Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4509, Nathan Hamilton, Mass.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Mass.
Hamilton, Nathan
Abigail
NUMBER R.4509
CONTENTS
[BLANK]
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Narration of Tilley Hamilton
I Tilley Hamilton of Stockbridge County of Madison N. Y. am a son (& now) only heir to Capt Nathan Hamilton & Abigail Hamilton of Brookfield Mass. Said Nathan died at Brookfield as I have heard in 1816, I then lived in Stockbridge & heard of his death the same year by a Mr Stores of Charlton. My mother the sd Abigail died, as I heard for the first time in the year 1841, by a letter from my Sister Widow Adams, who lived in Broofield, she (Mrs Adams) was the mother of a large family & had barely means for her support. My mother Abigail Hamilton was in destitute circumstances, & became a town charge & died in that town as Mrs Adams wrote me; my sister was a poor Scholar, & her letter was very brief, simply stating that mother had been supported by the public for some time, & was dead, & that she & her children were in common health, but did not say at that time mother died; I first was told of the time, by Doct. W. Sweatt in 1847, who said it was Feb. 1838, & that he had got a copy of the town record to show it.
I have lived in Stockbridge since 1816 & previously lived in Augusta adjoining, from the year 1801, was far removed from my fathers family, & very seldom heard from them, as I do not live near the common route of travellers. In the year 1835 or '36 (as I remember from the fact of selling a peece of land) a woman by the name of Henshaw, a travelling preacher came to Stockbridge & preached, I saw her at a meeting, she was a niece to my brother wife, I had conversation with her at that time, she had been absent them from Brookfield not far from a year, & told me that my fathers family & relatives were well, the last she knew, without a lisp or word, that my mother was dead.
Had she then be dead, I believe she would have
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told me of it. From 1833 to 1841 I remained at home, I saw no other person who knew my fathers family, or had an intelligence of them, & not till 1847 did I know by report, the year of her death.
I have within a few days searched for Mrs Adams letter, but cannot find it. I first heard that my sister Ainsworth in Vt., was attempting to obtain a pension for fathers services, by Doct. Wm Sweatt of sd. Hartford Vt. & Dr. Ira Davis, in 1847. Doct. Sweatt came to my house & opened the case to me stating that a pension was due to me as surviving heir, & he had proofs, & that I was entitled; that they had engaged for Mr Ainsworth who was now dead, & would go on for me. I went with him to Surrogate, & proof was made of my
heirship.
I afterward wrote to the Hon Timothy Jenkins M.C. at Washn. stating the case, & asking information herunto the Court of Pens. & recd. an answer, which he sent to me, dated 9 May 1848, stating that the papers in the case were with the Pens Com. in a Ha. Represts. I never saw the original papers prepared by Dr Sweatt & Davis, nor copies of them, nor do I know, the contents of them.
I recd. in 1849 as I think a letter from Mrs. Corey my niece in Vt. informing me that she had overheard a conversation between the Docts to the effect, that they would not inform me of the true amt. that would be obtained on the pension claim & pay me less than I was entitled to. For this reason, I decided to appoint a new agent, & request the Comr. of Pens. to pay nothing to the Docts. Mr Jenkins was at home, I went & showed him my letter including Mrs Coreys, & he advised me to go to J Hatheway Esqr Rowe who was doing Pens. business, & get him to assist me, & wrote him a letter which I carried. He consented to act, I appted him, this appt. was sent to Coms Pens., who ansd. on the 8th of April 1850, inclosing copy of letter that had sent to Mr. Davis, saying that part of the death of my
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Mother & Mrs Ainsworth was required before pension could be issued. I have seen said letters.
Mr Hathway has no knowledge of the facts in this case, except through my statement, founded on information from others, & at no time has had correspondence to my knowledge with Docts Davis & Sweatt & is wholly unknown to them. In pursuance of the requirements of Comr. of Pens. I went to Brookfield in last summer. My sister Adams was dead, I found none of my relatives there, except 2 nieces, I questioned them as to time of my mothers death, one of them could not state within a number of years, the other (Mrs. Henshaw), said that she was married 13 years ago the coming February, & that she well remembered that my mother died a few days before the said marriage took place. She was married in that town.
I had previously seen the town Clerk Washington Tufts, & he told me that he had written a letter in reply to one he had recd. from Mr Hatheway, which letter contained $1,00 for a fee, & that his charge was $6.00 - that he had searched the records, but did not find any record of the death of Abigail Hamilton; that he then heard that she was one towns poor, that he then went to the overseer of poor, & found an entry of the death of Abigail Hamilton 5. Feby. 1833, that after his return he wrote copy of said entry, as record, on the town book (!) that he afterwards found in said town book a page on which was recorded the family record of Nathan & Abigail Hamilton, giving the date of marriage, the births & deaths of said family, except the death of said Nathan, which was not recorded, but Mrs. Abigail Hamiltons death was there recorded, as having taken place Feby 5th 1838. Said Tufts said he would not give a certificate, except he gave one bearing both dates, the one as he had seen on the Poor book entry of 1833, & the other, the original family Town record, giving date of 1838.-
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assuming, that what he had taken the responsibility to copy from the Poor book, was a veritable record & make it of same validity, as said original family record duly recorded.
To this I objected, rather sd. that if I would go & see the Poormaster, he would be governed by his decision. I then went to see said Poor master, to satisfy myself, he was not in town, his wife showed in the work, in the presence of his father, an examination was made. I saw an entry on the book, which as near as I can recollect was a follows,
"Ab (remainder of Christian name nearly obliterated) Hamilton, died 5 Feby, 1838", the figure 8 imperfect, I also found on said book an entry as follows, Abigail Hamilton died February 5 1833" in neither case was the person designated as Miss, Mrs. or Widow, no the name connected with it, nor age in either case given.-
I then asked the father of Poormaster to give me a certificate or copy of the death of Ab Hamilton in '38, believing as I did from the information that I had, that the entry of 1838, was for my mother especially as it corresponded with the family town record; he objected to giving that of 1838- because he guessed that the other was the one, & without further reason he copied that of 1833. I took that, being the only one I could get, I took it to Tufts, & he gave me to agree with that.
I was dissatisfied with this course, & did not believe that the fact was of right to be settled, by a copy of entry on Poor book, which he (Tufts) had without any authority so to do, entered in the town record, & refuse to give me a copy of the record as it stood & stand, & did stand before he was Town Clerk. On reaching home, I determined to make one more effect, I wrote to a gentleman at Brookfield, to ask for, & demand, a copy of family
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record of Capt. Nathan Hamiltons family, as the same was recorded in the town book of Brockfield; showing Marriage, births & deaths.- The demand was made, & as was his duty it was given on payment of fee, he still retaining the dollar sent him by Mr Hatheway. This Certificate was sent to Pension Office.
Mr Hatheway had no information from me of the circumstances at Brookfield, until now.
I have not at any time made a bargain with Mr Hatheway, that he should have a portion of the money I might obtain in this case, & have from the first, & do still expect to pay him a common fee for doing my business, whether the goverment pay me, or not.
I have now stated every particular in the matter of my said claim that I deem of any moment, I have done so truly & according to the best of my recollection. I still fully believe that my mother died in 1838, & that the Town record so shows the fact; & hereby declare that no fraud has been practised by me, or by any other person for me, in managing this case.
I further reiterate that the claim is as I am informed & believe a just & fair one, and I trust that the Department will after so long a delay, award me the amount due.
Tilley Hamilton

Subscribed & sworn to before me, this 15th day of February AD 1881
George Barnard Justice of the Peace
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In the matter of application for Pension
Abigail Hamilton deceased
Narrative of Tilley Hamilton
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Extract from the Records of the Town of Brookfield, County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts.

Deborah Daughter of Nathan & Abigail. Born May 1. 1772
Nathan Son " " Jun 15, 1774
Nabby Daughter " " Jun 7, 1776.
Thirza " " " Sep 4, 1777
Esther " " " Oct 21, 1779
Simeon Son " " Nov 15, 1782
Dorothy Daughter " " Oct 1. 1783
Tilly Son " " March 24, 1785
Serepta Daughter " " Nov 23, 1790
Simeon Son to Nathan Hamilton - Died
Abigal Hamilton Mother to the Children named died February the fifth. Eighteen hundred and thirty eight

I certify that the above is a true extract from the Records of the Town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, with the exception of Abigail Hamiltons death, which is expressed in free legible words and figures as follows
Abigail Hamilton, Mother to the children named Died Feby 5. 1838

Jacob Dupee, Town Clerk of Brookfield
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State of Massachusetts
Worcester County, ss
The within Extract of Record, Subscribed and Sworn to February 6, 1847.
Ebenr Merriam Just Peace
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I Washington Tufts of Brookfield, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do herby Certify that I am the Clerk of the Said Town of Brookfield and that I have the custody of the records of Said Twon, that in the Books of marriages, births and deaths are the following entries,

"out published, Nathan Hamilton jr and Abigail Ormstid "Dec" 1770 and married Jan 1 1771
"Nathan Hamilton Son to Nathan & Abigail Hamilton born "Jany 17. 1774."
"Nabby Hamilton, daughter to Nathan Hamilton, born "Jany 7. 1776."
"Thurza Hamilton, daughter to Nathan & Abigail Hamilton "born Sept 4. 1777."
"Ester Hamilton, daughter to Nathan & Abigail Hamilton "born Oct 21. 1779."
"Simeon Hamilton, Son to Nathan & Abigail Hamilton "born Nov 15. 1782."
"Doley Hamilton, daughter to Nathan & Abigail Hamilton "born October 1, 1783."
"Tilly Hamilton Son to Nathan & born March 24. 1785."
"Simeon Hamilton, Son to do. deceased."
"Serapta Hamilton, daughter to do. do. born Novr 23. 1790."
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"Abigail Hamilton mother to the children named died Feby 5, 1838."

