Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,201, Asahel Durkee, Conn.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE
Conn.  
Durkee, Asahel 
or Asel 
Sarah
NUMBER B.L. Wt. 453-160-55
CONTENTS
Page 2

Vermont No. 18, 784
---
Asahel Durkee
of Orange Co. in the State of Vermont
who was a Sgt. Gunner VPM in the company commanded
by Captain Dyer of the Regt commanded
by Col. Durkee in the Connt Troops
[line - crossed out] for 2 months 20 days Sergt Arty 13.33⅓
9 months 10 days  V. Gunner 34.22
2 months Pr. Inf. 6.66 2/3
$54.22
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont
the rate of 54 Dollars 22 Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Nov.
1833 and sent to J.K. Parish
Randolph Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 135.55
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 1834 27.11
$162.66
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3 
Page 61

47
Page 3

14292
Act March 3/55
April 16/55
Sarah Durkee Widow of
Asahel Durkee priv

Capt B Durkee & other

Pensioner

Act Feb 2/48
Quarter Gunner
Capt Durkee
Conn Troops
[?] Revy 48-2834
Boynton
Od 160 acr [acres] Nov 3/85
[Dv Igo?]
Stephen Thomas
West Fairlee Vt.

Vol. D-152,
Page 4

Mrs Sarah Durkee,s claim to
arrear of Asahel Durkees Pension
Page 5

State of Vermont
District of Randolph SS}
On this sixth day of October 1843 
personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Probate and in and for said District now sitting, Sarah Durkee a resident of Brookfield in said District aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain an increases on arrears of her late husband Asahel Durkees pension believing as she does from what she has heard him say, in his life and from what she deems as evidence in her possession, that he was entitled to a greater amount than what was was allowed him on a settlement of his claim. The amount allowed her said husband being Fifty three dollars and twenty two cents or there abouts. The additional service for which her said husband thought himself entitled was that of one year as she now think
as writen [sic] to his father Captain Benjamin Durkee in the Connecticut service for which she now claims as his widow together with a further allowance as Quarter Gunner which duly appears he performed by an original roll of said Captain Benjamin Durkee now in her possession and which is herewith transmitted. His name thereon [born?] being spelled "Asel Durkee instead of what it really was Asahel Durkee--She further
declares that she is the widow of said Asahel Durkee who a Vermont pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the Vermont Agency at the rate above stated, the price [precise] amount she has not the means of stating confidently. that she was married to the said Asahel Durkee at Hampton in the State of Connecticut by Isaac Bennett Esquire on the tenth day of June
seventeen hundred and ninety three; that her husband the aforesaid Asahel Durkee died on the fifteenth day of September Eighteen hundred and forty two - that she was not married
Page 6

to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four
at the time above stated   Sarah Durkee

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before
John Cally Judge of Probate
I further certify that the declarant is in my belief a credible witness
John Cally Judge of Probate
I Gurdon Durkee of Brookfield in the County of Orange and State of Vermont aged 46 years depose and say that I was present and witnessed the death of my father Asahel Durkee on the fifteen day of September Eighteen hundred and forty two. He was at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States upon the role of the Vermont agency under the Act of the 7th of June 1832 and left a widow by the name of Sarah Durke, who is now a member of my family and still remains the widow of said Asahel Durkee and as such is an applicant for a Pension, and also for arrears of pension
Gurdon Durkee
John Calley
Judge of Probate
Sworn to and subscribed this 6 day of October 1843 before me
I further certify that the deponent is in my belief a credible witness
John Calley Judge of Probate
Page 7

State of Vermont
District of Randolph ss}

I D.F. Weymouth Register of the Probate in and for the District aforesaid hereby certify that Hon. John Colby is the duly appointed and commissioned Judge of Probate for said District, and that his term of office commenced the 1st day of Dec. A.D. 1842 and will terminate the 1st day of Dec. A.D. 1843.  And I further certify that the foregoing signatures of John Colby are genuine.

I testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court of Randolph this sixth day of Oct. A.D. 1843

D.F. Weymouth Register
Page 8

10375
Mrs. Sarah Durkee Declaration
[illegible]
Act July 7th '38
Act '43 6545
Rejected

husband died Sept 15th
'42

see letter July 22d 1844 to
C C Sylvester
Present
Page 9

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act providing half pay and pensions to certain widows"

State of Vermont
District of Randolph ss}

On this sixth day of October 1843 personally appeared before John Colby Judge of the Court of Probate at a session of said Court holden at Brookfield within and for said District Sarah Durkee a resident of said Brookfield aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and provision to certain widows"-- That she is the widow of Asahel Durkee who was a private and Sergeant in the Connecticut service of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the Vermont Agency under the Act of the 7th of June 1832 at the rate of fifty three dollars and twenty two cents per annum or thereabouts not being confident as to the precise amount but believing it to have been as above stated claiming not only the amount he received but an increased amount to which she has reason to believe her late husband was entitled and which she expects to be able to show on a reexamination of the papers in his case for which she has this day made application in order to obtain arrears of his pensions.  She further declares that she was married to the said Asahel Durkee at Hampton in the State of Connecticut by Isaac Bennett Esq. on the tenth day of June seventeen hundred and ninety three; that her husband the foresaid Asahel Durkee died on the fifteenth day of September eighteen hundred and forty two- that she was not married to
Page 10

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.
Sarah Durkee

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before
John Colby Judge of Probate

I further certify that the declarant is in my belief a credible witness
John Colby Judge of Probate

I Gurdon Durkee of Brookfield in the County of Orange and state of Vermont aged 46 years depose and say that I was present on the fifteenth day of September Eighteen hundred forty two.  He was at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States upon the roll of the Vermont agency under the Act of June 1832 and left a widow by the name of Sarah Durkee who is now a member of my family and she remains the widow of said Asahel Durkee, and as such is an applicant for a Pension
Gurdon Durkee

Sworn to and subscribed this 6th day of October 1843 before me 
John Colby Judge of Probate

I further certify that the deponent is in my belief a credible witness.
John Colby Judge of Probate
Page 11

State of Vermont
District of Randolph SS}

I D.F. Weymouth Register of the Probate Court in and for said District hereby certify that Hon. John Colby is Judge of Probate for said District duly appointed and commissioned and that his term of office commenced the first day of Dec. A.D. 1842 and will terminate the 1st day of Dec. A.D. 1843.  I further certify that the foregoing signatures of the said John Colby are genuine.

[seal affixed]
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court of Randolph this 6th day of October A.D. 1843.
D.F. Weymouth Register
Page 12

State of Vermont
on this 12th day of June AD 1833 at Brookfield in said County and District person
Orange County
Maude
peared the said Court now Sillin, at such a resident of said Brook
aged 67 years who being first sworn according to Law doth on his oath as the
following declaration in order to obtain the benefit the provision made by act of Congress other
7th 1830
That he entered the service of United States that the first of January 1776. that
enlisted as waiter to his Son Benjamin Tasker who narration, at Windham Co. under
Company in Col. John Durkes Regiment in the Cousin Marched to County Mass
and staid till the British left Boston in the matter and there to London Coun
and then to New York by water and served out the feel live of six months. That
for one year but month aforesaid to Just and
in took his place her out the
six months the said Simon it now
further state that all of the more he took the place of Samuel Torrance as his sub
and served the tenth months and Water Co
ment this Seventh
further star in 1783 in the more see to it confident at Hampton
Captain Turtle M Clellens Regiment for
year and served the full time of his inlistment states that four months & the
last of his service as a Serganton the warrant he looked received
months all he hath duly secret the whole of that mine at
that in the County testimny thee what he has furnished
the said service until the whole to Twenty months the proper for the
it takes its lutionary War and attention that
to enter inquire & put and seven he states
1st Boon Hampton Cott 1 1760 11
non and that he left him and took it from a market Livingston County attorn and during the Revolutionary war and have and 30 years
for and sue for Constate then to Capt Geo Winant Brigon he this son William he would to
Value Bonham R Daniel Wilde

[Widow. father the said County
Win the to William H S
18 day of the then believe China it}

I Calvin Blodgett of Probate declare the pension of investigation of matter full of paid there named applicant was a soldier and served as a this that it appears to the said Will he had heard the General Josiah Benton had taken is report of said Brookfield and entitled to credit
Calvin Hodge Judge of either of said Court do hereby certify the forgoing contains all the application as set forth 1717 testimony whereof 

I have hereunto set my hand and seal of
this 18th Jan 1833
DURKEE, ASAHEL-
W Richard Clerkins
(Conn.) -19201
Page 13

