Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10477, Eliphalet Covell, Conn. Sea Service Mass. Privateer

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Conn. Sea Service
Mass.
Privateer

Covell, Eliphalet

S.10477

Carded

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Feby 25. 1834 see Ch-utg[?] ^to himself informal appn. in case of with-held certificate Heut f[?] form to comply with- I. Fleming instructed to pay on the production of the usual voucher in case of a certificate witheld. 4 April. 1834.
See[?] let to Hon: A. Mane Ap 4 '34- to Mr E. Covell
"4"
Dead. See letter to Jno. Fleming, P. Apt. Sept. 12. 1834- Jo. to[?] [ILLEGIBLE] Sept. 26, 1834 - Jo. to E.S. Capron 4 Aug 1835

Died. Apr. 2, 1834. (A.B)

New York 20678
Eliphalet Covell
[ILLEGIBLE] in the State of New York [?] was a Marine [ILLEGIBLE] in the Comp commanded Captain Smith of the Regt. commanded - - in the N. [STAR] York- for Cin[?]. p. $20. onboard Privateer 5" Me[?] 20.80 [ILLEGIBLE]. Mass
$40.80

Mass., Privateer, Conn.
Records corrected [ILLEGIBLE] 23 18[ILLEGIBLE]

Transcribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 40 Dollars 80 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Sep- 1833 and sentto Macauley [ILLEGIBLE]

Arrears to the 4th of Sep.'20 $102~ Semi-anl. allowance ending M'24
20.40
$122.40

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Go. C. Stiles [SIGNATURE] Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4, Page 93-.

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in the matter of Eliphalet
Covill an applicant for a pension
under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace of the town of Danube in the county of Herkimer and State of New York Eliphalet Covill of the said town of Danube county of Herkimer and State of New York who being duly sworn [illegible] and [illegible' that by reason of old age and the consequent [illegible] 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 [illegible] mentioned below and in the following grades: that the first period he served for six months as a private in the company commanded by Captain Benjamin Smith. That he does not remember the names of the lieutenant and ensigns of said company. That he enlisted for six months and served out the said six months. That the said company was stationed at Edgarton [now Edgartown] in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes & State of Massachusetts.  That at there was no colonel or major to the best of his recollection. That the said company commanded by the said captain Benjamin Smith in which he served was not according to the best of his recollection attached to any regiment or corps of troops. That he  did military duty as a private constantly during the six months for which he enlisted and that according to the best of his recollection he does not now remember the name of any officer save his commanding captain Benjamin Smith. That no other troops according to the best of his recollection were stationed during his aforesaid service at Edgarton [now Edgartown] aforesaid or at any other place on the aforesaid island of Marthas Vineyard save the aforesaid company in which he served.

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That he was not employed in any kind of service during the aforesaid six months he served save the military service

That the second term he enlisted he served according to the best of his recollection two months on board the sloop of war Privateer Broome [Broom]. That the name of the captain of said privateer was Richard Welden [Whelden] and that of the first lieutenant Samuel Dagget. That he does not now remember the names of the other officers on board of the said privateer Sloop of war Broome [Broom]. That he served on board of the said Sloop of war Privateer Broome [Broom] as a private.

That the third term he enlisted he served according to the best of recollection five months on board the Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell including the time the British held him a prisoner + the time he was returning home after he was exchanged.  That the said Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell was commanded by Captain Parker. That the name of the first lieutenant was Smith. That the does not remember the given names of the said captain + lieutenant . That the practice on board of said ship was to say captain Parker + lieutenant Smith. That he has forgotten the names of the other officers and that of the sailing master of said ship Oliver Cromwell.

That the fourth term he enlisted he served according to the best of his recollection two years and two months on board of the Privateer Brig Happy Return including his captivity in the island of Barbados and the time it unavoidably took him to get home after his said escape. That he said Privateer Brig Happy Return was commanded by captain Jonathan Treadway

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That the name of the first lieutenant was [illegible]. That he does not now remember the names of any of the other officers save that of the sailing master whose name was Langsford. That he served on board of said Brig of War Happy Return as a private. That according to the best of his recollection he served three months on board of the Brig Happy Return after his enlistment before he was taken prisoner by the British and carried into the island of Barbados that he was [cross out] eight months a prisoner in the jail at Bridgetown on the said island of Barbados [cross out] according to his best recollection before the mail aforesaid was blown down by the hurricane and that he was a prisoner at large in the said island of Barbados after said hurricane + the blowing down of said jail two months according to his best recollection and belief before he effected his escape from the said island of Barbados where he was a prisoner to the British as foresaid.  That after he effected his escape as aforesaid from the island of Barbados one year + one month according to the best of his recollection escaped before he was [illegible'] to reach Edgarton [now Edgartown] in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes + state of Massachusetts where he had enlisted as aforesaid on board of the Privateer Brig Happy Return. That the said Eliphalet Covill claims a pension for his aforesaid services. 