That the above is truly copied from Said Books and that the figures are plain & legible and cleanly express the dates to be herein written.
Washington Tufts

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Worcester Ss. September 20, 1850.
Personally appeared before me Washington Tufts who Subscribed the above certificate and made Oath that the Same is true.
Abraham Skinner, Justice Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, SS.
I CHARLES W. HARTSHORN, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Abraham Skinner on the 20th day of September A.D. 1850 was and still is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the
laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the Certificate of Oath on the Deposition of Washington Tufts hereunto annexed is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this Twenty Fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
Chas. W. Hartshorn Clerk.
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I Hiram Hershaw of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aged 41 years depose & say that for many years I was personally acquainted with Mrs Abigail Hamilton of this town, now deceased. That she was the widow of Capt Nathan Hamilton who died in this town more than twenty years ago
That said Abigail Hamilton had many years before her death, what was called a paralitic shock, and in consequence of that and old age, she lost in a great measure her mental faculties, and her mind was like that of a little child. She was confined mostly to her bed for many years before her death. That I do not know how old she was when she died, but she was very aged - That the sd Abigail Hamilton died in the month of February and in the year of 1838 Eighteen hundred and thirty Eight
That I cannot with certainity state the day in the month on which she died; but I know that I was married in May of the year above mentioned and that she the said Abigail died in February of the same year. That at the time of her death I lived in the family of her daughter Mrs Tirza Addams who was the only surviving child then living in this State, and that Mrs Adams has since died, and that Tilly Hamilton who now lives in Madison County town of Stockbridge
-over
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In the State of Newyork, is the only Child now living of the said Nathan and Abigail Hamilton. He is not far from 60 years of age- That I know nothing of the services of the said Nathan Hamilton, but I married a Grand daughter of the said Nathan, and have often heard the family and many other aged persons speak of him as having done service as an officer in the war of the revolution. That he spent most of his time during the war in the service of his Country and I have often heard sd Hamiltons daughter Mrs Adams say that his father was in the service at the time of her birth and show heard several aged persons substantiate her statement
Hiram Henshaw

State of Massachusetts, 
Worcester County ss
At Brookfield this 8th day of Feby 1847 Personally appeared Hiram Henshaw and in my presence made oath to and subscribed the foregoing deposition and I certify that said Henshaw is well known to me that his moral character is good, and that he is a credible witness
Charles Flagg of Justice Peace
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Extract from the Records of the Town of
Brookfield, County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts

"Married Nathan Hamilton and Abigail
Omsted, January the first, Seventeen hundred and seventy one by the Rev. Mr Nathan Fisk "

I certify that the above is a true Extract from the Records of the Town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in fair legible letters and figures as follows
"Jany 1, 1771"
Jacob Dupee, Town Clerk of Brookfield

I Jacob Dupee depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the County, Town, & State aforesaid, and the foregoing is a true extract from the Records of said Town, with the exception as above certified by me
Jacob Duper Town Clerk of Brookfield.

State of Massachusetts,
Worcester County ss
Subscribed and Sworn to on this 6th day of February AD. 1847
Ebenr Merriam Just Peace
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Permit the bearer hereof Mr. Isaac Spencer of
Waterbury in Connecticut to pass unmolested to West Point in the State of New York and to return he Being a Reputed friend of the United States of America

Jonathan Baldwin Just of Peace
Waterbury 11th of August 1781
to whom it may Concern

con
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[illegible] 13th 1782 receiveded of Elihu Spencer in payment of Rates Equivalent to two pound seventeen shillinge Hand money received by Isaac Spencer

Hamilton, Nathan
Mass R 4509

[stamped: THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES]
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No 8.940
Abigail Hamilton decd widow of Nathan
4509 Mass.
Act of July 4th 1830
Letters to,
Ira Davis May 27, 1847.
Ira Davis June 17. 1847.
Ira Davis Decr 11. 1847.
Hon: J. Jenkins May 9. 1848.
Hon: L. B. Peck Augt 22. 1848.
Ira Davis. Sept 7. 1849.
Lemuel Jenkins. Nov: 12. 1849.
Ira Davis Nov. 27. 1849.
Ira Davis Decr 11. 1849.
Jay Hathaway April 8. 1850.
Jay Hathaway Feb 7. 1857.
Ira Davis Nov: 1. 1850
Samuel Jenkins Decr 14. 1850
Ira Davis May 30: 1857.
Jay Hathaway May 30 1857
[The next line is illegible due to torn document]
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J. Hathaway Oct 28. 1861
Hon. C. C. Washburn
June 18/60
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M.
Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay. The Major [illegible] of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England,
To [illegible] Hamilton [Nathan Hamilton] Gentleman Greeting.
You being appointed apinted a Capting of a Company on a Regiment whairof Samuel Brewer a Esq. js Colonal [illegible] the County of Worcester - agreable to the Resolve of the jeneral ascembly & of the Colony Massachusetts Bay for the [illegible] or Cannada depertment [Canada Department].
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and confidence in your loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. - You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: and they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your Superior Officers.

GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertown, the third Day of August in the Year of our Lord, 1776.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Avery Dept. Secy.

[the following signatures are to the left of the main text]
B Greenleaf
Caleb Cushing
Richd Derby [illegible]
T Cushing
John Whitcomb
Eldad Taylor
S Holten
Moses Gill
B White
Benj Austin
Henry Gardner
Ebenr. Thayer Jd
Danl Davis
John Taylor
D. Hopkins
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Colony of the Massachusetts-Bay.
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England;
To Nathan Hamilton Gentleman Greeting.
You being appointed first Lieutenant of a Company whereof Barnab: Sears is Captain in Colo Joshiah Whitneys Regiment [illegible] to reinforce the American Army untill the first day of April next -
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. - You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a first Lieut. in leading, ordering, and exercising said Company in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline. - And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their first Lieut. and you are yourself, to obey and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from your superior Officers.

GIVEN under our Hands and the Seal of the said Colony, at Watertowne the Fifth Day of February in the Sixteenth Year of the Reign of his Majesty King George the Third, Anno Domini, 1776.

By command of the Major Part of the Council.
Perez Morton D Secry.

[the following signatures are to the left of the main text]
W Severs
W Spooner
T Cushing
J Gerrish
Jansen Prescott
Jedh. Jenken
Eldad Taylor
[illegible] Lincoln
Chas. Chauncy
S Palmers
S Holten
Michael Farley
Jabez Fisher
Moses Gill
John Taylor
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State of the Massachusetts-Bay
The Major Part of the COUNCIL of the Massachusetts-Bay, in New-England
To Nathan Hamilton - Gentleman - Greeting.
You being appointed Captain of the First Company in the Fourth Regiment of Militia in the County of Worcester whereof James Converse is Colonel
By Virtue of the power vested in us, WE do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage, and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly. - You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain - in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers ; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline : And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from The Major part of the Council or your Superior Officers.

GIVEN under our Hands, and the Seal of said State at [illegible] the Twenty Ninth Day of July in the Year of our Lord, 1777.

By the Command of the Major-Part of the Council.
John Avery Depy Secy

[the following signatures are to the left of the main text]
Jer. Powell
A Ward
Jedidiah Preble
T Cushing
S Palmers
John Whitcomb
Jabez Fisher
Moses Gill
H Gardner
D Perkins
Benj Austin
[illegible]
[illegible]
Chas Prescott
S Holten
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[crossed out: Acts of July 4, 1862, and March 3, 1873.]
REJECTED
4509.
P.O. [BLANK]
Abigail Hammilton [Hamilton]
Service: [BLANK]
Enlisted: [BLANK], 18
Discharged: [BLANK], 18
Application filed: [BLANK], 18
Alleges: [BLANK]
Re-enlisted: [BLANK]
Attorney: [BLANK]
P. O. [BLANK]
[BLANK] Recognized. [BLANK] Contract.
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Papers from 1. to 10 inclusive, sent to Clerk House of Reps. 23 March 1848. in obedience to Resolution House Reps. March 15th 1848.

See Resolution & letters to Clerk H R.
21. March 1848
23. " 1848.
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6940
Abigail Hamilton, decd.
Mass.
Let to Ira Davis May 27. '47.
to same June 17. '47.
to same Ded. 11 '47
Let to Hon T. Jenkins May 9th 1848

Act 4 July 1836
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Papers from 1. to 17 inclusive, sent to Clerk House of Reps. 23rd. March 1848 - in obedience to Resolution House Reps. March 15, 1848.

