Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12632, William Crossman, Mass. Vt.

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Service
Mass.
Vt.

Crossman, William

Number
S12632

Carded

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6 April 1835
same 10 April 1835
Per Agent & Jesse
Gove Apl 15,37
Returned by W. Haswell and sent to W. Temple Nov 1. 1833

Vermont 18.768
William Crossman of Rutland in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain Randall of the Regt commanded by Col. Marshall in the Mass. line for 7 mo.
Mass. and Vt.
Dec. 5/05.
Records corrected
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of Oct 1833 and sent to N.B. Haswell R. Temple Rutland Vt
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '33.   $58.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar.'36  11.66
$69.99
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by E.W. Brown Clerk
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 58

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William Crossman
9 months
16498
Not on Rolls

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State of Vermont,
Rutland County, ss.
On this 10th day of Sept A.D. 1832 personally appeared befor the undersigned one of the County Court of Rutland County, William Crossman, a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 82 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 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.  In 1776 he lived at Eastown, Massachusetts and in  June of that year he enlisted into Capt. Randall' company, Col. Marshall's Regt. Genl. Lincoln for six months - that he was stationed at Nantucket Road about ten miles from Boston & opposite the Castle, & served out his time there - whilst there Col. Campbell & Highland Regt. of the British Army was driven in by Privateers, being in two vessels & being part of Burgoynes Army,  & were all taken prisoners by the American troops at Nantucket & he received eight dollars prize money he was discharged at Nantucket.  In the year 1776 he moved to Vermont & lived in Clarendon & about the close of the war he was drafted for one month & served in New Port at Castleton & scouting in Capt. Hurlburt's company &  was discharged at Castleton, he was out at Castleton second times on alarms during the war.
He has no documentary evidence & knows of no person except Alec Teters, who can testify to his services.  He does not remember having recd. a written discharge, if he did, he has lost it.  He knew Genls. Washington, Lincoln, & other continental officers whose names he has forgotten.  He was born at Easton aforesd. the 29th day of July 1751 but knows of no record of his age.  Since the Revolutionary war he has lived wholly in Clarendon where he now lives.  He is know to Rev. W. Clark & most of the inhabitants of Clarendon.

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State of Vermont
Rutland ss - }
On the 5th day of Sept: 1832 personally came Abel Titus of Clarendon in said County to me well known + a credible witness, who being duly sworn doth depose + say, that he is acquainted with William Crossman, of said Clarendon, + was acquainted with him during the revolutionary war - that the deponent was a soldier in Col Whitney: Reg't in 1776 + was stationed at Nantasket and knows that said William was a soldier in Col Marshall: Reg't and served there at the same time for this six months as he believes as stated by him in this declaration
Sworn before me the day + year afores'd
/s/R. Temple
Jus Peace

State of Vermont
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify that Robert Temple before whom the above affidavit was taken, is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned - and that the above is his signature.
[court seal affixed]
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand + affix the said of said Court this 17th Sept. 1832
/s/R Pierpoint

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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
/s/X his mark William Crossman
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.} /s/Henry Hodges Just peace

We Philetus Clark a Clergyman residing in Clarendon and Thomas Howard Esqr residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Crossman who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 82 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neigbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
/s/Philetus Clark
/s/Thomas Howard
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.} /s/Henry Hodges Just. peace

And i Henry Hodges Judge of the said Court do hereby declare my 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' crossed out] I do further certify, that it appears to ['them' crossed out] me that Philetus Clark who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in Clarendon and that Thomas Howard Esqr. who has also signed the same, is a resident in Clarendon and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I do further certify that said applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend said Cout.
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the Court of Rutland County afs'd do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before Hon: Henry Hodges one of the Judges of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Crossman for a Pension. 
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 17th day of Sept. A. D. 1832
/s/r Pierpoint

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William Crossman's Supplemental Statement

