Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12441, William Caldwell, Continental N.H. Vt.
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
Continental|Caldwell, William|S. 12441|
N.H|[blank]|[blank]|
Vt.|[blank]|[blank]|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS carded
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[verso]
9 Feby
1838
21. " 
See Let to Pensioner - Aug. 17 35
 "   "   "   E. Ames  -  "   "   "

[center]
13292 8883 
New York
William Caldwell of Denmark in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Warner of the reg't commanded by Col Robinson in the ['Vt Ma' crossed out] Cont'l N.H. Vt. line for 12 mo
______
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831,
______
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of May 1833 and sent to L. Knox Lowville
______
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  $80.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept - 20.00
$100.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk,
Book E Vol. 4 Page 49

[recto]
Letter to James J. Pettit 1838
do same 26 April 
do to Hon J. H. Bronson, June
['do to A. W. Spencer Apl. 23. 1841 - ' crossed out]
Let L. M. Drury March 1/51
  "   "   Z Knox Nov 11 - "
Pensioner July 2 1836
Death not on AB. JL.
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State of New York
Lewis County ss } On this twentieth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lewis, William Caldwell a resident of the town of Denmark in the County of Lewis and State of New York aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the  Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
That in the month of June in the year 1780 or about that time he entered the service by enlisting as a volunteer in the New Hampshire State Troops, That he immediately went to Winchester and passed muster there, he proceeded to Springfield Mass and from there to Barrington N.Y., then to West Point after he arrived at West Point he was taken from his Company and served as one of Gen'l Arnold's Guard. After Arnolds conspiracy he was taken to a place called the North Redoubt and remained there until he left the service, after he had served three months he applied for his discharge but was informed that he was returned for six months. That he did remain in the Service for six months from the time he entered the same and was discharged some time in December following. That being taken from his company on his arrival at West Point he cannot recollect the names of his Company officers. 
That the next season he again entered the Service in the Vermont Militia under Col. Warner for three  months which time he served, and at the expiration of that time he again enlisted for three months longer under the Colonel Robin
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son, and served that time. That he marched from Bennington Vermont to Castleton Vt. making six months service in the militia. That the whole time which he served in the Revolutionary War was one year. That he well knew Gen'l Arnold and frequently saw Gen'l Washington. That he resided when he entered the Service in the town of Dublin in the State of New Hampshire. That he has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares  that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
/s/X his mark William Caldwell
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
/s/Carlos P. Scovil Clerk
We James H. Monroe a Clergyman residing in the Town of Denmark in the County of Lewis and Ephraim Hunt of the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Caldwell who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding Declaration that we believe him to be seventy years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he belongs to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that  we concur in that opinion.
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3.
after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states; And the said Court further certifies that James H. Monroe who has signed the proceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in said Town of Denmark and that Ephraim Hunt who has also signed the same is a resident of said Town and is a credible person, and that  their statement is entitled to credit.
I Carlos P. Scovil Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lewis, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of William Caldwell for a pension. 
[facsimile seal: L.S.] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of my Office this twentieth day of September One Thousand Eight hundred & thirty two
/s/Carlos P. Scovil, Clerk
State of New York
Lewis County ss } William Caldwell of the Town Denmark in said County being duly sworn deposeth and saith that according to the best of his recollection and such information he can obtain he served in the War of the Revolution as follows.
In the Summer of 1777 he served three months under Capt Warner in Col. Warner's Reg't at Bennington Vermont. In the year 1780 he served three months at West Point in Capt. Bradly's (Bradley) Company in Col. Nichols Reg't of the New Hamp [following line obscured]
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4. 
Galusha under Col: Robinson at Castleton Vermont, in the Vermont Militia
/s/X his mark William Caldwell
Subscribed & Sworn this 2d day of April 1836. 
/s/Amos Buck Justice
I Certify that on the second day of April 1836 the above named William Caldwell personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit.
/s/Amos Buck Justice
State of New York
Clerk's Office Lewis County ss } I Carlos P. Scovil Clerk of the Said County do hereby certify that Amos Buck Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been taken was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County commissioned & duly authorized to take the same. And further that I well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his signature subscribed to said affidavit is genuine.
[facsimile seal: L.S.]  Given under my hand & Seal of said County this 17th day of June  1836. 
/s/Carlos P. Scovil Clerk
We the undersigned Inhabitants of the Town of Denmark County of Lewis & State of New York being duly sworn do on oath certify that we have been personally acquainted with William Caldwell for the last six or seven years
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5.
during which time he has resided in the said Town of Denmark and that he is nearly blind and quite infirm and his mind and memory much impaired and that he is indigent circumstances, that his character is good for truth and veracity and that he always has been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that the small pittance meeted out to him by the Department was not unworthily bestowed and that the discontinuance of the same would serve to bring down his grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. 
/s/Abner W. Spencer Sn'r
Richard Myers
James H. Monroe Minister of the Gospel in Denmark
Leon'd Powers
Alpheus Root
Asa S. Hunt
Jacob Horr
William Horr
Cha's Squire
Asa Pierce
Cyrus Macomber
H. Blodget