See Resolution of letters to Clerk H R.
12. March 1848
23. March. 1848.
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Albany Nov. 9. 1849.
James L. Edwards Esquire,
Commissr. of Pensions,
Sir,
I am requested to inquire whether application has been made at your office for a pension on behalf of the children of Nathan Hamilton who was, as alleged, a Captain in the Massachusetts line, in the war of the revolution.
The names of the children are Deborah Ainsworth & Tilly Hamilton- The objects of the inquiry is not only to learn whether such application has been made, but whether a pension was granted-
I am, Sir, very respectfully Your obed Servt
Lemuel Jenkins
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Norwich Vt. May 4 1867
Dear Sir,
"Enclosed" herewith I send the application of Tilly Hamilton for a Pension in right of his mother Abigail Hamilton decd. who was the widow of Capt Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield Mass. who was a Lieut and Capt in the war of the Revolution.
The papers sent in support of the claim, are the Declartion, a Lieut Commission dated Feb 5 1776, in the "American army" to continue until the 1st day of April following 1 month 25 days. A Capt Commission in "the Northern or Canada Department," dated August 3d 1776. A Capt Commission in the Militia, dated July 29 1777.
A certificate of the Secretary of Mass showing a service of 15 days as Lieut in 1775, also that he was in Capt Sears Roll as Lieut in Feby 1776, at Dorchester Camp, and that he was in service under his Capt Commission in the Northern Department to Feby 6 1777. Also that he was detached to serve at Boston in 1780, 8 months untill sooner discharged and that he was detached to serve in Rhode Island in 1779, and by the Resolve of the Colonial Congress of Mass, which I enclose you will percieve that the service at Rhode Island was for six months, unless sooner discharged, also a supplementary certificate showing from the report of the avaraging committee of Brookfield, that he served six months in 1778. The grade of no one however upon that list is mentioned. But this term with the two preceeding ones, were subsequent to the date of his commission as Lieut of Militia, and of course the service was rendered under that commission.
Also the certificate of her marriage & death from the Town Clerk of Brookfield, together with affadavits of identity, and the said
over
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Tilly Hamilton to be the only surviving child of the said Nathan & Abigail.
Yours very Respectfully
Ira Davis
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South Strafford, Vermont
October 17th 1849
Mr Hamilton
Dear Sir
I saw Dr Davis yesterday, he shew me a letter he had received from the Commissioner of Pensions, stating that if the Dr would send him Certificate from the Surrogate under his seal of offices that Tilley Hamilton is now living, and is only surviving child of Abigail Hamilton, late of Brookfield Mass. deceased, he would allow two days march service which will give a small pension (one quarter pay) - your father served as a private, as a Lieutenant, and as a Captain - how much will be allowed as an Officer is not stated, but the Dr is of opinion (and I fully agree with him) that it will be best to take what they will allow now, & then make every exertion for what we think should be allowed. He informs me that he wrote to you, some weeks since, and fearing you had not received his letter, wished me to write to you - as you are personally known to the Surrogate you will only need some two persons to shew that you are the only surviving child of your mother. Perhaps when you receive this you will have forwarded what Dr Davis requested of you to him - If you shall not have sent the necessary papers when you receive this please to for and them to me on to him - In order obtain the money it may be necessary for you to go to
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to same place within the bounds of the State of Mass. I wish you would write me if your health is such that you can take this Journey, if it should becom necessary. Either Dr. Davis or myself will meet you. He wishes me to go but my health is not good at present but if it should improve I will go.
I think it will be necessary for you to attend to it in two weeks after your papers are received.
Please answer as soon as you receive this
I am respectfully your Obt Servt
William Sweatt

I now reside in South Strafford, Orange County Vermont about 6 miles from my former residence
W. S.

I will write to you again when I hear from you
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Norwich Sept 1 1849
Dear Sir,
In the case of the application of Tilly Hamilton for a Pension, for the services of his Father Nathan Hamilton, I think the evidence of the service has been misapprehended, & have therefore procured from the Secretary of Mass, a new certificate embraceing in one, the substance of several, heretofore forwarded to the pension office. From this last certificate I sum up Hamilton's service as follows, Lieut in Capt Wrights company in 1775 - 15 days. In Capt Sear's company in 1776 time not stated. His commission in this company is in the Pension office & bears date Feb 5th and was to continue in force until the 1st day of April (there) next, which would be 1 month 25 days. & on the 15 Feb. It appears his name is on a receipt for [illegible] nition at Dorchester Comp. This was a volunteer corps "to reinform the American Army."
On the 3d Aug. 1776. Hamilton was commissioned Capt in Brewers Regt. "in the Northern or Canada departments." (see comment on your files) His name is borne upon a pay note from that date to Sept. 30. Upon a roll dated Ticonderoga Mills Nov 3 1776. the men of Capt Hamilton's company acknowledge the receipt of the pay for the month of October, 1776. Upon a Pay Roll without date, are the same names, for 2 months & 2 days. On a travel roll dated Feb 6 1777. from Kent Edward home, 170 miles, & an allowance for 8 ½ days.
The rolls therefore show that Hamilton actually served as Capt, in Brewer's Regt. 5 months, 9½ days. But the Secretory certifies that the Rolls for 1776 in his office are not
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complete, which to me accounts satisfactorily, why the contimous service of [Nathan] Hamilton, from Aug 1776 to Feb 1777 is not fully shown, by the records.
I think there can be no doubt, that he served constantly from Aug 3 to Feb 6, six months. Indeed the Rolls show that amount, into about 20 days.
By a commission on your files it will appear that Hamilton was appointed Capt. of the 4th Regt of local Militia on the 29th July 1777. The avaragering committee certify that up to June 30 1778, he had served six months, this I understand to have been in the Militia, & to have no connexion with his service in the regular army. But whatever may have been this service, it appears by the principle upon which the committee made their average, the service about Boston & in R.I. was put down
at 1/3 less than the actual service. I think the amount of Hamilton's service, is as follows -
as Leiut 2m, 10d
Capt in line 6m, 3d
Capt of Militia 6m
Total 14m 13 d
Yours very Respectfully
Ira Davis
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Brookfield July 19th 1837
Mr Ira Davis
Dear Sir
Your Letter of the 16th is received - I will say that the widow of Capt Nathan Hamilton - died Feb 5th 1833 at Brookfield according to the Town Record
Yours Respy
Washington Tufts
Town Clerk
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Norwich Vt June 6 1851
Dear Sir,
Some three or four months since I forwarded to the Pension office additional proof in case of Joel Bishop, whose Pension is claimed by Martha McDuffie, his daughter. Please inform me whether the proof of identity is satisfactory, and if any thing further is wanting in the case.
Yours respectfully Ira Davis
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss
I, Charles G. Prentiss, Register of the Court of Probate for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Nathan Hamilton, a Captain in the Revolutionary War, and Abigail his wife, had several Children, and that all said Children have deceased, with the exception of Tilly Hamilton, who now resides in Stockbridge, in the County of Madison and State of New York.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County of Worcester, this twenty sixth day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty seven.
Chas. G. Prentiss, Register.
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Norwich Vt Dec 1, 1849.
Dear Sir,
Yours in relation to the case of Abigal [Abigail] Hamilton is received, and I wish to enquire, the name and residence of the other child of Mrs. Hamilton who is alledged to be now living, that I may be enabled to ascertain if such is the fact.
Yours very respectfully
Ira Davis
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July 17. 1857
Rel: to claim of Abigail Hamilton decd.
[illegible] Triplett
Jay Hathaway
Rome N. York
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Hon. Comr. Pens.
Sir
In behalf of the heir of Abigail Hamilton, in case of suspended claim, I respectfully ask for a decision in the case.
I am respectfully yr. obedt.
Jay Hatheway
Rome July 12 1887.
Page 40

Office House of Reps U.S.
August 14 1848
Sir
At the request of Hon L B Peck in enclose herewith the papers in the cases of Cary Burnham and Abigail Hamilton
Please acknowledge the receipt of the said papers
Yours respectfully
Tho. J Campbell
Clerk HR U.S.

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 41

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Redc June 10/47
Rel. to case of Nathan Hamilton
Page 42

Norwich Vt June 4 1847
Sir
yours of May 27 in relation to the service of Nathan Hamilton, is recieved, and on finding it, I think you must have overlooked some of the testimony sent; and that some other parts are not rightly apprehended.
The Lieut commission of Hamilton in Sears' Company was late Feb 5 1776, and to continue to the 1st of April following, one month & 25 days, instead of 1 month 12 days. this was not Militia service, and the time fixed in the commission is positive.
Also on the 3d of August 1776 he received a Captain's commission in the Northern or Canada deportment of the Army, and Rolls show him in service under that commission from time to time until the 6th of Feb 1777, six months & 3 days.
It is true that the Rolls do not show a continuous service during this time, for the reason, as you are doubtless aware, that but few  of the Rolls of '76 are in the archives of Massachusetts. But when the commission is shown, and the monthly Pay Rolls, show him in service on the 30th Sept. following, nearly 2 months, and subsequently 2 months & 2 days at another time, and again upon the travel roll on the 6 Feb 1777, as having travelled from Fort Edward house 170 miles, the proof is irresistible and would convince any impartial jury that the service was continuous for 6 months & three days.
I find by the resolutions of the old congress, that one days service was allowed for each 20 miles travel. But in
Page 43

your estimate I find you have allowed under the commission of Aug 3 '76 what appears upon the monthly Pay Rolls, disregarding entirely the 170 miles travel, which should be allowed at 8 days, which added would amount to 6 months 6 1/2
days.
But the Supplementary certificate of the Secretary of Mass. seems to have been entirely overlooked. This shows that Hamilton served six months in 1778, as appears from the report of the "avaraging Committee" of Brookfield of that year.
Now in relation to the service in the Militia, I think you must have learned ere this that the Militia Rolls of Mass. in the Secretarys office are very incomplete. But it is scarcely to be supposed, that a Captain of Militia, occupying as prominent position as did Capt Hamilton, should have received no service during either of those years, when the Legislative council was constantly calling on the several towns for military forces; nor is it to be supposed that Capt Hamilton detailed men from time to time for service and himself always remained quietly at home.
It is very inconvenient & to be regretted that no permanent rule exists in the Pension office in relation to the grade of evidence to be furnished. In two cases where I have furnished the certificate of the Probate Court, it has been unsatisfactory & other testimony has been required. In this case I furnished another species of evidence to substantiate a similar fact; and the certificate of the court is required, without some permanent
Page 44

rule. Therefore in this respect, it is impossible to furnish satisfactory in its character until the feeling of the commissioner is known
The certificate of the Probate court will be transmitted as soon as received.
Yours Very Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 45

