Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8949, Stephen Howard, Md.
Page 1

SERVICE
Md.

Howard, Stephen
Elizabeth 

NUMBER
W.8949
Page 2

To New York 
from
Vermont
--
Stephen Howard
of Evanton in the state of Vermont
who was a Private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Adams of the Maryland
line, for the term of 3 years. 
--
Inscribed in the Roll of Vermont
at the rate of Eight dollars per month, to commence on
the 27th of March 1818.
--
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th of June 1819
and send to William Brayton Esq.
St. Albans, Vermont.
--
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - 11 9/21 90.32
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819 - 48.00
                                                                  $138.32

{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

Continued 
--
Franklin County
Page 3


24 day of August 18
and sent to 
William Hedding
West C [illegible]
Clinton Co NY

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under 
February 2, 1848 Page 83 Vol. 4
Page 4

Stephen Howard
Declaration
Copy of Record
11,621
Sept 1819
Page 5

Revolutionary Claim, under Act of Congress, May 1, 1820
STATE OF VERMONT, Franklin County Supreme Court of Judication July [illegible] 
Franklin County, SS. On this Eleventh day of July 
1820 personally appeared in open Court, being the Supreme Court, for the County of 
Franklin and a Court of Record for said County. having the Power of affairs and imprisonment Stephen Howard
aged 65 years, resident in Swanton in said County, who being duly sworn,
according to law, doth on his oath, declare that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows: - to wit

for four years and six months from Sept 17th 1776 to March 1781 in 
Capt. Roxburgh Company in Col. Adams Regiment in the Maryland
line being the first Regt of said line my first declaration is dated March 
27th 1818 my Pension Certificate is No. 11621.

And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th 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 thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions 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 securities, contracts, or debts, due to me: nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto
annexed, and by me subscribed. 
100 acres of land with five acres of improvement 
and a log house held by a lease at the rent of twelve dollars fifty cents
per year and seventy five [illegible]
[illegible] is forfeited at Law for non payment of rent and an action of Ejectment is now pending by my landlord against me to obtain [possession] value of Equity of
Redemption Nothing by the three year old sheep []  Calf
5,00 13 sheep 13,00  2 hogs 8:00. I owe debt besides other rent a fore
to the amount of eighty dollars. Stephen Howard
I am by occupation a Farmer by reason of a wound. I rec'd in the war and rheumatism
I not able to labour but little my family consists of my wife 
Elizabeth aged 52 years a cripple unable to labor and four children to with
Page 6

annexed, and by me subscribed.
100 acres of land with five acres of improvement
and a log house held by a lease at the rent of twelve dollars fifty centers
per year and seventy five [illegible]
[illegible] for non payment of rent and an action of spec [illegible] is now,
b[illegible]
by my landlord against me to obtain [illegible] [illegible] of Equity of
Redemption Nothin by the three year old sheep [illegible] Calf
5,00 13 sheep 13,00 2 hogs 8:00. I owe debt besides other rent a fore
to the amount of eighty dollars. Stephen Howard
I am by occupation a Farmer by reason of a wound. I rec'd in the war and [illegible]
I not able to labour but little my family consists of my wife
Elizabeth aged 52 years a cripple unable to labor and four children to wit
my son Alexander aged 16 years my daughter Catharine aged 14 years
and my Daughter Susan aged 12 years and my daughter Chloe aged 
10 years all are able to labour as children in general but are all small of 
their age.
Sworn to and declared on the 
11th day of July 1820.    Stephen Howard

Before the Court [illegible] Horace Jones Clerk 
State of Vermont, 
Franklin County, SS. 
Horace Jones Clerk of the Supreme
Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing oat and the schedule thereto annexed, are
truly copied from the record of said court; 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
scheduled, is Sixty six dollars free from debt Nothing. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said court, on this 17 day of July 1820
Horace Jones Clerk.
Page 7

owmit
#8949
Page 8

Department of the Interior
Pension Office

1812D
E
Washington D C Mch 22d 1880
Madam
Therewith transmit to your
address the Testament which
was sent to this Office to be filed
in Evidence when your grandmother - Mrs Elizabeth Howard,
Widow of Stephen Howard, made
application for pension in 1845.
Please acknowledge the receipt of 
the Book and return this letter with 
your reply. 

Very respectfully, 
V A Bentley
Commissioner
for WOE

Mrs Benjamin Chesbrough
Beckman town
Clinton Cou NY
Page 9

Beckmantown, Clinton Co N.Y.
Received March 30/80 this 
[illegible] [illegible]

Geo L Clark

Rhooba Chesbrou
by B H Chesbrou
Page 10

Stephen Howard of 
Livanton, Private 
Col. Adams reg of Maryland line, from 
Sept 1776 to Aug 1780. 
Vermont 27 March 1815  
Sent to the Auditor 
Gen of Maryland for evidence of service --
25 May 1819

Admitted

Wm Brayton judge
St. Albans
Vermont
Dec 29 1818
Page 11

State of Vermont
Franklin County
The 27th Day of March AD 1818
Before me William Brayton one of the Judges of the 
Supreme Court of the State of Vermont, personally 
appears Stephen Howard aged sixty three years 
resident in the town of Swanton in the County of 
Franklin State of Vermont, who being by me first 
duly sworn according to law with the oath make 
the following declaration in order to obtain the provision
 made by the late 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, that on the 17th day of September AD 1776 
in the State of Maryland he enlisted in the company, 
commanded by Capt. Roxburgh in the Regiment 
commanded by Col. Adams in the first Brigade of 
the Maryland line Army of the United States 
and the continental establishment, for the term of three 
years or during the war that he continued to
serve in said corps until the month of August 1780 
when he was taken prisoner and then detained a prisoner 
in Charlestown in South Carolina in prisoner ship 
Elizabeth six months twelve days and was then 
pressed into the British navy then kept in service 
Sixteen years and then deserted from the British in 1796 
at Dutchmens Point and has ever since resided in the 
and been a Citizen of the United States. That he is in 
reduced circumstance and stands in need of the assistance 
of his country for Support and that he has no
Page 12

other evidence in his possession of his Said Services
sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
William Brayton Judge Supreme Court
I Certify that it appears to my Satisfaction that
the Said Stephen Howard did Serve for the term 
of nine months and [...] of Service in 
the army of the United States on the continental
establishment in the revolutionary war as Stated
in the preceding declaration and I further Certify
that the Said Stephen Howard is in reduced
circumstances and absolutely Stands in need of the assistance
of his country for Support, and I order herewith
the proceedings and testimony taken & heard before 
me & the Secretary for the Department of war
pursuant to the [...] of the aforesaid Act of
Congress. Given under my hand and Seal of said
Court this 20th day of December AD 1818
William Brayton Judge Supreme Court
State of Vermont Franklin County Supreme Court clerks office
Dec. 19th 1818 I Horace Jones clerk of the 
Supreme Court of the State of Vermont within
and for the County of Franklin do hereby
Certify that William Brayton Esq. is one of 
the Judges of said Supreme Court and duly qualified
to act as Such and that the foregoing Certificate is signed by 
hum in his own hand In Testimony to hereof I
have herewith signed My name and affixed the Public Seal of said
Court the day & year above
Horace Jones Clerk
Page 13

Auditor’s Office, Annapolis, May 31st 1819~

I hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls remain-
ing in the Auditor’s Office, that Stephen Howard ____ enlisted as a Private ____ in the First ____ Maryland Regiment, on the Twenty First ____ day of June 1779~ and was discharged on the 16th August 1780 {illegible}~ 

Thos. Karney - Aud. S. M.
Page 14

Case of 11720
Elizabeth Howard
[illegible] Stephen
Declaration of Paper to obtain
a pension.
Act 7 July 1838
to March 13, 1848

Died 6 March 1843

Rejected
[illegible] 43 / 44
[illegible]
2 yrs for
80 from 6
March 43

Hon Joseph Russell
[illegible]
Page 15

Declaration in order to obtain a pension.

State of New York
County of Clinton [illegible] On this third day of March 1845 before the subscriber
First Judge of the County Courts of said County personnally
appeared Elizabeth Howard a resident of [illegible] in said
county aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according
to law doth on her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain a pension under the laws of the United States,
that she is the widow of Stephen Howard who was a private
in the first Maryland Continental Regiment, and served
therein as she is informed and believes for more than
three years. She has heard him say that he was enlisted
at Leonard Maryland in Sept 1776 into Col Smallwood's first
Maryland Regt. for three years or during the war, and that
he served in that Company or Regiment four years and one
month, and while in such service, and engaged in the
Battle of Camden, he was wounded and taken a prisoner by
the enemy, and carried to Charleston South Carolina, and put on
board a British Prison Ship, where he remained until March
1781 seven months and a half, when he was taken to Kingston
in the West Indies, and remained there about three years,
During said time, [illegible] on some day of June in the
year seventeen hundred and eighty four at the place aforesaid
she then said Elizabeth was married to the said Stephen
Howard by a Bishop whose name she does not recollect.

He gave her a certificate of Marriage which she kept until the
month of October 1833 when it was burnt, and destroyed
by fire, together with her dwelling house at [illegible] aforesaid
She also had a record of her said marriage in her
family bible which was likewise burnt at the time and place 
aforesaid. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Roy.
In the year 1786 her said husband effected his escape from 
the British and came into the United States where he resided
up to the period of his death. She further declares that
her said husband was a prisoner under the act of
March 18, 1818 at $96 per annum and placed
on the roll of the Vermont agency in 1819 and afterwards
transferred to the New York agency. Hewent on a
visit from his residence in [illegible] to [illegible]
Lower Canada and died there at the house of his son,
on the sixth day of March 1843. Leaving the said Elizabeth
Howard a widow and she still remains a widow
and unmarried.

She further declares that she has no record of her husbands
Page 16

service nor of her marriage and that her marriage took
place previous to January 1, 1794, [illegible] at the time above
stated.

Sworn and subscribed to before me 
this third day of March 1845 and I certify
that I am personally acquainted with the declarant
and that she is a credible person and unable by 
reason of bodily infirmity to attend court
which sits more than twelve miles from the place
where this declaration was taken - and I further
certify that she made her mark to 
her signature for the reason that she 
never learned to write.

Her
Elizabeth "X" Howard
mark

William Hedding

First Judge 
of Clinton County Courts
Page 17

State of New York
County of Clinton [illegible] Jane McNamara of Hemmingsford Canada 
last being duly sworn says that she is fifty years 
of age as she verily believes and was born as she has 
been informed and believes on the 24th day of October in 
the year Seventeen hundred and ninety five at the town
of North Hero, State of Vermont, she further says that her maiden
name was Jane Howard and she is a daughter of 
Stephen Howard deceased late a resident of Chazy and 
a pensioner of the state of the United State, and recollects to have
seen in the possession of her parents a certificate of their
marriage. She has also seen a record of such
marriage in her parents' family bible, and she believes the
date of said marriage in said certificate and bible
was seventeen hundred and eighty four. She
has always understood and believes that her Mothers
maiden name was Elizabeth Ray (Roy).
Dependant further says that in the fall of Eighteen 
hundred and thirty three, her said Fathers dwelling house
was burnt at Chazy aforesaid, and has ever since
understood and believes that the said certificate of 
marriage, and said Bible, were burned in said dwelling
house, at the time conflagration. Dependant 
further says that her said parents lived together as
husband and wife, from her earliest recollection, to the period
of her Father's death which took place on the sixth day
of March 1843. Defendant said mother was then 
left a widow and still remains such widow.
Sworn and subscribed to 
before me this third day 
of March 1845 and I
certify that dependent is a 
credible witness and that
she made her mark for the reason
that she never learned to write.

