Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,579, Thomas P Williams, New York
Page 1

(3-1779)

SERVICE
New York
Williams, Thomas P
Elizabeth

NUMBER
R 11.579
Page 2

State of New York Rensseler County Town of Pittstown } ss.
John Downing, of said Town County, and State aforesaid, Deposeth and saith that he is eighty three years old and that he has resided in the said Town of Pittstown for the turm of seventy two years a near neighbor to Capt Thomas Williams, and belonged to a company of Infantry Commanded by him for a number of years, and the this Deponant was promoted to Capt and Commanded the Same Company a number of years My personal acquaintance with him, and his wife Elizabeth, Capt Williams made mention of Servises he had renderd in the War of the Revolution Thomas Williams was the name he generally went by although the said Williams as I understood, had a middle letter P in his name, and I was also acquanted with Thomas Williams a Brothers son and who resided in the neighbourhood, and was too young to hav performed Military servises in the War of the Revolution, and was the only person of the same name and knew of no other person by the name of Thomas Williams, except the one before mentioned, a son of Guisbert Williams, and as this deponant has been informed and blieves was never married, and has been dead a number of years. Said Thomas or Thomas P Williams was the Husband of Elizebeth Williams, making application for a pension for servises renderd in the War of the Revolution as Deponant is informed and beleavs:
[right] [signed] John Downing
Sworn and Subscribed this 11th day of January 1851
before Me [signed] Perry Warren Justice Peace
Page 3

State of New york Rensselaer County Town of Pittstown } ss.
Derotion E Williams of the Town of Pittstown County & State aforesaid aged 56 years Depose, and says In explanation of his Deposition, made in August 1848. "That my Father the said Thomas Williams went some times by the name of Thomas Williams and some times by the name of Thomas P Williams by way of distinction on acount of another younger branch of the Family of Williams, whose name was Thomas Williams". Explanation. Guisbert Williams my Fathers brother had a son who resided in the neighborhood by the name of Thomas Williams, and my Father was called Thomas or Thomas P Williams, or Capt Tomy, and my uncles son little Tomey. Deponant further says that Thomas Williams the son of Guisbert Williams was never married, and has been dead many years, and never knew of any other Thomas Williams except the one before mentioned, and that I have not the least doubt from the information denied from my Father during his life time. and others that he aclutly [actually?] was owt[out]  a number of touers [tours] during the War of the Revolution, and the Husband of my mother Elizabeth Williams.
[illegible initials]
[signed] Derotion E. Williams
Sworn and Subscribed this 11th day of January 1851 before Me
[signed] Perry Warren  Justice Peace
Page 4

State of New York Rensselaer County Town of Pittstown } ss.
Capt. Reuben Halstead of Pittstown in said County & State aforesaid, Depose & saith That he is eighty one years old, and has resided in said Town upwards of seventy years a Neighbor to Capt. Thomas Williams, and Elizabeth his wife (her name before marage was Elizebeth Eddy sister of the late Gen'l Gilbert Eddy) knew them personally for more then sixty years, and also knew the said Thomas to be more frequently called by the name of Thomas Williams, and some times Thomas P Williams, and was also acquanted with a Thomas Williams a son of the late Guisbert Williams, who was not of age to have done Military service, during the war of the Revolution, and not married to my knowledge, and has been dead a number of years; Deponent further saith Thomas Williams and Thomas P Williams is the one and the same person, and that Elizebeth Williams now living is the Widow of the said Thomas or Thomas P Williams who is as I am informed and believe making application for a pension for servises render by her late Husband during the War of Independence and also believe from report that the said Thomas or Thomas P Williams was in the Military service during the War of the Revolution:
[signed] Reuben Halsted
Sworn and Subscribed this 11th day of January 1851 before Me
[signed] Perry Warren  Justice Peace

[slip of paper attached at bottom:]
State of New York, Rensselaer County Clerk's Office } ss.
I, Henry A. Clum, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Perry Warren before whom the annexed affidavit, was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Eleventh day of January A.D. 1851
[signed] H. A. Clum  Clerk


[illegible Seal attached at left]
Page 5

State of New York Renssaler County Town of Pittstown } ss.
Nicholas Williams of Pittstown Deposeth, and says that he is fifty six years old, That he is a son of Guisbert Williams, and that his Brother Thomas Williams was born in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninty four and resided in the same Neighbourhood where his uncle Thomas Williams resided, and that his Brother died about the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty. Was not married had no Family at his decease, and further Depose says that his uncle Thomas Williams went some times by the name of Thomas P. Williams more frequently by the name Thomas Williams, or Capt Tomy my Brother litle [little] Tomey (being small of statue) and that Deponant dose [does] not know of anay [any] other person by the name of Thomas Williams, or Thomas P. Williams, except my late Brothe [Brother] Thomas Williams, and that Elizebeth Williams is the widow of Thomas Williams or Thomas P. Williams:
[signed] Nicholas Williams
Sworn and Subscribed this 11th day January 1851 before me
[signed] Perry Warren  Justice Peace
Page 6

13.820
Elizabeth Williams widow of Thomas 
New York
Act 7 July 1838
Page 7

State of New York Rensselaer County Town of Pittstown} ss.
On the Twenty sixth day of August in the Year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight, personally appeared before the undersigned Judge [no name inserted] of the Rensselaer County courts Elezebeth Williams a resident of the Town of Pittstown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York, aged eighty one 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 acts of Congress passed July 7th 1838, 3rd March 1843, 17 June 1844 & 2nd February 1848. Granting pension to Widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of Thomas Williams or Thomas P. Williams who was a Sergent and a private in the Militia in the State of New York
She further declars that she was married to the said Thomas or Thomas P. Williams the 20th of June 1789 that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Williams died the 17th day of April 1834 That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four (Viz) at the time above stated and that she is still a Widow
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth    X    Williams [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark
Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above Writen before 
[signed] Cha's C Parmelee Rensselaer County Judge

The Declarant above named signed the above declaration, by making her mark for the reason, she never learned to write.
[signed] Cha's C Parmelee Renss' County Judge
Page 8

State of New York, Rensselaer County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, Ambrose H. Sheldon, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Charles C Parmelee before whom the annexed Declaration and two affidavits were made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof the County Judge, in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Judge and verily believe that his signature to the said Declaration & affidavits is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 26th day of August 1818
[signed] A H Sheldon Clerk.

