Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,633, William Blunt, Navy (N.H.) Privateer
Page 1

(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Navy (N.H.)|Blunt, William|W.23,633|
Privateer|Mary|B.L.Wt. 13,438-160-55|
[end of columns] 
Pensioned in S.C. Died in La.
CONTENTS
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19,128 R
Louisiana (Florida)
William Blunt of Pensacola in the ['state' crossed out] Territory of Florida who was a Mariner in the Ship commanded by Captain Whipple of the ['regiment commanded by Colonel' crossed out] U.S. Navy in the Continental line, for the term of one year.
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Louisiana at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 18 of  March 1823.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th of Dec'r 1823 and sent to Gen'l R. K. Call, City of Washington
______
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1823 44.67
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 March 1834 48 - 
$92:67
5 mo 14/31
+8 4/30
=40
+3.61
+1.6
+44.67
{Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820.}
& March 1, 1823
Page 3

[verso]
1204
Maine
Mary Blunt widow of William Blunt, who served in the Revolutionary war, as a seaman
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 44 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of August 1848 and sent to Hon. A. W. H. Clapp 
Portland Me
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 2, Vol. 1,

[recto]
Reported
Page 4

[verso]
109299 Act Mar 3
Apl 30} 77-
Mary Blunt, widow William Blunt, Seaman
U.S. War Ranger,
Ent. 
Rev'y War
[overwritten: No 13.438 iss Jany 3/56]
Rev'y pensioner
Me Feby 48. - 1204
AO:160 acres Dec. 31st 1855,
Boynton
Freeman Bradford
Portland, Maine

[recto]
Vol. B. - 160. -
Page 5

The State of South Carolina 
Edgefield district} By the Hon'l Waddy Thompson Esqr, one of the Judges of the Court of Equity in State aforesaid 
To all whom there presents shall come Greeting
Know ye that William Blunt Citizen resident of the district and State aforesaid, - and Native of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire - did this day appear before me and made Oath on the holy Evangelist of Almighty God - that he was three time Captured by the British in the Revolutionary War, and more Particular at the Capture of Charlestown South Carolina, some time in the Year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, was a Marriner on Board the Continental Sloop of War Rangers and in or about the fall of that year, this Ship Commanded then by Thomas Simpson Esq'r for raid at Boston with the Charleston and Boston Frigates, and Queen of France Sloop of War, on a Cruise southerly - on their passage to Charleston South Carolina they captured one British Gun Brigg'n - after their arrival at Charleston they commenced a Cruising Ship, in which they Captured many of the British Transports and Baggage, Bound from New York to Beseige Charlestown, after Cruising some time off that part, they were driven in by a Superior force, and from thence comenced the Seige of Charlestown, the Capture and Surrender was their fate - after a length of time Redeemed, and our Navy being so Diminished
Page 6

he proceeded to the Ship Royal Louisiana in other Private Armed Vessels untill the Expiration of the War - To the Best of his Knowledge his time in the Continental Service, untill his Exchange must be about, Sixteen Months and from ['his' crossed out] his Reduced Circumstances in life he needs the Aid of his Country for Support - 
/s/William Blunt
In testimony that the above named William Blunt did this day make Oath before me of the beforementioned Affidavit I have hereunto set my hand and Caused the Seal of the Court to be affixed this Second Day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen and of the Independence of the United States of America the forty second - 
/s/W. Thompson
I Waddy Thompson one of the Judges of the Court of Equity in the State aforesaid do hereby Certify that from the Evidence Exhibited before me it appears to my satissfaction that the within Mentioned William Blunt did serve in the Revolutionary War as heretofore stated and that he is Entitled to the Benefit of the Act of Congress passed on the 18th day of March 1818, in such Cases
/s/W. Thompson 
To the Hon'ble Jn'o C. Calhoun
Sec'y of War.
Page 7

William Blunt
orig'l Declaration 
2d June 1818
This declaration is informal - a proper form is herewith sent for execution - together with a schedule [illegible] executed in accordance with the act of 1st May 1820. 
Let this paper be returned, with the enclosed - and let it be duly certified under [illegible] & certified by the clerk, [illegible] W. Thompson was a Judge of the court at the time the enclosed was prepared - (over)
Let the applicant submit proof of his service, for [illegible] and as to his service, by the affidavits of 2 credible & disinterested witnesses, duly certified to be such - or by the certificate of any officer under whom he served - 
Pension Office,
5th Feby 1822.
Page 8

South Carolina
Edgefield District} I Daniel Bird clerk of the Superior Courts of law for the dis't and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Waddy Thompson Esq'r was a presiding Judge of the Court of Equity at the time the within declaration was made 
[court seal affixed] Given under my hand & the Seal of the court this 23d day of July 1823 - 
/s/Dan'l Bird C.C.s
Page 9

South Carolina
Edgefield District} I Daniel Bird clerk of the Superior Courts of law for the dis't and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that Waddy Thompson Esq'r was a presiding Judge of the Court of Equity at the time the within declaration was made
[court seal affixed] Given under my hand & the Seal of the court this 23d day of July 1823 -
/s/Dan'l Bird C.C.s
Page 10