William Hedding First Judge
of Clinton Co Courts

Her 
Jane X McNamara
[her mark of X}
Page 18

Page 1
State of New York
County of Clinton
I the subscriber Clerk of said County certify
that William Hedding before whom the written declaration
of Elizabeth Howard's affidavit of Jane McNamara
were taken and sworn on the third day of March
1845, was at said time first Judge of the County
courts of said county and that his signature
to the [illegible] of said [illegible] to the certificate following
said declaration is genuine. I being acquainted 
with his hand writing, [illegible] whereof
I have fastened these papers together by a silk thread the end
of which has under my official  seal this fifth day of 
March AD 1845.
Charles H. Jones Clerk

Page 2
Case of 11720
Elizabeth Howard
Widow of Stephen
Declaration of papers to obtain
a pension
Act 7 July 1838
Died 6 March 43
Rejected
[illegible] 43 44
[ellegible]
2 yrs [illegible]
80 from 6
March 43

Hon. Joseph Russell
Page 19

Maryland line
          WIDOW, &c.
Revy 
File No. 8949
Elizabeth Howard
Wid. of
Stephen Howard
Pvt Rev. War

Act: Feby, 2 48
Index: —Vol. A, Page 344

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

New York - 18 March 1818 - Stephen Howard - [illegible]
state to what time he was last paid.
Pension Office
Sept 19, 1834
Page 21

No 11720
Elizabeth Howard
NY
[illegible} to Geo. D. Woodward April
28th 1845
[illegible] G.D. Woodward Aug 9, 1845
" same Oct 23, '45
" [illegible] J. Russell Jan 29
1846

Act of July 1838
Page 22

7626
New York
Elizabeth Howard
widow of Stephen Howard
who was a private
in the Maryland Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 6th day of March, 1843,

Certificate of Pension issuedthe
20th day of March 1846
and sent to Hon. Joseph Russell
H.R.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
[illegible] June, 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 77.
Page 23

Beekmantown
Clinton Co. N.Y.
April 24, 1880
Hon. J. A. Bentley
Court of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir, 
My wife Rhoda Chesbrough has rec'd 
the testament returned to her
by the enclosed letter of Mar
22, 1880. It was libel in the 
pension claim of Elizabeth
Howard widow of her father
Stephen Howard deceased.
For your courtesy in returning
it she is much obliged.
Very Resp, Yours
Clerk B. H. Chesbrew

Witness
Geo. L. Clark
Page 24

October 31-
Act. 1777. Chap 8
See 4- 9-

this man is not upon any [illegible]
intitled

1788 Chap. 44-
Committee of Senate reported unfavourably
therefore reject proceedings had in the ?our of Delegates
Page 25

Agreeable to the request of the Committee on Revolutionary 
Claims, I attended at 4 o'clock [illegible] after in the committee
room of the Senate, to see the committee on the subject of
Stephen Howards Claim (of New York) for a warrant for
land in Albany County  - the documents surely offer
evidence, the man has a a "Claim" because the register
of the land office declares the surveyor reports there
is no longer land in the County worth surveying for
soldiers claims yet evidence of this fact surely
should "not forbid" a "warrant' to issue to the man
for his claim, thereby putting him on same grounds with
many others yet unpaid.

Jacob Lantz
Page 26

I Joseph Berman of Fairfax County of Franklin of State
of Vermont late Captain in the 11th Regiment United States
Infantry certify and say that I am personally acquainted 
with Stephen Howard of Scranton in said county. He said 
widower belonged to the company under my command in
the late war, and in [illegible] of his job behavior and 
his knowledge as a military man I gave him the appointment
of Orderly Sargent of said company, he always did 
his duty faithfully and with dispatch. I always had the
fullest confidence in his fidelity and [illegible] honesty when
he was under my command I often heard him say that 
he was born in the state of Maryland and in the [illegible]
him any war belongs to the first Regiment of Continental
troops of said state.
Dated [illegible] December 18, 1822
Joseph Berman
Page 27

Senate U States
Washington DC
Feb 22, 1930

Sir-
Mrs Elizabeth Howard widow,
late of the state of New York and to whom
I have paid her pension from the 4th
of Sept 1848 to 4th Sept 1849, I am informed
by the 3rd auditor, must be 
transferred to my agency before the
amt paid by me to her can be allowed in
the adjustment of my accounts as the 3rd 
auditors office. Will you order the transfer
to take effect before 4th Sept 1848 and oblige.

[illegible]
Geo W Jones
[illegible]

Col J L Edwards
[illegible] of Pensions
[illegible]
Page 28

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.

County of Clinton 88.

On this twenty eighth day of May 1834
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace of the said county of 
Clinton personally appeared Stephen Howard
who, on his oath, declares that he is the same
person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain
Roxburgh in the Regiment commanded by Colonel 
Adams in the service of the United States; that
his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of Vermont
from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the State,
of New York where he intends
to remain, and wishes his pension to be payable, in future. The
following are his reasons for removing from Vermont
to New York is that my children have
all removed hither and I wish to be
with them.
Stephen Howard

Sworn and subscribed to, before me
the day and year aforesaid.

Isaac Aldridge Just. Peace

The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated. The county Clerk, Secretary of State, or some other officer, must certify, under his seal of office, that the officer who administered the oath is a Justice of the Peace, judge, Mayor, Alderman, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

The oath must be supported by the testimony of some respectable person, as to the Pensioner's identify. He must swear, that the person who has taken the above oath is the person described in the affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the witness is a person of veracity; and the affidavit must also be authenticated in the manner above directed.

Personally appeared as a [illegible] before me this day and
year as first written and made oath in due form of [illegible] and
says that Stephen Howard is the person who has taken the above 
oath and described in the affidavit above.

Isaac Aldridge Justice Peace
Page 29

I hereby Certify that as a [illegible] the within defendant is well known to me and is a person of truth and veracity.
Isaac Aldridge Justice

Clinton County
Clerks Office

I Smith Mead of the County of Clinton in the State of New York
do hereby Certify that Isaac Aldridge Esq
before whom the within Affidavit was
sworn was at that time a Justice of
the Peace duly [illegible] to [illegible]
[illegible]. And further that I am well
acquainted with the handwriting of
the said Justice and verily believe his
signature to be genuine

In testimony in hereof I have hereunto set my 
hand and affixed the seal of said County
this 10th day of July 1835

Smith Mead Clerk
Page 30

MECHANICS' AND FARMERS' BANK,
Albany Pension Agency

May 11, 1849

James L. Edwards, Esquire, 
Commissioner of Pensions,

Sir, 
In reply to your letter of 8th [illegible]
I have to state, that Elizabeth Howard 
a pensioner under the Act of 2nd Feb 1848 at
eighty dollars per, was last paid to 
the 4 day of Sept 1848.

I am, Sir
Very Respectfully, 
Your [illegible] servant
Tho. W. Olcott

Pres't and Pension Agent per
L. Jenkins
Page 31

The above oath is to her taken before a duly
gratified Justice of the Peace where official
character must be certified by the proper officer
under his seal of office.  The Clerk of the
District Court must certify under his seal
of office, that the officer who administered
the oath is a Justice of the peace that
the signature purporting to be [illegible] is genuine.

The oath must be supported by the
testimony of some respectable person
as to the [illegible] identify that the person
who has taken the above oath is the person
described in the affidavit. The Justice
must certify that the witness is a person 
of veracity; and the affidavit must be 
authenticated in the manner above directed.
Page 32

May 4, 1850

Sir, 

I have paid Elizabeth 
Howard late of New York her 
pension as a widow up to the 4th Sept
and March last [illegible] thank you
to transfer her to Iowa where
she has been paid by myself.

Respectfully
George W. Jones
[illegible] Pens Agent

J. L. Edwards Esq.
[illegible] Pensions 
[illegible]
Page 33

West Chazy June 17 [illegible]
James L. Edwards Esq
Coms of Pensions
Washington D.C.

For New Cert
Send Only 
June 23
Page 34

West Chazy June 17th 1834

J.L. Edwards Esg. Comm. of Pensions

Dear Sir

Enclosed is an application
for a new pension certificate for Stephen 
Howard, which if granted I wish you
to forward directed to my house at West
Chazy, Clinton County NY as soon
is [illegible] as he cannot draw his
pension due on the 4th March last until
[illegible] said certificate.

William Hedding
Page 35

Two Lines scratched out

Report and resolution on Stephen Howard.

Hon. W. S. Hasting from the
Com on Private
Page 36

The committee on Private Land Claims to 
whom was referred the petition of Stephen 
Howard.

Report
The following resolution 

Resolved that the committee on [illegible]
land claims be discharged from any
further consideration of the petition of
Stephen Howard, and [illegible] the same
be referred to the committee on
Revolutionary Claims.
Page 37

Plattsburg. Dec 20, 1845. 

Dear Sir, 

I cannot but of my regret that you still adhere to the objections contained in your letter of the 9th of August that being confident that they have no real foundation. The bible referred to, was first showed to me at Chazy by Judge Hedding, a few days before I enclosed it to you, I examinded it with him, & from an acquaintance with him Howards handwriting had no doubt it was genuine, although written with more than ordering at me. 
In 1840 or about that time in Howard having failed to obtain a grant of land from the State of Maryland, after (illegible) relief, and among his Nephews, was I think a statement of his service drawn up by himself, in his own handwriting, which statement I suppose is now on the files of the house of Reps. In comparison of that paper with the bible read referred to, nothing due allowance for the difference between the times when they were written, (about over fifteen years), may satisfy you that the [illegible] respond to is genuine & was "put faith" to corroborate facts already presented by witnesses.

                                                                                                            Respectfully yours, 
                                                                                                            J D Woodward
                                                                                                            Atty for the widow.


James L Edwards
Court of Pensions 
Washington
Page 38

Sept 29, 1845.

Declare to Eliz. Howard
Page 39

Pension Office, 
August 9, 1865

Sir, 
In the case of Elizabeth Howard, the parole in of now filed would have been deemed office client to show the relocation of husband and wife here to January 1796, if the whole claim had not been his credited by the family register now presented. This register is just forth when the allegation that claimant's husband wrote it in 1818 and gave it to the deponent his daughter (who can neither read nor write) while the hand writing of her husband at that time on file in this Office is conclusive that he did not write it, and the register itself leaves incontestable  indications of being lately written. Until this can be separated from the claim by explanations, it will not be allowed. 
I am respectfully,
your (illegible) 
J L Edwards

John D Woodward 
Plattsburg, 
N. York.
Page 40


Plattsburg Feb 17,1846

Dear Sir,
               The papers in the case of Miss Elizabeth Howard as appears from your letter were handed to Col Edwards Court of Pensions on the 2nd day of Jan [illegible] in order that you may see that he has no ground afore which to base his decision in regard to the authenticity of the family register, I enclose a copy of Judge Heddings affidavit, the original of which is on file with the papers. The court would [illegible] do an act of justice by writing the word "expunged [illegible] further examination and consideration" against his letter to me of request 9/45.

