Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,329, Thurston Cornell, Mass. R.I.
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SERVICE | [blank] | NUMBER
Mass. | Cornell, Thurston | R2329
R.I.
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State of Rhode Island 
County of Newport | ss.
On the third day of November A.D. 1834 personally appeared in open
Court, before the judges or justices of the Court of Probate of Tiverton, in the coun
ty of Newport, a court of record, now sitting, Thurston Cornell, a resident
of Tiverton, & State of Rhode Island, aged Seventy Six years, who being first
duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.  He en-
tered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and said
as here in stated, that is to say -
At the commencement of the Revolutionary War I lived with my
Father in said Tiverton, and belonged to the 2d or Middle Company of Militia
in said Town.  At the time the Enemy took possession of Rhode Island
in December 1776, I worked by the month on said Island for one Abraham
Anthony.  At this time I volunteered under Col. John Cook and was put
under one Lt. Gray to help drive the stock off from the Island, in order
to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy.  We had succeeded in getting
most of the stock on to ferry necks, where we were getting them into boats, and
carrying them across to the main - when some of the stock got away, and
returned back.  Myself and some others were sent in pursuit, in order
to bring them back.  We went South as for a [Sachuest?] Beach, and on our return
with the stocks, we were taken prisoners by the Enemys light Infantry, near the
Public House in Portsmouth then kept by Elisha Coggeshall.  We were carried
back to Coddington's Cove near Newport, confined for a few days, and then
permitted to go at Liberty, on condition that I should not leave the Island.
Here I continued a sort of Prisoner and slave to them, untill the night befo
re the American Troops crossed over to the Island on the last day of July 
1778.  I then made my escape (while I was driving one of their baggage teams) and
came down to Ferry Neck, and was there at the first landing of the American Army
under Genl Sullivan.  I was taken back by the troops to the top of Meeting-
house hill in Portsmouth on the Island, where at the House of one Sampson
Sherman I volunteered into a company of Massachusetts troops under
one Capt Lucas.  James Howe (a [baker?] of Roxbury) was Lt. and one Brewster
was Ensign - before the battle we were stationed at the House of John Taylor
near Satuest [Sachuest] Beach.  I was in the battle and our company lost two men in
Killed.  After the retreat from the Island I was marched to Boston and dis-
charged there about the 20th of November 1778 - when I returned home to
my father's.  While I was in Capt. Lucas company on Rhode Island I saw
Genl Sullivan and Lafayette.  On my return home, I was immediately liable
to serve in the guard service in the Militia company, under Capt. Benjm
Borden to which I belonged and about the middle of December 1778 I was 
ordered into the guard service, as a guard at the forage yard, and at the
upper fort near Howlands ferry.  This service was for one month at a time
but any one could continue longer if he chose, and receive pay accord-
ingly.  At that time I had no other way of getting my living, and I con-
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tinued in the public service at this place till the month of August 1779 - eight
months, and was stationed all of that time at the upper Fort and at the forage yard
near sd fort.  Capt William Durfee all of that time had the command at the for
-age yard.
In December 1780 I and a few others enlisted at Tiverton under Col. Baily
into the State service for nine months, we were soon marched to Newport
and put into a company in which one Dunham was Lt. and Vaughn
was Ensign - the Capt. whose name I cannot recollect was soon removed from
the command for some cause, and Lt Dunham took the command.  The
first part of the time we were quartered at the House of Widow Harris in
Brenton Neck below Newport - and the last part of the time at the north
Battery on the Point in Newport.  At this time I saw the French troops in
Newport and well remember when they marched away to the westward by land.
Also while I was in Newport at this time I saw General Washington when he
came there in the spring and there was great rejoicing.  I served my time
out and was discharged at the North Battery in Newport in Sept. 1781.  During
this time our company was a part of the time under Col. Baily and a part
of the time (I believe) under Col. Topham.  In this last mentioned service, and
that under Capt. Lucas.  I do not know that there is one man now living who
was with me in the same company.  I have taken much pains to ascertain,
but it hath hitherto been fruitless.  The last man who was with me under Capt.
Dunham at Newport was Samuel Stafford of This Town, who died last September -
but he had been insane for a number of years before his death, so that his deposition
could not have been taken.
Owing to old age and the consequent loss of memory I cannot be precise as to the
exact time I served my country as aforesaid, but according to my best recollection I served
not less than the periods aforementioned namely - under Capt. Lucas aforesaid three
months and fifteen days - in the Guard service in Capt. Borden's company of militia as
aforesaid Eight months - and in Capt Dunham's Co at Newport aforesaid nine
months.  Making in all twenty months and fifteen days, in the grade of a pri-
vate, for which I claim a pension.  All of which time he was in actual military
service, and not engaged in any civil business or pursuits.
And he further declares that he was born in Newport in this state on the
10th day of November 1758, and that he hath no record of his age.  That he lives in
said Tiverton, when called into the services aforesaid, and hath ever since resided
therein.  He never received any written discharge from any of sd services, but
was discharged verbally.  He has no documentary evidence of any of sd ser-
vices.  That there is no clergyman living in his neighborhood or vicinity, but
he refers to Abraham Hicks & Job Durfee 2d Esqrs who are citizens of sd Tiverton
and his neighbours, who testify to his character for truth, and to their belief that
he was a soldier of the Revolution - and to the accompanying depositions.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is
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not on the Pension Roll, of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid.
Asa Gray, Clerk
Thurston Cornell
We, Abraham Hicks & Job Durfee 2d residing in sd Tiverton hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with Thurston Cornell, who has subscribed and sworn to the
forgoing Declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy Six years of age, that he is re-
puted and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid
Asa Gray, Clerk
Abraham Hicks
Job Durfee 2d
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed
by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states.  And the Court further certify that
it appears to them that Abraham Hicks & Job Durfee 2d, who have signed
the preceding certificate, are residents in said Tiverton, and are credible
persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Asa Gray, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the Town
of Tiverton in the County of Newport & State aforesaid, do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original
proceedings in the matter of the application of Thurston
Cornell for a Pension, had before said Court
In testimony whereof I have here-
unto set my hand and seal of Office
this third day of November in the
year of Our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and thirty four, and of
American Independence the
fifty ninth.
Asa Gray, Clerk of Court
of Probate
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Rhode Island
Thurston Cornell
Suspended
Lett to Hon D. J. Pearce
2 March 1835
Let to J. Cross 2 Nov 1835
Let to Hon D. J. Pearce Feb. 25, 1837
" " Same Mar 30, 1837 - to
J. Cross, May 5, 1837 - Hon
R. B. Cranston 12 Feb.
1838 (See [W?] Cranston's receipt of
13 Feb. 1838)
To Hon F. Pierce June 19, 1840
2329
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2329
P.O.
Thurston Cornell
Service:
Enlisted: [blank], 18
Discharged: [blank], 18
Application filed: [blank], 18
[Colleges?]:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized. Contract.
Cert. of Dis.  Searched for [blank], 18
[Handwritten vertically on right side of page:] 
1924 May 27.  Photostat copies mailed to Miss Curry  AW
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Thurston Cornell  R.2329
Rev. War Pensioner
photos (not certified) of 3 pages $45/100
paid for by
Miss Curry
1420 Girard St. N.W.
Washington DC
Received May 23, 1924 by A.E. Wilson
REV. WAR SECTION
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M  233

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division

May 24, 1924

Chief Rev Sect. 

