Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1079, for Ruben Peterson, New Jersey
Page 1

SERVICE NUMBER
New Jersey Peterson, Ruben S. 1079
or Reuben
carded
Page 2

Order to pay 12 Oct 1837.
28.083
New Jersey
Reuben Peterson
of Salem Co in the State of N. Jersey
who was a private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Ogden of the regt commanded
by Col Newcomb in the N. Jersey Mil
[The word line is crossed out.]
for 6 months from 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey
at the rate of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Feb:
1834 and Sent to W. N. 
Jeffers, Salem, N.J.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $50.-
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch 34 10-
$60-
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm S. Allison Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 125
Page 3

State of New Jersey}
County of Salem Ss}
Answers to interrogatories put to Ruben Peterson an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of 1832, by the Subscribed one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Salem, at the house of the Said Ruben Peterson he being aged and infirm and unable to attend in open court - The said Ruben Peterson being duly Sworn to make true answers and the Interrogatories from the war department hereunto annexed bearing date "Pension office 19 Octr 1839, being propounded to the Said Ruben Peterson he did answer as follows to:
1. To the first interrogatory deponent said - I was born in the County of Cumberland in the State of New Jersey, the adjoining County to Salem, On the 4th July 1752 Consequently I am in my Eighty Second year.
2. To the Second Interrogatory, deponent said - I have no record of my age - the book in which it was recorded has been torn so that the record is lost.
3. To the Third Interrogatory - Deponent Said - When first Called into Service I resided in the County of [The name Salem is crossed out.] Cumberland aforesaid, Shortly after the Revolutionary was I removed to this County of Salem and have resided here where I do now or in the same Township ever since.
4. To the fourth interrogatory - Deponent said - That he enlisted when he first entered the Service, but the last time he was out he volunteered in the Militia.
5. To the fifth Interrogatory deponent said - Samuel Ogden was our Captain - one William Law was the first Lieutenant and I think Silas Newcomb was the Ensign - He cannot recollect the names of the general officers except that Silas Newcomb became a Colonel - nor Can I make a [illegible] full statement of my Service than is Set forth in my Statement taken in open Court last March, The facts so far as I Could remember them having been taken down correctly.
Page 4

6. To the 6th Interrogatory - Deponent said - I have no [illegible] I had discharges, but cannot now tell, by whom they were Signed or what has become of it.
7. To the 7th Interrogatory - Deponent said - I am known generally to the Inhabitants of the township of Pilesgrove in this County - who can testify to their belief of my Services as a Revolutionary Soldier.
his
Ruben + Peterson
mark
Taken & Subscribed as}
aforesaid before me the} 18th January}
Joseph L. Risley} 1834}
State of New Jersey
County of Salem Ss I Joseph Kille Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Salem do Hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same was and now is one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Salem and duly authorized and qualified to take oaths and affirmation and that the above Signature is genuine and in the proper hand writing of the Said Judge
In witness whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand and the Seal of the Said Court this 20th day of January AD
One thousand eight hundred and thirty four
State of New Jersey} I Joseph Kille Clerk of the
County of Salem Ss} Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Salem do hereby Certify that Joseph L. Risley Esqr before whom the foregoing examination and interrogatories were taken was at the time of taking the
Page 5

Same and is now one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of Said County of Salem, and is also a Justice of the peace in and for Said County and is duly qualitied to take oaths and affirmations and that the above name "Joseph L. Risley" is the genuine Signature and proper hand writing of the said Joseph L. Risley.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set
my hand and affixed the Seal of
the Said Court at Salem this twenty
first day of January in the year of
our Lord one thousand Eight hundred
and thirty four.
Joseph Kille Clk.
Page 6

