Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 602, Joseph Bassett, Mass.

Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Mass.
Bassett, Joseph
Basset, Nancy
NUMBER
R. 602
B.L. Wt. 43516-160-55
CONTENTS

Page 2

[Massachuse]tts 31938
---
Joseph Bassett [of] stable Co. in the State of Mass. was a Private in the company commanded [by] Lt. Basset of the - commanded by - in the Mass line for
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of April 1842 and sent to Hon. B. Burnell House of Representatives
---
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1842 $920.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. '43 40.00
[total] $960.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act March 19, 1842}

[Recorded] by D. Brown Clerk,
[Book] C. Vol. 2. Page 44

[second column]
to Agent
Zenas D Basset
Sep 13 1853

Page 3

A 1.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County and District of Barnstable S.S.
On this 15th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, personally appeared before the court of Probate holden at Barnstable within the County of Barnstable Joseph Basset a resident of Barnstable in the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That to the best of his knowledge and belief he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six in what was then called the "three years" service under Lieutenant Daniel Basset his father who acted as Recruiting officer for the army and he having been examined respecting his age and fitness for a soldier before Brigadier Genl Joseph Otis and passing Muster was stationed as waiter to the said Daniel Basset who was located part of the time in Barnstable and part of the time in Boston, as the particular duty of the said Daniel Basset (that of enlisting men) happened to call him, and subsequently he believes one year or more, after enlisted for during the war he distinctly recollects of passing the winter of 1777 in Boston in the Barracks near Fort Hill and that his first arrival there was soon after the evacuation of the British. He drew musket, clothes &c from the commissaries office in Boston and the company he belonged to had been preparing and was about marching for head quarters, but some news, he thinks the surrender

Page 4

2
of Burgoyne was the cause why the order was countermanded and that he did not go, and he further declares that he was in the Regiment of Col Bradford, but that he is not certain of his given name, believes Gamaliel, and that the captain of the company he belonged to was Joshua Gray and Josiah Miller 2d Lieutenant, but whether these were his officers during his first enlistment second or both he is not able to state, for being on the main in his capacity of waiter during the first year or more from his entering the army, he does not remember who were his particular officers he being always under the immediate command of his father nor is he acquainted with any person now living who were soldiers of the same company with himself, but remember the names of several that are deceased viz, James Lathrop, Ebenezer Cobb Josiah Miller of Yarmouth, Joshua Brimhall of Barnstable and two coloured persons by the names of Nathaniel Conant and Jabez Jolly.
He also declares that he was born in Barnstable on the 21st of April 1763 and was at the time of his entering the service a resident of Barnstable where he now lives and has resided ever since the Revolutionary War, and that he was not in any battles, being stationed as above named in Barnstable and Boston, his title to one hundred and sixty acres of Land, he sold a few years after the Peace, but does not know to whom was paid off upon his discharge in Continental money which turned out to be worth very little. And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pention or annuity except the present

Page 5

3
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state whatever, and the said Joseph Basset further declareth and deposeth that by reason of being a minor and under the particular care and direction of his father and likewise under his immediate command as an officer, during the time of his continuance in the army and now of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of neither of his services, nor to the year or manner of his discharge, but he is positive that he served his country faithfully as a soldier in the Revolution for more than one year under the first enlistment and does not know how long under the second, but thinks for about as long a period.
Joseph Basset
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year first aforesaid.
Abner Davis, Regr.

We John M Spear Clergyman and Freeman Beard Yeoman both residents of Barnstable in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Basset who has subscribed to the above declaration that we belive him to be seventy one years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. subscribed and sworn to this fifteenth day of May A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
over

Page 6

4
John M Spear
Freeman Beard
Sworn to and subscribed as aforesaid.
Abner Davis, Regr.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certify that it appears to them that John M. Spear who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in Barnstable and Freeman Beard, who has also signed the same is a resident in Barnstable and both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Nymphas Marston Judge

I Abner Davis, Clerk of the court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Bassett for a pension
In testimony wheof I here unto set my hand and the seal of the said Court of Probate the day and year first aforesaid.
Abner Davis, Reg.
{L. S.}

Barnstable May 24. 1832
I hereby certify that Joseph Basset was born in Barnstable, April 21st A.D. 1763 as appears from the records of said town.
Attest Josiah Hinckley clk of the Town of Barnstable

Page 7

B 5
Barnstable Ss.
Probate Court at Barnstable
May 15th, 1834
Personally appeared in open Court Samuel Snow aged sixty five years who on oath testifies and says that he has always resided in Barnstable since his early youth and has ever since known and been well acquainted with Joseph Bassett of said Barnstable, who has this day made a declaration for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832. That he well remembers that said Basset was a soldier in the Revolution, that he was a waiter to his father Daniel Bassett, who was a Lieutenant and a recruiting officer. He knows that the said Joseph was absent from home for a considerable time during the war in the service of his Country, as was then stated and as he has always believed that he well remembers of said Josephs returning from service, and that he was then in uniform.
Samuel Snow
Subscribed and sworn to in open court the day and year first aforesaid and I certify that in the opinion of the court the said deponent is a credible witness.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Probate Court.
Abner Davis Regr.
{L. S.}
Over

Page 8

6 C
Barnstable Ss.
Probate Court at Barnstable
May 15th 1834.
Personally appeared in open Court Jabez Bacon of Barnstable aged seventy seven years, who being duly sworn testifies and says that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War that he then well knew Joseph Bassett of said Barnstable who has this day made application in Probate Court for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7th 1832, and that he has ever since been well acquainted with the said Bassett, also that he well remembers that he was a soldier in the Revolution, that he served as waiter to his Father, Daniel Bassett who was a Lieutenant and recruiting officer. That the said Joseph was much of the time during the war absent, and in the service as was always reputed and as the deponent firmly believes he remembers of seeing him in uniform and remembers of the return of said Bassett, from the service, and that he was then in uniform.
Jabez Bacon
Subscribed and sworn the day and year first aforesaid in open court and I certify that the said deponent is in the opinion of this Court, a credible witness.
Witness my hand and the seal of the said Probate Court the day and year first aforesaid.
Abner Davis Regr.
{L. S.}

Page 9

D 7.
Barnstable Ss.
On this ninth day of December A.D. 1834 Personally appeared before the Court of Probate holden at Barnstable within the County aforesaid, Joseph Basset resident of the same Barnstable aged seventy two years or thereabouts who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 in favour of the soldiers of the Revolution, viz, That he enlisted as a private soldier in the army of the United States in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, as one of the three years men and some time in the fall of seventeen hundred and seventy seven, he enlisted for during the war passed the winter of 1777 in the Barracks at Boston and continued in both services for more than three years, and although he is not able to state the precise time or manner of his discharge, he recollects it was in the same year of the dark day [eclipse 10/27/1780] he also says that his Col in one of the above services (he cannot say which or whether both or not) was Gamaliel Bradford, he thinks of the 14th Regiment, and that he was taken from from the ranks and for a considerable part of the time served as waiter to Daniel Basset his father, but he wishes to be explicitly understood that he enlisted as a soldier and was not a private waiter and although he was in no Battles he had joined

Page 10

8.
his company and was about marching for the seat of war when the orders were countermanded as set forth in his former declaration now on file in the war Department, to which reference for particulars is made, and he also declares that there are many persons in this Town where he has always resided which know of his enlisting, and going from and of his returning and wearing out his uniform in a private dress, yet it is utterly impossible for any of them to swear to particular dates or for him at this distance of time to bring evidence to that effect.
He states also his belief that his Father had two commissions in the army of the Revolution and that he had them in his possession for more than twenty years after his Fathers death yet he does not know by whom they were given.
Joseph Bassett

Barnstable Ss.
Personally appeared in open Court the above named Joseph Bassett and made solemn oath to the foregoing supplemental declaration by him subscribed in open court, and I certify that the said declarant is in the opinion of the said court, to whom he is personally known a man of truth.
In testimony whereof I Abner Davis, Register of the said Court of Probate

Page 11

9
for said county have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Probate Court at Barnstable aforesaid this 9th day of December A D 1834.
Abner Davis Regr.
{L. S.}