[illegible Court Seal attached at left]
Page 9

[Persons making application at the Comptroller's, or Secretary of State's Office, for searches, or certificates of service of any person, in the army of the U.S. during the revolutionary war, should give the name and ranks held by such person; the nature of the service; whether in the Infantry, Calvary, or Artillery, &c.; in the regular army or militia; the names of the officers commanding the regiments and companies at the time of enlistment, service and discharge, as near as can be given. The names should be given with care, and in a legible hand.
In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
[following is a handwritten table, columnar format:]
1777 Apr 1 |  Thomas Williams private  | No. of Cert'e issued, | 20.391£ | £ 01 08 05
1779 Jun 10 |  Thomas Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 42.965 |  01 06 01
1779 Aug't 26 |  Thomas Williams  Sergeant  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 8.226 |  02 00 08
1779" Sept 14 |  Thos P Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 39.368 | 00 19 06
1779 Nov 22 |  Thomas Williams private  | No. of Cert'e issued,  | 13.388 | 02 18 09
1780 June 2 |  Thomas Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 27.496 |  01 05 10
1780 Augt 26 |  Thomas Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 27.611 | 01 02 10
1780 Oct 28 |  Thomas Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 41.597 | 01 10 10
1780 Oct  25 |  Thomas Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 12.149 | 08 00 00
1780 Nov 7 |  Thomas Williams private  |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 27.447 | 00 17 06
1781 Nov 6 |  Thomas Williams private   |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 27.650 | 00 17 06
1781  Dec 17 |  Thomas Williams private   |  No. of Cert'e issued,  | 27.537 | 00 17 08
[total] £ 23 05 07

State of New-York, Comptroller's Office, Albany, August 4, 1848. }
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9. now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz
First - under Capt. Edmund Long in Col Alexander Webster Regiment
Second under Capt. Daniel Delevan in Col Wm Malcomb Regiment
Third under Capt. George Lune in Col Roswell Hopkins Regiment
Fourth under Capt. Nathaniel Delavan in Col. Gilbert Drake Regiment
Fifth under Capt. Hendrich Van Den Hoff in Lt Col. John Van Rensselaer Regiment
Sixth under Capt. Hendrich V. D. Hooff in Col. John Van Rensselaer Regiment
Seventh under Lt Nathaniel Ford in Col. John Van Rensselaer Regiment
Eighth under Sergeant Hendrich Van DCook in Col. John Van Rensselaer  Regiment
Ninth under Lt Jacob Haulenbeck in Col. John Van Rensselae Regiment
Tenth under Capt. Thomas Brown (?) in Col. Peter Yates Regiment
Eleventh under Capt. Cornelius S Muller in Lt Col. Henry I Van Rensselaer Regiment
Twelfth under Capt. George Lane in Col. Henry Ludington Regiment

I have examined the rolls for the above, and find £ 23 05 07 to be correct.
[signed] John Hancock Examining Clerk.
[signed] Philip Phelps Dep Comptroller.
Page 10

Copy of Record of marriages published in words of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schaghticoke [in N.Y.]
Married on the 20th June in the year of our lord one thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Nine Thomas P. Williams to Elizabeth Eddy by Lambartus Deronda minister of said Church

I the subscriber Secretary and Treasurer of said Church and keeper of the Books of said Church Certify that the above is true Copy of the original entry of Marriages in said Church Book And I further certify and depose that I was personally well acquainted with Thomas Williams often called Thomas P. WILLIAMS and know that the said Thomas Williams and the said Elizabeth Eddy lived together as man and wife and that the said Elizabeth is now the widow of the said Thomas Williams deceased

Subscribed and Sworn to before me Herman Knickerbacker one of the Justices of the peace of the Town of Schaghticoke in the County of Rensselaer on the 22 day of August 1848
[signed] H Knckerbacker Justice [signed] John Wm Groesbeck Clerk of Consistory [sp]

[piece of paper attached at bottom]

STATE OF NEW YORK RENSSELAER COUNTY CRERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Herman Knickerbacker before whom the annexed affidavit was made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said affidavit is genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 26th day of August 1848
[signed] A H. Sheldon Clerk

[illegible Court Seal attached to the left]
Page 11

State of New York Rensselaer County Town of Pittstown } ss.
Michael S. Vander Cook of Pittstown County & State aforesaid aged Seventy four years, being duly sworn deposeth that he was personally acquainted with Thomas Williams and Elizabeth his wife that she is the widow of the said Williams and that he died in the year 1834 - Further that this deponent did Military duty in a Company commanded by Capt Thomas Williams soon after he received his Commission and that a portion of the officers mentioned in the Comptrollers certificate were relatives of this Deponent and was at that time old enough to know something about the then times which tried men's Souls. This deponent Father Simon V. D. Cook [Vandercook] was at the taking of Burgoyne served as Liet. in a company commanded by Capt Hendrick V.D. Hoof [Vanderhoof] who was my grand Father on my mothers side and have frequently heard them together with others mention the name of Thomas Williams as being at all times ready and willing to attend to the call of his Country and from my knowlege of what took place and as we resided near the Fronteire [Frontier] and have resided in the same town ever service and have no hesitation [hesitation] in saying that I believe that Thomas Williams and Thomas P. Williams is the same individual, and also recollect of having heard it frequently mentioned that Thomas Williams for his patriotism and attention to duty soon after the close of the war was rewarded with a Capt commission for his Patriotic conduct during the Revolutionary strugles [struggles]
Sworn to this 26 day of August 1848
[signed] Mich'l S. V.D. Cook [Michael S Vandercook]
before me
[signed] Chas. C. Parmelee
Rensselaer County Judge
Page 12

State of New York Rensselaer County Town of Pittstown } ss.
Devotion Eddy Williams of Pittstown County and State aforesaid aged Fifty four years being duly sworn Deposeth that an old Family  words in the Bible in his possession; there is recorded - Thomas Williams Son to Peter Williams born June 14th 1756 and further saith he has also in his possession a Capt commission partly in the words following; To Thomas Williams ?sgn Greeting; We reposing especial Trust and Confidence &c. Do appoint and constitute you the said Thomas Williams of a Company &c. The said Commission dated the 3d Day of June 1787 Signed George Clinton Commander in Chief &c. my Father the said Thomas Williams and some times went by the name of Thomas P. Williams by way of destination [distinction] on account of another younger branch of the Family of the Williams whos name was Thomas Williams, and further declars that my mother Elizabeth Williams is the widowof the said Thomas of Thomas P. Williams -
Sworn to this 26 day of August 1848.
signed] D. E. Williams
before me
[signed] Chas C. Parmelee
Renss' County Judge
Page 13