Eliphalet Covill

Subscribed + sworn to this 28th day of May 1833 before me Nicholas Schuyler [illegible]  of the town of Danube in the county of [illegible / torn page]

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That the name of the first lieutenant was [illegible]. That he does not now remember the names of any of the other officers save that of the sailing master whose name was Langsford. That he served on board of said Brig of War Happy Return as a private. That according to the best of his recollection he served three months on board of the Brig Happy Return after his enlistment before he was taken prisoner by the British and carried into the island of Barbados that he was [cross out] eight months a prisoner in the jail at Bridgetown on the said island of Barbados [cross out] according to his best recollection before the mail aforesaid was blown down by the hurricane and that he was a prisoner at large in the said island of Barbados after said hurricane + the blowing down of said jail two months according to his best recollection and belief before he effected his escape from the said island of Barbados where he was a prisoner to the British as foresaid. That after he effected his escape as aforesaid from the island of Barbados one year + one month according to the best of his recollection escaped before he was [illegible'] to reach Edgarton [now Edgartown] in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes + state of Massachusetts where he had enlisted as aforesaid on board of the Privateer Brig Happy Return. That the said Eliphalet Covill claims a pension for his aforesaid services.

Eliphalet Covill

Subscribed + sworn to this 28th day of May 1833 before me Nicholas Schuyler [illegible] of the town of Danube in the county of Herkimer

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State of New York
Herkimer County
Clerks Office ss  I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said County
do Certify that, Nicholas Schuyler Esq before
whom the within Affidavit purports to have
been Sworn, was [????] day of its date as
Justice of the peace in and for said County
and duly qualified by law to act as such
And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and
verily believe his name subscribed to the said certificate
to be his proper hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and seal of Office at Herkimer
this 8th day of June 1833
Julius C Nelson Clerk

State of New York
Herkimer County ss.  I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said
Clerks Office I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said
Clerks Coppies  County do certify, that Charles Gray Esq
before whom one of the within Affidavits
purport to have been sworn, was on the day
of its date a Commissioner of Deeds in
and for said County and duly authorized
to administer oaths. And further, that
George N Schuyler has before whom the
within Affidavit purports to have been sworn, was, on the
day of its date a Justice of the peace in and for said County
and duly authorized to act or such, and that I am acquaint
with the hand writing of Each of the said Officers and verily belief
their names subscribed to the said several certificates
Respectively are Genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand Seal of Office this 8th day of June
1833   Julius C Nelson Clerk

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No 14941
Eliphalet Covill
Herkimer Co -
N.Y -

ei

Admitted
Private 6 months
Marine 5 do

Privateer [illegible]
disallowed

2080
8160
2040
10200

James Macauley
[illegible]
Herkimer Co
N.Y -

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WAR DEPARTMENT,

Pension Office,

183

Sir:

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

A Statement, showing the Service of Eliphalet Covell, Herkimer County [illegible]

[Chart]

Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant.
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom her served.
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Enlisted
[illegible]
{April  October 1776 }  [period]     6 [months, duration]     private [rank of the claimant]     Captain Smith [company officer]     Town of New Bedford Bristol Massachusetts [country marched]     76 years 6 Mo 11 days     Town of Edgarton  Massachusetts [place of abode, age at present]     Traditional [evidence]
{2nd - Oct  November Sloop War Broome } [period]     2 [months, duration]     Captain Welden [company officer]
{3rd April 1779 - Sept 1779 Ship O Cromwell } [period]    5 [months, duration]     Captain Parker Captain Treadaway [company officers]     Jamaica  St Croix  W Indies  Long Island [country marched]
{4th - Oct 1779 - October 1780, October 1781 Brig Happy Return} [period]     [illegible]     1 year [duration]     Jersey 2 months    2 [years] 2 [months, duration]      New York N[ew] London West Indies Cayenne Bridgetown Hurricane Demerara 

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

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


DECLARATION,

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

State, Territory, or District of, County of } ss.

On this     day of     personally appeared (a) before     A. B. a resident (b) of     in the county of     and State, Territory or District of aged (c)     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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)     , with     and served in the     (e) regiment of the    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 
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.
I     of the Court of     do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of     for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this     day of     &c.

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing. with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the     and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with     , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be     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 day 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     and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,     Clerk of the Court of      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of     for a pension.
In testimony, whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this     day of     &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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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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 wili 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 he 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 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 her 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 that the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: —For—year----- months, and——-days, I served as a ——. For —— months and —— days, I served as a ——; and for such service I claim a pension.”
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of 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 military, &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 or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.}
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion 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.}
👉🏿 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.

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May 12, 1937

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

L. D. Ashcraft
Thayer
Kansas

ELIPHALET COVELL
S. 10477
BA-J/MLB

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Jeremiah Francisco, of Albany County, New York; Peter Covell who served from Massachusetts, Connecticut or Vermont; Consider Morgan of New York or Connecticut, and Eliphalet Covell who probably served from Connecticut and received pension while a resident of Danube, New York.

There are no claims for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of Jeremiah Francisco, Peter Covell, or Consider Morgan, under any spellings of those surnames. Such claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary  War. The record has been found of Eliphalet Covell and follows as found in pension claim, S. 10477, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Eliphalet Covell was born March 29, 1756, in Edgartown on the Island of Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County, Massachusetts; the names of his parents are not given.

