Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 13397, Daniel Harris, Continental Mass.
Page 1

Service
Continental     
Mass 

Harris, Daniel   
Judith

Number
W.13397
Page 2

Judith Harris, widow of Daniel Harris, ESQ
who died on the 16th of December, 1820, 
of          in the State of Massachusetts
who was a   corp  and      in the      
commanded by  Captain S. Oakes of the Regiment commanded by Col. Woods in the New York      for 8 mos 7 days    $30.20
                           11 mos 22 days  $39.09
                                                        $69.29
Page 3

State of Massachusetts

I Daniel Harris a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Fitchburg in the County of Worcester in the state aforesaid, do on oath testify and declare , that in the War of the Revolution, on or about the first day of April AD 1777-
I entered and was engaged in the Land Service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from that time till one year was completed under-

as an artificer --- against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged to Capt. Seth Oakes Company as artificer under Col. Little being Quarter Master General- I also served as a soldier in Capt Sterns Company-Col. Woods Regiment Genl Nixons Brigade and M in 1778-was at West Point 3 months when Genl Arnold attempted to give us up-1775 or 1776
and that I left service on or about the last of March or first of April following
and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of age sixty six years
My discharges by reason of accident or negligence are lost

And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension, heretofore allowed me by laws of the United States, if any may be or hath so allowed.

Daniel Harris

Be it remembered, That on this 29th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 18 pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled" An Act to provide certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," made and passed on the 18th of March, A.D. 1818, personally appeareth before me,

Edward Bangs


Judge G C Com Pleas Western Circuit

the abovenamed  Daniel Harris and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole truth, he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribed the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.   with the Seal affixd and


Edward Bangs
Page 4

I Zebedee Simonds of Orange in the County of Franklin and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that I was Sergeant of the company under the command of Capt. Seth Oaks within named that the (outline named Daniel Harris inlisted into said Company as
within stated that he served for the full term of one year in said Company as an (illegible) and that he was at it and served of said term 
regularly discharged as I verily believe having faithfully performed his duty in his company; that I have been personally acquainted with the said Harris for more than forty years; that he is a man of truth & his statement I verily believe to be true in addition to what I have above stated of my own knowledge--
Zebedee Symonds (signature)

Worcester Ss. April 25th Personally appeared the said Zebedee Simonds and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed before me  
John W. Stiles Jus Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester Ss.-- I Jos. G. Kendall Clerk of the Judicial Courts for said County being Courts of Record--certify that on the twenty fifth day of April A.D. 1818 & for many years afterwards a John W Stiles was a Justice of the Peace within and for said County and duly authorized to administer the oath above certified to and that his name above written is in his own hand writing. I further certify that Edward Bangs whose name is within written was a Judge of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas Ap. 29 1818 for said County & that his signature withing written is in his own hand writing. In witness to hand i have hereto set my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for this County of Worcester this seventh day of January A.D. 1837
Jos. G. Kendall, Clerk
Page 5

(left side of page)

Vt 1081  (crossed out)

2520 Declaration of  Judith Harris

Rolls Massachusetts

8 mo.  7 ds  Corpl.
_____________
2      15
1       7        private
______________
3.     22      private
__________
8 mo            " in 75 Capt. Fuller
_____________
11       22
_________________
8 mo 7 Corp
11 mo 22  pri
_________________________
No deduction  $69.29
  add + July 3rd

(right side)
18 Jan of 1837
Page 6

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Middlesex Ss.

On this eighteenth day of January A. D. 1837 personally appeared before the Hon. Justices of the Court of Common Pleas holder at Cambridge for and within said County.
Judith Harris formerly of Fitchburgh in the County of Worcester in said Commonwealth but now a resident of Cambridge in said County of Middlesex, aged seventy five
years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4, 1836: that she is the widow of Daniel Harris late of the same Fitchburgh deceased who was a soldier in the war of the revolution and at the commencement of resided in the same Fitchburgh that according to the best of her knowledge and belief he performed to following services un the following officers. That is to say: 
1)  In the years A.D. 1775 and 1776 he served as a soldier in the war of the revolution fourteen months in the neighborhood of Boston. The officers under whom he served and the particular service she is not  able to state sure fully.
2) That on or about April 1, 1777 he again entered the service on the Continental establishment as an (illegible) under Capt. Seth Oakes. Col. Little Quarter Master Gen. and served for the space of one year untill about April 1 1778 when he returned to said Firchburgh.
3) That in the summer of 1778 he entered the service for eight months as a Sergeant in Capt. Ephraim Pleams company Col. Ezra Woods regiment. Gen'l Nixons Brigade. He then marched to Peekskill New York where he mustered in the month of June in the same year. He served out his time of eight months as a Sergeant and was discharged in the month of February 1779 when he returned home to said Fitchburgh.
4) that some time in the year 1779 he again enlisted into the service for term of three month and

(over)
Page 7

was in the company commanded by Capt. Thomas Cowden of Fitchburgh. Lieut. William Lincoln of Leominster 2nd Lieut. Edward Bacon of Westminister. He marched to Great Barrington thence to Albany New York. Thence to New City now Laudinburgh. he served out his term of three months. When he was discharged and returned to said Fitchburgh.
In or about the month of August 1780 he again entered the service for three months in the company commanded by Capt. Timothy Boutelle of Leominster Mass. he marched to Claverick New York. thence to West Point and was there when Arnolds treason was discovered. He served out his term of three months. When he was discharged and returned to said Fitchburgh.
The discharges which he received are lost by time and accident.

In the application of said Daniel Harris for a pension under the act of Congress of March 1818 his three last periods of service are not mentioned as under that act they would not have been of any avail to him and a statement and proof of them unnecessary.
The further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Harris on the middle of June 1780 in the year seventeen hundred and eighty. The precise day she cannot at this late period recollect but is confident it was at that time. She well remembered that said Harris after their marriage remained at house about two months. When he entered the service and was gone for some time before he returned.  She has made diligent search but cannot procure any evidence of her marriage that that which accompanies this declaration.
Page 8

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex Ss.

I Elias Phinney Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Middlesex do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Judith Harris for the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this eighteenth day of January 1837.

Signature of Elias Phinney
Page 9

May 18, 1936


Nuss Isabel E. Myrth
1906 2nd Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C.

\BA-J/EEL
Daniel Harris - W.13397

Dear Madam:
REference is made to you personal request of May 15, 1936, in regard to Daniel Harris, a soldier of the Revolutionary War. 

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.13397, based upon the military service of Daniel Harris in that war.

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Daniel Harris are not shown.

While residing in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, Daniel Harris enlisted i 1776, served eight months in Captain Fuller's Company, Colonel Asa Whitcomb's Massachusetts Regiment and was in the battle of Bunker Hill; he enlisted in 1776, exact dates not shown and served six months in Captain William Warner's Company, Colonel Josiah Whitney's Massachusetts Regiment; he enlisted April 1, 1777, served as an Artificer in Captain Seth Oak's Company under Colonel Lutterlough, Quartermaster General, was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Red Bank and Mad Island Fort (Fort Mifflin) and was discharged in March 1778:  He enlisted in May, 1778, served as sergeant in Captain Ephraim Stearns' Company, Colonel Ezra Wood's Massachusetts Regiment and was discharged in February 1779, having served eight months: he again enlisted in 1779 and served three months in Thomas Cowdin's Massachusetts Company: and enlisted in August, 1780, and served three months in Captain timothy Boutell's Massachusetts Company: was at West Point at the time of Arnold's treason.

