Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14313, Thomas Blake, N.H
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(3-1776)
[column headings: SERVICE|[blank]|NUMBER|]
N.H.|Blake, Thomas|W. 14313|
[blank]|Mary|(B.L.Wt. 77-200-Lieut Issued Apr. 1, 1790. No papers|
[end of columns]
CONTENTS
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[verso]
This pension has been increased from $480 to $600 and the Agent so notified March 19, 1844
Let to Hon. R. Choate June 17:46
Papers under the Act of 1832, within, Agt. not'd by Letter. July 25" 44

[recto]
Massachusetts 4951
Mary Blake widow of Thomas Blake Mass who was a Scout & Pay Master in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Six hundred Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of March 1844 and sent to Hon. Rufus Choate Senate U States
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 60
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Hon R. Rush
Sec'y of Treasury
Washington
Revolutionary Claims
Page 4

For the purpose of obtaining the benefits of an Act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers & soldiers of the Army of the Revolution," approved May 15th 1820, I, Thomas Blake of Boston, in the County of Suffolk & State of Massachusetts, do hereby declare, that I was an officer in the Continental Line of the Army of the Revolution, & ['continued in said' crossed out] served, as such, to the close of the war; at which period, I was a Lieutenant & Paymaster in the first Regiment of the New Hampshire Line at one time commanded by Col. Reed & at one time by Col'o Poor 
I also declare, that I afterwards received certificate, commonly called commutation certificates, for a sum equal to the amount of five  years of full pay; which sum was offered by a resolve of Congress of March 22d 1783, instead of the half pay for Life, to which I was entitled by a resolve of Octo'r 25th 1780. 
/s/Thomas Blake.
Before me, Alden Bradford, a Justice of the Peace & Quorum in the County of Suffolk & the State of Massachusetts, personally
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appeared Benjamin Dana and Francis Grees Esqrs. who severally made oath, that Thomas Blake, by whom the foregoing declaration was subscribed, is generally reputed & believed to have been an officer in the Army of the Revolution, in manner as therein stated. 
Witness my hand twelfth day of June A.D. 1828 - /s/Alden Bradford
Note: Messrs. Dana & Green were officers in the Continental Line of the army of the Revolution, & were citizens of Boston, Massachusetts.
/s/Alden Bradford
I Chas. A. Parker, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Suffolk, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certify, that Alden Bradford Esq. above named, is a justice of the Peace & of the quorum & duly qualified to act as such in said County in the State of Massachusetts & duly empowered to administer Oaths.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this twelfth day of June, A.D. 
Attest /s/Chas. A. Parker Clerk
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I conclude there cannot possibly be any need of the certificate of the Clerk, that I am a Justice of Peace &c. as I have sent on one from the Governor of the Commonwealth - 
/s/Alden Bradford
Mr Blake wishes the sum to be paid him for two years, up to 3d of March 1828, sent on to him in Boston, this the Branch Bank, or in such other way, as the Sec'y of the Treasury may choose -
Boston, June 12th 1828 - /s/Thomas Blake
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[blank page]
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 12th 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the dates of the enclosed attestations Lowell M. Stone was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
[seal of the commonwealth affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
/s/Jno. A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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State of Massachusetts 
Suffolk County}ss
I James C. Merrill one of the Justices of the Police Court of the City of Boston the same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been this day exhibited to said Court that Thomas Blake was a pensioner of the United States, at the rate of $320.00 per annum, under the law of 15th of May 1828; - was a resident of the County of Suffolk in the State of Massachusetts, and died in the City of Boston, in the year eighteen hundred & forty, on the sixteenth day of February; - that he left a widow whose name is Mary Blake now living and unmarried in the City of Boston aforesaid
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand at Boston this eleventh day of August AD 1843. 
