Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22,144, Moses Brown, Vt.

Page 1

SERVICE
Vt.

Brown, Moses 

NUMBER
S. 22,144

b. Sept. 23, 1761 in Coventry, Conn.
Res. at enl, Chester, Vt.
res. in 1833 - Waterville, Franklin Co. Vt

Page 2

[left side of page]

S. B- Hazeltine, Esq
8 May 1840

S. B. Hazeltin
[illegible] 21/51

David Earle &
Wm Strarr n]
Vt  admitted
1 Yr for the same
sema-
Lt. same Nov 28/51

[right side of page]

Vermont - 31.650
==============
Moses Brown
of Franklin in the State of Vermont
who was a Private.  in the compy commanded
by Captain See of the Regt commanded
by Warner in the Vt.
line for 9 mos
========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of 30 Dollars  ---- Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March1831
==================
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Aug
'39, and sent to S. Beckley Hazette
Bakersfield, Vt
========================
Arrears to the 4th of Mar.   $240.00
Semi-annual allowance ending  15.00
$255.00
========
{Revolutionary Claim}
{Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by N Burdibe    Clerk,
Book e, Vol. --- Page 56

Page 3

[printed document with fill ins]

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th ["7th" handwritten], 1832.

STATE OF VERMONT,}
FRANKLIN COUNTY, SS.}  ON this 19th day of August 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate, now sitting,   
Moses Brown a resident of   Waterville__ in the county of Franklin, and State of Vermont, age 72 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.

He was born in Coventry , in the State of Connecticut, on the 23d day of September 1761.  
Has no record of his age.
When he entered the service he was living in Chester State of Vermont.  When he retired from the service of the United States he removed to Walpole, New Hampshire from thence to Westmoreland, New Hampshire, and next to Surrey, N. H.  He next moved to Shrewsbury, State of V Vermont, and then to Waterville where he now resides.
In the month off April 1777, he enlisted for one year [[ast 2 words underlined]  under Thomas Lee.  1st Lieut
Abel Wright, 2d Lieut Martin, marched from Chester, Vermont, his place of residence to Charlestown No 4 New Hampshire, from thence to Ticonderoga  New York, as a place of rendezvous.  His duty was scouting untill [sic] the place was evacuated by the Americans in the forepart of duly 1777.  Left Mount Independence about day light in the morning-most of the army left the night previous.  Marched with the remainder of the retreating army to a place called Hubbardton, there the Americans were overtaken by the British who had pursued the retreat-

Page 4

ing Troops-an engagement took place in which Col Warners Regt and others were engaged.  Several were killed and a number taken prisoners-a retreat was ordered and the Troops marched from thence to Manchester Vermont, and there stationed untill just previous to the battle at Bennington, was in that action; remained at Bennington, guarding the prisoners about ten or twelve days-from then back into the neighborhood of Mount Independence.  A faint attack was made by the party to which he belonged which drew a part of the Garrison from Mount Hope to the assistance of Mount Independence, when Major or Col Brown, with
a party of Soldiers under his command took the small Garrison on Mount Hope.  This plan was conceited and carried into effect by Capt Lee, and Major or Col Brown afs.  Browns party were on the west side of Lake Champlain, and Capt Lee's on the East.  After the reduction of Mount Hope, Capt Lee's company marched to Saratoga and there stationed untill after the surrender of Genl Burgoyne left Saratoga in the month of November and returned back to Bennington, and was there stationed untill January 1778.  Received a furlough and returned home to Chester, Vermont.  was dismissed in the month of April following after having completed one full year.

Page 5

In  the year 1780 he was called out with the Militia on an alarm where the Indians Y Tories burnt Royalton.  was out at that tie 7days.

He received no discharge at the termination of either of his campaigns.

