Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3176, James Bray, New Jersey New York Penn.
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Service
New Jersey
New York 
Pennsylvania 

Bray, James 
Blythe, Mary
(Former widow)

Number
W. 3176

Contents
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Reported

4604
Pennsylvania 
Mary Blythe formerly 
widow of James Bray 
who died in 1792
of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania 
who was a wagon conductor in the company commanded by Captain - of the Regiment commanded by - in the Revolution 
for 21 months 24 days 
 Penna N.Y. & N J Service

Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia 
at the rate of 436 Dollars - Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day 
March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of 
August 1848 and sent to J. Strohm H of R

Arrears to the 4th of March 1848 $74 
Semi - annual allowance ending $2
$76
{Revolutionary Cl[aim]
Act July 4 1832
Recorded by H [?umpkin]
Book C Vol. 1 Page 1
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August 23/1848
Addl Evidence
in the case

Mary Blythe

John Strohm
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In the name of God Amen I John Bray of
the City of New Brunswick and State of New Jersey being of sound and disposing mind
and memory but knowing the uncertainty
life and that is appointed for all men one
to die do make this my last will and
testament in manner & form following
that is to say: the following clauses in said
will refer to the bequest made and given
by the testator to John Bray his nephew.
John Bray son of his brother
I give and bequeath to my nephew
John Bray Son of my brother James all
my wearing apparel, my clock, my American
Biography in nine volumes, Bank it on the
New testament , Cruden's Concordance,and
my gold sleeve buttons
.
such portraits and pictures that are in
frames not particularly bequeathed I give to
my nephew John Bray
My Executors being authorized to alarm in
hand and to keep at in trust -a sufficient
sum to meet the different bequests as they may become due and payable my will is that after retaining what they may think necessary to effect said object, that my nephew John
Bray as one of my residuary  legalties be
entitled to and I hereby bequeath to him his
heirs and assigns three eights of the remaining next proceeds of my estate, and to Nancy,Rachel, Reunr,Daniel Bray, Matilda
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and Isabel the children of my deceased sister Ann Runyon the remaining five eighths thereof in equal proportions –“ 

State of New Jersey 
Middlesex County ss  I Jas G McDowell Surrogate of the County of Middlesex do certify that on the Eighth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four the last Will and testament of John Bray late of the County of Middlesex deceased, was duly proved before Littleton Kirkpatrick Esq then Surrogate of said County by James Bishop Joseph C. Griggs and John Terhune the Executors therein named - And I further certify that I have compared the foregoing clauses in said will viz 2. 11 & 15, with the original record thereof now remaining in this office and do find the same to be a true transcript therefrom, and the whole of such original record as above referred to.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty-seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty Eight 
[signed] Jas G McDowell.
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6331
Mary Blythe formerly
widow of James Bray
 [Penn?]
Act 4 July 1836
M 79.092
Wagon Conductor from
1st Jany 1777 to 24 Oct
1779  21 Mo 24
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Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3rd section of the act of 4th July 1836 and the 1st section of the act 3rd March 1837

State of Pennsylvania}
Philadelphia City}

On this 12th day of October 1844 the Court of Common Pleas in the City and County of Philadelphia personally appeared before me James Campbell a Judge of ^ The Court of Common Pleas in this city & County of Philadelphia, Mary Blythe a resident of Philadelphia aged eighty four 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 4th 1836 and the explanatory of said act passed March 3rd 1837 that she was  married to James Bray on the 29th day of July seventeen hundred and seventy nine as will appear by a certificate accompany this declaration; that her deceased husband the said the James Bray was an officer of the staff in the early part of the war of the revolution that he was engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill was afterward she always understood from the said James he was in the Hospital in consequence of the cannonading and injuries he received by exposures and was subsequently a Prisoner in the sugar House New York and that on the first day of January seventeen hundred and seventy eight he was appointed a conductor of Wagons and was in service in that capacity in New Jersey New York and in Pennsylvania line until near or to the end of the war. She further declares her first child was born in October 1780 while her husband was out in the service of the United States and that the aforesaid James was in service for some time after as before stated until near or to the end of the war but she cannot now fix the time as the papers and Books of her deceased husband have all been lost or destroyed; that her husband the aforesaid James Bray died in the year 1792; Then she afterward married Gilbert Blythe who died in the year 1799, and that she was a widow on 4th July 1836 and still remain a widow Mary Blythe formerly widow of James Bray. 
  Mary Blythe her x mark
Witness John Bray
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Sworn to the subscribed, on the day and year afore written before me the said Mary Blythe being unable judge appeared in open court to make the foregoing statement in consequence of active infirmity     James Campbell

Before me the subscriber James Campbell a Judge of the court of commo pleas for the city and county of Philadelphia personally appeared Nancy Johnston who being duly sworn did depose & say that she has known Mary Blythe for forty years that she is a lady of good standing & character & that her declaration should be [regarded as entitled to full credit and consideration Mary [her mark] Johnson
Sworn + subscribed this thirteenth day of October AD 1844 above named being first made Wm Campbell Judge Co CP
Pennsylvania Philadelphia County
I Richard Palmer Esqr Prothonotary of the Court of
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Common Pleas of said County do certify that Hon James Campbell Esq before whom this declaration on oath and affidavit were made and whom his own proper hand-writing has there unto severally  subscribed his name was st the time of so doing and now is one of the judges of the said Court of Common Pleas which is a case of record and of law duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given as well in courts of Judicature as thereon
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Philadelphia this 18th day of October AD 1844. R Palmer  In Rothy per Joseph S Tennery
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On the 29th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred seventy and nine (1779) James Bray and Mary Ginnis were lawfully joined in holy matrimony.

That the above is a true copy from the Records of the German Evangel Luther Congregation of St. Michael & Zion in the City of Philadelphia. I certify with my hand and the corporate seal of said Congregation, Philadelphia this 26th day of November in the year of our Lord 1844. 
   Chs R. Demme
 Pastor of Germ. Evang: Luth Ch. in Phila.
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On the 27th day of November 1844 before me the Subscriber one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia came the within Chs R Demme and acknowledged the within certificate to be his act and deed and that the Seal thereto affixed is the corporate Seal of the German  Evangel Luther: congregation of St. Michael & Zion in the City of Philadelphia.
 Witness my hand and Seal
  Chs Christian
  Ala

