Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24653, Daniel Bennett, Conn. Navy R.I.

Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.
Navy
R.I.

Bennett, Daniel
Delight

NUMBER
W. 24653

Page 2

New York 31, 3731
Daniel Bennett of Monroe in the State of N. York who was a private in the corps commanded by Captain Ely - of the Reg.t commanded by Col. Walden in the N. York line for 14 months 10 days. 

Inscribed on the roll of Albany at the rate of 47 dollars 88 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of March 1838 and sent to the Hon. C.J. Mitchell, H. of Ref. 

Arrears to the 4th of [illegible] = $333.16
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.  23.94
= 359.10

{Revolutionary Claim, Act. June 7, 1832}

Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk
Book E2 Vol. 4 Page 6

Dead
Paid at the treasury under the act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 March to 6 July 1840
Agent notified 29 July 1841

Page 3

14479

In the matter of the application of Daniel Bennett for a pension } original proceedings

46.6
1.22
44.55

H. Gay Rochester
Munroe County NY
Aty

Admd.
14 mo. .11 ds pri
44.53/100
3.33
$47.88

Hon. C.J. Mitchell

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of office this 2nd day of May 1833.
L. Adams Clrk

Page 4

State of New York
County of Monroe

On the third day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before Peter Price, Joseph Siblig & Samuel Castle Esquires judges of the court of Common pleas in & for the said county of Monroe in said state of New York, Daniel Bennet a resident of the town of Riga in the said county of Munroe & state of New York aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act by Congress passed June 7th 1832. - That he entered the service of the United States at the times under the officers & went through the service herein after narrated - That the applicant was born in the town of Preston county of New London & state of Connecticut. That at the time the applicant enlisted he resided in the town of Preston aforesaid. That he enlisted some time in the month of May 1775 but the particular time of said month he does not recollect for the period of six months in a regiment raised by the state of Connecticut. The officers whose names the applicant recollects were Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons - Lieutenant Colonel John Tyler - Major Prentiss - but the Mayors Christian name he does not recollect - The Lieutenant Colonel was also Captain of applicants company - adjutant of the regiment was James Day - orderly sergeant was Charles Fenning - Applicant recollects that another sergeant in his company was Sergeant Green

Page 5

applicant thinks that the regiment consisted of about eight or nine companies. He recollects that Captain Waterman Clift was Captain of one of the companies & Captain John Ely of another company. The applicant left the town of Preston immediately after he enlisted & marched with his company from there to New London where they lay encamped about three weeks or till about the middle of June when they had information of Bunkers Hill Battle. The whole regiment were stationed at New London. From New London they marched to Boston through Grotton, Preston Plainfield, Vallentown, Rhode Island & Dedham and on arriving at Boston they encamped at Roxbury adjoining Boston & staid there until their six months service expired which was on the 10th December 1775, was engaged during the time in fatigue parties digging entrenchments, raising forte, keeping guard & when they were discharged applicant received a written discharge from Colonel Parson the Colonel of his regiment which he has since lost. After applicant was discharged he returned home to Preston. That the applicant next service commenced sometime in the month of April 1776 at which time he resided in Norwich about two miles from the said town of Preston when he enlisted in the state troops of Connecticut in a regiment or detachment that was raised there for the purpose of building fort Griswald on the river Thames three miles above the light house & protecting

Page 6

the sea coast - the period of his enlistment was for seven months- the regiment or detachment consisted of two companies one on each side of the river Thames under the command of Majoyr Commandant John Ely. The applicants caompnay was commanded by Captain Oliver Coit. One Lieutenant was he things John James and the other William Whitney. Ensign name was Lemuel Withy. The major of the detachment was Captain of one of the companies of the first regiment in which applicant enlisted. After he enlisted he went to Gratton with his company about three miles above the light house on the River Thames & remained in Gratton till sometime in September following when they were called away to assist in the defense of New York. From Gratton they then went to New Haven by water - thence to a place called the Sawpits - should think about twenty miles east of New York and lay there about a week - From that they went to Kingsbrideg where they met a good many troops - They staid about a fortnight there and then retreated to While Plains - All the troops retreated back to White Plains, but many by different routes. The troops were commanded by Generals Washington & Putnam. The applicant does not recollect the names of any other of the officers in command. The troops were drawn up on White Plains and engaged in throwing up fortifications & the British following them up. They staid sometime on White Plains but cannot tell how long. & then retreated back to North Castle.