Norwich Vt June 6 1851
Dear Sir,
In reply to yours of the 30th ult. I will give you a history of the claim of Abigal Hamilton, so far as I was connected with it. Mrs Deborah Ainsworth of this town, a daughter of Capt Hamilton, made application to me some years since, to present to the Department her claim for her mothers Pension, one of her sons, who has since died, went to Brookfield Mass, and procured the old papers of Capt Hamilton, among which were his commissions, some notes &c. from which it appeared evident that the widow was entitled to a Pension, but the date of her death was doubtful. I expressed to Mrs. A. a doubt whether her mother had survived long enough to be embraced in the Pension act of 1836. The matter rested here until after Mr. Ainsworth's decease; when one of her sons informed me that his uncle Tilly Hamilton was still living in the State of New York, and that I was mistaken in relation to the death of his Grandmother. I requested a neighbor who was about going to Madison County N.Y. to call on Mr Hamilton, if he was still living and inform him that I had his fathers old papers, and to ascertain the time of his mothers death, the result of which was, Mr. H. sent me his declaration, & some affidavits identifying himself as the son of Capt Hamilton. I then sent to the Town Clerk of Brookfield for evidence of the Marriage & death of Mrs. H. and received the certificates of those facts which are now in your files.
By a letter from the Commissioner, under date of Dec 11th 1849, I was informed that some one had informed the Department that Mrs. Ainsworth was still living, and if such was not the fact, requiring evidence of the date
Page 46

of her death. Also requiring the certificate of a court of record in the County in which Mrs. Hamilton died, showing the day of her death.
I afterwards forwarded to the deponent the evidence of Mrs. Ainsworth death, and also sent to the Probate Court at Worcester Mass to obtain a certificate of the time of Mrs. Hamilton's death, and was informed that an examination of the records of the Town of Brookfield had been made by one of the Probate Clerks, and that it was evident that the original record of her death was 1835, and had been altered to 1838, in consequence of which the Register of the Probate Court declined giving any certificate in the case, I there abandoned the claim being satisfied that I had been imposed upon, as was also the Department by the statement that Mrs. Ainsworth was still living. I do not know who practiced either of these deceptions, but am satisfied that they originated in the Ainsworth family.
I have no personal acquaintance with any person in Brookfield to whom I can refer you for proof of Mrs. H's death, but some business will call me into that vicinity about the last of the present month, I will then visit Brookfield and procure the testimony of persons who do know the time of Mrs. H's death and forward the same to you.
I have thus given you a sketch of the case from recollection, from which I think you will conclude there is something wrong in the matter, but from what I am able to learn of Mr. Tilly Hamilton, I think he is perfectly honest in the matter.
Should you wish for the evidence sooner than the time I propose to visit Brookfield, please inform me, & I will engage a fund in Worcester to ascertain the facts in the case.
Very Respectfully yours
Ira Davis

To Mr. F. S. Evans
Page 47

Norwich Vt July 22 1851
Dear Sir,
Having been prevented by sickness from visiting Brookfield, I wrote the Clergyman of that place to ascertain the precise date of the death of Abigal [Abigail] Hamilton widow of Nathan Hamilton who was a Capt in the Revolution and by yesterday's mail received the enclosed from the Town Clerk in reply, which fixes the death in 1833 instead of 1835 as I supposed.
Yours very respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 48

Rome N.Y.
Nov 3 50
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr. Pens.
Sir
In the Suspended case of application of Tilly Hamilton Son & only heir of Abigail Hamilton deceased, we have waited to learn the result of application of Ira Ainsworth son of a deceased daughter of said Abigail, of Albany, through L. Jenkins; that claim as we anticipated is now for cause abandoned, & we now present the proof required by you to substantiate the claim.

1st Public record of Family & death of Abigail Hamilton
2nd Surrogate Ctfc. of proof of death of Deborah Ainsworth
3rd Deposition of Wm Rice of service under Capt Hamilton

When decision is reached, please to communicate same to
your obt Sevt
Jay Hatheway
Page 49

Norwich Vt Nov. 15 1850
Sir,
I have recieved yours in relation to the claim of Abigal [Abigail] Hamilton widow of Nathan Hamilton, and will remark that I had some months since abandoned the case, for the following reason. After forwarding to you the evidence of the death of Mrs. Ainsworth I wrote the Probate Court of the District of Worcester, Mass for a certificate of the date of Mrs Hamilton's death, but was informed that there were two records of the same name, and that it was evident that Abigal Hamilton, who was the widow of Capt Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield, evidently died in 1835, previous to the passage of the law, under which Tilly Hamilton claims. finding this to be the case I ceased to prosecute the claim, from the conviction that it did not come within the provisions of the law.
Yours very Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 50

6940 - (15
Abigail Hamilton decd
Mass
Act. 4 July '36-
in 71. Claimt died 5 Feby '38
Capt 4 m 1 day
Servt 1-29
Page 51

State of New York
County of Madison
On this 3d day of February A.D. 1847
personally appeared before me, the Surrogate of the County of Madison Tilly Hamilton, a resident of Stockbridge, in the County of Madison, and State of New York, aged 61 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Acts of Congress, passed June 7th 1832, and July 4th 1836. That he is the son, and only surviving Child, of Abigail Hamilton, late of Brookfield, in the County of Worcester, and State of Massachusetts, deceased, who was the widow of Captain Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield, also deceased, who was a Lieutenant, and a captain, in the  Massachusetts line, in the War of the revolution That he was appointed a Lieut. and afterwards, in August 1776 he was appointed a Captain, and in that capacity, served at different times during all or nearly all the subsequent war. That sd Abigail Hamilton then Abigail Olmsted, was married to Nathan Hamilton on the first day of January Seventeen hundred and Seventy one (1771) and the said Abigail Hamilton died at sd Brookfield on the fifth day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty eight (1838)
That the said Abigail Hamilton was never a pensioner, but was a widow from the time of the death of her husband, the sd Nathan Hamilton, to the day of her own decease
Subscribed and sworn to before me and
Tilley Hamilton

Given under my hand and official seal this third day of February A.D. 1847
James W. Nye
Surrogate
Page 52

Rome N.Y. Feb 10 '57
Hon Jas. E Heath Comr. Pens.
Sir
Your (McEvans) letter of the 7th inst informing me that the additional evidence in the case of Abigail Hamilton, had been recd. & that the whole case was a fraudalent one, & that she died in 1835; asking an explanation, followed by a menace that the District Attorney would correspond with me if ex: was unsatisfactory, is [illegible] and to which I briefly reply, that I never heard of or saw Mr Tilly Hamilton, until introduced by letter from Hon Timothy Jenkins late M.C. now M.C. decd, stating his case, & requesting me to act for him. I saw his papers & heard his statement, every thing seemed right, except that an agent in Vt. as his niece overheard, intended to keep his ignorant of amt. obtained, & pay him only a small part. Hence his desire to have his agency stopped. I agreed to do his business, on receipt of documents, he went to Massachusetts as he afterward told me, & after Ainsworth was convinced he was not an heir, Mr Hamilton brot me the town record of death of his mother duly attested. I have not seen or heard one word that has raised a suspicion of wrong on his part in this matter & am wholly unconscious of wrong in what I have done for him, I have no bargain with him, or any interest whatever in the result of his claim, was not to share with him one dollar of it, if obtained, but simply charge him a moderate fee for doing his business, whether successful, or otherwise. He lives some 20 miles from
this place, I have seen him but twice, & then but for
Page 53

a few minutes, I will write him to day, & urge
him to call & see me, & then inform him of your charges, I will then inform you faithfully of his bearing, & explanation,
In the meantime, I respectfully refer you to Hon D. S. Dickinson our Senat Hon O. B. Matteson M. C. & J. L. Edwards Esqr with whom I have done business through his whole term, as to my reputation, integrity, or any other point of character. I deserve no threats & [illegible] Court investigation
I am very respectfully your obedt Sevt
Jay Hatheway
Page 54

Norwich Vt. March 27 1850
Dear Sir,
I was somewhat surprized to learn that it had been represented to the Pension office that Mrs Deborah  Ainsworth the sister of Tilly Hamilton was still living, knowing myself that she died in this Town several years since. I have therefore taken some little time to investigate the matter, and have learned from undoubted authority that some of Mrs Ainsworth's children have determined, that unless their uncle Hamilton will give them the amount of Pension he may receive on account of his Father's services, that they will prevent his obtaining any. This declaration I learn has been repeatedly made by a Mrs Cote on Coty, I learn also that a son Ina Ainsworth of Albany N.Y. wrote a few months since to his Brother Almond at Hanover N.H. that, he should write to the to the Pension office that his mother was living, unless they at Hanover or Lebanon did so, and I have no doubt the representation was made by some one of the family, for the purpose of compelling their Uncle to give them the money. Mrs Ainsworth, has a daughter in this town by the name of Coney, one in Lebanon by the name of Cote on Coty, a son Almond in Hanover, two sons in Albany, Ira and the name of the other I do not recollect. & I think one other son.
But I enclose you the affadavits of Decr. Waterman & wife who were the near neighbors of Mrs Ainsworth at the time of her decease, and I think I have already forwarded the certificate of the Probate Court at Worcester Mass. relative to the death of Mrs. Hamilton, which I think you will find among the papers.
Yours very Respectfully
Irn Davis

Comr of Pensions
Page 55

Rome NY Mar 30 '50
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr.
Sir
Mr Tilley Hamilton has this day called upon me by the advice of Hon Timothy Jenkins late M.C., who examined his vouchers, & particularly the letter of advice refered to in his letter herewith sent, expressed his conviction that there was a wrong intended, & suggested the course of addressing you on the subject, & of changing his agent.
By his request I drew up the inclosed letter, he has sworn to the facts, & requests me to assure you that his intention is to treat Davis & his associate honestly & fairly, & directs me to pay them, any such claim they may have, out of the first money obtained
of the claim, which claim shall be held by me, it that is effected. I promise it.
I would not undertake for Mr Hamilton, if I did not believe there were just grounds to suppose unfairness, if not real knavery was intended by D. C.
if the letter I hold is from a reliable source
as he assures me it is. the gist of it is that they were heard to say, "they would never let him know the amt they should obtain on his power of atty."
I am respectfully yr obdt. Sert
Jay Hatheway
Page 56

