Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 17,271, Peter Benedict, New York.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
[written by hand "New York"]

[written by hand "Benedict, Peter"

NUMBER
[written by hand :Q. 17,271"]

[written by hand "Susannah"]

CONTENTS
Page 2

15-187
[written by hand "Vermont"]

[double lines across page, separating the information.]

[written by hand "Peter Benedict"]

of [written by hand "Burlington"] in the state of [written by hand "Vermont"] who was a [written by hand "Lieutenant"] in the regiment commanded by Colonel [written by hand "Ritzema"] of the [written by hand "New York"] line, for the term of [written by hand "one year."]

[double lines across page, separating the information.]

scribed on the Roll of [written by hand "Vermont"] at the rate of [written by hand "20"] Dollars per month, to commence on the [written by hand "31st"] of [written by hand "March, 1819"]

[double lines across page, separating the information.]

Certificate of Pension issued the [written by hand "1st"] of [written by hand "Octr, 1819"] and [written by hand "sent to N. B. Haswell, Esq
Burlington Vt.

[double lines across page, separating the information.]

Arrears to 4th of [written by hand "Sept 1819 .5 mos 1/30-4/30 103.30"]

Semi-anl. all'ce ending [written by hand "4th March 1820. 120.00"]

[double lines above and below the following number - I assume it means equals.]

$223.30

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
Page 3

Vermont 1572

[double lines across the page, separating out the information.]

[written by hand "Susannah Benedict" widow of [written by hand "Peter Benedict"] who died on the [written by hand "year 1830"] of [written by hand "Lower"] in the State of [written by hand "Canada] who was a [written by hand "private"] in the [crossed out] [written by hand "& Lieut"] commanded by captain   of the   commanded by [crossed out] in the [written by hand "N. York"] line [written by hand "N. Y."] [written by hand "5 months as Private & 11 months as Lieut."]

[double lines across the page, separating out the information.]

Inscribed on the Roll of [written by hand "Burlington, Vt"] at the rate of 163 Dollars 32 Cents, per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

[double lines across the page, separating out the information.]

Certificate of Pension issued the [written by hand "25th"] day of [written by hand "November 1837"] and [written by hand "sent to John Johnson, Burlington, Vt.

[double lines across the page, separating out the information.]

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 [written by hand "$1061.58"] Semi=annual allowance ending [written by hand "4 Mar '38  81.66

[double lines surrounding the following number - I assume it means equals.]

$1143.24

{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 c}

Recorded by [written by hand "D. McCurdy"] Clerk, Book [written by hand "A"] Vol. [written by hand "2"] Page [written by hand "34']
Page 4

Peter Benedict 

[line drawn to separate information]

Lieutenant N York line

[line drawn to separate information]

76-11 Months 

dr c 31st Mar 1819

[decorative line drawn to separate information]

Line regiment & company must be stated. The Clerk has omitted to sign his name & affix the Seal of Court to this signature.
Page 5

State of Vermont
Chittenden County

[vertical squiggly line between the address and the text of the letter.]

On this 31st day of March 1819 before me the Subscribed Judge of Chittenden County Court, personally appear Peter Benedict aged Sixty Six years resident in Burlington, in the County of Chittenden and State aforesaid who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the Pension for Revolutionary services under an Act of Congress, Entitled An act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War. Passed on the 18th of March 1818 - That he the said Peter Benedict was duly commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Continental Army on the 29th of February A D 1776. which commission was signed by John Hancock President, and is hereto attached - and that he continued in the service of The American government until about the first of January 1777 - at which time he was attached to the New York Forces: under the command of General McDougal, - That while in the service aforesaid, he was with General Montgomery at the taking of St Johns - that he is now in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support.

Peter Benedict

Sworn to and subscribed Before me the day and year aforesaid.

[vertical squiggly line after this last sentence. and straight black line under it. to separate it from Mr. Benedict's letter.]

[signed 'Joel Brownson - Judge of Chittenden County Court"]

I Joel Brownson Judge of Chittenden County Court do Certify that it appears to my satisfaction that The said Peter Benedict did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy and that it has been made to offer to my satisfaction that the above named Peter Benedict, is poor and in reduced circumstances and justly entitled to a Pension, under The Act of Congress of March 18, 1818 and I now transmit the groundings and testimony taken and had before me to to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the mention of the aforementioned act of Congress.

Joel Brownson Judge of C.C.C.
Page 6

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

[appears that there was a stamp over this address. there is a semicircle of what appears to be a faded stamp.]

[a vertical line drawn between the address and the body of the letter.]

County Clerks office
Burlington April 1 1879

I Phineas Lyman Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby Certify Joel Brownson before whom the within Declaration and affidavit is made is an Assistant Judge of Chittenden County Court, duly qualified authority of this State, and that his name is his own proper signature - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the County this 1st day of April A. D. 1819

[signed "Phineas Lyman Clerk"]

I do further Certify that Nathan B. Haswell is a justice of the peace, duly qualified acting under the authority of this State, this 12th day of July A D 1819 and that the following on his own proper signature.

