Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 2111, James Hamilton, Conn.
Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.

Hamilton, James
Jemima

NUMBER
W 2111
B. L. M. 28,597. 160-55
Page 2

Vermont 9542
James Hamilton
of Bennington in the State of Vermont who was a pri. in the company commanded by Captain Adams in the Connecticut line for 12 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 40 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of May '33 and sent Ethan Bradley Bennington VT.

Arrears to the 4th of March '33   80
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " (33)   20
_____
$100

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol 6 Page 68
Page 3

Suspended
Let to P. Agt 27 Feb 1851
" A Underwood 7 Apl 1851
" S. Swift 5 July 1851
" P. Agt 5 July 1851

434
Vermont - Burlt.
Jemima Hamilton widow of James Hamilton who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private ~ CT. Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars ~ Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of December 1849 and sent to Hon. J. L. Slingerland, Nathaniel Hole
& Washington City

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 29 July 1848, Page 145 Vol. 1, Book D
Page 4

154.368 act March 2 155
                    May 21 155

Jemima Hamilton
widow of
James Hamilton



Revolution
Pensioned act July 1848
Vt July 48- 434

W: 16oagm 26/86
[unk]

S Swift
Manchester
Vermont


cir
S. Swift Mar 31/56
Let " " Apl 16/ 56


Vol. He 30
Page 5

Srtate of Vermont
Bennington County ss.}

On this 28 day of August in the year 1832 personally appeared before the Hon. Miron Clark Judge of the Court of Probate for the Probate District of Manchester in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont James Hamilton, aged sixty eight years, a resident of Sandgate in said County & State afsd being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832. That he was born in the Town of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut 4 March 1764, that he knows of no record of his age except a Family Record. That is entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein states. That he enlisted for the term of one year at Fairfield in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut in the spring of the year 1782 in the company commanded by Capt. Nathan Adams in the State Troops of Connecticut was ordered & marched to Black Rock Harbor & stationed as a Fort built at sd Harlam to protect American vessels. That there continued doing duty & about said fort during the term of his enlistment often forcing at sometimes rescuing Sholls from British armed vessels in chase of American, who sought protection from the guns of the Fort [unk] had long very serve engagements while at the fort, he then he never had a written discharge from service, after sd term of service expired he returned to the Town of Weston in the County of Fairfield & State afsd where he resided untill the year 1787 he removed to Sandgate in the  County of Remington & State of Vermont where he now resides. That he has no documentary evidence substantiate his said statement nor does he know of any living witness he can procure to prove his said services, except his brother Aron Hamilton who has seen him in service at said Fort at Black Rock harbor. That there is at present no clergyman of any denomination residing in said Town of Sandgate, but he believes he shall be able to show by Joseph Tuttle Esq & Ethan Bradley two of his respectable neighbors residing in said Sandgate his caracter for truth & uprightness & also the general understanding & belief amongst his neighbors of his said services & the correctness of his foregoing statements. 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.

James Hamilton
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The within sworn & subscribed the day & year afsd before me.

Myron Clark Judge of Probate

I Aron Hamilton brother of the said James Hamilton who is a resident with me in the said town Sandgate in the County of Bloomington & State of Vermont do depose, testify & say that I am personally knowing to his having been a soldier of the Revolution, having often seen him in service at Black Rock harbor Fort, doing duty in & about the same. Sworn & subscribed the day & year afsd.

Aaron Hamilton

Before me Myron Clark Judge of Probate

I Joseph Butte Esq & Ethan Bradley both residents in the Town of Sandgate in the County of Remmington & State of Vermont hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Hamilton who has subscribed & sworn to the above & within declaration that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier f the Revolution & that we concur in the opinion,. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.

Joseph Tuttle
Ethan Bradley

Before me Myron Clark Judge of Probate

And the said Judge doth hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states& that he is unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity & the said Judge further certifies that it appears to him that Joseph Tuttle & Ethan Bradley who have signed the preceding certificate are both residents of Sandgate in said County & are both credible persons & that their statements is entitled to credit certified by me.

Myron Clark Judge of the State Court
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State of Vermont

To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings.

I hereby certify that the Hon Myron Clark Esq whose signature appears to the foregoing declaration is a Judge of the Courts of Probate, within & for the District of Manchester in the County of Bennington, duly commissioned & qualified bylaw, as such, & that his above signatures I know to be genuine.

In testimony whereof I Henry Robinson Clerk of the County Courts in & for the County of Bennington, have hereunto subscribed my name, & affixed the seal of our said Court at Manchester, the 28th day of August AD 1832 & of the Independence of the United States, the fifty seventh.

Henry Robinson Clerk
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Declaration

In order to obtain pension under the act of July 29th 1848 passed by Congress for the benefit of certain widows &c.

State of Vermont
Bennington Count ss.}

On the 1st day of May AD 1849 personally appeared before me one of the Judges in and for the County in and for the County of Bennington aforesaid Jemima Hamilton of the town of Sandgate, aged 74 years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain Pension under said act as passed by Congress as aforesaid on the 29th day of July 1848 provisions made for the benefit of certain such widows as said declarant and all other acts connected in explanation thereof.

