Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2180, Thomas Collins, Penn
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn
Collins, Thomas
Leah
NUMBER
R 2180.
CONTENTS
Page 2

State of New York
Tompkins County

On this 14 day of July 1843 personally appeared before Henry S. Walbridge Esq. one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county of Tompkins and state of New York, Leah Collins, a resident of the town Lansing in the county of Tompkins and state of New York, aged seventy-nine years on the fifteenth day of October last past, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4 1836.

That she is the widow of Thomas Collins who was a private in the war of the Revolution and who served as such in the service of the United States in 1776 and 1777 under Captain Timothy Layne in the Pennsylvania regiment but the number of or the names of the col. commanding such regiment she does not recollect and cannot state;

That in the summer of 1776 said Thomas Collins enlisted into said service under the aforesaid Capt. Layne at a place called (illegible) Smithfield on the Delaware River in the state of Pennsylvania where then resided and marched from there to New York and Long Island; was in the service at the battle of Long Island and was there with others taken a prisoner by the British and detained and confined as such prisoner on board of prison ships until the summer of 1777.  After having been confined into such service at least one year when he was discharged upon his own (illegible) of honor and returned to Smithfield again in the fall of the year 1777;

That in the fall of 1781 and during the spring, summer and fall of 1782 the said Thomas Collins again enlisted into such service and served as a private under Captain Schoonover in the Pennsylvania militia during several periods of one month each time the whole amounting to at least six months.  That during the last aforesaid service from Sept 1781 to the close of the war he was attached to (illegible) in said company as a minute man.

That she has no documentary or other evidence of said service except that hereto annexed to which she respectfully refers.  She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas Collins on the 17th day of September 1781 at Smithfield in the then county of Southampton and state of Pennsylvania where she then resided, by Nicholas DePew Esq., who was a justice of the peace in and for said county.  

That her husband the aforesaid Thomas 
Collins died on the 17th day of February 1819 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period.  As will now fully appear by references to the proof hereto annexed.  That she has caused a diligent search to be made for town, county, church, family, parish and other records of the aforesaid marriage but can find none except that contained a family Bible which has been kept for at least sixty hears past as such family record.
Page 3

and from which is taken the annexed leaf & which contains the whole of such family Record - That the entry in such Record "Thomas Collins & Leah Mullin was married Sept. 17, 1781" a true Record of the Marriage of this Deponent with the said Thomas Collins & the only record thereof which she knows to exist
Leah Collins her mark [signature]

sworn, & subscribed on the day & year above written before me
HS Wallridge
Judge of Tompkins County Courts & Counsellor of the Supreme Court

State of New York
Thompkins County ss. 
I hereby certify that the above named Leah Collins is unable to attend in open Court & make
this her declaration by reason of extreme old age and bodily infirmity. That she is reputed to be a person of good reputation for truth & veracity & in my opinion her statement is entitled to full credit & belief
H S Wallridge
Judge of Tompkins County Courts Counsellor of the Supreme Court
Page 4

THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN METRE.
Newly Translated, and diligently Compared with the original TEXT, and former translations

More plain, smooth, and agreeable to the text than any heretofore.

Allowed by the Authority of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the KIRK of SCOTLAND, and appointed [illegible] sung in Congregations and Families.

EDINBURGH
Printed by ALEXANDER KINCAID, His Majesty's
MDCCLXIX.
Page 5

Thomas Collins & Leah
Mullin was married -
Sept 17th 1786

Their childrens Birth
James Collins was born Sept 4th 1782
Died - Sept 29 - 1782

John Collins was born Aug 22 - 1783

Mary Collins was born Oct 9 1785

Tine Collins was born Jany 30-1788

Barnabas Collins was born Apr 30, 1790
Died May 10, 1790

Barbary Collins was born June 17 1794
died Apr 23 1794
Anne Collins was born Oct ? ??
Page 6

State of New York

Tompkins County for:  John Collins of Lansing in said county being duly sworn oath on his oath depose say that his ae is seventy one years on the nineteenth day of September next;  that he is a brother of Thomas Collins late of Lansing, but formerly of Northamption County in the state of Pennsylvania deceased whose widow Leah Collins of Lansing in said County of Tompkins now is and who as said widow is applying for a pension under the Act 4th July 1836 on account of the services of the said Thomas Collins in the Revolutionary war.  That during the Revolution he thus departed with the said Thomas Collins the eldest brother of this departure was residing with their father in the town of Southfield in the said county of Northampton; that he wrote numbers Thomas that during the Revolution the said Thomas Collins enlisted service into the Revolutionsay service of the United States in a company commanded by Capt. Timothy Layne, whis as he has always understood and truly believes was attached to the 2nd Reg of the Pennslyvania state troops.  That after service Thomas Collins enlisted as aforesaid and for  more than a year afterwards the said Thomas Collins was about four hours and as this departed them and has war service understood and now verily believes was in the service of the United States at and in the vicinity of the city of New York confirmed as a prisoner of the British - That after the return of the said Thomas Collins and during the Revolution he once remembers and knows that said Thomas Collins again enlisted and served in the Revolutionay war under Capt. Benjamin Schoonover on a tour against the Indians at this the vicinity of Wyoming on the Susquehannah River fo six or seven months or more - That he mu(?) knows Leah Collins of Lansing who is applying for a pension under the Act of the 4th July to be the identical widow of the said Thomas Collins who wa sin the service of the U.S in the Revoltion as aforesaid.

John Collins

Subscribed and known before me this 27th day of May 1845

Z Tichenor JJ
Page 7

I certify that I am well acquainted with the said
above named affiant John Collins & that he is a highly credible person & his statements are entitled to full credit and belief. Dated May 27th, 1845
Z. Tichenor J P

State of New York
Tompkins County S.S. 
I, Henry B. Weaver, Clerk of the County of Tompkins, do hereby certify that Z. Tichenor Esq. before the above declaration, was subscribed and sworn, and whose name is subscribed to the Jurat thereto and to
the certificate thereon written was at the dates of the same, an acting Justice of the peace in & for said County, commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to take the same, and further
that I am well acquainted with his handwriting & verily believe his signatures thereto genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said County at Ithaca this ninth day of October A.D. 1845.
Henry B. Weaver, Clerk
Page 8

State of New York
Tompkins County ss: 
Mary Dickerson of Seasing, being
duly sworn, deposes & says that she is the Daughter of Thomas Collins & Leah Collins. That she is fifty five years old and upwards & has always lived with or near to her said father & mother. That said Leah Collins is the same named in the annexed Declaration. That from her earliest recollection, her said mother, the said Leah and the said Thomas Collins, up to the time of his death, lived together as man & wife. That they as such raised a family of children. That they were reputed to have been married on the 17th day of Sept. 1781 in the State of Pennsylvania which she verily believes to be true. That she has from her earliest recollection up to the present time known
the Family Record of her said father & mother from which the annexed abstract is made & she believes the same is a true Record of the Marriage of her said father & mother. That such Record is in the handwriting of Abraham Minier, an uncle of this Dependent who has been dead some years since.
Subscribed & Sworn before me
this 1st day of July 1843
Mary Dickerson
Her mark: X
H S Walbridge
Judge of Tompkins
County Court Counsellor of the Super Court

