Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22220, Francis Duclos, New Jersey Navy
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
New Jersey

Duclos, Francis

NUMBER
S. 22220

A Frenchman
-----------------------------
CONTENTS
________________________
________________________
________________________
Page 2

[left side]
Let pensioner [cut off]
sent copy of [cut off]
Pensr. in [cut off]
do to Hon. B. [cut off]
17. 1836 -
Letter to pensioner [cut off]
do to Hon. J. R. Pm[cut off] 4
May 1837
do to Pensioner  May 26 1837

[right side]
No. 3582
Vermont
----------------------
Francis Duclos
of Franklin Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Lieut. & Ensign in the Company
commanded by Captain Biddle of the Regt commanded by Maxwell --- in the N. Jersey
line for 21 months & 27 days Lt.       291.85
               2    "         "    3    "  Ensign.   20.98
                                                             _______
                                                           $312.83
Capt in Navy
Ship King of France
------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of 312 Dollars 83 Cents per annum
------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Decr. 1832 and sent to Pensioner 
St Albans Vt.
-----------------------
Arrears to 4th of September 1832         469.24
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March     156.41
                                                                  _______
                                                                 $625.65

{Revolutionary Claim,
{Act

Recorded by D. Brown
Book D.       Vol. 4
Page 3

State of Vermont SS-
On this 22nd day of April A.D. 1818, before me
the subscriber one of the assistant Judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature for said State, personally appears Francis Duclos aged sixty three years, resident in St. Albans in the County
of Franklin in the said State, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war."  That he the said Francis Duclos in the forepart of the year 1775 at New Brunswick in the State of New Jersey received an Ensign commission in the American revolutionary army in the continental establishment and immediately after at Burlington in said State of New Jersey he joined the company commanded by Captain John B. Scott of the 2nd Regiment of the New Jersey line commanded by Colonel William
Maxwell, that he continued to serve in said Corps, or in the service of the United States until the end of the War, Except the time he was a prisoner with the enemy and on parole, that he was in the battles of Three Rivers, Brandywine, Germantown, & Monmouth, that he was wounded and taken prisoner at Three Rivers and his commission taken from him by the enemy and not returned, and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need
of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has
Page 4

no other evidence now in his power of his said services.

Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
William Brayton Judge Supreme Court

I Certify that it appears my satisfaction that the
said Francis Duclos did serve for the term of nine months and upwards at one period of service in the Army of the United States on the continental establishment in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration, and I further certify that the said Francis Duclos
is in reduced circumstance and absolutely stands in need of the assistance of his country for Support, and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony in the case taken & had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War in pursuance of the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress-

Given under my hand and seal of the Court
at St. Alban this 20th day of December AD 1818.
William Brayton Judge Supreme Court
State of Vermont
Page 5

Francis Duclos
Declaration
Supreme Court July
Special Term 1821
Copy of Record
---------------
Page 6

Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820.
-------------
Franklin County Supreme Court July Special Term 1821

STATE OF VERMONT
Franklin COUNTY, ss. }  ON this third day of July
1821 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court for the County of Franklin & State of Vermont and a Court of Record for said County & State Francis Duclos aged Sixty six years, resident St. Albans now in Sheldon in said County, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows:-- I entered the service of the United States at Brunswick in New Jersey & received a commission from the President of the United States on the 12th day of March 1775 as an ensign in Capt John Biddle Scotts company in 2d New Jersey regiment  commanded by Col William Maxfield in the New Jersey line and was afterwards promoted & 
Recd a commission as a Lieutenant in the same regiment & I was in the battle at the three rivers on the 12th of May 1776 & was wounded and taken prisoner by the British and I was again wounded & taken prisoner in New Jersey in March 1778 on the 5th day of April 1780 I received a captains Commission from the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia under the Continental Establishment to command an armed Boat called the King of France navigated by Sixteen men and was again wounded and taken prisoner by a British Privateer and sent on board the old Jersey Prison ship at New York & I continued in the service of the United States untill the close of the war. I was in the Battle at three rivers & in the Battle at Short Hills New Jersey, at the Battle of Brandy wine, at the Battle of Germantown and at the Battle of
Monmouth & was wounded & taken prisoner three times while in the service & all my
commissions were taken from me by the enemy when I was a prisoner not returned.

And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war,"
passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto
annexed, and by me subscribed. I have no real Estate my Personal Estate consists of one old cherry Table one old wooden clock-- one old Cherry desk. Six old chairs one old cupboard, one hog, one Cow. , I have some debts due to me but none of them are collectable & all of them are not worth a cent. I am by occupation a farmer but by reason of the wounds I Recd while in the war I am unable to labour, my family consists of my wife Polly aged 54 years who has for six years past been afflicted with the dropsy & it has been found necessary to tap her bed the disorder still increases and she is wholly unable to labour my son Phillip aged 13 years who enjoys tolerable health, my daughter, Lucinda 11 years of age who is very weakly and unable to labour By reason of my poverty I have been under the necessity of being committed to Jail and I am this day expecting to have a number of Executions levied on my body for want of property & when I shall get my liberty I know not.
Francis Duclos-
Attest Horace Janes Clerk

Sworn to and declared on the 3d
day of July 1821
Before the Court

STATE OF VERMONT, }
Franklin COUNTY, ss. }  I  Horace Janes Clerk of the Supreme Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of said court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is thirty --- dollars and --- cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 3d day of July 1821.
Horace Janes
CLERK.
Page 7

July 3, 1937

Francis Duclos
S. 22220
BA-J/AWF

Mr. E. L. Moffatt
67 Brighton Avenue
Allston, Massachusetts

Dear Sir:

The data furnished herein were obtained from
papers on file in pension claim, S. 22220, based
upon the service of Francis Duclos in the War of
the Revolution.

Francis Duclos was a Frenchman, the date
and place of his birth and names of parents were not given.

He entered the service at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and served as follows:
Early in 1775 he was appointed ensign in
Captain John Biddle Scott's company in Colonel
William Maxwell's New Jersey regiment, and later was appointed first lieutenant in Colonel Israel Shreve's 2nd New Jersey regiment. He was in the battle of Three Rivers, Canada, where wounded and made a prisoner; in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, Germantown;
was wounded and taken prisoner at "Hancock Creek" in Salem County, New Jersey, in 1778, where he was left among the dead, and was carried thence to Philadelphia for treatment; was afterwards in the battle of Monmouth
and continued to serve until sometime in October, 1778.

Having sustained wounds of left thigh and right
leg while in the service, he was entitled to retire
as an invalid, but knowing something of navigation, he offered his services for the Navy, and was appointed by the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia, March 21, 1779,
Page 8

captain of the armed boat "King of France" and was very active in protecting American shipping and in procuring fuel for the citizens of Philadelphia. He captured nine of the enemy's gunboats near Little Egg Harbor; was taken prisoner June 21, 1781, wounded in the little finger by the cut of a sword, and confined
in the prison ship "Jersey" until exchanged in the month of October, 1781.

Sometime during the Revolution, Francis Duclos
was a resident of Lawrence Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. After the Revolution he went to Canada and resided there for fifteen years.

He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was sixty-three years of age and a resident of St. Albans, Vermont. He was living in 1821 in Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont, and then referred to his wife, Polly, aged fifty-four years, and to children- Philip aged thirteen years
and Lucinda aged eleven years.

The papers on file in this claim contain no further discernible family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 9

[left side]
of Military

m H.
C

[middle] Revolution
22220
INVALID.
------------
File No. 22,220
Francis Duclos
Lieut & Ensign Rev War
--------
Act:  June 7" 32
Index:--Vol. 2, Page 115

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side]
1881 Oct 24 H.D. Hewitt
& family history-

July 9/94  Mil. His. to
J.H. Duclos 197 Asyl
Hartford, Conn.