That she is now the widow of James Hamilton who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $40 dollars per annum when he died and who died at Sandgate where I now reside in said county of Bennington and State of Vermont aforesaid in the 25th day of February AD 1824: and I this declarant was lawfully married to the said James Hamilton aforesaid on the 8th day of December AD 1796 before Revd Wm Perry a Minister of the Church of England at Newtown in the county of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut and that she this said declarant is still single and unmarried and is now the widow of James Hamilton aforesaid and that after her marriage she lived in the said Newton aforesaid and moved from this place to the said town of Sandgate in the year 1797 the year after her said marriage to the said James Hamilton, and that she and her said Husband said James Hamilton have resided here in sd Sandgate together up to the death of her aforesaid husband and this declarant
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resides still in said town of Sandgate and from the name of Jemima Gilbert when she was married to said James Hamilton her husband said declarant says her said husband James Hamilton died at Sandgate in the 25th day of February 1834 as aforesaid and that she this declarant was lawfully married to her aforesaid  husband James Hamilton on the 8th day of December 1796 as aforesaid and bore the maiden name of Jemima Gilbert before her marriage as aforesaid. And that said declarant has made a previous declaration before Horace Hurd a Justice of the Peace and annexed testimony of marriage and papers to said declaration and as said declarant is informed they are filed in Washington at the Pension Office and replied for a declaration taken before a court of Record in compliance declarant now sends this declaration and refers to her original papers at Washington and to the papers of her said husband on file at Washington, and she this declarant now applies for the amount due her under said act as aforesaid as being the surviving widow of James Hamilton now who a pensioner of the United States as aforesaid for services as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and declarant has no family record Zada Gilbert now Zada Thomas Rebeca Foot Mr Miller and his wife Wm Demon and his daughter and many more were present at sd marriage declarant believes that her husband received $40 and some cents per annum she is old  and very forgetful and needs her honest claim, she refers to the papers of her said husband all on file at the Pension Office at Washington and her former declaration and proofs she has already sent in.

Jemima Hamilton her mark X

Attest Major Hawley
Zada Hamilton

Subscribed and sworn before me this first day of May 1849 Major Hawley one of the Judges of the County Court in and for said County & I further say that she is old & infirm and unable to attend before the Hon Court of Probate in said District and I was enter to the residence of the said Jemima Hamilton to taken the aforesaid declaration.

Major Hawley [unk] Judge County Court
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Hon Dear Sir, 
You herein that this case is a case put into my hands- I let Mr. B. Peace of N.Y. send it to Washington US I was absent or had to be absent he handled it to some of the members- Contrary to my knowledge This case I sent the certificate of the marriage from the Church Records and other that were present and we helped prove facts of his death. Jc
The old lady is poor and needy and this case will [wed] but little investigations as it has been Replied & investigated- & the original declaration I took before Horace Hurd a Justice of the Peace & a new Declaration was required which is now compiled with by me Cannot this case be disposed of - so that the poor suffering old lady can be benefitted by it- 
She is so feeble & probably cannot live many Years & suffers for want of support of life please to make time short as possible in this case as will id filed & examined & can be examined over again in a short time- all is definitely  proven you will find- 
Truly yours with Great Respect Jacob Slingerland
Hon J.L Edwards  Com. of Pensions Please to forwards to me to East  Cobleskill Schoharie County N.Y.
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State of Vermont
Bennington County

I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of
Bennington County Court do hereby
certify that Major Hawley whose
name is subscribed to the above
was at the date thereof one of the
Assistant Judges of the County Court
within & for the County of Bennington
and that I am well acquainted with 
the hand writing of said Major Hawley & verily
believe his signature is genuine-
In witness whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my named affixed the seal of said
County this 3rd day of May A.D. 1849.
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
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Sandgate May 16th 1849
Dr Sir your letter of April 6th came to
hand on the 12th I have had some
trouble to make the papers to you at this time
I wrote and sent for the Judge but no answer
until May 14th
The Judge charge 2$ The clerk. I do not
know
yours in trust
Horace Hurd
Jacob Slingsland
Page 13

State of Vermont, County of Bennington ss.
On this 4th day of April AD. one thousand eight hundred & fifty five personally
appeared before me, the Subscriber a Justice of the peace, within & for the County,
& State aforesaid, Jemima Hamilton, aged 78 years, a resident of the town of
Sandgate in the County of Bennington, & State of Vermont, aforesaid, who being
duly sworn according to law declares, that she is the widow of James Hamilton,
late of said Sandgate, who was a private soldier, in the army of the United States,
during the revolutionary war, & therein served, for the full term of one year
as she is informed & verily believes, but in what company, regiment, or corps, he
served, if ever informed, it has by reason of age & forgetfulness, now escaped her 
recollection, but she understands, & fully believes, that for his said services, he applied
for received & enjoyed during his life time, a Pension of forty Dollars per annum,
under the act of June 7. 1832 - And that since the decease of her said husband,
she also applied for, & obtained, a continuance of the said Pension of Forty Dollars,
per annum, as the lawful widow, of the said James, under the act of the 29th
of July 1848, which she is now in the reception & enjoyment of all which will
appear more fully, with other requisite particulars, by the files, now in the
Pension office of the United States, to which she refers therefor
She further declares, that she is now a Widow. And she now makes this
Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land, to which she may be
entitled, under the act, approved March 3d 1855.
Jemima X Hamilton her mark [signature]
We Reuben Thomas, aged 75 years, & Titus Woodward aged 74 years 
both residents of Sandgate, in the County of Bennington & State of Vermont do upon
our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged
by the said Jemima Hamilton, in our presence, & that we believe from the appearance
& statements of the applicant, & from our own knowledge that she is the
identical person she represents herself to be. 
Reuben Thomas
Titus X Woodward his mark [signatures]

The foregoing declaration & Affidavit were sworn to & subscribed before me on the
day & year above written - And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible
persons; that the Claimant is the person, where presents herself to be & that I have
no interest in this claim. 
F.D. Hoyt Justice of the peace

Know all Men by these presents, that I Jemima Hamilton of Sandgate in the County
of Bennington & State of Vermont, widow of James Hamilton deceased of the same
place, who was a soldier in the service of the United States, do hereby irrecoverably
constitute & appoint Serenus Swift of Manchester in the same County, my
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true & lawful attorney irrevocably, for me & in my name, to prosecute receive
from the United States, the Bounty land Certificate, or Warrant due me by
virtue of my deceased husband, service, in the United States, under existing
laws, granting Bounty lands, to the Officers & soldiers, or their widow minor
heirs, for services rendered, in the different war, & generally, to do all lawful
acts & things whatsoever, touching the premises, an attorney or Attorneys under
him for the purposes aforesaid, to make, & at his pleasure to revoke hereby 
confirming all & whatsoever, my said Attorney, shall in my name legally do, or
cause to be done, in & about the premises, as much so, as if present myself. In
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 4th day of April in
1855, in presence of
F.D. Hoyt
Reuben Thomas
Jemima X Hamilton her mark [all three signatures]