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State of Vermont
Rutland County ss}
On this 24. day of September, 1835, before the undersigned authority, William Crossman of Clarendon in said County, to me well known, who being duly sworn, doth depose and say, in addition to, and in explanation of his former declaration made under the act of Congress of the 7. June, 1832, as follows:
That in 1776, ['about' crossed out] he lived in Eastown in the County of Bristol in Massachusetts; and about the first of April of that years, deponent inlisted for six months' under Capt. Matthew Randal in Col. Marshall's Regiment. Very soon after he inlisted, deponent marched with his company to Boston - stayed there a week or 10 days - then went on board of Vessels for the purpose of going down to Nantasket - but the pilot run the vessel in among the British Shiping (it was in the night) who fired upon the American vessel, which then tacked and run around towards Braintree landing - got grounded, and was obliged to remain until the tide rose - after which , the vessel floated and the party proceeded, and landed on the South side of Nantasket - Were employed in building fortifications - In the first place, they built a breastwork down next to the water near Nantasket road - after that, they built a fort, back, on the hill - . after the fort was finished on Nantasket, they were removed to Castle Island, where they were employed in repairing the Fortifications there, until the expiration of the said six months - when deponent was dismissed by the said Captain Randall Maj'r Carver had the superintendance of the Fortifications at Nantasket. General Lincoln was also there during all the time deponent was at Nantasket.
Several years before the close of the revolutionary war, deponent removed into Vermont; and about two years before the war terminated (he cannot recollect the precise year) deponent was drafted for one month, by Capt. Ichabod Robinson of the Vermont Militia then of Clarendon to go Castleton - went there, and served the months under Capt. Holliburt, a one eyed man of Castleton - Ethan Allen was the Commander of the forces then at said Castleton. Deponent doth not know of any person living who is acquainted with his service above

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mentioned, excepting Ephraim Jackson, Maj Titus, and Gideon Hewett, whose depositions are herewith transmitted. Also, the deposition of William Pratt, if to be had, will be procured and sent on. This deposition was transmitted with deponents former declaration.
/s/X his mark William Crossman

Subscribed and sworn to this 24. Sept. 1835, before me /s/S Foot Justice Peace}

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William Crossman
Rutland Co Vermont

e. j. 

notified
Proof + Explanatory Declaration enclosed 
R. Temple

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WAR DEPARTMENT, Pension Office, 183

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done.

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

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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be
attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute: And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6.{To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the, declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties. which the Court is herein requested to perform;
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he most assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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."
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 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 that 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 declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers, the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion or the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if he has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time the claimant's 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.

⇨The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

[margin note: 33 74/59]

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Rev War
12632
INVALID. [initials: ow]
No. 12,632
William Crossman 
Priv. Rev. war
______
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index: - Vol. [blank], Page [blank]
[Arrangement of 1870.]

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Statement off William Crossman a Pensioner Residing in Clarendon County of Rutland State of Vermont made conformable to the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions Dated the 17th Day of January 1835 and addressed to the Hon. William Slade of the house of Representatives
I served under the following officers
General Lincoln
Col. Marshal + Col Whitney & Christian name forgotten
Capt. Matthew Randall + Capt Holitunt(?)
I Belonged in Easttown Massachusetts and Clarendon Vermont When in Service
I Served in Massachusetts at Nantasket and at Castleton Vermont
I Served as Regular and in the Militia
I served Seven months - six months at Nantasket Massachusetts as a Regular and one month in the militia at Castleton & I Resided in Clarendon Rutland County State of Vermont when I made application for a pension The testimony was taken Before the Hon Henry Hodges
The amount per annum of my Pension is $23.33. and I was Paid last up to the 4th of Sept. 1834
Clarendon Feb 20th 1835
/s/X his mark William Crossman
Witness Present Calvin Crossman}

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[handwritten letter]
Rutland Vt. 28 March 1835.

