry in
the Massachusetts line of the Army of the Revolution
and a Pensioner under the law of the United States
of the 18th of March 1818 as appears by his
Certificate hereto annexed and also under the
"Act entitled an act for the relief of certain
Page 12

3
surviving Officers and soldiers of the Army of the
Revolution approved 15th May 1828 the certificate
of which bearing date 3 August A.D. 1829 and numbered
566 was transmitted by the said Anna since the
decease of the said Josiah Abbott for the arranging
of his pay to the proper Office for paying pensioners
in Vermont. She further declares that she was
married to the said Josiah Abbott on the thirtieth
day of March in the year seventeen hundred
and ninety; that her husband the aforesaid
Josiah Abbott died on the fifteenth/15th day of
February in the year Eighteen hundred and
thirty seven (1837); that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service but the
marriage took place previous to the first of January
Seventeen hundred and ninety four (1794). [illegible]
at the time above stated; that she is the
widow of the identical Josiah Abbott to whom
the foregoing pension and Certificate was
granted, as will more fully appear by response
Page 13

to the proof hereto annexed.
[signature] Anna Abbot
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written. Before
Arch Cumings
one of the Judges
of the County Court
Essex County, Vermont
I Archelaus Cummings one of the Judges of the
County Court in and for the County of Said
State of Vermont before mentioned hereby
certify that the above named Anna Abbott, who
has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing
declaration is unable to appear in Court by
reason of bodily infirmity --
[signature] Arch. Cummings
one of the Judges
of Essex County Court
Page 14

I Samuel Johnson Jr. depose & say that
I am Town Clerk of the Town of Andover
in the County of Essex & Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. I have the Custody of the
Records of said Town of Andover & that I
find upon said Records the marriage of
Josiah Abbot & Anna Furbush recorded as
follows, to wit
"In the year of our Lord one thousand seven"
"hundred and ninety March thirtieth"
"Josiah Abbot & Anna Furbush were"
"married by Jonathan French, Pastor"
"of the Church in the South Parish of Andover"
I do hereby certify that the above is a true
copy of the Record with the exception of the
date which is expressed on the Town Book in
fair legible words & figures as follows, to wit
"A.D. 1790. March 30th"
[signature] Attest. Samuel Johnson Jr. Town Clerk of
Andover
aforesaid
Page 15

8
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex ss. Andover August 22d 1838.
Personally appeared the within
named Samuel Johnson jr. Clerk of the Town
Andover, a credible witness & made oath
to the truth of the within extract from the Records
of the Town of Andover with the exception respecting
the date as within specified before me
[signature] M. Newman, Justice of the Peace
Page 16

Declaration
In order to obtain arrears of Pension due
from March 4, 1836, under the act of July 7. 1838-
-
On this 6th day of March 1843, personally
appeared before Beach Blodgett Justice of the Peace
Maria F. Harris a resident of Lemington in the County
of Essex who being duly sworn according to law,
doth on her oath declare that she is one of the surviving
children of Anna Abbott who received a
Pension from 15th day of February 1837, the day of
her husband's death, to 4th March 1841, which has
been already paid under the act of the 7th July 1838,
and now claims the arrears from the 4th March
1836 to the 18th day of February 1837. And the
declarant further alleges that Anna Abbott
was the widow of Josiah Abbott who was an Ensign
during the revolutionary war that her pension
not allowed at the rate of two hundred and
forty dollars per annum, and was paid to her
at the Agency in Burlington in the State of
Vermont; that the said Anna Abbott
died on the 10th day of Febuary 1842, leaving
Sarah F. Hall, Sophia G. Ross, Dorcas Buffington
Walter S. Abbot, George W. Abbot. Moses J. Abbot
Maria F. Harris. ---
Page 17

her  surviving children. And further
with not Maria F. Harris
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and
year above written Before me
[signature] Beach Blodgett Justice
the Peace
State of Vermont
Essex
County ss
I Allen Goold Clerk of the
County Court in & for the County
of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify
that Beach Blodgett is a Justice of the peace
in and for said County of Essex duly commissioned
& qualified that his commission is dated on the
9th day of November 1842 & will expire on
the last day of November 1843 & that his
Signature above written is genuine
In witness whereof I have
hereunto affixed the seal
of said Court & set my hand
at Guildhall in said County
this 7th day of March in the
Year of our Lord 1843
[signature] Allen Goold Clerk
[seal] [illegible]
Page 18

State of Vermont
Essex County ss
I Allen Goold Clerk of the
County Court in & for the
County of Essex aforesaid, do hereby certify that
it appears to my satisfaction that Sarah F
Hall - Sophia C Goss, Doreas Buffington -
Walter S Abbott, George W Abbott - Moses S
Abbott, Marah F Harris were Anna Abbotts
Children & the only children that survived her,
& are her legal heirs
[seal] [illegible]
In witness whereof I have hereunto
affixed the seal of said Court & set
my hand at Guildhall in said
County this 10th day of March in
the year of Our Lord 1843
[signature] Allen Goold Clerk
Page 19

State of Vermont
Essex County On this 19th day of April
A.D. 1847. Personally appeared
before Me one of the Justices of the Peace within
and for the County of Essex aforesaid Maria F. A.
Hours a resident of Lemington in sd County and
State who being first duly sworn according to law
doth on her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefits of the act of June 7
1832 - That she is one of the children of Josiah Abbott
Deceased late a pensioner of the United States
under the act of May 15, 1828. at the rate of $240.
per annum for his services as Ensign in the Massachusetts
Line and drew his pension at that rate as
to the 15th day of February 1837, when he died
The object of this application is to claim the difference
between the above pension of $240 per
Annum and the pension he was entitled to under the
act of June 7th 1832 for his additional services
as Quarter Master &c. in the Staff from the 4th of
March 1831 to 15th day of February 1837, the day of
his death
Maria F. A. Harris
For herself and the other children of
Josiah Abbott Deceased
State of Vermont
Essex County ss ⎬ Lemington April 19. 1847. I hereby
certify that Maria F. A. Harris signer of the above
Page 20

declaration after being duly sworn declared
on oath that the above declaration by said subscriber
was true and it has also been made to
appear to my satisfaction that the said Josiah Abbott
died on the 15th day of February A.D. 1837.
leaving Anna Abbott his widow, who is also dead
and that she died on the 10th day of Feby 1842-
leaving Ruthy B Holmes. Fanny Clough. Sarah F.
Hall, Sophia C. Goss Walter S. Abbott. Moses S. Abbott
George W. Abbott and Maria F. A. Harris who are all
of the surviving children of the deceased.
Attest  Abdiel Blodgett Justice of the Peace
State of Vermont
Essex County
I John Dasege Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas for the County
and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Abel Blodgett
is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly
Commissioned and qualified that his Commission was
dated on the 30th day of October 1846 and will expire
on the last day of November 1847 and that his official
signature above written is genuine
[seal] Essex County [illegible]
Given under my hand and the seal of said
County this 20th day of April A.D. 1847
[signature] John Dasege Clerk
Page 21

1928 July 12 [illegible]
date. See Wm.
[illegible] WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20554
Anna Abbott
Widow of
Josiah Abbott
Ensign Rev. Rev.
Act July 7th 1838
Index: Vol. A Page 482
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

[illegible]
4578
Vermont
Josiah Abbott
Lemington in the state of Vermont
who was a Ensign in the regiment commanded
Colonel Tupper of the Massachusetts
Line, for the term of 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence
the 1 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 of March 1819
and sent to Judge Ingham
Canaan, Vermont
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - 11mos 4/31. 222.58
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1819. 120
$342.58
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.
[illegible] Sent to the Hon Mr Crafts Feby 1820
H.R.
Page 23

[illegible]
4578
Vermont
Josiah Abbott
Lemington in the state of Vermont
who was a Ensign in the regiment commanded
Colonel Tupper of the Massachusetts
Line, for the term of 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence
the 1 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 of March 1819
and sent to Judge Ingham
Canaan, Vermont
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - 11mos 4/31. 222.58
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep: 1819. 120
$342.58
Revolutionary claim,
Act 18th March, 1818.
[illegible] Sent to the Hon Mr Crafts Feby 1820
H.R.
Page 24

Suspended. See
letter to J. Abbot, & the
Pension Agent in Vt. and
to O. Ingham, dated
20 July 1821 - also to
Hon J. Mattocks H. R.
Feb 7. 1822 and 20 March
1822.
Suspension approved 20
Dec 1823 see letter to the
agent and to Hon J C Crafts
HR
agent and to Hansby
See letter to Hon: J.C.
Crafts, Craftsburg,
Vermont
April 10th. 1823
Page 25

Colebrook N.H. Sept 13.1838
Sir
Enclosed is application of
Anna Abbot for pension.
At her request, an answer may be
made, addressed to me
Very Respectfully
[signature] Ira Young
Page 26

Josiah Abbott, pension under
the Act of May 15. 1828, Vermont,
when paid last
A H
Died 15th Feb 1837 pr to that period
JH
Page 27

Colebrook & al
Page 28

Hon John C. Calhoun
Sir
We the subscribers inhabitants
of Columbia, Colebrook & Stewartown, in Newhampshire
having learnt that information has been transmited to the
War department, which has occasioned the Suspension of the
application of Josiah Abbot of Lemington Vermont, to be
continued on the Pension Roll, and being fully persueded
that the information aforesaid is not only incorrect but
that the motives, which dictated the interferance to suspend
that application, are likewise wholly improper; And
believing that said Abbot is justly entitled to the relief
provided for indigent soldiers of the Revolution, we do
recommend him as such; and hope his application will
be no longer suspended.; We have the Honor to be Sir, most
respectfully your Obent Servents
of Stewartown    of Colebrook    of Columbia
Page 29