[signed "Phinias Lyman Clerk"]

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

Peter Benedict of Burlington, in The County of Chittenden. being duly Sworn deposes and says That while he was a Lieutenant in the New York forces in the Continental Army - he belonged to Captain David Hobby Company - in Col. Ritzema's Regiment in Gen. McDougalls Brigade - and further with not 

[signed "Peter Benedict"]

Sworn and subscribed this 12th day of July 1819 before me

[signed "Nathan B. Haswell Justice of the Peace"]

[decorative line underneath the signature.]
Page 7

State of Vermont
Chittenden County} Ss.

Nathan Smith of Burlington in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, being duly sworn deposes and says that he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army and was well acquainted with Lt Peter Benedict who was made his Declaration for a Pension under the Act of Congress of March 18, 1818; - and Knows that the said Benedict entered into the service as a Lieutenant, and continued in said service, about one year, that he belonged to or was attached to Captain Hobbys Company, in Col Ritzemas Regiment, in General McDougalls Brigade - and further with not

[signed "Nathan Smith"]

Sworn and  subscribed this 12th day of July AD 1819 and I do Certify that the above deponent is a Credible witness

[vertical squiggly line to the right of the previous paragraph.]

[signed "Nathan B. Haswell, Justice of the Peace"]

[horizonal squiggly line underneath the signature.]
Page 8

[dark circle, like something was crossed out.]

Susanna Benedict
Vermont
Page 9

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third Section of  the act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.

[double line across the page, separating the information.}

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

On this thirteenth day of July A.D. 1837 personally appeared before the Probate Court holden at Burlington within and for the District of Chittenden and State of Vermont, Susannah Benedict a resident of St. Andrews in the Province of Lower Canada aged Seventy Eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth in her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Peter Benedict who was a Lieutenant in the Continental Army in the War of the revolution.

He enlisted (as she believes) under General Montgomery into the service of the United States. in the Summer of 1775 and proceeded northwardly under him through lake Champlain and was at the capture of St. Johns in Lower Canada and was absent in that Service five months after his return from that campaign he received a Lieutenants commission in the New York force but as she cannot State particularly the services by him rendered - she refers to the proof already in the pension office 

Her said husband was a pensioner under the Act of Congress of March 18 1818 at Seventy dollars per month  His name was inscribed upon the roll of the Vermont Agency sometime in the year 1819

Whether the evidence furnished the department by her late husband in order to obtain a pension under the Act of March 18, 1818 - Showed his service under General Montgomery, or not, she has no means of knowing as it was necessary to prove only nine months service to obtain the benefit of that act, and as she believes.
Page 10

that he served more than nine months as a Lieutenant the proof of other services in a lower rank might have been omitted. He served under General Montgomery as an orderly Sergeant as she thinks, though she would not be positive on this point.

She further declared that she was married to the said Peter Benedict on the Second day of April in the year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Six (1776) at North Salem in the County of Westchester in the State of New York by the Rev. McMead and that her maiden name was Norton: that her husband she said Peter Benedict died on the twentieth day of May 1830 and that She has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by the proof annexed and the depositions heretofore forwarded to the pension office with a former declaration Sworn to in Lower Canada. "into the service of the United States" interlined before signing.

[signed "Susanna Benedict"]

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year afore written before me - and I certify that the said Susanna Benedict is a person of credibility.

the word "Susanna" in the last line save one written on an Erasure before signing.

[signed " Charles Russell, Judge"]
Page 11

I, Charles Benedict of St. Andrews in the Province of Lower Canada aged fifty one years the 22nd day of October now last past, do depose and say that I am th [crossed out] a son of the late Peter Benedict deceased and of Susanna Benedict an applicant for a pension under the law of Congress passed July 4th, 1836, that my said father died on the seventh of May 1830. (the day of his death I cannot recall) I was present when he died and attended his funeral and that my said mother has never since his death intermarried, but is still his widow.

I further depose that I have a manuscript book in my possession purporting to be "a genealogy of the Benedicts" commencing about the beginning of the fifteenth century which is in my late fathers own hand writing and is continued down to and includes the birth of his own children - in which genealogy - after stating the names of his fathers children (that is the name of my father and his brothers and sisters) their marriages are noted and my fathers marriage to my mother is noted in the words and figures following viz -"Peter to Susanna Norton, 2nd April 1776" and further the deponent saith not.

[signed "Charles Benedict"]

State of Vermont
Chittenden County Ss. }

Sworn to and subscribed this 13th day of July 1837 - at Burlington in said County of Chittenden - before me - and I Certify that the said Charles Benedict is a person of truth and credibility.

[signed 'Charles Russell, Judge"]
Page 12

[vertically down the left side of the page "Seventy Six And that her husband the aforesaid"]

Vermont 1193 V

Susannah Benedict
widow of Peter

Canada [crossed out]

Canada
[decorative line underneath, to separate information}

Married 1776
Died 1830

AEia pvt & Lieut 16 mos
5 mos  private 16.66
LIeut 11 mos   146.66

$163.32

N York State troops
Page 13

Seignory of Argentine 
County of Tide Mountains
District of Montreal
Province of Lower Canada

[vertical squiggly line separating the address from the letter.]