If he perseveres in refusing to allow the claim after an examination of the additional evidence, I wish you would lay all the papers, before me Secretary Marcy, who has an intellect clear as crystal and will doubtedley decide in our favor. I am not in the habit of submitting to a decision against my own convictions of right and justice.

Very truly yours,
J.D. Woodward

Hon Joseph Russel
[illegible]
Page 41

Plattsburg N.Y. June 24, 1845.

Sir.

I enclose additional evidence in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Howard which we presume will be satisfactory.

Respectfully yours
J.D. Woodward

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

Plattsburg N.Y. March 6, 1845.

Sir,

I enclose the declaration of and papers of Mrs Elizabeth Howard who supposes herself entitled to a pension.

Allow me to request your attention to the following cases.

Sarah Steavns,
Edna Roberts,
Deborah Terry.

Yours Respectfully,
J.D. Woodward.

James Edwards Esq
Commissioner of 
Pensions - - - 
Washington.
Page 43

[transcribed with original punctuation and capitalization]

West Chazy Aug 12th 1834

Dear Sir

Some time Sense [sic] I sent to the 
Pension office an application of Stephen 
Howard for a new Pension Certificate 
his original being Burned in his house 
last year for which I have not heard 
any Reply, and as he has not drawn 
on his pension Since Sept. last and is 
now near the time for a Second Drawing 
he Respectfully Requests that you 
should, if the papers were correct. Send 
him a new Certificate in time for the 
4th of Sept. next Drawing Directed to 
My care, West Chazy Clinton County 
New York. and Much Oblige an old
Soldier of three wars [unsure of word, could be rivers]

Your Obedient Servant
William Y benamy [unsure of last name, hard to read]

James L. Edwards Esqe
Coms. of Pensions
Page 44

See letter to J. D. Woodward
Nov. 19 1833


Suspension re[illegible] by
Order see letter to Agent at
Burlington & Hon. S. C. Crafts,
Crafts [illegible], Vermont.
April 10, 1823.
Trans to N. York 20
July 1830 from 4 March
1830 and notification sent 
to Wm. Hedding Swansons 
Mills Clinton Co. N.Y

Pension
___________
Papers returned & ans. [illegible] Sept.
1834
___________
James L. Edwards
Page 45

[Back of the prior page

James S. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Page 46

Washington Feb. 26th 1823

James L Edwards Esquire

Sir, I forward to you a letter of the Hon.
James Fish with its inclosures in behalf of Stephen
Howard of Swanton Vermont - whose pension by the 
suggestion of some person has been suspended. Please
to examine his case and inform me before the m[unsure]
of Congress [unsure] and oblige your Best[unsure] Sect[unsure]

Samuel C. Crafts
Page 47

Jas Edward
J. C. C.
Hon Secy of War
Page 48

March 5th 1822

Sir

Accompanying this is the letter of [illegible] which [illegible]
Stephen Howard being suspended from the pension roll
and Howards evidence forwarded with a view of
doing away the effects of that letter.  I hope you will
have the [illegible] to examine them when others [illegible] are
important before [illegible] will [illegible]!  I will only
add that Howards character to say the least, stands
as fair as [illegible] and while the latter [illegible] to
discover he smote in his neighbors eye he forgets that
[illegible] the same [illegible] left him
property and became poor by violating the
laws of his Country.  In 1815 he was convicted,
fined and imprisoned for driving or attempting to
drive fat cattle into Canada during the war and
escaped from his imprisonment by the interposi
tion of the President.  My knowledge of either
party extends back but a few years.
Your vey respectfully, Jas. Fisk
Hon Secy of War
Page 49

Geo G. Brewer
Letter
Page 50

Land Office, Annapolis, Jany 28th, 1834,

Dear Sir,

I have carefully examined the petition and papers 
you handed me a day or two ago, in the case of Stephen 
Howard, a Soldier of the revolution, praying for a grant 
of land from this State for his[crossed out] revolutionary services; 
Wm Howard states that he forwarded on to me his petition
in 1831, to lay before the Legislation, and rather
complains that it was not attended to; -- Wm Howard
is mistaken, the petition was received and placed by me,
in the hands of the Speaker, who laid it before the Legislators,
with all the evidence that could be furnished from
the rolls in this office of his revolutionary Services, in 
proof of this Statement, I would beg leave to refer you
to the Journal of Proceedings of December [unsure] 1831,
in pages 271, & 395; - you will there perceive that an
unfavourable report was made by the Committee in his
case, and concurred in by the hours; - Wm Stephen Howards
name appears only upon the muster rolls in this - 
office, by the muster rolls it appears, that he enlisted
in the 1st Maryland Regiment, on the 21st day of June
1779, and was missing on the 16th of August 1780, - after
he was reported missing in August 1780, I do not find upon
the rolls that he ever returned; his name does not appear
upon the pay rolls; - as respects bounty land granted by this
Page 51

this State for [crossed out] revolutionary services; I have to state, that by
an act of November session 1788, chapter 441 [unsure if that is a one or a pen mark] to dispose of
the reserved lands westward of Fort Cumberland, and to 
fulfill the engagements made by this State, to the officers
and Soldiers of the Maryland line in the service of the
United States; which after reciting the acts by which
bounties of land had been promised for military services,
is, ordained as follows, [unsure] that whereas, according to the
most accurate account, that could be then rendered by the 
auditor General, it appeared that there had been about
the number of 2,475 soldiers entitled, under the several
acts of the Legislature to the bounty of lands, and that
there ought to be about 100 lots set apart to fulfill the
engagements of lands to recruiting officers, - the quantity of 
2,575 of [word crossed out] the aforesaid lots, should be distributed by
lot among the said Soldiers and recruiting Officers, and their legal
representatives, by Commissioners, for whose appointment by
the Executive, provision was made in the said act; and -
that part of the remaining lots, should be distributed by
Lottery among the officers and) their representatives; of the 
Maryland line; who served to the and of the war, were
deranged by any of the reforms of the Army, were killed
or died of their wounds received in battle; were disabled
from further services by wounds received; and in Consequence
thereof retired, or who died a natural death while in the 
(service)
Page 52

service of[crossed out] with the Army; - Each officer or his representatives,
to have four lots contiguous to each other, or as nearly so
as might be, adjacent to those directed to be distributed
among the Soldiers, and within the limits therein set forth;
- To the Commissioners appointed, the Auditor General was
directed to furnish a list of the officers and Soldiers
entitled as aforesaid; After the drawing of the lottery
the name of the officer or soldier, was directed to be endorsed
by the Commissioners on the ticket containing the
number or numbers drawn by; or for such officer or 
officers[crossed out] soldier, and thereupon they or their representatives
were to have a fee simple in them; - a record of all
the Lots distributed, was made by the Commissioners, and
returned to this office; - the remaining lots having been
disposed of under the act of 1791; chapter 85; - and the 
vacant land in said County covered by warrants; I know 
not where, Wm Howard could have has[crossed out] a warrant located, 
even should the Legislators direct a warrant to issue,
The State as you know, has parted with all her lands 
in Allegany County; - warrants have been issued from this office; to several 
Soldiers under resolutions of the General Assembly, passed
within the last two or three years; all of which, have been
returned by the Surveys of the County, unexecuted; not 
being able as he states to find land; - furthermore, I would
remark, that the resolutions heretofore proposed by the Legisla(ture)
Page 53

[cont. from prev. page] =ture have made to provision for the payment of the 
Surveyor's responses for chain carriers to, - I have deemed
it necessary, to give you this information, so that you may
see how useful it is to direct warrants to issue, when they
are of no value whatever to the old Soldier;
I am respectfully;
your Ob. S [unsure of abbreviations]
George G. Brewer

Jacob Lantz Esq.

[written on side of letter]
George G Brewer
Letter
Page 54

free
J L Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington
D.C.


[written in the left margin]
Stephen Howard 
West Chazy NY
Sept 11th
[illegible]
Page 55

West Chazy Sept 10th 1834

J. L Edwards Esq

Dear Sir I here with return
the application of Stephen Howard
for a new pension Certificate with
the Clerks Certificate as you required
and he wishes you to forward him
a new Certificate Directed to West
Chazy Clinton County N.Y., as soon
as convenient for he is a poor man
and lost his house and effects by fire
in the month of October last and
is very much in want of his money
which he has not drawn since Sept last
if any question arrises respecting my acting
as expert in this Business I Supose I am known
at the Pension office for I have Acknowledged
Pension Powers and papers for the said S.
Howard and others for Several years &
by Enquiry at the Post office Department you
will find that I am a Post Master at this place
Your Obedient Servt William Hedding
Page 56

APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE.

State of New York}
Clinton County} Ss

City of New York, ss. [crossed out]

On this thirteenth day of June 1834, before
me, the subscriber, a [Notary Public for the State - crossed out and replaced with]Judge of Clinton County of New-York, per-
sonally appeared Stephen Howard who, on his
oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to
the Company commanded by Captain [illegible]- - - 
in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Small Wood
in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the
pension roll of the state of Vermont that he received
a certificate of that fact, under the signature and seal of the Secretary
of War; which certificate, on or about the fifteenth day
of October 1833 [at or near - crossed out] was burned in the
House of said deponent together with all
his Papers and property in said House
at Chazy in the County of Clinton
aforesaid.

[Signature] Stephen Howard

Written in the right margin

Note the Figure two in the date of the year
was altered to that of three before 
signing or swearing 
William Hedding Judge of Clinton Co Courts
Page 57

State of New York
Clinton County SS.

I William Hedding Judge of
Clinton County Courts do certify that I
have been acquainted with Stephen Howard
the within deponent for several years past
down to the present time and know him to
be a credible person and I also know that
he has drawn a Pension for several years
past and know that his House was burned
as within stated.
William Hedding, Judge
of Clinton County Courts

State of Newyork
Clinton Count SS

[Seal of the Courts of the
County Clinton]

I Nathan Taylor Clerk of the Courts of the County
Clinton in the State of Newyork do hereby certify that
William Hedding Esquire before whom the within affidavit
was taken and also whose signature appears subscribed
to the above certificate was at the time, a Judge of the
County Courts in and for the said County of Clinton, and
duly empowered to administer Oaths; and I believe his
Signature above, and also within subscribed, to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said Court, this ninth day of September in the
year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four________
[Signature] Nathan Taylor Clerk__________
Page 58

Free
Hon Samuel C Crafts [illegible]
Washington

[Note at bottom of page illegible]
Page 59

Hon Saml C Crofts  Swanton February 1st 1823

Dear Sir

Enclosed you will receive a letter from
Stephen Howard also a certificate from Capt Beeman
in which I forward by his request and by his letter
you may learn something of his complaint and [illegible].

The fact is his pension is suspended on the grounds
of his having deserted the service during the revolution-
ary War how and by what proof this accusation is
and [illegible] you may favorably learn by applying to 
the war office.  Howard does not know, but he
voluntarily denies the accusation he [illegible] here
the character of a Honest man, and the people think
him [illegible]. His associates have certainly [illegible]
and evidence of strong attachment to his country
he with one of his sons served deserting the late war
a War in point of principle hardly second to that of the
revolution.  The Certificate of his Capt will testify as to
the merits of his services.  He has sometime since
forwarded to the War Office his affidavit and some
other papers but has received no [illegible].  I feel for
this man because I have [illegible] and [illegible].
I hope therefore you will have the goodness to make
the necessary enquiries & inform him if any thing is 
wanting & what to get him restored to his pension.

