Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,809, Caleb Corpe, R.I.

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
R.I.

Corpe, Caleb
Anna

NUMBER
W. 22,809

CONTENTS

Page 2

21032
Rh. Island
Caleb Corpe of [blank], in the State of Rh. Island, who was a Sergeant in the Comp commanded by captain [blank] of the Reg commanded by Col [blank] in the R Island line for 2 years

Inscribed by the Roll of Rh. Island at the rate of 120 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence of the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Aug. 1832 and Sent to Hon D. J. Pearce
Newport

Arrears to the 4th of Ma. '31 $240
Seme-anl. allowance ending 4th Sep '31 60
$300

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Go. C Stiles Clerk, 
Book 6. Vol. 2 Page 104

Page 3

Rhode Island, 3805
Anna Corpe
widow of Caleb Corpe
RI
who was a Sergeant 
in the R. Island line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on  the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15. day of Decr. '43
and sent to F. Greene 
Providence 
R. Island

[Act of March 3, 1843.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1- Page 86-

[vertical in margin]
Rep Dec 15

Page 4

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc. August Term 1832
County of Providence
On this 17th day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court being a ["special" crossed out] District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session - Caleb Corpe, a resident of Cranston in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 78 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.

He was born June 23rd 1754 in Cranston, his birth is on record in his family & knows of no other record, lived in Cranston when he entered the Service & has resided there, except Eight years which he lived in Warwick, always. & in the house where he was born

and this applicant further States that in 1774 a charter was granted by the General Assembly of Rhode Island to a independant Company called the Pawtuxet Rangers, In this company he then entered & continued untill the end of the War as a private - when the War broke out this company offered their Services to the Governor of Rhode Island for the defence of the State - Benjamin Arnold was commander with the rank of Colonel at the time the company was formed & continued the command during the War - the offer of the Services of the corps were accepted by his Excellency Nicholas Cook then Governor of Rhode Island & they obligated themselves by a vote of the company to be always in readiness at a minutes warning -

From the year 1775 to 1780 this corps were in actual Service most all the time, they drawed ration & wages nearly all the time

The Governor ordered them to guard the Shores of the Naragansett Bay & whenever & wherever there was any incursion made by the enemy this company were always sent for to drive them off -

In this Service were sometimes at East Greenwich, at Warwick neck, at Warren, at Bristol. & were on Rhode Island six or Seven time a month at a time, this company were in Spencers expedition in October 1777 in August 1778

This applicant further States that from 1775 untill the British evacuated Rhode Island in 1780 being a period of about six years he drew pay rations for the Same -

Page 5

Benjamin Arnold was commander with the rank of Colonel at the time the company was formed & continued the command during the War - the offer of the Services of the corps were accepted by his Excellency Nicholas Cook then Governor of Rhode Island & they obligated themselves by a vote of the company to be always in readiness at a minutes warning -

From the year 1775 to 1780 this corps were in actual Service most all the time, they drawed ration & wages nearly all the time

The Governor ordered them to guard the Shores of the Naragansett Bay & whenever & wherever there was any incursion made by the enemy this company were always sent for to drive them off -

In this Service were sometimes at East Greenwich, at Warwick neck, at Warren, at Bristol. & were on Rhode Island six or Seven time a month at a time, this company were in Spencers expedition in October 1777 in August 1778

This applicant further States that from 1775 untill the British evacuated Rhode Island in 1780 being a period of about six years he drew pay rations for the Same -

there never was hardly a week in which he staid at home at a time without being called into the Service - during one of our excursions we landed on Prudence Island & took 17 prisoners, 1 Lieutenant of Marines, 1 Midshipmen & the rest sailors belonging to one of the Frigates then off Bristol Harbour -
 
There are now only two persons living who belonged to this company when it was first formed, to wit, Simeon Smith of said Cranston & this applicant -

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid,
Attest B Cowell Clk
Caleb Corpe