Rome N.Y.
Mar 30 1850
To Hon L. L. Edwards
Sir
I wish to call your attention to a claim for pension now pending before you in my behalf, as only heir surviving, of the late Nathan Hamilton & Abigail Hamilton of Brookfield Mass. By a late communication from confidential correspondent living in the neighborhood of the person (Davis), who has managed the business before you, assisted by one Sweatt, I am advised of certain facts & assertions by them made, that militate strongly against the honesty of their intentions, in case the pension Certificate when issued, is placed in their hands, or of either of them; & this is to request you to withhold the same from them. If it is issued, I wish you to make it payable at Albany as I am a resident of the State of New York at Stockbridge near Rome, & send it to me by mail at home to the care of Jay Hatheway.
I am ready to give any assurance of the rectitude of my intention in the course I wish to have pursued, & to instruct my present agent above named, to pay Ira Davis my former agent, out of the first pay recd from the government, full payment for the services he has done. I hereby revoke any further authority to act for me, on the part of said Davis or Sweatt. And hereby request that any communication in the premises by the Dept be made with J. Hatheway who is constituted my Agent.
Your obdt Sevt.
Tilley Hamilton

The facts set forth in the above communication sworn to, before me, on the day above written
George Barnard
Just of Peace
Page 57

Rome May 24. '52
Hon Jas. E. Heath
Comr. Pens.
Sir
I address you to say that I have just recd. the intelligence contained in your letter to Mr Hatheway, to wit that you had proof that my mother Abigail Hamilton widow of Nathan Hamilton Capt. in Rev. War, died in 1833 - & also that "if the matter is pursued farther" it will be met by the Dist Atty - Now Sir, being wholly unconscious of a wrong step in this case either by myself or agent, I am not unwilling to have any imputed or apparent wrong, investigated in any just manner. I live far from the region where my mother lived & died, and did not hear of her death til years after it took place. I went then to the town of Brookfield & made inquiry I learned she died at the town house. I went then to the town or poor house, and the keeper was away on a journey, no one present could tell, the book of record was searched, I found record of a person named Abigal Hamilton who had lived in, & died at the sd poor House - 1 in 1833 & 1 in 1838 - no designation as to whether they were Maidens, Matron, or widow in either case, or husband name, (if they had had one) given. I then inquired of many persons but could not learn. I then went to Town Clerk & found the town Record, and found a page in the same set apart for the record of Capt Nathan Hamiltons family, giving the name of himself & Abigail his wife - the birth of each child & date of it, the death also, time & name, & the name of my mother was entered in said page
Page 58

it was the last entry made in it & near the bottom, as the page was nearly filled, in this entry of Abigail Hamilton (as wife of Nathan Hamilton), she is recorded to have "died February 5th 1838."
These facts are stated the other present reason, than to give the authority of which I made claim.
In an other part of said town record, & without any family designation I found an entry of the death of a person whether maid, wife, or widow not said of the same name, as died in Feb. 1833.
My Mother had no relatives in that region who would probably know of her death save 2 nieces, who, at this time 12 years after, were unable to state the time of her death. one of them supposed it was 1838, the other could not state. They were not at her funeral.
I do not "press" the claim now, but to prevent its outlawry, I [illegible] it, I shall only press it, when I have again been to Brookfield & got testimony that will convince me that the fact of her death in 1838, is no longer susceptible of a doubt. I now rest, & bide my time.
I am your obdt sevt.
Tilly Hamilton

P.S. Severe sickness in my family for the last month, has has prevented my action in this matter.
Page 59

Norwich Vt Nov 12 1847
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the certificate of the Probate Court in relation to the surviving children of Nathan & Abigal [Abigail] Hamilton, Also a certificate of the Secretary of Mass in which he says the service at Dorchester Heights was 3 months and shows Hamilton acredited with 160 miles travel. Also another certificate showing that Hamilton was allowed 8 1/2 days service for travelling from Fort Edward, home 170 miles, and also showing that Hamiltons Company were paid for service during the month of Oct 1776. The receipt dated Ticonderoga Mills, Nov 3 1776,
I find also that by Resolution of the old Congress
"one day's pay, for every twenty miles" was to be allowed, this rule correspond to the allowance of 8 ½ days for 170 miles travel, and was evidently the governing principle in making up the travel Rolls, & of course 8 days more should be allowed for the 160 miles travel. This resolution was passed June 3 1776, (see Journals of old congress, Vol 1 Page 363.) The one months allowance in October 1776. It seems is not embraced in the former certificate,
You can however, upon this showing, make such further allowance as you see fit and issue a certificate accordingly,
Yours Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 60

Rome N.Y. Feb 19th 87
Hon. J. E. Heath
Comr. Pens.
I have the satisfaction to in close you the narrative & explanation of Tilley Hamilton, setting forth the facts & proceedings in conducting his claim, so far as he has knowledge in the case. I advised you that I had written him, he came promptly, I did not at first, inform him that any wrong doing was suspected, but told him that a plain statement was wanted by you, of all the facts in the case, just as they were, & what he would declare under oath. He seems a fair honest man, is a farmer of about, as I judge, 62 years, of moderate intellect & capacity. I told him to go on with a history of the matter, & that I expected him to make oath to it. After he got through I read it to him, he suggested corrections on two or three points, which I made, & said that the whole was now correct. I then told him that a charge of fraud was made, and a threat of criminal pros: He appeared surprized, declared that he had not knowingly done any wrong, that he had told me the whole case truly, & that he was ready to verify it by oath, was willing all the world should know what he had said & done.
I am no lawyer, have been many years Mercht., Post Master & Co Treasurer in the County, approaching 60 years, 54 a resident here, & as you will conclude have had many opportunities to read men. I have tried to the best of my power to discover guilt or wrong in his case, but do not find it.
I believe there is none & trust neither of us have done any. What cause there may be to charge us or either of us, that no suspicion - every
Page 61

thing that I know of the case (if my letter to you has been recd.) is before you; I stand by all that I have done in the matter of this claim, & hereby declare that I am unconscious of any cause to merit censure, much by a criminal charge.
I send herewith, one of several letters of like import, from Sweatt to Hamilton, each of which I have read, without discovering an attempt at fraud.
I am very respectfully your obdt. Servt.
Jay Hatheway.

P.S. May ask if you have directed the withholding Certificates of Bounty land, on papers I have sent? none for a number of days have come to hand.
Page 62

Novem 1, 49
addl evd case
Abigail Hamilton
wid. Nathan

W - Ames

Department of the Interior
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.

[stamped: NORWICH VT, OCT [illegible]]

[stamped: FREE]
Page 63

Norwich Vt. Oct 27 1849
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is the proof required of the Surviving child of Nathan & Abigal [Abigail] Hamilton, late of Brookfield Mass. as received from Clerk of Madison County N.Y.
Yours very respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 64

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
August 26 1847.
I hereby Certify, That from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Hamilton is borne upon a Mileage Abstract of his company in Col Samuel Brewers regt, as Captain. No services named. Number of miles travel 160. Said abstract is dated "Brookfield February, 17 1779,"
The service at Dorchester height in the Fall of 1776 was for 3 months. From a document in this office it appears that Col Dike's regt agreed to remain on said heights till the 1st March 1777.
Page 65

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey,
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 66

Norwich Vt Aug 18 1847
Dear Sir,
I am informed by the Commissioner of Pensions that your certificate in the case of Tilly Hamilton for the service of Capt Nathan Hamilton does not express any length or time for his travel home, 170 miles, as shown by the travel roll dated at Brookfield in Feb (I think) 1777. Will you have the goodness to re-examine and if the notes specify time, so certify. If you have means of knowing the length of service at Dorchester please certify that also, or say what it has usually been called.
Yours Respectfully
Ira Davis
Page 67

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
November 3, 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Hamilton is born upon a Pay Abstract of his company in Col Samuel Brewers Regt, for Travel home from Fort Edward, as Captain of Brookfield number of miles travel is 170, for which he was allowed 8 1/2 days service. This Abstract is dated "Brookfield Feb 6 1777." From a Receipt it appears that the men of this Company received pay for the month of October 1776. This receipt is dated "Ticonderoga Mills November 3 1776."
Page 68

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application [crossed out: hereto] annexed to former certificate was filed in this Office [crossed out: in the form in which the same now appears]; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate [crossed out: above set forth], contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Palfrey,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 69

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
March 19 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Hamilton is borne upon a Pay Roll of Capt Ithamer Wright company of Brookfield as a Lieutenant, from April 19 1775, 15 days.
Upon an abstract of his company for travel as Captain in Col Samuel Brewer's regt, from Fort Edward home No service named Number of miles travel 170. Said Abstract is dated "Brookfield February 6 1777."
Upon an Abstract Monthly Pay Roll of his Company, in Col Samuel Brewers regt, as Captain from August 3 to September 30 1776 1 Month and 9 days. Amount of his pay $15-14.5-8d. Upon another Abstract of his company, in Col Samuel Brewer's regt, as Captain, 2 months and 2 days. time of his enlistment and discharge not given.
Upon a list of Men in Capt Barnabas Sears,
Page 70

Compy who received ammunition, as a Lieutenant, no service named. Said List is dated
"Dorchester Camp, February 15 1776."
[notation: Lb 1.12]
It appears from papers recently deposited in this department that Capt Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield, was ordered by Colonels James Converse and Stephen Rice to detach Men from his company & to serve at Rutland and Rhode Island, in the years 1779 & 1780. The service at Rutland was to be for 8 months 'unless sooner discharged.' The preceding is all the evidence of service of any one of the name as an officer shown by the Military records in this Office.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence 
of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this
Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written
John G. Palfrey,
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 71

