Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15323, Francis Beach, Conn. Mass. Sea Service

Page 1

SERVICE
Conn.
Mass sea service

Beach, Francis

NUMBER
S. 15323
carded

Page 2

Hon John F Potter Jan 22/59

22561
Connecticut
Francis Beach
Litchfield Co in the State of Connecticut 
was a Marine on board 
the ship Genl Mifflin
Comm Manley

1 year and 1 month
Mass Sea Service 
and
Conn
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of October
1833 and O S
Seymore Litchfield
Arrears to the 4th of Sept    108.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March.  21.66
$129.98

{Revolutionary Claim,}
Act June 7, 1832.}
Filed by Danl Boyd Clerk,
Book E Vol. 7 Page 32

Page 3

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832

State of Connecticut} ss Court of Probate for the 
County of  Litchfield}  District and in the County of 
Litchfield------

On this 11th day of August 1832 personally appeared
in open Court before the Hon Court of Probate for
the District of Litchfield in said County of State
now sitting Francis Beach a resident of Goshen
in the County of Litchfield and State aforesaid
aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according 
to Law doth on his oath make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of 
the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832

That he entered the service of the United States
under the following named Officers said served as
herein stated (viz)

I was born in Goshen Ct 13 Oct 1755 and have 
always since and still do reside there my age is
recorded in Goshen Records in my family bible

on the 24 of Dec 1776 I enlisted into the naval
service of the United States under Capt Wm Day of
Sheffield Mass. Immediately after enlisting I
was drafted to do a tour of duty in the militia
on the ground, that was not in the service of the
United States. An appeal was made to a council

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held at Litchfield Connt. in which Gov. Wolcott
presided he was not however then Gov. It was
there decided that I was in the service of the United
States. My Enlistment was for one year. After
enlisting I was fitted for the small pox by order
of the Capt at Goshen and then went on board
the Genl Miflin at Boston this ship carried
twenty rungs and was one of 13 vessels fitting out
at Boston under the Command of Commodore
Manly. The officers of the Miflin were Capt Day,
Lieut Wm. Chambers of Roxbury Mass., Prize masters
Oakum and Fogg, Boatswain Wm. Adams, Surgeon
Ephraim Gitto and Surgeon's mate Doct Ward. I
recollect the names of two other ships in the squadron 
viz. the Tarter of Boston, we sailed from Boston
on the 22nd of May 1777. Soon after sailing the Small
pox broke out in our ship and on that account
on the 10th day from sailing we were ordered by the 
Commodore to separate from the rest of the fleet
which we did and did not again join it, it not
being intended that the fleet should act together
except for a short period. not long after the
separation we fell in with and captured an English
brig [Illegible] which we sent into 
Boston. The Brig was always
called by in the 'Culmans brig' from the name of 
her captain her contents were applied for the
benefit of the Continental Army. We then
sailed by the English coast and made many

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prizes which were sent into France on one occasion.
We captured a valuable price and carried her to 
Bordeaux whee in the night she was cut out
by some English ships and taken from us. We
were at l'Orient in France in July and remained there
considerable time I recollect that Doct Franklin
at this time spend nearly a day in our ship
conversing cheifly on the state of the War and the 
probability of our receiving assistance from the
French. We returned to Boston in the first
week of December 1777 and tho our time was not
quite expired we were immediately discharged and 
I returned to Goshen.
In July 1779 all the militia were called on to go 
to the South part of the State on account of
the ravages committed by the Enemy in New
Haven, Fairfield and Norwalk. I went in the
company to which I then belonged(viz/Capt
Jonah Phelps the Lieut of the company was
a Mr Bancroft and Jon Kettle was the Ensign
as the alarm was great we went on horse back
and afterwards sent our horses home. We first 
went to New Milford C. where a great number of were collecting and as it was a season of the year
in which it was very inconvenient for farmers 
to be away from home part of the militia
were dismissed. I continued with the company
[Illegible] first to Danbury then to Norwalk

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Greenwich and Horse Neck . the British fleet continued
in the Sound after the boring of Norwalk several
weeks but they made no attempt to to land. I
was gone at this time six weeks wanting one day
I arrived at Goshen on the 20th or 21st of August.
The chief command at Horse Neck and of the Militia
was [Illegible] in Gov. then Gen'l Wolcott who went himself with
us. Col Noah Phelps and Col Andrew Adams
were also with us. Our company was in Col
Phelps Regt while we were at Horse Neck Gen'l
Pearson and Genl Howe came down from West Point
with some continentals.-

I have no direct evidence of any of my services
aforesaid. I ent the affidavit of my brother
Julius Beach to corroborate my own statements

I am known  to the Rev.d George Carrington Heron
Beach Esq and others who can testify to my character 
for truth and to their belief of my services

I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a 
pension or an annuity except the present and
declare that my name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any state.
Francis Beach
Sworn to and subscribed}
the day and year aforesaid}
before me Frederick Wolcott, Judge of
Probate, District of Litchfield
Conn.t----

Page 7

5085
Francis Beach
CT
fro 1776 private
& Marine
1 yr. 1 month
$43.33/100
2166
5
10832
O.S Seymore

5085
Francis Beach
O. S. Seymore
Litchfield
Con

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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 shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find naked 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. 
[CHART]
A Statement, shewing the Service of Francis Beach Ct
Period when the service was rendered.
Duration of the claimant's service
Years. Months. Days. 
Rank of the Claimant.
Na,es and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Proof by which the declaration is supported.