He died December 16, 1820, at Fitchburg, Massachusetts. 

The soldier married at Fitchburg, Massachusetts, about the middle of June 1780, Judith Goodale. Both were then of said 
 
[Notations in right margin of letter]
Identified all officer in either Heitman or Mass.B.&S. except Capt. Seth Oak. 

See signature of Capt. Seth Oak in cl. of Zebedee Symonds,  W.15415 and his statement in re.cont. service, dated Mar. 6, 1778.
Page 10

Firchburg. The date and place of birth of Judith Goodale and the name of her parents are not shown.
   Judith, wido of Daniel Harris, applied for pension on January 18,1837, on account of the services of her husband in the Revolutionary War, at which time she was aged seventy-five years and resided in Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.  Her claim was allowed.

  ( AB)---She died May 4, 1837, place not shown.

  Children of the soldier and his wife, Judity are referred to: the only name of a child that is shown is that of their first daughter Jerusha Harris, who was born February 6,1781 at Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  Her birth was recorded on the town records of said Fitchburg.

  In 1837, Samuel Harris, a brother of the soldier, was aged eighty-eight years and resided in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.

  There are no further family data.

  Very truly yours

  A. D. Miller
 Executive Assistant to the Administrator

(this was a typewritten document)
Page 11

WIDOW, &c.
File No. 13397
Judith Harris
Widow of 
Daniel Harris
Corporal Rev War

Act: July 4th  36
Index: - Vol. A, Page 310

[Arrangement of 1879.]

[Right side of document]
Nov. 25, 1904  Hist to 
Mrs. C.O. Wilson, 
Lowell, Mass

1935  May 16  Hist to
Miss Isabel E. Myrth  ES
Page 12

V
Case of 
(Judith?) Harris,
See letter 2 Jan. 1839 letter.
W Parmenta H R
To be relieved by 
The (bank?) Of (hon?)
W. Parmenta H R
4 July '36
Page 13

Rolls

Vol 14/ 85  Capt. Fuller 75   Pri  8 mos
  "   22  201  "   Sterns  78    Copl  8.  7d
  "  18  111   "  Cowden 79   Pri     1   7d
                       Boutelle  80   pri    2   15
Page 14

Capt. Fuller  Vol. 14.85 - on Smohri
75.6 no officers named  14 mon/m
Apr 4.77  Seth Oakes  Col. Little artificer  12 mo.

Sum 78  Ephraim Stearns - Wood  Serff  8 - 
79  Thomas Bowden  395  Vol. 11  111  Fri  3.
Aug 80  Timothy Bontelle  3 

8 (?)  vol 17. 123
8 months  Corp  Vol 22.201
1 mo 7  pri
H 18 July to 10 Cot 80-Eaton's service certified by Capt. Boutell

Interior of marriage  1 June 80   daughter born 6 July 1781
8 m0. 8 days from publication
(very faint signatures:  Z Symonds and Daniel Harris)
Page 15

Daniel Harris

In April 1818 he was residing in Fitchburg Worcester County aged 66 years & stated he had a wife & eleven children.  He was mar'd about the middle of June 1780 to Judith Goodale (inserted: "applicaton for enlistment made Jule 1, 1780") & he died at Fitchburg Dec 16 1820
& his widow formerly of that place but living in Jany 1837 at Cambridge, Middlesex Co Mass., aged 75 years & stated that at the commencement of the war he resided in Fitchburg--He was in what was termed the 
# 8 mos service at the Siege of Boston under Col Whitcomb 1776
# see over 

About the 1st April 1777 he enlisted for 12 mo as an artilier Seth Oakes, Cole Little as Qr Master
War in Delaware & Penn &NJ  Layfayette wounded at battles Brandywine & Germantown & an island.
(illegible sentence)

In the summer of 1778 he served 8 mos as Sgt under Capt Ephraim Sterns in Col Ezra Woods reg marched to Peekskill NY & dischg July 1779
In 1779 he enlisted for 3 mos under Capt Thomas Cowden of Fitchburg, going to Albany then to New City now Lansingham NY. He served another 3 months term, at West Point under Capt. Timothy Boutelle of Leominster and we at Est Point when the treason of Arnold was discovered.

Sam Harris in Feby 1837 of Fitchburg aged 88 years stated that his brother Daniel Harris was in the Battle of Bunker Hill (June17. 1775) He (illegible) during the war at his brother (Samuels) home & described to him the attack on Mud Fort on an Island a short distance
below (illegible) (in October) 1777
Joseph Fuller states Harris was in the Battle of Brandywine (Sept. 1 1777) at the Red Bank (Oct & Nov 1777) Mud Island

Ephraim Osborn of Fitchburg served with him in 1779 & 1780
Firs child Jerusha is recorded as born Feby 6 1781
Page 16

Joseph Robbins of N.H. testified that Harris enlisted in May 1776 for 6 mos with Capt W. Warner of Leominster in Col. Whitney Regt. going to Neddles Island in Boston Harbor  remained one month from thence to Nantasket in the Bay 6 or 7 miles from Boston at which  placed ducky

Sometime in Augt a British Ship made her appearance in the Bay laden with provisions for their army - Col Whitney hauled them to learn to & sent by Barge along side 4 took possessor of her Cargo which was claimed by the States & a lawsuit ensud which was finally Settled by the regiment holding foils

Some time after this event two other  (?) belonging to the British were driven in by privatiers having on board a regiment of Scotch Highlanders, being (?) by the British flag the Col. had flying all day, Sent their boat (?) with 7 or 8 men who were taken forward after the boat was run out & left the men Captured, but the privatier, fired on them killed the major, Surrendered were taken to Boston
Page 17

May 15, 1935

Mail to: 

Mrs. Isabel E. Myrth
1908  2n st. N.S.
Washington D.C. 

Rec. the record of Daniel Harris, widow - Judith, W.13397
Personal request
Page 18

Old War and Navy Division. 
3-523

Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Pension, 
Washington, D.C.   Oct. 31 1904

Madam
     In reply to your communication of a recent date, you are informed that this Bureau is unable to furnish a history of service of any soldier of the Revolutionary war or of the war of 1812 unless he or his widow was a pension or applicant for pension or bounty land; and that under the rules such a history is furnished only to the soldier's descendants, and to them only when it is desired for historical or genealogical purposes. 

     The large number of Inquiries made on this subject, and the length of time required to make a proper search of the records in each case, will not permit of information being given to any applicant concerning more than two soldiers.

In order that the soldier concerning whom you desire information may be identified, you requested to furnish as much as possible of the data called for below. 

No fees charged or received

Very respectfully
J.L. Davenport  Acting Commissioner

Mrs. C.O. Wilson
614 Gorham St. 
Lowell Mass. 