While residing in the place of his birth, Eliphalet Covell enlisted in April, 1776, served as private in Captain Benjamin Smith's Massachusetts company, engaged in defending the seacoast of Martha's Vineyard, and was discharged after having served six months. Sometimes in October, 1776, he entered the Connecticut sea service, on board the sloop, "Broom", Captain Richard Welden, assisted in capturing two English brigs from Jamaica and the Island of Saint Croix in the West Indies, loaded with rum, sugar, coffee and other products of merchandise, also, an English ship from Jamaica, which were all carried to Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, length of his service about two months.  Sometime in April, 1779, he entered on board the Connecticut State Man-of-War, "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Parker, at New London, Connecticut, and soon after enlistment, while

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on a cruise, his ship was captured off Sandy Hook in night of Long Island by an English ship, and after an action of one and one half hours was carried to New York where he was put on board the prison ship, "Jersey", confined two and one half months then exchange and returned to New London after an absence of about five months. Sometime in October, 1779, he entered on board the privateer, "Happy Return", Captain Jonathan Treadway, went on a cruise to the West Indies, thence to Cayenne, a French settlement in South America, and after returning to the West Indies, assisted in capturing an English ship, after which his ship was captured by two English ships and he was carried to Bridgetown on the Island of Barbados where he was confined in prison eight months when a hurricane blew down the prison enabling him to escape, after which he took a merchantman to Demerara [now Guyana] in South America, was cast from the Spanish Main among Indians who carried him to Trinidad where he took a French vessel to Grenada in the West Indies, and from there shipped to Philadelphia where he arrived in October about the time of surrender of Cornwallis.

The solider moved in October, 1782, from Edgartown, Massachusetts, to Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut, where he remained until February, 1793, then moved to Canajoharie, Montgomery County, New York, lived there about six years then moved to Palatine in the same county where he remained five or six years, thence to Minden afterwards called Danube, in that part of Montgomery County later known as Herkimer County, New York.

Eliphalet Covell was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, while a resident of Danube Herkimer County, New York. In January, 1834, he was still a resident of Danube with post office at Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York. He died April 2, 1834.

The name of soldier's wife is not given, nor was any reference made to his marriage.

Eliphalet Covell was survived by two sons, Daniel Covell who, in 1832, was aged forty-eight, and Enos Covell, age not stated, both residents of Danube, New York, also by a daughter, name and age not given, who was living in a distant place unknown. No other family data are given.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

- 2 -

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State of New York
County of Herkimer ss:
[brackets]

On this ninth - day of October - in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two - personally appeared in open court  before the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Herkimer now sitting Eliphalet Covell a resident of the town of Danube in the county of Herkimer and State of New York aged seventy six years six months and eleven - days who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 - 1832.

That he was born at the town of Edgarton [now Edgartown] in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes in the state of Massachusetts on the twenty nineth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty six.

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

That the first term he enlisted at the town of Edgartown [now Edgartown] in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes in the State of Massachusetts.

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in the month of April in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six for the period of six months in the company commanded by Captain Benjamin Smith he the said Eliphalet Covell then being a resident of the said town of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid. That the said company under the command of the said Captain Benjamin Smith in which he enlisted as aforesaid was stationed at the town of Edgarton aforesaid in the island of Martha's Vineyard aforesaid in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid during the period for which he had enlisted and that he did military duty in the said company until the six months for which he enlisted had expired when he was honorably discharged in the month of October in the same year 

That he has no documentary evidence of his said service and discharge none having been given to him at the time of his aforesaid discharge. That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.

Page 16

That the second term he enlisted at the said town of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid some time in the month of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six on board the Sloop of War Privateer Broome of the town of New Bedford in the county of Bristol in the state of Massachusetts commanded by Captain Richard Welden. That the lieutenant of the said Privateer was named Samuel Dagget. That the crew consisted of about sixty men and the said Sloop Privateer Broome carried twelve guns. That the said Privateer Sloop Broome sailed soon after he had enlisted on board of her on a cruise and went southerly as far as to about latitude thirty where they captured an English brig from Jamaica in the West Indies loaded with rum sugar coffee and some other articles of merchandise. That shortly after they captured another English Brig from the island of St. Croix in the West Indies loaded principally with rum sugar and coffee and that on the same day in which they captured the last

Page 17

mentioned brig they captured an English ship from Jamaica in the West Indies which was likewise loaded mostly with rum sugar and coffee. That immediately after the capture of the last prise they sailed for Bedford in the county of Bristol and state of Massachusetts with their aforesaid prises at which said town of Bedford they arrived soon after with the said prises. That he served about two months in the naval service during this term and was then honorably discharged.

That he has no documentary evidence of his service and discharge none having been given to him at the time of his aforesaid discharge.  That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services.

That the third term he enlisted at the town of New London in the county of New London in the state of Connecticut some time in the month of April in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine on board of the privateer ship Oliver Cromwell of twenty guns belonging to the state of Connecticut commanded by

Page 18

Captain Parker. That the lieutenant of the said privateer ship Oliver Cromwell was Smith. That he does not now remember the given names of the captain and lieutenant of the aforesaid privateer ship Oliver Cromwell. That the crew of the said Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell consisted of about eighty men. That shortly after he had enlisted the said Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell sailed out on a cruise and was soon thereafter taken off Sandy Hook and in sight of Long Island by an English ship after an action of about an hour and a half but would not have been taken had not another English ship come up to the assistance of the aforesaid English ship. That the Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell on which he served had three men killed and between fifteen and twenty wounded and that the English ship by whom they were taken had fifteen killed and several wounded. That they were taken by the enemy to the city of New York in the state of New York where they were

Page 19

put on board of the prison ship Jersey and confined as prisoners for about two months and a half when they were exchanged. That after they were exchanged they were put on board of a cartel vessel which sailed in about a week thereafter for the town of New London aforesaid in the state of Connecticut aforesaid at which town of New London aforesaid he arrived with the rest of the prisoners some time in the month of September in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine aforesaid after an absence of about five months. That the whole period which elapsed from the time he enlisted at the said town of New London on board of the aforesaid Privateer Ship Oliver Cromwell including his stay in harbour, cruise, captivity and return rather exceeded five months. That he has no documentary evidence of his service none having been given to him.