/s/James C. Merrill Justice of the Police Court of the City of Boston.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss. I Thomas Ponor, Clerk of the Police Court of the City of Boston, within and for the County of Suffolk, do hereby certify that James C. Merrill, Esquire, whose name is herein affixed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of said Police Court - that the signature of the name herein is his proper handwriting and that the said Court is a Court of  Record within said Commonwealth. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the said Court to be hereunto affixed, at Boston, the twelfth day August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three. 
/s/Thomas Ponor, Clerk.
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State of Massachusetts
Suffolk County - }ss
On this seventh day of August 1828 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mrs. Mary Blake a resident of the city of Boston in the County of Suffolk aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following statement and declaration - 
That she is the widow of Thomas Blake late of this city deceased who was an Ensign, Lieut. & Pay Master in the Army of the Revolution and served as follows. He was a native of Massachusetts but at the commencement of the Revolutionary War was at Dartmouth College at Hanover N.H. on the 8th of Nov. 1776, he was commissioned as an Ensign in Capt. John House's Company at the first Battalion of New Hampshire Troops commanded by Col. John Stark and in the spring following (1777) left Lebanon the town adjoining Hanover to join the American Army at Ticonderoga commanded by Gen'l St. Clare. This Commission is signed by John Hancock President of Congress & Chas. Thompson Sec'y and is now in her possession.
On the 16th of June 1779 he received another commission as Ensign in the first New Hampshire Reg't with the rank of second Lieut. from the 12th
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of May 1776, signed by John Jay Pres't of Congress & P. Buell Sec'y of the Board of War which commission is also in my possession.
On the 31st day of October 1781, he was appointed a Lieut. in the same Reg't to rank as such from the 24th of March 1780, which commission is now in my possession and is signed by Thomas McKean Pres't of Congress & Jos. Carleton Sec'y of the Board of War.
On the 24th of August 1779 he was appointed Pay Master of said Reg't which Office he held in addition to the Lieutenancy until after the close of the War receiving pay therefor at the rate of Thirty dollars per month in addition to his pay as Lieut. both amounting to the sum of Fifty six and two third dollars per month as appears by the Pay Rolls, Book, & Accounts current with the M.S. kept by my said husband, all of which are now in my possession. 
Now the object of this declaration being made is to obtain an increased rate of pension on account of the services and ranks of the said Thomas Blake as Pay-Master aforesaid while in the War of the Revolution and which I believe now to be due to me as the widow of said Thomas and which is hereby claimed from the commencement
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of his pension until the 16th of Feb'y 1840, the day of his death. 
She further declares that her said husband was a pensioner under the law of 15th May 1828. at $320. per annum and that she has not intermarried since his decease. 
/s/Mary Blake
Sworn to and subscribed before me the subscriber on the day and year first above written. 
/s/Lowell M. Stone
Justice of the Peace
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I James Blake of the city of Boston in the County of Suffolk of lawful age on oath testify and say that I am the son of Thomas Blake dec'd who was a Lieut. & Pay Master in the Army of the Revolution. I have examined the declaration of my Mother Mary Blake annexed hereto and believe from what I often heard my Mother state during his life time that the facts therein set forth are strictly true. I am knowing to the fact of her having now in her possession a large quantity of receipts, books & other papers relating to the office of Paymaster which he held during the last three or four years of the War. 
The said Thomas Blake was a pensioner under the law of 15th May 1828, at $320 per annum & died on the 16th of Feb'y 1840. since which time the said Mary has not married. 
/s/James Blake
 Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County}ss. Be it known that on this eleventh day of Augst. 1843. personally came James Blake, known to me to be a credible witness, & made oath that the
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within affidavit by him subscribed is true, before me
/s/Lowell M. Stone 
Just. Peace for s'd Co'y
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9418
Mary Blake
Mass'ts
Act 7th July '38
m. 93
admd
2 yrs Lieut & Paymaster
$480 d
Hon. R. Choate
Senate
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 12th 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the within attestations Richard D. Harris and Lowell M. Stone were Justices of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 
[seal of the commonwealth affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
/s/Jno: A Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Page 18

