Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13355, Silas Hoadley, Conn. Privateer
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(3--1776)
SERVICE
Conn.
Privateer

Hoadley, Silas

NUMBER
S.13355

CONTENTS|||||||||||||||||||||||Carded

_____________________________________
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No. 11.917

Pennsylvania

Silas Hoadley 

, in the State of Penn. who was a Private in the
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State of Pennsylvania
Wayne County} Ss.
On this Twenty seventh day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before Moses Thomas and Isaac Demmick Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County now sitting Silas Hoadle a resident of Canaan Township in the County of Wayne & State of Pennsylvania aged seventy five 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 7th June 1832 That he enlisted the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated he volunteered with a company of Militia about the first of August 1776 at Waterbury Newhaven County State of Connecticut for a tour of two months as a private under Captain Bronson and a Lieutenant of the name of Blakely and attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Baldwin We marched for New York passing through Newtown Danbury Reading Horse Neck - whilst he was laying at New York the enemy took possession of Longisland and New York he served out his term of two months and returned to Waterbury his place of residence. that he remained at home about two weeks when he was drafted for two months at Waterbury in the County & State aforesaid the name of his Captain he does not recollect but he recollects that his Lieutenants name was Blakely he with the company was ordered and marched to Horse neck in the State of New York passing through Newtown Danbury Reading & Stamford, soon after his arrival at Horse neck he was ordered to proceed on to New Jersey to guard a drove of cattle and went to near Philadelphia crossing the North Run at Kings Ferry. After his return to Horse neck the main body of Troops stationed there marched with the intention of routing the enemy then stationed at Kingsbridge before the arrival at the place of destination he was ordered back to Horseneck where he remained until his term of service expired - he thinkes that General Worster had the command - he was dismissed at Horse neck 15th December 1776 and returned home to Waterbury having served as a private a tour of two months
That in March 1777 he was again drafted at Waterbury County & State aforesaid for two months and served as a private under Captain Camp the Ensigns name was Beach and he was ordered on to the Fish Kills in the State of New York passing through Newton Danbury and Southeast soon after his arrival at Fishkills he with others was ordered on to a place called Greenspond where they dug up Hogsheads of ham - Barrels of Beefs tongue and some firkins of
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Butter which were there buried by the Tories as it was said he was left there some days to guard these provisions when he returned back to Fish Kills and joined his Company. he was then marched with his company and the continentals there stationed and he believes under the command of General McDugal to head the enemy who were on their march toward Danbury in Connecticut - we on one knight marched about thirty miles but were unable to get round the enemy who went on to Danbury and burnt that Town he then returned to Fishkills where he remained untill his tour of two months expired when he was dismissed and returned home from whence he moved to Branford in the County and State aforesaid in the Fall of the year of 1777-
That in the month of July 1778 he entered as a private marine on Board the Brig called the New Broom mounting eighteen Guns with one hundred and four men for to go a Privateering against the enemy - he entered at New London under the command of Captn. Israel Bishop he sailed out of New London and in Eight weeks he was taken prisoners by two England Ship and carried on board of an English Fleet & kept there for some time, they then put into shore at Rhode Island and landed and confined us in prison where we remained untill exchanged which was in December making at least five months service
That in the month of April 1779 he enlisted as a volunteer in the Militia as a private for three months under Captain Samuel Hoadly at Branford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut and was stationed at Stony Creek in said County and served out his tour of three months and was dismissed
That in the month of May 1780 he enlisted & entered on board of a boat as a marine that was commissioned to cruise and guard the shores, as the enemy was stationed at Thimble Island and frequently came out and took over coastery vessels and frequently landed and committed depredations on shore - he Enlisted at Branford in the State of Connecticut as a private or marine and served on board under the command of Captain Eli Rogers - and served a tour of three months during this term of service they cruised in Long Island sound and occasionally landed on Long Island then in possession of the English after his term of service expired he returned home to Branford
That about the first of June 1781 he enlisted at Branford in the County and State aforesaid and entered on board of a boat as a private or marine
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commanded by Captain James Seymour on a cruising expedition of three months we went over into what was called South Bay on the South side of Long Island part of the way we carried the boat over by land - the object was to take some English vessels laying in South Bay but they had got notice of our approach and put out to sea we then attempted to return and on our return with others [illegible] and carried into New York In this cruise then [illegible] five boats in company all of which were taken possession of by the enemy and in the skirmish some of our men were killed and some wounded - he with the other prisoners were kept in the sugar house prison in New York untill he was exchanged - he served in this tour at least three months and when exchanged returned home to Branford
That he further states that in September 1781 immediately on his return home after the tour of duty above named he entered and enlisted at Branford on Board of a Boat as a private or marine in the service of the United States under the command of Capt. Daniel Jones for four months we cruised in Long Island sound we landed our boat at what was called Mount Misery on the North side of Long Island and our boats crew crossed the island to South Bay where we took from the English a sloop and a schooner one was called the sloop Fly of the bay the schooner was retaken by the English and the sloop we took into Rhode Island I served out the tour of four months and was dismissed and returned home
The applicant further states that about the time that New Haven and East Haven was plundered by the English he volunteered on several occasions but under no regular draft or enlistment That on one of those occasions he was taken prisoner put on board of one of the enemies boats and forced to go with them and to assist in taking one of the American Coastery vessels
That he has no documentary evidence of his service, That he does not recollect to have received a written discharge in any case and That he knows of no persons whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except that of Jesse Johnson and Asa Hoadly & Abraham Frisby whose depositions are hereto annexed the declarant further states that he was born in Branford in the State of Connecticut on the 14th March AD 1757 and resided in that State untill the year 1814 when he removed to Canaan in the County of Wayne and State of Pennsylvania where he has resided ever since He hereby relinquishes every
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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
[signed] Silas Hoadley
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
[signed] Geo B Wescott Prothy

