Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 989, Jacob Davis, New Jersey
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(3-1776)
SERVICE |  | NUMBER
New Jersey | Davis, Jacob | S. 989
carded
CONTENTS 
[rest of form blank]
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New Jersey [right corner ripped off, text unreadable]
Jacob Davis of Westfield in the State of N. Jersey who was a Pvt. in the Com commanded by Captain Crane of the Reg. commanded by Col. Johnson in the New Jersey ["line" crossed out] State Troops for 14'2 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 48 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Aug 1835 and sent to Jno J. Chetwood N. Jersey
Arrears to the 4th of March 1835. $193.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 35 24.16
[total] $217.48
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by J W Clagett. Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 108
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth } ss.
On this fourth day of September A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Sussex and State aforesaid now sitting Jacob Davis resident of the township of Westfield in the County of Essex aforesaid aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the follow declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following name officers and served as herein stated.
He was born in the township of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey on the 5th of February 1758 and has the record of his age in his family bible in his possession.
In the year 1778 in the month of June while a resident of the township of Elizabeth and an apprentice to Joseph Stackhouse he enlisted in the 5 months service in the N Jersey state troops in the Regiment commanded by Lieut Col. Brearly, in Captain Thomas Morrell's Company, Jonathan Pierson 1 Lieut. & Lewis Woodruff Ensign. after his enlistment he remained a few days at Elizabeth Town and then marched to New York, remained some time and went to the Battle at Long
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Island where his Captain was wounded. He continued to serve the 5 months out. after the battle at Long Island the company retreated to New York from thence to fort Washington & remained there a short time retreated from there to White Plains, remained a few days & crossed over the North river into New Jersey at Fort Lee, from thence retreated through Hackensack, Newark, Elizabeth Town & New Brunswick to Princeton, and while there was dismissed at the expiration of his 5 months service.
In the month of December 1776 he enlisted (while a resident in Elizabeth Township aforesaid) in the 3 months service in the Company of Captain Jacob Crane in the regiment commanded by Col Spencer and was stationed the whole period of this service in Elizabeth Town, and quartered in the House of Samuel Smith. during this service the Company had an engagement with the Hessians at Connecticut farms (then in the township of Elizabeth) now in the township of Union, in which engagement they took all the Hessians about 70 in number, prisoners.
He served a monthly tour in the Jersey Militia in Rahway Township, and was stationed at Tremblys Point, the Captain at this time he can not state with Certainty, but thinks Captain Lane commanded. this service he believes was rendered in 1777 but can not specify the month.
He was also stationed
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a month in Rahway township under Captain Amos Morse and thinks it must have been in 1777 but can not say with Certainty, nor can he specify the particular month.
He served a month in the township of Woodbridge in Middlesex County in the year 1778 but can't recollect what month he was stationed there. the Company were under the Command of Captain John Craig, according to the best of his recollection. they kept guard between Woodbridge and Amboy, and protected the shore.
He served a month at Rahway under Captain John Craig and thinks it was in 1778 but can't say with certainty the particular month. he recollects it was in time of harvest
In 1778 he served a month at Elizabeth Town under Captain John Scudder but can not specify the month with Certainty.
He served a month in Elizabeth Town in the same year under Captain Matthias Potter and can not state with Certainty what month he performed that service in. He was drafted into the above monthly services besides many others which he can not now recollect. 
In the month of September 1777 he was 15 days under Command of Captain John Scudder at Acquackanonk township and was called there on alarm. In June 1780 he was a volunteer also at the Battle at Connecticut farms in the then township of Elizabeth, but cant say how long he served at this time
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He was in the battle at the Short Hills previous to the Battle at the farms, turned out on alarm. this battle he thinks took place in the harvest time of 1778 or 1779 he can not say with Certainty which.
While on duty at Woodbridge as before stated the company had an engagement with the enemy. He was also in an engagement against the Greens in the township of Elizabeth, near the town of Elizabeth, in which engagement Captain Lock was killed, and Captain Randall wounded. he assisted in carrying him off the field.
From the Spring of 1777 at the expiration of his 3 month service until the close of the war in 1783 he continued in the monthly service in the Jersey infantry militia and he performed a monthly tour of duty every two or three months, and sometimes not more than one month would elapse before he would be on monthly duty again. He performed a considerable number of monthly tours in which he was stationed most frequently at Elizabeth Town Point, Halsteds Point, and at Trembly Point, which are situated on the shore at the Sound opposite Staten Island where a body of the enemy was stationed the principal part of the war, but it is impossible for him to recollect one half of the service which he is satisfied he performed and can truly swear that he has served more than two years in actual service. In addition to his periodical
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services he turned out in the service of the militia at all times of alarm, and was sometimes kept in service a week at a time in that manner.
He entered the service of the United States at the commencement of hostilities and served his country faithfully in any possible way against the enemy during the whole of the Revolutionary war. He always belonged to the small arm or infantry service.
Since the Revolutionary war he has resided in the township of Westfield in the County of Essex & State of New Jersey.
He was acquainted in the time of the war with Lord Sterling, Genl. Maxwell, Col. Oliver Spencer, Col. Elias Dayton, Capt. Thomas Morrell & Capt. Jonathan Dayton of the New Jersey Continental service.
He never received any documentary evidence of either service or discharge to the best of his recollection. and he knows of no person who can testify to the whole of his services.
He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Role of the Agency of any State.  
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid } [signed] Jacob Davis
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We James M Huntting a Clergyman residing in the township of Westfield in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and John Scudder residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jacob Davis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid } [signatures] James M Huntting  John Scudder
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinions after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, and the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that James M Huntting who has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the township of Westfield in the County and State aforesaid, and that John Scudder who has also signed the same is a resident in the township of Westfield aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
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I Francis B. Chetwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth, the same being a Court of Record in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jacob Davis for a Pension.
[seal to the left] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this fourth day of September Eighteen hundred and Thirty Two. [signed] F. B. Chetwood, Clk
State of New Jersey
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I Francis B Chetwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth the same being a Court of Record in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Aaron Woodruff before whom the above affidavit was taken is Recorder of the Borough of Elizabeth duly commissioned and sworn, and as such is authorised to take affidavits and I further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Recorder and that the signatures "Aaron Woodruff Recorder" to the above affidavits are genuine.
[seal to the left] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this Seventh day of September AD. 1832 
[signature "F. B. Chetwood Clk" crossed out]
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November 21, 1939.
Miss Louise Doolittle
93 Orange Avenue
Irvington, New Jersey.

