Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18788, Nicholas Cusick, New York
Page 1

SERVICE New York 
 Cusick Nicholas 

NUMBER S. 18788 B.L. Wt. 439-200 

CONTENTS Name also appears as Kayhnatsmo, Kaghnatshon, and Kanaghtjoh
Page 2

Letter to A.H. Moss 8th Sept 1841

Discontinue 24 Jany 26 and notified 
by a special letter to Bates Cook Lewiston 

Date of death 
not on AB 

37 New York
V Nicholas Cusick 
S. Van Schaick
Lieutenant 
New York Line 4 Years
In the army of the U. States
At $20 per mo to com 25 March 1818
Certified 1st April 1818
and sent to Joseph Nourse
Esq. Register of the Treasury of 
U.S. Washington City
Amt to 4th Sept 1818 5 8/28 and $105.70 

Revy. Claim
Act 18th March 1818

Col. Van Schaick 

ea Allen Sec of War
Sept 1828
Page 3

Land Ibara No. 439 for 200 acres iis'd 31st Dec 1808 to Nicholas Cusick alias "Kanaghtjoh" Lieut. Indian Rangers- delivered to John Campbell 

Lot No 65 Township No 26- 500 acres
"    "     76      do        do         500 acres

granted by the State of N.Y. Jany 29th 1791 to "Nicholas Kaghnatshon" Indian, for services as a Lieut. of Rangers on the War of the Revolution. Patents deliv 'd to Peter Raymond
Page 4

Mar 30 1841
Cusick
Nw Wk NY

Hon James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 5

Lockport March 22 1841

Hon J.L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions

Dr Sir, 
One Cusick an Indian Chief I believe of the Tuscarora tribe near Lewiston in this county recently died who I am informed and believe was a pensioner of the United Stats. He has left children but no widow. There was several months arrear of pension due him at the time of his death. One of his sons lives in Canada and will come here to join his brothers and sisters in drawing the arrears of pension. What I want to know is whether others can draw without him and if so what are the necessary steps to be taken in that particular case. 
I am somewhat familiar with a widow drawing he husbands arrears at his death but not a case of the kind under consideration. 
Will you please advise me at your earliest convenience. 
Respectfully yours
A.H. Moss
Page 6

Hon. M Fillmore
President of the United 
States Washington
Dist Columbia 

James N Cusick

Nicholas Cusick
Rec
 434

Rochester NY
Oct 8
Page 7

Rochester Oct 8th 1850 
Hon M Fillmore President
of the United States

Sir, I am highly esteemed and respectfully to you, and asked for advise how to get the land of military warrant of which my father Nicholas Cusick were services for the American independence in revolutionary war, though he was claimant some land lying in Seneca County five hundred acres of land which he got cheated of it and loss of that land. We had one to endeavoring to get recover it of the said land, but we could not recover, owing some run in difference hand. And also about the laws of this state in twenty years should be forfeited of the claimant. Perhaps might be good advisable to make apply to your government of the United States, in order to make redress if grievance which they wrought fraud upon him. And to give another land by your government. another thing I want to get my money which is now in the treasury of the United States $125 the Congress has been made appropriation for my relief when I was at the rest in 1848. I hope you will promptly attention on my 

Ref (illegible) of Pensions
Page 8

favor to make ascertain about this matter and see of the Commissioner of Indian affairs. I think I have right to reclaim on that money. And send it to me through the hands of Sub Agent of New York Indians. Please answer me soon as your convenient direct to Mr. Stephen P Mead of the United States Agent. 
Your truly friend of Patriotism, 
James N. Cusick 
Tuscarora tribe, NY
of Indians
Page 9

State of New York
Niagara County ss
On this 4th day of January 1826 personally appeared in open court on the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County being a court of Record by the laws of the said sate Nicholas Cusick aged about sixty five years resident in the town of Lewiston county aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the pension made by the act of Congress of the 18 March 1818. And the 1st May 1820. That he the said Nicholas Cusick entered as a Lieutenant in the year 1779 about the first of June, and served under Colonel Louis of the Regis tribe of Indians until the close of the Revolutionary War on the continental establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps until the period aforesaid when he was discharged from the said services in Schenectady (by General Schuyler) in the State of New York; that he has heretofore received a pension certificate dated 1st April 1818 No 37; That he has not drawn his pension since 1820 nor has he applied for a continuance owing to be a difficulty in his mind as to the oath imposed upon him by the act of that year. 
And in presence of the act of the 1st of Mary 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18 day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part therof with intention so to diminish it or to bring myself within the provision of an act of congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818". And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securing contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed.
Nicholas Cusick 

Sworn to and subscribed on tis 4th day of January 1826 in Open Court
James T. Mason Clerk
Page 10

