Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1672, Daniel Updike, R.I.
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service                                            Number
R. I.               Updike, Daniel           W. 1672
                                  Ardelissa 
                                               or
                                   Arteliza

Contents
Page 2

[Side 1]
payment suspended Justin W 
B Cowell 11 April 1835
"    "        20 Oct 1835
Hon D J Pearce 24 December 1835
----
Payee's pension resumed -- see cited (?)
to Pen. Act. &  Hon. D. J. Pearce
June 16 '36
====

[Side 2]
21.916
Rhode Island
Daniel Updike
of Kent Co. in the State of Rhode Island 
who was a private in the Comp. commanded
by Captain Brown of the Regt. commanded
by Col. Dyer in the Rhode Island
line for 2 years 

B Cowell

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island 
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834

Certificate of Pension issued on the 18 day of Nov: 1833 and defer
to Hon D.J. Pearce (the following text was crossed out) delay sent to (?) B. Cowell Providence.

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '33 $200
Semi- anl. allowance ending 4 March '34 40
$240

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Jo. G. Stiles Clerk,
Book E, Vol 2, Page 134
Page 3

100
Rhode Island
Ardelissa Updike
widow of Daniel Updyke
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
R J Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the
15 day of Mch 1849
and sent to
Hon A. C. Greene
Senate M. P. 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
[crossed out] February 2 [written] 29 July [printed] 1848, Page [handwritten] 117, Vol [handwritten] 1
[handwritten[ Book D
Page 4

Daniel Updike
R. J.

27 [?]

I am well acquainted with Daniel Updike Updike and know that he is a man highly respectable and of good morals

December 21st, 1833
Dutee J Pearce
Page 5

State of Rhode Island, County of Kent
On this first day of August 1833.
Personally appeared before me, Thomas W. Greene chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas, within afore said County Daniel Updike, resident in East Greenwich in said County aged 72 years, who first being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following revelation in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the war of the Revolution and served as following
In answer to the first Interrogatory prescribed by the War Department, he says, he was born at North Kingstown in said that May 12th 1761 -
In answer to the 2nd Interrogatory he says his birth is recorded among the Records of the Protestant Episcopal Church in that town. -
Page 6

In answer to 3rd Interrogatory he says he
was living at said North Kingstown when
he entered the service, since the war he lived in said North Kingstown until the
year 1810, when he removed to East
Greenwich when he has lived ever since
In answer 4th Interrogatory he says he was sometimes drafted and sometimes volunteered -
In answer to 5th Interrogatory he says he
served under Colonel Charles Dyer and under
Captain John Brown -
In answer to 6th he says he never received
any written discharge but was always
verbally dismissed when his time was out
In answer to 7th he says Benjamin Gardner
and Nathan Whiting are his present neighbors and can testify as to his character
And this applicant further says that in
the year 1776, being under 16 years of age
Page 7

he volunteered in said Captain Brown's Company of militia to guard the shore of Narragansett Bay, against the incursions of the enemy and more especially against two British Frigates commanded by Wallace and Ayscough, two British Captains, then stationed in said Narragansett Bay, who were weekly committing devastation on said shores; this applicant has seen 13 houses on fire at once on the Conanicut shore by the British - and this applicant says that between January 1776 & December of that year he served three months at least in said Company in the above Service, as a private
And this applicant further says that his father's house was situated on the shores of said Bay,
in said North Kingstown and in a very opened situation, so that he was constantly called upon, to turn out, to do military duty and he says, that between January 1777, and December of that year he year he served not less four months at least in said capacity of
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private, this service was performed in said Captain Brown's Company and Colonel Dyer's Regiment of Militia in guarding the shores of said Bay up and down for the space of twenty miles -
And this applicant for then says, that in the year 1778, the British Troops still being in possession of Newport, he was still liable to said duty during this year he was several times drafted in said Company, and Regiment to do Military duty, and he always went and performed his duty - and he says that between January 1778 and December of that year he served not less than five months at least in guarding the shores above [?] and one month [?] in [?] at [?] on R Island
And that application further says that in the year 1779, he was again called upon in like manner and he serves not six then five months at least in the same Company - Regiment and in the same capacity - And this applicant further says that in the year 1780, he was drafted as before and in that year he served in like manner
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not less than five months at least in the same Company and Regiment where said shores -
And this applicant further says that in the year 1781. he serves five months at least in same Company and Regiment in the same capacity - During the time the British were in possession of Newport the, Militia one half of them, were on duty and this application says he was on duty one third of the time at least to suit, in the year 1776 - 3 months
1777 - 4
1778 - 6
1779 - 4
1780 - 4
1781 - 4
25
This applicant says he served twenty five months in all as above states for which he claims a pension -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declines that his name is not on the Roll of the agency of any State
Daniel Updike
Page 10