I certify that the within mentioned Chs R Demme is well known to me as the Pastor of the German Evangel Luther: Congregat: of St Michael & Zion in the City of Philadelphia
 Chs Christian
  Acar
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State of Pennsylvania
County of Philadelphia
On the Twenty first day of July AD one thousand eight hundred & forty eight, personally appeared, before me the subscriber one of the Aldermen in and for said County Mrr Sylvia Bray, aged fifty six years, wife of John Bray, who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose & say. In the year 1820, I married my said husband, Son of Mrs. May Blythe, formerly Mrs May Bray, that she has very often times heard his mother relate the circumstance of her first husband, James Bray having been a condue to of wagons during the war of the Revolution, and
that her first child was born when her husband was out in the service of the United States doing duty or a conductor of wagons of the hardship she endured & the anxieties she felt whilst her husband was auga
led in the war, she has heard these facts related
from her earliest acquaintance with the family, and
verily believe them to be true, and that she is the
identical woman she represents herself to be the
widow of James Bray, who was a wagon conductor
in the army of the revolution: as relates to the time
he served she knows nothing of her own knowledge
Sworn & subscribed before me
the day & year above written
Geo Brash
Sylvia Bray
mark
Aldn to Justice of the Peace
I Certify that the above affirmant Sylvia Bray is a respectable
Women of the County of Philadelphia and her statements are entitled
to full faith and credit. Witness my hand July 21, 1848
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W. 3,176
Rev. War
Sept. 2, 1904

Madam:
In reply to your recent inquiry, you are advised that pension was granted to Mary Blythe, former widow of James Bray, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, on account of his service of 21 months, 34 days, as a conductor of wagons in the Pa., N.J. And New York lines. Soldier was injured in the Battle of Bunker Hill and died in 1792. His widow, Mary Ginnis Bray, married Gilbert Blythe. Name of soldier’s father does not appear.
The records of this Bureau do not show any claim filed for the services of any James Bray, N.J. Line, other than the one above cited. 
The records fail to show any claim filed on account of the services of Samuel Ogborne.
Very Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

Mrs. G.W. Nicholson,
790 State St.,
Bridgeport, Conn.
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Philadelphia, December 7th, 1843
Alexander Ray Esq

Dear Sir,
Being informed by Mrs. Colonel Daniel Kencheloe of Clarksburg, Virginia, that you were instrumental in procuring for her a Pension or a continuance of a Pension as the widow of Judge John Bray of New Brunswick, New Jersey, being a commissary in the Revolutionary War and etc. Now my object in writing to you is to have you investigate the claim of his brother James Bray also of the vicinity of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and acting as commissary also in the Army of the Revolution my object in making this is to procure for his widow - my mother a pension who is old infirm and needy and who has thus far never received a cent this equally entitled her to receive it with others as the widow Mary Bray of James Bray deceased who was at the Battle of Bunker Hill was in the Hospital  three weeks on account of injuries from the cannonading and was afterwards prisoner in the Sugar House New York was in the Jersey Line for a time and also in the Pennsylvania Line under General Wayne of this I have been informed by my Mother and by others now dead the reason why no application has ever been made before now to procure a pension for James Bray’s widow has been because I have been
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enabled to keep her myself and wished no help but having experienced some reverse of fortune and some disappointment and I have concluded to make application to the Pension Fund provided in wisdom and mercy for the poor and the afflicted who have served this country. 
Very Respectfully,
John Bray

P.S. Will you please see if James Bray’s name is recorded at Washington on any of the Rolls or Books and whether this statement will be sufficient to procure a grant of the pension and due my mother as widow of James Bray Commissary and Wagon Master in the Revolution the New Jersey delegation of members of Congress know the Bray family especially the Hon. P. D. Vroom also Hon. L. Kirkpatrick and write me an answer as soon as convenient and for so doing and for all other trouble you may be at I shall expect to pay you the usual and customary charge.
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Washington July 25 48 
Sir
in the case of Mary Blythe, formerly widow of James Bray you agree to allow a pension when satisfactory evidence is adduced, that she is the widow of James Bray who was a wagon conductor. 
I would beg to refer you to a copy of her sons letter to me in the year 1843 now on file in her case. Neither to me enquiring into the merits of his mothers claim to a pension and before a declaration was made: it is therein stated that applicants husband was a Brother, to John Bray of New Brunswick, who was a commissary & a pensioner, & then deceased.
You will receive herewith enclosed three affidavits going to identify the applicant as the widow of the Conductor: Docr [Doctor] W. W. Perrine clearly and distinctly states his acquaintance with the late Judge John Bray of having been informed by him & of his frequently having heard him state. That James Bray was his Brother and that he served in the revolution as a Conductor of Wagons: - His knowledge of the widow, or the facts from time to time she related of her said husband James Brays Service as a Wagon Conductor, taking the fact in connecting the identity of the applicant as the widow of James Bray is clearly established.
I would beg further to remark, in an application I made in behalf of the widow of Docr Benj. Rush: the evidence of his appointment as a Surgeon of the "Armed Boats” was presented, but no evidence of the length of his service was exhibited -
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Docr [Doctor] Crump informed me if I could produce the affidavit the persons who served with Docr Rush, and who were pensioners he would admit the evidence 
Again, in the case of Ozias Bingham who was a conductor of wagons, the evidence of his appointment was presented by me, but no [illegible, denction? direction?] of Service. Docr Crump in this case, handed me a letter of Wagoner entiled by Conductor Bingham stating at the same time if I could find time and could procure testimony of any person who served under his and pensions it would be acceptable evidence from the one other case that might be cited 
In the case of Mrs Blyth that one two pensioners, who testify to her first husband Jas Bray's service as Wagon Conductor in the year 1781. 81. making far more the two years service. You are willing to allow from the 1 Jany 1778 to the 24 Oct 1779 being 21 mo 23 ds from all that is asked, is [illegible, any?] allowance of 2 mo. 7 ds of the time of service as certified to by the two pensioners. If such evidence was admitted in the case of Docr. Rush widow and the case of Conductor Bingham it surely should apply in the present application.
Indeed unless I most egregiously mis- [illegible] -ed the practice of the Pension office, such testimony is always favorably regarded. hoping for the full term of allowance
I remain your most Ob Ser
[signed] Alex. Ray

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com of Pension
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House of Representatives March 28, 1848
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 

Sir,
In the case of Mary Blythe of Pennsylvania, an applicant for a Pension under the act of 1836 presented by Mr. Ray of this City for the widow. May I respectfully request the favor of you to have her case taken up. She is quite aged and very anxious to obtain her pension. 
Your kind compliance with this request will oblige.
Your Obedient Servant,
John Strohm
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House of Repr.
 April 14. 1848

Sir
  Your letter in the case of Mary Blythe was duly received. I now submit addition evidence in the case, with a letter from Mr Alex Ray explanatory.
 You will oblige me in giving the claim your every attention
  I remain Your
 Most Obt Ser[vt]
   John Strohm
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House of Representatives June 26th, 1848
J.L. Edward’s Esq

Sir,
I herewith enclose you an additional affidavit in the application of Mary Blythe of Pennsylvania formerly widow of James Bray deceased.
Please favor me with a report at your earliest convenience. 
Very Respectfully,
Your Servant,
John Strohm
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6331
Oct 24 '44
Pa
July 4 1836
  Mary Blythe