That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service

Page 20

That the fourth term he enlisted at the town of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the aforesaid county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts some time in the month of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine on board of the Privateer Brig Happy Return of twelve guns commanded by Captain Jonathan Treadaway. That the name of the lieutenant was Magister. That the crew of the said Privateer Brig Happy Return amounted to about fifty men. That three or four weeks after he had enlisted on board the said Privateer Brig Happy Return the said Brig Happy Return sailed from the aforesaid town of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid on a cruise to the West Indies and from thence to Cayenne a French settlement in South America where they landed and procured water and some supplies of provisions. That shortly afterwards they sailed from Cayenne aforesaid and returned to the West Indies where they cruised for some time when they captured

Page 21

an English vessel ladened with flour. That continuing to cruise in the West India Seas they were shortly afterwards taken by two English ships both being letters of Marquee and carrying twenty guns each and carried into the town of Bridgetown in the island of Barbados which he and the rest of the crew of the Privateer Brig Happy Return were confined in prison for about ten months. That in the month October in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty the island of Barbados aforesaid was mostly desolated by a hurricane which blew down and prostrated most of the buildings on said island. That at the commencement of said hurricane the prison at the said town of Bridgetown in which they were confined was blown down the prisoners having affected their escape out of said prison just before it was prostrated with the ground. That not long after the said hurricane the prisoners being permitted to be at large on the said island of Barbadoes he got on board of a merchantman bound for Demarara a Dutch settlement in South America and made his escape from captivity

Page 22

in the aforesaid island of Barbadoes. That shortly after his arrival at the Dutch settlement of Demarara aforesaid he was obliged to leave Demarara aforesaid in order to avoid being taken again by the English who had captured and made themselves masters of the said Dutch settlement Demarara after his arrival there. That upon leaving Demarara aforesaid upon its capture he and five other Americans went on board of a boat and sailed along the Spanish Main in South America for the purpose of gaining one of the Spanish settlements on said Main but that in their endeavor they were castaway with their boat on the said Spanish Main in South America among the Indians before they could reach any of the Spanish settlements. That they remained among the said Indians about two months when he and his companions were carried by a party of the said Indians in a small vessel to the Spanish island of Trinidad situated near the coast of the Spanish Main in South America

Page 23

aforesaid. That shortly after his arrival at the said island of Trinidad he sailed in a French vessel to the island of Grenada in the West Indies the French then being possessed of the said island of Grenada. That after remaining at the said island of Grenada about six weeks or two months he sailed on board [on board] of an American brig belonging to the town of Newberryport in the state of Massachusetts for Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania to which place the cargo of said brig was consigned where he arrived about the time of the capture of Lord Cornwallis with the British army at Yorktown in the month of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one. That he returned from Philadelphia soon after he reached it to the town of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid. That the whole period which elapsed from the time he enlisted on board of the said Privateer Brig Happy Return as already stated until he returned to the said town

Page 24

of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid was nearly two years and two months. [Think] more than two years and two months -- got home [think] in April, because the river had been froze up [illegible]. That he has no documentary evidence of his said fourth term of service none having been given to him. That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services.

That when he enlisted in the month of April in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six as before stated in his first term of service and which was the commencement of his service in the Revolutionary War he was a resident and lived at the town of Edgarton in the island of Martha's Vineyard in the county of Dukes and the state of Massachusetts.

That in the month of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two he removed from the said town of Edgarton in the county of Dukes and state of Massachusetts aforesaid

Page 25

to the town of Glastonburry in the county of Hartford in the state of Connecticut where he took up his residence and resided till the month of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three when he removed from the said town of Glastonburry in the county of Hartford and state of Connecticut aforesaid to the town of Canajoharie in the county of Montgomery and state of New York in which last town he resided about six years. That at the end of the said time last mentioned he removed from the said town of Canajoharie in the said county of Montgomery to the town of Palatine in the said county of Montgomery where he took up his residence and continued to live for between five and six years when he removed to the town of Danube in the county of Herkimer and state of New York but then the town of

Page 26

Minden in the said county of Montgomery where he has resided ever since.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Eliphalet Covell
Julius C Nelson Clerk

We Enos Covill a clergyman residing in the town of Danube in the county of Herkimer aforesaid and Isaiah Wilcox residing in the said town of Danube and county of Herkimer hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Eliphalet Covill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be about seventy six years and six months and eleven days of age.
That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood

Page 27

where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court
Enos Covell
Isaiah Wilcox
Julius C Nelson Clerk

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 solider and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Enos Covell who has signed the preceding affidavit is a resident in the town of Danube and county of Herkimer and that Isaiah Wilcox of the same place who has also signed the same is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Page 28

I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Eliphalet Covill for pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.

Julius C Nelson Clerk

Page 29

In the matter of Eliphalet Covill
an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7 - 1832.