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above mentioned and I the said judge to hereby declare my opinion after contemplation and after furthering the interrogatories facilitated by the War Department, that the above manner applicant, was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states - and I the said judge do further certify that Daniel Updike the applicant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to appear in Court which is the reason of this taking of this application before me, and I further certify that this bodily infirmity has been produced by a paralytic stroke, which has rendered him very infirm and feeble
Honorable Greene J. C. C. Pleas
Kent ss. The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Clerks Office Court
Page 11

I Benjamin Gardiner of East Greenwich in the County of Kent, aged Seventy eight years, do testify and say, that have known Daniel Updike, formerly of North Kingstown in the County of Washington but now of said East Greenwich, for the period of about sixty years. That during the war of the Revolution, when the British were in possession of Newport the Militia on the Narragansett shore were continually called upon to do military duty in guarding the shores of the Narragansett Bay, against the frequent incursions of the enemy. And that before they took possession of Newport, Wallace, with two British frigates was
almost daily burning and ravaging the property of the Citizens on the coasts of said bay, and the said Daniel Updike lived near the shore on said Bay and belonged to Captain John Brown's Company of Militia in Colonel Dyer's Regiment and was often called upon to do military service. And I verily believe he served more than two years as he has stated in his Declaration. I further Testify that the said Updike has always sustained a good character for truth - Benjamin Gardiner
August 1 1833
Sworn to before me and I further certify
that said Deponent is well known to me
is a credible witness
Honorable Greene J.C.C. Pleas
Page 12

I Nathan Whiting, residing at East Greenwich in the County of Kent, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Daniel Updike, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration. That I believe him to be seventy two years of age; that he sustains a good character for truth; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion. 
Nathan Whiting 

August 1, 1833 Sworn to before me and I further certify that (the word “the” is inserted with a caret mark) deponent is well known to me & he is a credible witness & full faith aught to be given to his statement
Hon. Greene J.C.C. Pleas 

I Nathan B Crocker a Clergyman residing in the City of Providence, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Daniel Updike who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be 72 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
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where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that I concur in that opinion 
N.B. Crocker 

Rhode Island District
In Providence August 2 1833 
Personally appeared before me the (illegible) named N.B. Crocker & made oath to the above affidavit by him signed and I further certify that said Nathan B is a clergyman resident in said Providence & is a (“a” inserted with a caret mark) respectable witness & entitled to full credit 
John Pitman 
District Judge US. 
For Rhode Island District 

Rhode Island District 
Clerks office U.S.District Court
In Providence Aug 2 1833
I certify the above signature of "John Pitman" to be the true signature of John Pitman Judge of the District Court of the United States within (illegible) said District.  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court in the day & year above written 
Benja Cowell Clk
Page 14

Neeret [?] to. The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation Clerk's office Court of Common pleas

I certify that Thomas H Greene Eighth is the first Justice of the S Court of Common Pleas for our said County of Kent. that the aforegoing signatories are his proper signature in his own hand writing, & that full faith is sought to be given to all his official acts. In witness whereof I have hereuseto Set my name & seal of the said Court at East Greenwich this first day of August in the year of our Lord 1833

John Brown Clk [Clerk]
Page 15

The Deposition of Priscilla Bardine of East Greenwich in the County of Kent duly sworn according to Law who upon oath, Certifies and says, that she is Seventy five years of Age that she was present at the marriage of Daniel Updike of North Kingston to Arteliza Arnold daughter of Col William Arnold of East Greenwich that said marriage took place in the month of April AD 1799 at the house of Col William Arnold in East Greenwich that she has ever since been acquainted with the parties been intimate with them
that the said Daniel Updike died at said East Greenwich in the month of June in year 1842 and that the said Arteliza has ever since remained and she is the widow of the said Daniel Updike the deceased 
Priscilla Bardine 