Page 7

which he thinks is about five miles from White Plains. Thinks it must have been in October the end of September when they retreated to North Castle where they staid till their time was out. When in White Plains the place where the applicant was entrenched was much explored to the fire of the British who had taken the hill across the stream and opposite to where the applicants company was stationed. They received no written discharge but the company all came home to Norwich. 
That the applicants next service commenced in the month of April or May in the year 1777 when he enlisted at the said town of Preston for the period of nine months in the line of the state of Connecticut continental establishment. The Colonel of the regiment in which he enlisted was Colonel Jedediah Huntington and the Captain of the applicants company was Captain William Belcher. The applicatn does not recollect the names of any other officers of the regiment went off from Preston in a few days after he enlisted in company with others three recruits to New Haven where an adjutant was stationed to take them up & from the company. He does not recollect the adjutant name but think it was Sill. They remained about a week in New Haven during which time the troops kept coming in. Those who had collected them went on to Fairfield in company with the adjutant who was then the only

Page 8

officers with them - They staid at Fai field over night & the next day went to Danberry where the applicant turned sick but got well in a day afterwards. Here the applicant was kept during the remaining period of his nine months service being ordered to remain at the Hospital establishment at Danberry. He was employed in the apothecarie's store under Dr. Johannet who was the army apothecary at Danberry. The surgeon General at the Eastern department there was Philip Turner and  the physician General Isaac Foster. 
The applicant service expired on or about the first of January 1778. He got no written discharge but left the apothecarries stores after this term of service expired & went home to Warwick. 
That some time in the year 1778 as this applicant believed but whether in that year or not he is very uncertain as his memory has very much failed him on the sulyeat he enlisted in the said town of Preston in the Rhode Island state troops for the period of one half month. He thinks it was in the month of July - Marched from the town of Preston to Rhode Island and was chiefly engaged in landing the French troops on Connanicut Island The name of the officer commanding the company in which applicant enlisted was Captain Lock. Does not recollect the names of any of the other officers. Went home to Preston immediately after his time expired. 
The next service of applicant was in

Page 9

the  navy. He thinks it was in 1779 in the forefront of the summer of that year but is not certain he engaged as a sailor on board of the Warren frigate belonging to the United States of 32 guns commanded by Commadore Dudley Saltonstal thinks the name of the first Lieutenant was House & recollects that the Boatserving name was Shields. the applicant engaged on board the frigate at Boston for a cruise of six months. They sailed from Boston to Penobscot with the American Fleet for the purpose of taking the British vessels that were lying in the Penobscot  Bay, where they were employed on shore in cutting spurs for their shipping when they arrived at Penobscot Bay there were two British Gun ships in the Bay which afterwards escaped. they lay about twelve or fifteen days in the Bay & then landed their men for the purpose of taking the British that were ashore. In landing the applicant had charge of a Boat containing about forty eight men, marines & volunteers. Immediately on reaching the shore they were attacked by the British after h had landed them he took his boat back to the frigate nearly escaped being shot by the enemy. The balls flew very quick around him and one penetrated his sailors frock which he wore. Sometime after this the frigate was run up the river as well as the other vessels and after some time they burnt all the vessels in the river to prevent them falling

Page 10

into the hands of the enemy who had appeared with a superior fleet at the mouth of the Bay. After the frigate was set fine to the crew took the boats & went about eight or ten miles farther up the river & then struck through the woods. Lay in the woods three nights then crossed to Kenchec River got through to Portland the new to Portsmouth thence to Boston & then went to Providence in Rhode Island where he resided for sometime. The applicant thinks that it was sometime in August or September that the vessels were burnt. That the applicant never got any pay whatever for his services during that cruise nor any of the other sailors that he ever heard of. 
That the applicant again in the year 1781 to the best of his recollection & in the mouth of April in that year engaged at New London as a sailor on board the frigate Dean under the command of Captain Elisha Henman & that for the period of six months sailed from New London to Rhode Island where they took on board some hands then sailed to Nantucket & got some hands. Afterwards sailed as applicant he leaves to the Bay of Biscay. That while on their cruise they took one ship with 53 men whom they made prisoners & afterwards look two brigs with nineteen men. Brought the brigs & the prisoners into Boston & put the prisoners on board the prison ship there. Thinks that it was

Page 11

in September or October that he landed in Boston & when they were paid off. The sailing master of the frigate was Luther Elderkin, John Dunlap, Boatswain. The frigate did not belong to the United States government but was a privateer fitted out & owned as this applicant understood by Thomas Mumford of Grotton & John Brown of Providence. 
That the last of this applicants service was as assistant to John Berrian Commissary at the Hospital Department in Danberry aforesaid but what year this applicant cannot recollect if was sometime in the month of September and might have been in the year 1782. He engaged with said Berrian for two months & served that period but whether in said service the applicant was engaged in the service of the United States or whether only in the private service of said Berrian this applicant does not recollect & cannot state. 
This applicant has no documentary evidence of his service and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify as to his services. Except John Harris of the town of Halifax County of Windham and state of Vermont whose affidavit this applicant heretofore in the year 1827 processed and transmitted with a Declaration made by said applicant under the act of the 18th of March 1818; in the year 1827 to the War Department [underlined] that said applicant therefore made two several applications; but his papers were returned for informality to the best of his recollection - he thinks that one reason why his application was not granted was that he was not found on the records of the war department as having served.

Page 12

[first sentence illegible]
-ence of which he procured the affidavit of the said John Harris. That he has not since learned anything definite on the subject of his last application. That he believes that said affidavit is now on file at the office of the War Department, towhich he certain beg leave to refer that he does not know that said John Harris is now living and if he was it would be very difficult for him to procure the affidavit of the said John Harris. 