Herkimer County [SS]: Thomas Stafford of the town of Danube in the said county of Herkimer being aged forty two years last July last part being duly sworn doth depose and say that he resides about half a mile from where Eliphalet Covill the person named in the declaration hereto annexed resides. That he has been intimately acquainted with the said Eliphalet Covill for the eighteen years last part that the said Eliphalet Covill is considered and reputed to be a man of truth and veracity in the neighbourhood where he lives. That it is and has been reputed generally in the neighbourhood where the said Eliphalet resides that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war and that the said Eliphalet served in the land and naval service in said revolutionary war as stated in his declaration which said repute of said services has and is generally believed to be true in said neighbourhood. 

Thomas Stafford

Subscribed and sworn to this 24th May [1833] before me Nicholas Schuyle [judge] [or] and I the said justice do certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Thomas Stafford and that he is considered and determined to be a man of truth and veracity and that full [credit] is due to his deposition.

Page 30

In the matter of Eliphalet Covill 
an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832

Herkimer County ss: Nathan Wilcox of the town of Danube in said county aged sixty six the tenth day of April last being duly sworn doth depose and say that he resides about one mile from where Eliphalet Covill the person named in the declaration hereto annexed resides. That he has been intimately acquainted with the said Eliphalet Covill about twenty years that the said Eliphalet Covill is considered and reputed in the neighbourhood where he lives to be a man of truth and veracity. That it is and has been reputed in the neighbourhood where the said Eliphalet Covill now resides that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war and also that he served in the naval service in said revolutionary war which said repute is and has been generally believed to be true.
Nathan Wilcox

Sworn in Open Court
October 9th 1832

Julius C Nelson Clerk

Page 31

Herkimer County ss: William Cummings of the town of
Dunnbe in said county being duly sworn doth depose & say
that he is and has been acquainted for many years with
Nathan Wilcox who has made the within affidavit
and that he is considered & reputed in the said town of Dunnbe by those who are acquainted with him the said
Nathan to be a man of truth and veracity and that
full evidence is due to his deposition.
Subscribed & Sworn to this 29th of May 1833 before
me George N Schuyle JP and of the Said Justice 
do certify that I am well acquainted with both the [????] 
[?????] William Cummings and that he is considered
& estimmed to be a man of truth and veracity and that
full credit is due to his deposition
George N Schuyle JP

[Written sideways in left lower corner]
Eliphalet Covill s
Declaration for a
Pension under the act
declaration for a
of Congress of June
7-1832-

Page 32

Herkimer County ss: Daniel Covill of
the town of Damsbe in the County of
Herkimer aged about forty eight years being
duly sworn doth depose and say that he has
been acquainted with Eliphalet Covill
the person named in the declaration
hereto annexed since his infancy the
said Eliphalet being the father of this
deponent - That he has heared the annexed
declaration read-- that he has always
understood that the said Eliphalet
Covill served in the revolutionary war
that he has every reason to believe that
 the facts contained in the declaration
of the said Eliphalet are substantially
correct. That the facts in relation to his
said revolutionary services as detailed
in the said declaration correspond
with what he has always understood-
Sworn in open Court   Daniel Covell
October 9th 1832
Julius C Nelson Clerk

Page 33

Herkimer County ss: James Macauley of the town of Frankfort in the County
of Herkimer aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he has been
acquainted with Daniel Covill of the town of Danube in said County,
preceding affidavit for fifteen or sixteen years and that the said
Daniel Covill is considered & reputed in the said town of Danube
where he resides & has since deponent first became acquainted
with him to be a man of truth and veracity - And deponent further saith
that full evidence may in his opinion be given to the deposition
of the said Daniel Covell-
James Macauley

State of N York  ss
Herkimer County on the day of June 1833
before me Charles Gray Confidential came
James Marley and subscribed and in due
[???] -  of said made oath to the following
Affidavit and I further certify that
I am well acquainted 
with said James Marley 
and that he is considered &esteemed to be a
person of truth & veracity,
and meets full credit is
due to his deposition and
the statement therein
sustained -
Charles Gray
Eliph
[Written sideways in lower left corner]

Please to write to James
Macauley at Frankfort
in the county of Herkimer
and State of New York

Page 34

State of New York} ss.
Herkimer County} 

James Macauley of the town of Frankfort in the said county of Herkimer being duly sworn doth depose and say that some time previous to the October term in 1832 of the court of common Pleas of the said county of Herkimer he was employed by Eliphalet Covill of the town of Danube in said county to make out the pension papers and attend to the pension application of the said Covill. That deponent was employed at the house of Enos Covill the son of the said Eliphalet Covill. That deponent examined the said Eliphalet Covill the applicant and made a memorandum of his age the place of his birth and of each tour or town the said applicant alleged he had served in the revolutionary war with all the particulars as far forth as the said Covill stated them and other circumstances. That deponent was very particular in his examination of the applicant and in making notes that he might be able to draw the applicants declaration truly and correctly and according to the facts. That deponent on his return to Frankfort drew said declaration and also some other declarations in pension applications with other documents attending them and preparatory to the setting of the court of common please of said county in October 1832 at which court the pension applicants were to be examined.
 