[Two U.S. Pension Office stamps can be seen and are dated Nov 7 1904]

Full name of soldier,  Daniel Harris

Where did he enter service?  Fitchburg

Under what officers did he serve? 

Place of residence after service  Fitchburg  Mass

Place of residence after service - FItchburg Mass

Approximate date of death  1820

Given name of Widow   Judith Goodale

Did either the soldier or his widow receive a pension?  All I know is that he applied for a pension

Additional Information, Daniel Harris took part in the battles of Brandywine, Bunker Hill, Germantown, and was Sargent.

Signature  
Mrs C.O. Wilson
614 Gorham Street
Lowell  Mass

[Post-office address, including street and number, town, county, and State]
Page 19

SUFFOLK CORDAGE COL, 
HINCKLEY BROS. & CO., 
SELLING AGENTS.  

Office, Nos. 56, 58, 60
Commercial Street 
Boston, Mas. 

Mary 18th 1889

Hon James Tanner
Comr. of Pensions
Washington  D.C. 

Dear Sir
     Yours of the 14th inst [instant] containing copy of application for pension of Dal Harris of Fitchburg Rev. Soldier is at hand, for which please accept my sincere thanks. 

     May I trouble your examiner "J.N.P" to look once more to see if anything is mentioned in regard to the date of his birth

     I notice that the record mentions that he was residing in Fitchburg in April 1818 and was then was 66 yr of age - and that hdied in Dec 1820.  I am desirous of establishing the date of his birth

Very truly yr
A.S. Harris
Page 20




April 6 1889
To the Hon. Comr. of Pensions
Washington D.C. 

Will you kindly send me a copy of the record in connection with a pension granted to Daniel Harris of Fitchburg Mass, a Revolutionary Soldier.  I think he took part in battle of Lexington as member of Capt Ebenezer Bridges Co., Col John Whitcomb regiment, and at Bunker Hill, Capt John Fuller's co, Col John (or Asa) Whitcomb regiment

If the record shows what other service her performed it would please me to be informed. 

Very truly yours
A.S. Harris 
No 60 Commercial St
Boston
Mass
Page 21

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Middlesex Ss.
On this seventeenth day of January A.D. 1837 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace withing and for said County Ellery Browne who subscribed the written deposition, thi is now to me as a credible person whose statements are entitled to belief and made solemn oath that the written deposition by him subscribed is just & true according to the best of his i knowledge and belief.

(signature of) Henry M. Chamberlain Just. Peace

 Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex Co.  I Elias Phinney Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the County of Middlesex do certify that Henry M. Chamberlaine Esquire is a Justice of the Peace within afore said county of Middlesex, duly qualified and that his name subscribed to the foregoing certificate is his genuine signature.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the 18th day January 1837

(signature) E. Phinney
Page 22

I Ellery Brown of Bostin in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty six years, depose and say that in the year A.D. 1818 I resided in Fitchburgh in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  In that year I assisted Daniel Harris late of the same Fitchburgh, deceased, in his application for a pension under the act of March A.D. 1818. That I was present at the taking of the deposition of Zebedee Symonds hereto annexed.  That said deposition was sworn to by said Zebedee Symonds, before Hohn W Stiles Esquire, Justice of the Peace on the 25th day of April A.D. 1818. 
That the caption on said deposition was signed by said John W. Stiles on the day and year last above mentioned.  That said Zebedee Symonds and John W. Stiles are both reputed to be now deceased and I verily believe are both now deceased.
(signature) Ellery Brown
Page 23

March 24, 1838

[crossed out - Apl 17, 1878]

Hon W Parmenter
Page 24

I Ellery Browne of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty eight years, depose & say I assisted Daniel Harris to procure his application for a pension to be made in April A.D. 1818. I was present when the application hereto annexed was made which was drafted by Hon. Jonas Kendall and I heard said Harris dictate the contents of said application to said Kendall word for word. It was drafted April 17, 1818.
The deposition of Zebedee Simonds was taken April 23, 1818 and it having afterwards been discovered that Simonds had not deposed, that Harris had served with him in Capt. Seth Oakes company the application was at my suggestion laid aside and a new one prepared and new depositions.
I was not aware I had the application in my possession untill a few days since. I discovered it in looking over some old papers. I presume it has been in my possession ever since it was drafted.
Ellery Brown (signature)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex Ss. March 24, 1838 Personally appeared Ellery Browne above named known to me as a credible witness and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is just and true according to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Before me
James Dana
Justice Peace for said County
Page 25

State of Massachusetts
I Daniel Harris a Citizen of the United States, now resident at Fitchburg in the County of Worcester in the State aforesaid do on oath testify and declare that in the War of the Revolution Sometime in the month of April 1777 I enlisted in 
Col.  Little's under Capt. Seth Oakes as an artilier (illegible) being Quartermaster General, and served according to the best of my recollection one year in the State of Delaware & Pennsylvania, in 1778 I enlisted in May in Capt Morris company & Col Woods Regiment and served of month at an d near North river and I had previously served 8 month in companies in 1775 in Capt. Millers Company Col. (illegible) company  and in 1776 served 6 month under William Thomas Company and Col. Whitcomb
I entered and was engaged in the service of the United States on the continental establishment, and served accordingly from the above named times & the terms above stated.
 (crossed out here "and was regularly discharged out several times") as a private (illegible) against the common enemy, without any interruption or absence: that I belonged to the companies & Regiments as above named
and that I was regularly discharged each several times, and that, by reason of my reduced circumstances in life and poverty, I stand in need of assistance from my country for support, being now of the age of sixty six years--that I have a wife and eleven children, five of whom are dependant on me for support. My discharges are not now in my possession & I believe them to have been lost for I cannot find
And I hereby relinquish all claims to every pension heretofore allowed me by the laws of the United States, if any may be or hath been so allowed.
                                          not signed
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this       day of        
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and                 pursuant to a law of the United States, entitled, "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary A.D. 1818, personally appeareth before me

the above named
and after due examination and caution to testify and declare the whole,  he maketh oath to the declaration aforesaid, and subscribes the same in my presence; and, on examination duly made by me the said Judge, it appeareth to my satisfaction that the said declaration is true.
Page 26

I Joseph Fuller of Fitchburg in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, Do testify & say that in the year 1778 I was in the Company of Capt Ephraim Harris of & near the north River (?) there acquainted the within named Danie Harris and I know him to have been a soldier in said Company for the term of 8 months, who I know that said Daniel Harris did inlist as as (?) at some period of the war but cannot State the year.  I also have good reason & believe that said Harris is a man of truth, and that what he has Stated within is true
Signature of Joseph Fuller

Worcester  April 17th 1818
then personally appeared the above named Joseph Fuller and made oath to the above Deposition by him Subscribed

Before me Jonas Shindall  Justice Peace

April 17th 1818
This may Certify that I have long been acquainted with the within named Daniel Harris, and have good reason to believe him to be a man where veracity may be depended on 
Signature of Jonas Shindall

Zevidee Simond of (?) in the County of Franklin  Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify & say that I was a Sergeant in the Service of the United States in the revolutionary war, in the same Company with the within named Harris for the time of one year which was in the years 1777 & 1778.  That said Harris as a private soldier in the same Company service for the term of one year.  That I have been acquainted with said Harris for more than forty years.  That I believe the within affidavit by him made is true & that he sustains a good reputation

Signature of Zebedee Symond

Worcester ss.  April 23 1818
Personally appeared the above named Zebidee Symonds  and made oath & the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed. 