BA-J/ILL
Jacob Davis
S. 989

Dear Madam:  Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jacob Davis of Essex County, New Jersey.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 989, based upon service of Jacob Davis in the Revolutionary War.
Jacob Davis was born February 6, 1758 in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey.  The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey, Jacob Davis enlisted in June 1776 and served five months as private in Captain Thomas Morrell's company, Colonel Oliver Spencer's New Jersey regiment, during which he marched to New York, was in the battle of Long Island and was discharged at Princeton, New Jersey.  He enlisted in December 1776 and served three months as private in Captain Jacob Crane's New Jersey company, during which he was in an engagement with some Hessians and assisted in taking a number of them prisoners.  From the spring of 1777 until the end of the war in 1783, he served on various tours, amounting to at least two years, as a private in the New Jersey troops under Captains Benjamin Lane, John Craig, Amos Morse, Joseph Horton, Matthew Potter and John Scudder.  During said service, he was in the battle of Elizabethtown, in the battles of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, and in many skirmishes.
The soldier continued to reside in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey, after his service in the Revolutionary War.
Jacob Davis was allowed pension on his application executed
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September 4, 1832, at which time he resided in Westfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey.  He was living there in 1835.
The name of the wife of Jacob Davis and the date of their marriage are not shown.  He had a daughter who resided in Ohio just previous to November 1834, but her name and exact residence were not given. There are no further data pertaining to the family of this soldier.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
Jacob Davis
Certificate #9249
Issued April 15, 1833
Rate $26.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Increased to $48.33 per annum, Aug. 5, 1835
Act of June 7, 1832
New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
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[left side is printed form with handwritten entries]
Rev War.
INVALID.
File No. 989
Jacob Davis Priv. N.J. Mil.
Act: June 7, 1832.
Index :--Vol. A, Page 88
(Arrangement of 1870.)
[checkmark]

[right side of page contains handwritten notes]
1939-Nov. 14 - Hist. to Mrs. Minnie Carberry - JLL.
1939 - Nov. 21 - Hist. to Mrs. Louise Doolittle - JLL
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[left side of page is printed form with handwritten entries]
9249
New Jersey
Jacob Davis of Westfield in the State of N. J. who was a Pri in the Com commanded by Captain Crane of the Reg commanded by Col. Johnson in the N. Jer. ["line for" crossed out] State Troops 8 mo
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Jersey at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of April 1833. and sent Francis B Chetwood. Elizabeth town N. J.
Arrears to the 4th of March. '33. $53.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending Sept. 33. 1333
[total] $66.65
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by E. D. Bullock Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 108

[right side of page contains handwritten notes]
Let 25 June 1834 Hon T Frelinghuysen
let J. J. Chetwood Janry 20th 1835
let J. J. Chetwood 3 Feb, 1835
Let same 24 June 35

[written along right edge] The services in the returned declaration are entirely different from those noted in the originals written after 1777
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State of New Jersey Borough of Elizabeth } ss
Personally appeared before me Joseph H Halsey one of the Aldermen of the said Borough of Elizabeth, and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same, William Clark of Westfield township, within the jurisdiction of this Court, who being by me duly sworn, on his oath says, that he is well acquainted with Jacob Davis, the applicant for a Pension, to whom a certificate was granted, bearing date the fifteenth day of April, eighteen hundred and thirty three & Recorded in Book E. Vol. 3. Page 108. as endorsed on said Certificate.  Deponent further says that he is now in his eightieth year, and has known the said Jacob ever since his childhood. Deponent further says that he recollects the fact of the said Jacob serving under Capt. Thomas Morrell under an enlistment of five months. after the expiration of that time, and in the month of December 1776 as Deponent thinks, the said Jacob enlisted in the company of Captain Jacob Crane for three months & served out that term towards the spring of 1777.  Deponent was out afterwards a monthly tour at Trembly's Point under Captain Lane & the said Jacob was also on duty at the same time.  The said Jacob served a tour at Woodbridge under Captain Craig as Deponent thinks.  The said Jacob served with Deponent a monthly tour under Captain Matthias Potter, they were stationed at Elizabeth Town, and were marched on an alarm towards Sussex County.  Deponent was in the engagement with the Greens at Elizabeth Town mentioned by the said Jacob in his application, when Capt. Lock was killed and Capt. Randall mortally wounded. Deponent further says that the said Jacob Davis was in the same company with him, being in the same neighbourhood and from the latter part of 1777 to the end of the
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war the company was divided into two classes
at first; and afterwards into three or four classes
and one class or the other was out upon duty the whole time, and were stationed at Elizabeth Town, Rahway, Tremblys Point and Woodbridge and along the lines, on guard and in marching along the lines, to protect the inhabitants and property from the incursions of the Enemy who lay on the opposite side of the sound. The classes as they were called out served under the Captains whose turn it was to command, and Deponent unhesitatingly says, that more than two years duty was performed by each of the classes of his company in regularly embodied corps, called out and engaged in actual service as above stated.  For the first two years when one half of the company constituted a class, the one or the other was constantly on duty, besides being constantly out on alarm, and some doing duty when the class to which they belonged was not out. Deponent further says that the said Jacob Davis had no other employment no business during the war, and his duties in the army and Militia occupied most
of his time, and from his knowledge of the
service of the said Jacob and from his recollection, Deponent has no doubt the said
Jacob served more than two years in the performance of monthly tours, during the war of the Revolution as above stated. Deponent is satisfied that he served himself more than three years, and the said Jacob independent of his enlistment served as much as many monthly tours as Deponents
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but it is impossible for Deponent at this distant period to specify the exact monthly tours & the names of the officers.
William Clark

Subscribed & sworn the 22d day
of July A.D. 1835. before me--
J.H. Halsey

Henry Williams of the township of Rahway being
duly sworn on his oath says that he is now in
his eightieth year; that he has been acquainted with the said Jacob Davis ever since his childhood. Deponent enlisted in the summer of 1777 under Capt John Craig & served five months afterwards  Deponent served monthly tours in the militia, and his company was classed at first into two classes, and afterwards into more one or the other of these classes was constantly on duty, during the whole war. Deponent cannot state the precise monthly tours the said Jacob served at this time, as he was not in the same company- but deponent knows that the Westfield Company raised out of the neighbourhood where the said Jacob lived was classed, and performed duty in the same manner as the Company of Deponent-  Deponent further recollects that he was one of the soldiers on duty, who assisted in taking Captain Randall off the Battle field at Elizabeth Town, to Robert C. Clark's, where he was lited [?] & afterwards died. Deponent further says that he did not know the said Jacob to be engaged in any other business, or occupation other than the army during the whole war. Deponent had three brothers attached to the same regiment with Capt Thomas Morrells company who went
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on this expedition to Long Island where deponent understood the said Jacob was engaged-

Deponent further says that from his recollection and knowledge of the said Jacob and from what he has always understood in the neighbourhood, he has no doubt the said
Jacob served as he has stated for two years
and more in embodied corps regularly called
out on duty-
Henry Williams