20th Dec. 1776 entered 1 year [Illegible] on Board US armed
ship General Mifflin Commodore Manly
July 1779 1 month 14 days private Cl Phelps Col Phelps 
76 born in Litchfield- entered
there- and alwais liven there
One living witness proves the
sea service of 1 year
Certificate of Clergyman
and a Citizen

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

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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line, " "State troops," "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 the 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 claim-
ing 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} 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7, 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 services; ( and is he serv-
ed 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 per-
sons who belonged to the military, 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 revolu-
tionary 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 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 Revo-
lutionary 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 commit-
sion; 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 ser-
vices 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 thy are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

Page 10

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-
tempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-
expected. All applicant will appear before some Court of Record in the Country 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 giv-
                             { en, 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 tes-
tiny 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 , atttend 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 pro-
cure, taken and authenticated before a Court the 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 solider 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 her 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 and 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-----month, and -------
days, I served as a ------------, For-----------months and----------days, I served as a -------; and for such
services 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 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 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 myst 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.

Claimant should state the vessel in which
he served- its name and whether it was a

Page 11

Privateer or Public Armed Vessel must
be clearly shewn before as action can
be had upon Claimants case
He can apply to the Comptroler of the
State of Connecticut for information

[Written sideways]
5085
Francis Beach 
CT
from 1776 private
and Marine
1 year 1 month
$43.33/100
2166
5
10832

O.S. Seymore

5085
Francis Beach
O.S. Seymore
Litchfield
Conn

Page 12

Francis Beach's
affidavit supplementary
to his declaration

Page 13

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield
Goshsen July 31st 1833

On this 31st day of July 1833 personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace for said county, Francis Beach of said Town of Goshen, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose and say 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 no less than the period mentioned below, and in the following  [illegible]. In Capt Phelp's company I was in the actual service of the United States the full period of six weeks, wanting one day the particulars of which service are given in a declaration by me made on the 11th day of August 1832 before the Hon. Court of Probate for the district of Litchfield, in this service I was a private soldier.
In the marine servicer I was in the actual service of the United States, from the 14th day of December 1776 to at least the 12th day of December 1777. and I suppose a few days longer.  I served on the vessel called the "General Mifflin" as stated in said declaration and I always supposed her to be a public armed ship of the United States, if not a privateer.  I so understood at the time of my enlistment.  It was so decided at the Council mentioned in said declaration.
Francis Beach
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Before me, Birdsey Baldwin, Justice of Peace

Page 14

State of Connecticut
County of Litchfield ss Litchfield Augt 5th 1833
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court for 
the County of Litchfield, hereby certify that Birdsey
Baldwin Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit of
Francis Beach appears to have been made was on the
31st day of July 1833 and still a Justice of the Peace for said
County of Litchfield duly qualified to administer oaths and
that the signature which purports to his is genuine 
In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and the 
seal of said Court this 6th
day of August AD 1833
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk
{SEAL}

Francis Beach's 
affidavit supplementary
to his declaration

Page 15

I Julius Beach of Goshen in the County of Litch-
field of State of Connecticut aged 67 years being
duly sworn do depose and say that I am the brother
of Francis Beach of said Goshen and know that
in December 1776 my said brother enlisted for one
year into the naval service, I recollect that soon
after his enlistment Doct Ward surgeon's mate
fitted him for the small pox after he was cured of
the small pox he left home and was gone till
some time in December 1777 I well recollect the
rejoicing in the family at his return he told
us of the events, which had occurred on a long
cruise upon the English coasts I which he
had taken part- and further the deponent
saith not.
Julius Beach

Litchfield County
ss Litchfield Augt 8. 1832
Personally appeared Julius Beach to me well
known to be a credible person and made solemn
oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by
him in my presence subscribed 
Before me
Origen S. Seymore Justice
of the Peace

Page 16

State of Connecticut 
Litchfield County
ss Litchfield Aug 15. 1832
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County
Court for the County of Litchfield hereby
certify that Origen S. Seymore Esq before
whom the foregoing affidavit of Julius Beach
appears to have been made was on the 8th 
instant and still a Justice of the Peace for
said County of Litchfield duly qualified to
administer oath, and that the signature to
the foregoing certificate which purports to
be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and the
seal of said Court this 15th 
day of August AD 1832
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

Page 17

Invalid
File No. 15323
Francis Beach
Marine
U. S. Navy
Rev War
Act June 7. 1832
Index: Vol 7, Page 32
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 18

P
Anderson

Jno H Potter

Hon Geo C Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, DC

Page 19

Washington Jany 18th 1859-
Sir,
Francis Beach of Litchfield Con-
who died in 1844 was a Revolutionary Pensioner
and his name is upon the rolls.
Will you please
inform me under what act he was pensioned
and for what amount of service, and the
amount of his pension and [Illegible]
Very Respectfully
Your obt Sevt
Jno H. Potter