E
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretarys office May 30. 1834
I hereby certify that from an examination of the Books and documents, relating to Military services in the war of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Bassett is borne on "an alphabetical list of the men in the continental any of these states" for Massachusetts Bay where he is entered, the time he engaged, for three years. There is no date attached to this list.
Edward D. Bangs
Secretary

F
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office August 9 1834
I hereby certify, That from an examination of the Books and documents relating to Military services in the war of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Bassett is borne on a certificate relating to Continental service of the following tenor, viz.
" Barnstable April 14. 1777. This certifies that all the Blankets

Page 12

10.
I have received, and twenty three from Yarmouth prized agreeable to a schedule gave to the selectmen of Barnstable also prized agreeable to schedule gave them of which twenty five are delivered to the soldiers as follows. Bassett and Davis company. Col Bradford Regiment prized." Then follow twenty four names one of which "Joseph Bassett " 18/8" and at the bottom of the account is written, "Put on Board to be delivered to the board of War 18 Blankets, the above is all the Blanketts turned in to me, signed attest Joseph Otis Muster Master, copy, original delivered the committee of Court collecting the continental Accounts as voucher. Endorsed "Joseph Otis Esq. Men of Blanketts received and delivered. April 14, 1777, copy, Ent Wate 177 directed "Wm. Aylett Esq. dep Commissary of purchases Virginia. His excellency Henry Lawrence Esq. Yorktown.
I further certify that a roll is found of Col Gamliel Bradford's Regiment headed the United States Dr. to Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the amount paid Col Gamaliel Bradford his officers & men to make good the depreciation of their wages for the first three years service in the continental Army agreeably to returns from said Regiment. Also for advance to sundry deserters in said Regiment made them before their desertion. On this roll is found the name of Daniel Bassett Lieutenant amount of wages, 107.11.0 paid by the continent. 48.7.0 paid by the State 59.4.0. Dated Sep. 21. 1787. I also certify that the names of claimants who were in the

Page 13

11
service as waiters attached to officers, are not found on the Muster Rolls relating to the services described by them, but one instance being known, since the examination of the papers in this Department, in which the name of a person so claiming was found, when reenlisted afterwards as privates, their names have been found.
Edward D. Bangs
Secretary,

Page 14

B-1-32

[second column]
79.483 Let of Mar 3d consol Ivas Oct. 1. 1855.
215.597 tn
---
79,433
Nancy Bassett
widow of Joseph Bassett
decd. Priv.
---
Revolutionary War,
Private
Mass Line
---
Ans Feby 53
Mass June 32 - 31938
---
do. 160 acs. Sept 11 / 56
Dodge
---
Zenas D Bassett
Hyannis Mass.
23

[across]
43576 of Sep 20 / 56

Page 15

State of Massachusetts County of Barnstable
On this day of March 28th A. D. 1855 personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Joseph Bassett aged ninety-two years, a resident of Barnstable in Massachusetts who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Joseph Bassett who was a private in the company commanded by Captain in the Massachusetts Men, commanded by in the Revolutionary War with Great Britain, that he enlisted on or about the day of A. D. 17 for the term of and continued in actual service in the said war for the term of over two years and was honorably discharged at on or about the day of A. D. 18, as will appear by reference to the rolls; that he received no printed, or written discharge, that he has never received, nor applied for, and is not entitled to bounty land for any other service and that he now draws a pention of eighty dollars per annum, a Copy of the Certificate for which is annexed.
That he makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which he may be entitled under the act of March 3d, 1855, and that he prays that the certificate thereof may he sent for him to HORATIO WOODMAN, Boston, Mass.
Joseph Bassett

We Joseph Basset Junior and Francis Hinkly residents of Barnstable in the state of Massusetts, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Joseph Bassett in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be.
Joseph Basset Jr
Francis Hinkly

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons,-that the claimant is the person he represents himself to be,- and that I have no interest in this claim.
Zenas D. Basset
Justice of the Peace.

Page 16

Marriages Solemnized by Barnabas Bates.
April 2d 1808, Mr. Joseph Bassett of Barnstable & Miss Nancy Hawes of
Yarmouth.
A true copy from the records of the Town of Barnstable.
Attest
Ferdinand G. Kelley.
Town Clerk.

Barnstable Ss
September 28. 1855
Then personally appeared the above named Ferdinand G. Kelley and made oath that the above is a true record from the town Books before me
Zenas D Basset Jus Peace

Page 17

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Acts of Congress granting pensions to widow of soldiers who served in the War of the Revolution
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable Ss.
On this twentieth day of September in the year 1855 before me George Marston Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County personally appeared Nancy Basset, aged seventy eight years, and made the following declaration, on oath, in order to obtain the pension which is due her as the widow of Joseph Basset, deceased.
That she is the widow of Joseph Basset, late of Barnstable, deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States  at the rate of eighty dollars per annum on account of his services as a private soldier in the War of the  Revolution, that the nature, place & extent of his services she is unable to state, except that it was long enough to entitle him to a pension, as above, and that Lieut. Daniel Basset was one of the officers under which he served. And she prays that reference may be made to the evidence on file in the Pension Office at Washington as she supposes, upon which he obtained his pension as aforesaid, that she was married to said Joseph Basset on the second day of April in the year 1808 by Rev. Barnabas Bates, a clergyman then settled at Barnstable, that he died at said Barnstable on the seventh day of July A.D. 1855, that she has not been married since the death of her said husband on the seventh day of July 1855, but has been and is now a widow
Nancy Basset
Witness Zenas D. Basset
R. S. Pope
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Barnstable ss.  Subscribed in my presence, and said Nancy Basset personally appeared

Page 18

and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, before me, at her dwelling house, where I attended for that purpose. She being unable from age & physical infirmity to attend in open Court and I have no interest in the claim of said Nancy Basset for a pension.
September 26. A.D. 1855.
Geo. Marston Judge of Probate, Barnstable Co. Masstts.

Page 19

I Rufus S. Pope of Barnstable in the County of Barnstable, Clergyman, on oath depose & say, that I well knew Joseph Basset late of said Barnstable, who was a pensioner of the United States on account of his services in the war of the Revolution - that he died on the seventh day of July A.D. 1855, which I know because I attended his funeral a day or two after, and knew of his death at the time of the same - that I well know Nancy Basset, his widow, who has this day made declaration before the Judge of Probate in my presence, in order to obtain a pension - and I well know that she is the identical person who was the wife of said Joseph Basset for many years, and is now his widow & that she has not been married since his death. And I am disinterested in her claim for pension.
Sept. 20, 1855.
Rufus S. Pope
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable ss:
On this twentieth day of September A.D. 1855, personally appeared Rufus S. Pope & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed in my presence - And I certify that said Pope is a credible & respectath Witness - and that I have no interest in the claim of Nancy Basset for pension
Before me Geo. Marston
Judge of Probate
Barnstable Co
Masstt.

Page 20

I Zenas D. Basset of Barnstable in the County of Barnstable, Esquire, on oath depose and say that I well knew Joseph Basset, late of Barnstable, in said County, deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States on account of his services in the war of the revolution, that he died on the seventh day of July in the year eighteen hundred and fifty five, that he left a widow whose name is   Nancy Basset - that I was present this day when she made declaration before the Judge of Probate in order to obtain a pension, and I know that she is the identical person who was the wife of said Joseph Basset for many years, and is now his widow.  That she has not been married since the death of said Joseph Basset, but has been & is now a widow. And I am disinterested in the claim of said Nancy Basset for a pension.
Sept. 20, 1855.
Zenas D. Basset.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable Ss.
On this twentieth day of September A.D. 1855 personally appeared Zenas D. Basset & made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed, before me, and I certify that said Basset is a credible and respectable witness - and that I have no interest in the claim of Nancy Basset to a pension.
Attest
Geo. Marston
Judge of Probate
Barnstable Co. Mass.