State of N. Y. Co. Lewis & Town of Denmark
I Certify that the above named were legally sworn before me in the month of September 1835.
/s/Amos Buck Justice Peace
State of New York
Lewis County ss } William Caldwell of Denmark in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that the year 1777 he serve in the Vermont militia under Col. Warner a tour of three months. That in the year 1780 he served six months in the New Hampshire State Troops or Militia he cannot cer-
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6.
tainly state which: was stationed at West Point N. York. In 1781, or 1782, he served three months under Col. Robinson in the Vermont Militia.
That this deponent is unable to recollect the names of any of his company officers or any other officers under whom he serve other than those above named, and this deponent assigns as reasons for his not being able to recollect his officers. 
1st  his old age and loss of memory. 2d. That the first tour of service in 1777 he went from New Hampshire where he resided to see his brother who resided at Bennington Vermont and there entered the service, and the Officers were strangers to him & he has never seen them since the War. and which was likewise the case with the tour of service in 1781-2. In 1780 after he arrived at West Point N.Y. he was taken from the Company in which he enlisted and placed under a Capt. who was a stranger to him and that the Company to which he was attached served as a guard, and he does not know to what Reg't it was attached, and this deponent further says that his memory has become much impaired and particularly within three or four years last past. That he is in indigent circumstances and very infirm and almost entirely blind, and has no means of support that his sole dependence has been on the small pension granted to him by the United States for his Revolutionary services which, has hopes may be continued to him for the few remaining days he may stand in need of the same. 
/s/X his mark William Caldwell
Sworn & subscribed before me this 3d day of September 1833. 
/s/Z. Knox. J.P.
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I Certify that on the 3d day of September 1835, William Caldwell personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit, & made his mark thereto being unable to write in consequence of the infirmities of old age. I further certify that in my opinion his mind is very much impaired in consequence of the infirmities of old age. and that he in indigent circumstances. 
/s/Z. Knox. Justice of the Peace
Clerk's Office
Lewis Co. ss } I Certify that Ziba Knox whose name appears annexed as a Justice of the Peace was on all of the dates mentioned by him as such a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, dwelling in said County duly commissioned & sworn and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature "Z. Knox," subscribed within to be his own proper hand writing. 
Witness my hand and seal of said County Sept. 4th 1835. 
/s/Carlos P. Scovil. Clerk 
/s/Wm. King, Jr. Dep'y Clerk
I further certify that I drew the declaration for the beforenamed William Caldwell now on file at the War Department & from an examination of the original minutes taken by me before drawing the same and from a conversation with said Caldwell I believe that I made a mistake in drawing said declaration as to the time he served under Colonel
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I Certify that on the 3d day of September 1835, William Caldwell personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit, & made his mark thereto being unable to write in consequence of the infirmities of old age. I further certify that in my opinion his mind is very much impaired in consequence of the infirmities of old age. and that he in indigent circumstances.
/s/Z. Knox. Justice of the Peace
Clerk's Office
Lewis Co. ss } I Certify that Ziba Knox whose name appears annexed as a Justice of the Peace was on all of the dates mentioned by him as such a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, dwelling in said County duly commissioned & sworn and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature "Z. Knox," subscribed within to be his own proper hand writing.
Witness my hand and seal of said County Sept. 4th 1835.
/s/Carlos P. Scovil. Clerk
/s/Wm. King, Jr. Dep'y Clerk
I further certify that I drew the declaration for the beforenamed William Caldwell now on file at the War Department & from an examination of the original minutes taken by me before drawing the same and from a conversation with said Caldwell I believe that I made a mistake in drawing said declaration as to the time he served under Colonel
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8.
Warner, and which, owing to the deafness of said Caldwell was not discovered by him
/s/Z. Knox. J. P. 
We the undersigned Inhabitants of the Town of Champion County of Jefferson and State of New York being duly sworn do on oath certify that we have been personally acquainted with William Caldwell for this last eighteen or twenty years during which time he has resided in said town of Champion except the last six or seven years, and that he is nearly blind & quite infirm, and his mind and memory much impaired and that he is in indigent circumstances. that his character is good for truth & veracity and that he always has been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution. and that the small pittance meeted out to him by the Department was not unworthily bestowed, and that the discontinuance of the same would serve to bring down his grey hairs with sorrow to the grave
/s/Asa Carter
Gordon P. Spencer
Elijah Palmer
H. D. Cadwell
Solomon Hopkins
Solomon S. Hopkins
Joel P. Rice
Samuel P. Rice
Moses Miller
Fanam Halbo
Joseph Morton
James Mix
This may certify that I am personally acquainted with the men whose names are attached to this instrument and do firmly believe what they have asserted to be the truth. 
Attest. /s/Nathaniel Dutton
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I have been the family Physician for [obscured] years last past of the within named William Caldwell & have no hesitation in certifying to the within 
/s/Gordon P. Spencer
State of New York
Jefferson County ss } On the 22d, day of September 1835. I Certify that all the witnesses named and above named were legally sworn before me I do further certify that the witnesses named are men of good characters
/s/Aaron Palmer Commissioner of Deed &c. in and for the County of Jefferson. 
I further certify that the above named Nathaniel Dutton is a Minister of the Gospel and Pastor of the Church in Champion County of Jefferson, and a man in good standing
/s/Aaron Palmer Com. of Deeds &c. in and for the County of Jefferson
Sept'r 22d. 1835.
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13.292
William Caldwell
admitted 12 mo Private
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BRIEF in the case of William Caldwell Town of Denmark in the State of N. York 
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]
3. How old is he? 70 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[column headings: Period.|Duration of Service.(Years,|Months,|Days.)|Rank. As a|Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Gen.|]
In 1780|([blank]|6|[blank])|Private|officers not recollected N. Hampshire State Troops|
1781.(2 terms)|([blank]|6|[blank])| " |Col'o Warner Col'o Robinson} Vermont troops|]
[end of columns]
5. In what battles was he engaged? none  stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Town of Dublin - N. Hampshire
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence alone
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? they are correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
/s/Wm Gordon Examining Clerk.
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[handwritten letter]
Canandaigua, N.Y.
Oct 30th 1850

