Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6987, for John Mason, New Hampshire

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(3-1776)
SERVICE
NH 
Mason, John  
Betsey 
NUMBER
R6987
CONTENTS

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10,965 R
New Hampshire
John Mason of Warren in the state of N Hampshire who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Reid of the N Hampshire line for the term of 9 mos & 10 days - 1781 - 
Inscribed on the 
Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the 18 of April 1818. Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd of May 1819  and sent to Joshua Darling esquire, Hillsboro NH. Arrears to 4th of March 1819 - 10 {??} 
Semi-anl all'ce ending 4 Sept 1819.  84.49 + 40.00 = $132.49
{Revolutionary claim Act 18th March 1818.} Hillsborough County

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To the Honorable Joshua Darling one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the first District in Hillsborough County New Hampshire.
I John Mason of Warner in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire, testify and say that I enlisted into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War [illegible] a private soldier on the continental establishment in the month of April 1781 for the term of three years and served during said term in Capt. Santo's company of the second New Hampshire Regiment till some time in the fall of 1783 when I received a regular discharge at Constitution Island - which discharge I have lost. I further testify and say that I am in reduced circumstances in life so as to need the assistance of my Country for support
John Mason (his x mark)
April 18 1818

State of New Hampshire Hillsborough fs. April 18 1818-
Then personally appeared the above named John Mason made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed is just and true before me
Joshua Darling One of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the first District in the County of Hillsborough New Hampshire

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State of New Hampshire}
Hillsborough fs} I Joshua Darling, Judge of the Court as aforesaid hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Mason served in the Revolutionary Army on the continental establishment against the common enemy more than nine months at one period of continued service, and that he was in the service at the close of the war. I further certify that it appears to my said satisfaction the said Applicant is in reduced circumstances in life and stands in need of assistance from his Country for support. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 18th day of April A.D. 1818
Joshua Darling
State of New Hampshire}
Hillsborough fs} I Moses Eastman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the first District in Hillsborough County New Hampshire do certify that the Hon. Joshua Darling is a Judge of said Court that the above is his signature and that the seal hereto affixed is the seal of said Court
Moses Eastman Clerk

[Sideways on the right]
No. 31
John Mason's
Affidavit on application
for Pension

John Mason
Private
2nd New Hampshire Regt
1781-3 years [3 years has been crossed off]

18th April 1818

Admitted

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copy 223
John Mason
10965
Continued

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And the said John Mason doth here in Court further declare on oath, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows, viz.
He enlisted under Capt Benja Center the last of March for the term of three years in the year 1781 - and was in the service of the United States three years and two months in Col George Reeds Regiment he was in the Battle at Bemise Height and at Johnstown State of New York

That the date of his original declaration in order to obtain a pension is 18th day of April 1818. And the number of his pension certificate is 10965. That his occupation is Farmer but not able to work any great. That the number and names of his family residing with him, and their ages and capacities to contribute to their support, are as follows, viz.
His Wife Betsy aged forty five years Phineas Mason a son aged fifteen Sophia Mason aged seventeen years Benjn Mason aged eight years and Susan Mason aged six years And the said John Mason is not able to support himself and family without the assistance of his Country

Wherefore he prays the opinion of the said Court as to the value of the property contained in the said Schedule and that the same together with a copy of the premises be duly certified, to the Secretary of War.
Sworn and declared before the Hon. Joshua Darling + J K Smith Justices of sd Court the 12 day of July 1820 John Mason (his x mark)
Attest Enoch Bailey
Hillsborough SS.] Court of Common Pleas.
The aforesaid Schedule and oath, and the above declaration, duly subscribed and sworn by the said John Mason having been by him exhibited in person and presented to the Court, and the same being seen and considered:
It is the opinion of said Court, that the value of the property, contained in said Schedule is D28.84 and that said John Mason is indebted as above
Wherefore the Court order that a copy of the premises with the proceedings thereon, be duly certified, to the Secretary of War.
Attest, M Eastman Clerk.
STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Hillsborough ss.] I M Eastman clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the said County of Hillsborough being a Court of record, do certify, That the foregoing Schedule and oath and the declaration annexed, with the proceedings and opinion of the Court thereon, are truly copied from the records and files of said Court.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the 12th day of July 1820
M Eastman Clerk.

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TO the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Hopkinton within and for the County of Hillsborough and State of New-Hampshire.