On this thirteenth day of the month of January in the Year One thousand eight hundred and Thirty Seven personally appeared Susannah Benedict (whose name before her marriage was Susannah Norton) a resident of the Province of Lower Canada in the Said County and Seignory aged Seventy Seven years five months who being first duly sworn according Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefits of the Provision made by the Act of Congress passed July the fourth on the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. That she is the widow of Peter Benedict who was an Lieutenant of the Revolutionary Army of the United States will appear by documentary evidence now in the war department at Washington. (She further declares that she was married to the said Peter Benedict on the second day of April in the year one thousand Seven hundred and seventy six And that her husband the aforesaid
Page 14

Peter Benedict died on the twentieth day of May in the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty. and that she has [unreadable ....] may fully [unreadable...] the proof hereunto annexed 

Sworn and subscribed before me at [unreadable...] day and year above written.

[signed "Susanah Benedict"]
[signed " Thomas Barron J. P."]

County of The Mountains
District of Montreal
Province of Lower Canada

[vertical squiggly line, separating this address from the text of the letter.]

I John S. Hutchins Clerk of the County of Recd in the aforesaid County do hereby Certify that Thomas Barron Esq here was a Justice of the aforesaid Peace at the law of taking the taking the above affidavit Susannah Benedict and was in an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and District of note duly Commissioned are certified according to Law [unreadable ...] In testimony is hereby of That herein Set my hand and affixed the seal of the Said Court of Record this thirteenth day of the month of January in the year of Our Lord one
Page 15

one thousand eight hundred and thirty Seven and in the Seventh [unreadable]

[signed "William H. Fourth"]
[signed "John H Hutchens Clk]

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

I William Noble, Clerk of Chittenden County Court, do hereby Certify that Peter L. Allen, and David Russell, before whom, and at the times when annexed depositions of Pamela Allen, and Hannah Ferris, were Taken, were each Justices of the Peace for said County of Chittenden, duly gratified, acting under the Authority of this State, & that their names thereto subscribed are I believe their own proper signatures. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court this 2d day of February AD 1837.

[signed "William Noble"]

[on bottom right of the page is a seal shaped white on top of a dark background. But the seal is not readable.]
Page 16

Hannah Ferris of Burlington in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont aged eighty one years being duly sworn as to my [unreadable] says that I was present at the marriage of Peter Benedict to Susannah Norton now the widow of the said Peter Benedict herewith, who [unreadable] to have been a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary army of the United States. She further states that she has been intimately acquainted with the said [unreadable] Benedict from the time of her marriage of the said Benedicts to the current time, that she has for recently seen Susanna the 
[unreadable] of her husband and but a short time since to Innate [unreadable] fully confident that she has never been married [unreadable] the  [unreadable] said husband [unreadable] Benedict.

Sworn and subscribed this first day of February 1837. I [unreadable] hereby Certify that the deponent is an fully proper in her [unreadable] 

[signed her mark with an X "Hannah Ferris"]

[signed "Ebenr Brown"]

Before me David R. Bell Justice Peace
Page 17

Mrs. Pamela Allen of Tericho in the County of Chittenden & State of Vermont being duly Sworn upon the Holy evangelist deposeth & saith that in the year of Our Lord

in Town of North Salem in the County of West Chester in the State of New York in the United States of America She the Deponent was present at the marriage of the Late Lieutenant Peter Benedict with Susannah Norton the now surviving widow & that she the - deponent - then & there saw the above mentioned marriage performed & Solemnized and further the Deponent saith not

[signed "Pamela Allen"]

Sworn before me this twenty first day of the month of October in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six.

[signed Peter L Allen Justice Peas
Page 18

I Hannah Ferris of Burlington in the county of Chittenden and State of Vermont, aged eighty nine years, do testify and say, that I am a sister of Peter Benedict now deceased. That we were formerly of North Salem in the county of Westchester and State of New York. 
That in the year 1775 my said Brother Peter Benedict enlisted in the service of the United State with the forces which were to proceed north to Canada. That my said Brother did go and was absent about five months as near as I can recollect. That after his return I have often heard him describe the privations and hardships which they endured, and the situation and constriction of the fort at St Johns in Lower Canada which he assisted in capturing. I also repeatedly heard my said brother mention the names of Gen. Schuyler and Gen. Montgomery as the officers under whom he served, and I verily believe from the above said facts and circumstances that he did serve in the campain above mentioned for the space of about five months. I further testify that sometime in the spring of the year 1776 at North Salem aforesaid my said Brother was married to Susannah Norton by Rev. Mr. Mead of South Salem, and that I was present at said marriage. The said Hannah not having sufficient eye sight to read the above or to sign her name, the same was read in her hearing and she has hereto affixed her mark in the presence of her writings.

George E. Rowns

Hannah Ferris
mark
Page 19

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

Burlington July 15th 1837.

There personally appeared Hannah Ferris who being carefully examined and duly contained, made Solemn oath, that the foregoing deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to her first recollection and belief.