We William M Griffing a clergyman residing in Canaan Township Wayne County and Samuel Rogers residing in the same Township hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Silas Hoadly who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration the we believe him to seventy 
five years of age That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
[signed] Wm M Griffing
[signed] Samuel Rogers
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
[signed] Geo B Wescott Test

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigating of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary solder and served as he states And the court further certifies that it appears to hem that William M. Griffen who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Township of Canaan Wayne County and that Samuel Rogers who has also signed the same is resident in Canaan Township Wayne County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
[signed] Moses Thomas
[signed] Isaac Dimmick
Judges of the Court of Com Pleas for Wayne Coy. Pa.

Pennsylvania Wayne County Ss.
I George B Wescott Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Wayne do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Silas Hoadly for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal of Office this Twenty seventh day of November Eighteen hundred & thirty two
[signed] GB Wescott
Prothonotary
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Silas Hoadley
19969
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State of Connecticut
County of New Haven
Waterbury October 12 1832

Be it remembered that on the day & year aforesaid before me Joel Hinman Esq. Justice of the Peace within & for [aforesaid] County duly commissioned & sworn personally appeared Jesse Johnson of Southington in Hartford County to me personally known who is a credible witness & being first duly sworn on oath declares & says tat

The Deponent is Seventy six years old ins a native of Waterbury aforesaid & has resided therein untill the three years now last past during which time he has resided in [aforesaid] Southington that from his boyhood he has been acquainted with Silas Hoadley formerly of Waterbury now of Wayne County Pennsylvania--he is a few months older than said Hoadley and he knows that said Hoadey during the Revolutionary War in the year 1776 turned out with the rest of the Militia and went to New York as it was then currently reported and believed in the neighbourhood where [aforesaid] Hoadley resided and this deponent does not doubt that he did go to New York as he saw him with others start to go-and he knows he was absent some time thereafter-and when he came home he was reported to have been in the service how long he was out on this door the deponent does not remember
 The deponent also remembers that after he came home he was drafted into
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the service on a tour of duty at Norwalk and went and as the deponent supposes did duty then as he was absent during two or three months the deponent cannot remember which. The next year being 1777 & the same year that Burgoyne was taken said Hoadley was again drafted into the service and taken as he then heart it reported & as he believes to Fishkill in the State of New York a brother of the Deponent was drafted at the same time & the [aforesaid] Hoadley & the Deponents brother went & returned together in this last tour of duty he thinks they were about about two months the last time but cannot remember about the time particularly 
Soon after he came home from this last tour of duty he removed Branford in New Haven County Connecticut. and this deponent knows that when said Hoadley resided in said Waterbury he sustained a fair character & was a reputable man
Jesse Johnson
 Sworn & Subscribed the Day & year Aforesaid Before me
Joel Hinman Justice of the Peace
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State of Connecticut
County of New Haven
Waterbury
Oct 12 1832