1820 July 12th
John Mason aged sixty resident in Warner in said county, comes into Court, and, in pursuance of an Act of Congress, passed on the 1st day of May, 1820, brings with him, and in his proper person, exhibits to said Court a Schedule by him subscribed, containing his whole estate, and income, (his necessary clothing and bedding excepted) as follows:
Real Estate

Personal Estate
One Cow --- $15.--
One Goat --- 2.--
Four old Chairs --- 1.--
Three new Chairs --- 3.--
2 Scythes --- 2.--
1 Sneath --- .67
2 Hoes --- .67
One Axe --- 1.25
Crockery Ware --- 1.--
Tea Kettle --- .75
2 Pail Kettle --- 1.50
------
$20.84

He Owes
Reuben Porter $30.--

John Mason
(his x mark)
Attest Enoch Bailey

And the said John Mason in pursuance as aforesaid, produceth to said Court the following oath, by him duly taken and subscribed, viz:
I John Mason, do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th of March, 1818; and that I have not, since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Mason (his x mark)
Attest Enoch Bailey

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Declaration
of Betsey Mason, Widow
of John Mason a
Revolutionary Pensioner.

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Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of February 3d. A. D. 1853

State of New Hampshire, Belknap, ss:
On this twenty first day of June A. D. 1853, before me the Subscriber, Judge of Probate in and for said County of Belknap, in open Court, personally appeared Betsey Mason, a resident of Gilmanton in said County of Belknap, aged seventy five years, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress, passed February 3d. A. D. 1853; that she is the widow of John Mason late of Warner in the county of Hillsborough in said State, who was a revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of Congress of the 18th of March, A. D. 1818, and drew a pension of eight dollars per month which was paid at the New Hampshire Agency, for proof of which she refers to papers on file in the Pension Office.
She further declares that she was married to the said John Mason in November A. D. 1809, the day of the month she does not remember; that her husband, the aforesaid John Mason died at said Warner in February, A. D. 1833.
She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the Act and is still a widow, and that she has never before made application for a pension.
Betsey Mason (her x mark)
Attest
Warren Lovell
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Warren Lovell, Judge of Probate

I hereby certify that Warren Lovell, Esquire, before whom the foregoing declaration was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing

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Judge of Probate in and for the County of Belknap aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office as Register of the Probate Court of said County this twenty first day of June A. D. 1853
O N J Vaughan
Register of Probate

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Affidavit of
Phineas Flanders

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I, Phineas Flanders of Warner in the County of Mrimack and State of New Hampshire, aged fifty years, depose and say that I am the son of Betsey Flanders, widow of Hapney Flanders late of Warner deceased, - that after the demise of my father my mother the said Betsey Flanders was married to John Mason of said Warner, who is also now deceased. - I was present at the wedding of my mother with the said John Mason and distinctly recollect the marrage. The Minester's name who married them was Aligah Watson who is now deceased. I cannot tell what year it was. I was young and cannot recollect my age at the time, but was from 8 to 12 years from the best of my recollection. The marriage took place at the residence of my mother, with whom I then lived, and continued to live with her and the said John Mason from the time of their marriage untill the decease of said Mason.
Phineas Flanders (his x mark)

State of New Hampshire Merrimack, ss.
I certify that the above named Phineas Flanders personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true. I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Phineas Flanders and that his reputation for truth and veracity is good
Subscribe + sworn to the 27th day of May 1853
Before me Benj Pettingill
Justice of the Peace

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State of New-Hampshire.

MERIMACK, SS.
I Nehemiah Butler, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, hereby certify that Benjamin Pettingill Esq., before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgment of deeds, &c., and that his signature thereunto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, this Eighteenth day of June A. D. 1853.
N Butler Clerk.

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Affidavit of 
Phineas Flanders

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July 15, 1853
Appl of Betsey Mason,
widow of
John Mason,
Belknap Co.
N. H.

s. 99 [or 19]
Act 3d Feby. 1853.

Rev

Jere Elkins
Meredith Bridge
N. H.

[Sideways on the right]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official

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No 2906
Betsey Mason of
John
Let to J Elkins
Oct 5 / 53 Grw

6987

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[Round stamp mark]
GILFORD N. H.
JUL
13

FREE

Hon. Loren P Waldo,
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C. 

[Sideways]
E
MCole
1853

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Judith Tucker's
Affidavit

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I, Judith Tucker, of Grafton in the County of Grafton in the County of Grafton in the State of New-Hampshire, wife of Ezra Tucker, depose and say, that I formerly resided in the immediate neighborhood of John Mason of Warner in the County of Merrimack, now deceased, - that I well recollect the time he was married to Betsey Flanders, the widow of Hapney Flanders - her name before her marriage with said Flanders was Betsey Silver. - I was not present at their marriage, but remember the time, because I lived near to them and was invited to their wedding. - I cannot remember the year of their marriage, but think it was about the year 1809; from the circumstance, that I removed from where I then lived in about two years after their marriage - I removed from there to my present place of residence in the year 1811. - I have no more doubt of their marriage, than if I had been present and witnessed their ceremony, because I was invited to their marriage, always understood that they were married, know that they afterwards lived together as man and wife, and was often at their house
Judith Tucker
(her x mark)
Grafton, N. H.
May 24, 1853
Witness, Jere Elkins