Williams, Thomas P.
NY R11579
Page 14

Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said party of the first part for and in Consideration of the natural love and affection which she hath and beareth to her Sons and in Consideration of a certain yearly Rent to be paid agreeable to a certain Instrument of Writing Obligatory baring even [date?] herewith as also for and in Consideration of the Sum of Five Shillings lawful Money of the State of New York to her in hand paid by the said party of the second part at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the Receipt whereof she the said party of the first part doth thereby confess and acknowledge hath remised, released and for even Quit Claimed and by these presents doth remise release and forever quit claim unto the said parties of the second part, in their actual Possession now being According to Law and to their Heirs and Assigns for ever as tenants in common, All the Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Property, Possession, Claim and Demand whatsoever of her the said party of the first part of in and to all them certain Lots, pieces or parcels of Land situate lying and being in Pitts Town  in the County of Rensselaer being part of two certain Lots, pieces or parcels of Land distinguished and known in a certain Map of Tomhenack Patent formerly granted to John Schuyler and Neiitie Bradt by the name of the Expence Lots, the largest whereof has since been subdivided into Eight Lots by  Nanning Vischer Surveyor for the said Peter Williams and Dirick Van Veghten and distinguished in a certain Map thereof by him made by Lots ABCDEFG & H which said Lots ---
Page 15

Williams, Thomas P.
NY R11579
Page 16

where released between the said Peter Williams and the said Dirick VanVeghten baring date in March In the year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty nine and Lots BDF&H (being of the Lots above intended to be conveyed) confirmed to the said Peter Williams, And also the undivided one half or Moiety of the other Expense Lots with their appurtinances To have and to hold the said Lots pieces and parcels of Land and all and singular the Premises above mentioned with their Hereditaments and Appurtenances unto said parties of the second part their Heirs and Assigns to the only proper use benefit and behoof of them the said parties of the second part their Heirs and Assigns forever as Tenants in Common, Subject nevertheless to such Annual payments during the natural Life of their Mother the said Elizabeth Williams as she shall from time to time ask and Demand of them agreeable to the above Mentioned Instrument of Writing Obligatory reference being therunto had will more fully and at Large appear. In Witness whereof the parties to these, presents have hereunto Interchangably set their hand and Seals the Day and Year first above Written. ---
[right] Elizabeth   X   Williams [X being her mark in lieu of signature]

Seaed and Delivered in the presence of 
[signed] John Knickerbacker Judge
[signed] Gerret Van Antwerpen

[illegible Court Seal attached at right]
Page 17

Eliabeth Williams
To
Tho's P. Williams Nich's Williams Gysbert WIlliams } Suit Claim
[Thomas P. Williams Nicholas Williams Gysbert Williams]
Page 18

This Indenture made the Eighteen Day of March In the year of our Lord One Thousand  Seven Hundred and Ninety Seven Between Elizabeth WIlliams of Pitts Town in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York widow and relict of Peter Williams late of Schaghticoke in the then County of Albany Esquire deceased of the first part, and Thomas P. Williams, Nicholas Williams and Gysbert Williams all of Pitt Town aforesaid Sons of the said Elizabeth Williams of the second part, Whereas the said Peter Williams in his life time Did in and by his Last Will and Testament baring date the Eight day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and Seventy Two, Will that his beloved wife Elizabeth Williams should remain in the Possession of all his Estate Real and Personal and have and receive the mein Profits  and Rents thereof during her natural life or Reign, and that after her decease, after providing for  his two Daughters since deceased, he doth give, devise and bequeath unto his Sons Thomas, Nicholas and Gysbert their respective Heirs and Assigns for ever, all his Real and Personal Estate not before disposed of, to be equally divided [between?] them as by the said Wills and Testaments referenced being thereunto had will more fully and at large appear. And Whereas the said Elizabeth Williams has since the decease of her Husband Peter Williams purchased sundry pieces or parcels of Land the Conveyances of which are given in the Names of her Sons all which together with such other parts of the Estate as he conveniently can spare, is desirous should be put in the immediate possession of her Sons so as that each should have their respected parts confirmed to them.
Page 19

Raymertown August 28th 1848
James L. Edwards Esqr.
Dear Sir Enclosed you have the papers claiming a pension for the benefit of the Widow Elizabeth Williams. Please to give it your attention as soon as may be and oblige your Humble
Servant
[signed] M. G. D. Cook
Page 20

Raymertown March 24th 51 -
James E. Heath Esq
Dear Sir,
The 13th day of January last I sent in a letter to the the pension office four affidavits, additional evidence in the support of the claim of the widow Elizabeth Williams, and also made mention of this claim in my last letter to the Honorable Commissioner enclosing Bounty land claims and have rec'd the Commissioners letter baring date Feb 21st 1851 saying that the papers had been received at the office &c.
Nothing said in regard to the widows claim, Please to have the goodness to inform me as
soon as convement in regard to it:
and will very much oblige
Your obedient Humble servnt
Micl. S. V.D Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
Page 21

See Family Record in Book filed in Commissary Room -
Page 22

Raymertown Jany 13th 1857 -
James E. Heath Esqr.
Dear Sir, Enclosed you have additional we came in Support of the claim of the widow Elizabeth Williams, which has been pending since August 1848. -- all the objection of your predesessor to allowing the claim have been removed from time to time, except the last of Nov. 15th 1850, which objection must have been removed to the entire satisfaction upon the testimony heretofore produced in support of this claim --
The four affidavits herewith forwarded to the pension office must be intirely satisfactory, and as it is an old claim of long standing, do hope the [lined thru] hope[/lined thru] the Honourable commissioner will decide upon it it as soon as may be; and
oblige most Respectfully your
obedient Humble Servant
[signed] Micl. S. V. D. Cook   [Michael S Vandercook]

[signed] James E. Heath Esqr.
City of Washington D.C.
Page 23

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss:
George Webster of Lansingburgh County & State aforesaid, deposeth and says, that, he is Eighty years of age - that he this deponent was formerly acquainted with Col. John William Major Thomas Armstrong, Capt. Edward Long & Col. Alexander Webster, (who was this deponent Father), all of whom resided at the time of the Revolutionary War, in the then County of Albany and afterward in the County of Washington and that the said officers above mentioned, were in the service of their County in the war of the Revolution on the northern frontier, as this deponent has been informed, and verily believes and that all of said officers, are now deceased as this deponent has been informed, and truly believes - and further this deponent saith not.
[signed] George Webster
Dated at Lansingburgh, March 9th 1850
Sworn to before me this 9th day of March 1850
[signed] J. Ranson Justice Peace
Page 24

STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Isam Ransom before whom the annexe Deposition was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peacein and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY  WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Ninth day of March 1850
[signed] A. H. Sheldon Clerk
Page 25

Raymertown Dec 22nd 1849
James L. Edwards Esqr.