Let to Sec State Decr 2d 44
  A Ray

[on side]
James L. Edwards
Commissioner of
 Pensions
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Washington Oct 24. 1844 
Sir
In presenting the claim of Mary Blythe formerly widow of James Bray for a pension under act of 4 July 1836: and as there is no evidence presented in support of her claim, I would beg to remark. that on the 7 Decr last her son James Bray addressed a letter to me. a copy of which I now enclose you. I enclose it, to then, the claim did not originate with me, by which I wish to be understood the case was not hunted up by me. 
On a former occasion you may remember, I stated to you, I had a copy of some of the names of the staff offices taken by myself from the Washington Papers several years since. Upon examination I find, those books afford evidence of James Brays appointment as a Conductor of Wagons in 1778. and they may, also, furnish the duration of his service; and to that view, I would respectfully request, of you to address a communication to the Department of State, requesting information of the service of James Bray as a Conductor of Wagons. 
I remain Your 
Most Ob Serv
[signed] Alex Ray

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
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House of Representatives June 8th 1848
Col. J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir 
I enclose herewith additional evidence in the case of Mary Blythe formerly widow of James Bray claiming a pension under the Act of 1836. You will also receive a letter from Mr Ray in the case. Be pleased to favor it with an early report.
Very Respectfully 
Yours &c 
[signed] John Strohm
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Washington April 14th 1848

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12th to the Hon. J. Strohm in the case of Mary Blythe formerly widow of James Bray. I beg to state in my letter to you of the 13th submitting an explanatory declaration made under oath in which Mrs. Blythe says at the time her marriage took place July 1779 her husband James Bray was a wagon conductor and stationed at a place (the name she could not recollect) with Lamb’s artillery near Somerville, New Jersey. 
Regarding this point in the case under the declaration as being important so much so in my view of it; that it was the object and intention in my letter of the 13 March to call your particular notice to it and to endeavor to ascertain if Colonel Lamb’s artillery was stationed at any time in the war of the revolution in New Jersey, particularly in the month of July 1779 supposing if such evidence was borne on the roles of your office it would be deemed sufficient to corroborate the widow’s statement that her marriage took place while her husband was in service and stationed near Somerville and would show too as far as any matter could be proven under the circumstances that the Captain Bray whose Brigade of wagons referred to in Mr Furmans letter of complaint dated at Pittstown 24 Oct 1779 was the applicants husband.
Of such moment did I regard the statement made under oath by the widow not only as to the circumstance and time the marriage took place but of her frequently seeing him after marriage in the command of wagons the facts which she could not possibly mistake in view of the necessity of as ascertaining a fact so essential in regard to Lamb depot in New Jersey. It occurred to me after my letter to you of 13 March
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went to Docr McChesney Secretary of State of New Jersey and to elicit any information he could give relative to Lamb’s artillery being stationed in New Jersey in 1779. I herewith enclose you a press copy of my letter to him on the 14 March, and his the reply on the 20th by which you will perceive he distinctly states "A Park of Artilley was quartered at Pluckiman [Pluckemin] a few miles from Somerville in New Jersey from 1778." Doct McChesney enclosed me the letters now submitted, in corroboration of his statement, they were loaned for your inspection and must request the return of them. 
First, a letter from Col. Sidney Berry dated at Pluckiman Decr 9. 1778. Second from the same Feb 11, 79 relating to the Park of Artillery at Pluckiman Third a Return of Buildings at Pluckiman Sep 20. 1780. Thus showing by unquestionable authority that Lamb’ Artillery Park was at Pluckemin New Jersey, near Somerville from 1778 to 1780.
again, reference is made to "Thachers Litary Journals” after a long research found in Feby 1778, Page 156 as follows. "The anniversary of our Alliance with France, was celebrated in proper style a few days since near head masters at Pluckemin. A splendid entertainment was given by Genl Knox and the officer of the Artillery”
Thus confirming all the facts stated, while we find on examination of the map, that Somerville, Pluckemin and Pittstown to be in the immediate range and not distant one from the other. It must, therefore be admitted, the Park of Lambs Artillery alluded to by Mrs Blythe (name not recollected) was the Park at Pluckemin near Somerville.
I grant, in the absence of the evidence now submitted, it might readily and properly be questioned, whether Capt. Bray who commanded the Brigade of Wagons complained of by M. Furman D.Q.M.G [Deputy Quarter Master General] while passing his Post at Pittstown 24 Oct 1779 was the applicants husband,
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and the question arose with greater force, having been formed under the impression when the marriage took place in Philadelphia & the Lamb Artilley [Artillery] was on the Hudson river. Subsequent evidence showing that Lamb artilley were station in New Jersey in 1779, must reconcile the apparent discrepancy, that the marriage took place in Philadelphia while the artillery was on the Hudson.
This claim has been twice before considered, the Department was satisfied the applicant to be the widow of James Bray Wagon Conductor of Lamb artillery, and the only requirement was evidence of service to grant the widow a pension. Under the additional evidence adduced and referred to, we cannot but suppose you will rest fully satisfied that Lamb artilley was stationed at the Park at Pluckemin near Somerville (the place recollected but name not remembered by the applicant in her late declaration) And that the Capt. Bray Brigade of Wagons that passed Pittstown 26 Oct 1779 was the applicants husband
An allowance is therefore claimed for the period of the applicants husband service from the 1 Jan 1778 to the 26 Dec 79 
I remain your most 
Ob Sevt
[signed] Alex. Ray 

Note
It was my intention to have enclosed you Mr Allisons letter of the 10th March covering Mrs Blythe declaration but omitted to do so. It is now enclosed. Thachers Litary Journals, is in readiness for your examination.
A. R. 

James L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
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James L Edward’s Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
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Washington March 13. 1848.
Sir
I enclose you an affidavit in the case of Mary Blythe of Pa. an applicant for the act 1836. on account of the service of her first husband James Bray a conductor of Wagons in Col Lambs Artilley [Artillery].
The affidavit is presented with the view to explain under what circumstances her marriage was contracted while her husband was in the service. She alleges under oath, at the time of her marriage, her husband was stationed with the artillery near Somonervile [Somerville] New Jersey. and that her husband obtained a furlong and after marriage joined the army, that her first child was born when her husband was out in the service in Oct 1780, and that she frequently saw her husband with his brigade of Wagons in service in the vicinity of New Brunswick, and also that he served at West Point. 
I am not prepared to say, whether Lambs artilley was stationed, or had a Depot in New Jersey or not, but presume the fact may be known to you. If such were the case, as stated by the widow, and at the time the marriage took place, it is very clear the regiment was not on the Hudson in July 1779.
again the Deputy Quarter Master Genl for the State of New Jersey in his letter on file of 24 Oct 1779, complains of the then belonging to Capt. Bray’s Brigade is admitting that Capt Bray’s Brigade of Wagons was at or near Pittstown in Oct. 79.
The question again recurs, has Col Lamb a Depot near Sommerville in 1779. If such be the fact, it is import
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to arrive at it, and beg you would suggest to me the most probable way to obtain the information 
If, however, it is known to you the Lamb's artillery had a Depot Near Somerville in 1779, being but about fifty miles from Philadelphia, it is readily accounted, how the marriage was contracted in Philadelphia; and may also establish the fact, that the Capt. Bray, who Brigade passed Pittstown Oct 24. 79 was the applicants husband 
Hopeing under the widows affidavit, if supported by facts, you will see sufficient grounds for the allowance of the claim. 
I remain your 
most. Ob Serv
[signed] Alex. Ray 

