Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23256, David Hand, New York
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
New York

Hand, David

NUMBER
S. 23256

CONTENTS.
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33310
New York
David Hand Deceased of ...in the state of ... who was a private in the New York commanded by Captain... of the ... commanded by ... in the Revolution line for 6 months and 18 days
Inscribed on the roll of New York City at the rate off 22 dollars - cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 and end on March 1st 1845
Certificate of pension issued the  sent 7th day of July 1855 and sent to A. H. Evans
Present
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by G.T. Getty clerk
Book H Volume 1 page 182
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Suffolk County ss
Personally appeared Samuel L Homedieu  aged 86 years and a person to me well known & of good character who being duly sworn on oath by me deposeth and saith that about the year 1776 he knew a certain Schooner called the Spy commanded by Capt Robert Niles an armed vessel and always understood she was a public armed vessel. and does verily believe she was a public armed vessel before me the 10th day of July 1833
[Signed] Saml L'Hommedieu
[Signed] H. B. Havens, Justice of the Peace
Suffolk County SS 
Personally appeared John Foster a person to me well known aged 84 years a credible witness - who being by me duly sworn on oath deposeth and saith that in the year 1776 he knew a vessel called the Spy which said vessel was in the public service and understood she was commissioned by the state of Connecticut and that he this deponent was at that time in the public service serving as volunteer Lieutenant - and stationed at Montauk under Capt John Davis -and verily believes the said Schooner Spy was a public vessel before me the 10th day of July 1833.
[Signed] John Foster
[Signed] H.B. Havens Justice Peace
Suffolk County Clerks office
I, Joseph R Huntting clerk of the county of Suffolk do certify H. B. Havens Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken is a Justice of the Peace - That I am well acquainted with his hand writing and believe the signatures genuine.  Witness my hand and seal of office this 18th day of July 1833
[Signed] Joseph R Huntting  clk
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State of New York
County of Suffolk} ss
On this 2nd day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said county of Suffolk David Hand a resident of the town of Southampton in said county of Suffolk and state of New York aged seventy three years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United Stated  under the following named officers to wit Myers, Captain Thomas Colonel and Richard Montgomery General - in the month of August in the year 1775 at Elizabethtown in the state of New Jersey -for the term of one year - That he served two more months of said service when the company received orders to join the Regiment and marched to Canada.  That he had permission to remain behind in consequences of being too unwell-
That afterwards, to wit, on the first day of April 1776 he entered the naval service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, namely Robert Niles Captain Timothy Parker first Lieutenant and - Smith second Lieutenant and sailing Master Benjamin Mortimer -Boatswain Benjamin Blakeney Engineer Josiah Cary Carpenter - That he continued to serve until the first day of January following.  And that he resides in the town of Southampton county of Suffolk and state of New York when he entered the service - That he served on board the National Schooner Spy
of Suffolk
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That the American Admiral Hopkins commanded the ... the Columbus,  the Andrew ... and the Cabott,- Which squad was engaged by a British naval force between Montauk Point and Block Island- the Spy at the time of the aforesaid engagement was lying in the Harbor of New London - That after the said engagement and while the Spy was lying in the Harbor of New London, Admiral Hopkins fleet entered the said Harbor of New London with the dead and wounded of his crews - That he the said applicant had permission from Capt. Niles to return to his fathers at Stonington in Connecticut when he left the said Schooner and service - That he has no documentary evidence but that Nathan Fordham and Josiah Hand both of the town of Southampton aforesaid can testify to his service - He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except that present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state - that he was born in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine - That he has a record of his age which now is at present in the possession of his brother Gideon Hand - That he has lived in the parish of Sag Harbor in the town of Southampton aforesaid since the Revolutionary War and that he now lives there - That he entered the naval service as a volunteer - 
David Hand
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid}
Joseph A Huntting cl
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I Josiah Hand residing in the Parish of Sag Harbor in the town of Southampton, county of Suffolk and state of New York, hereby certify,that I am well acquainted with David Hand, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that I believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have entered the naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war and that I have personal knowledge of the face of his services as above stated.
Josiah Hand
Sworn to and subscribed the 31st day of August 1832 before me 
Jonathon S Conklin, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Suffolk.  
I, Nathan Fordham residing in the Parish of Sag harbour in the town of Southampton, county of Suffolk and state of New York. hereby certify that I am well acquainted with David Hand, ho has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that I believe him to be seventy three years of age, and that I am acquainted with , and knowing to the fact of his entering the naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war.
Nathan Fordham
Sworn to and subscribed the 31st day of August 1832
before me.  Jonathon S Conklin, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Please for the County of Suffolk
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations prescribed ebay the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a Revolutionary solider and served as he states - And the court further certified that it appears to  them that Josiah Hand and Nathan Fordham who have respectively made oath and certified that they are well acquainted with said applicant are residents in the town of Southampton and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit - 