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County}ss.
On this Tenth day of August 1843, personally appeared before the Hon. James C. Merrill one of the Justices of the Police Court in the City of Boston the same being a Court of Record Mrs. Mary Blake a resident of the said City of Boston aged seventy five 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 the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows," - and also of the joint resolution of 16th August 1842, and the decisions founded upon said Acts and Resolution
That she is the Widow of Thomas Blake late of this city deceased who was an Ensign, Lieut., & Pay Master in the the Army of the Revolution and served as follows. On the 8th of Nov. 1776, being then at work as a Carpenter at Dartmouth College, Hanover N.H. he was commissioned as an Ensign in Capt. John House's Co. of the First Battalion of New Hampshire Troops commanded by Col'o John Stark, & in the spring following (1777) left Lebanon the town adjoining Hanover, to join the American Army at Ticonderoga under  command of Gen'l St. Clare. on the 16th of June 1779, he rec'd another commission as Ensign in the first New Hampshire Reg't with the rank of record Lieut. from the 12th of May 1778. - on the 31st of October 1781, he was appointed a Lieut. in the same Reg't to rank as such from the 24th of March 1780. All of the commissions above described are now in are now in her possession and are severally signed by John Hancock, John Jay & Thomas McKean Prest of Congress.
On the 24th of August 1777 he was appointed Pay Master of said Reg't which office he held in addition to his being Lieut. until after the
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close of the War receiving pay therefor at the rate of Thirty Dollars per month in addition to his pay as Lieut. 
She further declares that her said husband was a pensioner under the law of 15th May 1828, at $320 per ann. and would refer to his declaration now on file in the War Dept. for proof & confirmation of the facts above recited. 
And the declarant further alleges that she was married to the said Thomas Blake on the nineteenth day of February seventeen hundred & ninety three; that her husband, the said Thomas Blake died on the sixteenth day of February eighteen hundred & forty; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated, and that since his decease she has not intermarried but still continues a widow. 
/s/Mary Blake
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me - and I further certify that from bodily infirmity the applicant is unable to appear personally in open court. 
/s/James C. Merrill Justice of The Police Court of The City of Boston
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk, ss. 
I Thomas Ponor, Clerk of the Police Court of the City of Boston within and for the County of Suffolk, do hereby certify that James C. Merrill, Esquire, whose name is herein affixed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Police Court of the City of Boston, within and for the County of Suffolk, - that the signature of his name herein is his proper handwriting, and that the said Court is a Court of Record within said Commonwealth - 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the said Court to be hereto affixed, at Boston, this eleventh day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three. 
/s/Thomas Ponor Clerk.
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Commonwealth of the Massachusetts 
City of Boston August 5, 1843. 
I the subscriber do hereby certify, that it appears by the  registry of marriages viz, Thomas Blake and Mary Barnard married by Rev'd Samuel West nineteenth day of February A.D. one thousand seven hundred and ninety three that it is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures as follows "Thomas Blake & Mary Barnard married by Rev'd Samuel West 19 Feb'y 1793"
/s/Samuel F. McCleary, City Clerk 
I Samuel F. McCleary above named depose & say, that I hold the office of City Clerk of the City of Boston in the County of Suffolk and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of marriages in said Boston with the exception above named, as certified by me. 
/s/Samuel F. McCleary, City Clerk. 
Suffolk ss. Boston Aug 5, 1843 The above named Samuel F. McCleary personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed 
Before me [illegible signature] Just. Peace
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I James Blake of the city of Boston of lawful age on oath, testify and say, that Mary Blake the applicant named in the declaration hereto annexed is my mother. She is the widow of Thomas Blake late of said City ['deceased and' crossed out] who died on the 16th day of Feb'y 1840. since which time she has not been married.
My Father the said Thomas Blake was a Lieut. & Pay master in the First New Hampshire Reg't and for his services as a Lieutenant was pensioned under the law of 15th May 1828, at $320 per annum. 
I used often to hear him relate his services in the Army of the Revolution and from other knowledge derived from his books and accounts which he kept at the time and which I have recently examined and know to be in his hand writing I verily believe the statements made in the annexed declaration are strictly true. 
And further say not
/s/James Blake
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County} ss. On this 11th day of August A.D. 1843, Personally came James Blake, know to me as a credible witness & made oath that the within affidavit by him subscribed is true. 
Before me /s/Lowell M. Stone Just. Peace.
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V No 9418
Mary Blake Mass'tts 
Suspended
let to S. M. Stone Oct. 11. 1843
  "  to Hon. R. Choate 20th Nov'r 1843. 
  "  "  Hon. R. Choate Jan. 22nd 1844
Act July 7 38
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[verso]
This Pension has been increased from $480 to 600 per annum Agent so infirmed 19th March 1844