Sir
The application of the widow of William Caldwell deceased late of Lewis County in this State has been placed in my hands for an examination. 
It appears that William Caldwell was placed on the roll under the act of 7th June 1832. and afterwards he was stricken off.
I am not aware of the cause of his being stricken from the roll nor do I know whether he was ever restored again - 
I would be obliged, if a reference could be made to his papers on file, to ascertain if he was ever restored, & if not to be informed of the objections to the allowance of the claim - to this end that, if it is possible, they may be removed - 
Very respectfully Your Obt Serv't - 
/s/L. M. Drury
J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington D.C.
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[typewritten letter]
January 26, 1932.
BA-J/ILL

Mrs. Willaim Cowell
2006 Rebecca Street
Sioux City, Iowa.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to William Caldwell.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 22,641, based upon the military service of William Caldwell in the Revolution and is the record of the only soldier of that name of Jefferson County, New York, found on the Revolutionary War records office.
William Caldwell stated that, while a resident of Dublin, New Hampshire, he volunteered in the summer, 1777 at Bennington, Vermont, at which time he was visiting his brother who resided in said Bennington, (name of his brother not stated), and served three months in Captain Warner's Company, Colonel Warner's Vermont Regiment; that he enlisted in June, 1780, as private in Captain Bradley's Company, Colonel Nichols' New Hampshire troops, marched to West Point where he was detached from his company, served as one of General Arnold's guards and "after Arnold's conspiracy", was detained at North Redoubt until December, length of service six months, names of different officers during this time not given; that in 1781-82, he served three months in the Vermont troops under Captain Galusha and Colonel Robinson. 
He was allowed pension on his application dated September 20, 1832, while a resident of Denmark, Lewis County, New York. He had moved there a few years before from Champion, Jefferson County, New York, where he had lived for many years. He stated that he was seventy years of age at the time he made said application for pension.
The soldier's pension was suspended on the ground that his pension had been allowed on his own affidavit at a time when the office had no record or documentary evidence and upon reexamination, the services stated therein, were found to be at variance with the Revolutionary War rolls.
In the summer, 1836, the soldier was living in Alexandria, 
1.
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[typewritten letter]
Jefferson County, New York, his wife was referred to then but her name was not stated. In October, 1850, he was referred to as "deceased, late of Lewis County, New York". His widow was also referred to then but her name was not given.
There is no reference to children in the papers in this claim.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
2.
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[verso]
1923 Dec. 21. Photos mailed to Frank S. Osgood aw.
1925 Aug 4 Copies mailed to Miss Able L. Priest (See receipt of paymt in case of Jas Caldwell R.1592)
1932-Jan.26 - Hist. to Mrs. William Cowell-Ill. M.C.S.

[recto]
12441
Rev War INVALID. 
File No. 12,441
William Caldwell Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index: - Vol. A, Page 61
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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[addressed envelope]
[postmark: CANANDAIGUA N.Y. OCT 30]
FREE
[margin notes: Nov 4/10 Resp'g case Wm Caldwell act 32 NY]
J. L. Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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W Caldwell
Copy of papers in his application for a pension under act of June 7th 1832
C292. June 2, 1841
Pension Office.
Con. Mr. Edwards tell what this is about? 
Wm Caldwell N.Y. Case.
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Wm Caldwell
Jn at July 14 N.Y. 