I certify that the said above named Mary Dickerson is a person of good reputation for truth & veracity & in my opinion, her statements are entitled to credit & belief.
H S Walbridge
Judge of Tompkins
County Court Counsellor of the Super Court
Page 9

State of New York
Tompkins County ss. 
I, Samuel Crittende Jr, Deputy Clerk of said County of Tompkins & of the County Court holder in & for said County, do hereby certify that Henry S. Walbridge Esq before whom the preceding declaration of Leah Collins &
affidavit of Mary Dickerson, purport to have been subscribed & sworn, and whose name is subscribed to the parts thereto to the several certificates thereunder written, was at the date
thereof & still is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of Tompkins & of the County Courts in & for
said County duly commissioned & sworn and authorized by law as such. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge and that his several signatures to said Jurats & Certificates are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at therein this 3d day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred & forty three.
Samuel Crittenden Jr.
Deputy Clerk
Page 10

State of New York
Tompkins County SS
Personally came before me Charles Crowell Esquire, a Justice of the Peace of the said County, Rebecka Ann Everhard, who upon her oath saith that she was acquainted with Thomas Collins in his lifetime, and has for a long time been acquainted with his wife
and now widow of the said Thomas Collins. And that she was present when they were married and saw their marriage. And that she stood up with them when the Marriage ceremony was pronounced. And that they
were married by Nicholas De Pew ,a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Then Smithfield,  now Town of Stroudsburg, County of Northampton & State of Pennsylvania. And that her name before she was married was Leah Mullen, and that according to the best of her knowledge and belief, they were married on the 17th day of September 1784
Rebecka Ann Everhard
Her mark X
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 28
day of June 1843
Moses Crowell J P
⎬
I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with
Rebecka Ann Everhard, and that her character as to truth and veracity is good and unimpeachable
June 28th, 1843
Moses Crowell J.P.
Page 11

State of New York
Tompkins County SS
I, Samuel Crittenden Jr., Deputy Clerk of the
said County of Tompkins, do hereby certify that Moses Crowell Esquire, before whom the preceding affidavit of Rebecca Ann Everhard
purports to have been subscribed & sworn & whose name is subscribed to the Jurat thereto and to the certificate thereunder written, was at the date thereof & still is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly Elected qualified & sworn, and duly authorized
by law as such. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and that his signatures to said Jurat & certificate on genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Ithaca this 3d day of July in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and
forty-three
Samuel Crittenden Jr.
Deputy Clerk
Page 12

5910
Leah Collins
N. York
Act July 4th 36

2180
Page 13

State of Pennsylvania,
Monroe County SS
Before me Franklin Starbird, a Justice of the peace in for the said county, personally appeared James Boys, senior of Stroud Township in said county, and being duly sworn according to law, deposes & says that he knew & was acquainted with Thomas Collins & Leah his wife in the year 1790, that they lived together as man & wife, & were known as such by general reputation in the neighbourhood & shortly after that period. they removed from this neighbourhood to Wyoming, since which time he has not been acquainted with them.
Sworn & Subscribed this first day of June A.D. 1843, before F. Starbird SS, James Boys

State of Pennsylvania
Monroe County ss.
Before me Franklin Starbird a Justice of the peace in & for the said county, personally appeared, James Vanorman of Stroud
Township in the said county, and being duly sworn according to law, deposes & says that he knew Thomas Collins and that he left here in the time of the Revolutionary War under Captain Timothy Page in company with about one hundred & it was reported at the time they were taken prisoners at the Battle of Long Island & put on board a prison ship. Out of the one hundred or thereabouts that went out, there was only about half a dozen returned of which Thomas Collins was one. After he came
back, I was out in company with him in the Militia under Captain Schoonover.
Thomas Collins had a family. His wife's name was Leah. They lived together as man & wife,
and were known as such by general reputation in the neighborhood until they removed
from here to Wyoming, since which time I have not known him or his family.
Sworn & subscribed this first day of
June A.D. 1843. Before F. Starbird  J.P.
Samuel Dunman
Page 14

State of Pennsylvania
Monroe County ss
Before me Franklin Starbird a Justice of the peace in & for the said County, personally appeared Hannah Starbird of Stroud Township in the said county who being duly affirmed according to law deposes & says, that she knew Thomas Collins during the Revolutionary War that he left this place in the year 1776 & went out in a company called the Flying camp under the command of Captain Timothy Payne. That the general report was they were taken prisoners at the Battle of Long Island & confined on board a prison ship that he afterwards returned to this neighbourhood & the general report was he married. he lived in this neighbourhood with his family several years & there removed as the understood to Wyoming since which time she was not been acquainted with him. The time Thomas Collins lived in this neighbourhood with his family was from some time previous to 1783 to about 1790 when he removed. The deponent further states that she knows of no person now living who went out with Captain Payne's company in 1776.
Hannah Starbird [signature]

affirmed & subscribed this first day
of June A.D. 1843. Before F. Starbird J.P.
Page 15

State of Pennsylvania
Monroe County ss.
Before me Franklin Starbird a Justice of the peace in & for said county, personally appeared, Joseph Drake senior of Stroud Township in said county, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes & says That he was acquainted with Thomas Collins during the Revolutionary War, that
he left here & went out in the service under Captain Payne that it was reported at the time that he was taken prisoner at the Battle of Long Island & confined in a prison ship that he knew him after he returned & that he was a man of a family
Joseph X Drake his mark [signature]

Sworn & subscribed this first day of
June A.D. 1843 Before F. Starbird J.P.

State of Pennsylvania
Monroe County ss.
Before me Franklin Starbird a Justice of the peace in & for the said county, personally appeared, George White of the Borough of Stroudsburg in said county, who being duly sworn according to law, deposes & says, that he knew Thomas Collins in the year 1778 that he was out in the Militia with him under the command of Captain Schoonover, that he had a family & that his wife's name was Leah 
George White [signature]

Sworn & Subscribed this first day of
June A.D. 1843. Before F. Starbird J.P.