1910 Nov. 15. Hist. to
Mrs Marie D. Torrance

1936 Apr 15 Hist to
Mrs. F.M. Knowles.  AWY
20 - Apr 25 Hist to
A Lefaivre awy
----------------
June 1 - Hist. to Frank
Stewart.    AWY

June 7 - Ltr. giving further
Frank H. Stewart MLB
-----------------
[cut off] y 3 hist. to [illegible] [Moffat?]
Page 10

[crossed out - Mr. Mathew J Dunham
Moses Zolman
John Batista
together]

Duclos Certificate

[crossed out -Mr. John Dunan
[Lahne Magoy?] ]

DUCLOS, FRANCIS
(N. J.) S-22220
Page 11

State of New Jersey
Huntenden [Hunterdon] County ⎬ Ss.

Personally appeared before me Caleb
Shreve Esqr. One of the Judges of the Court of Common Please in and for said County John Philips of the Township of Lawrence
in said County, who being duly Sworn on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, deposeth & saith that he is well acquainted with Francis Duclos (a frenchman by birth) that he was a residintrn [resident] of this place with his family. Forty years ago since which I this deponant has not seen him until the present date, that
this Deponent knew him well in the Army of the Revolutionary War as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Jersey Regiment commanded by Conl Israel Shreve & that he served as an Ensign in Conl
Maxwells Reg that was raised for one year and marched to Quebeck in the fall of 1775, that he served with this deponant in the 2nd Reg on the Continental Establishment during the time this deponent remained in service, and long
after, that this deponant knew him well at the battles of the Short Hills, Brandy Wine and Germantown, that he acted as a brave intelligent & active officer and distinguish
himself on various other occasions
  John Phillips

Sworn and subscribed to                                    
This 15th day of March 1823
Caleb Shreeve

James Montgomery of the 2nd
Pennsylvania ^ Regiment leognires                                     [legionnaires]
Francis  Duclos as an officer in the Jersey line
Page 12

[left side] 
see letter to  Pension Nov. 17. 1837

[right side]
18749.
Vermont
Francis Duclos
Franklin Co in the State of Vermont,
who was a Lieutenant in the Regiment commanded by
Colonel Maxwell of the New Jersey
[lin]e, for the term of 4 years from 1775.
[Insc]ribed on the Roll of Vermont,
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 22 of April 1818.
[Ce]rtificate of Pension issued the 27 of Sept 1822. and sent to the Pensioner at
Sheldon, Vt.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1822.             $1048, 66
Semi anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar: '23.     $120.00
                                                           $1168,66
4 years,
[illegible] months
13/30
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
 &  1 May 1820
Page 13

To what time was Francis Duclos, of Vert.
act 7 June 1832, last paid? 

[signature] J. L Edwards
9 Aug. 1841

To 4 March 1841.
[signature] T. H. Hill
Page 14

[text is crossed out] 

It appears by rolls that
the applicant was cashiered 
27 Oct 1778

Rejected 
25 May 1819
Page 15

Francis Duclos (perhaps Douglass)
Ensign Lieut or Capt - 
New Jersey line

Vermont
Inv File No. 22, 220
OK LDS 
Nov 12/79
Not entitled, act 1828
Page 16

[Osr?]
#
22, 220
Page 17

Sir with submission and respects I make use
of this Lashure [leisure] time to inform you that
my going in to the navy of the united states
as a Captn was on account of two grevious [sic] wounds which I received in both of my legs
previous to my le[a]ving the Land service, but
Sir I recd my commission at the board of
admiralty in Philadelphia with instruction to be stationed at Little Egg Harbour or Cap[e] May on the Delaware river in order to capture the gun boats and other water-Craft belonging to the refugees from New York who carried of all the Small water craft coming to Philadelphia
loaded with provisions and Lumber and fire
wood. The Citizens of Philadephia could not get fuels, on no account until I begin to scour every part of the
Page 18

Delaware river from Philadelphia to Cap[e] May
carousing in quest of those Refugees who Secreted themselves among the Disaffected inhabitants on either side of the river and my man slept on shore Every night and we had to keep a strong piquet Guard every night with a patrole all night on account of the disaffected people on both Sides of the river who hoisted- Signals on the top of their houses, to apprise the enemys when we whor [were] near, never the lass [nevertheless] I captured burn[cut off] at Different times nine of their - Best Sa[i]ling Boats know Sir I trust that you will be satisfied that I acted as a Land officer as well as naval, I could not persue [pursue] the enemys without a  water craft
Page 19

had it not been for my guarding while I 
commanded on that [illegible] the whole population in Philadelphia must have froze to death as their whole dependence for wood was from the flooded lands in the State of Delaware at Low water marks---

Sir I could have retired from the Service of
the United States in november 1778 on half pay for Life as an Invalid officer, now if I cannot be placed on this New act it must be because I have fought to[o] Long while in that Service I
was taken prisoner and badly wounded while
attempting to board a vessel of Superior force
while at anc[h]or and carried to New York on board of the old Jersey prison ship where I suffered all but death.  I submit the whole to the president and yourself to decide
Page 20

...according to your wisdom and goodness, whether I shall receive a govt record for all my service and sufferings while in the actual service of the United States of North America.

I remain, Sir, your most obedient and humble ser[vant],
s/ Francis Duclos

Sheldon Vermont
October 14th 1828

The Honorable Richard Ruck, Esq.

593
Rec[eived] 24 Oct. 1838
Page 21

Francis Duclos of St. Albans, Ensign.
Col. Maxwell's Regt, New Jersey line.
1776 to close of the War.

[faded writing]
Found on Rolls..
Cashiered...
Page 22

State of Vermont
Franklin County Supreme Court Clerk's Office//

December 19th 1818.

I, Horace Janes, Clerk of the Supreme Court of the State of Vermont in and for the County of Franklin, do hereby certify that William Brayton, Esq., [illegible] County, is one of the Judges of said Supreme Court, duly qualified to act as such and that the foregoing certificate is signed by him in his own proper hand.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my Name and affixed the Public Seal of said Court.
s/ Horace Janes, Clerk
Page 23

Montpellier, Vt., April 1827.

Francis Duclos demands his Bounty Land for Rev[olutionary War], N.Y. Services.

Respectfully defer(red) to Hon. M. Stewart, Esq., By La[nd] Office.
7 May 1827

[Amd?]
Page 24

...of greveous [grievous] wounds which I received serving in, so that I might have retired from service then as an invalid. But my service was of use in the navy of the United States, as I understood navigation. Was appointed a capt[ain] in the navy, where I served until the expiration of the war. No Sir, has it because I have done more than I was obliged to do, that I should not draw my Bounty Land promised one by Congress, when I entered service.

Sir, I never have draw'd any pleasure to toil at the Pension Office and examine all my credentials and search the records of all those officers who have'd received land, then you will find that I never have'd received.