Subscribed & sworn the 22
of July AD 1835 before me
Joseph H Halsey

Joseph H. Halsey the Judge before whom
the foregoing Depositions were taken do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with William Clark, and Henry Williams the Deponents in the foregoing depositions named and that the
signatures to the said Depositions are in
the respective hand writing of said deponents, and I further certify that the said Deponents are men of fair and upright character and that their statements and entitled to and would receive in the neighbourhood where they are known full credit & faith and I further certify that the figure "6" in 1776 on the first page was made on an erasure before the said Deposition was signed- and the words "each of on the second age interlined-

Witness my hand this 22 day of July AD. 1835-
Joseph H. Halsey

State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth } SS.  
I, Joseph D. Price Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth Do hereby certify, that the signature
of Joseph H. Halsey to the two foregoing Depositions, and the foregoing certificate, are in the proper hand writing of the said Joseph H. Halsey-

And I do further certify that the said Joseph H. Halsey is one of the Aldermen of the said Borough of Elizabeth and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the same, and as such Judge that he is duly authorized to take depositions & full faith & credit are to be given to his official acts- Witness my hand & official seal the twenty second day of July A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty five-
Joseph D. Price Clk.
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State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth } ss: Personally appeared before me Moses Chandler an Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said Borough, Charles Marsh of the township of Westfield in the County of Essex and State aforesaid, who is personally known to me to be a man of veracity and his statements entitled to credit who being duly sworn according to law on his his oath says that he is well acquainted with Jacob Davis of the said township of Westfield, that he was acquainted with him in the Revolutionary War 
and knows of his own knowledge (having served with him) that this said Jacob served in the New Jersey Militia for the space of three successive months in the company commanded by Captain Jacob Crane in the Regiment of Col Oliver Spencer, which service commenced in the month of January AD 1777 and expired in April of the same year during which service he was stationed at Elizabeth town in the County and State aforesaid
Charles Marsh

Subscribed and sworn this twenty second
day of December AD 1832 before me
Moses Chandler Alderman

Personally appeared before me Aaron Woodruff Recorder of the Borough of Elizabeth and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the
said Borough Thomas Morrell of the Borough aforesaid who is personally known to me to be a man of veracity and his statements are entitled to full credit who being duly sworn on his [cut off] received an order from the Provincial   Congress of the State of New Jersey to raise a company of 78 men to find their own arms, for five months and to march them without delay to the City of New York to Join the army under General Washington, the Company was raised and Jacob Davis now of the township of Westfield was enlisted in the said Company and served his five months faithfully and was with me at the time of the Long Island Battle, and the whole company continued in the service until the term of enlistment expired-
Thomas Morrell

Subscribed and soon this 22 day
AD 1832 before me
Aa Woodruff, Judge & Justice

Personally appeared before me Andrew H. Clark an Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the
said Borough, William Clark of the township of Westfield in the County
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of Essex and State of New Jersey, who is personally known to be a man of veracity and his statement is entitled to credit who being duly sworn on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Jacob Davis of the township of Westfield aforesaid that he knew him in the Revolutionary war, that he knows of his own knowledge (having served with him) that the said Jacob served three months with this deponent in the New Jersey Militia in the company of Captain Jacob Crane in the Regiment of Col Spencer in the winter of
1776-7 and was stationed at Elizabeth town in the County and State aforesaid, and he believes that the said Jacob served at least two years in the militia of New Jersey during the Revolutionary war & that he was with the said Davis at the Battle of Springfield in 1780 and was also with him in a skirmish with the [cut off]  aforesaid at the time Captain Lock was killed & Captain Nathaniel [cut off] was also with the said Jacob in the engagement at the Short Hills in the County of Essex aforesaid-
William Clark

Subscribed & sworn this 27 day
of December AD 1832 before me
Andw. H. Clark Alderrman

State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth } SS   I Francis B. Chetwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State aforesaid, hereby certify that Moses Chandler before whom the annexed affidavit of Charles Marsh was taken & subscribed and that Andrew H Clark before whom the annexed affidavit of William Clark was taken and subscribed at the time of taking
the said affidavits were and still are Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and as such are authorised to take affidavits, and that Aaron Woodnuff before whom the annexed affidavit of Thomas Morrell was taken and subscribed, at the time of taking the said affidavit was and still is Recorder of the Borough aforesaid and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said Borough duly commissioned and sworn, and as such is authorized to take affidavits, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Aldermen & Recorder and that the signature "Moses Chandler Alderman" to the affidavit of Charles Marsh subscribe and the signature "Aa Woodruff Judge & Justice" to the affidavit of Thomas 
Morell subscribed are each of them genuine-

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my seal of office this 31 December AD 1832
F. B Chetwood Clk
[seal affixed at left]
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State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth } SS:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned an Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for
the said Borough on the twenty second day of December AD 1832 Jacob Davis of the township of Westfield in the County of Essex and State aforesaid aged seventy four years whose statement is entitled to full credit who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that
by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he can not swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades: For five months I served as a private soldier in the 5 months service of the New Jersey State troops- for three months I served as a private Soldier in the 3 months service of the New Jersey State Troops.  For two years I served as a private soldier in the New Jersey Militia, all of which services were rendered during the Revolutionary War, and for such service I claim a pension.
Jacob Davis

Subscribed & sworn the day
and year above written before me
Moses Chandler Alderman

State of New Jersey 
Borough of Elizabeth } SS  I Francis B Chetwood Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the Borough of Elizabeth in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that Moses Chandler before whom the above affidavit of Jacob Davis was
subscribed and sworn, at the time of taking the said affidavit was and still is an Alderman of the Borough aforesaid and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said Borough duly commissioned and sworn and residing therein, and as such is authorized to take affidavits, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Alderman and that the signature "Moses Chandler Alderman" to the above affidavit subscribed is genuine

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office at
Elizabeth Town in the Borough aforesaid this
twenty fourth day of December AD 1832
F. B. Chetwood Clk
[seal affixed at left]
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N J. Feb 2d.  29

Free     Free

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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Department of War, Pension Office
June 25th 1834

Sir

I have caused to be reexamine the papers in the case of Jacob Davis, and find that an error was made by the Examining Clerk, at the time of the admission of his claim. Mr Davis has specified 14 1/2 months service only, while he claims 2 years. I have allowed him however for all that he has specified, and will enclose him a new certificate upon his returning the old one . Mr Chetwood's letter is herewith returned.

Hon T. Frelinghuysen
U. S. Senate

I have the honor to be your
Obdt. Servant
J.L. Edwards


Elizth Town N. Jersey Jany 29th 1835

J.L. Edwards Esq.

Sir

The above is a copy, verbatim of your letter which was forwarded to me by the Hon. Mr Frelinghuysen accompanied by a note in which among other things he states that he had certified as to the excellence of Mr Davis' character and well he might so certify, and to such excellence of character would every respectable citizen certify in the large
and populous region, in which Mr D. has resided for almost four score years-

Upon the receipt of your above letter, I made inquiry when opportunity offered, as to the opinion in the neighbourhood of the extent of the services of Mr. D. and was uniformly told, by all the old persons, that he had served more than the two years.