[illegible]
John Robinson Esq.
Col: of A Regiment of Infantry Raised in the Massachusetts State for the [illegible]
A Security of the four New England States
To (stamp) Josiah Abott. Greeting.
By Virtue of the Power & Athority to me Given, Do by these presents ([illegible])
Special Trust & confidence in your Loyalty Corage to & Good Conduct, consecrate & appoint
you the Sd. Josian Abott to be a Sergeant in the Company Whereof Abisha Brown is
Capt in the Regiment aforesd And you are carefully to Observe and Obay all Such
Orders as you shall Receive from time to time from your superior Officers -
Whereof this is your Sufficient Warrant
Given under my Hand this 31 day of December A.D. 1777
[signature] John Robinson Col
Page 30

Serjeant's Warrant
Josa. Abbot.
20th July, 1780

Josiah Abbott.
W. 20554
Mass.
Page 31

By Nathaniel Wade Esqr Colonel Commanding a
Regiment of Militia, in the service of the United States of
America; to Josiah Abbot. Greetings,
[stamp] The National Archives of the United States
By Virtue of Power and Authority to Me given-
Preposing special confidence, in your Loyalty, Patriotism,
valour, & good conduct; - I do hereby constitute & appoint
you the said Josiah Abbot, to be a Serjeant in the Company
whereof John Abbot Esq is Captain in Regiment aforesaid.
You are therefore, carefully & diligently to discharge the duty
of Serjeant [illegible] capacity agreeable to
the Rules & Regulations of War, or such orders as, from
time to time You shall Receive from your superior
Officers, for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given at West Point, under my hand, & Seal, this
Twentieth day of July... One Thousand, Seven Hundred
& Eighty
[signature] Consented to John Abbott Capt.
[signature] Nathl Wade Col.
Page 32

NA
RG 15
TR - 2
Page 33

Abbott, Josiah
w 20554
Page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
To Josiah Abbott Gentleman Greeting.
Reposing Special Trust and Confidence in your Ability, Courage and good conduct
I do by these Presents Constitute and appoint you the said Josiah Abbot to be an Ensign in the Regiment of Foot,
one of the Battalions raised by this Commonwealth to serve in the Continental Army wheof Benjamin Tupper
Esqr is Colonel. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Ensign in said Regiment in
all things appertaining thereto observing such orders and Instructions as you shall receive from the Colonel of said Regiment
or any other Your Superior Officers for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant till you shall receive a Commission in manner of
form pointed out by the Resolves of Congress of March the Eighth and June the Twenty eighth One Thousand Seven hundred and seventy
Nine.
Dated at Boston the Nineteenth day of October A.D. 1781, and in the Sixth year
of the Independence of the United States of America
[signature] John Hancock
By His Excellency's Command
[signature] John Avery jun Secty
Page 35

NA
RG 15
TR - 3
Page 36

The United States of America in Congress Assembled
To Josiah Abbott Gentleman Greeting.
We Reposing special trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO by these present,
constitute and appoint you to be an Ensign in the Massachusetts line
in the Army of the United States, to take rank as such form the
nineteenth day of October 1781. You are therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of
Ensign by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do
Strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as
Ensign. And you are observe and follow such orders and directions, from time to
time you shall receive from this, or a future Congress of the United States or Committee of Congress for the
purpose appointed, a Committee of the States ,or Commander in chief for the time being of the Army of the
United States, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the rules and discipline of War, in pursuance
of the trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this, or a future Congress,
the Committee of Congress beforementioned, or a Committee of the States.
Witness His Excellency Elias Boudinot Esq President of
the Congress of the United States of America at Philadelphia the
Sixth day of November A.D. 1782 and in the Seventh
Year of our Independence
By Order of Congress
B. Lincoln
Secretary at War
Page 37

Josiah Abbott
Payable semi-annually -- the first payment
on this certificate will be made
on the 4th of September next,
by Heman Allen Esqr
Agent, Burlington, Vt
Recorded
Page 38

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Quit
Revolutionary Claim
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United
States, of the 18th March 1818 -
Josiah Abbott late a Ensign in the
Army of the Revolution
is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Vermont
Agency, at the rate of Twenty dollars --- cents
per month, to commence on the first day of April
one thousand eight hundred and eighteen

GIVEN at the War Office of the United
States, this tenth day of
March one thousand eight hundred
and nineteen
J. C. Calhoun
[seal] [illegible]
Page 39

75182
Page 40

Guildhall June 23rd 1820
This certifies that I have for some years
been personally acquainted with Josiah
Abbot of Lemington in the County of
Essex State of Vermont, have attended
him as a Physician, am well knowing
that he is & has been for many years
troubled with a Rupture in his groin
which incapacitates him from [illegible]
his Living by labor, and in my
opinion needs the assistance of his
Country or be dependant on the
charity of his friends
[signature] Benja Hunking
Page 41

Josiah Abbott

[illegible]

Hon. J.C. Crafts
House of Rep.
Page 42

STATE OF VERMONT,
Essex County, ss.
[seal] [illegible]
I William Gates Clerk
of the County Court for the County aforesaid, do hereby
certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule
thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the
said Court--and I do further certify that it is the opinion
of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the
property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is One
hundred & Seventy one
Dollars and twenty five cents. - In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said Court, on this 24 day of June
1828
[signature] William Gates
Clerk of the County Court
for Essex County.
Page 43

Guildhall Vt    Free
Augt 11. 1820
Hon John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City

Caveat
Phelps and
Josiah Abbot
[illegible] 22 Aug. 1828
Page 44

Guildhall (24) July 19th 1820
Hon: J. C. Calhoun
Sir,
The attempt of persons who
claim pensions under the acts of Congress or
by the act of last session, [illegible], I believe, numbers one
& two have falen under my notice, and
believing it the duty of every citizen to give to you
such information as he may possess on
this subject thence that proper to state
to you -- That at the July Term of the
Court of Common Pleas holden at Lancaster
County of Coos (N.H.) one Phelps now
residing in Northumberland in sd County
presented, subscribed & made oath, to his
Declaration & [illegible] of property-- I know
him to have been a resident
in the provinces of Lower Canada
untill long after the passage of the act
of 1818, & indeed untill about six months
age. He & his family have resided in
Canada for many years, before & during
the war & untill about six or eight
months [illegible] at [illegible]
Page 45

declaration and observed that he had omited
the word "resident" (underlined) before the words
"citizen of the Unites States" (underlined) to avoid the
crime & punishment of perjury.
I presume a copy of it will be transmitted to your
Department with the omission of the
word "resident" (underlined).
The other case to which I allude is
that of Josiah Abbott of Lemington in the
County of Essex (VT) -
He was an Ensign during a part of the
revolutionary war. [illegible] a few years
since [illegible] of our [illegible] [illegible] &
disqualified from giving evidence in any Court
He has [illegible] under the Act of 1818
received a pension. At the time he
made application for that, I took the
liberty of forwarding to the Department
of War a statement of facts which seemed
to me ought to have excluded him from
the benefit of that act.
The first fact stated was the one here
mentioned. The other's that he had a considerable
amount of property and could not
Page 46

be considered in indigent circumstances
or needing the assistance of his country
for support & he is now in the possession
of property of which he is actually &
avowedly the owner to the amount of
several hundred dollars.
I have the honor to be
Most Respectfully
Your Obdt: Hbl: Svt:
[signature] S. Cushman
Page 47

H. Blodget
Affidavit
Page 48

I Henry Blodget of Canaan in the County
Essex & State of Vermont of lawfull age testify
& say that the farm on which I now live
adjoins the farm on which Josiah Abbot
of Lemington in said County of Essex now
lives - That the farm on which said
Abbot lives & ownes consisting of about
one hundred acres has on it a comfortable
dwelling house a grand barn & about 15 or 20
acres under improvement is worth in my
opinion about four hundred dollars
& of personal property, said Abbot ownes
a yoke of [illegible] five year old oxen for which
said Abbot gave eighty dollars in the Spring of 1819
a horse with about fifty dollars & some sheep
& hogs, the usual [illegible] of houshold furniture
including a clock & the usual [illegible] of
husbandry and Abbot has a son able bodied
& healthy about 14 or 15 years old a daughter about
12 or 13 years old who is most healthy & industrious
& is himself healthy & able bodied
State of Newhampshire
[signature] Henry Blodget
[illegible] - [illegible] 22 182
The above affidavit subscribed & sworn
before me
[signature] Joseph Loomis Justice of Peace
Page 49

J. Cooper, Affidavit
CK Abott
Page 50

I Jesse Cooper of Lawful age
Do Testify & say that three or four years since
I with Thadeaus Rodgers authorised [illegible]
Deforest Esqr to pay Josiah Abbot of Lemington two Hundred and
fifty Dollars for his farm he now lives on,
but Josiah Abbot refused to take any thing short of four
hundred dollars. There has been improvements
made on his farm since which makes it more
valuable should [illegible] more than sixty
dollars of personal property said Abot
ownes a yoke of Oxen five years old which are
valuable for which said Abbot gave and that gave in the
spring of 1819 eighty dollars & good corn
a horse worth about fifty dollars & some
sheep & hogs beside the usual articles of
houshold furniture including a clock & the
usual implements of husbandry
said Abbot has a son, able bodied & healthy
about fourteen or fifteen years old
a daughter about 12 or 13 years who is
also smart healthy & industrious -
& is himself healthy & able bodied according
to the best of my understanding [signature] Jesse Cooper
State of Newhampshire
Coos Ss. 
Colebrook [illegible] 22nd 1820
The above affidavit
subscribed & sworn
Before me Joseph Loomis Justice of Peace
Page 51

Guildhall January 9th 1821
Hon John C Calhoun
Sir,
Having been notified that the
application of Josiah Abbot of Jemington (Vermont)
for a continuation of his pension under the Act of
Congress of May 1st 1820 has been suspended
upon a representation of facts which I communicated
to the Department of War some time since, until
I shall furnish affidavits in support of that
statement, I feel it a duty which I owe
Mr. Abbot & the cause of Justice to state
that the information from which I made
the statements contained in that letter was
derived from a source which from examination
I find not intitled to [illegible] from persons
who are extremely hostile to Mr. Abbot.
I also find that Mr. Abbot is indeed
very poor & that the little property which
is about him is owned by others, indeed
from a carefull inquiry into his
[illegible] circumstances I find him
very poor & really intitled to the relief
divided for indigent soldiers of the revolution
I regret that I should have been
the cause of a suspension of his claim &
hope you will no longer delay the
allowance of that pension to which
he is so justly intitled -
I have the honor to be
Your most Obedient Able Servant
[signature] Seth Cushman
Page 52