And the court hereupon proposed and put to said applicant the several interrogations to said applicant who upon his oath aforesaid matter answer thereunto as follows viz - 
To the 1st Interrogatory
He says that he was born in the town of Preston in the county of New London & Hale of Connecticut on the 18th day of January 1756.
In the second interrogatory
He says that he has no record of his age in his possession but that he has been informed & believes that there is a record of his age in the town clerks office of the said town of Preston in Connecticut
To the third interrogatory
He says that when first called into service he resided  in the town of Preston aforesaid. That at the applicants second enlistment he resided in the said town of Norwich. That at his third enlistment he resided in the said town of Preston and also at his fourth enlistment and also when he engaged in his first naval service & also in his second naval service & also when he engaged with John Berrian

Page 13

as narrated & set forth in the foregoing declaration. That after the revolutionary war the applicant resided for some years in the town of Norwich in the county of Hampshire & state of Massachusetts after which he resided in the town of Windsor in Berkshire county in the same state some years. Then resided in Shaftsbury in the county of Benington in the state of Vermont, afterwards he resided in the town of Galway in the county of Saratoga in the state of New York, then moved back to Shaftsbuty aforesaid where he lived seven years & then moved to Manlius in the county of Onundaga & state of New York, then moved into the town of Otesco in said county where he resided ten years after which he removed into the town of Riga in the county of Monroe & state of New York where he has remained for the last twenty one years. 
To the fourth Interrogatory
He says that the whole of his service commenced by enlistment at the times & in the manner set forth in the foregoing declaration. 
To the fifth interrogatory
She says that the names of the officers in the regiment in which he first enlisted were to the best of applicants recollection Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons Lieut. Colonel John Tyler, Major Prentiss. James Day adjutant, Captain John Ely Captain of

Page 14

one Company & Captain Waterman Cleft of another - he his second service as set for the in the foregoing declaration his officers were Major John Ely, Captain Olive Coait, Lieutenant John James & Lieutenant William Whitney, Ensign Lemuel Withy. The officers under whom he served his nine months service & whom he recollects were Colonel Jedediah Huntington & Captain William Belcher. The Captain of the company in which he enlisted for one half month was Captain Lock. The commander of the first vessel in which he served was commadore Dudley Saltonstal and the commander of the second vessel in which he served was Captain Elisha Henman- all which is more particularly set forth in the foregoing declaration and that he served as therein set forth.
The sixth interrogatory
She says that he never received a written discharged except for his first period of service but the discharge he then received he has since lost.
To the seventh interrogatory
She say that the names of the person to whom he is known in his present neighborhood and who (as he believes) can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his service as a soldier of the revolution are - Worthington Wright, Nehemiah  Frost, Henry Brewster, Samuel Baldwin, Benjah Halbrook, Olive L. Angevine, Orange

Page 15

Sackett. 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
J. Luther Dep. Clerk
Daniel Bennett

State of New York
Monroe County
We Worthington Wright a clergyman residing in the town fo Riga in said county and Dickamon Chamberlain of the same peace hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Daniel Bennett who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  
Worthington Wright of Chamberlain
Sworn & subscribed to the day & year aforesaid
H Cutter Dep Clerk

State of New York
Monroe County
Until the said court do hereby declare this opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary solder & served as he states- and the court further certifies that that it appears to them that Worthington Wright who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said town of Riga in the said county of Monroe and Dickamon Chamberlain who has also signed in the same is in a resident in the said town of Riga county of Monroe & state aforesaid and that their

Page 16

Sam.l Curte
Joseph Silby
Peter Ortee
Judges of Monroe County courts

Leonard Adams clerk of the court of common pleas in & for the county of Monroe and state of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Daniel Bennett for a person. 
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this third day of October 1832
L. Adams clerk

On the second day of May one thousand eight hundred & thirty three personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in the town of Gates in & for the county of Monroe & state of New York Daniel Bennet who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise lenth of his service but he swears positively that he served not less that the periods mentioned below & in the following grades. 1st service - for six months at least as a private 2nd service - for seven months at least as a private. 3d service - for fifteen days at least as a private. 5th service - for two months at least as a common sailor - making in all twenty

another sergeant in his company was sergeant Green.

Page 17

one months and fifteen days as a private Soldier and Two months as a common sailor, and for such service the said Daniel Bennet claims a pension, and he the said Bennet further deposeth that he relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on Pension roll
of the agency of any State
Sworn to & Subscribed the ⎬
Was Born day and year aforesaid Samuel Hamilton Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Monroe County ss ⎬ I Leonard Adams Clerk of said County
do Certify that Samuel Hamilton before whom the foregoing affidavits purports to have been taken was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in & for the said County of Monroe, and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 2d day of May 1833.
L. Adams Clerk
Original Proceedings Daniel Bennett
to the application of for a pension In the matter
D
N
"
to be
my 1811 at
John
Mar Coky
son
Pettitchell

Page 18

14,479 old case
Daniel Bennet
rejected under 1827


in 1819 app.t was made in the above case the paper were then at.d since then no app.t
5716 record

Apl 6 '33
P. 327

Hon. F. Whittlesely

Page 19

Brief in the case of Daniel Bennet of Riga in the state of N. York (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 that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  [blank]
3. How is he? 76 years
4. State his service as directed in the form annexed. 

Period | Duration of Service | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.