Dear Sir, On the 19th of Nov. past I enclosed and directed to the pension office Testimony in Regard to the claim of the Widow Elizabeth Williams, The next day the 20th I received a communication from Mr. Edwards, requiring further testimony in regard to her claim particular in regard to the military district at the time services were Tendered, Albany in the Revolutionary War was the headquarters for all the northern and western frontiers from Canada to Albany, and South of Albany also from Fort Schuyler down the Mohawk river embrasing what was then called Tryon county, which extended South to  Pensellavany [Pennsylvania], and by a reference to a History lately published by William W. Campbell a member of the historical society of New York, giving an account of the border war and Tryon County.  It says  "Genl. Schuyler was called upon to exercise his influence, and power in another quarter of his military district, he was ordered to disarm the disaffected inhabitants of Tryon County" and again it says "Genl. Schuyler to establish his headquarters at Albany".  I might quote a number more passages that Albany was the only military district for this region of Country. I have not been able to ascertain any thing deffinite in regard to military district, only from the Records of the then times when the people were struggling for liberty, with a former enemy but with a numerous body of disaffected men and Indians, The Tories were the worst [and?] -(thank God I have not a drop or Tory blood [blood] in me nether [neither] had applicant's husband, I have every reason to believe.)..
Page 26

The committee of safty [safety] of the State of New York;
Albany being the central point where officers, and committees of districts went to give information and to procure the necessary supplys for the troops, as also men, and orders to carry on the war. Albany at that time was the only military
district from the best information, I can get, from history, and other sources-
Herewith I send to the pension office James Wool of Lansingburgh additional affidavit hoping that the Hon Commissioner will decide
the claim of Mrs William as soon as may be 
I am Sir Very Respectfully
Your Obeint Servent
[signed] Micl S. V.D. Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
Page 27

Cook Feby 26/49
Ames

Raymertown
NY Dec 11th
Free

Hon Gideon Reynolds Esqr
M. Congrees [Member of Congress]
Washington City
D.C.

Hon G Reynolds
HR [House of Representatives]
Page 28

Raymertown Decr 11th 48
Gedeon Reynolds Esqr
Dr. Sir, on or about the 28th of August last I sent by mail a set of papers directed to James L. Edwards Esqr Commr. of Pensions Claiming a pension for the benefit of the widow Elizabeth Williams. not long after I was informed by Judge Bull, of Troy that Mr Edward was unable to attend to the business of the office, in consequence of losing his eye site [sight], and that a person was or would be appointed to discharge the duties of Commissioner of Pensions -- 
Sir will you do me the favour to call at the office and ascertain whether the papers have been seen or if you please upon the Secretary of War, and learn what disposition has been made or in progress to be made, of the claim. Some eight year ago I sent to the pension office a set of papers claiming a pension for Judge Browns widow about three months after after I wrote, to Mr Edwards, to know whether the the papers had been seen he informed by [letter] that no such papers been received at the office, and advised me to make out another set of papers, which I accordingly did, and succeeded in obtaining a pension for the widow, but gave me a vast site of trouble, that the papers now in question may not have reach the office for at time & for some time past office are most outrageously managed, and as you know I reside near the P. office at this place, & frequently see a great number of papers & letters directed to other parts then east Ohio Buffalo Saratoga Washington Co and down the north River & even to people in the County of Albany. I still continue to take Niles N. Register, which is now Edited at Philadelphia on Wednesday and dos [does] not
Page 29

come to this office till the next week on Tuesday or Wednesday, and some of the No's have not come to this office. I wrote to the Editor Mr Beatty his answer is dated Novr. 1st 48 and says
"The complaint with reference to the irreqularty of the Mail is not new the same unpleasant Story is head from south & west & north as well as east. How is it to be remedied only by the appointment of consientions [concientious] men to office who will faithfully and fearlesly performe their duty in defiance of the dictates of party"
The last act in regard to widows pension I have not got pleas to have the goodness if it can be had to send me a copy. -- or any act that may be past [passed] this present Session of Congress;
Respectfully your
Humble Servent
Micl. S.V.D. Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
Page 30

May 17 - Nov 1849

This is to certify that James Wool  of Lansingburgh, New York, an [illegible] of mine and
Eighty six years of age, is a person of a great honesty and integrity and for one of his years possesses  a remarkable and tenacious memory -
[signed] John A. Wool
U.S.A.
Page 31

Raymertown Novr. 19th 1849
J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Dear Sir
Enclosed you have additional evidence in support of the claim of the Widow of Thomas P. of Thomas Williams, Mr. Edwards will please to have the goodness decide on this claim as soon as convenient and very much oblige your most humble 
Servent [signed] Micl. S.V.D. Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
Page 32

Persons making application at the Comptroller's or Secretary of State's Office, for searches, or certificates of service of any person, in the army of the U. S. during the revolutionary war, should give the name and ranks held by such person; the nature of the service; whether in the Infantry, Cavalry or Artilery, &c.; in the regular army or militia; the names of the officers commanding the regiments and companies at the time of enlistment, service and discharge, as near as can be given. The names should be given with care, and in a legible hand. [square bracket both ends of previous paragraph]
In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:

1777 Nov'r 2 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 20.391 £ 1 09 05
1778 April 25 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 7.783 £ 0 10 05
1779 June 10  Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 42.965 £ 1 06 01
1779 Augt 26 Thomas Williams Sergeant No. of Cert'e issued. 8.226 £ 2 00 08
1779 Sept 1 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 38,168 £ 0 19 02
1779 Sept 14 Thomas P. Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 39.368 £ 0 19 00
1779 Nov'r 22 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 13.388 £ 2 18 09
1780 June 2 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 27.496 £ 1 05 10
1780 Augt 26 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 27.611 £ 1 02 10
1780 Octr  25 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 12.149 £ 8 00 00
1780 Octr 28 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 41.597 £ 1 10 10
1780 Nov'r 13 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 27.447 £ 0 17 06
1781 Nov'r 6 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 27.656 £0 17 06
1781 Nov'r. 13 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 9.304 £ 2 00 00
1781 Dec'r 17 Thomas Williams Private No. of Cert'e issued. 27.537 £ 0 17 08
[Total] £ 26 14 08
[numbers after the £ are pounds, shillings, pence]

See note on back

State of New-York, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, March 15, 1850 }
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 2. 3. 5. 6. 8. .9, now remaining in
this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officer, viz:

1st under Capt. Nathaniel Delavan in Col. Gilbert Drake Regiment
2nd under Capt Ed'd Long in Col. John Williams Regiment
3rd under Capt. Geo. Lane in Col. Henry Luddington Regiment
4th under Capt. Edward Long in Col. Alexander Webster Regiment
5th under Capt. Thomas Brown in Col. Peter Yates Regiment
6th under Capt. Thomas Brown in Co. Peter Yates Regiment 
7th under Capt. Geo. Lane in Col. Roswell Hopkins REgiment
8th under Capt Hend'k V.D. Hoof in Col. John Van Rensselaer Regiment
9th under {Sergeant] Hend'k Van D. Cook in Col John Van Rensselaer Regiment
10th under Capt. Daniel Delavan in Col. Wm. Malcomb Regiment
11th under Capt. Cornelius S. Muller in Col. Henry J.V. Rensselaer Regiment
12th under Capt. Hend'k Vanderhoff in Col. John Rensselaer Regiment
13th under (Lieut) Jacob Hallenbeck in Col. John Rensselaer Regiment
14th under Capt. Edward Long in Major Thomas Armstrong Regiment
15th under (Lieut) Nathaniel Ford in Col. John Rensselaer Regiment

I have examined the records for the service of Thomas Williams and find entries, as above, amounting to  £26.14.08
[signed] John Hancock Examining Clerk.