Before me 

[signed Ebenr Brown Justice Peace" crossed out]

I also Certify that the said Hannah Ferris is a credible witness.

[signed "John Johnson Justice of Peace"]

The erasure of the name of "Ebenezer Brown Justice of Peace" was made in his presence and in the presence of the deponent provision to signing as above 

[signed "John Johnson Just. Peace"]
[decorative line underneath signature.]

State of Vermont
District of Chittenden

[vertical squiggly line, separating the address from the body of the letter.]

I William Weston Register of the Probate Court within and for the District of Chittenden and State of New York hereby certify that Charles Russell before whom the foregoing declaration of Susannah Benedict was sworn to was at the time of taking the same and still is Judge of said court, and that the signature thereto purporting to be his is genuine, I also certify that John Johnson before whom the above and annexed deposition was taken was at the time of taking the same and Still is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Chittenden and that his signatures thereto are genuine - Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this 25th day of July 1837.

[signed "Wm Weston Register"]
Page 20

Benedict [underlined]
Page 21

"This Peter Benedict 2d, began a classical education, entered Yale College in 1774, stayed one year, The American revolution commencing, and turning people's attention in an other channel, he quit his studies, entered the army an Orderly Sergt. went with Genl. Montgomery into Canada, to the reduction of St Johns; after which he returned home, received a Lieutenant's commission and married and joined Genl. Washington at New York. In 1776 at the close of that Campaign, his aged Parents living near the seat of war, he retired home and lived at his native place, which was at North Salem, Westchester County, State of N. York, until 1788, when he removed to Vermont, where he lived 12 years and in 1800 he removed into Canada."

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

Personally appeared Ebenezer Brown aged 67 years Herman Lowry aged 58) - and John Johnson aged 65 years, who having been duly sworn depose and say that we the said Brown Lowry and Johnson were severally acquainted with the abovesaid Peter Benedict and with each other for about forty years previous to the decease of the said Peter Benedict. That we have each of us frequently seen him write, and are well acquainted with his hand writing. We further depose and say that the original from which the foregoing is truly copied, is in the hand writing of the said Peter Benedict and that he is, or was, the same Peter Benedict whose widow has lately applied for a pension on his behalf.

[signed "Ebenr Brown"]
[signed "John Johnson"]
[signed " H. Lowry"]
Page 22

State of Vermont
Chittenden County Ss}

Burlington September 28 1837

Personally appeared Ebenezer Brown and John Johnson to me well known to be men of truth and credibility - and made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit - by them subscribed, in due form of law before me - 

[signed "Wm Weston Justice of the Peace"]

[decorative line separating the last letter and the next letter.]

State of Vermont
Chittenden County }

Burlington October 11th 1837.

Personally appeared Herman Lowry to me well known to be a man of truth and credibility and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed in due form of Law before me.

[signed "John Johnson Just. Peace"]

[Decorative squiggly line separating between the last letter and the next letter.]

State of Vermont
Chittenden County Ss

[vertical squiggly line, separating the address and the letter.]

I William Noble Clerk of Chittenden County Court do hereby certify that William Weston and John Johnson before whom and at the times when the foregoing depositions of Ebenezer Brown, Herman Lowry, and John Johnson were taken & made, were Justices of the peace in and for Said County of Chittenden duly qualified acting under the Authority of this State, & that their names thereto Subscribed are their own proper Signatures.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Burlington in said County

[a big blank area next to the previous paragraph, with some faint lines - perhaps where the original seal mentioned was placed.]

This 11th day of October AD 1837.

[signed "William Noble."
Page 23

I Pamela Allen of Jerico in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont aged Seventy five years, do testify and say, that I was present at North Salem in the County of West Chester and State of New York, at the marriage of my Uncle Peter Benedict to Susannah Norton. They were married by the Reverend Mr Mead, and from my recollection of the season of the year and the time of my own marriage; I think it must have been in the Spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six.

[signed "Pamela Allen"]

State of Vermont
Chittenden County}

Jerico July 14th 1837 -

Then personally appeared Pamela Allen and made solemn oath that the above statement by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth in relation to the knowledge of the above facts & transactions

[signed "John Johnson, Justice of Peace"]
[squiggly line underneath]

I further Certify that the said Pamela Allen is a creditable witness.

[signed "John Johnson, Justice of Peace"]
[squiggly line underneath]

[bottom left hand of the page is a black splotch perhaps a ribbon? with an outline of a seal over the top of it.]
Page 24

J. S. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of pensions
Washington

[lower down the page, written upside down "Mrs Sue or Ide"]
Page 25

Burlington Feb. 2, 1837

Mr Edwards sir, 

Enclosed is the declaration of Susannah Benedict widow of Peter Benedict who was a Lieutenant in the revolutionary war, together with two depositions of old Ladies who recollect that they were present at the time and witnessed the marriage of the said Peter to Susannah Norton, but at their extreme old age cannot recollect the date of said marriage and the testimony I think carries with it more reliance on the truth of their testimonys than it would if they had stated the precise time of said marriage unless they had some ancient document & reports. Should the evidence be satisfactory, be so good as to enclose to me here certificate by which she will be authorised to receive The pension. Should the papers not be right, please to inform me here to supply the deficney or rath what will be further required.