May In 1775 | 6 months | Private | Col. H. Parson, Lt. Col. Tyler} Connect.

April 1776 | 7 months | " | Cap.t Oliver Coit

April or May 1777 | about 8 months | " | Cap.t Wm. Belcher, Col. Huntington} "

July 1778 | 15 days | " | Capt. Lock

early in the summer of 1779 | not defined | sailor | Frigate Warren, Comm.dor D. Saltonstall } W.S
States some further service not admissible under the law

5. In what battles was he engaged?  [blank]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Preston - Connecticut
7. In his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental  evidence or by the rolls? Traditionary evidence alone refers to the affidavit of In.o Harris. Which was filed with his application for a session in 1827 - 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? they are not attached according to the regulations. 

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 

Wm. Gordon Examining clerk

Page 20

No 7447
Dwight Bennett
Act. July 7, 1838

NY
M 82

Admd
14 ms 10d/pri
47.88

N. A. Graves
Albion NY

Page 21

State of New York
County of Orleans
On this fourteenth day of October 1848 personally appeared before the circuit court held at Albion in & for the county of Orleans In open court. Mrs. Delight Bennett a resident of the town of Bane in the county aforesaid aged seventy nine years on the 28th day of October 1839 who being first sworn duly according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows";  That she is the widow of Daniel Bennett who was a private during the war of the Revolution and who was a pensioner and the identical person described in a pension certificate herewith exhibited to the said court given as the war office of the United States on the 30th day of March 1838 by S. Cooper acy secretary of war and recorded in the pension office in Book E2 Vol. 4 Page 6 by R. Burdine clerk on which certificate he drew his pension up to 4th March 1840. She further declars that she was married to the said Daniel Bennett on the 28th day of February AD 1782. That her husband the aforesaid Daniel Bennett died on the sixth day of July AD 1840. That she was married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated. That the marriage was consummated by Hezekiah Manning a justice of the peace in the town of Windham and county of Windham in the state of Connecticut and that the justice is dead (as she supposes) and all the person present at the marriage except a woman by the name of Torrence who was at the time of the marriage one infant and would not remember the marriage. 
Delight her X mark Bennett
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
T.C Strong Clerk

Page 22

Orleans County ss On this 2d day of October AD 1840 personally appeared before the undersigned a commission of deeds in and for said county Mrs. Delight Bennett and being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that Levi Bennett and Daniel Bennett named in an accompanying affidavit made by said Levi & Daniel as her sons by her husband the within named Daniel Bennett and that she now resides with Levi Bennett and has not been married since her said husband's death - 
Delight her X mark Bennett
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written
Reuel C. Baker

The reason given for signing by her mark is because she cannot see well enough to write. 
Reuel C. Baker
Com of deeds

I certify that the above deponent appears to be a person of sound mind and every nay a person of credibility. 
Reuel C. Baker
Com of deeds

Page 23

State of New York
Orleans County clerks office
I certify that Ruel C. Baker whose signature appears to the above certificate was at the date thereof and as new a commissioner of deeds in and for said county duly authorized to take the same and further that I am well acquainted with his had writing and verily believe her signature subscribed to said certificate as genuine. 
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my name and affixed my official seal this 11th day of October 1840
Justin Parsons Dep Clerk

Page 24

New YOrk, 3517
Delight Bennett Widow of Daniel Bennett who was a private in the New York line

Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 47 dollars 88 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1843.

Certificate of pension issued the day of Dec. 1843 and sent to Messr Hand  Groves 
Albion Orleans Bay
N. Yk

[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in book A
Vol. 1 - Page 102

Page 25

State of Connecticut
Windham County
Town of Windham Town Clerk Office

Daniel Bennet of Preston was married to Delight Palmer February twenty eight one thousand seven hundred & eighty two

I Thomas Gray town clerk of the town of Windham do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record of same town of Windham with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible signing as follows - viz- Daniel Bennett of Preston was married to Delight Palmer February 28th 1782
Thomas Gray town clerk town of Windham

I Thomas Gray above named depose & say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town of Windham in Windham & state of Connecticut and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Windham with the exception above name as certified by me.
Thomas Gray town clerk of s.d town of Windham

State of Connecticut
County of Windham
Probate District of Windham in open court, Thomas Gray who has subscribed the above certificate & made solemn oath to the truth of the same and also to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed and I hereby certify that the said Thomas Gray is to me well known & know to be the town Clerk of s.d town of

Page 26

Windham and full faith & credit to her [illegible] to all his acts as such.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subsisted my name and affixed my seal of office the day & year aforesaid. 
Calvin Hebbard Judge of Probate

Page 27

Daniel Bennett
papers

Sam.l Castle
(atty) Parma
N.Y.

Page 28

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Daniel Bennet 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
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 amout of pension
he is entitled? No
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? No
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 29

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? Yes

XIII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 

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? X

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?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?

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

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? they are all 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, and --- days, I served as a-----For --months and  ---- days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension.

no papers on file in this office. and claim or

Page 30

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, &c. 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.
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.
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 31

Rev.y Wido &c.