Inventory of the Estate and effects of Nicholas Cusick 
Real Estate I have none of my own individually. The Tuscaron tribe of Indians to which I now belong have a tract of land situated at the Village of that name in Lewiston Niagara County State of New York of about three by two miles in extent and on which a remnant of the tribe now reside. Of this land I have as much as I wish to cultivate - by the law the State no sale of it can be made without an act of its Legislature nor can I legally [?] any of it. I therefore derive no advantage from it except my own exertions. I have a small log house on the tract which is considered to belong to me, but are not at liberty to sell it to a white man. its only use is therefore to afford myself and family a shelter The Tuscarora Nation own considerable lands in North Carolin the exact extent of which I do not know-- those lands are mostly under rented, but the monies received for rents are in small sums and very precious, sometimes none is received for several years: Then rents are divided among nation according to the number of Souls 
Personal property over and above necessary bedding & wearing apparel I have one yoke of oxen worth I suppose $50 
One Cow 15.00
Twelve hogs (Shall & some pigs) 25.00
 Two old ploughs 5.00 
Four hoes 1.00
Two Axes 2.00
 About Corn enough to keep the family and stock till next Spring One old Waggon 5.00
⎬ I have cooking utensils and Tabb furniture which was for the use of my family
 Isaac Jackson (Indian) 15.00
 Widow Williams 13.00
N. Trion & Co 20.00 
C Hotchkiss about 6.00
A & L Woodruff about 10.00
I receive from the United Foreign Missionary Society of New York for interpreting for the Nation Each year $200, which depends on the will of that society for continuation, as no time is agreed on they can stop it any time
Page 11

I am in a decriped state, unable to labor by means of a rheumatic affection which has caused one hip to be misplaced, and am feeble in strength 
My wife is about fifty seven years of age and not able to do much toward support of the family
 I have two daughters who are dumb both of them I have to support I have also three grand children, the children of a deceased daughter which I have to maintain 
The occupation of myself (besides interpreting) and family is to raise as much for the support of the family as we are able during the year Nicholas Cusick 
I James Mason Clerk of the County of Niagara and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby Certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are true copies from the records of the said Court
 I also certify that the Court were satisfied that the claimant --- served for the term of nine months under one engagement, on the ┃ continental serve establishment; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is One hundred and three dollars 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this fifth day of January 1826. 
James T. Mason Clerk
Page 12


State of New York City & County of New York ss: I Nicholas Cusick, one of the Chief of the Tuscarora nation of Indians, now residing in Tuscarora Village near Lewiston in the State of New York of late a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary army of the United States of America do solemnly declare in the presence of fear of God that I entered the service of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and Seventy seven as a private in the Indian company commanded by Col Louis & attached to Van Schaicks Regiment and belonged to General Gates army at the time of the Capture of General Burgoyne, That afterwards received a commission as Lieutenant in said Company which Commission was dated on or about the first day of June one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine and continued to hold said Commission in said Company and Regement belonging to the New York Line until the end of the war, when said company was disbanded and I received an honorable discharge. And I further declare that I have a wife and ten children & that by reason of my reduced circumstances, I am in need of assistance from my country for support- Nicholas Cusack 
Ii Joseph Warren Brackett one of the a alderman the city New York  and a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas called the Mayors Court of the City of New York which is a Court of Record do certify that on the twenty fifth day of
Page 13

March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen personally appeared before me Nicholas Cusick mentioned in the foregoing declaration (who was Identified to me by the oath of the Rev- James C. Crane being by me duly sworn did declare that the facts set forth in the said Declaration were true. I further certify that the signature Nicholas Cusick to the said Declaration affixed, is the proper hand writing of the said Nicholas. I further certify that the said James C. Crane being by me duly one did depose and say that he knew the said Cusick ⎬ well, that he was the interpreter of the said James as missionary among the Juscarora nation, and sustained the reputation reservedly   of a moral and religious man of irreproachable character. The said James C Crane also deposed that he has no doubt from information received by that the statement made in the aforegoing declaration of said Cusick is strictly true. And I further certify that from the aforegoing evidence it appears to my Satisfaction that the said Nicholas Cusick served as a Lieutenant in the army of the United States in the Revolutionary war against the Common enemy from the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine to the end of the said war in the Company, regiment & Line mentioned in the said Declaration 
J Warren Brackett, Alderman Judge
Page 14

State of New York City of New York 
John Witchie one of the Public Notaries of the State of New York residing in the City of New York do hereby certify that Joseph Warren Brackett Esq. before whom the testimony in the  mentioned my in the aforegoing certificate was taken and who subscribed the said certificate, to one of the Aldermen of the City of New York and a Judge of the Mayors Court of the said city, a court of Record of the State of New York to whose official Acts full faith ought every where to be given and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the Reverend James C Crane mentioned in said certificate, that he is the present Missionary of the New York Missionary Society among the Miscarora nation of Indians, a man worthy of all credit. I also certify that I am acquainted with Nicholas Cusick in said certificate mention , and have known him to have been an interpreter to the Missionaries among said nation for many years, and that his reputation has during said time been high both as a man and a member of the Christian Church among said nation--
 In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office in the City of New York this twenty fifth Day of March one thousand Eight hundred and Eighteen - 
J Nitchie 
 Notary
Page 15

September 10, 1935
Laura Plerce Kendall
 712 W. 19 " Street 
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
BA-J/EEL
Nicholas Cusick-s. 18788