I have this day received from 
Miss Curry
cash No. (blank)
for $ 45/100, requesting 
copy as per
letter herewith.

1924 May 27 - 
Copies Mailed &
Finance Div. Notf.
aw
REV. WAR SECTION

Chief Finance Div.
HCL

Request for Photostating
(To be prepared in duplicate)  M  6   Ex aw
Job No. 937    OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Subject:  Thurston Cornell, Rev  R2329
Date  May 24  24
Page 9

Request for Photostating    M 6
(To be prepared in duplicate)     Ex aw

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK

Job No. 937          Date  May 24   24
Subject:  Thurston Cornell, Rev   R2329

1 copies of 1 pieces consisting of 3 pages to be forwarded when completed to the REV WAR SECTION Division 
Remarks:   (blank)

Approved:

W E Wilson
Chief Rev War Section

(blank)
Chief clerk.
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A List of the Meletia (sic) under the Cammand (sic) of Capt. Throop 
(illegible) 1780
Willl'm Throop Capt.
Joseph Reynolds Lieut
Jon. Diman 2d Lieut

Sergts
John Norris, Rich'd Smith Jr, Joseph Diman, 
Benj'n Wardwell 

 Corp'ls
Simeon Ingraham, Newton Waldron,
 John Coomer Jr. , John Gray           

Ebenezar Blake, George Sanford, Royal Sanford
Nath. Diman, Will'm Diman, Nath Munro
Edward Munro, John Gladding Jr.  
John Gladding 3d, Nath. Waldron Jr. Billings Waldron, Ambris Waldron, Joseph Wardwell, Sandford Munro, George Osa, Joseph Pool,
Benj. Salsbury, Joshua Gladding, Mathias Munro, Nath. Church, Joseph Wood, Thos. Fales, Moses Vandoorn, James Newning, George Ingram, Joshua Vandoorn, Charles D. Woofe, Stephen Talbey, Willm Linsey, Nathan Smith, Dan'l Lefavour, Josiah Smith, Joseph Linsey, George Waldron, Lenard Waldron, Nath. Munro 2d, Sam'l R. Paine, Jon. Wardwell, Will'm Christopher, Isaac Waldron, Will'm Cosa, Taron Bourn, James Wardwell, Nath. Willson, Thos. Willson, Will'm Munro, Will'm Monro 2d, Sam'l Smith, Dan. Gladding, Samuel Gladding
Nath. Pearse Jr., Nath'l Weft, Thos. Weft
Will'm Ingraham, Hiez WEft, Asia Weft, Will'm Weft, James Diman, Timothy Diman, Ebenezer Holmes, Will'm Harding, Rich'd Harding, John Willson, Nathl, Elliot, Robert Hall, Thos. Church,  Simeon Bullock, Lewis Bullock, Coomer Bullock, George Reynolds, Jona. Reynolds, Will'm Bosworth Jr., Benj'Bosworth, Will'm Willson, Shearsjashub Bourn Jr., Saml Peek, Charles Eastabrooks, Thos. Pearse, Timothy Fales, Oliver Weft, Saml Martin, John Waldron 3d, Jon. Peck Jr., Nicolas Peck, Thos. Peck
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The Men Ordered on Prudence
Jon. Diman Lieut.
Joseph Diman Sergt
Simeon Ingraham Corpl.

Willm Linsey, James Newning, Lenard Waldron, Nathl Munro 2d, Willm Ingraham, Stephan Talbey, Timothy Diman, Nathl Waldron Jr., Joseph Pool, Willm Munro

Artillery Men

Willm Diman, James Wardwell, Nath. Ellison, Robert Hall, Saml Martin, Joseph Shearman, Willm Munro, Edward Munrol, Thos. Gray, Jon. Peck Jr., Amaziah Richmond, Saml Howland, John Waldron 3d, Royall Sanford, Samuel Lindsey, Loving Finney, 

17
19 on guard
14
36
-----
86

Wood Cutters
Willm Harding, Ebenezer Blake, Willm Bosworth Jr., John Willson, Nathl Weft
Benj Bosworth 2d

Corn Shellers
Nathanell Diman, Nicolas Peck, Richard Hardin, Thomas K Coomer, John Fails, Nathan Munro, Sebry Manchester, John Gray, John Commer, Resolved Jonson, William Coggshall

On Command
James Diman, Nath. Chruch, Sanford Munro, Mathias Munro, Richard Brown, C(illegible) Waldron, Gorge (sic) Sanford, Joseph Lindsey, Simeon Bullock, Samuell Peck, Stephen Sanford

Wood Carters
Jon. Fales, Thos. Fales, Jon. Glover, Timothy Fales, Oliver West

On Command
Shearjashub Bourn, Saml Bosworth, George Waldron, George Ingraham, John Howland 3d, Ambross Waldron,
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I William Throop of Bristol in the county of Bristol and State of Rhode Island, Esqr, aged Sixty five years, being duly sworn, declare, That I am the only child of the within named Capt. William Throop, wo was a Captain of the militia in this town in the Revolutionary War, and that I was the Administrator on the Estate of my sd (said) father the late Wm. Throop deceased.  I further declare, that this paper is the only one, that has come into my possession, from my sd father, that relates to the military service, of the militia in this town during the Revolutionary War.
I further state that I am acquainted with many of the revolutionary soldiers in this county, who performed their duties in the militia during R. War and that I have understood from them and believe that during R. War, when they were in the public service, they had to perform other duty, besides standing guard on the shores at the Guard posts, when they were ordered so to do.
(Signed) Wm. Throop

State of Rhode Island &c  Bristol ss.  at Bristol in the county and State aforesaid   February 7th A.D. 1837.  Personally came the above named Wm. Throop and made solemn oath to the truth of the aforegoing (sic) Deposition and subscribed the same before me.
(Signed) Jos. M. Blake

And I certify that I am personally acquainted with sd  Wm Throop and that he is a person of veracity.
(Signed) Jos. M. Blake
Just. Peace

State of Rhode Island &c.  }
County of Bristol   }  ss.   I Greenwood Reynolds Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Wm. Throop whose certificate is appended to the taking of the foregoing Deposition of Jonathan Fales, Thos. Church , Nathaniel Munro and Stephen Talbee is a Public Notary in and for said County legally qualified to act in his said capacity and that his said signature is in his own proper hand writing. 
Also that (blank)whose signature is appended to the taking the Deposition of Wm Throop is a Justice of the Peace for said County legally qualified to act in said capacity and that his signature is in his own proper hand writing.
 
[ SEAL ]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this Eighteenth day of February A. D. 1837.
(Signed) Green'd Reynolds Clk.


8016 / 10131 / 9712 / 9194 /10030 / 8033
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we was disceargd (discharged) 7 of august all but the artillery was (illegible) 8 deay.