State of Vermont,}
District of Randolph ORANGE COUNTY SS.} 
At Brookfield in said District & County on this 31st day of July A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Frederick Griswold Esqr Judge of the Probate Court within and for the District Orange County, now seeing a Court of Record Benja Durkee
Randolph in a resident of Brookfield in the County of Orange and State of Vermont, aged years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on oath make the following declaration, inder to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he intend the service of the United States about the first of January 1776 enlisted at Windham Conn. under Capt. Thomas Dyer in Col. John Durkee Regiment in the baseline marched to Cambridge Mass from thence to Providence R.I. & from thence to New London on and from thence to the City of New York by water & served the full term of six months And that in the fall of 1781 he served two months under Capt N. Wales served said time at Fort Griswold Con. & was in Col Saml McClellens Regiment, served the said two months as a substitute for one Samuel Donance. He further states that he
enlisted in 1780 under Capt. Benj Durkee in Col. McClellan, Regt for one year and served the full term and as a Sept for four months was stationed at London Co
He hereby relin [illegible] in whatever [illegible]
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
 Frederick Griswold, Judge of Probate

And the said Court hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a
Revolutionary soldier and served as he states

We [blank] residing in [blank] in said  County of [blank] and [blank] residing in the said [blank] hereby certify that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and we believe him to be [blank] years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion for 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 certify that it appears to them that [blank] who has also
signed the preceding certificate, is a [blank]
resident in [blank] in said County, and that
who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place and is a credible person, and that  [blank] who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I J. K. Parish, Clerk in Regr. the Court of Probate
aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said  Court in the matter of the application of Asel Durkee for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 31st day of July A. D. 1832.
J. K. Parish, CLERK in Regr
Page 14

DURKEE, ASAHEL
(CONN.) W-19201
Page 15

2834
Vermont  Mo[cut off]
Sarah Durkee
widow of Asahel Durkee
Conn.
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a priv & inftry
[illlegible] of Light

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 54 Dollars 22 Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Jany 1849 and sent to Hon. J. C. Calhoun H of R

recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1819, Page 57 Vol. 3

Reported Jany 5/49
Page 16

4043
Asahel Durkee

Suspended

Admit
2 mos 20 d's Sergt of Artillery
at $5.
9 mos. 10 ds Lt  Gunner  do
at $3.66
2 mos Priv of Qts

Ike Parish
Randolph
Vt
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
25 April 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. Those 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, shewing the Service of Asel Durkee
===============================
Period when the service was rendered. 1775
Duration of the claimant's service.
  Years.
  Months. 6
  Days.
Rank of the claimant. private
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. 
    Col. John Durkee
      "  Israel Putnam
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.
67, Hampton Con.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Thos Hodgkins affidvit

Period when the service was rendered. 1781
Duration of the claimant's service.
  Years.
  Months. 2
  Days.
Rank of the claimant.  ...
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. 
  Saml. McClellan Colonel
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service. 
Hampton
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Hodgkins affidavit


Period when the service was rendered. 1783 & 84
Duration of the claimant's service.
  Years. 1
  Months. 
  Days.
Rank of the claimant. Sergt
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
4 months Col. S. McClellan
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Lance affidavit K 
Sergt, Warrant

I am respectfully
Your obedient servant
J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions.

NY Asel Durkee
Page 18

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 as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, 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 this 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 his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , 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. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
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 it 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

[handwritten] Not on rolls of Durkee's regt. His age in 1776 [illegible]
Page 19

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore. these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace. the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he 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 bis 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 mouths 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 au embodied corps called into service by competent authority that lie 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 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. The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[handwritten[ The service extremely infordable
Page 20

Register
Asahel Durkee's wife to be was born December 11, 17[??]
[illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible] had the following children

Born
Asel June 2, 1794
Roswell Oct 27th,1795
Gordon March 26, 1797
Sally March [??], 1799
Jefferson [illegible]
Sabrina [illegible] 1803
Nabby Feb 28th 1805
Nabby Durkee born March 7, 1808
Maryann born May 8th 1810

Died
Roswell May 31 1805
Nabby March 30, 1806
Maryann February [illegible] 19
Asel Durkee September [illegible] 1875
Page 21

