Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22,587, James Whidden, N.H.
Page 1

N.H 

Whidden, James

S. 22.587
Page 2

31,792
New-Hampshire
James Whidden
of Rockingham, in the State of N.H. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Leavitt of the regiment commanded by Col. Drake in the N.H. line for 10 months and 21 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Portsmouth, N.H. at the rate of 34 Dollars and 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of September, 1840 and sent to David Murray, Newmarket, N.H.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1840 - - - -  - - - $328.23
Semi-annual allowance ending 4,Mar.1841 - $17.27
[total] $345.50

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7,1832.}

Recorded by Wm W. Edwards Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 1 Page 129

[right side of page] 
New certificate issued 26, Sep. 1840
& sent & sent [sic] to David Murray, Esq.
New Market, N.H.
Let to same Oct 7, 1840.
Page 3

James Whidden
10, 246
N H
June of 1832

on Roll Capt Folson's Co. for 26 days sum only
on Role Capt Leavitts for  3 Mos. & 8 days
4 Mo. & 6 days only

Secy & witness - 6 mos 15 dys 

1833
Admd
10 mo. 21 days pri

34 55/100

David Murray
New Market
N H
Page 4

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832

State of New Hampshire
County of Coos ss -- 
On this fifth day of September 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, now sitting James Whidden a resident of Lancaster in the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire aged 73 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, & served as herein stated.  In the year 1777 he enlisted for six months in Captain Moses Leavitts Company, the Lieutenant of which he thinks was Page, Mark Wiggin Major, in Col Drakes Regiment in New Hampshire Militia.  He enlisted in June & set out on his march about the first of July 1777 for Saratoga to Join the Army of Gen. Gates. They marched through Exeter N.H. to Bennington Vermont where they arrived the day after Starks battle at that place, & thence to Stillwater New York, where they joined the Army Commanded by Gen. Gates.  Soon after so joining the army he was ordered out with the regiment to which he belonged to a battle which then took place with the British under Gen. Burgoine [Burgoyne], who soon after retreated & he was present at his surrender near the mouth of Fish Creek of himself & his army.  He was thence marched to Albany & afterwards to Fishkill & thence to Greenland N.H., his then place of residence.  In the next year 1778 he went as a volunteer in the N. Hampshire troops to Rhode Island, in the Company of Capt Folsome, the whole under the command of Genl Sullivan, & was present at the time of Sullivans defeat & near the house were John S. Shurburnes leg was shot off.  The first time he served five or six months & the last, about three, in all nine or ten months, to the best of his recollection. In 1823 he removed from Greenland to Lancaster aforesaid, where he has ever since resided.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
[signed] James Whidden
Sworn to & subscribed the 5th day of September A.D. 1832
[signed] Benj Hunking  Judge Probate

We John W. Weeks residing in Lancaster N.H. & A.N. Brackett residing in said Lancaster hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with James Whidden, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood were he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the 5th day of Sept 1832
[signed] J.W. Weeks  A.N. Brackett
Benj Hunking Judge Probate 

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogations
[end of page]
Page 5

prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states.
And the Court certifies that it appears to them that John W. Weeks, who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the Town Lancaster & that A.N. Brackett, who has also signed the same is a resident in the same & are credible persons, & that their statement is entitled to credit
[signed] Benjn Hunking Judge Probate

I, Jared W. Williams Register of the Court of Probate for Coos County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of James Whidden of said Lancaster for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court, this fifth day of September A.D. 1832
[signed] Jared Williams Register of  Probate

A true Copy of Record
attest [signed] Jared Williams Register Probate
Page 6

22587
INVALID.
[along side]  Revolution

File No. 22,587

James Whidden

Pri.  Rev War

Act: June 7th 32

Index:--Vol. 2, Page 447

[in brackets] Arrangement of 1870
Page 7

New Hampshire
Rejected   Jany 1839
[?] Let to Hon J. W. Weeks  HR

[?] Hon. I. Fry Jr. March 19 '38 -- letter in cl. 59280 -Jno Black

1938 Hon H Hubbard
March 5 1840.
to Hon. J. W. Williams May 1,'40.
Page 8

New Market NH
Sept 22d

James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

[written across address]
Sept 28 1840
James Whidden
Resides in Rockingham Co 
Issue a new cert. payable at Portsmouth
Page 9

[stamp]
WASHINGTON DC
SEP 17

J L Edwards
Commissr of Pensi[ons]