Jas L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
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Sept. 2, 1904 Hist. to Mrs. G. W. Nicholson Bridgeport, Conn.
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Widow, etc.
Bray 
File No. 3176
Mary Blythe 
widow 
James Bray
Private Revolutionary War 
Act: July 4th, 1836
Index: Vol. A, Page 66
Arrangement of 1870
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State of New York
Cortland County S.S.
On this nineteenth day of May 1848 personally appeared before me Frankin Church a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Benjamin Stacy Evans of Freetown in the County and State aforesaid aged Eighty seven years a man of truth and veracity and whose statements are entitled to full credit and belief who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution and that in 1781 and 1782 he served in the short levies from Connecticut that his service was done at West Point in the State of New York in the 8th and 5th Regiment Connecticut Line 
He further deposeth and saith that while in service at the above mentioned place he become acquainted with James Bray who was Captain of a train of ammunition wagons belonging to Col Lambs Regiment of Artillery there serving at West Point He saw the said Captain Bray on duty several times with horses geared to ammunition carriages and ordnances carriages he is certain he saw the said Captain James Bray of the War Department on duty both in 1781 and 1782--it was in the summer of the year 1782 that he last saw him in the latter part of that year--this deponent was taken sick went to the Hospital and not return untill in December where he was discharged and returned home 

One circumstance he recollects that one even[ing?] in the year 1781 he was standing on guard near the fort called fort Putnam where he discovered two men attempting to pass the guard he halted them and brought them to and he recolled [recalled, recollected] well that one of them was Capt James Bray of the wagon department and the other was
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a man by the name of Hall also of the war department--He cannot tell how long James served but this he is certain of that he saw him in service both in 1781 and 1782 and that he belonged to Col Lambs Regiment of Artillery and further he saith not
Subscribed by making his mark and sworn to the day and year last before mentioned before me
[his mark]
Franklin Church Justice Peace
Benjamin Stacy Evans

State of New York
Cortland County
Clerks office SS.
Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Franklin Church Esq by whom the foregoing and within affidavit was taken, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in for said County, duly Elected and sworn and authorized to take the same Also that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit to be genuine
Witness my hand and the seal of said County at Cortlandville this
Twenty fourth day of May A D 1848
[signed: Saml Hotchkiss Clerk]
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additional evidence of Identity in the case of Mary Blythe
form. wid of Jas Bray--
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No 6331
Mary Blythe formerly
wid of James Bray
 Pa
act 4 July 1836

Admd
21 Mo 24 day  Wagon [Cen?]
 $436.00 per an
from 4 March 1831

Hon J. Strohm
 House of Reps
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Washington June 8th 1848 
Sir
In the case of Mary Blythe formerly widow of James Bray, I enclose herewith addition evidence, in the affidavit of Benj. Stacy Evans of Cortland County New York a pensioner 
The very clear and conclusive reasons for his distinct recollection of James Bray a conductor of Col Lamb ammunition wagons, citing the incidencies on which his recollection dwells one too plain and strong in their nature to have passed his mind, he proves service of Capt. Bray in the years 1781. 82. this I fancy must settle all further requirements as to the period of conductor Brays service in the Artillery. 
In your several former letters in this case the identity of applicant as the widow of James Bray Conductor of the spare ammunition wagons of Lamb Regt. was conceded your letter of the 3d Decr 1847 Close in these words, "The large amount of the claim will justify extraordinary exertions to establish it, and the requisition for satisfactory proof of Service after Feby 1778 by James Bray her husband is repeated” to up to Decr 3. 47. the question of identity was not doubted by the Department. 
The requirement in your letter of Decr 3.47, in relation the marriage being contracted in Philadelphia while the Regt. was on the Hudson is explained in the most satisfactory manner by showing the Artillery was quartered on the Depot in New Jersey about 40 miles from Philadelphia and not on the Hudson
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When the marriage took place.
It seems to me under the most rigid rule of your Department  nothing  further can be required in this case.
I remain Your
Most Obed Servt
[signed] Alex. Ray

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
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State of Pennsylvania
County of Philad Ss}

Before the Subscriber, one of the aldermen in & for the County of Philadelphia, on the Twenty first day of July AD 1848, personally appeared Mrs. Ann H. Busman, wife of John Busman, Gentleman, aged about fifty years; who being first duly affirmed according to law, doth depose & say That since the year 1812 she has been personally acquainted with Mrs Mary Blythe, formerly widow of James Bray, since that time she has been on the most friendly terms &  intimately acquainted with the family of Mr. John Bray and his Mother Mrs. Mary Blythe, that she has often heard her & the family speak of, and relate the circumstance of the first husband of Mrs. Blythe James Bray, being in the war of the revolution; but what appointment in the army he held she cannot say; but has no hesitation in stating & declaring it is her opinion, that the first husband of Mrs. Blythe was in the revolution, and served in the army of the United States as she has stated. _
Affirmed & Subscribed before me this 21st day of July AD 1848 } A H Busman
Geo. W. Ashe
Aldm & CO. Justice of the Peace
I Certify that the above affiant Mrs Ann H. Busman is a  woman of respectable standing in the County of Philadelphia and her statements are entitled to full faith and credit
witness my hand the 21 day of July A.D. 1848
Geo W. Ashe
Aldm & C.O Justice of the Peace
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I certify that I have known Doct Wm. W. Perrine, who has been mentioned and referred to in the annexed Documents and am acquainted with his Character and Standing in this Community as a Gentlemen & as a Physician - in both which relates he stands respectable and respected - and no doubt or question has been ever said against him or his Character afore but on the Contrary is universally respected where known -
[signed] Michael Ash
No 402 Van [illegible]
Philadelphia July 22 1848
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Washington Nov 9, 1847
Sir
In the case of Mary Blythe of Penn formerly Widow of James Bray, who made claim to a pension under Act 1836, on account of her deceased husbands services as a Wagon Master, and states in her declaration her Husband served in that capacity till after the birth of her first child Andrew  October 1780. In your letter in the case of Decr 21. 1844 you state "This claim is asserted for service as a Wagon Conductor in Lambs Regiment. The only evidence of such service is found upon a return of James Thompson Wagon Master General Pro tem. It is shewn by that return, that James Bray was appointed a wagon conductor on the 1st Jany 1778 and was with the army as a conductor of same ammunition on the first of February 1778 and paid for such service $40. Evidence of service subsequent to that date as a staff office has not been furnished.”
I now submit a certified copy of a letter under seal of the Secretary of State of New Jersey from M. Furman to Col. J. Mitchell D. Q. M. G. [Deputy Quarter Master General] Philad: which shows that Capt Bray was in command of a Brigade of Wagons Oct 24, 1779. This, I hope, will prove satisfactory for the allowance of the pension claimed by the applicant.
I remain your most
Ob Serv 
[signed] Alex. Ray