State of New Jersey}
County of Salem Ss} Temperance Chard aged Seventy years on the 25th day of May last being duly affirmed doth declare and say - That She has known Ruben Peterson of the Township of Pilesgrove in the County of Salem who is now as affirmant understands an applicant for a pension under the act of 1832, from the Infancy of this affirmant, remembers the said Ruben Peterson having left the County of Cumberland in the year 1776 for the Army of the Revolution. That he left in Company with her two brothers John Robinson and Solomon Robinson, this affirmant saw all them with their regimentals and Knapsacks on and saw them take their departure -- she took leave of her brothers and the said Ruben Peterson at the same time - that the family resided near and she was intimately aquainted with him They were the nearest neighbours. That they were gone Some time - She believes and has no doubt more than Six months when they all then returned together having as they said Served their time out - That after being at home some time - they all went out again and were gone a long time - when they returned together again and She remembers that they came home rejoicing saying that the war was ended and they should not have to go again. That the Said Ruben Peterson has resided in the County of Salem the adjoining County to Cumberland almost ever Since the war. Her
Subscribed and affirmed this 15th day of January} Temperance X Chard
1834 before me the subscribed one of the Justices of} mark
the Peace of said County and I do hereby certify}
that the said Temperance Chard is a highly respect}
able and credible witness. Henry H. Elwell, J P.}
Page 7

State of New Jersey}
County of Salem Ss} I Joseph Kille Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common pleas of Said County do hereby Certify that Henry H Elwell Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the Same and now is One of the Justices of the peace of the Said County of Salem and duly authorised and qualified to take Oaths and affirmations and that the above Signature is genuine and is the proper hand writing of the Said Justice
I witness whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and the Seal of Said Court
this 20th day of January AD one thousand
eight hundred and thirty four
Joseph Kille Clk
Page 8

State of New Jersey}
County of Salem Ss} Beven Flitcraft of the County of Salem residing in the Township of Pilesgrove doth on his Solemn affirmation say - That he is well acquainted with Ruben Peterson of said Township and has Known him for twenty years. That he has [The word always is crossed out.] understood that the said Ruben Peterson was a Revolutionary Soldier and such is and has been the general [illegible] of the neighbourhood - That he believes the said Ruben Peterson to be upwards of Eighty years of age, and that he is a respectable man and entitled to Credit for his Statement as an applicant for a pension.
Subscribed & Affirmed
this 16th day of January 1834} Bevan Flitcraft
before me one of the Justices of the peace}
of Sd County. And I do Certify that Sd.}
Bevan Flitcraft is a respectable Citizen}
and Credible witness.}
Joseph L. Risley
State of New Jersey}
County of Salem} I Joseph Kille Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common pleas of Said County do hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esqr before whom the foregoing affadavit was taken was at the time of takeing the Same and now is one of the Justice of the peice of the Said County of Salem and duly authorised and qualified to take othes and affirmations and that the above Synature is genuine and is the proper hand wrighting of the Said Justice
In witness whereof I have hereunto Set my
hand and the Seal of Said Court this 20th
day of January AD One thousand eight
hundred and thirty four
Joseph Kille Clk
Page 9

State of New Jersey}
County of Salem Ss} Edward Haines being duly affirmed doth say that he is well acquainted with Ruben Peterson of the Township of Pilesgrove in Said County and deponent resides in Same Township - That he has Known said Peterson for Sixteen - years and that it has [The word always is crossed out.] been reported and believed in the neighbourhood that the said Peterson was a Revolutionary Soldier, and Such is the general reputation of the Township where he resides. That he is upwards of Eighty years of age and is a respectable Citizen and entitled to Credit in his Statement as an applicant for a pension.
Subscribed and}
this 16th day of January 1834.} Edward Hanes
before me one of the Justices of the peace of}
Said County and I do hereby Certify}
that the Sd. Edward Haines is a}
respectable Citizen and credible}
witness.}
Joseph L. Risley
State of New Jersey} I Joseph Kille Clerk of the
County of Salem Ss} Inferior Court of Common Pleas of Said County do hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the Same and now is One of the Justices of the peace of the Said County of Salem and duly authorised and qualified to take oaths and affirmations and that the above Signature is genuine and is the proper hand writing of the Said Justice
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and the Seal of the Said Courth
this 20th day of January A.D. One thousand
eight hundred and thirty four
Joseph Kille Clk
Page 10