I Caleb
I Simeon Smith of Cranston aged 86 years on oath do testify & say that I know Caleb Corpe of sd Cranston &

Page 6

(3-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
R. J. Corpe. Caleb W22,809
Anna

Page 7

I James Rhodes of Warwick in the 
County of Kent on oath do certify and say
that I have known Caleb Corpe of Cranston in the County of Providence an applicant
for a pension for the last fifty five 
years And I further certify that said
Caleb was a member of the Company called 
the Patuxet [Pawtuxet] Rangers during the Revolutionary 
War & I believe he belonged to it all
the War. Said company was in service 
I suppose one half of the time. They were 
always called upon on all alarms when 
the enemy made incursions into the County 
and they always went whenever they
were called. 
I belonged to the company at the close 
of the war but was too young at its 
beginning. Said Simeon is a man 
of fair character in the neighborhood 
where he lives & is consider a man 
of truth & veracity. I have always 
lived within a half a mile of him
James Rhodes
Sept 17. 1832 Sworn to before me -
Benj a [Benjamin] Cowell Concessions 
ch District Court for R.I. Dist [District]

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 Revolutionory [Revolutionary] Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Simeon Smith & James Rhodes who [crossed out- "has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, residents the"] have testified for  applicant 
[crossed out- "and that"] 
are residents as they state  
[crossed out- "who also signed the same is a resident in the"] 
and 
[crossed out- "is a"] 
credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Caleb Corpe for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 7th
day of November 1832
Benja Cowell clk [clerk]

Page 8

1729 1729
981 Anna [illegible]
Admitted
Sergeant 2 years
[illegible] to commence 7th March
1837

Page 9

Rhode Island District
On this 7th day of August 1838 personally appeared in open court being the 
court of the United States within [illegible] said district. Anna Corpe, now
resident in [illegible] in said County aged 77 years who being duly sworn according to law on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7. 1838. entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Caleb Corpe who was a soldier of the Revolution, that he was a sergeant of our Independant Company called the Patriot Rangers commanded by Col Arnold, that he served in said Corps from the beginning to the of the War. and for his services he drew a [illegible] under the act of June 7. 1832 until his death. And she further declares that she was married to the said Caleb Carpe, on the ninth day of May AD 1784. as will appear by the record of said Iowa. that her husband the said Caleb died on the 6th day of 
March 1837. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the [illegible] but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794. was at the time above stated.
John W. Smith 
[Illegible] to signature
of Anna Corpe
        her
Anna X Corpe
mark
Sworn to in [illegible] Court
John T Pitman [Illegible]

Page 10

I William Corpe of Cranston in the 
County of Providence do testify and say
that Anna Corpe who has signed on
I swear to this binding declaration
is my mother and that said Caleb Corpe
was by father. My father died
on 6th day of March 1939 [illegible]
my mother has remained unmarried
William Corpe
Sworn to in Open Court
John T Pitman Clerk

Page 11

I hereby certify that Caleb Corpe of Cranston,
and Anna Burges daughter of Mr. James
Burges, of Cranston aforesaid, were lawfully
joined together in marriage in sd [said] Cranston
on the ninth day of May Seventeen
hundred and eighty four by me the subscribed
Nehemiah Knight Jus.[Justice Peace

The above marriage recorded
June 5th 1784 by Nehemiah Knight J.C.
Town Clerks Office Cranston
August 1st 1838

I certify that the above is a true copy from
the record with the exception of the date which
is expressed on the record in fair legible
figures as follows" 9th day of May 1784"
Jesse Howard Town Clerk

I Jesse Howard above named depose and say: 
that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town
of Cranston in the County of Providence 
State of Rhode Island [illegible] and that the above is 
a true extract from the records of said town
with the exception above named as certified by me.
Jesse Howard Town Clerk
of Cranston