You must be aware Sir that it is almost impossible, at this distant period to prove the
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precise monthly tours of service performed sixty years ago. More especially, where as in the present case, most of the actors in those scenes are gone-

My construction of the Pension laws has been
that impossibilities are not required of the aged veteran, with his shattered faculties, and accumulated infirmities- and from the circular and views of the Secretary of War I supposed, that the removal by death of his most important witnesses, would not deprive the suffering
soldier in his old age of the hard earned pittance bestowed by his Country; when his character for truth and all that is honest and honorable, is fully sustained and proved, through all the trying circumstances of a long
and well spent life.

The original Declaration I have never seen.  It was drawn by the late clerk of our Court in a great hurry, amidst a crowd of others; and there may be traced by a critical eye some apparent discrepancy. But I can vouch for the honesty of the applicant, and that not a word is contained in either of his statements intentionally wrong or designed to mislead in the slightest particular. 

Willingly would I stake my own character, upon
the truth and undisguised fairness of the depositions of Mr Davis.

These remarks have been occasioned by the
laconic and I must say harsh insinuations in your
letter to me, of misrepresentation on the part of Mr D. as to the extent of his services, and the severe requirement of further evidence, without condescending to designate the times to which such evidence should apply-

The examination of these applications no doubt
required strict scrutiny, but the same charitable construction should be given to the statements of these venerable
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men, as we look for in our own transactions; and courtesy would seem to require that those who assist (without any interest) in the furtherance of their just claims, should be civilly treated, even if some of the examining Clerks should differ, as to the service specified.

The depositions which were forwarded by me
contained a detail from the lips of Mr Davis to
the best of his recollection; and the affidavit of the Revd. Mr. Morrell corroborated fully as to the time within his knowledge; and affidavits and certificates accompanying the original Declaration must be sufficient to convince any unprejudiced mind, of the honesty and
fairness of the character of Mr. D. and his application-

I hope sir upon a reexamination of the papers, and a consideration of the whole matter you
will be satisfied the 2 years service were performed; if not please return me the papers with a reference to the evidence you require. 

If such evidence is attainable it shall be supplied. But if the claim cannot be made out to your satisfaction, or that of the Secretary of War; I will then have the claim presented to Congress by our Senators and Members, knowing that is equitable-

Your early answer will be acceptable

Respectfully
Yr. Obedt. Servt.
Jno. J. Chetwood
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State of New Jersey
Borough of Elizabeth } SS
Personally appeared before me Joseph H. Halsey one of the Aldermen of the said Borough & one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same Jacob Davis who being by me duly sworn on his oath says that
he is the same Jacob Davis to whom a certificate for twenty six dollars and sixty six cents pension was issued by the War Department, which certificate bears date the 15th day of April A.D. 1833 and is recorded in the Pension office in Book E. Vol. 3. Page 108. That he this Deponent knowing that he served nearly if not quite three years in the war of
the Revolution, and feeling satisfied that either through some mistake in the preparation of his declaration and papers, or otherwise, his claims are not fully understood makes the following statement as to the services performed by him in the Revolutionary War. This deponent says
that he in the first place enlisted under Capt Thomas Morrel for five months in the month of June 1776 and served out the whole term; that in the month of December 1776 he again enlisted for three months under Capt Jacob
Crane and served out the said three months as stated in his above mentioned Declaration. That shortly after the expiration of his said three months services and he believes in the month of April & May 1777 he served two monthly
tours at Rahway and Trembly's Point under Captain Benjamin Lane-  That afterwards the said Deponent served a monthly tour of duty under Capt. Amos Morss along the lines in Rahway Township (that now is) from Trembly's Point to Elizabeth Town and Woodbridge which was immediately after the expiration of the two
above mentioned monthly tours. That in the month of August 1777. as deponent believes from his recollection and information on the subject, he commenced a monthly tour in Woodbridge under Capt John Craig, and served out that month and another monthly tour under Capt Joseph Horton in Woodbridge and along the lines, the enemy during all the time were making constant incursions from Staten Island on the opposite side of the sound, and kept
the American troops continually on the alert and Deponent distinctly recollects that during the three monthly tours above
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stated a party of the British crossed from Staten Island for the purpose of foraging, and deponent with his company made an attack on them near Strawberry hill where they were cutting grass, and they made a very brisk  retreat to Amboy, leaving several scythes one horse and a wagon which were taken. Deponent also recollects that after his return from Rahway
the same fall and winter he served half a month
on an alarm at Acquackanock under Captain John Scudder as stated in his Declaration; and afterwards served a monthly tour under the same Capt Scudder and was stationed at Elizabeth Town. Deponent also served a monthly tour the winter of the same year at Halsted Point in the township of Elizabeth
constantly watching the enemy on the opposite side of the sound. Deponent served another monthly tour at Rahway in 1778 the latter part of the winter ['at Rahway' crossed out] under Captain Craig- and afterwards as he verily
believes served a monthly tour at Elizabeth Town under Captain Matthias Potter he is certain of serving this last month and thinks it was the beginning of the year 1778 in February. Deponent from the month of February 1778 continued to serve regular monthly tours during the whole year and was stationed at Rahway and Elizabeth Town and constantly on duty along the lines, under Captain Craig and Captain Morss and Captain Lane; he cannot now distinctly recollect, and therefore cannot
say, under which of the above named Captains he served the particular monthly tours in that year; but he can positively recollect and say with certainty that from February 1778 to February 1779 he served under the above named Captains Craig, Morss, & Lane nine
monthly tours of regular duty; he thinks he might say the whole time (as he had no other home than the army and was stationed along the lines) but to be within bounds Deponent says he served nine
Page 28

2
stated a party of the British crossed from Staten Island for the purpose of foraging, and deponent with his company made an attack on them near Strawberry hill where they were cutting grass, and they made a very brisk retreat to Amboy, leaving several scythes one horse and a wagon which were taken.  Deponent also recollects that after his return from Rahway the same fall and winter he served half a month on an alarm at Acquackanock under Captain John Scudder as stated in his Declaration; and afterwards served a monthly tour under the same Captn Scudder and was stationed at Elizabeth Town. Deponent also
served a monthly tour the winter of the same
year at Halsted Point in the township of Elizabeth constantly watching the enemy on the opposite side of the sound. Deponent served another monthly tour at Rahway in 1778 the latter part of the winter ['at Rahway' crossed out] under Captain Craig and afterwards as he verily believes served a monthly tour at Elizabeth Town under Captain Matthias Potter he is certain of serving this last month and thinks it was the beginning of the year 1778 in February-- Deponent from the month of February 1778 continued to serve regular monthly tours during the whole year and was stationed at Rahway and Elizabeth Town and constantly on duty along the lines, under
Captain Craig and Captain Morss and Captain Lane; he cannot now distinctly recollect, and therefore cannot say, under which of the above named Captains he served the particular monthly tours in that year; but he can positively recollect and say with certainty that from February 1778 to February 1779 he served under the above named Captains Craig, Morsks, & Lane nine monthly tours of regular duty; he thinks he might say the whole time (as he had no other home than the army and was stationed along the lines) but to be within bounds Deponent says he served nine
Page 29