[recto]
Massachusetts 8046. 
Mary Blake widow of Thomas Blake who was a pensioner under the Act of 1828 and who died on the 16th February 1840 of Suffolk Co in the State of Mass. who was a Lieut & Pay Master in the company commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Massachusetts line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 600 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 
Increased from $480. - 
Certificate of Pension issued the 19th day of March 1844 and sent  to Honl. Rufus Choate, Senate U. States
Total amount, $600.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Geo C. Ames Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 53
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[verso]
rep. 25 July '44

[recto]
32.175
Massachusetts
Thomas Blake Dec'd of Suffolk in the State of Mass'a who was a Lft & PM in the Co commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Mass.a line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass'a at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & end'g 16 Feb. 1840 when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of July 1844 and Sent to Hon Rufus Choate, Boston Mass'a
Arrears to the 4th of [blank] [blank]
Semi=anl. allowance ending [blank] [blank]
Deduct at the rate of $320 pr ann under 15 May 1828
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by F. L. Swann Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2 Page 44
Pay to Mary Blake his widow.
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[verso]
Rep. 30, Jan '44

[recto]
8046
Massachusetts 
Mary Blake widow of Thomas Blake, who was a pensioner under the Act of 1828 and who died on the 16th Feby. 1840 of Suffolk Co. in the State of Massach" who was a Lt. & Pay'm in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg't commanded by [blank] in the Revolution line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 480 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of January 1844 and sent to Hon'ble Rufus Choate U.S. Senate
Total  amount, $2400.00
[Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by F. L. Swann Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 53.
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[verso]
Revy WIDOW, &c. [initials: own]
File No. 14313
Mary Blake widow of Thomas Blake Lieut Rev War
Act: March 3d 43
Index: - Vol. A, Page 67
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[recto]
1909 Feb. 9. Receipt Book of Thos. Blake sent to Library of Congress.
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Act 1828
Settled at Treasury 
Cons'd with O.W. d'd Wid 
File #14.313.
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113
Commission in favor of Thos. Blake as Lieutenant 1st N. Hampshire Reg't to rank from 24th March 1780 and dated 31 October 1781.
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[verso]
Rep 17 Feb 44

[recto]
21951
Massachusetts
Mary Blake widow of Thomas Blake who was a Lt. & Pay'm in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Feby. 1844 and sent to Thomas Bulfinch Boston, Mass's
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 60
Page 32

35742 
Thos. Blake dec'd 
Mass.
act 7. June 32 
2 yrs Lt. & Pay M'r
600 from 4 March 31 to Feby '40 the day of his death deducting what has been paid him within those dates under act of 15 May '28 - 
To Mary Blake his widow. 
Hon Rufus Choate Boston Mass-
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County}ss