Sir:
Sometime in the month of February last, I inclosed to you, among other statements, the new applications of William Crossman, and Gideon Hewett of East-Clarendon, made conformably to the particular regulations of your note to the Hone. W. Slade on the 17th of January. Those applications were drawn up by Calvin Crossman Esqr. the Post Master at Eas- Clarendon, and by him sent to me, with the request that I would forward them. W. Crossman informed me, today, that the applicants have as yet received no answers to their several statements.
Being fearful that their papers may have miscarried, Messr Hewet, and Crossman have requested me to ask, if such be the fact; and, that you will be pleased to communicate your answer - if not already done - thru me.
I am very respectfully Sir Your Obt Servt
/s/Jesse Gove

to 
Hon'ble James L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
City of Washington

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Admit
7 mos
23.33
R. Temple
Rutland
2 mos, made up of short terms not stated conformity with note (e/of reg) disallowed

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[handwritten letter]
Rutland/Vt./29. July 1833

Sirs
Enclosed you have the returned case of Wm. Crossman. You will see he is very old (83) + his memory is much impaired; + I think it quite probable he served at Nantasket in Col. Whitney: Reg't [illegible] Col. Marshall' Be that as it may however, I trust you will find his declaration + proof enough to admit him for 9 months.
I am Sir, respectfully Your Servant
/s/R Temple

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm'r of Pensions

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I William Pratt of Salisbury in the County of Addison and State of Vermont being of the age of seventy six years testify and say that I was for many years well acquainted with William Crossman now of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, we being both born in the town of Easton in the County of Bristol in the State of Massachusetts where we lived and grew up to be men, and fathers living only about one mile apart from each other, the said William Crossman being five or six years older than I was; 
I further say that I heard the said Crossman entered the service of his country, I think in the year 1776, in the Revolutionary War under Captain Matthew Rundal, whose company was made up of Men from said Easton and Taunton in the said County of Bristol and perhaps a few men from the Town of Norton in said County; said company marched to Castle William in Boston Harbor, and I heard that said Crossman marched with the said Company and was absent from said Easton for some time, I think, for as long a time as six months, said company went from Castle William to Nantasket, and I think said Crossman went there with said company. I remember hearing the said Crossman relate, at my father's house in said 
Easton after his return home, about the taking of three [illegible] around [illegible] by Highlanders at the Castle and in Nantasket [illegible] , while he was there. I further say, that I was acquainted with the said Capt. Rundal and with several

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at said Clarendon, to which place he removed [illegible] the close of the Revolutionary War, and I was several times here at his house
Middlebury July 17th 1833
/s/ William Pratt

State of Vermont
Addison County ss} Middlebury July 17, AD. 1833
Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority the said William Pratt to me well known and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - and I further certify that the said William Pratt is and credible witness
/s/Peter Starr Justice of Peace

State of Vermont 
Addison County ss} I Samuel Swift, Clerk of the County Court for Said County of Addison, do hereby certify that Peter Starr, before whom the above affidavit of William Pratt was made is a Justice of the peace for said County, and his name Subscribed thereto is his own signature. 
[court seal affixed]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of Said Court this 17th day of July 1833.
/s/Sam'l Swift, Clerk

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[handwritten letter]
Rutland 8th Feb. 1837.

Dear Sir - 
On the 3d inst. I sent you notes of the cases of several suspended pensioners, and among them, that of William Crossman of Clarendon. And I do not recollect, whether or not I sent you the deposition of Gideon Hewit, proving for Wm Crossman, certain service at Castleton; if I did not send it to you, I had previously transmitted it to the Com'r, and now beg leave to refer you to it, and, also, to that of Abel Titus, proving other services.
Today, I have received the accompanying deposition of William Pratt, which proves, I think, six months service in '76. Abel Titus' deposition goes, I believe, to the same part. 
Mr. Pratt, as I understand, has testified before, in this case, on the original application. Comparing this with his former testimony will show, I suppose, whether his two relations substantially compare.
I suppose this should be left with the Com'r
I am very respectfully 
Your obt srvt
/s/Jesse Gove