3
monthly tours from February 1778 to February 1779, as above stated and that he is absolutely certain that during that year he was not off duty two months.  It was during the time above mentioned that deponent as he thinks was at the battle of the Short hills in harvest time. Deponent further says that from the month of February 1779 he continued in the monthly
service doing regular duty in monthly tours, but at this distance of time he cannot say what particular months he served under particular officers; but he inhesitatingly asserts, that from the month of February 1779 to the end of the war in 1783 he was performing monthly tours of duty for at least one half the time at Woodbridge, Rahway, Trembly's Point, Halsted
point and Elizabeth Town, under the Captains above named. Deponent being an apprentice when he first enlisted, lost his trade, and had no opportunity afterwards of working at it being engaged during the whole war so that he could not work at it afterwards-  Deponent further says that at the time his declaration was prepared it was done in a hurry and confusion
and the times of his service may have been obscurely stated and upon reflecting & calling to his mind the circumstances he has been enabled to make the more particular statement contained in this his deposition - Deponent refers to his Declaration above mentioned now on file in the Department to shew the names of the officers with whom he was acquainted and the other matters therein contained.
Jacob Davis

Subscribed & Sworn the 27th day
of November A.D. 1834, before me
J.H. Halsey Alderman

Personally appeared before me Joseph H. Halsey the Alderman in the foregoing deposition named The Revd Thomas Morrell of Elizabeth Town
Page 30

4
in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey
who being by me duly sworn on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Jacob Davis the Deponent in the foregoing Deposition named- that the said Jacob Davis enlisted for  five months in the month of June 1776 in a company commanded by this Deponent, and served faithfully in the said Company until this Deponent was wounded in the battle of Long Island in the month of August 1776- the said
Jacob Davis was engaged in the said battle
before Deponent recovered from his said wound, the five months expired for which his said company was enlisted, and the said Jacob Davis served out the said five months, and about two weeks over as this Deponent was informed by his Lieutenant on his recovery- 
Deponent afterwards being engaged with the regular army cannot state from his personal knowledge as to the service of the said Jacob Davis after the said five months-  Deponent further says that he is well acquainted with
the said Jacob Davis and has been ever since
the Revolutionary War-  that the said Jacob Davis is a man of strict moral character and his
statements are entitled to full faith and credit
and would receive the most implicit credit from
his neighbours and acquaintances
Thomas Morrell

Subscribed & sworn the 27th
day of November A.D. 1834 before me ⎬
J.H. Halsey Alderman

I Joseph H. Halsey one of the Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and one of the Judges
of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same
Page 31

5.
the Judge before whom the foregoing Depositions of Jacob Davis and the Revd Thomas Morrell were taken do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Jacob Davis and have been for more than thirty years last past. That the said Jacob Davis has resided
during all that time in the township of Westfield
in the said County and now resides there within the Jurisdiction of the said Court that the said court.  That the said Jacob Davis has been during all the time I have been acquainted with
him, and now is a man of irreproachable character and his statements are entitled to full credit, and would be implicitly believed by all his respectable neighbours. And that the said Jacob Davis served in the army of the
Revolution I have always understood, and now believe that the said Jacob Davis served as set forth in his foregoing Deposition more than two years. I further certify that the said the Revd Thomas Morrell has been a Methodist clergyman for forty years and more, that I have been acquainted with him; and has during all that time sustained an unblemished character and his statements are entitled to the most implicit credit-
Elizth Town N. Jersey Novemr 27th 1834
J.H. Halsey Alderman

I, Joseph D. Price Clerk of the Borough of Elizabeth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same Do hereby certify that Joseph H. Halsey before whom the foregoing depositions of Jacob Davis, and the Revd Thomas Morrell are taken is one of the Aldermen of the said Borough and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the same; and as such Judge he is lawfully authorized to take depositions and administer oaths, and further that the signature "J H. Halsey Alderman", to the said depositions of
Jacob Davis and Thomas Morrell, and his signature J. H. Halsey Alderman to the foregoing certificate, are in the own proper
hand writing of the said Joseph H. Halsey-

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court of
Common Pleas at Elizabeth Town aforesaid the
twenty seventh day of November A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty four
Joseph D. Price Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 32

State of New Jersey Borough of Eliz'th ss
Personally appeared [before] me Joseph H. Halsey one of the Alderman of the Borough of Elizabeth and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same, John Dunham of the township of ["Elizabeth" crossed out] Westfield, in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey, who being by me duly sworn according to law on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Jacob Davis the applicant in the foregoing Deposition named and has been so acquainted with him ever since the Revolutionary War. That for the whole year 1777 the father of Deponent with his big family lived at Trembly's Point in Rahway Township. That the said Jacob Davis served as a soldier at Trembly's Point under the command of Captain Benjamin Lane during that summer, and Deponent from his best recollection would now say that the said Jacob served at least two monthly tours under the said Captain Lane. Deponent further says that he distinctly recollects that Captain Amos Morse commanded a company who were on duty along the lines from Trembly's Point to Elizabeth Town and Woodbridge.  The said Jacob Davis was frequently at the house of Deponent's father while engaged in performing his monthly tours at Tremblys Point, and along the lines, and was known by the nickname of the strait haired Quaker. Deponent also remembers that Captain John Craig commanded a company in Woodbridge but cannot now say that the said Jacob Davis served in his company as Deponent was engaged at a different station. But Deponent can now say with certainty that the said Jacob Davis was for the most part of the time from 1777 to the end of the war engaged in doing duty as a soldier in monthly tours and along
Page 33

the lines; and was not engaged in any other business or occupation except that of a soldier. Deponent cannot say exactly what particular months the said Jacob served under particular officers at this distant day, but unhesitatingly states his full and entire belief in the statement of service by the said Jacob, in his foregoing annexed Deposition. and this Deponent further says that from the character and standing in society of the said Jacob, his statements are entitled to the fullest confidence; and no man in the large community where he is well known would receive a more ready and entire belief. [signed] John Dunham
Subscribed & sworn this 16th day of June AD. 1835 [signed] Joseph H Halsey Alderman

Personally appeared before me Joseph H Halsey the Alderman in the foregoing deposition named William Pierson of the Township of Westfield aforesaid who being by me duly sworn on his oath says that he is well acquainted with the foregoing applicant Jacob Davis, and has been ever since the Revolutionary War.  That the said Jacob enlisted for five months in 1776, under Captain Thomas Morrell and served out his time.  That he afterwards enlisted for three months under Captain Jacob Crane & served out that time also.  That when the said three months service was ended, the said Jacob came to the house of Deponent who married the sister of the said
Page 34