⇨ I Whitfield Brooks comm'r of the court of Equity in & for the dis't of Edgefield and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the hon'l Waddy Thompson Esqr was the presiding judge of the Court of Equity aforesaid at the time the within declaration was made - 
[court seal affixed] Given under my hand & Seal of Office as Commissioner of the court of Equity aforesaid this twenty third day of July 1823
/s/Whit'd Brooks
C'r E.E.D.
Page 11

Pensacola West Florida
County of Escambia ss
On this Ninth day of June 1823 Personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record for the District of West Florida William Blunt, resident in said County, aged sixty years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Provision made by the Acts of 18th of March 1818 the 1st of may 1820, and 1st March 1823 
That he the said William Blunt shipt in the continental navy in the year 1777. that, the Rendevous being then supplied for the frigate Raleigh then built at Portsmouth, the continental ship of War Ranger arriving from France called for him on board said ship on an expedition in company with the Boston and Charleston Frigates and Queen of France Sloop of War to protect our Southern section; formed and sailed from Boston some time in Nov'r 1779 and by annoying the Enemy embarking from New York Southerly, captured One Gun Boat and three Transports on their passage to Charleston - was then ordered with the ship on the cruising ground where they captured [illegible] more of the enemies Transports and sent them to Charleston; - were driven into Charleston by the enemie's two fifty Gunships and one Seventy four commanded by Admiral Arbuthnot; when commenced the seige of Charleston by the Enemy; and the surrender of Charleston May 12th 1780 our fate after 27 days cannonade. I Arrived home again at my Native place (Portsmouth N.H.) after every suffering being after some time redeemed. Our navy being then diminished, applied to the Department to Ship on board the new ship Royal Louis 20 Guns
commenced on a Cruize on the Banks to annoy the Quebec and Halifax, Corn fleet, captured 3 prizes and was taken by a fifty Gun ship their convoy and sent on board
Page 12

the Proteus prison ship was detained nine months a prisoner during which I suffered much was again redeemed and returned home: Shipt again in the St Eustacia 16 guns commenced cruising and capturing until taken by the enemy after hard fighting and left at the West Indies in Prison; that I performed many other services for my country until peace and our Independence was indisputably established; have been pursuing Mechanical, Mercantile and Nautical Business until the last war found me in the Eastern Country subject with my little property to the depredations of the enemy; I as soon as practicable  embarked for New York, shipt in the flying Squadron and Peace taking place on the Eve of our sailing, Government changed the course of the squadron to the Algerine Expedition my age and situation with the influence Comadore Decatur Discharged me honorably. Since I have been pursuing every honorable way for a living, and with almost every failure, In 1818, march our Grateful Country presented the hand of relief for the Navy Revolutionists. I applied for the Documents according to the act then prescribed and by sickness in a remote part of the Country and by Robbery, I was a long time deprived of the original Documents; and within these three years past by a stroke of the Sun I was totally deprived of one eye which leaves the other feeble.
I have since had no income but have lived with what I could do and small loans from my friends with promises of Remitting as soon as my National Donation took place. 
That the certificate of the 1st Lieutenant of said continental Ship (Inclosed) which part of my services were made in my first Declaration. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the U. States on the 18th March, eighteen hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since
Page 13

that time by gift, sale or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent, thereby, so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property, or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed to wit: 
Sundry Reading Books say ..... $9.50
One old Wagon of no use ..... [blank]
Two or three Ordinary Tools cost 2.-
One Small fishing boat-worth-10.-
An anticipated claim on the Spanish Government since 1797 Involved with Underwriters 
My occupation is any thing I can do, when well; that I have no family in this part of the Country, and if they are alive they have nothing to relieve me and that I have no friends to help me here. I therefore Pray that I may receive the donation due from my Country since my first and original application before I go hence. 
/s/William Blunt
Sworn & subscribed in open Court this 9th day of June, 1823}
/s/John Miller Clk
/s/F. W. Hasell  Hunt D.C.
I John Miller Clerk of the Court, do certify that the said schedule and oath have been admitted to the record of said Court, and that the same are truly copied therefrom; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid
Page 14

schedule, is twenty one Dollars and fifty cents.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this Ninth day of June 1823. -
/s/Jno. Miller
Page 15

V5463
Mary Blunt
Me.
act 7 July 38
m 86. d 31.
adm'd
12 mo Seaman
44$
no deduction
Wm B. Parker Esqr
Portsmouth N.H.
Page 16

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
STATE OF Maine
COUNTY OF Lincoln} ss:
On this 16th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, personally appeared before the the Judge of Probate for said County in Open Court Mary (or Polly) Blunt, a resident of Thomaston in the County of Lincoln aged seventy three years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows:" that she is the widow of William Blunt Junior who was a Seaman, on board the Ship of War, called the Ranger in the War of the Revolution, under the command of Captain, John Paul Jones, on one or more of the cruises of that vessel: That her said husband proved his service, and was a pensioner under the Act of the 18th of  March 1818, on the Books of the Louisiana (at New Orleans) Agency, where he died on or about the ['thirty' crossed out] first day october in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred thirty one
[margin note: on Roll 10 mo. Seaman]
Page 17