He is acquainted with the following named persons who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his having been a Soldier of the Revolution viz Harley M. Baldwin, Constable [last word underlined]  Moses Fisk  
Townblech [last word underlined] Luther Poland, Jesse C. Holmes, & Stephen Leach Selectmen [last word underlined] & Jacob Loch

There is no Clergyman with whom he is acquainted. 
Has no documentary evidence.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that this name is not on the Pension Roll of any State agency.
Sworn to and subscribed}
the day and year aforesaid}  
Moses  X  Brown  his mark
Attest W Bridges Jr

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

Page 6

served as he states.  And further that Moses Fisk who has signed the accompanying certificate marked A is Post Master, Town Clerk & Justice of the Peace in and for said Town of Waterville That Luther Poland is a Justice of the Peace in said Town; & that Richard Bailey, Amos Willey, & Jacob Lock, are respectable citizens of said Town of Waterville and are persons of credibility-and their statements are entitled to credit 
Stephen L Brown Judge

I Aaron S. Beeman, Clerk of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Moses Brown for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19th day of August 1833
Aaron S Beeman Clerk

[written vertically across page]
27.936
Moses Brown

Cap See commanded
Rangers_but did not 
belong to Warners Regt
altho under Warners command

admd
9 mo printed
$30

S Berkley Hazeltine
Ballenfield
Vt

Page 7

[left side of page]
S B Hazeltine
June 9 1855


[right side of page parts of page torn away]
31650
Vermont
===============
Moses Brown
Franklin in the State of Vermont
...ho was private in the compy commanded
by Captain Lee of the Regt command...
by Warner in the Vermont 
line for 12 months
Increased from $30 per an
=======================
...scribed on the Roll of Montpelier
at the rate of Forty Dollars -----Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Deducting former payments at the rate of $[illegible] per an
========================
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of January 1852 and sent to S B Hazeltine Bakersfiel......    
=============
Arrears to the 4th of   [blank]
Semi-anl. allowance ending [blank]

Page 8

22144
INVALID.
Revolution 

File No.  22,144
Moses Brown
Pri Rev War
Act:  June "  82"
Index:- Vol. 2,  Page  50
[Arrangement of 1870]

Page 9

[addressed envelope]

Bakersfield Vt
Augt 19}
['25' crossed out]

Col. Jas. L. Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington D. C. 

[annotated: Brown Rec-ab Vt. Aug 26]

Page 10

[handwritten letter]

Bakersfield Vt. July 1839

Dr sir
It is with reluctance that I again write to the War department, relative to the claim of Moses Brown of Waterville, Franklin County Vt. for a pension - His earnest solicitation. & my belief of the Justice of his claim, induces me to call your attention again, to the claim of Mr. Brown, - several years have passed away, lives the since the first presentment of this claim - and there seem to be no act reaching this case, till the act of June 7, 1802 - as I am ['not' crossed out] informed - 
In answer to yours of Feb 25 - 1839 - by Mr. Swift- I wrote the Sec. of this state & of N. Hampshire & rec'd for answer that the name of the claimant could not be found - But you have the proof of Mr. Earle & Mr. Stearns - of this state, who are drawing pensions. that Mr. Brown served in the same company with them - & other statements corroborating the fact from men of the first respectability, it would seen that Brown should be placed upon the Pension list. or be allowed his claim by act of Congress - that Mr. Brown enlisted & served one year - was at Hubbardston - Bennington. & the surrender of Burgoyne. there is no doubt - The company to which Mr. Brown belonged was, it would seem, a part of the time under Col Warner, from which circumstance. Brown supposes the Company was attached to s'd Regt - but - perhaps put under his command only for the time being - Would enquire Sir - if the names of s'd Earle & Stearns are found on roll - & whether their Depositions with the other proof already obtained are not  sufficient to support his claim - & whether any person is urging the claim of Brown. - It seems that it was not ascertained for years, that Brown's name could not be found, - there seems to be something mysterious in the Case o would enquire of Brown states the name of his Capt. to be the same as Early & Stearns - It would be a satisfaction to Brown to have you answer this, as as convenient -

Page 11

[handwritten letter]