These certify that Capt. Josiah Abbot of
Lemington has no title to any land in this
Town excepting a quitclaim Deed from a person
that had no title but possession of a part of the
Governors corner, but the fee of said lot is in
the heirs of Col Asa Porter as appears on
Record.
Certified by Mills DeForest Town Clerk
Jan 17
1821
Page 53

Washington Jan. 31st 1820-
Sir,
I have just received a letter from Josiah Abbot late a
pensioner under the law of 1818, but whose claim is suspended
under the law of May 1820 - enclosing a letter from General
Cushman, who it seems has heretofore made some representations
against said Abbot - and as Abbot informs me Cushman was induced
to do it from some misunderstanding that existed at the time
said Abbot sent on his declaration under the late act - I send
you the letter of General Cushman, and also a certificate of the
town clerk of Lemington where Abbot resides, showing the
terms of the land which Abbot occupies - I request you
with this additional evidence to revise his claim & to
give me information of the result - Abbots certificate
under the act of March 1818 was numbered 7,518 -
Yours respectfully
[signature] Samuel C Crafts

James L Edwards Esquire
Page 54

Canaan July 11th 1821
Hon J. C. Calhoun
Sir
I am requested by
a number of very respectable
Gentlemen to enquire of you, Sir
if it is now too late to transmit
you evidence to show that Josiah
Abbot of Lemington is not entitled
to a pension. The public are much
dissatisfied & [illegible] there has been
some very incorrect representations
made to the Department or his
name would not have been continued
on the role. The most conclusive
evidence can be transmitted to you
upon this subject-- & we hope it is
not too late to protect the Govt
from fraud & imposition
Your respectfull able 
Hbl Svt
[signature] Oliver Ingham
Please direct your answer to Guildhall Post Office as I shall probably not obtain it.
A T.
Page 55

We the undersigned inhabitants of the town of Lemington
in the County of Essex and State of Vermont
and its vicinity certify that we are acquainted with
Josiah Abbott of that town and with his pecuniary
circumstances, that owns Abbott owns a farm of
about 100 acres a considerable portion of it under
good improvement and in our opinions it is worth
including the buildings Eight hundred Dollars said
Abbott has on said farm a hansom stock of cattle &
farming tools necessary for carrying on said farm usual
furniture including a clock in the house and valuable
crops the present season - that said Abbott
and all the members of his family including a wife
daughter about 13 years old two sons one about
23 years old & the other about 15 years old all
enjoy good heath and are able bodied and accustomed
to labour - that said Abbott in our opinions
owes but very little and on the whole
is much more affluent or independant in his
circumstances than the people generally [illegible] in this
quarter of the country ----
Lemington Sept 15th 1821
[signatures] Samuel Carr
Ira B Hawkins
Edward C Spaulding
Sylvester Hoskins
Thomas Holbrook
Evans Parsons
Christopher S. Bailey
Richard Morgan
James Lewis
Lewis Smariege
Benjamin Jerizza
John Smariege
William Norcott
Robert Morrison
Marcus Bealher
Samson Rowell
Page 56

Canaan
Page 57

Hon. J.C. Calhoon
Sir, Having learnt that information
has been transmitted to the War department
which has occasioned the suspension of the
application of Josiah Abbott of Lemington (Vert) to be
continued on the pension Roll, & being fully persuaded
that the information aforesaid is not only incorrect
but that the Motives which declared the interference
to suspend that application are likewise wholly improper
& believing that sd Abbott is justly entitled to the relief
provided for indigent soldier of the Revolution,
we do anxiously reccommend him as such, & hope
his application will be no longer suspended. We have
the Honor to be Sir most respectfully your obedient
Servants
Canaan November _ _ 1821
[signatures]
Nathaniel Beech
Moses Morrill Justice
Peace
William Morrill
John Morrison
[illegible] of Canaan
Wm W. French
Daniel Goss Just.Peace
Abner Clough
John Willey
John W. Bicknell Capt
Levi Goss
Henry Goss
Nathaniel Nichols
William Durning Justice of Peace
Nath B Nichols
Abraham Fanning
Rosel Laughton
Oliver Ford
Oliver Goss
P.S. Canaan is adjoining
Town to Lemington up the river
Page 58

Guildhall Nov. 28th 1827
Sir
Enclosed is a certifficate of facts signed by the
most respectable men in the Town of Lemington,
tending to show, that Josiah Abbot of that town,
is not entitled to a pension -
If you require it, the statement will be
will be sanctioned by the oath of the subscribers,
and if necessary, additional testimony can be
transmitted you immediately, confirming this
this statement (if I am advised of this necessity)
Yours of July 20th did not arrive untill Sept 13,
and at the moment I was about to be absent
for some time -- The enclosed certifficate was
drawn and signed immediately afterwards, by
persons residing in Abbots neighborhood, but in
consequence of my absence it has not been
transmitted to you untill now; and now,
fearing you may conclude that no evidence
would be furnished, agreeable to my assurance
of 11th July, I hasten to enclose it without
the [illegible] of an oath to the signers -
If evidence to prove that Abbot is
not the proper subject of an oath, having been
legally disqualified by conviction of an infamous
crime would be admissible, I will on notice,
without delay, forward it -
As the law requires that declarations of
persons claiming pensions should be made on
oath, it would seem that those who were
legally incapacitated, and could not therefore
comply with its requisites, are not entitled to
the benefit of its provisions; nor would it have
been the intention of Congress, to extend its
munificence to those, who, by their crimes
have forfeited all claims to public confidence or
charity, & who are a reproach to and nuisance in
[illegible] - but to the meritorious [underlined] & indigent [underlined]
Page 59

[illegible] entitled to a pension who do not,
or cannot, comply with all the requirements
of the Law?
[illegible] are humbly and with much
diffidence suggested for your consideration
Yours most respectfully
[signature] Oliver Ingham
Hon: J. C. Calhoun -
Sec: at War -
P. S.
Since writing the above, I am informed
that Abbot has drawn up a certifficate, to show
that he is destitute of property, and by
representing to those to whom he has presented
the paper to sign, that the property of which
he is in possession has not belong to him [underlined]
but to his son  [underlined], has induced many to sign
who do not live in his town or county
and has affixed to their names to give
influence to their fictitious
titles or additions
O.I.
Page 60

I Mills De Forest of Lemington in the State of
Vermont make affidavit and say that I have been
well acquainted with Josiah Abbott of said Lemington for
the last ten years and with his pecuniary circumstances.
That he has during that time frequently applied to me
for assistance in his difficulties, and made acquainted with
his circumstances. Previous to the said Abbott's receiving
his first pension I considered that he was not
worth any-thing, and not able to pay his debts, and that
had it not have been for his pension, he would have been
deprived of every-thing, excepting what the law for the relief
of poor debtors exempts from attachment. Mr Abbott has
been in possession of the real estate, he now occupies about
nine years, he has no substantial title to said estate.
From the record it appears, that the fee of the land Mr
Abbott occupies, is in the heirs of the late Col. Asa Porter.
This information I have from the circumstance of having
been register of deeds for the Town of Lemington for the
last eighteen years.
Question by Mr Abbott: Do you know any-thing respecting
Oliver Ingham's receiving a letter from the War Department
relating to my pension?
Ansr. Sometime in the month of
October last, during the session of the Legislature of Vermont,
of which Mr Ingham and myself were members, Mr Ingham
have shew me a letter signed by J. L. Edwards, purporting
to be an answer to a letter from said Ingham to the
Page 61

War Department, and stating that it was not then too late to
foward evidence to show that Josiah Abbott was not entitled
to a pension.
Question by Josiah Abbott. What did
Mr Ingham observe to you, after you had read the letter?
Answer. He said he did not know what it meant, that
he had never written any letter to the War Department
on that subject, nor authorized any body else to write
in his name, he afterwards told me that he had concluded
to take no further notice of the letter
Mills De Forest
State of New Hampshire
Coos ss.
On this fifth day of December Anno Domini
1821, personally appeared the above named Mills
de Forest and made solemn oath to the truth of the
foregoing affidavit by him subscribed.
Before me.
Joseph Loomis    Justice Peace
Page 62

State of New Hampshire
Coos County
Be it known, that I Samuel
A. Pearson a Notary Public, within and throughout
the State of New Hampshire aforesaid, duly appointed
Commissed and sworn, do hereby certify under my
oath of said Office, that I am well acquainted with
the Hon: Mills De Forest who has honorably held the office
of a Judge of the County Court for the County of Essex in
the State of Vermont for a number of years
and is now a Justice of the Peace for said County of Essex
and who has given an affidavit, accompanying this, with
Jeremiah Eames, Joseph Loomis, Land Cone, Daniel
Harvey, Daniel Goss, William Dunning & Conaus
Buffington all respectable magistrates within & for
the Counties of Essex in the State of Vermont &
the County of Coos aforesaid and believe them all
to be men of strict truth and veracity. I further certify
that I am personally acquainted with most of
the persons who have given their names to Letters
addressed to the Honorable John C. Calhoun Sec. of War
in behalf of Josiah Abbot of Lemington Vt. an officer of
the Revolution, and who reside in the Towns of Lennington
Canaan, Colebrook, Stewartstown & Columbia, and
believe them to be respectable citizens, all living in
the neighborhood and vicinity of the said Josiah
Abbott, and persons of truth and veracity. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed
my seal Notarial at Lancaster, this
twelfth day of December A.D. 1821.
Samuel Pearson Notary Public
(seal)
Page 63