Dear Madam: 
 Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Lieutenant Nicholas Cusick, who was a pensioner in 1820. You state that he served in the Connecticut Troops and that the names Tuscaroras Reservation" appears in the papers. 
The record has been found of a Nicholas Cusick who served as a lieutenant in the New York Troops, who was a sachem and warrior of the Tuscaroras Tribe of Indians, but it is not shown that he ever served in the Connecticut Troops. That record is furnished you herein, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.18788, based upon the military service of Nicholas Cusick in the Revolutionary War. 
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of Nicholas Cusick are not shown. His name is borne, also, as Nichol Kayhnatsno, Kaghnathson and Kanaghtjoh. 
Nicholas Cusick, as he signed his name) entered the service, place not shown sometime in 1777, served as a private in a company of Indians in Colonel Van Schaick's New York Regiment, of which an Indian, known as Colonel Luie or Lewis Cooke, was lieutenant colone: Nicholas Cusick was in the army under General Gates at the time of the capture of General Burgoyne; June 1, 1779, he was commissioned lieutenant in same regiment, and continued to serve as such officer until the end of the war. He stated that he was in service for more than five years. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 25, 1818, at which time he was residing in the Tuscarora Village, near Lewiston, Niagara County, New York. In 1826, his age was given as about sixty-five years. In 1828, soldier stated that he was nearly seventy years of age. 8 could not identify service
Page 16

Nicholas Cusick was granted one thousand acres of land by the state of New York in recognition of his services in the Revolution ary War. He was also in receipt of bounty land warrant No. 439 for two hundred acres of land from the United States Government. 
Should you desire information in regard to the location of the land granted by the United States, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, this city, and cite the following data: Bounty Land Warrant No. 439-200-issued December, 1809.
 It was stated that Nicholas Cusick was an enterpreter for the United Foreign Missionary Society of New York, which society sent missionaries to the Tuscaroras. He was known as a moral and religious man of irreproachable character, and a member of the Christian Church. He was dead in March, 1841, exact date of death not shown. 
In 1818, he stated that he had a wife and ten children. In 1826, he gave the age of his wife as about fifty-six and stated that he had living with him, two daughters and three grandchildren, children of a deceased daughter, but gave no names. 
In 1850, son James N. Cusick was living in Rochester, New York; another son was said to be living in Canada, his name not shown.
Very truly yours
 A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Date of death not on AB
Page 17

18.788 
INVALID. 
File No. 18.788 
Nicholas Cusick 
Lt (Indian Ranger) Revy war N.Y 
Colo Schaick N.Y 
bef No. 606 
Act: May 15" 28 on N.Y. roll , 
Index:---Vol. 1, Page 87
Arrangement of 1870
1935 - Sept 10 - Hist to Laura Pierce
Kendall - eref
Page 18

consolidated with Inv. File 18,788 
43435 
INVALID. 
Revy 
File No. 43 .435
 Nicholas Cusick 
Lient Rev WAR -
 Act: 18 March 18 
IN
Arrangement of 1870.] . 1
906 Mar 13. Hist to Mrs. H.A. Boyd F.B.F.
Page 19

Blank Record
Page 20

Nicholas Cusick
Act 15 May 1828
Albany Roll
N.Y.
Voucher ret'd with
letter, Oct 22 1835
Nicholas Cusick - N.Y. 
18?? Act 18 March 1818
C.C - April 16 -52
Page 21

Revolutionary Claims
J. L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C
Oct 20
Indian Capt John
Nich's Cusick
Act 1828
Indian Rangers
Albany N Y
$320 per ann
pd to 4 Mar. 1835
Page 22

Nicholas Cusick
Lieut.
Indian Chief 
N2 issued 31 Dec 1808 by
direction of the Secy of 
War in Del to Lt. Cusick
Papers sent to the Sec' of New ?
2 Sep 1828
Returned
??
Page 23

Invalid file
#43,435

[the following written in reverse]
Nicholas Cusick
Lewistown Niagara
NY
6 June
________
Recd 15.
Reg M.B.
24 June
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https://catalog.archives.gov/id/54358162?objectPage=24&objectPanel=transcription

Lewiston                             Free
9 June
N.Y.

To the Hon the Secretary of the Treasury
or
Col. Aaron Ogden
City of Washington
Page 25

https://catalog.archives.gov/id/54358162?objectPage=25&objectPanel=transcription

Copy of the Original as follows
______________________________
______________________________

I certify that a Patent for Two Hundred Acres of Land
being Lots 31 & 32 of [illegible] 2 in town.  2 range 15 of the
tract appropriated for Military Services in the revolutionary
War.  issued in favor of Nicholas Curick (a Lieutenant)
in December 1809 & that there is a memorandum in the
Record in these words " The Indian received the patent"
General Land Office 27th July 1818
Isiah Meigs Commissioner

a further copy from the same paper
_______________________________

Treasury Department
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy from the
original in my possession
City of Washington 21 March 1818
To Whom it may Concern.      Joseph Nourse
Copy of the Original
War Department
Rev Claims

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States
of the 18 March 1818_ Nicholas Cusick late a Lieutenant
in the Army of the Revolution is inscribed on the pension
list roll of the New York agency at the rate of Twenty
Dollars per month to commence on the 25th day of March
One Thousand Eight Hundred & Eighteen
Given at the War Office of the United States
this 1st day of April 1818.
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War