State of Rhode Island County of Kent 
on this sixteenth day of December AD 1848 Personally came before me the subscribed the above named Priscilla Bardine to me personally known as a credible person and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition & subscribed the same 
Geo A Brayton (illegible)
Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island
Page 16

The deposition of Phebe Cook of East Greenwich in the State of Rhode who being duly sworn accord to law testifies and says,
That he is sixty eight years of age that she is the site of Arteliza Upkike widow of Daniel Updike late of East Greenwich deceased that the said Arteliza was married to the said Daniel Updike then of North Kingstown on the twenty second day of April in the year seventeen hundred and ninety nine at East Greenwich that this deponent was present at the marriage that they were married by Joseph Warren an Episcopal Clergyman then resident in said North Kingstown that the said Daniel Updike died at said East Greenwich on the fifteenth day June in the year Eighteen hundred and forty two and that the said Arteliza has ever since remained and (illegible) is the widow of the said Daniel Updike deceased the deponent also recollects that Mrs Priscilla Bardine and Mr Wilkins Upkike broth. of the said Daniel were present also at the marriage
Phebe Cook

State of Rhoda Island & County of Kent on the 16th day of December AD 1848 personally came before me the subscriber the name Phebe Cook to me personally known as a credible person and made oath to the truth of the foregoing depositions & subscribes the same 
Geo A Brayton (illegible)
Justice of the Supreme Court
Page 17

I certify that this paper was day one annexed to the deposition of Abbey L Updike and is the one referred to in her said deposition 
Geo. A. Brayton (illegible)
Justice of the Supreme Court

(Handwritten up the right side of the page)
Family Record of Family (illegible) & Aged.
Page 18

Daniel Updike was born 12 of May 17 [illegible]
 
Memo

April 22, 1799 Daniel Updike was 
married to Ardelissa Arnold daughter of
W. Arnold at East Greenwich by Rev. Jos Warren
July 20th. [1803], 5 o'clock P.M, Abigail Ludovica was 
born on Wednesday - - - christened 
Fryday Nov 9 1804. 6, o'clock A.M
Alice Gulidmas was born - christened
July 20, 1806. One o'clock P.M.
Ludovich W. was born
Page 19

The deposition of Abigail L Updike of East Greenwich 
in the state of Rhode Island who being duly 
sworn according to law testifies and says 
that she is the daughter of Daniel Updike late of 
said East Greenwich asserted [?] that the paper hereto 
annexed was by her taken from the family Bible about 
two years since upon the cover of which had been 
many years before pasted that she was informed by
her father the said Daniel Updike that it was a copy 
taken by him from the church record in North Kingstown
and pasted into the said Bible by him.

Abby L. Updike

State of Rhode Island ss.
County of Kent ss.
on the 16th day of December AD 1848 Personally appeared 
before me the subscribed the above named Abby L Updike
and subscribed the foregoing deposition and made oaths to
the truth thereof and I further certify that the said 
Abby is a credible person.

Geo. A Brayton associate
Justice of the Supreme Court
Page 20

(2 Sided Document)
(Left Side)
No 82 
Ardelissa Updike wid of Daniel R I act 29 July 1848 
(Right Side)
Application of  Ardelissa Updike Widow of Daniel Updikee for a Pension under the Act of July 29th 1848. Sylvester G (Illegible)
(Illegible) 
State of Rhode Island
Agent for the Applicant
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Conrgess of July 29th 1848 
State of Rhode Island
Providence Plantations
County of Washington (Washington lined out) Kent ss.

