Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,526, for Samuel Miles, Connecticut

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(3-1776)

SERVICE
Conn.
Conn Sea Service

Miles, Samuel 

NUMBER
S. 15,526
carded

CONTENTS

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ecticut 30,382
muel Miles
d in the State of Connecticut
ivate & Marine in the company commanded Cook of the Regt. commanded in the cont.
14 mos & 4 days Conn & months & 4 days Conn. Sea Service

the Roll of Connecticut. 47 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, n the 4th day of March, 1831.
Pension issued the 6th day of February. 1836 and sent to Hon. G. Tomlinson Senate

he 4th of Sept. 35.    211.95
lowance ending 4 March '36.   23.55
_________
$235.50
_________
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
by D. Brown Clerk,
  Vol. 3 Page 27

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Connt
No. 6574
Samuel Miles
75.  1.4
"  6.-
76. 2.
______
9.4 pri-
5. Marine
________

admd
9.4 as pri.
5. Marine
________
$47.10 --

Hon. Gideon Tomlinson
Senate

None of service in 1775 can be allowed untill clearly proved Service 2 mo in 1776 going at same time with that on board Galley Whiting

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Connt
No. 6574
Samuel Miles
75.  1.4
"  6.-
76. 2.
______
9.4 pri-
5. Marine
________

admd
9.4 as pri.
5. Marine
________
$47.10 --

Hon. Gideon Tomlinson
Senate

None of service in 1775 can be allowed untill clearly proved Service 2 mo in 1776 going at same time with that on board Galley Whiting

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State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield } ss. 
& District of Litchfield & Probate Office 13. 1832.
On this 13th day of August 1832. personally appeared in open Court before Frederick Wolcott Esqr. Judge of Probate for the district of Litchfield now sitting, Samuel Miles a resident of the town of Goshen in the County of Litchfield, and state of Connecticut aged 75 years who being first duly sworn according to law. doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer under Capt. Cook and stand there two months, while we were at Boston,  Capt. Cook received a commission and entered the continental service - the remainder of the time we were at Boston, after Cook received his commission we were under a Capt Percy or Perot from New Haven - The day I returned from Boston I enlisted under Capt. Isaac Cook the same who I was under while in Boston, for the term of six months, we marched immediately to Horse neck and from Horse Neck we marched to New York, and from thence to Harlem Plains, and from thence we went to Oystermans Bay on Long Island, and from there back to New York, and from thence to Albany, and from there to St. Johns. I was there at the time Fort St Johns was taken and assisted in taking the fort, which was in Novr 1775. I should think the early part of the month after the surrender of this Fort I returned as a member of the guard over the prisioners to Kingston on the west side of Hudson River, at this place I was dismissed my term of enlistment having expired. The last of March or forepart of April 1776 I was drafted and went  Peekskill under Capt Miles Johnson of Wallingford Ct. and remained there two months when we were dismissed, soon after my return from this last tour of service I enlisted for six months as a corporal of marines on board of the Rowe Galley Whiting built at New Haven and was commanded by John McCleave, Ebenezer Peck was the first Lieutenant, and Joseph Plimate was sailing Master, after cruising a few weeks in Long Island sound we were ordered into the Hudson River to assist in taking

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two British Ships, the Roe buck & the Phoenix. I think there was seven galleys went at this time, we had an engagement with those ships which lasted five glasses, called two hours and a half, we did not succeed in taking them. We sailed down the River to New-York and assisted in carrying troops from Long Island to New York during one night, we then sailed up the River, we remained there some time as guard, a few days previous to the expiration of my term of enlistment we were pursued by two British ships, and our vessel was run aground and we made our escape, and our galley was taken by them at a place then called Spit.in-devil--creek near Kingsbridge so called - soon after my return home I was drafted and went to Danbury Ct. and from thence we marched to Fishkill and from thence to Peekskill and from thence to Green - Pond. I was in service at this time three months as near as I can recollect and was discharged at Green Pond after this I was again drafted and went to West-Haven and staid there one month. Genl David Wooster had the command at this place - I do not recollect that I ever had a written discharge at any time, nor do I know of any person living by whom I can prove any services that I have performed, at the time I entered into the service of the United States was a resident of Wallingford and after the close of the revolutionary war I removed from thence to Goshen Ct. and have remained there ever since am now seventy five years of age and have a record of my age in my Bible. I was Born in Wallingford in the year 1757. I am acquainted with Orlando Starr and David Wooster both of s'd Goshen who can testify to my character for truth & veracity.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Samuel Miles
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Frederick Wolcott, Justice of Probate, Litchfield District, Connecticut