[a hand drawn circular marking appears lower left]

37
                             Recorded
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1818.9.4
1818.3.24                                                     20
__________                                                   8
                                                                    _______
5.   8/25                                                 2 8) 160 ( 5th [illegible]      
20                                                                   140
_________                                                 _______
100                                                                  200
571                                                                   196                                              _______                                                      _______
$105.71                                                               40
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https://catalog.archives.gov/id/54358162?objectPage=27&objectPanel=transcription

I certify that a patent for two
hundred acres of Land, being lots 31 and 32, of [illegible] in
town [illegible] range 15; of the tract appropriated for military
services in the Revolutionary War issued in favor of Nicholas
Cusack, (a Lieutenant) in December 1809, & that there is
a memorandum in the record in these words, "The Indian
received the patent."
General Land Office 27 February 1818
signed
Josiah Meigs
Commissioner

Treasury Department
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy
from the Original in my possession
City of Washington 21 March 1818
Joseph Nourse

To Whom it May 
Concern
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Revolutionary Claims

Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and
Soldiers if the Army if the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828

Treasury Department
1 September 1828
The annexed paper, relating to the claim of   Nicholas Cusick
under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a
request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether it appears, by  any
records in the War Department, that the claimant has received, or is entitled to receive,
the bounty in land granted by Congress for service in the Continental line of the Army
of the Revolution; and, if so, whether he became entitled to the same by service to the 
termination of the war, or in what other manner.
Richard Rush
The Hon. Secretary of War

War Department
Bounty land Office
2 Sep 1828

It appears from evidence on file in this office,
that a land warranty No. 439 was issued to Nicholas
Cusick (alias Kaghnatshon) as Lieutenant of the Indian
Rangers on the 31 December 1808 by " Direction of the 
Department of War"
E Stephens
Page 29

Nicholas Cusick-- or Kayhnatso-- or Kaghnatshon.
Page 30

I Certify that a patent for two hundred 
acres of Land, being Lots 31 & 32 of [illegible] in
town of [illegible] 15, of the tract appropiated for Military
services in the revolutionary War issued in favor of Nicholas
Cusack (a lieutenant) in December 1809 & that there 
is a memorandum in the record in these words " The Indian
received the patent"
General Land Office 27th July 1818
Signed, Josiah Meigs
Commissioner

Treasury Depart.
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy from
the original in my possession
City of Washington 21 March 1818
Joseph Nourse

To whom it may concern.
Page 31

WAR DEPARTMENT
Revy Claims

I certify, That in conformity with the Law of the United States,
of the 18th March 1818________________,_______,,
Nicholas Cusick, late a Lieutenant in the Army of the
Revolution,___________, _______________, ______________,
is inscribed on the Pension List Roll of the New York Agency
at the rate of Twenty dollars per month
to commence on the 25th day of March one thousand eight
hundred and eighteen,

Given at the War Office of the United States
this 1st day of April
one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
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https://catalog.archives.gov/id/54358162?contributionId=4dc89058-4815-4874-b1ec-376d069f374d&objectPage=32&objectPanel=transcription

Lewiston 28 July 1828

Dear Sir

Nicholas Cursick pension claim was this day
sent to Lock Port for the Seal of the County Court from which
place it will be sent you [illegible] mail____
Cusick by his Power of attorney
has authorized me to receive his pay__ You will therefore
inhance his interest by including a draft or chart for the [illegible] subject.
to my Order and directed to me at New York, to the care
of [illegible] Herriman and Suydam merchants of that City
I shall leave this for new York in 8 or 10 days
and if the claim is not amply substantiated, should like to 
be there, informed, what further evidences were required, in
Order to examine the State Offices at Albany for further
proof on my return home__ I presume you will find the
papers correctly drawn and the only doubt can be whether he
is now, or has been heretofore sufficiently identified, if
not I hope to be advised under which particular form further
testimony should appear__Cusick is a worthy object of
bounty and I have written General Porter who is personally acquainted
with him, and with me, in hopes he would be in possession
of some facts leading to a better establishment of his claim
Which letter was directed to the General Secretary
of War__presuming it would be opened, if he is absent and can
therefore be examined if occasion should require__
Pardon me Sir for this, and the other long
communications__ the nature of the case seems to demand
I am Sir very Respectfully Your
Humble Servant
Amos S Tyron
Page 33

The Hon Richard Rush
Secretary of the Treasury
US
Washington
Page 34

Honorable Secretary of War. 
Sir.

I was an officer in the Revolutionary Army of the Continental Establishments - My name is on the pension roll under the Act of 1818.  When the Act of May 1822 (I think) may (deprived) me of receiving (unintelligible) owing to my, being one of the Tuscarora nation of Indians, the nation at the time owning a tract of land.  Will you be so good to inform me, plz (please) where and when I can apply for the (unintelligible) of the provisions of the act past (passed) this month for the relief of Revolutionary officers. 