Town Clerk's Office
Connecticut Windham County Ss. Hampton April 8th 1844. I Dyer Hughes Esq of Hampton in the County of Windham and State of Connecticut certify that on the record, in my possession there appears 
"Asel Durkee and Sally Preston, both of Hampton were married together
Asel Durkee Son of Asel and Sally Durkee was born June Second seventeen hundred and ninety four
Roswell Durkee Son of Asel and Sally Durkee was born October twenty nine seventeen hundred and ninety five
Gurdon Durkee Son of Asel and Sally Durkee was born March twenty six seventeen hundred and ninety seven
Sally Durkee Daughter of Asel and Sally Durkee born March twenty first seventeen hundred and ninety nine"
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures on the record as follows
Asel Durkee born June 2nd 1794
Roswell Durkee born October 29th 1795
Gurdon Durkee born March 26th 1797
Sallly Durkee born March 21st 1799
Dyer Hughes Town Clerk

I Dyer Hughes above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of Hampton County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town with the exception above named as certified by me. I further depose and say that there is no date on the record of the time of the above named marriage and that I have therefore examined the Justice records of Isaac Bennet Esquire late of said Hampton deceased, that is to say a record which I am satisfied was his and is in his own hand writing and is now in the possession of William Bennet Son of
Page 22

the said Isaac Bennet late of said Hampton deceased and find June tenth seventeen hundred and ninety three, then were joined in marriage Mr. Asahel Durkee and Miss Sally Preston both of Hampton
by Isaac Bennet Justice of Peace.

I further depose and say that the above is a true copy of record with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures on the record as follows
June 10th 1793
Dyer Hughes Town Clerk of Hampton

Connecticut Windham County Ss. Hampton April 8th 1844
Personally appeared the above named Dyer Hughes and who is Town Clerk of said Hampton and made oath to the facts as herein stated before me.
Mason Cleveland Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
Office of Secretary of State
I certify that Mason Cleveland Esq is, and on the 8th day of April inst. was a Justice of the Peace within & for the county of Windham & said state duly appointed & commissioned as appears of record in this office - and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said State this 16th day of April AD 1844.
N. A. Phelps
Secretary of State

[sideways]
Dyer Hughs Town Clerk of Hampton certificate of the marriage of Sally Durkee a W, applicant for a Pension under the act of July 7, 1823. pending.
H. H. Sylvester, Agent
Washington
Aug 16, 1844
Page 23

74292
BOUNTY LAND
ACT OF MARCH 3 1855
Mrs. Sarah Durkee
Widow of Asahel Durkee
War of the Revolution
Communicate with
Stephen Thomas
West Fairlee
V.T.
Page 24

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
March 3, 1855
Declaration for Bounty Land.
WIDOW.

{Printed at the Patriot Office
Montpelier, Vt.

Form of a Declaration to be made by the Widow of a deceased Officer or Soldier,
STATE OF Vermont
County of Orange ss.} On this 4th day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Sarah Durkee aged 88 years, a resident of Williamstown in the State of Vermont who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Asahel Durkee who was a Private & Sargeant in the company commanded by Captain Benjamin Durkee & others in the Revolutionary War regiment of ~~ commanded by ~~ in the war with Great Britain declared by the Colonies of America on the ~~~
That her husband enlisted at Hampton, Connecticut on or about the ~~ day of ~~ A.D. ~~ for the term of ~~ and continued in actual service in said war for the term of fourteen days, and was honorably discharged at ~~ on the ~~ day of ~~ A.D.
That her husband the said Asahel Durkee served in the War of the Revolution, & for which he was placed upon the Pension Roll of the U. S. upon the Vermont agency under the act of June 7th 1832 at the rate of $54.22 and that she is now a pensioner under the act of February 2d 1848 at the same amount per annum - & for proof of her husband's service & death & her marriage she refers to her application on file in the Pension Office.
She further states that she was married to the said Asahel Durkee in Hampton Connecticut on the 10th day of June A.D. 1793 by one Isaac Bennett a Justice Peace and that her name before said marriage was ~~. That her husband died at Brookfield on the 15th day of September A.D. 1842, and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the " act approved March 3, 1855." That neither she nor her husband has ever applied for or received Bounty land under any act of Congress.
Sarah Durkee X her mark

We Heman Blodgett and Alfred Bigelow, residents of Williamstown in the State of Vermont upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Durkee in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. That we know her to be the person who is now a pensioner of the United States as she states.
Heman Blodgett
Alfred Bigelow

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Stephen Thomas Justice of Peace