We have very little snow & yet fine sleighing
for three weeks the weather has been very mild.  Our
northern market is poor. The best of pork fetches but
$4.50 the consequence is that the trade is all turning
Page 60

to Boston where I am told pork is worth from
$6 to $6.75 but very little [illegible] for the Custom
House.  Give my respects to the delegation 
and my acknowledgments in particular to Judge
Palmer for the Documents that [illegible]  I should
[illegible] have written [illegible] of year but for my
peculiar situation this winter.  My youngest son 
has been [word inserted then crossed out] sick [illegible] he is now confined
to his room and [illegible] shaved of hair tissue to
his head, and his wife yet [illegible] Doubtful
thus we consciously [illegible] is [illegible] favorable
symptoms.  Therefore it is that between
my official duties and attention to the sick
I find but little [illegible] to write

Wishing you all health
a pleasant [illegible] & safe [illegible]
I am Sincerely Yours
Jas. Fisk
Page 61

War Department,
Pension Office.
Jan 23rd 1822.

Sir,

It is stated in a letter to this Department that you
deserted from the Virginia Line of the Army, in the year 1778, and
entered into the British service.  If such be the fact, you can no long-
er receive a pension. Until it be satisfactorily proved that the state-
ment is erroneous your pension will be suspended.

By order of the Secretary of War.

I am respectfully,
Yr. Obt. Sert.
J. L Edwards

Mr. Fisk will be permitted
to see the papers in [word crossed out]
confidence.
J.C.C.

Mr. Stephen Howard, 
Swanton, Vt
Page 62

Free

Mr J.H. Eaton
Secretary of War
Plattsburgh July 13 Washington
Page 63

Sir I Send you by the Request
of Stephen Howard his affidavit
Enclosd Requesting that he may
Draw his Pension in the City of New
York in Stead of Vermont where he
was originally placed on the pen
Sion list Roll he sends you this
affidavit Enclosed & prays your honor
to transfer pension from the Roll
of Vermont to that of New York &
forward him his transfer in time to
Draw his Pension in New York next
September and in So doing you
will much oblige an Old Revolu
tionary Soldier of [illegible]
Please Direct the transfer to Stephen
Howard Care of William Hedding
Esq Lawrence Mills Clinton County [inserted] State
of New York.  I am Respectfully
your Obedient Servant
William Hedding
J.W. Eaton
Secretary of War
Page 64

Pension Office

July 19th 18[illegible]
Page 65

Copy
Affidavits of Asa McNamara,
Jane McNamara & Hon
William Hedding first Judge
of Clinton County, showing the
authenticity of a certain copy 
of the New Testament "put
forth" in support of the claim
of Mrs Elizabeth Howard as
widow of Stephen Howard
deceased to a pension.
Page 66

Copy
State of New York Clinton County Ss. Asa McNamara of Chazy
in the County and State aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth
and and saith that he is the husband of Jane McNamara
was married to the said Jane in Alburg in Grand Isle County
in the State of Vermont.  That the Testament forwarded to the
pension office as evidence in the application of Elizabeth
Howard (said testament purported to have been printed by
Dickinson printer in Philadelphia in 1809) was brought into
my family soon after my marriage to the said Jane McNamara 
in the year 1818, and was said to have been presented to the said
Jane McNamara by her Father Stephen Howard.  That the writing
in said Testament purporting to be the the family register was
then written the same as when I delivered the said Testament
to Judge Hedding in the month of June last.  That said
testament has always been in the possession of Deponants
family since 1818 and up to June 1845.  That after said
Stephen Howard had his house burned he same to my house
and examined the Register in said Testament and said it
was correct.

That Deponant has always supposed and now believes that 
said Register was written by the said Stephen Howard, and
Elizabeth Howard [crossed out] said Deponant further says that he had always
understood and verily believes that the said Stephen Howard
and Elizabeth Howard were married, and lived together as
husband & wife previous to the year 1794.

Sworn and Subscribed to before     (signed) Asa X [his mark] McNamara
me this 21st day of September
1845. & I certify that Deponant
is a credible witness & made his mark for the [illegible] that the
never learned to write
(signed) William Hedding first Judge
of Clinton Co. Courts.
Page 67

State of New York
Clinton County Ss. William Hedding being duly sworn before the
undersigned deposeth and says that he has been acquainted with
the late Stephen Howard of Chaxy for twenty years previous 
to his decease. That the  collected said Howards pension for about
fifteen years previous to his death.  That he has seen him
write during all that time very frequently. That he firmly believes
that the writing purporting to be the register of the names
of the family of the said Stephen Howard & which has been
alluded and forwarded to the Pension Office in the affidavit
of same and Asa McNamara taken before this Deponant was 
written by the said Stephen Howard in his own handwriting
& was written about the time of the marriage of his said
daughter Jane. That  Deponant received said testament from
Asa McNamara in the month of June last and gave it
to Judge J.D. Woodward to send to the Pension Office
and said Deponant further says that he took particular
notice of the said Register of names of the family of the
said Stephen Howard, and has no doubt but it is in his
hand writing, and that he has often heard the said Stephen
Howard tell of his being married to the said Elizabeth
Howard in or near Kingston in the Island of Jamaca & of
her moving from place to place with him, and living
with him, till he came to Chazy and till the time
of his death.

Sworn & Subscribed before me    (Signed) William Hedding
this 22nd day of September 1845

Ira P. Chamberlin Justice Peace
Page 68

P.S. The originals of these papers are on file in the pension office. Should
an appeal to Mr Secretary Marcy become necessary, these copies will enable
you to understand the case.  The services of Claimant & husband (Stephen
Howard) for more than two years are shown by record evidence &
"the proof the marriage would have been deemed sufficient (by the Court)
if the whole claim had not been discredited by the family register"
(see his letter of Aug. 9th.)

Copy
Affidavits of Asa McNamara,
Jane McNamara & Hon
William Hedding first Judge
of Clinton County, showing the
authenticity of a certain copy 
of the New Testament "put
forth" in support of the claim
of Mrs Elizabeth Howard as
widow of Stephen Howard
deceased to a pension.
Page 69

State of Iowa)
Clayton County)Ss. On the 18th day of April
1849 before me the sub-
scriber, a Justice of the Peace for the
said County of Clayton personally ap-
peared Elizabeth Howard widow of Stephen
Howard who was a private in the revolution-
ary war who on her oath declares that she
is the widow of the said Stephen Howard,
that her name was placed on the pension
roll of the State of New York, from whence
she was lately removed; that she now resides
in the State of Iowas & at Mendon in the afore
said County of Clayton where she intends
to remain & wishes her pension to be there pay
ble in future.  The following are her reasons
for removing from New York to Iowa vis-
to live with her daughter honor resides in the aforesaid
township of Mendon in said County.

Witnesses John H Francis )   Elizabeth X [her mark] Howard
James T. Hyde)

Sworn & subscribed before me
the day & year aforesaid
John Francis Justice of the Peace

On the year and day above written personally
appeared the undersigned before me a Justice of Peace
of the aforesaid County and on his oath saith that he is
personally acquainted with the aforesaid Elizabeth
Howard and she is the identical widow described in the affidavit.

sworn to and subscribed before)     Wm. p Miller 
me the year and day above written)
John Francis Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that Wm p Miller whose name is affixed
to the aforesaid affidavit is person of truth and veracity.
John Francis Justice of the Peace
Page 70

State of Iowa)
Clayton County) Ss

I F Andros Clerk of the District
Court do here certify that John Frances
whose signature is affixed to the within is & was
at the time of signing the same an [illegible]
Justice of the Peace on & for the County aforesaid
duly elected & qualified full faith &
Credit as [illegible] and [illegible] to be given to all
his official acts as Such

In testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand & affixed the 
Seal of the Said District Court
at [illegible] April 19th 1849
F. ANDROS Clk. D.C.C.C.
Page 71

Free
Swanton
Jan 15
Mr. Edwards [written in left margin]
Hon. J C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 72

To the Hon Secretary of War

Your humble petitioner represented
to your Honour-that under the late
law of the United States allowing a pension to
to the soldiers of the revolutionary War-your
petitioner was placed on the pension list
and for a time received his pension but
since that time your petitioner received
from the War Department a letter inform-
ing him that it had been represented 
to that department that your petitioner 
[begin underlined text] was a deserter from the American forces [end underlined text] in
the year 1778.  This charge is untrue,
false & [begin underline] cruel [end underline] coming from a source to me
secret & unknown - And had not Old Age
crept upon me, and wholly destitute of
pecuniary means I could look up some 
of my comrades in the Army who could
[begin insert] prove [end insert]every word I herein after state-

In the year 1776 I lived with my Parents
in Leonardstown in the State of Maryland
when I enlisted as a soldier for the term of
three years or [begin underlined text] during the war [end underlined text] under one
Capt. Lynch of whose company one Hackett
was Lieutenant and immediately went
into service.  As Capt. Lynch was a recruiting
officer I was put into Capt Roxburgh's Company
Page 73

from this time I was then entrusted by
my officers to go in the recruiting service
and during the [illegible] of 1776 and Year 1777
was at Port Tobacco, Annapolis, Baltimore
and at the head of the Elk where we were billeted
out.  In the spring of 1778 was at Philadelphia
from then on routs to one place & an other we
then marched to Newburgh-from thence by
New Windsor where we took boats to West Point 
from thence we were marched to a place called
Butter Milk Falls where the Maryland Line
lay during that season.  Our [illegible]
officers at this time were Capt Putman &
Capt Smallwood. I was often detached
on duty to assist in building Block houses
at West Point under one Lieut Hugo who
acted as engineer.  After this that part
of the Army to which I belonged was ordered
to march to Morristown in New Jersey for [illegible]
quarters which we effected altho almost
destitute of shoes & clothing through bad rain
& deep snows.  Shortly after we had completed
our huts we received orders to march to
reinforce Charleston in South Carolina which
was besieged by [begin underline] Cornwallis [end underline].  We immediately 
marched to the head of the Elk, where we
were put into boats and went to Anapolis
where we took in provisions and from thence
proceeded to Petersburgh in Virginia from 
thence we marched to a place called 
Parson's Farm in North Carolina.
At this place Capt. Gates who then
Page 74

commanded ordered a halt to refresh the
teams which were much worn down by
drawing the Artillery.  At this place
we received information that Charleston
was given up.  [illegible] favorable of the Officers
Ladies with their baggage passed us at this 
place.  From this we marched to a
place called Boodsley's Mills in South Carolina
where a halt was ordered-and shortly Capt.
Gates issued an order (on the 15th August) that
at nine o'clock in the night instead of the
[begin underline] tattoo [end underline] the [illegible] should be beat, and that
every soldier should divest himself of all
baggage, his gun, [illegible] box & cantine of water
& after in the night we marched about
half way to Camden where we met the
enemy near a place called Gum Swamp
a skirmish ensued with the advance Guards.
The next morning a general action took
place the Americans were defeated.
Capt. De Calvo was mortally wounded-
Capt Lynch under whom I enlisted Lieut
Hackett & Capt Roxburgh under whom I was
among many thus were taken prisoners.
The officers were paroled but the privates were 
retained as prisoners-in this action I received
a wound in my leg was carried prisoner to 
Charleston and then put on board of a
Prison Ship where I remained seven months
from thence was carried to the West Indies 
and pressed on board of a British Man of War
from which I made my escape to the shore.
Page 75

but was again taken & put into the [illegible]
Service and then kept 13 years until a
favourable opportunity arrived when stationed
on Lake Champlain I left his Majesty's Service
for my native country.  I arrived into the 
State of Vermont where I have since resided
except that during the late War I enlisted
into the 11th regiment under the late Col
Clark of Vermont and was appointed an
Orderly Sergeant and served during the
War.  When I was ordered to Springfield
from thence to New York when (being
advanced in years) at my request discharged.