You will first sir, by recurring to the publication of the list of pensions for Vermont, under the head of Chittenden County, that Lieutenant Peter Benedict was admitted to the pension sell and to commerce March 31, 1818, and dropeth May 1, 1820, therefore no testimony is further necessary to prove his service as the original proof is no doubt in your Office at Washington, as I presume.

You will also find by said Schedule published, that Lieut Benedict was first on to the list at $240- per year, that by said list it is stated in the opposite column that he had received only $253n33. The time it appears that he was entitled to draw was two years and one month amounting to $506m The widow request me (if the fact be so) 16 [crossed out] 10 enquire if she is not entitled to the balance $246.67.

Your Obedient Servt

[signed "David Russell"]

P. S. I endorsed papers of one Ide to you Dec 26 1836, Have not her from them.
Page 26

[written vertically "2373  July 31
Vt. 
4 July '36
3d Sec
Susannah Benedict
Vt"]

[a stamp is to the bottom left of this section. very faint words can be seen, but not readable.]

[written horizontally, crossing into the words written vertically "James L. Edwards Esqr" no longer crossing into the vertical words "Commissioner of Pensions.
City of Washington."]
Page 27

Burlington Vermont July 25th 1837.

J. L. Edwards Esqr Commissioner of Pensions,

Dear Sir, I herewith transmit to you the application of Susanna Benedict with the accompanying papers for a pension in consideration of the services of her late husband as will be seen.

Should any further illustration be required please inform me of the fact.

By Mr Haynes letter of the 9th of March 1836, it appears that the said Peter Benedict was on the 26 day of February 1776 commissioned as a second Lieutenant of the 6th Company of the New York forces, and that he continued in the service of the American Government until about the first of January 1777. Whether his first campain which is testified to by Mrs Ferris is to be found on record in the war department or not I do not know; but the long acquaintance which I have had with him and with his connections, and the frequency with which I have heard him and them mention the subject, leaves me no room to doubt the fact.

Very respectfully yours,

[signed "John Johnson"]

[squiggly line underneath the signature.]
Page 28

[on the left side of the page - a stamp. very faded, and difficult to read, written in the center of the stamp is "18".]

LIeut [crossed out]

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Chief Clerk n the Pension Office

Washington City

[lower down the paper is another stamp. too faded to read anything, can only see the outline of the stamp.]
Page 29

Burlington October 17, 1819

J. L. Edwards Esqr

I -received by last mail the Pension Certificate of Lieutenant Peter Benedict, dated at your office October 1st and numbered 15,187 -  In examination of my minutes, I find the date of Mr Benedicts Declaration was March 31st 1819 -  I find your clerk in filling the Blank... has inserted 31st of March 1818 -  and by cement of Mr Benedict I have more the alteration in the Certificate, before delivering it to him, and I take the liberty of notifying you of the error.

 I remain yours Respectfully

[signed "Nathan B Haswell"]
[a swirly line is underneath the signature.]
Page 30

[on left side of page]
[appears to be a "V"]
Suspended
See let to David Russell
May 16,1837
DoTo Same July 29,1837
lets, J. Johnson, 2nd
Sept 1897

[on right side of page]
133.33
13.37
[line underneath the numbers, representing "equals"]
140.66
Page 31

Peter Benedict Vt. Act March 1818
To what time paid?
Pens Office
Sept 2, 1837

[unreadable] [written in faded ink, "the 4 March 1870"] 

[in faded ink initials "JH"]
Page 32

[left side of page]
1929 Apr. 8. Photos Mrs. T. W. S. Phillips & Fin. Div. ntfd. A.D.Y. 
1933-Feb-21-Mrs. L.W.S. Phillips a?o- costs photos-MMHJ 
[a dark line underneath L.WS Phillips a?0.]

1933 Mar. 13 Photos mailed to Mrs. T.W.S. Phillips & account Lein ntfd. M.M.H.J.

[dark line separating information.]

1934-Sept. 15 - Photos of five positive copies commission mailed to Mrs. L.W.S. Phillips MMHJ

[on the right side of the page]

[Written by hand "Rev"] WIDOW, &c.
[decorative line separating the info.]

File No. [written by hand "17271
Susannah Benedict Widow of Peter Benedict Lt. Rev. War."]

[decorative line separating the information.]