She further declares that she was married to the said William Blunt Jun'r on the twelfth day of September in the year seventeen hundred and eighty six; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
That her said husband, the aforesaid William Blunt Junior, died at New Orleans aforesaid on or about the first day of October AD 1831 - And that she has remained his widow ever since the period of his decease.
/s/Mary Blunt
Witness /s/G. N. Nichols
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before 
/s/Nath'l Groton Judge of Probate
Page 18

State of Maine
County of Lincoln ss - At a Probate Court held at Thomaston in said County of Lincoln - the same being a Court of Record on the sixteenth day of May AD 1839 - 
Personally appeared in open Court Mary Blunt widow of William Blunt and caused the foregoing declaration to be reduced to writing & subscribed the same made oath that the same is true. 
[court seal affixed] In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of said Court & caused the same to be countersigned by the Register thereof May 16 1839
/s/Nath'l Groton
Judge of said Court 
Attest /s/Geo W Nichols
Register of Probate
Page 19

109299
Claim of Mary Blunt
To Bounty Land.
Act of March 3, 1855. 
WAR OF the Rev'n
Freeman Bradford
PORTLAND, Maine.
Page 20

State of Maine.
CUMBERLAND, ss. 
Clerk's Office, Supreme Judicial Court,
PORTLAND, April 26 1855.}
I, OBADIAH G. COOK,
Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said County of Cumberland, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Z. K. Harmon Esq is, and at the date of his Certificates to the papers hereto annexed was, an ACTING JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for [blank] the County of Cumberland as appears by the papers hereto annexed; that he is DULY COMMISSIONED and qualified to administer Oaths and take Acknowledgments of Deeds and other instruments in writing, in the County aforesaid, - and that the following Signatures, purporting to be his are GENUINE. 
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Supreme Judicial Court, for said State, the day and year first above written.
/s/O. G. Cook CLERK.
Page 21

We Lorenzo D. Harmon & Dolly Stevens residents of Portland in the County of Cumberland State of Maine on oath depose and say that we are well and intimately acquainted with Mary Blunt widow of William Blunt who has signed the foregoing application for Bounty Land in our presence. She is a widow Pensioner of the United states and is now receiving a pension at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum and is the identical person she represents herself to be in her declaration. She is still a widow. We have no interest in her claim to Bounty Land.
/s/Lorenzo D. Harmon
/s/Dolly Stevens
State of Maine
Cumberland ss. April 23d 1855 Then personally appeared the above named Lorenzo D. Harmon and Dolly Stevens known to me to be credible persons and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by them signed, 
Before me /s/Z. K. Harmon Jus: Peace
Page 22

State of Maine.
County of Cumberland ss.
ON this Twenty third day of April A.D. 1855 personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Mary Blunt a resident of Portland in said County and State, aged over 88 years, who being duly sworn, doth on oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain Bounty Land, under the Act of Congress passed March 3d, A.D. 1855. 
And your declarant further states that she is the widow of William Blunt late of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana that her said husband William Blunt was a ['Soldier' crossed out] Seaman in the war of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States under the Act of March 18th 1818 at the rate of Ninety six dollars per annum and which pension he drew till the time of his death which took place at New Orleans on the first of October 1831. She further states that she has not applied for or received Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress and she believes her said husband never received Bounty Land in his life time
Page 23

YOUR DECLARANT FURTHER STATES, that she was married to the said William Blunt on the Twelfth day of September A.D. 1786, at Portsmouth N.H. in said ['State' crossed out], and that her name before marriage was Mary Fernald.
And your declarant further states, that after the passage of the Acts of Congress of July 7 1838 she made application for a Pension, on which application a pension was granted her at the rate of Forty dolls & after increas to 96 dollars per annum, as will appear by her Pension Certificate, dated on the twentieth day of January A.D. 1851 No. 1204.
For proof of marriage, her husband's service in the Revolutionary War, and his death, and of your declarant's identity, she refers to her declaration and proof for a Pension, now on file in the Department of the Interior, at Washington. 
She therefore claims Bounty Land under the act aforesaid, and states that she is still a widow. 
And for the purpose of this application, I hereby appoint Freeman Bradford of Portland my true and lawful Attorney in the premises. 
Attest /s/Mary Blunt
/s/Dolly Stevens
/s/L. D. Harmon
Sworn to and subscribed, before me, the day and year first above written, and in my presence acknowledged the Power of Attorney thereto subjoined, for the purposes above mentioned. And I hereby certify that I ['believe' crossed out] know the said Mary Blunt to be the person ['who performed the military service aforesaid, and to be of the age above stated' crossed out] she represents herself to be in her declaration & a widow pensioner, of the United States & I have no interest in this claim. 
/s/Z. K. Harmon Justice of the Peace.
Page 24