That a short time before the setting of said court deponent had business at Danube which called him into the neighbourhood of the said Eliphalet Covill. That deponent carried the said declaration so drawn along with him and called upon the said Covill and read the same to him. That upon reading it the said Covill informed deponent that he the applicant had been mistaken on several particulars as to dates persons times places &c. That deponent attempted to correct the declaration and to make it correspond with the facts but found it impossible as he could not insert by interlineations the alterations and additions communicated by the applicant and consequently deponent was obliged to draw another declaration which tended to enlarge deponent's bill. That another item which tended to enlarge deponent's bill was occasioned by

Page 35

deponent's having to go the latter part of last May to Danube distant sixteen miles from deponent's residence in Frankfort to the house of Enos Covill the son of the applicant in order to draw an affidavit which was required pursuant to a letter with instructions accompanying the applicant's declaration and other papers returned by the Hon. J.L. Edwards commissioner of pensions which letter and instructions and deponent returned to the pension department with the pension papers of the said Covill last June. That previous to deponent's going to see the applicant he understood that the said applicant was unwell and had been for some time. That deponent on arriving at the house of the said Enos Covill the son of the said applicant found that the applicant was at his son Daniel Covill's distant about a mile. That deponent went to the house of the said Daniel Covill in company with Enos Covill above named where he found the applicant very unwell and in a measure confined to the house. That deponent informed him his business and stated what was required and drew his affidavit which was taken at the house where he was by Nicholas Schuyler Jr. a Justice of the peace sent for. That deponent was absent from home four days one half of which time deponent has charged the applicant for, and the other half he has charged to Stubrach another pension applicant living in said town of Danube and about a mile from the house of the said Daniel Covill. That deponent went down in a boat on the Erie Canal and returned in a boat the usual mode of traveling.   

That subsequently deponent had to go to Herkimer distant from deponent's residence about six miles to get the clerk to certify and reseal the applicant's papers and those of Stubrach for which deponent has charged half a day to the said applicant and half a day to Stubrach. That the following is a bill of what deponent charges the said Applicant the same being taken from minutes made in deponent's law register and which deponent considers correct.

Page 36

1. A retaining fee as in a cause in the common pleas  _ _ _ _ $2.50
2. Minutes from the applicant to draw declaration folio 8 at 18 cents  _ _ 1.64
3. Drawing declaration for applicant folio 33 at 18 cents _ _ _ _ 5.96
4. Drawing a second declaration the information given me by the applicant having been incorrect and rendering it necessary fol. 35 at 18 cents} 6.32
5. Drawing the other papers accompanying the declaration folio  5 at 18 cents} 0.90
6. Counsel fee as on the trial of an ordinary cause having attended court in October 1832 in applicant's case and others and charging him as Deponent did his other pension applicants} 5.00
7. Drawing affidavit in May 1833 folio 16 at 18 cents _ _ _ 3.88
8. One half of 4 days in going to Danube and returning to Frankfort distant 16 miles the one half of which being 2 days I charge to the applicant and the other half to B. Stubrach another applicant expenses included and over and above drawing the affidavit.} 7.00
9. To time spent in examining the pension papers of the applicant last May after they had been returned by the department before I drew the affidavit and went to Danube in May 1833 and to time spent in going to Herkimer to have the applicants papers certified and resealed by the clerk of the court the time exceeding a day} 4.00
To which might be added a dollar for making out applicant's papers to draw his money this deponent believing to be the usual charge but as deponent has made out 2 sets of papers gratuitously for 2 of his other applicants he waives the charge.} __
$37.20

And deponent further saith that he considers the above a fair bill and that he believes the same not to be higher than what others have charged or would charge under similar circumstances. That the extra labor in drawing a second declaration was occasioned by the applicant misinforming deponent. That the affidavit made last May and drawn by deponent was necessary and was required. That it was necessary to go to Danube last May to draw and have the applicant's affidavit taken as

Page 37

the applicant was unwell and unable to call on deponent That it was necessary to have the applicant's papers resealed by the clerk and some of them certified before they could be retransmitted to the pension department. - That the applicant seemed perfectly satisfied with what deponent had done in [premisis?] -  That deponent has lost money in the cases of the said Covill and of Barent Stubrash by loosing business in his absence while attending to their matters & that he would not undertake for them again were the business to be done over upon any amount.

And deponent further saith that last fall after he had obtained the applicant's certificate he wrote a letter to him and his son which he sent by mail apprising him of the fact of his pension being allowed but he did not call or send.

That deponent soon after had business to Danube which brought him within three miles of the applicant's residence.

That deponent had intended to have called but the weather was stormy and deponent was not very well and could not go out to see him conveniently without exposing deponent's  health. That deponent left the certificate and papers to draw the pension, made out except to dates of inserting the [Justius?] name with  William Kretsinger a merchant residing in Danube with a recommendation to the applicant to get him to draw the money for him at New York and this free from charges with this condition to keep the certificate till deponent's bill was paid or received. That deponent supposed as the said Kretsinger was responsible and [illegible] and had often drawn money for pensioners that everything would meet the applicant's approbation. That deponent has not been to Danube this winter and that it is not probable he will visit that town till warm weather as deponent's health is far from being good & has been for some years.

That although the applicant sent a Mr. Van Arnum to see deponent last fall deponent supposed the applicant had afterwards go the certificate till deponent issued

Page 38

it by letter from he said William Kritsinger about the 10th of December last past.

That in the early part of January last deponent saw the Hon. John Herkimer late a member to congress at Frankfort who informed deponent that the said Eliphalit Covell was attempting to get another certificate and thereby to defraud deponent out of his fees - What he understood from the said Herkimer that one Peter Sternberg was engaged for said Covill. What upon this deponent wrote to the Hon. A. Marr Jr. Member to Congress upon the subject.