I Joseph R. Huntting clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Suffolk do hereby certify that the foregoing donations the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Hand for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this second day of October eighteenRhundred and thirty two
Joseph R Huntting, Cl
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Declaration Lc
County of Suffolk
State of New York} to wit:
Before me a Justice of the Peace for the town of Southampton county aforesaid personally appeared this fifth day of Marche - in the year 1855 Robert F Hand, to me well known, Executor of the last will and testament of the late David Hand deceased and one of his surviving .  And the said Executor being by me sworn according to law deposes and says:  that he is the Executor of the late David Hand of this county deceased And in proof of this assessment, he brings before me the accompanying certificate of the proper court that he is such Executor which is made a part of this declaration.  That there are five surviving children of the late David Hand deceased of whom the said appears is one. And that the names of the other four are ; Sarah widow of the late Janus Pierson, deceased, Clara wife of Oliver Slate Susan wife of Abraham Vail and Julia
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widow of the late David Hand Jr for her children David, H, Silas and Louisa Hand. all of the town and county aforesaid. 
That he is informed and believes that his late father David deceased, enlisted in the service of the United States as ... in the state of ,,, on or about the ... day of ... in the year... under Gen Montgomery for the Quebec expedition.  That his said fathers colonels name was ... and that of his Captain was ... as the said affiant has heard and believes:   That after the army was organized and before it was  marched upon Quebec, while it was in camp near the Hudson River in the state of New York in the county of ... the typhus fever broke and among the troops as this affiant has heard and believes.  And when the army left for its destination a number of soldiers were left behind sick with the typhus fever of whom the said David deceased was one.  That the said Davids guardian at ... in the state of Connecticut, having heard of his situation and to whom David was left and was permitted to take him home with him.  That the name of the said guardian was ... as the said affiant is informed and believes and that
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the said David deceased enlisted when he was of the age of ... after recovering from the sickness thus contracted in the service of the United States on board a twenty gun Brig fitted and manned by the state of Connecticut as a part of his quarter for carrying on he was, out of the post of .... in said state.  And the date of his enlistment on board this Brig was on the  ... day of ...in the year... at the town of ....in said state.  The said Brig being commanded by Captain or Commodor ... That the time of service on said Brig was for one year, which the said David deceased served out in full where upon he was honorably discharged, though the same affiant cannot find said discharge among the papers of said deceased. nor does he know what has becomes of it, but is informed and believes that such enlistment service and discharge did take place.   That said affiant is informed and believes.   That during the remainder of the Revolutionary War, his said father David deceased served in private armed repels and was taken prisoner of was by the enemy and confined on board
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the old Jersey prison ship and that he was one of the few who survived the pestilence on board  that Hulk; that the said affiant does not know nor has he ever heard anything further respecting his said deceased father's service. but he refers to the Rolls of Montgomery's army as to the side of the state of Connecticut for full proofs of his said father's services, as stated herein;  That the said David Hand died on the 1st of March 1840 at the village of Sag Harbor, town of Southampton, county of Suffolk state of New York.  proof of which is submitted to me in the accompanying affidavit or two witnesses to sit Abraham Vail and Susan Vail -  to me well known and entitled to credit.  said affidavits, as will be seen, having been taken before me and now made a part of this declaration.  And said affiant hereby declares, that he is unable to fill up the blanks recurring in this declaration from memory, but has often heard his father, whose memory was excellent, detail all the circumstances and facts of his service. 
That some years ago his application was made on behalf of his father now deceased, to the pension office in which
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if said affiant remembers right all the facts of his said father's services as stated at length.  That he prays said application may be made a part of this declaration, if it exists in the Pension Office.  That he has no means now of proving his service outside the Rolls of the Pension Office and the application formerly made.  That any power of attorney given in the case heretofore is hereby revoked.  And that he has by appoints and constitutes W. G. Snethen of the city of New York to be his attorney to prosecute to a conclusion before the Pension Office at Washington D.C. this claim of the children of the said David Hand deceased for such pension as may be due said David under the laws of the United States.  And to receive for any use and behalf as said Executor such certificate for payment of same pension as may be  paid to me; that this declaration has been made by said affiance and affiant for the purpose of obtaining such pension as may be found duet o his said father deceased, for his services in the Revolutionary war, under the laws of the United Stated applicable to his case, and said affiant  further deposes
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that neither he nor his co heir children of his late father deceased to wit David Hand, have ever received from the United States any pension whatsoever on account of their fathers services in the Revolutionary War.  And I the Justice aforesaid do hereby certify, that I am satisfied with the identity of said affiant, he being well known to me and of his credibility, and that of said witnesses to the death of the said David Hand deceased; and that I have no interest whatever in the said claim, and that the said affiant has in my presence affixed his signature  hereto
Robert F. Hand
Executor Last will & testament of David Hand deceased
Sworn to, subscribed and acknowledged by the said Robert F Hand before me the day and date first above writting
P.R. Jennings
Justice of the Peace in the county of Suffolk
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13.083
David Hand
Suffolk Co N York
5-16
Rejected 
4 May 33
Oct 17 33
P. 369
P. 390
Sidney L Griffin
Suffolk Cl
N.Y.
Sidney L Griffin
Buffalo
N.Y.
Page 15