Page 21

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable Ss:
I Rufus S. Pope Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County hereby certify that Hon. George Marston is the Judge of said Court, and that his signatures in three places on the annexed papers are his genuine signatures
In witness whereof I have hereto set my hand & the seal of said Court this twenty first day of September A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty five.
R. S. Pope
Register of Probate

Page 22

Application for Bounty Land
No 215.597

Page 23

Declaration of a WIDOW who has NEVER HAD a Land Warrant

State of Massachusetts
COUNTY OF Barnstable SS.
On this twenty second day of September, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Nancy Bassett aged Seventy eight years, a resident of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Joseph Bassett deceased, who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution and was a pensioner of the United States on account of his of his services in that war, that she does not know the officers, under whom he served or the exact time of his services, but it was long enough to entitle him to a pention of Eighty dollars per annum for the same [illegible] certificate number 31398 and must have been for more than three months and that she does not know whether or not her husband ever received any written or printed discharges.
She further states that she was married to the said Joseph Bassett in Barnstable, on the second day of April A. D. 1808, by one Barnabas Bates, a Clergyman, and that her name before her said marriage was Nancy Hawes; that her said husband died at Barnstable, on the seventh day of July, A. D. 1855, and that she is now a widow of the said Joseph Bassett.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved March 3, 1855," and prays that the certificate thereof may be sent for her to Zenas D. Basset of Barnstable, Mass.; and declares that she has not received a Bounty Land Warrant under this or any other Act of Congress, nor made any other application therefor.
Nancy Bassett

Page 24

We Nathaniel Bacon and Amariah Bearse residents of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Nancy Bassett in our presence; and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Nathaniel Bacon
Amariah Bearse
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be; and that I have no interest in this claim.
Zenas D. Basset
Justice of the Peace.

State of Massachusetts Barnstable County.
We, John B. Hinckley and Theodore F. Bassett having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Joseph Bassett who was a private (we believe), in the war of the Revolution as we were informed by him whose widow now applies for bounty land; that we knew him for more than thirty years before his death, which occurred at Barnstable about two months ago; that we know that he died about that time, because we were at his funeral and saw him after he was dead that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she is now unmarried, and that we are disinterested.
John B. Hinkley
T. F. Basset
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty second day of September A. D. 1855
Zenas D. Basset
Justice of the Peace.

It is hereby certified, that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of John B. Hinkley and Theodore F. Basset residents of the said County and State, whom I know to be credible persons, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the foregoing application; that Nancy Bassett * the applicant for bounty land in the foregoing declaration is now unmarried, and that she is the widow of the late Joseph Bassett who was a private soldier in the war of Revolution and that the said Joseph Bassett died at the time above stated, on the seventh day of July 1855
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, this twenty second day of September A. D. 1855
Zenas D Basset Justice of the Peace.
* a pentioner of the U States on account of his services in the Revolutionary War.

Page 25

Rev. War        9 B 4
RECORDS 3-525.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., Dec. 20", 1902.

I. S. C.
R. File 602
Rev. War.

Madam:
In reply to your request of the 14" inst. received the 16" inst., for a statement of the military history of Joseph Bassett, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. 

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. STATE
1776 1 year Private acted as Waiter to Lt. Daniel Bassett his father. [Capt.] Joshua Gray Mass. [Col. - checkmark sign]
Feby. 15, 1777 3 years Private [Capt.] J. Russell [Col.] Gamaliel Bradford

Battles engaged in, none.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Barnstable, Mass.
Date of application for pension, May 15, 1834.  His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Barnstable, Mass.
Age at date of application, born Apl. 21, 1763 at Barnstable, Mass.
Remarks: Soldier married at Barnstable, Mass. Apl. 2, 1808 Miss Nancy Hawes of Yarmouth; he died July 7, 1855 at Barnstable where she resided and was seventy-eight years of age in 1855.
It was stated that the parish register would show the soldier was the father of twenty four children by two wives, no names are given except son, Zenas D. Basset of Hyannis, Mass., in 1855.

Very Respectfully,
J L Davenport.
Commissioner.

1373 Oak St. Columbus, Ohio
Mrs Wilhelmina Courts Van Hall.
wayts one with wife Mary, see S.35770

1565b3m10-08

Page 26

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office June 11th 1836
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Bassett is borne on a list of men who belonged to Captains Russell's and Davis's Company in Col. Bradfords Regt. who received their Blankets, Barnstable
April 14th,1777.

Joseph Bassett's name is borne on a "Return of the enlisted soldiers into the Continental Army. Mustered and paid their bounty, by Joseph Otis Esq. Muster Master for the County of Barnstable", where it appears he enlisted from the town of Barnstable for three years, in Capt. J Russells Company in Col. G. Bradford's Regt. and was Mustered February 15th 1777. And said Continental Bounty L.6. State Bounty L.20. Total paid L.26.
John P. Bigelow

Page 27

27th Cong
2. Sess
S. 13
---
Report
from the Committee on Pensions, on the bill for the relief of Joseph Bassett.
---
1841 Dec. 20. Submitted to accompany Bill S. 13.

These papers contain the substantial merits of the case.

Page 28

The Senate of US Dec. 20 1841 Mr Bates submitted the following report.

The Committee on Pensions, to whom was refered, "A Bill for the relief of Joseph Basset," respectfully reports:
That Joseph Basset enlisted in the Continental army for three years and was mustered in the same on the 15th of Feb. 1777 and received the State & Continental bounty. How long he continued in the service is the point of doubt. There is no evidence of his desertion, or premature discharge He testifies, to his recollection, that he was discharged in the year of the dark day, which was in 1780 May the 19th. He is shown to be a man of good character, though of broken & frail memmory. His clergyman and neighbors are full in their testimony to the general parts of his service. The Committee, on the whole, not withstanding, there is no evidence as to the precise time of his discharge, think it safe to assume that he served at least two years. They, therefore, report the Bill without amendments.
By order,
J. C. Bates

Senate 
2a Session
27th Cong.

Page 29

No 6.037
Nancy Bassett Joseph

Page 30

Hyannis 15 Nov 1855
Hon J Minot
Commissioner of Pentions

Dear Sir
I have received a letter from the Pention Office dated 4th Oct, saying that the claim of Nancy Bassett, widow of Joseph Bassett of Barnstable Masstt. was disallowed because he was pentioned under a special act of Congress; this speciality comes to my knowledge for the first time; he was pentioned under an act of the US passed 19th March 1842, and I did not apprehend the least difficulty in her obtaining what her husband enjoyed while living. If it is in your power to grant her the pention I beg of you to do so, for she is indeed needy.  Your printed circular in regard to Bounty Lands of course will be complied with in her case, and every other.
I am respectfully
Yours truly
Z. D. Basset

Page 31

Hyannis 24 Sept 1855
Hon J. Minot
Commissioner of Pentions

Dear Sir
In compliance with the suggestion in your letter of the 13 inst. I herewith enclose (as I suppose) the necessary papers to procure for Nancy Bassett the continuance of her husbands Pention; nearly similar documents were in June last, sent to Horatio Woodman Esq of Boston to be forwarded to the department which you say are not on file. You will confer a favour if her application can be acted upon immediately.

Very Respectfully and 
Truly Yrs Zenas D. Basset
Barnstable
Mass.

Page 32

House of Representatives
April 9 1832

Sir:
This may certify that, Joseph Bassett of Massachusetts, is, I believe, the identical person for whose relief the act of the 19th ult. was passed.
I would have forwarded this before but since the except of yours until to day I have been unable to guide my pen from [illegible].

Respy your obt st
Barten Burnell
[illegible]
Mass

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comm of Pen

Please accompany the certificate with the papers necessary to guide the Pensioner. Considering that my [illegible] position has thrown this matter out of course I ask the favor of an early attention.