David Murray Esq
New Market
N. Hampsh[ire]
Page 10

10,246

James Whidden

let to Mr Geo. P. Edney 17 July 1840.
& to D Murray 31 July 1840


June 7. 1832
Page 11

I Saml. Philbrook of Lancaster in the County of Coos & State of Newhampshire Testify & say that in the year 1777 James Whidden then of Greenland in the County Rockingham & State aforesaid now of said Lancaster set out with me from said Greenland to go to Saratoga to join the Army under Gen Gates. We both marched in one day about the first of July if I mistake not though we did not belong to the same Company, but to the same Regiment, that of Col Drake, the Major of which was Mark Wiggin, I think we were engaged for five or six months & was at the Battle of Saratoga in September & that we were at the surrender of Burgoyne.  I left the army about the last of December [.]  while in the army I often saw said Whidden as we were near neighbours before our march
[signed] Saml Philbrook

State of N. Hampshire
Coos ss.  Sept 5th 1832 Sworn to in Court
[signed] B Hunting Judge Probate
Page 12

State of New Hampshire   Coos ss,
I Saml L. Whidden of lawful age testify & say that I have heard said Whidden often say that he was out at the taking of Burgoyne & at Sulavan's [Sullivan's] defeat at Rhode Island & I have often heard others say the same in years past.  And further deponant saith not
[signed] Sam L. Whidden

State of New Hampshire
Coos ss. Sept 4th 1832 Sworn to in Court
[signed] B Hunting Judge Probate
Page 13

Miss Wilson says to leave the enclosed roll in case as it does not contain the names of any of the company officers.

L.H.
 Oct 7 1910
Page 14

[Newmarket?] Sept 22 1840
Dear Sir
Mr  Whidden resides within about four miles of Portsmouth, consequently, it would be much more convenient for him to receive his pension at that place, if agreeable you
Respectfully your obt Svt
[signed]  David Murray



James L Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington
D C
Page 15

Pension Office
May 1. 1840
Sir
I have received the additional proof in support of the claim of James Whidden, and have placed it on file with his papers. There can be no mistake in relation to the service of said Whidden in 1777, and at R.I. in 1778.  he was paid for the first for 3 mos: and 8 days, and for the last, for 26 days. This is all the service or only tours that he himself ever claimed for. A roll is now furnished bearing the name of James Whidden, by which it appears he was engaged to serve from 2d Decr 1775 to 1st January 1776, unless sooner discharged. The company was commanded by Capt Greenleaf Clark, whose commission was signed by the Chairman of the Committee of Safety of N.H. Decr 6. 1775. The Service therefore was only of 28 days duration, and which if added to that already shown by the rolls, would make 5 mos: and 2 days only. I have no doubt that the James Whidden on this roll
[end of page]
Page 16

[page 2]

was some person other than the claimant. He
would not have forgotten this service, had he
performed it, especially since he had not for 6
or 7 years been able to prove 6 months in all.
The claim cannot be allowed,

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
[signed] J.L. Edwards


Hon: Jared W. Williams
House of Representatives.
Page 17

New Market N H
Oct 3d
Free

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington
D C

[written along left side]
Oct 6 '40
Jas Whidden
N H [?]
Page 18

NewMarket N.H. Oct 23, 1840
Dear Sir I have read the certificate of James Whidden endorsed payable by I Waldren Portsmouth; first payment to be made 4th of March next: And I now write to request the favor of you, that it may be paid now. This poor old man has been 7 or 8 years in establishing his claim and he now stands greatly in need of the money to make him comfortable through the winter.  I have seen M. Waldren on the subject, and he is perfectly willing to pay what is due to Sept 4 of you will allow him so do.  If you will be so kind as & allow Mr Waldren to pay it if he chooses, you will confer a great favor on a poor old soldier, and much oblige. Your obt Sevt
[signed] David Murray


James L Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 19

Payment to be made at Concord, N.H. 
by George Minot, Esqr
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of N. Hampshire

Payment to be made on the 4th March and the 4th of September

Recorded in the Pension Office, in
Book E Vol. 1 Page 129 
by  Wm W. Edwards  Clerk.
Page 20

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,  who was a Private in the Revolution is entitled to receive thirty four dollars and fifty five cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year

Given at the War Office of the United States this sixteenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty.


Examined and
Countersigned.}
Page 21

Letter
Page 22

Newmarket N H Sep. 2. 1840
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is additional proof in support of the claim of James Whidden. I would respectfully refer you Richard Eld Esqr for information (if deemed necessary) in regard to the intelligence and credibility of Ensign Starbird.  Please communicate the result of the examination to the subscriber
I am very respectfully
your obt Servt
[signed] David Murray


James L Edwards Es
Com of Pensions

1777 - 3 to 8d - Capt
  '78 -  - - -26
,,'80 -  -6"  15"
[total]  10 mo 19 days
Page 23

New Market N H  July 24th

Free

James L. Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pensions
Washington
D C

[written along left side]
July 28, 1840
NH.
Add. proof
James Whidden
Page 24

New Market N H July 24, 1840
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is the application of James Whidden for a pension under the Act of June 7 1832. It appears by your letter to Hon J W  Williams that said Whidden made an application while living at Lancaster in which he claimed for about 4 months only.  He now states that he served about seven months at Portsmouth in 1780. Notwithstanding you have had a  good deal of trouble in this case, I would now ask the favour of you to examine the roll of Lt Pipers Company for the purpose of ascertaining said service
I am very respectfully
your obt. Sent
[signed] David Murray