Acknowledge & subscribed before me, a Justice of the peace in & for the County of
Bennington & State of Vermont, this 4th day of April 1855.
F.D. Hoyt Justice of the peace

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss I Harvey K. Fowler Deputy
Clerk of the County Court in & for the County & State aforesaid do
hereby certify, that Frederick D. Hoyt, whose genuine signature
appears to the foregoing declaration Affidavit & Power of attorney 
is & was at the signing of the same a Justice of the peace
in & for the County & State aforesaid, duly commissioned, and
sworn - that all his official acts as such are entitled to full
faith & credit, & that the aforesaid County Court is a Court
of record, having general jurisdiction-- Given under my
hand & seal of office at Manchester this 29th day of May
AD. 1855. H.K. Fowler Deputy Clerk
Page 15

State of Vermont
Bennington County. Personally appeared before me
Horace Hurd a Justice of the peace for and
In said County of Bennington aforesaid Jemima Hamilton
a resident of the Town of Sand Gate in said County of
Bennington aforesaid Aged 74 years and upwards first duly
Sworn does testify and say I am now the widow of James
Hamilton Deceased late of Sand Gate in said County of 
Bennington aforesaid who was a Pensioner of the United States
when he died at the rate of $40 per Annum and I applied
for a Pension from the United States as being the widow of
said James Hamilton in A.D. 1848 and sent in Testimony
of my Marriage - I never had any children & have no family
Record only I have a Record in the family Bible of
the Marriage of James Hamilton & my marriage in his
own hand writing - which is carefully taken out
of the Family Bible of said Declarant & her said deceased
Husband and attached to this Deposition - and also the
Record of the name of the Marriage of said Declarant 
also written by her said deceased Husband taken out of
a Prayer Book also owned by said Declarant and he
said Husband - Declarant here testifies that her said
Husband James Hamilton - bore out his name in said
Bible as being married on the 8th day of December A.D.
1796 - and in the prayer Book was the Maiden of
said Declarant Jemima Gilbert married on the 8th day
of December 1796 -- see each record as they are attached
to this Deposition - which are the true time and date of
said Marriage of said Declarant Jemima Gilbert
and James Hamilton her Deceased Husband aforesaid
in the hand writing of her said Husband as aforesaid
made and that these records of said Marriage was made
at the early date when she this Declarant was married
to said James Hamilton or soon after their marriage
and have been carefully kept by said Declarant
untill now as I was married Lawfully to said James
Hamilton aforesaid at Newtown State of Connecticutt
on the 8th day of December A.D. 1796 as aforesaid
my Declaration & Testimony at the Pension office Department
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Jemima X Hamilton her mark [signature]

Subscribed and sworn to before me
this 6th day of November A.D.
1849 and I certify that I am
well acquainted with said
Jemima Hamilton and was
well acquainted with her said
Deceased husband said James
Hamilton for many years and
the foregoing are facts well
known to me she is very
Credable old Lady
Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace

[cut and paste documents referenced on previous page]
James Hamilton was married in Newtown December
Eight Day AD 1796

Jemima Gilbert's Book
Who was Born
September the 2d day
In the year of 1775
was married In
Newtown December
8th AD 1796

and I certify that Mrs Jemima Hamilton is old and
her hand trembles & that she cannot write she
has made her cross mark to her signature above
Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace
Page 17

not on roll
Co S.W.
Admit
12 mo as per $40
$40

Ethan Bradley
Bennington
Vt
Page 18

(9792)
BRIEF in the case of James Hamilton
of Sandgate in the State of Vermont
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Judge of Probate
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? Yes -- on account of bodily infirmity certified by the Judge-
3. How old is he? 68 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
Spring In 1782-

Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days
1 year

Rank.
As a
Private

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen.
Capt Nathan Adam Co Connt State Troops enlisted

5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? at Fairfield Connt
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? only the tradition and evidence of
Witnesses - two of whom are certified by the court
to be credible person-
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
E. Stephens
Examining Clerk.
Page 19

[postmark]
MANCHESTER VT
JUN 24

Mr. Cole
Abigail Hamilton
Vt 29 July

[upside down]
FREE

[sideways]
Hon. James Heath, Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
DC
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Manchester, June 23, 1851

Hon. James E Heath.

Hon. Sir, Enclosed, I found, to you some vouchers, for the purpose of procuring the restoration of the pension of Jemima Hamilton, which was suspended as I understand in consequence of the dilution of W. Slingerland, the agent this whom the same was originally obtained, in some illicit proceedings, and foul conduct. In other cases of his procurement, whatever may have been his conduct in other uses, and however dishonest he may have been, in procuring them, (& I know at least one or two, where that was so) this I trust, and believe, was an honest one. The case of Wm Hurd, a near neighbor of WH, although herself an honest woman, was one of these, which were dishonest and fraudulently (in some way) obtained.
I have not made and sent on a new declaration, as I sup supposed that the one made and sent on by him and on which the pension was granted was regular and sufficient; the same was also probably the case, as to the testimony, but legitimate doubts, for the reasons above suggested, might arise, as to its purity and corrections, except probably the used proof, of which son, I am told, was transmitted, particularly a record or entry, taken from the family Bible. As to the time of the marriage, I have not the least doubt, that it took place at the time, stated, for aside from the honesty, integrity, and corrections of the witnesses, I have some personal knowledge. Soon after the passing of the law of July 7, 1838, I was applied to, in her behalf, by a friend of hers, who did not understand the limitations of the law, as to the time of the marriage, who then stated the time of marriage as now stated. Again, after the passage of the law of 29 July 1848, I received a letter from the same friend
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Requesting me to prepare her papers and procure her pension, under that law, (stating the time of her marriage before) which did in part so far as I could, without seeing her, but for some reasons, I deferred going into that neighborhood, so early as I had intended, and in the meantime, Mr. Slingerland appeared and preferred his services, which were partially or conditionally accepted, and I declined the business, and recommended the continued employment of him and have never as yet seen Wm Hurd to converse with her on the subject. I ought perhaps here to state, that after the arrest of Mr. Slingerland, I was requested to write to the prosecuting attorney in this district and state the cases of Wm Hurd and Mr. Hamilton as ? by himself that where he was un? With, as to the case of Wm Hurd who, as he will know, was not married until the year 1809 he stated that he had frequently obtained pensions in the same way, and also said as I understood that Mr. Hamilton was not married until the ? Day of January 1800 and I so wrote to the attorney. But there was probably some misunderstanding, or some misconception as to the statement, and Mr. Hamilton ought not to suffer injury In consequence thereof.