Page 12

Providence Fc In Providence this first day of August
AD 1838.  Personally came Jesse Howard Subscriber to
the aforegoing deposition and made oath to the truth
of the same. I further certify that he is known to me
as Town Clerk of said Town of Cranston and that he
is a credible Witness
Attest Henry L Bowen Justice Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence Fc.   I John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas within and for said County of Providence, and 
said State, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that
Henry L. Bowen Esquire before whom the aforegoing affidavit
was sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for the City of
Providence, that by law he is authorized to administer oaths
and take depositions; and that his signature above written [illegible - partially covered by seal - jagged diamond shape with a circle in the middle with an anchor]
-
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my
hand, and affix the seal of our said Court
at the City of Providence this twenty ninth
day of August AD 1838.
John W. Smith Clerk

Page 13

United States of America
Rhode Island District fo
Clerks Office District Court
[illegible] Providence September 1st 1838
I John T Pitman
Clerk of said Courts do hereby certify that 
the foregoing are the proceedings of said
Court in the matter of the Application of Anna Corpe widow of Caleb Corpe for a pension. And I do further certify that it was a [illegible] to be certified by said Court that the several states verity of said Anna Corpe and William Corpe are entitled to full credit
In Testimony Whereof I have herewith set my
hand and the seal of said Court the 
day and year above written
John T. Pitman Clerk

Page 14

17030
Caleb Corpe
R.I.
Sergt [Sergeant] 2 years

5 ob.

Hon. [Honorable] D.J Pearce
New Port, R.I. [Rhode Island]

Page 15

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
183

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

[Table]
A Statement, shewing the service of Caleb Corpe R.I.

[Col1 Hdr] Period when the service was rendered. [Col 2 Hdr ] Duration of the claimant's service [Col 3 Hdr] Rank of the claimant. [Col 4 Hdr] Name and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served"
[Written across columns]
entered a Com y [company] of Rangers
1774 and
from
75. to, 1780} war almost in continual Service
and further states that as Sergeant
and private he served at various
times during the War 4 years
drew pay and rations for 6 years
 
[Col 5 Hdr] Age of Present, and place of adobe when he entered the service.
[Written]   78-

[Col 6 Hdr] Proof by which the declaration is supported.
[Written] in Cranston R.I. 
Traditionary - 
Certificate of a Clergyman
and Citizens
2 Living witnesses
Credible
[end of table]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 16

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming 
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of [blank]

On this day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers:

Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.        A. B.

And then will follow the certificate of the Court.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
1 [blank] of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of [blank] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia.
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz [“videlicet” / namely]:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
[blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

Page 17

3

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be 
attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be
expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary 
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
, and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can 
testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can 
procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

"[a]" The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will
follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
"[b]" The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
"[c]" The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
"[d]" The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
"[e]" Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For _____year _____months, and _____
days, I served as a ___________. For _______ months and ________ days, I served
as a ________; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the 
according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent 
authority; that he was either in the field in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public 
seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.

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

Proof of Service.
"[j]" In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses,
and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
LP The notes from "[a]" to "[i]" are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in
note "[j]" applies to continental troops only.
"[k]" This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
"[l]" If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
"[m]" The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 18

May 1, 1937.

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

BA-J/ady
Caleb Corpe
W.22809

Elizabeth B. Dayton
349 Cottage Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter relative to soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war.

A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of Joseph Corpe, all spellings of the names searched.

It is suggested that as a possible means of securing information in regard to the military service of the above named soldier you apply to The Adjutant General, War Department, this city.

The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension,W.22809, based upon the military service of Caleb Corpe in that war.

Caleb Corpe was born June 23, 1754 in Cranston, Rhode Island. The names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, Caleb Corpe in 1774 belonged to an independent company called the Pawtucket Rangers and continued in this company at the
beginning of the Revolutionary War in Colonel Benjamin Arnold's Rhode Island Regiment, served at various times, over four years in all, and to the close of the war, as private and sergeant. He was in Spencer's expedition and in Sullivan's expedition.

