Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28650, Cary Briggs, Mass. R.I.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Mass.
R.I.

Briggs, Cary
or Carey

NUMBER
S.28650

CONTENTS

Page 2

[right side of page]
33.059
New York A
Carey Briggs deceased
of [blank] in the state of [blank] who was a Lieut in the [blank] commanded by Captain Hall of the Regt. commanded by Col. Waterman in the R.I. line for Revolution.
Inscribed in the roll of Albany at the rate of 160 Dollars --- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Ending 12 January 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued 14, day of September '52 and sent to - S. A. Peugh
Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by R. M. Rae Clerk,
Book E2,  Vol. 4 Page 9

[left side of page]
Nov 17/52
Certificate returned to 
the Pension Office & 
made payable to the 
Executor, Benoni Briggs, 
& deliv. to JM Thayer 
Present, New not fm. Issued     
to Pension Agent this date
N.E. Robinson, clrk

Page 3

1734
Cary Briggs

19 mo St
8 mo pri

not on Rolls RI
proof reqd

8 Sep 1832
11 Dec

Arch'd Bull P146
Troy N.Y.

Page 4

BRIEF in the case of Cary Briggs of Stephentown in the State of N. York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Meupors [?] Court, City of Troy
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [no answer]
3. How old is he? Eighty one years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[Chart]
Period | Duration of Service. | Rank | Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.
Nov in 1775 Inlisted | 5 months | [blank] | Capt M. Spencer - Col. Waterman
September 1776 inlisted | 3 months | [blank] | Capt R Whitman - Col. Cook
Jan 1st 1777 | 1 Year, 5 months | Lieutenant | Capt. M. Spencer - Col. In. Waterman
Aug. 1778 drafted | 1 month, 10 days | ditto | Capt. Hall - " " do
Sept 1780 do | 10 or 15 days | [blank] | [blank]
December 1780 --- | about two or three weeks |  Lieutenant | Capt. Skinner
[Handwritten total of Duration of Service] 2  - 33 
5. In what battles was he engaged? [blank]
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? East Greenwich - Rhode Island
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary and living testimony
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? the papers are not attached according to the Regulations
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree wiht the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Wm. Gordon [signature] Examining Clerk.

Page 5

State of New York
County of  Rensselaer
On this  sixth day of September personally 
appeared in Open Court before the judge of the Troy Mayors 
court now sitting Cary Briggs a resident of Stephentown in the 
County of Rensselaer and the state of New York aged Eighty one 
years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on 
his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the 
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered 
the service of the United States under the following named 
officers and served as herein stated viz. That he enlisted in 
a company commanded by Captain Michael Spencer of the 
regiment commanded by Colonel Waterman under Brigadier 
General Cornwall in the month of November 1775 and left the 
same in April 1776. he enlisted and served at this time five 
months. That he enlisted again in a company commanded 
by Captain Reuben Whitman of the regiment commanded by Colonel 
Cook in the month of September 1776, and served untill December 
the same year a period of three months. That he then enlisted 
again as a Lieutenant and received a commission as such in 
a company commanded by Michael Spencer in the Regiment 
commanded by Colonel John Waterman under the above named 
General on the first of January in the year 1777 and served 
untill the first of June in the year 1778 at this time he 
served a period of seventeen months. That in the the month 
of August in the year 1778, he was drafted and served as 
a Lieutenant in the Company Commanded by William Hall 
& in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Waterman from 
August untill the fore part of October the same year at this 
time he served a period of forty Days in what was called 
Sullivans Expedition. That in the month of September 
or October (witness does not recollect which) he was drafted 
& went to defend Sunderland in the State of Vermont against 
the Indians witness was in the Service at this time 
from September in the year 1780 untill October the same 
year a period of ten or fifteen days - that he again was 
called out & served as a Lieutenant under Captain 
Skinner to defend Saratoga in the state of New York

Page 6

against the Indians at this Time he was in the
service from December in the year 1780 untill the
month of January in the year 1781. At this time about
two or three weeks - Than he resided in the Town of East
Greenwich, County of Kent & State of Rhode Island at the
time of the several Enlistments except the two last at them
times he resided in the Town of Hancock County of 
Berkshire and the State of Massachusetts.  That he was in
the State of Rhode island the principal part of the time
he was in the service. At the time of the skirmish 
on Prudence Island he commanded the Left wing under
Major Malachi Hammed.  That at one other time 
he took a British spy between Fort Island & the Lighthouse
at Bortory Neck. also was in the Battle & then
got slightly wounded by a cannon ball hitting a post 
standing near him throwing a piece of the same against
his thigh, laying him up for a short time. That 
Bansfield Capron was knowing to his being in the service
the time he served in Rhode island & can testify to the same.
The Commission he Recieved was destroyed with other
papers by the mice several years past — Deponent
has no record of his age & no dischargentary orders
further than as herein stated as the same is lost —
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity except the present and declares his name 
is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or (if any)
only on that of the State of New York
Sworn & subscribed the
day & year aforesaid
Archibald Bull Clerk
Cary Briggs [signature]

Page 7

day of September 1832
Archibald Bull Clerk

State of New York
[illegible] Randall A.
Brown of Stephentown
in Rensselaer County & State
of New York being duly sworn
in open Court.  saith that
he is a supervisor of Stephentown
aforesaid & that he is
well acquainted with Banfield
Capron who made the
affidavit hereto annexed &
that he is a man of fair
reputation for truth & veracity
& a reputable & credible witness.
And this deponent believes
the declaration of Carey [Cary] Briggs
hereto annexed to be true as
he has often heard of his being
a soldier of the revolution &
he is so respected in the town
where he resides. That deponent
knows Matthew Jones the 
Clergyman who made the annexed
affidavit & said Jones is now
in a feeble state of health —
Randall A. Brown
Sworn & subscribed this 6th
day of September 1832
Archibald Bull Clerk

Page 8

State of New York
County of Rensselaer
On the 14th Day of January 1833
personally appeared before Mr. Nathan
Howard a Justice of the peace in and for said County
Cary Briggs the above and applicant for a 
pension who being duly sworn deposeth and saith in 
answer to the objections contained in a Brief from the 
War Department Pension office and in addition to the 
proceeding declaration by him made. respecting the
Interrogations. 1st That he was born in The Town of East
Garrnidge County of Kent & State of Rhode Island in
the month August 19th in the year 1751.
3rd That I was living when called into the Service in 
the Town of East Garrmidge County & State aforesaid & that
I have Lived sins the the Revolution war up to the year
1829. in The Town of Hancock Berkshire County & State
of Massachusetts & that I now live in the Town of Stephentown
County of Rensselaer & State of New York
5th That he served with the following officers Major
Barton. Major Charles Dayson. Major Malachi
Hammed. Col Lypit. Col Cook & Col Waterman
Col Barns. Gen Cornwall
6th That whilst a soldier he received no written discharge.
That as an Officer he did receive a
Commission but does not recollect by whom
it was signed it was destroyed as within stated 
by the mice
Cary Briggs
Sworn & Subscribed
this the 14th day of January 1833
before me —
Nathan Howard Justice Peace

[on the left side of the document, written sideways:]
Carey Briggs 9/34
Revol. Soldier