Very respect, Sir 
Your most obedient servant,
S. Swift

P.S. If the money heretofore paid can be drawn from Mr Slingerland, it would be
just, that Mr H. should receive her back pay, as I understand that he has kept the
greater part, not having paid over to her, but about $20-
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Rev War

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 2111
Jemima Hamilton
Widow
James Hamilton
Pens. Rev. War

Act: July 29, 1848
Index: - Vol. A, Page 312

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 23

28.597

160 - Acres
Page 24

Manchester Vt May 29th 1856
Hon. J. Minot Comr &c
Hon Sir, I beg leave once more, to call your attention,
to the case of Jemima Hamilton, Pet. for Bounty land, No 154, 368 (as I believe)
As I find, that by the late Act of Congress, allowing Parol proof in certain cases
where record testimony cannot be obtained, that provision is also made for
a case like hers, where the deceased husband, had in his life time, enjoyed a
Pension for his services, the widow is not required, to adduce further proof,
of his service for a continuance of his pension for obtaining Bounty land, to
which he would have been entitled, if alive - I conclude therefore, that she may
now desist from the search for further proof, & that her warrant will issue
conformably, in due time-
Very respectfully, I am Hon, Sir,
Your most obedt &c
S Swift
Page 25

[postmark]
APR 8
MANCHESTER VT
Jemima Hamilton
Boynton

[upside down stamp]
FREE

[sideways]
Hon J. Minot, Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 26

Manchester April 5th 1856

Hom J. Minot,
Hon. Sir: I have just rec'd  your communication, of the 31st March, respecting the claim of Jemima Hamilton for Bounty land. I had heretofore supposed, that the 3rd section of the Bounty land Act, to which you therein refer, had reference only to the cases of claims previously specified, in that Act, that those that follow, were not to be judged & adjudicated by that rule & I cannot now but conceive & believe, that both the legal intendment & the intention of Congress, at the time of passing the Act, will bring the same result for to say nothing of the difficulties, in the war of the old revolutionary soldiers, in obtaining that kind of proof, of which Congress were aware at the time of the passing the Pension Act of June 7, 1832 near 24 years since, which induced them to make the provision, they did for proof of service, under that Act, how can it be supposed, that in every case those who turned out, upon that sudden emergency, as volunteers, at the battle of Plattsburgh, (who are subsequently included in that act) would be able to produce. record proof, of that service, they having turned out, without draft, call, or enlistment. & such generally, were the most meritorious.
At to what constitutes Record evidence, if that is required in this case, I should deem, (with due deference however to your opinion) that the proof in this case, is as much so as is the other cases adjudged, under the law. It was examined, adjudicated & allowed, by a competent tribunal accord to the form of testimony, required by law, in such cases, & the allowance entered & recorded, in the proper Books of record. On the other hand, the rolls of a Company, are surely not record, but are evidence & when returned & in like manner entered, on the Books of the same Office, or Department, they constitute what may be (in the sense intended) by Congress a Record. but I think, not more so, that the other, if as much.
Page 27

If the above reasoning, hastily & crudely suggested, (together with suggestions which will incidentally concur) should not prove satisfactory, to your mind, (as I trust they man, as they are conclusive to my own) I would thank you to transmit to me, a statement of the services, for which James Hamilton obtained his Pension, as, if ever I knew, it has escaped recollection & possibly some clue may be obtained, by which record evidence may be found, if so required, by which his services may be proved (as he was an honest man)
Very respectfully, I am Hon. Sir
Your most obed't &c
S. Swift

Mem. I write this in the dust of the evening, & partly by candlelight &c

P.S. I will presume, to make one further suggestion. The service of Mr. Hamilton, has been once proved, agreeably to the rules & regulations established by law, & there existing for the admissi (water stained paper) testimony, & this proof entered upon record, in the proper Department, I cannot conceive how, or why, it should now be disputed, by the same tribunal, nor can I believe, that it would be the intention of Congress, that since he is now dead & gone, it should now be reexamined & that further proof should be required, to establish the fact. &c &c
Page 28

[postmark]
MANCHESTER VT
MAY 29

FREE
Hon Loren P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

[sideways]
154.368
Page 29

Manchester May 23d 1855.
Hon. L.P. Waldo
Hon Sir, Enclosed I fore, to you, the Declaration & application
of the widow Jemima Hamilton for Bounty land, under the late act of
Congress. - As the testimony to support her claim, is now in your office
& has been already examined, decided upon & approved, & she is now enjoying
a Pension under the same, it is not deemed requisite to reproduce the same
same, or to occupy time for the reexamination, except as to the proof of
her identity. Considerable time has elapsed since the execution of the
Papers, but they have been delayed, in consequence of the carelessness, or
misconduct, of the person, to whom they were intrusted to be returned to me
Very respectfully, I am Hon, Sir
Your most obed &c
S. Swift.