I could have been much more particular as
to minor circumstances & [illegible] but thot
not best to take your Excellencys time.

I would now ask your Excellency how
it is possible I could have deserted in the
year 1778 when I am able to state where
I was, the march of the troops, their different
stations until their arrival at Camden in 
August [illegible] 1780?

No may it please your
Excellency I never was absent from my
company for three years & 11 months either
on the recruiting service or on [illegible].
Nor guilty of desertion unless leaving
the British into whose service I have
been pressed after 13 years detention to
return to my own country is desertion
Page 76

I believe it was stated that I deserted
from the Virginia line.  I would show
that I was never in or saw the Virginia line
until I was a prisoner in Charleston but
was always in Capt. Roxbourghs Company
of the Maryland line.

Is it not possible that [being underline] Stephen Howard [end underline]
[illegible] to have deserted is another 
person than me.

I therefore humbly pray your Excellency 
to replace me on the pension but from which 
I have been suspended by reason of mis-
representations to your department.

As in duty shall [illegible]

Stephen Howard [Signature]
Page 77

Swanton, July 25, 1823

To Mr. Samuel C. Crafts Sir

Where as I have been aqussed of Deserting my [illegible] in the
Old Revolutionary War.  I am cut of from my pension sum
Enemy who I [insertion illegible] not but as I never did absent my self from
My Company one moment from my Company in my Life.
I inlisted in the 1st Maryland Regt. for [illegible] years or During war
and served in one company and under one Capt for three
years and Eleven months from the 17th Sept. in 76 untill the
16th Augst in the year 80 at which time I was taken prisoner
and wounded and taken to Chalstown and put on Board of a prisoner
ship and I can prove that I never Did Desert my [illegible].
I have sent two pentions to the Secretary Stating the truth
And if I have Don Eney thing out of the way I am willing
My Countrey Should punish me for it but I think I [illegible]
that I Should fite for my Liberty and bled for Countreys
Saek and then be lied on by sum unnon Enemy I wish
to now the man that has stated this thing against me
I hope that Mr. Crafts will see that these pentions is
taken up and give me anser as soon possible and
What I should Do further about that as I am now in my
67th year of my age and not very well. I need not
State what is in my pentions as you [illlegible] see them
and I have found two men that was with me when I
was taken prisoner at Camden under the Command of
General Gatz Where General DeCalve was [illegible] yo
Will find all my [illegible] in my pention and there is no
Man Can Denie one word of it.  I Don't now but Mr. Edwards
has got one of my pentions and the Secretary has got one
I wish you to take up Both and Examain them thought
and see if you find Eney thing out of the [illegible] if there 
is be so good as to Let me now where and what it is
as I am ready to acount for Eney thing amis but in 78
and 79 I was building block houses at west point under
Lieut. Hughgo and went recruting to Philadely in the winter
and in the fall of 79 we marched from butter milk falls
under the Command of General Putman and General
SmallWood to Morristown to Build our huts and after we
got them down we were ordered to march to Reinforse
Chalstown that was [illegible] by [illegible] Com Wats and I was
taken at Camden 16th Augst in 80.  I wish you to be so good as
to Rite what I Shall Do farther and in So Doing you will oblige
your Humble Servant and old Soldier of Seventy Six

[SignatureStephen Howard
Page 78

Evidence in Support of
the Petition of Stephen Howard
to the Legislature of Maryland
praying for a grant of land
on account of his 
revolutionary services.
Page 79

I insisted with Captn Lench 17th Sept 1776  and
went to Lower marlborh from there to port tobacco
from there to uper marlborh from there to anapolis
from there Baltimore from to the head of Elk 
from there to Crestenburg from there willminten
from there to Trenton from there to Philadalfay 
from there to Elizbeth Town [insert] with sum Britsh prisoners
from there to New wenzer from there to west point
from there to Butter milk fans under the Command
of Gen Putman and Gen Smallwood from there 
to Valeforge from there to moristown and bilt our 
huts for winter quarters but was ordered to march
under the Command of Gen Katz in 79 to Rein-
fore Chalstown then beseged by Comm [illegible] and [illegible]
and met the British troops 7 miles from Camden
and on the 16th of Augst in the year 80 was taken 
Prisoner an wonded and taken to Chalstown and 
put on board of a prison ship where I stad 7 months
and on the 1st March 81 I and 4 more young [illegible]
was taken on board of a 90 gun ship and went 
down by the west [illegible] to Halifas and up to quibeck
from there up to St Johns and there I run away
from them to my own Country a gain and have
Livd in Swanton and St Albains for 37 years and
have been in Chazy [illegible] State 8 years and am
drawing a pension for my serves and was out
with Col J. Clark this last war for 5 yrs and as
Sargt in place of a better but never got my
land for the old war yet from maryland and I was 
to had 200 [illegible] from the State of Maryland
where I was to [illegible] and [illegible] up till I went in to
the Serves of my Countrey for 3 years [illlegible]
war with Gen. Geo. Washington and was with
him till I Left him at Morristown and went
under the command of Gen Gatz as I said before
and now I am 75 years of age and if I [illegible] get
that Land that is Due me it [illegilbe] and help me [illegible].
So I Remmain your Humble Servant and old Soldier.

Stephen Howard [Signature] and [illegible]
Page 80

I enlisted in the 1st Maryland Regt. with Capt Lynch and
served under him until I joined Capt Roxburgs
Company at West Point.  I enlisted for 3 years during the war and was in
the service from 17th Sept 76 until 16 Augst 80 then
I was wounded and taken prisoner under the [illegible]
of Gene Gates at Camden and taken to Chalstown and put
on board of a prison ship until the 1st March 81.  When
I enlisted I was to [illegible] 40 shillings a month [illegible].
[illegible] and clothed and was to have 200 acres of
land in the State of Maryland and am now [illegible]
a pension for that Services.  I had no wittness only the
Bank at the war office was my wittness [illegible]
J. Edwards [illegible] tell you [remainder of sentence illegible]
[Signature illegible]

State of New York County of Clinton Ss. Stephen Howard a resident
of Chazy in said county being duly sworn says that the facts
stated and set forth ______ within & above, are true, and further
that the annexed is a copy of his Pension Certificate & that 
Deponent knows of no person living by whom he can
prove his service in the Revolutionary War. He
is confident his statements will be fully corrobora-
ted by the muster rolls, his enlistment, abstracts
company books, & moving reports of the companies
commanded by Capts Roxburg & Lynch--Depo-
nent further says that Captain Lynch was a recruiting
officer, and belonged to the first Maryland Regiment
& Deponent served under him from the 17th Sept.
1776 till he joined Capt Roxburgs Company at West Point
in the year 1788.--& that the annexed papers signed by Depo
contains a true statement of facts.--Deponent may
be mistaken as to the time [illegible] Capt Roxburgs
Company, but he is positive that the enlisted on the
17th Sept. 1776 and was in actual service from
that time till Aug 16. 1780--& further saith not

Stephen Howard [Signature]

Sworn and subscribed to before}
me this 5th day of Dec. 1833}
& I certify that Deponent is a}
credible person.}
J Douglas Woodward
Notary Public
Page 81

I inlisted the 17th Sept 1776 and served untill the
16th of Augst 1780 when I was taken prisoner by
Lord Cornwalis at Camden under the command
of General Gats.  I can tell where I went with
my officers all that time and where I wintered
1st winter at the head of Elk then 2 at Filedlphey the 3rd at
West Point and the 4th on the march from Morristown
to Camden in South Carolina where I was
taken prisoner of war by Cornwalis 16 Augst 80.
This no man can denie while I am living.

Dec. 5th 1833  S. Howard [Signature]
Page 82

War Department
Revolutionary Claim

I certify, that in conformity with the laws of the United States, on
the 18th day of March 1818 Stephen Howard late a Private in the
army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List Roll
of the Vermont agency at the rate of Eight dollars per month
to commence on the twenty seventh day of March one
thousand eight hundred and eighteen.  Given at the war
office of the United States this Eighth of June one thousand
eight hundred and nineteen (signed) J L Edward in the absence
& on behalf of the Secretary of War

State of New York
County of Clinton Ss.  I the subscriber a Public Notary in & for said state
residing in Plattsburg in said County do hereby certify that on
the 5th day of December 1833 personally appeared before me
Stephen Howard to me well known and made solemn
oath in due form of law to the truth of the facts
contained in the affidavit by him subscribed & to the
two statements signed by him & accompanying or attach-
ed to said affidavit.  Witness my hand & official seal
the day & year & at the place aforesaid.

J Douglas Woodward
Page 83

(Copy) Plattsburg NY Oct. 9. 1833
James L. Edwards Esq

Sir,
I enclose the Petition of Stephen
Howard to the Legislature of Maryland and wish you to
attach to it, Office Copies of the Papers and evidence
on which his Pension was granted.  A certificate
from you that it appears from an examination of the
Rolls that the facts stated in the Petition are true, is
all that would seem to be necessary.

By complying with this request you will aid an old
Patriot in obtaining the land to which he appears to be
entitled & oblige.

Yours very respectfully
J. Douglas Woodward
Page 84

Pension Office
Nov. 19.1833

Sir,

In relation to the case of Ste-
phen Howard, I have to inform you that
the only evidence of his service in this office
is a Certificate of the Auditor of Maryland,
which shows that he belonged to the first Mary-
land Continental regt. from 1st June 1779 to the 
16th August 1780.  Upon that proof his claim
was allowed.  This is all the information this
office contains respecting his Service.  The papers
are herewith returned.

Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards


J Douglas Woodward, Esq.}
Plattsburg}
N. York}
Page 85

Judge Hedding's
Letter
Page 86

Hon. J. D. Woodward
Plattsburgh
Page 87

West Chazy June 19th 1843

Hon J D Woodward

Dear Sir

I have procured the affidavits
of Mrs. McNamara Widow Howard and Mr
Ferryall.  and If you think you need more
proof Thomas Homes of your village has been
acquainted with Stephen Howard and his wife
since 1794 or 5 to the time of his death.  Mrs. McNamara
wishes you to request that her testament might be
sent back to her.