On this Sixteenth Day of December, in the year 1848, personally appeared (crossed out "said") before me George A Brayton, a Judge or Justice of the Supreme Court of said State of Rhode Island. Adelissa Updike of East Greenwich in the County Kent in said State, aged Eighty two years of Age, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the rest of the pension made by the Act Congress passed July 29th 1848 intended and for the relief of certain surviving widows of and soldiers of the revolutionary war:  That she is the widow of Daniel Updike late of said East Greenwich deceased who was a private in the Army of the United States or Militia of Rhode Island in the War of the Revolution.  She is unable to give any details or evidence of his service in the Army as she was not married to him untill some time after the war ceased -- But she often heard
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him speak during his life of his serving in Militia of Rhode Island in the revolutionary War, with Colonel Dyer and others in Rhode Island and other places.  
She asks for the particulars (?) and papers (?) of his case & his declaration, and the Deposition (?) and documents which accompany the same made by him, to obtain the benefits of the (illegible) of the Act of June 7th 1832 which one sees on file in the Pension Office as she supposes, as her said husband made application for a Pension under said Act and was a Pensioner under the same, at the time of his death.  She further states that previous to her marriage she was Addelissa Arnold, the daughter of Col. William Arnold of said East Greenwich, and that she was married to the said Daniel Updike who then belonged to North Kingston in the County of Washington, in this state on the twenty second day of April 1799, at her fathers house in said East Greenwich by Joseph Warren, then the Episcopal Clergyman of Saint Pauls Church in said North Kingston. And once had a marriage certificate signed by him, which is lost, and she is unable to find the same although she has made a diligent search for the same- The paper which accompanies this declaration purporting to affirm (?) the date of her marriage is in her husbands hand writing and was taken from the family
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bible, in which it was pasted.  It was taken out of the Bible some time since by her daughter Abby Updike And it is the only written evidence of her marriage anywhere in existence to her knowledge. Wilkins Updike Esq of South Kingston now living was present at her marriage as likewise was Mrs. Priscilla Bardine and Mrs. Phebe Cook, now living in East Greenwich and Hannah Carey of said Greenwich was also present, and she (illegible) will testify to her said marriage. 
And she further declared that the said Daniel Updike died at said East Greenwich, on the fifteenth day of June 1842, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear (illegible), to the paper (?) hereto annexed.
Witness Arteliza Updike (her mark written as "X")
Geo. A. Brayton
Sworn to and signed on the day and year above written by the said Arteliza Updike and I further certify that the said Arteliza is by reason of bodily infirmities incident to her advanced age unable to appear in Court and that she is a credible person 
Geo. A. Brayton Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island
Page 24

R.J.  Updike, Daniel    W.1672
                       Ardedlissa or
                       Arteliza
Page 25

I Wilkins Updike of South Kingstown in the County of Washington Rhode Island, on oath do testify and declare, that when I was a boy, aged about thirteen years that my Father, my sister Anstis See then Anstis Updike, the Rev. Joseph Warren a (illegible) of the Protestant Episcopal Church and myself rode to the House of Col. William Arnold at East Greenwich in this State to attend the wedding of Daniel Updike with Miss Ardelissa Arnold the daughter of said Col. William Arnold, and on the same day I saw them married and the Rev. Jos Warren the minister of the Episcopal Church performed the rites of Marriage. I recollect the dress of the (crossed out "bridge") Bride. Several others were present and I recollect that John Cooke & Phebe Cooke, the said Phebe being another daughter of Col Arnold, were present. I cannot recollect the day nor the year by any collateral circumstances so as to state that it was in April 1799, but I have a strong impression that it was in the Spring.  that the said Daniel Updike and Miss Ardelissa Arnold were married, and from my age I have no doubt, but that Mrs. Cooke in her deposition hath stated the year correct and that 1799 was the year
 I also on oath declare that I have been always well acquainted with the hand writing of my
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brother Daniel Updike, now deceased, and the memorandum of the marriage of said Daniel Updike to said Ardelissa Arnold as sworn to by Abbey L Updike is the genuine hand writing of the said Daniel Updike and appears to be made at or near the time of the marriage.
I also on oath declare that said Daniel Updike is now deceased & that the said Ardelissa Uplike his widow is now living
Wilkins Updike

Washington Co- In North Kingston - January 3d 1849 
Then personally appeared before me the Sylvester, a Justice of the Peace for said North Kingston, Wilkins Upkike, whose name is (subsite) to the above and foregoing deposition. And after being by me duly sworn (crossed out "gave") (illegible) the said Deposition to writing in my presence and submited the same in my presence 
And I further certify that the said Wilkins Updike is well known to me and that his character for truth is good.
- Sylvester G Sherman
Justice of the Peace
Page 27

Rectory of St. Pauls Church 
Wickford R.I. Jan. 5, 1849 

I hereby certify that I have examined the Parochial Records of St. Pauls Church, and have not been able to find the record of the Marriage of Daniel Updike to Ardelissa Arnold, said to have been performed by the Rev. Joseph Warren, a former Rector of said Church, I also certify that one volume of the Records of said Church covering the period of time intervening between the year 1784 and 1802 is lost - not having been in the possession of the Rector for a long time-in which, probably, the record of said Marriage was made- as the lost volume embraces the year 1799 - the year in which the said Marriage is alleged to have been performed.
John H. Rouse
Rector of St. Pauls Church
Wickford R. I.