STATE OF VERMONT,
Orange County, SS} I Burnam Martin Clerk of the County Court for the County of Orange in the State of Vermont, which is a Court of Record, hereby certify that Stephen Thomas Esq., is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly qualified by the laws of this State to administer Oaths for general purposes; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, and believe his signature to the foregoing to be genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereby set my hand and affix the seal of said County Court, at Chelsea in said County, this 11th day of April A.D. 1855.
B. Martin Clerk
Page 25

Rev.
WIDOW, & c.
File No. 19.201
Sarah Durkee
Widow of Asahel Durkee
Sergt. Rev. War
Act: Feb 2d, '48
Index: - Vol. A, Page 200
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 26

9453
160 Acres
Page 27

By Samuel McClellan Esqr. Col Command of the Post at New London & Groton
To Asel Durkee of Capt. Benja Durkees Company, Greeting Reposing Especial trust and Confidence in your Fidelity skill and good Conduct  I do by these presents Constitute and appoint you the said Asal Durkee A Sergant in Said Company you are therefor carefully and Diligently to attend to all the duties of Said Office making all under your  Command to obey you as their Sergt and you are to obey all such orders as you shall receive from me or any of Your Superior Officers for which this shall be your Sufficient Warrant given under my hand in New London this 10th day of May 1784
Saml. McClellan Colo Commandt
Page 28

Sunt
Asel Durkee
Asel Durkee
S Furke
Page 29

No. 74292
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855
Received Apr. 16th 1855
Asahel Durkee: Pri. Dec.
Capt. B Durkee & others
Cont Troops
Rev War
9453 160 55
Stephen Thomas
West Fairlee
Vt.
Page 30

9206
Vermont
Sarah Durkee
widow of Asael Durkee
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 15th Sept. 1842
of Randolph Dist in the State of Vermont
who was a Pri of Iny Qr [illegible] & Sergt of Arty  in the Company 
commanded by Captain Dyer of the Regt commanded by Col. Durkee in the Revolution 
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 34 Dollars 22
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of
April 1845 and sent to J K Parish
Randolph, Vert.
Total amount. $ 271.10
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Tho Lumpkin
Book D Vol. 1. Page 125

Govt Reso: [Resolution] of Jany 23 '45
M: 148 Rep [Ressd?] 1
Page 31

6246
Vermont Montpr
Sarah Durkee
widow of Asahel Durkee
who was a Pri of Infy 2d Gunner & Sergt of Artillery
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 34 Dollars 22
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843

Certificate of Pension issued the 
11th day of Oct. 1844
and sent to 
Asahel Durkee
Brandon Dermody?

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 34.

Reported
Gov't Reso: of Jany
23 1843   No 148

let to J K Parrish Apl 12 '47
Page 32

Mrs. Sarah Durkee
under joint resolutions of 23.
January 1845 and act
of July 7, 1838-
Admd: a $54.22 per ann:
from 4 March, 1836 to
4 March, 1841-

J. K. Parish, Esq:
Randolph, 
Vermont.
Page 33

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23d January, 1845.
Whereas the act of the 30th of April, 1844, prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following statement under oath, to to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of Asahel Durkee, who was a private & gunman &c, in the war of the Revolution. I have drawn a pension at the rate of fifty-four dollars twenty-two cents per annum from the 4th day of March 1843 to the 4th day of March 1844 and now ask for the amount due me from the 4th day of March 1836 to the 4th day of March 1841 or to when my former pension commenced.
Sarah Durkee

Sworn to and subscribed before me on the 4th day of March 1845 at Brookfield in the county of Orange & state of Vermont.
J. K. Parish Justice of Peace

I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
J. K. Parish Justice of the Peace

I Calvin Blodgett Clerk of the County Court do hereby certify that J. K. Parish who has signed the foregoing is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Orange in the State of Vermont and that the above signature is his & genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 5th day of March AD 1845 at Chelsea in Orange County & State of Vermont.
Calvin Blodgett Clerk
Page 34

Sarah Durkee
Page 35

State of Vermont
Orange County ss} On the 11th day of September AD 1848 personally appeared before J. K. Parish a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange and State of Vermont Sarah Durkee of Brookfield in said county aged eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Asabel Durkee late of Brookfield who was a private and gunmen in the Army of the Revolution and that she made her declaration under the act of June 17, 1844 and drew a pension of $54.22 per annum and she now makes her declaration to obtain a continuance of her pension during her natural life.
She further declares that she is still a widow.
Witness J. K. Parish
Jefferson Durkee