D. Wolfe Charles
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George Coggshall
John Alsbury
Henry Coggshall
John West  son of Saml
John Peck
Joseph Munro  son Nathl
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26th Congress, 1st Session.          
Rep. No. 142.    
Ho. of Reps. 
Thruston Cornell. 
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 152.]
March 5, 1840
Mr. Andrews, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT: 
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom the petition of Thruston Cornell was referred, concur in the report hereto annexed, made the 2d session 25th Congress, and report a bill. 
April 14, 1838.
The committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of Thruston Cornell, of Tiverton, in the State of Rhode Island, asking for a pension, report:
That the petitioner alleges various military services, performed in the revolutionary war, amounting to about twenty months, to wit: three months and a half in Captain Lucas's company of Massachusetts troops, under General Sullivan, and was in the battle of Rhode Island. After the battle they were marched to Boston, and there discharged the 20th November, 1778; that he afterwards served eight months in Captain Borden's company of militia--they were divided into classes, and served a month each, by turns. The petitioner remained voluntarily all the time, as he had no other means of supporting himself. This service continued from December, 1778, to august, 1779. He afterwards served nine months in Lieutenant Dunham's company, from December, 1780, to September, 1781, (after the enemy had evacuated Newport,) under Colonel Bailey, and was quartered at Bunton's Neck and North battery, in Newport; for which he asks a pension. 
Benjamin Fry testifies that he is seventy-five years of age; that he was a captain in the revolutionary war ; that he was not acquainted with the petitioner in the war, but, from the minute statements made to him by the petitioner of the events of that war, at that town, under Colonel Bailey, in 1780 and 1781, and of those who served with him, he has no doubt the petitioner performed the service which he states. Deponent was well acquainted with Colonel Bailey, and the military events that transpired there. 
Elihu Gifford testifies that he is seventy-five years old ; that he has been acquainted with the petitioner since the commencement of the revo
Blair & Rives, printers.
Page 16

2              Rep. No. 142. 
lutionary war ; that he saw him in service in August, 1778, during Sullivan's expedition in Rhode Island. Deponent was also in the service, and they were quartered near each other. Petitioner belonged to a company of Massachusetts troops. In 1779 petitioner and deponent both belonged to Captain Borden's company. He saw petitioner on duty in the upper fort, near Howland's ferry ; and he frequently saw him in service  afterwards, but cannot state the precise time, but that he served as much as seven months, or more.
Page 17

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.

Secretary's Office August 7 AD 1835

I Certify that at the service of the General Assembly of said State in May seventeen hundred and eighty Lemuel Bailey was elected Major of the Second  Regiment of Militia in the County of Newport.  That in May seventeen hundred eighty one he was as elected Lieut. Col. Commandant of said Regiment as appears of record in this office. 
I further certify that during the above period there is no record of company officers for the Town of Newport, nor do I find the name of "Durham" or "Vaughn" among the officers for Tiverton or elsewhere.
I further certify that there are no pay or  muster rolls of Militia or State Troops (except Continental) during the Revolutionary War, in this office. 

Witness  Henry Bowen Secry.
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State of Rhode Island &c
Secretary's Office Jan. 22. 1838

I Certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on June seventeen hundred seventy eight, Benjamin Borden was elected Lieutenant of the Second Company of Militia in the town of Tiverton, County of Newport, and so continued until the second Monday in June seventeen hundred seventy nine, when he was elected to Captain of said Company, and so continued until July seventeen hundred and eighty, as appears of record.
Witness   Henry Bown Secry.
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I Elihu Gifford of Tiverton, in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, aged Seventy eight years this month; being sworn according to Law, on my oath declare that I have heretofore stated in my deposition for Thurston Cornell of this Town, in  his application for a pension under the Act of June 7. 1832. My knowledge of the facts in relation to his revolutionary services in the Militia.  And being called upon again to state certain things that I may have omitted before.  I do therefore state, on my solemn oath, that sd Cornell was my neighbor during the Revolutionary War, with whom I have always been well acquainted.  We are about of the same age, and when we were young we were intimately acquainted and much together.  We both belonged to the same Militia company and always did, during all the time we had to train, we were both enrolled and came into the (illegible) some time before the Enemy came to Rhode Island in 1776.  He was then on Rhode Island to work by the month, and did not return home till after Sullivans Expedition in 1778.  How he got off, I know not, more than what he has told me.  Some times in the fall or winter after Sullivans Expedition, as near as I can remember, sd Cornell returned home to his father's, then living within one mile of my own home, and was again one of our Company and went into the guard service at the upper fort, where he continued several months.  I saw him there several times in the service.   My father belonged to the same company of Militia, and when called into the service he was ordered to the same place as he well knew how to take care of oxen & horses at the forage yard, which was in the near vicinity of said fort, and there were others of sd (said) company that did then monthly duty there.  they had their arms with them to use when occasions required and to do such other things as they were ordered.   This post at the fort, was one, when the members of our company did not prefer to go, there was always more to do, than on the shore guard.
And I further declare that all of the Militia in said co. were liable to do other things, than carry their muskets, when occasions required it of them, and they were ordered to do it.  I have help cut wood, and timber, and (illegible) and Batteens for the fort, and draw them down to the fort, when I was in the Public service, at that time.  I know that my said fathers service were at that time considered Military service.  And that his service and sd Cornells were similar.
I further state that, according to my best recollection and belief, a man could voluntarily continue in the service, the month it was not his time to serve, and was sometimes pressed to do so by the Officers, some men were in the service most all of the time, for themselves, or took some ones place, and when they took the place of another, they got something more, than the pay they received from their states of the individual for whom they served, when they continued in the service at the request of an Officer, they got only State pay.  I further state, that it is my opinion, that no able bodied man, who was not a Tory or a Quaker, could possibly escape bearing arms, at that time, in the military service, and that sd Cornell was neither a tory nor a Quaker, but that he was at that time and has ever continued from that time to the present a strong and good Liberty man.
I further state that sd Cornell was away from home at Newport, int he service as I then understood after the Enemy left Rhode Island; but in what year I do not certainly know, nor under what officers nor how long he served.  I further say not.
(Signed) Elihu Gifford

State of Rhode Island }
County of Newport } ss.   Be it known that on the twentieth day of December 1836 before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Newport personally appeared Elihu Gifford and Subscribed his above Deposition, and made oath to the truth of the same, and I further certify that said Deponent is a creditable person.  before, Asa Gray, Justice of the Peace
Page 20

I William Albert of Tiverton in the County of Newport and state of Rhode Island aged Seventy Six years and upwards being duly sworn on my oath depose - That I am well acquainted with Thurston Cornell of this town who is an applicant for a pension.  During the Revolutionary War and since said War as long as we belonged to the train bands, we both belonged to the same Militia company in this town, to wit, 2nd or Middle company.
From the sprig or summer of 1777 to March 1779 I was in said militia Company doing duty at the guard post on the shores of sd (said) town, by tours of one month at a time.  The British were all of that time on the Island of Rhode Island.  In March 1779 I enlisted into Capt. Thomas' Company in Col. Tophams Regt. of the State troops, and were for a considerable time thereafter encamped at Howlands ferry in said Tiverton.  I enlisted for one year.  The winter before I enlisted as aforesaid, said Cornell, belonged to our sd Militia company and was in the public service at Howland's ferry, at the upper fort.  I saw him there in sd service.  I saw him there while I was in sd Militia service and after I enlisted, and we were at sd ferry in Capt. Thomas' Company in the Spring of 1779.  I cannot say how long he served.  This service of said Cornell, at that time, was Military service, according to  my opinion and belief, he had his arms and was required to use them if there was an alarm.
Some others of our sd company, did their duty in the service at the same place.  So far as I know, I state that the Militia of our sd company had to help to obtain things besides standing guard with our musket, and in the selections of the men to do particular things, such were taken as was best acquainted with the particular business he was ordered to do., as some to cut wood, or timber or drive a train, or help work on the fort, or to help take care of the teams and horses at the forage yard.
I further state that a  number of our sd company might continue in the public service, if he chose.  The month it was not his time to serve, and draw state pay therefore and the soldiers were frequently asked to do so.
I further state on my oath, that I believe no able bodied man, if he did not belong to the society of friends, could escape doing military duty in our said company at the time.  
I have know sd Cornell, more than Sixty years, he is a credible man.  I have no manner of doubt of his revolutionary services as he states them, but Personally I know no more than stated above.  I further say not.
(Signed) William (his X mark) Albert