State of New Jersey
County of Salem Ss Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Salem personally appeared Jacob Hoffman of said County residing in the Township of Pilesgrove who being by me duly affirmed on his Solemn affirmation Saith that he first [illegible] saw Ruben Peterson of said township was in the year 1781 And that he has been personally acquainted with him about Forty three years that he heard him spoken of as having been a revolutionary Soldier previous to the year 1803 And that he has frequently Since that period heard persons in said township Say that Sd Ruben was a Soldier in the revolutionary war, and has never heard it doubted by any one, and that he believes the Said Ruben to be About eighty years of age and that he is a respectable man and is entitled to credit for his Statement as an applicant for a pension
Affirmed and Subscribed
before me the 18th January 1834 Jacob Hoffman
and I do certify that said
Jacob Hoffman is a respectable
Man And a credible witness
Joseph L. Risley
Page 11

State of New Jersey} I Joseph Kille Clerk of the
County of Salem Ss} Inferior Court of Common Pleas of Said County do hereby Certify that Joseph L. Risley Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the Same and now is one of the Justices of the peace of the Said County of Salem and fuly authorised and qualified to take oths and affirmations and that the above Synature is genuine and is the proper hand writig of the Said Justice
I witness whereof I have hereunto Set
my hand and the Seal of the Said
Court this 20th day of January A.D. one
thousand eight hundred and thirty
four
Joseph Kille Clk
Page 12

Ruben Peterson
26. 828
Page 13

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of New Jersey}
County of Salem Ss} On this Sixth day of March in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared before the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Salem and State of New Jersey in open Court not Sitting Ruben Peterson aged Eighty years on the fourth day of July 1832 who being duly Sworn on his Solemn oath doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the Service of the United States on the 27th day of August 1776 under Captain [Illegible] Ogden of the County of Cumberland William Low was the first Lieutenant and Silas NewComb ensign that he enlisted in Said Company and marched from the Said County of Cumberland to Newton and from there to New York, was in the battle on Long Island, was in Fort [illegible] for Some time and was in the battle at White plains in the Month of October 1776 - That in all he Served More than Six months but enfeebled by age and loss of memory he is unable to give the particular details of Service. That he has no documentary evidence of his Services and that he does not Know any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify or Certify to his Service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. That Silas Newcomb was the Colonel.
Sworn & Subscribed} His
the day & yr as foresaid} Ruben X Peterson
in open Court} mark
Robt P. Johnson
We Bartholomew Stiles and Amos Peterson the former being a Clergyman and both residing in the County of Salem hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Ruben Peterson who has subscribed the above declaration and Sworn to the Same - That we believe him to be Eighty years of age last July 4th he is reputed
Page 14

and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we Concur in that opinion.
[The word Subscribed is crossed out.] Affirmed & Sworn in open Bartholomew Stiles
Court the day & year aforesd Amos Peterson
Robt P. Johnson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the Matter and after putting prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and Served as he States. And the Court further Certify that it appears to them that the Said Bartholomew Stiles who has signed the preceeding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Salem and that Amos Peterson who has also Signed the Same is a resident in the Said County of Salem and is a Creditable person and that their statement is entitled to Credit.
Robt P. Johnson
[Illegible] Smith
Charles Swing
Peter Bilderbock
State of New Jersey} 
County of Salem S.S.} David [Illegible] English
I Joseph Kille Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Salem do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben Peterson for a pension - In testimony whereof
I have hereunto Set my hand and
Seal of Office the twenty Sixth day of
June in the Year of Our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred and thirty
three.
Joseph Kille Clerk
Page 15

26,828
Ruben Peterson.
R Peterson
New Jersey
[illegible] 1776 [illegible]
$20
W N Jeffers
Salem
New Jersey
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 Octr 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of R Peterson
Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Name and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
27 Augt 
1776 6 [months] cap Ogden 81
Col Newcomb Cumberland
Co N J
The witness affirms that the applicant
performed more than one tour of service.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 17