James L Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington
D C
Page 25

Newmarket N H
Sept 7th
Free

James L. Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington
D C

[written along left side]
Sept 10, 1840
N H
Page 26

Pension Office
July 31. 1840
Sir, The claim of James Whidden for services as a guard to the Ship building at or near Portsmouth in 1780, under Lieut. Samuel Piper cannot be allowed unless substantiated by documentary proof.
It is believed, and no doubt correct that the guard, so called, was merely a service under a civil contract with the late Governer Langdon under whose superintendence said ship was built. If it was military service, why did Whidden omit to claim for it in his former declaration, as it constituted a period of nearly double the service then alleged.
The widow of Samuel Piper has now a claim pending before this office for the same service, but as yet has not been able to furnish any satisfactory proof in support of it.
If this service was of a military character, that fact can be shown by an examination of the files of the Committee of Safety now in the office of the Secretary of State at
[end of page]
Page 27

Concord.  Certain it is that no rolls of such service are to be found among the rolls of the N. Hampshire service in this office

I am respectfully
Your Obt. Sevt.
[signed] J L Edwards



David Murray, Esqr
New Market
N. Hampshire
Page 28


New Market, New Hampshire September 7th 1840
Dear Sir
In forwarding additional evidence in the case of Mr Whidden, I neglected to return this letter which I take the opportunity to do. You will perceive by the deposition of Ensign Starbird that George Hunt late of Newington and was a pensioner for the same service claimed at Badgers Island by Mr Whidden: and yesterday (4th) I was at Mr Wald[?] office and learned that his (Hunts) widow was on the 5 years list. The circum[stance] that Mr Whidden did not claim in his first  declaration for the 7 months  at Badgers Island is [counted?] against him; but Dr. George P Edney of Greenland informs me that he wrote you through Honorable Tristran Shaw an explanatory letter which I hope will prove satisfactory
I am very Respectfully
your most obedient Servant
David Murray



James L. Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Washington D C
Page 29

John Starbird
[dep?]
Page 30

I John Starbird of Durham, County Strafford and State of New Hampshire, aged Eighty five years, depose and say, that I am a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of March 18 1818 at the rate of 240$ pr annum; that I served in said Revolution as follows, to wit; Seven months as a private from the last of May 1775 under Capt Winborn Adams in Col. Enoch Poors Regt: Also about four months as a Sergeant from April 1776 at New Castle under Capt Caleb Hodgdon in Col David Gilmans Regt, also one year, as an Ensign from August 1776 under Captain Abraham Parkins in Col Peirce Longs Regiment - Also about seven months as an Ensign under Lt Samuel Piper of Stratham, at Badger Island (so called), near Portsmouth New Hampshire from June 1780.  Said company was under the Military authority of Col. Joshua Wentworth of Portsmouth, and was stationed there for the purpose guarding the 74 Gun Ship called the America, I think, which was built by the United States and given to the French.
I furthjer depose and say that I had an Ensign Commission for that service signed by Hon Mesech Ware President, and that said Piper, (as he then said) ] had been a Lt in the Rhode Island Service in 1779. I further depose and say that the late Gov. Langdon had no controll over  the officers or men of said company whatever
[end of page]
Page 31

[page 2]
I further depose and say that I enlisted men for that service, one of which was William Applebee of Durham who is now a pensioner and that was the only service he ever performed in the Revolution.  I am not positive that the service was seven months; but I am positive that it was not less than six and half months commencing the first of June, and ending towards the last of December 1780. I further depose and say James Whidden then of Greenland and now Newington, County of Rockingham was a private in said Company, and served during the whole term. That I have this 12th day of August had a personal conversation with said Whidden, and testify that he is the Identical person that served in said company as aforesaid.  I further depose and say, that said Company was passed muster by Mr.--- Gains in Portsmouth near the Court House. I further depose and say that said company was ordered to Fort Washington a little below Portsmouth, there we remained about 3 weeks before we were discharged.  I further depose and say that George Hunt late said Newington and was a private in said company and was pensioned for that service
[signed] John Starbird

State of New Hampshire- Durham August 12th 1840
Subscribed and sworn to before me 
[signed] David Murray Notary Public
Page 32

I certify that the word Hampden was erased and the word America inserted in line thereof by the direction of these affiant
[signed] David Murray Notary Public

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham SS
I John Kelly, Register of the Court of Probate  for said County of Rockingham do hereby certify that David Murray Esq is an acting Notary Public in and for the State of New Hampshire duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the twenty fourth day of June 1839 and will expire on the twenty third day of June 1844, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court of Probate this first day of September AD 1840
[signed] John Kelly  Register of Probate
Page 33