Mr. J L Edwards
Secretary at War 
Washington City D.C.
State of NY
Sus money July 7 - 
24.320.9
24/2800=9/120
x 24/48 + 480
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Caldwell which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank] 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes 
V. *Has he mentioned 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? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the other under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes 
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [blank] 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? [blank]
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? [blank]
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? [blank]
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? [blank] 
XVI. ↕Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [blank] 
EXPLANATORY NOTES. *QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an 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______; and for such service I claim a pension.”
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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 his 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 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 a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places 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. 
+QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 of the claimants 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.
↕QUERE XVI. 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.
⇨ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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[addressed envelope]
[margin notes: Jm at May 29 Wm Caldwell 
Send copies, of papers June 1. 38 
8883 Stephen T. June 15 
Hon J. H. Bronson HR]
Hon J. L. Edwards
Pension Office
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[handwritten letter]
Ho: of Reps.
May 28 1838

Hon J.L. Edwards.
Sir - If consistent with the rules of the Department I desire to be furnished with copies of the pension papers of William Caldwell whose pension has been suspended - 
In haste
Respectfully yours
/s/J.H. Bronson
Page 27

Wm Caldwell,
Hon J. H. Bronson H.R.
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[handwritten letter]
Ho: of Reps
June 2. 1838 - 

Sir
In answer to your enquiry in your note of yesterday, I believe that William Caldwell, a copy of whose papers I asked for, resides in Denmark, Lewis County N.Y. 
Very Respectfully Yours &c
/s/J. H. Bronson
to Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 29

Abner W. Spencer, April 23, 1841.
G.C.
Page 30

[handwritten letterd]
157
Pension Office April 23d 1841

Sir, 
Your letter of the 15th inst. to the Secretary of War, enclosing a petition signed by a number of citizens of Denmark in behalf of William Caldwell, has been received. The pension granted to Mr. Caldwell was admitted upon his affidavit, which was received here at a period when we had no record or documentary evidence to rebut his statements. Since the receipt of such proof his ['claim' crossed out] testimony has been again examined, and it has been found that it is wholly erroneous. We cannot of course make any further payment to him. His declaration does not agree with any fact on record, but is on the contrary wholly at variance with the rolls of revolutionary service. Whether the errors in his statements arise from a defective memory or not, we cannot determine.
Our duty in this case is not to enquire into the moral character of the applicant, but to decide according to the facts before us; and we are constrained on a full and impartial view of the claim to decide against it. 
/s/G.C.
Mr. Abner W. Spencer
Denmark, N. York
Page 31

[handwritten letter]
Pension Office,
February 28, 1851.

Sir,
In reply to your inquiry, you are informed that the claim of William Caldwell was admitted upon his own affidavit, at a time when we had no record or documentary evidence to rebut his statements, and that, on a subsequent examination of his declaration, it was found to be wholly at variance with the Rolls of the Revolutionary service. 
His name was, therefore, stricken from the list of pensioners, and has not been restored, tho' several attempts have been made to overcome the objections of this office. 
If his widow should make a declaration she ['should' crossed out] must, in all respects, comply with the restrictions under the act of June 7, 1832, as to the terms of service, and establish them by Record or Documentary evidence. If she succeeds in establishing her own claim she will also to entitled to any arrears due to her husband from the time of his suspension of his pension until his death
Page 32

Denmark, Lewis Cty. Apri; 15, 1841.
Abner W. Spencer, on subject of his pension, S219. April 22, 1841. 
Pension Office. 
Wm Caldwell N.Y. Case
Hon. John Bell
Secretary of War Washington
Page 33

[handwritten letter]
Denmark Apr 15th - 1841

Dear Sir
not knowing the name of the pension agent I have directed my Letter and other papers to your Self - I could have sent you ten times as many petitions but thought it useless as there is all ready proof enough in the office we know the old Soldier is justly entitled to a pension we do ['it' crossed out] look for Justice to the Soldiers of the Revolution we think Mr. Edwards objection a very small one an outside show that he might appear very faithful and he was so faithful to himself and party that he has kept the old Soldier out of his hard earnings for Several years we shall now look with confidence for Justice to be done with out delay if you have any communications make them to - Abner W. Spencer
NB of Denmark Lewis County
Hon. John Bell Secretary of War
Page 34