Be it remembered that on the day & year aforesaid before me Joel Hinman Esq. Justice of the Peace for [aforesaid] County duly commissioned & sworn Asa Hoadley of Waterbury aforesaid to me personally known to be a respectable man & credible witness & on oath declares & says That he is Seventy years old & is a brother of Silas Hoadley now residing in Wayne County Pennsylvania that his brother Silas is Six years older than the deponent that the Deponent & his brother Silas & his Father & family moved from Branford in [aforesaid] New Haven County when the Deponent was Seven years old & settled in Waterbury where the Deponent has ever since resided. That in the year 1776 the Deponent knows that his [aforesaid] Brother Silas turned out and did military service in the war of the Revolution took a tour of New York about the time New York was taken after he came home he was drafted a tour of duty & went to
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again & I remained in Waterbury I remember to have heard of his going into the service again after he went to Branford & of his going a privateering and of his being taken by the enemy but of this the deponent has no personal knowledge
Asa Hoadley
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me
Joel Hinman Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut County of New Haven for New Haven Oct. 18th AD 1832 I Jno. Beach Clerk of the County Court [caret] in and for said County & keeper of the Records [illegible] thereof Certify that Joel Hinman Esq. whose name is above & foregoing written, to the foregoing affidavits indisputably is and was on the 12th day of October 1832 a Justice of the Peace in the said New Haven County duly qualified to administer Oaths & that his name as above written is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affix the seal of said County Court
the day & date above written
Attest Jno. Beach Clerk
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Staet of Pennsylvania
Wayne County
ss.

On this twenty seventh day of November Eighteen hundred and thirty two before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for Wayne County personally came Abraham Frisbie of Canaan in Wayne County, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is Seventy years of age that he was born in Branford New Have County and State of Connecticut where he resided until the year 1817 when he removed to Canaan Township Wayne County where he now resides that he has been well acquainted with Silas Hoadly who is applying for a pension since he was a boy they was brought up together in the same neighbourhood and lived neighbours to each other untill Silas Hoadly noved into Canaan Wayne County Penn. which was about the year 1814 & that since this deponent has resided in Pennsylvania he has known him well and lived within a few miles of the said Silas Hoadly. he knowing of the said Silas Hoadly entering into the United Service in July 1778 on board the brig New Broom as a Marine which said Brig was commanded by Captain Bishop, a number of his neighbours entered on board at the same time, they sailed out of New London he was absent five or six months when he returned, It was understood and always believed that he had been in the service of the United States and that during the time, he had been taken prisoner and detained as a prisoner a considerable length of [caret] this time he was absent
That in the year 1781 the said Silas Hoadly entered into the Service of the United States as a Marine on board of a boat commanded by Captain James Seymour in an expedition to South Bay--he was absent about three months--it was generally understood at the time and believed that during that three months he was in the Revolutionary War--and that he had been taken prisoner by the English, carried to New York and confined sometime in what was called the Sugar House prison
That in the latter part of the same year he further states that the said Silas Hoadly entered again into the service of the United States at Branford in the State of Connecticut as a marine on board of a boat commanded by Captain Daniel Long that the deponent went with him and saw him with the rest of the crew land at Mount Misery on Long Island when the deponent left them and returned to Branford--the said Silas with the rest of the
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the crew returned and brought the Sloop Fly which they had taken in their cruise he went out several times and after about four months he returned to Branford
he further States that in the Spring of 1779 the said Silas Hadley enlisted three months as a private in the Revolutionary War in a company commanded by Samuel Hoadly, that the deponent enlisted and served in the same company for the same length of time, we were stationed at Stony creek in the county of New Haven. the same Silas enlisted at Branford in the State of Connecticut and further saith not 
Abraham Frisbie
Sworn and subscribed before
me this 27th day of Nov. 1832
and I do certify that the said
Abraham Frisbee is a credible
witness
Thos Spangenberg JP