James L Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Page 64

Congress Hall 18th Dec 1821
[illegible] L Edwards Esq
Sir
Josiah Abbot of Lemington Vermont
has forwarded to me the enclosed papers
with a request that they should be laid before
the war department. Mr Abbot was informed
by letter dated 20 July 1821 at the Pension office
that the further payment of his Pension
was suspended in consequence of representations
having been made to the department
that he was not entitled to a Pension.
These proofs are now offered with a view
of shewing that he is fairly entitled to
be continued upon the roll
I have the honor to be your very
humble svt
John Mattocks
Page 65

James Cone Justice Peace
Jeremiah Eames Justice Peace
Joseph Loomis Justice Peace
David B[illegible]
Jesse Eames Capt
[illegible] Wm. Wallis
[illegible]
[illegible] Tibbits
Lyman Lumbard
[illegible]
Noah [illegible]
Hervey Johnson
John M. French
Capt Jeremiah Levering
[illegible] Chamberlin
Samuel G. Bishop
Saml Piper
Benjamin B Parsons
Charles Sperry
[illegible] Owens
David Burnside
Francis Wilson
Jonathan Young
David L. Isham Selectman of Colebrook
Calvin Wittards
Howard Blodget Jr.
Nathan Bachy
Stephen Kemp Jr.
Daniel Harvey Justice Peace
[illegible] Blodgett
Jeremiah Carns
Charles Thomson Col
Roswell Hobart
Howard Blodgett
Horace Loomis Lieut
Jonathan Bundy
Mark Morris
Thomas [illegible]
Benjamin Bull
John Hughs
Osias Bissell Capt
Tyler Bissell
Barnes Hillsure
Wm Holkins
Abel Hobart
[illegible]
Hezikiah Parsons
George Aldrich
Abel Hyde
Hubbard Lovering
Marley W. Batchelser
Benjm Ames
Leonard Hatch Ensign
Joseph Hillard
Jonas Rolfe
Page 66

Lemington
Page 67

Honbl. John C. Calhoun Secretary at War
Sir---
We the Subscribers inhabitants of
Lemington, having learnt, that information has
been transmitted to the War department, which has
occasioned the suspension of the application of Josiah
Abbot of Lemington, to be continued on the pension Roll,
and being fully preswarded that the information aforesaid
is not only incorrect; but that the motives which dictated
the interference to suspend said application is wholely
improper, and believing said Abbot is justly intitled
the relief provided for indigent soldiers of the Revolution
we do recommend him as such, and hope his applicationwill be no longer suspended-- We have
the Honor to be Sir, your most Obedient Servents
Comens Buffington Just. Peace
Joseph [illegible]
Tonin Park
Artemas Sims
William Sims
William C. [illegible]
Robert Buckman
Ebenr. Blossom
Zebadiah Dow
A. W. Buffington Capt.
Thos Stoddard
Jude Fairman
Ora Stoddard
Williams Harris
Fern Stoddard
Eli Stoddard
[illegible] R. Foursman
Wm White
Page 68

The affidavit of William B. Tole herewith -
that he was one of the listers in the town of
Lemington for the year 1821. That when one
the listers called at Josiah Abbots to take a
list of his property the last spring said
Abbot [illegible] the improvements
on the farm on which he now lives as [illegible]
improvements and by his direction; first
in the list as the property of said Abbot
and that on the 29 day of Sept last
said Abbot applied to me to alter it and
put it down in the list to his son-
I told said Abbot I was not authorised
to do it. The reason assigned by said
Abbot for wishing this alteration, was to
do away objections to said Abbots getting
a pension from the U.S. on account of
his property - as he by argument [illegible]
[illegible] -
Lemington Jan 28th 1822
William B. Tole,
Sworn to
Before Me Seth Cushman  J.P.
Page 69

The affidavit of Louis [illegible] of Lemington
in the County of Essex Herewith --
That he went into possession of the farm
on which Josiah Abbot now lives and
as this deposent believes owns and began
improvements thereon nineteen years ago
last April and I continued to to possess and
improve the same about nine years -
That said Abot in the opinion of that
Deposent owns the farm on which he
now lives as he must [illegible] possession of the same [illegible] and has a perfect and [illegible]
title thereto by possession - and has
made improvements thereon
Lemington Jany 28, 1822 Louis [illegible]
Sworn to
Before Me S. Cushman Justice of Peace
Page 70

I Mills DeForest do testify & say that I am
knowing to Joseph Abbott living on the land in
Lemington where he now lives about ten years
and that four or five years ago said Abbott
Deeded the said land where he now lives, to me
for security & that some time afterwards I
quitclaimed said land to said Abbott & I believe to
his son S. W Abbot but am not certain
that said S. W. Abbotts name was in my
Deed as I did not write it & have not
seen said Deed since
Mills DeForest
Sworn to Befor Me S. Cushman Just. Peace
Page 71

Lemington, Essex Co. Vermont
19th March 1822 -
Sir,
I learn from common report that
Oliver Ingham has sent on to the War department
a large number of affidavits to substantiate the
allegation, that I am not entitled to a pension under
the revolutionary claim -  I have heretofore sent
on to the department through the Medium of the
Honl. Judge Palmer of the Senate, & Genl. Mattocks
the House of Representatives, sundry papers, the content
of which, I am led to believe, must convince the department,
that the motives, and design of Oliver Ingham
and Seth Cushman is conclusively a swindling object
-- Not one syllable of the evidence that has hitherto
been taken, been done, with my knowledge, or
being present, or notified of the intended to be done -
I have heard it said, that it a maxim of Law, "that it
is a hard case to prove a Negative [underlined]" - and as I have
not been notified by the department, what the evidence
has been furnished to the department, I know not
what part, or perticuler point is necessary for me to
[illegible] or prove,-- I have caused the deposition of my Son W.
S. Abbot to be taken with a view to remove, Doubts, if
any exists in the breast of the Secretary as respecting
the pretentions of my owning a farm & Stock of Cattle
&c. In case what evidence I now offer the Secreay
togather, what I have heretofore furnished, be deemed
insufficient to continue me on the roll,-- I then pray
Page 72

the department to furnish me with a copy of all
the evidence vs me respecting this second suspension
togather with the representation of Seth Cushman,
which caused my first suspension, as also the copy
of his letter to the Secretary sender date of Jany. 9th 1824.
I am Sir, one of your most indigent &
Needy Servents Josiah Abbot
-
Honle Secretary at War
Page 73

Genl. S. Cushman
Page 74

Lemington February 2d 1822
Genl S. Cushman
Dear Sir, I depended very much on your
being up this way before you went [illegible]; Mr
Ths. Holbrook says that Mr Ida (since you was here) well recalled
that Abbott told him that unless his farm was [illegible] D. Forest
or his son that, he could not obtain his pention money
and this his is willing to state under oath --
I recollect that about 8 or 9 years ago I was called on
by Samuel Hugh to survey Abbotts farm. at that time there
arose some dispute between Hugh & Abbott respecting the
distance on the [illegible]. Mr Abbott shows a deed which
he said he had of said farm and that we were not measuring
the land agreeable to sd Deed. The above might be
put into an affidavit if Mr Mich would stay.
you, sir, can make what use you please of this if it
will be of any use to the [illegible] --
am Sir in [illegible] your sincere friend so long
as I live
Christfr. S. Bailey
Page 75

Honbl. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
City of Washington

Mr Edwards

Recd. 19 Feb. 1822
Page 76

Honbl. J. C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
City of Washington

Mr Edwards

Recd. 19 Feb. 1822
Page 77

Lemington, Essex County - Vermont
Feby 5th 1822 -
Honbl. John C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
Sir,
I have been a pensioner under the
the revolutionary Claim, and am now suspended, and much opposition
is now making against my being continued on the roll,
I find it necessary for me to disclose and make a full exposition
of the measures [illegible] and facts that have taken place by those who
seem to be combined in iniquity to deprive me of sd. benefit, which
the goverment of my County has been pleased to grant me - The
most conspicious characters, as I conceive is Oliver Ingham the
chief Justice of Essex County Court, and Seth Cushman atty at Law,
and Brigadier General in Vermont, - On the 1st April 1818. I applied
to Judge Ingham with my decleration ready wrote by myself in order
to embrace the priviledge of the Act of Congress of March 18th 1818.
- he & I being on very friendly terms, he did not require or take any
fee for his services in Administering to me the Oath to the declaration
and signing his name in his official capacity to my declaration &
certificate of my indigent circumstances, - in about a fortnight
after, Judge Ingham rcd. a letter from the Honbl. Judge Crafts of the
House of Representations in closing a printed blank form, that I then
understood was given from the War department, - by that form, I found
the one that I had made was somewhat different; and in part, was altogether
useless; - I then wrote my declaration anew taking Mr Crafts form for
a model (but not any alteration in the respect to the the time of service,)
and went to Judge Ingham, and requested him to sign my papers anew -
- he seemd to hisetate, observed to me, that the [illegible] that I was likely
to recive was (as he exprest it) great, and that I must give him $2 -
when I should got my pension - I agreed - after some further conversation, he suggested to me, that I must give $5 to do my business anew,
I finally agreed to it, - he still prolonged the conversation, the general
theme was upon the subject of what I was likely to receive as pension,
and finally told me I must him ten dollars; - and that one James
Luther had agreed to give Genl. Cushman $30 - I then intimated to
Judge Ingham, that I did not admire the man, that I would try to [illegible]
another
Page 78