Signed in my presence
(Signed) Susan Gray


State of Rhode Island }
County of  Newport } ss.  
Be it known, that on the nineteenth day of December 1836, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said county of Newport personally appeared William Albert and subscribed his above Deposition and was duly sworn to the truth of the same.  And I further certify that said Deponent is a credible person. 
Before me,  Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 21

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerk's Office of the Court of Probate of the town of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State aforesaid

I Asa Gray, Clerk of said Court of Probate, a Court of Record, do hereby certify, that Asa Gray, is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Newport in the State aforesaid duly appointed, Commissioned and Sworn, and fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and I further certify that the Signature of his name to the Certificates on the annexed Depositions of Richard Durfee, William Albert and Elihu Gifford are his genuine Signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this tenth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
And of American Independence the Sixty first.
(Signed) Asa Gray, Clerk

[ SEAL ]
Page 22

I Richard Durfee of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, late a captain in the Militia of the Revolution in this town, of lawful age, being duly sworn on my oath declare that I have been long acquainted with Thurston Cornell of this town who is an applicant for a pension for his Revolutionary Services.   I am ignorant of his service during the war of the revolution or duties were performed at different places, we do not live near neighbours (sic) but about eight miles apart.
I think that no able bodied man, who was not a Tory, or belonged to the people called Quakers, could, by any means, escape the performance of military duty, in this Town during the Revolutionary War, there was great vigilance used in this town in that respect.
I believe it to have been the wisdom in the war of the Revolution, in this State, so far as my knowledge extends, to detail soldiers from a military company in the service, to do such things, as they could do best, when their presence could be spared from the ranks of their company, to show this custom I state that I was detached from Capt. Peck's Company when they lay in Bristol in the year 1776 to cut wood for the use of the company, and again in the summer of the same year I helped build the fort, on the Portsmouth side of the Bristol ferry on Rhode Island, and I think that the same custom prevailed with the militia when circumstances made it necessary.
(Signed) Richard Durfree

State of Rhode Island  &c }
County of Newport } ss.    Be it known that on the 24th day of October , 1836, before the subscribed Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Newport, personally appeared Richard Durfee and subscribed and was duly sworn to the truth of his above Deposition and I further certify that said Deponent is a credible person.
before me
(Signed) Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 23

I Benjamin Fry of Newport in the county of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged seventy five years and late a captain in the Army of the Revolution, being duly sworn depose, That I am acquainted with Thurston Cornell of Tiverton, an applicant for a pension, and have heard his statement of serving performed in this town in the years 1780 and 1781 under Col. Baily.  Though I do not personally remember him, yet from his minute statements to me of the events that transpired in this town and of those who were with him in the service at that time, I have no doubt that he performed said service.  I was well acquainted with Col Baily and of the military events that transpired here at that time.  I know of no person now living who served under Col. Baily in this town at that time.  Said Col. Baily who had long since deceased, married a sister of mine.
(Signed) Benjn Fry

Newport ss     Newport  Oct. 23. 1834
Subscribed and Sworn to before me
(Signed) George Turner
Justice of the Peace
and I further certify that I am personally well acquainted with the said Benjamin Fry, and that he is a credible witness
(Signed) George Turner
Justice of the Peace

Oct. 23d
Page 24

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
County of Newport ss.
Clerks Office of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of NewPort.  I George Turner Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that George Turner whose signatures in his own proper hand writing are affixed to the taking of the within Deposition and certificate, is a Justice of Peace within said County of NewPort duly appointed and  commissioned according to law.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at said NewPort this Sixth day of December AD 1834.
(Signed) George Turner Clerk

[ SEAL ]
Page 25

let.  Edwards and Pearce to send the certificate to Mr. Pearce of R. I.


Hon. D. J. Pearce
Page 26

I Elihu Gifford of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island aged Seventy five years on solemn oath declare, That I have been well acquainted with Thurston Cornell of said Tiverton from the commencement of the Revolutionary War up to the present time.  In August 1778 during the time of Sullivan's expedition on Rhode Island I remember of having seen said Cornell there in the Army, he belonged to a Company of Massachusetts Troops, we were quartered near each other and I saw him several times, but how long he served in said Company I do not know, before this time said Cornell, as I then understood had been kept on Rhode Island by the enemy as a prisoner.  In the winter of 1779 he belonged to the same Company of Militia in Tiverton that I did under Capt. Benjamin Borden, we lived about a  mile apart, when at home during the whole war.  I have seen said Cornell doing Military duty at the upper fort near Howland's ferry as one of our said Company of Militia and also as a guard at the forrage (sic) yards near said fort, this was the last year the English were in Newport, in the year 1779, my father the late Richard Gifford belonged to said Company of Militia at the same time and when it was his turn to serve, at his request, he was put on guard at the forrage (sic) and may times during said year 1779 I saw said Cornell in the public service and from my recollection I say he served as much as seven months or more.  In the year that Lord Cornwallis was taken, I well remember sd (said) Cornell was away from home a long time, and I understood at the time and verily believe he was then a Soldier in the service of his Country.
(Signed) Elihu Gifford

State of Rhode Island &c }
County of Newport } ss.
Be it know that at Tiverton, in said County, on the third day of November 1834, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Newport, personally appeared Elihu Gifford and made oath to and subscribed that above deposition and I further certify that said Deponent is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit.
Before me,  (Signed) Asa Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 27

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerk's Office of the Court of Probate for the Town of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State aforesaid.
I, Asa Gray Clerk, of said Court of Probate, do hereby certify that Asa Gray whose name is affixed to the certificate of Proof or taking on the within Deposition, is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Newport, duly appointed by the General Assembly of this State, & Commissioned by the Governor thereof and fully authorized to act in his said capacity.  And I further certify that the within signature of his name is his genuine signature.
 [ SEAL ]   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
(Signed) Asa Gray, Clerk
Page 28

32.805
Thurston Cornel
R. Island
Page 29

WE the undersigned Revolutionary soldiers, resident in Bristol in the  County of Bristol, and State of Rhode Island, of Lawful age, being individually duly sworn according to Law, depose & say - That during the revolutionary war we performed Military duty in the Militia in this town, in the guard serve then performed at the guard posts on the shores and more particularly while the Enemy occupied the neighboring Island of Rhode Island from December 1776 to November 1779.
During the time aforesaid our Militia were called out for our month at a time, and every man had to be in the service every alternate month, on his own account, during these times the soldiers were frequently ordered to do other things beside standing guard on the shores, as cutting wood, drawing wood, getting forage for the teams, working on the breech works &c., and such men were taken to do the different kin of work, required to be done, as best understood the particular kind of work they were set about.  This work did not interfere with our military organization and duties, as we always had our arms deposited at the Post, to use at any moment of the day.  We never knew of any other then military duty, in doing these things, at that time.
We further state, that it was the practice, in the militia at that time for some men to take the place of others in the public service, and in such cases, the substitute got a premium from the person whose place he took, and that sometimes a man voluntarily continued in the public service, when it was not his time to serve, and then he got no more than state pay
(Signed) Jonathan Fales
(Signed) Thos. Church
(Signed) Nathaniel Munro
(Signed) Stephen Talbee

State of Rhode Island &c. Bristol ss.  At Bristol in the County and State aforesaid this Seventh day of February A.D. 1837
Personally came the above named Jonathan Fales, Thos. Church, Nathaniel Munro and Stephen Talbee, and personally made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing Deposition by them subscribed, before me, and I further certify that the said Deponents are to me personally well known, and each of them sustain a good character for truth and veracity.
(Signed) Wm Throop Public Notary
Page 30

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Secretary's Office, June 29th 1835.