[signed] W. Hunt Comptroller.
Page 33

It appears from a memorandum given to me by Mr. M. S. V. D. Cook that a Certificate of the service of Thomas Williams differing in some respects from this one, was issued in August 1848. --
That search was made by Mr Cook who furnished me with the memoranda and reference to the pages of the Ten Volumes of pay books, for the amounts. I make this explination at the instance of Mr. Cook
[signed] John Hancock Clk

Mr. Cook desires a certificate which will describe the early military district this state. The office of the Secretary of State is the office in which such record is or would most likely he departed. I know of no such record in this office. -- March 5.1830
[signed] John Hancock Clk

State of New York Secretary's office
I certify that there is no record ofthe military districts mentioned above, in this office.
[signed] Christopher Morgan,
Secretary of State
Page 34

State of New York Rensselaer County Town of Lansingburgh} ss.
James Wool, of Lansingburgh, in Said County and State, depose and says. That he is Eighty Six years old, that in addition to his testimony in the matter of the Widow Elizabeth Williams made the 13th day of November last, further declares and says, that the deponent was personally acquainted with Hendrick Vandercock, and Jacob Halenbeck, who resides from two to three miles from where deponent then resided and now resides. Thomas Williams the Husband of the said Elizabeth Williams, resides about two miles from the said Jacob Holenbeck, those officers and the said Thomas of the said Thomas Williams and myself together with others as it was agreed & understood, that one third of a Company belonging to deponents Regiment should hold themselves in readiness to turn out when called upon. That in 1779 or 1780 a portion of the Company were ordered to go on an expedition to the North. That he deponent and the said Williams and others went on a horse back, and arrived at Mr Neals Ferry, on the North River, where Col Peter Yates was in Command with a portion of his Regiment, The Company I went out with being mounted was immediately ordered to proceed on further North to Fort Edward, Col Livingston had left the Fort the day before with a part of his Regiment to defend some other place, and as it was supposed that Fort Edward was in danger of being assailed by the enemy,
Page 35

which it was represented to be in the neighborhood, we all went on that night in order to have the  Fort. and further saith, wherein Called upon would turn out in Squads or part of a Company to do a tour of duty. That on arriving at the place ordered to report to the Officers in Command It would be some other or different officer under which they served when at home, and do a of duty under the Command of Lieutenant Ensign, and even a Sergeant, and recollects that at a time himself and others were called upon to go on an expedition North, That Capt Hendrick Vanderhoof, who resides near by was sick & did not go with the Company, Deponent further says, the Officers, the said Williams and himself, served under, then resided in Albany County and now Washington Saratoga. Rensselaer and a part of Montgomery and most of the Officers resided in a part now Rensselaer, Saratoga & Washington Counties and deponent further says that the said Williams was  much older, and in the service from two to three years before deponent, and was the said Williams now living, would number over Ninety years, and further that in the winter of 1776 all the inhabitants able to do Military Duty were called upon to go on an expedition to Johnstown in severe Cold weather and went out in Sleighs, and believes the said Williams went in the same expedition & that five thousand men paraded on the Ice near a place called Cocknawager, and further says that his acquaintance was extensive, did not know
Page 36

of any person in the service of the Revolutionary War or in these parts by the name of Thomas Williams, only the said Thomas of Thomas P. Williams the Husband of the said Elizabeth Williams above named.
[right] his
[right] James   X   Wool [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark
Subscribed & sworn to before me 13th day of December 1849 
[signed] J. Ransom Justice Peace
Witness [signed] 
Jonathan P Anthony

Rensselaer County } ss:
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with James Wool the deponent above named and that he is of sound mind memory -- and that from old age and infirmity he is not able to write his name, and that he is a man of unquestionable veracity,
Lansingburgh Dec. 13, 1849.
J. Ranson
Justice Peace
Page 37

STATE OF NEW YORK. RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Isaac Ransom Esquire before whom the annexed Affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Fourteenth day of December, 1849 --
[signed] A H Sheldon Clerk

[illegible County Seal at left]
Page 38

Raymertown September 22nd 1849
Sir your letter of Sept 3d inst has been duly received and its contents considered, you say was it dose not appear from any of the papers presented by claimant that her husband was ever called Thomas P. Williams, The Hon Commissioner must have overlooked that part of the testimony that Williams was often called Thomas P. Williams the Marriage Thomas P. Williams married to &c. and more perticular mention is made in the testimony of Judge R. Knickerbocker whom you must know was a representive in Congrees which proof was forwarded to the pension office with the last declaration of claimant, and another objection of the commissioner is and says; and as the date of that certificate shows that it was in possession of her agent at the time she made her declaration that is so. permit me to explain to your Honr (to be sure I might have taken a different [different] course) I have since 1800 have had business to transact in Secretary of State Office Suprem Court Clerk Comptrollers and County Clerks office, and in 1808 was appointed special Clerk in Albany in Albany County to bring maps & papers which it became necessary to be used as evidence in the circuit court in Rensselaer County as all the transactions at an early period when all the grant Maps & conveyance were entered, & filed in the Clerks office in Albany when this and other territory to the north was all Albany County having free access to those offices and have had free access to the Books in which the certificate of services are entered in the Comptrollers office, from the time mentioned, in looking over those Books in order to ascertain the servises of my Father & a number of my relatives & acquaintinces to get the amt of services render by my Father in the War of the Revolution and my Grand Father Michael Vandercook as I found in a book a charge of 43 days attending at Albany as one of the committee of safty, which might enable me to; as I am one of the principal survivors of those who had rendered important services during the War, and as my Father died in 1829, and had not received any benefit from the act of Congress granting pensions to those who had served the country in those trying times, in as much as he & many others had never derived
Page 39