Index:-- Vol. [written by hand "1"], Page [written by hand "52]

'[Arrangement of 18763]"
Page 33

[stamped 3 times, each stamp overlaps each other, and they get progressively lighter as they were stamped. Starting with the darkest stamp: It is a circle stamps just inside the boarder of the stamp it looks like a clock face numbered from "1-12". inside this boarder clock, is a dark arrow. Below that the words "Received" below that "FEB 26 1933" below that "Disbursing Division"]

[the next darkest stamp: is a circle stamp, and just inside the boarder of the stamp it looks like a clock face numbered from "1-12". inside boarder clock, is a dark arrow then below that the words "Received" Below that "MAR 1 1933" below that "EMPLOYEE" then below that "ACCOUNTINS SUBDIVISION"]

[the lightest stamp, very faded and difficult to read. It is also a circle stamp. Just inside the boarder of the stamp it looks like a clock face numbered from "1-12". inside this boarder clock is a dark arrow then below that the words "Received' then below that [unreadable] "1933" then below that "DISBURSING OFFICE" below that [unreadable] "PAYMENTS" below that "RECIEPTS" below that "SUBDIV."]
Page 34

[a black & white copy of a photograph; below it reads "OLD CROTON DAM, 1840 OLD DAM FARM KITCHAWAN N.Y."]

[right side of the paper]
Feb. 23. 1933.
BA-J/MMHF:MLB.
44497

[right side of the page]

Veteran's Administration
Washinton
Mr. A. D. Miller

Dear Sir:-
Thank you for your letter of Feb. 21st. relative to Revolutionary War Claim W-17271, Peter Benedict.

[a circle stamp is over the edge of the last paragraph. and you can only see part of the stamp, it is too faded. Just inside the boarder of the stamp it looks like a clock face numbered from "1-12". inside this boarder clock, is a dark arrow. Below that the words "Received" below that "FEB 24 1933" below that "MAIL SUB-DIV." below that is [illegible.]]

Enclosed please find money order for $1.90 as per your instructions, for certified set of eleven pages of photostatic copies of above claim records.

Again Thank you, I am yours truly,

[signed 'Helene (Mrs. T.W.S.) Phillips."]
Page 35

February 21, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mrs. T. W. S. Phillips
Old Dam Farm
Kitchawan, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of recent date in which you request another certified set of photostatic copies from Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 17271, Peter Benedict, widow, Susannah, of the same pages previously selected by you.

The number of pages selected by you was eleven. The cost of the copies is 15 cents a page. The cost of certification is 25 cents for the whole set making the total cost $1.90.

Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of The Treasury of the United States.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator
Page 36

[a black and white copy of a photo; below reads "OLD CROTON DAM, 1840 OLD DAM FARM KITCHAWAN N.Y."]

[on the left hand side, stamped over the date of the letter; a circle stamp. inside the boarder of the circle is a clock face with numbers "1-12" inside of that is a dark arrow. below that the words "RECIEVED" below that "JAN 27 1933" below that "MAIL SUB-DIV" below that "VETS. ADM." beside that "3" below that "PENSIONS"]

[written by hand] Jan. 22 . 1933.

Department of Interior Pension Bureau Washington, D. C.
For Mr. E. W. Morgan - Acting Commissioner.

Dear Sir: -

On April 5, 1929, you sent To me at my New York address, (44 West 77th St.), Two sets of photostatic copies of documents in the Revolutionary War Claim department relative to my ancestor Peter Benedict New York Troops, and Susannah, his wife, Widow File 27271. Those are found, and sealed with The Pension Bureau seal, signed by you. From
Page 37

a mass of papers. I had selected those eleven pages as being the most interesting to my children, and included The decl [crossed out] second lieutenants commission signed by John Hancock.

I now have a third child and should be so pleased to secure a third set of documents. I would appreciate immensely you assistance - is there any Record of which pages were photographed, or would it be necessary for me To come down and pick them out again? I could send a set to your department, if it is not too much Trouble To go over Them all.

With Thanks for your help in this matter, I am yours Truly,

[signed "Helene (Mrs. T. W. S. ) Phillips."]
Page 38

[black and white copy of photograph "OLD CROTON DAM, 1840 OLD DAM FARM KITCHAWAN N.Y."]

[to the right of the photo is a faint outline of a stamp just inside the outside circle is a clock face with the numbers "3-8" visible. everything else is too light to read.]

[below the picture is a stamp that is "2855"]

Aug. 18 - 1934.

Mr. A. D. Hiller:
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-

In reference to your letter of May 9, Re Peter Benedict, W17271, BA-J/MMHF/adj - please find enclosed one dollar and twenty five cents, for five positive copies of the commission of Peter Benedict as Lieutenant, signed by John Hancock.

Also Re yours of Feb. 21, 1933 [underlined with  two lines] please advise me how much another set of these records (so selected by me) would be in positive [underlined]. I wish to present them to an Historical Society and feel they would be better than photostatic
Page 39

Copies.

Also, will you be so good as to inform me if there are any Records of French & Indian war soldiers. My ancestors were in Norwalk, Conn., and one was called "Captain Benedict," having served at that time.

I wish to express my appreciation of your courteous and accurate help in The past. your department is indeed a marvelously efficient one, and would there wee more like it!

Thanking you in advance,
I am, 
Sincerely yours.

Helene (Mrs. T.W.S.) Phillips.

[a faint circle stamp just inside the outer circle is clockface-like with numbers 1-12. inside of that is a dark arrow below that is "RECEIVED" below that "AUG 20 1934" below that is something too faint to read.]