BRIEF in the case of David Hand Co. of Suffolk in the State of (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear the the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 73 years
4. State his service, as directed in teh form annexed.

Period:
Augt in 1775, 2 months as a Private, Gen. Capt Myers Col Thomas
1 April 1776, 9 months, general service, Capt Niles ( Schroomes)
5. In what battles was he engaged? None
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Elizabethtown N Jersey
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Papers not attach is req'd
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
Richard Cutts
Examining clerk
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December 2, 1938.

Mr. Louis T. Vail
151 Prospect Avenue
Mount Vernon, New York.
RA-J/ILL
Davide Hand
S. 23256

Dear Sir:
The data which follow are found in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 23256, based upon service in the War of David Hand.

David Hand was born in the year 1759; the day of his birth, place of his birth, and the names of his parents are not shown. His father was living in Stonington, Connecticut, about the year 1777. David had a brother, Gideon Hand.

While a resident of Southampton, Suffolk County, New York, David Hand enlisted in August 1775, at Elizabeth Town, New Jersey, as a private in Captain Myers' company, Colonel Thomas' Regiment under General Richard Montgomery to go to Quebec, was taken sick with fever while in a camp near the Hudson River, length of this service two months. On April 1, 1776, he entered the United States Naval service, went as a marine on board the armed vessel, "Spy", commanded by Captain Robert Niles, lay in the harbor at New London, Connecticut and was discharged about January 1777; he had permission then to return to his father in Stonington, Connecticut. David Hand served subsequently on private armed vessels, names not given, was taken prisoner and held on the old Jersey prison ship, being one of the few to survive the pestilence.

After the Revolutionary War, he resided in Sag Harbor Parish, Southampton County, New York. He died there March 1, 1840, his son, Robert F. Hand, was executor of his father's estate. The name of the wife of David Hand is not shown, nor the date and place of their marriage, and the date of her death; however, the died before the death of her husband.
March 5, 1855, Robert F. Hand, of Sag Harbor, Suffolk County,
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New York, applied for the pension which was due him and the other surviving children of David Hand on account of service in the Revolutionary War. The claim was allowed. The names of the other four surviving children were given by Robert F. Hand as follows: Sarah Pierson, widow of the late James Pierson; Clara (Clarissa), the wife of Oliver Slate; Susan, wife of Abraham Vail; and Julia the widow of the late David Hand, Jr. They were all of Sag Harbor, Suffolk County, New York. Julia, the widow of David Hand, Jr., was living then with her children David H., Silas, and Louisa Hand; Julia's maiden name is not shown, nor the date of death of her husband, David Hand, Jr.
In 1855, Susan and Abraham Vail stated that they were present at the death of the soldier, David Hand, in 1840.
In August 1832, one Josiah Hand was a resident of Sag Harbor, New York, and made affidavit in regard to the service of David Hand
in the Revolutionary War, but did not state any relationship between them. In 1832, the soldier referred to his brother, Gideon Hand.
Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