State of New Hampshire
Rockingham County ss   On this fourteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty, before the Subscriber Judge of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Rockingham, personally appeared James Whidden a resident of Newington in said County of Rockingham aged Eighty years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832. That he served in the Revolution as a private from Greenland in said County of Rockingham as follows. [crossed out: Twenty Eight days in the fall of the year 1775 under Capt Greenleaf Clark of Greenland]
Also, three months & 8 days un[der] Capt Moses Leavitt of Northampton at Saratoga
Also twenty six days at Rhode Island in 1778 under Capt John Folsom
Also seven months in the year 1780 on an Ilsand [island] in Portsmouth Harbor in a company commanded by Lieut Saml Piper, of which company John Starbird of Durham was Ensign [.]  Said company was stationed in said Island for the purpose
[end of page]
Page 34

of guarding a 74 gun ship and other vessels then building by the United States.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.
[signed] James Whidden

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written Before
[signed]  John Sullivan  Judge of Probate

State of New Hampshire 
Rockingham ss } 
The foregoing Declaration was made subscribed and sworn to before me at Newington in said County on this 14th day of July 1840, because the said James Whidden by reason of age and bodily infirmity is not (as I hereby certify) able to attend the Court
[signed] John Sullivan  Judge of Probate

I John Kelly Register of the Court of Probate for said County of Rockingham do hereby certify that the Hon John Sullivan is the Judge of said Court; that the foregoing signatures purporting to be this are genuine, in
[end of page]
Page 35


his own proper hand writing and that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said Judge in the matter of the application of James Whidden for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Court of Probate for said County of Rockingham this fourteenth day of July AD 1840
[signed] John Kelly  Register of Probate
Page 36

Greenland

James Whidden

1777  6 mos  Leavitt
3-8
Col Drake on roll

1778  3 [illegible]
=26 - - -on roll
______
4.04
  28
______
 5 = 2
Page 37

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secy of War
Washington D.C
Page 38

Lancaster N.H. Sep 14 1832-
Hon Lewis Cass, Secy of War,
Sir, I have been requested to forward the enclosed application of Capt James Whidden for a pension.
I have elsewhere certified his character, for many years have know him to be a one of the most devoted friends of our Country, an honest & truth telling Man.
With very high respect & am Sir, your Obt Sert 
[signed] J. W. Weeks
Page 39

[upside down:] 22587


Hon. Jared W. Williams
H R
Page 40


The Committee of Safety of the Colony of NEW HAMPSHIRE.
22587
To David Simson  Gentleman
GREETING.
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your courage and good Conduct do, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you the said David Simson to be First Lieutenant of the Company raised in said Colony for the Continental Service of which Greenleaf Clark is Captain
You are, therefore, carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a first Lieutenant in leading, ordering, and exercising the said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good order and Discipline; and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their first Lieutenant, and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall, from Time to Time, receive from the General and Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces, or any other your superior Officers, according to military Rules and Discipline in War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you.
[signed]  Matthew Thomson Chairm
Exeter, the Sixth Day of December A. D. 1775.
Page 41

1st Lieut Capt Greent Clarks Co
Page 42

I David Simpson of Greenland in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, aged sixty three years testify and say:- That my father David Simpson was a Lieut. in the Revolutionary Army:- That the annexed Commission was his:- That my father died in 1806. That my mother also died 3d Augt 1833- That the annexed original enlistment I have found with my late father's papers: upon it is the name of James Whidden: it is dated Decr 2d 1775, and it appears from the true tenor of it, to have been intended for one year: I have often heard my father say that he served at Cambridge until the British evacuated Boston, when he was taken sick and brot home in March 1776: so that it appears that my father served about three months under this intended enlistment how much longer, if any, the men remained, I cannot say.  That I have often heard my father say that he was with his said Company at Rhode Island, and on the Pickett Guard, when Gen: Sullivan retreated from thence, but how long this service lasted or whether said James Whidden in particular was there I do not know, that I ever heard him state.
[signed] David Simpson

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham County ⎬ ss  Portsmouth the 25th day of January 1840.
Then David Simpson, personally appearing, subscribed and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit. I also certify [th]is affiant is, in my opinion, a credible and respectable witness.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal the day, month and year last afore written
]signed] Wm B. Parker, Not. Public
Page 43

Portsmouth August 22. 1780
To Bickford comy Sir please to deliver provision for sixteen men belonging to my Company three days  [signed] Saml Piper

Portsmouth 22. 1780
To Comy Bickford
Sir please to deliver allowance for eighteen men for four days belonging to Lieut. Pipers
Company
[signed] John Starbird  Ensign

Oct 17th 1780
to Comy Bickford
Sir please to deliver three days allowance to nineteen men belonging to Lieut Pipers Company
[signed] E. W. Emerson [?] Sergt