[next to the above stamp is another stamp. inside the clockface with numbers 1-12 is a dark arrow. below that "RECEIVED" below that "AUG 23 1934" below that "EMPLOYEE" below that "ACCOUNTS SUBDIVISION"]
Page 40

[black and white copy of photograph "OLD CROTON DAM, 1840 OLD DAM FARM KITCHAWAN N.Y."]

[to the right of the photo is a stamp with a clocklike face with numbers 1-12, inside of that is a dark arow, below that "RECEIVED" below that "FEB 26 1934" below that there is 3 more lines of words, but they are too faint to read.]

Feb. 24 - 1934

Mr. A. D. Hiller
Veteran's Administration Bureau
(Dispersing Division)
Washington, D. C.

[to the left of the letter in the margin "23153 M09623 2-23-33. J.B. Shommer by M. Mc. K."]

Dear Sir: -

On Feb 27, 1933 you very Kindly attended to an order for me for photostatic copies from Revolutionary War pension claim W 17271, Peter Benedict [underlined] Among the papers, is Benedict's commission as Second Lieutenant, signed by John Hancock. Could you have a Regular photograph (black on white like the original) made of this? I should like to frame it and the photostatic copies do not look well for that purpose, I could use four copies of the negative, or would be glade to buy negative and have prints made locally. Also, how do I go about
Page 41

finding Pension claim if any, or war record of "John Phillips [underlined], Sergeant in General Washington's Guards, 1780. By his service from the 15 day of June to the 31st day of Dec. 1780 - 219- 10 - 0." Quotation from record in office of Sec. of State of Mass. (Boston), being the payroll for that period, secured by a relative of mine in 1894. Would this record still be in Massachusetts or have they all been Centralized in Washington? He also signed payroll for service at Lexington alarm, and enlisted on May 3, 1775. Served in Newburgh, N. Y. and is buried there.

I am sorry to bother you if this is not in your department, and will greatly appreciate any information you can give me.

Yours Truly

Helene (Mrs. T. W. S.) Phillips.
Page 42

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE [underlined]
1-681
PHONE Branch 476 [underlined'

[written by hand "REV 71812"]

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. [stampled "3 [?] 030" ]

Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
[line to separate the top from the next part of the document.]

March 28, 1929.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Washington
CHIEF, Division of Publications, 
Room G 137.
Please furnish work specified below.

Bureau ordering "Pension" Deliver to Room No. "5033"

[ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATION WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE. EXACLTY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

Title and description "photostatic copies of 11 pages in duplicate from Revolutionary War pension claim of Peter Benedict, N. Y. Troop W.17271"

No. of copies "2 of each" shall form be kept standing     days
For further information see "Mrs. M. M. H. Finch" Room No. "5033" Phone No. "541"

 Approved: [signature is too faint to read.] Chief Clerk of Bureau.

[signature "Margaret H. Finch"] Chief of Branch [there are words crossed out, and are unreadable.]

NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering.

[dark line separating the next part of the document.]

CHECK WORK DESIRED [underlined]

Duplicate

Multigraph     single or double space?    Facsimile Signature?

Mimeograph   one side or both sides?   Facsimile Signature?

Folding   once or twice?

Assembling
Stapling   Once?   Twice?     Side?    End?

Electric Typewriter     Fill in addresses?      Dated?

Addressing from lists
Envelope, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters

Cards, size
Pay rolls
Corrections
Tabulation sheets

Photostat "X"  Size "actual" Official use?   Repay? "Yes"

Blue Print   Size   Official use?   Repay?

Remarks

(OVER)
Page 43

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.

[long blank line "(Date)" 192 {open area for year.]

INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

[empty box] Make new addressograph plate
[empty box] Change present addressograph plate
[empty box] Destroy present addressograph plate

[large bracket pointing the three check box items to "On list" then a long blank line.]

as follows:

Now Reads
1 [long blank line]
2 [long blank line]
3 [long blank line]
4 [long blank line]
5 [long blank line]

Should Read
1 [long blank line]
2 [long blank line]
3 [long blank line]
4 [long blank line]
5 [long blank line]

[long blank line indicating a signature should go here.]

[long black line separating the parts of the page.]

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION

ADDRESOGRAPH [bold type and underlined.]
The above change was made [long blank line] 192
Operator [long blank line for signature] 

MULTIGRAPH [bold type and underlined]
Operator [long blank line]  Date [long blank line]  Type set by [long blank line]  Date [long blank line] Remarks: [long blank line] 

MIMEOGRAPH [bold type and underlined]
Operator [long blank line]  Date [long blank line]  Cut by [long blank line]  Remarks: [long blank line]
Page 44

[top of page is backwards printed words and the backwards number "291".]