Before me Alex Durlin  Justice of the Peace
Page 27

Charlestown   March 26 1838

J.L. Edwards  Esqr. 

In the objections to the allowance of the claim of Judith Harris for a pensioner, it is amomg other things stated, that she does not give the particulars of his service, as to time, place &c. I am requested to say that the accompanying document & affidavit are forwarded as evidence to obviate that objection.

Your Obt servt
James Dana
agent for Judith Harris
Page 28

[date is very faint] appears to be 
Jany 5, 1837
Page 29

I Jacob Fullam of Fitchburg County of Worcester & State of [illegible] being 79 years old do testify & say that I am well acquainted with Mrs. Judith Harris, widow of Daniel Harris late of this town, deceased; I was near neighbors to (?) before & after his [illegible] in the (?) Daniel Harris in her maiden name was Judith Goodale. This marriage took place before the Close of our revolutionary War & I will recollect that said Harris enlisted into the army of the Revolution & [illegible] one term of Service (of these months (?) I think) after his (?) with said Judith  ( have been well acquainted with said Judith over (?) that period. Said Daniel Harris died several years ago & his widow the said Judith Harris have (?) his widow to this day. 

Signature of Jacob Fullman

State of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss. 
Jany 5th 1837 
Then personally appeared the above named Jacob Fullman and in my opinion is a credible person & entitled to belief & made oath the above affidavit by him subscribed  is correct 

Before  Signature of (?) Wood   JUstice of the Peace

I [illegible] of Fitchburg County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts 73 years of age do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Daniel Harris who died in this town about 16 years ago, his wife (?) was Judith Goodale before marriage. I & said Daniel Harris entered the Service of the United States in the year 1774 together, from this town. This company of Militia into which we enlisted was commanded by Captain Thomas (?) of this town & William Lincoln of Leominster & Edward (?) of Westminster [illegible] Lieutenant
Myself & the said Daniel Harris performed this term after the (?) of three months  together & were regularly discharged together. We marched to Great Barrington (?) then to Albany NY. - then to New City, so called, now Lansingburg to N.Y. where we finished out the term aforesaid & came home together

I again enlisted into the service of the United States & Daniel Harris aforesaid (?) for three months in the month of August ( I think) in the year 1780.  We were both privates & our Company was commanded by Capt. Timothy Boutelle of Leominster. We marched this time to (?) N.Y. & forthwith to West Point & were there when the [illegible] were discovered. Said Harris & myself performed this term of service together in the same Company were discharged together & returned to
Page 30

this town late in the Fall of the year of 1780 - I think the said Daniel Harris before this last term of service aforesaid was married to the said Judith Goodale  The said Harris ^ his wife always (?) near neighbors to come in said Fitchburg, (?) the (?) of Daniel Harris above mentioned - Judith Harris, hi widow, is well know to me & she has now married again but remained widow Harris to this day  - Said Daniel Harris was ten or twelve years older than myself. 
Signature of Ephraim Osborn

State of Massachusetts
County fo Worcester ss  
Jany 5th 1837
Then personally appeared the above named Ephraim Osborn in my opinion is a credible person & entitled to belief & made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is correct & true. 
Before me  Nathl Wood  Justice of the Peace

I [illegible name] of Fitchburg County of Worcester, State of Massachusetts do testify & say that I am now the Town Clerk of said town of Fitchburg that on Searching the Records of this town I found in an old Book of Records No. 1 Page 459 the following certificate "This day Daniel Harris made application to me to be published to Judith Goodale both of (?)."  June the 1 1780"
Signature of Thos. Cowden Town Clerk   

I cannot find a record of their marriage upon any of the Records of said town, thought I have under diligent search therefore  The Records show for several years about 1780 very few (?) of marriages, compared with the number of Publishments. I find in my search on Book 2 of said Town Records, a record of the births of said Daniel Harris's family.  I find there that his first Daughter, (?) Harris, daughter of Daniel Harris & Judith, his wife born at Fitchburg 6th February 1781. This appears to have been recorded by Joseph Fox than Town Clerk
Signature of James A Marshall

State of Massachusetts 
Worcester County Ss. 
Jany 5 1837
Then personally appeared the above named James Marshall who in my opinion is a credible person & entitled to belief & made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is correct & true
Before me Nathl Wood Justice of the Peace
Page 31

I Joseph Fuller of Holden in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts of 77 years of age do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Daniel Harris who died in the Town of Fitchburg in the County of Worcester aforered a out 16 years age, I then resided in said Fitchburg and near neighbor to him. I enlisted in Fitchburg  for 8 months service in the Army of the Revolution in the summer of 1778, and marched to Peekskill in New York and was there mustered in the months of June in Captain Ephraim Stearns Company - Col Woods Regiment. General Sinons Brigade. The afore service Daniel Harris enlisted into said Stearns Company as a Sargent and was mustered at his enlistment (Eight months) and was the honorable discharged in the month of February 1779 and we then started for home together and traveled one day in Company and then seperated Holden January 7th 1837 Joseph Fuller 

State of Massachusetts 
Worcester County S.S.  January 7th 1837
The personally appeared the above Named Joseph Fuller and after being duly cautioned made oath that the above affidavit by him  subscribed in true and correct and further certify that I am personally made acquaintance with him and that in my opinion is a creditable person and intellectfull belief. 
Samuel Damon Justice of the Peace 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Page 32

Charlestown

Jany 24 1837

Hon. Samuel Hoar

Dr. Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Judith Harris for a pension under the act of July 1836. She is the widow of Daniel Harris who applied under the act of March 1818 but was not admitted not having served 9 mo. at one period. She resides in Cambridge, and us quite infirm and advanced : and it would be quite a comfort to her and her friends to realize the benefit of the act before her decease. 

She requests me to say to you if you will trouble yourself, to have such dispatch given to her application, as will promote this  She will be under the greatest obligations to you - 

I am respectfully 
Yr. Obt. Servt. 
Signature of James Dana
Page 33

 I Jonas Kendall of Leominster County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the age of 79 years testify and say that I have been well acquainted with Zebedee Symonds for much of the time in said Leominster, afterwards in Templeton in said County and afterwards in Orange in the County of Franklin for 50 years, that ne was a credible person and his statements entitled to full credit.  I have frequently heard said Symonds say that he was out as an artifier in the Revolutionary war, and that he was A Mud Island fort I have frequently heard it said many years ago, that Daniel Harris of Fitchburg in said County was out in the Revolutionary war and this was a common report of the Revolutionary war, both on to Harris and Symonds. The said Daniel Harris was well known to me for many years.  He was always a credible person, and his statements entitled to full credit. 
Signature of Jonas Kendall
Page 34

Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Worcester County ss. 
On this fifteenth day of February 1837 personally appeared Jonas Kendall the subscriber to the within affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me
Signature of Solomon Strong, Judge, C.C. Pleas [ Common Court of Pleas]

