Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4347, Adonijah Griswold, Vt.
Page 1

Vt. 

Griswold, Adonijah
                Mary

R. 4347
Page 2

Order to pay . 28 Nov 1837

Illinois 22484

Adonijah Griswold
of Greene Co. in the State of Illinois
who was a Private in the [?] commanded
by Captain Barnum of the Regt commanded 
by Col Ethan Allen in the Vermont
line for two years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Illinois
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1834.

Certificate of Pension signed[?] the 15th day of Nov. 1833 and sent to 
Mortimer Kennett. Carrollton, Ils. [Illinois]

Arrears to the 4th of [?] 1897. 200,
Semi-anl. allowance ending [?] [?] 40,

                                              $240
                                        {Revolutionary Claim,
                                          [?] June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by [?] Palmer Clerk
Book [?] Vol. 8 Page 57.
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State of Illinois
Greene Country ss}

On this 4th day of Dec. 18[?] personally appeared in open Court before the judge of the County Comissioners Court now sitting Adonijah Griswold a resident of Apple Creek prairie in the County of Greene and State of Illinois aged Seventy three years, who being first sworn according to Law oath on his oath making the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress Pension June 7th 1832. That he entered the service for the Revolutionary war as a militiaman in the Vermont Militia under Colonel Ethan Allen, Major Gideon Brownson and Captain Barnum sometime in November 1775 or 1776 and left the service in 1781. - Under these officers, I was marched with a part of Allen's regiment to Pittsford in the State of Vermont - sometime in July 1778. - Between 1776 and 1778 I was engaged under the above named officers in scouting and performing short tours of duty. - After I reached Pittsford under the officers aforesaid I was engaged with a scout of of Allen's Regt - in guarding the frontiers the balance of this Regt was at Castleton, Greensborough and the adjoining country. I remained at and near Pittsford until the 8th day of November 1778. - when I was taken a prisoner by a part of about 300, British, Tories and Indians, There were about 70 prisoners of us in all. - After we were taken prisoners
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[torn paper] [illegible] taken to the Lake Champlain and put on board [illegible] of a Schooner and taken to St. John's and [illegible] from thence to Quebec when I was imprisoned and detained as a prisoner of war until the fall of 1781. During which time I was a part of the time in a prison ship. - in the bay of Orleans, - ['After I' crossed out] At the time I entered the served as aforesaid I lived in the town of New Haven and County of Addison & State of Vermont. - When the Regt. to which I belonged was marched to Pittsford we marched through Middlebury, Salisbury. - Lester+ Brandon to Pittsford. I entered the service with the militia, which were ordered out to guard the frontier. I have no discharge and never had any as I was a prisoner three years. - I have no proof now in my possession of this service, I was in no battle, for we were taken prisoners by stratagem. - 
I hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
1. When, and what year were you born. I was Born in New Milford Lichfield County Connecticut the 11th of June, 1759. - 
2. Have you any record of your age + if so when is it. - 
The record of my age is in the town Clerks office in New Milford, Connecticut
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3. When were you living when called into service, Where have you lived since the revolutionary, + when do you now live
(Ans) I lived in New Haven, Addison County Vermont when I entered the service. After I was released from Prison I returned to New Haven aforesaid where I lived until 1830 and in the fall of 1830. I removed to Greene County Illinois where I now live and where I have lived ever since I came to the State. - 
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute & if a substitute for whom
(Ans) I turned out with the militia when they were called for. - (Drafted I suppose)
5. State the name of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served such Continental and Militia Regts. as you recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
(Ans) I have no recollection of any United Officer as commanding us. - nor of any continental & Militia Regts united with us in service, The particulars of my service is set forth above. - 
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.
(Ans) I never received any discharge
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7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to as to your character for truth & veracity and good behavior your service, as a soldier of the Revolution.
(Ans) I am well known by persons in my present neighborhood to wit, Asahel North, Gideon Spencer, Caleb Post. - and Henry Griswold.
Adonijah Griswold
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