Pension Office. 
Wm Caldwell NY
Page 35

To the Honorable Commissioner of the Pension Department
Your Memoralists in behalf of William Caldwell a Soldier of the Revolution who drew a Pension for a few years then was deprived of it because he had the misfortune to enlist amongst strangers and then transfered from one Regiment to another in such rapid succession that it would hardly have been possible for him even at the close of the War to have retained the names of all the commanding officers that he had served under your memoralists are Personally acquainted with said Caldwell and have been for a number of years previous to the passage of the Pension Law, and have heard him relate the incidents of the Campaigns in which he served and it was one straight and consistant story as long as he retained his mental powers 
Whilst Mr Edwards and others have been resting on the Public money regardless of the soldiers rights poor Caldwell has lived in abject poverty we shall not attempt to make any more proof as there is already enough before the department to satisfy any reasonable Man of the Justice of said Caldwells claim for it has been so decided once, your memoralist submits the above with the utmost confidence that Justice will be done in every department under the present enlightened administration and especially to the Soldiers of the Revolution - Denmark March 13th, 1841. 
Richard Myers
Ralph Swinburn
L. C. Cottrell 
Wm. Thomas
Emory D. Spalding
Leonard Powers
Levi Moore
Asa Peirce
Lewis Peirce
Abner W. Spencer
Elijah D. Morrison 
Alpheus Root 
Elkanah French 
Ephraim Hunt
Asa S. Hunt
Joseph Bardwell
Gilbert C. Myers
Page 36

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: RICHLAND N.Y. FEB 16]
FREE
[margin notes: Feb 19 Wm Caldwell NY roll 1832 Mr Lues]
Pension Office
Washington D.C.
Page 37

[handwritten letter]
Richland P. O. Oswego Co N. York
Feby 15. 1838

Sir
I am informed by a communication from the Pension office that William Caldwell a pensioner under the act of the 7th June 1832 on the Roll of Albany New York has been Suspended - & that no payment can be made until the Suspension is removed - 
Please inform me of his case is of that character that it can be "removed" - and the Proofs required & forms prescribed for him to be restored to the Pension list - 
The old man is blind & in extreme want an object of Charity - 
Very respectfully your obedient serv't
/s/James J. Pettit
J. L. Edwards Esq
Com'r of Pensions
Page 38

[handwritten letter]
Richland P.O. Oswego Co N.Y St
Feby-1' 1838

Sir
William Caldwell is a revolutionary Pensioner - He resided in Denmark - Lewis County - State of New York in 1834 and drew his Pension being $40. per year
He removed to Alexandria Jefferson Co State of New York in June 1836 - Since then he has not been able to procure his pension from the Agency at Albany - 
His applications have been frequent & as he supposed in due form, but have been uniformly rejected - 
Mr Caldwell is aged - & blind, & in extreme want - 
These facts I learn from his wife & at her solicitations I write this requesting directions from you of what will be necessary to be proved to enable Mr Caldwell to draw his pension arrearages - 
Please reply either to me directly & I will inform Mr Caldwell - or send your instructions to him at "Theresa P.O. Jefferson Co N. York State"
yours &c /s/James J. Pettit
Pension Office Washington
Page 39

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: RICHLAND  N.Y. FEB 3]
[margin notes: J W Evans Feb 8.]
FREE
Pension Office
Washington City D.C.
Page 40

State of New York
Lewis County } ss:
On this Twentieth day of September in the year One Thousand eight hundred and thirty two [margin note: 1832] personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lewis William Caldwell a resident of the Town of Denmark in the County of Lewis and State of New York [margin note: 70] aged Seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress Passed June 7. 1832 - 
The he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - 
That in the month of June in the year 1780, or about that time he entered the service by enlisting as a volunteer in the New Hampshire State Troops; That he immediately went to Winchester and passed Muster thence he proceeded to Springfield Mass. and from thence to ['Fish Kill' crossed out] Barrington N.Y. Thence to West Point after he arrived at West Point he was taken from his Company and served as one of General Arnold's guards; after Arnold's conspiracy he was taken to a place called the North Redoubt and remained there till he left the Service - after he had served three months he applied for his Discharge but was informed that  he was returned for six months - That he did remain in the service for six months from the time he entered the service and was discharged sometime in December following - 
That being taken from his Company on his arrival at West Point he cannot recollect the names of his Company officers 
That the next season he again entered the service in the Vermont Militia under Colonel ['Robinson' crossed out] Warner for three months which time he served
Page 41

and at the expiration of that term he again enlisted for three months longer under the ['same officers' crossed out] Colonel Robinson and served that time 
That he marched from Bennington Vermont to Castleton Vt. - making six months service in the Militia - 
That the whole time which he served in the Revolutionary War was One Year
That he well knew Gen'l Arnold and frequently saw Gen'l Washington 
That he resided when he entered the service in the town of Dublin in the State of New Hampshire.
That he has no Documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name in not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any state
/s/X his mark William Caldwell
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
/s/Carlos P Scovil Clerk
We James H Monroe a clergyman residing in the Town of Denmark in the County of Lewis and Ephraim Hunt of the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Caldwell who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding ['certificate' crossed out] Declaration that we believe him to be ['sixty nine' crossed out] seventy years of age 
that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he belongs to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion -
Page 42