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We Orlando Starr a clergyman residing the Town of Goshen Ct. and David Wooster residing the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Miles who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy five years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion and we further state that he is a man of undoubted truth and veracity
Orlando Starr
David Wooster

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Orlando Starr who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of Goshen aforesaid and that David Wooster who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town and a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit
Sworn & subscribed this 13th day of August 1832 before me,
Frederick Wolcott Judge of Probate
Litchfield District Connecticut
I Phinehas Minor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Litchfield do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Miles for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 13th day of August 1832
Phinehas Minor  Clerk

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Samuel Miles of Goshen in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut aged 77 years in addition to what I have formerly stated and explanatory thereof depose and say in the year 1776 as stated in my former declarations, which are now on file in the pension office - I entered as therein stated - I served full six months and that I left the service at the expiration of this enlistment in the following manner - I was taken from the Company in which I enlisted as one of the guard over the prisioners that were taken at Fort St Johns - as before stated - Capt Mott had the command of the guard assisted by Lieutenants Barker and Whiting - That we came to Kingston then called Esopus on the Hudson River with the Prisioners - at that place I was almost destitute of clothing and somewhat unwell - I stated my situation to Capt Mott, that as my time of enlistment had expired, and I was near home I should wish to leave the service - he was anxious that I should go on to Philadelphia with the prisioners but finally consented that I might go home. I have no recollection of having any written discharge, and probably should not have had one as I was not with the army at the time I left - I do unhesitatingly affirm that I did not leave the service by desertion, but on the contrary I had the full consent of the officers under whom I was that I might leave - and I absolutely know that I served the full term for which I enlisted

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As to my service on board of the Galley Whiting I have no knowledge of any person living who was in that service - I have made inquiries so far as I can to find some one who was in that service, and so far as I have been able to ascertain they are all dead - The Capt. and Lieutenant Peck were both Brothers-in-Law to me, having married my sisters, and Daniel Miles who was a sergeant on board of this vessel was a brother of mine - they and all there were are dead - I have no recollection of ever having any under of my rank while on board of the vessel - 

As to my service at Peekskill, I would say that I may have been mistaken as to the year - it might have been in 1777. I well recollect that Col  Eno had command at the Baracks where I was stationed - and Capt Miles Johnson had the command of the company in which I was - and Ezra Doolittle was the orderly sergeant, Genl Putnam was the General in command at this term - I do not recollect all the officers - I am entirely confidant that I served full two months at this time -

As to my service as a volunteer in 1775 I am confident that I left home the first of April and did not return untill the first of June - I am confident

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I was out two months on this tour - I recollect that the soldiers were constantly leaving the service after we arrived in Boston - as they were mostly volunteers they left as they choose - I recollect that General Putnam stood upon the steps of the Roxbury church and drew his sword and stated, that the first man that left should be shot - The company in which I was had all left but two or three before I left - Capt Cook under whom I was during the first part of this tour received a commission and sent on to leave myself - Benji Chittendon and John [illegible] the only persons left in our company. to come home and enlist under him, we immediately returned home and the day I got home I enlisted under the said Cook as before stated, for the term of six months which was at the North -
Samuel Miles

State of Connecticut
Litchfield County } ss. October 21st 1834
Personally appeared Samuel Miles signer of the foregoing affidavit, and the known to be a credible witness, and made oath in accord of law to the truth of the same
Before me 
Nelson Brewster Justice of the Peace