File No. 24653
Delight Bennett
Wid of 
Daniel Bennet  
Priv. N. Y Line

Act: Mrch 3d, 1843
Index: Vol. A, Page 55

{Arrangement of 1870]

Page 32

N. York
Delight Bennett
Att to R.C. Baker 25 Nov. 1840
Rejected
lettr N.O. Graves May 9, 1843


Act July 1838

New York
Revo: 
Daniel Bennett
Suspended let. to Hon F. Whittlesay
26 July 1835---
let to Hon. G. Hard
March 1837 Same Jm
1.1837 do. C F Mitchell
23 Jan.y '38

Act. 7 June '32

Page 33

New York 7423

Delight Bennett widow of Daniel Bennett who was a pensioner under the act of 1832 and who died on the 6th July 1840 of Orleans Co.y in the state of N.Yk who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ely --- of the Reg.t commanded by Col. Holden in the N. Yk line for 14 -- 10 days --

Inscribed on the roll of Albany at the rate of 47 dollars 88 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of July 1843 and sent to N.A. Groves Albion, N. YK. 

Whole amount due .... $239.40

[Act July 7, 1838]

Recorded by Wllitenat clerk
Book A Vol. 2 page 70

Page 34

3601 
Delight Bennett


$47.88

3517

Mssr Hand & Groves
Albion
Orleans Co.
N.Y.

Page 35

Declaration -
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3d March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pension under the act of July 7, 1838

State of New York
Orleans County
On this 18th day of August personally appeared before the subscriber Delight Bennett of the town of Barre in said county and state aged eighty two years & about ten months who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary Way. That she is the widow of Daniel Bennett deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolution in the state of Connecticut by reference to his papers now on file in the pension office the facts in reference to his services will more fully & at large appear that he then said Daniel Bennett commenced drawing a pension in the year 1881 and continued to draw until he's deceased at the [illegible] of forty seven 88/100 dollars. 
That she further declares that under the act of July 7th 1838 she has received the annual amount of forty seven 88/100 dollars pension. 
That she further declares that she is still a widow. 
Subscribed & sworn to in the day & year above written 
Delight Bennett

William E. Woodford Justice of Peace

Page 36

I certify that I reside in the [illegible] town of the above named declarant that I am acquainted with him that she still remains the widow of Daniel Bennett deceased [illegible] August 18th 1843.
Wm Woodford

Page 37

State of New York
Orleans County Clerks Office

I hereby certify that William E. Woodford Esq, before whom the annexed declaration and affidavit purports to have been taken was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verity believe the signature to said certificate is genuine that this term of office commenced Jan 1, 1843 and end in four years from that date. 
Witness my hand and official seal this twenty first day of August 1843. 
E.Y. Strong Deputy Clerk of said county

Page 38

In the matter of the application of Delight Bennett to obtain pension
Declaration

Page 39

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pension to certain widows". 

State of New York
Orleans County
On nthis 17th day of May eighteen hundred & forty three personally appeared before James Gilson Judge of the county courts in & for the county of Orleans Delight Bennett a resident of the town of Barre in the county of Orleans & state of New York aged eighty tow years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An Acct granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Daniel Bennett deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution that his name has been placed in the pension roll and that he commenced drawing a pension in the 4th of March 1831 by reference to said documents the facts will more fully appear as to his service in said war & the time of his drawing a pension. She further declares that she was married to the said Daniel Bennett on the 28th February (172) and that she has not been married since. That her husband the aforesaid Daniel Bennett died on the 6th of July eighteen hundred & forty. 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 & ninety four viz at the time above stated.
Delight Bennett
Sworn to & subscribed in the day & year above written before me. 
James Gilson an of the judges of Orleans Courts

Page 40

I James Gilson one of the judges of Orleans County courts do hereby testify that I have examined Delight Bennett and that the in my opinion is unable from bodily infirmity to attend in open court to make the written declaration Barre May 17, 1843
James Gilson Judge of Orleans County courts

We Cyrus Stewart & AH Shepard residing in the town of Barre Orleans county & state of New York do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Delight Bennett who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration that she is a woman of good moral character & a person of truth & veracity & that we believe the contents of the within declaration are true Barre May 16th 1843
Cyrus Stewart

State of New York
Orleans County Clerk's office
I hereby certify that James Gilson Esq before whom the annexed declaration purports to have been taken was at the date of the same a judge of Orleans county courts in and for said county and duly authorized to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verity believe the signature to said certificate is genuine. 
Witness my hand and official seal this eighteenth day of May 1843
T.C. Strong

Page 41

James Gilson one of the Judges of Orleans County Courts
---
I do hereby certify that I have examined Delight Bennett and that she in my opinion is unable from bodily infirmity to attend in open Court to make the within Declarant
Barre May 17. 1843
James Gilson, Judge of
One County Courts

We Cyrus Stewart & A H Shepard
residing in the Town of Barre Orleans County
State of New York do hereby certify that we are
well acquainted with Delight Bennett who has
subscribed & sworn to the foregoing Declaration that she is a person of good moral character & a person of truth & veracity & that we believe the contents of the within  declaration are true
Barre May 16th 1843
Agnes Stuart 
A. H Shepard

am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature
to said certificate is genuine.
Witness my hand and official seal this Eighteenth
day of May
1843
T. Strong
Clerk.