Page 33

Washington, Jany 15th 1838.
Sir:
I have no objection to state, in aid of the petition of Joseph Basset for Revolutionary Services, the impression made on my mind when I examined his case, as Secy. of War ad interim.
I gave the documents a very attentive perusal, and was strongly impressed with the belief, that the declarant had probably continued in actual service long enough to bring him within the terms of the law. The requisite service, I thought very nearly proved; but as there was certainly a technical

Page 34

defect of proof, and some reason for doubting, whether he served long enough to entitle him to a pension, I did not think the case clear enough to place him on the roll.
I think there is strong equity in his application & I hope it may receive the favorable notice of the Committee of Congress.
I am Sir,
very respectfully,
Your obt. srvt.
B. F. Butler

B. F. Hallett, Esquire,
Washington City.

Page 35

J. L. Edwards Esqr

Sir,
Will you do me the favor to furnish me with a copy of the papers in the case of Joseph Bassett of Mass. an applicant for a pension, which are on file in your office, and which are not contained in the enclosed copies of those papers. Please enclose the accompanying papers, with the copy of the remaining ones when completed and direct them to me at Mrs Pittman's 3d Street.
Very Respectfully yr Obt Sevt.
Benjn. F. Hallett

Washington
Feb. 18. 1837

Page 36

Copies
No 2
14765
Evidence of the entestment of Jos. Bassett as a soldier

Page 37

I HEREBY certify, that the accompanying pages numbered from One to eight are truly copied from the originals in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of War.
J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

BE IT REMEMBERED, That JAMES L. EDWARDS, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this Twenty-first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
B. F. Butler
Secretary of War.
Ad interim

Page 38

(Copy)
G
Representation of the case of Joseph Bassett.
To J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
The application of Joseph Bassett of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts, has been presented to you and deferred for deficiency in evidence as to service. At my request, Hon. Dutee J. Pearce of R.I. obtained at your office copies of the papers in Bassett's case Jan 9th 1836. Since then I have caused a very thorough examination to be made of the Documents relating to Military service in the Secretary's Office of this Commonwealth, and have obtained conclusive evidence as to the period and term of his enlistment and service. This document I have the honor to annex enclosed, attested by the Secretary of State.
On comparing it with the declarations and evidence for the applicant, now on file in your office, it can leave no doubt that Joseph Bassett was a soldier in the revolution for the period of three years, and is therefore, entitled, under the act of 1832 to full amount of pension drawn by privates in the Continental Army. The certificate of the Secretary shows that Bassett enlisted as a soldier, from the town of Barnstable for three years,

Page 39

2
in Capt. J. Russell's Company, Col G. Bradford's Regiment, and was mustered Feb. 15. 1777 and received Bounty L26. This corresponds with his declaration made in 1834 with no knowledge of the existence of this document, which was not found at two previous examinations in May and August 1834
This is explained by the confusion and irregularity of the files of Revolutionary papers in the Department of State of Massachusetts. In his declaration Bassett sets forth that he enlisted in 1776 under Lieut. Daniel Bassett, his father, and was stationed as waiter to said Daniel Bassett. This was probably led your Department to infer that he was a waiter and not a soldier in the service; but on recurring to his first declaration you will perceive that he declares that subsequently to his being stationed as waiter "he believes one year or more, he reenlisted for during the war" This "one year or more" after 1776, conforms precisely to the Certificate of June 11. 1836, which shows he enlisted for three years in 1777. It appears that he mistook his being stationed as waiter in 1776 for an enlistment. This, of course, is no discrepancy in evidence.
In his supplementary declaration on your files, he states his recollections to be

Page 40

3
to be, that he enlisted as a private Soldier, in the Spring of 1776 for three years, and sometime in 1777 in the fall, enlisted for during the war. This supplementary declaration was made in consequence of the return of the papers from your Department, on the ground that Bassett was in service only as a waiter and not as a soldier. It was drawn up by his son, who is not a lawyer. but conflicts with no other material fact or statement in the case.
It still considers his being stationed as waiter in 1776, an enlistment as a private soldier. This is a legal construction and if he mistook the character of his enlistment, it does not discredit the statement at all.
His recollection of his second, or actual enlistment, as a soldier, is that it was in the fall of 1777. The certificate of the Secretary shows it was in February 1777. So immaterial a variation of a few months, in a recollection going each fifty seven years, cannot be unusual, as I am aware from my knowledge of many like cases.
Besides, a misrecollection of a few months in the same year, cannot deprive the applicant of the benefit of the actual enlistment, which is now proved by the highest

Page 41

4
highest possible evidence
As to the names of his officers, he states in his Declarations, that he was in Col. Bradford's Regiment, and believes his given name was Gamaliel, and "that the Captain of the Company he belonged to, was Joshua Gray, Josiah Miller, 2d Lieut. but whether these were his officers during his first enlistment, second or both, he is not able to state."
Now the facts, proved by the Certificate of June 11. 1836 are - that his Col. was G. Bradford, and his Captain,  after his second enlistment, J. Russell, so that during 1776 he may have been attached to Joshua Gray's Company, while serving as waiter. There is therefore, no actual misrecollection shown as to the name of his Captain, and if there were, the certificate must be taken as conclusive evidence of the fact that he served under the Captain therein named.
The two Certificates of Mr Secretary Bangs, of May and August 1834, on your files, which were all the evidence then found, go to corroborate Bassett's claims, which the certificate of June 1836, now first sent to you, fully confirms. The first Certificate shows that the Applicant's name was borne on an alphabetical

Page 42

5
alphabetical list of the three years men in the Continental service, no date.
The record shows that he was among the soldiers from Barnstable, who received their blankets in 1777, a fact also stated in the Certificate of June 11. 1836
The receiptor for these blankets is Joseph Otis.
With these facts proved by the rolls of service; the original declaration of Bassett, made without his possible knowledge of their existence, corresponds, viz: that he was inspected by Gen. Joseph Otis, and that "he drew musket, clothes &c from the Commissioner's office in Boston."
I presume that stronger proof of service than this, is rarely presented to the Department. The enlistment for three years in the Continental service, is incontestible. The term of service would seem equally well established, as far as human evidence can be required, under the circumstances.
The Applicant declares in his oath, (which is accredited by the Clergyman, Judge of Probate &c, and may be by hundreds if required) that he received bounty lands for his service; that he cannot swear positively to his precise length of service, but is positive he served for more than
Over

Page 43

6
one year under the first enlistment, and does not know how long under the second, but thinks for about as long a period
In his supplementary Declaration, December 1834, on further recollection, he testifies that he continued in service "for more than three years, and although he is not able to state the precise time or manner of his discharge, he recollects it was in the same year of the dark day. This is a strong corroborating circumstance. The dark day happened May 19, 1780 making the year of his discharge 1780, and thus, three years after his enlistment in 1777. The large sum for bounty paid him, L26 also goes to prove the length of service.
Take in this connexin the general reputation testified to. of his having been a soldier of the Revolution, and the Affidavits of Samuel Snow and Jabez Bacon, that they know he was in the Revolutionary service; that he was absent for a considerable time, from home, in the service of his country, as they understood and believed; that he was absent in the service, much of the time during the war, and that they both well remember his returning from service, and that he then was in uniform.
The enlistment and term of

Page 44

7
of service being thus proved, by this additional evidence now forwarded, I respectfully request
as said Bassett's Attorney, that you will grant him a certificate of pension for the full amount to which a private in the Continental Army is entitled.
The applicant, though always an industrious and never a literally poor man, (which prevented his applying for a pension under the former pauper pension Law) seems to have one extraordinary claim upon the gratitude of his country.  He is actually the father of twenty eight children by two wives, as the Parish Register will show.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
Benjn. F. Hallett

Page 45

Copy
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office June 11th 1836
I hereby certify. That from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears, that the name of Joseph Bassett is borne on a list of men who belonged to Captains Russell's and Davis's Company in Col. Bradford's Regt. who received their blankets, Barnstable April 14th 1777.
Joseph Bassett's name is borne on a "Return of the enlisted soldiers into the Continental army, mustered and paid their bounty, by Joseph Otis Esqr, Muster Master for the County of Barnstable" where it appears he enlisted from the town of Barnstable for three years, in Capt. J. Russell's Company in Col. G. Bradford's Regt. and was mustered February 15th 1777 and paid Continental Bounty L6. State Bounty L20. total paid L26.
John P. Bigelow
Secretary.