Cary Briggs
Application

Page 9

State of New York
County of Rensselaer
On this 27th day of September 1857
before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for
said County personally appeared Benoni Briggs a 
resident of Stephentown in the county aforesaid who being
first duly sworn according to law doth in his oath
make the following Declaration in order to obtain the 
pension which he is informed & believes was due his
father Cary Briggs Deceased under the Act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832. That he is one of the children
of Cary Briggs Deceased late a resident of said County
of Rensselaer & in his life time an applicant for a pension
did in said Court of Rensselaer on the twelfth day
of January in the year one thousand eight hundred 
and thirty-five or six as near as Declarant can recollect,
being from home a few miles & not where he can refer
to records, the proof having been filed in the pension
office is not deemed material in this application
but this Declaration is made exclusively for the 
purpose of renewing the application & for the further
purpose of revoking. & Declarant herby revokes all
& every other or former Agencies in the matter and
hereby appoints Wm Valentine of Albany N.Y. his
only Agent in the further provocation of the aforesaid
claims or said Valentines substitute at Washington city
In support of which claim this Declarant refers the 
pension Department to the evidence on file in that 
affair as well as such as may be furnished by his 
Agent Wm Valentine aforesaid or by his substitute —
Benoni Briggs
Submitted & Sworn to before me
this 27th day of September 1857
Rufus R. Allen

Page 10

I certify that I am personally acquainted with 
Benoni Briggs and that he is the identical
person within named & described
Rufus R. Allen
Justice
of the Peace

Page 11

STATE OF NEW YORK,
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, ss.

I HENRY A. CLUM, Clerk of the 
County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify that Rufus Allen Esq [name is handwritten]
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof of acknowledgement of the annexed Instrument, was, at
the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of
Rensselear, dwelling in said County; duly authorized to take such proof or acknowledgment. And that I am
well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that his signature to the said
Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that said Instrument is executed and acknowledged 
according to the laws of the State of New-York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said County,
29th day of September A. D. 1851
Henry A Clum Clerk. [signature]

Page 12

Carey [Cary] Briggs
N.Y. [illegible] act
(1832)

Page 13

State of New York
County of Rensalaer [Rensselaer]  ss
Daniel Harrison, George Rose, and Joshua Whitford
of Stephentown in said County being each duly sworn according
to law deposeth that Cary Briggs who deponents are 
informed and believe was a Revolutionary soldier and an
applicant for a pension died in said County on the 
twelfth day of January in the Year one thousand eight
hundred and thirty seven and at the time of his death
left a widow viz Elizabeth Briggs and the following named
children viz Benoni Briggs, Gideon Briggs, Sarah Briggs
and Polly Moore, That his widow Elizabeth Briggs aforesaid
died on the twelfth day of October in the Year one
thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. That the foregoing
are the only children of the said Cary Briggs that were
living at the time of his death and each were then over
twenty one Years of age. Deponants [Deponents] further saith that 
they have this day examined the tomb stones of the said
Cary and Elizabeth Briggs aforesaid on which is inscribed
in the usual manner the date of their deaths which is
as aforesaid.
Daniel Harrison [signature]
George Rose [signature]
Joshua Whitford [signature]
Subscribed & Sworn to before me
this 13th day of August 1852
The name “George Rose” in the line above
before execution —
Alanson N. Green Justice
of the Peace
I certify that Daniel Harrison and [“and” is crossed out] George Rose and Joshua Whitford
are credible & competant [competent] witnesses & their statement is entitled to 
full faith & credit. I further certify that I have also this day 
examined the tomb stones above referred to and that the date is
inscribed on said tomb stones as above set forth —
Alanson N. Green Justice of the peace

Page 14

STATE OF NEW YORK,
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE  ss

HENRY A. CLUM, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that
Alanson N Green [handwritten] before whom the annexed
affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of
the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is
genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County,
this 19th [“19th” is handwritten] day of August [month is handwritten] A.D. 1852 [“2” is handwritten]
H. A. Clum [signature] Clerk  

[seal has been stamped onto the bottom left of the document]

Page 15

State of New York
County of Rensalaer [Rensselaer]
Surogates [Surrogate] Court 
I George T. Blair Serrogate [Surrogate]
of said County do hereby certify that on this 19th
day of August 1852 it was proved by the addition
of the annexed proof that Cary Briggs a resident of
said County died on the twelfth day of January in 
the Year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
and at the time of his death left a widow viz Elizabeth
Briggs and the following named children viz Benoni
Briggs, Gideon Briggs, Sarah Briggs and Polly
Moore. That his widow Elizabeth Briggs aforesaid
died on the twelfth day of October in the Year one
thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. That the 
foregoing are the only children of the said Cary Briggs
that were living at the time of his death and that each 
were then over twenty one Years of age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
subscribed my name & affixed the official
Seal of said County the day and Year
first above written —
G.T. Blair Surrogate

Page 16

Rev. & 1812
Wars Section
AWF/eel

January 15, 1929

C.A. Briggs
1933 Hewitt Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio

Sir:
     I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim, s. 28650, it appears that Cary Briggs
was born, August 19, 1751, in East Greenwich, Kent County,
Rhode Island.
     While residing at said East Greenwich, he enlisted
and served with the Rhode Island Troops as follows:
     From November, 1775, five months as a private in
Captain Michael Spencer’s Company, Colonel Waterman’s
Regiment; from in September, 1776, three months in Captain
Reuben Whiteman’s Company, Colonel Cook’s Regiment;
from January 1, 1777, to June 1, 1778, Lieutenant in Captain 
Michael Spencer’s Comany, Colonel John Waterman’s
Regiment; from August, 1778, to October, 1778, Lieutenant
in Captain William Hall’s Company, Colonel Waterman’s 
Regiment and was in Sullivan’s Expedition.
     While residing in Hancock, Berkshire County, Massachusetts

Page 17

Massachusetts, he served in the Massachusetts Militia as follows:
In September or October, 1780, ten or fifteen days,
no officers stated; from December, 1780, to January, 1781, 
as Lieutenant in Captain Skinner’s Company.
Pension was allowed on his application executed 
September 6, 1832, at which time he was living in Stephentown,
Rensselaer County, New York.  He died there, January 12, 
1837. 
His widow, Elizabeth, died October 12, 1838, there
are no details as to their marriage. The following
children survived her: Benoni Briggs, Gideon Briggs, Sarah
Briggs, and Polly Moon or Moore.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

Page 18

28650
INVALID.
Rev Y
File No. 28,650
Carey Briggs
Lieut Rev War.
Act: 7” June 32”
Index:—Vol. 9, Page 59.
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1929 - Jan. 15 - Hist - L. C.A. Briggs aws

Page 19

Cary Briggs
NY
WK Hoyt Feby 15 1850 [line is crossed out]
F.S. Evans Jny 28 1852 [line is crossed out]
S A Peugh July 19 1852 [line is crossed out]
same Aug 6 1852 [line is crossed out]

Act June 7 1832.