Mr. Brown has arrived to an advanced age. & although he has been an industrious man, he is, & has been, in the situation of most of those who served their country in the War of the revolution for naught, destitute in a great measure of the necessaries & comforts of life - actually is in need of the assistance of his county for support, has many of the infirmities of hardship. sufferings & old age upon him- & as a few more risings & settings of the sun, at most will terminate his earthly career - & his adieu to that country. for which he fought. & suffered, unrequited, unless soon done - I urge his claim with much solicitute & cannot but believe his claim will receive due attention, & hope it may be allowed him, that he may be benefitted hereby - & in his last sickness he may receive assistance & support. for that is Justly due from this government, & i his last words say. he has in some measure been rewarded for services which he rendered his country - 
Augt 14 - Mr Brown signified a wish to put his name also to this communication - but not being convenient to see him. forward it without his signature & hope it will receive the same attention as tho signed also by him - 
Most respectfully Yours
/s/S. Berkley Hazeltine

Page 12

[handwritten letter]

May 31st - 1855

Sir - 
Many years since, I obtained a Pension for Moses Brown of Vermont, a soldier in the Revolutionary War - for nine months service - (he claimed twelve) at $30.00 per annum - 
After years since I obtained for him an additional pension for the  three months, & rec'd a new Certificate for $40.00 pr annum, which sum Mr. Brown rec'd to the 4th of Sept 1853 - He died in Oct. 1853. & his being rec'd the arrearages - 
Mr. Brown, before his death, rec'd a letter from a pension Agt. at Washington - saying that he was entitled to more, & a greater pension, than he was receiving - & that he the Agt. could probably obtain it - & would do so, or not make any changes, if he, Brown, would advance $3.00 - When at Mr. Brown's House he showed me the letter, I advised him not to advance the money at a venture - soon after, Mr. Brown died - And now his heirs wish me to write & ascertain, whether by any Law, they are entitled to money. which the father did not receive. The wife of Mr. Brown died before him - Perhaps, Sir you may deem proper to say, that this is not the

Page 13

way such claims should be presented, that if the heirs have been led to believe, that the Law a Just & legal Claim - let them present it in the usual & proper manner, so as to entitle it to the examination & decision of the Commissioner - 
So far Sir as you may deem if expedient to answer the inquiry. please do so - 
Respectfully Yours - 
/s/S. B. Hazeltine
Bakersfield Vt.

L. P. Waldo - Esq
Com'r Pension Office, 
Washington. D. C.

Page 14

We Moses Fisk Luther Poland Richard Bailey and Amos Willey and Jacob Lock residing in Waterville hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Moses Brown who we understand has made his declaration before the Court of Probate for the purpose of obtaining a pension under the act of June 7. 1832.
We believe him the said Brown to be Seventy two years of age that he is reported and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we  concur in that opinion
Waterville May, 1833
/s/Moses Fisk
/s/Luther Poland
/s/Richard Bailey
/s/Amos Willey
/s/Jacob Lock
Subscribed and sworn to before me 
/s/Jesse C. Holmes} J. Peace

I further certify that the within named M. Fisk L. Poland R. Bailey and A. Willey and J. Lock are men of truth and veracity and that the said Moses Brown is a man of truth and that his statement is entitled to credit. 
/s/J. C. Holmes Justice Peace
A

Page 15

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss} I Horace Janes, Clerk of Franklin County Court do hereby certify that Jesse C. Holmes, who has affixed his name to the within, is a magistrate duly qualified, and that I know the same to be his genuine signature
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 24th day of August 1833
/s/Horace Janes Clerk

[margin note: afft in support of Moses Browns claim to a Pension A]

Page 16

Brief in the case of Moses Brown 
Franklin County and State of Vermont
act 7 June 1832
______
Claim, ("['original," or' crossed out] "for increase.")
 Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

(If for increase.) 
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Heretofore allowed 9 months - 
[illegible]

Name and residence of Agent
/s/S. B. Hazeltine,
Bakersfield Vt

/s/S. Cole
Examining Clerk.

Page 17

Jan 17.
Rec at Vt

Moses Brown 
Vt. 
waiting answer from Comp'r of Cor.
waiting arrears roll at Binders

Colo J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
War. Dept. 

Hon B. Swift
Senate U.S.