Jacob.  The said Jacob shortly after the time of his last enlistment was out, went out in monthly tours of duty and served at least two monthly tours at Rahway and Trembly's Point; what Captain commanded the company in which the said Jacob Davis there served, this Deponent cannot now recollect; but he does remember that Captain Benjamin Lane commanded a company at that time at Rahway and Trembly's Point.  Deponent further says that the said Jacob afterwards served a monthly tour along the lines from Elizabeth Town to Woodbridge, and Captain Amos Morse commanded a company, but Deponent cannot say whether the said Jacob served at that time in the Company commanded by Captain Morse.  Deponent further says that the said Jacob Davis made his home at the house of Deponent, when not out on duty and he recollects distinctly that during the year after the expiration of his enlistment the said Jacob was constantly out on monthly tours of duty and Deponent recollects that after the skirmish at Strawberry hill with a foraging party of the Enemy, when the said Jacob returned home, he then mentioned having been engaged during the summer along the lines from Elizabeth Town to Woodbridge under Captain John Craig and Captain Joseph Horton.  Deponent further says that after the said Jacob Davis returned from Rahway and the lines, and during the same fall or winter as Deponent thinks, the said Jacob Davis left house to go to Aquackanonk under
Page 35

4 Captain John Scudder being called out on an alarm, and was sour for two weeks or more. Moses Marsli a neighbour of Deponent was wounded on the said excursion, and belonged to the company of Lt. Captain Scudder as Depo-nent thinks. After Lt. Captain Scudder returned from his march on the said alarm, he was stationed for some time at Elizabeth Town and the said Jacob Davis was out on a monthly tour there, and afterwards as Deponent verily belies the said Jacob Davis served regular tours at Halsted's Point; Captain Craig commanded a Company there. Captain Matthias Potter commanded a Company at Elizabeth Town and Deponent recollects that the said Jacob Davis when on a short visit at his house, mentioning his being engaged in the service under the said Captain Potter. Deponent was frequently out on duty and knows of the said Jacob being engaged in the same manner. 
Deponent further says that the said Jacob Davis was out in the service constantly performing monthly tours along the lines at Elizabeth Town, Halsted's Point, Rahway, Trembly's Point and Woodbridge in 1778 & 1779. he [sic] had no other business. But Deponent cannot with his shattered memory, at this distant period attempt to state with certainty, the particular monthly tours performed by the said Jacob nor under what officers he served. Deponent has heard the deposition statement of the
Page 36

5 Said Jacob Davis read as to the service performed by him; and from his recollection of the services of the said Jacob, and the times & places of the duty in his foregoing Deposition mentioned he has no doubts as to the source being entirely true and correct.
Deponent further says that no man in the whole community where he is known, would receive more implicit faith and credit as to his statements and allegations than the said Jacob Davis.
Subscribed Sworn the 16th day of June A.D. 1835 before me. Joseph H. Halsey Alderman William Pierson

I Joseph H. Halsey the alderman and Judge before whom the foregoing depositions of John Dun-ham and William Pierson were taken, do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with the said Deponents, John Dunham and William Pierson, and have been so acquainted for more than thirty years past. And that both the said John Dunham and William Pierson are men of good character and standing, and that their statements are entitled to the fullest faith and credit and would be implicitly believed in this neigh-bourhood. Elizabeth Town June 16th 1835
Joseph H Halsey

I Joseph D. Price Clerk of the Borough of Eliza-beth in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the source Do hereby certify that Joseph H.
Page 37

6 Halsey , the person before whom the fore-going Depositions of John Dunham and William Pierson were taken is one of the Aldermen of the said Borough of Elizabeth and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the same, and that as such alderman and Judge, he the said Joseph H. Halsey is fully and lawfully authorized to administer oaths and take depositions, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his official acts as Alderman and Judge as aforesaid. 
And further that the signature "Joseph H. Halsey Alderman" to each of the said Depositions of John Dunham and William Pierson, and the signature "Joseph H. Halsey" to the foregoing certificate are in the proper hand writing of the said Joseph H. Halsey. 
In Testimony where I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court of Common Pleas as Elizabeth Town aforesaid, the sixteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five - Joseph D. Price Clk
Page 38

J. L. Edwards Esq. Elizabeth Town Nov. 27th 1804
Sir
In the month of June last I wrote to the Honble. Mr. Frelinghuysen respecting the Pension of Jacob Davis, and requested him to have his papers re-examined, as I was certain there was some new understanding on the subject of his claims - 
- Mr. Frelinghuysen received a note from you on the 25th June last, in which you state that you had caused the papers to be re-examined, and found that the examining Clerk had made an error; and that you would enclose him a new certificate upon returning the old one for 14 1/2 months service. 
Mr. Davis on the receipt of yours, was gone to Ohio, to see a daughter, and has only returned this fall; and upon further con-versation with him , I am fully satisfied, that he is entitled to full pension for two years services. 
Under this impression, I have caused the enclosed depositions to be taken of Mr. Davis, and the Person Mr. Morrell by which any defici-ency as to the specifications of two years services is fully explained. Mr. Davis is a highly respect-able and very conscientious, although poor man and from the losss [sic] of recollection incident to
Page 39

advanced age, may not in his declaration have stated with particularity, his identical monthly services.
You will now see by the deposition, that he has made out more than the two years' service, and I hope you will feel justified in sending a certificate for the two years - If you are not satisfied (of which I cannot doubt) will you send me the papers or instructions, as to what particulars further testimony will be required, and I will endeavor to have it supplied. 
My engagements are such as to make it very inconvenient for me to attend to such matters, and I only do this at the earnest solicitation of Mr. Davis (and his friends), whom I believe to be justly entitled to his full pension. 
The Honble. Mr. Frelinghuy-sen can give you every apurance [sic] of the entire honesty & integrity of Mr. Davis. 
Enclosed you have the Depositions and certificates of the Judge and Clerk under seal; and the old certificate of Pension returned as you request. Your early answer will confer a favour on our old soldiers & oblige
Very Respectfuly 
Yr. obedient Servant.
Jno. J. Chrtnoos
Page 40

Elizabeth Town N. Jersey July 25th 1835
Sir
Sickness has prevented an earlier reply to your of the 24th ult. respecting the pension of Jacob Davis. In my intercourse with men both profess-ional & otherwise, I have always endeavoured to view the subject under consideration impartially & fairly, & not to give unnecessary trouble by a stubborn adherence to negative opinions - But in the present case a sense of duty compels me to say and insist, that the evidence which I have seen (without the original Decla-ration, which I never saw) is fully sufficient, to authorize the allowance of a full Pension, under the act of 1832, the construction of the Secretary of War, and that repeatedly given by the Department. 
The point of all the objections seems to be, that in the more full statement of Mr. Davis in his Deposition, he has specified with more particu-larity than is contained in his Declaration, the service performed; and therefore all letters from the Department reiterate the idea, that proof in detail of the actual services must be made. 
I have before called attention to the fact, that the original Declaration was prepared by J. B. Chetioon, at that time Clerk of our Court; who devoted his time to that business. That the Declaration was drawn in a hurry, & at the time many others were being prepared, & the confusion & hurry would very naturally account for any mistake or ambiguity.
Page 41