Cary Briggs
New York
Suspended
Let to W.K.Hoyt, [line crossed out]
Feb. 15 j5D [line crossed out]
F.S. Evans Jany 28/32 [line crossed out]
A. Peugh July 19 1832 [line crossed out]

Act 7 June 1832

Page 20

New York
Revo;
Cary Briggs
Suspended
let. A. Bull, 8 June ‘33
let to Hon J Pierson
May 3 1834
Let to claimant May 31, 36
 “     “ R. J. Powell, Apl: 29: 1844
  “    “ do May 22. 1844
  “    “ Hon. J. S. Yost, 21 Feb. 45,
 Hon. J. Pierson
H. R.
P. H. Thomas July 20. 1864.
Act 7 June ‘32

Page 21

86
Pension Office
Aug 6 1852
Sir
Before the claim of Cary Briggs
of Ny, Act June 7 1832, can be allowed
a certificate of Court showing the date
of [“the” crossed out] his death and the names and
number of his children must be furnished -

S. A. Peugh [illegible]
Present

Page 22

172.
Pens Office 244
Jany 28, 1852
Sir:
The papers in the case of Cary Briggs
have been carefully reexamined. The
testimony is parch altogether, but is
admitted to possess some weight, if it were
not that much better evidence would
be in existence if the facts were as the
parties represent. Briggs is said to have
acted as Lieutenant in Rhode Island
for some years. But there is in the 
archives of that state a regular record
of all appointments of this character
and his statement must be 
sustained by that record. His last
two turns are said to have been made
from Massachusetts. Confirmatory
evidence in that point might possibly
be attained from the Secretary
of that State.
H. S. Evans Esq
Present

Page 23

184
Pension Office
July 19 1852
Sir
The certificate of the Secretary of State
of the State of R. I. has been received and
filed with the original papers of Carey [Cary]
Briggs of NY for the benefit of the Act of
June 7 1832.  It shows no service for him in
that state.  He alleges that he served also
in Massachusetts. It is probable that the
Secretary of that State might possess 
some evidence of confirmatory of his
statements.
S. A. Peugh Esq
Present

Page 24

409
Pension Office
Feb 15 1850
Sir
The additional testimony in 
the case of Cary Briggs [illegible] under
Act 7” June 1832, has been exd [examined] & filed.
Evidence as to the date of his death
and the names of the children surviving
should be taken in open court in
and the certificate of the court in 
the matter under seal of office transmitted
with the evidence to this office.
The testimony as to the service is
deemed insufficient.  My letter of
The 29th April 1844 to R. J. Powell,
a copy of which is herewith enclosed
will show the situation of the case.
Mr. W. K. Hoyt
New York

Page 25

Philand H. Thomas
July 20. 1846.

Page 26

Pension Office
July 20, 1846
Sir,
Your letter to the Secretary of War dated
26th [illegible] has been referred to this office
I enclose herewith a copy of my
letter to R. J. Powell dated April 29
1844 in the case of Cary Briggs which
will furnish you with the objection to the
admission of this claim.
Philand H. Thomas Esq
Stephentown
N. Y.

Page 27

459
Pension Office
Feb’y 21, ‘45
Sir
I have the honor to enclose a copy
of a letter, addressed to R. J. Powell on
the 22d May 1844, respecting the claim
of Cary Briggs, from which you may learn
the grounds on which it [words blacked out]
pended.  It only remains for the claimant
to rebut the presumption against
his claim arising from the total absence
of his name from the rolls by record
testimony, in which event it will meet
with favorable consideration   Mr Wood’s
letter is herewith returned
Hon [Honorable] J. S. Yost
HR
2734
Act June 7th 32

Page 28

450
Pen Off [Pension Office]
May 22 44
Sir
The deposition of Oliver Collins,
in the case of Cary Briggs has been
examined & filed - This claim is asserted
for service as a Lt. in the R. I. troops
from 76 to 81 and is discredited by the
fact that his name is not borne on 
the minutes of the appointments from year to 
year in any one instance — Those minutes
or Journal are full & complete and if
his statement were correct he must
have been appointed every spring for
12 mo [months] in each of those years, whereas
no trace of his appointment has been
found. — I refer you to my letter of 29
 [illegible] in this case
R. J. Powell Esq [Esquire]
P. O. Dept [Pension Office Department]

Page 29

665
Pen Off [Pension Office]
Apr 29” 44
Sir
In answer to your enquiry
I have the honor to inform you
that Cary Briggs applied in 1833 and
his claim was disallowed —
He alleged that he served 5 mo from
Nov 75 [“as a private” inserted] under Capt. Spencer Col Waterman
of the R I militia — 3 mo [“as a private” inserted] from Sept 76 under
Capt Whitman Col Cook & 18 mo as Lt at
various times under Capts Spencer Hall
& Skinner —
The first term is believed to have been 
a service of patrol and vigilance as the 
laws of that State did not subject the 
militia to such a term of service in
field or garrison —
All the service as Lt. is discredited by
the record of R. I which show the commissions
from year to year of every [“every” is underlined] officer
in the militia of that state —
His statement too as to the length of his
service in 77 & 78 [“where” is crossed out] [the following is inserted with carrots: [illegible] an ignorance of the service of] the militia who
were subjected to monthly tours in rotation of
there [their] classes, —
R J Powell Esq
Present

Page 30

State of New York
Rensselaer County [illegible]
Philander H Thomas a
Physician & Surgeon, now residing in the town of 
Sandlake in the County & State aforesaid being duly
sworn deposeth & saith that for many years to wit
from the year 1826 he was the family physician
of Cary Briggs.  Up to the time of his death which
occurred in Stephentown in said county on or about
the tenth of January 1836. That the said deponent
was well & intimately acquainted with the said
Cary Briggs during all the time he was so employed
as said family physician, that the said Cary 
Briggs often related to said deponent incidents
which occurred to sd [said] Briggs or under his observation 
while the sd [said] Briggs was a soldier in the war of the
Revolution.  That the said Briggs was a claimant  
for a pension for said service. That the character
of said Briggs for truth & veracity was good
& unimpeachable & that he is well acquainted
with Benoni Briggs of Stephentown aforesaid &
verily believes him to be the only son of the
said Cary Briggs now surviving & further
saith not 
Philander H Thomas
Sworn & subscribed before me
This twenty second of December 1849
J Wheeler Justice Peace

Page 31

STATE OF NEW YORK,
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE,   SS.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby 
certify that Jacob Wheeler [name is handwritten] before whom the annexed
officiant [handwritten] — was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was
at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace [title is handwritten]
in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto 
subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of 
said County, this fourteenth [day is handwritten] day of January [month is handwritten] 1850 [“50” is handwritten]
A H Sheldon clerk [handwritten]
Philander H Thomas [handwritten]
Sworn & subscribed before me
This twenty second of December 1849
J Wheeler Justice Peace —  [postscript and final signature are handwritten]

Page 32

Sir
I herewith enclose to you some documents
in the matter of the claim of the late
Cary Briggs for a pension under the Act 7th June
1832. The said Briggs as will be seen is now deceased
late of Stephentown Rensselaer County New York &
his son as The legal representative of his father now
claims what there was due his father at the time
of his decease     Respectfully Your
Humble Servant
William K Hoyt

PS
You will please address me at New York
until otherwise advised
WKH

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC Jany [January] 18th 1850

Page 33

Henry Bowen
Letter

[illegible]
Hon. J. Pierson
Washington

Page 34

Prov. [Providence] Feb 20 1834.
Sir:
There are no documents in the Secry’s [Secretary’s]
office by which the service of Mr Briggs
as a private [“private” is underlined] can be ascertained.
I have examined the records from
1776 to May of 1781 to find his appointment 
to a Lieutenancy - but there is no such
record.
Your Obed [Obedient] Servant
Henry Bowen

Hon. J Pierson

less nothing.