any benefit; I might petition Congress, In looking over the Books frequently in the Comptrollers office for a number of years back I found the name of Thomas & Thomas P. Williams, and the same list of names of my relation, and acquaintance in the neighborhood, where we resided, to whom certificate of services had been issued to, and the names of the officers I was personally acquainted with, and resided also in the same Neighborhood, I would copy in a book take the names & number of certificates, and the amt in order to ascertain, whether their servises amited [amounted] to a sum suficient to make 6 month services, and had some time before in my possession the certificate of the services in the claim of Elizabeth Williams, so that when I requested the examining Clerk to make me a certifyed copy I handed him paper which I had some time before taken from the Books in order to fatulitate [facilitate] the examination, as there a number of Books to look over, and had all the information in regard to her claim before I got the Comptrollers certificate, and from known facts born in this Town & resided in the same eversion to my certain knowledge, would not if I supposed that the claimant had not a just claim ever presented it - But knowing many circumstances matters & things which trans pired at the times spoken of, I am conscious that her claim is as just and as any which have been presented, & allowed for similar services, I might enlarge as I have materials & matter of facts in my possession, of the hardships & privations the people had to endure in this section of the country, at the times mentioned in the foregoing, and if I had time would furnish materials for a considerable book - I will add here that in the year 1781 in the winter our people were called out to go on expedition to Johnstown in extreme cold weather and was informed by my Father who was an Ensign that they paraded on the Ice with 5,000 men and that this same Williams was one of his company; which was Hendrick Vander Hoff Capt Nathaniel Ford Lieut Simon Vander Cook Ensign Hendrick Vander Cook sergent who all resided within distance of from 2 to 3 miles
Page 40

from each other, Williams the claimants husband resided from 2 to 4 miles from those officers before mentioned, I will further take leave to State in regard to letters to distinguish between persons of the same name, as it regards myself, I was appointed & received an Adjutants commission in 1798 Michael Vander Cook, John Jay Governor & Commander in Chief, again in 1803, was appointed and receive a Commission Michael Vandercook Brigade Inspector also as Brigade Major, George Clinton Governor & Commander in Chief, and subsequent a number of civel appointments. The letter was used to destinqush from yonger [younger] persons of relatives of the same name, It is now as it always has been as long ago as I can remember that letters to discriminate are and have been omitted and in regard to myself I frequently receive letters Michael Vander Cook the S left out I might inlarg [enlarge]  butenough has been said to show that the claimants husband called Thomas & Thomas P. Williams:
The two papers herewith forwarded the Hon Commissioner will have the goodness to return to me enclosed with other papers when conveient which may be forwarded to me;
I am most Respectfully your
Humble Servent
James L. Edwards Esqr.
[signed] Micl. S.V.D. Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
Commissioner Pensions

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner Pensions
Page 41

State of New York Rensselaer County Town of Schaghticoke ss }
Herman Knickerbacker of Schaghticoke County and State foresaid aged Seventy one years being duly sworn deposet and saith that he was personally well acquainted with Thomas Williams and Elizabeth Williams his wife for more than fifty years and that Thomas William's deed in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty four and that Elizabeth Williams the applicant claiming a pension is the widow of Thomas Williams deceased And this deponent further saith that from his youth up to the time of his death, the said Thomas Williams told him he did military duty on the northern frontiers under different officers in a company commanded by Hendrick Van Der Hoff Nathaniel Ford Hendrick Van Der Cook Jacob Hallenbake in Lieut Col. John Van Rensselaers Regiment also Capt Brown in Col. Peter Yates Regiment and has often heard the said Thomas Williams converse with old officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary War particulary Capt Jacob Gates and John Van Antwerp all dead who were engaged and served with him and all were engaged together in the battle of Saratoga and were all present at the taking and surrender of Burgoyne and this deponent further saith that Applicants Husband was sometimes known as
Thomas P. Williams and often so called And farther this deponent saith not --
[signed] Herman Krickerbacker

Suscribed to and sworn Before me on this 7th day of  May 1849
[signed] John Banker Justice of the peace

[illegible Court Seal attached top center]
Page 42

STATE OF NEW YORK RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that John Banker before whom the annexed affidavit was made and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this fifteenth day of May 1849
[signed] A H Sheldon Clerk
.
Page 43

State of New York Rensselaer County City of Troy } ss: 
On the fifteenth day of May 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned Marles C. Parmelee, Judge of the Rensselaer County Court Elizabeth Williams Widow of Thomas Williams and made further declaration in conformation of her declaration in August 1848 Claiming a pension, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath says That according to the best of her knowledge, or belief her husband Thomas Williams served and did Military duty in Col Alexander Webster and Hopkins Regiments, and also in
Capt Hendrick Vander Hoffs Company. John Van Rensselaer Peter Yates Regiments, and that the said Thomas Williams her husband was out in a number expeditions to the north
under different officers, and recollects particularly that her husband Thomas Williams was at and took part in the Capter [Capture] and surrender of Burgoynes army, at Saratoga that most of the officers my husband Thomas Williams served under in the War of the Revolution resided in Pittstown Schaghticoke and Lansingburgh and have heard them
in conversation with my said husbance mention the places he was at with them in the Revolutionary War. (Viz) Still Water Lake George & Saratoga and the officers he served under & with are dead and that she is still a Widow --
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth   X   Williams [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Subscribed and sworn to before me May 15th 1849 the deponent affixing her mark hereto, for the reason that she is unable to write.
Cha's C. Parmelee
[signed] Kings County Judge
Page 44

STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Charles C Parmelee before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a County Judge in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this fifteenth day of May 1849
[signed] A H Sheldon clerk

[illegible Court Seal attached right side]
Page 45

Elizabeth Williams
Wid. of Thomas
July 7. 1838
New York
115,79
Page 46

Vander Cook kept a public house and had built mills for the Williams's the next year after the close of the war following, and Lansingburgh was at that time the only place of business north of Albany, and my Fathers was a stopping place for William going & coming to & from market often in confersation [conversation] deponents Father & this same Williams talked [talked] over incidents & materes [matters] & things which transpired during the war, This same Williams in the confersation gave a relation of an occurences which took place in the year 1779 he Williams had been to Albany to communicate to the committee of safety on his return about 2 miles from the north river where Troy is now going along on Horseback he discovered a man dead by the side of the road which had Just been shot upon inquiry learnd it was Robinson who resided in the Nihborhood [neighborhood] a friend to the war of the revolution, he Williams also stated had been shot at on his way home. This section of the country was many disefected people called Torys, I have not have not the least doubt from a number of circumstances, such as the officer Williams served under residing most of them in the immediate neighborhood, but a few miles from where Williams resided, and my relatives, that the services for which certificates were [?]ied to, as performed by Thomas P. Williams or Thomas Williams, and that the services performed as set out in the Comptrollers certificate were performed by the husband of Elizabeth Williams now claiming a pension for his services during the war of the Revolution, deponent further says that there cannot be rational doubt that Thomas P. of Thomas Williams is the one and the same person and that the widow Elizabeth Williams is beyond a doubt the widow of the same person Thomas P. or Thomas Williams.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this 20th of September 1849
[right] [signed] Micl S. V. D. Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
[signed]James N Halsted Justice Peace
Page 47