Sir, with due respect, your h[umble] ser[vant],
s/ Fra[ncis] Duclos
Page 25

George Grayham  Esqr
Commissioner of the Land Office
at the City of Washington
  Edwards
Montpelier Vt.
April 30     Free
Page 26

George Grayham Esquire  City of Washington
Sir after my respects to you , I avail myself of this opportunity to write these lines to inform you that I have wrote to the President of the United States requesting him to have the goodness to request you as a commissioner of the Land Office to grant me a warrant for my military lands in the State of Ohio where the New Jersey Line draw their lands.  I served in the 2nd New Jersey Rgt from the 12th of March 1775 as an officer and in October 21th 1778 left the land service on account
Page 27

State of New York
Rensselaer County
Personally appeared before me David Buel Jr. Esquire, one of the Judges of the Common Pleas in and for the said County, Derrick Lane of the City of Troy in said County, who being duly sworn on the Holy evangelist of Almighty God, deposeth and saith that he served during the Revolutionary War as a Commissioned Officer in the Second New Jersey Regiment, commanded by  Col Israel Shreve and during that time he was well acquainted with Francis Duclos (a Frenchman by birth) who served in the said Regiment with him several years, he bearing the commission of Ensign or Lieutenant, that this deponent knew him at the Battle of Short Hills, at the Cantoonment [Cantonment] of Valley Forge, and other places not now recollected for more than two years that he served on the continental establishment of the Revolutionary Army.
Derrick Lane
Sworn to this 6th day of April 1821 before David Buel Jun  Judge of Rensselaer County Common Pleas
Page 28

I do hereby certify that I have for many years been well acquainted with Derick Lane, the person who made the foregoing affidavit and that said Derrick is a gentleman of fair character and entitled to implicit credit.
David Buel  Jun

State of New York
Rensselaer County
I certify that David Buel Junior whose name is within written and above was on the sixth day of April instant one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Rensselaer and that the signature of the said David Buel Junior is in his proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County this seventh day of April 1821
Ben. Smith  Clerk
Page 29

State of Vermont
Franklin County
St. Albans  April 24, 1821
On the application of Francis Duclos, I hereby authorize Doctors Charles Hall and Ephraim Little, physicians resident in St. Albans aforesaid - to examine the wounds received by said Duclos when in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War and to report the degree of disability arising from such wounds and in what degree it prevents him from obtaining a subsistence .  Given under my hand this 24 day of April AD 1821.
William Brayton  Judge 
Supreme Court State of Vermont
Page 30

Francis Duclos

East Sheldon Vt   Free
March 17

The Honorable
Lewis Cass 
Secretary of War
City of Washington

[upside down]
[?]
26 March 1836
Pension Office
[D? C..?]
Page 31

Sent Sheldon, March 17th 1826

The Honorable Lewis Cass, Esq.

Sir,

After my profound respects, I avail myself to request you request Mr. Edward's First Clerk of the Pension Office to show you a certificate of my service claims as a captain, regarding my commission, which I received in Philadelphia on the First of April at the Board of Admiralty by the recommendation of George Washington, then stationed with his army where I re-entered with the 2nd New Jersey Regt, being badly wounded in both legs...
Page 32

...[duplicate: legs], I was unable to due duty any longer in the land service. I could have retired out of the land service on half pay as an invalid. But I offered my service in the navy on account of the different gunboats out of New York, who was at that time infesting the Delaware River carrying all the small water crafts with their contents to New York.

The vessel I commanded was a whaling boat, the property of the United States, then providers of whalers at Salem Landing, New Jersey. A short vessel propelled forth with and equipped of the expense of the government and named, "King of France"...
Page 33

...In the course of Three months, I captured Nine gun Boats; made Little Egg Harbor on the Delaware [River] side at low waters [tide], while the mariners was on shore, to a house ocupied [occupied] by a [?anty] Torie who keeps his harlots to play with, it being the rendesvous of the Refugees while the British remained in possession of New York.

Sir, according to the Act of Congress of the year 1832, my naval service has to have been haded [added] to my Land Services at first but [?] not to take orders[?]. My just dues please to doing justice.

I remain with respect your obedient servant,
s/ Francis Duclos
Page 34

We the undersigned having examined the body of Francis Duclos of Sheldon in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont, relative to his wounds received in the War of the revolution, can only say that the said Duclos appears to have had, at a former period, a fracture of the right collar bone, which has left a distortion of said bone, that he has also a scar on the left thigh which appears to have been from a ball having passed through this part.  That he has also a similar scar on the calf of the right leg and that the right foot is much distorted in consequence as he says from having frozen it during the revolutionary service.  That these infirmaries constitute a disability in obtaining a subsistence in some degree, we have no doubt, but how far they have disqualified him from daily labor we are not able to say. 
St. Albans   April 24th 1821
Charles Hall
Ephraim Little
Practicing Physician and Surgeon
Page 35

State of Vermont
Franklin county
St. Albans 24th April 1821
personally appeared Charles Hall and Ephraim Little signers of the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed and made solemn oath to the facts therein stated.  Before me.
Abijah Stone  Just. Peace
Page 36

...this bad wound I received while on the recruiting service in Cumberland County, New Jersey, and. 
On the Eight Day of March 1778, Forty British Transports under the convoy of a flotilla with 1500 British soldiers landed at Salem Landing and commenced their march to Hancock City in order to penetrate into Cumberland County, where I was stationed on the recruiting service. Colonel Williams of the Militia sent and [an] express to me nine [malls?] as soon as he was apprised of the enemy coming to take the command of a detachment of volunteers with all speed on horseback. I [crossed out: [illegible]] repared to the spot on my [armall?] to the enemy. I found the enemies in full sight horse, on [foot?], with two Brass Field [?ses] of Commons in front, I bid them to approach the creek by the signal of my sword, they halted and walked about as far as they could. By that time, the volunteers had arrived. After a short counsel they, as one 71 in number agreed, to charge the raire [rear] guard of the enemy, then out of sight; having secured my wound on horseback. On the First of April 1779 I rec(ei)ved [crossed out: rec(ei)ved] [?] commission at the Board of Admiralty in Philadelphia by order of Congress...
Page 37

Sir,

I received your letter dated May 3rd 1837. (East Sheldon, May 22nd 1837). You say there is no proof of my being wounded while in the Land Service of the United States, the narative of my sufferings, and exploits, while in the Land Service - Will show you that I was last among the dead and wounded near Hancock Creek in Salem County, New Jersey, on the 8th of May 1778. Then carried from [illegible] to Philadelphia; my wound not dressed for three days. And after I had given my parole, I was carried to a house where I was under a British surgeon to have my wound dressed. There I remained, three months, unable to make the [illegible]; under the care of a nurse. Sent from the British hospital with every everything that I needed by the direction of General Howe. This is only part of my suffering by wounds. Now, Sir, I must remind you of the proof in the Pension Office, attested by Elijah Chasman, who swore before a Judge was made and signed by Horace Jane, then Clerk of the County Court in Saint Albans, by the direction of the Secretary of War, J.C. Calhoun.

Sir, I could have retired on half pay as an invalid with a lieut[enant]'s pay during my natural life, which was offered to me by General Washington on account of my wounds. I was unable to serve any longer in the Land Service...
Page 38

...There the Refugees, who plundered and carried away provisions and all kingly property they could get on the Jersey Shores and on the Delaware [River] side also, and what water craft they could not carry away the [rum?] ashore , marched to our Egg Harbor at low water mark and boarded. Sir, after the British army and fleet decimated Philadelphia, the Refugees built a large number of gun boats to infest the Delaware River. The citizens of Philadelphia had to force them back. Building, for full months, until I scoured them away, stationed near at Cape May and Ten months at sea, Sir, in the course of Three weeks, I captured three gun boats with only few prisoners. When procured, they turned those boats aground on the Delaware [River] side and escaped to Sandy Hook where I could not pursue. But pursuing a large gun boat at anchor near at the Egg Harbor while at anchor, I attempted to board them. Being double of my number and protracted by the land on the south, after three strategic attempts to board them, I was obliged to surrender after losing 24 of my own killed and wounded, and myself wounded by a cut of a sword who cut my little finger on my right hand, most of; and my right collar bone broken by no further from my own neck which brought me unable to take to any longer. I was then sent to New York with Eleven of my men...
Page 39

...As soon as we arrived, and soon after, we were sent to the Old N. Jersey Prison Ship near Staten Island, where I remained upwards of three months. My wounded men was sent to the Hospital Ship under the doctor's care, and myself spent onboard of the same, after I had cast the yellers, for on which raged onboard. The same that upward of Tewnty dead everyday. On the 21st of June 1781, I was taken prisoner and exchanged while onboard of the Surplus Ship; the sick knowing nothing; being delirious all the time; until I was exchanged by a French Cartel, raised after their own man in October 1781; then carried to Boston Harbor; then landed on Castle Island and put under the French doctor in the hospital, where I remained until 17th December, same year. Then arrived in Philadelphia about the 10th of January 1782, & unable to due anything of business for along time. Sir, in order to be considered as having served during the whole war, the last Act of congress have had'd the Navy Service to that of the Land Service, which acts to allow me, as a captain, Bounty Land and all back pay to the day 22nd of April 1818. Sir, I beseech that you will search the record of the Pension Office and whatever you find my due, you will be please to allow me and apprise me of the same or the whole substance of my just dues. Sir, with the most profound respect I remain yours obed(ient) ser(vant),
s/ Francis Duclos
Page 40