Nov 7th 1780
to Comy Bickford Sir please to deliver two days allowance for nineteen men belonging to Lieut. Pipers Company
[signed] E.W. Anderson [?] Sergt

State of New Hampshire
Office of Sec of State August 24th 1840
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of the original [records] now on file in this office-- In testimony  whereof I have affixed the Seal of said State
[signed] Josiah Stevens
Secy of State
Page 44

Thursday June 22, 1780
Report of Committee to apportion the men to be raised.
We have likewise apportioned sixty men to be raised for
the defense of Piscataqua Harbour to the five lower Regiments to be put into one Company, and one hundred and twenty men to be put into two companies for the defense of our western frontiers we have apportioned to the other thirteen regiments, agreeable to the schedule herewith exhibited.
That each company be officered with one Captain one Lieutenant and one Ensign to be appointed as shall be ordered by the General Court and to continue untill the last day of December next unless sooner discharged

Saturday June 24, 1780
Voted that Capt Ezekiel Gile be Captain of the company of sixty men to be stationed at and near Portsmouth, that Samuel Piper be Lieutenant and John Starbird be Ensign of the said Company and that they be Commissioned  accordingly

Wednesday December 27, 1780
Voted that the Pay Roll of Lieut Samuel Piper's Company raised 
for the defense of Piscataqua Harbour amounting to three hundred pounds twelve shillings and eight hence in Bills of the New Emission be allowed paid out of the Treasury by order of the President to ye said Piper, he
[end of page]
Page 45

giving [seventy?] in common form.

State of New Hampshire
Office of Secretary of State
August 23d, 1840
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true Extracts from the Journals of the House of Representatives at their June & December Sessions AD 1780 as taken from the original Records now in this office.
In testimony whereof I have caused the Seal of said State to be hereunto affixed
[signed] Josiah Stevens Jr
Secretary of State
Page 46

Walter Philbrook's affidavit
1837.



Hon. Jared W. Williams
H R
Page 47

I Walter Philbrook of Lancaster in the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire, aged 73 years, testify & say that I removed from the town of Greenrland in said State, or its neighborhood in the year 1788, that while I resided there I was well acquainted with James Whidden, & have been since he lived in Lancaster, that during the war of the revolution, I know of his going from Greenland as a soldier, to the war, & that it was when that part of the Country was invaded by the British under General Burgoyne, that the country was alarmed generally, & preparation was made in the part of the Country where I then lived to resist the enemy, that sol. then were enlisted, & among others James Whidden was one some time in the early part of the summer, the exact time I cannot recollect, that the said Whidden set out on his march from Greenland, & joined the army under Genl Gates as I verily believe & assisted in the capture of General Burgoyne, & the said Whidden did not return till sometime after cold weather commenced in the fall or winter following.  How long he was absent I do not know; but am positive that he did not return till after the snow fell.
I also further testify that in the following year the said Whidden went to Rhode Island in the expedition under General Sullivan, as I understand & verily believe, but how long he was there, it is out of my power to tell, as I did not see him go or return.
July 31. 1837.  [signed] Walter Philbrook

State of New Hampshire Coos ss. July 31. 1837.
Sworn & Subscribed to before me
[signed] Adine N. Brackett, Jus. Peace
I certify that the above named Walter Philbrook is a credible witness.
[signed] A..N. Brackett, Jus. Peace
Page 48

Samuel Philbrook's
Affidavit
1837


Hon. Jared W. Williams
H R
Page 49

I Samuel Philbrook of Lancaster in the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire aged 81 testify & say, that I was acquainted with James Whidden, now of Lancaster aforesaid, during the revolutionary war, that we both lived in the town of Greenland in  said State, that according to the best of my recollection we both set out together from  the latter town, sometime in the month of August 1777. to assist the American Army in the capture of General Burgoyne.  That I did not belong to the same company that James Whidden did, but to the same regiment that of Col Drake. That I saw said Whidden  both on the way to & after he joined the army, but we did not return together, he having been ordered further down the river Hudson, than Albany after the surrender of Burgoyne's army, as I understood & verily believe.  I further testify that I did not get back to Greenland till late in the fall or the first of the winter following the said month of August 1777.
I also testify that I have always understood & verily believe that said James Whidden was at Rhode Island under General
[end of page]
Page 50

Sullivan.  It was so said at the time, but as I did not go out in that expedition & was only a soldier during the war I am unable to testify as to his actual service from personal knowledge. But I have always been acquainted with the said James Whidden from his youth upward, & believe him to be patriotic & a man of truth.
Lancaster, August 23d 1837.  [signed] Saml. Philbrook

State of New Hampshire Coos ss. August 23d 1837.
Sworn & subscribed to before me
[signed] Adine N. Brackett,  Jus. Peace