[Page #] 2
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December 2, 1938
BA-J/MCS

Mr. Louis T. Vail
151 Prospect Avenue
Mount Vernon
New York

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Nathan and Peter Comstock and David Hand and David Hand, Jr.,  who served in the Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land made to the United States and based on the service of soldiers and sailors in that war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the service of any Peter Comstock, a Nathan Comstock who was born in 1753 and died April 19, 1834, and a David Hand who was born in 1730 and died in 1802.
You are furnished herewith, an abstract of papers on file in pension claim, S.23256, based on the service of David Hand who was born in 1759 and died in 1840.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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[In the right side margin is a handwritten note pointing to "Spy"] Schooner or Sloop on books

May 7, 1937.
RA-J/ILL
David Hand
S. 23256

Reigrette Marsh
177 Maple Avenue North
Plainfield, New Jersey.

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John Hand, David Hand, Jr. and John Terry, all of Suffolk County, New York.
Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited clerical force available for furnishing such information, it is not possible to comply in full with each request
for data pertaining to soldiers of that war. The record of David Hand is given herein as found in pension claim, S. 23256, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
David Hand was born in the year 1759; the day and place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown. His father was lliving in Stonington, Connecticut, about the year 1777.
While a resident of Southampton, Suffolk County, New York, David Hand enlisted in August 1775, at Elizabeth Town, New Jersey, as a private in Captain Myers' company, Colonel Thomas' Regiment under General Richard Montgomery to go to Quebec, was taken sick with fever while in a camp near the Hudson River, length of this service two months. On April 1, 1776, he entered the United States Naval service, went as a marine on board the armed vessel, "Spy", commanded by Captain Robert Niles, lay in the harbor at New London, Connecticut and was discharged about January 1777; he had permission then to return to his father in Stonington, Connecticut. David Hand served subsequently on private armed vessels, names not given, was taken prisoner and held on the old Jersey prison ship, being one of the few to survive the pestilence.