The Elijah Dodson as clergyman and Asahel North, Gideon Spencer Caleb Post and Henry Griswold residing in the County of Greene & State of Illinois hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Adonijah Griswold who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be 73 years of age, That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
/s/ Elijah Dodson
/s/ Asahel North
/s/ Gideon Spencer
/s/ Caleb Post
/s/ Henry Griswold

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
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And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above mentioned applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Elijah Dodson who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county County of Greene and state of Illinois and is a credible person and that the other persons who have signed said certificate are creditable persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
/s/ Jesse L. Mounts
/s/ Cyrus Tolman

I Mortimer Kennett Clerk of the County Commissioners Court for Greene County Illinois do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the 5th Court in the matter of the application of Adonijah Griswold for a pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 6th day of December 1832.
/s/ Mortimer Kennett Clk.
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9973
Declaration
Mary Griswold 
Illinois 
Act of July 1838
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Declaration

In order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 July 1838 or any act granting half pay & Pensions to certain Widows.
State of Illinois
Greene County On this 4th day of December 1843 Personally appeared before the undersigned William Carlin Clerk of the County and Court of the county & state aforesaid Mary Griswold a resident of Greene County in the state aforesaid aged Seventy-four years - who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Provision made by the act of Congress Passed July 7, 1838 Entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions to certain widows' That she is the widow of Adonijah Griswold who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution - And who was Enrolled on the Pension List Roll of the Illinois Agency at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum. She further declares that she was married to the said Adonijah Griswold on the 18th day of March one thousand seven hundred and Eighty nine. That her husband the aforesaid Adonijah Griswold Died on the first day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty one (1841). That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four vis at the time above stated.  That she has never drawn any Pension herself - that she has not [illegible] married but remains the widow of said Adonijah Griswold. That she further declares that she knows of no other record of her marriage than the one herewith submitted which she declares to be in said Adonijah Griswold's own hand writing (except that past written in Pale ink) That the leaf containing this family record was taken out of their family Bible which has been kept in her house a long number of years, - 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
/s/ X her mark Mary Griswold
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
/s/ William Carlin Clerk [illegible]

2 - witnesses} /s/ R. P. Abel
                     } /s/ Erastus Wright
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State of Illinois
Greene County}ss I William Carlin Clerk of the County Commissioners Court of Greene County holden at Carrolton County aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Adonijah Griswold was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of eighty dollars per annum; was a resident of the County of Greene, State of Illinois died in the said County and State on the first day of September 1841, that he left a widow whose name is Mary Griswold and whose signature appears to the within declaration. I also certify that Smith Post before whom the within ['declaration' crossed out] affidavits of credibility was sworn to and acknowledged is a magistrate duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts as such.
[court seal affixed]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Carrolton this 4th day of December AD. 1843
/s/ William Carlin Clk. G.G.G.G.C

State of Illinois
Sangamon County
    Be it known that on this 12th. day of December AD 1843 Before me a [Probaty] Justice of the Peace in the said County personally appeared Sylvester Griswold aged thirty five years and states that the Family Record of Adonijah Griswold his deceased Father herewith submitted is and has been in the Family and the only [Known] as far back as his recollection entered say thirty years
   Sworn to and subscribed this 12 day of Dec. 1843 Before me   Thomas Moffett Pro J.P.
Sylvester Griswold
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State of Illinois
Greene County}
Before me Smith Post an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Caleb Post a resident of said County and an old Revolutionary soldier, and made oath that he has been Personally acquainted for Fourteen (14) years with Mary Griswold the widow of Adonijah Griswold the widow of Adonijah Griswold and know they lived together as man and wife - and he believes her statements in her declaration are literally correct and that he is also acquainted with their oldest son Henry Griswold having lived near him 16 years or more as a Neighbor and believe he is a man of 53 years of age - That Mary Griswold who applies by her declaration herewith for a pension is the Identical person and widow of Adonijah Griswold Deceased  who was a pensioner at $80 per annum and died on the 1st Sept 1841.
/s/ Caleb Post
Sworn to an subscribed this eleventh day of Oct - 1843}
/s/ Smith Post J. Peace

get the Papers correctly filled up by the Clerk of either court, while court is in session have duly witnessed and sworn to me at Springfield as soon as may be
/s/ Erastus Wright
Page 12