I certify that I have been well acquainted with Jonas Kendall the signer of the within affidavit for 36 years - that he is a credible person and his statements are entitled to full credit. His character is highly reputable, and he has sustained the office of Members of Congress and many other distinguished public offices
Signature of Solomon Strong  C.C. Pleas

 I Samuel Harris of Fitchburg in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts of the age of 88 years, do testify & say; that I have lived in the town of Fitchburg aforesaid 79 years and that I am a brother of Daniel Harris of said Fitchburg who died in December 1820. I will recollect that he was engaged in the service of the U. States at the Battle of Bunker Hill and continued in service at different periods most of the time during the war of the revolution and that he resided at my house when not in service, but the periods of service are as nearly connected that I cannot recollect the [illegible] and of any (?) passed, the Principal part of the particulars of his service I do no now recollect of hearing him state but I well recollect him state some particulars of the engagement at (?) Island Fort - he stated that the fort was so built that the water would be let in at different parts of the Fort so that if the enemy chose to bomb it, the Bombs would fall into the water, that they  were attacked in the Fort but left that and had the engagement  in the fort on the field nearby. I well recollect of hearing him state that the (?) that being exhausted he
Page 35

Commonwealth of Massachusetts,  Worcester County for on the 18th day of February 1837, personally appeared Daniel Harris the subscriber to the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before me. 
Signature of Levi Downe

I certify that I have been acquainted with Samuel Harris for 20 years - that he is a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full credit 
Signature of Levi Downe

I Joseph Fuller of Holden in the County of Worcester in the State of Massachusetts seventy seven years of Age and formerly a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution that in the year 1777 I resided in the Town of Fitchburg that I was there well acquainted with Daniel Harris of said Fitchburg who died in  1820  It was a general and notorious (?) in 1777 at Fitchburg that the said Harris was then in the Army at the south - that in June 1778 on my march to join the army at [Puteshill?] I met the said Harrris about forty miles from Fitchburg When on his return home after his discharge from the years service and other services rendered after the years service was out as I understood -- Said Harris then engaged for Eight months service in the same Company with myself during that 8 months service and for many years after I often and repeatedly heard the sd.[said] Harris speak of the service he did and the Battles and engagement he was in during years service ending March 1778 as an artificer. He stated he was in the Battle at Red Bank
Page 36

being that the said Daniel Harris was an artificer in the Army of the Revolution in the year 1777 and during the year ending March 1778 as that General Washington was there
Holden February 20th 1837   Signature of Joseph Fuller

Worcester S.S. Holden February 20 1837 
Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Fuller signer of the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the statements therein contained and I further state that I am and have been for a number of years acquainted with the said Fuller and that he is a man of truth and a creditable witness and that full confidence may be part therein
Signature of Samuel Daman
Justice of Peace in the County of Worcester

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester ss. 
I Joseph Kendall Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Worcester, being [illegible] of Records certify that Solomon Strong [whose signature within is genuine t mu knowledge his handwriting], is one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth and that the within named Levi Downe and Samuel Daman are Justices of the Peace within and for said County, and that the signature of the names of said Downe & Daman, within written appear to be in their own handwriting

In witness whereof I have caused the seal of said Court of Common Pleas to be hereto affixed & have subscribed my name this twentieth day of February A.D. 1837
Signature of Joseph Kendall  Clerk
Page 37

I, Ellery Browne of Boston County of Suffolk and  Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty six years depose & say, that I resided in the town Fitchburg County of Worcester from the year A.D. 1804 to 1824 That I was well acquainted with Daniel Harris of said Fitchburg who died in the town in 1820.  That he has frequently described his revolutionary service to me and particularly that of 1777. He stated to me that he enlisted into the service of the United States in the first part of the year 1777 for the term of one year, as an artificer, that he marched and joined Washingtons army in the Jerseys - that he was in the battle of German Town  Brandywine. Red Bank and Mud Island and wound in the battle, where Lafayette was wounded - He stated they gad a fort on Mud Island or Block house, where he was placed making repairs on the home and that the British threw their bombs into their work, is that they were obliged to abandon the fort. I further depos & say I proceed the deposition of L. Simon as relaterie to said Harris service (on the 24th April 1818) that said there stated, where he and said Harris were in the year 1777. and stated it to me to be the same as said Harris related it to me as aforesaid - that at the time, I regriested the person who wrote the disposition, to insect the force therein who objected saying the Act of 1818 did not regreive it - I further depose & say I leave heard one Luke Johnson formally of Leominster Ms. deceased, say that he was an artificer in the year 1777 ans was at the battle if Germantown, with said Harris. that he said Johnson served nine months, long enough to entitle him to a pension under the act of 1818. That he affleid under that and was dejected because he was a actificer  Ellery Brown 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Middlesex Js February 22, 1837 Personally appeared before me the rescriber, Ellery Browne above named, who is well known to me as one whose statement are entitled to full credit and belief and made solemn oath that the above despositon by him redescribed is true. 
Henery M. Chamberlin Justice of Peace
Page 38

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex Ss. 
I Elias Phihhey  Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for said county of Middlesex, do hereby certify that Henry M. Chamberlain Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, duly qualified and that his name subscribed to the within certificate is his genuine Signature. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court, the twenty third day of February 1837

Signature of E. Phinney
Page 39

James L. Edwards Esqr. 
Commr of Pensions
Washington, 
D.C.
Page 40

Charlestown   Dec. 14. 1837

J.L. Edwards  Esqr. 

Dr. Sir
Yours of 23rd inst. came duly to hand. In answer we would ask, whether Luke Johnson was a witness for Danl Harris in 1818?  Was it not Zebedee Simonds who was a witness?  You say the claim of Luke Johnson was rejected. Was it not for the reason he claimed only as an artificer? and were the claims of artificers admitted under the Act of March 1818.

You say Harris' name is not on the rolls. might he not have been transferred to a regiment from some other state. 

You say Harris' claim in 1818 was rejected for want of proof.  The papers do not state so. On the back of  his application is this endorsement "Did not serve nine months at one period, not entitled toa Pension!"  Was not thus the reason? And was not his claim as an artificer, with all others, rejected in toto.

You say he did not procure the testimony of his brother & neighbors in 1818.Was it not reasonable to expect him to procure it  :  their evidence being merely tradition.
Page 41

and Harris having the positive evidence of Z. Simonds to support his claim 0  We think there must be an evident mistake in the matter of your last letter, on examination of Harris old claim, the other papers, as Harris claim seems to have been rejected, expressly rejected on the ground he did not have nine months on one enlistment. 

We man have made a small mistake in in the Judith Harris application. She states he served in "Capt. Seth Oakes Company , Col. Little being quarter master general.  On an examination of Judge Davis records, we think it should be Capt Seth Oakes Company, Col. Luttllebough's regiment   If the papers of Johnson and Simonds are on file, will you be good enough to turn to them and see whether their applications contradict or support Harris claim.