March 28, 1929

Acting Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

[a square stamp is to the left of the address inside the stamp it reads "FINANCE DIVISION" below that "BOOK KEEPERS DESK" below that "MAR 29 1929" below that "BUREAU OF PENSIONS"]

Sir:

Please have made photostatic copies, in duplicate and certified, both sets, from Rev. War pension claim of Peter Benedict and widow Susanna. N. Y. Troops [written by hand W.17271. Eleven Pages.-]

[signed "Mrs T. W. S. Phillips 44 West 77th St New York City"]

Received payment
$3.80

[signed in black ink "Margaret M. H. Finch"]

[oval stamp is below signature inside the oval "REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS" below that "SECTION" below that "MAR 28, 1929" below that "BUREAU OF PENSIONS"]
Page 45

List of pages furnished Mrs. T. W. S. Phillip's 
Soldier's appl. Mch - 31, 1819 - 1p -
Commission [line where the date should be] -1p-
Wid. appl - Jan - 13, 1837 - 3p -
Sheet Begin: "This Peter Benedict 2nd"
& on opposite side dated Sept - 28-1837 - 2p-
Wid. appl - July 13 - 1837 2p -
Affid. of Chas. Benedict - July 13-1837 -1p 
Cef. jacket of soldier - 1p -
[line meaning "totals"]
11p
Page 46

BA-J/MMHF

[written by hand "Rev & 1812 no. 255 O[unreadable]"]

September 10, 1934

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

Navy-970-

Rev. War claim for pension of Peter Benedict [underlined], File No. W.17271 [underlined].

actual   5 positive copies

UNCERTIFIED

$1.25 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 page

Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in folder with corresponding name and number.

Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
Page 47

September 10, 1934,
XXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MMHF/ady
Peter Benedict
W. 17271

Mrs. T. W. S. Phillips
Old Dam Farm
Kitchawan, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of August 18, in which you request five positive copies of the commission of Peter Benedict, W.17271, also, information in regard to the cost of positive copies of the eleven pages on file in that claim, of which you have already secured copies; you request further, to know whether there are any records of French and Indian War soldiers.

The positive copies of the commission noted above are being made and will be mailed to you when completed.

The cost of positive copies of the eleven pages formerly selected by you and photostated, will be $5.50.

Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States. 

This office has no record of soldiers who served in Franch and Indian War. Information might be obtained from the Historical Society of the state from which the soldier served.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 48

May 9, 1934.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Peter Benedict
W.17271
BA-J/MMHF/ady

Mrs. T. W. S. Phillips
Old Dam Farm
Kitchawan, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request four positive copies made of the discharge of Peter Benedict, W.17271, Revolutionary War soldier, also, the Revolutionary War record of one John Phillips.

The copies requested by you will be furnished for twenty-five cents each. Please make remittance, one dollar, by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States.

There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a John Phillips as described by you.

It is suggested that information in regard to his military service might be obtained from The Adjutant General, War Department, this city.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Adminitrator
Page 49

[written by hand "this is copy of the "fill in" on the forms for certificates"]

March 10      33

eleven pages are true

photostatic copies of the originals thereof, in the Revolutionary War claims for pension of PETER BENEDICT, and his widow, SUSANNAH BENEDICT, Widow File No. 17271,

FRANK T. HINES
Page 50

BA-J/MMHF

[written by hand "Rev. & 1812 no. 148."]

March 6, 1933.

Rev. &1812 Wars Section.        541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rev. War claim for pension of Peter Benedict, File No. W.17271.

Actual 1 of each page.

CERTIFY [underlined].

[written by hand "See the list of pages on her former order [unreadable] Mch. 28,1929"]

$1.65 . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 pages

Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.

The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.

Chief, Rev. &1812 Wars Section.
Page 51

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
City of Washington
 Oct 19
[ illegible] Mrs. Benedict

(Post office stamp) Berlington Oct 15
Page 52

Burlington Vermont Oct. 13, 1837

Dear Sir.

About the time of the receipt of your favor of the 2nd ultimo, I received from Charles Benedict Esqr a paper which he informs me he found among the old papers of his father, and which he has not before noticed, which paper is in his father's (Peter Benedict's) hand writing, and appears to have been prepared to transcribe into a book which has been kept of the Geneology and some biography of the Benedict family for 2 or 3 generations before they left England and came to this county, and now brought up to the 9th generation. The knowledge possessed where they are known of the respectability and good standing of the family will leave no one to doubt who is acquainted. Himan Lowry Esqr a signer of the affidavit is [illegible] of this estate, and he has two nephews who are Professors in the College in this place, besides many other respectable connections. I however much doubt if any information can at this time be obtained as to the company officers with whom he served, and am of the opinion that you will have to make up your opinion one way or the other on what you will now have before you. If however anything further can be furnished, on your suggestion, I shall be happy to do for the benefit of the family all in my power - there is no connection between my
Page 53

and that of the Benedicts, nor have I the least pecuniary interest in the question, but attend to it to oblige a friend and for that only.
Very respectfully yours.
(signature) John Johnson

J. L. Edwards, Com. Pensions
Page 54

This page is a negative image of the same as Page 55 following
Page 55

In Congress
The delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to Peter Benedict Gentleman
We reposing especial trust and confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fideity, do by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Second Lieutenant of the Sixth Company of the New York Forces in the Army of the United Colonies raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Second Lieutenant by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under you Command, to be obedient to your Orders as Second Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the Time being of the Army of the United Colonies, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress. Dated the twenty sixth day of February 1776

By order of the Congress
John Hancock President

Attest. Ch. W. Thomson