another, and finally [illegible] - after thinking on the subject some
days, and knowing no other Judge living in the County or State
within 40 miles, (Judge Gates of Luneburgh) I concluded to go to to Judge
Ingham again, for I knew no other Judge and with proprity date
my papers back to the first of April. I accordingly went, and he signed
my papers anew for five dollars which I have paid him - I recd my
pension certificate, and drew my September 1819 and March 1820.
- And under the act of Congress of May [illegible] 1820. I received my application
and aver, that I strictly complied with the law - Genl. Cushman, as
I believe had a swindling design vs me, forwarded information as
me to the department, and I was suspended; what he alledged I
never knew. Judge Ingham gave me to understand, that I must
give Genl. Cushman $150, or that he Cushman would get me struck
from the pension roll, - I found that Cushman on the 28th Decr. 1823 taken
the affidavits of one Jesse Cooper, & Henry Blodget [illegible] persons
exceeding hostile towards me, to prove that I was possessed of more
property then could be admited at the War department, and I be [illegible]
on the pension roll, Cushman some time after viz, on the 9th
January 1821, proposed to me that if I would give $100 in ten days
next after I should receive my next pension money, he would write
to the department a letter by which I should be continued on the
roll, or else I was not to pay any of the $100. I knew it was an
absurd proposition, but believing I should be struck from the
rolls, I gave him my note for $100 payable in 10 days after I
should receive my pension money, and not before [underlined] -- and he
accordingly wrote to the department, under date of January 9th 1821
a copy of which is herewith inclosed Marked A. The original I
presume is on file in the department. I sent his letter to the Honbl.
Crafts who laid the same before the Secretary at War, and Recd. Notice of
Continuance; I believing it to be wrong to pay Cushman, the $100,
and unable too have not done it, I am fully convinced that
Cushman made another representation to the department in the
name Oliver Ingham, by which means, the department has thought
proper to suspend me the second time. The vote of suspension
Page 79

was dated July 8th 1821, and was handed to me by Genl. Cushman on or
about the 30th August. On his giving me the letter of Notice from Mr.
Edwards, I asked him who had given the information vs me, his
answer was, "that was for me to find out"  and if I did not fullfil my
promise to him (to use his own words) I should be struck from the
roll eternally. I learn that Judge Ingham Recd. a letter from Mr.
Edwards in October dated July 20th purporting to be an answer to
to the information filed vs me in his name, saying it was not too
late to recive evidence vs me, and directing him to furnish the
evidence. This information I derived from the Honbl. Judge DeForest
who with Judge Ingham were both attending as Members of the Genl.
Assembly of Vermont at Montpelier then in Session, the letter was
directed to him (Ingham) at Guildhall, 33 miles from where Judge
Ingham lives in Canaan, undoubtedly the letter come to the post
office at Guildhall some time the last of July, where Cushman is
Post Master, I apprehend that Sushman intended the latter should
never have gone to Ingham, for provably the letter lay in the Post
Office at Guildhall, say from the last of July till October, and then
forwarded from Guildhall by a person ignorant of Cushman design
to Judge Ingham at Montpelier 100 miles directly a different route
from Canaan- when he Recd. it, I am informed he appeared to be
totally ignorant, what measure to take, and frequently, verberly,
declared he had never given any information vs me to the War
department - he shew the letter to several Gentlemen Members
of the Assembly, who all uniformly advised him to disavow it
to the Department, but instead of complying with their advice,
he wrote to Cushman at Guildhall to know the meaning of
the letter to him - by mere chance, I learnt this information, more
than ten days before Ingham returned home. On the 19th Novr.
Ingham returned home, the same evening, I waited on him, &
enquired of him the meaning of his receiving the letter from the
department, at first he appeared to me to possess an inclination
to deny of having recd such a letter, he finally acknowledged
he had, at the same time solmnly declared he had not given the
information vs me, likewise avered that the contents of
Page 80

[illegible] affidavit of Samuel Hugh of lawfull
age [illegible]. That a little time before Josiah
Abbot of Lemington in the County of Essex and
State of Vermont moved onto the farm on which
he now lives I executed to said Abbot a Deed
of said land & that from the length of time
which has elapsed since the improvements
were first made on said land said Abbot has
as this deponent believes a perfect and good
title to the same.
It is now more than fifteen years since
this deponent had possession of said farm
Maidstone Feb. 5. 1822    Samuel Hugh
Sworn
Before Me J. Cushman Just: Peace
Page 81

J L Edwards
Page 82

Congress Hall 26 Feby 1822
J. L. Edwards [illegible]
Sir
I have been requested by a Citizen
of Essex County in Vermont
to lay the enclosed papers before
the Hon Sec of War as evidence
[illegible] continuing Josiah Abbot
on the pension roll -
Most [illegible] your
obt Svt
John Mattah
Page 83

Guildhall Mar: 13. 1822
Sir,
I [illegible] you the affidavits of 
Mills De Forest & James Sonuage
and Mr. B. Ida which show that
Josiah Abbot is the owner of the farm
on which he lives, and that he,
consequently, ought not to be continued
on the pension list.
Yours respectfully,
Oliver Ingham
Hon: J. C Calhoun [illegible]
Page 84

Honbl. John C. Calhoun
Secretary at War
Washington City
Page 85

I Walter Street Abbott of Lemington [illegible] testify and
say that about the fourth day of February [illegible] I
had a long conversation with Oliver Ingham Esqr of
Canaan in Essex County & State of Vermont that said
Ingham told me [illegible] that he never had written
any thing to the Secretary at War respecting my Father
Josiah Albert drawing or not drawing his pention
but the said Ingham did offer to write to the Secretary
at War in favour of Josiah Abbotts drawing his pention
on condition that I would give him the sum of twenty
five dollars and indemnify him from the judgement
of an Execution in favour of Seth Cushman Esqr for 
about the sum of seventy seven dollars against the said
Ingham and Josiah Abbott and that I would agree
to and with the said Ingham that I would agree to his
proposal if my Father would [illegible] to the same and
said Ingham told me that Judge Craft had written
him a letter wishing him to report said Josiahs real
situation as to property and said Ingham did write
a long letter to Judge Crafts in [illegible] he had
[illegible] of the last week learnt the true situation
of Josiah Abbotts property and that he found that the
[illegible] of the land on which said Josiah lived was
in the heirs of Col Asa Porter and that the stock
that was on the farm belonged to me which is really
the case except one cow which belongs to my father
and said Ingham wrote two obligations in the words
and figures following [illegible] engage [illegible] 
the Execution in favour of Seth Cushman -
Page 86

against Josiah Abbott and Oliver Ingham [illegible]
Decr term County Court Essex County 1821 of about
seventy seven dollars and indemnify said Ingham
[illegible] then from value received Canaan February
4th A.D. 1842, and the other in their words [illegible]
Canaan February 4th AD 1822. Value received I
promise to pay Oliver Ingham twenty five dollars
out of the first perntion money which Josiah
Abbott my father draws on [illegible]. And my
Father would not consent to such a speculation therefore
the said letter and obligations were not signed by the
said Ingham or myself -- And further I testify and say
that I have a [illegible] of all the land that my father
ever obtained or occupied in Lemington and that
I have paid Debts for my father for a [illegible]
I was [illegible] the land is worth or will
sell for and that I have occupied said farm for
two years past as any own and that my father &
Mother is with me upon [illegible]
Walter S. Abbott 
State of Vermont
Essex County Ss
Lenington March 19th 1822
[illegible] Walter S. Abbott personally
appeared & after being carfully cautioned made
solemn oath that the above & foregoing Deposition by
him subscribed contained the truth and nothing but
the truth before me
Mills De Forest Justice Peace
Page 87

The foregoing Deposition was taken at the
request of Josiah Abbott, And Oliver Ingham Esqr
was duly notified of the time and place of taking
of the same but did not attend -
Certified by Mills DeForest Justice Peace
Page 88

I Josiah Abbot of Lemington in the County of Essex & State of
Vermont now in the last half of my Sixty third year of my Age having been
placed on the pension roll of the Vermont Agency under the Revolutionary claim
and am now suspended, in consequence of information having been filed at the
War department, respecting my property, - And now under the solmnety of an
Oath, do testify and say, that I conceive the motives and measures of those who
have signed their name against my receiving the benefit of the Act of Congress
of March 18th 1818 -- are totally improper, - that at the time I embraced the Act
I was not the owner of an horse, an Ox, or a Cow, or any one of their kind, -
nor had I, but one cow in possession, - and that an hired one. - And that the land
on which I have resided, cultivated, and improved since the year 1812. I then
bought of one Samuel Hugh, and for the sum of Fifty dollars received his
quitclaim deed; and that at that time, I considered said Hughs deed to me in sufficent
in Law, to protect me in the enjoyment of the same, it being being a part of what
was then, and still is call'd "the Governors lott or right" being a lot of land containing
five hundred acres, reserved by the late Governor Wentworth of N.H. -
at the time he chartered the Town of Lemington many years before the Revolution
and it is a well known matter, that the said Governor Wintworth made the alike
reserve in all the Townships he chartered in (Now) Vermont State, and I say
that I gave the said $50 to said Hugh with no other view but to live by him
in a neighbourly manner, and to show some colour of title to gain pay
for betterments, in case I should be disturbed, by any lawful owner, - And
that I have not, nor any under me has acquired any title to the right of fee
- And altho I made a conveyance to Mills DeForest Esqr as a collateral security
of all all my claims, it only for the betterments. this was made in April 1817
- And that in September 1819. the said Mills DeForest made a conveyance
by quitclaim deed back to me, and to my son Walter Stuart Abbot, undivided
and in July 1820. I sold and quitclaimed my undivided half to him for the
sum of fifty dollars; - The reason why the conveyance from said DeForest
was made undivided to my son & myself, was; - My said son Walter S. Abbot
had been hir'd out to said DeForest, for some years, say more than three years
and that the wages for his services had relieved me from embarrassments.
as well after, as before he was twenty one years of age-- And by my quitclaim
to my son of my undivided half in July 1820. had no effect on what I ever
had at the time I made the Schedule, agreeable to the act of Congress of May 1st, 1820
because I made that in June,  - and believe I stated, that I was possessed of about twenty
acres of feasable land, and that so many acres (such apart,) was under some
improvments; - and prehaps it be implied, that I conveyed the idea, that
I was lawfully seized in fee of the premises, when in fact, I was inadvertently
wrong: for I, at that time a referance to the whole, when in realaty my son
had a just claim to one half undivided. In respect to my house hold furnature
I believe I did not specify the perticuler articles, but that they consisted of
such as is common in poor families, and of little value, - I made out
Page 89