On this Eighteenth day of October 1843, personally appeared before the Hon. James C. Merrill one of the Justices of the Police Court now sitting in the City of Boston, the same being a Court of Record, Mrs. Mary Blake a resident of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy five 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 Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That she is the widow of Thomas Blake who was an Ensign, Lieut. & Pay Master in the Army of the Revolution and served as follows, He was a native of Massachusetts but at the commencement of the Revolutionary War was employed as a Carpenter at Dartmouth College Hanover N.H. & on the 8th of November 1776, was commissioned as an Ensign in Capt. John House's Co. of the 1st Battalion of New Hampshire Troops commanded by Col. John Stark, & in the spring following (1777) left Lebanon the town adjoining Hanover, to join the Army at Ticonderoga under command of Gen'l St. Clare. 
This commission is signed by John Hancock Pres't of
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Congress & Chas. Thomson Sec'y & is now in her possession.
On the 16th of June 1779, he rec'd another commission as Ensign in the 1st New Hampshire Reg't with the rank of second Lieut. from the 12th of May 1778, signed by John Jay Pres't of Congress & P. Buell Sec'y of the Board of War which commission is also in her possession. 
On the 31st of October 1781, he was appointed a Lieut. in the same Reg't to rank as such from the 24th of March 1780, which commission she still retains in her possession & is signed by Thomas McKean Pres't & Jos. Carleton Sec'y.
On the 24th of August 1779 he was appointed Pay Master of said Reg't which office he held in addition to the Lieutenancy until after the close of the War receiving pay therefor at the rate of Thirty Dollars per month in addition to his pay as Lieut. both together amounting to the sum of Fifty Six and two third dollars per month. 
And this declarant further alleges that she is now the widow of said Thomas Blake; that he died on the 16th day of Feb'y 1840; that he was a pensioner under the law of 15th May 1828, at $320. per annum payable at the Boston Agency and that he was not to her knowledge ever pensioned under any other law of Congress and that her name is not now upon the Pension Roll of any Agency in
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston October 18th 1843
I hereby Certify, That James C. Merrill is a Justice of the Police Court of the City of Boston, County of Suffolk in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 
[seal of the commonwealth affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
/s/Jno. A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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any State
/s/Mary Blake
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written at the house of the applicant she being unable from bodily infirmity to attend personally in open Court - 
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, that Thomas Blake the husband of the aforementioned applicant was an Office & Pay Master in the Army of the Revolution and served as she states. 
/s/James C. Merrill Justice of the Police Court of the City of Boston.
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County }ss.
Be it known that on this seventh day of February 1844 personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and Commonwealth Mrs. Mary Blake a resident of Boston in the County of Suffolk aged seventy seven 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 on the 3rd day of March 1843 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the Widow of Thomas Blake dec'd who was a Lieutenant & Paymaster in the Army of the Revolution and served as she verily believes as stated by his in her original declaration for a Pension under the Law of the 7th July 1838 to which declaration and the papers accompanying the same now on file in the War Department she would refer for a more particular statement of his services for the proof of her  marriage identity and the time of her Husband's death. 
She further declares that she was pensioned under said Act at the rate of Four Hundred & Eighty Dollars per annum which amount she has received from the 4th of March 1836 to the 4th of March 1841 at the Agency in Boston, Massachusetts and at the time of her receiving her last payment surrendered the Pension Certificate granted to her under said Act to the Pension Agent at the said City of Boston agreeably to the Rules of the Department. 
And this declarant further alleges that she has not intermarried since the decease of her said Husband but is now and ever since has been the Widow of said Thomas Blake - deceased as will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed. 
And further she saith not
/s/Mary Blake
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Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year first within written and I certify that the applicant is personally known to me to be the person within described
Before me /s/Lowell M. Stone Justice of the Peace
I Otis Everett Jr. of Boston in the County of Suffolk of lawful age on oath testify and say that I ['am' crossed out] have been acquainted with Mrs. Mary Blake the applicant named in the within declaration for many years last past. I know that she was the wife and is now the Widow of Thomas Blake deceased who was reputed to have been an Officer in the Revolutionary War and that she was a Pensioner under the Law of 7th July 1838 as stated by her. 
/s/Otis Everett Jr. 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk County}ss. Feby 7. 1834, 
Then came Otis Everett Jr. who is known to me to be a credible witness and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is strictly true.
Before me /s/Lowell M. Stone Justice of the Peace
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston February 7 1844. 
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Lowell M. Stone was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 
[seal of the Commonwealth affixed] In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
/s/John G. Palfrey, Secretary of the Commonwealth
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[handwritten letter]
Boston 11th Oct 1843. 

Sir
Be pleased to file the enclosed certificate of the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire with the application of Mrs. Mary Blake for an increase of pension forwarded to The Department on the 12th of August last. 
I am, very respectfully, Your Ob't Svt.
/s/L. M. Stone
J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.}
Page 41

Mary Blake
Mass. 
act 7. July 38
increase
2 yrs Lt. & Pay Master
$600. deduct what has been paid under said act
also $600. under Act of 3rd March 43 - deducting what was paid under said act
Hon. Rufus Choate Senate
Page 42

[handwritten letter]
(Duplicate)
Boston 2nd Jun. 1843. 