Soldier always resided in Cranston, Rhode Island, except eight years, when he lived in Warwick, Rhode Island.

He was allowed pension on his application executed

Page 19

September 17, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Cranston, Providence County, Rhode Island.

He died March 6, 1837, place not stated.

Soldier married May 9, 1784, in Cranston, Rhode Island, Anna Burgis, the daughter of James Burgis of said Cranston.

Soldier's widow, Anna Corpe, was allowed pension on her application executed August 7, 1838, at which time she was a resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, and aged seventy
seven years.

William, son of soldier and Anna, was a resident of Cranston, Rhode Island, in 1838, his age not given. There are no further family data.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator


Date of
widow's
death
not on
A. B.

Page 20

Caleb Corpe further maketh oath that by reason of old age being now in the 80th year of age & [smudged work] consequent loss of memory he cannot precisely remember the length of service or all the [locations] where he served during the War of the Revolution
as before stated. The [Pawtuxet] rangers to which he belonged was in actual service near all the time the Village of [Pawtuxet] being contiguous to the shores of Naragansett Bay while the Brittish had possession of Newport which was once three years said company was constantly on the alert.  During those years it would be equally as difficult to say when we were not in service as to say when we were in service--all this applicant can say that he was in actual service most all the time he drew pay and [rations daily] all the time & all his services were at places stated in his former declarations, all were performed in Rhode Island & principally on the shores of Naragansett Bay. There is not hardly a town or
place on the [western shores] of said Bay that he was stationed at during each year.  The Brittish were in constant habit of making incursions into the County & this company was always on the most important duty to resist them

Page 21

This applicant is positive, that he served at
least the following number of months in
the following years in active service sir
From June 1775 to December of that year five months - 5
From January 1776 to December nine months - 9
From Jary [January] 1777 to December of that year - 9
From Jary [January] 1778 to December of that year - 9
From Jary [January] 1779 to December of that year - 9
From Jary [January] 1780 to December of that year - 9
From Jary [January] 1781 to December of that year - 4
54

This applicant has no hesitation in saying
his actual service was once fifty four months
during the above years & that as a Sergeant
he served once two years. he was appointed
Sergeant in 1778 & continued as such until
the end of the war as he before stated
Caleb Corpe
July 2 1833
Sworn to before me by said
Caleb
Benja [Benjamin] Cowell
Commiss Dist
Court RI [Rhode Island] Dist

Page 22

And now on this 23d day of May AD 1833 Caleb Corpe maketh, further oath in explanation of his declaration made Sept 17 1836 in Court viz said Caleb declares that he belonged to said Company called the "Patrexel Ranger", during the whole of the
Revolutionary war. that said Company was an Independent Corps & the Commander had the rank of Colonel and he further says said company was in actual service from the year 1775 to the 1780 nearly all the time & he the said Caleb was always with them. And said Caleb further says that between the month of April 1775 & the month of April 1780 he was in actual service in said Company three years at least And the said Caleb further says that a mistake took place in stating the capacity in which he served, in his first declaration. He had
not serve as a private all the time as stated,
He was appointed a Sergeant in the year 1778
in the beginning of the year & so he continued
untill the end of the War in 1782, and he
further says he was in actual service as a
Sergeant in said Company between the year
1778 & 1782. two years at least and as a sergeant & private he was in actual service from

Page 23

years, for which he claims a pension, and he produces the addition to the depositions of
Simeon Smith & James Rhodes annexed to his
first declaration the certificate of the Revd John Manchester and William Rhodes who have certified [on] his behalf
Caleb Corpe 
May 23 1833 Sworn to before me by said
Caleb
Benja Cowell Clerk & Comm for Dist Court [R I Dist] 

We, Job Manchester a Clergyman residing in the Town of Warwick and William Rhodes
residing in the town of Warwick in the State of
Rhode Island hereby certify and say that we are well acquainted Caleb Corke who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed declaration that we believe him to be 78 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Job Manchester [signature]
Wm Rhodes  [signature]