I have the honor to be respectfully, 
Nicholas Cusick
Page 35

Before me John Gray a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Lewiston in the County of Niagara in the State of New York personally appeared this day Benjamin Barton & Robert Fleming of the Same Town, County, and State who did severally make oath that Nicholas Cusick by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reported and believed to have been an Officer in the Army of the Revolution in manner as therein stated. Witness mu hand this Twenty Eighth day of July in the Year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Eight -
John Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 36

Before me john Gray a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Lewiston in the County of Niagara in the State of New York. Personally appeared this day Sacharyse alias (Deacon  Seward) now aged more than Eighty Years, An Indian Chief of the Tuscarora Tribe of Indians, being the same and one of the several Chiefs who set in Council, (and as he verily believed) Signed the Treaty between the Six Nations of Indians and the United States, made and concluded by Timothy Pickering (in behalf of the United States) at Canandaigua on the 11th day of November in the year 1794 - To which the said Sacharyse has made Oath before me - And he the said Sacharyse further made oath before me, That he was well acquainted with Nicholas Cusick during and previous to the Revolutionary War, That he knew said Nicholas Cusick to have been a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution under Col. Luie or (Lewis Cook) and that said Cusick served as such to the end of the War and he the said Sacharyse further made oath that he also knew, and Indian Called Capt. John and one other Indian Called Capt. Honyary who with Cusick belonged to one and the same Regiment or [unclear]
this Twenty Eighth - day of July in the Year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Eight - John Gray Justice of the Peace
Before me John Gray a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Lewiston in the County of Niagara in the State of New York Personally appeared William Alvis a Tuscarora Indian to me known and made Oath that he had Truly and Faithfully Interpreted the foregoing affidavit to Sacharyse and that the said Sacharyse perfectly understood the meaning and intent of the said affidavit and declared the same to be true - Witness my hand this Twenty Eighth day of July in the Year Eighteen Hundred Twenty Eight 
John Gray Justice of the Peace
Page 37

I Henry K. Hopkins, deputy Clerk of the Court of of the County Niagara in the State of New York, do hereby certify, that John Gray before whom the two within affidavits were sworn, was at the time a Justice of the Peace and duly impowered to administer Oaths - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this Twenty eighth day of July in the Year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Eight -
Henry K. Hopkins
Deputy Clerk 
of the said County of Niagara
fees $0.0371/2
Page 38

By Authority
An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary War.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, That any commissioned Officer, musician and private soldier and all officers, in the Hospital Department and medical Staff who served in the War of the Revolution, until the end thereof of for the term of nine months or longer, at any period of the War, in the Continental Establishment,  and every commissioned officer, non commissioned officer, mariner or marine, who served the the time, and for a like term, in the Naval service of the United States, who is yet a resident Citizen of the United States, and who is, or henceforth, by reason of his reduced circumstances in life, shall be in need of assistance from his Country for support, and shall have substantiated his claim to a pension in the manner herein after directed, shall receive a pension from the United States: if an Officer, musician, mariner, marine, or private soldier, of Eight dollars per month during life: provided no person shall be entitled to the provisions of this act, until he shall have relinquished his claim to every pension heretofore allowed him by the law of the United States.
Sec 2 - and be it further Enacted, That to entitle any person to the provisions of this act, he shall make a declaration under Oath or affirmation, before the District Judge of the United States of the District, or before any Judge or Court of record of the County, State or territory in which the applicant shall reside, Setting forth, if he belonged to the Army, the Company, regiment, (and line to which he belonged; the time he entered the Service), and the time and manner of leaving the Service, and, in case he belonged to the Navy,
(ov.)
Page 39

a like declaration, setting forth the name of the Vessel, and particular service in which he was employed, and the time and manner of leaving the service, and shall offer such other evidence as may be in his power: and on its appearing to the satisfaction of the said Judges, that the applicant served in the Revolutionary War, as aforesaid, against the common enemy, he shall certify and transmit the testimony in the case, and the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the Department of War, whose duty it shall be, if satisfied the applicant comes under the provisions of this act, to place such officer [unclear], Mariner, marine, or soldier on the pension list of the United States, to be paid in the same manner as pensions to invalids, who have been placed on the Pension list, are now paid, and under such restrictions and regulations in regards, as are prescribed by law.
Sec: 3 and be it further enacted, That every pension by virtue of this Act, shall commence on the day that the declaration under oath or affirmation, prescribed in the foregoing section, shall be made.
Sec. 4 And be it further enacted, that from and after the passage of this act, no sale, transfer or mortgage of the whole, or any part of the Pension payable in pursuance of this act, shall be valid; and any person who shall swear or affirm falsely in the promises, and be thereof convicted, shall suffer as for wilful and corrupt perjury
H. Clay
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Daniel D Tomkins
Vice President of the United State, and
President of the Senate
March 18 1818 - Approved
James Monroe
Page 40

I Copied this transcript in my office, for the purpose of aiding Capt Nicholas Cusack one for the Tusenroa  Indians, and who served in the Revolutionary War as a Lieut; & who stands in need of the Provisions of the foregoing act of Congress; and in addition to the other evidence, and to the fact of the said Cusack having served to the end of the Revolutionary  War it may be stated that only those who thus served were entitled to the Bounty granted them of lands as appears by the Certificate herewith under my signature.
Treasury Department
Registers Office
21 March 1818
Joseph Nourse
Page 41