George White, the deponent above named further states that the time Thomas Collins was out in the Militia in company with him was six months or upwards they were what was called minute men and were out several times at different periods of the war 
George White
Page 16

State of Pennsylvania
Monroe County Ss
I James H Stroud Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Monroe do hereby certify that Franklin Starbird Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Monroe duly commissioned and qualified as such according to law. And that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Stroudsburgh the final day of June AD one thousand eighty hundred and forty three
J.H. Stroud Prothonry
Page 17

Name  ---------------Rank  Service  Dollars  L  S  P  Remarks
Benj Schoonhover  Capt ---15 ----- 40 ----- 7 10 ---
John Fish ---------   Lieut -- 20 -----26 5/8 --6 13 4  
Richd Tilbury ------ Ensign -15 -----20  ------3 15 ---
Thos. Collins ------ Private - 15 ---------------1  5

Examined and settled the foregoing accounts amounting to Eighty six pounds Eighteen Shillings and four pence Specie
Compt Genl. Office Feby. 5th 1785 J Nicholson

March the 28th 1787. To Mr John Nickelson comptroling General, Sir this is to certify you that the Bearer Henry Woolley and William Hisson, Abner Hinson, Thomas Brink, David Menniger, John Gover, Christopher Pittenbender Sr the ware taken in the Battle long Island Prisoners belongen to my company-- the payment of the Ryfels
Henry Woollery 5 " 0" 0
William Hissom 5 " 0" 0
Abner Hissom 4 " 0" 0 
Thomas Brink 5 " 0" 0
David Menninger 5 " 0" 0
Christofer Pittenbender 5 " 0" 0
John Gover 4,15,, 0

Witness present William Jayne  Timothy Jayne Capt

Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg May 8. 1846

I certify that the first of the above copies, is a true extract from the original pay roll, and the second, the whole of an original letter, both remaining on file in this department
.
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
J. W. Hammond for
John N. Purviance Auditor
Page 18

Leah Collins
Widow of Thomas
New York
Keep? Cash 4 July 1836
Page 19

State of New York
County of Tompkins
Be it Known that on this First day of November A.D. 1852, before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Thomas Collins and Mary Dickinson,
Residents of Lansing in said County, and made oath according to me that they are the legal heirs of Thomas Collins, who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and whose widow Leah Collins is now deceased, has theretofor made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 4 July 1836, that they are the identical persons or heirs directly interested as claimants in said pension and this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or argument as our agent may use in prosecuting said Claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney, and authority heretofor given, we hereby constitute and appoint C.W. Bennett, of 
Washington City, our true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of Leah Collins, widow of Thomas Collins (both deceased), for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and thereby authorize our said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and the receive for our exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate we wish made payable at the Washington City, D.C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that we might or could do were we personally present.
Hereby Ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the precinct.
Mary Dickenson
Thomas Collins
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Thomas Collins & Mary Dickinson to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical heirs of the party.
Samuel Benjamin Justice of the peace in the 


State of New York
County of Tompkins
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of Said County of Tompkins, that Thomas Collins & Mary Dickinson, the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney, is the identical Children of the reputed soldier  aforesaid. I further certify that Samuel Benjamin Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and
acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this Fourth
day of November, 1852
---
Horace Mack, Clerk

1. Claimant's name or names in full ___  
2. Post Office Address
3. "That he is the identical man," or. "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c. &c.
4. Leave this line blank.
5. "He is" "she is" or "they are"
6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.
7. Claimant's signature
8. Claimant's name.
9. Magistrate's signature
10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of"
11. Magistrate's name
12. Clerk's signature

N.B. Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.
Page 20

[left side]
Mch. 22-1900
Hon Jos. C. Sibley M. C.
for Act  Pensions information

[right side]
P. O. _____
Leah Collins
Service: ______

Enlisted: _____ , 18 __
Discharged: _____ 18 __
Application filed: _____ 18 __

Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: ______
Attorney: ______
P. O. ______
______ Recognized. _____ Contract
______Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18
Page 21

5910
July 1043
NY July 4 1836
Leah Collins

[sideways]
Free

The Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City DC
Page 22

Solausing July 6. 1843

To the Honorable J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I herewith send you the claim of A [illegible] widow  of Thomas Collins deceased who served
as a soldier in the Revolution war, was taken Prisoner on Long Island Put on board the Prison ship I have often heard the old man weeping tell over his Sufferings one great loss was the loss of all his teeth from his being poisoned. I wish you to examine the claime as Early as possible and should there be any thing wanting I wish you would set fourth the point in particular or points if there be such

I have no doubt but you are aware of the great difficult matter to prove exactly every in point as to the day, week, month or years service for there are very few of the old patriots now living Direct your communication to Daniel D Minier Past Master Solausing Tompkins Co. New York

Yours with [illegible] of Regard
Danl D Minier
Page 23

[envelope]
FREE
Hon Jas.E Heath
Comm of Pens
Washington D C

[sideways]

March 28 57 Arad Joy's agency in case of Leah Collins wid of Thomas

NY 36
Page 24

Ovid March 22d 51
Sir,
I inclose my agency in the case of Leah Collins widow of Thomas Collins, an applicant under law of 1836 from New York, possibly she recd a small pension, I think not- What is the State of this case, please give me a copy of the Alledged Service

Most Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Arad Joy

Hon Jas E Heath
Comm of Pensions
Page 25

[envelope]
Leah Collins
NY

M. Cole

[sideways]
FREE

Hon J. E. Heath
Comm. of Pens
Washington D.C.
Page 26

Lower Smithfield Pa
76 Jayne
Capt Timothy Jayne
Prisoner at Battle of Long Island - 1yr

Fall 81
Capt Schoonover
several terms of 1 Mo each amounting to 6 mo.

married Sept 17, 1787 at Smithfield in the the County of Northampton Pa
Maiden name Mullins

soldier died Feby 17, 1819

Application Aug  1. 1843
Lansing Tompkins Co . NY -79 tm
Page 27

[envelope]
to the Honorable
J L Edwards
Washington City
District Columbia

[sideways]
A Dana MC

Mr. A Dana HR
Page 28

South Lansing Den 27th 1844
To the Honorable J L Edwards

Dear Sir 
Inclosed I send you the certificate of Daniel Bush Esqr of Litchfield Bradford Co Pa which I hope will go to remove all remaining doubts in the claims of Leah Collins to a Pension, It is very default to obtain Testimony relative to Services rendered in the war of the Revolution at this time there are so few living and those scattered over the whole country.

I think by Daniel Bushes Testimony I have fully identified Leah Collins as the wife of the said Thomas Collins whose Services the certificates in the Adjudant Gnls office of Pa Fully Show

The certificate of Danl Bush I had drawn up after he read it he Thomas Collins said he did more services than mentioned there and with his trembling hand added by inserted the years of 1779 & 1780. you will likewise observe that Thomas Collins according to the records of Pa (That is) the
certificates from the Adj Genl office show that part of the Services he was in the capacity of an Uncommissioned officer &C &C
Yours very Respectfully
D. D. Minier

J. L. Edwards Esqr
City Washington
Page 29

Harrisburg April 19th,1844
D Deliver
Dear Sir,
Your Letter was duly received. I hereby inform you that the Bill allowing to Mr. Collins a Gratuity of $40 and an annuity of $400 a year to commence from the first day of January last payable semiannually has been all. The Legislature adjourns on the 29th instant after which time I will not be able to attend to anything for me at Harrisburg.
The enclosed certificates contain all the evidence that can be obtained at Harrisburg in relation to Thomas Collins. The fees for the same is $19.00. I have no charge against you for any services rendered.
I was pleased to hear from my Brother Abraham and his family and particularly to learn that they were well. I received a letter from him today by which I was informed that my wife, family and all our relatives and friends were well. I have been quite ill for a week
past. Today I feel somewhat better but far from being well. If you should see my brother, please give him my respect
Your
Jeff K. Hakman
P.S. Your letter enclosed one dollar which applies to the payment of your Certificates
Page 30

Leah Collins
Revolutionary
When I write Albany See how much he drew
applied from N.Y
not on pension list in Albany so Say Jenkins

my order was sent long before the new Circular
of April 1851

I wish to see her papers on file
from
Arad Joy
Page 31

Pension Office
June 19, 1851

Sir:
I return herewith the paper signed by Mary Dickerson and inform you that before you can be recognized as the Agent in the case of Leah Collins, you must produce a power of attorney from the parties interested.
Very Respectfully
yr Obt. Servt
F. S. Evans
Sa Comm
Page 32

Daniel D. Minier, Esquire,
Post Master
South Lansing P.O.
Tompkins Co N.Y.
Page 33

Extract from "a return of the Pennsylvania line entitled "to donation lands, reported by the late Comptroller General.
"Name Rank Reg't acres drawn
"Collins, Thomas Private 1st 200 6th April 1794"

In Testimony that the above is a true extract fomr the record contaning a list of the names of the persons entitles to  donation lands for service in the Revolutionary was. I have hereunto ser my hand and seal of said Office, at Harrisburg, this 29th day of June A.D./1843.