the Schedule myself in the Court house, at the moment it was submitted
to the Court, I took no copy of the same at the time, neither have I seen
the record of the same since, and when questioned by the Court, relative
to the value of my house hold furniture, I believe, I answered $30
-- And when I return'd home and viewed the few articles that was not exempted;
I really estimated them too high; -- I have thus attempted to explain my real
situation and circumstances: -- I am entirely ignorant of what perticuler
specification or the contents of the evidence alledged; - as all the evidence
that the department has been furnished with has been taken entirely without
my knowledge; -- And from the nature & circumstances of the case,
and with respect to those who I consider, as having had the principal agency
in the business, -- I believe myself justified in saying that the sole views
of my opponents is a Swindling design [underlined]. -- And of Men, who from their
high, and exalted stations in the goverment of the State of Vermont, ought
to be considered above such corrupt measures; -- Those I more perticuler allude
too; is Oliver Ingham late chief Justice of Essex County Court, and one Seth
Cushman an Atty at Law, -- for me to state all the proceedings of these two
relative to their measure respecting my pension, would take several
sheets of paper; -- Suffice it for me to say, that I have not the least doubt
but that there has been an understanding between them, to deprive me
of the gratuity of Goverment, unless they should compel me to share
it with them; -- And in pursuance of that plan, said Cushman in the
summer of 1820. made representation to the department, something
(I know not what) respecting my property, by which means, notice of my
continuance under the Act of May 1st 1820, was withheld from me by the
department; -- And for several months I was frequently urged by said
Ingham, and other his adherents, to conclude a treaty of Amity [underlined] with sd
Cushman and promise him so much out of my next pension money; --
stating as a reason that he Cushman was a Man possessing such influence,
he would get me struck from the roll, -- On the 9th January 1821. an interview
between me and said Cushman did take place, and upon my agree to give
him a certain sum,  - he wrote to the Secretary at War in the following
words - and which I presume is on the files in the department, - to wit -
"Guildhall Jany 9th 1821. Honbl J.C. Calhoun, Sir, Having been notified
"that the application of Josiah Abbot of Lemington, Vermont for a continuation
"for his pension under the late act of Congress of May 1, 1820, has been suspended
"upon a representation of facts, which I communicated to the War department
"sometime since, until I shall furnish affidavits in support of that statement,
"I feel it a duty which I owe Mr Abbot, and the cause of justice to state, that the
"information from which I made that statement, contained in that letter, was
"derived from a source, which from examination I find not entitled to credit,
Page 90

"and from persons, extremly hostile to Mr. Abbot, -- I also find that Mr Abbot
"is indeed very poor, and that the little property which is about him is owned by
"others, -- indeed by a careful enquiry into his pecuniary circumstances, I find
"him very poor, and really entitled to the relief provided for indigent
"soldiers of the Revolution; I regret that I should have been the cause of
"a suspension of his claim, and hope you will no longer delay allowance
"of that pension, to which he is so justly entitled,-- I have the honor, to be
"your most Obedient humble Servent Seth Cushman" ---

The foregoing letter I enclosed to the Honbl. Judge Crafts of the
house of Representatives in Congress, and he laid the same before the Secretary
at War, and I had immediate notice of continuance on the pension roll,
but I did not think proper to pay said Cushman for attempting to swindle
me, -- -- He the said Cushman, (as I fully believe) made a representation
to the department, in the name of said Oliver Ingham, stateing
"that he was requested by a number of very respectable Gentlemen to inquire
"if it was too late to shew evidence that Josiah Abbot was not entitled to a
"pension, that the public were very much dissatisfied &c" -- when in fact
from circumstances, I am led to believe, and I do believe [underlined] that said Ingham
was at that time, entirely ignorant of any communication being made
either in his name or any one else; -- The notice from the department of my
present suspension was dated 20th July 1821, and the same was togather
with the above extract was handed to me by said Cushman on the 29th
August 1821. And at the same time, he the said Cushman, said to me, "that
if I did not pay him what I had agreed to give in five days, he would cause
me to be struck from the roll (to make use of his own word) eternally [underlined]" --
-- thus matters laid till about the 20th October, - when said Ingham while attending
as a member the General Assembly of Vermont at Montpelier recd the letter
from the department dated the same 20th July instructing him to furnish the
evidence vs me to shew that I was not entitled to the pension on account of
my property. -- This last mention'd letter, as I apprehend was sent from
Guildhall post office where said Cushman is post Master to Ingham at Montpelier unknown to sd Cushman,
(by a Mrs. Berry, whose husband is Assistant in the post office and lay confined to his bed
by sickness -- that at the time said Ingham Recd sd letter, he communicated
the contents to several Gentleman members of the assembly, and declared that
he never had given and communication to the department respecting me
and I feel confident in the believeth, (being informs so) that he advised
by several members, to write immediately to the war department and
disavow [underlined] of his having given any information respecting me
-- but contrary to the advice of those who did not see through the intended
inquity against me, he declined writing pretended that he would not
have any to do in the business till he could see Cushman -- --
-- Some time the last of November, I procured the signatures of about
Ninty respectable inhabitants of the Town of Lemington & Cannan in Vermont and
Page 91

and Stewartown, Colebrook, & Columbia in Newhampshire, being more then a
a Majority of the free holders in said Towns, -- with respect to the inhabitents of
N.H. they live so adjacent, and well acquainted with my needy circumstances;
and by means of Neighbourly connections, & correspondence, Dealings &c and
as they loan'd their names to show their opinions, that the information vs
me and motives was totally improper, a reference to those papers on your files will
show their wishes on this subject,-- this last mentioned piece of evidence
I furnish the department some time in Decr. last, -- It appear'd to me
that when my opponents come to the knowledge of what I had done in
order to establish my claim,-- it was necessary for them to exert their utmost
efforts to rebut me -- and I dont hisatate to say, that from reports, the
said Cushman took much wearied pains to git affidavits to establish
his pertentions that I have property, -- And as I apprehend he wrote
the affidavits principally himself, and prehaps sworn too before him
as a magistrate, it may be that some interlining might have taken
taken place, so as to convey, a quite different meaning from what some
who had testified, had design'd too, -- And I further state on the
solmnety of my Oath aforesaid, that the said Oliver Ingham in several
convesations with me with twenty days now last past declared verbally that
he never has signed his name to any paper either in his private capacity
or in his public Official Office as a Magistrate to furnish the War department
with any evidence against me. -- And in order, to remove the impedement
to my receiving the pension. I submit to the consideration of the
Secretary at War the foregoing history of relative thereto. And I further
declare on my Oath aforesaid, that I have not directly or indirectly disposed,
sold or convey'd to any person whatever, any of my property at
any time, or any part thereof by gift or sale in any manner whatever,
with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the
provision of the act of Congress of May 1st AD. 1820 --
Josiah Abbott
State of Vermont
Essex County Ss
Lemington August 5th 1822
Then personally appeared Josiah Abbot
Signer to the above Affadavit and made solemn oath
that the same was Just and true -- And the said Josiah
is entitled to full credit as a witnes
Certified by     Mills De Forest Justice Peace
Page 92

State of New Hampshire
Coos County. Be it known that I
Samuel A. Pearson a Notary Public within
and throughout the State of New Hampshire
aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned & sworn
do hereby certify under the oath of my said
office, that I am well acquainted with the
Honorable William Lovejoy & Jonas Baker
Esquires, two Justices of the Peace and of the
Quorum within & for the County of Coos aforesaid,
and also with their hand writing,
that the signatures of the said Lovejoy & Baker
to the Copy of a Record of a Court of Gaol
delivery, which is hereto annexed, is their real
own proper hand writing, also that the
Certificate of William Denison Deputy
Gaoler of the Gaol in Lancaster, for the
County of Coos. which is hereto annexed, is the
real genuine certificate of the said William
Denison, who is the Deputy Gooler of the
Prison of this County-- In testimony whereof
have hereunto set my hand
& affixed my seal notarial at
Lancaster this 18th day of
Decr. A. D. 1822
[signature] Saml. A. Pearson Noty. Pub:
[seal] [illegible]
Page 93

State of New Hampshire Coos Ss --
December 16th, 1822 at a Court of Jail delivery held this
day before us the subscribers two of the Justices of the
Peace and of the Quorum in and for the County of Coos
at the Court House in Lancaster in said County at
ten o'clock in the forenoon-- Josiah Abbot of Lemington
in the County of Essex and State of Vermont
Gentleman a Prisoner in the Goal in said Lancaster
for debt, at the suit of Samuel Pratt of Colebrook
in said County of Coos Trader, took the oath prescribed
by the laws of the State of New Hampshire
for the case and relief of persons imprisoned for debt --
the said Samuel Pratt having been duly notified,
did not attend --
Wm Lovejoy
Jonas Baker
Justices of the Peace
& of the Quorum
A true Copy of Record
Attest
Wm Lovejoy
Jones Baker
Justices of the
Peace and of
Quorum

State of New Hampshire Coos Ss. Decr. 16th 1822
To John M Weeks Esquire keeper of the gaol at Lancaster
in said County of Coos on the day of the above date at said
Lancaster Josiah Abbott of Lemington in the County of
Essex & State of Vermont Gentleman a prisoner in your
custody debt at the suit of Samuel Pratt of Colebrook in
said County of Coos Trader, took the Oath prescribed in
an act for the case and relief of persons imprisoned for
debts, the said Samuel Pratt having been duly notified did
not attend and in our opinion the said Josiah Abbott
ought to be discharged
Jonas Baker
Wm Lovejoy
Justices of the
Peace & of
the Quorum
& true Copy Examined
Wm Denison Dept Gaoler
Page 94

Guildhall [illegible]
Feb 20
Free
Honorable
John C Calhoon
Secretary of War
City of Washington
Recd. 5 Mar: 1822
Recd. 5th March 1822
[illegible]
Page 95