Dear Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 30th ulto, relative to the case of Mary Blake. The additional evidence required was forwarded on the 11th & 20th of October. Mrs. Blake also wishes me to forward the enclosed book of original Receipts in furtherance of the claim.
Your attention to this case would oblige me 
I have the honor to be very respectfully Your Obt. Serv't
(signed) Rufus Choate
Jas. L. Edwards Esqr
Com'r of Pensions
Washington D.C.}
Page 43

[handwritten letter]
Boston, 20th Oct. 1843. 

Sir,
In compliance with your letter of the 11th inst. I herewith enclose a second declaration of Mrs. Mary Blake under the law of 7th June 1832. in aid of her claim for arrears of pension on account of the services of her husband, Thomas Blake as Pay Master and also a certificate from the Secretary of the State of New Hampshire. 
The original papers were forwarded on the 12th of August last. The applicant is desirous and would respectfully request as early an attention to the case as the convenience of the Department will permit. 
I am, very respectfully, your Obt. Svt. 
/s/L. M. Stone
Page 44

[handwritten letter]
Boston, Feb. 10, 1844. 

Sir,
I  enclose sundry affidavits for pensions under the late law of 3d March last. Please transmit the Certificate to me as usual. 
Your obed. Serv't
/s/Thos Bulfinch
James L. Edwards Esq
Com. Pensions &c
Washington.
Page 45

[handwritten letter]
To Mr. Edwards Commissioner. - 

Dear Sir 
May I call your attention to the within & respectfully request you to inform me, the exact state, & prospects of the case referred to. It will give me pleasure to hear at your earliest practicable convenience - 
I am resp'y sir Your obt Serv't
/s/Rufus Choate 
10 June 1844
Page 46

[handwritten letter]
Boston. 8th June 1844

Dear Sir,
I trust you will excuse the liberty I take in again addressing you in regard to the claim of Mrs. Mary Blake for arrears of pension due her husband at the time of his death. We are desirous if possible of having the matter adjusted before the adjournment of Congress. In my letter to your of the 25th of April last the merits of the case were stated in detail agreeably to your request. Can anything further be done?
I have the honor to be very Resp'y & Truly Yrs. 
/s/L. M. Stone
Page 47

[handwritten letter]
Boston, Nov. 9th 1843. 

Dear Sir,
I am requested by Mr. James Blake of this City a respectable constituent to write you in behalf of the application of his Mother, Mary Blake for a pension under the law of 1838. forwarded sometime in the month of August last. I should deem it a favor if the papers in her case could be attended to at the earliest convenience of the Department. 
R. Choate Signature
[margin note: Found mutilated when opened by me Feb. 27, 1911 S.C.A.]
Page 48

26  
Ensign Thomas Blake Ds
[6 untitled columns]
[blank]|[blank]|to the Ballance Cloathing sold by Leigh|38.|3|9|
[blank]|[blank]|to ditto - Wine &c by do|6.|10.| - |
1780 Mar|18||to an order on Treasurer for £168 paid to Merrit|4.|4.| - |
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by the Continent in 1777 £36.0 ditto in 78 £14.12|50|12| - |
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by ditto in 1779  £6.1.2|6.|1.|2.|
1782 Octo|23|Gave him a Certificate|175.|5.|1
[blank]|blank]| £|280|16| - |
[blank]|blank]|Sundrys dld pr Mr Bass in 1780 £16.1.11.|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by the Continent 3 Mo pay old Emission orig 1780 £51. equal to} 17.11| £|[blank]|[blank]|Gave him a Certificate 187.2.|204.|0.| - |
1782 Nov|23|Paid by the Continent  £0.12.7 Gave him a Certificate 11.19.5}|12.|12.| - |
[blank]|1781|Sundries dld pr Maj Bass 13.11.10|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|[blank]|ditto - dld pr Jedediah Jewett 9.0.9|22|12|7|
[blank]|1782|Linnen dld pr Board War|6.|2.|6|
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by James Blanchard pr Rect|34.| - | - |
1781 Mar 5th|[blank]|67 New Dollars pro'd by Jewett - 10.14.5|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
May 4|[blank]|67 ditto - by ditto 8.9|18.|15.|2|
1784 June|21|Gave him a Certificate £|123|18|6|
(total) £205.8.9
[end of columns]
Secretary of State's Office of New Hampshire
I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the State aforesaid do hereby certify the foregoing to be a  true copy of the whole of said original, the same having been examined & compared by me. The original may be found in a Ledger entitled "Cilley's N.H. Regiment" page 20. of the Records returned to this Office from the War Office Jan'y A.D. 1841.
[seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said State. this 18th day of October A.D. 1843
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of State
Page 49