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an act entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officer and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" approved on the 15th day of May 1828.  I Francis Duclos of Sheldon in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont do hereby declare that I was an Officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution and served as such to the end of the War with the following exceptions to wit:  On the 12th of March 1775 I received a commission of Ensign and was attached to the Company of Capt. Biddle Scott which company was attached to the 2nd New Jersey Regiment commanded by Col. William Maxwell and I continued to serve in said Regiment as Ensign in Canada & elsewhere and rose by seniority to the command of a company in 2nd Regiment and was entitled to a Captains commission but owing to several wounds which I received during a campaign in Canada which which occasioned a commission and a difficulty of [traveting?] [word crossed out].  In November 1778 I offered my service in the Navy of the United States and was accepted by General Washington and I received a Captain's commission in the Navy of the United States and took the command of an armed boat called a whale boat named
Page 41

King of France, I took the command of said boat and remained in the service of the United States until Sept. 1780 when the said boat was captured off New York and I was taken prisoner.  Taken into New York and put on board the "Jersey" Prison Ship and continued as a prisoner until taken sick [upin?] I was removed to a Hospital prison ship and in Sept. 1781.  I was released by exchange and sent to Boston at which time I was in a low state of health occasioned as I supposed by confinement on board said ship and as soon as I was able I returned to Philadelphia when I held myself in readiness to serve in the Army or Navy as i should be required after the close of the war.  I went to Canada and resided  15 years and never received a commutation certificate under the resolve of Congress of the 22nd March 1783. the I suppose I was entitled to it as also to full pay for life under resolve of Congress of the 21st Oct 1780.
And I do further declare that I have received of the United States as a Pensioner since the 3rd of March 1826, six hundred dollars being at the rate of 20 dollars per month.  120 dollars of which I received on the 4th day of March last. paid me by the Agent for paying pensions in Vermont.  I further state that my commissions were taken from me when I was taken prisoner & have never been returned and I have no documents to prove this declaration except what are in the office of the Secretary of War at Washington.
Francis Duclos
Page 42

Before me Seth Wetmore Justice of the Peace for the whole State personally appeared this 16 day of July AD 1828 John L. Gallup of Sheldon and Enoch Billings of St. Albans in said County, who did severally make oath that Francis Duclos, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, generally reputed and believe to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated.  Witness my hand, the 16 day of July AD 1828
Seth Wetmore  Jus. of Peace

State of Vermont
Franklin County Ss} [St. Albans - crossed out]
July 16th AD 1828
Then Personally appeared Francis Duclos and made solemn oath that the facts stated in the foregoing declaration are true according to his best recollection and belief.
John Smith  Just. of the Peace

State of Vermont
Franklin County Ss}
St. Albans July 16th 1828.
I Horace Janes of St. Albans Notary Public in said County do hereby certify to all whom it may concern that Seth Wetmore Esq and John Smith Esq whose names are affixed to the foregoing certificates are Justices of the Peace in said County duly qualified to act as such and that the foregoing certificates are signed by them in their own hand writing.  In testimony  whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the public seal of my office the day and year above.
Horace Janes Notary Public
Page 43

Hon. Secretary of Treasurer
City  Washington

Revolutionary [Service?]

[Stamped]:
St. ALBANS VT
JUL 16
Free

[on side]
The Hon Secretary of Treasury in his request of [illegible] I am a proper subject of the act of 15 May 1822 to transmit to me by mail to the St. Albans Post Office [illegible] after [illegible] the amount of the [illegible] pension [illegible] the pay from March 3, 1826.  I [truly?] Yours
Francis Duclos
Page 44

[Stamped]:
St. ALBANS
SEP 14
Sep 25 Old Case
Jany 1. 77
Oct 27 78 Cash
1 year
9.27 | | | |

War Department
Pension Office

Hon Secretary of War
Washington

Admitted
Lieutenant - 21 mo.  27 ds  291.85
Ensign - 2 mo.   3 ds    20.98
[Total]:  $312.83

Pension
St Albans, Vt
[various other numbers and totals...]
Page 45

Mr. J. L. Edwards Acting Secretary of War at the City of Washington
Sir:  Being ignorant of the steps I should take to be allowed to ade [add] my navy service to those of the land Service according to the late act of Congress in order to draw my full pay as a Captain in the navy of the United States.  I served in the navy three years and half before I returned to Philadelphia after my exchange and suffering in the Hospital on Casail [Castle?] Island then under the care of the French Surgons for my exchange took place on the 26th of Sept 1780 I commanded the United States Whale Boat King of France so named a very suitable vesail [vessel] to navigate in the Delaware River who was at that time infested with refugees boats from New York caring all our trading small crafts with thaire loading from the Jersey Shore to New York and what they could not carry a way, they burned with theire loading
Page 46

Sir
I took while in that service nine valuable gun boats one of them boats had a twenty four brass canon in New York and maned by thirty five mariners aquipped with Muskets and Swords all of them was refugees private property, Sir I have no need to say any more; I refer you to the pension office under your immediate care where you will find all my proouff [proof] of my land and navall [naval] services [Suffeshant [sufficient] of trust to land me a new certificate and the back pay Due me acording to the late act of the 7th of June.  Sir I enclose you in thise [this] Letter my old Certificate acording to the act; I remain Sir your Most Obediant Servant and friend
Francis Duclos
East Sheldon
Sept 12 1832
[3 lines crossed out]
Page 47

Vt
Augt 5 '34
Pension Office
&
Bounty Land Off[ice]
get papers

The Honorable Louis Cass
Secretary of War
City of Washington

East Sheldon   Free
July 29

[on left]
Referred to Pension & Bounty land
Office
Page 48

East Sheldon, Vermont
July 26th 1834

To the Honorable Louis Cass, Secretary of War, City of Washington.

Sir,

Please to permit me to address you, as I expect that you understand what I am now entitled to receive as a compensation for all my services while in the service of the United States, both in the Land Service as well as the Navy.

I served as an Ensign and [?ord] [?]man in 2nd New Jersey Regt, commanded by Gen. Maxwell, afterward by Israel Howe, until the 26th of October 1778 and on account of being wounded in both legs, I was unable to serve in the Land Service any longer. General Washington offered to give me a discharge then to retire on half pay during life in that case. Sir, I should have been entitled to Bounty Land at the close of the war, as well as if I had served in the Land Service to the close of the same. But Sir, understanding navigation, I offered my services, which was much wanting at the time and accordingly I recved [received] captain's commission at the Court of Admiralty in the City of Philadelphia on the First day of March 1779 and I served on the Delaware River with a Whaler Boat in order to...
Page 49

I Samuel Peckham do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with Abijah Cheesman for twenty five years or their abouts - and as for as my knowledge extends relative to his public character, he is a man that full credit may without hisetation [hesitation] be given to any information matter or thing that he may be called to testify too [sic].
Samuel Peckham
Franklin  Jan. 20th 1822
I Samuel Peckham do hereby certify that I have ben [been] personnaly aquainted with Francis Duclos by the title of Capt. Francis Duclos and  as far as my knowlidge [sic] extends he bears the character of an honest [juctuiom? rep??th] man, in whom I should not hesitate to depose special trust in any concerns of whatever name or nature certified per
Samuel Peckham
Franklin 21  1822
I Samuel Wead do certify that I have been Acquainted with Abijah Cheesman for ten or twelve years and as far as my knowledge extends his charater [character] stands [fair?] as an honest man.
Samuel Wead
Sheldon  January 21, 1822
Page 50