Mr Geo C. Whiting}
Commissioner}

Page 20

To
The Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

{Postage Stamp}
Co. Aug 7 
[Illegible]

Page 21

To the Commissioner of Pensions

I again send Francis Beach's application for a pension.  I wrote to the comptroller Mr. Phelps originally [illegible] the suggestion in the paper sent me, and received for answer the certificate, which is herewith sent from which it would seem  that there were two [illegible] called by the name of Mifflin, one a sloop and the other a schooner, both of which appear to be recognized as public vessels.  Mr. Beach sent to his brother in the state of New York for a deposition and received the one inclosed, which lacks the certificate of credibility.  I however send it without obtaining that certificate presuming that the Department are satisfied of the fact that the applicant served, inasmuch as there is no complaint on that given in the papers sent by the department to me.
Very respectfully,
Your obt sevt
O S Seymour

Page 22

Mr. George Carrington, a clergyman residing in the town of Goshen in the county of Litchfield [illegible] and Nelson Brewster residing also in said town of Goshen hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mr. Francis Beach who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 76 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.  We also certify that the said Francis Beach is a gentleman of undoubted character for truth and veracity upon whose statement reliance may safely be placed.
George Carrington
Nelson Brewster
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me, Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate [illegible]
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories proscribed b 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 the Rev. George Carrington, who has signed the receding certificate is a clergyman resident in said town of Goshen and that Nelson Brewster Esquire who has also signed the same is a resident in said town of Goshen, and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Frederick Wolcott [illegible] Justice of Probate [illegible]

Page 23

I Phineas Miner Clerk of the Court of Probate
for the District of Litchfield and County of Litchfield, do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro-
ceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
of Francis Beach-----------------------
for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and the Seal of the said 
Court this 15th day of August 1832
Phineas Miner Clerk
{SEAL}

Page 24

I, Israel Beach of East Bloomfield county of Ontario and state of New York do say and
testify that Francis Beach of Goshen Litchfield county and state of Connecticut in the
year AD 1777 about the first of january enlisted as a marine in the United States
military service for the term of one year under Captain William Day of Sheffield of
Massachusetts state and after going through and opperation of the small pox in which I atten
-ded him-went early in the spring to Boston and entered on board the ship Mifflin, one
of the fleet of Commodore Manly for that year. Two doctors known at that time by me, went
in this ship viz. Francis Gâteau of Norfolk, Connecticut, and- Ward of-from their
departure from Boston to sea and return back to the same place was nine months, or
very near. This ship Mifflin, in cruissing about Ireland-England-and West Indies
took eleven prizes-so stated by the pubblick prints in Boston--Connecticut and of
that time- I also know that the said Francis Beach never received any compensation
I cannot remember who his officers were at this time
Israel Beach

State of New York Ontario County ss
Subscribed and sworn
before me the 25th day of July
1833.
Henry Chapin 
J.P.

Page 25

State of New York
Ontario County
I, Charles Crane, Clerk of said court, do hereby certify that Henry Chapin, whose name is subscribed to the within certificate of affidavit, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe the signature within to be his proper act and deed.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty fifth day of July AD 1833.
Charles Crane


Israel Beach

Page 26

O. S. Seymore Esqr
Litchfield
Connecticut

[written upside down]
Elisha Phelps Esqr
Certificate

Page 27

Comptrollers Office
August 3, 1833

I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify that the Council of Safety of this state on the 29th day of May 1777 passed the following [illegible] that the schooner or Mifflin under the command of Capt. Timothy White be the same with the officers and crew on board are hereby discharged from the service of this state, and Capt. White is directed to [illegible] up said schooner and all the stores on board belonging to the Continental  to the agent for the Continent taking receipt and stores are on board belong to this state are to be delivered to the Brig. Gen. Silliman, or where he shall order the same.
And under date June 30th, 1777, it appears by the journal of that board, that the following order was made, viz, "Orders sent to Mr. Nathaniel Shaw to send all the whale boats to New Haven also the armed sloops Schuyler

Page 28

and Mifflin to exercise off the harbour of New Haven, and to the westward.
And that I find no other mention made of these vessels, no roll or [illegible] of their crews.  The accounts of discharge [illegible] made by Navy, I believe were kept by the agent whose [illegible] money from time to time from the state, and perhaps from the United States.  The account is not to be found on the files of the office, and was probably transmitted to the Committee of Congress in 1788 with the payrolls and other vouchers of the land forces.
E Phelps

Page 29

Hartford Aug 3 1833

D Sir,
I send the accompanying certificate concerning the Mifflin, whether the sloop or schooner Mifflin mentioned in the orders of the Council of Safety were the same and cannot determine whether they were or even perhaps may be immaterial, if they were different, both are recognized by that board to be public armed vessels and in the service of the public.  The character of the vessels perhaps the most important fact to be proved.
I am very respectfully
[illegible] Phelps

I think your man if able ought to send me at least one dollar.  I would have earned more by [illegible].