Chas.McClure
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 34

Secretary's Office,
Harrisburg June 29. 1843.

D.D. Minier Esqr
Sir:-- The extract annexed shewing that Thomas Collins received from this State 200 acres of donation land for services in the first war, is the only evidence discovered after a faithful and diligent search among the few remaining records and papers in this office, of his military services in that war

If this Thomas Collins be the same as the one referred to in your letter, the extract will at least go so far as to establish a servitude for a period required to entitle him to donation land

At an early period after the Revolution all the important records and papers not absolutely necessary to the State itself & having relation to that war, were transmitted to the seat of the General Government. If these papers &c were not destroyed by enemy in the Conflagration of the Capital in 1812, I have no doubt the necessary evidence to entitle his widow to a pension
could be gleaned from them there

Nothing further I am sorry to inform you, than this extract, can be found in this office tending to establish a claim for a pension.

I am very respectfully yours
Chas McClure
Secretary of the Committee
Page 35

No 129 [amounts in pounds]
Certificate for L113.13.5. Specie
We do certify, that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Thomas Collins, private of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment in the sum of Forty three pounds thirteen Shillings & five pence Specie, with lawful interest from the tenth day of April 1781, being the amount of the residue of the depreciation of his pay. Pursuant to two Acts of assembly, passed at Philadelphia, the 18th of December 1780, and the 10th of April 1781
John Nicholson
Hen. Slagle Auditoes
York Town May 20th 1781

No 185. 
Certificate for L65. 8.5 specie
We do certify that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Thomas Collins private of the 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment, in the sum of Sixty five pounds eight shillings & five pence specie being the amount of the depreciation of his pay, from 12th Feb 1778 to August 10 1780, pursuant to an act of Assembly, passed at Philadelphia the 18th of December 1780.
John, Nicholson
Mich Swoope   Auditors
Hen Slagle
York Town March 28th 1781.

Auditor Generals Office
Harrisburg April 19th 1844
I do hereby certify that the foregoing are correct copies of the originals on file in this office

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office
Wm F Packer
Aud General
Page 36

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County ss: 
Daniel Bush of Litchfield in said County being duly sworn doth on his oath depose & say that he is seventy nine years of age; that during the Revolutionary war he was well acquainted with Thomas Collins of Northampton County Pennsylvania, who was a Private in Capt. Timothy Jaynes Company in the Revolutionary service of the United States, & who enlisted & served
as such. That at the time of the service of the said Thomas Collins in said Capt. Timothy Jayne's Company, according to the best recollection & belief of this Deponant said company was attached to the 2d Regiment of the Pa. State Troops

That for many years after the Revolution and up to a the time of the death of the said Thomas Collins, he was well acquainted with the Thomas Collins and Leah Collins his wife, and he well knows Lah Collins of Sausing in the County of Tompkins & State of New York, who is applying for a Pension under the Act 4th July 1836 to to have been the wife, and now the widow of the same Thomas Collins who served in said Capt. Timothy Jaynes company as aforesaid in the Revolutionary war and which company was attached to the Regiment of the Pa. State troops-
Daniel Bush [signature]

Subscribed and sworn before me the subscriber one of the Justice peace in and for said county this 20th day of Sept 1845.
Saml Davidson Justice Peace

I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Daniel Bush and that he is a highly credible person & his statement is in my judgment entitled to full credit and belief
Saml Davidson
Page 37

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County
I, Aaron Chubbuck Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford do hereby certify that Samuel Davidson Esq before whom the within affidavit was taken whose name is attached to the within certificates is a Justice of the peace in and for said County Commissioned and duly qualified and that full faith and credit are given to his acts as such

In testimony Whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of the Court at Towander the 26th
day of September AD 1845.
Aaron Chubbuck Prothonotary
Page 38

N 5910
Sarah Collins wid. of Thomas
---
Ms___Sus___8736
---
Set to  D. Miner Oct 15 1844
 "     "   "      "       Sep 27.   43
 "    "  Hon A. Dana April 4, 44
 "     "    "    "    "     Jany 20, 45
  "    "    D. D. Miner Nov .6. 45
Same   --------    20 Dec. 45
Same Oct. 19. 46
Set Arad Joy June 19/67.
July 8/53
John Ludlow Jan 16/64
---
act 4 July 1836
John Ludlow Feby 13 /60
Page 39

Leah Collins
Revolutioner
N.Y.

I refer to the proof on file

From
Arad Joy
Page 40

Leah Collins N.Y. law '36
The Service of her husband Thomas Collins for '76 & '77 one year & over, Seems to be proven, was taken prisoner on Long Island in Augt '76 & put on board the Horrible prison ship, his absence from him for a year seems to be proven or for more than a year & of his return in Summer or fall of '77, I refer to David Bush affid, as to enlistment & of his absence one year or more, it Seems Capt Jayne was Capt '76 under whom it is alleged Collins served - one other witness testifies to his enlistment & absence as a prisoner over 12 her
In service in '81 & '82 after marriage
The widow drew a State pension
I respectfully beg leave to refer to all of the papers on file, & beg leave to ask a re-examination & a report to be made to me. Feb 20 1852.
Widow is dead, but children living.
Page 41

[stamped] Harrisburg Jul 12 Pa

D.D. Miner Esq
South Lansing
Tompkins Co
N. York
Page 42

Treasury office
Harrisburg July 12 1844

Sir
Enclosed herewith you will receive a check on the Phila Bank for Sixty dollars the amt of Leah Collins Pension due July 1 0 

Very Respectfully Your Obt St
Job Mann
J J Krause
Page 43

May 7' 44
D Minier
Leah Collins

[sideways]
Free D D Minier
PM So Lansing

J L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
District of Columbia
Page 44