J. L. Edwards Esq 
Comr of Pensions
Page 41

Blank page
Page 42

Philad March 10th 1848 
Dear Sir,
I enclose to you the supplemental declaration of Mrs Blythe touching her application now pending before the pension department. 
The ill health and partial loss of alarm and sight of Mrs Blythe, will explain the delay attendant upon the procuring the enclosed affidavits  I am informed by Mr. Bray, that the matter sworn to by his mother was very clear and distinct to her recollection and that the Alderman was careful that every thing was fully understood so that there might be no mistake on the part of Mrs Blythe
Hoping that the contents of the accompanying paper may be sufficient to remove the difficulties that present themselves in the war of the pending application 
I am Very Respecty
Yours &c
[signed] Joseph Allison N. E. Cor of 7th & Noble sts

To Alex Ray Esq

N.B. Wm Bray was seven or eight years old as he believes when his father died – I shall be pleased to see you should
Page 43

visit Philad [elphia]
Page 44

Brief Mary Blythe 

Applicant claims a pension under the act of 4 July 1836. States in her declaration that she was married to her first husband James Bray on 29 July 1779 that her husband was an officer of the staff in the early part of the Revolutionary War (to what regiment she does not state) that he was engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill was some time in the hospital in consequence of the cannonading and injuries he got by exposure and was subsequently a prisoner in the Sugar House New York and that on the 1st of January 1778 he was a wagon conductor was in service in that capacity in New Jersey New York and in the Pennsylvania Line until near the close of the war. This declaration is dated 12 October 1844.
In a letter addressed to Mr. Ray by James Bray a son of applicant dated 7 December 1843 a similar statement of the Services of James Bray is made.
Page 45

The marriage on 29 July 1779 is satisfactorily established. And in a subsequent declaration Mrs Blythe states (in order to account for her marriage having taken place during the time he was in service "thus at the time of her Marriage with Bray he was called Capt Bray and was a Conductor of Wagons in the Continental Service stationed at a place with Lambs Artillery some where in the neighborhood of Somerville N.J. and at the time of their marriage obtained a furlough, and then joined the Army again - that her first child was born in Oct 1780 when her husband was in the Service."
 Upon a return of the Wagon Master Generals, Wagon & Sub Conductors who were present with the army Feby 1st 1778. -
 James Bray is returned as a Wagon Conductor, to Col Lambs Brigade, Appointed 1st Jany 1778 and received $40.00 pr month.
 A transcript of a letter from the office of the Secretary of State of New Jersey [?] by M. Furman to Col J. Mitchell D.Q.M.G. [words crossed out] dated Pitts Town October 24. 1779 is filed in which it is stated that "I must not omit informing you
Page 46

that the men belonging to Capt Brays Brigade has been guilty of the most wicked practices &c."
 It would appear from this that Capt Bray was in service from 1st Jany 1778 to 24 Oct 1779 the date of this communication. It appears also from the Rolls of the New Jersey Line that James Bray enlisted in 1st Novemr 1775, was discharged from Capt Conways Company on 10 May 1776, is found upon the rolls of Capt Flahurry Company from 1st January 1777 to 1st July following -
There is also a James Bray on Capt Petrus Company of Col Lambs Regiment, enlisted as a Sergt for 3 years 14 July 1777. On Roll for Decm 1778 On a Roll for May 1779.
  A letter from the Secretary of State of New Jersey, Shows that a Pack of Artillery from Col Lambs Regiment was quatered [quartered] at Placquemin from Decr 1778 to some time in 1780.
An [crossed out: old letter] Return from Sidney Berry Q. M. shows that the building occupied by the troop as Placqamin were under rent to 20 Sept 178
Benjamin Stacy Evans certified to be a credible witness states that he was a private in the Connecticut Line, that in 1781 and 82 he was stationed
Page 47

at West Point and there became acquainted with James Bray who was a [crossed out: conductor] Wagon conductor of Col Lambs regiment. furnish no evidence identifying that officer with the husband of claimant
Thomas Knight states thus he was acquainted with Capt James Bray the wagon conductor in Lambs Regiment but does not state that that officer was the husband of Claimant.

Testimony
Page 48

Col. Berry Decr 9. 78.
 Pluckemin
Page 49

Pluckemin December 9, 1778
Received 9th

Dear Sir, 
General Knox came to this place Monday afternoon with his train of artillery baggage among which we have 5 or 600 horses the greater part of which I am in hopes will leave here very shortly we are much necessi[t]ated for a few thousand feet of pine boards. I now send the [bea..?] Mr. Burnside to know if they can come from your Quarters immediately if you have the boards and not teams. I can send teams for them about 20 or 25 thousand feet will do.
Colonel Biddle is returned to the clove which has given me much trouble several brigades has faced that way therefore expect it will be some time before they will be at bound brooke. 
I am your 
Most humble servant 
(signed) Sidney Berry

Col Moore Furman
D. Q. M. G.
Pittstown

Note. The original of which the above is a true copy is & was shown to the Commissioner of Pension, in the case of Ester Leonard act 183[?]
[Indiain?]: to show that Moore Furman was a Dep. Q. M. General in the year 1778 & with her papers
[signed] Alex Ray
6 April 1848
Page 50

Phila July 21st 1848
 This is to certify that Mrs Sylvia Bray of the city of Phila, has been for a number of years a member of the M.E. Church in this city, and is at present a member of the eighth Street M.E. Church, corner of 6th & Noble street of which I am at present the Pastor. Given under my hand the day & date above written.
 Pennell Coombe
Page 51

House of Representatives July 26th 1848
Sir:
 I enclose you further evidence, being proof of identity in the case of Mary Blythe of Penna for the benefit of the act of 1836 as I consider the proof conclusive to establish the fact and as nothing further can be required, and as this is the third letter that I have written to you in this case, without having received a report, I must be permitted to request the favor or you to up the claim without further delay. and you will further oblige me by enclosing to Mr. Alexander Ray the certificate in the case when issued.
  I remain, Sir
 Your obedt Servt
  John Strohm

let: J.L. Edwards
 Commissioner of Pensions
Page 52

Office of Secretary of State
Trenton March 20, 1848

Dear Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 14th inst making inquiry if I knew or had any evidence in my office of a pack of artillery being located in the County of Somerset during the Revolutionary War under the command of Colonel Lamb.
A pack of artillery was quartered at Pluckamin a few miles from Somerville in said County Colonel Lamb was quartered at that depot but the pack was under the command of General Knox. They loaded there in December 1778 and finally left there in 1780. 
To corroborate that fact I enclose to you two or three old letters. I wish the letters returned. I would also refer you to "Thacher [Pitawary?] Journal" for further proof.
The following is a copy of the Dep. Q M of N.J. ^ letter to General Knox:
“Pittstown, June 11, 1779
Sir Captain Logan will deliver fifty nine horses for the use of the artillery which I think are generally stout, in good order and spirits and fit for that use being all used to the draught. These horses will relieve as many as was taken up from the
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farmers in Somerset so that they may return to the Plow which is very necessary
I am Sir with great respect, and wishing you all possible success
Your Obt humble Servant
(signed) Moore Furman
D.Q.M. General
General Knox
Commanding Artillery
Pluckamin