Page 46

Certificate for J. Bassett.
E

Page 47

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 30. 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Bassett is borne on "an Alphabetical List of the men in the Continental Army of these States", for Massachusetts Bay, where he is entered, the time he engaged for three years. There is no date attached to this List.
Edward D Bangs, Secy

Page 48

War Department
Pension Office
July 10th 1834

Sir
The documents in support of the claim of Joseph Bassett have been examined and are herewith returned. The periods of service are not sufficiently specified in the declaration nor proved by the witnesses. Application ought to be made to Mr. Bangs Secrety of State at Boston, where no doubt part, if not all the service (will be found on the Rolls in his office,) as alleged by claimant
I have the honour: to be
very resptfy
yr mo obtst
Geo Wm Crump
In behalf of Commiss of Pensions

Hon. John Reed
Yarmouth Mass

Page 49

Massachusetts Yarmouth Port Sep 9th 1834

Sir
I herewith enclose you the papers of Joseph Bassett - together with two certificates from the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts. I hope they may be satisfactory. There are several who know Mr. Bassett was in the army - I saw a Revolutionary soldier to day who states that he well knew the Father of Bassett - saw him in the army about the time of the capture of Burgoine. He also saw a lad with him but could not identify him but has no doubt it was the applicant Joseph Bassett. I did not think it worth while to take his deposition. I have no doubt Bassett was in the army for some time but it becomes every day more difficult to obtain evidence.
With respect
yr obt sert
John Reed

James L. Edwards Esq

Page 50

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 9 1834.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services of the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Joseph Bassett is borne on a certificate relating to Continental service, of the following tenor viz: "Barnstable April 14 1777. This certifies that all the Blankets I have received and twenty three from Yarmouth prized agreeable to a Schedule gave to the Selectmen of Barnstable also prized agreeable to schedule gave them of which twenty five are delivered to the Soldiers as follows. Russell & Davis Company. Col Bradford Regiment prizes" Then follow 24 names, one of which is "Joseph Bassett 18/8" and at the bottom of the account is written "Put on board to be delivered to the Board of War 18 blankets, the above is all the Blankets turned in to me. Signed Attest - Joseph Otis Muster Master. Copy. Original delivered the Committee of Court collecting the Continental Accounts, as voucher." Endorsed. "Joseph Otis Esqr men of Blankets received and delivered April 14, 1777 Copy. Ent Waste 177" Directed. "Wm Aylett Esqr. Dep. Commissary of Purchases. Virginia. His Excellency Henry Lawrence Esqr. Yorktown.

Page 51

I further certify that a Roll is found of Col. Gamaliel Bradford's Regiment headed "The U. States Dr to Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the amount paid Col Gamaliel Bradford, his officers and men, to make good the depreciation of their wages for the first three years service in the Continental Army agreeably to returned (illegible) said Regiment. Also for advance to funding deserters in said Regiment made then before their desertions." On this Roll is found the name of Daniel Bassett Lieutenant, Amount of wages. 107.11.0. paid by the Continent 48.7.0. paid by the State 59.4.0. dated Sept 21 1787. I also certify that the names of claimants who were in the service as waiters attached to officers, are not found on the muster Rolls relating to the services described by them, but one instance being known, since the examination of the papers in this Department, in which the name of a person so claiming was found. When reenlisted afterwards as private then names have been found.
Edward D Bangs Secy

Page 52

Barnstable

On this ninth day of December AD 1834
Personally appeared before the Court of
Probate holden at Barnstable within the County
aforesaid, Joseph Basset resident of the same
Barnstable aged seventy two years or thereabout
who first being duly sworn according to law
doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the provision made by the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832 in favour of the Soldiers
of the Revolution viz
That he enlisted as a
Private Soldier in the army of the U States in
the spring of the year One thousand seven hundred and
Seventy Six, as one of the three years men and same
time in the fall of seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven
he reenlisted for during the War, passed the winter
of 1777 in the Barracks at Boston, and continued
in both services for more than three years, and
although he is not able to state the precise
time or manner of his discharge, he recollects

Page 53

it was in the same year of the dark day: he also says that his Col in one of the above services, (he cannot say which or whether both or not) was Gamaliel Bradford, he thinks of the 14th Regiment; and that he was taken from the Ranks and for a considerable part of the time served as waiter to Daniel Basset his father, but he wishes to be explicitly understood that he enlisted as a Soldier and was not a private waiter, and although he was in no Battles he had joined his Company and was about marching for the seat of War when the orders were countermanded as set forth in his former declaration now on file in the war department, to which reference for particulars is made - and he also declares that there are many persons in this Town where he has always resided which know of his enlisting, and going from home, and of his returning and wearing out

Page 54

his uniform in a private dress, yet it is utterly impossible for any of them to swear to particular dates; or for him at this distance of time to bring evidence to that effect - he state also his belief that his father had two commissions in the army of the Revolution and that he had them in his possession for more than twenty years after his fathers death yet he does not know by whom they were given.
Joseph Bassett

Barnstable SS.
Personally appeared in Open Court, the above named Joseph Bassett, and made Solemn Oath to the foregoing supplemental Declaration by him subscribed in Open Court. And I certify that the said declarant is, in the opinion of the said Court, to whom he is personally known, a man of truth.
In witness whereof, I Abner Davis, Register of the said Court of Probate for said Court of Probate for said County, have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Probate Court at Barnstable aforesaid this 9th day of December A.D. 1834
Abner Davis Regr.

Page 55

Joseph Bassett
31.287
______
See Bassets affidavit in
support of Simeon Baxter
Connecticut
15 Sept 1834
on Examination of these
papers & the certificate of
Mr Bangs Mr Edwards
decides that no evidence
is provided which brings
the claim within the
act of 1832
RE

Page 56

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier, Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer, Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
---
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: - For - year - months, and - days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which such 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 of 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 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 the seal of office.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 57

Hyannis 6th Oct 1835
Hon J L Edwards
Pension office
Washington

Dear Sir will you have the goodness to send me the Papers (or copies of them) relative to my father Joseph Basset of Barnstable, Pension now on file in your office as I expect to obtain sufficient additional evidence from the Secretary of State of Massachusetts office to obtain his Pension. likewise a copy of a certificate of the said Joseph Basset to Simion Baxter of Tolland Connecticut your compliance to this request will much oblige me and perhaps confer a favour upon a poor man
Yr Obt St  Z. D. Basset
The papers were originally transmitted by the Honb. John Reed

Page 58

I hereby Certify, that the accompanying pages numbered from One to Eleven inclusive are truly copied from the originals in the Pension Office War Department
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Be it Remembered, that James L. Edwards, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attestations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this 9th day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-six
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Page 59

[left side]

Petition of
Joseph Bassett
for pension as a
Revolutionary Soldier
                    =======
Pierce
11
pension

[right side]

26th Cong} S. 7 [illegible]
[illegible]    }
___

Petition
of Joseph Bassett
a soldier in the Revo=
lutionary War, for a
pension.
===================
1838. Jan. 16. referred to
Com: on Pensions
March 3 refd. S. 251
====================
1838 Dec. 10 Refered to the
Com: on Pensions
"           "   20. Bill reported
                                S.98
====================
1839. Dec. 31. Referred with
Bill S. 115, to the Com:
of Pensions,
1840 Jan. 6. Bill reported
====================
1840 Dec 15. Referred to the Com: on Pensions
   "     "      17. Bill reported
                                   S.71

[illegible] Pierce (11 )

Page 60

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled.
The petition of Joseph Bassett of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts, a private in the Revolutionary War, respectfully represents, that to the best of his belief and recollection, and as is confirmed and established by documents and proof now on file in the office of the Commissioner on Pensions, he was employed in service sometime in the year 1776, under Lieut. Daniel Bassett, his father, a recruiting officer in the Continental Army, and being a lad when he entered the service, was stationed as waiter to said Bassett. That after being thus employed, he believes one year or more, he enlisted for three years as a private in the Revolutionary war from the town of Barnstable in 1777 in Captains Russell & Davis's Company in Col. G. Bradford's Regiment, and was mustered Feb. 15 1777 and received his pay of Continental and State Bounty L26. That he served in said capacity and received his Blanket &c as a Soldier in April 1777. He further states that he continued in the service after said enlistment for a long time, but cannot recollect the precise time or manner of his discharge, but remembers it was in the same year of the dark day. He is certain that his service as waiter and after his regular enlistment as a private, was for more than three years.

Page 61

By reason of his youth when he entered the service, his being stationed as waiter, and the impossibility of proving by two living witnesses that he actually continued in service for the time specified after his enlistment, which last is fully proved, his case is supposed not to come strictly within the rules of evidence established by the War Department.
He is therefore compelled to appeal to the justice of his county through Congress, and humbly submits that his case (which is established by documents now on file in the Pension Office, in every just and equitable point of view,) is fully entitled to their favorable consideration. He earnestly hopes that the fact of his having entered the service of his country while he was so young, will not cut him off, in his old age from the claim he thinks he justly has to the benefits of the provision made for revolutionary soldier; and that the justice and equity of hi claim, will prevent his being excluded, by a technical construction of the Act of 1832, as he must be without the aid of Congress.
Wherefore he prays that his name may be placed on the pension list, as a private in the Continental Army for full service, by a special Act of Congress
Joseph Bassett
by his Attorney B. F. Hallett

Page 62

Lt628
No 6
Feby 23, 1837.
Pension office.