/s/James H. Monroe
/s/Ephraim Hunt
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
/s/Carlos P Scovil Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary Soldier & served as he states; and the said Court further certifies that James H. Monroe who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in said Town of Denmark and that Ephraim Hunt who has also signed the same is a resident in said town and is a credible person and that their Statement is entitled to credit.
I Carlos P Scovil clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Lewis do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of William Caldwell for a Pension
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of my office this twentieth day of September one thousand eight hundred & thirty two
/s/Carlos P. Scovil Clerk
Page 43

13,292
William Caldwell Declaration
admitted 12 mo Private
Omit
Page 44

I HEREBY certify, that the accompanying pages numbered from One to Nine inclusive are truly copied from the originals in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of War.
/s/J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions. 
BE IT REMEMBERED, That JAMES L. EDWARDS, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given. 
[official seal affixed] IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this Twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight
/s/J. R. Poinsett
Secretary of War.
Page 45

[handwritten letter]
July the 2 1838 Denmark
Sir, I received your letter dated the 12. of April 1837 
Dear sir I think hard that you have granted me mi pension for I no and God knows that I done the service that I required and I had ought to have it if any had it them that I served under was all strangers to me I never have been acquainted with any of them since I left the army if they had been people  living in the town I think I should have remembered their names mi memory is very poor at present I could have satisfied you if I had not had mi house burnt I had a discharge from Co. Warner for three months service I donte remember how long I was listed for I was taken sick and he gave me a discharge for three months service the reason why I never have wrote to you before that was because I had a discharge & could not prove it
Page 46

[handwritten letter]
I dont no as it would do any good to have it sworn to because you would not take it with out proof I write this to let you know mi feelings about it. 
/s/Wm. Caldwell
J L Edwards
Page 47

[addressed envelope]
Denmark NY
Dec 23} free
[margin notes: Dec 29 Wm Caldwell N.Y. case The Comm'r]
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
Wm Caldwell N.Y. Case
Page 48

[handwritten letter]
Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir If it is not contrary to the regulations of your office I would ask the favour if you in behalf of William Caldwell (an applicant for a Pension) that you would send to me the several papers and communications relative to his application which are in your Office - 
We have no doubt of his service but an amount of the infirmities of age he being nearly blind almost deaf and his intellect verry much impaired he does not recollect sufficient to warrant you in ['in' crossed out] granting his application and the object we have in this is to collect the whole of his communications on the subject and submit his case to Congress and if passed to get an allowance for him 
Yours Respectfully
/s/Harison Blodget
Denmark Lewis County New York Dec 22nd 1837
Page 49

[handwritten letter]
December 4 1836 - Denmark
Dear sir I want to satisfy you that I was at West Point because I listed in the year 1780 in the month of June or July for the officers told us we had not better lay on the new hay I was taken away from west point on to the east side of the river where arnold lay if you have got all the rolls you have certainly got my name their if the captain did not cross it out when I left him on the point after arnold went off three of us was sent to the north ridout (redoubt) on the east side of the river to my best recollection I listed onely three months the officers at the ridout insisted on that we was six months more I had three different offercers while I was their according to my best reccollection I was dismissed the last of december I shant forget west point I was badly starved and without shelters sent to the hospittle I see general washington at the house that arnold went from that very day the he went of that I will sware to any day or any where and like wise major andrew I want one hod from him when he got of from his horse as to warner their was a capt warner but I dare not sware what ridgement (regiment) he belonged to my memory is so poor but I well remember benington (Bennington) battle I remember that Col roberson and that if I would list three monts longer with him he would get me the lefttonents (Lieutenants) commishion the money was so poor what little I got it would not equipt me for I did sergents duty a good deal while I was with them be cause I under stood the military duty well and if you want any thing more to convince you that I tell the truth
Page 50

[handwritten letter]
and that I am not a lying man I will get old rich and good men as their is in Jefferson county to state that I am to be depended uppon or I will git the county Clerk to reccommend them I wish you to wright to me what more you want me to do lest I ['was at' crossed out] certainly done the service that was required of me to do in the army I wish you to send me word immediately to lewis county in the town of denmark I do not blame you to to be particular
/s/William Caldwell
Page 51

William Caldwell on roll
Dec 13 NY
Theresa NY 5 December } 
Mr J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Secretary of War at Washington 
Omit
Page 52

Dec 13 NY
Theresa NY 5 December }
Mr J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Secretary of War at Washington
Page 53

State of New York
Lewis County } William Caldwell of the Town of Denmark in said County being duly sworn deposeth and saith that according to the best of his reccollection and such information he can obtain he served in the war of the Revolution as follows - 
In the summer of 1777 He served three months under Captain Warner in Col. Warners Regiment at Bennington Vermont.
In the year 1780 he served three months at West Point in Capt. Bradly's (Bradley) company in Col. Nichols Regiment of the New Hampshire State Troops (as he thinks) and was detained at North Redoubt in the service three months after his term of service expired
In the year 1781 - he served three months under Capt Galusha under Col. Robinson at Castleton Vermont in the Vermont Militia
/s/X his mark William Caldwell
Subscribed and Sworn this 2d day of April 1836
I certify that on the 2nd day of April 1836 The above named William Caldwell personally appeared before me and made Oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit 
/s/Amos Buck Justice 
[margin notes: 8885 8435 20.462]
Page 54