In Providence May [24th] Personally appeared before the above named Job Manchester & William Rhodes who made a oath to the truth of the above certificate by them signed and I further certify

Page 24

that said Job is a clergyman residing in Warwick & that both he and the said William are both credible [witnesses] & their Statement entitled to the fullest credit
Benja Cowell Clerk
and [Commissioner] of the R I District Court 
R I Dist

Page 25

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19 [blank]
W.F. 22809

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank]
for a statement of the military history of Caleb Corpe
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
file in this Bureau.

[Table]
[Col 1] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1774
[Col 2] LENGTH OF SERVICE.
served at various times over 4 years to end of War.
[Col 3] RANK.
Pvt. [Private] & Sagt. [Sargeant]
[Col 4] OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Pawtucket Rangers under 
COLONEL.
Benjamin Arnold
[Col 5] STATE.
R. I. [Rhode Island]

Battles engaged in, none stated

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Cranston R. I. [Rhode Island]

Date of application for pension, Sept 17, 1832  His cle was al

Residence at date of application, Cranston, Providence Co. [County] R.I. [Rhode Island]

Age at date of application, from June 23 1754 at Cranston R.I. {Rhode Island] died March 6, 1837.

Remarks:
He married May 9, 1784 at Cranston R. I. [Rhode Island]. Anna, daughter of
James Burgis. She was allowed pension on an application
executed Aug. 4,1838 while a resident of Cranston R.I. {Rhode Island] aged
77 years. Son William was a resident of Cranston R. I. [Rhode Island] in 1837,
Respectfully,

Commissioner.
6 -- 2850

Page 26

349 Cottage Street
New Bedford, Mass. [Massachusetts]
March 30, 1937

Received April 1 1937  Mail US DIV [illegible] 11 [Stamped Seal]

Veteran's Administration
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
I am endeavoring to get data together in order
that two different people may become members of the
D.A.R. [Daughters of the American Revolution]

One person is a descendant of one Caleb Corpe of
Cranston, R.I. [Rhode Island] The other a descendant of Joseph Corpe of, I
think, Providence R.I. [Rhode Island] 

Can you supply me with any information as to the
military history of the two men mentioned. I understand
Caleb Corp received a pension because of his military service. 
Kindly send me a copy of his application for pension.

Did Joseph Corpe receive a pension? If so, kindly send
me a copy of his application

Also have you any records to tell what relationship
of any Caleb and Joseph Corpe were to one another.

If I have not sent this letter to the correct office please
advise me where to send it.

I am very anxious to receive this information
and

Page 27

would greatly appreciate your reply.

Very truly yours,
Elizabeth B. Dayton

Page 28

617 Upshur Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.
april 22, 1918.

U.S. Pension Office, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen My great great grandfather Caleb Corpe who fought in the Revolutionary War was afterward a pensioner of the United States and I write to inquire if it would be possible for me to be furnished with a copy of such pension.
Thanking you in advance for some, I remain, Yours truly,
Elizabeth B. Dayton.

Page 29

[R] WIDOW, & c.
File No:  22,809
Anna Corpe
Wid, of 
Caleb Corpe
Sargt. Rev. War
Act: March 3d 1843.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 451
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[next page]
1918 [Apr 30] Hist to Elizabeth B Dayton
1937 [May 11] Hist to "  "  "  [AD Y]

Page 30

Reported
A new Certificate was issued in
this case under the opinion of
the Attorney General of the
2d Sep 1842, which was given
in consequence of the Resolution
Congress of the 16 Aug 1842

981.
Rhode Island
Anna Corpe
widow of Caleb Corpe
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 6th March 1837
of Providence Co. in the State of R. Island
who was a Sergeant in the
commanded by Captain [blank] of the
[blank] commanded by [blank] in
the R. Island line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 120 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836 & ending 6 March 1837.