Basset's case

Page 63

Sir
In connexion with the papers and documents I had the honor to submit to you this morning in the case of Joseph Bassett of Massachusetts, claimant for a pension for revolutionary services, I forward herewith, the final decision of the Commissioner of Pensions, with his reasons for rejecting the claim (marked II) Those reasons I have replied to, in my statement of the case submitted to you, to which I beg leave to add a suggestion. It is admitted that enlisted waiter are recognized as coming within the act of 1832, In Bassett's case, there is the record fact that he did enlist for three years Feb 15 1777. Being then a waiter, he became an enlisted waiter, though recognized as a soldier, in the record of Blankets delivered to soldiers April 14, 1777. If he still continued a waiter, his name would not appear on the Regimental Rolls, but being an enlisted waiter, and with the clear proof there is of his actual service, does he not plainly come within the rules as a proper claimant. Lieut. Bassett, his father, being a recruiting officer would not be attached to any corps.
(over)

Page 64

Mr Edwards, in his letter rejecting the claim says that Daniel Bassett, the claimant's father left the service in November 26 1777, leaving the inference that claimant could not have served under him. This is rebutted by the record proof that in 1787, Daniel Bassett was one of the officers in Bradford's Regiment who was allowed for depreciation of wages for three years service. This three years service could not have been previous to 1777, and this confirms the claimant's declaration that his father had more than one Commission.
But even admitting that Daniel Bassett left the service Nov 26, 1777, the record fact shows that Joseph Bassett enlisted Feb 15, 1777, so that if he could only claim service as an "enlisted waiter" under his father, here is nine months and eleven days service from Feb to November, which establishes a claim. The contemporaneous and other evidence, together with the claimants oath, prove a further service until about 1780, thus entitling him to the full pension of a private.

Page 65

I also enclose further traditionary evidence
in the Affidavit of Mr Greene, Collector of the
District of Barnstable (J) who is an aged man
over sixty, and of unimpeachable character.

Permit me therefore, on these
grounds, most respectfully to solicit your favorable
attention to this claim, which is one that has
deeply interested me from my earnest conviction
of its justice and the merit of the claimant.

Very Respectfully
your Obt Servt.
B F Hallett

Hon. B F Butler,
Secretary of War
ad interim

Feb. 21, 1837
Mrs Pittman
3d Street.

Page 66

Appeal to the
Secty of War.


14.765
1 Augt 1837.
Pension Office
report recd 8 Aug 37
referred for report
J. R. P.


Ask Mr Edwards
for an explanation of this case

Page 67

The objection on the score of youth, surely ought not to prejudice the claimant, if, independant of this, there is proof of enlistment, mustering and service. That a youth of 14 should be impelled by the love of liberty to enlist as a soldier, is no unheard of thing in the history of our Revolution. Was it not a more noble and meritorious act in a youth, not liable to be drafted as a soldier, thus to volunteer and risk his life for his country, than it would have been had he been of full age, and been compelled to serve. He may have rendered less service than older soldiers but ought he ran, in old age, to be set aside by his country, because he rushed to her defence and endured the hardships of a camp, while he was but a boy? It is believed that there are applicants, not older than Bassett, who have received pensions. But young or old, there is the record of his enlistment muster & service. 

On these grounds, I respectfully appeal to the Secretary of War to reverse the decision of the commissioner on Pensions, and grant to the applicant a certificate of Pension.
B. F. Hallett
Atty for Applicant.

Washington Feb. 21, 1837

Page 68

Secretary

27th Cong}
[illegible]   }   S. 13

Documents
relating to the claim of
Joseph Bassett, a soldier
of the Revolution, for a
pension.
====================
1838. Feb. 8. referred to the
Com: on Pensions
====================
1838. Dec. 10, referred to the
Com: on Pensions
====================
1841 Dec. 14. Referred with
Bill  S.13. to the Com,
on Pensions
"        " 20. No amendt &
Report


Mr Pierce (49)

Page 69

Appeal to the Secretary of War
Case of Joseph Bassett of Massachusetts Applicant for Pension as a Rev. Soldier

To the Hon. B. F. Butler Secretary of War.

The undersigned, Attorney of said Bassett, respectfully appeals to the Secretary of War, from the decision of J. L. Edwards Esqr. Commissioner of Pensions adverse to said Applicant.

The accompanying authenticated papers from the files of the Pension Office, will show the grounds on which the claims of said Bassett have been presented three several times.

The paper marked A, is the first declaration made by Bassett, with all the legal authentications, and the oaths of a clergyman and a citizen to the character of the Applicant.

Paper marked B, is the affidavit of Samuel Snow, that he well remembers that Bassett was a soldier in the Revolution.

Paper marked C is a like affidavit of Jabez Bacon to the reputation of the Applicant as having served in the war.

Page 70

Paper D is a supplementary declaration, stating the service more specifically, on the return of the first papers, as insufficient.

Paper E is the certificate of the Secretary of State, of Massachusetts, that the name of Joseph Bassett, the Applicant, is found on an alphabetical list of the men in the Continental Army, for Massachusetts Bay where he is entered as engaged for three years.

Paper F is another certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, that Bassetts name is on a certificate relating to Continental service Barnstable April 14, 1777, showing that said Bassett was then one of twenty four soldiers to whom blankets were delivered - And also showing that in Sept. 1787, Daniel Bassett, Lieut, father of Joseph Bassett, under whom he declares, in part to have served, was paid L107.11.0 by the Continent and State, "to make good the depreciation of wages for the first three years service in the Continental Army." in Col. Gamaliel Bradford's Regiment. - thus proving the correctness of the Applicant's statement as to his service under his father, so far as time is concerned. - This certificate further shows that the names of waiters are not found on the Muster Rolls, unless they subsequently enlisted.

Page 71

2
But the name of the Applicant is found on the list of men mustered and enlisted for three years (see certificate H) If his name is not subsequently found, it may be explained by the fact, that though mustered, enlisted, paid a bounty of L26 (which shows he was accepted as a soldier on February 15, 1777) and proved to have been still ranked as a soldier two months after April 14, 1777 when he received his blanket as a soldier - yet, being a youth, he may have been detailed to attend on the officers, or some other service.

Paper G is the argument of Bassetts attorney (the undersigned) with additional evidence attached in certificate H which last shows the actual enlistment for three years, musterings and pay of Bounty as an approved soldier. - Upon these facts and statements, the Commissioner of Pensions decides against Bassetts claims; first on account of his youth, at the time of service, and second, and mainly, because it is contended that he comes within the rule as to proof of service which says "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

Page 72

the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same &c"

This severe rule, it is contended plainly does not apply to Bassett. His name is found there several times on the records of the Department, viz, by certificates E, F, & H.

It is also conclusive that he does not come within this rule, because one branch of the evidence required by it is "the time of the claimant's entering the service." Now this is proved, better than it could be by the recollection of every man in the Company, if now reviewing, by certificate H, which is one of "the records of the Department" referred to by the Rule.

It is therefore impossible to deny that the applicant enlisted for three years, from the town of Barnstable in Capt. Russell's Company, in Col. G. Bradford's Regiment, and was mustered and accepted as a soldier by payment of a large sum as bounty on the 15th of Feb. 1777, viz L26. 

The records further show, that two months after this enlistment and muster viz April 14, 1777. he was still in the service as a soldier, having received his blanket, as one of twenty four soldiers.

Here then is positive proof from the

Page 73

3
records of the Department of the time of enlistment and a service of two months.

The enlistment being for three years, and the Applicant's name also found on a regular alphabetical list of the men in the Continental Army for Massachusetts, ought not the Department, before they reject this evidence on their own files, to show conclusively, either that he deserted, that he was dismissed or that he did not serve?

None of these are shown, and the fact that his name is not subsequently found on the rolls, is at least, negative evidence.

Now against this negative evidence, we have the Declaration of the Applicant of his ample credibility, and of the universal reputation that he was a soldier of the Revolution. 