Page 35

Cary Briggs dec
NY
Admd June 7 1832
12 mo [month] Liet [Lieutenant] $100
Per annum [underlined] from
4 March 1831 to
12 Jny [January] 1837
when he died. [underlined]
Payable to 
Benoni Briggs
Gideon Briggs
Sarah Briggs and
Polly Moon
only surviving Children [underlined]

[illegible]
S. A. Peugh
[illegible]
(over)

[following presented sideways]
Reasons for the admission of this 
Claim made
[signature illegible]

Page 36

Oliver Collin’s [insert “A pensioner”] swears that Cary
Briggs served as Lieutenant in Spears
company RI. In Hall’s Co, 11 months
besides other service —

Allen Mathias a pensioner swear that
Briggs served in 76 3 months as Lieutenant 
in Cap Whitmars Co.
that he [illegible] the year 77 in
Spencer’s Co.

Daniel Brown knows of his being in 
service

Banfield Capron knows he sence [him since] as
he alleges -

Matthew Jones, a Clergyman knows he had
the reputation of having been a soldier of 
the Revolution

Mr Horton knows he served as a Lt
in ‘78

No Recon evidence of service can be procured [entire line underlined],
Briggs died 12 Jany 1837 —
Wife died 12 Oct 1838
leaving Benoni Briggs, Gideon Briggs, Sarah
Briggs and Polly Moon — 

Admitted 12 Mo Lt -

Page 37

Reasons for the admission of this
Claim inside
[signature illegible]

[material below presented on its side]
Cary Briggs dec
NY
Admd June 7 1832
12 mo [month] Lieut [Lieutenant] $100
per annum [underlined] from
4 March 1831 to
12 Jny [January] 1837
when he died. [underlined]
Payable to 
Benoni Briggs
Gideon Briggs
Sarah Briggs and
Polly Moon
only surviving Children [underlined]
[illegible]
S. A. Peugh
[signature illegible]
(over)

Page 38

Brief in the case of Cary Briggs deed
County and State of New York
act June 7 1832

Claim, (“original,” or “for increase.”) [or “for increase.” has been crossed out]

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Proof of service, Testimony of Pensioners
and traditionary.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
S. A. Peugh 
Present, [underlined]

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.

Page 39

Cary Briggs
Letter from
S. A. Peugh

Page 40

Washington City D
24 July 1832
Mr J. E Heath
Comm of Pensions
Sir
I am in the
[illegible] of [illegible] of the [illegible] requiring me to
[illegible] the Rolls. of [illegible] for the service of 
Cary Briggs.  Said Briggs claimed but 
a few days service in [illegible]. I waive the
[illegible] to produce any testimony to establish this
part of his claim. I ask that the office
examine that part of his statement in 
reference to his Rhode Island service.
As the [illegible], if proven would not
justify the job -
yours
S. A. Peugh

Page 41

Washington Oct, 21. 1857
Sir.
I herewith enclose the application 
of Benoni Briggs, and of the children of
Carey [Cary] Briggs deceased under Act 7th June
1832, together with a brief of the papers
on file. You will please report
the result of your examination to the
undersigned.
Very Respectfully
F. S. Evans.

J. E. Heath Esq
Com of Pensions

Page 42

S
Brief in the case of Carey [Cary] Briggs
of New York under the Act of June
7th 1832

Carey [Cary] Briggs, Aged 81. Years in 1832.
declares, that he served 5 months as a 
private in 1775 & 6. - 3 months in 1776 - and 
from the first of January 1777 served as a
Lieutenant in the Militia of Rhode Island
upwards of 18 Months in different towns.  He
had a commission but it has been destroyed

Banfield Capron [name underlined] testifies from personal [“personal” underlined]
knowledge [“knowledge” underlined], that Carey [Cary] Briggs served as
has stated in his declaration.

Allen Mattison [name underlined], certified to be a credible
witness, testifies from personal knowledge to
the service in 1776. 7 & 8.

Oliver Collins [name underlined], aged 75 years in 1835, and
certified to be a credible witness, from
personal knowledge testifies to his services
as Lieutenant.

Page 43

2.
Second affidavit of Allen Mattisan and
Oliver Collins.

As a subsequent declaration he says that
he was mistaken as to his having received
a Commission.
His character is vouched fair by several
persons and the family physician, who
had been such from 1826 until his death
in 1836, testifies to his frequent relation of
his revolutionary services
The period of his death and the names
and number of the children are given. [this sentence is crossed out]
From an examination of the papers, I
am  clearly of the opinion that a pension
Should be allowed. Those who know
any thing about the war of the Revolution 
must know that Rhode Island was
the seat of War during the years referred
to, and that the Militia were in
almost constant service, particularly
the officers. When this case comes up
for examination, I would be pleased 
to have the opportunity of being present
F. S. Evans

Page 44

State of Rhode Island,
Department of State.
Providence, Apr. 13 - 1852 -
I certify that I have carefully examined
all the Rolls and Records in this office
appertaining to the services of Revolutionary
Soldiering, and I do not find on said 
Rolls and Records the name of Carey [Cary]
Briggs.
I further certify that the Rolls
and Records in this office are very deficient
as to the Registry of names and 
Services of Revolutionary soldiers &
claimants -
Asa Potter
Secy. of State.

Page 45

War Department
Pension Office
May 1836

Sir
[“The” crossed out] [“You” crossed out] The Supplemental Affidavits [“of Cary” crossed out]
[“Briggs cor” crossed out] [“with which” crossed out] relative to your  revolutionary
Services & the additional evidence [“in support of your claim” crossed out] have been examined - Your claim 
to a pension under the act of June 7th 1832
Cannot be allowed upon the evidence seen before the Department  
[“It is stated in your” crossed out] In the original declaration it is stated that you received a
commission as a Lieutenant in 1776 and actively served
under such commission untill [until] the first of 
January 1778 — In [“your” crossed out] the last statement on the same subject you 
say that you have no recollection of ever 
having  received a commission &C [and etc.] — These
discrepancies render it evident that neither statement
can safely be relied upon —
Mr. Cory Briggs
Stephentown N.Y.

Page 46

December first 1849
State of New York
Rensselaer County and 
town of Stephentown —
On this day and year first
above written personally appeared before me
[“of January” crossed out] Benoni Briggs [signature]
Who in first being duly sworn according to law
doth an oath depose and say he is the only surviving
son of Cary Briggs late of said town and
County deceased — and who was at the time of his
decease a claimant for a pension under the 
Act of July 7th 1832 in virtue of his revolutionary 
military services — And deponent further
saith that his said father is now deceased and
departed this life on the Twelfth of January in
the year of AD 1832   And that his mother
is also deceased and died on the Twelfth day
of September in the year of A.D. 1838  and 
to this deponent is the only son now living of the
said Cary Briggs  and of this said Benoni Briggs
and that he has now living — Three Sisters whose
names are as follows viz — Sarah Polly and Lucy
and that he as the legal
representative of his said Father and mother
now claims and demands what there was due his
said Father from this United States at the time of his 
decease — And he does hereby impower [empower] constitute &
appoint William K Hoyt Esq of the City of 
New York. as his lawful attorney and agent

Page 47

to assist his claim now pending before this
pension Department at Washington — hereto
present his Account as a successful issue
according to laws and to do and perform every
thing in and about the pensions that his
Solicitor should or may deem just and proper
Hereby revoking all former Power or Powers by me given
Sworn to and Subscribed
on this day and year
first above written
Benoni Briggs
Rufus R Allen
Justice in 
and for Said
county

Page 48

STATE OF NEW YORK, ss.
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE,
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby
certify that Rufus R Allen — [name is handwritten] before whom the annexed
officiant [handwritten] was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was
at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace [title is handwritten] 
in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto
subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of
said County, this fourteenth [day is handwritten] day of January 1850 [date is handwritten]
A h Sheldon clerk

Page 49

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY.