Sarah Durkee

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written.
Before J. K. Parish Justice Peace

I certify that the above named applicant is personally known to me and that she is the same person who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing declaration.
J. K. Parish Justice Peace
Page 36

State of Vermont
 Secretary of State's Office
 Montpelier September 14. 1848

  I hereby certify that Jacob K. Parish Esquire, whose name is subscribed in his proper handwriting to the foregoing certificates, is & was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Orange, duly constituted & commissioned, and that full credence is due to the official acts & attestations of such Justice.
  Given under my hand & the seal of this office this 14th day of September A.D. 1848.
  Ferrand F. Merrill
 Deputy Secretary of State
Page 37

Statement of Asel
Durkee-
Page 38

I Asel Durkee of Brookfield Orange Co. Vt. state that I am not knowing of any proof of the service I performed in 1776 excepting that forwarded the Department contained in the affidavit of Thomas Hodgkins.  The facts are that I the Sd applicant entered the service as waiter to my father Benja Durkee, an Ensign, in Capt. Dyers company in Col. Durkee's Regt. & was first stationed at Cambridge Mass and went from there to N. York by way of Providence R.I. & New London Con. from the last place by water, and in the fore part of the summer returned with a furlough from N.Y. to my father's residence in Windham Con. in company with Sergts Abijah Fuller & Benja Holt and that after arriving home my father wrote to have some person procured to take my place which was accordingly done and one Elijah Simons was procured and I have frequently heard both my father & the Sd. Simons say in their lifetime that Sd. Simons served out the year for which I engaged and as waiter, I further state I can well remember the names of many of the company to which I belonged as well as the above named Sergts Fuller & Holt such as Thomas Adams Nehemiah Holt, Benja Bedlock, Mr. Gennings or Jennings Stephen Howard & Vinn Goodell the two last died in service as I remember of hearing.  All but Gennings were from same vicinity.

I state that in my 2d tour of service I went to Groton the next week after the burning of N. London Sept. 1781 & was discharged in Nov. following after serving 2 full months but know of no proof of service except that of Thos Hodgskins heretofore forwarded the department.

I also state that I entered the service on my third tour of duty 1st June 1782 as a Quarter Gunner under same pay as a Corporal and was discharged after being appointed a Sergt. 1st June 1783 and I forward to the Department to corroborate the facts a pay Roll found among the papers of the said Benja Durkee my late Father deceased when my name may be
Page 39

found as well as my witness D. Hodgkins.

I do not know that my case is of such a nature or so shown that by the rules of the department I shall be enabled to receive the full bounty of the Government for the time I was in service which was in 1776 six months in 1781, two months as a private or waiter and in 1782 & 1783 twelve months as a Quarter Gunner & Sergt making in the whole as military service during the war of the Revolution twenty months and with such proof as is now in the Department together with these facts and a statement that I have lived in Brookfield aforesaid for more than thirty years and am well known to more than a hundred of respectable citizens & freemen of said town to any or all of whom I will refer for my character & reputation for truth I submit my claim to the Department.

In witness of the foregoing I hereunto subscribe my name the 28th day of August A.D. 1833
Asel Durkee

Witness J. K. Parish

The Hon the Secretary of War
Washington City
Page 40

Sarah Durkee to J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 41

Brookfield Vt July 1, 1843

Sir
I as the widow of Asahel Durkee late a Pensioner of the United States upon the Roll of the Vermont Agency am an applicant for a Pension for my late husbands services under the Act of July 7, 1838, and believing from what my said husband used to state respecting his services that a part of the same was disallowed to wit the service he rendered as waiter to his father Captain Benjamin Durkee.  I have to request that said claim, that is of my late husband, be further considered and an increase thereof allowed for my own benefit if I am entitled to same.  And that John Bryant Esqr of Meriden NH and H H Sylvester Esq of the City of Washington may be considered as Agents for me so far as regards my Pension claims.

Very respectfully

Sarah [her x mark] Durkee

Gurdon Durkee
Witness
Julia Ann Blodgett 

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. Pensions
Page 42

J.L. Edwards Esq to J.K. Parish Esq
In relation to the claim of Asahel
Durkee Nov. 22, 1833
Page 43

War Department
Pension Office
November 22, 1833

Sir.