Pennsylvania
Wayne County
ss.
I George B Wescott Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County do certify that Thomas Spangenberg Esquire is an acting justice of the peace of said County and that his signature above attached is genuine,
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this Twenty Seventh day of November AD 1832
GBWescott Clerk
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Sate of Pennsylvania
Wayne County
On thsi twenty seventh day of November Eighteen Hundred and thirty two before me the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in and for Wayne County personally came Abraham Frisbie of Canaan in Wayne County who being duly sworn according to law disposeth and saith that he is seventy years of age that he was born in Bumford New Haven County and State of Connecticut when he resided until the year 1817 when he removed to Canaan Township Wayne County when he now resides that he has been well acquainted with Silas Hoadley who is applying for a pension since h was a boy  they was brought up together in the same neighborhood and lived nearabouts each other until Silas Hoadly moved into Canaan Wayne County Penn.a which was about the year 1824 & that since this deponent has resided in Pennsylvania he has known him will and her written a few miles of the said Silas Hoadly. He knowing of the said Silas Hodaly entering into the militia service in July 1778 on board the Borg new bison as a marine which since Borg was commanded by Captain Bishop a number of his neighbors entered on board at the same time, they headed out of new London he was absent five or six months when he returned. It was understood and always believed that he had been in the service of the United States and that during the time he had been taken prisoner and detained as a prisoner and considerable tenth of the time he was absent. 
That in the year 1781 that since Silas Hoadly entered into the service of the United States as a marine and board of a boat commanded by Captain James  Simpson in an expedition to South Bay - he was absent about three months - It was generally understood at the time and believed that during that three months he was in the revolutionary war and that he has been taken prisoner by the English, carried to New York and confined sometime in what was called the Sugar house prison. 
That in the latter part of the same year he further states that the said Silas Hoadly entered again inot the service of the United States at the Branford in the State of Connecticut as a marine on board of a boat commanded by Captain Daniel Long. That his deponent went with him once saw him with the rest of the crew and at Mount Misery on Long Island when the deponent left them and returned to Brandford. The said Silad with the rest of the...
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...again & I remained in North [gutry] I remembered to have heard of his going into the marine again after he went to Branford & of his going a [provaturing] and of his being taken by the enemy but of this then [...] nor no personal knowledge.

Asa Hoadley
Sworn subscribed this day & year aforesaid before you
Joel Hinman Justice of Peace

Sate of Connecticut County of New Haven February A.D. 18th 1882 I John Beach clerk of the county  court of the Justice of the peace [...] think testify that Joel Hinman Esq. whose name is above & signature written to the [feryon] affidavit respectfully is & was on the 12th day of October 1832 a Justice of the Peach in & for said New Haven county testify qualified to administer warrants  & that his name as above written is his genuine signature. 

I testimony whereas I have hercounted my hand & affixed the seal of said county court the day I date above written
Attest Jn Beach Clerk
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State of Connecticut 
County of New Haven
ss
Waterbury Oct 12, 1832
Be it remembered that on the day & year aforesaid before me Joel Hinman Esq. Justice of the Peace for [aforesaid] County duly commissioned & sworn Asa Hoadley of Waterbury aforesaid to me personally known to be a respectable man & credible witness & on oath declares & says--That he is Seventy years old & is a brother of Silas Hoadley now residing in Wayne County Pennsylvania that his brother Silas is Six years older than the deponent that the Deponent & his brother Silas & his Father & family moved from Branford in [aforesaid] New Haven County when the Deponent was Seven years old & settled in Waterbury where the Deponent has ever since resided--that in the year 1776 the Deponent knows that his [aforesaid] Brother Silas turned out and did military service in the war of the Revolution took a tour of New York about the time New York was taken after he came home he was drafted a tour of duty & went to Horseneck and afterwards he was again drafted & went to New York State to Fishkill, [illegible]--the Deponent well remembers his brothers being called into the service the above three times how long he was out at each or either of the times he can not remember and that he did the service he can not swear from personal knowledge as he did not go with him but he knows he went to do the service and when he came home came from the service & he has no doubt of his having done it after the last tour my brother removed to Branford
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the service on a tour of duty at [illegible] and went and as the deponent supposes did duty there as he was absent during two or three months the deponent can not remember which the next year being 1777 & the same year that Burgoyne was taken said Hoadley was again drafted into the service and taken as he then heard it reported & as he believes to Fishkill in the State of New York a brother of the Deponent was drafted at the same time & the [aforesaid] Hoadley & the Deponents brother went & returned together in this last tour of duty. he thinks they were about two months the last time be can not remember about the time particularly Soon after he came home from this last tour of duty he removed Branford in New Haven County Connecticut. and this deponent knows that while said Hoadley resided in said Waterbury he maintained a fair character & was a respectable man
Jesse Johnson
Sworn & Subscribed the Day & year Aforesaid Before me
Joel Hinman Justice of Peace
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19969
Silas Hoadley

Admitted
9 months
$30.--

Nath'l B. Eldred
Bethany, Wayne County Pennslyvania
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
March 27 1833

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement [bolded], shewing the Service of Silas Hoadley of Wayne County Pennsylvania

Period when the service was rended.
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, ad age at the present period.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