Further than this, in affidavits B & C we almost give the evidence required, provided the Applicant's name was not found on the Records. Samuel Snow sixty five years of age, swears that he well remembers that Bassett was a soldier in the revolution, and well remembers his returning from service in uniform. 
Jabez Bacon aged seventy seven himself

Page 74

a soldier in the Revolution, swears that he well knew the Applicant at that time, & has known him ever since - That he well remembers that he (Bassett) was a soldier in the Revolution - that he was absent in the service, much of the time during the war, as was reputed and as deponent believes and that deponent remembers the return of said Bassett from the service and of then seeing him in uniform.

There is direct, contemporaneous evidence from an eye witness, and how is it possible with this evidence and the certificate of enlistment and service to declare there is no proof of service, because we cannot prove it by two of the Applicant's fellow soldiers, all of them being dead?

One of the rules of the Department says that "traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party"

If on such evidence pensions have been granted, how much stronger is this case, where the only evidence not found on the records of the Department is the length of service and that is proved even there presumptively, by the time of enlistment and the full amount of Bounty paid, and is confirmed, by the evidence of two contemporaneous witnesses.

Page 75

papers   A.B & C:

Page 76

Barnstable SS
Probate Court at Barnstable 
May 15th AD 1834

Personally appeared in open Court Jabez Bacon of Barnstable aged seventy seven years, who being duly sworn testifies and says, that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War; that he then well knew Joseph Bassett of said Barnstable, who has this day made application in Probate Court for a Pension under the Act of Congress of June 7, 1832 and that he has ever since been well acquainted with the said Bassett; that he well remembers that he was a soldier also in the Revolution. that he served as Waiter to his father, Daniel Bassett, who was a Lieutenant & a recruiting Officer. - That the said Joseph Bassett was much of the time during the war absent, and in the service as was always reputed and as the deponent firmly believes; he remembers of seeing him in uniform, and he remembers of the return of said Bassett from the service & that he was then in uniform.
Jabz Bacon

Subscribed & sworn the day & year first aforesaid in open Court, & I certify that the said deponent is in the opinion of the Court, a credible witness. Witness my hand & the seal of the said Probate Court the day & year first aforesaid.
Abner Davis Regr.

Page 77

Barnstable SS Probate Court at Barnstable May 15th AD 1834
Personally appeared in open court Samuel Snow, aged sixty five years who on oath testifies & says: That he has always resided in Barnstable since hi early youth and has ever since known & been well acquainted with Joseph Bassett of said Barnstable, who has this day made a Declaration for a pension under the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832;- That he well remembers that said Bassett was a soldier  in the Revolution; that he was a waiter to his father Daniel Bassett, who was a Lieutant & a recruiting officer. He knows that the said Joseph was absent from home for a considerable time during the war in the service of his country as was then stated, and as he has always believed; that he well remembers of said Joseph's returning from service, also that he was there in uniform
Samuel Snow

Subscribed & sworn to in open court the day & year first aforesaid, And I certify that in the opinion of the Court the said deponent is a credible witness. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Probate Court.
Abner Davis R

Page 78

Extract from the Regulations presented by the Second Comptroller of the Treasury, 1 Sept. 1846.
"In all cases of payments upon a power of Attorney, the Justice of the Peace or Magistrate before whom the power is executed, must have lodged with the Agent the certificate of the Clerk of some Court of Record, under seal of the Court that he is legally authorized to act as such; and also a paper bearing his proper signature, certified to be such, by the Clerk of some Court of Record."

NOTE. -- An official Certificate from the Secretary of State, Boston, will be equally satisfactory. The date and length of time of the Appointment of the Justice, should be stated.

(Form of the Certificate alluded to above.)

Signature of the Magistrate.
Zenas D. Basset. Justice Peace.

State of Massachusetts,
Barnstable County,
I, Frederick W. Crocker Clerk (or Register) of the Common Pleas Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Zenas D. Basset is a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the Second day of February 1849, and will expire on the first day of February 1856; and that his signature, above written, is genuine.
Given under my hand, and the Seal of said Court, this Twenty eighth day of September 1855.
Fredk. W. Crocker
CLERK.

Page 79

Boston March 26, 1857
For Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I wish to call your attention to the claim of Joseph Bassett, for Bounty Land act of 1855 -No-79.483, a Revolution Pensioner, who is dead, and died before the claim was admitted - the proof in the case being perfected before his death, as he was a Pensioner.
Does not the act of June 3d. 1858 make this claim good, as though the warrant had issued previous to the death
I take it this claim is entitled to a warrant, Please examine this case and report, at early convenience -
The papers were probably perfected before his death, and had not the pension papers revealed his death in the Examination undoubtedly a warrant would have issued, and I cannot see why the claim is not a proper one for

Page 80

for a warrant to now issue which
will be good for the Heirs - and
such warrants may have issued
& Why not in this case, please reply

Very Respectfully yours
Horatio Woodman

Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Com. of Pen,
Washington
D.C

Page 81

Pension Office
Sept. 29. 1853
The Third auditor will please certify
the time to which within named pensioner
was paid.
Very respectfully

S. Cole
[illegible] Commission.


Joseph Bassett paid to 4 March
1855                                [illegible]   
____                                        Auditor
Oct. 1/55
____
[illegible]

Page 82

No. 215.597.

Public Documents
[stamp] HYANNIS MASS SEP 28
[stamp] FREE

Hon J. Minot
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
DC

43.516. 
160 acres.

Page 83

I hereby certify to all whom
it may concern, that I have
long been acquainted with
Joseph Bassett of Barnstable
in the State of Massachusetts
an applicant for a pension
for revolutionary services &
He is considered by his neighbors
a man of truth and integrity
& I have no hesitation in
saying that his statements
are entitled to full faith
and credit
House of Representatives
May 14th 1840
John Reed

Page 84

Joseph Bassett,
let to Hon B Burnell HR
Mar 30. 1842.

Page 85

[top section of documentmennt crossed out and not transcribed]


an act For the relief of Joseph Bassett.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the  Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, directed to place the
name of Joseph Bassett on the pension list, under the act of
July fourth, eighteen hundred and thirty-six, at the rate of
eighty dollars per annum, and to pay him at that rate from the
fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and thirty-one, during
his natural life.

approved March 19th, 1842
A true copy from the Roll in this Office
Dept. of State      ⎬
March 23d 1842⎬
Fletcher Webster

Page 86

Off. Sec Senate

Sir, 
I transmit to your office additional Documents relative to the case of Joseph Bassett, omitted to be sent on the 24th; in compliance with your note of that date.

Very respectfully
Your Obt Servt.
W. J. McDonald
Clk of Sec Sen
March 29. 1842

To The Commissioner of Pensions.

Page 87

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable SS.
I, Frederick W. Crocker Clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Barnstable hereby certify that Zenas D. Basset of Barnstable County, Esquire, has been duly appointed a Justice of the Peace for said County That he has been duly qualified and sworn to act in that capacity, and that the signature of said Justice hereupon, I verily believe to be his true and genuine signature.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas, this twenty fourth day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty five.
Fredk. W. Crocker
Clerk.