Washington Co. In North Kingston
January 6th 1849

Then personally appeared before me the (illegible) a Justice of the Peace for said (illegible) John H Rouse whose name is (illegible) to the certificate and after executing the same, to certify and (illegible) the same in my presence made solemn Oath to the truth of the same and testify that his (illegible) signature, and that his character for truth is good.
Sylvester G Sherman 
Justice of the Peace
Page 28

Washington Co.
State of Rhode Island &
Providence Plantations
I the Subscriber, Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingston in said County of Washington and Clerk of the Court of Probate of said Town hereby certify that Sylvester G Sherman (illegible) the annexed Affidavits of Wilkins Updike and John H Rouse (illegible) made and sworn to is a Justice of the Peace for said Town, loyally chosen, commissioned and qualified to act as such and that full faith and credit ought to be given to all his official acts. And that the signatures hereto annexed purporting to be his signatures, are his true and genuine signatures, in his own hand writing_
 In Testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this tenth day of January 1849 at said North Kingston_
Saml. Peirce P. Clk.
Page 29

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1672
Ardelissa Updike
Widow
Daniel Updike
Pri. Rev. War
Act: July 29 1848
Index:- Vol. M, Page 292
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

Feb 6. 49
Mr Arnes

[written sideways]
JS Soward esq
Comm [illegible]
Page 31

Senate Chamber Washington February 5 1849
Sir, I beg leave to request your attention that part of the accompanying letter enclosed
in brackets [-].
Three weeks ago, I enclosed to you the application of Mrs. A. Updike of East Greenwich for a pension as the widow of Daniel Updike a soldier of the Revolution, and a pensioner.
You will oblige me by informing me whether the application & accompanying papers have
been received at your office.
I am very respectfully
Yr. obt. svt.

Albert C Greene
J. L Edwards Esqr
Page 32

Senate Chamber
Washington Jan 15. 1849.

Sir,

     I herewith send you the application of Mrs A. Updike widow of Daniel Updike of East Greenwich RI. for a pension, her husband having received one in his life time as a revolutionary soldier.  

     I beg leave to request your early attention to the case.

I am
   very respectfully
         your Obedient Servant
          Albt. C. Green [signature]

Hon. J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 33

Ardelissa Updike

$80 per annum
----
R. Island
Roll
----
act [of] 29 July '48]
---

Hon. A. C. Greene
Senate U.S.
Page 34

Washington Mar 15 1849
To J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm
Sir/
I well knew Daniel Updike Esq late of East Greenwich R.I. and his hand writing, and I have no doubt that the "Memo" attached to the deposition of Abby or Abigail L. Updike is in his hand writing.
I am Sir
Yr  obt svt (Your obedient servant)
Albt C Greene

Wilkins Updike Esq. was a brother of Daniel Updike and is a highly respectable member of the Rhode Island Bar.
AC Greene
Page 35

I Frederic Hamilton of Warwick in the County of Kent being now 77 years of age on oath do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Daniel Updike of East Greenwich in said County. I knew said Daniel when he resided in North Kingstown during the Revolutionary War & have since.- During the war he was a private in Capt John Browns Company of Militia & Col Dyers Regiment,- that during the war while the Brittish were in possession of Newport the militia all along the shores of Narragansett Bay were continually called upon to guard against the incursions of the enemy. Frequently all the militia were turned out & kept upon duty two weeks at a time, and before the British took possession of Newport. Wallace a British commander was stationed in said Bay with two frigates, & he made great devastation along the shores, said Daniel fathers house was resided near the shore & was in an exposed situation. There were two companies of Militia in the town one in the north & the other in the South he belonged to the North [North crossed out and replaced with South] & I to the South [South crossed out and replaced with North] & always served in it when not under enlistment [illegible-The where?]
Page 36