739
No. of [unclear] [unclear] 739
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
August  23 1828
Nicholas Cusick (an Indian) of Lewiston in the County of Niagara, in the State of New York, has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution." approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was an officer on the Continental line and served as such to the end of the war
at which period he was a Lieutenant in the Indian Rangers; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783, and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3rd of March, 1826, nothing
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office.
His Indian Name Nicholas Kaghnatfhoa  By order of the Secretary
A. Dickins
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE
28th August 1828
It further appears that Nicholas Cusick is not now on the pension list of any agency, and has not been since the 3rd March 1826
The Revolutionary records in this office furnish no information whatever in relation to the services of Lieutenant Nicholas Cusick.
Peter Hagman Aud.
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746
Pension Office
Revolutionary Claims.
Under the act, entitled "An act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved 15th May, 1828.
Treasury Department
5 Sept 1828
The annexed paper, relating to the claim of Nicholas Cusick under the abovementioned act, is respectfully referred to the Secretary of War, with a request that he will be pleased to cause me to be informed whether a commission, and, if so, what commission, was received at the War Department, from the claimant, on an application stated to have been heretofore made by him for a pension, or what other evidence has been exhibited to the Department of his having been an officer in the Continental line, and of the time of his service. 
The Hon. the SECRETARY OF WAR.
Richard Rush
Letter from the War Department 6 Sept 1828.
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Revolutionary Claims
For the purpose of claiming the benefits of an act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Revolution" approved on the 18th of May 1828 I, Nicholas Cusick, an Indian, of the Town of Lewiston in the County of Niagara in the State of New York do hereby declare that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution and served as such to the end of the War and was in the Army for more than five years, at which period I was a Lieutenant in a Regiment Commanded by One Col. Van Schaicke and an Indian Lieutenant Col. commonly called, Col. Luie, or (Lewis Cooke) that in said Regiments, there was an Indian Captain, commonly called (Capt. Johns and one other  Indian Captain, Commonly called (Capt. Honyary) which are the truly particulars I can ever recollect respecting the Regiment to which I belonged - And I also declare that I received at or near the close of the War, (what year I cannot recollect) Four certificates which I accepted as in full of my services during the war, and which I suppose were commonly called commendation certificates of which Certificates I after wards sold after the rate of Four Shillings to the Pounds valuation There are the only circumstances I can now recollect respecting commendation, or any other certificates, excepting That Col. Timothy Pickering while holding a Treaty at Oneida with several Tribes of Indians 2nd December 1794 gave me a certificate - that I was entitled to half Pay or some other remuneration for my services as a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution - This certificate I lost during the late war of 1812
These are the only circumstance I can now adduce to prove that I am entitled to participate in the Resolves of Congress of the 21st October 1780 and of the 22nd March 1783 -
And I do further declare that I received from the agent for paying Pensions in the State of New York Four Hundred and Sixty Six Dollars being equal to twenty Dollars per month from the 25th March 1818 to the
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have not received of the United States or their agent for paying Pensions in the State of New York any compensation or a Pension since the fourth day of March Eighteen Hundred and Twenty - I do further declare that some time after the Revolutionary War I delivered my Commission as a Lieutenant to a man by the name of Van Slyck, who then resided at Schenectady and who undertook to aid me in procuring some Land from the Legislature of the State of New York in consideration of Services rendered during the Revolutionary War- That Van Slyck (who is now Dead) afterwards became Insane and never returned me my commission - I do further declare that there is no person (according to my present recollection) residing within the United States who knew me to be a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary Army Excepting Sacharyse alias (Deacon [unclear]  an Indian Chief of the Tuscanora Tribe of Indians whose affidavit is herewith annexed - I do further declare that I now hold a Certificate signed by J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War of which the following is a true Copy
"War Department. Rev. Claim"
" I Certify. That in conformity with the Law of the
"United State of the 18th March 1818 Nicholas Cusick
"late a Lieutenant in the Army of  the Revolution
"is inscribed in the Pension List Roll of the New York
"Agency at the rate of Twenty Dollars per month to commence
"on the 25th day of March 1818 - Given at the War Office
"of the United States this 1st day of
"April 1818 - signed J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
L.S. (37)
Witness my hand this Twenty Eighth day of July in the Year Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Eight.
Nicholas Cusick
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Lewiston July 1828