State of Vermont
Franklin County Ss}
On this 21 day of January AD 1822 Before me the subscriber one of the Executive Council and Justice of the Peace for the whole State of Vermont by virtue of his office as one of the Executive Council personally appeared Abijah Cheesman, aged seventy years, resident in Montreal, province of lower Canada, who being by first sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say, that in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty, he was a resident in the City of New York, that in the month of September, of the same year, saw Francis Duclos of Shelden in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont, (who is now present) a prisoner, I saw him at the time he arrived in the said city, he was on board of a whale boat, then called the King of France, a [prin?] to a large gun boat called the Gen. Maultrie belonging to the British and commanded by Wm. Miles-at the time of the arrival I saw the said Francis Duclos, he had on a Captain Uniform and I then had not any doubt but what the said Duclos was the commander of the Whale Boat King of France.  The circumstances of a report being in the City of New York that the "King of France" was taken prisoner and believing this the King of France was really a prisoner induced him and a great crowd of spectators to run to the wharf to the see the King of France a prisoner - but on his arrival discovered that a boat was captured called the King
Page 51

of France which circumstances caused him to take notice of said Francis Duclos, the said Duclos had in a blue uniform trimmed with white with a silver epauletta on his right shoulder.  In the year 1787, the deponant removed to St. John's in Canada and then became acquainted with Duclos and recognized the said Duclos as being the same person whom he saw a prisoner in New York in the year AD 1780, that he has been acquainted with said Duclos from 1787 to the present time, the said Francis Duclos on his arrival in New York was called Capt. Duclos and at St. John in 1787 and ever since has retained the title of Capt.
Abijah Cheesman
Subscribed and sworn before me this 21 day of January AD 1822
I hereby certify that I am not acquainted with the said Abijah Cheesman, therefore cannot certify as to his creditably.  I do certify that I know nothing against his credibility.  I further certify that I am personally acquainted Samuel Peckham of Franklin and Samuel Wead of Sheldon Esquires.  The gentlemen who have certified as to the credibility of the said Abijah Cheesman, that said Wead and Peckham are Justices of the Peace and gentleman of credibility and full faith and credit may be given to their certificate accompany this affidavit.
Seth Witman  Executive Council
and Justice of Peace for the Whole State
Page 52

State of Vermont
Franklin County Ss}
Franklin County Clerks Office
St. Albans  January 22, 1822
I Horace Janes Clerk of the County Court in said County do hereby certify that Seth Wetmore Esq. of St. Albans is one of the Executive Council and by virtue of said office, Justice of the Peace for the whole State of Vermont and that the foregoing certificate is signed by him in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the public seal of said Court.
Horace Janes Clk
& Notary Public
Page 53

Recd 24 Sept 1822

John c. Calhoun Esqr
Secretary of War
City of Washington
Sheldon Vt
Sept 12th
Page 54

John C. Calhoun Esqr  City of Washington
Sir:  You will perhaps think hard of my writing to you so often but necesity [sic] oblidge [sic] one to take the liberty to advise you as a friend to men kind in your station I received your letter which informed me that my documents was on fiels [file] in the pension office and should remain there safe until I had proved my navy Services.  Sir I sent you the testimony of Captain Elijah Cheaseeman of Montrell [Montreal] last March which was as good Do I had sent my Comesssion [Commission] and if that will not answer - nothing will thaire [there] for of no for the last time coal [call] on you Sir as a christian to give me an answer once moare [more] if if I- cannot be placed on the pension laste [list] be so good as to send me all my documents as soon as your lashior [leasure] time will admit of I beg live [leave] Sir to remain your most devoted friend and humble servant
Francis Duclos
Sheldon Sept
10th 1822
Page 55

Sheldon  April 23th 1821
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Francis Duclos (a Frenchman by birth) for more than a year last past and consider him a man of truth and veracity and a good member of society.
James Mason  Justice of the Peace
for the County of Franklin
Sheldon  April 23, 1821
I have been acquainted with Francis Ducloces for ten years last.  He is a man that sustains a fair character in this part of the county and is considered to be a man of truth and has lived in this Town about a year past.
Saml. Wead
Saml. Whits
Elihu Goodsell  ILLEGIBLE
I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Francis Duclos for about fifteen years past just and during said time have had considerable dealing with said Duclos.  am consider him to be an honest man and a man of truth veracity and am that in every respect the ILLEGIBLE a fair character.
Chany Fitch  Just of Peace
Page 56

I Wm. Mills of Fairfax in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont of lawful age do certify and say that about seventy years ago I saw Capt. Francis Duclos at Col. Fortunes in the Town of Hawkesburg Province of upper Canada and heard Col Fortune, a British Officer belonging to the British refugees, say that he saw Capt Francis Duclos brought into the harbour of New York and landed on the wharf from on board his river vessel and that he said that he knew the said Duclos as soon as he saw him at his house, and also says that he saw him sent on board of a prison ship and further the deponent saith not. 
 Wm. Mills
Sheldon  April 25th 1821
the above deposition sworn to before me this 25th day of April 1821
Saml. Wead, Just Peace\
I hereby certify that I consider Wm. Mills the above named to be a man of truth and varacity.
Saml. Wead  Justice peace and Town Clerk for the Town of Sheldon
Page 57

State of New York
Rensselaer County
Personally appeared before me David Buel Jun. one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county, Aaron Lane of the City of troy county and State aforesaid who being duly sworn on the holy Evangelist of Almighty God, deposith and saith, that he is well acquainted with Francis Duclos (a Frenchman by Birth) that he the said Duclos was commissioned as an Ensign in the Revolutionary War in the  Second New Jersey Regiment commanded by Colonel William Maxwell and was taken Prisoner at the battle of Three rivers in Canada and that he the said Aaron Lane was a Commissioned Officer in said Regiment.  After which the said Duclos was exchanged he was commissioned as an Ensign in the same Regiment in which I served as Lieutenant on the continental Establishment being the Second New Jersey Regiment command by Colonel Israel Shreve and he the said Duclos continued in Service some considerable time and further the deponent saith not.
Aaron Lane
Sworn this 7th day of Arpil 1821
B Buel Jun. Judge
of Rensselaer Com. Pleas
Page 58

I do hereby certify that I have for many years been well acquainted with Aaron Lane, the person who made the foregoing affidavit and that said Aaron is a gentleman of fair character and entitled to implicit credit.
David Buel Jun

State of New York
Rensselaer County
I certify that David Buel Junior whose name is above and within written was on the sixth day of April instant one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Rensselaer and that the signature of the said David Buel Junior is in his proper hand writing.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this seventh day of April A.D. 1821
Ben. Smith, Clerk
Page 59

18,749
Page 60

War Department
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that, in conformity with the Laws of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818 and 1st of May 1820, Francis Duclos, late a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Vermont Agency, at the rate of Twenty dollars per month, to commence on the Twenty Second day of April, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty seventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty two.
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War

Capt John Biddle Scott
2nd New Jersey Regt Infantry
Page 61

Mr Le Comt
D'Epinville
Consul De France
Reed St, New York
Page 62

State of New Jersey
Hunterdon County
Personally appeared before me Caleb Shreve Esquire, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, John Phillips of the Township of Lawrence in said County, who being duly sworn on the holy evangilist of Almighty God, deposeth and saith, that he is well acquainted with Francis Duclos (a french man by birth) that he was a residenture of his place with his family, forty years ago, since which time this deponant has not seen him until the present date, that this deponant knew him well in the Army of the Revolutionary War as a Lieutenant in the 2nd Jersey Regiment commanded by Col. Israel Shreve, and that he served as an Ensign in Col. Maxwells Regt. that was raised for one year and marched to Qubeck in the fall of 1775, that he served with this deponant in the 2nd Regiment on the Continental Establishment during the time this deponant remained in service, and long after, that deponant knew him well at the Battles of the Short Hills, Brandywine and Germantown, that he acted as a brave inteligent and active officer, and distinguished himself on various other occasions.
John Phillips
Sworn and subscribed to this 15th day of March 1821
Caleb Shreve
James Montgomery of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment recognized Francis Duclos as an officer in the Jersey line.
Page 63