To
Bennoni Briggs

Recorded the 8th day of November [date is handwritten]
1852 in Rensselaer County, Surrogate’s Office,
in book of Surrogate’s Records, No. 42 [number is handwritten]
Page 108 [number is handwritten]
G T Blair [signature]
Surrogate.

Page 50

(Duplicate) [handwritten]
The People OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, BY THE GRACE
OF GOD FREE AND INDEPENDENT:

To all whom these Presents shall come or may
Concern,

SEND GREETING:

KNOW YE, that at the city of Troy, in the county of Rensselaer, on the Eighth [number is handwritten]
day of November — [month is handwritten] in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
fifty two — [number is handwritten] before GEORGE T. BLAIR, Surrogate of Rensselaer County,
the last Will and Testament of Cary Briggs — [name is handwritten] 
late of the Town [“Town” handwritten] of Stephentown — [handwritten] in the said county, deceased, (a copy 
whereof is hereunto annexed) was proved and is now approved and allowed by us: and
the said deceased having whilst living and at the time of his [pronoun handwritten] death, goods, chattels
and credits within this state, by means whereof the proving and registering the said will
and granting administration of all and singular the said goods, chattels and credits: and 
also the auditing, allowing and finally discharging the account thereof doth belong to
us: the administration of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said deceased
and any way concerning his [pronoun is handwritten] will is granted unto Benoni Briggs [name is handwritten] 
sole executor [handwritten] in the said will named
having first taken and subscribed an oath [“oath” is handwritten] before the
said Surrogate, faithfully and honestly to discharge the duties of such executor [“or” on “executor” is handwritten]
he [pronoun is handwritten] hereby requiring you the said Benoni Briggs [name is handwritten] 
sole executor [handwritten] to make or cause
to be made a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and
credits of the said deceased, which have or shall come to your hands, possession or 
knowledge: as also to make, or cause to be made duplicates of such inventory, and 
cause the same to be signed by the appraisers, and the same so made and signed , that
you make return thereof to the Surrogate of the said county within three months from
the date thereof.
In Testimony whereof, We have caused the seal of office of our said Surrogate to be 
hereunto affixed.
WITNESS, GEORGE T. BLAIR, Esquire, Surrogate of the said County of Rensselaer,
at his office in the city of Troy in said County, the Eighth — [number is handwritten] day of November [month is handwritten] 
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two. [“fifty two” is handwritten] 
GT Blair [signature]
Surrogate.

Page 51

Hon. J. S. Edwards
[illegible] of Pensions
Washington

Dole [crossed out]
[illegible] [crossed out]
[illegible] 
Ny [New York]
C. Briggs

Page 52

Washington
March 20th 1844.
Sir:
I yesterday received some papers relative
to the claim of Cary Briggs of New York for a pension,
from which I learn that the claim has been presented
to and disallowed by your office.
Will you have the goodness to inform me of 
the objections to the allowance of this claim?
If it would be more agreeable and less trouble
to you, for me to call at your office and attend to 
this matter in person, if [“if” is crossed out] and you will have the kindness
to drop me a line to that effect, I will do so.
Very respectfully 
Your obt. Sert. [obedient Servant]
R. J. Powell

Page 53

In the matter of
Cary Briggs Testimony
to obtain a Pension

Page 54

[Envelope]
Letter from
A Bull

30
31
28
    89
      [illegible]
          712

14
31
30
    75
      8
        600
         167
               767

Amended doc
add - proof
Cary Briggs
N Y
addl. dich
Cary Briggs
NB

War Department
Care of J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

FREE

Page 55

Troy N. Y.  July 12. 1833.
J. L. Edward’s Esq
Sir
Inclosed [Enclosed], is an amended application of
Carey [Cary] Briggs for a pension — His first Tour of Service
is herein explicitly stated — and he refers to his original
application for the length of his Service as Lieutenant.
I really hope that papers in the Shape they now are,
are such as will entitle the old Gentleman to be placed
on the roll — You will see by the inclosed papers in
what estimation the old man is held in his own
Neighborhood —
Respectfully Yours
Archibald Bull

Page 56

July 8. 1846
Stephentown N.Y.
June 26/46.
Philander H. Thomas
Asks pension for heir of
Carey [Cary] Briggs.
T.
J128. Rec July 6/46.
Pension Office
N.Y
Physicians Statement
that he died in 1838.

Page 57

Stephentown. June 26. 1846 —
To the Hon. William L. Marcy.
Secretary at War

Sir I have ventured in consideration of the friendship
formerly existing between yourself & my father Doct Jeffery
W. Thomas of Berlin to solicit your interference and assistance
in procuring justice for the heirs of a Revolutionary Soldier
who failed in obtaining it during his lifetime.
Carey [Cary] Briggs was a Soldier in the Rhode Island militia
and served as the papers now on file in the Pension
Office prove as private as a Suballem officer and finally
by the suffrages of his company as Captain altho [although] he 
received no commission from the State Govt. having been
discharged with other troops before he had been
commissioned — Among the old inhabitants emigrants
to their town from Rhode Island these facts were notorious
In making out his papers the gentleman who had
charge of them committed an unfortunate blunder in 
confounding his claims for services as Captain Suballem
And private so as to render his affidavit inconsistent
with others forwarded at the same time and throw
discredit upon his claims. It was denied him. While
others were cheered in their age with the bounty
of their country he was left to struggle on 
embarrassed by wants and necessities he had no
means of discharging. Through the ignorance and 
incompetency of the agents he employed to transact
his business. He died January 12, 1838. I attended 
him professionally during his last sickness and the
ill success of his application for a pension, the discredit
which had been thrown upon his veracity, and the 
wants which the pension to which he was justly
entitled would have relieved were always spoken of
with tears when I visited him. Frequently too he
related his adversities in the service in which he had
been engaged, one of which was the capture by himself 
of a spy who had been sent out as was supposed by
General Prescott from Stewport,  The spy was tried &
executed, It was a thrilling story [paraph]

Page 58

Capt. Briggs as we always called him was an honest
man in every sense of the term. No man in the community
in which he lived for fifty years charged him with a 
wrong or unjust act. He was a Christian and lived
and died as Christians only live & die. He was a 
patriot and no man more ardently desired the happiness
and prosperity of his country. He was a democrat and 
thro [through], the fierce conflicts in which Jefferson Madison
Thompkins Jackson & Van Buren were elected he was
unwavering in his adherence to democratic principles
In [“In” is crossed out] His heirs ask of the govt the justice which 
was denied their father.
Will your Excellency if I have not already
troubled you too much cause me to be informed
what is the reason why Capt. Briggs pension
has not been allowed. I suggest any remedy for the
defects in his application or the evidence upon
which it is founded.  His heirs suppose you
possess the power of righting the wrong done their
deceased family and hope you will interest 
yourself in their behalf —
I am Sir
With the highest respect
[illegible]
Philander H Thomas