I certify that the above named Samuel Philbrook is  a credible witness
[signed] Adine N. Brackett Jus. Peace
Page 51

James Whidden's
Affidavit
Page 52

I Walter Philbrook of Lancaster in the State of New Hampshire Testify & say that I have been acquainted with James Whidden now of Lancaster in said State, late of Greenland in the County of Rockingham for more than fifty years. That he was always reputed a man of truth.  That I knew of his going to Rhode Island under Gen Sullivan, or rather of his starting for that place in the year 1778, according to the best of my recollection.  I have often heard from said Whidden & others that he was engaged in the campaign which [resulted?] in the capture of Burgoyne in the year 1777, & I have every reason to believe that he was so engaged.
[signed] Walter Philbrook

State of New Hampshire
Coos ss  Sept 5th 1832 Sworn to in Court
[signed] B Hunking Judge
Page 53

[along left side]
July 16 1840
Mr [Syl?]
John [Thane?] Att


Hon J. L. Edwards
Pension Office
Washington D, C.



[upside down]
James Whidden
Page 54


Greenland New Hampshire July 11th 1840
Hon. Sir & Worthy Commissioner
Your letter of 1st May last addressed to Hon. Jared W. Williams of the House of Representatives from N.H. has been handed me. I have read it & I respectfully Entreat you to exercise a degree of patience Sufficient to read this.  I say Patience, Sir, for I am apprehensive that the case about which I write has hitherto been one that has Drawn largely upon your patience.  But I feel confident that now or Soon it will assume a different appearance.
In your aforesaid letter in relation to James Whidden of N.H. I read as follows "There can be no mistake in relation to the service of said Whidden in 1777 & at R.I. in 1778: he was paid for the first for 3 mos & 8 days & for the last for 26 days" & then I was Surprised to read as follows "This is all the service or only tours that he himself has ever claimed for"  I say surprised Sir for it has always been understood here ever since the Revolutionary war that he was a Revolutionary soldier during the greater part of the said war. It is what the Revolutionary Soldiers in Region have always been in the habit of telling about.  His constantly Zealous Patriotism in that war & his Genuine Goodness without the refinements of Education gained for him the Friendship of Governor Langdon & Judge Shurburn (John Langdon & John S. Shurburn noted in the Revolution).  Govr Langdon as a token of his regard for Whidden lent him a Choice Silver-mounted Musket during the late war with Great Britain.  Whidden then being Captain of the Alarm-List.
Tho these things prove nothing to you Sir yet these accompanied with other facts with which we are well acquainted but with which I will not trouble you lead me to believe that there is proof Somewheres that will satisfy you beyond all manner of doubt that the claimant is entitled to a Good Pension.  Whidden being Debilitated in Body & mind & being reduced to poverty I am about instituting at my own Expense Enquiries & Search after proof as there has never been any adequate Enquiries made for him.
The said Whidden & his son (an only child) were always Ignorant, & tho the Claimant was many times Elected Representative from this town to the General Court of N.H it was not because he was ever a man of much knowledge.
For about nineteen years past his mental abilities have diminished very much.  About nineteen years ago he who in Benevolence had been excelled by But few was sunk down into very Reduced pecuniary circumstances. Then his mental abilities diminished Rapidly & for years have been very small
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This Claimant is such a man that he more probably -- almost certainly would follow the advise of five or six Ignorant men whom he believes to be his friends rather than the advice of two or three Learned men who know what is Best to be done.  He has been in the habit of doing so.
Unto this very day the said Whidden has no more correct Knowledge of the Provisions of the Pension Laws than I have of the Vegitables that grow upon the Land in the moon.  He never read the Pension-Laws in his life but has heretofore relied upon the unfounded opinions of Ignorant men.
He was told that the Laws of the United States were such that if he claimed for more time than he could prove he could then get nothing for even what he did prove.  He believed it & was very cautious. He was poor & never used adequate means to obtain Proof.
He was told that if he sent on his application or Claim by a member of Congress he would be more likely to get the Pension because a member of Congress had great influence in such matters. This he believed also.
He was told that if he sent a petition signed by many Citizens of Lancaster the town where he resided then that would have great influence & that, if the Petition set forth that he was very Patriotic & Democratic it would have much greater influence.  This also he readily believed
He also was told by persons whom he thought to be very wise that if he claimed for part of the time First & proved that claim he would get a Pension for that part & then he could claim for the other part afterwards & would be more likely to get the Pension part at a time than if he claimed for the whole at Once.  This he believed also & he & his Son thought it was by far the Best method of proceeding.  "It is an excellent Good Plan", said they "which every body couldent think on."
The said James Whidden always lived in this town of Greenland till about Eighteen years ago when he removed to Lancaster in this state for the purpose of receiving help from his son who had removed to that place. Lately he has returned to this vicinity (because his son returned hither) & we were surprised to learn that he had not received a Pension.  He however told us that he had applyed for it & Expected soon to get it.  We all believed he would & never learned the State of the case til a few days ago & even now, Both he & his son are unable to tell us what papers have been sent or the contents of the papers that have been sent to you for the purpose of establishing his claim.
Page 56