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss
Michael S Vandercook resident of the Town of Pittstown Rensselaer County & State of New York age 75 years, Being duly sworn depose & saith that he has examined the papers Titles & conveyances of land, and other papers in the possession of Elizabeth Williams, the Widow of Thomas Williams, or Thomas P. Williams, and find a part made in the name of Thomas Williams and a portion in the name of Thomas P. Williams, which willfully show by refrence had to papers herewith enclosed, and farther depose that he this deponent was in the Comptrollers office in the City of Albany, on Tuesday, the 18th of Sept. inst. in order to procure farther testimony in regard to the Military district where situated at the time the certificats [sic] of the servises rendered by Thomas or Thomas P. Williams. Set out in the Comptrollers certificate, of the 4th of August 1848. Where situated or described, and was informed by the examining Clerk that there was not any record or document in the office showing, a particular description of a Military district or beat farther depose That he this deponent did on the same day had recorse to the office of Secretary of State office, to procure if possible the required proof met with no better suxess [success], and examined the Book in which is entered the name of the officers appointed commencing in the year 1778, and was at the same time informed by the deputy Secretary, Mr. Campbell that the Book produced was the first of any Regular appointments of officers made and their names entered in the Book in the office , which Book this deponent has a number of times before examined, most of the officers mentioned in the Comptrollers certificate were appointed from the then County of Albany, and two or three from the adjoining Counties and deponent was acquainted with most of the officers and resided on the east side of the north River, now Rensselaer County, and deponent farther saith that deponent' s father resided about 4 miles west from Thomas or Thomas P. Williams half way on the road to Lansingburgh, deponent's Father Lemore
Page 48

STATE OF NEW YORK Rennselaer Country Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that James N Halsted before whom the annexed Deposition was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this twenty first day of September 1849
[signed] Ambrose H. Sheldon, Clerk

[illegible Court Seal attached at right]
Page 49

State of New York Rensselaer County ss }
Herman Knickerbacker resident of the Town of Schaghticoke in the County of Rensselaer of the age of seventy two years being duly sworn deposeth and saith that in addition to his former affidavit in the matter of Elizabeth Williams Widow of Thomas P. Williams otherwise called Thomas Williams late of the town of Pittstown in the County of Rensselaer deceased the said Widow now claiming a pension for the services of her husband for services rendered his country in the Revolutionary War. I knew the said Thomas P. Williams and who was also known and called Thomas Williams, from my youth up to the time of his death and know the said Elizabeth Williams to be the widow of the identical Thomas P. Williams or Thomas Williams named in the declaration made in open Court before Charles Parmelee Judge of Rensselaer County Court and farther I depose and say that I have no rational doubt that each and all the pay certificates for services in the Militia stated and referred to in the Comptrollers certificate were issued to and in favor of the Husband now deceased of the applicant the said Elizabeth Williams - I do farther depose and say that I was personally acquainted with most if not all the Officers under whom the said Thomas P. or Thomas Williams served and always understood and learned from them that the said Thomas P. or Thomas Williams was a good Soldier and served his Country well. 
I have the same information uniformly from the said Thomas P. or Thomas Williams who while living and until the time of his death spoke of his deeds in the War of the revolution and this deponent farther Saith that at the time of the Revolutionary War the County of Rensselaer was in Albany County and then known as such and this deponent further saith that he has always understood that the said Thomas P. Williams or Thomas Williams was during the War in Albany Schaghticoke and Pittstown.
[right] [signed] Herman Knickerbacker
Subscribed and sworn before me this 12th of September 1849. & that deponent is a reputable witness [signed] Char's H Miller Justice of Peace [unsure of name]
Page 50

State of New York Rensselaer Country Clerk's Office,  } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Chas J Wilber before whom the annexed disposition was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this twenty five day of September 1849

[signed] A H Sheldon, Clerk

[illegible Court Seal attached upper left corner]

[written on edge]
Elizabeth Williams
Wid. of Thomas
July 7, 1838 
New York
115,19
Page 51

Elizabeth Williams
widow of Thomas
New York

Suspended
Let M.S.V.D. Cook
April 27 1849
Letter to same 3 Sept 1849

Act 7 July 1838
Page 52

Raymertown March 11th 1850
James L. Edwards Esqr.

Sir, your favor of the 25th ultima was by mistake directed to Troy, and from that office to Lansingburgh P. office, and was broat [sic] up by a neighbor which caused some little delay, Upon the receipt of it, I went to Albany in order if possible to get from the Comptroller, the certificate required in regard to the military district, which has been so frequently called for. I supposed that had been shown by testimony in Sept. last, that inquiry had been made at the Comptrollers office, and likewise at the Secretary of States office and that no such record could be found in either of those offices, and being very desirous to prouve [sic] what was required by the Hon Commissioner which has been and is still required to be produced and furnished.
I came to the conclusion to have the Comptroller make out another certificate, in addition to the one made in August 1848, and have a  serch [sic] made to ascertain and find a record in regard to a military district, which will show by the enclosed certificate is not to be found in the office, and referred to the Secretary of States office, and will also appear is not to be had from that office. At the time I procured the certificate in August 1848.  The examining Clerk Mr. Hancock was very much engaged in writing up the Tax Books, and as "I before stated handed to him a memorandum," Then[?] this the Clerk has given an explanation on the certificate, The War department must be well awere [sic] that at this time, when almost an intire [sic] generation has gone off the stage, and that what is now required at this day (perhaps more than used in similar cases ). It is difficult to find in every particular which is now
Page 53