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 roll of Capt. Lucas' Company is not found in this Office.
Thurston Cornel claims for services under Capt. Lucas, at Rhode Island in 1778.

(Signed) Wm. Tufts. Dept. Secretary
Page 31

Thurston Cornell claims for 20 mo. 15 days  several (illegible) prove the service but none the length of time one thinks 7 months. Petitioner strongly recommended as credible
Page 32

We the undersigned Citizens of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island do hereby certify, That we are well acquainted with Thurston Cornell of this Town, who is an applicant for a Pension for his revolutionary services said Cornell has resided in this Town a great many years and from a period before the Revolutionary war.  We believe him to have been a revolutionary Soldier and that he is a credible man.  We further believe that said Thurston would state the truth in regard to his revolutionary Services as far as he remembers of events transpired so long ago.
Dated at said Tiverton Jan. 18, 1837.
(Signed)
Joseph Durfee                    David Durfee
Robert W. Lawton               Daniel Dwelly
Benjamin Borden                 Charles Durfee
William Boomer                   Peter Estes
Samuel C. Mc Corrie            Joseph Osborn
Oliver Church Jr.                  Saml Seabury
Joshua Coggshall                Godfrey Estes
Moses Hunt                         Edwin Hambly
Gifford H. Evans                  Squire H Hambly
Perry Cook                           David Westgate
William Norton
Page 33

of the subscriber, a citizen of Tiverton in the County of Newport State of Rhode Island, do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Thurston Cornell of said Tiverton, and applicant for a pension that I have known him as a resident of this town form many years.  That I believe that he resided in it during the revolution, that from his advanced age, and from the circumstance that all person (according to traditionary accounts) capable of doing military duty, and not quaker or tories residing in this town were called into actual service.  I believe the said Cornell to have been engaged as a soldier in the revolution, and that I know of no report or tradition to the contrary.
(Signed) Job Durfee

I certify that the above
certificate was made and 
Signed in my presence on
this 18 day of January 1837
(Signed) Asa Gray
Page 34

Thurston Cornell
R. I.
act 7 June 32
Page 35

Portsmouth R. I.  Feb. 10. 1837
D. Sir

This is the last time I will trouble you for this session.  It is in the case of Thurston Cornell of Tiverton, one of your friends and constituents, and whom I believe you personally know - at least he knows you very well, he is now nearly 79 yrs of age, and has been for a long time very infirm, and but seldom able to leave his room, it was his intention to have seen you last fall, in person, before you left for Washington in regard to his pension Application, but he was so feeble he could not go to Newport.

He first made his Decl. before the C. of Probate of Tiverton in Nov. 1834, and again made and Explanation before Chas. Durfee Esq in Augt. 1835.  There is no question of his Revolutionary services, and the Pension Department have done him wrong in not allowing him a pension.  I think you will agree with me on this point on an examination of his case.  His case requires Explanation, and this, with the papers herewith, you will be able to fully make. 

He alleges three terms of service, as you will perceive from his Decl.  When the British came onto this Island he worked by the month for Abner Anthony who was his Uncle and in driving off the cattle, he was taken prisoner, and detained till Sullivans Expedition.  When he got away and entered into Capt. Lucas' Co. of Massachusetts troops, in which he alleges 3 1/2 months service.  This service he cannot prove, the members were all strangers to him.  though he tells me that a number of years after the war he went to see, the Lt. of sd (said) Co. viz James Howe of Roxbury, he was a baker.   By the direction of Mr. Edwards I wrote to the Secy of State of Mass. in 1835, to see if Cornell's  name could be found on their military rolls, his name could not be found, and the Secy certified that fact, which I transmitted to Mr. Edwards.  With regard to the Mass. Mil. records the Secy said "The rolls in this office, though numerous, are very defective, irregular, and incomplete, a fact of which the War Dept. at (illegible) are well informed.  It is therefore always uncertain whether the services claimed although they have been faithfully rendered, can be proven by our records."  But I will send you the whole letter of Mr. Banks, and you will be the better satisfied.  Now would not all reasonable men say, that the oath of Mr. Cornell, should be supposed true, when he is upon the brink of the grave, and when the fact he alleges is at least probable, and moreover when his character for truth is substantiated by his fellow Citizens and neighbors, now who in any point of view, are as respectable as any in the state.  It is very probable that all, or nearly all, who served in this co. with him at that time, are dead., but if any are living he knows not where they are, nor for whom to inquire, for has forgot the names of all but the officers.  Then is it reasonable to deny him his right, when under such circumstances he cannot prove it by living witnesses?  The certificate of Mr. Bangs does not discredit Mr. C's allegation.

I come now to the 2d term of his claim. from Dec. 1778 to August 1779 8 mos.  he states that after he was discharged from apt. Lucas' Co. he went home to his fathers in Tiverton, and was immediately called into the militia service from the mil. co. to which he belonged in this co. of mil. , he was enrolled in 1774 and always did military duty therein till his age cleared him, and he has full proof of his services, by two of his fellow soldiers who belonged to the same co. and who now are alive, to wit, Elihu Gifford and Wm. Albert, both credible men and disinterested witnesses.  To their Dep. I particularly refer you.  But the Pension Dept have construed the whole of this service as inadmissible, and contrary to the course of duty, and proactive of the militia here at that time.
To show that, that construction is erroneous, I have taken the dep. of Capt. Richard Durfee, Elihu Gifford and Wm. Albert of Tiverton, and of Thos. Church Esqr, Jonathan Fales, Nathaniel Munro and Stephen Talbee of Bristol, all Revolutionary soldiers of the militia.  The statements of all of whom, go to prove, that the services of Cornell, or such services as he performed, were strictly military and such as were performed by all the militia in these counties on the east side of the Bay.  It is well known, that during all of the time that the Enemy occupied Rhode Island, Tiverton was but a very little better than a military camp, hardly anything could be (illegible) from the guard.
Page 36

and men had to go into the service, as a mother of necessity, to protect themselves a (illegible) if they were not (illegible) by any higher motives, and this was more particularly the case with those young unmarried men without families.  It is in evidence that some of the Militia were in service nearly or quite all of the time for themselves, and for others as a Substitute, or as standing voluntarily at the request of an Officer, one of these modes (illegible) they were obliged to do, and the two other modes many men at that time did do.  His evidence also that the Militia had to do many other things, besides, to carry their muskets at the guard Posts.   The duty performed by Mr. Cornell, was a more onerous, laborious and responsible duty, at the post at the forage yard, tan on the shore, he had to perform his military duty every day, besides attending to other things.  There was no other but military duty, and it abundantly in evidence that no man capable of bearing arms, who was not a tory or a Quaker, could by any means escape performing military duty at that time.  In connection with this part of the case I refer to the only original roll left by Capt. Wm. Throop of Bristol, with the Depositon of Judge Throop, his only Son, thereon.  I will now ask, is not this service proved beyond the possibility of a  doubt?