Honorable John C. Calhoon Secretary of War
Sir the publick mind is much agitated concerning
the repeated suspension of the pension of Josiah Abbot
of Lemington Vt There are some facts and various
conjecture concerning the cause of it before the publick
it is very evident that Seth Cushman of Guildhall Esq wrote
a letter to you by reason of which it was suspened and after he
[illegible] or swindled said Abbot out of $100 note executed
by said Abbot and Oliver Ingham made payable to him
out of the first money received by sd Abbot for his pension
he wrote another letter to you counteracting his former one
which was the means of sd Abbots pention being paid even
but when said Abbot refused to pay him Said Swindler the note note he then
said to Abbot all the pention money you git in future will
do you good and it is fully believed by many that
the Sd Cushman has wrote or caused to be wrote another
[illegible] letter and in said Oliver Inghams name without
said Inghams knowledge or consent in any way whatever
for when said Ingham recvd a letter from your office
informing him that in answer to his letter it was not
to late to furnish evidence concerning Josiah Abbots
pention he repeatedly and positively said he had never
written to the Secretary in his life and that he knew nothing
about any such letter
But it appears by reason of said third or last mentioned
letter the sd Abbets pention was again suspended
It is very evident here that said Cushmans motive as well as
his conduct in that as well as many other things are very
unfair and corrupt that because said Abbot has displeased
him and is suffered or rather his son to remain in posession
of a peace of land that he has no legal title of sd Cushman
is trying to extort from him $100 or put him to all the trouble
in his power and if posable prevent his receiving his pension until
he will comply with his unjust wishes
for that would help to support himself in his [illegible]
Page 96

for he has sworn out of jail and does not intend to have
any property liable to attachments and ows much and his
notes and reputation are of equal value with the
good Citizens in this quarter
Now Sir that you may be no further imposed on for myself
and in behalf of several of the most deserving and worthy men in this
Vicinity I apprise you of these facts and conjectures and the
reasons therefore and hope that you will trust such kind of
indirect evidence or belief of some criminal reasons
of his having property to prevent his receiving his pention
whose affidavit I understand said Cushman has of late taken
with due contempt but will decided on proper and direct evidence and then will
pay over said pention without further delay or trouble
for as Abbot is poor he labours under great
difficulties by such extraordinary unfair maneuvers of
Cushman
And that the facts may be traced officially and be
laid before the publick and such conduct be properly
corrected in behalf of the a goodly number of worthy
Citizens who earnestly wish it and the publick in general
I earnestly request you immediately to send to me the
said three mentioned letters if proper with proper certificates
that they have been lodged in your office and you may
be assured that they shall be carfully preserved and used
for the publick good and for the correction of such a
[illegible] and returned if called for or at least send me official coppies of them
in full and cearfully preserve the originals that they
may be obtained in future if wanted. for from every appearance
there has been not only swindling but down
right forgery by Someone and it is strongly suspected
that he will use all his [illegible] to git the forged one into
his possession if posable to prevent future trouble for himself
in full belief that your regard for truth publick and
and [illegible] justice your own honor and [illegible] disposition to
give publick satisfaction you will readily grant the above
request
Page 97

I have the honor to be your most obedient
Humble
Servant
Saml. G. Bishop
lumbia Febry
AD 1822
NB please to direct your letter to be left at the
post office in Colebrook County of Coos NH
and the I shall get it immediately
Page 98

[illegible]
Page 99

Congress Hall 13th 1822
J L Edwards Esqr
Sir
I have examined the papers in the case
of Josiah Abbot which the Secretary of war
did me the honor to have enclosed having
no personal knowledge of the situation of sd
Abbot as to property & the testimony being
contradictory I am equally unable to form
an opinion upon the case - therefore
return you the papers
I am [illegible] your obdent
Srvt
John Mattocks
Page 100

Washington Feb 21st 1823
J L Edwards Esquire
Sir, I forward you some additional evidence of
the poverty of Josiah Abbot - Who has formerly been on the
Pension list; but where pension has been suspended by the
representations of sundry persons, that he is possessd of considerable
property. You will also recollect that he has forwarded the
certificates (last winter I believe) of many respectable persons
in his vicinity, stating him to be poor, and intitled to his pension
Altho I am not personally acquainted with the circumstances of
Mr Abbot - I am well acquainted with several of the persons
who have taken an active part against Abbot, and I must confess
that their opposition does not appear to me to proceed so
much from a [desire to prevent an infraction upon the government,] [underlined]
as to gratify passions less honorable to the human character.
I am informed that Samuel Pratt, at whose suit the said Abbot
was committed, was one of those who has signed some of the
representations against Abbot -- If it will so appear by the
file in your office -- I wish you would reexamine this
case and inform me of your decision & oblige
Mutilated  when opened
by me Apr 14, 1911
sea
Page 101

Montpelier Nov 5th AD 1823
Dear Sir
Permit me to state to you the circumstances of Mr
Josiah Abbot of Lemington Vt. the facts within my
knowledge Sir he has lived ten years within two
miles of my house & part of this time within half
a mile he is in reality a poor man he lives in a Log
house covered with Barks & Boards. He has no cow of
his own & I presume no other creature he has had the benefit
of the poor man oath once at Lancaster & once
at Guildhall of late & have never taken any part in this
transaction further then consented to sign a petition but
[illegible] I know of no man that I think comes more within
the Law & justice then Mr. Abbot -- I have consulted with
Judge Deforest with Judge Rich who are members of this house
they would both tell you Sir; as well as many others that this
man has been abused & still is, not Sir by the Government
but because the just merit of his claim is not known
to the General Government Sir he has great confidence
in your friendship if there is any thing that
can be done for his relief as he is old & unable to perform
but little hard labour it would be received with gratitude
by him Sir I feel willing to assist him as far as Justice
and reason requires in any thing that you can think
advisable -- for if any thing can be made known to
me that I can do I should be chearful to do it
Sir I am with Due Respect yours [Illegible]
Daniel Goss
Hon. S C Crafts
Page 102

Dec 20th 1823
Mr. Edwards -
I leave with you a letter from Mr Goss,
a member of the Legislature of Vermont, in
behalf of Josiah Abbot, whose pension has been suspended
on the affidavits of several persons that he
is in possession of two much proper to need a pension --
I have taken particular pains to ascertain
the situation of Abbot & the object of procuring
the affidavits aforesaid -- and am satisfied
that if Abbot would have shared his pension with
certain characters in his vicinity, no opposition
would have been made to his continuance on
the roll -- he is actually poor and in my
opinion ought to be restored to the pension list -
and, that no weight ought to be attached to the
testimony against him -- The same I find
is the opinion of the most respectable characters
in his vicinity --
Yours respectfully
[signature] Saml C Crafts
Page 103

Act 1828
Settled at
Treasury
Cousd with
[illegible]
File # 20,554

Declaration - 
Josiah Abbot

Recd 26 July 1828
Ensign in
Col. Tappers
Regt.

Mr. F B. Dickens will
thank Mr. Beall to let
him know the rank
of this officer he is
in the Vermont Pension
roll.
Page 104

Revolutionary Claim
[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled ""An act for the relief of
certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the
15th of May, 1828, 1, Josiah Abbot of
Lemington, in the county of Essex,
in the State of Vermont
do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution,
and served as such* to the close of the year 1783. that I was
Subaltern Officer in the Massachusetts line, and of no higher grade.
at which period the Regiment was disbanded first in the 10th and then
transferd to 2d regiment of the Massachusetts line.
And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation
certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum
was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half
pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.
And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner
since the 3d day of March, 1826, [dagger] up to the 4th of March 1828 - the sum of twenty dollars
per month, amounting to four hundred & eighty dollars -- paid me by
the agent, for paying pensioners in the State of Vermont
Witness my hand, this Eighteenth day of June in
the year 1828
[signature] Josiah Abbot


Before me, [double dagger] Saml. Ingalls a Justice of the Peace
in the County of Essex, in the State of Vermont
- James Steele Josiah Abbot, personally appeared, this day,
- Mills De Forest and
- Hayes Denisen, of the said county, who did severally
make oath that the sd. Josiah Abbot
[illegible] by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to
have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this twenty first day of June
in the year Eighteen hundred twenty eight
[signature] Saml. Ingalls Justice of the Peace

I, William Gates, Clerk of the Court
of the county of Essex, in the State of
Vermont, do hereby certify, that
Samuel Ingalls Esqr, before whom
the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a [double dagger] Justice of the
Peace, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the
said Court, this twenty second day of
June AD. 1828
[signature] Wm. Gates Clerk
[seal] [illegible]

*Here insert, To the end of the war, or, (as the case may be,) to the time when the arrangement of the Army
 provided by the resolves of Congress of the 3d and 21st of October, 1780, was carried into effect; and that I was
reduced under that arrangement.
[daggar] Here insert, The sum of     dollars, paid to me by the agent for paying pensions in the State
of       . If the claimant has not been a pensioner, this part of the declaration
may be omitted.
[double dagger] A Justice of the Peace, or other magistrate duly empowered to administer oaths, as the case may be.