Town Clerk's Office
Portsmouth N.H. Feby 11th 1839
I John Bennett Clerk of the Town of Portsmouth in the County of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire hereby certify: - That the following is an extract from the records kept for recording marriages in said town of Portsmouth. 
Mr. William Blunt Jun'r and Miss Polly Fernald both of Portsmouth were married by Rev'd Samuel Haven the Sept'r seventeen hundred eight six as appears by said records. 
I John Bennett Clerk of the aforesaid Town, of Portsmouth hereby certify, that the above is a true extract from the original records of said Town, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible letters and figures, as follows:
"Sept'r 1786"
/s/John Bennett Town Clerk
I John Bennett above named, depose and say: - That I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town of Portsmouth in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said of Portsmouth with the exception above named, as certified by me. 
/s/John Bennett
Sworn before me, 
/s/Wm. B. Parker Notary Public
Page 25

State of New Hampshire
Rockingham SS
I J. Bartlett Hoitt Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Rockingham, certify that William B. Parker, who has subscribed the within certificate, and before whom the within oath was made is a Notary Public duly commissioned in said State, and that his signature thereto is genuine - 
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of our Superior Court of Judicature this twenty seventh day of February Anno Domino 1839 - 
/s/J. B. Hoitt Clerk
Page 26

[initials: own] information as contained in  his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. *William Blunt W.F. 23633
[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.|LENGTH OF SERVICE.|RANK.|OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.(CAPTAIN.|COLONEL.)|STATE.|]
*referred to as Wm. Blunt Jr. in 1786
Oct. 11, 1779|May 12, 1780|Mariner|(Thomas Simpson on|Continental Sloop)|Ranger|
[end of columns] captured. British brig also many transports was taken prisoner at Siege of Charleston and returned home the following August. Then served on the Royal Louis, captured three prizes and was taken by a fifty gun ship, sent on board The Proteus prison ship for 9 mos. Shipped again on the St. Eustacia and was again captured and left in prison in West Indies. Also served at other times from 1775 to the expiration of the war, no details given.
Battles or Battle engaged in, He was in 7 battles. Rhode Island. Siege of Charleston The only ones stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in New Hampshire
Date of application for pension, June 2. 1818 His cl. was al. 
Residence at date of application, Edgefield Dist. S.C.
Age at date of application, Concord 1823: he was a native of Portsmouth N.H. 
Remarks: Died Oct. 1, 1831 at New Orleans, La. Soldier married at Portsmouth N.H. Sept. 12, 1786 Miss Mary or Polly Fernald. She was allowed pension on an application executed  May 16, 1829 while a resident of Thomaston, Lincoln Co. Me. aged 73 years.
Very respectfully,
Page 27

[verso]
U.S. Navy On board Sloop of War Ranger
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23633
Mary Blunt widow of William Blunt Seaman Rev War
Act Feb 2d 48
Index: Vol. A, Page 69
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
1911 Mch 2 Hist. to Mrs. Alfred Prescott (Letter in L.F. 7386 Charles Rhodes) V.L.M.

Rev act 2d Feb 48, Me:
Boynton
Page 28

Wm. Blunt. Florida act 1818 when last pd? GMC
28 Aug 39
Mariner - Died Oct. 1. 1831 Pd Louisiana
Page 29

[verso]
1824
Maine.
Mary Blunt widow of William Blunt who was a Seaman in the U.S. Navy for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 44 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to Joseph Pope 
Portland Maine
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. I. Page 2

[recto]
Letter to Joseph Ilsley & Pension Agent, 15 Sep 1846 
[illegible] Sep 6
Page 30

Maine - 4096
Mary Blunt, widow of William Blunt, who was a pensioner under the Act of 18th Mar. '18 and who died on the 1st October 1831, of Lincoln in the State of Maine who was a Seaman in the Ship ['commanded by Captain Whipple of the' crossed out] [blank] commanded by Cap't Whipple in the U.S. Navy line for 12 mos
______
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 44 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of Sep'r '39, and sent to Wm. B. Parker, Portsmouth, N.H.
______
Arrears to the 4th of March - $132.00
Semi=annual allowance ending 22.00
$154.00
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk,
Book A Vol. 1 Page 3.
Page 31

V5463
Let Wm. B. Parker, 1st Aug't '39
act 7 July 38
13.438
160 acres
Page 32

1204
Maine
Mary Blunt widow of William who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Seaman
Incd from $44
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the ['4th day of March, 1848.' crossed out] 1st July 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of Jany 1837 and sent to Dickens & Coombs Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 4. Vol. I
Page 33