November 8, 1779, Mr Furman wrote to Col Sidney Berry Q M of somerset that the artillery was coming down to the Pack at Pluckamin to [mit..?] 86" also another letter written to Genl Knox about delivering ammunition at the Pack at Pluckamin acted January 18, 1780."
The letter and two extracts are letters from Moore Furmans letter Book
Respectfully yr obt Svt
Charles G McChesney
Page 54

On the 29th day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand and seven hundred & Seventy nine (1779) were lawfully married by [?] James Bray, & Mary Ginnis.
 That the above is a true copy from the records of the German Evangel Lutheran Congregation of St. Michael & Zion in the City of Philadelphia I certify with my hand this 13th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty three.
  Chs. B. [Domme?]
 Pastor of said Congregation
Page 55

State of New York }
County of Orange } On this 17th day of June 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Orange Thomas Knight a resident of the Town of Wallkill in the County and state aforesaid a Pensioner of the United States aged ninety years with whom the undersigned has been acquainted for more than forty years and who has always been considered a man of truth and veracity and whose statements now clearly and distinctly made without embarrassment or excitement of mind are entitled to full confidence and belief being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that in the commencement of the Revolution he lived in the town of Bloominggrove in the county and state aforesaid and that his first service in the war of the Revolution was down at Carpenters Powder Mills in Bloominggrove in a company of militia under Capt Conklin. That afterwards he moved from his residence in Bloominggrove to Goshen where he resided for several years in the bounds of Captain Thompson and afterwards Captain Swezey’s company in Colonel Allison’s and Lieutenant Colonel Tershin's Regiment of militia. That soon after joining Captain Thompson’s company he was appointed the orderly Sergeant therein in which capacity he continued to act while he served in the said company under Captain Thompson and Swezey. That he served at Fort Clinton, Fort Montgomery at New City Ramapo Fort Dewitt and West Point and other places for at least two years during the war. That he was well acquainted with Colonel Lamb of the artillery also with Captain Moody and several other officers of said Regiment. That he served with the said Regiment at Fort Montgomery before it was taken and afterwards he served with them at West Point
Page 56

That he took his [turn?] with the rest of the militia of the surrounding county and assisted in building Fort Putnam. While building said Fort in the [Sum?] 1779 he became acquainted with James Bray a conductor of Colonel Lamb’s ammunition wagons that he saw said Bray at West Point several times in the discharge of his duty as a Waggoner. There were but a few teams then - That during the summer of 1780 he had been to West Point on a loan of duty and on his return home he stopped and staid at a place called Oxford near Blaggs Clove in a farmhouse owned and occupied by Jesse Bull and he clearly and distinctly remembered that Captain James Bray of Colonel Lambs department put up at the same place with two loads of Powder he was informed by Captain Bray with whom he had a personal conversation that he had been to Henry Misners Powder Mill for the said powder. He recollects that they drove the wagons in the barn and kept a sentinel on guard during the night. He recollects that at that time Benjamin Robertson Daniel Cole and William Wells all now dead were in company with him. From the great length of time since his great

State of New York }
Orange County Clerk’s Office } ss.
I ALBERT S. BENTON, Clerk of the County Court in and for said, County of Orange, do hereby certify, That William Baker before whom the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county; and further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit is genuine.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said County, this 19th day of June 1848.
A. S. Benton Clerk
 [Witness David Ayres...this is on underlying page]
Page 57

That he took his turn with the rest of the militia of the surrounding County and assisted in building Fort Putnam. While building said Fort in the year 1779 he became acquainted with James Bray a conductor of Colonel Lambs ammunition wagons that he saw said Bray at West Point several times in the discharge of his duty as a wagoner. There were but a few teams then. That during the summer of 1780 he had been to West Point on a loan of duty and on his return home he stopped and stayed at a place called Oxford near Blaggs Clove in a farm house owned and occupied by Jesse Bull and he clearly and distinctly remembers that Captain James Bray of Colonel Lambs department up at the same place with two loads of powder he was informed by Captain Bray with whom he had a personal conversation that he had been to Henry Wisners Powder Mill for the said powder. He recollects that they drove the wagons in the barn and kept a sentinel on guard during the night. He recollects that at that time Benjamin Robertson Daniel Cole and William Wells all now dead were in company with him. From the great berth of time since his great age and the consequent loss of memory he is unable to state more perfectly his different tours of service. But what he has here stated in relation to Captain  James Bray he asserts is strictly true and clearly and distinctly remembered by him. 
Sworn to and subscribed by making his mark his hand being crippled he cannot write this day of June 1848 before me.
Thomas Knight x his mark 
William Baker Justice of the Peace
Witness David Ayres
Page 58

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Washington August 1, 1848

Sir,
In presenting additional evidence in the case of Mary Blythe of Pennsylvania under act 1836 formerly the widow of James Bray. I respectfully request permission to present my views in regard to the merit of the claim.
There is on file in her case the copy of a letter of enquiry written to me by applicant son John Bray dated “Philadelphia December 7, 1843”, the object being to enquire if there was any evidence in Washington sufficient to obtain a pension for his mother whose first husband was a wagon conductor. Stating at the same time his father was a brother to Judge John Bray late of New Brunswick who was a pensioner. This letter it must be borne in me was written before the widow made her declaration.
In the several examinations of this case and up to your letter of the 12  April last the identity of the applicant as the widow of James Bray wagon conductor was supposed to have been admitted as such most had not before been required it impacted that was if proof was of identity could be established the pension would be granted.   Under the impression I communicated your requirement to her son Mr. John Bray in reply to forward me the affidavit now on file going to show the identity of the applicant as the widow of James Bray the wagon conductor. 
[Dod?] W. W. Perrin of Philadelphia one of the affiants testifies to his personal acquaintance with Judge John Bray late of New Brunswick do having know him for a number of years before his death had had business transactions with him, was his physician, recollects with distinctness of having heard Judge Bray state he had a brother James who served as a wagon conductor in the war of the revolution
Page 59