Yours with great Respect
William Hedding
Page 88

Deposition of
Francis Delong
in the case of
Mrs Elizabeth Howard

[Stamp]
CANTON N.Y.
JAN 7

J D Woodward Esq
Plattsburgh
Clinton Coty [illegible]
[illegible]
Page 89

State of New York
County of St Lawrence Ss.  I Francis Delong of
Morristown in the said county aged eighty
five years being duly sworn says that he
was a prisoner of war at Charleston South
Carolina in 1780 & 1781 for about ten months
and that Stephen Howard deceased late
a resident of Chazy New York and pensioner
of the United States (who had been wounded at
the battle of Camden) was also a prisoner of
war at Charleston aforesaid during the time
aforesaid and was transported with the 
deponent by the British forces to a place called
Kingston on the Island of Jamaica and was there
a prisoner of war with the deponent
and this deponent further says that while on
the aforesaid Island of Jamaica to wit about
the year 1784 or 1785 at Spanish Town about 14
miles from Kingston aforesaid the said Stephen
Howard was married to Elizabeth Ray with
whom this deponent was well acquainted, that
the said marriage was solemnized by a minister
of the Gospel whose name deponent does not
remember but that this deponent distinctly
recollects the the of the marriage was at
the same place and that there were several
persons who attended the said ceremony of
marriage--This deponent further says that
the said Stephen Howard and Elizabeth Ray
lived together as husband and wife and
had several children he this deponent
verily believes they continued to live together
to the period of the said Stephen Howards
death which is undisputed to have taken place
on the Sixth day of March 1843
This deponent further says that he deponent
has been well acquainted with said Howard
and his wife ever since the Revolutionary War
and during their residence in Chazy aforesaid
and
Page 90

and has been informed and fully believes that a
certificate of said Marriage was burned
& destroyed by fire together with said Howards
dwelling house at Chazy aforesaid in the
fall of 1833. And this deponent further says
that he this deponent was in the service of the 
United States Seven years during the Revolutionary
War, that the said Howard was during that
time also in the same service and remained
in the said service and this deponent believes
some time longer and further this deponent
says not

his
Francis X Delong
mark

Sworn and subscribed before}
me this Second day of December}
1844 (deponent making his mark}
in consequence of blindness) and}
I certify that the deponent is}
a credible witness}

E. W. White
Justice of the Peace

State of New York}
County of St. Lawrence}Ss.

I Martin Thatcher Clerk 
of the Common Pleas Court of the County and State
aforesaid do certify that Erastus W. White whose
name is subscribed to the within certificate and
affidavit, was at the time taking such affidavit
a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid
duly Commissioned and qualified and authorized
to [word scratched out] take the same.  And further that I am
well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice
and verily believe that his signature above written is
Genuine
Page 91

to [word scratched out] take the same.  And further that I am
well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice
an verily believe that his signature above written is
Genuine

Given under my hand and
the seal of said county this
6th day of January 1843

Martin Thatcher Clerk

[illegible] 2/-p by E W White
Page 92

Case of
Elizabeth Howard
Page 93

State of New York}
Clinton County} SS

Wiliam Hedding being duly sworn 
before the undersigned deposeth and says that he had
been acquainted with the late Stephen Howard of Chazy
for twenty years previous to his decease--That he
collected said Howards pension for about fifteen years
previous to his death--That he had seen him write
during all that time very frequently--That he firmly
believes that the writing purporting to be the register
of the names of the family of the said Stephen Howard
which has been alluded to as forwarded to the
Pension Office in the affidavits of Jane and Asa
McNamarra taken before this deponent was written by
the said Stephen Howard in his own hand writing
and was written about the time of the marriage of
his said daughter Jane. That deponent received
said testament from Asa McNamarra in the month
of June last and gave it to Judge J.D. Woodward
to send to the Pension Office.  And said deponent
further says that he took particular notice of the said
register of the names of the family of the said Stephen
Howard and has no doubt but it is in hand writing
and that he has often heard the said Stephen Howard
tell of his being married to the said Elizabeth Howard
in or near Kingston in the Island of Jamaica and of
her moving from place to place with him and living 
with him till he came to Chazy and till the time of
his death.

William Hedding

Sworn and subscribed before 
me this 22nd day of September 1845
Ira P. Chamberlain Justice Peace
Page 94

State of New York
County of Clinton Ss I the subscriber Clerk of
said County certify that William Hedding
before whom the written affidavit of Asa
McNamara was taken & sworn on the
21st day of September 1845 was at said time
first Judge of the County Courts in aforesaid
County and his signature to the [illegible] of
said affidavit is genuine.  I being acquainted
with his hand writing & I further certify that
Ira P. Chamberlin before whom the written affi-
davit of William Hedding was taken & sworn
on the 22nd day of September aforesaid was at said
time a Justice of the Peace in aforesaid County
duly qualified & his Certificate & signature to
the [illegible] of said affidavit are genuine I
being acquainted with his hand writing.

In witness whereof I have hereto set
my hand & official seal this twenty
fourth day of September 1845.
Charles H. Jones
Clerk
By J. W. Lynlle Dep. Clk. Clinton Co.

[Written vertically in the left hand margin]
Case of Elizabeth Howard
[illegible] of Judge Hedding
& Asa McNamarra
Page 95

State of New York}
Clinton County} Ss

I Asa McNamara of Chazy in the 
County and State aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth
and says, That he is the husband of Jane McNamara
was married to the said Jane in Alburgh in Grand Island
County in the State of Vermont.  That the testament
forwarded to the Pension Office as evidence in the application of
Elizabeth Howard (said testament purported to have
been printed by Dickinson printer in Philadelphia in 1809)
was brought into my family soon after my marriage
to the said Jane McNamarra in the year 1818 and 
was said to have been presented to the same Jane Mc
Namarra by her father Stephen Howard.  That the 
writing in said testament purporting to be the family
register was then written the same as when I delivered
the said testament to Judge Hedding in the month
of June last.  That said testament has always been
in the possession of deponents family since 1818 and up
to June 1845; That after said Stephen Howard had
his house burned he came to my house and examined
the register in said testament and said it was correct.
That deponent has always supposed and now believes that
said register was written by the said Stephen Howard
And said deponent further says That he has always
understood and verily believes that the said Stephen Howard
and Elizabeth Howard were married and lived together as
husband and wife previous to the year 1794.

Asa X McNamarra
(his mark)

Sworn and subscribed to before
me this 21st day of September
1845 and I certify that deponent
is a credible witness and made his mark for he was that never
learned to write

William Hedding.  First Judge of Clinton Co. Courts
Page 96

Plattsburg Sept 24. 45

Sir

I enclose the written affidavits of Judge 
Hedding & Asa McNamarra - The former was
a Presidential Elector in this District and
his statement is entitled to full credit.
A further communication of the case will doubt-
less remove the erroneous impressions which
it seems you have entertained.

Respectfully yours
J. D. Woodward

JL Edwards Esq
[illegible]

[Written vertically in the left hand margin]
Case of
Elizabeth Howard
Page 97

Copy of J.D. Woodwards
Letter to JL Edwards
[illegible] in the case
of Elizabeth Howard

Died 6 March 45
Page 98

Dear sir,

I cannot but  [illegible] my regret that you still adhere to the objections contained in your letter of the 9th of August last. Being confident that they have no real foundation. The bible of family register referred to was first shown to me at Chazy by Judge Hedding a few days before I enclosed it to you. I examined it with him & from an acquaintance with W. Howards handwriting had not doubt it was genuine, although written with more than ordinary care. In 1840 or about that time Mr. Howard having failed to obtain a grant of land from the State of Maryland applied to Congress for relief & among his papers was I think a statement of his services drawn up by himself in his own handwriting, which statement I suppose is now on the filed of the Clerk of the House of Reps. A comparison of that paper with the Bible record referred to making due allowance for the difference between the time they were written/about fifteen years/ may satisfy you that the record referred to is genuine & was put forth to corroborate facts already proved by living witnesses. 
Repectfully yours
(signed) J. D. Woodward
Col. James L. Edward
[Illegible] of pensions.
Page 99

Copy of Col Edwards Letters of Aug 9 1845 & Oct. 23 1845
Page 100

(Copy)
Pension Office August 9 1845

Sir,

In the case of Elizabeth Howard 
the parole proof now filed would have been deemed 
sufficient to show the relation of husband and wife 
prior to January 1794 if the whole claim had not
been discredited by the family register now presented.
This register is put forth upon the allegation that
the claimants husband wrote it in 1818 and gave
it to the Deponent his Daughter who can neither read
nor write while the handwriting of her husband
at that time on file in this office is conclusive
that he did not write it and the Register itself
bears incontestable indications of being lately written.
Unless this can be seperated from the claim by
explanations it will not be allowed.

I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
(signed) J. L. Edwards

J. D. Woodward Esq.
Plattsburgh
N. York


Pension Office Oct. 23. 1845

Sir

The Statements of William Hedding &
Asa McNamara in the case of Elizabeth Howard are
not deemed satisfactory to remove the objections to her claim 
pointed out in my letter to you of the 9th Aug. last.

I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
(signed) J. L. Edwards

J. D. Woodward Esq.
Plattsburgh N.Y.
Page 101

Elizabeth Howard
[illegible] 2 1848
Page 102

State of New York
County of Clinton. On this 31st day of July 1848
before the subscriber & Justice of the Peace in and 
for said County personally appeared Elizabeth How
-ard a resident of Chazy in said County aged
seventy nine years who being first duly sworn
according to his oath on her oath make the 
following declaration in order to obtain the bene-
fits of the provision made by the act of Congress,
paper on the 2nd February 1848, granting persons
to widows of persons who served during the revo-
-lutionary war; that she is the widow of Stephen
Howard who was a Private in the first Mary-
land Regiment Continental line, who was
enlisted at Leonard Maryland in Sept 1776 into
Col Smallwoods first Maryland Regt for three
years or during the war, & served in that Regi-
-ment three years & eleven months and was
in the battle of Camden when he was wound-
ed and taken as a prisoner of war by the Ca-
[illegible]. She received a pension under the
act of June 17, 1844 of Eighty dollars per
annum. She further declares that she 
is still a widow.
Elizabeth Howard
her mark
x

Sworn & subscribed to me the
day & year first above written
& I certify that she cannot
write her name having
never learned 
to write.
Ira P. Chamberlain Jus. Peace.
Witness
Page 103

State of New York
Clinton County I, Charles H Jones Clerk of the
Said County do, hereby certify that Ira P Chamberlin Esq
before whom the above affidavit was taken, was at the time
of taking the Same a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County
Commissioned and Sworn, and duly authorized to take the Same.
And further that I am well acquainted with the hand
writing of Said Justice & verily believe that the Signature within
written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
Subscribed My name and Affixed the 
Seal of Said County the third day of
August 1848
Charles H Jones Clerk

Elizabeth Howard
August 2 1848

Admitted
William Hedding
Nest Chazy
Clinton Co
Page 104

Case of 
Elizabeth Howard
Additional evidenc
Page 105

State of New York
Clinton County
Alaxander Ferryall of
Chazy County and State aforesaid being duly
Sworne before me the undersigned a Judge of
Clinton Co Courts deposeth and Says that I have
been intimately acquainted with Stephen Howard
deceased and Elizabeth his wife, for more than
fifty years past, that I first knew them living
together as man and wife at a Block house ocupied
by a British guard at a Place Called Dutchman's
Point on lake Champlain. That Said Stephen
Howard was Sergeant of said guard. That I was
Banting on said lake and was required to tell
and report to said garrison or guard. that the
Said Howard left the Said Guard in the year
1975 and came on to the North Hero in the
State of Vermont. That I understood at the time
and verryby believe that he deserted from the british.
That his wife Elizabeth Came to the North Hero
and lived with the Said Stephen as his wife
and has continued to do so up to the time of his
death. That the Said Stephen & Elizabeth had
two or three children residing with them at 
the Block house in 1795 which they called their own
children and that I believed them to be their
legitimate children. That I often heard the
Said Stephen Howard tell of his capture from 
the U.S. Service by the British of his being
on board a prison ship and transported to the
west Indies of his Impressment into the
British SErvice of his marrying the Said
Elizabeth at Kingston on the Isle of Jamaica
of his deserting from Said Brtiish Service
of which [ilaccount I Belive to be True
Page 106

that during the late war with Great Britain
the Said Stephen Howard enlisted in to the 
U...S. Service Served in Col Clark rifle core
in Capt Fimoh Company was made a Sergent
in Said Company and Deponent twas Pilot. That 
the said Elizabeth Howard lived with him as
his wife and that I have Seen the Said Stephen
& Elizabeth living together, have repeatedly been
at their house and never Doubled for a
moment but that they were living together
as a man and wife. Deponent further says that
they raised a large Family of Children and
that I well remember of their house having been
 burnt some ten or twelve years ago
with all their effects. That deponent further
says that I shall be Eighty years of age on the 4th of
October next and further Saith not
Alexander Ferryall
his mark
X
Sworn & Subscribed to
before me this 14th day of June
1845 and I Certify that deponent
is a credible witness and that he
made his mark for the reason
that he has a broken Arm
William Hedding First Judge
of Clinton Co Courts
Page 107