So Lansing Febr 29th/44
To the Honorable J L Edwards

Sir in your letter bearing date the 27th Sept last you seem to have some doubts within the said Thomas Collins mentioned in the Sundry letter of P.A.  is the same individual as but few were placed on the Register to which the Secretary refers who were not in the regular Service after the year
1777, as to the declaration relative to the service of the claimants husband after his return from imprisonment or parole of Honor in the New Jersey Militia is a mistake it was in the militia of the State of Pennsylvania that the claimants husband served after he returned from imprisonment and the reason he was not in the Regular service after the year 1777 was he was discharged on parole of honor not to enter the service during the war he afterwards by recommends of Gen Washington whom the personally consulted (as he informed me more than thirty years since) enlisted as a minute man man in the Militia of the State of Pa against the Indians. I have a short time served 
reserved through Senator Heckman of Pa. that he can obtain a certificate from the Secretary of Pennsylvania that there
Page 45

on the Records Remaming at Harrisburg Pa.  The name of Thomas Collins having enlisted
under Capt Timothy Jayne in the revolution war; now Sir please inform me if this will not be sufficient proof to establish the fact that this is the Identical person all corresponding with the testimony that I sent you that the said Thomas Collins Enlisted under Capt Timothy Jayne in the revolution and one of the witnesses (Viz) Hannah Starbord Testified that he enlisted in the year 1776 side which corresponds with the Secretaries letter that I sent you, all except the letter I believe did not contain the Capt's name. He enlisted under, I think from what information I have received from the Secretary of Pennsylvania that I can by some trouble obtain a certificate from the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania that Thomas Collins Enlist in the State of Pennsylvania under the Capt Timothy Jayne in the Revolution war and for services rendered Received Two Hundred acres of Land and that this enlistment was in the year 1776 It being attended with some Expense and Trouble for me to obtain this certificate:  Harrisburg being some two hundred miles from me I thought I would get your advice relative to it please write me immediately on the subject as I would like to obtain it before the legislature of Pa Breaks  up
I am Sir your very humble Servant Daniel D Minier
Page 46

Ludlowville NY
Jan 31, 1860
Comm of Pensions

Sir
Herewith is presented the power of attorney of Mary Dickerson in relation to the claim of her Mother Leah Collins for Pension &c as required by yours of the 16 instant,

Presuming the "circular of an Agent", requested to be forwarded is unimportant, being merely the usual paper address to individuals thru the country soliciting business, but in this can in no respect employed I have not taken time to search for it,

Desirous to receive a statement of the case of Widow Leah Collins, its deficiencies (if any) and the objections to a favorable adjudication necessary to be removed

I am very respectfully
Your obt Sevt
John Ludlow
Ludlowville N.Y.

I was well acquainted with this old Soldier Thos Collins in his life time, a miserable old sot, but may have been a good soldier in early life
Page 47

A Return of the number of Officers and men of the Four different companies of the part of Lieut & Colonel Richline's Battalion for the Flying Camp of the County of Northampton in the State of Pennsylvania, Easton the 27th day of September 1776

In the part of the Battalion Lieut Col 1 major 1 Adjutant 1 Surgeon mate 1
Capt John Arndts Company Capt 1 Lieuts 3 Sergt's 4 Corporal 4 Drummers and Fifers 2 Privates 87
do Henry Hagenbucks Company Capt 1 Lieuts 3 Sergt's 4 Corporal 4 Drummers and Fifers 1 Privates 104
do. Nicholas Kern's Company Capt 1 Lieuts 3 Sergt's 4 Corporal 4 Drummers and Fifers 2 Privates 44
do Timothy Jaynes Company Capt 1 Lieuts 3 Sergt's 4 Corporal 4 Drummers and Fifers 2 Privates 33

Total Lieut Col 1 Major 1 Capt 4 Adjutant 1 Lieuts 12 Surgeon mate 1 Sergt's 16 Corporal 16 Drummers and Fifers 7 Privates 268

A true copy certified by me John Spangenberg Adjutant

Pennsylvania
I do certify that the above is a true copy of the original paper, remaining on file in this office

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and the Seal of the Secretary's Office at Harrisburg, this Eighth day of May AD 1848
J. Miller
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Page 48

I Mary Dickerson of Lansing in the County of Tompkins & State of New York one of the Heirs of Leah Collins Widow of Thomas Collins a soldier of the Revolution and allso supposed to have been in the service of the United States in the Indian War Do hereby Constitute and appoint John Ludlow of Lansing aforesaid my true and lawfull attorney for me and in my name to prosecute the claim I may have for Pension due to Said Leah Collins for the remains of said Thomas Collins and to receive and make all proper communications with the Pension department that behalf and allow to remain any certificate which May be grandted for Pension or our [obscured] as shall be found due to the said Leah Collins 
Deceased.
Witness my hand and seal at Lansing this 25 day of January 1810 
[signed] Mary Dickerson x her mark
In presence of
Alexander Welch
Samuel Morsy

State of New York
Tompkins County Ss
On this 27 day of January 1860 before me personally came Mary Dickerson to me known to be the individual described in and who executed the above power of attorney and acknowledged that She executed the same
Samuel Benjamin J.P.
Page 49

State of New York
Tompkins County Clerk's Office
[seal affixed]
I, Stephen H. Lamport, Clerk of said County, and also Clerk of the Courts of Record in and for said county, do hereby certify that Samuel Benjamin Esquire, before whom the preceding instrument, was proven or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly elected, sworn and authorized to act as such, and to take the same: And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the preceding acknowledgment is genuine, and that the same is executed and acknowledged in conformity with the laws of said State, to entitle it to be recorded therein.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of the said County and Courts, at Ithaca, this 30th day of January 1860
signed S.H. Lampert Clerk.
Page 50

[stamped] Pension Office Jan 12 1860

Requisition for Number & c
Leah Collins
Suspended Claim
Rev Pension 
from John Ludlow 
Ludlowville N.Y.
Page 51

Ludlowville N.Y.
Jan 9. 1860

Comr of Pensions

Sir, 
A circuler from an Agent at Washington has this day been put into my hands by those interested relative to a claim of Leah Collins for a revolutionary pension, said Claim supposed to be suspended for some reason unknown to the heirs.

The circuler bears date Oct 11 1852 and I am not advised that any further action has been had in the prosecution of said claim.
Will you please cause search to be made & forward a statement of the claim and number & the deficiency or cause of suspension. And much oblige
Respectfully
yr obt servt
John Ludlow
Ludlowville, N.Y.
Page 52

So lansing NY
August 11
Looks in and NY or Pa Index
Aug 17 46

Proof of service of Thomas Collins

[sideways]
Paid .20

To the Honorable J. L. Edwards
City Washington
D. C
Page 53

To the Honorable J L Edwards
Dear Sir last Spring I went to the City of Harrisburg Pa and spent four days faithfully in searching the records for Timothy Jaynes Muster Roll but was not able to obtain any of his papers but the certified which I inclose which goes to show that he was an officer early in the Revolution war

Inclosed you have the Muster Roll of Lt Col Richlin's Battalion of the Flying Camp which was mustered in 1776 of which Capt Timothy Jaynes Company was a part - this will go to show
there was a capt Timothy Jayne in the year 1776 of the Revolutionary war as also an other certificate from the Auditor Genls Office showing that Capt Timothy Jayne was in the battle of Long Island From a certificate for some of his own men who Appeared to have found their own Rifles who were taken prisoners in that battle