5005 ACP  1881
No. 78 Bolton St.
Balt. Md, Sept 15 1881

Hewitt, Horatio P.
Inquires dates of entry into service, discharge and death of his great grandfather 
Captain Francis Duclos one of the French officer of the Revolutionary War who was Wounded several time, particularly at the battle of Yorktown, also inquire his rank and duty.
D W
Rec ILLEGIBLE Sept 16, 1881

L.B. 3 of 315
1st Endorsement
War Department
Adjutant Generals' Office
Washing, Sept 30 1881
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions.  The records of this office do not furnish the information desired by the writer, but as he states that the officer referred to was in receipts of a pension from the Gov't up to the time of his death, it is presumed the information can be furnished from the records of the Pension office.  The writer has been informed of this reference.
Geo. D. Rugles
Asst. Adjutant General
Page 64

No. 48  Bolton Street
Baltimore   September 15th  1881
Adj. Gen. ILLEGIBLE U.S.A.
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir
Will you oblige me by sending me the proper information if the names of the officers of the Revolutionary Army are on record in your office, in relation to my great grandfather, "Captain Francis Dulolos" one of the French officers of the Revolutionary war, who came to this country I believe with the Marguis de Lafayette, and who remained in service until its close, having been wounded several times, particularly at the battle of Yorktown in 1781.
I desire this information in connection with the approaching Yorktown celebration, on the part of my two brother and myself, who are his oldest male descendants.  At the close of the war, he settled in Saint Albans, Vermont, while he died  (I believe)  about thirty years ago, being in receipt of a pension from the Government up to the period of his death.
Please inform me, at your earliest convienence
Page 65

1st - What was his unit and position?
2 - The date of his entry and dismissal from service.
3 - What particular regimental or staff duty he was attached for.
4 - The date of his death.
I have the honor, sir to be
Your obedient servant

Horatio D. Dewitt
Page 66

Francis DuClos in 1821 of Sheldon, Franklin Co, Vt, late of St. Albans aged 66 years.  He is alluded to as a Frenchman by birth.  He claims to have been commissioned Ensign March 12, 1775 in Capt John Biddle Scott Co. Attached to the 5 N. J. Regt Col. Maxwell.  He entered the service at Brunseick . N.J. of Col. Maxwell regt in Capt Scott which regt was raided for one year and joined the Army for the invasion of Canada in 1775.  It is probably that he was at Quebec during the campaign night ILLEGIBLE 31, 1775 when Montgomery was killed and assault for it is known that on the retreat of the American Army a battle was fought at 3 rivers May 12, 1776 when he was wounded and taken prisoner.
After Col Maxwell was promoted to Brig Gen, Col Israel Shreve succeeded to the command of the 2nd Regt and he was promoted to Lt and was he alleged he was in the battle of Short Ills and Monmouth, N.J. and Germantown near Philadelphia.  There is a discrepancy in dates as the battle of Monmounth was fought in June 1778 and he says in one place he was wounded and prisoner March 1778 and in another  place that he was left for dead at Hancock Creek, Salem Co. M.J. May 8, 1778 Car to Phil then in possession of the British and his wound not dressed for 3 days remaining 3 months under medical attendence.
Owing to his lameness and difficulty in travelling he was illy fitted him for Land service and therefore in Nov. 1778 he offered his service to the Navy and ILLEGIBLE in Philadelphia a commission as Capt. of an armed Whale boat, named King of France.  The
first instructions were to be stationed at Egg harbor, but his service were in vicinity of Cape May and up Delaware bay and river to prevent the Capture by the enemy of the craft loaded with provision, lumber and firewood to supply the inhabitants and army in Philadelphia.  He captured 9 gunboats which were maned by the disaffected inhabitants on the sea coast and interior one of which had a 24 brass cannon in bout of boat and 35 men armed with muskets and swords.  He was wounded and boat captured 1780 and he sent as pr8isoner to the noted Jersey prison ship where taken sick and sent to the hospital.  He was exchanged Sept 1781 and sent to Borton his health being in a low state as soon as he recovered to be able to travel he returned to Philadelphia.
Page 67

His wounds were in Left thigh, in calf of Right, right foot distorted alleged to be caused by being frozen, all his comfr were taken from him and destroyed by the enemy at the time of ILLEGIBLE each time he was a prisoner.
When his boat was captured and approaching NY city the rumor spread that thru the city that the "King of France" was a prisoner and a large crowd assembled at the wharf to witness the "Royal Captive" and ILLEGIBLE great disappointment it was only a boat of that name.
Soon after the close of the war he removed to Canada where remain 15 years.  One witness states he saw him in St. Johns in 1784 but he appears to have resided in Hacockbury Upper Canada.  He does state where he lived in N. J. but a witness states in 1781 (and probably prior thereto) he lived in Lawrance, Hunterdon Co. N.J.
His family in 1821 consisted of his wife Polly aged 54 years who for last six year afflicted with Dropsy.  Son Philip aged 13 years and dau. Lucinda aged 10 years.

S - 115
Certificate of the Hon. John Reed
to be filed with the bill from the Senate for the ILLEGIBLE of Joseph Bassett
Page 68

The National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Park
New York, N.Y.
Pension Office
Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly send me the data you have about the Marguis Duclos aid to General LaFayette.
He is an ancestor of mine and any information would be appreciated.
Page 69

I was referred to this Department by Mrs. J. Farfield Riley, Dean of the Washington Law College.
Very truly
Kate Sherwood Knowles
Mrs. F. M. Knowles
March 13/30
Page 70

the National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Park
New York, N.Y.

Pension Bureau
I wrote several weeks ago to your department to know about Marguis Duclos of Revolutionary fame and at present I am waiting for a reply or an acknowledgement of my letter being received.
Very truly
Mrs. F. M. Knowles
April 1st/30

Stamped:
U.S. Pension
Apr 3, 1930
Page 71

Inv 22220
Sect. Dept. Interior
Chazy, N.Y. 11/5/10
Dear Sir:
Have you any record of a pension being paid to Francis Duclos, Capt. under Washington, in Revolutionary War?  He resided in East Sheldon, Vt, and was granted his pension under J.L. Edwards pensioner as per the enclosed correspondence.  
Kindly return attached letter after you are through with it.
Very truly yours,
Marie Duclos Torrance

to Sect Dept Interior
Washington, D. C.

Stamped:
Dept of the Interior
Received
Nov 7, 1910
to Bur. Pensions

Letter returned Nov. 15, 1910
Ack. Nov 12, 1910
Page 72

Stamped:
U.S. Pension Office
Jun 30, 1894
Page 73

Letter Header:
Scottish Union & National Insurance Company
Sir Walter Scott Bart, First President of this company.  Unitate Fortior
M. Bennett, Manager  Jas. H. Brewster, Asst. Manager
United States Branch
197 Asylum St. Harford, Conn

Hartford  June 29th 1894
The Hon. Comm. of Pensions
Washington
Dear Sir
Will you kindly furnish me with copies of all papers and any other information in your possession in relation to a pension granted one Francis Duclos of St. Albans, Vermont, a soldier of the revolutionary war.
The only information I am able to give you is that the said Francis Duclos died about the year 1843.
This information is sought for genealogical purposes only.  Your kind attention to this matter will be very much appreciated.
Your Truly
H. Duclos
Page 74