now over half century, But very few now remaining which were old enough to take part in the then times, pretty much all gone (From which no traveler returns) and we are fast treading upon their heels.
I have taken a great deal of pains, made diligent inquiry to ascertain in what, and how much of this northern region constituted a military district, the answer from those persons most likely to know have been that Albany was the central point that the military district extended all over this northern and western frontier, that the county was thinly inhabited, and in almost a state of nature; When at Albany last week I met with my old friend and military companion, Genl Solomon van Rensselaer (who is three years older than myself)  I inquired of him in regard to a military district, his answer was the same as others; His Father  Col. Henry R. van Rensselaer whose name is on the Comptrollers certificate, and resided near the City of Albany and was wounded at one of the Battles on the Northern Frontier in his hip, by a musket ball this same Henry K. van Rensselaer was Brigadier Genl in 1803 Rensselaer County Brigade when given an appointment as Brigad Major, and served under him as such officer, His son Solm. Van Rensselaer  was Adjutant Genl at the same time, I mention these circumstances in order to identify him as being the same officer mentioned in the Comptrollers certificate.  We all know that at the time of the Revolutionary War that their was no boundaries generally, and that the limits of Vermont was not known or defined at that time, and I remember very well that after the close of the War and before Vermont requested
Page 54

requested to be admitted into the Union that the people of that territory extended their claim west to the Hudson River and which our people resisted, and in consequence had to suffer for their opposition were taken prisoners and carried to what afterwards the State of Vermont, and imprisoned, and that the people here  retaliated, and when a Vermonter would come in the reach of those which were opposed to the extention would take them prisoners, and put them in jail in Albany in about the year ninety This kind of internal or border war had in a measure, subsided before the period mentioned, and was finally  settled, Then was fixed by Commissioners 20 miles east from the Hudson River. --
Now I will undertake to show that this same Thomas Williams was at, and is called Bennington Battle, and in the Northern Military district, as it is said to be the fact. 
No that cannot be that Battle was fought in Vermont and the fact is that by the line subsequently established it took place on the line between the two States.  It is very clear that there was no fixed or definite boundaries describing a military district, officers were constantly changing and relieving each other --
This same Thomas or Thomas P. Williams was one of the most active young men ardent & zealous in the cause of Independence as I can make it appear. That was at that time in this part of the Country, the family of Williams resided in Albany (look at the old papers sent then in the pension office) and had made a purchase in that neighborhood a short time before the War broke out, and was some portion of the time in Albany as that was the native place of the family, and that in the year 1780 & 1781 was out with Governor George Clinton at Lake
Page 55

Lake George and has been shown by the testimony of James Wool, and by other testimony before intendant and that for his valour and readiness to serve his country, that honorable old patriot soon after the close of the War, was rewarded with a Capt commission by Gov. G. Clinton. I can hardly be made to believe that the Hon. Commissionner got up this far fetched proposition for ascertaining and establishing a military district. --
In 1812 The orders in my orderly book at the north says By order of Genl Bloomfield or Genl Dearborn Commanding the northern advance Army not a word about a military district, and was called] upon to say what military district I was in or belonged to, it would be out my power to give the description of the limits and extent of a district. --
Speaking about the Northern advance Army, yes we did advance till Genl Hull put a veto upon the Northern advance Army and to relinquish going to Montreal ;
I regret very much that I have had so much justification of the claim and herewith send some additional testimony (Hope I may be excused from making so lengthy an explanation) and shall be glad if the Hon. Commissionner will have the goodness to determine either for or against it: and oblige your obedient 
Respectfull  Humb'l Servant
[signed] Micl S.V.D. Cook [Michael S. Vandercook]
Page 56

11579

P.O 
Elizabeth Williams
Service: 

Enlisted: NY. 
REJECTED [stamp]
Page 57

THE PEOPLE of the State of NEW-YORK,
BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT;;
To Thomas Williams Esquire Greeting. ---

We reposing especial Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness  to do us good and faithful Service; Have appointed and constitute, and by these Presents, DO appoint and constitute you the said  Thomas Williams Captain of a Company in the Regiment of Militia in the County of Albany whereof John W. Groesbeck Esquire is Lieutenant Colonel Commandant.

You are therefore, to take the said Company into your charge and Care, as Captain thereof, and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are  hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain and you are also to observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia of our said State, of any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing, this shall be Your Commission, for and during our good Pleasure, to be signified by our Council of Appointment, IN TESTIMONY whereof, We have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS our Truly and Well-beloved GEORGE CLINTON, Esquire, our Governor of our State of New York, General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at our City of New York, the Fifth day of October in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Six and in the Eleventh Year of our  INDEPENDENCE.

Passed the Secretary's Office, the 3rd of June 1787.
[signed] Lewis A. Scott, SECRETARY

[illegible Seal upper left]
[signed] Geo. Clinton
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State of New York County of Rensselaer Town of Lansingburgh } ss:
James Wool, of Lansingburgh in said county and state, being duly sworn, deposes and says that on the 4th day of October last he was eighty six years of age, that he was in the service of the War of the Revolution in the years 1780, 1781 & 1782, at Fort Edward in a company commanded by Captain Hendrick Vanderhoof. Col Peter Yates'Regiment. That he was personally acquainted with one Thomas Williams, a resident at the time of his death of Pittstown in said county and state, that he was frequently called by the name of Thomas P. Williams, that the said Thomas P. Williams was in the service ot the War of the Revolution and turned out at several alarms, that he was acquainted with the said Williams after the war had ended and also with his wife Elizabeth. That the said Elizabeth is now the Widow of the said Thomas P. Williams deceased.  This deponent further says that he has been in several expeditions with the said Thomas P. Williams in the war, and that he understood from the said Williams that he has been in several other expeditions other than those related by this deponent in the same war. That the most of the officers that the said Williams and this deponent served under resided in the County of Albany, now county of Rensselaer, and that this deponent's birth place was in the State of New Jersey, and that he emigrated from that state to the County of Rensselaer and that he has resided there ever since near a place called Cooksborough.  This deponent further says that he was in company with the said Williams at Lake George under the comment of Gov. Clinton, Commander in chief of the Army.
[right] his
[right] James   X   Wool [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark
Sworn to before me this 13th day of Nov. 1849
The word "Williams" written on [illegible]
Wit. [signed] A Reed [signed] J. Ransom, Justice of the Peace
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I hereby certify that James Wool, the deponent within named cannot write his name caused by infirmity of old years and Rheumatism, that I have been personally acquainted with him for several years last past and know him to be a man of truth and veracity, and he is now of sound mind and memory
Dated at Lansingburgh this 13th day of Nov 1849

[signed] J. Ransom

[document]
State of New York Rensselaer County Clerk's office, } ss.
I, AMBROSE SHELDON, clerk of the county of Rensselaer, do hereby certify that Isaac Ransom whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledment of the annexed instrument was, at the time of taking such proof of acknowledgement, one of the  Justices of the Peace of the County of Rensselaer, dwelling in said county; duly authorized to take such proof of acknowledgment. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that said Instrument, is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my name , and afficed the Seal of Said County, this 13th day of November A.D. 1849 .
[signed] AH Sheldon clerk

[illegible Seal at left]