Now I have proven by a number of witnesses that Thomas Collins enlisted in the year 1776
under Timothy Jayne Marched with him to Long Island was taken prisoner and was absent more than a year Returned on parole of honor - as also that he was in the service during the war and another certificate showing that he was out after the close of the Revolution war
Page 54

in the service under Capt Benjamin Schoonover in the year 1784 and that after the close of
the war he received gratuity for serving during the Revolution war of $80, 90 cts 

I do sincerely hope there with what proof I have already forwarded will be sufficient. If there is any they needed state what it is though I dont know that I can obtain any further Information could I get hold of Capt Jaynes muster Roll there would be no difficulty of substantiating his claim I went to Harrisburg expecting there to find but its just like looking for a needle in a hay stack there is no regularity as to the papers they are all next up Militia Regular Muster Rolls Pay Rolls  [illegible] rolls affidavits, there is no head nor tail to them you can tell nothing what a paper or package contains untill you open it
Yours Truly
D D Minier

So Lansing August 11/46
Page 55

Ovid N.Y. Nov 7 '52
Sir
If Mrs Mary Dickinson order, or her agency to me, in the case of Leah Collins an applicant from New York, was not put on file 3 weeks before the issuing of your circular of April 18th then I am greatly mistaken
I mailed it to you March 22d I refer to your files as to the correctness of my dates, & I refer to your answer of June 19, last.
Will you please under the d rule, be so good as to answer mine of 22.March, if you find I am correct, I think I am, I know I always intend to be
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Arad Joy

Hon J.E. Heath
Coms of Pens.
Page 56

House of Representatives
March 27th 1844
Hon JL Edwards

Dear Sir
I started this morning for your office to inquire relative to the papers of the widow of Thomas
Collins but the dust drove me back and I now inclose you a letter just recd from Genl Minier. As you have already examined the papers I presume you can at once inform me whether the certificate mentioned in Mr Miniers letter will complete the proofs - an early answer and the return of his letter will much oblige me, I send you also a Justices certificate appertaining
to the same matter which please annex to the papers on file.
Yours very Respet
Amasa Dana
Page 57

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Daniel
Bush who being first sworn according to Law deposeth Saith that he knew Thomas Collins whose widow Leah Collins is now a petitioner for a pension under the act of Congress granting pensions to Revolutionary Soldiers.

I knew him previous to his Enlisting as a Soldier knew of his Enlisting under Capt Timothy Jayne in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy six Marched to Long Island who was there taken prisoner and confined on board of the Prison ship and returned home to his fathers some year or more after his enlistment (as he said on parole of honor) deponent further Saith that the said Thomas Collins rendered Sevice after his return from Long Island under my Father Capt John
Burk and Capt Benjamin Schoonover and that the two Certificates from the Auditor General of the State of Pennsylvania recognizing the Thomas Collins is the Same Thomas Collins before referred to whose widow is now petitioning for a pension. and further saith not
Daniel Bush [signature]

Sworn and Subscribed the 12th July AD 1844 Before me
J. F. Satterlee J.P.

I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Daniel Bush who has subscribed the above 
deposition and have been for the last twenty five years that he is considered a man of truth and veracity and that full Credit is due to his deposition [illegible] July 12th. 1844
J. F. Satterlee
Page 58

State of Penn
Bradford County
I, Aaron Chubbuck Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford
Certify that J F Satterlee Esq before whom the within deposition was taken and whose name is attached to the Certificate thereof is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bradford Commissioned & duly qualified and that full faith and credit are given to his acts as such - that
I am acquainted with his signature & believe the within purporting to be his is genuine

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & the seal of the Court at Towanda this 3d day of July
1844
Aaron Chubbuck Prothonotary
Page 59

Free
J.L. Edwards Esqr
District of Columbia
City Washington
Page 60

South Lansing July 22d 1844
To the Honorable J L Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions D.C.

Dear Sir
Inclosed I send You further Testimony which I hope may be fully satisfactory Relative to the services of Thomas Collins. Daniel Bushes Certificate accompanied by Two documents from the Auditor General's office of Pa. I also send you two papers showing that the State of Pennsylvania has granted a pension to Leah Collins whom I am now trying to get a United States pension for

I sent to the Legislator of Pennsylvania Last winter the same testimony that I sent to you last fall
The State upon that Testimony and those two certificates from the Auditor Gnls office was
considered sufficient I wish you to examine the papers in connection with those that I have already sent you and have been presented by the Honorable Aras Dana And communicate
the result of the same to me by Mail
Page 61

South Lansing Nov 25 /45
To the Honorable J L Edwards Esq

Dear Sir 
I received yours of the 6th inst Replying to the Testimony of Dan Bush and John Collins you seem to doubt the testimony of those persons Mr Bush is a Post Master of Litchfield Pa a man of undoubted truth and veracity Mr. Collins is a farmer of as good standing as any man in the County, You seem to think because the said Bush and Collins did not belong to the 2d Regiment they could not certify to the service of the claimants husband

You will allow me to say that is a new idea That it requires a person should belong to a Regiment
or body of men to know that that body or Regiment did exist or was composed of certain individuals. I think you know that certain individuals belong to the Senate or house of Representatives of the United States and could testify that they belonged to that body and as well as if you was a member of that body, thence I think that Danl Bushes Testimony backed by John
Collins fully identifies the claimants husband as the identical Thomas Collins who inlisted and
served under Timothy Jayne who belonged to the 2nd Regiment of the Pa line; I would not by any
means have you think me severe and wishing to say anything to excite your feelings; far be it from me especially when labouring to obtain the rights of a poor old widow of a revolution soldier
Page 62

I supposed from your letter written previous to your last one that in the Testimony of Dan'l Bush & John Collins I laid out all you required to identify the claimants husband, as belonging to the 2d Regt which was all that was lacking as I suppose to obtain the Pension you say in your letter of Oct 15/44. That it will be necessary to identify the person as named in the Comptrollers certificate as having served in the 2d Regiment as the husband of the claimant and that you believe there will be no difficulty in finding persons in the neighbor hood who can testify to the general belief that the party served in a given Regiment. Now have I not proven that fully by Bush & Collins, more so than I supposed I could when I received your letter, but not without a great deal of Trouble they (the witnesses) having moved for some hundred and Seventy or eighty miles from where they lived when said Thomas Collins inlisted, and you must know it is very difficult to obtain or find persons who were in the revolution war, I question within there is a single individual living who served in the 2d Regiment under Timothy Jaynes, the capt has long since gone to his grave as well as his compatriots in arms I can not think yet if you will give the testimony a candid perusal but you must say it is as full and even more than could be expected considering the time that has elapsed since those services were rendered what few individuals remain are old and infirm Both in body & mind If you will take the Testimony of Mrs Starbird Daughter of Col Stroud of the revolution who certifies as also Joseph Drake, Samuel Vanorman, Danl Bush, John Collins That Thomas Collins the claimants husbands
Page 63

Inlisted under Timothy Jayne in the Revolutionary war and was taken prisoner I likewise have sent
you documents from the Secretary's office of the State of Pa that Timothy Jayne belonged to the 2d Regiment of the Pennsylvania line I have further proven by Danl Bush that the claimants husband not only inlisted in 1776 and marched to Long Island under Timothy Jayne was taken prisoner confined onboards the prison ship and after more than a years absence after his enlistment he returned on parole of honor, and that subsequent and in the year 1779-1780 1781 and 1782 he knew the said Thomas in such service.