Page 18

Senate Chamber Jan^y 16.1839

Dear Sir,
I have just rec^d the enclosed letter relating to the claim of Mr Brown to a pension, I do not recollect (if I ever knew) the objections to this claim, and beg you to reexamine of the same. & inform me of the result.
With his respect 
Yours
B Swift

Page 19

Payment to be made 
at Montpelier
by A Clark Esqr
Agent for paying Pensioners,
 in the  Agency of 
Vermont

Page 20

[printed document with fill ins]

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832,  Moses Brown, of the State of Vermont __
who was a Private in the War of the Revolution__
is entitled to receive  Thirty    dollars and 
[blank] cents per annum, during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 2 day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty= nine

S. Cooper
Acting Secretary of War.

[image of seal]

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


[noted at bottom of page]

March 1840 2 years in Belvisin }
[illegible]  [illegible] in Waterville}
in Waterville March 1841

Page 21

David Earle &
Wm Stearns 

after rep? examining have been allowed for the service in question

Page 22

[illegible] Wm Stearns [illegible]

Vermont
Revo
Act 7 June 1832
Moses Brown
Suspended
Let Hon B Swift- 2 March 35
 "   "   "   " Jan^y 18, 1838
"   do   do   do     FebY 25. '39

St Albans
Wm Bridges
19th Nov. 1835

Page 23

Moses Brown
Vt
Adm^d 1 yr  [illegible]
Inc^d to $40 per
annum, deg
former payts  at
$30 per annum from 
4 March 1831
Mout
S. B. Hazeltine
Bakersfield 
Vt

Page 24

[handwritten letter]

Bakersfield Vt. Dec'r - 6th - 1851 - 

Sir - 
Have this day obtained the Pension Certificate, of Moses Brown, & the same is herein enclosed, & forwarded to the Pension Office, pursuant to yours of Nov. 28th - & hope it will arrive safely - Mr. Brown is yet alive, & alive like to be - nevertheless, please forward a Pension Certificate , & necessary papers, to draw his arrearages of three months, pr annum, from March 1831 - without unnecessary delay - 
Respectfully Yours - 
/s/S. B. Hazeltine, 
Bakersfield, Vt.

Hon. K. H. Call - Com'r 
Pension Office, 
Washington - D. C.

Page 25

[handwritten letter]

Dear Sir - On the 6th of Dec. last I forwarded for the Pension Office, the Pension Certificate of Moses Brown, pursuant to your of Nov. 28th & have not yet rec'd any communication's in relation thereto - 
Would be pleas'd to receive, the increased Certificate & necessary papers, as pr my letter, enclosing s'd Pension Certificate, or learn of its safe arrival - knowing full well, the anxiety of Mr. Brown on the subject - 
Respectfully Yours,
/s/S. B. Hazeltine
Bakersfield, Vermont.

Hon. K. H. Call
Com'r
Pension Office
Washington D. C.

Page 26

[handwritten letter]

Bakersfield, Vt. June 30th 1851 - 

Sir - 
I am requested by Mr. Moses Brown, now of Waterville, Vt - Pensioner - to write in his behalf, for an additional sum, to make him full pay, as a one years Man - Mr. Brown Enlisted in April 77 for one year, - under Col Warner - was in the battle at Bennington & others of that day - was at the capture of Burgoyne - &c - & in January took a Furlough, with others, to return at a moments warning or notice, - held himself in readings to do so - & that was his business, to the end of his enlisted year - not being notified, or call'd for, he & others did not return, & some of them, I believe, in like circumstances are, or have been, drawing full yearly pay - 
Mr. Brown's certificate is Dated 29th August 1839 - recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. or A.. it appears, 2d - Vol Page 50 - And was allowed back arrearages from March 4th 1831 - At $30.00 pr annum - and is now drawing for the 9 months - Mr. Brown claims to be allowed $10.00 pr annum, from 3d. 4th of March 1831 - to the present time, & $40.00 - pr an'm hereafter, during life - As his services were not needed, during the residue 3 mo, of his year, & subsistence & count'g he rec'd a furlough, as afs'd in accordance with the usage & practice, in time of War - & served out his year, in the service of his country -

Page 27

[handwritten letter]