The Secretary of State of the State of Mass, will please give any evidence in files of his office or Roll of the Army of the revolution, relating to the Services of my father Nathan Hamilton of Brookfield, Worcester, County, Mass.
The said Nathan Hamilton was a Lieutenant and a Captain and I think I have heard him say he served during some part of the war in Col Brewers Reg But of the names of his Superior officers I have no certain recollection tho when a boy I often heard him speak of them. I am quite sure he said he served in different Regiments and that he served in the grade of Captain in the Massachusetts line during most of the war
Tilley Hamilton

Sworn to and Subscribed before me
this 12 day of Feb 1847
Hiram H Green
Jus of the Peace
Page 72

Albany July 10, 1850.
James L. Edwards Esquire,
Commissr of Pensions,
Sir,
On the 9th of Novr last I wrote you requesting information as to the claim of Abigal [Abigail] Hamilton decd, widow of Capt. Nathan Hamilton, under the act of 4 July 1836, to which you replied on the 12th of that month that the children had made application for a pension, which had not been allowed.
I am again requested by Mr Ainsworth of this City, to inquire whether any further action has been had in that case & if so, whether the claim has been allowed, Mr Ainsworth having been lately informed that an allowance had been made in the case, either at your office, or by a special act of Congress.
Mr Ainsworth's Mother (now deceased, was one of the children of Mrs. Hamilton, & was a party to the application above referred to, and he thinks if the claim has been allowed her name ought to be included in the pension Certificate.
Have the goodness to inform me whether the claim has been allowed, & if so, to whom the certificate has been sent or
delivered, & the names of the children embraced in it.
If the claim is yet to be acted on & should be allowed, you will please bear in mind that the children of Mrs Ainsworth, claim to be entitled to their mothers share assuming that the rule of law, as well as of your office, is that the children
Page 73

living at the time of the application are the persons entitled to the amount allowed, though some of them may have died before the allowance of the claim.
The favor of an answer on this point is especially requested.
I am Sir, with great respect Your obed Servt.
Lemuel Jenkins.

It is understood that at the time the application was made, Mrs. Ainsworth resided in Norwich Vermont & that Ira Davis of that place was the agent of the claim.
Page 74

Supplementary
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston.
April 30 1847
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Hamilton is borne upon a List of the men who performed military duty in the third precinct of Brookfield in the year 1778.
The amount of service proportioned to his name on said list as reported by "Committee chosen to make an average of service done in third precinct in Brookfield," is 6 months.
No grade is mentioned upon said list.
The above is additional to that given in a certificate of Capt Nathan Hamilton's services, issued from the Office the 18th March last
Page 75

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application [crossed out: hereto] annexed to former certificate was filed in this Office, [crossed out: in the form in which the same now appears]; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G Palfrey,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 76

I William Rice of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonweath of Massachusetts being under Oath do depose and say that I am now ninety years and ten months old, that I was intimately acquainted with Capt Nathan Hamilton of said Brookfield, that he was a captain in the army of the Revolution that I marched for Ticonderoga under him and served with him in said army six days on a march in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven against the indians when news came that the Indians were defeated, we were disbanded and returned home.
Given at Brookfield this nineteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty,
Witness H.B. Clark
W Rice

I Hiram B. Clark a Justice of the Peace of Brookfield in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts certify that personally appeared before me this day above written the above named William Rice and made the aforesaid deposition under Oath.
Hiram B. Clark
(over)
Page 77

I hereby certify that I have been intimately acquainted with the within named William Rice my whole lifetime that his reputation for truth and veracity is good and undisputed.
Hiram B. Clark
Page 78

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
WORCESTER COUNTY, SS.
I, CHARLES W. HARTSHORN, Clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Hiram B. Clark on the nineteenth day of August A.D. 1850 was and still is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth, to take the acknowledgement of deeds, and administer oaths, and that his signature to the Affidavit of Mr. Rice hereunto annexed is genuine.

[text covered by seal] under my hand, and the seal of said County, this twentieth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty.
Chas. W. Hartshorn Clerk.
Page 79

In the application of Tilly Hamilton for a Pension in the right of his mother Abigal Hamilton, late of Brookfield in the State of Massachusetts deceased, the applicant shows by the records of the said Town of Brookfield, 1st that he is the son of Nathan & Abigail Hamilton, 2nd that the said Abigail & Nathan were married on the first day of January 1771, and that the said Abigal died on the 5th day of February 1838. He also shows by the certificate of the Probate Court for the County of Worcester in said State, that he the said Tilly is the only surviving child of the said Nathan & Abigals, as he does also by the testimony of several witnesses.
In proof of the service of his father, the applicant presents the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, showing that he served as a Lieutenant in Capt Ithamer Wrights Company of said Brookfield from April 19 1775, 15 days. He also presents a Lieutenants commission issued by the "Council of the Massachusetts Bay," to the said Nathan, in Capt Sears' company of Col Whitney's Regt bearing date on the 5th day of Feby 1776, and to remain in force until the first day of April, there, next one month & 25 days. The above mentioned certificate of the Secretary of Mass. also shows, that upon a list of Capt Sears' Company dated Dorchester Camp Feb 15 1776, is the name of the said Nathan as Lieutenant. He also presents a Captain's commission is- by the said Council to the said Nathan, on the third day of August 1776 in
Col. Samuel Brewer's Regiment in the Northern or Canada Department. The said certificate of the Secretary of Mass also shows, that the name of the said Nathan is borne upon a pay roll of the said company, from the 3d of August 1776 (the date of his commission) to the 30th day of Sept of the same year, one month & 29 days. From a supplementary certificate of the Secretary of Mass. dated November 5 1847, is shown that it appears from a receipt in that office dated
Page 80

"Ticonderoga Miles Nov. 3 1776," that the said Hamilton's company were paid for the month of October in that year. It is shown also by the first mentioned certificate of said Secretary, (March 19 '47) that upon another roll or abstract of said company, is borne the said Nathan's name for two months & 2 days. this Roll is without date. It is shown also by the Secretarys certificate of Nov. 5th that the said Nathan's name is borne upon a pay abstract, for travel from Fort Edward home, 170 miles for which he is allowed 8½ days, this roll is dated at Brookfield Feb. 6, 1777.
The Massachusetts Rolls for 1776 are very imperfect, as are also the Militia Rolls during the war. But it is insisted that the service under this last mentioned commission, was a continous one, from the 3d of August 1776 (the date of the commission) to the 6th Feb. 1777, the time of his return from Fort Edward, six months & three days, it being shown that the service commenced on the 3d August 1776, and that on the 3d of Now following he was at Ticonderoga Mills, & in Feb 1777 he returned from Fort Edward to his home in Brookfield, and it cannot consistently be supposed, that between the 3d of Nov. & 6th of Feb. his company should have returned from Ticonderoga to Mass. & thence gone back to Fort Edward & from there again to Brookfield, in the short space of three months; hence the conclusion is inevitible that this term of service of Capt Hamilton continued from the 3d of August 1776 to the 6th of Feb 1777, six months & 3 days. It appears also by the supplementary certificate of the Secretary of Mass. of Aug 26 1847, that the name of said Hamilton is also borne upon another travel Roll, dated Feb 17. 1777, credited 160 miles, but no number of days named. This is probably the allowance for travel from Brookfield to Ticonderoga, & is embraced within the term commencing on the 3d of August previous, & for this reason no term of time is mentioned on the Roll. For the pay per mile, and allowance of service, for travel, reference is had to the Resolution of the old Congress passed June 3 1776, (the annals of old Cong, Vol 1 p. 363, Ecl. 1823.) The applicant further presents, a Captains commission, issued by said Council on the 29th day of July 1777. by which the said Hamilton was appointed Capt of
Page 81

the 1st Company of the 4th Regt of Militia in the State of Mass. James Converse Colonel. It appears also from the Certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts (Supplementary) dated April 30 1847, that by the return of the Committee of Average for the Town of Brookfied, in 1778, the said Hamilton performed six months service in that year. this the Secretary says is in addition to what he has previously certified, but upon this list no grade is named. But he was commissioned as Capt of Militia in July of the previous year. And it appears from the Secretary's certificate of March 19 '47, that the said Hamilton as Capt was ordered by said Col. Converse & Col Rice, to detach men from his company in 1779 and to serve in Rhode Island in 1779, & also at Rutland in 1780. By said certifi it also appears, that "the service at Rutland was to be 8 months unless sooner discharged," but when the men were discharged from this service it does not appear it is therefore reasonable to suppose they completed the full term of 8 months. It also appears from a session of the General assembly of Massachusetts of June 8 1779, which the claimant presents, that the said service in Rhode Island was to continue from the 30th day of June 1799 until the first day of January 1780 unless the men were sooner discharged, (six months) but although there is no record of the discharge of these men, it is generally understood that this service was only two months The claimant therefore insists that from the proofs adduced, his father served as follows, to wit, 1st as Lieut in 1775. fifteen days, as Lieut in 1776 one month 25 days. (see commission) in all as Lieut, 2 months 10 days. 2nd as Captain from 3rd of Aug 1776 to 6th Feb '77 six months 3 days. as capt in 1778 six months as capt at Rhode Island in 1779 two months, and as Capt at Rutland Mass in 1780, Eight months, making a total of 22 months & 3 days as Capt and 2 months & 10 days as Lieut in 1775 & '76
Page 82