June my knowledge of the service of the Militia in general & of his in particular I have no hesitation in saying that he must have served over two years in active service. From the exposed situation of the town he must have been on duty one third of the time, from 1776 & to 1781 --  he must have served as much as this from the circumstances before mentioned. He was a private in said Company during all that time. From my knowledge of said Daniels character, which has always (caret mark "been") very respectable 
I have not the least doubt he served as he has stated 
Frederick Hamilton 

Kent Co. In Warwick August 29 1833 
personally appeared before me the above named Frederic Hamilton & made (caret mark "oath") to the truth of the above deposition by him signed and I further certify that said Frederic is personally known to me and he is a credible witness & his statements entitled to the fullest credit 
Whipple A Arnold Jus Peace
Page 37

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office Sept 9th 1833.
I certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State holden on the first Wednesday in May last, Whipple A Arnold was elected Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in the county of Kent, and has heen commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office; for the term of one year. 
Witness Henry Bowen Secty [Secretary?]
Page 38

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Govenor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of
Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN to the
afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of
Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same
was Secretary of the State aforesaid duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this ninth
day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three and of Independence the fifty eighth.
Henry Bowen Secry
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
John Brown Frances
Page 39

Providence Sept 9th 1835
From a long acquaintance with Daniel Updike Esquire of East Greenwich, I do not hesitate to say, that I should have as great confidence in his declaration as in that of any other Person I have never known, nor heard of any circumstance which should impeach his credibility, and I believe that his reputation for veracity is perfectly fair among his fellow citisens

In regard to Mr Updikes services in the revolutionary war, I am unable to speak, being at that time unacquainted with him - I was myself too young to take part in that service, but I distinctly recollect many incidents of that period-After the enemy took possession of the island of Rhode Island, I well recollect the harassing duty which that event imposed on the Militia of this part of the State- The town of Providence, distant from the Enemy thirty miles, was frequently menaced, and the Militia of the surrounding country were called in and quartered on the Inhabitants for defence-
Such
Page 40

such claims were occasional, but the apprehensions of the People were incessant, and they were therefore compelled to be always equipped for service and in readiness to take the field. --- From the continual inquietude in which the citizens hearts (?) were kept, by the threats of the Enemy, I can readily infer the greater danger of those who occupied the Country directly opposite to him and only a few miles from him; and the greater necessity of unceasing preparation and vigilance to guard against him-- Mr Updike was then located, and without doubt, like others of his age, was subject to the orders which were issued for military services.
                                      J. Fenner [signature]
Page 41

State of Rhode Island ss.
County of Kent ss.

Daniel Updike of East Greenwich in said County whose pension has been suspended being now in the 75th year of age, and called upon by the Commissioner of Pensions to make a further & more distinct specification of his services performed by him during the Revolutionary war "away from home for which he was paid". agreeably to a letter of said Commissioner to Benjamin Cowell dated April 11th 1835 before payment of his pension can be resumed. Now maketh further oath that his services in the militia of Rhode Island during said War were as specifically stated as it was possible for him to state them in his declaration upon which his pension was granted--Soon after the British took possession of Newport in December 1776 all persons capable of bearing arms were from the necessity of self defence as well as by law obliged to perform military duty & especially those who lived near the shores of Naragansett Bay. And he furthere says that altho [although] he was entitled to pay, agreeably to law yet he never was paid any thing of any consequence in proportion to his services as he remembers. During the war said Daniel lived
Page 42

in the town of North Kingstown very near the shore of Naragansett Bay with his father, and the depradations of the enemy, who then had the entire command of said Bay were very frequent & it required all the militia that could be mustered to gard [guard] against them. If he remembers correctly he stated in his declaration that he served twenty five months during the war in actual services, in Captain John Browns Company & he now reaffirms the fact. He believes the Militia of Rhode Island did much more military duty than the militia of any other state. This was owing to peculiar circumstances & situation of Rhode Island at the time--They had to gard [guard] nearly or quite a hundred miles of coast against a powerful fleet & army who had the entire control of the Bay -- As the said Daniel produced good & sufficient evidence of his services he therefore prays that his pension may be restored--In his first declaration he made distinct specifications of then stories of his services in embodied corps performed away from home & he now reaffirms the same & declares that his actual services were truly stated & amounted to over two years. He did not mean to state his "readiness" to serve as the Commissioner supposes, but his actual services. 
State of Rhode Island County of Kent
Daniel Updike
Subscribed & sworn to at East Greenwich August 31st 1835 Before me Nathan Whiting Jus. Pat
Page 43