That Mr. Brown served well, & suffered much, no one doubts. & many knew it to be so, though most of them have done with the scenes of earth - Among Mr. Brown's papers, there were, I believe, some aff'dts showing his having a furlough, & that he & others were not call'd for, nor notified to return - & therefor fulfill'd - the stipulations of his furlough - 
According to nature's course. Mr. Brown will soon be done, with earthly pensions - & I verily believe, that it will be but an act of Justice - & do not see why not lawful, - to grant him full pay, from the 4th of March 1831, as afs'd - I have been personally acquainted with Mr. B. for 40 years, & whenever I have heard him speak of the revolutionary War - & of the facts in his case, he has always spoken the same, invariably - 
I further say, that Mr. Brown is poor, unable to labor, & dependant, in the main, of his friends for support - And they, too, are poor - and he would regret, overburdening them, or to call on his town for support, until he had first rec'd what seemed to be justly his due, from the country, for which, he early fought - 
His present certificate, was forwarded to me, by Col. Edwards, in answer to my letter & statement of that day, & perhaps, may be found, on file, among his papers, or my letters - in your office - 
Have written in some measure, from recollection, - Will obtain Mr. Brown's Aff'dt of the facts, if necessary - This may seem, perhaps, to be a small concern, but presume

Page 28

[handwritten letter]

it will recieve due & proper attention, as it is of some importance, to an old soldier - 
As I may be addressing a stranger, would refer to Mesr's Phelps-Upham, & Meacham, if Congress was in session - 
Please write me, as soon as consistent - 
Respectfully Yours - 
/s/S. B. Hazeltine

Hon. 
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Page 29

[addressed envelope]

14 Feb
Hon B. Swift
rest case Moses Brown
D. C. 

Colo. J. L. Edwards
Com'r of Pensions
War Dept.

Page 30

[handwritten letter]

Senate Chamber Feb. 13. 1837.

Sir, 
I will thank you to examine the inclosed letter of Colo. Hazeltine, and to furnish me with the useful information in relation to the claim of Mr Brown, that, I may communicate the source, with as little delay, as will suit your convenience
Respectfully 
Your obed serv't 
/s/B Swift

Page 31

[handwritten letter]

Senate Chamber Feb. 13. 1837.

Sir,
I will thank you to examine the inclosed letter of Colo. Hazeltine, and to furnish me with the useful information in relation to the claim of Mr Brown, that, I may communicate the source, with as little delay, as will suit your convenience
Respectfully
Your obed serv't
/s/B Swift

Page 32

I Moses Brown now of Waterville (heretofore of Belvidere, in Lamoille County + State of Vermont, hereby certify. that I am the identical Moses Brown, named in the Certificate, now in any possession, Dated 29th August A.D. 1839 - recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. or A. apparently, 2d Vol. Page 50 - Paying $30.00/pr. annum from 4th of March 1831 - That I lived in said Belvidere at the day of my s'd Certificate, + that I claim + should draw + receive, from government in addition to the sum stated in s'd Pension, the sum of Ten Dollars, pr annum from s'd 4 of March 1831 - Signed in presence of us, Waterville Nov. 6th 1951 - 
/s/X his mark Moses Brown
/s/S. B. Hazeltine
/s/Oliver H. Patton
/s/Theo Potter
/s/Asahel Brown
/s/John B McCuin
/s/John Tucker
To whom it may concern - 
We the undersigned, Inhabitants, of Waterville + Belvidere, in the County of Lamoille + State of Vermont are personally acquainted with Moses Brown, of s'd Waterville. + hereby certify that he is not living in s'd Waterville, + is the identical Moses Brown

Page 33

named + refered to, in the Pension Certificate, described in the foregoing Certificate, signed by s'd Moses Brown, in presence of S. B. Hazeltine + others, + that we believe s'd Brown is Justly entitled to full yearly pay, for services, as a soldier in the revolutionary War - + is now a Pensioner - 
Waterville Nov. 6 1851
/s/Oliver H. Potter
/s/Theo Potter
/s/Asahel Brown
/s/John McCuin
/s/John Tucker
/s/Thomas Potter A Justice of the peace
/s/J. C. Holmes A Selectman of Waterville

Witness
/s/S. B. Hazeltine

Page 34

[handwritten letter]