17 Jany 1835
Mr. Edwards gives his decision that this paper is not satisfactory   R C

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Hon. G. Tomlinson
Senate US

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I Samuel Miles of Goshen in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut, in explanation of facts by me before stated in my original and supplemental declarations now on file in the Pension office depose and say that as to the service on board of the Row Galley Whiting I enlisted for the term of six months, and that the vessel was taken by the enemy as I have before stated, the crew having made their escape - It is impossible for me to state the precise day the vessel was taken, but I am confident I served not less than five months on board of said vessel before she was captured, not being able to furnish any documentary or other evidence of my rank on board of said vessel, except my own declaration I hereby relinquish any claim for pay as a corporal and will except that of a private -
As to my service in 1775, in the northern departm in Capt Isaac Cooks company, I would say that it does not appear from my former statements that David Wooster had the command of our Regt. it is an error of the draftsman who drew upt the declaration for I stated to him that such was the fact, and that Andrew Ward was a Lieut. Col. I cannot recollect the day that I enlisted into this service

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But that it was immediately after my return from Boston I am confident - and I am sure that I enlisted for six months and that I was discharged at Kingston then called Esopus because my time of enlistment day expired I am positive - It is there that the Capt of the guard was anxious that I should do on to Philadelphia with them, But it was very cold weather and I was almost destitute of clothing and unwell, and nearer home than I should be at any other place while on the march, and my time of enlistment having expired I was discharged, whether I had a written discharge I do not now recollect, I am confident that I served full six months at this period -
Samuel Miles

State of Connecticut
Litchfield County } ss. Goshen January 26th 1836
Personally appeared Samuel Miles signer of the foregoing affidavit & to me known to be a credible witness, and made oath to the truth of the facts above stated
Before me Bindsey Baldwin  Justice of the Peace

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Ct  Feb 1.

Hon. G. Tomlinson
Senate US

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Com. of Pensions

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Goshen Jany 6th 1834
Dr Sir
I herewith send you the depositions of Gideon Bristol and Ichabod Ines, proving six months service in the revolutionary war by Saml Miles - He can find no other person living by whom he can prove the service he has declared for, though about two years since he could have proved all. This declaration is on file - please advise me of the result -
Your Obt Servt
Nelson Brewster

Hon. J. L. Edwards

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Goshen Connt Nov 10th 1834
Sir
I sent to your office a few days since additional proof in the case of Samuel Miles, and also a letter, I had intended in that to have said in addition to what was stated that the proof in Miles case was that he served out his full term of enlistment at the north in 1776, and that he left the service after the expiration of the time, If on examination of the case you should find I am correct in my views of the evidence I can hardly see how he could be suspected of desertion, for if he had served the full time for which he enlisted, I suppose he would have a right to leave - Bristol expressly swears that he served full six months - Barns swears that he believes he did not leave with the prisioners untill after the expiration of the time, and Miles himself expressly swears, that his time had expired before he left. - Now if he was under no legal obligation to remain (and such would seem to be the fact) I cannot see how he can be  considered a deserter, and further Miles swears that he had permission from the Capt. of the guard to leave and wholly repudiates the charge of desertion -

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I have been to the Comptroller's office at Hartford for the purpose of making some examination for proof, I find that the pay roll of Capt Cook who had the command of the Compy in which Miles was before he was detached as one of the guard over the prisioners is not on file in that office, although those of many of the other Capts are the probability is that Cooks has been lost. - The discharge by Richard Varick as secretary to Gen. Schuyler appears to embrace but a small part of the soldiers in that service - and it will be recollected that there was a very great anxiety on the part of Genl. Montgomery to get to Montreal immediately after the taking of Fort St. Johns - and if history is any evidence, of the real state of fact, the soldiers term had expired before marching Montreal, which must have been shortly after taking said Fort - Bolla. 1 vol. p. 259. - The probability is that the discharges above refered to were made at Montreal, - If so, how does the presumption of desertion arise against those who had performed their contract although their names do not appear on that roll of discharge. If it is wished I suppose the certificate of the Comptroller can be obtained as to the loss of Cooks payroll -
As to the service on board of the Galley Whiting, it would seem that there was but little probability of his obtaining any proof by living witnesses - as the number of men on board was not large, whether there are any living is unknown to the applicant at present, and I infer from the inquiries that have been made, that he is entitled to pay for that service.
It is with great reluctance that I have presumed to again trouble you on this subject, and nothing

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but an entire conviction of the justice of the claim of the applicant for services rendered would prompt me to do it - I hope sir you will see my situation, and not feel that I am captious
Respectfully your humble Servt
Nelson Brewster
p.s. Is there any saving clause in the law of -32, as to those who did desert?