Page 59

State of New York
Rensselaer County  ss
I Caff Spencer of Stephentown aforesaid do
hereby certify that I am 78 [insert “years”] old that I am well acquainted
with Carey [Cary] Briggs of Stephentown aforesaid and believe him to 
be 84 years old that I have been well acquainted with said Briggs 
ever since I was a lad & have been well acquainted with him up to 
the present date that about the year 1773 I resided in North Kingstown
called Updikes new town with my Master Christopher Spencer I went to 
Rocky point [insert “Ri”] after rock weed for the sheep with one William Briggs & on
our return with our rock weed we were met by a Corporal who hailed
them where they were detained a few minutes and were let go on our way home
the soldiers were stationed at Updikes long house & I believe that the 
said Corey [Cory] Briggs had the command of the soldiers at that place
and I further believe that said Briggs spent much of his time in the 
Revolutionary War during the said War I was knowing that Capt
Michael Spencer joined Gemima the Friend that myself & Phenius
Spencer joined the same society
      his
Caff + Spencer
      mark
Sworn & Subscribed before me this
15th day of December 1835
Nathan Howard Com, &c.
I humbly certify that I am well acquainted with the above named 
Caff Spencer & that full faith & credit is & aught to be given to his
deposition 
Nathan Howard Com. &c

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss. 
I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County
do hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esq. before whom the above affidavit 
purports to have been sworn and by whom the above certificate purports
to have been drawn and signed was on the day of the date of the same a
[“Justice of the Peace” has been crossed out] Commissioner of Peace in and for said County duly authorized to take said
affidavit. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing  of 
of said Commissioner and verily believe his signatures above subscribed
are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 17th day
December A.D. 1835. 
Henry R. Bristol Clerk.

Page 60

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.
I Allen Mattison of Berlin County of Rensselaer
& State of New York do hereby certify that I am
79 years old that I am well acquainted with Cary
Briggs & believe him to be 83 years old that I am well
knowing to his being a soldier of the Revolutionary War
that in the year 1776 I inlisted [enlisted] in the service of the above mentioned
War about the first day of Oct. in that year in the Town of Coventry
state of Rhodeisland [Rhode Island] I served 3 Months & the above named Cary Briggs
was a soldier at the same time & served as such for 3 Months that they
both inlisted [enlisted] & served in the same company commanded by Reuben
Whitman & served at Newport Island the said Cary Briggs served at that
time as a Lieutenant & took a British spy

Also in the year 1777 was knowing to his serving as a Lieutenant was stationed
part of the time at East Greenwich Ri [Rhode Island]. This deponent served in that year about six
month that said Cary Briggs served all the time I was in the service in that
year had seen the said Briggs with a green cockade on the left side of 
the hat & believed he served as a Lieutenant most of the year 1777 after saw the
said Briggs after I left the service I served the fore part of the year also in 
the fore part of the year 1778 this deponent was credibly informed that Capt Michael
Spencer quit the service & joined Gemima Wilkinson the Friend
Also in 1778 was in the service again at Sullivan’s expedition saw the said Cary
Briggs who served there as Lieutenant
Allen Mattison
Sworn & subscribed this 10th day of January 1835
before me 
John L. Sheldon Justice of the Peace 
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Allen
Mattison & that full faith & credit is & aught to be given to his deposition
John L. Sheldon Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.
I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County
do herby certify that John L. Sheldon Esq. before whom the above
affidavit & certificate purports to have been Sworn & signed was on the 
day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County
And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and varily believe
his signature inscribed to the same are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my official Seal this 14th day of October 1835
Henry R. Bristol Clerk
Mr. [illegible] Howard [illegible]

Page 61

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.
Oliver Collins of the Town of Conquest in 
the County of Cayuga State aforesaid being duly
Sworn saith that he is 75 years old that he is well acquainted with
Cary Briggs of Stephentown in the county of Rensselaer aforesaid and 
has been since the year 1777 and believes the said Cary Briggs to be 83
years old that he said Collins was a private in an Artillery Company
Commanded by Captain John Garza in Col. Israel Elliots Regiment
in 1777 & 1778 & was stationed at Warwick neck in Rhodesiland [Rhode Island] and
while he was stationed at that place he knew the said Cary Briggs
who served as a Lieutenant in a Company of Militia which had been
Commanded by Captain Michael Spencer that he understood that said Capt.
Spencer left the Company in consequence of becoming one of the followers
of Gemima Wilkason [Jemima Wilkinson] the Friend at any rate said Spencer left the Company
and that said Cary Briggs Commanded the aforesaid Company
as Lieutenant there being no Captain that said Company Commanded
by said Cary Briggs was stationed on Warwick neck in Col. Waterman’s
Regt. & Lieutenant Col. Thomas Tillness & Maj. Barton that he knew said
Cary Briggs to serve as such Lieutenant and also knew that he served as a Lieutenant 
in Capt. William Halls Company for Twenty days that he saw said
Briggs in Sullivan’s expedition and saw him frequently that he served as
Lieutenant & Commander about Eleven months was knowing that he 
said Briggs served as quartermaster Clerk for Twenty days under Capt Benj Tillness
and the remainder of the Fourteen months that I then served knew the said
Briggs served as Lieutenant Also in the fall of 1778 I served four months
part of the time on Rhodesiland [Rhode Island] Middletown &c [and etcetera]
Oliver Collins [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 17th day
of August 1835 
Nathan Howard Com. &c. [and etcetera]
I certify that, I am well acquainted with the above named Oliver Collins &
that full faith & credit is & aught to be given to his deposition.
Nathan Howard Com. &c 

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.  I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County
do hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom the above affidavit
& certificate purports to have been sworn & signed was on the day of the date
thereof a Commissioner of Peace duly authorized to take & sign the same. And
that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature
above subscribed to be genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my 
hand & seal of office this 14th day of October A.D. 1835.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk
Mr. N. Howard [illegible]