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State of New Hampshire}
County of Grafton} ss.
On this 24th day of May, A. D. 1853, personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace throughout the State, the within named Judith Tucker, and made oath in due form of law, that the within affidavit by her subscribed is in her belief true. - And I certify that the said Judith Tucker is a credible person, and her statement entitled to credit
Subscribed + Sworn to,
Before me,
Jeremiah Elkins
Justice of the Peace throughout the State

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Ezra Tucker's
Affidavit

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I Ezra Tucker of Grafton in the County Grafton in the State of New Hampshire, aged sixty one years, depose and say, that I was well acquainted with John Mason formerly of Warner in the county of Merrimack, now deceased, .- I was also acquainted with his wife Betsey Mason,- I well remember the time of their marriage,- I was invited to the wedding but did not attend. They were married, I think, in the month of November. I cannot remember the year, (illegible) from the best of my recollection it was 44 or 45 years ago.- I was about 17 or 18 years of age, I believe, at the time they were married,- Mrs Mason, name before her marriage was Betsey Flanders; she was, the widow of (illegible) Flanders.- Her maiden name, Betsey (illegible).  I lived in the immediate neighborhood of said John Mason from my earliest recollection up to about one and a half years after (word crossed out) his marriage with his wife, the said Betsey Flanders.- I was not present at the their marriage, but I know the day they were said to have been married, was invited to the wedding, and know that they afterwards lived together as man and wife. 
Grafton, N.H. 
May 24, 1853
Ezra Tucker

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State of New Hampshire
County of Grafton

On this 24th day of May A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace throughout the State the within named Ezra Tucker, and made on the in due from of law, that the within affidavit by him enclosed is in his belief true. and I certify that the said Ezra Tucker is a credible person, and his statement entitled to credit.
Subscribed & sworn to before me
Runiah Elkins Justice of the Peace throughout the State.

State of New Hampshire 
Belknap ss I Samuel C. Baldwin Clerk of the court of common Pleas within and for said county, hereby certify that Jeremiah Elkins Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, and who has thereto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace throughout the state aforesaid. during commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said court this second day of June, A.D. 1853  S.C. Baldwin clerk

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Pension Office
Sept 20 / 53

Sir
Please report time of last payment to, or death of (illegible) named pensioner
Respectfully
(illegible) 

F. Burt Esq
3 and P(illegible)

John Mason, Act 1818, $8. p. month.- Died 3d.. Feb. 1822, Paid to his death.

F. Burt
Auditor
N.B.- We have (illegible) one John Mason on the old or new Roll.- he died on above- His Widow, says, in her declaration, her husband died in Feb. 1833.- (illegible) be a (illegible) somewhere

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Letter of (illegible) Clerks
of Warner, N.H.

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Warner May 5 1853
Mr Ian Elkin
In am for agreeable to your request
I have examined the records of Warner and
find no marriage recorded of John Mason and
Betsey Flander. Elder Walker has made several letters of Marriages
any further enquires will
cheerully responded to
Yours Respectfully
Robert Thompson Town Clerk of Warner

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Meredith Bridge, N.H.
July 12. 1853

Hon. Loren P. Waldo, 
Commissioner of Pensions, 

Sir,
I enclose the Declaration of Betsey Mason, Widow of John Mason, a revolutionary Pensioner in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of February 3. 1853.

2. A (illegible) of Attorney from the applicant to me. 
3.A letter from the Town Clerk of Warner, N.H., where the marriage was (illegible), in (illegible) to a letter from one stating that there is no record evidence of the marriage.
4. The affidavit of Phineas Flanders, a son of the Applicant by a former husband, that he was present at the marriage, and lived with the parties, many years after.
5. The affidavits of Ezra Tucker & Judith Tucker, his wife, (illegible) (illegible) persons, that they know where the marriage took place, were invited to be present, and lived near neighbors, and that the said John Mason and the applicant lived and were respected to the man and wife.
6. An old copy of the Marriage pensioner certificate, which I send for the purpose of referring the office to the Pensioner papers of said above Mason.