Providence Sept 11th 1835

Sir
I herewith enclose the affidavit & request of Daniel Updike to have his name restored to the pension list - He never intended to claim any thing for more "readiness" to serve but for actual service & if there had been no evidence there could have been no doubt from local circumstances that he must have served as much as stated - It is a well known & attested fact that the militia who lived contiguous to the shores were kept constantly on the alert in service. In addition to the law dividing the Militia into classes there was an act passed during authorizing the shore towns to provide coast guard which were on the same footing other troops as to pay & I therefore pray to have his name restored-- . 
                                       I take this opportunity
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to remind you that agreeably to your directions I sent you a copy of the law dividing the militia of this state into three classes passed in December 76
I sent it soon after my return from Washington in July -you desired to have it before you decided upon the several claims which I presented & which were examined by Dr Cramp while I was in Washington waiting for your return I felt then as I informed you & I still do feel confident the law was such that it would remove all difficulty as to the services of the Militia of this State- The opinion that our Militia did not perform as much duty as represented, is wholly erroneous- I have taken considerable pains to enquire of those who were acquainted with those times & they all concur in saying that any person who could bear arms did & was obliged to do actual duty a great part of the time the enemy were in possession of Newport
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The law made them all liable & necessity obliged them to act= Among those from whom I have gathered such information is Gov. Fenner who altho:- too young to take an active part of in the war of the Revolution yet distinctly remembers those times & the necessity there was for action & unceasing duty - A communication of his herewith enclosed-- I believe both the law & fact to be in favor of these few surviving claimants & therefore have faith to believe their claims will be allowed
I very respectfully,
your obt. [obedient] svt. [servant]
Benja Cowell

J L Edwards Esq
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Daniel Updike




[illegible] 2 years
[illegible]



Ray Cornell
   Providence  R.I.
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Providence Sept 10 1833
Sir, I herewith enclose the application of Daniel Updike for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832-
I am respectfully your
obt. [obedient] svt. [servant]
Benjamin Cowell

[bottom left] to J L Edwards Esq
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I Ebenezer Smith of South Kingstown in the County of Washington being now in the 80th year of my age, on oath do testify & say that I have also been acquainted with Daniel Updike of East Greenwich both before & since the war of the Revolution-I also know & well remember that during said war said Updike was a soldier & private in Captain John Browns Company of Militia during that period & did much actual service I well remember of serving with (caret mark "him") three months in 1775 in Boston Neck, so called, on the shore of Naragansett Bay. I was in Capt Babcocks company (caret mark "but) both in Col Dyers regiment 
I also well remember that in 1776 I was with him in the service but cannot tell how long In 1777 I enlisted into Col Tophams regiment, was stationed at Howlands ferry so that I was not with him
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But I well remember all the militia especally along the shores were continually called out one two & three months at a time. The continual depredations of the enemy made it necessary-- During the time the British were in possession of Newport these depredations were frequent and I have not the least doubt he served every year a number of months in each year in the whole more than two years
Ebenezer Smith
his Mark "X" Mark
 
Kent Co in East Greenwich May 17 1836 
Sworn to before me & I further certify that said Ebenezer is a credible witness in the premises
Nathan Whiting, Just. Peace
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East Greenwich May 18th 1836