State of New York
Clerks office Lewis County ss I Carlos P Scovil Clerk of Said County do hereby certify that Amos Buck Esquire before whom the within affidavit purports to have been taken was on the day of the date of the Same a Justice of the Peace in & for Said County commissioned & duly authorised to take the Same And further that I well acquainted with the hand writing of Said Justice and verily believe his signature Subscribed to Said affidavit is genuine - 
[county seal affixed] Given under my hand & Seal of Said County this 17th day of June 1836
/s/Carlos P. Scovil Clerk
Page 55

[addressed envelope]
[postmark: MARTINSBURG N. Y. June 17]
[margin notes: Wm Caldwell June 23 N.Y. ]
Free
Hon. James E. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington
Page 56

We the undersigned Inhabitants of the Town of Denmark County of Lewis and State of New York being duly sworn do on oath certify that we have been personally acquainted with William Caldwell for the last six or seven years during which time he has resided in the said Town of Denmark and that he is nearly blind and quite infirm and his mind and memory much impaired and that he is in indigent circumstances that his character is good for truth and veracity and that he always has been respected to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that the small pittane meted out to him by the department was not unworthily bestowed and that the discontinuance of the Same would serve to bring down his grey hairs with Sorrow to the grave
/s/Abner W. Spencer  
/s/Richard Myers 
/s/James H. Monroe Minister of the gospel in Denmark 
/s/Levi Powers
/s/Alpheus Root
/s/Asa S. Hunt
/s/Jacob Horr
/s/William Horr
/s/Chas. Squire
/s/Asa Peirce
/s/Cyrus Macomber
/s/H Blodget
State. N.Y. Co. Lewis & Town of Denmark
I certify that the above named were legally Sworn before me in the month of September 1835
/s/Amos Buck Justice peace
Page 57

This may certify that I am personally acquainted with the men whose names are attached to this instrument & do firmly believe that they have asserted to be the truth. 
Attest /s/Nathanial Dutton.
I have been the Family Physician for Twenty years last past of the within named Wm Caldwell & have not hesitation in Certifying to the within
/s/Gordon P Spencer - 
State of New York
Jefferson County ss on the 22 Day of September 1835 I certify that all the within named and above named were legaly sworn before me I do further certify that the within named are men of good character - 
/s/Aaron Palmer Commissioner of Deeds &c in and for the County of Jefferson - 
I further certify that above named Nathaniel Dutton is a minister of the Gospell and Pastor of the Church in Champion county of Jefferson and a man in good Standing
/s/Aaron Palmer Com of Deeds &c in and for the County of Jefferson - 
Sept'r 22d 1835 - 
[margin note: Omit]
Page 58

We the undersigned Inhabitants of the Town of Champion County of Jefferson and State of New York being duly sworn do on oath certify that we have been personally acquainted with William Caldwell for the last eighteen or twenty years during which time He has resided in said Town of Champion except the last six or seven years and that He is nearly blind and quite infirm and his mind and memory much impaired and that He is in indigent circumstances that his character is good for truth and veracity and that He always has been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that the small pittance meeted out to him by the Department was not unworthily bestowed and that the discontinuance of the same would serve to bring down His grey hairs with sorrow to the grave
/s/James Mix
/s/Asa Carter
/s/Gordon P Spencer
/s/Asa Gates
/s/Elijah Palmer
/s/H. D. Cadwell
/s/Solomon Hopkins
/s/Solomon S. Hopkins
/s/Joel P. Rice
/s/Samuel P. Rice
//Moses Miller
/s/Fanison(?) Waldo
/s/Joseph Morton
Page 59

State of New York
Lewis County } ss. William Caldwell of Denmark in said county being duly sworn doth depose and say that the year 1777. he served in the Vermont Militia under Col. Warner a tour of three months 
That in the year 1780 he served six months in the New Hampshire State Troops or militia he cannot certainly state which. was stationed at West Point N. York.
In 1781. or 1782, he served three months under Col. Robinson in the Vermont Militia.
That this deponent is unable to recollect the names of any of his company officers or any other officers under whom he served other than trade above named and this deponent assigns as reasons for his not being able to recollect his officers. 1st his old age and loss of memory 2d That the first tour of service in 1777 he went from New Hampshire where he resided to see his brother who resided at Bennington Vermont and there entered the service and the officers were strangers to him & he has never served them since the War. and which was likewise the case with the tour of service in 1782-2 - In 1780. ['he was taken from his company' crossed out] after he arrived at West Point N. Y. he was taken from the Company in which he enlisted and placed under
Page 60