Madison County ss
Amy Hamilton being duly Sworn Says that She now resides in the town of Lenox Madison County & State of New York that she is Seventy nine years of age and that she is well acquainted with Tilly Hamilton who now resides in Stockbridge in the County aforesaid that said Tilly Hamilton [crossed out: that he] is Sixty three years of age deponent has been acquainted said Tilly Hamilton from his birth that he is the Son of Captain Nathan Hamilton an officer of the Revolutionary War and Abigail Hamilton his the said Nathan's wife late of the town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester State of Massachusetts and deponent further says that the said Tilly Hamilton is the only Surviving child of said Nathan & Abigail Hamilton according to the best of her knowledge information & belief
Amy Hamilton

Sworn & subscribed before me this 19th day of October 1849
Marsena Temple Justice of the Peace
Page 83

Madison County ss
Tilly Hamilton being duly sworn says that he now resides in the town of Stockbridge Madison County and State of New York that he is sixty three years old that he has heard the affidavit of Amy Hamilton read that he is the person mentioned in said Affidavit of the said Amy Hamilton deponent further says that he is the son of said Captain Nathan Hamilton and Abigail Hamilton mentioned in the said affidavit of Amy Hamilton and the only surviving child of said Nathan & Abigail Hamilton
Tilly Hamilton

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 22 day of October 1849
Massena Temple
Justice

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
Clerk's Office, Madison County, ss.
I, A. SCOTT SLOAN, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Marsana Temple Esqr whose name is subscribed to the [crossed out: certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument] [illegible] of the above affidvits, and thereon written, was, at the time of the roof or acknowledgement at the [crossed out: time of taking such proof or acknowledgement] Date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected or appointed, and qualified, and authorized by the laws of said State to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe the signature of the said [crossed out: certificate is genuine] Justice  to each of the foregoing affidavits is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, the 23d day of October 1849
A. Scott Sloan
Clerk.
for Wm A Holmes Dep
Page 84

State of Vermont
I Isaac Conry of Norwich in the County of Windsor aged Sixty three years depose and say that when I was a young man, I resided in the town of Stockbridge County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts. That I was acquainted with Capt. Nathan Hamilton and his wife. That said Natham was said to be an officer of the revolution. That said Nathan had a son Tilly who went from said Brookfield when quite a young man. I think he was not twenty years old at the time he left Brookfield he went it was said to Western New York in the vicinity of Utica. That said Nathan Hamilton had a daughter named Deborah that she married Edward Ainsworth. That about fifteen years ago the said Edward & Deborah removed from the North part of this State, and took up their residence in this town within a few rods of my house. That sometime in the Summer of 1837, the said Debroah Ainsworth called on me and requested my advice in regard to making an attempt to get a pension for her mother, who then resided in Brookfield. That she the said Deborah informed me she had received information from her sister Mrs Tirza Adams that if she should come down to Brookfield and furnish half the expenses she would attempt to get a pension for her mother. That I advised her to go But as she could not get money to do the business she did not go. That some two years after the said Deborah received a letter from Brookfield stating that her mother was dead; this letter I was permited to read. I think it was dated in the winter or spring of Eighteen hundred and thirty nine.
This letter stated that Mrs. Tirza Adams and Mr Ainsworth were the only children then living of Mrs Abigail Hamilton deceased, unless Mr Tilly Hamilton was then living, whom they had heard nothing of for a great many years, that the said Deborah died the summer after this, and I understand her sister Mrs Adams died about two years ago. That about four months ago I was informed that Mr Tilly Hamiltton was still living in Madison County New York and if living he is the only summing child at this time of Nathan and Abigail Hamilton. That said
Page 85

Tilly Hamilton if living is nearly or quite sixty years old and further deponent saith not.
Isaac Cory

State of Vermont Windson County ss
Subscribed and sworn to before me at Norwich this first day of March 1847 and I hereby certify that H. Isaac Cory who subscribed the foregoing affidavit is personally know to me and as far as I am informed he is considered a person of truth and veracity
Wm E. Lewis Justice of the Peace

STATE OF VERMONT,
Windsor County....ss.
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that William E. Lewis is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the 30th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty six and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 24th day of April, A.D. 1847
Norman Williams, Clerk.
Page 86

Proof of death of Deborah Ainsworth
Page 87

State of New York
County of Albany ss:
I Lewis Benedict Jr Surrogate of said County, do hereby certify that at a Surrogates Court, held in & for said County, at the City of Albany, before me the said Surrogate, on the 24th day of April AD 1850, it was proven by the oath of Ira W. Ainsworth, that Deborah Ainsworth, his mother, died in the town of Norwich Vt., on the 15th day of September AD. 1844, & that she was daughter of Nathan & Abigail Hamilton, formerly of Brookfield Mass: both deceased which proof was satisfactory to sd. Court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of the said Court, this 24th day of April AD. 1850.
Lewis. Benedict
Surrogate.
Page 88

State of New York
Madison County ss
Thaddeus Muzzy of said County being duly sworn deposes & says that I am seventy three years of age. That in the year 1795, I removed from the town of Brookfield in the County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts to County of Oneida in this State & from thence in the year (1799) I removed into the County of Madison aforesaid; That when I resided in the said town of Brookfield I knew & was acquainted with Tilly Hamilton who was then a small boy & a son of Nathan & Abigal Hamilton; that I have been acquainted with the said Tilly for the last thirty years & that I have no doubt he is the son of the said Nathan & Abigal that he the said Tilly has for the last thirty years resided in the said County of Madison & its immediate vicinity; that the said Nathan Hamilton with whom I was well acquainted was reputed to have been an officer in the Revolutionary War of the grade of Captain.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12 day of February 1847.
Hiram H. Green Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
Mr Thaddeus Muzzy who subscribed the above affidavit & know him to be of good moral character truth & veracity.
Hiram H. Green Justice of the peace
Page 89

State of New-York,
Clerk's Office, Madison County, ss
I, A Scott Sloan Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Hiram H. Green whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected or appointed, and qualified, and authorized by the laws of said State to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe the signature to the said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, the 13th day of February 1847.
A. Scott Sloan Clerk.
Page 90

(1)
State of Massachusetts-Bay.
In the House of REPRESENTATIVES, June 8, 1779.
WHEREAS it appears that an Agreement was made between the four New-England States (in Consequence of a Recommendation from Congress) at Springfield, on the 30th of July 1777 to keep up a certain Number of Men in the State of Rhode-Island so long as the Enemy kept in force there - and as the Enemy seem determined to maintain the Post in that Quarter, they will have it in their Power to make such Depredations as they please, unless there is sufficient Force to repel them: Therefore,
Resolved, That Eight Hundred Men, Non-commissioned Officers included, in Addition to those ordered to be raised to be under the Command of Colonel Jacobs, be raised, to serve from the Time of their being inlisted, or detached, until the first Day of January next, unless sooner discharged, in the following Manner, viz.

Resolved, That the Brigadier or Commanding-Officer of the County of Suffolk detach or cause to be detached from the Brigade under his Command Ninety five Men, to be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Essex detach from the Brigade under his Command One Hundred and nineteen men, to be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Middlesex detach from the Brigade under his Command One Hundred Men, to be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Worcester detach from the Brigade under his Command One Hundred and twenty four Men, to be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Hampshire detach from the Brigade under his Command One Hundred and two Men, to be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Plymouth detach from the Brigade under his Command Seventy-four Men, to be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Barnstable detach from the Brigade under his Command One Thirty eight Men. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Bristol detach from the Brigade under his Command Sixty nine Men, which, with the Thirty eight detached from the Barnstable Brigade, be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them, as shall be agreed upon by the two last mentioned Brigadiers. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of York detach from the Brigade under his Command Forty five Men. That the Brigadier or Commanding Officer of the County of Cumberland detach from the Brigade under his Command Thirty four Men, which, with the Forty-five Men detached from the York Brigade, be formed into one Company, with proper Officers to command them, as shall be agreed upon by the two last mentioned Brigadiers. The aforesaid eight companies to compose one Regiment, the Field Officers to be appointed by the Honorable the Major Part of the Council, from the Militia of this State - And that the aforesaid Brigadiers or Commanding Officers of Brigades shall forthwith make said Detachments, or cause them to be made inductiminately, from the Train-Band and Alarm Lifts, and all other Male Persons above the Age of Sixteen Years, excepting the Officers and students of Harvard-College, Ministers of the Gospel, Grammar School Masters, Indians, Negroes, and Molattoes ; and form the Men so detached as aforesaid, and cause them to be mustered before some Muster-Master appointed in the several Counties, and marched without delay, by the most convenient Rout, to the Place of their Destination ; And that they make Returns to the Major Part of the Council of the Men by them respectively raised and actually marched, on or before the Thirtieth Day of June Instant.