Mary Griswold
Proof of Marriage
Luther Evarts
Affidavit - 

[receipt stamp] VERGENNES VT. DEC 30
Page 13

I Luther Evarts of Waltham in the County of Addison and State of Vermont being of lawful age do depose and say - that I was Seventy Two years old upon the 6th day of March last. What I was acquainted with the late Adonijah Griswold, and with Mary Barton, now Mary Griswold the widow of the said Adonijah, before the commencement of the Revolutionary war, and that I was well acquainted with them from that time, until they left the County for Illinois, they being my neighbors - and further that in the year of 1789 or 1790, I was at the house of one Andrew Barton (Father of the said Mary Griswold, then Mary Barton). in the town there called New Haven but now Waltham in said Addison County, and that I then saw the said Adonijah Griswold and Mary Barton (now Mary Griswold) married by me Abel Thompson Esq. then a Judge of the County Court within & for the County of Addison - and further Deponent saith not - 
/s/Luther Evarts

State of Vermont
Addison County ss} Subscribed and sworn to before me at Vergennes in said County this 27th day of December 1843.
/s/Geo. W. Grandey Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above named Luther Evarts, and that I consider him to be a credible witness.
/s/Geo. W. Grandey Justice Peace.

City of Vergennes
Addison County ss} I Frederick E. Woodbridge Clerk of the City Court, within and for said city of Vergennes, do hereby certify that George W. Grandey is a justice of the peace within and for the county of Addison and that the above signatures of his name are in his hand writing -  In witness whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court this 27th day of December 1843 - 
/s/Frederick E. Woodbridge
Clerk of the City Court}
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[958]
FAMILY RECORD
BIRTHS. BIRTHS.

Harry [Also known as Henry Harry] Griswold Born the year 1790 the 9 Day of January
Cyrus Griswold Born the year 1792 the 11th Day of September
Desire Griswold Born the year 1794 June the 4
Elias Griswold Born the year 1795 January the 20.
Polley Griswold Born the year 1797 November 14
Lucy Griswold Born the year 1800 March the 16
Edmon Griswold Born the year 1804 March the 29
Sidney Griswold Born the year 1806 May the 24
Adonijah Griswold Born the year 1813 May the 23
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[957]

FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.  MARRIAGES.

Waltham AD 1789
Married the year 1789 the 18 of March

Adonijah Griswold was born June, the 11th, 1758.
____
Mary Griswold was Born June the 21st 1769.
____
And married in Waltham Vermont Mar the 18th, 1789
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Rev. War Section 
Record Division

December 30, 1981.

Lula McAdams Kehl.
Chesterfield, Ill. 

Madam:
In response to your letter date the 5th instant, you are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. File No. 4,347, that Adonijah Griswold was born June 11, 1758 at New Milford, Connecticut, and married March 18, 1789, at New Haven (Waltham) Addison County, Ver-mont, Mary daughter of Andrew Barton; she was born June 30, 1769. 
Soldier alleged that while residing at New Haven, Vermont, he entered the service in November 1775 or 1778, under Captain Barnus and Major Gideon Brownson in the Vermont militia and was engaged in scouting and in short tours until November 8, 1778, when he was taken prisoner, carried to Quebec and kept there until the fall of 1781. 
He was allowed pension on an application executed December 4, 1838, while a resident of Apple Creek Prairie, Greene County Illinois. He died in said County September 1, 1841, and his widow Mary
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applied for pension December 4, 1843, while residing in Greene County, Illinois, but her claim was not allowed on the ground of insufficient proof of the soldier's service, he having been improperly allowed a pension. 
They had the following children: 
Harry born January 9, 1790.
Cyrus September 15, 1792.
Desier June 5, 1794.
Elias January 30, 1795. 
Polley November 14, 1797.
Lucy March 16, 1800. 
Edson March 29, 1804.
Sidney July 24, 1806.
Silvester May 25, 1808. 
Adonijah Collins May 23, 1813. 