In compliance with the requisitions of the War Department as appears by Letters from the Commissioner of Pensions of April 11th and October 20th 1835 to Benjamin Cowell Esq, calling upon me to specify the Terms of actual Service in embodied Corps, away from home, as well as my pay and rations, before my pension can be restored. I will now, according to my best recollection, state my Services as specifically as I can.
In the first place I wish to observe that I am now in my 76th year, and my memory is not so good as it was; yet I will state my services as well as I can. As soon as I was 16 years of age I was enrolled in Captain John Brown's Company and Colonel Dyer's Regiment of Rhode Island Militia in the town of North Kingstown in the County of Washington. It was the latter part of this year the British took possession of Newport. Although before that time British vessels of War had possession of Narragansett Bay and had been in the practice of committing depredations. Captain James Wallace of the Rose, man of War, a British vessel and two others besides had committed many depredations in 1775 and 1776, along the shores of Narragansett Bay. In May 1776 I was 16 years of age and was soon called upon to do military duty. As before mentioned I was enrolled in Captain Brown's Company, as a private, and on account of residing near the shore I had frequent tours of duty to perform. I think the first tour of duty of a month I preformed in 1776, was in August, was stationed on the Boston neck shore, about
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about four miles from home. At this Station I served a month and received my pay as a private in said Company. I also served two other tours of a month each, as a private in said Company after this and before the end of said year; for which I received pay and rations; was stationed in the neighborhood of Bissell's Mills. I cannot say with certainty, but I think those tours were performed in October and December in 1777 the Militia were divided into three classes and each class was bound to serve a third of the time, and one class was on duty all the time. I served four months at least this year for which I was paid and received rations. Some part of the time I was stationed in Quidnessett so called and sometimes at Quonset Point on the shore of the Bay. I cannot specify the months other than one was in Spring, one in the Summer, one in the Autumn and one in the Winter. But I once served four months and drew rations from the Continental Stores in North Kingstown. For 1778 I served six months at least or one half of the time. I remember the Militia were liable to do duty for several months at a time, and the frequent depredations made it necessary for them to be on duty. I cannot specify the times or months but was stationed at Boston Neck, the principal part of the time, if not the whole and drew rations for six months. In 1779 I served four months at least in the same capacity and was stationed in the same place for which I received pay and rations. Neither can I specify the months this year with certainty, otherwise than as before mentioned. In 1780 I served four months in like manner, and in 1781 I served as much as three months certain, if not four for which I received pay and rations in manner before mentioned, and
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and was stationed on the Shores of the Bay, and away from home. All my services were on the Shores of the Bay from the first to the last. I cannot name the months with more certainty then as before mentioned, but I am sure that I served all the preceding services, as a private in said Captain Brown's Company, which was an embodied Corps and drew rations and was away from home. It was not mere readiness to serve, but actual service. I was continually called upon and so were all, who lived as near the Shore as I did; which was only about 12 miles from the British Army. The enemy were also continually harassing the Shores with their vessels and small craft. Thus I have specified as near as I can, the times and places of any services. I served two years at least. I have had no desire to evade any detail, but only thought my first Declaration was sufficient. All my services were in said Captain Brown's Company, during all the war, as a private. I have also further to add that the Militia on the Shores did more actual Service than those that lived at a distance, and were often called out two or three months at a time. 
D. Updike

State of Rhode Island
Kent County
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18th day of May 1836
Nathan Whiting Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
County of Kent 
Clerk Office of the Court of Common Pleas
I John P Roberts Jr Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas motion and for the County of Kent do certify that Nathan Whiting of East Greenwich in said County of Kent is a justice of the peace legally appointed by the General Assembly and duly
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duly Commissioned and sworn and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificate is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at East Greenwich this eighteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six
John P Roberts Jr Clerk
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J. L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington


Daniel Updike
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State of Rhode Island
In General Assembly September session 1777

It is voted and resolved, that the Colonels or other field officers commanding in the counties of Kings County and Kent, forthwith call forth as many of the Militia and alarm men in addition to those already doing duty, as they shall judge proper; in order that such suitable guards be placed upon the shores in said counties as will prevent any persons going upon any of the islands in possession of the Enemy.
True copy of record - witness
Henry Bowen Secretary
Prov. Sep. 25. 1835.



Providence Sept 25 1835
Sir
Above is another act of our Legislature which will assist to show in how many ways our Militia were called upon to do duty during the war of the revolution and it has a peculiar bearing on Daniel Updike's case whose papers I sent you a few days ago who lived in "Kings County" (now Washington) during the war. It is well known that it was not only necessary to guard against the incursions of the enemy but also against the communications with them by Tories & others who endeavoured to trade with them & hence the above act, in order to place all along the shores sufficient guards - Taking into account actual [previous word underlined for emphasis] services, I have no doubt our Militia performed as much service as enlisted men did during the time the enemy had possession of Newport & ought to be allowed all the time instead of one third or one half. The many acts of our legislature making provisions for the employment of the Militia together with the history of the times convince me of this. I am respectfully 
[right margin] yours &c. Judge Benjamin Cowell
[left margin]J L Edwards Esq