The papers in support of the claim of Asahel Durkee have been again examined, and a certificate of his pension is herewith enclosed to you.

His acknowledgement that he entered and served as Waiter for his first term effectually destroys all claim to an allowance for that time, as it demonstrates that he was employed under a civil contract.  The time between the date of warrant as Sergeant and his discharge and for which he is paid as Sergeant, is two months and twenty days.

I am respectfully
Your Obet. Servt.


J. K. Parish Esqr.
Randolph 
Vermont
Page 44

No
Sarah Durkee
Vt
Act Mar. 3d 43
Admitted
2 m 20 ds Seg of Artillery
9 " 10 " 2d gunner
 2: -- Priv Int

$54.22 per an

Asahel Durkee Esq
Brandon
Vt.
Page 45

Hon. Secy of War-
Page 46

Randolph Vt Aug. 23 1833

Hon. Secy of War

I forward to the Department a statement subscribed & made by Asel Durkee in relation to his application also a Pay Roll heretofore in possession of Benja Durkee deceased.
As early a decision in his case as consistent is desired.

I forwarded to the Department last year the claim of John Buswell, Perley Howe, & Elijah Whitney from neither of whose cases I have had no information.  The applicants fear there might have been some failure of arrival.  Early information would be very thankfully received.

Your obdt. Servant
J. K. Parish
Page 47

June 14 44
Sarah Durkee

Jno Bryant & H H Sylvester
her agents
Page 48

Brookfield VT June 8, 1844

Sir
The agreement heretofore made by me with John Bryant Esq of Meriden N H respecting my claim for a Pension which is now pending, was a conditional one and probably not well understood by my [by] son Asahel Durkee of Brandon, who I understand has addressed the office on the subject.  The same has this day been reviewed by me and is perfectly satisfactory, and I have therefore requested the continued agency of said Bryant, and it is my desire that H. H. Sylvester Esq. be associated with him in reference to my claim.

Very respectfully
Sarah [her x mark] Durkee

Witness her son Gurdon Durkee
Page 49

I Thomas Hodgkins of Rochester in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont do testify and say that on the third day of September 1782 I received a Commission of 2d Lieut in Capt Benjamin Durkees Company of Connecticut troops ordered for the defence of the town and Fort at New London of which Col Samuel McClelen was commandant said Commission signed by Jonathan Trumbull Governor of the State of Connecticut, and that Asael Durkee now of Brookfield in the county of  Orange and State of Vermont served in the same company with me the term of one year or more    Thomas Hodgkin 2d Lieutenant age 76 yr

I further testify that on the 1st of January 1776 I enlisted into Capt Thomas Dyers Company in Col John Durkees Regiment of the Connecticut Line of Continental service and that Asael Durkee above named enlisted at the same time into the same company & Regiment with me, that we Marched to Cambridge, in April following we marched to  Providence Rhode Island, then to New London Connecticut then to the City of New York said Durkee served with me in the above named Company and Regiment the term of six months and that in 1781 I was at Fort Griswold in Capt Cargels Company.  Col Samuel McClelen, commandant between one and two months, and that said Asael Durkee served with me in the same Regiment in Capt Nathl Wales Company for the same time or longer.

Thomas Hodgkins

Sworn and subscribed to this 20th day of July A D 1832 before me

Ira Cooper Just Peace
Page 50

[Asel Durkee on the lower lefthand corner of the page]



This may certify that the within named Thomas Hodgkins is a man of truth and veracity

Stockbridge July 20th 1832 Ira Cooper Just Peace





State of Vermont.
Secretary of State office.
Montpelier Aug. 13, 1832

I hereby certify that Ira Cooper is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windsor in sd state, and that to his acts and attestations as such full faith and credit out to be given.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 19th day of August A.D. 1832.

Timothy Merrill
Sec of State
Page 51

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr Pensions

At the request of the Mrs. Sarah Durkee (widow of Asael Durkee) who is n ow a Pensioner I write asking if it is consistent, that the Department would mail and forward to her at East Brookfield Vt the Family Record which was forwarded for the purpose of establishing her marriage with the said Asael Durkee. Mrs. Durkee is very anxious indeed to obtain the record again.

Respectfully
J. H. Parrsh
Page 52

Asahel Durkee 54.22
Payments to be made
at Burlington
by the Prevt. U.S. Br. Bk.
Agent for paying pensioners 
in the Agency of Vermont


Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 3
Page 61 by D. Brown
Clerk.