Hon. Horace Everett
Member of Congress
City of Washington

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State of Vermont
Rutland ss - }
On the 13th day of July 1833, personally came before the undersigned authority, William Crossman of said County, who being duly sworn doth on his oath depose + say, in addition to + explanation of his declaration of the 10th of Sept. 1832 - that he may be mistaken as to the name of his colonel in 1776 at Nantasket, but he thinks it was Marshall, + he thought it was a State Reg't but he knows he served there six months as stated in said declaration. He further says that he thinks the one month service at Castleton mentioned in s'd declaration was in 1781 or 1782 the better part of the summer or in the fall, + he believes he served under Col. Ethan Allen - He further says he was out on alarm at least ten times, + served from 3 days to a week at a time - When Burgoyne came down he marched under Capt Bodwell for Bennington, but the battle was over before he got there - + he served on alarms at Castleton + scouting under Capt Robinson + Col. Mead, for short period which he cannot specify more particularly, but believes these short periods amounted to at least 2 months - And he further says that by reason of old age + the consequent loss of memory, he cannot know positively as to the precise length + period of all his services, but according to his best recollection he served not less than nine months, in the whole as a private - + for such service he claims a pension known before me the day + year afore'd
/s/R. Temple Jus. Peace

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Gideon Hewit of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont being of the age of eighty five years, testify and say that I first became acquainted with William Crossman in the year 1781 at Castleton where we were both in the Army Stationed there, he did duty in Capt Robinsons Company. I was under Capt Salsbury, and when I left the army to return, I left said Crossman at Castleton and I cannot now say what time the said Crossman served in the army. I further say  that I have been acquainted with said Crossman ever since, and he has resided in this Town nearly ever since not far from me. and I have heard said Crossman say that he was in the army some months and further saith not
/s/X his mark Gideon Hewit

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss} Clarendon July 19. 1833
Personally appears before me the subscribing authority the said Gideon Hewit to me well known and made Solemn Oath that the foregoing deposition by him Subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I further certify that the said Gideon Hewit is a credible witness
/s/Henry Hodges asst Judge of Rutland County Court

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State of Vermont
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify, that Henry Hodges is one of the Judges of said Court, + that Robert Temple is a Justice of Peace for said County - + that their names subscribed to the annexed affidavits are in their own hand writing.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand + affix the seal of said court this 27th day of July 1833.
R. Pierpoint

Page 25

William Pratt's deposition
Claim of William Crossman
Clarendon Vermont

Page 26

I William Pratt of Cornwall in the county of Addison and State of Vermont of lawful age being duly sworn do depose testify and say, that I lived in the town of Easton, in the county of Bristol, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ['serving' crossed out] four or five years after the commencement of the war between the United States of America and Great Britian, commonly called the revolutionary war, and was well acquainted with William Crossman who the resided in the same town but has since removed to Clarendon in the county of Rutland and State of Vermont. I further depose and say that I was a soldier in the American army, that I belonged to Capt. Francis Liscom's company in Colo. Walker's regiment, in the first year of the war and was in the vicinity of Boston at the time it was inundated by the British.
I further depose and say that the aforesaid William Crossman enlisted and served six months, the following years, which was the second year of the war, in the same company in which I had served the previous year, which at the time said Crossman served was under the command of Capt. Matthew Randal. I further depose and say that I have been acquainted with the aforesaid William Crossman since that time have worked with him, have visited at his house, and he has visited at my house and we have been on terms of intimacy until within six or seven years past. 
I further depose and say that I shall be eighty years old the 7th day of next April and the aforesaid William Crossman is six or seven years older than I am. And further I say not. 
/s/William Pratt

State of Vermont Addison County ss. Cornwall Feb'y 7th. AD 1837
Then William Pratt of Cornwall in the county of Addison personally appearing and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath, that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth
Before /s/Horace Janes Justice Peace
I hereby certify that the aforesaid William Pratt is a man of truth and veracity
/s/Horace Janes Justice Peace

Page 27

State of Vermont
Addison County ss} 
[court seal affixed] I Samuel Swift Clerk of the County Court for the Said County of Addison, do hereby certify that Horace Janes, before whom the within affidavit of William Pratt was made is a Justice of the peace for Said County and his name subscribed in his own signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this seventh day of February 1837.
/s/Sam'l Swift Clerk

Page 28

[handwritten letter]
Rutland Vt. 19. Augt. 1836.