When it became known that Mr. D. only obtained a certificate for 8 1/2 months service, his friends & old neighbors as well as himself were much dissatisfied.  They called on me & desire that I would look into the matter, & have the mistake rectified, as all seemed to take for granted there was a mistake.
They shewed me the abstract or memorandum taken down by F. B. Chetwood to enable him to draw the Declaration, & from that memorandum I prepared the new statement of Mr. Davis sent on to the Department.
By that memorandum the 5 months under Captain Morrel were specified, also the 3 months under Capt Jacob Crane - both enlistments.  Also 1 monthly tour at Trembly's Point under Cap Lane. 1 month in Rahway.  Captn Morse. 1 month at Woodbridge Captn Craig. 1 month at Elizth. Town Captn John Scudder. 1 month at Rahway Tremblys Point &c. Cap John Craig. 1 month Elizth. Town Cap. Matts Potter. 1/2 month on alarm at Aquackanonk Capt John Scudder.  The memorandum then specifies monthly tours at Elizth Town, Rahway, Woodbridge & Tremblys Point &c, in the class of this company, every other month at least for more than a year; & a continuation of monthly regular duty at E. Town Point & Halsteds Point &c.  every other month, until the latter part of the War; when sometimes he was for a short time off regular duty for two months or perhaps three.  that he continued to the end of the War on duty & could safely swear that he served in enlistments & monthly tours at least 3 years; and this besides going out as volunteer on all alarms when off regular duty and these alarms along the lines were very frequent.
I understand from Mr. Davis that the evidence of several witnesses annexed to his Declaration corroborated his statements;
Page 42

and the testimony which I have had taken & sent to the Department, would certainly obtain full faith, and give satisfactory assurance of the truth & honesty of his statements; and explain any apparent discrepancy in his original and succeeding depositions in any Court of law or Equity with which I am acquainted.  All the witnesses attest to the excellence of the applicant's character, & their full belief in his service & statements as well as their knowledge as to his services personally and from information received more than 1/2 a century ago.
Why then let me respectfully ask, is it necessary, to prevent the government being defrauded by misrepresentation, to require that the comrades of Mr. Davis who have been more fortunately removed to another tribunal, should be raised from the dead, in order that they might add their cumulative testimony to that already taken.
The Department certainly cannot doubt that he performed more than 2 years duty in lawfully authorized & embodied Corps & what more can be wanting to enable any person to test the accuracy of the statements.
I repeat this is a matter of no personal interest to me, but on the contrary has [illegible] occasion[ed] me much trouble & expense.  I am determined however not to relax in my exertions, in sustaining this old man in his rights, and nothing more is desired.  Much has been made, & perhaps may be made of the asserted discrepancy between the Declaration & after statement.  But if I understand the characters of the Secretary of War & the President, the explanations & evidence cannot fail to satisfy them, of the honesty of the claim, & that all is fair, upright & just-whatever may be their effect in y'r [your] office.  
The request of Mr. Davis is, that as soon as convenient you will please send me for him, a
Page 43

Certificate for such amount, as you are satisfied from his papers he is entitled to receive, in order that he may be kept out of the poor house.  I do hope upon reexamination & consideration of the whole matter, you may be satisfied to send a certificate for 2 years service.

If any less shall be allowed, you will oblige this old man by sending with the certificate, a copy of the Declaration & evidence originally sent, that a memorial containing the whole facts may be prepared, and a chance for justice afforded.  At any rate, be good enough to send us as little delay as convenience will permit, a certificate for such allowance as you determine on making.  Mr. D. is really poor & has depended in his infirmity & old age on borrowing in anticipation of his Pension.  Your early attention will confer a particular favour on him & oblige your  [illegible]

John J. Chetwood

P.S.  You have also the additional depositions of Mr. Edward Henry Williams  

J.J.C

Geo Wm Crump Esq
Actg Comr
Page 44

Eliz'th Town N. Jersey June 16th 1835
Sir
You have herewith, the depositions before sent you in the case of Jacob Davis, & returned by you in February last, together with the additional evidence of John Dunham and Wm Pierson.
In consequence of the indisposition of Mr. Davis, and my absence from home, it has not been practicable until today, to have the additional depositions taken.
In your letter of the 3d Feby. you state that there is a discrepancy in the original Declaration, and the statements of the Deposition of Mr. Davis forwarded by me.  As I mentioned in my last letter, I never saw the original Declaration; it was prepared by F B. Chetwood Esq., at that time Borough Clerk, in a great hurry, during Court time, and mingled with many others.
Mr. Davis' understanding of that Declaration is, that it specified more than 2 years' service, and that the witnesses whose testimony accompanied it, corroberated his statements.  It is impossible for aged
Page 45

applicants and witnesses to specify with as much particularity, the precise dates of month, tours of duty, & under ["the" crossed out] what officers they were performed, during the confusion & changes of the militia service on the lines, as would be expected in matters of recent occurrence.
The situation of this whole vicinity at the time of Mr. Davis' engagements in the war were very peculiar.  The British army were most of the time on Staten Island, only separated by the Sound of half a mile in width from the Jersey Shore, extending from Eliz'th Town Point, through Rahway, Trembly's Point & Woodbridge to Amboy.
I know from the often repeated stories of my own family, that for years this section of Country was the battle ground, & the duties of our militia were extremely severe.
Now the only object of the very particular requisitions of the Department in relation to applications for Pension is, that the proper officers may be satisfied that the applicant has really performed the services and no fraud is intended in the application.
I have been in the habit for many years of scrutinising testimony for the purpose.
Page 46

eliciting truth; and I do say unhesitatingly, that the evidence in the present case is such as fully to satisfy my mind, that more than two years' service was performed.  And any Court and Jury from the examination of the same evidence would come to the same conclusion.
Mr. Davis is very old & infirm and in really needy circumstances, and cannot long partake of the ["provisions" crossed out] benefits resulting from the Pension laws.  His character for honesty, sterling integrity, & great singleness of heart, is not exceeded by that of any man in the Community; and the abundant testimony must satisfy you upon this subject.  If not, any required amount as to individuals of the fairest standing can be furnished.
It does seem then very hard, that his own statement of facts & occurrences of nearly sixty years ago, under oath, corroberated by the affidavits of so many of the few survivors of those days, in many particulars, should not be sufficient to carry conviction of the truth & fairness of his application; because a slight variance is discoverable in the original hasty Declaration, & the more full & deliberate statements.
Will you examine carefully the whole evidence, giving due consideration
Page 47

to the character of the applicant and endeavored to satisfy yourself that the claim is right.
It is very unpleasant for me to trouble you so frequently on this subject, and nothing but the settled conviction of my mind, that the whole Pension for 2 years' service is honestly truly & lawfully due, could induce me to be so importunate.
Let me know your determination at your earliest convenience & if unfortunately there is still any difficulty, I will try & meet it, if made known.
Respecty &c &c [signed] Jno. J. Chetwood
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Page 48