After the Revolutionary War, he resided in Sag Harbor Parish, Southampton County, New York. He died there March 1, 1840, his son, Robert F.
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Hand, was executor of his father's estate; the name of the soldier's wife, date and place of their marriage and date of her death, which was previous to that of David Hand, are not shown.
March 5, 1855, Robert F. Hand of Sag Harbor, Suffolk County, New York, applied for the pension which was due him, and the other surviving children of David Hand on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. The claim was allowed. The names of the other children, also of Sag Harbor, were given then as Sarah Pierson, widow of the late James Pierson, Clarissa or Clara, wife of Oliver Slate, Susan Vail, wife of Abraham Vail. Julia, the widow of David Hand, Jr., was living then with children David H., Silas and Louisa; Julia's maiden name is not shown, nor the date of death of said David, Jr.
In 1855, Susan and Abraham Vail stated that they were present at the death of the soldier, David Hand.
In August 1822, Josiah Hand was a resident of Sag Harbor Parish, Suffolk County, New York; at that time he made affidavit regarding the service of David Hand, but he did not state any relationship between them. In 1832, David Hand referred to his brother, Gideon Hand.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER.
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
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THE SOCIETY OF THE NEW YORK HOSPITAL
INCORPORATED 1771.
Maintains
NEW YORK HOSPITAL
69 TH TO 71 ST STREETS, YORK AVE. TO EAST RIVER
NEW YORK HOSPITAL-WESTCHESTER DIVISION
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK
NEW YORK HOSPITAL
525 EAST 68 TH STREET
NEW YORK, N.Y.
TELEPHONE
REGENT 4-6000
Mount Vernon N. Y.
October 26, 1938
The Veterans Administration
Washington D. C.
The Director.
Dear Sir.
Can you furnish me with the Revolutionary War Records
of the following men, who are all related to me by blood.
( 1 ) Nathan Comstock, of Montville Connecticut, born 1753, died April 19, 1834, married
February 14, 1782, to Mary Rogers, daughter of John Rogers and Delight Green. According to
the History of Montville, Connecticut, by Henry A. Baker, he was taken prisoner by the
British, in the War of the Revolution, and was carried to England, where he was kept
in confinement for 7 years. He escaped by stratagem and finally reached his home in
Montville. The records of the War Department at Washington, show that one Nathan
Comstock, served as Captain of a company in the 3d Regiment of Connecticut Militia
commanded by Colonel John Ely. The period of his service is not shown. He is reported
present with his company October 4, 18, and November 2, 1776. No further record found.
Can you give me any further information?
(2) Peter Comstock, son of Peter Comstock, and Martha Avery, born July 11, 1731,
died at Montville Connecticut, April 3, 1803, married 1st, September 1756, Elizabeth, daughter of
Adonijah Fitch, married 2d, May 12, 1774, Sarah, daughter of Elijah Mirick. According to
Bakers History of Montville, he was a Captain in Colonel Latimer's Regiment, in the
American Continental Army, and was stationed at Fort Trumbull, when Benedict Arnold
entered and burned New London Connecticut.The U.S. War Department can give me no information
regarding him, so referred me to you. --
.
.
( 3 ) David Hand, of Bridge Hampton L. I., born 1730, died 1802. He is said to have been
at the Battle of Long Island, Trenton, etc, and was I have heard in General Van Schaick's
Regiment, and also under the command of Colonel Smith.
( 4 ) David Hand Jr, son of the above, born 1759, died February 29, 1840. He was from Sag
Harbor Long Island. His effects were moved to Connecticut from Sag Harbor in September, and
October 1776, by Captains Isaac Sheffield, John Miner, and Daniel Sayre, the latter
charging for 11 passengers (C103 - 138 - 212 ). He served in Colonel Smith's Regiment
and the 2d, Line, ( G.43 ). According to G. R. Howell's History of Southampton, and H. P.
Hedges History of East Hampton, he served mostly in privateers and in the U.S. Navy.
Thanking you for any information you can give me
I am respectfully Yours,
Louis T. Vail
Louis T. Vail
151 Prospect Ave.
S
Mount Vernon
N. Y.
[stamp] 
Received October 28, 1938
Mail [illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible]
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177 Maple Ave N. Plainfield N.J.
April 6, 1939
Veterans administration
Washington, D.C.
Sirs:
Can your department give me copies of the pension papers of the following persons - who served in the Revolutionary War? 
John Hand
David Hand Jr
John Terry - all of Suffolk Co. New York.
I believe they were attached to the First Regiment as Minute Men.  Also Militia
Very truly
Reignette March
PS I should like all information as to days, locatio and family names - over
Page 23

John and David Hand may have been living in Schoharie or Albany County at the time of applying for pension
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Revolution
23256
Invalid
File Number 23256
David Hand
Private Revolutionary War
Act June 7, '32
Index:-volume 2, page 165
{Arrangement of 1870}

1937 May 9 - History to Reigrette March J.L.L.
1938 Dec 2 - History to Louis T Vail J.L.L
Page 25

A.H. Evans Jan 14, ..55 (marked thru)

Rev. N.Y.
Act 7 June 1832
David Hand
Rejected
See letter to Sidney L Griffin
Suffolk C. H.
N.Y.
18 Oct 1833

W.G. Snethen Mch 17 1855 (marked thru)
A.H. Evans April 19, 1855 (marked thru)
Act 1832
over
Page 26

David Hand
N.Y.  1832
E Cold

(sideways) 
Commissioner of Pensions Present
Page 27

David Hand, deceased.
New York - Suffolk Co
Act June 7, 1832
Admitted
6 mos 18 days private under Capt Niles of the Connecticut Public armed Schooner "Spy"
at $22 per annum from Mar 4th 1831 to March 1st 1840 when he died.
I certify payable to Robert F. Hand, his Executor, for benefit of Himself - and of Sarah Pierson
Clarissa Slate & Susan Vail - his only surviving children.
Atty
A.H. Evans 
Present
Page 28

State of New York
Suffolk County}ss
John Hildreth & Samuel T Hildreth being duly sworn do deposes & say & each for himself says that he resides in the village of Sag Harbor Town of Southhampton Suffolk County and State of New York and for the last forty years has been well acquainted with the family of David Hand late of said Sag Harbor in said town & county who died about the year eighteen hundred & forty and who had been reported to be & he believes actually was engaged in the Revolutionary War of these United States of America against Great Britain.  That said said Hand left no widow him surviving and the only surviving children of the said David Hand deceased are Robert F. Hand his son and Sarah Pierson widow of James Pierson deceased Clarissa Slate wife of Oliver Slate Susan Vail wife of Abraham Vail.  All of whom reside in said Sag Harbor and said Sarah Clarissa & Susan are daughters of said deceased and said son & daughters are the only surviving children of said deceased now living.  That said children are acquaintances of each of these deponents and these deponents each of them has for the last forty years resided in said Sag Harbor in said town. 
John Hildreth
Saml T Hildreth
Page 29