Dear Sir - 
Yours of 21st Oct. ult. requiring proof that Moses Brown, the pensioner, is still living, in order to have 3 Months additional allowance made him, was duly rec'd + have obtained the foregoing certificates in proof of that fact - 
I am personally acquainted with all the signers, thereto, + presume that the same will be satisfactory - I did not deem it necessary, to be at the extra trouble + expense of taking affd'ts, but if it is - you will inform me, + I will do so, - The old soldier was quite gratified to leave. that he was about to  receive an additional seem to aid + assist him, in his needy + destitute situation - + you will please make the necessary papers. for receiving from 4th of March 1831 - + forward them to me, as soon as consistent
Respectfully Yours
/s/S. B. Hazeltine
Bakersfield, Vermont

To Commissioner of Pensions}
Washington D. C.

Page 35

Hon B. Swift
U S. Senator

Page 36

[handwritten letter]

St Albans Jany 3d 1838

Hon Benjamin Swift

Dear Sir
Enclosed are the certificates of a number of Gentlemen of Respectability with whom you are acquainted, certifying to the character of Mr. Moses Brown of Waterville.
Mr. Brown applied for a pension, I think in fall of 1832, and in support of his claim, he produced the evidence of Mesrs Earl + Stearns, who if I am not misinformed were both fellow soldiers, with Mr. Brown, and one of them, Mr. Stearns is now a Pensioner (as I am informed) under the act of 1832, + I understand he has been placed on the Roll for the service performed at the same time he was with Mr. Brown the present applicant. The evidence of Mesrs Earl + Stearns not being sufficiently clear and definite to satisfy the Hon Com'r of Pensions, of the services of Mr. Brown, therefore the papers have been placed among the files of the Pension office giving Mr. Brown an opportunity to introduce further testimony which  he has not yet been able to do, and probably will never be able to make any further proof, for none is to be found: and to

Page 37

[handwritten letter]

supply the place of positive testimony, I have thought proper to advise the old gentleman, knowing him to be an honest + worthy citizen to procure the certificates of some of the most respectable gentleman in his town + vicinity, with whom he had been long acquainted to certify to the commissioners his tone character + standing in society as to truth and veracity. I believe you are acquainted with most, if not all of the gentlemen who have certified, and presume you will have no objections to state to Mr. Edwards, their character; and I hope that full faith and credit will be given to the assertions of those gentlemen, which I think worthy of consideration. I wish you to confer with the Hon Mr. Edwards, on the subject, and present the enclosed certificates, and if it will not interfere with your national business. I should be pleased to have you examine the papers in Mr. Browns case, with Mr Edwards, for if any reliance be placed on the declaration of the applicant, he is justly entitled to a pension.
In the first place Mr Brown made a declaration before a Magistrate, did not appear before a court of Record on account of ill health the declaration was sent to me for examination I found it defective in form, it was rejected on account of its informality. Some time

Page 38

[handwritten letter]

afterward should say two months Mr Brown appeared before me and made his declaration and his relation the second time relative to his Revolutionary services were precisely in substance the same, which goes to confirm one of two things, either that he had a lie well matured, or told the truth. 
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
/s/Wm Bridges

Hon Benj'a Swift
U. S. Senator

Mr Edwards, the inclosed papers were sent me (as you will see) under an expectation that I would call on you with them, this I can not well  do. + besides it is not necessary. I am not personally acquainted with any of the diponants excepting, Nathan Smilie + S. B. Hazeltine
they are both members of the Vt. Legislature + both respectable men + entitled to belief.
Respectfully
Your Obed't Serv't
/s/B. Swift
Jan'y 13 1838.

Page 39

[addressed envelope]

Feb 19
DC
[postmark: HARTFORD [illegible]]

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commiss'r of Pensions
Washington

Page 40

[handwritten letter]

Comptrollers Office
Hartford Feby 16 1839

Sir
Your favour of the 12 is before me. I have examined the records of settlement with Col Seth Warners Regiment for 1777 to 80 (being the end of his service) for the name of Moses Brown/without Success Cap Lee is not found in this Regiment - 
I have examine'd through the Line for Brown - his name is not enrolled
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servant
/s/Henry Kilbourn Comp

Hon'r J. L. Edwards
Comm'r of Pensions 
Washington

Page 41

Colo J L Edwards

Page 42

[handwritten letter]

Senate Chamber Feb. 26, 1855.