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law: 1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record. DECLARATION. 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832. Sate, Territory, or District of} County of} ss. On this day of A.B. a resident (b) of personally appeared (a) before in the county of and State, Territory or District years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers: [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged; and the country through which he marched. [Illegible] This form is to be varied to as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.}f He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B. [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c. If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with and C.D. residing in (the same) who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. And then will follow the certificate of the Court. And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this &c. Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his 
It is presumed that claimant was discharged 1 Decr 1776 with the Flying camp generally. If his corps was [illegible] under special circumstances, they
Page 18

alleged service, as they are known to at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier}Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer} Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, an in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquire whether the belief [illegible] generaland whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirm may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of the Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whether any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, of by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
office will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a]The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b]The declarant must make his declaration in the county wherehe resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c, A. B. who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For---year---months, and ---days, I served as a --- ---. For --- months and --- days, I served as a ---; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely
days, I served as and for such service I claim a pension state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting the service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of the term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrates who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[Illegible] The notes from [a] to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
must be set forth. [Illegible]
Page 19

INVALID.
Rew War
File No. 1079
Reuben Peterson
Priv. N.J. Mil
Act: June 7, 1832.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 291
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

Trenton Bank
Pension Office
October 9 1837
Sir,
I enclose the papers of Reuben Peterson requiring your special direction for payment
I am very respectfuly
Your Obedient Servant
Phil. Dickinson Prest.
J L Edwards Esq
Page 21

R Peterson
Payments to be made
at Trenton
by P Dickinson Esq
Agent for paying Pension-
ers in the Agency of
New JErsey
#1079
Recorded in the Pension Of-
fice, in Book E Vol. 3
Wm [Illegible]ison Clerk
[Written upside down is the following]
Rh[illegible] Peterson
Page 22

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Reuben Peterton
of New Jersey
who was a Private in the Army
of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and
--- cents per annum, during his natural life, com-
mencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in
every year.
Given at the War Office of the United
States, this fifteenth day of
February one thousand eight
hundred and thirty=four.
L[illegible] Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and}
Countersigned.}
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 23

April 16, 1834 Paid to 4 Mar. 1834
March 1835 Paid to 4 Mar 1835
Sep 8 1835 Paid to 4 Sept 1835
Mar 16 1836 Paid to 4 Mar 1836
Paid to 4 sep 1839 Paid to 4 Sep 1837
Paid to 4 Mar 1838
Paid to 4 Mar 1840
Paid to 4 Sep 1838
Paid to 4 Sep 1840
Paid to 4 Mar 1839
Paid to 4 Sep 1840
Paid to 4 Mar 1841
Paid to 4 Sep 1841
[Written vertically]
28.083
Page 24

Salem N.J. 21 January 1834
Sir,
Herewith you will receive the papers of Ruben Peterson, with such additional documents as he has been able to obtain. they Consist of 1st. Answers to the interrogatories taken before Judge Risley, the applicant being unable to attend in open Court. 2d. Affidavit of Temperence Chard proving Service. 3d & 4th Affidavits of Bevan Flitcraft and Edward Hanes as to his Credibility and reputation of having been a Revolutionary Soldier. 5th Affirmation of Jacob Hoffman to the Same point.
Ruben Peterson is a very aged and infirm man, and is quite deaf, hence it is difficult to Converse with him and his recollection of men and names is very defective. The principal incidents of his Service are all that Can be detailed. No one doubts his having Served in the Revolutionary War, and all who know him admit he is worthy the bountiful provision of his Country - whether his papers bring him within the act and the rules of Construction adopted by the Department, is respectfully Submitted as to your decision.
Very respectfully
Your ob: Servt
W N Jeffers
J.  L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner &c &c
The Certificates were written by a young man in the Clerk's office and an apology is due for the manner and want of accuracy - but I believe they are Substantially right. the Signature of the clerk is of Course his own.