P.S. My communication (as you will receive, has been unexpectedly further delayed,
in consequence of not being able earlier to procure the certificate & seal of the Co. Clerk
May 29th S.S.
Page 30

Manchester April 30th 1856.
Hon. J. Minot, Com &c
Hon Sir, Agreeably to your direction, I have sent to the Comptroller 
of the State of Cont for record proof of the service of James Hamilton, as stated
by him, have recd a return, that such record cannot there be found-
But I presume, that it is a fact of which you are apprized, that the pay Rolls
returned to the Compts office, in Cont. are very defective, payments for Companies
having been often, if not in most cases made to the Capt or other commanding officer
& very many of the Rolls have never been returned, especially, towards the close of
the war - And as to parol testimony, at this late day, so long after the service performed, 
it would be difficult, if not impossible, to be found-- But, as I understand,
that Congress, at its present session, have relaxed in its requirement of record proof of
service, in these cases, would enquire, whether this case does not come fully within
the spirit, if not the significance, of that law, having been heretofore proved & established his ,
by parol proof, agreeably to the rule of law, then in force, & then admissible-- If you
should judge otherwise. -  & also, if the decision of the other question, applying in this
case, should be deemed peremptory, that Record testimony should be produced to prove the
service, we shall be obliged to relinquish the claim, altho, (as I believe) there are very few,
if any, claimants of that Bounty, who are more needy, or more deserving, than this widow-
& I therefore feel party anxious, in her behalf
Very respectfully, I am Hon, Sir,
Your most obedt &c
S. Swift

P.S. understand that Mrs Cynthia Hulet of Shaftsbury in this County the widow of Aaron Hulet
had obtained her Bounty land, as I was told, served also with the Con. troops - heretofore
searched in her behalf, the Rolls in the Comptrollers Office in Con. for proof of his service
but his name could not be found-- wish therefore to enquire how she obtained her land &
Page 31

Titus Allen placed on
Roll 7 Sept. 1820. Susp.
letter to Pensioner &
Agent, 27 May 1822, &
Caveat within also letters
May 7 1829 to J Allen &
June 1829 to W. Kelly
Page 32

Mr. Boynton
---
Is reference correct
It would seem
as husband was
pensioned

[sideways]
Hon. James Minot Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

[upside down]
154368
Jemima Hamilton
28599
160
28.597
100

[postmark]
MANCHESTER VT
MAR 30
Page 33

154368
Jemima Hamilton
28599
160
28.597
100


[sideways]
Hon. James Minot Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

[upside down]
Mr. Boynton
---
Is reference correct
It would seem
as husband was
pensioned


[postmark]
MANCHESTER VT
MAR 30
Page 34

FREE
Hon. James Minot Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC

[sideways]
James Hamilton
Mr. Boynton
Page 35

9792

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of James Hamilton which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides" (blank)

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? (blank)

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? (blank)

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? (blank)

V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? (blank)

VI. Has he given the names of officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? (blank)

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? (blank)

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? no the Judge has

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? (blank)

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? (blank)
Page 36

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary
service? No Clergyman - but others

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining 
it? no Clergyman residing at the town of Sandgate

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? [cannot underlined]

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service? No Witness produced
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
---
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how
long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he
cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ 
year _____ months, and ______ days, I served as a ______ For _____ months
and ______ days, I served as a _____ ; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 37

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite,
and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. 
It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration
of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either
in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed
in any civil pursuit.

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must
prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of
the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths
must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate
must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.

In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 38

State of Vermont
County of Bennington ⎬

On the 9th day of September
A.D. 1848 personally appeared before me Horace
Hurd one of the Justices of the peace in Sandgate for
the County of Bennington aforesaid James Hurd
Resident of said Town of Sandgate aforesaid who being
duly sworn before me Deposeth and saith that he has
been acquainted with James Hamilton and Jemima
his wife now his widow upwards of forty years and
lived near them and attended said Funeral of said
James Hamilton who died in the month of February in
the year 1834 and Deponant says said James was a
Pensioner of the United States at the time of his
death and that said Jemima is single and
unmarried and is the surviving widow of said
James Hamilton aforesaid and Deponant says that 
said Jemima's maiden name was Jemima Gilbert
before she married said James Hamilton aforesaid
and that they have lived during all said time
together in the relations of husband and wife 
said Jemima had no children and in needy
of her pension she is justly entitled as this Deponent 
believes

James Hurd [signature] 
Subscribed and sworn before
me this 9th day of September
A.D. 1848 and I certify that the
Deponent said James
Hard is a credible witness
his word or testimony can be
relied upon at all times
Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace
Page 39

State of Vermont}
County of Bennington} Ss

Personally appeared before me Horace Hurd a Justice of the peace of the Town of Sandgate in and for the County of Bennington Zada Thomas a Resident of said town of Sandgate aforesaid and being duly sworn before me does testify and say that she is well acquainted with James Hamilton and Jemima Hamilton his widow that said Deponent resided in Connecticut near said James Hamilton and said Jemima, and had an invitation to their wedding and witnessed the marriage of said James Hamilton & Jemima Gilbert. they were duly and lawfully married before Rev'd Perry a minister of the Church of England in the town of Newtown in the Cunty of Litchfield and State of Connecticut where Jemima and said deponent resided there and said deponent moved from that place to said Sandgate about forty years ago near said James Hamilton and was at the Funeral of said James Hamilton who died on the 25th day of February 1834 and left his wide said Jemima a widow and she the said Jemima is single and is not the widow of said James Hamilton Deceased. and says that James Hamilton aforesaid was a pensioner of the United Stated at the time of his death and that they were duly and lawfully married in the presence of this deponent as aforesaid before Rev'd Perry at said town of Newtown and that she bore the maiden name of Jemima Gilbert before her marriage to said James Hamilton aforesaid this deponent has always known said Jemima said widow of James Hamilton.
Page 40

and resided near her and attended her wedding as aforesaid to James Hamilton and heard the ceremony of their marriage & see their joined hands and this deponent resides near said Jemima now said Jemima is Old and needs her pension as his deponent believes she is justly entitled to it and to it as said James Hamilton was a pensioner of the United States for services he had done as a soldier in the War of the Revolution 
Subscribed and sworn before me this 9th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight 1848 and I certify that said deponent Zada Thomas is a credible witness and full confidence can be placed in her testimony
Zada Thomas

Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace
Page 41

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss
personally appeared before me Horace Hurd a Justice
of the peace for the Town of Sandgate in 
& for said County of Bennington Polly
Hurd of said Town and County being
duly sworn according to Law Deposeth
and says that she is sister to James Hamilton
of said Sandgate who was a 
Pensioner of the United States at the time of
his death he died in said Town of Sandgate
aforesaid on the 25th day of February 1834 and
left his wife Jemima a widow. said James
Hamilton my Brother was duly and Lawfully
married to Jemima Galbert in the Town of Newtown 
in Litchfield County in the State of Vermont
before Revd M Perry a Minister of the Church of
England on the 9th day of December A.D. 1796
Deponent says she was present and witnessed their
their marriage and Deponant says that said
Jemima the said widow of James Hamilton
aforesaid resides near her and is still single
and unmarried and continues to be the widow
of her brother said James Hamilton aforesaid
and that said James and Jemima have
ted together in all the relations of husband
and wife up to the death of said James
Soon after their marriage they moved to this
place to said Sandgate )and this Deponent
also), and have always resided near each other
and further this Deponent saith not
Polley Hurd [signature]
subscribed and sworn before
me this 9th day of September
A.D. 1848 and I certify that
said Polley Hurd is a Credible
witness
Horace Hurd
Justice of the Peace
Page 42

State of Vermont
County of Bennington ⎬

In order to obtain Pension under the act passed by Congress Feby 2nd 1848

On the 9th day of September A.D. 1848
personally appeared before me Horace Hurd a Justice of the
peace in the Town of Sand Gate in said County of Bennington and
State of Vermont aforesaid Jemima Hamilton a resident of said
Town of Sand Gate who being first duly sworn according to
Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order
to obtain Pension from the United States which she is entitled
to under an act and existing acts
passed by Congress on the first day of July 1848 for the benefit
and provisions for such widows and such cases
That she is the widow of James Hamilton
Deceased who was a pensioner at the time and day of
his death at the rate of forty Dollars per
Annum and who died at or in the said Town of
Sand Gate aforesaid on the 25th day of February 1834 and
as this Declarant was duly and Lawfully Married to said
James Hamilton on the 8th day of of December 1796 before
Rev Mr Perry a Minister of the Church of England
at Newtown in the County of Litchfield, State of Connecticut
and Declarant says said Jemima is still single and
is the widow of said James Hamilton her Deceased husband
and that after her marriage to said James Hamilton the
lived in said Newtown short time but soon after moved to
Sandgate where she now resides and where they lived
when her said Husband died and Declarant says that
before her Marriage to said James Hamilton she bore the
maiden name of Jemima Gilbert
and Declarant says that her said
Husband James Hamilton died at Sand Gate aforesaid
in said County of Bennington on the 25th day of February
1834 as aforesaid and that she this Declarant was duly and
Lawfully Married to said James Hamilton her Deceased husband
aforesaid on the 8th day of December 1776 as aforesaid
Page 43

and that previous to her marriage she or the maiden
name of Jemima Gilbert as aforesaid
and she this declarant now applies
for the amount due her for which she is entitled to under the
said act of Feby 2nd 1848
and all other acts passed by Congress which may be deemed
necessary to obtain the amount said declarant is so
Justly entitled to as being the surviving widow of said
James Hamilton who was a soldier of the United States in
the war of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States
at the day of his death as aforesaid and Polly
Hurd was present, at her marriage -  and that she this Declarant had
no family of children by her said Husband and has
no family record-- and declarant says that Zada
Thomas now living was present at her marriage and that
Rebecca Foot M Miller & wife Mr Dimmon and wife
and Daughters and her husbands friends were all
present at her marriage and says that the pension papers
of her said husband will be found in Washington at the
pension office Department
Jemima X Hamilton her mark [signature]

Subscribed and sworn before me
this 9th day of September A.D. 1848
and I certify that I have been acquainted 
with said Hamilton and
knew him to be a pensioner of the
united States at the time and day
of his death and I certify that
the said Declarant Jemima Hamilton
is the surviving widow of said James
Hamilton the United States Pensioner
I reside near them and have
known them for many years
Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace
witness present Gilbert Woodward witness
Page 44

w 104
Jemima Hamilton
Vt
Let to Jacob Slingerland
June 18 '49
allowed July 1848
Page 45

I Zada Thomas a resident of the Town of Sandgate in the
County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged Sixty three years do
depose testify and say that I am a sister of Jemima Hamilton
widow of James Hamilton late of said Sandgate deceased
that I was present at the marriage which took place in the
Town of Newtown in the State of Connecticut in the year seventeen 
Hundred ninety six (1776) but am not positive as to the
month or day of the month - but distinctly recollect the year as I
was then eight years old - They immediately afterward moved into 
the town of Sandgate aforesaid in the State of Vermont - Afterward
in the year Eighteen hundred and Six (1806) at the age of 18 years, I married a brother of
the said James Hamilton for my first husband and also removed
to the said Town of Sandgate where they had been living ten years 
ever since which time we have lived in the same vicinity and
near neighbors untill his death which happened in the winter of
1834 - since which time she has ever remained and is still a
widow. They were married by an Episcopal Clergyman then
residing in the said Town of New Town whose name I do not now distinctly 
recollect. I was knowing to the said James Hamilton's
being a U.S. Pensioner at the time of his death.
Zada Thomas [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed this 21st day of June A.D. 1851
Before me LW Thomas Justice of the Peace