The affidavit from a source so highly respectable and with such force of truth that it would seem to be necessary to say one more word upon the subject. But, an additional proof hearing of the same point has been received. I present it being a certified copy of an extract from the will of Judge John Bray showing you will perceive his nephew John Bray (applicant son) was a residuary legatee. They confirming the assertion made by W. W. Perins. It cannot be supposed that any strong evidence of identity can be required or produced further to establish a fixed fact.
The question of identity being settled, the marriage admitted, the service of James Bray as a wagon conductor of Colonel Lambs artillery being acknowledged from the 1st January to the 1st February 1778. The only question that can arise in the further consideration of the claim is the period of service and which has been required in your several letters.
 During the last month two affidavits were presented going to show that James Bray was known as a conductor of Lambs ammunition wagons in the year 1780 1781 the affiants are certified to be person of character and truth whose statement under oath is entitled to consideration. They state the service, different years and different places: State the knowledge and recollection of conductor James Bray, the circumstances made which they saw and knew him are given with the utmost minuteness and so clear and convincing that no doubt can arise.
 The affiants I learn are both pensioners on the New York roll 1832. Such testimony has been admissible in other cases as you will readily admit and from expand of his years service in this case.
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But there is one other point in this case, which is deemed worthy of consideration, and altho: not direct, it is such collateral evidence in connection with other facts which render it of importance.
 It is a certified transcript of a letter written by M. Furman D.Q.M. General of New Jersey dated at "Pittstown Oct 24 1779" complaining of certain [ricker?] practices committed by the men of Capt Brays brigade while passing his Post, but as the Christen ^ name of Capt Bray was not stated, it may be argued that the letter afford's no proof that the Capt Bray 2d was Capt James Bray applicants husband conductor or Lamb Artillery: In a single vein of the evidence it might be so considered, but if you will be pleased to examine the explanatory declaration given the purpose to show under what circumstances the marriage took place or was contracted in Philadelphia at a time when it was supposed by your office regiment was on the Hudson" (See your letter Decr 3'47) Instead of the regiment being on the Hudson the widow stated with clearness at the time her marriage took place her husband was stationed at a depot near New Brunswick N Jersey.
  After the explanatory declaration was made, and fled: the undersigned addressed a letter to the Secretary of the State of New Jersey simply asking the question (a copy of the letter is on file, whether at any period of the War of the revolution Col Lamb artillery was sta[tioned?] in New Jersey). His copy is on file in these words: "A pack of artillery was quartered at Pluckimin a few miles of Somerville in said county Col Lamb was quartered at the Depot but the Pack was under
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command of Genl Knox. they located there in Decr 1778 and finally left there in 1780" see his letter and M Furman D.Q.M. Genl letter annexed 11 [June?] 1779.
  Beside this, there are original documents or papers on file corroborating the fact, that col Lamb artillery was stationed at Pluckmin New Jersey from 1778 to 80, and this information was obtained subsequent to the widow's declaration being filed, stating that her late husband James Bray wagon conductor was stationed at or near New Brunswick when her marriage took place in July 1779. At that time the fact a fully established that Lamb artillery was stationed at [New Brunswick - crossed out] Pluckmin near New Brunswick: with these truths before us while Pittstown being in the immediate vicinity of New Brunswick and not distant from Philadelphia: is it not reasonable to admit indeed to acknowledge that the Capt Bray who commanded the Brigade of teams passing the Dep. Q.M. Genl post at Pittstown in October 1779 was applicant husband the wagon conductor. Such an admission is supported by the affidavit of two witness who was themselves in service in 1780.81.
 The Capt Bray spoken of in the letter of M Furman could not have been John Bray the assistant commissary of [?nes?] & who recd a pension act 1837 for that service because he was  not at the time in service: and because too much duty would have been incompatible with the duty of an [p..iny?] commissary.
I hope Sir in the examination of this case you will be pleased to take up the question of evidence, in the order herein stated, being in the same order in which they were presented.
I remain very respectfuly
Your ob Serv
Alex Ray
Page 62

Before the subscriber one of the Alderman in and for the County of Philadelphia personally appeared Willliam W Payne M.D. who being first duly affirmed according to law doth depose & say: I am a resident of the District of Spring Garden in the County of Philadelphia: in the year 1834. I removed with my family to the City of Philadelphia in which place & the adjoining District of Spring Garden I have continued to reside since that period & most of the time at the North East corner of Seventh & Noble Sheets where I now live. I am fifty four years of age and am a regularly graduated Doctor of Medicine and have practiced my profession uninterruptedly since the year 1814. In 1832 I removed from Harlingen New Jersey to the City of New Brunswick where I continued to reside during the year 1832 and 1833 was personally acquainted with the late Judge John Bray of that City and had known him for a number of years prior to the time of my removal to New Brunswick and had had business or money transactions with him; during the years 1832 & 1883 I have upon a number of occasions prescribed for him as his physician - At same periods of the time during which myself & family resided in New Brunswick, the precise times as to dates & occasions I cannot recollect Judge Bray in a conversation I had with him & in the presence of several other persons said that his brother James Bray had served as a conductor of wagons during the war of the revolution in the army of the United States, that he John Bray was entitled to a pension or had received
Page 63

one I dont reccollect which and that as Brother James would also have been entitled to a pension on account of his services in the war were be living; upon one other occasion when alone with the Judge I remember to have heard him in substance make the same statement in conversation between us. 
I am personally acquainted with Mrs Mary Blythe the formerly Mrs Mary Bray, I think I remember to have just seen her in New Brunswick but of this I am not positive but have known her most if not all of the time since my removal to this City and during the greater period of my residence here I have attended her during sickness as her Physician upon a number of occasions during attacks of disease running through from four to six weeks at a time. I have heard her upon repeated occasions and many years before the application for a pension by reason of the service of her former husband speak of said husband James Bray and of the service rendered by him in the revolutionary war - her accounts of his participation in this struggle have been uniform and always in substance the same; to the effect that he had served during the entire war - that he was in the service of the United States before her marriage to him and that he obtained a furlough and came to Philadelphia in the purpose of marrying her and that afterwards returned to the army and served in the capacity of Wagon Conductor - I have heard her repeatedly say that she had peat difficulty in getting along or procuring a living whilst her husband was absent in the army this was said when comparing modern former times said that if the women of this day had to suffer what she endured whilst her husband was in the service they would know what hard times were & much more to the same purpose.-
Page 64

Mrs Blythe formerly Mrs Bray is the widow of James Bray the brother John Bray deceased late of New Brunswick of the fact I am as well assured as of any thing of which I cannot speak from direct personal knowledge and my conclusion is founded on what I have heard Judge Bray & others say on the subject and from a personal & intimate acquaintance with Mrs Blythe herself for a considerable number of years & have upon repeated occasions heard her speak of John Bray the brother of her husband I mean Judge John Bray deceased of N. Brunswick N. Jersey, Mrs Blythe bear an excellent character for truth & veracity and I would place every reliance upon her statements and for the further reason that when first made to me there was no motive to deceive. And also from what have heard uniform in the family of her son John Bray whose family Physician I have been since my removal to Philadelphia – 
Upon reflection there was one other occasion upon which I remember to have heard Judge Bray speak of the services rendered in the war of the revolution by his brother James: We (Judge Bray) myself & several others were appointed to go from New Brunswick to Kenton upon business connected with the State Bank of New Jersey & during the ride in the Coach the subject of his son & brothers services in the army were detailed by him the particulars of which I cannot now call to mind but it was in substance what he had before said in relation thereto. 
My business was in relation to the Bank of New Brunswick & not the State Bank of New Jersey, upon reflection 
[signed] Wm W. Perrine.
Affirmed to & Subscribed the twenty first day of July AD. 1848 before me 
[signed] Geo. W. Ash  Aldn [Alderman] &c  Justice of the Peace
Page 65