Gen. P. B. Porter
Dear Sir
In behalf of by the request of Nicholas Cusick (who has long been in indigent circumstances) I have to request that you will be so kind as to call at the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury, and after an examination of the evidences this day forwarded that Department to give your opinion of the validity of Cusicks Claim for a Pension as a Lieutenant in the army of the Revolution - Cusick was inscribed on the Pension List Toll of the New York agency at the rate of $20 per mo. & drew his Pension from the 25th March 1818 to the 4th March 1820 at which time his was deprived of that income by the act of Congress granting annuities to Paupers only - His first enrolment in justice ought to establish his second claim - But from the forms transmitted, it appears that the same or more efficient Evidences are required - viz that his Commission, & [unclear] Certificates, should be forwarded to the Treasurer & that his Lieutenancy, His Regiment, and his time of Service should be particularly identified - His commission & certificates are lost beyond recovery -  if his Lieutenancy & time of Service is only capable of proof by * Sacharyse an Indian chief of the Tuscanora Tribe who I believe is personally known to you is considered here as & is considered here as a pious & worthy man - Maj. Barton & Robt. Fleming have made their affidavits for the benefit of Cusick - I have drawn the Papers with care & all the strength I could obtain - yet an influential friend acquainted with some of the facts set forth may be of infinite service to the interest of Cusick - Cusick has written the Secretary of the Treasury & requested that his Pension may be granted him from the 4th of March 1820 - It appears that the only thing that ever debarred him of it - was a small salary allowed him by a Missionary Society, as an interpreter of the Religious Sabbath Emercies at Tuscarora Village of which his advanced age has deprived him -
Mr Bird was here a few days since & appeared elated with the prospects at B Rocks, not having been there of late I cannot give particulars - With sentiments of sincere respect I am Sir Your Friend & Obt. hbl. Servt. A. S. Tryon
*I am agreement with Sacharyse & know him to be a worthy man. P.B. Porter
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Lewiston 28 July 1828
Dear Sir
I herewith enclose the certificate of Josiah Meigs Com. coroborated  by the certificate of Joseph Nourse, which when examined please return me. I regret that near Seventy years existence, has impaired my mind and prevents the recollection of many particulars apparently necessary (from the forms transmitted me) to obtain my Pension.
Relying however upon the real intentions of Congress, I hope to be successful. I believe I am the only Indian officer of the Revolution (residing in this state) to enjoy the bounty of his Government. I have a numerous & dependent family one of whom with myself & wife are cripples & cannot labour for subsistence. I have been told by several distinguished men that no Acts of Congress, (had my case been properly presented) would deprive me of my Pension since the 4th March 1820.
I am Sir An Indian with but little education, few influential friends, & deprived of many facilities, enjoyed by white men, to maintain & establish my rights.
I therefore bet of you to take the subject  under your friendly Consideration & inform me what evidences are required to enable me to realize a Pension from the 4th of March 1820 to the 3rd March 1826 (a time as it appears from the Late Acts of Congress) I shall be precluded from a Pension unless it can be drawn under the former Laws. I have procured the affidavits of Robert Fleming Esq. (an officer of the Customs residing at this place) who is favorably known at Washington, with that of Maj. Benj. Barton who is personally known to Genl. Peter B. Porter & the Hon. Henry Clay. Genl. Porter is also personally acquainted with me & I presume with Sacharyse as a worthy Indian Chief.
There are several Papers recorded or on file at Washington which (If I am not mistaken)  would strengthen my claim for renewing my Penion. I am Sir Respectfully Your
Obedient Servt.
Nicholas Cusick
To the Hon. Richard Rush
Secretary of the Treasury
of the United States
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New York State Niagara Co. Lewiston 6 June 1828
Dear Sit
I this day saw in the New York Spectator of 30 May past A notice advising the Revolutionary Officers [unclear] to communicate with you on the subject of their Pensions from which I learn such proper papers will be sent me free of expence as will enable me to draw my Pension as a Lieut. in the Revolutionary War. I have thought proper to furnish you with a copy of all the evidences now in my possession, showing that I am entitled to a pension which which are herewith annexed viz a copy of a certificate sent me by Josiah Meigs as also a copy of Joseph Nourse certifficate annexed thereto & directed To Whom it may concern. I have also given a copy of my Pension Certifficate on which I have never drawn but 2 years pay - my Pension having been stopped in 1820.
I do not suppose it necessary that I should earlier take the trouble to copy these Papers in Order to draw my Pension - but have thought best to do so thinking it might save you some trouble in Examination of other dockuments 
You will Please direct your Letter to
Nicholas Cusick
Lewiston
Niagara County
New York
I am now nearly 70 years & much in want. I therefore hope you will attend to this at your earliest convenience
& much oblige your  Hbl. Servant
Nicholas Cusick
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These papers to be returned to the War Department
Bounty Land Office 
2 Apr 1828
E Stephens
Page 49

The Bearers hereof Nicholas Cusick otherwise called Nicholas Kanaghtyok and David Thonatyianto two of the Sachems and Warriors of the Tuscaroa Nation residing in Oneidai in the State 0f New York being on their way to the President of the United State of America and to the general government of the said States on special business and as deputation from the Tuscanora Nation. The said Nicholas Cusick otherwise called Nicholas Kanaghtyok having been a Lieutenant in the late American Revolution and a man attached to the government of the United States and worthy of notice It is therefore hoped that the above named
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named persons will not be molested by no person or persons, and they are hereby recommended to the Humane and benevolent Citizens of the said United States whom they shall meet or whose assistance they may need.
February 11th 1804
Same Kirkland [unclear]
James Dean late Agent of Indian Affairs
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State of New York)
Secretary's Office)
I Certify that Nicholas Kaghnatshon an Indian a Lieutenant in the Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War has received as a gratuity from this State for his services in the said war one thousand acres of Land.
Dated at Albany February 13th 1804.
Archd. McIntyre
Dep. Sectry.
Albany State of New York Feb. 14th 1804
I Certify that Archibald McIntyre whose name is subscribed to the above Certificate is a sworn  Deputy to the Secretary of the State and that full faith and Credit [unclear] to his Acts as such.
Geo. Clinton
Page 52