I Reuben Thomas a resident of Sandgate aforesaid aged
sixty nine years do depose testify and say, that I was very well acquainted 
with the said James Hamilton deceased previous to his marriage  and the said 
Jemima his widow ever since their marriage which took place in
the year Seventeen Hundred ninety six according to my best recollection
and belief -- In the year Eighteen Hundred & six I married a sister
of the said James which I am confident was ten years after
he moved his wife in to the Town of Sandgate aforesaid and
they ever after lived together and were generally reputed as husband
Page 46

and wife untill the time of his death which took place in the
latter part of February 1834. From the time of the said James Marriage 
up to the time of his death I had lived in the same vicinity
with him-- I do not hesitate to say positively that their marriage
took place before the year Eighteen Hundred-- since the said
James deceased she has ever remained and is still a widow
I have knowledge that he was in the receipt of a pension at
the time of his death
Reuben Thomas [signature]
Sworn to and subscribed this 21st day of June A.D. 1851
Before Me L W Thomas Justice of the Peace

I Polly Hurd a resident of the Town of Sandgate aforesaid aged 74 years
do depose testify and say that I am a sister of the above named James
Hamilton that he was married as I understand and believe to the above
named Jemima then Jemima Gilbert in the year of Seventeen Hundred 
ninety six (1796) in the aforesaid Town of New Town Connecticut
and that he immediately removed her into the Town of Sandgate aforesaid
when I have ever since resided that they ever after lived together
and were reputed as husband and wife untill the time of his death
which happened I believe in 1834 in the month of February
I am positively confident that their marriage took place before the
year 1800 - Since my brother James death the said Jemima
has ever remained and is still a widow
Polly X Thomas her mark [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed this 21st day of June A.D. 1851
Before Me L W Thomas Justice of the Peace

And I do hereby further certify that all the above affiants are well
known to me that they are all credible and respectable persons
and of unimpeachable veracity
L W Thomas Justice of the Peace
Page 47

State of Vermont, Bennington County ss.
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of the County Court within & for
the County of Bennington aforesaid, do hereby certify, that 
Jerome N.B. Thomas above named, is, was at the date of the
foregoing Certificates, a Justice of the peace, in for the said
County of Bennington, duly commissioned & qualified
& that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official
Signature & the seal of the  said County, this 23rd day of June AD. 1851, & of the
independence of the United States, the seventy fifth
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 48

No. 104
Jemimia Hamilton
wd of James
m-
act 24 July 1848
Married 1796
Hubd dies 1834
Admd 1 yr pen
$40 per ann, fr
4 Mrch 1848

Hon J. L. Slingerland
National Hotel
Washington City
Page 49

Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace for 
the Town of Sandgate in the County of Bennington State of Vermont
Sept 9th A.D. 1848

State of Vermont
Bennington County ss
I Samuel H. Blackmer Clerk of
Bennington County Court do hereby
certify that Horace Hurd whose
name is subscribed to the above
was at the date thereof a Justice of
the peace within & for the County
of Bennington duly qualified & that
I am acquainted with the handwriting 
of said Horace Hurd and
verily believe his signature is
genuine-
In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed
my name of affixed the seal of said County this 23d
day of October A.D. 1848
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk

Fees 25 cents
Page 50

State of Vermont}
Bennington County} Ss

Personally appeared before me Horace Hurd a Justice of the Peace for and in Said county of Bennington Titus Woodward a resident of Sandgate in said county of Bennington aged 73 year first duly sworn according to Law does testify and say I have been personally acquainted with James Hamilton and Jemima, his wife not his widow upwards of fifty years their marriage has never been questioned or disputed in no way to my knowledge that   they were duly and lawfully married by Rev'd Perry in Newtown Connecticut upwards of 50 years ago when I first became acquainted with said James Hamilton & Jemima aforesaid they kept house and lived in all the relations of Husband & wife and did so up to the day & death of said James. I visited him in his sickness and he died it the town of Sandgate in the month of February 1834 said Jemima and said James had no children and said Jemima is now single and unmarried and is now the widow of said James Hamilton aforesaid and he was a pensioner of the United States at the time & before his death he was always reputed as a soldier of the Revolution I have lived in the family with said Jemima at least nine years last past and I find a Record of the marriage of James Hamilton in an Old Bible owned by said James and Jemima Hamilton aforesaid bearing out the name of said James Hamilton the date of his marriage and I find also the name of Jemima Gilbert and her marriage date in an old prayer book bearing out the dates of their marriage as being on the 8th day of Dec. 1796 both entries in both records are in the hand writing of said James Hamilton and those two entrees and records are carefully taken from the old bible and said prayer book & attached to a deposition made in my presence by said Jemima said widow of said James Hamilton aforesaid. said entries and Records of said marriage are & is the said marriage of said James Hamilton and his wife now his widow as her maiden name was Jemima Gilbert
Page 51

Subscribed & sworn to before me this 6th day of November AD 1849 and I certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Deponent said Titus Woodward he is a credible witness
Titus Woodward
The above is the signature of the Deponent in my presence Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace
Page 52

State of Vermont
Bennington County

personally appeared before me
Horace Hurd a Justice of the peace
for and in said County of Bennington Zady Hamilton a
Resident of the Town of Sand Gate in aforesaid County
of Bennington Aged 30 years first duly sworn according to
Law does testify and say - I have always as long as
I can remember known James Hamilton and Jemima his
wife now his widow I visited said James Hamilton in his
Sickness and I was at his funeral which took place in
the month of February A.D. 1834 he left said Jemima
his wife a widow surviving him she is now single and
unmarried and is now the widow of said James Hamilton 
aforesaid - I have always understood he was a Pensioner 
of the United States at the time of his death I now
live with said Jemima said widow of said James
Hamilton I find a Record bearing date to Witt James
Hamilton was married in Newtown December 7th day
A.D. 1796 - and also I find a record in an Old Prayer
Book of the same date of the Marriage of Jemima
Gilbert said Bible & Prayer Book and said Entries of
the Records of said Marriage I have seen and known
upwards of 20 years ago as they now stand and I know
said Entries and Records to be in the hand writing
of said James Hamilton aforesaid and Jemima's
Maiden name was Gilbert before she married said
James Hamilton said Records are the records of the
above named James Hamilton & his wife Jemima
now his widow and the entries are carefully taken
out of said Bible & Prayer Book and attached to
a Deposition made by said Jemima the widow as
aforesaid in my presence as the Entries and Records
were made by said James Hamilton himself in his
own hand writing many years before his death the
dates show definitely the time of said Marriage of
said James Hamilton & Jemima Gilbert aforesaid
there is no family record they have no children
Page 53