Page 42

State of New York
Orleans County
ss.
On this second day of October AD 1840 Daniel Bennett pension and Levi Bennett of the town of Barre personally appeared before me a commissioner of deeds in and for said county and being duly sworn according to land depose and say that they are the sans of Daniel and Delight Bennett that said Daniel Jun is fifty five years of age and said Levi is fifty three years of age. That their mother Delight Bennett now resides with said Levi Bennet that she was the wife of said Daniel Benntt Sen. and is now his widow that said Daniel Bennt Sen. was a solider of the Revolution of the United States that he was a pensioner of the Unites States the identical and very person named and described in pension certificate of which the following is a copy 
"War Department"
"Revolutionary Claim"
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832 Daniel Bennett of the state of New York who was a private during the war of the Revolution is enlisted to receive forty seven dollars and eighty eight cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th day of March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year. 
Given at the war office of the United States this thirtieth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight
S. Cooper
Acts Secretary of War
LG
Examined and Countersigend
No. 31.373
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Recorded in the pension office in book E2 Vol. 4 Page 6 by 
R. Branden Clerk

That the said Daniel Bennett described in the above certificate of pensions died in the town of Barre at the house of said Levi Bennett of old age suddenly on the sixth day of July AD 1840. Aged eighty four years and some months. that they believe and have always understood that their mother was married to the said Daniel Bennett on the seventy eight day of Februrary AD 1782 as clearly appears fam a record made in a large old family bible in the hand writing of said Daniel Bennett which handwriting they are well acquainted with and know to be his that said record has appeared in said Bible and been kept in the family for at least forty years last past and that the said record was copied from an

Page 43

other and older bible also made in the hand writing of their father the said Daniel Bennett and that said last mentioned bible has since been entirely destroyed that they believe the reason why the record was copied was to make it more permanent. That their mother who the said Delight Bennett and father the said Daniel Bennett have constantly lived together as man and wife ever since their remembrance and that they had often heard there parents refer to the said time of their marriage as far back as they can recollect and that they have every reason to believe they were so married as above set forth and that they have no other means of showing said marriage and that their mother the said Delight Bennett has not married since his death. 
Daniel Bennett Jun.
Levi Bennett
Sworn and subscribed before me a commissioner of deed in and for said County This 2nd day of October 1840
Reuel C. Baker

I hereby certify that the following is a true copy of the record of the marriage of Daniel and Delight Bennett as taken from their family bible containing their only family record with the exception of the date viz
"Daniel Bennet in the twenty seventh year of his age was married to Delight Palmer in the twenty second year of her age, Feb.r twenty eight seventeen hundred and eighty two" and which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows "in the 27th year of his age". "In the 22nd year of her age" (married) "Feb.r 28th 1782"
Levi Bennett
I Levi Bennett above named depose and say  that since the death of my father above name and for some time previous I have constantly kept in my house and family the bible containing the above record and that it is a time copy of extract from said records in the said bible with the exception above named as certified by me 
Levi Bennett
Sworn before me this 2d day of Oct. 1840
Reuel C. Bake Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county

The above copy and extract was taken from an ancient family bible and has every apperance of being an honest records  the bible is before me
Reuel C. Baker commissioner of deeds

Page 44

State of New York
Orleans County
On the 2d day of October AD 1840 Cyrus Stewart of the town of Barre personally appeared before me a commissioner of deeds in and for said county and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is acquainted with Daniel Bennett Jun. and Levi Bennett and has resided near them for some nine years that he is acquainted with the within named widow of Daniel Bennett Delight Bennett and that they each been and have born good characters for honesty and integrity and that he fully believes them to be person of the best credibility. That he was acquainted with the within named Daniel Bennett a pensioner of the United States and that he saw him on the morning of that his death as within set forth and was also present at his funeral that the death of said Daniel Bennett occurred as within stated and that the said Delight and Daniel Bennett always lived together as man and wife from the time of his first acquaintance with them and that said Delight is still a widow. 
Cyrus Stewart
Sworn & subscribed before me Reuel C Baker
Com.r of deeds

I certify that the above person of credibility
Reuel E. Baker
Comm.r of deeds 

State of New York
Orleans County Clerks office
I certify that Rauel C. Bake whose name is subscribed to the preceeding affidavits was at the dates thereof a commissioner of deeds in and for said county duly authorized to take the the same and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such commissioner and verity believe that the signatures & subscribed to said affidavits are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed my official seal this 29th day of Oct. 1840
Justin Parsons Dep Clrk of said county