State of New York
County of Clinton
Jane McNamara a resident of
Chazy in said County aged fifty years on the 24th of 
October 1845; being duly sworn, says that she is the wife
of Asa McNamara & daughter of Stephen & Elizabeth
Howard, and that on her marriage in the year 1818 her
said Father made her a present of the Bible or New Testament
which accompanied this affidavit, which Testament purports
to have been printed in Philadelphia by Dicknison Printer in 
1809. Deponent further says that the record of the births of
the children of said Stephen & Elizabeth Howard was made
by her said father, and in his own hand writing from his
family Bible as she believes which was afterwards burnt
with his duelling [illegible] as she understood at the time and
verily believes. Said New Testament has been [illegible] in the family
of deponent ever since her said marriage and contains as she
verily believes a correct record of the births of her said Father's
children. Deponent supposes that the four children Mentioned by her said
Father in his declaration made to obtain a Pension in 1820
his four youngest which were then living at home, the older
children having married and removed to the Western Country.
Sworn and subscribed before Me
this 16th day of June 1845 and
I certify that Deponent is a
Credible witness

Jane McNamara
her mark
X
William Hedding First Judge of Clinton Co Courts
Page 108

State of New York
County of Clinton
Elizabeth Howard of Chazy in the County
aforesaid: widow of the late Stephen Howard, deceased. bring 
duly sworn according to the law before the undesigned deposith and
says: That she was married to the said Stephen Howard
at Kingston in the island of Jamaica in the year 1784.
That her husband was at that time in the British Service --
That she often heard him say that he was pressed into the
said service from on board a prison ship: That she in company
with her said husband came from Jamaica to Halifax --
That she had one child born at Spanishtown & one at
sea both of which died at birth. That her oldest child which
lived was born at Halifax in 1787. That they removed from
Halifax to Quebec in the then province of Canada & from thence
to Montreal. Thence to Niagara in Upper Canada & then
returned to Montreal thence moved to St. Johns. Deponent further
says that her said husband commanded a Brittish guard
which was such to a Blockkouds on or near the Province line
on lake Champlain, from which place the said Stephen Howard
deserted, left the said Guard to take care of themselves and
came to North Hero in the State of Vermont in the
year 1795 or 1796 -- That she accompanied her said husband
during all aforesaid movements and lived with him as his 
wife up to the time of his death on the 6th day of March
1843.
Elizabeth Howard
her mark
X

Sworn and Subscribed before me this
16th day of June 1845, and I certify
that Deponent is a credible witness
William Hedding First Judge of Clinton Co Courts
Page 109

State of New York
County of Clinton I the Subscriber Clerk of said
County do hereby Certify that William Hedding
before whom the foregoing & affixed affidavits of
Alexander Ferriall, Jane McNamara & Elizabeth
Howard were taken and sworn on the six-
teenth and seventeenth days of June 1845,
was at said time -- First Judge of the
County Courts in and for said County, and
his signature to the [illegible] of said
affidavits is genuine as I [illegible] believe
I being acquainted with his handwriting,
on witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & fastened there papers together by a piece
of red tape which paper under my
official seal hereto annexed this 21st
day of June AD 1845

Charles A Jones Clerk of
Clinton County
Page 110

Vermont
Stephen Howard
Rec. 7th June 1819
lost certificate
ans. Sept 8th 1834
Page 111

Plattsburg NY Jany 16 1834
James L Edwards Esq,
Com. of Pensions.
Sir. The Pension
certificate of Stephen Howard was burnt as he alleges (and I have
no doubt of the fact) in October last. He wishes you
to send him a new certificate by mail, directed to him
at West Chazy Clinton Co New York. care of Judge
Hedding P. U. of that place.
Yours respectfully
J. Douglas Woodward
P.S. Mr. Howards affidavit is enclosed.
Page 112

Jan. 25, 1834

Stephen Howard --
look at his papers and
compare signatures --
applications for a 
New Certificate
ask [illegible] if this will
do for an Identity --
must be identified
send [illegible[ see let
to him [illegible] 1834

James L Edwards Esq;
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

FREE
Page 113

State of New York,
Clinton County,
88.
BE IT KNOWN, That before me
in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared
and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical
named in an original certificate in his possession of which (I certify) the following is a true copy,
WAR DEPARTMENT

That he is entitled to a pension of dollars cents per month, on account of wounds
and disabilities received or of services rendered during the War -- That he served in Capt.
company in Regiment -- That he now
resides in and has resided there for the space of years past; and
that previous thereto , he resided in
Sworn and subscribed, this
day of
before me
183

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, THAT I,
of a pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and ap-
point my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my
name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensioners in the city of New York, my
pension from the day of 183 to the day of 183
WITNESS my hand and seal, this day of 183
Sealed and delivered,
in the presence of
L.S.

STATE OF NEW YORK
Clinton County,
88.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the day of 183 before me
in and for said county personally appeared above named, and acknowl-
edged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his Act and Deed. In testimony whereof, I have hereun-
to set my hand, the day and year above mentioned.

STATE OF NEW YORK,
COUNTY OF CLINTON,
88
Clerk of the COURT OF
COMMON PLEASE of the County of Clinton, do hereby certify that
the person before when the above power of attorney was executed, is a
residing in the town of Plattsburgh; and that I believe the signature to the
acknowledgment of the said power to be in his proper hand writing.
IN WITNESSS whereof, I have hereunto set my hand
and the seal of said Court, this
day of one thousand eight hundred
and thirty
Page 114

Washington 9th May 1834
I return you the papers of Howard
with his claim rejected by the Legislature
of Maryland. early in the [illegible] of
Committeee these papers to Mr [illegible] 
of the H of R and who is now the Chairman
of the investigating [illegible] Committee he
[illegible] to his [illegible] at Annapolis
who processed a Bill to be helped through
the Hof delegates but the senate [illegible]
is and through Mrs Phoney I again
[illegible] the papers which I [illegible]
For [illegible] that the senate has
[illegible] and place for the [illegible] protest
on the [illegible] of that Body -
[illegible] new of [illegible]
Professionally yours
Reuben Wharton

I Douglas Woodward Esq.
Page 115

Stephen Howard
[illegbile]
Francis Delongs affit
Page 116

State of New York
Clinton County Js
Personally appeared before the undersigned a
Judge in and for Said County Francis Delong
known to me to be a revolutionary Pensioner of the
United States and being sworn by me according to
law Says that he was a Prisoner at Charles
-ton South Carlina in the year 1780 8/81 about
ten months under the British and that Stephen
Howard a U.S. Pensioner was a prisoner at
Charleston at the same time and that depon-
ant and the Said Stephen Howard was
transported from thence by the British forus
and landed at fort Augusten in Jimacia
together, being then prisoners of war and
further Sais not
Sworne and Subscribed
before me this fourth
day of March 1840

Francis Delong

William Hedding a Judge of Clinton Ca Courts
I do certify that I am well acquainted with the above
named Francis Delong, and that he is a man of good
reputable charcter.
William Hedding Judge
Page 117

State of New York
County of Clinton fs: Item Subscriber Clerk of said
County certify that William Heading before whom the
written affidavit of Francis Delong was taken and 
sworn to on the fourth day of March 1840 was at
said time a judge of said County Courts, and his
signature to the Jurat of said affidavit is genuine
In witness whereof: I have hereunto set My hand
and Official Seal this twenty fourth day of March
A.D. 1840
Smith Mead, Clerk

Stephen Howard, 
[illegible]
Francis Delong's affid,
Page 118

Petition of
Stephen Howard of the
State of New York a Soldier of
the Revolution praying for
a grant of land from the US

May 18 1840
Ref to the ]illegible]
Private Law Claims
June 23 1840
Com & on P. 
Ld.Cls  dischd
Ref to the Com. on
Rev.y Claims
Dec 21 1840
Ref to the Com. Rev of Claims

[Illegible] 39
Page 119

To the Senate House of Representatives of the US.
The Petition of Stephen Howard of the State of
New York respectfully sheweth that the facts
of his case are correctly and truly stated in
a petition to the Legislature of Maryland hereunto
annexed, dated Chazy September 14 1833 and
he asks Congress to extend him the [illegible]
granted to those who enlisted for during the 
revolutionary war, and served until the end
thereof.
He refers to the papers accompanying this
petition in support of his claim against
the US for one hundred acres of land.

Respectfully submitted,
Stephen Howard

Chazy New York March 1840
Witness
William Hedding
Page 120

I do hereby certify that I am acquainted 
with Stephen Howard of Swanton Virm-
ont that he enlisted into the American
Service in the year A.D. 1812 in the
11th Regiment Infantry that he was
a Sergiant in sd  Regt During the
war. & was discharged in the summer
of 1815 at New York

Swanton July 13th 1822 A.T.Brown
Page 121

[illegible[
Mr. Edwards
John C Cahoun Esqr
Secretery of war Washington
Presant
Caveat,
Page 122

Mr. J. C. Calhoun Esquire Secretery of War Washington
Sir with Submission and with Profound respect
permit me to apolize you of old pensioners who
Should Not be allowed to Draw Their Pensions
Jonathan Danforth of Georgetown; Vermont he is know
in posession of a good farm worth two thousand
Dollars besides a good flock of Cattles and horses which
property is Smugled in the hands of his childrens
about him; I refer you Sir to the [illegible] man in
the town of georga where he Live and enjoy and
controls the [illegible]; the other is Stephen Howard
of Swanton Franklin County and State of Vermont
he ran a way from the virginia  Line in 78
and leasted in the British army and Soon after he
he was raised to the ranke of Serjant and served
as such until the year 1801 in the Co Reg of
Foot then desarted from the blockhouse [illegible]
Dautche man where he commanded at this
post upwards of one month before he Deserted
and came to Swanton & here he has lived ever
since I saw the above Stephen Howard in
Montreal and the [illegible] often when
he acted as Such even after the war was
over and the out post Delivered to me
he may plead that he was taken prisoner
Even had he ben taken prisoner he had a
thousand chanses to run away if he had bin
a mind; but to Escape punishment he 
ran a way and left his post that I can
prove
Page 123

he has often told me while at work for
me how he work it to run a way to the States
thise are the Conractors that [illegible]
from the United States and I; who as Sofered
by [illegible]wounds and Imprisonmient even in
time of peace that Crouell nation I have
bin robed of two comission and upward of 1,000
I am no [redused] to a morsail of bread that I
must work for or beg, the Lord giveth and
the Lord taketh a way blessed be the Name of the
Lord for ever  amen Sir I remain
[torn] most Duty Full Servant and Friend
Francis Duelz