Wm. Blunt Papers 
Care of Counsellor Call
Pensacola
Page 34

[handwritten letter]
Sirs
Inclosd is the main Document in permit of my wishes - the notes remark'd by the Sec'y, on the back is our Guide - The first of Which is to forme a Substitute, to present, the Necasity of sending to the Clerk of the court, for his Certificate, as Noted - in the Case of this Alternative, a [illegible] Noted, as Necasary, ought and must, be perticular taken in Cases of failures a Coppy (Roughly) I have Inclosd you, to have attested by Paper, meanes to preserve the Original Coppy -
In your Inclosing to one of Yours, whom you may Depend on Attention, Postage must be paid, which I will advance, and I think Col'n Walton is better Personally Acquainted with some liveing near the Premises, whom, You can Reffer to, - fail not in Going next part, in the next is to attend to the the two Acts of Congress, passed on the 18th of March 1818 & 1820 - Wherin, it points out our Duty in the formes, Remitted on by the Secretary and those formes, I in part, have, Mineted, as Relates the blanks Any Court of Record, agreeable to the Notes is Supp'g for my attendance, and shall Expect to be [illegible] or in that Vicinity untill the Business is Accomplishd as I expect, in sending on to the Sec'y the amount of our Documents, there may be Nessary or Proven, from me, for the Demand, as Congress has made Restrictions of No Incumbrance, but to the Sole Use of the Member [illegible] - You can Informe yourself in that Case and let me know, - I beg you to lose no time in presenting the Business, and on its Accomplishment, you shall be Amply Satisfied
Respectfully Yours /s/Wm Blunt
Page 35

Edgefield District, Office Near Court house
Inclos'd an Original Declaration made before the Hon. W. Thompson agreeable to his signature, which has been transmitted on to the Sec'y and Returned with his Remarks, the request of a Certificate on the same agreeable as he states, on the Declaration in all the Deficiency which Sir you will confer a favor in having Executed, and Returning by Mail as soon as possible - 
N.B. Be so good to have the seal more legible as the time since Executed has almost taken out the Impression
Page 36

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: PORTSMOUTH N.H. MAY 22] FREE
[margin notes: Me May 27 7 July '38 5463 Blunt]
{Claim of Mary Blunt of Thomaston, County of Lincoln and State of Maine, widow of William Blunt Jun'r of Louisiana, to a pension, under the Act of the 7th July 1838.}
J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions;
Pension Office, War Department, 
City of Washington, D.C.
Page 37

[handwritten letter]
Portsmouth, N.H. 22d May 1839. 
Hon: J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir:
Enclosed herewith is the declaration and proof of Mary Blunt of the State of Maine in order to obtain a pension under the Act of the 7th July 1838: - I request, that her certificate, if awarded her, or any correspondence necessary to elucidate this case, may be addressed to me, at this place. 
I am, Sir, very respectfully, Your M'o Obed't Servant,
/s/Wm. B. Parker.
P.S. All the evidence which we can provide, in the case of Mary, the Widow of Samuel Neal of N.H. under the Act of the 4th July 1836, having been long since transmitted, we pray a speedy decision in her case. 
Respectfully /s/W. B. Parker
Page 38

[handwritten letter]
Portsmouth N.H. 7th Aug't 1839. 

Sir:
I herein enclose the best evidence we can produce here, as required in your letter of the 1st inst, respecting Mary, the widow of William Blunt under the Act of the 7th July 1838. a pensioner who died at New Orleans in 1831. 
I am, Sir, respectfully Your M'o Obt Serv't
/s/Wm B. Parker
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 39

[handwritten letter]
Portland, Me. June 16, 1843
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions.}

Sir,
I forward herewith the applications of Mary Blunt and Elizabeth Stanford for pensions under Act Mar 3, 1843, and am, Sir,
very respectfully yours
/s/Joseph Pope.
Page 40

William Blunt
(Schedule.)
Page 41

SCHEDULE.
Circuit ['District' crossed out] Escambia ss.
On this eighteenth day of March 1823, personally appeared, in open court, (a) being a court of record (b) for the said ['District' crossed out], [circuit, ['county, or corporation, as the case may be,' crossed out]] William Blunt aged Sixty years, resident in Florida in said ['district, [circuit, county, or corporation,]' crossed out] who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: (c)On Board the Continental Sloop of War Ranger and in the Service of the American Cause From the Year 1775, untill the Expiration of the then War, as set fourth in the Original Declaration Date, June 2d 1818 - and which through Unfortunat causes has as yet been deprived, of the National Donation
[margin note: Elijah Hall Esqr Affidavit of my Service]
And I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be,) that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. (d)one Old Car of No Use, one Old Gun $2 - 
one Adz $1-50, hand Saw 50, hatchet 25c - 2.25
that three years past I was struck blind by the Sun and remain with very little sight, my Occupation had been Nautical, Mechanical and Mercantile but now Infirm 
No family in this part of the Country, and what may be Alive are no help to me - 
/s/Will'm Blunt
Sworn to, and declared, on the 18th day of March 1823 before me Greenberry A Gaither Judge of the Circuit Court for the county aforesaid
/s/G. A. Gaither
I, John Miller clerk of Circuit Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is four dollars and twenty five cents. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 25th day of April 1823
/s/Jno Miller
Clerk of the Court for the Circuit of Escambia County
Page 42

Territory Florida
Escambia County 
I Greenberry A. Gaither Judge of the Circuit Court for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that John Miller whose name is hereunto annexed, is clerk of our said court & that due faith & credit ought to be given to his acts as such 
Given under my hand this 25th April 1823. 
/s/G. A. Gaither
Page 43