State of New York
County of Suffolk } ss
I hereby certify that the foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me on the 29th day of June 1855 by the said John Hildreth and Samuel T. Hildreth therein named; and I further certify that the affiants are persons well known to me and that I believe them to be credible persons.
[Signed] P.R. Jennings
Justice of Sessions 

State of New York
County of Suffolk } ss
I, James B. Cooper clerk of said county do hereby certify that P.R. Jennings before whom the witness affidavit was made and taken was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Court of Sessions, a court of record in said county of Suffolk and duly qualified. That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said P.R. Jennings and verily believe that the signature to the above certificate is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set up hand and the seal of the county court and, court of Sessions of said county this 31st day of June 1855
[Signed] James B Cooper Clk.

Cole
Refer this to Dodge
Jonn
Page 30

Additional Evidence


Files from 11/55
 by A. H. Evans
Page 31

State of Connecticut
Comptroller Office
Hartford May 30th 1855

I certify that on application for evidence of the service of David Hand on board the Schooner Say in the war of the Revolution I have examined the documents in this office and find the name of David Hand on a Pay Roll, headed as follows viz " Schooner "Pay to Robt Niles  Dr. for sundry persons wages 'by him paid vis" where the said David Hand is credited with service as a Marine from June 8th to October 8th 4 months.  Said account is filed, "Schooner Pay, Acct wages Oct 8th 1776"
I also find the name of David Hand on another Pay Roll headed as Follows, " Schooner Pay to Robert Niles Dr for sundry persons wages by him "paid, Jany 8th 1777". where the said David Hand is credited with service as a Marine from Oct 8th to Dec 27th, 1776 - 2 months 18 days.
Alex. Merrell Crubs
by eno Robinson Clerk
Page 32

David Hand dec'd
N. York act 1832
Brief
Page 33

Brief in the case of DAvid Hand, deceased.
Suffolk County and state of New York
On June 7, 1832
Claim ("original")
Proof exhibit (if original)
Is it documentary, traditionary or supported by rolls?  If eight, state the substance.
Service - as alleged by declarant - on board the armed Schooner Spy - a public armed vessel then belonging to the State of Conn & under Capt Robert Niles.  6 mos & 18 day, in 1776.  Proved by certificate of the Comptroller of Ct. from the Pay Rolls in his office.  Death of David Hand  March 1, 1840 leaving no widow proved by panel & by date of the issue of letters  testamentary - as certified. 
Has additional Evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Issue Mar 28, 1940
Robert F. Hand Executor
Number   ... of only surviving children proved by panel.  
S. G. Dodge
Examining Clerk
Name and residence of Agent
Alex H. Evans 
Present
Page 34

A.H.Evans
June 14/55
Page 35

Pension Office
June 14, 1855
Sir
The additional proof filed in support of the claim of David Hand, deceased, of New York, under the act of June 7, 1832, shows that he served six months and Eighteen days on board the public armed Schooner Spy armed by the State of Connecticut in the year 1776.
It is required that proof should be produced, observing whether Hand left a widow, and giving the number and names of his legitimate children now surviving

Alex H Evans Esq
Present
Page 36

A. H. Evans
April 19/55
Page 37

Pension Office
April 19 1855
Sir
Agreeably to the written request of Mr. Snethen I have to inform you that you are at liberty to inspect the papers in the case of David Hand of New York.  

A. H. Evans Esq
Present
Page 38

Pension Office 
March 17 1855
 Sir
David Hand of NY claimed to have served 2 months under Genl Montgomery and 9 months in the Schooner Spy - He failed to show that he had served as alleged.  Before any allowance can be made he must prove by Record that the Spy was a public armed vessel, and that he served as he declared, either by Record or witnesses who know the fact.  