Contra Cn
[5 untitled columns]
Engaged Nov 8 1776|By 12 Months in 1777 - 72.0.0|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
|[blank]|By 12 Month in 1778 - 87.12. - |[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|[blank]|By 12 Months in 1779 - 96.-.- |255|12| - |
May 11.1778|promoted to Lieut Pay Master Augt 25, 1779}|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|By additional Pay 4 Mo. 6 Days in 1779 a £6/|25.|4.|[blank]|
[blank]|[blank]|280|16| - |
[blank]|{By 12 Months in 1780 Lieut. pay @ £8-96.00|£|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|{By 12 Mo Pay - Paymaster 9 108.0.0|204| - | - |
[blank]|By additional Wages as Cloathier in the year 1779 by Resolve of Congress Jan'y 12, 1781}|12.|12| - |
[blank]|By 12 Months in 1781 @ £17|204.| - | - |
[blank]|By paying John Williams 12 Dollars 80/90 new emission|1.|8|9|
(total) £202.8.9
[end of columns]
[transcription of this certification on page 48]
Page 50

[handwritten letter]
Boston 12th Augst. 1843. 

Sir, 
I have the honor to transmit herewith applications of Mrs. Mary Blake of this city for an increase of pension on account of the services of her husband as Pay-Master of the 1st New Hamp. Reg't, also for a pension under the law of 7th July 1838. I should deem it a personal favor if the application first named could receive the early attention of the Department. I would also add that Mrs. Blake has in her possession the account Books & numerous other papers showing the office her husband held, certified copies of which, or the originals will be forwarded if desired. 
I am, very resp'y Yr. Obt/ Svt
/s/Lowell M. Stone
Page 51

[handwritten letter]
Boston, Dec. 2d, 1843. 

Dear Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th ult'o relative to the case of Mary Blake. The additional evidence required was forwarded on the 11th & 12th of October. Mrs. Blake also wishes me to forward the enclosed book of original Receipts in furtherance of the claim. [margin note: Book of Receipts sent to Library of Congress Feb. 9. 1909]
Your attention to this case would oblige me. 
I have the honor to be very Respectfully, Your Obt. Svt.
/s/Rufus Choate
James L. Edwards Esq.
Com'r of Pensions
Washington}
Page 52

20 
Ensign Thomas Blake  D'c
[6 untitled columns]
[blank]|[blank]|to the Ballence of Cloathing dld. by Leigh|38.|3.|9|
[blank]|[blank]|to ditto Wine &c by do|6.|10.| - |
1780|Mar.18|to an order on Treasurer for £168. paid to Morril|4.|4.| - |
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by the Continent in 1777 £36.0| " | " |[blank]|
[blank]|[blank]|ditto in 78 £14.12}|50|12| - |
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by ditto in 1779 £6.12|6.|1.|2.|
1782|Oct'o 23|Gave him a Certificate|175|5.|1. 
[blank]|[blank]|Sundries dld. pr Mr. Bass in 1780 £16.1.11 Paid by the Continent 3 Mo pay old Emision Aug 1780 £51 equal to} 0.17.11|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
1782|Nov'r 23|Gave him a certificate 178.0.2|204.|0.| - |
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by the Continent - £0.12.7|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
1782|Nov'r 23|Gave him a Certificate - 11.19.5}|12.|12.| - |
[blank]|1781|Sundries dld pr Maj Bass - 13.11.10|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|[blank]|ditto dld pr Jedidiah Jewett - 9.0.9|22.|12.|7|
[blank]|1782|Linnen dld pr board War|6.|2.|6|
[blank]|[blank]|Paid by James Blanchard pr Rec't|34| " | " |
1781 to|Mar 5|67 New Dollars paid by Jewett - 10.14.5|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
May 4|[blank]|67 ditto. - by ditto - 8.9|18.|15.|2|
1784|June 21 Gave him a Certificate|123|18|6|
(total) £205.8.9
[end of columns]
Secretary of State's Office of New Hampshire
I, Thomas P. Treadwell, Secretary of the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the original accounts, the same having been examined & compared by me. The original may be found in a Ledger entitled "Cilley's N.H. Regiment" page 40. of the Records returned to this Office from the War Office Jan'y A.D. 1841.
[seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said State. this 18th day of September A.D. 1843.
/s/Thomas P. Treadwell Secretary of State
Page 53