Page 45

I John Harris revolutionary pensioner of the town of Halifax in the county of Windham and state of Vermont aged seventy one years do testify depose and say that I was well acquainted with Daniel Bennet from my child had to the present time. He resided in my father's family most of the time during the revolutionary war excepting when he was absent in revolutionary services; my father then resided in the town of Preston in the county of New London and state of Connecticut Daniel Bennet aforesaid enlisted in the spring of the year 1775 and went into the revolutionary service under the command and with Lieut Collonel John Tyler to the army station near Boston up when he served six months according to my but recollection And in the spring of the year seventeen hundred and seventy six he again enlisted under Capt. Oliver Coit and went to Groton and helped build the Battery and fort Griswold and stayed there 3 or forever months and then Capt Coit Company including Daniel Bennett was ordered to join General Washington, army where he served out the remainder of the town of his enlistment what I believe was seven months. 
In the year 1777 said Bennet enlisted again in the army to gain it under General Washington but was ordered by his officers to the hospital in Danbury in Connecticut when he served the time of his enlistment which was about eight months, the names of the officers he served under I cannot now [illegible] recollect; but I think the name of the Lieutenant he went away with was story and I went with them to Norwich at the time. 
Said Bennet was impressed at Boston and carried to Penobscot when he was absent in the service about two month and suffered many prevation and endured great dangers and [illegible] as he informed me on his return he showed me a bullet hole in his rufle frock which he said was done at the time. 
Said Bennet also served a short time in Gen. Sullivan Expedition in Rhode Island. 
Said Bennet is now about 82 years of age and lives
(written along the side)
Hon. C.F. Mitchelle clerk

Page 46

in the county of Orleans in the state of New York if alive as I am informed by a better of May 5th 1837
John Harris

State of Vermont
Windham County
Halifax May 20th 1837
Then personally appeared John Harris the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same before me 
Sanford Plumb Justice of the peace

State of Vermont 
Windham County Hallifax May 20th 1837 I hereby County that the above named John Harris is a candid credible and respectable witness and always sustains that character
Sanford Plumb Justice of the peace

I Joshua Harris of Halifax Windham county and state of Vermont brother (brother to the aforesaid John Harris) aged 67 years do testify depose and say that I have been well acquainted with Daniel Bennett ever since I can remember that he made it his home at my father's house most of the time during the revolutionary war excepting when out in the service - that I can well remember of said Bennet going into the revolutionary war several times and now particular of his Penobscot expedition where suffered much and of his being to ordered to the hospital in Danbury Connecticut - my father at that time resided in the town of Preston in the county of New London and state of Connecticut 
(typed overlay)
State of Vermont
Windham County Court, Clerk's Office
Newfane, Feburary 26th AD 1838
I Marshall Miller, Clerk of the County Court for the county and state aforesaid do hereby certify that Sanford Plumb - is a Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and that his signatures above written are genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court the day and year above written. 
Attest. Marshall Miller, clerk

Page 47

in the county of Orleans in the state of New York if alive as I am informed by a better of May 5th 1837
John Harris

State of Vermont
Windham County
Halifax May 20th 1837
Then personally appeared John Harris the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same before me
Sanford Plumb Justice of the peace

State of Vermont
Windham County Hallifax May 20th 1837 I hereby County that the above named John Harris is a candid credible and respectable witness and always sustains that character
Sanford Plumb Justice of the peace

I Joshua Harris of Halifax Windham county and state of Vermont brother (brother to the aforesaid John Harris) aged 67 years do testify depose and say that I have been well acquainted with Daniel Bennett ever since I can remember that he made it his home at my father's house most of the time during the revolutionary war excepting when out in the service - that I can well remember of said Bennet going into the revolutionary war several times and now particular of his Penobscot expedition where suffered much and of his being to ordered to the hospital in Danbury Connecticut - my father at that time resided in the town of Preston in the county of New London and state of Connecticut
Joshua Harris

State of Vermont
Windham County
Hallifax May 20th 1837 John personally appeared Joshua Harris the subscriber to the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same before me - 
Sanford Plumb Justice of the peace
Hallifax May 20th 1837 I hereby certify that the Joshua Harris above named sustains the characters of a candid credible and respectable witness
Sanford Plumb Justice of the peace

Page 48

Post Office Medina Orleans Co
NY Nov. 7 1840

Sir Enclosed you have application of Mrs. Delight Bennett for pension.
Her case is strongly urged by entire destitution and is is desirable that as speedy a return of examination and decision upon her claim as the nature of business and your convenience will permit .
Should an unfavorable decision be in any case determined you will have the goodness to return all the papers his proper to remark that the under in relation to her marriage was taken
before the certificate of the same was Bond and while it was thought no record did exist
Respectfully
Your obt
Reuel C. Baker
PM
JL Edwards
Commissioner of Pension

Page 49

Dr Sir
Mr. Daniel Bennett of Elba  Genesee Con
County of Connecticutt has made application
for a pension under the act of 1832, and from
certain circumstances, which it is unnecesary to
Delate thinks that he has sufficient papers
now at Washington to obtain his pension
the wants you to call on the Pension
Department and ascertain how his claim
stands. Whether his papers are on file
or whether a certificate has been obtained.
Which he suspects to be the case that the
same is kept from him by the person
the employed to obtain it for certain was
know to there. Will you see how this matter
stands get all the information you can
on the subject & inform me soon the
presence in our many market is as great as ever-- and the business of the office is looking up. Your fond her on all will Except Mrs. Sears who is
troubled much with her head from the injury recd on the Canal
I am James HS Goff
G. Hard
In the business in relation to the pension above
mentioned has been done within the last 18 months of at all

Page 50

W. June 1
Dan. Bennett
NR abbr.

G. Hard
Mt.


Edwards Esq
Washington
D.C.