W.G. Snethen, Esq
Baltimore
Md
Page 39

David Hand
NY - reg 1832
Page 40

David Hand decd - Revolutionary can - Montgomery's command
Baltimore Md
14 Mar '55
Sir
I herewith sent you declaration of R.F. Hand Executor of Last Will & Testament of David Hand deceased, a soldier of the Revolution, under Montgomery's command .. for any pension that may be due him for his services.
The certificate of his executorship, will be filed by me in a few days & is referred to in the Declaration as making part of the same.  Also, a declaration made by W Hand in his life time, on file in ... office, is referred to & made part of this paper.
Respectfully yrs
W.G. Snethen
Atty for Hand

Hand P. Waldo
Washton
PS  Address me here till otherwise addressed 
WGS
Page 41

Washington Apl 12/55
Sir,
Please file the enclosed additional evidence in case of David Hand of N.Y.suspended under act of 1832-
Respectfully
A. H. Evans

Hon. L.P. Waldo
Present
Page 42

ALEXANDER H. EVANS, 
Attorney and Counsellor at Law, 
AND
General Claim Agent,
Washington City, D.C.
REFERENCES:

GEN. SAM HOUSTON,
GEN. THOS. J. RUSK,
HON. S. A. DOUGLAS,
M. D. COOPER & CO., N.O.} U.S.S.

WM. M. SHUSTER & CO., Wash.
MURDOCH, DUER & EVANS, Balto.
RICH'D PATRICK & CO., N.Y.
WM. COXE DUSENBERRY, "
Page 43

Washington
6th April '55

Sir
Please admit Judge Evans to attend to the David Hand case for me, in my absence.
Truly yours
[Signed] W.G. Snethen
Atty for heirs

Hon L.P. Waldo
Commissioner
Page 44

State of New York
Suffolk County"ss
Be it known that at the county aforesaid on the twenty eighth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty - Letters testamentary of the last will and testament of David Hand then late of the town of Southampton in said county deceased were duly granted and issued by the Surrogate of said county to Robert F. Hand Executor in the said will named - and that the same still remains in full force - In testimony whereof I William P Buffett Surrogate of said County have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the twenty sixth day of March 1855.
W. P. Buffett, Surrogate
Page 45

David Hand decd
N.Y. 
Brief
June 14, 1855
Page 46

David Hand, decd, N.Y. Act of 1832
Declared
Oct 2, 1832 - Entered service in Aug 1775 in Elizabethtown, N.J. under Capt Myers, Col Thomas and Genl Richd Montgomery for 1 year, after serving 2 months, ordered to join Regt & March to Canada - but Declarant permitted to remain behind on acct of sickness.
1st April 1775 entered naval service under Capt Robert Niles Tim Parker 1st St - Smith 2nd St & Sailing master - Moore afs & Wm Mortimer Boatswain - Blakeny gunner - Cary Carpenter.
Served to Jany 1, 1777.
Served on board the 'National Schooner Spy" the American admiral, Hopkins commanded the Alfred the Columbus - that Andover & the Cabot - which squadron was engaged by the British naval force between Montauk Pt & Block Isld .. the Spy lying at the time in N London harbor &c&e-
Affts of S. L.Hommedieu & John Foster. that the Spy was a public armed vessel
Page 47

affts of Josiah Hand & Nathan Fordham to the fact that Hand was in the naval service.
This claim was rejected on the ground that the Spy was a privateer and not a public vessel.
The pencil notes, on pages 8-4,5,& 6 of this brief show that the Spy was armed by the State of Connecticut and was a public vessel.  That her Capt was appointed and paid by the Colonial authorities of Ct.  The Spy was owned by the state - and all her movements were subject to the direction of her authorities.
Death of David Hand Mar 1st 1840 proved by affts of Abraham & Susan Vail - Mar 8th , 1855
Page 48

On a list of the Count navy, under the head of Schooner, are the Defence and Spy - only
In court council Aug14, 1775 reports purchase of Sch Nimerva ordered for the Colony - Huntington, Capt Deshon & Capt Niles appointed to purchase her - and Capt Robert Niles of Norwich appointed her commander.
Hinman p 330
Service July & Aug 1777 pgs 1207 - 8- also p 138
150 lbs powder ordered for Spy Oct 9 '75 p 335
Instructions to Capt N. Nov 22 "75 - p 337
Capt N to enlist 20 men for 1 yr - could not be spared - p 339-
Ordered to &c - p 367 - 368
Order for Capt N of S 477-6.9- for balc of Sp's afe & pounds 200 for the future ( from June 8th ) p 370
Page 49