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of
March 1843 and sent to Franklin
Green Providence, R.I. [Rhode Island]

Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannual allowance ending [blank]

Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by F. S. Evans  Clerk,
Book A.    Vol,2.   Page 5

Page 31

Let [Letter] to D D Addison Oct 27. 1842

Rhode Island 981

Anna Corpe
widow of Caleb Corpe
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832
and who died on the 6th March 1837
of Providence Co. in the State of R. Island
who was a Sergeant in the [blank] commanded
by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded
by [blank] in the R. Island
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island
at the rate of 120 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the day of March, 1831. [Crossed out 4th day of March, 1834]
7th of March 1837

Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Nov.
1838 and sent to Ben. Cowell
Providence, R.I. [Rhode Island]

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '38     179.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March '39  60.00
=======
$239.00

{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book A.   Vol. 2   Page 5

Page 32


Providence July 28th 1843
Sir
I herewith transmit the affidavit of Anna Corpe a pensioner on the Roll of the Rhode Island agency under the act of 7 July 1838 requesting that the arrears of pension due her from the 4th March 1836 to the 6th of March 1837 may be allowed her.
If satisfactory, be pleased to forward a
certificate to my address.
Very respectfully
your [able lawyer]
Franklin Greene

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 33

Providence Sept 4. 1843

Sir
I herewith transmit the declaration
of Anner Corpe a pensioner under the act of July,
1838 for the benefit of the act of March 3d 1843.
Be pleased to forward her pension certificate to
my address, when prepared
I am very respectfully
Your Obs Srt [Your Obedient Servant]
Franklin Greene

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Page 34

Providence July 3d 1833

Sir
I have recently been to Patuxet, a Village
on the Western shore of Naragansett Bay [Narragansett Bay]
and made inquiries respecting the "Patuxet
Rangers" the Corps alluded to in the entered
applications during the War of the Revolution
I find their services were in point of fact
continuous. They were stationed at that place
& were always on gard [guard] in a Fort which had
18 twenty, four Pounders, when not called
else where. They being a chartered corps, ten
direct their services to Gov Cook then
Governor of Rhode Island who accepted
them & stationed them at the Fort subject
to the orders of the Commanding General,
& by the Commanding General were very
often called upon to march to different points

Page 35

to resist the enemy - their services were
similar, though more continuous to those
of the "Kentish Gards" stationed at East
Greenwich whose application I understand
have been granted.
It would indeed be difficult for these
applicants, to designate the time or times
during the Revolution when they were not
in service, yet some time perhaps they
might be at their homes - & hence they
have stated positiovly [positively] they were in service
9 months a year for a number of year.
With this explanations now given I
hope & trust their claims will be granted
to
J L Edwards Esq

I am respectfully your
obet sert [obedient servant]
Benja Cowell

Page 36

J.L. Edwards Esq.

At the request of Mr. Cowell the following
statement is subjoined - Simeon Smith &
Caleb Corps applicants for pensions, have been 
personally known to me more than forty years
they always sustained the reputation of honest
& respectable citizens- The witness James Rhodes
Esq. has likewise been known to me the same
length of time & is one of the most oppulent
& respectable gentlemen of our State and
entitled to the highest confidence. The fort
mentioned in their statement has frequently been seen
by me & is still in existence
N R Knight

Page 37

Oct 27 42

Anna Corp
R J Wh '38 


J.L. Edwards, ESQ
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 38

Washington October 27th 1842

Dr [Dear] Sir,
I herewith enclose the application 
of Mrs Anna Corp, for the arrears
of pension due her from the 4th of March
1836, to the 6th of March 1837, when her 
pension, under the act of July 7th 1838, was
made to commence.
Respectfully requesting an Early
Answer

I am Sir,
Yr. Mo. Obe. St [Your Most Obedient Servant]
D.D. Addison

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commr of Pensions [Commissioner of Pensions]

Page 39

[  by act 21
D.D. Addison

15
21
---
56

1913 /4

Washington City
District Columbia

Page 40

Cranston October 17 1842.