That deponent has always been ready & willling & is still ready and willing to deliver the said certificate to the said pensioner on payment of deponent's bill or on its being secured - and further that deponent would not have had any difference had his bill been paid or received anywhere near the amount but that no attempt to deponent's knowledge has been made by the pensioner to pay or secure the whole or even a part but on the contrary as deponent believes the object has been to draw the certificate out of the deponent's hands and thereby leave the deponent without pay or security. That had either of the pensioner's sons have wrote deponent that they would be acccountable for the amount or any sum near the amount deponent would have made no objection to the pensioner having his certificate - deponent having always had an aversion to dispute or contend about trifles and particularly with a pensioner and one who had faithfully served his country.

James  Macauley
Taken subscribed and sworn before me Amasa Mann Comm & c
This 1st day of February 1834

Page 39

City of Washington [SS]

I certify that the written named James MaCauley is a reputable [lawyer] and the affidavit within is genuine 
duly verified Feb 7, 1834
[A Mann Jr]
[illegible]

Page 40

In the matter of the application of Elipalet Covill for a certificate

Afft of James Macauly to oppose

To be filed [illegible]
A Mann Jr
MC

[Illegible] A Mann Jr

Page 41

May 11 - 1897. History to Mrs. E.A. Willoughby 713 No Washington St.
Rome - N. York

1910 Dec 29 To Mrs. E. A. Willoughby

1924 May 27. Hist. to Mrs C. M Brainard Au

1937 May 12 Hist. to L D. Ashcroft [Illegible]

Invalid
Revy

File no. 10477
Eliphalet Covell
Mariner SC
U.S. Navy *
Rev War

Act June 7 1832
Index: Vol 4, Page 93
[Arrangement of 1870]

Page 42

Rev. & 1812 War Section

May 27, 1924

Mrs. C. M. Brainard
312 Fourth Ave.
Frankfort, N. Y.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.10477, it appears that Eliphalet Covell was born March 29, 1756, at Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, where he was living when he enlisted in April 1775 ["1775" is circled with a ? 1776] and served six months as a private in Captain Benjamin Smith's Massachusetts Company on said island.

He entered in October 1776 on board the Privateer, "Broom", Captain Richard Welden, and served two months.

He entered in April 1779 on board the Connecticut State Man-of-War, "Oliver Cromwell", Captain Parker, which was soon after captured off Sandy Hook and he as confined in the prison ship, "Jersey", at New York City for two and one half months before being exchanged.

He entered in October 1779 on the Privateer, "Happy Return", Captain Jonathan Treadway, which was captured and he was imprisoned.

Page 43

at Bridgetown, Barbados, for eight months when the prison was blown down by a hurricane and he escaped to Demerara, after which which he was cast away on the Spanish Main among Indians who conveyed him to Trinidad, from there he went to Grenada and shipped to Philadelphia where he arrived soon after the surrender of Cornwallis.

He moved in 1782 from Edgartown, Massachusetts, to Glastonbury, COnnecticut.

Pension was allowed on his application executed October 9, 1832, while living at Danube, Herkimer County, New York, and he died April 2, 1834, leaving sons, Daniel aged about 50 years and Enos, and a daughter whose name and that of his wife are not on record.

Respectfully,

Commissioner

Page 44

[Received Apr 12 1937 Mail Sub-Div. Vets. Adm. Reader No. 19 Stamp]

Thayer, Kansas,
April 10, 1937

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
I am writing to ask if you will kindly send me the Revolutionary War pension records of the following:
Jeremiah Francisco.
Of the 14th Regiment Albany County, New York militia

Peter Covell
Wasssupposed to have been a Mass. soldier, but may have ben from Conn. or Vermont.

Eliphalet Covell,
Probably from Conn., as he was living there in 1790. In 1833 he was living in Danube, N.Y. and listed as a Revolutionary pensioner.

Consider Morgan.
Of New York, or perhaps Conn.

Thanking you for this courtesy, I am
Very truly yours,
L. D. Ashcroft

Page 45

Frankfort N.Y.
April 22, 1924

The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

I have been referred to your department by the Adjutant General regarding the military record of Eliphalet Covell.  I have the information that Eliphalet was famous in Revolutionary times as a patriot, serving under Capt Benjamin Smuth or Smith at Martha's Vineyard.

The census of 1790 shows the residence of Eliphalet Covell to be at Glastonbury, Hartford Co., Conn. 

Can you give any information regarding his places of residence during Revolution or Company to which he belonged. Also date and place of birth.

Any facts will be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance I am yours truly,

Mrs. C. M. Brainard
Frankfort, New York

312-4th Ave.

Page 46

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

I have a communication from your office, dated May 11 - 1897 which states that Eliphalet Covell, residing at Danube N.Y. made an application for a pension Oct 9. 1832 for Revolutionary service

Will you kindly

Page 47

inform me for how long a [illegible] the pension was paid, that is, the date of which it ceased to be paid.

Very Respectfully
(Mrs E A) Mary B Willoughby
158 1/2 Park Av
[Utica ?]

Page 48

713 N. Washington St.
Rome N.Y.
April 22, 1897

To the Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Can you inform me if there is any record of Eliphalet Covell (or Covel) as being a pensioner of the Revolutionary War.

I think he lived in his early years at Martha's Vineyard Mass. But died between 60 and 65 years ago at Danube N.Y. 