Sheldon January
9th 1822
Page 124

Fithaus[?] March 5
Free
Rec. 18 Mar 1822
The Hon the Secritary of War
Washington
Page 125

I Lawrence Brow of North Hero in the county
of Grand? do testify & Say that I was in
the British Service in the A.D. 1780 at
Charlestown South carolina that in the
same year Stephen Howard now living in
Swanton was Brot in there a prisoner
from the American Service that I under-
stood he was taken at Camden, that I 
went with the sd Stephen from there
to fort Augusta in the Island of Jamaica
when I left the sd Stephen a prisoner.
Swanton July 13th 1822
Witness A. T.Brown.
Lawrence
his X mark
Brow

State of Vermont Franklin County
Swanton July 13th 1822
Then personally appeared 
Lawrence Brow signer of
the foregoing affidavit &
made soleman oath that
the same was the truth &
nothing but the truth
before me
A.T. Brown  Asst Judge
County Court
Page 126

To the Legislature of the State of Maryland
The Petition of Stephen Howard
a resident of Chagg in the State of New York respect
fully Shewith.
That your Petitioner is now seventy five
years of age and was born in the town of Leonard St
Mary's County Maryland on the fourteenth day of June
1758. Your Petitioner had a record of this age in 
his bible made more than forty eight years ago
which record was burnt with his house at Swan
ton Vt. in 1816. Your Petitioner has now a record
of his age in his bible made that year.
Your Petitioner further shewith that he resided at
Leonard in the State of Maryland and enlisted at
that place on the seventeenth day of September 1776
as a private in Capt Roxbury's Company (Capt Lynch
was the recruiting officer who enlisted him).Col Smallwoods
first Maryland Regiment for three years or during the 
war. That your Petitioner served in said Company
and Regiment for four years less thirty one days, and until
(4 years 4 less 31 days) August 16th 1780 when we was wounded in battle
at Camden South Carolina (at the time of Gen Gates defeat)
and was taken a Prisoner of war by the British 
Troops under Lord Cornwall's. Your Petitioner
was carried prisoner of war to Charleston South
Carolina and remained on board a British Prison
Ship until March 1781 seven months & fourteen
(7 and 14 days) days, was taken from thence to Kingston in the West In-
dies and there kept on board a British vessel for three
years and was taken from thence to Halifax, thence to
Quebec, thence to St. Johns, from which latter place
Your Petitioner affected his escape on the sixteenth
day of April 1786 & came into the United States, where
he has ever since resided. He was placed on the
Vermont & [illegible] Pension Roll of the New York Agency in the year 1819.
Since which time he has received his Pension. That
he enlisted under the promise and expectation
of receiving two hundred acres of land from the State of
Page 127

Maryland, but your Petitioner has never received any land
whatever from the United States or from the State of Mary-
land or any equivalent therefor, (That was due to your Petitioner at
the time he was taken prisoner Seven months arrearages of pay which
he has never received)In the year 1832 your Petitioner
caused a Petition to the Legislature of Maryland to be
drawn up and forwarded to George G Brewer Esq Regis-
ter of the Land Office Annapolis from which your
Petitioner has received no returns.
Your Petitioner insists that he is entitled to receive from 
the State of Maryland the same quantity of land
which has been granted to Soldiers of the Maryland
line, and that the facts set forth by your Petitioner explain the 
reason why your Petitioners name was not returned with
those entitled to land. Your Petitioner therefore prays
your honorable body to pass a law for his relief authori-
sing him to receive from the State of Maryland a
grant of two hundred acres of land on account
of his revolutionary services or for such other relief
as your honorable body shall deem proper to grant
and will ever pray so.
Dated Cha(?)N.Y Sept 14. 1833
Stephen Howard
State of New York
County of Clinton so On this 23rd day of September 1833 Personally
appeared before me the Subscriber a Public Notary in & for
said County Stephen Howard above named to me well known and made solemn oath
in due form of law to the truth of the facts stated in
the above Petition by him subscribed, Winess my
hand & official seal the day & year last aforesaid
J. Douglas Woodward
Notary Public
Page 128

Mr. Bela Edgerton
Rouses's Point
Clinton County
New York

Mail
18 3/4

Stamp -- [illegible] Sep 21

G. G. Brewers
Letter
Page 129

Land Office; Annapolis Sept 21st 1829
Sir,
Your letter of the 7th Inst; , directed to the Secretary
of State; relative to Military bounty land's [illegible] has been handed me;
with a request, that I should answer it; as the information you requ-
ire is to be obtained only from this office. I Have therefore to
inform you; that on examination of the Records in this Office; it
does not appear, that Stephen Howard is entitled to any bounty
land from this State; for Revolutionary services. --- The Legis-
lature of this State; passed a Resolution in 1787; authorizing the
Governor & Council to appoint some skillful person; to lay out the
land's westward of Fort Cumberland; in Allegany County, in Lot's of
50 acre's each; -- In virtue of this Resolution, a Mr. Deakins was
appointed; who returned to this office; a General plat of the 
land's; as also two book's of Certificates of all the Lot's above mention-
ed; -- The Legislature being possessed of the necessary inform-
ation; passed An Act in 1788; to fulfill the engagements made
by the State; to the Officer's and Soldier's of the Maryland line;
in the Services of the United States. -- This Act directed that
a Commissioner; or Commissioner's, not exceeding three, should be
appointed; by the Governor & Council; and that Said Lot's should 
be distributed by Lot; among the officer's or their representatives,
by the foresaid Commissioners, each ticket to Contain four Lots;
Page 130

contiguous to each other; or as nearly so; as might be, the Act
further directed; that the Commissioner's should be furnished
with a list; of the officers and soldiers entitled  as [illegible];
and that no draught should be made; for any officer or soldier
whose name was not on that list; that after the draught (or lottery)
the name of each Officer and soldier should be endorsed on the
ticket; containing the number or numbers (written at length) which
had been drawn by or for such officer or soldier, who on his repre-
sentative should thereupon have an Estate in fee simple; in the Lot
or Lots so drawn and Endorsed; I have therefore carefully examined the
Records returned by the Commissioner's appointed under the above mentioned Act of
1788 and as the name of Stephen Howard; does not appear on
said books as being entitled to any bounty land I cannot of course
give him a Certificate -- If Mr. Howard is entitled as stated 
in your letter; his only resort will be; to make application to the
next Legislature of this State; by producing the necessary evidence
of his having served in the Revolution; (in the Maryland line). I presume
they will grant him a warrant for fifty acres of land; the quantity
which each soldier was entitled to; the officers are entitled to two 
hundred acres,
(In haste.)
I am respectfully,
[illegible]
George G. Brewer
Reg a [illegible]

Mr. Bela Edgerton
Page 131

Stephen Howard's
handwriting
Page 132

Swanton March 2nd 1822
To his Excelency the secretary of War -
Sir Mr Edwards informs me that sum person
Or persons has Stated that I was a Deserter from
the americkin army in 78  & wich I Can afarm
to be fals it is a sartin Set of men that want to
Hurt me all thay Can and was mad with me when
I and my Boys Listed in this Last war and wormed
me out of town when I Cam back out of the servas
and said I had Lost my Resedence be Case I went
in to the serves of my Country for five years --
the Sam persons that has Stated this against me
was Smugler all the war and feding the Enemey
With provisions and hay wich thay took out of my
Barn and when I Cam back and spock to them Consarning
it thay ware mad with me and has dawn me all the
harm they Could Ever sence I Com back but I Can
in form you where I was from 76 to the 16 of August
1780 in 78 I was in Philadlefy doing duty and 79
 I went with prisoners to Elabethtown to go to
Lankester to be Exchanged and from there to west
point and helpt Luit. Guigo who was Engennare
to Bild (build) the Blockhouses at west point and Lay
at Buttermilk falls tell Lat in the fall under
General Putman and General Smallwood
and in the fall of 79 we went to morstown
to Buld huts for winter quarters and as soon as we
got them Down we were ordered to march
to Charlstown that was as be Chaged by Cornwals and
Clinton  wich we Did untill we met the
Britch trups at Camden on the 15th of august
in the year Eighty and on the 16th we had a battle
with them where I was wonded and taken
presoner, under the command of General Gats
and I further more  Sertife that I never was
absent from the Compainy one moment from
the 17th September 76 untell the 16th of august in Eighty
Page 133

With out I was on Duty with a officer
I was in Capt Rocksbough's Company 3 year and
11 months in one Company and in one Regt all the
time. So them that has stated this against me state
that is not true. I am willing to Come before
all the men in the world and be[illegible] Defense be
fore all men that I am not the man and I never
was in the Vergeney Troops in my Live nor Ever
Ded Duty with them for thay ware taken in Chalstown
and I was taken at Camden Sum time after I belong
to the mereland Troops all my time in the 1st mereland
Regt, and Col Adams and major winder and my Capt
was Rocksbough. I wish some of them was Living
so I could find them out but if I was a deserter
In 78  how Cam I to be taken prisoner in the year
Eighty fiting aganst the Brichch(British) wich  I have
fout agenst all my Life and all ways shall
it is to well non that I am to Good a Solder
for my Country and to Strong a Republikan to Ever
Desirt my Colers but this I will Denice all my Life
if I Die for want it never will make me
fly my Country. I have Given your Honor
a Detail of my Life before and there is not one
man in the world Can say to the Contrary of what
I Say for I have gon through the hole I State
I am willing to Com before your honor if you Require
it, you may be live then if you plese but I Remain
a Good Old Solder of Seventy Six under General George
Washington three years and a 11 months So Long Live
the Consation of the united States of amarakey so I Remain
your Humble servant
and old solder of seventy six
Stephen Howard Late
Seyt 6th Infantry
Page 134

Mr. Fisk.
Page 135

Swanton[illegible] February 12th 1822

I Stephen Howard of Lawful age do
testify and Say that in the spring
of 1778 I was doing duty as a private
soldier in the first Maryland regiment
at Philadelphia, in the fore part of the
summer I was sent from there with
Hessian prisoners to Elizabethtown
New Jersey from thence I was sent to
West Point where I remained under
Lieut Hugo till the spring of 79
when I was sent to buttermilk falls
where I remained till fall and
then Marched to Morristown.
for winter quarters and as
soon as our hutts were done
we (the Maryland line) were ordered
to March to Charlestown South Carolina
we proceeded on our March as far
as Cambden where on the 16th of
August 1780 I was wounded &
taken prisoner by the British, after
I was taken prisoner I was convoyed
to charlestown and put on board
a British Prison Ship and from
thence I was [illegible] on board a
man of War, with four more
American soldiers, from whence
I escaped by desertion I further
testify and say that I never enlisted
into the service of the British nor
did I ever desert from the American
service
Stephen Howard
Page 136

State of Vermont
Franklin County 

SwantonFebruary 
13th, 1821
Then personally appeared
Stephen Howard signer
of the forgoing affidavit
& made solemn Oath that
the Same was Just & True
before Me.
A.J.Brown Asst Judge
County Court

Sir I have received yours of January 23rd 1822 & have
in consequence forward the foregoing affidavit
& I would wish to be informed who the person
was that wrote the Letter to which you made in that letter that I may be the
better Enabled  to meet the same.
yours, Stephen Howard