Page 62

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss 
I Cary Briggs of Stephentown aforesaid 
do hereby certify in addition or explanation of
my Declaration to obtain a Pension that according to 
my best recollection I formerly stated that I had a Captains
Commission but never acted under said Commission & that said Commission
was destroyed by rats or mice I now state that my impressions are that 
it was a Captains Commission which belonged to my Father & which was
destroyed by rats or mice as formerly stated. I also mentioned in my
Declaration that I took a British spie [spy] which I have proved by Allen
Mattison one of the deponents hereunto annexed I will also give a statement
of taking said British spie [spy]. While I was at Newport Ri. at Rooms
Wharf & while doing duty as a Lieutenant I was ordered by Col. Cook (in the
absence of the Captain) to take the command of a boat & go to Brinton point
to set guards round the house of one Brinton who was a Tory it was a very 
dark night I stationed my men 6 of them around said house which done I passed
along to the barn yard being now 11 at night & the lights at the house were 
extinguished I heard a rustling at the barn yard doors & heard a bar fall I stood
perfectly still a moment then I squat down & discovered something resembling
a man I then ran up & hailed, I told him to advance & give the countersign
he advanced I charged my bayonet he says I cannot give the Countersign
I told him to stand I then took him by the collar I then asked him where
he had been he said Lobstering I told him it was too dark to catch Lobsters
that he could not tell Sea from Land unless he steped [stepped] into it I asked him where
he belonged he says to the house & made excuse that he wanted to go to the
house I replied you cannot for I have 6 men guarding the house I then took
him to the barn & sit down by his side holding him fast I found by examination 
that he had a pistol I asked him if he had a pistol replied yeas [yes] I asked him
if it was loded [loaded] answered yeas [yes] I asked him if he shot Lobsters he says no said
he did not know what he might come acrost [across] I replied you have come acrost [across]
a Yankee I held him there until day after taking his pistol from
him then took him to Brinton’s & inquired of Brinton whether he belonged
there he says not did you ever see him before he says not Dam. you nor you
neither I then took him to head quarters where he was examined & a writing was 
found with him with inquiry what the situation the Americans were in whether prepared
for battle & how strong &c [and etcetera] which paper condemned him as a spie [spy] & he was sent
to Providence the letter with the spie [spy] was divested to Brinton & to have him write back

I hereby further state in addition or explanation of my Declaration that I have
no recollection of ever having a Lieutenants Commission nor did I intend to have
had it so understood when I had the declaration drawn but that I was voted 
in as a Lieutenant & served as such as will appear by testimony I once inlisted [enlisted]
— — — — — as a Lieutenant under Michael Spencer & served as such but had
no Commission in the year 1777 
Cary Briggs [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 24t.h.
day of September 1835
Nathan Howard Com. &c. [and etcetera]

Page 63

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Cary Briggs
the within or above deponent & that full faith credit is & ought to 
be given to his deposition 
Nathan Howard Com. &c. [and etcetera]
State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.   I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said
County do hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom
the foregoing affidavit & certificate purports to have been sworn &
Signed was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Peace
to aforesaid County. duly authorized to take & sign the same. And that
I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signatures
subscribed thereto are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my official seal this 14th day of October
Henry R. Bristol Clerk
Mr. N. Howard Just. Depy.

Page 64

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.   Oliver Collins of the town
of Conquest in the County of Cayuga and State of New
York being duly Sworn Saith that he is now Seventy five
years of age. That he is well acquainted with Cary Briggs
of the town of Stephentown County of Rensselaer and
State of New York and has been since the year 1777. That
he said Collins was a private in an Artillery Company
commanded by Captain John Garzee. in. Col.
Israel Elliots Regiment in 1777. & 1778. and was stationed
at Warwick neck. in the State of Rhode Island 
and while he was stationed at that place he knew the
said Cary Briggs served as a Lieutenant in a Company
of Militia. which had been commanded by Captain
Michael Spencer. And that he understood that said
Captain Spencer left the Company in consequence of
becoming one of the Followers of Jemima Wilkason at
any rate Said Spencer did not Command the Company
at the time he became acquainted with said Briggs
but that said Cary Briggs commanded the aforesaid
Company as Lieutenant there being no Captain after
Spencer left the Company. that Said Company commanded
by said Cary Briggs was stationed also on 
Warwick neck. in Col. Waterman’s Regiment Lieutenant 
Col. Thomas Tillness and Major Barton.
that he knew said Cary Briggs [insert “to serve”] as such Lieutenant 
and [insert “also to serve as”] a Lieutenant in Captain William Hall’s Company
for Twenty Days. He understood that said 
Briggs left Spencer’s Company in the fore part of August
1778. And that he then inlisted [enlisted] as Lieutenant in the
said Captain William Hall’s Company. That he saw
said Briggs in Sullivan’s Expedition. and saw him

Page 65

frequently during the fourteen months. which was
the time for which he saw Collins enlisted. that he
said Collins thinks he enlisted in September 1777. that
said Briggs [insert “served”] as the Lieutenant &  Commander of
the aforesaid Spencer Company about Eleven months
and the remainder of the time he [insert “served”] as Lieutenant in
William Hall’s Company at the expiration of fourteen
months he said Collins left that service.
Oliver Collins [signature]
Subscribed & Sworn to
before me this 14t.h. day of August 1835
Nathan Howard Com. &c. [and etcetera]
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Oliver
Collins & that he is a credible person & that full faith & credit is
and ought to be given to his deposition
Nathan Howard Com of Deeds &c. [and etcetera]

State of New York
Rensselaer County   ss.
Clerks office
I Charles Hooper Clerk of said
County do hereby certify that Nathan
Howard Esq. was at the time of taking the above deposition
a Commissioner of Deeds in & for the County of Rensselaer 
residing in said County duly Commissioned & sworn
That I am well acquainted with the handwriting
of the said Justice & verily believe his subscribing to the
above private certificate is the proper handwriting
of the said Commissioner
Witness my hand and official seal this 12” 
March 1844
Chas Hooper Clerk

Af. of Oliver Collins
on the service of Cary Briggs

April 3 1’46
R. J. Powell
P.O. Depart.
Washington,
D.C.
Add endrnce
Cary Briggs

R. J Powell
P.O. Dept

Page 66

State of New York, Rensselaer C. ss.
I Cary Briggs of the Town of Stephentown
in the County of Rensselaer & State of 
New York in Answer to the query of the
secretary of war whether he the said applicant
served in the continental or State Troops as a
a Minute Man. do hereby certify that he
served the first 5 months as a Minute Man
during this Term he Served all of the Time
except 4 days. That the remainder of the Time
which he served in the State of Rhode Island 
[“he served” is crossed out] was in the State Troops [“State Troops” underlined] as a Lieutenant [“Lieutenant” underlined]
and In the manner & Time as he has set
forth in his declaration and that the two
last times he was called out was in consequence
of an alarm given by the Indians
in which he with the rest of Militia was
called out & in this had served as he has set forth
in his declaration
Cary Briggs [signature]

Sworn & Subscribed this
the 8th July 1833.
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace
Major Daniel Brown of the town
of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer  &
State of New York do hereby certify that in the
latter part of the year 1780 an alarm was made
by the Indians in the South part of the State of Vermont
& that I was personally knowing to Capt
Cary Briggs being called out & Serving with 
me this Tour the length of the Time witness is 
old & cannot recollect. He served this time as
a Lieutenant. & that in the year 1781. that there 
was an alarm given & this deponent believes
according to the best of his recollection that
Capt. C. Briggs was called out & went as a
Lieutenant. I further certify that I
been acquainted with him upwards of 50 years

Page 67

That his Character for Truth & veracity
and in every other respect is and has been 
always good and further this deponent Saith
not — 
Daniel Brown [signature]
Sworn & subscribed this the
8th July 1833 before me
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the 
above named Deponents Cary Briggs & Daniel Brown &
that full faith & credit is and ought to be given to their
deposition
Nathan Howard Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.    I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the county
of Rensselaer do certify that Nathan Howard Esqr. before whom
the within & foregoing affidavits purport to have been sworn and
by whom the above certificate of credibility appears to have been given was
on the date of the same & is now one of the Justices of the peace in
and for the said County, that I am well acquainted with his hand
writing and verily believe his signature to said papers to be genuine
Witness my hand & Seal of office this 12th day
of July 1833
Henry R. Bristol Clerk