City of Washington 31 March 1818
Sir
Wishing to be Instrumental to a poor Man, and an old revolutionary Officer, Capt. Nicholas Cusack (a half Breed) an Indian who served the whole of the Revolutionary War, in obtaining his Name on the Pension List (inasmuch as I understand the Pension commences from the time he may thus be placed) I request your kind attention in this matter: he was here not long since: has a numerous family and I believe a proper subject for the bounty of Government.  
Should not these Papers be sufficient  in this object, A word be a matter of [unclear] to the Party I have some instruction, and unless the rules admit of no deviation I might afford from my knowledge of the Applicant additional Testimony, that might remove doubt and I should be happy in being serviceable to him as a character who merits this attention again Instructions will oblige [unclear]
[unclear] Sir
Joseph Nourse
George Boyd Esq.
War Dept.
Page 53

Joseph Nouse Esq.
Treasury Department
City of Washington
Page 54

New York 26th March 1815
Joseph Nouse Esq.
My dear Sir,
I now enclose you the necessary Certificate to benefit our humble [unclear] friend Nick. Cusick I trust it will prove sufficiently authenticated. Neither the Judges of the District Court, nor the Mayor of our City are now in town.  Should any other forms be requited, you will be so good as to direct to Cuzick inclosed, or to the care of the Revd. C. Crane Missionary Lewiston Niagara Co. N.Y.
Should it prove sufficient I will be much obliged by a line from you to that effect.
With respectful regards to Mrs. Nouse I remain, My dear sir,
Yours with great Esteem
Divie Bethune
Page 55

Schedule 4 May 1820
Nicholas Cusick
(on New York Roll
Sept. 1818)
Rcd. Jany 17, 1826
Bates Cook - agt.
Lewiston
NY
Hon. James Edwards
Secretary [unclear]
Washington
Page 56

Lewiston 7 Jan. 1836
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith a copy of the records of the court of Common Pleas in the case of Nicholas Cursick a Revolutionary pensioner be pleased to communicate you decision after the case as soon as business & convenience may permit
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Bates Cook
Hon. James Raibaun
Page 57

Lewiston, NY October 12th 1835
Sir,
enclosed is my papers for pay due from the third of March to the 9th September 1835. The forms you have sent me vary much from those that I have been in the habit of using. And I have respectfully to request that hereafter you will forward me similar papers to those that I have been in the habit of using. As I [? puts me to expense] in getting the County clerk certificate, he resides twenty miles from this place.
Please draw your check in my favour on the Mechanics & Farmers Bank at Albany.
Yours Respectfully
Nicholas Cusick

[At the bottom of the page]
[??Edwards]
Commissioner of Pensions
 Washington
Page 58

A.H. Moss, Lockport
New York. reply:
children of N. Cusick
decd.

Hon L.S. Edwards
Com. for Pensions
Washington
Page 59

Lockport Sept.2, 1841
Hon. J.L. Edward
Com. of Pensions
Sir
I have already trouble more than I wished about Nicholas Cusicks Pension.  In your last letter I understood you to say one of the children, (there being no mother) could alone make the papers and claim the whole arrearages due at the time of the death of the pensioner without the other children joining in any way.  The Pension agent at Albany writes me one can only draw his or her shares - this is a different constitution upon the Law of 1840 than I understood you to make - Will you therefore please again inform me what is the constitution of that law - Can you alone draw the whole arrearages without any (?) from the others. If so give Mr. (?)
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an official constitution of the Law as will govern the agent at Albany
Respectfully yours.
A. H. Moss
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3 Cancelled postage stamps 
1. Received Sept 1935
2. Oklahoma City Sep 1 1935 Okla
3. Circular stamp with picture and the number 1

Pension Bureau
Washington
D.C.
Page 62

August 30, 1935
Will you please send pension record of Lt. Nicholas Cusick b 1761 [ Pensimer] 1820 Connecticut troops. The name [Tuscarovas Reservation?] appears on paper [?] Capt-Jewett
Laura Pierce Kendall
712 W. 19th
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
Page 63

[Heading] DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION,
BUFFALO CHAPTER

2884 Main St.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Feb. 7, 1906
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Buffalo Chapter, D.A.R. are preparing to [?erect] a memorial to the four Indians buried in Niagara County, and I wish you would send me
Page 64

the Official Record of their services. They are all pensioners of the Revolution, and one Nicholas Cusick, [?], was grandfather of the officer of that name in the Civil War: they are as follows:
[?] Nicholas Cusick
Henry Johnson S28581
Wm Parker S28141
"Rock" S 2 [1] 7403
Thanking you for your help in the [or this] matter, I am
Yours sincerely,
Mabel W. Boyd
(Mrs. Henry A.)
2884 Main St.
Buffalo, N.Y.