I come now to his 3d alleged term of service, from Dec. 1780 to Sept. 1781 performed at Newport with regard to this service there has been a misunderstanding at the Department.  It was not the intention of the Applicant to state that Col. Baily was an officer in the regular Army, or State troops, and as such, in the public service, having a command in the field, but that he as an influential man, and one well acquainted with the male inhabitants of Tiverton, went around in sd (said) town, and (illegible) with men to go to Newport into the service, he was at that time an officer in the militia, and a very active man.  In March 1780 the Rhode Island Brigade was discharged from the service, the term for which they were raised having expired, except a small force that was retained in the service, and which were stationed at Newport, and at other points on the Island of Rhode Island.  This force was continued in service, as appears from the records of the General Assembly for an indefinite period.  See records of the Genl Assembly Feb. 7. Sess. 1780. page 24, where Brigd. Genl. Cornell, Cols. Elliot & Topham and a convienent number of men, were continued in the service.  In July Sess. 1780, Lemuel Bailey (the same Col. Bailey mentioned by the Applicant) was appointed a committee to class the makes in Tiverton, in order to fill up the Continental Regiments, and it seem from the Applicants statement, continued to be, the agent for the state to procure men up to the close of the year.  In July Sess. 1781 an act passed for furnishing Beef for the militia in actual service, and that the militia in actual service on Rhode Island be under the Command of a Lt. Col. and that John Topham distribute the Beef &c., and provision is made at the same Session for subsistence for 500 men then on duty &c.  I mention this to show the course of military duty here, after the Enemy evacuated Rhode Island in Nov. 1779 and the R. I. Brigade were discharged in March 1780.  It appears from all that I can find from the Records of the Genl. Assembly, and from many living witnesses, that after March 1780, nearly all the military force we had in this state, of our own troops, were a volunteer militia, and these were stationed on Rhode Island, up to the close of the year 1782, and as long as any military force even required during said War.  It seems that during this last mentioned period, Revy soldiers and officers in this state, have stated their services, at said period, from thirteen months in succession, down to one, and almost every intermediate number of months, and that they continued voluntarily in the service.  During this time Deacon John Bailey (now of Lovis N.Y.) states 13 m. Nathl Smith of Newport 6 m. Ichabod Simmons, Frederic Luther, and many others state different periods.  It seems that it was necessary to keep up a force at R. Island, and a volunteer force who, would continue in service several months, were preferred, in point of efficiency and economy to the militia who should be in the service
Page 37

for only one month at a tine, as appears to have always been the pattern at that time in the Militia, and when this force, could not be furnished by volunteers, the complement was made by draft, of a few from a company, from the different parts of the state.  I think therefore, that the applicant is mistaken, in his statements of having enlisted for 9m. in the state troops, at the request of Col. Baily as (illegible).  But that he was in the service, that time, or about that time, as near as as he can remember, I have no doubt.  I do not think he would mistake the time intentionally, for the nature of this service at that time I refer to the Dep. of Capt. Benjn Fry, and of the Dep. of Elihu Gifford who testifies, that he knows of his being absent from home, at the time of his alleged service in Newport, and understood at t the time that he was in the public service.  There are but few now living in this state who were in the  this service, and those belonging to different posts of the state the short acquaintance then assigned, has long since been lost to the mind, and a man must be fortunate indeed to prove by a living witness, and one who was with him in the same company, services performed at that time.   The Secy of this State W. Bowen, certified that he could not find the names of Dunham & Vaughan on the records, at that time, but this, I think, referred to the State troops, and I further believe, that there are no mention made, of any Military officers of the Town of Newport for several years during sd War, and that some officers were appointed by the Council of War.  These facts, perhaps, have fallen under your observation. 

However the facts may have been, I state again that I believe the service was faithfully performed, and in this opinion I am not alone.  I herewith send the certificates of the Hon. Job Durfee late a member of Congress and at present the Chief Jus. of the Sup. J. Court of the State, of Col. David Durfee and Daniel Dwelly members of the Court of Probate of Cols. Jos. Durfee & Wm. Boomer of Chas. Durfee Esq, M. States Lawyer for the Tiverton District, of Wm. Norton Esq the Post Master, and other Gentleman in the General Certificate, whom you well know, who are all respectable citizens of Tiverton and neighbours (sic) to sd (said) Cornell the applicant.

With these proofs and Explanations I think the Pen. Department will be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to a pension,

I have the honor to be with great respect your obdt. servant

(signed) John Cross

Hon. D. J. Pearce }
M. of Congress }
W. City  }
Page 38

Portsmouth R. I.  Oct. 26. 1835

Sir
I enclose herewith, certificates from the State Departments of this state and Massachusetts, in relation to the Revolutionary services of Thurston Cornell of Tiverton, and also a further explanation by himself of a portion of those services. 

I have the honor to be with Great Respect
Your Obdt servant.

Jno Cross


Hon. J. L. Edwards }
Comm of Pensions }
W. City                   }
Page 39

Portsmouth R. I. Apl 25. 1837

Sir

Since my lost letter to you, on the subject of certain Applicants for pensions, under the Act of July 4, 1836, in this county, I have re'd (received) through the hands of Mr. Pearce, propositions of your, under date of the 30 (illegible) in which you state that in the present state of the proofs, the Department is willing to allow Mrs. Mary Manchester Widow of John, and Cynthia Eddy Widow of David dec'd (deceased) a pension for (illegible) months service.

Both of these women with me to inform you that they will accede to your proposals, upon condition, that you will permit them hereafter, to make the necessary specifications, according to the rules of the Department.  They at the same time solemnly (illegible) that their said husbands, faithfully served their Country, for as much time at least, as in mentioned in their respective declarations.

With regard t the other persons named in your letter to Mr. Pearce of the 30th lett.  such as I have the case of, I will inform you as soon as I hear from them. 

I would particularly call your attention to the case of Thurston Cornell, an Applicant under the Act of the 7 June 1832.  His case has been a long time before you, and he has done every thing he can do, to obviate the objections which were made to him.  He has proven his militia service beyond the possibility f doubt, and his other services which he was not been able to prove by living witnesses rest upon the character of the man for truth, and the probability of such services being performed.  And in both cases the presumption is strong in favor of the fact, no man sustains a more unblemished character for truth than this Mr. Cornell, for the roof of this I refer you to our present Member in Congress from this County the Hon. D. J. Pearce, and to the certificates of the Hon. Job Durfee, late member of Congress, and at present Ch. Jus. of the S. J. Court, of this state to Wm. Norton Postmaster, and Chas. Durfee Esqr and Officer in the Customhouse, and to other Gentlemen, citizens of Tiverton, who are citizens of Tiverton, neighbours (sic) of Mr. Cornell, who have certified to his character for truth, and to the traditionary understanding to their neighborhood.  You wrote to Mr. Peare on the subject on the 27th Feb. last, which letter has been mislaid, I wish you
Page 40

to inform me, what has been done in this case since Mr. Peare delivered the further proofs and explanations in the same.  I hope you will have patience to go carefully through his case.

With great respect, I have the honor to be your obdt servant.