And in his las certificate he certifies that the claimants husband according to his knowledge and best belief the identical Thomas Collins who served under Timothy Jayne in the 2nd Regiment in the Pa line which Testimony was also backed by John Collins Relative to obtaining a certificate
from the State of Pa upon what Testimony they granted a Pension to the widow of Thomas Collins, I wrote the Senate or one of its members who informed me it was impossible to obtain any such certificate. all the testimony I sent to the legislator of the State of Pa was the testimony I first sent you (Namely) the proof of the widows Marriage to James Collins her own declaration , The Proof of his enlistment by Mssrs Starbird Vanorman & Drake referring thereto the certificate I sent you which obtained from the Secretary of the State of Pa all of which fully backed the Testimony of Mssrs Starbird, Drake & Vanorman who testified that Thomas Collins did enlist under Timothy Jayne and it is very evident that there could be but one Thomas Collins in the same Company
Page 64

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

and the records of Pa show by those certificates that I sent you that Thomas Collins Served in the 2d Regiment all of which carried out the claim fully and by testamony have shown that Thomas Collins inlisted under Timothy Jane and Timothy Jane belonged to the 2d Regiment of the Pa line and that the present claimants husband was the Identical Thomas Collins as before shown, 

now what can I do more in the nature of things to satisfy you; I will send you S[illegible] 
Heckmans letter apprising me that the State of Pa had granted the Petitioner Request which will fully show to you that the present claimant obtained a pension from the State of Pa which claim must have been obtained for the testimony of Vanorman, Mrs Starbord and Drake or from the certificate which I forwarded to you obtained from the records of Pennsylvania or from or from them all together for they have had no other proof 

I hope you will answer this imediately and sincerity do I hope to the intrust of the poor widow; could you have heard the husband of the Petitioner all over his suffring whilst living as I have and speak of his hair breaths escape [the word “whilst” crossed out] whilst he would weep as a child I think it would wake up your sympathy for the justness of the claim of his poor widow

Yours Truly
Danl D Minier

To the Honorable J L Edwards
Commsion of Pensions
Page 65

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

Leah Collins now of [a word crossed out] Thomas Collins Pa.
1776 – 77	12 mos under Cap Jaynes, was in the battle of Long Island & taken prisoner, released in summer of 1777

1781	in the militia [“of [illegible] each” inserted] to the close of the war under Capts Schoonover & 

Married in 1781 -- family record

Witness
Mary Dickerson & Ann Everhard saw them married 

James Beys knew them as husband & wife 1790

Samuel Vanorman, knew Collins left his residence in the revolution under Cap Thos Janes with about 100. and it was reputed they were taken at the battle of Long Island, not more than half again returned of which Collins was one – served in the militia with Collins

Hannah Starbird, Saw Thomas Collins leave in 1776 under Cap Jaynes in a company called the
Flying Camp, and was reputed as having been taken prisoners

Joseph Drake [illegible] knew that he went in service in 1776 under Cap Jaynes

Geo White	that Collins was in the militia in 1778 under Capt Schoonover served with him 4 months
Page 66

Daniel Bush swears that Collins enlisted in 1776
under Capt. Timothy Jaynes, and always
understood he has taken prisoner at the
battle of [Illegible] Island, that in the years
1779. 80 81 & 82. Collins served in the Militia
under [Illegible]John Bush & Capt
Schornhivn

Thomas Collins of the 2d Regiment recd two
Certificate 43.13.5 for appreciation of his duty     
15.8.5-109.1.10
Page 67

Paid 10
To The Honorable J L Edwards
Commission of Pensions
City of Washington
DC

Leah Collins
Oct. 13 1848

So Lansing NY
Oct 9th
Page 68

So Lansing Oct 9th 1845

To the Honorable J L Edwards

Sir, Inclosed I give you two certificates one of Daniel Bush Post Master of Sitchfield Pa the other of John Collins Brother of Tomas all of which I hope will be sufficient to entitle or obtain the pension so justly due to the Said Leah Collins widow of Thomas Collins who is now supported by the Charity of his friends.
Very Respectfuly yours
[signed] Daniel D Minier

PS Direct your communications to D D Minier Post Master South Lansing
Tompkins Co
New York
Page 69

Free D D Minier
PM S Lawson

To The Honorable JL Edwards
Commissions of Pensions
City Washington

Dec. 4 1843
Pa.
L Collins
Page 70

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Out of one hundred who went out under Capt Sam only Six lived to return to the neighborhood where they marched from and not one of those are to be found alive at this day

He told me after his return on paroll of honor not to enter the service again during the war that from the ill treatment he received and to redress the death of his brothers and his own suffrings he went to Genl Washington and enquired of him if it would not do again to inlist in the Regular Service   Genl Washington told him by no means it would be death if he should be taken Prisoner but advised him to go home and do all he could in defending the frontier from the Indians

he did so and enrolled himself under Capt Scoonover as a minit man during the war this was at Stroudsburgh Pennsylvania not New Jersey, as you wrote in your letter   I think his is one of the most clear cases that the Thomas Collins mentioned in the letter of the Secretary of the State of Pennsylvania is the same one and the only reason that his name does not appear on the Register [a blotted out word, possibly “after”] 1777 is because he was a Prisoner on Paroll of honor and dare not inlist into the regular services

All that I have set fourth hear, I would be willing to qualify to (that is) that the said Thomas Collins Stated to me Mary 30 years ago before there was any Pention law in being the above statement of service all of which I hope will be satisfactory to you

J L. Edwards Esqr. 

Yours Truly
D D Minier
Page 71

So. Lansing  Nov 26th 1843

to the Honorable JD Edwards

Sir your communications are before are relative to a pension for Leah Collins widow of Thomas Collins.

You state that Thomas Collins mentioned in the letter of the Secretary of State of the State of Pennsylvania is not you think his same person mentioned in his letter as but few if any were placed on the register to which he is referring who were not in the regular service after 1777 and you say it appears from the declaration that after he returned from (?) on merit the claimant's husband's service in the New Jersey Militia only.

Now Mr. Edwards is very plain in my view and has knowledge that he said Thomas Collins mentioned in the lette of the Secretary of State   the same identical Thomas Collins and that he is one fo those few individuals who did not enter the service of the United States as a regular soldier after the year 1777 that being the year he was released as a prisoner on point of honor not to enter the service during the war he lost two brothers and a brother in law on board the prison ship who were poisoned and came very near loosing his own life the old man told Mr. Neally many years ago and work like a childs;  where he told over the hard treatment he and his companions in the army met with while on the prison ship.
Page 72

Leah Collins
more than one year since I examined
the papers in this
case, I judge the case made out, I
had the promise of
a re-examination
but have recd no report,
all this was before
the 5 years rule, so
that I am not cut
off - I now ask an
examination & a
report made to me
Arad Joy
March 12, 1853
Page 73

Thomas Collins
Issued to Philip Stent
assigne[d] Jun [June] 7 1793
Page 74

First Regiment Gratuity
We, and each of us whose names are hereunto subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B Bowen and Captain Eranius Beatty, Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our names respectively, in certificates, dated July 1.1784, bearing Interest at six per cent from November the fourth 1783. Signed by Adm Pierce Commissioner and described as below, being for the Balance of a settlement between the United States and us for Gratuity allowed the non.commiss. officers and privates who served to the end of the war.