Sir, 
I herewith inclose to you some papers which I have this morning rec'd from Judge Bridges, together with his letter to me. It will not be in my power to perform personally the services he asks of me nor is it necessary, as his title will sufficiently explain to you, Permit me however to ask you early, and particular attention to the several cases mentioned in his letter.
With great respect.
Your Obed't Serv't
/s/B Swift

Page 43

State of Vermont
LaMoille County ss} I. Philo G. Camp, Clerk of LaMoille County Court hereby certify that Moses Fisk whose signature is hereunto attached is a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of LaMoille duly commissioned & qualified. that his commission is dated the 1st day of November 1837 + will expire on the 1st day of December 1838. + that his signature hereunto attached is true + genuine.
[court seal affixed] Given under my hand and the Seal of s'd Court at my Office in Hyde park in s'd County this 18th day of Dec. AD. 1837
/s/P. G. Camp, Clerk

Page 44

I Ephraim Stevens as resident of Waterville in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby certify that Mr. Moses Brown of Waterville is a neighbour of mine and is reputed to be a man of truth + veracity since my acquaintance with Mr Brown I have ever understood that he had been a Soldier of the revolutionary war and that within some few years last past he had made application for and expected to obtain a pension. I think Mr Brown is seventy seven or seventy eight years old. I know him to be infirm and unable to labour but little and is in indigent circumstances and has no friends but such as are in like indigent circumstances 
/s/Ephraim Stevens

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 6th 1837
Personally appeared Ephraim Stevens the above named and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed. I further certify that said Ephraim Stevens is a farmer residing in the neighborhood of Mr Brown that he is a good citizen and of undoubted truth and veracity 
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice of the Peace

Page 45

I Aaron D Page of Waterville in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Moses Brown of Waterville who I understand has made an application for a pension.
He is in indigent circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his county or friends for support being in my opinion about Seventy five or Eighty years of age and unable to labour He is reputed to be a man of truth and veracity and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I concur in that opinion
/s/Aaron D Page

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 6th 1837
Personally appeared Aaron D. Page and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed. And I further certify that the said Aaron D. Page is a man of undoubted truth and veracity and that his statement is entitled to credit
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 46

We Joseph Cheney & Belcher R. Carpenter residents of Waterville in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby certify that we have for many years been personally acquainted with Mr Moses Brown of Waterville and live neighbors to him. He is about seventy eight years old and is quite infirm and about past labour and is in indigent circumstances. He is a respectable industrious citizen and we have often heard him tell of his doing service in the revolutionary war and verily believe he was a Soldier in the army of the revolution the time that he say which we think was one year and that he was honorably discharged
/s/Joseph Cheney
/s/Belcher R Carpenter

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 6th 1837
Personally appeared the above named Joseph Cheney and Belcher R. Carpenter and the said Cheney made oath + the said Carpenter made affirmation to the above certificate by them subscribed and that their statement is entitled to credit
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 47

I Joseph Rowell a resident of Waterville in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Mr Moses Brown of Waterville who I understand has made application for a pension I have been acquainted with him for more than twenty years and have often heard it said and I believe it is generally believed by the people in the Town and vicinity that the old gentleman was a Soldier of the revolutionary war and I concur in that opinion. He is in low circumstances, as to property but I believe his character for truth and veracity is good and that he is an industrious citizen. I have recently heard it said that Mr Brown was quite infirm and about past labour
/s/Joseph Rowell

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 6th 1837
Personally appeared Joseph Rowell and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed  and I further certify the said Joseph Rowell is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 48

I Nathan Smilie a resident of Cambridge do certify that I am personally acquainted with Mr. Moses Brown of Waterville and have been for fifteen or twenty years past who I understand has made application for a pension I believe him to be an honest good Citizen and he is in indigent circumstances and about past labour I should think he must be between seventy and eighty years old probably nearer eighty than seventy. He is said to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary war the truth of it I entertain no doubt
/s/Nathan Smilie

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Cambridge December 6th 1837
Personally appeared Nathan Smilie above named and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed. And I further certify that the said Nathan Smilie has for many years been a member of the house of Representatives of the State and at the present he is a member of the Hon. Senate of this State + is entitled to the greatest credit 
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 49