1776  2  Private  Capt Bronson  Col. Baldwin    Newton, Danbury, Reading  Brandford Connecticut. Living Witnesses

1776  2  " Lieut. Bleekley  Gen. Worster " McDougal    Horseneck Pa. to N.Y. thru N. Jersey  75 years of age  Traditionary Evidence

1777  2  "  Cap. Camp

+ 1778  5  Marine  " Bishop

1779  3  Private  " Hoadley -

1780  3  Marine  " Rodgers -

1781  3  "  " Seymour

1781  4  "  " Jones

The declarant says after this he volunteered on several occasions, that on one of these occasions he was taken prisoner &c

+ Here the Declarant shipped as a marine on board the Brig "New Broom" to go privateering, was taken prisoner by the british & kept in confinement 5 months & claims for that period -

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, 
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all 
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who 
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to 
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are 
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well a persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged 
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 
1. The Regular Troops. 
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 
3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 
4. Indian Spies. 

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming 
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, 
make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of 
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is 
considered a Court of Record. 

DECLARATION, 

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. 

State, Territory, or District of County of _ _ _ _ _ } ss. 
On _ _ _ _ _ day of _ _ _ _ _ personally appeared (a) before _ _ _ _ _ A. B. a resident (b) of _ _ _ _ _ in the county of _ _ _ _ _ and State, Territory or District
 of _ _ _ _ _ aged (c) _ _ _ _ _ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on this oath make the 
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed 
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _ _ _ _ _ , with _ _ _ _ _ and 
served in the _ _ _ _ _ (e) regiment of the _ _ _ _ _ line, under the following named officers: 

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served 
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers; the 
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, 
and the country through which he marched. [hand points right:] This form is to be [varied?] as to apply to the cases of officers and persons 
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he 
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of 
the Agency in the State of _ _ _ _ _. 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 

A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary 
soldier, and served as he states. 

I, _ _ _ _ _ of the Court of _ _ _ _ _ 
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of 
the application of _ _ _ _ _ for a pension. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _ _ _ _ _ 
day of _ _ _ _ _ &c. 

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be 
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, 
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and 
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: 

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _ _ _ _ _ and C. D. residing in (the same) 
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _ _ _ _ _, who has 
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _ _ _ _ _ 
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier 
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

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, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. 
_ _ _ _ _ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _ _ _ _ _ 
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _ _ _ _ _ 
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 

I, _ _ _ _ _ Clerk of the Court of _ _ _ _ _ do hereby certify that the foregoing 
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _ _ _ _ _ 
for a pension. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
_ _ _ _ _ of office, this _ _ _ _ _ day of _ _ _ _ _ &c. 

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if 
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services 
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light 
upon the transaction. 

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will 
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful 
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his 
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts state I will afford one of the principal 
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; 
and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. 
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there 
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. 

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account 
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State 
troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
6. { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed 
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge of Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

--- 

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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  _ _ _ _ _ . For _ _ _ _ _ months and _ _ _ _ _ days, I served as a _ _ _ _ _  ; and for such service I claim a pension." 

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of 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 that they served two years in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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. 

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 must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. 

Proof of Service. 

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 

[hand points right:] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 22

13.355

File No. 13 355
Silas  Hoadly
Priv. Rev. war

Act: June 7th 1832
Index: Vol. 1, Page 176

Arrangement of 1870
Page 23

War Department 
Pension Office
March 27th 1833

Sir, the appers in the case of Silas Hoadly have been examined and are herewith returned to you. Before the case can be allowed for his services as Marine on board the different vessels, named in his declartion, it must be satisfactorily shewn to this Department, that they were public armed vessels. Those who were employed in private ships, are not entitled to pensions under the act of 7 June 1832.

I am respectfully your ob.s ser.t
J.L. Edwards

Nathaniel B. Eldred Esq. 
Bethany P.a
Page 24

fin

Pett of War

Pension Department
Washington
Page 25

Bethany Wayne County Pennsylvania
April 23, 1833

J.L. Edwards Esq. 

Dr. Sir, 
I am under the necessity of returning the papers of W. Hoadly he being unable to [gain] any further information on the subject he in fact says that his service as a marine was in [differen] vessels and that he would not have much an application for that service if he had been properly informed. 
He has made out in the land court [...] month service which I presume will entitle him to a pension for that [...]. The matter is [being] with the department. You will be kind enough to write in as soon as you can make a decision on the claim. 

With great respect
yours 
W. Breach