(a) The whole of the form prescribed in the first section, to verify the amount of property of the applicant, the oath of the party, and the certificate of the clerk excepted, must be done while the court is in session.
(b) All are courts of record, within the contemplation of the act of Congress,
1st. Which are expressly made courts of record by the laws of the state which create them;
2d. Which have been solemnly adjudged, by the tribunals of the several states, to be courts of record;
3d. Which proceed according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings.
4th. Which have the power of fine and imprisonment;
And courts which proceed according to the course of the civil and canon law, having neither of those attributes, are not courts of record, although they may keep a registry of their proceedings, and possess a seal. The court should, in every instance, state, on the face of the proceedings, that it is a court of record, and state why it is such. - [Opinion of the Attorney General of the United States.]
(c) Here set forth the regiment, company, and line, or ship, corps, or vessel, and the date of the original declaration; and, if he has received a pension, the number of the pension certificate should be inserted.
(d) Here enumerate each article of real and personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, and subscribe the same. The declarant must also mention his occupation, his ability to pursue it, the number and names of his family residing with him, their ages, and their capacity to contribute to their support, in order that the department may be enabled to decide whether the applicant is in such indigent circumstances as to be entitled to the pension. It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that the words of the third section of the act of the the 1st of May, 1820, ""in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country," comprehend those only who are incapable of supporting themselves without the aid of the government, except by private or public charity.
Page 44

William Blunt
(Declaration)
Page 45

ORIGINAL CLAIM. 
Circuit of ['District of' crossed out] Escambia [illegible] Florida ss. 
On this Eighteenth day of March 1823, personally appeared, in open court, (a)[being a court of record (b) for the ['district' crossed out] circuit, ['county, or corporation, as the case may be]' crossed out] of Escambia  William Blunt aged Sixty years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress, of the 18th March, 1818, and the 1st May, 1820, that he, the said William Blunt enlisted, for the term of twelve Months on the Eleventh day of October in the year 1779 in the state of Newhampshire ['in the company' crossed out] Ship of War Rangers commanded by captain Thomas Simpson in the ['regiment' crossed out] squadron commanded by Commodore Whiple (Whipple) in the ['line of the state of' crossed out] port of Portsmouth on the Naval continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until Captur'd and Redem'd when he was discharged from the said Service service, in at Expiration in the state of (c) Newhampshire - that the Navy being then Reduced at the Capture of Charlestown he continued Serving his country in Private and Other Arm'd Vessels untill the Expiration of the war that he was taken prisoner four times, that he was at Captureing the Enemy fourteen times 
That he was in the battles of Rhoad Island Seige of Charleston South Carol'a & Seven Battles and that he has no other evidence, now in his power, of his said services, except the Affidavit of the first Lieutenant of the Continental Ship of War Rangers of any Material Service - 
And, in pursuance of the act of 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear or affirm, (as the case may be,) that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed. (d)one Old Car of No Use - one Old gun - $2 - one Adz $1.50 - hand saw - .50 hatchet 25c - 2.25
that three years past I was, struck blind by the sun and Remain with very little sight that my Occupation has been Nautical, Mechanical, and  Mercantile, but now Infirm, no family in this part of Country
Sworn to, and declared, on the 18th day of March before Will'm Blunt
I, John Miller clerk of Circuit Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath (or affirmation) and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is four dollars and twenty five cents.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 25th day of April 1823
/s/Jno Miller
Clerk of the Court for the Circuit of Escambia County
Page 46

(a) The whole of the form prescribed in the first section, to verify the amount of property of the applicant, the oath of the party, and the certificate of the clerk excepted, must be done while the court is in session.
(b) All are courts of record, within the contemplation of the act of Congress,
1st. Which are expressly made courts of record by the laws of the state which create them;
2d. Which have been solemnly adjudged, by the tribunals of the several states, to be courts of record;
3d. Which proceed according to the course of the common law, with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount, keeping a record of their proceedings.
4th. Which have the power of fine and imprisonment;
And courts which proceed according to the course of the civil and canon law, having neither of those attributes, are not courts of record, although they may keep a registry of their proceedings, and possess a seal. The court should, in every instance, state, on the face of the proceedings, that it is a court of record, and state why it is such. - [Opinion of the Attorney General of the United States.]
(c) Here set forth the regiment, company, and line, or ship, corps, or vessel, and the date of the original declaration; and, if he has received a pension, the number of the pension certificate should be inserted.
(d) Here enumerate each article of real and personal estate, necessary clothing and bedding excepted, and subscribe the same. The declarant must also mention his occupation, his ability to pursue it, the number and names of his family residing with him, their ages, and their capacity to contribute to their support, in order that the department may be enabled to decide whether the applicant is in such indigent circumstances as to be entitled to the pension. It is the opinion of the Attorney General, that the words of the third section of the act of the the 1st of May, 1820, ""in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the assistance of his country," comprehend those only who are incapable of supporting themselves without the aid of the government, except by private or public charity.
Page 47