Proceeds of prize - shared with crew of Spy  p 405
Ordered to go after flour Mar '77 p 420
to enlist a crew for a cruise May 19 ' 77 p 442
Disposition of prisoner July '77 p 461
L Smith appointed  Lieut & Commander of the Spy Oct 15, 1777 - P 496
Capt Niles ordered to refit the Spy - p 532
L. Smith Capt of Spy Apl 21 1778 p 533
Page 50

By act of Count Assembly of Apl 26, 1775 It was provided that 2 vessels be fitted out & armed -  for the  defence of the Sea coast of this colony under the care & direction of his honor the Gov & the committee of Council in necessary of the Gen. Assembly 
Order to Robert Niles Captain of the armed Schr Spy - on request of Admiral Hopkins to join the American fleet under his command and proceed with him on a short cruise ' against our enemies'
Observing his orders - " always subject to the orders of the Genl Assembly 
April 15th 1776 - 
Arm n Archives 4 Series Vol 5 p 1130
Similar order to Capt Harding of the armed Brig " Defence" same page also
Page 51

4
A vote of L400 to Capt R Niles for the use of the Sch Spy 
same vol p 1129

Order of Cl Council of Safety
July 6, 1776
to cruise against hostile ships & "take any that you can" prevent smuggling &c
Archives 5 series Vol 1 to 240

Letter of Gov Trumbull to - advising that the armed sloop the Spy Capt Niles was missing in the sound under his orders
Same vol p 1452

Sept 13 "76
That Capt Rt Niles of the Spy 'belonging to this state" returned to N London bringing in the schr Mary & Elizabeth, a capture - and had taken the ship Hope &c
Archives 5 series vol 2 p 312
Oct 2 "76
Spy - Capt Niles - ordered to cruise between Montauk Pt & Stamford  - to annoy our enemies, &c
same vol p 848
Page 52

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
David Hand Suffolk New York which require
further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
Yes.
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
in the
V. Has he mentioned 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? Evidence of the Spy being a public ship must be
furnished and unless that point be satisfactorily established, the other service
of the applicant is not of a grade to entitle him to the benefit of the act of June
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes.
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes.
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished
from any other seal? Yes.
Page 53

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No.
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No.
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one
living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? No.
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes.
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age,
as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVI. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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 than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For___year____months
an___days, I served as a ____for____ months and ____days, I served as a ___; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 54

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite
, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state they served two years in the militia, etc. without specifying the tours; the names of the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objection
able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration
of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the
applicant served with 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 magistrate who may administer the oaths
must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 55

David Hand N.Y.
Suspended 1832
Papers LMC
Com has papers - (not Evans case)
June 11, 1855
Page 56

NY July 24
Retd

War Department 
Pension Office
Washington 
D.C.
Page 57

Suffolk Co N.Y. July 18th 1833-
Sir
Enclosed are the papers and ... in the application of David Hand for a pension under Act of 7th June 1832 -  I have caused to be added to the testimony before addressed in his behalf the affidavit of Saml L.Hommedieu and John Foster in relation to the "Spy" being a Public Vessel -  The whole are also authenticated as the regulations direct. 

With great respect, &c
Sidney L Griffin


James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 58

Affidavit proving date  of death of David Hand, deceased
County of Suffolk
State of New York}ss to wit
Abraham Vail and Susan Vail personally appeared this fifth day of March 1855 before me a Justice of the Peace of the Village of Sag Harbor, Town of Southampton county and state aforesaid.  Personally well known to me and entitled to credit.  Who being sworn according to law, deposes and says, that they two were present at the death of the late David Hand, of the town aforesaid.  That he died at Sag Harbor in said county, in his own home on the 1st day of March in the year 1840.
P.R.Jennings
Justice of the Peace
in the County of Suffolk
Page 59

STATE OF NEW YORK,
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK,
)SS
I, JAMES B. COOPER Clerk of the County of Suffolk do certify, that P.R. Jennings- 
before whom the annexed deposition (added "acknowledgment") was taken, was at the time of taking such deposition (added "acknowledgment) a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, dwelling in said County, elected, sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature thereunto subscribed is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I haveunto set to my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the sixth day of March 1855,
James B Cooper Clerk