We think with the evidence before the Department, Mrs. Harris' claim ought to be entitled to a further favourable consideration, which we hope will be extended to it by the Department

I am 
respectfully yours
Signature of James Dana
Page 42

on, and Harris having the positive evidence of Z. Simonds to support his claim 0 
We think there must be a evident mistake in the matter of your last letter, on examination of Harris old claim, the other papers, as Harris claim seems to have been rejected, expressly rejected on one enlistment. 

We may have made a small mistake in Mrs. Judith Harris' application. She states he servced in "Capt. Seth Oakes Company, Col Little being quarter master general. 

On an examination of Judge David records, we think it should be Capt. Sth Oakes Company, Col. Luttlebough's regiment - 

If the papers Johnson and Simonds are on file, will you be good enough to turn to them and see whether  their applications contradict or support Harris' claim. 

We think with the evidence before the Department, Mrs. Harris claim ought to be entitled to a further favourable consideration, which we hope will be extended to it by the Department. 

I am respectfully yours &c
Signature of James Dana
Page 43

Charlestown  Dec. 22 1837

Hon. Wm Parmenter

Dear Sir

I have to ask your assistance in behalf of Mrs. Judith Harris an old widow lady the former wife of Danl Harris.  She claims for various services of her husband but does not offer proof of about 24 months only sufficient to entitle her to a full pension.  Her application for a pension, was forwarded to the Pension Office Jany 24 /39  (1939) through Mr. Hoar and we have been negotiating about the case, with the Department admit : the only dispute is as to the other which is a term of 12 mo. as an artificer under Capt Seth Oakes.  This service we prove by the positive evidence of one witness.  This witness was objected on the ground he not certified to be credible.  This objection we obviated - 

The next objection was that the evidence was "too vague and indefinite" which was obviated as well as we could and we procured the traditionary evidence of 4 o5 5 witnesses.  With all this evidence before them they (?) to allow the 12 mo.   In my opinion a fair claim is stated & supported by evidence such as they in their instructions sent out with the act of July 1836 denounced & require   I have to request you, Sir, to go the Pension Office, examine Mrs. Harris' Claim, and the
Page 44

evidence addressed in support of it. Also to examine the objections against the claim, which you will find in the enclosed letters from the Department - 

Also to examine the answers to those objections, which you will find in my letters, now on file in the Pension office. 

If after such examination you concur with me in opinion, and Mr. Edwards should still persist in refusing to allow the claim  : I wish you to refer the claim to the Secy of War who suppose is the appellate power. When I was at Washington I so referred a claim to the Secy of War and obtained a decision in my favour contrary to the opinion of Mr. Edwards.   I am aware he ought to be very particular; but there is a point beyond which, that particularity; becomes oppressive [or offensive]. It seems to me some regard ought to be paid to the solemn testimony of honest men. 

The claim is under the oath of Danl. Harris himself under the act 1818 and on the back of that claim, (which was forwarded with the list of the evidence) is the testimony of Z Simonds who (?) that Harris perform, to the above, consistent with the (?) convenience, will much oblige. Mrs. Harris and yr obt. Servnt
Signature of James Dana
Page 45

Washington  Jany 6 1838

Sir
Herewith I enclose you nine documents numbered 1.  2.  21/2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8. in behalf of the claim of Mrs Judith Harris on your Department wherein after examination I have to request the favor fo you to return with your remarks 

Mr. Dana is a reputable & prudent man and would not I think draw hasty conclusions in a case of this kind.  I (?) this because he is considerably urgent in this matter. 

I am very respectfully 
Yr  me obed. 
Wm Parmenter

Co  James L Edwards Esq. 
Pension Office
Page 46

Charlestown  March 26 1838

Hone. WIm. Parmenter

Dr. Sir
Mr. Brone has discovered some more evidence in Mrs. Judith Harris' case which I herewith enclose. It seems a strong combination of the statement before made. 

It is now over a year since the application was forwarded to the Pension office and I wish you would remind them the applicant is anxious for a decision. On reviewing the evidence, I think you, and any candid mind, must be satisfied, that she ought to be allowed for a full pension viz.: 24 months.

I wish you to certify on the enclosed affidavit that I am a Justice Peace for Midx. County which I suppose you can do, on my statement to you that, having been so appointed by the grace of his Excy. in Sept. 1837

I am respectfully 
Yr. obt. Servt.
Signature of James Dana
Page 47

P.S.  One of the objections made to Mrs. Harris' claim, was that the particulars of the service were not stated and proved. The enclosed evidence as you will see state the particulars of Danl. Harris service, as it came from his own mouth and goes to prove the years service (which we are (?) after ) performed in Delaware & Pennsylvania

Initials of J.D.
Page 48

Washington April 16, 1838
Sirs
I enclose to you additional documents in the case of Judith Harris which has been sent to me by James Dana [illegible] of Charlestown- Mass
I am very respectfully,
Your obedient
Wm. Parmenter
James L Edward’s Esq.
Page 49

I hereby Certify that I have been acquainted with Daniel Harris late of Fitchburg deceased ever since the revolutionary War having served one term of eight months in the same with him in the year 1775 and have all ways the least doubt that he was there as he has described in hisbelieved his Character for truth to be good and should believe his Statement relative to his Revolutionary service to be true
Fitchburg  June the 30th 1838
Signature of Abijah Goodridge

I hereby Certify that I was well acquainted with Daniel Harris late of Fitchburg deceased have frequently heard him relate this revolutionary services, and had heard them related by others, particularly his service of 12 months as an artificer performed in the States of Delaware  Pennsylvania and New Jersey, in the years 1777 and 1778 and as being in the Battle of Brandywine Germantown and on Med  Island &c, and have not the least doubt that he was there as he has described in his declaration to the War Department in 1818.  The dificulty in furnishing the evidence to prove that service, must arise from the fact, that the officers of the artificers, held no Commissions in the line, but were appointed by the Quartermasters department. this might no have been known to Mr Harris but as to the truth of his statement, I should have
Page 50

no more doubt either on oath or not, then I should of any fact sustained by the most positive and direct proof, as he always sustained a character the most unimpeachable for truth an veracity.

Haring myself service in the United States
Infantry during the last war, and held a
command in the same, our conversation generally turned on the events of that and those of the Resolution, and from my experience I can
easily appreciate the difficulty of proving
Services in the same

Signature
Gruel Turner
Page 51

We hereby certify, that we were were well acquainted with Daniel Harris late of said Fitchburgh whom we always understood and verily believe served during a long period in the revolutionary war. He possessed a bright and retentive memory especially of his services in the war; and was a man of strict integrity, and we should have full confidence and belief in any of his statements, neither under oath or not.