NB. My Commission is on the files
in the War department
Page 105

[ A. ]
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Officers.
For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act, entitled ""An act for the relief of
certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved on the
15th of May, 1828, 1, Josiah Abbot of
Lemington, in the county of Essex,
in the State of Vermont
do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution,
and served as such* to the close of the year 1783. that I was
Subaltern Officer in the Massachusetts line, and of no higher grade.
at which period the Regiment was disbanded first in the 10th and then
transferd to 2d regiment of the Massachusetts line.
And I also declare, that I afterwards received certificates (commonly called commutation
certificates) for a sum equal to the amount of five years' full pay; which sum
was offered by the resolve of Congress, of the 22d of March, 1783, instead of the half
pay for life, to which I was entitled under the resolve of the 21st of October, 1780.
And I do further declare, that I have received of the United States as a pensioner
since the 3d day of March, 1826, [dagger] up to the 4th of March 1828 - the sum of twenty dollars
per month, amounting to four hundred & eighty dollars -- paid me by
the agent, for paying pensioners in the State of Vermont
Witness my hand, this Eighteenth day of June in
the year 1828
[signature] Josiah Abbot

Before me, [double dagger] Saml. Ingalls a Justice of the Peace
in the County of Essex, in the State of Vermont
- James Steele Josiah Abbot, personally appeared, this day,
- Mills De Forest and
- Hayes Denisen, of the said county, who did severally
make oath that the sd. Josiah Abbot
[illegible] by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed and believed to
have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.
Witness my hand, this twenty first day of June
in the year Eighteen hundred twenty eight
[signature] Saml. Ingalls Justice of the Peace

I, William Gates, Clerk of the Court
of the county of Essex, in the State of
Vermont, do hereby certify, that
Samuel Ingalls Esqr, before whom
the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was, at the time, a [double dagger] Justice of the
Peace, and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the
said Court, this twenty second day of
June AD. 1828
[signature] Wm. Gates Clerk
[seal] [illegible]

NB. My Commission is on the files
in the War department
Page 106

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
1001 ½
TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
August 14 1828.
Josiah Abbot. of Lemington. in the County of
Essex, in the State of Vermont has applied to the Secretary
of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled ""An Act for the relief of certain surviving
officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution,” approved on the 15th of May, 1828.
He states that he was as an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end
of the war
at which period he was an Ensign  - in the 2d. (Col Tupper's) regiment of the Massachusetts
line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve
of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March,
1826, 480, dollars, paid to him by the agent
in the State of Vermont
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated
by the records in his office.
By order of the Secretary,
[signature] A Jinkins

18370

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Augt. 19 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for
the commutation of five years full pay to Ensign Josiah Abbot in
the Massts line, amounting to Twelve hundred dollars.
It further appears that Josiah Abbot is now on the pension
list of the Vermont agency, and has been since the 3d. March
1826 at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month.
[signature] Peter Hagner Aud
Page 107

Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and
Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution,” approved 15th May, 1828.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
22d August 1828.
SIR:
I have the honor to inform you that Josiah Abbot,
formerly an Ensign in Col Tupper's Regiment of the
Massachusetts line of the Continental Army; and who has heretofore received a
pension at the Vermont, agency, has been admitted
to the benefits of the abovementioned act.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
[signature] Richard Rach

The Hon. the Secretary of War.
No 86.

Sep 1819
Page 108

1237
Anna Abbot
Wid of Jonah
N.H. [strikethrough] Vert
Act 7 July 1828
Married 1790
Died 1837
Allow $240 per ann
from 16 Feby 1837

Ira Young Esq
Colebrook
NH

1680
Page 109

1237
Anna Abbot
Wid of Jonah
N.H. [strikethrough] Vert
Act 7 July 1828
Married 1790
Died 1837
Allow $240 per ann
from 16 Feby 1837

Ira Young Esq
Colebrook
NH

1680
Page 110

State of Vermont Essex County Ss
On this third day of September A.D. 1838
personally appeared before me Archelaus Cummings
Esquire, one of the Judges of the County Court in
and for the County of Essex & State of Vermont,
Stephen Harris Junior a resident of Lemington in
the County of Essex aforesaid being first duly
sworn according to law, testifies and says, that
Josiah Abbott late of said Lemington, who was a
Pensioner under the United States law whom
Certificate is annexed to the declaration of
Anna Abbott to which this is annexed died
at said Lemington on the 15th day of February
A.D. 1837; and that the said Anna Abbott
is the widow of the identical Josiah Abbott
to whom said Certificate was granted --
[signature] Stephen Harris jr
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written. Before me and I certify that
Page 111

the said Stephen Harrison is credible person
Archs. Cumings
One of the
Judges of the County Court
Essex County, Vermont
Page 112

State of Vermont
Essex County SS
I William Gates Clerk
of the County Court in
and for the County of Essex aforesaid
do hereby certify that Archs Cumings
before whom the within declaration
of Anna Abbott was taken & sworn
and also the affidavit of Stephen
Harris Jr is and was on the day of
the date of the several certificates by
him subscribed a Judge of the County
Court in and for said County of Essex
and I verily believe his signature
subscribed to said several certificates
is genuine --
In witness whereof I have
here unto subscribed
my name and affixed
the seal of said County
this 10th day of September
AD 1838
[signature] Wm Gates Clerk
[seal] [illegible]
Page 113

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Essex, ss.
I, JOHN PRINCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and
for the County of Essex, do certify, that
M. Newman Esq is a Justice of the Peace
within and for said County, and that his
signature hereon is genuine.
WITNESS MY HAND, and the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas,
August 23d. A.D. 1838.
[signature] John Prince
Clerk
Page 114

Department of State,
Washington, May 29th 1847.
James S Edwards, Esq Comr of Pensions
Sir
In compliance with your request I have
caused the Washington Papers to be examined "for
evidence of the service of Josiah Abbot as Ensign, Quarter
master, and Adjutant, of the 10th and (after the consolidation
of 1782) of the 2d Massachusetts' Regiment," and
have to report as follows:
In a paper purporting to be an "arrangement of
the Massachusetts' Line in Eight Regiments on the
principle of seniority - Nov 4. 1782," Josiah Abbot is
reported as an Ensign of the 7th Regt., and
In three Returns of the 2d Massachusetts' Regiment
one without date or signature, one dated 16th
April 1783, and one dated 12th June 1783, the said
Josiah Abbot is also reported as an Ensign.
No evidence of the staff service of said Abbot has been
discovered.  I am Sir, very respectfully,
Your Obt Sevt.
[signature] James Buchanan
Page 115

Washington March 20th 1848
Sir,
Enclosed you will find
the application of the heirs of Mrs
Anna Abbott for arrears of pension
under Act July 7th 1838.
Respectfully requesting an
early answer
I am Very Respy
Yr. Mo. Obt. Svt.
[signature] [Illegible] Addison
Page 116

Washington May 4th 1847
Dr. Sir
Enclosed you will find the application of
the heirs of Josiah Abbott decd.
Mr. Abbott was a pensioner under the act
of 1828, at $240 pr. an. for his services as Ensign, & the
children now claim an increase under the act of
1830,to $400 pr. an & a similar increase under the
act of 1838, (under which act their mother was a
pensioner) for Mr. Abbotts joint services as Ensign
Qr. Master & Adjutant. For proof of his staff
service, if the rolls in your office or not furnish it, I
would respectfully refer you to the "Washington papers."
I am Yr. mo. obt. svt.
[signature] D. D. Addison

James S. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 117

State of Connecticut.
By his Excellency HENRY DUTTON, Governor of said State.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That Wilson H Clark was
at the time of subscribing the within
attestation and now is a Notary Public,
in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his
acts and attestations as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given
in and out of Court, that the within attestation is in due form and by
the proper office; and that I believe the signature of said
Wilson H. Clark thereto to be genuine.
[seal] [illegible]
[signature] Henry Dutton
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed
this 28th day of November A.D. 1854, and in the seventy eighth [strikethrough] ninth year of 
the Independence of the United States of America.

By His Excellency the Governor,
[signature] O H Perry    Secretary of State
Page 118

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE. [underlined] 1-681 PHONE Branch 476 [underlined]
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 24866 - P
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137
July 5, 1928.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension     Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of [illegible] pages from Rev. War
pension of Josiah Abbot, W. 20554.
No. of copies 1 of each   Shall form be kept standing?   ____ ____ days
For further information see Mrs. Finch 8033 541
Room No. Phone No.
Approved:
A.D. Wilkinson    Mrs. Finch
Chief Clerk of Bureau   Chief of Branch or Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering


[stamp] DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS
SEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED
JUL 5 - 1928

CHECK WORK DESIRED [underlined]
Duplicate
Multigraph   single or double space?   Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph   one side or both sides?   Facsimile signature?
Folding     once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling    Once?  Twice?  Side?  End?
Electric typewriter   Fill in addresses?    Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size    |    |    |     Cards, size    |    |
Proof list    |    |    |     Pay rolls    |    |    |     
Labels (submit sample)    |    |    |     Corrections    |    |    |     
Fill in letters    |    |    |     Tabulation sheets    |    |    |     

Photostat x      Size actual    Official use?     Repay? yes  $.75
Blue Print         Size               Official use?     Repay?
Remarks
(OVER)

See receipt in Wm Aaron W.10287
Page 119

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE. [underlined] 1-681 PHONE Branch 476 [underlined]
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 24866 - P
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137
July 5, 1928.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE,
EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of [illegible] pages from Rev. War
pension of Josiah Abbot, W. 20554.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? ____ ____ days
For further information see Mrs. Finch 8033 541
Room No. Phone No.
Approved:
A.D. Wilkinson Mrs. Finch
Chief Clerk of Bureau Chief of Branch or Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written
below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering


[stamp] DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS
SEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED
JUL 5 - 1928

CHECK WORK DESIRED [underlined]
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size | | | Cards, size | |
Proof list | | | Pay rolls | | |
Labels (submit sample) | | | Corrections | | |
Fill in letters | | | Tabulation sheets | | |

Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $.75
Blue Print Size Official use? Repay?
Remarks
(OVER)

See receipt in Wm Aaron W.10287
Page 120

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.
     192   .
( Date )
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
[bracketed]
|   |  Make new addressograph plate
|   |  Change present addressograph plate
|   |  Destroy present addressograph plate
On list ____
as follows:
Now Reads    1 ____
2 ____
3 ____
4 ____
5 ____
Should read    1 ____
2 ____
3 ____
4 ____
5 ____

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH [underlined]
The above change was made   192   .
Operator

MULTIGRAPH [underlined]
Operator ____    Date ____    Type set by ____     Date ____
Remarks: ____

MIMEOGRAPH [underlined]
Operator ____    Date ____      Cut by ____
Remarks: ____
Page 121

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAN-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Name Abbot, Levi
Grade Private
Line Maryland
WARRANT NUMBER 1093 ACREAGE  100   ISSUED August 12, 1795
to Francis Sherrard,
assignee
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.