2135
Mary Blunt's application for a pension 
Act, Mar. 3d 1843
$44 per ann
Joseph Pope
Portland Maine
Page 48

STATE OF MAINE. 
Cumberland County. 
ON this fifteenth day of June 1843 Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Cumberland ['of the' crossed out] Mary Blunt, formerly of Thomaston, and now a resident of Portland in the County of Cumberland aged seventy eight years - who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March, 1843, granting Pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the Widow of William Blunt who was a Mariner in the War of the Revolution, in the vessel called The Ranger, as she believes, under the command of Captain Hall. - 
She also declares that she received a pension under the act of July 7. 1838, at the rate of Forty four dollars per annum. 
she further declares that she is still a widow. 
/s/Mary Blunt
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written. 
Before me; and I further certify ['that' crossed out] that satisfactory proof has been produced before me, that the declarant is still a widow, and that her declaration is true. 
/s/Joseph Pope, Justice of the Peace
Page 49

State of Maine
Cumberland ss
Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that, Joseph Pope Esquire is a Magistrate as appears within; that he is duly grateful to act as such; that his commission is dated January 27. A.D. 1842 and will expire January 27. A.D. 1849; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
[court seal affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the  Superior Judicial Court for said State, this Fifteenth day of June Anno Domini 1843. 
/s/Charles Cobb Clerk
Page 50

(110)
Mary Blunt
Mary Blunt
12071
Inc'd to $96 ded'g $44/ann
Cong 1 July 1848
File by
Dickins & Coombs.
Page 51

STATE OF MAINE
CUMBERLAND, SS. 
Probate Office,
PORTLAND, Nov. 26th, A.D. 1850}
I, Freeman Bradford
REGISTER OF PROBATE, 
In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that Z. K. Harmon is an 
Acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed, that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that the COMMISSION of the said Harmon is dated Nov. 23d A.D. 1850 and will expire Nov. 23d A.D. 1857
and that the following SIGNATURE, purporting to be his is genuine. 
[court seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal official of said Court, the day and year first above written. 
/s/Freeman Bradford Register.
Page 52

State of Maine
Cumberland SS,} On this twenty fifth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mary Blunt a resident of Portland in said County aged 84 years who upon oath declares that she is the widow of William Blunt late of New Orleans in the State of Louisiana deceased that her husband was a pensioner of the United States as she believes at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum as she believes the same will appear by the Pension roll of Louisiana and that her said husband died on the first day of October 1831. That she resided in Thomaston Maine. when she was first placed on the Pension roll and before that time she had resided in Eden and now resides in Portland. She further states that she now receives a pension under the Act of 1848 at the rate of forty four dollars per annum and has heretofore received the benefits of the Acts of 1838, 1843 & 1844. By virtue of the laws aforesaid
Page 53

and of the Joint Resolution of July 1, 1848 She claims a pension at the same rate that her husband received in his life time & refers the Commissioner of Pensions to the declarations and proof in her former claims.
/s/Mary Blunt
Witness /s/L. D. Harmon
Be it known that on the day and year first above written personally appeared the above named Mary Blunt known to me to be the identical person she represents herself to be in the above declaration and made oath that the same is true according to her best knowledge and belief. 
Before me /s/Z. K. Harmon
Justice of the Peace
Page 54

No 3
Mary Blunt
AO 1820
admitted
Hon
AWH Clapp
Portland Maine
HR
Page 55

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, SS. 
CLERK'S OFFICE, JUDICIAL COURTS,
Portland, June 28th A.D. 1848.}
I, Chas C. Harmon CLERK of all the JUDICIAL COURTS in and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that Joseph Ilsley is an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is Duly qualified to act as such; that the Commission of the said Ilsley is dated Feby 9th ['is dated' crossed out] A.D. 1843, and will expire Feby. 9th A.D. 1830. 
and that the following SIGNATURE purporting to be his is Genuine. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written. 
/s/Chas. C. Harmon, CLERK.
Page 56

State of Maine
County of Cumberland ss. 
On this twenty second day of June 1848 personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, Mary Blunt, a resident of Thomaston in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine. aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provission made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February 1848. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war. that she is the widow of William Blunt who was a Seaman on Board ['the' crossed out] some U.S. Vessell Capt. Hall.
She further declares that she has received the benefits of the acts of Congress passed 7 July 1838, 3d March 1843 & 17 June 1844 at the rate forty four dollars per annum. She also declares that she is still a widow. 
/s/Mary Blunt
Witness /s/Dolly Stevens
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before me /s/Joseph Ilsley Justice of the Peace
Page 57

We James C. Hopkins and Eliza A. Hopkins both living in Thomaston in the State of Maine the said James aged forty seven years and the said Eliza aged forty five years, on oath declare that we are well acquainted with the widow Mary Blunt of Thomaston wife of the late William Blunt who died at New Orleans about nine years ago - who was a pensioner of the Revolution. said Mary is now a widow and has never been married since the death of her said husband, William Blunt, she having lived & now lives in the same family with us. 
/s/James C Hopkins
/s/Eliza A Hopkins
State of Maine
County of Lincoln ss. At a Probate Court holden at Thomaston in & for said County on the 16th day of May 1839 - Personally appeared in open Court, the same being a Court of record. James C. Hopkins & Eliza Hopkins above named & made solemn oath that the above affidavit by them signed is true - I further certify that said James & Eliza are known to me & that they are persons of truth & their statements under oath are entitled to full credit. Witness my hand
/s/Nath'l Groton Judge of said Court
Page 58