Very respectfully, 
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
Page 18

Rev. War Section. 

November 27, 1912

Mrs. E.K. Lockwood, 
Virden, Ills. 
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 20" and received the 22" instant, you are advised that in the claim. R. File No. 4,347, Rev. War, it is alleged that Adonijah Griswold who was born at New Milford Connecticut, June 11, 1758, while residing at New Haven, Addison County, Vermont, entered the ser-vice November, 1775 or 1776, under Captain Barnum and Major Gideon Brownson in the Vermont Militia, and was engaged in scouting and in short tours until November 8, 1778. When he was taken prisoner, carried to Quebec, and kept there until the Fall of 1781. 
He married at New Haven (Waltham) Addison County, Vermont, March 18, 1789. Mary, daughter of Andrew Barton. She was born June 20, 1769.
He died in Greene County, Illinois, September 1, 1841. The following data as to his family is on file in the claim.
Harry Griswold born January 9, 1790. 
Cyrus Griswold September 15 1792.
Desier Griswold June 5, 1794.
Elias Griswold January 20, 1795. 
Polley Griswold November 14, 1797. 

Ethan Allen is not [illegible].
Page 19

Lucy Griswold,       born March 16, 1800.
Edmon Griswold,        "    March 29, 1804.
Sidney Griswold,         "    July 24, 1806.
Silveste Griswold,        "    May 25, 1808.
Adonijah Collins Griswold,  "  May 23, 1813.

Soldier was allowed pension on an application executed December 4, 1832, while a resident of Apple Creek Prairie, Greene County, Illinois.
His widow, Mary applied for pension December 4, 1843, while residing in Greene County, Illinois, but her claim was ['rejected' crossed out] not allowed, on the ground of insufficient proof of the soldier's service, he having been improperly allowed a pension.
Very respectfully, 
/s/J. C. Davenport.
Commissioner
Page 20

[partially illegible receipt stamp] DEC 7 1921

Chesterfield, Ill.,
Dec. 5, 1921

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Dear sir: Have you, on your records, the name of Adonijah Griswold, a veteran of the Revolutionary War?  He probably was a member of a New York organization.
If you can furnish any data regarding this man. I shall appreciate
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it as I need it for historical purposes. He is  buried in the North Cemetery, near White Hall in Greene County Illinois.
Thanking you in advance for your favor, I am
Yours respectfully, 
/s/Lula McAdams Kehl.

[receipt stamp] U. S. PENSION OFFICE D DEC 7 1921
Page 22

E. K. Lockwood, M. D.,
Virden, Illinois

November 20th 1912.

The Commissioner of Pensions

Dear sir.
According to family tradition, Aaron Smith, Allen J. Bridger, and Adonijah Griswold were soldiers in the War of the Revolution. We know they lived at one time in Greene Co. Illinois. We wish to know whether they or their widows drew a pension? & if so, will you kindly give us all the military and family history, you can find on record? Battles engaged in, date of death and place of burial. Any information you can send me will be greatly  appreciated. by - 
/s/(Mrs. E. K.) Stella S. Lockwood. Virden, Illinois.
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4347.
P. O. ______
Mary Griswold
Service: ______
Enlisted: ______, 18
Discharged: _____
[annotated] REJECTED

Application filed: ______, 18
Alleges: List of suspended claim printed in 1852 shows cause of 
Re-enlisted: suspension as follows: "No proof of service. husband improperly allowed

Attorney: ______
P. O. ______
______ Recognized. ______Contract
______Cert. of Dis. Searched for ______, 18