Resolved, That there be paid out of the public Treasury of this State to such Field Officers as shall be commissioned by the Honorable the Major Part of the Council for said Regiment, to the Colonel Forty Five Pounds, to the Lieutenant-Colonel Forty Pounds, to the Major Thirty Five Pounds, per Month during said service. And that there be paid out of the public Treasury of this State to every Captain so detached, Thirty Pounds per Month, in Addition to the Continental Pay ; to each Lieutenant Twenty Four Pounds per Month ; to each Serjeant Eighteen Pounds per Month ; to each Corporal Seventeen Pounds per Month, in Addition to said Continental Pay ; and to each private Sixteen Pounds per Month, in Addition to said Continental Pay. And the ample Encouragement may be given to Men cheerfully and speedily to turn out on this Occasion it is further Resolved.
Page 91

(2)
Resolved That the Selectmen of each Town be and they are hereby directed to pay out of the Treasury of their respective Towns the Sum of Thirty Pounds to each Non commissioned Officer and Private, detached and mustered as aforesaid, being properly armed and equipped ; and also the further Sum of Two Shillings per Mile, as Mileage from such Towns to the Place of their Destination. And such Selectmen or Assessors are hereby empowered to Assess a Tax upon the Polls and Estates of their respective Towns, according to the Rules of the last preceeding Tax Act, to replace the Money they shall take out of the Treasury, or hire for the Purposes aforesaid, and to commit such Assessment to the Constable or Collector of their respective Towns, who are hereby required to collect the same, and in such Collections to proceed according to the Rules in said Act prescribed. And such Sums so advanced shall be deducted from the next State Tax levied on such Town respectively ; and to that intent said Selectmen or Assessors are hereby required to lodge in the Secretary's Office an attested Account of the Bounties and Mileage Money paid by them, with the proper Vouchers, as soon as may be. It is likewise,

Resolved, That if any Person shall be detached by his Officer, for the Service aforesaid, and shall not, within twenty four Hours after he is so detached, pay a Fine of Thirty Pounds, or procure some able bodied Man in his room, properly armed and equipped, he shall be held as a Soldier in said Detachment, and treated as such ; and the Officers who shall receive such Fines shall proceed to hire Men therewith, or detach others, as the Case may be, until he hath compleated his Quota. It is also,

Resolved That where there are no Militia Officers, the Selectmen, and where there are no Militia Officers or Selectmen, the Committee are impowered and directed to do all Duties by this Resolve enjoined upon Militia Officers or Selectmen.

Resolved, That if any Person shall be detached as aforesaid, but neglect to procure an able-bodied Man, armed and equipped in his Stead, or to pay said Fine, for the space of Twenty four Hours, the Clerk of the Company to which he belongs, or a Constable of the Town, shall by Virtue of a Warrant from the Commanding Officer of such Company, proceed to recover said Fine, in the same Manner as Constables are authorized to proceed to recover Taxes of those Persons who neglect or refuse to pay the same ; any Law or Resolve of this Court to the contrary notwithstanding. Also,

Resolved, That the Men detached as aforesaid, shall be immediately marched to Providence, and to be under the Command of the Continental Officer who has the chief Command in that Department. And it is further,

Resolved, That the Men who shall be inlisted or drafted from the Militia of the several Towns in this State, by Force of the foregoing Resolve, shall be held and returned for the Towns whereof they are Inhabitants, and no other, and that all Contracts, Bargains and Agreements made with any Person to serve for any other Town than that whereof he is an Inhabitant, shall be null and void ; unless a Certificate be obtained from the Major Part of the Selectmen of such Town that their Quota is compleat. And it is further,

Resolved, That the Brigadiers or Commanding Officers of the aforesaid Counties, where it may be for the Conveniency and the good of the Service, and agreeable to the Militia, may appoint Officers other than those belonging to the Militia, who have had Commissions of equal Rank, and approved good Officers, and recommend them to the Council, that they may be Commissioned accordingly.

Sent up for Concurrence,
JOHN HANCOCK, Speaker.
In COUNCIL, June 8th, 1779.
Read and Concurred,
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Secr.
Consented to by the Major Part of the Council.
True Copy, Attest. JOHN AVERY, Dep Sec'ry.
Page 92

State of New York
Madison County ss:
I Amy Hamilton of said County being duly sworn deposes & says that I am of the age of seventy years that some time previous to (1802) [crossed out: sh] I removed Brookfield County of Worcester
& State of Massachusetts to said County of Madison in this state that in the year eighteen hundred & two [crossed out: she] I made a visit to said Brookfield and on my return from said Brookfield I was accompained by Tilly Hamilton then quite a young man said Tilly was the son of Nathan & Acgail [Abigail] Hamilton of said town of Brookfield. I had known said Tilly Hamilton several years before that time (1802) I married a half brother of said Tilly Hamilton several years previous to (1802) said Tilly Hamilton has resided in the town of Stockbridge in said County of Madison and its immediate vicinity ever since the said year (1802) and now resides in the town of Stockbridge in said County of Madison That my husband Elias Hamilton is not now living & that said Nathan Hamilton Father of the said Tilly was reputed to have been an officer in the Revolutionary War
Amy Hamilton, her mark

Sworn & subscribed before me this 8th day of Feb 1847
Marsena Temple
Justice of the Peace
Page 93

State of New York
Madison County ss
I hereby certify that on the 8th day of Feb 1847 personally came before me Isaac Richmond to me known to be a man of good character & standing in community & being by me duly sworn says he become acquainted with Amy Hamilton within named in (1802) and has known her ever since & that she has sustained a good moral character & a character for truth & veracity
Marsena Temple
Justice of the Peace
Page 94

State of New-York,
Clerk's Office, Madison County, ss
I, A Scott Sloan Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Marsena Temple whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected or appointed, and qualified, and authorized by the laws of said State to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe the signature to the said certificate is genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, the 13th day of February 1847
A. Scott Sloan Clerk.
Page 95

I Daniel Waterman of Norwich, County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Sixty three years depose and say that I was well acquainted with Deborah Ainsworth, wife of Edward Ainsworth late of this town. The said Deborah previous to her
decease, resided within thirty rods of my house. I have often heard her speak of her father Capt. [Nathan] Hamilton of Massachusetts who she said was an officer in the Revolutionary war.
The said Deborah Ainsworth died five years ago last fall, I think it was in the month of September, but I cannot tell the day of the month, but it was about sunrise on Sunday morning. I was at the house in a short time after her death, which took place very suddenly. Doct. Sweatt was sent for, but she was dead before he arrived, I helped carry her body into another room to be laid out, and was at the funeral the next day, when the body was carried to Hanover to be buried, where her son Almond resided.
Daniel Waterman

Windsor Co. SS. At Norwich this 22d day of March 1830, Daniel Waterman the above
deponent, who is a witness of strict veracity subscribed & made oath to the foregoing
affidavit.
Before me IRA DAVIS Justice of Peace

I Fanny Waterman of Norwich County of Madison and State of Vermont, aged fifty five, depose and say that Deborah Ainsworth late of this town, died in the fall of 1844, I think in the month of September, I lived within thirty rods of her at the time. She died very suddenly on Sunday morning, it was thought with a disease of the heart. I was called in about sunrise but she was dead, was present and helped lay out the body. Doct. Sweatt was sent for but did not get there until after she was dead.
Fanny Waterman

Windsor Co. ss. At Norwich this 22d day of March 1830, Fanny Waterman the above deponent who is a witness of strict integrity, subscribed and made oath to the foregoing affidavit, before
Before me IRA DAVIS Justice of Peace
Page 96

STATE OF VERMONT, Windsor County, ss.
I, Norman Williams, Clerk of the County Court, of the County of Windsor in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that Ira Davis is an acting justice of the Peace in and for siad county, duly commissioned and qualified ; that his commission was dated on the 30th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and will expire the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signatures to the certificates annexed are [crossed out: is] genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, at Woodstock, in said County of Windsor, this 26 day of March A. D. 1850.
Norman Willams, Clerk.
Page 97

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Duplicate. Secretary's Office, Boston:
August 27 1849
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathan Hamilton is on a roll of men from Brookfield in Capt. Ithamar Wrights Co. as Lieutenant Apr. 19. 1775. 15 Days Service
On a receipt for ammunition received by Capt. Barnabas Sear's Co. dated Dorchester Camp, February 15. 1776 as Lieutenant. no service stated
On an abstract monthly pay roll of Capt. Nathan Hamilton's Co. Col Saml Brewers Regt, from Aug 3. to Sept 30. 1776, as Captain. 1 mo. 29 days, wages [pound symbol] 15.14.8.
On roll dated Ticonderoga Mills. Nov 3, 1776. subscribed by the same names as are borne on the preceding roll of Capt. Hamilton's Co. (except the Capt.) that "we have received the Hole of our wages due for sarves in the month of October, as witness our hand."
On an abstract monthly pay roll of Capt. Nathan Hamilton's Co. Col Brewers Regt. (without date) 2 months 2 days services as Captain - the names on this roll are precisely the same as on roll from
Aug 3. to Sept. 30. 1776.
On a pay abstract of Capt Nathan Hamiltons Co. Col. Saml. Brewers Regt. for travel from Ft. Edward, home, dated Brookfield, Feby 6. 1777. 170 miles. at 1d pr. mile 14s. 2d. 8 ½ days to return [pound symbol] 2.5.4.
On "an average of service done during the present war made by a Comr. of the 3d. precinct in Brookfield," dated June 30, 1778 - six

[the following are notations to the left of the text]
-15
1-15
8-0
1-29
2.2
_____
4.01
applied in the [illegible] in 1776
Page 98

months service; the Comce. state the average "to 5 ½ months service to each single pull in the precinct, considering 3 months service at Roxbury & & R.I. [Rhode Island] equal to 2 months at northward & westward, & also in the guards only, in said town, equal to 1/3 to the northward, westward & Southward, and allow [pound symbol]10. paid at time of raising Continental men, equal to 1 years service.
There are orders in 1778 & 1779 to Capt. [Nathan] Hamilton to detach men from his company to serve at Rutland & R.I. which was done, but he does not appear to have gone with them-
The rolls in this office for service in 1776 are not complete, many rolls are missing. The length of Capt. Hamiltons service in 1776 does not
appear.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonweath the date above written
Wm Tufts
Depty Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 99

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall, Clerk of the judicial Courts for the County and Commonweath aforesaid, do hereby certify, That Charles Flagg, and Ebenezer Merriam, Esqrs are Justices of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; and that [crossed out: his] their signatures to the certificates on the depositions of Hiram Henshaw, and Jacob Dupee hereunto annexed, [crossed out: is] are genuine; and that said Flagg and Merriam were such Justices on the day of the date of their said certificates.
Given under my hand, and the seal of said County, this eight day of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven
Jos. G. Kendall Clerk.