I hereby authorize D. D. Addison of Washington
City D.C. to prosicute any Claim I may
have against the General Government
for the Revolutionary services of my late
husband Caleb Corpe either as an increase
of pension or otherwise. My husband was a
pensioner under the act of June 7th 1832
and died in March 6th 1837. I as his Widow
also received a pension under the act of July
7th 1838 from the date of his Death to the 4th of
March 1841 when it expired by limitations,
The whole amount due I wish paid to me or to
my order in Providence Rhode Island

In presence of us
William Briggs
William Corp

Signed         Hur
Anna X Corp
mark

Page 41

3376
Anna Corpe
$120

Franklin Greene
Providence
R.I. [Rhode Island]

Page 42

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence ⎬  Ss

On this 2th day of September 1843
personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace
in and for the town of Cranston and County of Providence,
Anna Corpe a resident of said Cranston, aged
eighty two years: who being first duly sworn according
to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration,
in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by the act of Congress passed on the 3d of March 1843,
granting pensions to widows of persons who served during
the Revolutionary war: that she is the widow of Caleb
Corpe, deceased, who was a Sergeant in the war of
the Revolution, and that she received a pension of
one hundred and twenty dollars per annum under the
act of July 7, 1838. And she further declares that she
is still a widow.
                                                                Anna
Sworn and subscribed the day 
and year above written before me⎬   Hur    X   Mark
                                                                 Corp
Joseph S Budlong  Justice of the peace
Providence Ss. in Cranston September 2th
1843.
I hereby certify that Anna Corpe the above named
declarant is personally known to me and that her statements
are entitled to full credit
Joseph S Budlong Justice of the peace

Page 43

State of Rhode Island
County of Providence  }  Ss

I Samuel Ward King Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas for the County of Providence being a
Court of Record, do hereby certify that Joseph S. Budlong
is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Cranston, and
is legally qualified to act in said capacity, and that
his signature within written is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of our said Court
this 4th day of September
One thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Sam W. King Clk [Clerk]

Page 44

Anna Corpe
R.I. [Rhode Island]
Act 7. July 38
120$ from
4 March '36 to 6
March 37 

Franklin Greene
Providence
R. I. [Rhode Island]

Page 45

State of Rhode Island  } Cranston Feby [February] 27th 1843
County of Providence } Ss.
 
Personally appeared
before me Joseph S Budlong a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County Anna Corpe
who on her oath declares that she is the
widow of Caleb Corpe who was a pensioner
of the United States at the rate $120 pr [per]
annum and received his pension up
to the 6th day of March 1837 the day of his
death. She also declares that she was a
pensioner under the act of July 7th
1838 and received her pension from 
the Sixth day of March 1837 the day
of his death up to the 4th of March 1841
when the Law expired. And she now
claims the arrears of Pension due her
from the fourth of March 1836 up to the
sixth day of March 1837 when her former
pension commenced-

Attest Joseph S Budlong

            her
Anna     X     Corpe
           mark

Providence SS ⎬ Cranston Feby [February] 27th 1843  

Personally came Anna Corpe subscriber to the
above and made oath to the truth of the same
agreeably to Law-- Before me. Joseph S Budlong Justice Peace

Page 46

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence Sc.    Clerk's office Court of Common Pleas
I, John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas, within & for the County of Providence, being a Court
of Record, do hereby certify that Joseph S. Budlong Esq.
before whom the a foregoing, affidavit was sworn is a
Justice of the Peace for the Town of Cranston in said
County of Providence duly authorized & qualified
in his said capacity; that he is by law empowered
to administer oaths and take depositions, and that
his signature aforewritten is genuine

In witness whereof I hereunto set
my hand and affix the seal of
in said Court at Providence this
twenty seventh day of February
AD 1843

John W. Smith Clerk
 3