I certify that from a long personal acquaintance with the above affirmant Doctor Wm W. Perrine of the County of Philadelphia I can say that any statements he may make are entitled to full faith and credit and that he is among the most respectable Physicians in said County – 
[signed] Geo. W. Ash
Aldn &c Justice of the Peace
July 21. 1848

State of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County ss
I John Smith Protonotary of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Philadelphia, Do Certify that George W. Ash, who hath with his own proper hand writing Subscribed the above Certificate, was at that time an acting Alderman in and for the County aforesaid, and [illegible, officer?] a Justice of the Peace, in and for the same, and as such he was duly commissioned and qualified, and by all whose official acts full faith and Credit are due, and should be given - as well in Courts of Judicature, as therewith
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this Twenty second day of July Anno Domini One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Eight
[signed] John Smith Prothonotary
Page 66

House of Representatives Aug 9th 1848
James L Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir 
In the case of Mary Blythe of Penna, formerly widow of James Bray you have now three letters from me, in claiming additional evidence, and from our last interviews I fully expected to have received a certificate in the case before this. 
This claim has been before your office since 1844, and as I shall leave the city this or early next week, and being anxious that the claim should be acted on, I must press it upon your consideration and ask an early report. I hope my indulgence has not prejudiced the case, by inducing you to part from the examination thereof, because I have been less clamorous and importunate than others.
Very Respectfully
Your &c
[signed] John Strohm
Page 67

Washington March 14. 1848 
Dear Sir
In a case I have in charge, it is alleged by its widow: at the time her marriage took place her husband was stationed with Lamb Artillery, the name of the place she cannot recollect but somewhere in the neighborhood of Sommerville New Jersey. The object of my enquiry is to ask, If you know of if there is any thing in your office to show, or any reference by which it can be ascertained of Col. Lamb’s artillery had a military Depot in New Jersey at any time during the war of the revolution 
I shall be very much obliged to you for any information you can give me and write at the same time conferring a favor of the claimant in the case.
I remain very 
Respectfully your
Most Ob Serv
[signed] Alex. Ray 

Doct. McChesney 
Trenton 
New Jersey
Page 68

County of Philadelphia 
State of Pennsylvania } ss. 
Before me the Subscriber an Alderman and ex officio a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Mary Blythe of said County Widow, who having been duly sworn according to Law, doth on her solemn Oath state and say that she was married to her first husband James Bray on the 29th day of July 1779 as shewn by evidence filed in her declaration with the Commissioner of Pensions. That at the time of her marriage with said James Bray he was called Captain Bray and was a Conductor of Wagons in the Continental Service, Stationed at a place with Lambs Artillery, the name of the place she can not now recollect but somewhere in the neighborhood of Sommerville New Jersey; and at the time the marriage took place he obtained a furlough and then joined the Army again in New Jersey and verily believes served out the whole of the War in active service in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York - She recollects having heard her Husband say that he served at West Point N. Y. but cannot say how long he was stationed there, That her first child was born in October 1780, when her husband was in the service and from home; she further declares and says, that she frequently saw her Husband in service with the brigade of Wagons under his command in New Jersey in the vicinity of New Brunswick where his Brother John Bray resided and not many miles to the best of her recollection from where the Artillery was stationed or quartered, the name of the place as before stated
Page 69

Stated she can not now remember,

Witnesses present                her
James Piper                        Mary Blythe
E.A. Bray                                  Mark        
                                

Sworn to and subscribed before me the tenth day of
March A.D. 1848
Geo. W. Ash
Alderman & Justice of the Peace
I certify that full faith and credit is due to the
Statements of the above Deponent Mary Blythe who is a respectable Widow of the County of Philadelphia

Geo W Ash
City & County of Philadelphia
Alderman & Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania
City & County of Philadelphia

I John Smith Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Philadelphia do hereby certify that George W. Ash Elly before whom the foregoing
affidavit was made and who hath thereunto affixed his name in his name in his own proper hand writing was at the time of so doing
and still is an Alderman of the County of Philadelphia and office a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned & qualified to all whose
acts as such full faith & credit is and ought to be given as well in Court of Judicature as thereout
Witness my hand and the Seal of said
Court this Tenth day of March AD.
Eighteen hundred and forty Eight (1848)
John Smith
Prothonotary
Page 70

[illegible] 
Enlisted for 3 [illegible]
July [?] 77 in 
[illegible] Company
[several lines illegible]
1779
James Bray Wagon Conductor 2 [illegible] 1778
Recd $40.00
Page 71

                               Department of State
                               December 5th 1844.
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
                    Sir,
                      Your letter of the
2nd instant requesting an examination
of the Washington Papers for evidence of
the service of James Bray as a Wagon
conductor in Lambs Artillery from the
1st of January 1778 has been received.
The examination has been made and
the only evidence found is a return of
James Thompson W.M. (Genl Pro Tem.?)
showing him. (Bray), to have been appointed a Wagon Conductor on the
1st of January 1778, and with the Army
on the 1st of February following
I am sir, 
your obedt Servt
J.C. Calhoun
Page 72

Testimony as regards the Identity of James Bray with the husband of Mrs Blythe
Sylvia Bray, Certified to be credible states that in 1810 she married a son of Mrs. Blythe and has often heard her husbands mother relate the circumstances of her first husband James Bray having been a conductor of wagons during the War of the Revolution and that her first child was born when her husband was in service and spoke often of the anxiety she felt during his absence.  His worship is certified to the Pastor of the Methodist Church to be a high respectable member of his [communum? or community?].

Mrs A H Busman - certified to be credible states that she has  been a acquainted with Mrs Blythe since 1812, that she has often heard her and the family [speak - crossed out] relate circumstances of the first husband James Bray being in the War of the Revolution but in what capacity she has no knowledge
Page 73

[stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY FILES AUG 24 1904

[stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE AUG 22 1904
Page 74

[copy?]
Saratoga Springs. N.Y.
August 20, 1904

Dear Sirs:
 I am told that for Historical and Genealogical purposes only, you will give me the following information. Who was the father of "James Bray" mentioned in the record of Revolutionary soldiers? There seems to have been two James Bray's at that time - this one mentioned there one belonged to Capt Anderson's Cr. New Jersey Volunteers. I feel quite sure my ancestor was in the army, but want to have some definite knowledge. That he was a patriot I know.
Also was there ever a "Samuel Ogborne" on the list of pensioners, and also could you give me any information concerning him?
If there is any expense connected with this information please apprise me
E B. Nicholson
(Mrs G. W.)
Home address 790 State St. Bridgeport, Conn