I Elias G Page a Clergyman + resident of Waterville do certify that I am + have been personally acquainted with Moses Brown of this Town for twenty years or more I have understood + believe him to have been a Revolutionary Soldier. I consider him to be a man of integrity he is considerably advanced in age is quite infirm + in indigent circumstances
/s/Elias G. Page

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 7th 1837
Personally appeared Elias G Page and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed. And I further certify that the said Elias G. Page is a clergyman of good standing and that his statement is entitled to the fullest credit Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 50

I William Page (Physician) a resident of Waterville in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Moses Brown of Waterville and have been well acquainted with him for twenty or twenty five years last past. I have often heard it said and think it is generally believed that he was a Soldier of the Revolution. He has become old (I should think but little short of eighty years) and infirm so that he is not able to labour but little and needs the assistance of his friends or country for support. His representation for truth and veracity is unimpeached
/s/William Page

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 11th 1837
Personally appeared William Page and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed and I further certify that said William Page is a physician of reputable standing is a credible person and his certificate is entitled to credit
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 51

I Stephen Leach (Select man) of the Town of Waterville do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with Mr Moses Brown of Waterville for more than twenty five years last past. I have often heard him relate anecdotes and incidents that transfered during his service in the revolutionary war and I have not the least doubt but he was a soldier in the army of the Revolution as he alledges and I think it so understood and believe by his acquaintance generally He is an honest respectable citizen, is in  need of assistance from his friends or country being nearly past labour by infirmity and age. I think he is seventy seven or seventy eight years old
/s/Stephen Leach

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 11th 1837
Personally appeared the above named Stephen Leach and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed. I also certify that the said Stephen Leach is first Select-man in the Town of Waterville is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to Credit.
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 52

I Jesse C Holmes a resident of Waterville in the County of Lamoille and State of Vermont do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Moses Brown of said Waterville who has made application for a pension. he is a credible person, is in indigent circumstances being about seventy seven or eight years of age and is quite infirm. He is reputed to have been a soldier of the revolutionary war amoung his acquaintance generally and I concur in that opinion.
/s/Jesse C. Holmes

State of Vermont
Lamoille County ss} Waterville December 16th 1837
Personally appeared Jesse C. Holmes and made oath to the above certificate by him subscribed and I further certify that said Holmes is a Justice of the peace and has been for many years last past that he is a credible person and his Statement is entitled to credit
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice Peace

Page 53

I, Silas B. Hazeltine/now Town Clerk, and resident of the Town of Bakersfield in the County of Franklin + State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that I have been personally acquainted with Mr. Moses Brown, now of Waterville in the county of LaMoille. + State afs'd - more than thirty years, now last past, that I have had more or less deal him. the s'd Brown  during most of s'd time, & have invariably found him to be honest in his dealings & a man of truth & veracity - I have often heard him tell of being a soldier of the revolution, in what battles he fought, & the names of his company. & Regimental officers - I have not the least doubt he told the truth, & verily believe it is so understood by the public universally. whith whom he is acquainted - I have been knowing to his  making application for a pension for Many years apparently - & I believe honestly & Justly, with the expectation of receiving it - Believe him to be 76. or 77 years of age - is infirm & nearly last labor - & is in indigent circumstances - 
/s/Silas B. Hazeltine
Before me /s/Moses Fisk Justice of the Peace

Page 54

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss.} Bakersfield Dec. 8th 1837 - 
Personally appeared Silas B. Hazeltine - signer of the foregoing certificate & made oath to the same - Before me - I further certify that s'd Hazeltine is Town Clerk. in s'd Bakersfield o & that his statement is entitled to credit - 
/s/Elijah Barnes Justice Peace

State of Vermont
Franklin County ss} I Joseph H. Brainerd Clerk of Franklin County Court, do hereby certify that Elijah Barnes Esqr who has affixed his name to the above is a Magistrate duly qualified to act as such, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
[court seal affixed] In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of s'd County Court at St Albans in said county this 2d day of Jan'y in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty [remainder including signature obscured]