[table]
Date of Issues|No of Certificates|Letter|Names| |Sums|Signers
Feby 3d / 85|75.547|Bx|Thomas Collins|947|80|William Power

Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg July 22d 1846.
I certify the above to be a true extract, taken from the original records of this department:- Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid.
John N. Purviance
Aud Genl
Page 75

No. 362 Certificate for £ 79.2.6 specie
We do Certify that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Thomas
Collins late a Sergeant of the third Pennsylvania Regiment in the Sum 
of Seventy nine pounds to Shillings & Six pence Specie with the lawful interest
from the 10th day of April 1781 being the amount of the residue of the depreciation
of his pay. Pursuant to two Acts of afsembly [assembly], pafsed [passed] at Philadelphia
the 18th of December 1780 and the 10th of April 1781. 
Philadelphia Nov 12th 1782 &c [et cetera]
Jno. [John] Nicholson
Compt [Comptroller] General
No. 601 Certificate for £ 59.3.1 Specie
We do certify, that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to
Thomas Collins late private of the Third Pennsylvania Regiment
in the Sum of Fifty nine pounds three Shillings & one pence Specie
with the lawful interest from the tenth day of April 1781 being the 
amount of the residue of the Depreciation of his pay. Pursuant to
two acts of afsembly [assembly], pafsed [passed] at Philadelphia, the 18th of Devember
1780 and the 10th of April 1781 &c [et cetera]
Philadelphia
May 14th 1783
Jno [John] Nicholson
Compt. [Comptroller] General
Auditor Generals Office
Harrisburg April 19th 1844
I do hereby certify that the foregoing are 
correct copies of the originals on file in this office
In testimony where I have hereunto 
Set my hand & Seal of Office
Wm. [William] Packer
Aud'r [Auditor] General
Page 76

[stamped] FREE
[stamped] 

Daniel D Minier Esq
Postmaster South Lansing
Tompkins County
New.York
Page 77

Treasury Office of Penn'a [Pennsylvania]
Harrisburg May 28th 1844
Sir-
By an Act of the Legislature of this State approved
11th April 1844, Leah Collins of Tompkins County
New York is entitled to a gratuity of $40 payable immediately
and an annuity of $40 during life payable
half yearly to commence on this first day of January 
1844.
All that is necefsary [necessary] for her to do is to give someone
an order to draw the amount of the gratuity ($40)
& then swear or affirm before a magistrate that she 
is the identical Leah Collins naped in an Act
of the Legislature of Penn'a [Pennsylavnia] entitled "An Act for the 
relief of John A. Smith and others, soldiers and 
widows of soldiers of the Revolutionary and Indian
Wars," approved 11th April 1844-"
The order must be drawn on the State Treasurer & 
the person to whom it is given must send his receipt
for the amount, where the money or a draft 
will be immediately remitted.
The order, affidavit & receipt must be on the same 
sheet or piece of paper.
On the first of July next she will be entitled to the 
first semi-annual payment of her pension or annuity,
which will be $20 and the same forms will 
be observed. You state that you wrote on
Page 78

this subject some time since. No letter has been rec'd [received]
but that of the 21st inst. to which this is an answer.
Very respectfully &c [et cetera]
for Job Mann
State Treasurer
C.L. Spering, Clk [clerk]
Dan'l [Daniel] D. Miner Esqr [esquire]
Page 79

D. D. Minier P.&lt;.
South Lansing
Tomikins County
N.Y.
Postmark Stroudsburgh Penn [Pennsylvania] dated 10 OCT [October]
Page 80

State of Pennsylvania
Monroe County Ss.
I Franklin Starbird one of the Justices of
the peace in & for the same county, do hereby certify that James Boyd,
Samuel Vanorman, Joseph Drake, George White, & Hannah Starbird
whose affidavit were taken before me sometime about the first of Junee
last in relation to the marriage of Thomas Collins and his services
during the Revolutionary War are persons with whom I am well
acquainted, and whose character for truth & veracity I never heard questioned,
and statements made by them under oath are submitted to full credit
& belief- The testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand this
seventh day of October AD 1843
F. Starbird JP
The other part of this sheet making
large a bulk I have torn
of [off] it having nothing to do with this matter
The Sertificate [certificate] of the Prothonotary
relative to Esq [Esquire] Starbird being Justice 
of the Peace is certified in the 
affidavids sent to him (that is) the
Court of Pensions
Your truly
D [illegible Sullivan?]
Page 81

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County Ss: Daniel Bush of Litchfield in
said county bring duly sworn deposes & says 
that he well knew during the revolutionary war
Thomas Collins, who in the year 1776 enlisted in
the service of the United States in Northampton
County Pennsylvania under capt [Captain] Timothy Jayne and
marched to Long Island, in the State of New York
where he has always understood he was taken and
held by the British as a prisoner for some time.
That subsequently and in the years 1779-17[illegible] 1781-1782
he well knew the said Thomas Collins in such service 
in a Company commanded by the father of this 
deponant Capt [Captain] John Bush and also in a company 
under the company  of Capt [Captain] Benjamin Schoonover
in the Pennsylvania state troops and that
he knows him to be the same person mentioned in 
the two certificates from the Auditor Generals office
of the State of Pennsylvania & forwarded or certified
copies of which have been forwarded to the Pension
Department in behalf of the claim of his Widow
Leah Collins, for a Pension - That for many
years after the Revolution & up to the time of 
the death of the said Thomas Collins he was
well acquainted with the said Thomas Collins &
his family and that he well knows Leah Collins 
now of Lansing in the County of Tompkins & state
of New York, who is applying for a pension to 
or the identical widow of the said Thomas Collins
who served Capt [captain] John Bush and in Capt [captain] 
Benjamin Schoonovers company in the Revolution
as also under Capt. [captain] Jayne on the tour to Long Island 
as aforesaid
Daniel Bush
Subscribed & sworn before me
this 4th day of Dec [December] 1844 Cyrus Morrill JP
Page 82

I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with 
the above named affiant Daniel Bush, and have been for
many years, that he sustains a good moral character,
& his statement is written to full credit and belief-
Cyrus Morrill JP
State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County
I Aaron Chubbuck Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas  of said county, do
hereby certify that Cyrus Morrill is a Justice of
the Peace (before whom the foregoing proceedings were had)
in and for said county duly commissioned and
qualified and that the signatures purporting to be
his are genuine.
In testimony where of I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said Court at Towanda
the ninth day of December AD 1844
A Chubbuck Prothy [prothonotary]
By MJ Keeler Deputy
Page 83

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12 - 5 - 41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Name Collins, Thomas GRADE  Private
LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9123
ACREAGE 100
Issued June 7, 1798
to Philip Stout, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of ""Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800"" which are
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.