Fitchburg Jun 7th 1838
Joseph Downe aged 6
Joseph Simonds - Aged 70 years
Alpheus Boutell
Love Farwell
Jonas Marshall
Page 52

Cambridge July 2 1838
Hon William Parmenter of whom it may
Concern

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Joseph Dave, Joseph Simonds.
Farwell, Abijah Goodridge and Jonas Marshall
all of Fitchburg in the County of Houston & 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts for more than thirty years, and do regard them as gentlemen who are entitled to entire confidence on any subject on which they may make any statements and that Simonds, Farvill & Downe have all been
members of the Mass Legislature

Signature of 
Levi Parwell
Page 53

Cambridge July 2, 1838
To the Hon. Wm Parmenter or whom it may concern

I hereby certify I am acquainted with the Gentlemen who have signed the annexed certificates.
Joseph Downe, Joseph Simonds and Levi 
Farwell have been members of the Massachusetts  Legislature. Alpheus Boretell and Jonas Marshall and Abijab Goodridge have been members of the board of Selectmen of the town of Fitchburgh- They are all Gentlemen whose statements are entitled to full credit and confidence at all times and places.
Stephen .T.Farwell
Page 54

Were
I Nathaniel Evans of Stoddard in the County of
Cheshire and State of New Hampshire aged seventy nine years do on oath depose and say that in the war of the revolution in the month of May or June 1776 I enlisted into the service of the United States in the Massachusetts line for the term of six months in the Company commanded by Capt William Warner of Leominster Mass and in Col Josiah Whitney Regiment that I left home soon after my enlistment and joined the army at Boston on Noddles Island in Boston Harbor about the first of June and remained there about one month, then left and went to Mantach now called out in Boston way about nine
miles from Boston where we remained until we
were discharged after the expiration of the term of our enlistment that during the time we were at Norton but we took a British ship laden with provisions about the same time two West belonging to the enemy were driven in my private having on board the 71st Regiment of Search highlanders which were take by the private and I do further depose and say that I was acquainted with Daniel Harris who enlisted into the same company with myself for six months and served his term out and the whole company discharged the same day
Signature of Nathaniel Evans

State of New Hampshire  
Cheshire County ss
Be it known that on the 27th day of June AD 1838 Nathaniel Evans who is a person in my opinion whose statement is entitled to full credit and belief personally appeared and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true

before me
Aaron Matson Justice peace
Page 55

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County

I Henry Coolidge Clerk of the Superior
Court of Judication for the County of Cheshire
 certify that Samuel Patrick was on day of (?) & Hill is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Cheshire, duly commissioned and qualified and that his name subscribed to
the within certificate is his genuine signature

Also that Aaron Matson is a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County of Cheshin duly commissioned and qualified, and that his name subscribed to the certificate is
his genuine signature foregoing In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Superior Court, at here this twenty seventh day of June Anno Domini 
Eighteen hundred and thirty eight

Signature of 
H. Cooled Clerk
-
Page 56

I Joseph Robbins of Jeffrey and State of Newhampshire, being Eighty years of age do on oath depose and that in the war of the
Revolution some time in the month of May or June in the year 1776 I enlisted into the service of the United States in the Massachusetts him in the Town of Leominster in said State where
then resided for the term of six months in the commanded by Capt. Wm. Warner of said Leominster and in Col. Whitneys Regiment that I left home soon after my enlistment and joined the army at Boston on Noddles Island in Boston Harbour in may or June and remained there about one month then left and went
to Nantasket in Boston Bay six or 7 miles from Boston where we remained until we were discharged after the expiration of our enlistment some time in the fall that some time in August & should think a British Ship
made her appearance in the Bay laden with provisions for their army-- Col. Whitney haled them and ordered her to heave too and sent his Barge along side and took possession of her and of her Cargo-- After that she was
claimed by the State and a Lawsuit ensued and was eventually settled by the regiment holding the same-

That sometime after the above- two vessels belonging to the British were driven in by the privateers-- having on board a Regiment of such highlanders-- our Col having kept a British Hag flying all day they thereby being deceived sent their Boat ashore with 7 or 8 men whom the Col. took possession of after they attempted to run out and left the men in our possession after being fired on by our privateers and their Major being killed gave up
and were taken to Boston-- I do further depose and say that i was well acquainted with Daniel Harris late of Fitchburg deceased in said State of Massachusetts that he enlisted
in said Warners com. at the same time that I did as I believe for the term of six months and that he was with me in said
Page 57

Jaffrey  June 25 1838

State of Newhampshire
Cheshire ss

Jaffrey June 25 1838
personally appeared the within named Joseph Robbins who in my opinion is a person of whom Statement is entitled to entire belief and made oath that the above deposition signed by him is true

Before me 
Signature of 
Samuel Patrick  Justice Peace
Page 58

Comr. Sept 12
Judith Harris

James L. Edwards
Commissioner Pensions
Washington D.C
Page 59

Charlestown Sep. 8. 1838.
J.L. Edwards Esq
Mrs. Judith Haris of Mass in her
declaration for a pension now on file in theWar Department, claims one years service for her husband Daniel Harris, as an artificer in 1777, which service is not allowed by the Department, the states he was under Capt. Seth Oakes Col. Little. the name of the Col. is not properly spelled. It should be
Col. Lutterlon
-
This mistake we discovered accidentally, in looking over a book of the Hon Wm Parmenter, our rep in Congress. you will
find it in "State Papers, by Gales & Seaton
Vol. 19, Page 18. Report on case of Henry E.
Luttell who served from June 1777 to
May 1780 and was then appointed Commissary general of forage to the end of the War"

We think this will throw light on the claim
will you be good enough to them that to
the Hon. Secy of War to whom per Parmenter
had written on the subject of her claim

Respectfully
Yr. Obt. Servt.
James Dana
of Charleston, Mass.
Page 60

Charlestown Sep. 21. 1833
J L Edwards Esqr
Dr Sir

Yours of 12th inst. came duly to hand
In answer me would say we suppose the Department  are satisfied Col. Little or utterly was in service in the Revolutionary War. You say you want an eye witness to Have service as an artificer we would respectfully ask, was not Zebedee Simonds whose deposition is on file with the claim, an eyewitness

He says the service was performed in the
State of Delaware and Pennsylvania
Allow me to make a short extract from his
deposition. "I was Sergeant in the company commanded by the within named Seth Oales: that the within named Daniel Haris enlisted into said company for the term of one year as an artificer in the year 1777 and served until one year was completed and ended,
as an artificer"

How could he be in the same company
with Harris and not be an eye witness of his service- Does not the 8th Peale of the Pension office, under the act of July 4, 1836, dated July 9. 1836. say, "the claimant must produce the testimony of at least one credible witness, and have we not produced the testimony of at least one credible witness." 
-
Respectfully
Yr. Obt. Servt.
James Dana of Charlestown
Page 61


Washington Dec 25 1838

Sir
he grounds upon which a review of the
case of Judith Harris is requested are, that
since the decision of your Department additional evidence has been
addressed, and that on the (?) 
amination of the testimony with the additional
facts the chain of evidence will be found
sufficiently helpful to justify a favorable decision on the claim of servicies of her late husband as an actifier

Yours very respectfully
Yr Obdt Servt
Wm Parmenter

James L Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pensions
Page 62

Washington Decr 26 1838

Sir
In answer to some inquiries made of
me in a hatter worth some time came from
your Department in relation to the case of Phineas Austen of Bowsend Massachusetts 
I State that Capt Job Shatten commanded the Company but the Regimental officer's name is not recollected

His reason for not applying earlier was were
of proof of service he knew no one who was in
service with her until he accidentally found
the evidence-

The (?) he belonged to the Massachusetts line

I am very respectfully
Yr Obedient Servt
Wm Parmenter

James L Edwards Esqr
Page 63

Sir
Washington Feby 13 1839

Sir

enclose you for the evidence in the case
of Judith Harris to substantiate he claim for
additional six months service of her deceased husband. 