1912 Nov. 27 Hist to Mrs. E. K. Lockwood
V.L.M.
1915 Apr. 20 Hist to Mr E. E. Craw Letter in S.F. 38.643 Reuben Craw
1921 Dec 20 Hist. to Lula McAdams Kehl
1922 Mar. 4 Q. M. Lus. U.S.A. given tombstone date. aw
Page 24

9.973.
Mary Griswold
widow of Adonijah 
Suspended
Letter to Erastus Wright 18th July 1844.
Same person 25th Nov. 1844.

4347

Act 7th July 1838.
Page 25

[addressed letter]
[postmark] WASHINGTON CITY OCT 5

J. L. Edwards esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City D. C. 

[annotated] Oct 16 '44
file 
jus
address
Mary Griswold
Page 26

Springfield Ill 4 Sept 1844

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir.
Yours of 27 July 1844 was duly reviewed and I enclosed two Dollars + sent to the Secretary of Vermont and got the Enclosed Letter in answer - she has previously expended five Dollars to send to get Proof of her marriage certificates to and was surprised to find you demanded all the proof of a new case for a Pensioner - 
As Adonijah Griswold was Pensioned and drew until the time of his Death, and full Proof of her marriage has been submitted. - furthermore she cannot she cannot do - having already expended about ten Dollars to get her claim - The Proof of T. Moffett being a magistrate is also herewith submitted - 
Yours &c
/s/Erastus Wright
Enclosed is also is the Letter of Secretary of Vermont I hope you will not [illegible] a widow to searching farther unless you doubt the equity of her claim
/s/EW
Page 27

State of Illinois
Sangamon County}

I certify that Thomas Moffett before whom Sylvester Griswold was sworn some time Last Fall in Relation to the claim of Adonijah Griswold; widow (Mary Griswold) is now and was there a Magistrate duly commissioned + qualified to act in their capacity.
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand + Seal of Office of Springfield Ill this 4th day of September 1844 - P
/s/N.W. Matheny Clerk
Page 28

State of Vermont
Secy of State's Office

Montpelier Aug. 20, 1844

Erastus Wright Esq.
Sir, 
In reply to your letter I have to say, that I have examined the Pay Rolls in this Office, and cannot find the name of Adonijah Griswold. Our Pay Rolls are incomplete; - and there are no Pay Rolls of Col. Ethan Allen - and, I believe, none of Col. Warner to 1778.
Page 29

Letters to this office must be postpaid.

Very respectfully
/s/Ferrand F. Merrill
Depy & Acting Sec of State
Page 30

Nov. 25 1844
Erastus Wright

Erastus Wright Esq.
Springfield Illinois
Page 31

366
 
Pen off
Nov. 25th. 44

Sir
The letter of the Secy of Vt. in the case of Mary Griswold showing that his records afford no evidence of her husband's services is conclusive in connection with his declaration that he was improperly allowed a pension - In his declaration he stated in very loose + general terms that he served under Bronson, Allen + other militia officers from 75 to 78 when he was, with about 70 others, taken prisoner by the Brittish + Indians, "by a stratagem" carried to Quebec and was exchanged in 1781 - As his name is not found on any role or list of "Prisoners of War"  The inference is very strong that he was not in actual service when he was abducted and consequently was not a "soldier" in service or in imprisonment as a prisoner of War" so as to bring his case within the pension
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laws - Nor is there any thing in his own statement which conflicts with that inference unless therefore it can be shown that he was paid as a soldier in captivity either by Vt. N.Y. or N.H. her claim can not be allowed.
/s/Erastus Wright Esq
Springfield Illinois
Page 33

[annotated initials YS]