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Near the end of your aforesaid letter I read as follows "I have no doubt that the James Whidden on this roll is some person other than the claimant."
Sir we believe we can easily prove to your full satisfaction whether there ever was any other James Whidden during any part of the Revolutionary war living any where in this region of country.  In this Region are Physicians & Lawyers & Ministers of the Gospel & other persons who are extensively & well acquainted in this Region & here are old Revolutionary Soldiers & Pensioners & others who remember well the days of the Revolution, & if the other necessary proof shall be found we can easily\ Prove whether the claimant is or is not the same Man, you, worthy Sir being the Judge in this case.
The claimant is not present but his Son informs me that Papers relating to the claimant have been sent to you without the knowledge of the claimant & of the Contents of some of them, both the claimant & son have never known anything.
Dear Sir I will Examine thoroughly into this case & if there shall not be found evidence which in my best judgment will satisfy you beyond all manner of doubt that this claimant mhas a just claim to a Pension then, rather than Trouble you any longer I would prefer to support the last days of the old man at my own expense as a Patriot & a perfectly honest man ought to be supported (tho he is no kinsman to any of my family.)
I have taken the liberty thus to write to you, Sir, because from a number of Facts I verily Believe that the claimant has a just claim to a pension & I can not get rid of this belief even if it shall so happen that no proof shall be found sufficient to justify you in the same Belief
Dear Sir tho the friends of the claimant, (not the claimant himself; but the Friends of the claimant) have long very long troubled you with that which is not adjudged to be sufficient proof yet if I shall find such evidence as in my judgment I shall believe me will prove to you beyond all doubt that the claimant has a just claim to a pension.  Permit me Dear Sir hereafter to send the same to you & Permit me to entreat you to Examine the same with all that Patience which has hitherto been so manifest in you & believe me Dear Sir
Very Respectfully your Friend
[signed] George P. Edny of Greenland N. Hampshire

to Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner on Pensions
at the Pension Office City of Washington D.C.
Page 57

James Whidden's
Petition for a pension
1837.


Jas Whidden
Act 32


Hon. Jared W. Williams
W
Page 58

To the Honorable Senate & House of Representatives of the United State to be assembled at Washington on the first Monday of September 1837
The petition of James Whidden now of Lancaster in the County of Coos & State of New Hampshire, & late of Greenland in the same state, respectfully represents, that he was engaged in the service of the United States during the war of the revolution, in the following manner, he enlisted & acted under Captain Leavitt of Northampton in the  regiment of Col. Drake in the year 1777 & was at the capture of General Burgoyne & his army in October of that year. That he marched a long distance namely from Greenland aforesaid, to Saratoga in the State of New York, by Bennington in Vermont, at which last mentioned place he encamped the night after General Stark's Battle with Cols. Baron & Breyman.  That he enlisted according to his best recollection in the month of June 1777 but was not mustered till after his arrival at Saratoga & joining the army of General Gates, so that a long time elapsed after he set out on his march before he was mustered, that he continued with General Gates' army till after the surrender of the British army under General Burgoyne. That while in this service on picket guard he was three times fired on by he believes by an Indian, the balls whistling as they passed by him.  That he was also present at the battle of Stillwater, & the various actions which terminated in the retreat & surrender of the British army; at which ceremony he was present drawn up in line; that he belonged to the detachment which transported the British troops over the Hudson river at or near Albany working almost all night for the purpose; & after this event, before he was discharged, he was marched down to Peeks kill or fish kill where he assisted in building a fort in the high lands below Albany. The exact time of
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discharge he does not know, but he believes the exact time is entered on the muster rolls of said Drake's regiment.  He further represents that after his discharge, to reach his home, a long march was to be made & he was detained on the road a long time by sickness, so that he did not arrive in Greenland till after the snow fell in the latter part of November or December in said year 1777.
He further represents that in the following year, 1778, he volunteered & joined General Sullivan's army in his projected attack of the British troops encamped on Rhode Island.  That in doing so he had to march from his said home in Greenland N. Hampshire to Rhode Island.  That he was there present with Gen. Sullivan both in his advance & attack upon the British, & also in his retreat from the Island.  That he was close by John S. Sherburne whose leg was shattered by a cannon shot from the enemy, while at breakfast with the then Col John Langdon, afterwards the patriot [governor?] of New Hampshire. The exact time your petitioner was absent on this last service he is unable to state, being now over 76 years of age & of course old & infirm & he did not keep minutes of his actual service.  But he distinctly recollects that he went as a volunteer & received no pay for his services.  He is also sure that he was engaged in the actual service of his country or was detained by sickness contracted in consequence of that service, in both the aforesaid expeditions more than six months. That in the expedition at the Capture of Burgoyne, he verily believes he was absent from home necessarily at least six months; & in the last under General Sullivan, as much as three months.
He also states that in the last war between the United States & Great Britain, he made great sacrifices of both time & money as he advanced provisions, & money to the troops stationed 
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at Portsmouth New Hampshire to guard the ship of the line then building, advancing money to them when they were discharged, that he acted during the last war as Captain of the alarm list in the town of Greenland, & has always been ready & willing to promote the honor & interest of his country through all her dangers & difficulties to the extent of his ability.
He therefore prays that he may have a pension granted him for nine months service at the least, as he believes that during the revolutionary war he served or was sick in the service more than that length of time, & that he may draw the same from March 4. 1831 like other pensioners, 
[signed] James Whidden
July 28th 1837.