March 1837 36 ys
Hampton Con.
Page 53

WAR DEPARTMENT.

REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Asahel Durkee of the State of Vermont who was a Private, Sergeant and Gunner in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Fifty four dollars and Twenty two cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.  

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 25th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three

Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and 
Countersigned.

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

54.22
27.00
Page 54

I Sarah Durkee of Brookfield in the County of Orange & State of Vermont widow of Asahel Durkee late of Sd Brookfield deceased aged seventy-seven years depose testify and say that I was married on the 10th day of June 1793 in Hampton Conn and that the paper hereto attached is the correct register and family record of my family and the record was made and recorded by Nathan Clark in Hampton Con. stating the time of the birth of myself my husband our marriage, and also the birth of Asel, Ronald, Gurdon, Sally, & Jefferson the first five of our children and the same paper has been in my possession and keeping for more than Forty Years.

Sarah Durkee

State of Vermont
District of Randolph  ss}
In open Probate Court holden at Randolph this 2d day of July AD 1844 Sarah Durkee made subscribed and sworn to the truth of the foregoing affidavit and the paper purporting to be the family record named in the same was attached to the affidavit in his presence.  I also certify that this said Sarah Durkee is a person of truth & veracity

Attest Philander Perrin, Register
Page 55

East Brookfield Vt.
Apr 17th
[crossed out] 25
Hon Jacob Collamer
M.b
Washington City
Page 56

Brookfield April 17th 1844

Hon Jacob Calimer

Sir 
I am the Son of Asahel Durkee late of Brookfield deceased who was a pensioner of the U.S. at the time of his death at the rate of $56.22 I reside in the town of Brandon and now being on visit to see my Mother I learn that a Mr. Bryant from N H did last summer call on her and [? utter] her to give him a writing and let him get her pension  I am not exactly apprised of the evidence of the papers she signed to Bryant yet I suppose it was an agreement to give him one half the amount she is entitled to at any rate I feel that it was an unfair [p..is?] obtained from my Mother I learn also that he Bryant has been to see her recently to get more testimony in regard to Marriage &c when she told him by advice of her children that she should not be holden to give him half but that she would pay him a liberal sum for all his trouble and expenses I also learn that he left quite disturbed saying he would get the money at any rate I write this communication to you to learn what course I should pursue under the circumstances I am willing Mr. Bryant should be paid well and liberal but I am unwilling he should pocket $150 for what I suppose could not cost more than $[25?] as I am informed by my friend and neighbors whom I think you know Bonzitta Deavanport [illegible] of Brandon I formerly resided in east Randolph and married a Daughter of Capt Wm Carley whom you probably know Father Durkee always employed J K Parrish to do his business in his life time and I have received his certificate from him which I enclose to you my Father died the 15th of Sept and the balance was so small there was no application made for the amount due from the 4th to the 15th
Page 57

I have made these references so that so that you can be sure that there is nothing wrong in my application I wish you to interest your self in this case and address me at Brandon Vt as soon as convenient I do not suppose Mr. Bryant will absolutely get and keep the Money and I do not want even hm to improperly get to large a sum from my aged Mother an keep it from her children who need what she does not Mr. Byrant I do not know, but learn that he stays at Washington yet I think our Representatives wants to be disposed to visit the Pensioner rather than the speculation I suppose my Mother made her declaration which may now be at the department the certificate will show that he was a private sergent [illegible] and gunner which probably M B did not know when he [illegible] it

I am Sir You [obedan[t] Servt [obedient servant]]
Asahel Durkee
Page 58

FREE
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

July 8 1844
Vt.
Ad proof
Sarah Durkee
7 July 1838
[stamp] [illegible]
Page 59

Randolph Vt  July 2d 1844

Sir,

I enclose to this Department at this request of Mr. Asahel Durkee now in Brandon Vt. the family record and record of the marriage of Asahel & Sarah Durkee.

Mr. Durkee wrote me & set a copy from your letter to the Hon. Mr. Collamen.  "If he will send to this office the necessary proof which the rules require as to the time when the claimants marriage took place the claim will be allowed"

You will please make your communication to Asahel Durkee of Brandon Vt.

Your Obdt. Servt

J. K. Parrish for
Asahel Durkee

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr Pensions