Pension Office
July 18th 1844

Sir.
I have examined the papers of Mary Griswold, widow of Adonijah Griswold, who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7th 1832.
Mrs. Griswold, is bar'd the benefit of the Act of July 7th 1838, by the Act of the 30th April 1844, which declares that no widow shall be pensioned for the same time that a pension was received by her husband, and Mr. Griswold was living until the 1st Sep. 1841.
She will be entitled to a pension under the Act of March 3d 1843, if the objections herein after named shall be removed. The Magistrate, who acted in her case has failed to certify that she was unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, and there is no evidence adduced, that Thomas Moffett, before whom the  affidavit of Sylvester Griswold was made is a Justice of the peace. 
With reference to the Service of Adonijah Griswold, dec'd, I have to state that since
Page 34

the adjustments of his claim, in Nov. 1833, it has been ascertained that there are rolls in the Office of the Secretary of the State, of Vermont, which showed the Service of his troops, It will therefore be necessary for you to obtain the Certificate of that Officer, to establish the claim. I herewith furnish you the statement of Mrs. Griswold, as is set forth in the declaration upon which a pension was granted.
That he entered the Service as a militiaman, in the Vermont Militia, under Col Ethan Allen, Major Gideon Brownson, and Capt. Barnum, in Nov. 1775 or 1776 + left the service in 1781. On the 8th Nov'r 1778, he was taken prisoner, carried to Quebec and remained in captivity until the fall of 1781. The papers are placed in our files. 
[illegible]

Erastus Wright Esq.
Springfield
Page 35

Adonijah Griswold 7. June 1832 Ill
To What time last paid

Pension Office
28th Nov 1837. 

[annotated ] To the 4 Sep. 1835
Nov. 18. '37
3d awd office
[initialed] AH
Page 36

Springfield Ills July 29, 1844
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

I have succeeded in getting evidence of marriage of Mary Griswold and Winney Thompson two cases sent you about 2 months ago. I trust they are allowed - if not, and they should have been returned please return this Proof of Marriage - 
Yours Respectfully
/s/Erastus Wright

An old Lady 89 years old Mary Squire says her first husband Benjamin Bainum served in the Revolutionary war in Light Horse Company under Capt Mills Bainum and Col. Broadhead - He did about 1793. - her 2d Husband Squire is also Dead. she writes me from a distant past of this State to know ['to know' crossed out] if her claim is Bar'd by his early Death - 
She gives no other facts. Please add a word for or against  
yours &c. /s/E. Wright

a broken wrist in the Fall altered my signatures
Page 37

Died 1. Sep 1841.

To J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 38

Springfield Ills 12 Dec.r. 1843

J. L. Edwards Esq
Dear Sir Enclosed is the declaration + Family Record of Mary Griswold widow of Adonijah Griswold Deceased for a Pension under Act 7 July 1838. Please send to me at this Place.
Also state where is the Pension certificate of Mrs. Catherine Cook. The Pension Act for Ills. is [illegible] to enroll her for one year under Act 3d Mar/43 and amt due her for arrears - "The certificate of which is issued this date" (9 Nov 1843)

your obt Servt
/s/Erastus Wright
Page 39

[envelope]

[annotated] Nov 27 Mr. Evans
Free 
Carmi Ills.
11th Nov.

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 40

Carmi Ill

Pension Agents office
4 Nov 1837

Sir
Enclosed are the papers of Adonijah Griswold - sent for your inspection, and order as to making the 1st payment - Mr. Griswold has made attempts heretofore to draw his pension but his papers being imperfect - he has been disappointed.
yours with Respect
/s/Daniel Hay

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 41

['21.248' crossed out] 22484
Adonijah Griswold Illinois

Adm 2 years $80

Mortimer Kenneth Esq
Carrollton Illinois
Page 42

WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office.

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulation will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them, and you will, by compling (sic) with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 
______
A Statement, showing the Service of 
[column headings: Period when the service was rendered.|Duration of the claimant's service.(years.|Months.|Days.)|Rank of the claimant.|Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served.|Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.|Proof by which the declaration is supported.|]
[table is blank]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 43

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line,' State troops," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits et the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of}
County of} ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank]
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank]
(e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
[blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.: investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a RevoIutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank]&c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
It such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the, declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties. which the Court is herein requested to perform;
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making au affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For ____ year ____months, and ____days, I served as a ____ . For ____ months and ____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held; as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
> The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.