Page 68

We the subscribers inhabitants of the town of
Hancock in the County of Berkshire & State
of Mass do Certify that we have been acquainted
with Capt Cary Briggs of Stephentown. N.Y.
for a great no. [number] of Years that his Character
Stands fair in all respects & that he always has
been respected & believed to have been an Officer
of the Revolution & that we concur fully in that
opinion.
William Hadsell [signature]
Caleb Eldridge [signature]
William Latham [signature]
Rodman Hazard [signature]
John Gardner [signature]

I certify that I am acquainted with the persons whose names
are subscribed to the above certificate & that they are gentlemen
of the first respectability in the community where they reside
[illegible] July 12t.h. 1833
Henry R. Bristol

Page 69

witness did not serve in the same company
or regiment at this time but did frequently
see him during the War in Service as he
has set forth -
That in the Year 1778. in the Month of
August witness was personally knowing
of applicant being in the Service in a 
Company Commanded by Captain Hall
in a Regiment Commanded Col Waterman
and that he served as he has set forth
in his declaration for a period of twenty
days the length of Time that witness
Served at this time & (the last period
was in Sullivan’s Expedition) witness left
applicant in the Service at this time.
and that the said applicant served
the above Several Times in the State of
Rhode Island [paraph]
Allen Mattison [signature]
sworn & subscribed the 22d
day of January 1833
Nathan Howard Justice Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with John 
Horton & Allen Mattison and that full faith & credit
is & ought to be given to their Testimony as they have
above stated
Nathan Howard Justice Peace
State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.   I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the county of Rensselaer
do hereby certify that Nathan Howard before whom the foregoing
Affidavits purport to have been subscribed and sworn was on the
day of the date of the same One of the Justices of the Peace in &
for the [insert “said”] County of Rensselaer I also certify that I am well acquainted with
the hand writing of the said Nathan Howard and verily [“verify his signature” is crossed out]
believe his signature thereto subscribed to be genuine
In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
Seal of said County this 24th day of [illegible]

Page 70

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.
I John Horton residing 
in the Town of Stephentown in
The County of Rensselaer  & State
State of New York who being duly sworn
deposeth and Saith that he is acquainted
with Cary Briggs who is named in the
within declaration and has been for a
number of years — was personally knowing
to his being in the Service of the 
United States in the year of 1778 and that
he served as a Lieutenant that year
John Horton [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed this the
14th Jany [January] 1833 before me
Nathan Howard Justice Peace

State of New York
Rensselaer County
I Allen Mattison residing in
the Town of Berlin in the County 
of Rensselaer and State of New York
who being duly sworn deposeth and Saith
that he is acquainted with Cary Briggs who
is named in the within declaration and has been
for a long time was personally knowing of his
entering the Service in the Month of September
1776 in a company commanded by Reuben Whitman
under Col Cook and that he Served at this time
three Months in the Same Company with
witness. that he was knowing to his being in
the Service of the United States [“and” is crossed out] during the
Year 1777. & that he served in a company [“commanded” is inserted] by
Captain Michael Spencer in a regiment
that was commanded by Colonel Waterman
and that he served in the capacity of

Page 71

witness did not Serve in the same company
or regiment at this time but did frequently
see him during the War in Service as he
has set forth —
That in the year 1778. in the Month of
August witness was personally knowing 
of applicant being in the Service in a 
Company Commanded by Captain Hall
in a Regiment Commanded Col Waterman
and that he served as he has set forth
in his declaration for a period of twenty
days the length of Time that witness
Served at this time & (the last period
was in Sullivans Expedition) witness left
applicant in the Service a this time.
and that the said applicant served 
the above Several Times in the State of
Rhode Island  —
Allen Mattison [signature]
sworn & subscribed the 22d
day of January 1833
Nathan Howard Justice Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with John
Horton & Allen Mattison and that full faith & credit
is & ought to be given to their Testimony as they have
above stated
Nathan Howard Justice Peace

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.      I Henry R. Bristol
Clerk of the county of Rensselaer 
do hereby certify that Nathan Howard before whom the foregoing 
Affidavit purport to have been subscribed and sworn was on the
day of the date of the same One of the Justices of the Peace in &
for the [“said” is inserted] County of Rensselaer I also certify that I am well acquainted  with
the hand writing of the said Nathan Howard and verily [“verify his signature” is crossed out]
believe his signature thereto subscribed to be genuine

Page 72

[Letter head:]
C. A. BRIGGS
1933 HEWITT AVE.
CINCINNATI, OHIO
PHONE WDBRN. 3798-L

[Hand written:]
1933 Hewitt ave
Cincinnati, Ohio
3-31-1928

Dept of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen
Would appreciate
knowing if Cary [insert “only”] Briggs [“Briggs” is underlined] born Aug 19,
1791 [“1791” is underlined, with an arrow drawn to “Revolution” in the next line] and died 1837 or 1839 and served
in the Revolutionary war from
Rhode Island ever received pension.
Respectfully Yours
C. A. Briggs

Page 73

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss. 
I Banfield Capron residing in the
Town of Hancock County of Berkshire &
State of Massachusetts being duly sworn says
that he is acquainted with Cary Briggs who is
named in the above declaration and has been
for a number of years and was knowingly to his
being a private Soldier & an Officer as he has
Stated in his declaration to wit was personally
knowing to his Serving under Captains Spencer
& Whitman as a private and also was personally
knowing to his Serving as a Lieutenant under
Captain [“Spencer” inserted] & that he served to my personal knowledge  
in the Several Enlistments as he has Stated 
in his [“Oath” crossed out; “Declaration” inserted] & further Saith not.
Banfield Capron [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed
this 4th day of September 1832
before me
Nathan Howard Justice Peace

I Matthew Jones a Clergyman residing in the Town
of Stephentown County of Rensselaer and State of New York
hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Cary
Briggs the above applicant. that I believe him to be
Eighty One Years of Age. that he is reputed & believed in
in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a
Soldier of the Revolution. that his character for Truth
and veracity is Good [“Good” is underlined] and that I concur in that
opinion.
Matthew Jones [signature]
Sworn and Subscribed this
day of September 1832 before me
Nathan Howard Justice Peace

Page 74

And the Said Court do hereby declare their Opinion
after the investigation of the Matter and after putting
the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
Soldier and served as he stated. and the Court
further certifies, that it appears to them that
Matthew Jones who had signed the proceeding 
Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of
Stephentown County of Rensselaer & State of New York
and that Banfield Capron — who has signed & sworn
to the above Oath is a resident of Hancock in
the County of Berkshire State of Massachusetts and
is a credible person and their statement is
entitled to credit

I Archibald Bull Clerk of the Troy Mayor
Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the Original proceeding of Said Court in the Matter
of application of Cary Briggs for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and Seal
of the Office this sixth day of September 
1832
Archibald Bull Clerk [signature]

State of New York
County of Rensselaer   ss.
I Archibald Bull Clerk of said County do
hereby certify that Nathan Howard Esq. before whom the
preceding certificate of Matthew Jones and Bandfield
Capron purports to have been sworn was on the date of the
same one of the Justice of the Peace in and for said County and
that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily
believe the signature “Nathan Howard” thereunto 
subscribed to be genuine -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand & Seal of Said County this 6th