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above named petitioner more than forty years, that during that period he has been a man of truth & the highest order of patriot according to his means and firmly believe he deserves a pension for six or nine months Sept 1. 1837. 
[signed] J.W. Weeks
Page 61

December the 2, 1775
We hereby Enlist our selves to serve as solders [soldiers] for the Defence of America in the army now forming at Cambridge under the command of General Washington from this Deat [date] untill the 15th day of January next coming unless the service will admit of our being Sunner [sooner] Discharged we promise [promise] obedience to all our Superior offisirs [officers] and to be subject to the Rules and Regulations of a contintaniel armey [continental army].
Greenleaf Clark
David Simpson
John Johnson g
Nathaniel Marston g
Nathaniel Haines g
John Rollins g
Benjamin Williams g
Jeremiah Mason g
[illegible] Norton g
Phinehas Hodgdon g
Anthony Thompson
Joseph Cate
Dennis Sullivan g
Samuel Mudd g
John Sullivan g
Nathan Marston g
William Jenkins g
William Perkins g
Levi Seavey g
Nathan Haines g
Tess Norton g
Aaron Rolins
[illegible] Willson Pringle

[right column]
Andrew Allen
Lemuel Marston
Elijah Marston g
Samuel Dearborn g
Joseph Leighton g
Thomas Pinner g
Joseph Bickford
James Whidden 
Nathaniel Huggins g
Joshua Johnson
John Philbrook
William Barrey
David Davies
William Walles
Samuel Nutter
Robbert Rollins
Solomon Abbet X his mark
William McIntyer
John Luey
William Simson Jun
Seth Campbell
Page 62

[Left side:]
[A list of numbers, apparently pounds, shillings and pence without any explanation or names.]

[Right side:]
Received of Enoch Barker 
In mony [money] = £30.0.0
[almost illegible, and mixed numbers, apparently calculations.]
Page 63

[upper right hand corner, upside down]
James Whidden
N.H. 522587


Jeremiah Mason  -  -  -  Capt Blodget
William Lewey  -  -  -  -  Capt. Fay
David Davis  -  -  -  -  -   Capt. [??laget]
Daniel Williams  -  -  -  - Capt Carr
Jonathan Crosbie  -  -  -  Capt Weare
James Wilson  -  -  -  -  - Capt Grey
Thomas Shaw  -  -  -  -  - Capt Grey
Charles Hogdon  -  -  -  - Capt Weare
Phineas Hogdon  -  -  -  - Capt Kane
Abraham Cumings  -  -  - Capt Grey
Philip Johnston  -  -  -  -  Capt Weare
Philip Barker  -  -  -  -  -  -Ditto him
Saml Barker  -  -  -  -  -  -  Keep
John E. Williams Inf  -  -  -Ditto[
William Wallace Inf  -  -  -[Ditto?]
William Mordon  -  -  -  -  Capt Mill[ard?]

[along the right side is a list of numbers, apparently using a decimal system (?dollars and cents)[
[inverted at the bottom is a list of numbers, apparently, pounds, shillings and pence.]
Signed Daniel White X his mark
Page 64

Dandee his X mark White
5-19-0 ??
42-18-6 10 ??
2-14- 0 25 0
47-12-6 10 16
69-18-0 30 ??
4 11
18-18-0 73 11
31-10-0 ?4 16
33"10"0 22-11-6 56 9
13'9"10 16"15"0 10-16-0 12-0
0 8"1 8"7'6 45-9-0 18-18
3 14 - 9 25-4-  32-15
12-12 59 9 
30
16 4 17 2 9 17-11 59 -
17 2 9 12 3 3 30-7-6 21 12
 30 22"6"10 35 14 ?2 3
3 18 15 13 5 6 24 19 
12 12
33 18 9 6 10 532 15 6 20
33 10 4 14
7 8 142
717
532
1849
709
239
0801
091
09
001
001
0.9
082
098
939
03
09
71
04
06
001
09
06
28
Whidden, James
N.H 522587