a Captain who was a stranger to  him and that the company in which he was attached served as a guard and he does not know to what Regiment he was attached. and the deponent further says that his memory has become much impaired and particularly so within three or four years last past. that he is in indigent circumstances and very infirm and almost entirely blind. & has no means of support that his sole dependence has been on the small pension granted to him by the United States for his Revolutionary services which he hopes may be continued to him for the few remaining days he may stand in need of the same 
/s/X his mark William Caldwell
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 3d day of September 1830 } /s/Z Knox J.P.
I certify that on the 3d day of Sept 1835 William Caldwell personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of same to the truth of the above affidavit & made his mark there to being unable to write in consequence of infirmities of old age. I further certify that in my opinion his mind is very much impared in consequence of the infirmities of old age and that he is in indigent circumstances. 
/s/Z. Knox Justice of the Peace
Page 61

[margin note: omit]
Clerks Office
Lewis Co } ss I certify that Ziba Knox whose name appears annexed as a Justice of the peace was on all the dates mentioned by him as a Justice of the Peace in and for said County dwelling in said County duly commissioned and sworn and further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the Signature "Z. Knox" subscribed within to he his own proper hand writing - 
[county seal affixed] Witness my hand and Seal of said County Sept. 14th 1835. 
/s/Carlos P. Scovil Clerk 
/s/Wm King Jr. Dep'y Clerk
I further certify that I drew the declaration for the beforenamed William Caldwell now on file at the War department & from an examination of the original minutes taken by me before drawing the same and from a conversation with said Caldwell I believe that I made a mistake in drawing said declaration as to the time he served under Colonel Warner, and which owing to the deafness of said Caldwell was not discovered by him. 
/s/Z. Knox J.P.
Page 62

3-2006
OFFICE OF CHIEF CLERK
Job No. 2200  Date July 25, 1925
Subject William Caldwell, Rev. S. 12441 (No.) 1 copies of (no.) 7 pieces consisting of (No.) 13 pages to be forwarded when completed to the Rev. & 1812 Sect Division.
Remarks. see receipt of paymt, in case of Jas. Caldwell R. 1592.
Approved /s/AE Wilson Sect. Chief Div. 
[blank] Chief Clerk.
Page 63

M233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
DEC 10 1923 192[blank]
Chief Rev War Section Division. 
Sir:
I have this day received from Frank S. Osgood Cash ['No.' crossed out] ['for' crossed out] $3.00/100, requesting ['post-office address' crossed out] copy as per letter herewith. 
Copies mailed Dec. 22. 1923 & Finance Div. notf. aw
Respectfully, 
O. J. RANDALL [initials: JJC]
Chief Finance Div.
Page 64

[typewritten letter]
Sioux City, Iowa
Oct. 30, 1931. 
 U. S. Pension Bureau, 
Was. D.C.

My Dear Sir,
Will you please tell me if a pension was granted to William Caldwell who was born probably in England who came to this country in 1766 and was of an age to serve in both the Revolution and the war of 1812 and who died at the age of 101 at Phelps Mills, Jefferson Co., N. Y. If he served in the Rev. it would be from New York State and probably from Jefferson County. He had a son William who may also have served. And sons James and Edward, Samuel and Arthur. I do not know his wifes name. Would appreciate all the information you can give me that would help in further research. Very truly,
Mrs. Wm. Cowell.
2008 Rebecca St.
Sioux City, Ia.
[receipt stamp: RECEIVED JAN 2 1932 RECEIPT SECTION PENSION FILES DIVISION]
[receipt stamp: REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS BUREAU OF PENSIONS JAN 4 1932]
Page 65

Dec. 10. 1923.
Frank S. Osgood
Box 389. Boston, Mass.
wants photostat copies of Rev. War pension claims
3 pages from James Caldwell, S.45625
5  "  "  James Caldwell. R1592
4  "  "  Samuel Caldwell S45662
3  "  "  John Caldwell S44364
5  "  "  Wm. Caldwell S12441
20 pages (not certified)
paid $.00/100
/s/AEWilson REV. WAR SECTION
[receipt stamp: REVOLUTIONARY WAR SECTION DEC 10 1923]
[receipt stamp: FINANCE DIVISION BUREAU OF PENSIONS DEC 10 1923]
Page 66

M6
Request for Photostating
(To be prepared in duplicate) Ex. aw
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job. No. 406 Date Dec. 21. 23 - 
Subject Wm. Caldwell, S12441, Rev. War
(No. 1) 1 copies of (No.) 2 pieces consisting of (No.) 5 pages to be forwarded when completed to the REV. WAR SECTION Division. 
Remarks: [blank]
/s/AEWilson Chief ['Div' crossed out] REV. WAR SECTION
Approved: [blank] Chief Clerk.