I also refer you to a letter written to me
21st April 1838, wherein 11 months 22 days is admitted served as private - & 8 months 7 days as Corporal.  This additional testimony will increase the service to 25 months 29 days. 

Respectfully
Yr Obdt Servt
W, Parmenter

James L. Edwards Esqr
Page 64

Washington  Feby 23 1839

Sir
have received a certificate in favor of
Judith Harve under date of 19th for 69 29/100
per annum-

I ask the favor of a statement of the (?)  of service allowed & rate. It was supposed ovet two years was fully served, 

I am very respectfully
Yr Obed Servt

Wm Parmenter


James L Edwards Esqr.
Page 65


East Cambridge March 13 1839

I enclose you copy of two depositions in
the case of Judith Have the original depositions were sent you about 12th Feby. It seems to be the impression of the parties that these papers have been overlooked in making up the pension
I hope you to better to (?) of 24th July last. 

Very respy
Yr obedt. servt

Signature of Wm Parmenter

James L Edwards Esqr. 
Commr of  Pensions
Page 66

Charlestown April 17. 1839  

J. L. Edwards Esqr

Dr Sir
In your letter to Hon. Wm Parmenter M.C. dated Feb. 27. 1839. it is stated that the
following terms of service made up the computation for Mrs. Judith Harris pension Certificate issued Feb. 19. 1839. Viz

Private in 1775, under Capt. Fuller 8 mos 11 days

Corporal " 1778 Capt Steams Private 8 mos 7 days

Private 1774 Capt Cowden 2 mos  15 days

Private 1780 Capt. Boutell 2 mos. 15 day 
Total service  14 mos 24 day

In your letter to Hon. Wm Parmenter of March
20. 1839. you say "the Depositions of Robins and Evans were duly considered in the adjustment of the claim of Mrs. Judith Harris

As these Depositions go to prove a term
of service, different from any terms mentioned in your letter of Feb. 27 139, Mrs. Harris is desirous to know whether they were considered sufficient to establish that term, as if they were not, she can probably furnish additional evidence of that term.

Mrs. Harris has refrained from drawing her
pension, as the supposes, there must be some
Page 67

mistake in this matter - and that is the foregoing Depositions were sufficient to establish the term, testified to by the Deponents, that this term added to the terms, before established, as by acknowledgement in previous letters from the Department to me, would make out a term of service of over two years, without reference to the claim of one year as an artificer: which would entitle her to a full pension.

You will confer a favour by informing us how the the above matter is as Mr. Harris is so confidant she has proved two years service, provided the Depositions prove that term. 

I am respectfully 
Your Obt. Servt

Signature of James Dane
Agent for Mrs. Judith Harris
Page 68

Review the case of Judith Harris, Mrs.
for Hon. W. Parmenter H.R.

1081         12 Sept    38
Page 69

Charlestown  Nov. 10,1839
James L Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir,
Mrs. Crumps letter of 23rd  ult. was duly received and I have before me, your several letters relative to the claim of Mrs. Judith Harris for a Pension.  In order to make the proper enquiries of your department I shall be obliged to go more into detail that i should wish as I am well aware, long communications are burdensome to the department.  In her case 12 months of the service is admitted but a years service as an (illegible) is not:  The 1st objection was that it was not  restained by any roll:  to this we would respectfully answer, (that which the department doubtless are all aware of) the imperfect manner the rolls were made of & kept, it being admitted  on all hands that a large number of the rolls of the Militia, are lost by time & accident, or were never returned by the proper officers.  Having heretofore had occasion, to make an extensive examination of the rolls formerly in office of Secretary of State of Mass I think i may safely state that not more than half of the rolls could be found there and I believe thousands of Pensions have been granted under  the Act of June 183(illegible) without any evidence from rolls.  The 2nd objections was (illegible) had the claimant nor the witness C. Z. Symonds, who  is not certified to be credible) furnished any particulars of the time from the statement we inferred what we must do (illegible) to prove the credibility of the witness, & the particulars of the service.  This we  attempted to do: and in the case of the witness we thought with success, by the testimony of one a person of the first respectability.  It is apparent it would be almost (over)
Page 70

Charlestown  Aug. 2. 1839
J.L. Edward Esq
Dear Sir,
The friends of Mrs. Judith Harris have requested me to enquire of you, what is the fate of her application for a pension, and at what time a return may be expected.  The papers were sent to the pension office, on the 24th  January 1839.

Respectfully 
Yours  (illegible)
James Dana
Page 71

Germantown and Red Bank on Need Island.
Harris gave a description of certain battles, his brother was said to be in , and of the occurrences that took place at the time, but did not state the time or place where...how if such occurrences are known from history to have taken place in a certain year and place, which is the same as stated by Harris, who performs the services, would it not verify the tradition? 
Browne testified he had heard Harris state and relate the battles he was engaged in, which are shown from history, to have occurred in 1777-78. Also that he heard Symonds, while giving his deposition, relate all the particulars of Harris' service. That he, Browne, suggested to the writer of the deposition, the propriety of insecting [insisting] the same in the deposition; but it was deemed irrelevant and superfluous as the Act of 1818 did  not require it. He further states that Luke Johnson said he was with Harris, at the time described, and that the services were performed at the places describe by others. We would enquire [inquire] whether the evidence if [illegible] Harris, who performed the service is not allowed. His declaration is signed, and solemnly swore to. His interest cannot be objected to as to the years service. As it was not necessary under the Act of 1818 and his swearing he performed that service would have no effect on his application. Having the positive evidence of him and of one who was with him, as to the time, length of service, and officers. We would enquire [inquire] if traditional evidence will not be allowed, to prove the place where the service was performed? The law does not say how far traditional evidence will be allowed, or to what particular law it will apply and the only presumptions is, that it will
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be allowed, in cases where positive evidence cannot be had. Under the circumstances of this case, we would respectfully ask the Department to direct us, what course we shall pursue, in order that this venerable old lady may realize the benefits of the act. Have we not furnished the best evidence the case admits? Is it not sufficient to satisfy the minds of any Jury and can any further evidence that we can procure be suggested. If so, we will spare no pains or expence [expense] to procure it. Being thoroughly convinced that the claim in the applications is just and true. The above remarks are offered with due deference and respect to the Department, knowing they are the proper and best judges. We trust [illegible] will receive that consideration from the Department, which is afforded to petitionees [petitioners], by the offices of the government of the United States. 

I am respectfully
yr. obl. servt.
James Dana
On behalf of Judith Harris
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Free
Edwards Esqr.
[illegible] pensiones
ashington D.C.
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Charlestown Aug, 2, 1837
J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Dr. Sir
The friends of Mrs. Judith Harris  have requested me to enquire [enquirer] of you, what is the fate of her application for a pension, and at what time a return [illegible] be expected. The papers were sent to the pension office, on the 24th January 1837. 
Respectfully
yours [illegible]
James Dana