Respectfully Yours

Mrs E A. Willoughby

Page 49

[Illegible] January 15th 1834

Sir,

In October last I communicated to your department the unfortunate circumstances of my Certificate for the pension allowed me to have been [illegible] to James Macauly as agent for me who refuses to deliver it to me without my paying him exorbitant fees for his services to request a new certificate. To that letter your answer of the 12th November last required proof of the [illegible] of my Certificate No. In compliance send you the proof by my affidavit [illegible] more than four weeks since but have not received the certificate nor an answer to that letter. I beg your immediate attention to this. I am seriously in want of my pension. I hope since  it is [att - illegible] it will no longer be withheld from me & gratify Mr. Macauly.

Page 50

Please direct your answer to Littlefalls Post Office Herkimer County N.Y.

Respectfully yours
Elephelet Covel

J L Edwards Esq
Comiss. of Pensions

Page 51

Mechanics Bank
New York Sept 6 1834

Sir

I enclose for your examination the Papers in the case of Eliphalet Covell Dec'd; one of the Heirs, if living, it appears resides in parts unknown - and it seems that the Pension Certificate is withheld from the Heirs by James Macauley of Herkimer. The parties here procured such documents as I presumed the case required and they are now submitted for your decision.

I am very respectfully
Sir,
Your ob. Srt
Jno Fleming, President
[illegible]

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Page 52

Little Falls July 29th 1835

James L. Edwards Esq.
Comm of Pensions
D [illegible]

About a year ago, Enos + Daniel Covell applied for + received their portion of the arrears of pension money due Eliphalet Covell deceased.
The papers for which are on the files of your office, as I supposed. They have a sister who at that time was not know now to be living, but where they have since heard from, and who has assigned her portion of said arrears to them, as the old pensioner during all the latter years of his life, was maintained and nursed by them.
The paper on file from said sister to be the daughter of said Eliphalet + also her age + right to receive her portion. And I have not been able to learn whether it is proper for the assignees to apply or whether the daughter should apply in he own right [and name?], but have been unable to discover any good reason for requiring the latter course, as the assignment is valid + legally authenticated as you will see on inspection and i have concluded to ask you to direct the pension agent at New York to pay the amount to the assignees on producing the necessary papers to show themselves to be such - and I think you will also certify that their sister is proved to be the daughter of the pensioner, as the proof of the fact is on your files, it will save the expense of proceeding de novo, which it strikes me could be reasonably required in this case.

Please to return the papers here with transmitted to that I may use these hereafter - the justice named in the papers, has a record filed with the Pension agent in New York, as the fact of his

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official capacity so that I deemed it [illegible] to get the certificate of the county clerk to that fact.

Have the kindness to return me an answer hereto as soon as consistent with your duties

Respectfully yours, Elisha S Caprow

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State of New York
Herkimer County [abbreviation after bracket illegible]
Be it known that before me John Herkimer a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Eliphalet Covell and made as in due form of law, that he is the identical Eliphalet Covell named in an Original previous Certificate, now Illegally withheld by James Macauly Esq. & refuses to deliver to his this deponant the said Pension Certificate unless this deponant will pay him forty Dollars for his services, which in the opinion of this Deponant is an Extravagant sum & this Deponant futher states that he is informed by persons who have acted as agents for other Pensioners that this sum of forty Dollars is too much by one half and more, & further saith, that he does not solicit the said Macauly to aid him this deponant to procure his Pension, but that said Macauly called upon the deponant & solicited him to employ him for that purpose, & that said Macauly, although agreed [?] to deliver to this Deponant, the said Pension Certificate, has refused to deliver him the same & still holds the said Certificate in his possession, & that he is Entitled to a Pension of Forty Dollars and Eighty Cents a year on account of services rendered to the United States during the Revolutionary war; that he served in Captain Benjamin Smiths Company of Volunteer Militia in the Town of Edgerton, an old Town in the State of Massachusetts, he also served on board of the [illegible, illegible] Cromwell of twenty Guns command by Captain Parker, this Deponant does not recollect the name or number of Regiments in the militia in which he served, if any & that he now resides in the Town of Dundee [?] in the County of Herkimer and has resided there for the span of twenty five years and that previous thereto he resided in the Town of Palatine in the County of Montgomery in said State.
Sworn & subscribed this Eleventh day of March 1834 Before me John Herkimer Justice of the Peace ----- Eliphalet Covell

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State of New York
Herkimir County [symbol after bracket illegible]

Conformably to the 18th Regulation of the War Department of the 27th of October 1832 I John Herkamir a Magistrate in the County above [illegible] do hereby certify, that I have the most satisfactory Evidence by my own personal and intimate acquaintance, with the applicant Eliphalet Covell for this Span of twenty years. The said Covell is my neighbour & I am also knowing to the fact to the said Covells application for a Pension & that James Macauly Esq authorised by him, prepared his papers & that said Macauly witholds the Pension paper, that said Eliphalet Covell who this days appears before me to take the oath of Identity is the Identical Person he declares himself to be in the annexed affadavit, and I am also satisfied that the Statement made by him in relation to the Pension Certificate is true

Given under my hand at Danube in the said Country on this 11th day of March 1834 John Herkimer Justice of the Peace
Herkimer Country

I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the Court of Common Please in said County, Certify that John Herkimer is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing Certificate purporting to be his is genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto affixed my Seal of Office and Subscribed my name this 28th day of March 1834. Julius C Nelson Clerk