(Signed) Jno. Cross


Hon. Jos. L. Edwards }
Comm of Pen           }
W. City                     }
Page 41

J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions

Postmarked:
CITY OF WASHINGTON
NOV 2

Stamped:
FREE

Red Nov 9. 11835
T. Cornell (illegible)

John Cross Esqr
Portsmouth
R. I.
Page 42

War Department
Pension Office
Nov 2d 1835

Sir

The claim of Thurston Cornel has been again examined with the benefit of the evidence accompanying his supplemental statements.

The certificate of Mr. Bangs discredits the alleged time of service under Captain Lucas' that under Capt. Borden is utterly inadmissible as military service and the certificate of Mr. Bowen shows that there was no officer named Dunham or Vaughn commissioned by Rhode Island.  This last  tome under Dunham from Dec 1780 to Sept. 1781 is represented as an enlistment under Col. Bailey, who was commissioned a Col commandant of Militia in May 1781, and had no authority to enlist or command 9 months then.

It may be remarked that from the number of claimants still residing in Rhode Island
Page 43

there must be the most abundant means of proving any service rendered under her authority.  The reason assigned for delaying his application is unsatisfactory.

I am Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J L Edwards
Page 44

26th CONGRESS,
1ST Session

[ SENATE. ] 

[ 575 ]

HR 152.

IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

JUNE 23, 1840.
Submitted, and ordered to be printed.

Mr. PIERCE  made the following
REPORT:
[To accompany bills H. R. Nos. 122, 131, 135, 152]

The Committee on Pensions, to whom were referred "An act (H. R. 135) granting a pension to Elijah Fouchee;" "An act (H. R. 131) for the relief of Hugh Davis, " "An act (H. R. 122) for the relief of Jabez Collins," and "An act (H. R. 152) for the relief of Thurston Cornell," report:

The foregoing are applications for pensions on account of Revolutionary services.
The claim of Elijah Fouchee was disallowed at the Pension Office, upon the ground that there were no such terms of continuous actual service in field or garrison, rendered by the North Carolina militia, as that, in which he alleges to have served as a draughted militia soldier.  This objection, raised by the records, is not removed by evidence before the committee.   The witnesses do not make full and specific statements, and it would be unsafe to throw aside the records and to rely upon loose and general statements.  In addition to this term (of eight months) another of six months in a troop of horse is set forth, but not proved. 
Hugh Davis asks an increase of pension.  He, in common with all other sergeants of the Revolution, received the full allowance, to which he was entitled under the act of March 18, 1818, until the act of June 7, 1832, awarded him a higher one, and of which he availed himself.
The claim of Jabez Collins, as presented in his petition, is for seven months' service in three tours.  The documentary evidence shows clearly that these three tours together amounted to only about four months.
In relation to the case of Thurston Cornell, the Commissioner of Pensions says: "The certificate of Mr. Bangs discredits the alleged term of service under Captain Lucas; that under Captain Borden is utterly inadmissible as military service; and the certificate of Mr. Bowen shows that there was no officer named Dunham or Vaughn commissioned by Rhode Island.  This last term under Dunham, from December, 1780 to September, 1781, is represented as an enlistment under Colonel Bailey, who was commissioned a colonel commandant of militia in May, 1781, and had no authority to enlist or command nine months' men.  It may be remarked that, from the number of claimants still residing in Rhode Island, there must be the most abundant means of proving any service rendered under
________________
Blair & Rives, printers.
Page 45

[ 575 ]        2

(Bleed through from front page onto the first paragraph:  HR 152)

her authority.  The reason for delaying his application is unsatisfactory.  Se letter of November 2, 1835, and also one of March 2, 1835.  
The committee refer to a general letter of Mr. Edwards, dated June (illegible) 1840, in relation to all these cases.
The committee recommend that the foregoing bills be severally postponed indefinitely.
Page 46

Thurston Cornel
79 Capt. Lucas Mass.                             3.15
Dec 78 " Borden  forage yard                 8 -
        80     Dunham - Bailey - Newport   9 -
Page 47

War Department
& Pension Office
2d March 1835

Sir
I have the  honor to inform you that the claim of Thurston Cornell has been examined and suspended.  His first service in driving cattle to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy and in which he was taken prisoner is not a military service in the contemplation of the act of 7th June 1832.  His next service is alleged to have been rendered in the Massachusetts troops from 1st August to 20th Nov 1778 and which should be established by the record in the State Department of Massachusetts.  This term of alleged service under Captain Burden of the militia as a guard at the "Forage yard" does not correspond with the character of the militia service in Rhode Island at that time.
Page 48

If such guard wee organized by and special authority it should be shown, but if comprised of militia both officers and men must have served in rotation.  The last term of (illegible) under Col  Bailey and Lieut Dunham should be established by the archives of Rhod (sic) Island as to the Commissions of the designated officers and the duration of their term of service.  Some reason should be assigned for delaying his application.  His papers are place on file.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
(Signed) J L Edwards



Hon. D. J. Pearce
House of Representatives
Page 49

H R   152
Thurston Cornell

Col Bailey
Page 50

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

County of Newport ss}

Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of Tiverton, within and for said County of Newport, Thurston Cornell, of said Tiverton, aged seventy-six years and upwards to me personally known as a credible person and who is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832, and being duly sworn deposes and says - That for the purpose of further explaining certain of his services alleged in his declaration heretofore made.  He says that after his discharge from Capt. Lucas' company at Boston in November 1778 he returned to his fathers house in sd Tiverton, and was immediately taken into the militia company to which he had always belonged since he had been of age to be enrolled, this was the 2d or middle company in said Tiverton under the command of Capt. Benjamin Borden.  The members of this company were doing duty in the public service by turn for one month at a time, half of the company alternately, a few, at the fort and forage yard, on the High Land near Howland's ferry, and the rest at the guard posts on the shores.  At that time he had no other mode of getting his living, but to keep in the public services, and he voluntarily staid therein from sometime in December 1778 till August 1779 at least eight months, although he would not have been compelled to have been in the service but half of the time, he staid in the service also at the request of his officers who wanted more men than they could conveniently obtain.  And he for all of the time, at the least received his pay from the state.  During this time  Capt. William Durfee had the command of the guard at the yard and the militia who were stationed there from time to time were put under his command, and in addition to our daily military duty, we were required on occasion to do other tings about the Post in the public service.  IN December 1780 at the request of Col. Bailey of Tiverton he enlisted with a few others of the same town and was soon sent to Newport to guard.
Page 51

the shores below the town.  He was put into a company in which one Dunham was Lt. and Vaughan was ensign, the Captain he cannot remember, and Dunham the Lt. afterwards had the command, during this time he was stationed at Brenton's Point below Newport, and at the North Battery on the Point.  The French were in Newport at the time, and he remembers when they marched away to the westward, and when Genl. Washington came to Newport while he was there.  He staid till Sept 1781 when he has discharged, and he returned home.  This was his last service in the War.  When in Newport he cannot certainly say who had the command higher than the captain of his company.  I saw Col. Bailey from Tiverton, there often, whom I very well knew and Col. Topham almost every day.
Owing to old age and the loss of  memory he cannot be precise as to the exact time he served in the (illegible) service during the war of the Revolution, but according to his best Recollection, he served not less than the time mentioned in his declaration, namely under Capt. Lucas three months and fifteen days, in the Militia at Tiverton in Capt. Borden's Company eight months, and in the service at Newport under Lt. Dunham nine months, making in all twenty months fifteen days for which he claims a pension as a private soldier.  He states that the reason that he did not apply before was, that he is very infirm in health, which prevented his going about to find if any were living who were with him in the services - and that he has been unable to find any one now living who was with him in the services in Capt. Lucas' company on Rhode Island and in Boston or in Lt. Dunhams Company at Newport.  Among those who enlisted in Tiverton at the time he did were a man by the name of Joseph Willson, two by the name of Sherman who were brothers, and the Late Samuel Stafford who died last September in this town, but who had been insane for a number of years before and upto (sic) his death.  All the above have been deceased a number of year.  He does not remember the names of any others of said company.
(Signed) Thurston Cornell