Return this
8 mo private
$26.66
Francis B Chetwood Esq
Elizabethtown NJ
Page 49

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Jacob Davis which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period of the war when he served?
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? [handwritten answer] No see Quere 5
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscriptions by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. [cross-shaped footnote mark] If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?  [handwritten answer] No See Quere 14
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. [double-cross-shaped footnote mark] Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [handwritten answer] No see Quere 16.
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ---- year ---- months, and ---- days, I served as a ----. For ---- months and ---- days, I served as a ----; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months ["about three or four months" in italics] is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. 
[cross-shaped footnote mark] QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. [heading in italics]
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[double-cross-shaped footnote mark] QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers. [heading in italics]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Page 52

Jacob Davis
Payments to be made at Trenton by Pres of Trenton Bank: Comp. Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New. Jersey
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 3 Page 108 by E. D Bullock Clerk.
Page 53

WAR DEPARTMENT. Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Jacob Davis of the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty Six dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Fifteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three  [signed] Lew Cass Secretary of War.
[seal to the left]
Examined and Countersigned. } J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 54

May 27. 1833 paid to 4 Mar 1833
Sept 12, 1833 paid to 4 Sept 1833
Mar 8. 1834 paid to 4 Mar 1834
No 9249
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To the Pension Bureau.
My ancestor Jacob Davis [name underlined] born Feb 6. 1758 died Feb 22, 1843 served in the Essex Co N. J. militia in the Revolutionary War.  Have you any record of his receiving a pension?  Will you kindly reply if you have any information on file.
Respt Yours
Mrs Minnie Carberry
38 S. Burnet St
East Orange N. J.
[three stamps at bottom] RECEIVED OCT 31 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 18 VETS ADM
29 A. G. O. OCT 26 1939 RECEIVED
RECEIVED OCT 27 1939 OLD RECORDS DIVISION A. G. O.
[handwritten note] stamped env.
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[logo printed at left] 
[handwritten note] These claims were returned. see let. attached
NOVA CAESAREA CHAPTER NEWARK, N. J.
[circular stamp] RECEIVED NOV 9 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 9 VETS ADM
93 Orange Ave.,
Irvington, N. J.
October 30, 1939.
The Pension Bureau, Revolutionary Section, War Dept.
Dear Sir,  Will you Kindly let me know if your records show that a pension was given to Jacob Davis of Westfield, New Jersey, who served with the Essex Co. troops during the Revolution.
Thank you, Respectfully, Miss) Louise Doolittle, Registrar, Nova Caesarea Chapter
[penciled note] Keep this
[stamps at bottom of page] RECEIVED NOV 2 1939 OLD RECORDS DIVISION A. G. O.
14 A G O NOV 1 1939 Received 3[cent] in stps Incl.
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November 14, 1939.
BA-J/ILL
Jacob Davis
W. 989
Mrs. Minnie Carberry
28 South Burnet Street
East Orange, New Jersey.
Dear Madam:  Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jacob Davis of Essex County, New Jersey, who was born February 6, 1758.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 989, based upon service of Jacob Davis in the Revolutionary war.
Jacob Davis was born February 6, 1758 in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey.  The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey, Jacob Davis enlisted in June 1776, and served five months as private in Captain Thomas Morrell's company, Colonel Oliver Spencer's New Jersey regiment, during which he marched to New York, was in the battle of Long Island and was discharged in Princeton, New Jersey.  He enlisted in December 1776 and served three months as private in Captain Jacob Crane's New Jersey company, during which he was in an engagement with the Hessians and assisted in taking a number of them prisoners.  From the spring of 1777 until the end of the war in 1783, he served on various tours as private in the New Jersey troops, amounting to at least two years, under Captains Benjamin Lane, John Craig, Amos Morse, Joseph Horton, Matthew Potter, and John Scudder.  During this service, he was in the battle of Elizabethtown, in the battles of Connecticut Farms, Springfield, and in many skirmishes.
The soldier continued to reside in Elizabeth Township, Essex County, New Jersey, after his service in the Revolutionary war.
Jacob Davis was allowed pension on his application executed
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September 4, 1832, at which time he resided in Westfield Township, Essex County, New Jersey.  He was living there in 1835.
The name of the wife of Jacob Davis and the date of their marriage are not shown.  He had a daughter who resided in Ohio just previous to November 1834, but her name and exact residence were not stated.  There are no further data regarding his family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:
Jacob Davis
Certificate #9249
Issued April 15, 1833
Rate $26.66 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Increased to $48.33 per annum, Aug. 5, 1835.
Act of June 7, 1832
New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
2.
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OR/lmj
November 7, 1939
Miss Louise Doolittle,
Registrar, Nova Caesarea Chapter,
93 Orange Avenue,
Irvington, New Jersey
Dear Madam:  This is in reply to your letter of October 30, 1939 in which you asked whether or not Jacob Davis (or David) was given a pension on account of his service, as alleged, in the Revolutionary War, with the Essex County Troops of New Jersey.
The matter of Federal pensions is one which comes under the jurisdiction of the Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C., and I have forwarded your letter to that administration from which you will receive a further reply.
The name Jacob Davis or Jacob David has not been found on the records on file in this office of New Jersey soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is possible that the military record of the within-named man may be obtained from the Adjutant General, State of New Jersey, Trenton, New Jersey.
Very truly yours, 
E. S. ADAMS
Major General
The Adjutant General
By [initials illegible]
2 Inclosures.
1 [cent] stamp.
2 [cent] stamp.
[penciled note] Keep this without reply
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OR/lmj
1st Ind.
War Department, A. G. O., October 28, 1939.--To The Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.  Attention:  Miss Nevitt.
1.  Attention is invited to basic communication and copy of A. G. O. letter to writer.
2 Inclosure.
AGO letter.
Stamped Envelope
E. S. ADAMS
Major General
The Adjutant General
Jacob Davis [handwritten in pencil]
["received" stamp at bottom appears to be bleed-through from back side of page]
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OR/lmj
October 28, 1939
Respectfully returned to 
Mrs. M. K. Carberry,
38 S. Burnet Street,
East Orange, N. J.
The name Jacob Davis has not been found on the records on file in this office of New Jersey soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is possible that the desired information may be obtained from the Adjutant General, State of New Jersey, Trenton, New Jersey.
1 Inclosure.
Stamped Envelope.
E. S. ADAMS
Major General
The Adjutant General
By [initials illegible]
[stamped at bottom] RECEIVED OCT 31 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 18 VETS ADM