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I hope these papers will(crossed out) certain all the evidence necessary in order to enlist the Applicant to a Pension Certificate.- I can see nothing else required by the regulating of your Office.- 
I have the honor to be 
very respectfully,
Your Obedient servant
(illegible)

If the request is not (illegible) in paper, I should consider it a favor to (illegible) a (illegible) blank application for (illegible) of pension, & pursuing under the Act of  Feb. 3. 1853.- As I have frequent applications to (illegible) Attorney for pension (illegible),

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[crossed out] Acts of July 14, 1882, and March 3, 6987
Betsey Mason
[stamp] REJECTED
P. O.
service;
Enlisted:
Discharged:
&
Application filed:
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
18
Recognized.
Cert. of Dis. Searched for
18
Contract.

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Warner August 3 1818 I hereby Certify that John Mason the Bearer has lived in Warner about nine years and is a very poor man and in needy circumstances. 
Benjamin Swann

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This certifies that we the under signers have known Mr John Mason some time and can we think safely say that he is poor and needs assistance

Warner Aug (t underscore ..) 3, 1818 
Ruben (illegible)
Timothy Flanders } Select men

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[blank page]

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 I the Subscriber Inhabit of the town of Warren in in the County
of Hillbaugh and State of New Hampshire certify and
say that I am well acquainted with John Mason
of said Warren and believe him to be poor man
so as to need the assistance of his country for support

April 20. 1818
Joseph B Hoy

Sworn to before me
Joshua Darling Jus. Peace

Page 33

Power of Attorney
Betsy Mason
Jeremiah Eklins

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Know all men by these presents that I, Betsey Mason
of Gilmanton in the County of Belknap and State of New Hampshire
Widow of John Mason, late of Warner in the County of
Merrimack (formerly Hillsborough, a Revolutionary Pensioner, now
deceased, have made, constituted and appointed Jeremiah Elkins
of Meredith in said County of Belknap, and by their presents do
make, constitute and appoint the said Jeremiah Elkins, my
true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to ask for
and receive for me and for my use any pension which may
be due to me as the Widow of said John Mason under the Act
of Congress of February 3, 1853, or under any other existing
law of Congress, and to receive the Pension Certificate
therefor and in my name and for my use to receive
the money which may be due and payable to me as
the widow of said John Mason
Hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my
said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises
Given under my hand and seal this second day
of July, A.D. 1833

Betsy her x mark Mason

Signed, Sealed & delivered 
in presence of
Napolen B. Gale

Hazen Gale
State of New Hampshire
County of Belknap
Personally appearing Betsey
Mason before me the subscriber, a Justice of the

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Peace in and for the County of Belknap aforesaid on this fifth day of July A.D. 1853, and acknowledged the foregoing instrument of writing by her subscribed to be her voluntary [illegible] and deed
Before me 
Napoleon B Gale Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Belknap 
I Samuel C Baldwin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said county hereby certify that Napoleon B. Gale Esq before whom the above power of attorney was acknowledged, and who has thereto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgement of deeds, and that his signature hereto is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name, and affixed the seal of said court this seventh day of July A.D. 1853
S.C. Baldwin, Clerk

Page 36

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE
Hillsborough ss.  Be it known, that before me, Benjamin Evens Esquire
in the county aforesaid, personally appeared John Marion
and made oath that he is thei dentical John Mason
named in an original certificate in his possession, of which the following is a copy:
"WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim
I CERTIFY, That, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 18th of March 1818
John Mason
late a private
in the Army of the Revolution
is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the New-Hampshire agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month to commence on the eighteenth day of April
one thousand eight hundred and Eighteen

GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this twenty second day of May
one thousand eight hundred and nineteen
J.L. Edwards in the Absence and belief
of the Secretary of War
That he served in the Revolutionary Army, and is entitled to a Pension of eight dollars per month. That he now resides in [illegible] in the county of Hillsborough and has resided there for the space of ten years past; and that previous thereto he resided in Salentary in said county of Hillsborough

Sworn and subscribed this fourth day of September 1820 
John his x mark Mason
before me Benjamin Evans Jus.Peace.

Know all Men by these Presents, That I John Mason of Warner in the County of Hillsborough a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph Mason of Salisbury in sd county my true and lawful attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in the State of New Hampshire, my pension from the fourth day of March 1820 to the fourth day of September 1820
Witness my hand and seal this fourth day of September 1820
John his x mark Mason
Signed, sealed and delivered, in presence of Benjamin Evans Lucinda Evans

Hillsborough, Be it known, That on the fourth day of September 1820 before me, Benjamin Evans in the county aforesaid, personally appeared John Mason above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this fourth day of September 1820
Benjamin Evans Jus.Peace.

Hillsborough ss. Be it know that on the fourth day of September 1820 appeared Joseph Mason the Attorney named in the foregoing Power of Attorney, and made oath that the same was not given to him by reason of any sale, transfer or mortgage of pension, or arrears of pension, therein authorized to be received by him.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned - Before me.
Jus.Peace