I Elijah Hall Esquire of Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire, testify and say, that I was Lieutenant of the United States' Sloop of War Ranger, from the time of her sailing from s'd Portsmouth for France in the year 1777, until her capture by the British at Charleston in May 1780 - That I well knew William Blunt of said Portsmouth, a native of that place, now, as it is said, resident in the State of Georgia viz in Augusta therein. 
That the said William Blunt entered on board said Sloop of War, ['the' crossed out] then 11th of October 1779, to serve the United States for twelve months, in the revolutionary war, and continued in that service in the said Sloop of War, until she was captured by the British in said Charleston May 12th 1780, after which, the said Blunt who was captured in her, and the rest of the crew who belonged to her, did not get home, until some time in the following month of August. 
/s/Elijah Hall
State of New Hampshire
Portsm'o to wit. 
On this First day of August 1818, before me Dan'l Humphreys of s'd Portsmouth, Notary Public duly commissioned & sworn personally appeared the above named & signing Elijah Hall Esqr & made oath in due form to the Truth of the above deposition by him subscribed in my presence - 
[notary seal affixed] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Notarial Seal on the day last aforesaid - 
/s/Dan'l Humphreys Not'y Pub & Justice of the peace & Qu'm
Page 59

I, Margery Fernald of Portsmouth, in the State of New Hampshire, testify and say: - That I am the sister of Mary Blunt the Widow of William Blunt, formerly of this Town, but who resided for many years, and died at New Orleans some five or six years since: - That soon after the Act of 1818 passed, the said Blunt wrote my Brother, Mr. Amos Fernald, requesting him to procure from Elijah Hall, who was an Officer on Board the revolutionary ship of war, called the Ranger, John Paul Jones, Commander, a Certificate of his Service on board that ship, that he obtained, a certificate from Mr. Hall and transmitted it to Mr Blunt at New Orleans: - That afterwards Mr Blunt acknowledged the receipt of the Certificate and subsequently stated that he had obtained a pension by reason of it: - That Mr. Hall and my aforesaid Brother have since died, and upon the decease of her husband, Mary Blunt sent the letters which had passed betwixt them, together with the documents to an Agent in New Orleans to claim her dower; but whether the estate was insolvent or not, she did not obtain any thing of her late husband's effects. I therefore have no doubt whatever that said William Blunt, enjoyed a pension under the Act of Congress of March 1818, and I certainly know, that if he did, my Sister Mary Fernald afterwards Blunt, was his Wife and now is his Widow. 
/s/Margery Fernald
Page 60

I Isabell Shapley Fernald of Portsmouth in the State of New=Hampshire, testify and say that I am the Daughter of Mr. Amos Fernald of said Portsmouth, and neice of Mrs. Mary Blunt, the Widow of William Blunt:
That the within affidavit of Miss Margery Fernald, my Aunt, has been read to me; - that it appears to me to be correct, except the time of the decease of William Blunt, which took place according to my recollection in October 1831: consequently he has been dead nearly eight years: - 
I perfectly remember all about his writing to my Father about the pension: - He went to New Orleans soon after the peace in 1815 where he continued to reside, and his wife lived here, or with her children in the State of Maine. 
/s/Isabell S. Fernald
Page 61

State of New Hampshire
County of Rockingham} sst: August 6th 1839. 
Then Margery Fernald, personally appearing, subscribed and made oath, in due form of law, to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, before me: And on this fourth day of August 1839, Isabell Shapley Fernald, subscribed and made oath, in due form of Law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, before me: I also certify that I have been a near neighbour to these affiants for more than forty years, and that they both, are, in my opinion, as credible and respectable Witnesses, as any in this Community. 
[notary seal: W. B. PARKER NOT. PUB. NH. affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my Notarial Seal this fourth day of August 1839. 
/s/Wm. B. Parker Notary=Public.
Page 62

Payment to be made at Portland by William Woodbury Esq Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Maine
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 2, vol. 1. 
/s/Leo Jenkins Clerk.
Page 63

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION. 
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Mary Blunt widow of William Blunt, who was a Seaman in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of forty four dollars ['and [blank] cents' crossed out] per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage. 
Given at the War Office of the United States this 16th day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty eight. 
/s/W. L. Marcy
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. 
/s/J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions. 
By F. S. Evans
Page 64

3-871.
[initials: A.O.T.]
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by A. Moore d. 27/2/11
Claim No. [blank]
Certificate No. [blank]
Claimant La. pensioner
Soldier Wm. Blount
Service [blank] ['LU' crossed out]
['Additional' crossed out Service Rev.
No. [blank] claim, State records [blank], 191[blank]
No claim, combination records [blank], 191[blank]
REMARKS:
{Wid. F.23,633
{Wm Blunt
No Rev. War Svc as above