Sir - 
The accompanying supplementary declaration of William Crossman of Clarendon, and proofs, are submitted for consideration. The deposition of Ephraim Jackson, refered to by the applicant was not taken, because he knew nothing of Mr. Crossman's services, but only that there was a Captain Randall in Marshall's Regiment, and that Gen. Lincoln superintended the creation of the fortification on Nantasket. 
The witness, Abel Titus, however, seems to establish the claim for Services in Massachusetts. And Mr. Hewit's deposition, in connexion with Mr. Crossman's sworn statement would seem to substantiate the claim for two months in Vermont.
Mr. Crossman's standing as a citizen is now, and always has been, so reputable in this community, that for myself I cannot doubt that his claim is just - and I trust it will be so considered by the Department.
I am very respectfully Sir Your obedient Servt
/s/Jesse Gove

Hon'ble James L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
City of Washington }

Page 29

[addressed envelope]

[postmark: RUTLAND V.T. Apr 3]
Vt apl. 10

[annotated in pencil: J.W] 
Hon'ble James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington

Page 30

[handwritten letter]
Rutland Vt. 3 April 1835.

Sir:
On the 28th ult., I addressed you a note, requesting to be informed of your decision in the two inclosed cases; supposing that I had previously forwarded them. 
To day, much to my surprise, I have found these papers in other files - and I lose no time in laying them before you. Be pleased to communicate your decision [illegible] me. 
I am, very respectfully, Sir Your obedient Servant
/s/Jesse Gove

Hon'ble James L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
Washington

Page 31

The deposition of Abel Titus of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, ['who' crossed out] aged 74 years, who being sworn according to law, deposes and says, that in the year 1776, he was a private in Capt. Guild's Company in Col. Whitney's Regiment in the Massachusetts Militia, for six months - that during the time, deponent was Stationed at Nantasket, and was there when discharged - that while there, deponent became acquainted with William Crossman of Clarendon aforesaid, who belonged to Capt. Randall's Company in Col. Marshall's Regiment. The first part of the time, both Regiments were stationed at Nantasket - after a while, deponent dont remember how long, Marshal's Regiment was removed and stationed on Castle Island, or Dorchester - and, at the close of the term, when both Regiments were discharged, said Crossman returned home with this deponent. And further this deponent saith not. 
/s/Abel Titus

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss} Be it known, that on the 5th day of October, 1835, before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared the above named Abel Titus, who subscribed the preceding deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. And I do hereby certify that the said deponent is reputed to be credible witness ['Justice Peace' crossed out
/s/Moses Strong Justice Peace

Page 32

The deposition of Gideon Hewett of Clarendon in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 87 years, who being sworn, deposes and says, that he knows William Crossman of Clarendon aforesaid, and has known him ever since some time during the revolutionary war; when his deponent first became acquainted with said Crossman at Castleton in Vermont - they were there together as soldiers, doing duty in the Vermont Militia. Deponent was there under the Command of Capt. Salisbury of the Vermont Militia, but does not recollect said Crossman's Capt. And further this deponent saith not. Rather think Crossman's Capt. was Ichabod Robinson. And further deponent saith not. - 
/s/X his mark Gideon Hewett

State of Vermont,
Rutland County,ss.}
Be it known, that on the 24. Sept. 1835, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Gideon Hewet, who signed the preceeding deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 
/s/S. Foot, Justice Peace.

Page 33

Gideon Hewett's Deposition
William Crossman's Claim

State of Vermont
Rutland County ss} I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland certify that Moses Strong and Solomon Foot are Justices of the peace for said County and that their signatures to the within certificate are genuine
[court seal affixed]
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of s'd Court at Rutland Oct 5. 1835
/s/R. Pierpoint