Page 51

Albion May 24, 1837

My dear Sir
Daniel Bennet formerly of Monroe County
in this State applied for a pension through the
agency of a Lawyer of Rochester Hiram Gay some
months since and never having had any returns
from the department. he doubts whether the papers
have ever been received or if received has never been
acted on.

Will you seek the files of your office and
as custom whether such papers have been read
and if so what action if any has been had
upon it.

Hard hard times here no prospects of being
better Banks all in deplorable condition
Yours with much Ester
Gideon Hard
J. L Edwards

Page 52

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Ct. 
August 11th 1837
On application for evidence of the service of Daniel Bennet. I have hammered the books & papers remaining in this office relating to the revolutionary war and find and certify as follows viz - 
"A pay roll of the 2nd Company of the 6th regiment raised by order of General Assembly Colony Connecticut May AD 1775; John Tyler Lieut. Colonel. Daniel Bennet private enlsited May 12th & was discharged December 16th. In service 7 months & 4 days."
On the back of the pay roll is the following. 
"Roxbury Dec 14th 1775 Colo. John Tyler made oath that the entries and charges on this roll are just & true before me. 
Jos: Spencer Brigd Genl. 
On the pay table books I find the following = 
"col. Jed.h Huntington's battalion 1777. 
To captain William Belcher bounty on enlisting

Page 53

and equipping L 3310

There is no pay roll of captain William Belcher's men for the year 1777 or 1778 = He appears on the book with other captains belogins to Huntington's Battallion in the year 1777. The book does not show how long the Battalion was in service = 
Wm. Field Comptroller

Page 54

[scratched out writing]

Page 55

Ches. 43
NY

D. Bennett

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Pension office
DC

Page 56

Hon. J.L. Edwards, 
Dr sir will you suffer me to call your attention to the cash of Mrs. Delight Bennett of Orleans Co NY widow of Daniel Bennett deceased a solider of the revolution who drew a pension from the 4th of March 1831 to the time of his deceased July 1880
Application was amde by her in 1841 for pension. Her proof was decided to be sufficient to entitle her to pension if the act included widows whose husbands died after the act of 1838 her husband died in 1839 ago. The investigation put upon the act during the past session has been that it was intended to include such cases serveral widows have drawn whose cases were precisely like hers during the last session of Congress Mrs. Bennett is a respectable old lady & in rather near... circumstances & is generally considered to be entitle to a pension. 
I am informed that further proof can be procured by the old lady & particularly in reference to her marriage & will you how the goodness to inform her in ...her case is much obliged. 
Yours respectfully
N.A. Graves of the firm of Hard & Graves
Albion March 28th 1843
Orleans Co NY

Page 57

3601 Aug 26/43
Delight Bennett
March 6 1843
NY


Hon. J.L Edwards
Pension Office
DC

Page 58

Albion Orleans Co NY
August 23d 1843

Hon, 
J.L. Edwards - 
Sir enclosed is the application of Delight Bennet to procure pension for one year under the act passed March ed 1843 will you please have the matter attended to as early as possible & much oblige - 
Yours respectfully
Hard & Graves

Page 59

May 29 ' 43
NY

July 7, 1838
Delight Bennett

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Washington 
DC

Page 60

Albion May 17th 1843

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Dr Sir
Enclosed is the declaration of Delight Bennet which you informed by your communication of May 9th 1843 was necessary in order to obtain the benefit of the joint resolution of Congress in the 16th of August 1842. The proof of the marriage I also ascertained from your communication was satisfactory. 
Will you have the goodness to sign this case as early an examination as possible and most oblige. 
Yours very respectfully
Nelson A Groves
of the firm of Hard & Groves

P.S. will not the declarant also be entitled under the application to the declarant you provided in 1843?
N. A G

Page 61

Payment to be made at Albany by the Par of Maclamis Bank 
Agent for paying pensioners in the agency of Albany, NY

Recorded in the pension office in Book EL Vol 4 Page 6 by R. Burdine clerk

Page 62

War Department
Revolutionary Claim

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, Daniel Bennett of the State of New York - who was a private during the War of the --Revolution -- is entitled to receive forty seven --dollars and eighty eight cents per annum, during this natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year. 
Given at the war office of the United States this thirtieth day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. 
S. Cooper 
Atty. Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 63

Treasury Department, 
Second Comptroller's Office
July 22d, 1841

Sir: 
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain pensioners and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, " The widow of Daniel Bennett a pensioner on the roll of the Albany NY Agency at the rate of Forty seven dollars and 88 cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this department from the 4th of March to the 6th July 1840.
Respectfully yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller

To the commissioner of pensions 
Present

Page 64

J. Tousey
Letter
Aug. 17, 1837

Hon. Mr. Tousey
letter

Page 65

Halford August 12th 1837

Dear Sir, 
I have caused the requisite examination to be made of the mass of papers in the comptrollers office & now send you in an authentic form the result. It is well known at Washington that most of the payrolls which should be in the public offices here are missing. The fees & expenses are $3.00
Very respectfully yours
J. Toucey

Hon. Gideon Hard