Contra C'n
[5 untitled columns]
Engag'd|By 12 Months in 1777 - 72.0.0|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
Nov. 8. 1776|By 12 Months in 1778 - 87.12.-|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|By 12 Months in 1779 - 96.".- |255|12| - |
May 11, 1778|promoted to a Lieut.|[blank]|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|Pay Master Augt. 25. 1779 By additional Pay 4 mo 6 Days in 1779 @ £6/}|25.|4.| - |
[blank]|[blank]|280|16| - |
[blank]|{By 12 Months in 1780 Lieuts pay 8£.96.0.0|£|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank]|{By 12 Mo pay - Paymaster 9. 108.0.0|204|[blank]|[blank]|
[blank] By additional Wages as Clothier in the Year 1779 by Resolve of Congress Jany. 12, 1781}|12.|12.| - |
[blank]|By 12 Months in 1781 @17£ - |204| " | - |
[blank]|By paying John William 12 Dollars 80/90 new emission|1.|8.|9|
[end of columns]
[transcription of this certification on page 52]
Page 54

[handwritten letter]
Senate Chamber.
13 Feb.

Dear Sir,
I have had some little correspondence with the Pension office with the friends of Mrs. Mary Blake respecting her case, & beg to bring it once more to your notice. The enclosed is a copy of a letter sent you at this date; & from a Certificate having since been sent I presume the book was received. 
A single difficulty remains. The proof is supposed to show that the deceased had 2 diff't offices at once; that of Lieut. at ['96' crossed out] 26.66 2/3 - & of Paymaster at $30 = $56.66 2/3 - & his widow is allowed however $300 only per annum. 
Had [illegible] she ought to have $600? Will you please apprise me of your views; &
Page 55

[handwritten letter continued]
if it ought to be so, to correct it
Very truly yrs
/s/Rufus Choate 
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm'r Pensions W.D.C.
Page 56

No. of orig Pag 105
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 5 July 1828. 
Thomas Blake of Boston in the County of Suffolk in the State of Massachusetts has applied to the Secretary of the Treasury for the benefits of the act, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the army of the Revolution," approved on the 15th of May, 1828. He states that he was an officer on the Continental line, and served as such to the end of the war, at which period he was Lieutenant in the first regiment of the New Hampshire line; and that he received commutation certificates for the five years full pay granted by the resolve of 22 March, 1783; and, further, that he has received as a pensioner since the 3d of March, 1826, nothing. ['dollars, paid to him by the agent in the State of [blank]' crossed out
The Third Auditor is requested to report how far these several statements are corroborated by the records in his office. 
By order of the Secretary, 
/s/Arbury Dinkins 
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE. July 7, 1828
It appears by the records in this office, that final settlement certificates have been issued for the commutation of five years full pay to Thomas Blake Lt. in the New Hampshire line, amounting to sixteen hundred dollars. 
It further appears that Thomas Blake is not now on the pension list of ['the' crossed out] any agency, and has not been since the 3d. March 1826 ['at the rate of [blank] per month.' crossed out]
/s/Peter Hagner Aud