At Newport
Subscribed and sworn to
(This 31st day of August 1835 before me Charles Durfee Justice Peace)
Page 52

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerk's Office of the Court of Probate for the Town of Tiverton in the County of Newport & State aforesaid
I Asa Gray, Clerk of said Court of Probate a  Court of Record do hereby certify that Charles Durfee is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Newport, duly appointed by the General Assembly of this State.  Commissioned by the Governor thereof, and fully qualified to act in his said Capacity.  And I further certify that the signature of his name to the aforegoing affidavit is his own proper hand writing
[ SEAL ]    In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this Second day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty five
(Signed) Asa Gray, Clerk of Court of Probate
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Thurston Cornell

HR 743
Petition of 
Thurston Cornell

Feby 14 1838
Refd to the Committee
on Revy Pensions

Apr 14 1838  Bill No 743

Dec. 20 1838
Refd to the Committee 
on Revy Pensions

Jany 9 1839
Bill  No. 995

Jany 4, 1840
Refd under Reso to Committee
on Revolutionary Pensions

Mar 5, 1840  Bill No. 159

Cranston 53
Rev Pen
Page 54

To the Congress of the United States of America begun and held at the City of Washington of on the first Monday of December A.D. 1837.

I Thurston Cornell of Tiverton in the County of Newport and State of Rhode Island, a revolutionary Soldier, humbly Represent:

That I was born in Newport in the said County of Newport on the 10th day of November A.D. 1758, and that I am now upwards of seventy nine years of age.   My father removed from said Newport to Tiverton when I was a boy and long before the revolutionary war, and continued there to reside until his death and I have always lived in said Tiverton after our removal from Newport as aforesaid.  In the latter part of the year 1774 I was sixteen years of age, and was enrolled in the second company of Militia in sd Tiverton to which I belonged, and continued to serve therein for many years after the Revolutionary war.

At the time the Enemy took possession of Rhode Island din December 1776, I worked by the month, on said Island, the town of Portsmouth, for one Abraham Anthony, and at the request of Col. John Cook I volunteered, and wad put under one Lieutenant Gray, we were ordered to drive the stock from the island to the mainland to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands.  We had got much of the stock on to the ferry neck, near Howlands ferry and were engage in getting them over.  At this time some of them got away and went back.  myself and several others was sent after them to bring them back.  We followed them south found some, and on our return, were overtaken by the Enemy's light Infantry and made prisoners. Near the public house on sad Island then kept by Elisha Coggshall.  We were then carried back to t Coddington's cove, near Newport, and confined for a short time, and was then set at liberty upon condition that I should not leave the Island.  I then continued a sort of prisoner and slave to them until General Sullivan with the American Army invaded the Enemy on the sd Island the last of July or first of August 1779.  I then made my escape while I was driving one of their baggage teams in the night, (for I was compelled against my will to do it) and came down to Ferry Neck
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and was there at the first landing of the American Army.  I went back with the troops to meeting house hill where at the house of Sampson Sherman I volunteered into a company of Massachusetts troops under Captain Lucas, one James How (a baker afterwards in Roxbury) was Lieutenant, and one Brewster was Ensign.  I do not remember to what Regiment it was attached.  Before the Battle we were quartered at the house of one John Taylor near Stuart Beach.  I was in the Battle and our company lost two men.  After the retreat from Rhode Island we were marched to Boston and I was then discharged about the 20th of November 1778.  I then returned home to my Father's in said Tiverton.  At this time the  Militia company to which I belonged, were continually in the public service for one month at a time, the company was divided into two parts, or classes, and each class served for one month, and was then relieved by the other class, and in this manner they served alternately for once half of the time. This amount of time every member of sd company was obliged to perform on his account, or to procure a substitute.  But any one could continue voluntarily in the service if he chose for the month that the Law did not oblige him, and I was strongly solicited so to do.  At that time the town of Tiverton aforesaid was almost entirely a military camp, soldiers were quartered in almost every house and many at my father's.  I had no means of getting my living but to stay in the militia service, which I voluntarily did form the month of December 1778 till august 1779 for a period of at least eight months, during all of this last mentioned period, the members of our said company in the public service, were stationed on the shore guard, and at the forage yard near the upper Fort, on the high land in the vicinity of Howlands ferry in said Tiverton.  I was stationed at the latter place and besides my regular military duty, I assisted at the forage yard in such tings as I was ordered to do.  My gun, cartridge box and bayonet were always kept with me, during this period Capt. Benjamin Borden was the Captain of our sd company of Militia in Col. John Cooks Regiment.
After the Enemy evacuated Newport and left Rhode Island the regular manner of the Militia service, in the guard service was not required on the shores of the Bay, and the principal force maintained by the state was kept at and in the vicinity of Newport, and
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when this force could not be kept good by volunteers, small drafts were made from different parts of the state of the militia.
IN December 1780 at the solicitation of Col. Bailey of said Tiverton whom I well knew, and who was a great Liberty man, and a Gentleman of influence in our town, myself and some others in the town enlisted or entered the service voluntarily for the state, we went to Newport and was put into a Company in which one was Dunham was Lieut. and Vaughn Ensign the Capt. name I do not remember.  And I believe Dunham afterwards was Capt of the company.  I continued in this service till September 1781.  In the first part of this service we were quartered on Brenton's Neck, and the last part at the North Battery in Newport.  I was thee in this service when the French troops marched away to the westward, and Genl. Washington came there and the town was illuminated.  I do not know who commanded our sd company, other than the company officers. Col. Bailey of Tiverton I saw there frequently, and Co. Topham, whom I also knew, I saw quite often.   At the time I entered this service at the request of Col. Bailey, one Willcox, two men by the name of Sherman, and one Samuel Stafford also entered at the same time, these are now all deceased, and I know of no one who was with me.  Nor do I know of anyone living who was with me in Capt Lucas' Company.  They were strangers to me, my memory is very defective and particularly so in regard to persons names and I have no written memorial whatever in regard to my Revolutionary service, and have to rely wholly on my memory. 
And I further most solemnly declare, according to my best recollection and belief that I faithfully served my country as aforesaid, not less than three months & fifteen days in Capt. Lucas' company.  Eight months in Capt. Bordens Company of Militia and nine months in Capt. Dunhams company at Newport. Making in all twenty months fifteen days in the grade of a private soldier.  I further declare that I have heretofore made my declaration for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7th A.D. 1832, but that the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, has hitherto, considered himself unauthorized to grant it, on the ground of want of testimony, and that the service under Capt. Borden was not military.  I therefore humbly pray your honorable body to take my case into consideration, to inspect the evidence in my case in the Pension Department and to grant me a pension as under the act of Congress of the 7th day of June 1832.  To that evidence I refer to my character for uprightness and honesty.  (Signed) Thurston Cornell