Zada Hamilton [signature]

Subscribed and sworn to before
me this 6th day of November A.D.
1849 and I certify that I am
well acquainted with the within
named Deponant said Zada
Hamilton she is a credible
witness

Horace Hurd, Justice of the Peace
Page 54

State of Vermont
Bennington County
Personally appeared before me Horace Hurd a Justice
of the Peace for and in said County of Bennington aforesaid
Gilbert Woodard a Resident of the Town of Sand Gate
& County of Bennington aforesaid Aged 34 years first
duly sworn according Law does testify and say
have known James Hamilton Deceased and Jemima
his wife now his widow as long back as I can remember 
I was at the Funeral of said James Hamilton
which occurred in February 1834 - Jemima his wife
now his surviving widow is single and unmarried
and is now the widow of said James Hamilton
I reside in the family of said Jemima said widow
and have lived in said Family for at least 8 years
past and have visited & been in the family as long as
I can remember back he was a Pensioner of the United States
when he died - in said Family I find an old
Bible having an Entry & record of the Marriage of said
James Hamilton bearing date 8th day of December
1796 I find also an other entry in an old Prayer Book of
the Marriage of Jemima Gilbert bearing the same
date of December 8th 1796 these entries & records are
in the hand writing of said James Hamilton and
the aforenamed Entries of said Marriage
is the marriage of said James Hamilton & Jemima his wife
now his widow (her maiden name was Gilbert), and
said Entries and Records are both taken from the
Old Bible & Prayer Book and attached to an affidavit 
bearing date herewith made by said Jemima
in my presence the marriage of said James & Jemima
has never been questioned here or disputed as they
were very credible family-- they lived in all the relations
as husband and wife as long as I have known them they
have no children - and their marriage as I have
always been informed by them as before Revd Mr
Perry in Newtown Connecticut according to said
Records aforesaid I have known said Bible and
Prayer Book and said Entries and Records for more than
twenty years age as they now stand on said
records as aforesaid
Page 55

Gilbert Woodward [signature]

Subscribed and sworn to before
me this 6th day of November A.D
1849 and I certify that said 
Deponent Gilbert Woodard
is a Credible witness
Horace Hurd Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Bennington County
I, Saml H. Blackmer Clerk of the
County & Courts of said County of
Bennington do certify that Horace
Hurd Esq is an acting Justice of the
peace duly qualified and authorized
by Law to administer Oaths and was
such or Justice of the Peace at the date
of annexed Depositions and that
This Term of Office commenced on the
first day of December 1848 and will
Expire on the 30th day of November A.D. 1849
and that his signatures to the annexed Depositions are
Genuine in his own proper hand writing
In witness whereunto I have set my
hand and affixed the seal of the Court of said County aforesaid this
15th day of November A.D. 1849
Saml H. Blackmer Clerk
Page 56

Pension Office,
June 18th, 1849
Sir;
The amended declaration of Mrs. Jemima Hamilton, widow of James Hamilton has been received and filed with her other papers.
The proof of marriage of these partics prin to 1800 is still defective. It does not appear that the certificate of the Minister in relation to their marriage referred to in your letter has been received in this Office.
I am very respectfully
Your Obs, Serv,
J L Edwards

Jacob Slingerland Esq,
Cobleskill
New York
Page 57

Will the commissioner of Pensions Please report this claim to me
John L. Slingerland
Page 58

Newtown August 8 /49

Dear Sir,
Upon the Rect of your Letter
a few days since directed to the
Town Clerks of Newtown. I called
upon the Revd Horace Hills our
present parish minister, and we
together made due search of all
the Records of our parish & could
find no trace of the marriage
of which we inquired
I have examined our town Records
also met with the same result
our Rector has written to the Revd
D. Burhans D.D. of Poughkeepsie NY,
our former Rector, & if he has
any thing from him concerning them
will immediately write you with
this Rest of such information
Respy Your
Henry Sanford
Page 59

Newtown Ct. Aug. 20th 1849

Mr. Gilbert

I received a letter from Rev. Dr. Burhamn
to whom I wrote on your business, & he directed me to
Mrs Marshall at Woodbury Ct. who is a daughter of
Rev. Mr. Perry. I then addressed a letter to her husband &
have received an answer, in which he states that
Mrs Marshall has no recollection of the parties interested, 
& that they have no record of Mr Perry
I regret that I cannot throw some light
before you to assist in seeming a very desirable
object. Some way possibly, may yet be opened
If you wish to ask me any questions
I hope
you will it
Yours
Horace Hills Jr.
Rector of Trinity Church Newton
Page 60

I have attached the reply-- it appears from the
Reply that a part of the Testimony has been overlooked
will you have the goodness to peruse the Original
Depositions you will find two or three definite
witnesses who was present and witnessed the
marriage of said James Hamilton and Jemima
Gilbert  & others  who knew them before and after 
their marriage up to the day of the death of
said James Hamilton there is a Record of
their marriage taken out of a Bible & prayer
Book both in the hand writing of said James
Hamilton see the Testimony

also there has been all the 
pains possible taken to find a record as you will
perceive by the annexed letters of the Marriage from
the Rector of the Church at Newtown the
Rector of the Church has now gone to
West & will be absent for a length of time -
& his Deposition cannot be had now
---
but here is definite and positive
proof of those who witnessed & was present at
the Marriage & others also. better and stronger
proof cannot be had or found please to
Examine the Original Testimony again all
pains have been taken to satisfy the Department
with those annexed Letters from the Rector
or Pastor of the Church at Newtown as well as
the Record made by the Old Gentleman
Mr Hamilton himself
Please report this claim to me
Yours John J. Slingerland