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Samuel Miles 
Dec 16
Hon Phineas Miner HR

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Comptrollers Office
April 16th 1834.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut do certify that there is remaining in this office an authenticated copy of a roll of troops, headed, "Marched from Wallingford for the relief of Boston &c. in the Lexington Alarm April 1775. Upon which appears these names among others, viz Isaac Cook Captain, James Peek Lieutenant, Samuel Barnes Ensign, Samuel Calver, Asael Cooley, Sergeants Isaac Doolittle Clerk, & among the names of privates either the name Mills or Miles, and thirty four days, designating the duration of service.
That it appears, under date June 19th 1775, upon the journal of the Council of Safety, that a motion was made concerning "a company of soldiers of this Colony now at the camp near Boston under the command of Capt. John Perritt which is a supernumerary company not raised by or under the establishment of the Colony Where afore

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"this Council taking into consideration the circumstances of said Capt. & company, do resolve & order that the said Captain & company continue & be improved in the common service there under such regulations as shall be made &c &c. This company continued to serve with the army, & the pay roll of it was charged to the United States. But the name of Samuel Miles does not appear upon it.
It also appears by the files & documents in this office that Capt Isaac Cook belonged to Genl Wooster's regiment, and served in the Northern Department in 1775, & that no roll of his company has been found.
(It appears by the records of this State, that the General Assembly of Connecticut in May 1776 ordered two battalions to by raised, & to serve untill the first of January 1777. Of one of these Benjamin Hinman was appointed Col. and Philip B. Bradley Lt. Col. & Isaac Cook one other Captains.)
This regiment [illegible] is called upon the books Col. Bradley's regiment & the expense of it, is

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charged to the United States upon the books of the Pay Table. But the roll of this regiment has not been found, or of any of the companies belonging to it.
That the premiums of Capt. Miles Johnsons company " militia to Peeks kill Col Hookers reg't 2 of each $25,0,0 are charged to the United States upon the book of the Pay Table under date of September 29th 1777; but no roll of this company has been found.
And that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety, under date April 2nd 1776 that Capt. John McCleave was "appointed Capt. of the Row Galley Whiting, building in New Haven, & that he take charge & command of her accordingly. And on the 19th June 1776 Ebenzer Peek 2nd was, by said Council, appointed Lieut. of Marines under Capt. McCleave & William Plymate Master of said Galley. No roll of the crew on this Galley has been found.
E. Phelps

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I Erastus Lyman of Goshen in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut Depose and say. That for more than forty years last passed I have been acquainted with Samuel Miles of Goshen afore said, and during all that time I have never heard his character for truth and varasity called in question, and that he has during my acquaintance been an inteligent and active man pursuing the trades of a shoemaker & tanner untill he became infebled by age and infirmaties - My first acquaintance with the said Samuel Miles was when I was a child, then visiting his shop to procure shoe work, and at that time, and repeatedly since I have heard him relate many circumstances which took place during his

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terms of service in the war of the revolution, I recollect he mentioned one circumstance of his going on board a government vessel at New Haven and in concert with these vessels attacking an English ship in the North river near New York, and many other circumstances relating to the war the particulars of which I do not recollect I have alway put full confidence in his word and I have not the least doubt he was a soldier in the revolutionary war -
And further the deponent saith not - Dated at Goshen this 22nd day of September 1834
Erastus Lyman

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State of Connecticut 
Litchfield County } ss  Goshen Sept 22nd 1834
Personally appeared Erastus Lyman Esqr the subscriber to the foregoing deposition, and to me known to be a credible witness and made oath in our form of law to the truth of the same
Before me
Nelson Brewster Justice of the Peace