Stamped:
U.S. Pension Office
Oct 7, 1881
Page 75

No 48 Bolton Street
Baltimore  October 5th, 1881

To the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir.
I have lately written to the Adjutant Generals Office, U.S.A. for information relative to the Regiment or staff to which my Great Grandfather - Captain Francis Duclos; of the French portion of the Revolutionary Army was attached - the service he rendered - the date of his death - which occurred at Saint Albans - Vermont - I think about thirty years ago.  At this time he was a young officer of the French Army and came to this country, with the Marquis de LaFayette and served through the entire war, being wounded several times, notably at the Surrender at Yorktown.
So his letter Gen. Ruggles has replied that there are no records in his office, but that as Captain Duclos received a pension, as I had informed him, and as a great portion of there old records were in your office, he had referred the letter to your department.
Page 76

My object in obtaining this information at present is in connection with the Jametown Celebration, - Oriole, of the this city and the reception of visiting French Officer.
Not having hear from you office, I write you and respectfully request that as there proceedings commence on Monday October 10th, I should be under great obligatory if you were able to furnish me the desired information, even at this very late date.
I am Sir Yours Respectfully
Horatio D. Dewitt
Page 77

Montreal 23rd April 1930

Pension bureau
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
I am endeavoring to find some information about on Francis Duclos who enrolled in the Revolutionary forces.
He retired as Captain.
He was pension in 1840 when living in East Sheldon, Vt. where he died in 1844.
I do not know what organization he was in during the war.
I would be grateful for any information as I know very little about him.
Amongst other things, I would like to know where he came from, name of his parents, if married, who to, what regiment he was in, date of birth.
Hoping that you will kindly help me in this matter and let me know if ther is any fee.
Believe me
Yours very truly
A. A. Lefaivre
6721 St. Denis st.
Montreal
Page 78

Return in 5 days to
Frank H. Stewart
2117 Land Title Building
Philadelphia, Pa.

Miss Emma T. Tahakara, Secretary
Miss A. E. Wilkins, Treasurer
ILLEGIBLE County Historical Society
Woodbury, New Jersey
4/28/32

Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:  I desire to get the record of Lt. Francis Duclos Invalied #22220 for historical purposes.
According to British accounts this soldier was captured at Quintons Bridge Salem County, N. J. march 18, 1778 while he was supposed to be there on recruiting service.
The Adjutant Generals Office at Trenton does not seem to have much of his record.  It has been said that he was a Frenchman.
Any assistance you can give or suggestions about him will be appreiciated.
Yours Truly
Frank H. Stewart

Stamped:
Recieved
Apr 29, 1932
Page 79

Stamped:
Received 
Jun 10 1937
Mail Sub-Div
Vets Adm
Reader #35

67 Brighton Ave
Allston, Mass
June 12, 1937

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
I am trying to clear up a confusion in regard to what seems to be two revolutionary soldier by name of Peletiah Phillips:  One died, according to the pension lists, June 17, 1833.  He was living in 1820, 1823 and 1832 at Brandon, and died at Brandon according to a newspapers published in Castleton, Vt.  I have seen a pencilled abstract
Page 80

of his pension application papers, but would feel better satisfied to have one direct fro your office.
I'm looking for his grave in Vermont.  The report comes to me that a Peletiah Phillips -  "soldier of the Revolution" is buried in Linmouth, Vt. (in same County as Brandon).  From the Phillips papers in the Public Library at Sacramento, Cal. come the statement that this Peletiah was from Glocester, R. I. and died 21 Feb. 1830, aged 70.  I do not know that he was a pensioner, but write to see if you can give me any information about him.
Yours very truly
(Miss) Eva L. Moffatt
P.S. Part of the service belonging to Peletiah of Brandon was credited to Peletiah of Linmouth in the papers at Sacramento
Page 81

Also desired.
The pension record of Francis Duclos Rev. Soldier pensioned from Franklin Co. Vermont for New Jersey services.
I am sorry that I neglected to tell whether it was under the Act of 1818 or 1832, but I think it was the earlier one.
E. L. Moffatt
67 Brighton Ave.
Holliston, Mass

Stamped:
Received
Jun 16, 1937
Mail Sub-div
Vets. Adm.
Reader #35
Page 82

Letter Header:
Frank H. Steward
President, Frank H. Stewart Electric Co.
2117 Land Title Bldg., Philadelphia
Winter Address
510 Cooper Street
Woodbury, N. J.
Summer Address
1839 Wesley Avenue
Ocean City, N. J.
President
Gloucester County
Historical Society
Woodbury, N. J.
President
Ocean City
Fishing Club
Ocean City, N. J.
End Letter Header

June 3, 1932
Veteran Administration
Washington, D.C.
Gentleman:- In regard to reference BA-J/AWF Francis Duclos S.22220 for which I thank you.  In the next to last paragraph, 1st page, you mention Hancock Creek.  There was no such place.  There was and is a place called Hancocks Bridge on Alloways Creek.  For historical purposes, I am trying to learn whether Francis Duclos was captured at Quintons Bridge, Alloways Creek as stated by the english officer John Graves Simcoe or at Hancocks Bridge as stated by a pension applicant.  I am only trying to find the facts about Duclos while in was in Salem County, N. J. March 1778.  If he tells the nature of his wounds whether bayonet or gun shot that will help because at Hancock Bridge it was a surprise night attach with bayonets.  At Quintons Bridge it was by open daylight skirmish.  Both Hancocks Bridge and Quintons Bridge are on Alloways Creek.  If you can expedite your reply so I can use it in a book now on Press it will be highly appreciated.
Yours truly

Frank H. Stewart
Page 83

 July 2, 1937
Francis Duclos, S. 22220
Pelatiah Phillips, S. 41068
BA-J/MLB
Mr. E. L. Moffatt
67 Brighton Avenue
Allston, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of two Revolutionary Was soldiers by name of Peletiah Phillips, one of whom died June 17, 1833, at Brandon, Vermont, and the other died February 21, 1830, and was from Gloucester, Rhode Island, also of Francis Duclos who was pension in Franklin county, Vermont, for service from New Jersey.
You are furnished herewith the records of the only Pelatiah Phillips and of Francis Duclos found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 84

Supplemental.
Francis Duclos
States that he was wounded in the battle of Three Rivers, in 1776, and taken prisoner; in March 1778, was again wounded and taken prisoner.  Owing to lameness and difficulty in traveling he was unfitted for land service and therefore in November, 1778, he offered his service to the nave and received, in Philadelphia, a commission as captain of an armed Whale boat named "King of France".  His serviced were in the vicinity of Cape May and on the Delaware Bay and river.  In 1780 his vessel was captured, he was wounded, taken prisoner and sent on board of the Jersey prison ship; was exchanged in September 1781, and sent to Boston.  As soon as he was able to travel he returned to Philadelphia.
While a prisoner his commissions were all taken from him and not returned.
soon after the close of the war he removed to Canada, where he resided fifteen years.
There is a discrepancy in his statement as to dates of battles, etc, but his pension was allowed for 4 actual service.
Page 85

O.W.&N. Division
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Francis Duclos, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment:  Maarch 1775
Length of Service:  3 yrs
Rank:  Ensign and 1st Lieut
Officers under whom service was Rendere:
Captain:  John B. Scott
Colonel:  Wm. Maxwell and Israel Shreve
State:  N.J.
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: Mar 1778
Length of Service:  21 mos.
Rank:  Capt of Armed whaleboat "King of France"
Battles engaged in:  Three Rivers, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth
Residence of solider at enlistment:  New Brunswick, N. J.
Date of application for pension:  Apr. 22, 1818
Residence at date of application:  Sheldon, Vt.
Age at date of Application:  63 years
Remarks:  In 1821 his family consisted of his wife Polly, aged 54 years, son Phillip, aged 13, and daughter Lucinda, aged 10 years.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner

C.H. Duclos
197 Acylum St
Hartford, Conn
Page 86

Rev. & 1812
Wars Section
AWF/ILL
April 25, 1930
A. A. Lefaivre
6721 St. Denis Street
Montreal, Canada
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 22.220, it appears that Francis Duclos was a Frenchman by birth.  Date and place of his birth and names of parents are not given.
He entered the service at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and served in the revolutionary war as follows:
Early in 1775 he was appointed ensign of Captain John Biddle Scott's Company, in Colonel William Maxwell's Regiment of New Jersey troops; afterward 1st Lieutenant in Colonel Israel Shreve's 2'nd New Jersey Regiment.
He was in the battle of Three Rivers, Canada, where he was wounded and made a prisoner; in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, and Germantown; was wounded and taken prisoner at Hancock Creek; engaged in the battle of Monmouth, and continued to serve until October 1778.
Having sustained wounds of left thigh and right leg in the Army, he was entitled to retire as an invalid, but knowing something of navigation, he offered his service for the Navy, and was appointed by the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia, March 21, 1779, captain of the armed boat "King of France", and was very active in protecting American shipping and in procuring fuel for the citizens of Philadelphia.
He captured nine of the enemy's gunboats near Little Egg Harbor.  On June 21, 1781 he was again taken prisoner, wounded in the little finger, and confined to the prison ship "Jersey" until exchanged in October 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22,
Page 87

1818, at which time he was sixty-three years of age and a resident of St. Albans, Vermont.
In 1821, he resided at Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont, and referred to his wife, Polly aged fifty-four years, and children Philip aged thirteen years and Lucinda eleven years.
There are no further family data.
The above noted is the history of the only soldier surnamed Duclos that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Very truly yours,

E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Page 88

June 1, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Francis Duclos
S.22220

Mr. Frank H. Stewart
2117 Land Title Bldg.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Francis Duclos, a pensioner of the War of the Revolution.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim. S.22220, based upon the military service of Francis Duclos, during the Revolutionary War.
Francis Duclos was a Frenchman, the date and place of his and names of parents are not given.
Sometime during ILLEGIBLE SCRIPT, a res. of Lawrence Twp, Hunterdon Co., N.J.
He entered the service at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and served as follows:
Early in 1775 he was appointed ensign in Captain John Biddle Scott's company in Colonel William Maxwell's New Jersey regiment; afterwards first lieutenant in Colonel Israel Shreve's 2nd New Jersey regiment.  He was in the battle of Three Rivers, Canada, where he was wounded and made a prisoner; in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, and Germantown; was wounded and taken prisoner at Hancock Creek; was in the battle of Monmouth, and continued to serve until in October, 1778.
Having sustained wounds of left thigh and right leg while in the service, he was entitled to retire as an invalid, but knowing something of navigation, he offered his services for the Navy, and was appointed by the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia, March 21, 1779, captain of the armed boat "King of France", and was very active in protecting American shipping and in
Page 89

procuring fuel for the citizen of Philadelphia.  He captured nine of the enemy's gunboats near Little Egg Harbor.  He was taken prisoner, June 21, 1781, wounded in the little finger, and confined in the prison ship "Jersey" until exchanged in October, 1781.
After the Rev. War he went to Canada and resided there for 15 years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 22, 1818, at which time he was sixty-three years of age and a resident of St. Albans, Vermont.
In 1821, he was living in Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont, and referred to his wife, Polly aged fifty-four years, and children-Philip aged thirteen years and Lucinda aged eleven years.
There are no further date as to family.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 90

AWF/FMM
April 14, 1930

Mrs. F. M. Knowles
The National Arts Club
15 Gramercy Park
New York, New York
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 22,220, it appears that Francis Duclos was Frenchman by birth,  Date and place of his birth and names of parents are not given.
He entered the service at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and served in the Revolutionary Was as follows:
Early in 1775 he was appointed ensign of Captain John Biddle Scott's company, in Colonel William Maxwell's regiment of New Jersey troops; afterward 1st Lieutenant of Colonel Israel Shreve's 2nd New Jersey Regiment.
He was in the battle of Three Rivers, Canada, where he was wounded and made a prisoner; in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine and Germantown; was wounded and taken prisoner at Hancock Creek; engaged in the battle of Monmouth, and continued to serve until October 1778.
Having sustained wounds of left thigh and right leg in the Army, he was entitled to retire as an invalid, but knowing something of navigation, he offered his service for the navy, and was appointed by the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia, March 21, 1779, captain of the armed boat "King of France", and was very active in protecting American shipping and procuring fuel for the citizens of Philadelphia.  he captured nine of the enemy's gunboat near Little Egg Harbor.  On June 21, 1781 he was again taken prisoner, wounded in the little finger, and confined in the prison ship "Jersey" until exchanged in October 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April
Page 91

22, 1818, at which time he was sixty-three years of age and a resident of St. Albans, Vermont.
In 1821 he resided at Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont, and referred to his wife, Polly aged fifty-four years, and children Philip aged thirteen years and Lucinda eleven years.
There are no further family data.
The above noted is the history of the only soldier surnamed Duclos that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Due to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each request pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution.
Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order of receipt.
Very truly yours,
E.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner
Page 92

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section

November 15, 1910

Mrs. Marie Duclos Torrance
Chazy, New York.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 5th and received the 8th instant, you are advised that Francis Duclos was allowed pension (Sr. File No. 22,220, Rev. War) on his application executed April 22, 1818, while a resident of St. Albans, Vermont, and sixty-three years of age.
It is alleged that he was a Frenchman by birth, that he entered the service at New Brunswick, New Jersey, and served in the Revolutionary War as follows.
Early in 1775 he was appointed Ensign of Captain John Biddle Scott's company, in Colonel William Maxwell's regiment of New Jersey troops and afterwards First Lieutenant of Colonel Israel Shreve's 2nd New Jersey regiment; he was in the battle of Three Rivers, Canada, where he was wounded and made a prisoner; in the battles of Short Hills, Brandywine, and Germantown; was wounded and taken prisoner at Hancock Creek; engaged in the battle of Monmouth, and continued to serve until October, 1778.
Having sustained wounds of left thigh and right leg, in the Army, he  was entitled to retired as an invalid, but knowing something of navigation, he offered his service for the Navy, and was appointed by the Board of Admiralty at Philadelphia, march 21, 1779, captain of the armed boat "King of France"; and was very active in protecting American shipping
Page 93

File No.  ILLEGIBLE  Rev. War

and in procuring fuel for the citizens of Philadelphia; he captured nine of the enemy's gunboats near Little Egg Harbor, but on June 21, 1781, he was again taken prisoner, wounded in the little finger, and confines in the prison ships "Jersey" until exchanged in October, 1781.
In 1821 he resided at Sheldon, Vermont, and referred to his wife Polly aged fifty-four years, and children Phillip thirteen years and Lucinda eleven years.
There is no further family data.
Very respectfully,
commissioner

Two enclosures.
Page 94

June 7, 1932

BA-J/MMBF:MLB
Francis Duclos
S. 22220

Mr. Frank H. Stewart
2117 Land Title Building
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to whether or not "Hancock Creek" was the palce designated by Francis Ducloe, also, the nature of his wounds received in service.
In the papers on file in his claim for pension (S. 22220), Francis Duclos stated that on march 8, 1778, thirty British transports with fifteen hundred British soldier landed at Salem Landing and commenced their march to "Hancock Creek" in order to penctrate into Cumberalnd County, New Jersey, where he was stationed on recruiting service; an express was sent nine miles to him to take command of a detachment of volunteers, and with all speed on horseback he went and when he arrived at the creek found the enemy in full sight with two British field pieces of cannon in front; he (Duclos) bade them by the signal of his sword to approach the creek; by that time his volunteers had arrived, seventy-one in number, and he was wounded on horseback in the attack, but did not say in what way.
The soldier further stated that he was left among the dead and wounded near "Hancock Creek" in Salem County, New Jersey, in 1778, and was carried then to Philadelphia for treatment.
The wound on his little finger referred to in office letter on June 1, was by the cut of a sword, and the ones in his thigh and right leg were gunshot wounds.
Very truly yours
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administator