Page 88

G        duplicate
Explanation Addressed to
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Com

Page 89

To J. L. Edwards Esqr. Commissioner of Pensions
Representation of the case of Joseph Bassett

Sir, The application of Joseph Bassett of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts, has been presented to you and deferred for deficiency in evidence as to service. At my request, Hon Dutee J Pearce of R. Island, obtained at your office copies of the papers in Bassett's case, Jan 9th 1836. Since then, I have caused a very thorough examination to be made of the Documents relating to military service, in the Secretary's Office of this Commonwealth, and have obtained conclusive evidence as to the period and term of his enlistment and service. This document I have the honor to annex enclosed, attested by the Secretary of State. On comparing it with the Declarations and evidence for the Applicant, now on file in your office, it can leave no doubt that Joseph Bassett was a soldier in the Revolution for the period of three years and is therefore entitled under the act of 1832, to full amount of pension drawn by privates in the Continental Army. The Certificate of the Secretary shows that Bassett enlisted as a soldier, from the town of Barnstable for three years in Capt J. Russell's Company Col. G. Bradford's Regiment, & was mustered Feb 15th 1777, and received Bounty

Page 90

L26. This corresponds with his declaration made in 1834 with no knowledge of the existence of the document, which was not found; at two previous examinations in May and August 1834. This is explained by the confusion and irregularity of the files of the revolutionary papers in the Department of State of Massachusetts. In his Declaration Bassett sets forth that he enlisted in 1776 under Lieut. Daniel Bassett his father, and was stationed as waiter to said Daniel Bassett. This has probably led your Department to infer that he was a waiter and not a soldier in the service. But on recurring to his first declaration, you will perceive that he declares, that subsequently to his being stationed as waiter "he believes one year or more, he reenlisted for during the war." This "one year or more" after 1776   conforms precisely to the Certificate of June 11th 1836, which shows he enlisted for three years in 1777. It appears that he mistook his being stationed as waiter in 1776, for an enlistment. This, of course, is no discrepancy in evidence.
In his supplementary Declaration on your files, he states his recollections to be that he enlisted as a private soldier in the Spring of 1776 for three years, and some time in 1777 in the fall, enlisted for during the [illegible - crease on paper] Declaration was

Page 91

made in consequence of the return of the papers from your Department on the ground that Bassett was in service only as a waiter and not as a soldier. It was drawn up by his son, who is not a lawyer, but conflicts with no other material fact of statement in the case. It still considers his being stationed as waiter in 1776 on enlistment as a private soldier. This is a legal construction, & if he mistook the character of his enlistment, it does not discredit the statement at all. His recollection of his second or actual enlistment as a soldier, is that it was in the fall of 1777. The certificate of the Secretary shows it was in February 1777. So immaterial a variation of a few months in a recollection going back 57 years, cannot be unusual, as I am aware from my knowledge of many like cases. Besides a misrecollection of a few months in the same year, cannot deprive the applicant of the benefit of the actual enlistment which is now proved by the highest possible evidence. As to the names of his officers he states in his Declarations that he was in Col. Bradford's Regiment, and believes his given name was Gamaliel, and "that the Captain of the Company he belonged to was Joshua Gray, Josiah Miller 2d Lieut. but whether these were his officers during his first enlistment second or both, he is not able to state."

Page 92

Now the facts proved by the certificate of June 11th 1836 are - that his Colonel was G. Bradford, and his Captain, after his second enlistment, J. Russell. so that during 1776 he may have been attached to Joshua Gray's company, while serving as waiter. There is therefore no actual misrecollection. I have as to the name of His Captain, and if there were the certificate must be taken as conclusive evidence of the fact that he served under the Captain therein named.
The two certificates of Mr Secretary Bangs, of May & August 1834, in your files which were all the evidence then found, go to corroborate Bassett's claims which the certificate of June 1836 now first sent to you, fully confirms. The first certificate shows that the applicant's name was borne on an Alphabetical list of the three years men in the Continental service, no date. The second shows that he was among the soldiers from Barnstable who received their Blankets in 1777, a fact also stated in the certificate of June 11th 1836. The receiptor for their Blankets is Joseph Otis. With these facts proved by the Rolls of service, the original declaration of Bassett, made without his possible knowledge of their existence, corresponds viz: that he was inspected by Gen. Joseph Otis.

Page 93

2
and that "he drew musket, clothes &c from the Commissioner's Office in Boston."
I presume that stronger proof of service than this, is rarely presented to the Department. The enlistment for three years, in the Continental service, is incontestable. The term of service would seem equally well established, as far as human evidence can be required under the circumstances. The Applicant declares on his oath (which is accredited by the Clergyman, Judge of Probate &C, and may be by hundreds if required) that he received bounty lands for his service, that he cannot swear positively to his precise length of service, but is positive he served for more than one year under the first enlistment, and does not know how long under the second but thinks for about as long a period. In his supplementary Declaration December 1834, on further recollection, he testifies that he continued in service "for more than three years, and although he is not able to state the precise time or manner of his discharge, he recollects it was in the same year of the dark day." This is a strong corroborating circumstance. The dark day happened May 19, 1780, making the year of his discharge 1780, and thus three years after his enlistment in 1777. The large sum for bounty paid him,

Page 94

L26 [pounds], also goes to prove the length of service. Take in the connection the general reputation testified to of his having been a soldier of the revolution, and the affidavits of Samuel Snow & Jabez Bacon that they know he was in the revolutionary service; that he was absent for a considerable time, from here in the service of his country, as they understood and believed, that he was absent in the service much of the time during the war, and that they both well remember his returning from service, and that he was then in uniform

The enlistment and term of service being thus moved by this additional evidence now forwarded. I respectfully request as said Bassett's Attorney that you will grant him a certificate of pension for the full amount to which a private in the Continental army is entitled. The applicant though always an industrious and never a literally a poor man (which prevented his applying for a pension under the former paper pension law.) seems to have one extraordinary claim upon the gratitude of his country. He is actually the father of twenty eight children, by two wives as the Parish Register will show!

Very Respectfully your Obt Sert
Benjn. F. Hallett

Page 95

[top]

Official Business
For Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C. 

Joseph Bassett
Reg No 79483

74498

Boynton

[postal stamp]
BOSTON
MAR
28
1859
[illegible]

[ stamp]
PENSION OFFICE
MAR
29
1859

ency
for
498

602
No 6037
Nancy Bassett,
widow of Joseph
Mass

Let  Z. D Basketh Oct 4/53 - 
Same Nov 19 1853- 

act of Feb 3. 1853

Page 96

[number of word are crossed out andd therefore not transcribed]

[left side]
let: H. Udman, Nov 18"/55.
   "   "         "         Apl. 16/59

[right side]

9483 Act Mar 3       }
215.597 [illegible]   }  '55
[illegible] 
Apl 18
____________________
Joseph Bassett
Priv.
____________________
Ent
Lis

Rev War
_____________________
Rev 7    Pensioner
Sus   Feby 53-
Mass June 32 -No - 31938
_____________________
Boynton
_____________________
Horatio Woodman
Boston Mass

Page 97

APPLICATION OF
Joseph Bassett
Revolutionary Pensioner
for a 160-acre warrant,
Act of March 3d, 1855.
79483

WARRANT TO BE SENT TO
HORATIO WOODMAN, Boston, Mass.
AS WITHIN REQUESTED.

Page 98

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable
I, Frederick W. Crocker Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas for the County and State
aforesaid do hereby certify that Zenas D.
Basset of Barnstable in said County is a
Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the second day of February
in the year 1849, and will expire on the second
day of February 1856; and that his signature
on the annexed instrument is
Genuine. Given under my hand and the
Seal of said Court, this twenty seventh
day of March Eighteen hundred and
fifty five,
Frederick W. Crocker, Clerk

Page 99

Copy
War Department
---
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the
law of the United States of the 19th March 1842,
Joseph Bassett, of the State of Massachusetts, who
was a private in the war of the Revolution, is
entitled to receive Eighty dollars per annum,
during his natural life, commencing on the
fourth of March 1831 and payable semi annually on the 4th of March and 4th September in every year
Given at the War Office of the United States
this eleventh day of April, one thousand eight
hundred and forty two
John C. Spence
Secretary of War
Seal
Examined and countersigned
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pentions

Page 100

Hyannis Sept. 7th 1855
(Massachusetts)
Hon Waldo
Commissioner Pentions 

Dear Sir
In July last I sent through Mr Horatio Woodman of Boston an application of Nancy Bassett for the continuation of the Pention of $80 per annum what her husband Joseph Bassett (now decd.) received for Certificate no 31938 until his death. I have heard nothing from it since this woman is destitute and it would confer a great favour if it could in any way be facilitated.
Yrs truly
Zenas D. Basset

Page 101

I hereby certify that Joseph Bassett was born in Barnstable April 21st A.D. 1763, as appears from the records of said town
Attest Josiah Hinckley
Clerk of the Town of Barnstable
Barnstable May 24th 1832

Page 102

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County and District of Barnstable Ss
On this 15th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, personally appeared before the Court of Probate holden at Barnstable within the County of Barnstable, Joseph Basset, a resident of Barnstable in the County and State aforesaid, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - That to the best of his knowledge and belief he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, in what was then called the Three Years Service, under Lieutenant Daniel Basset his father who acted as Recruiting Officer for the Army, and he having been examined respecting his age and fitness for a soldier before Brigadier Genl Joseph Otis and passing muster was stationed as waiter to the said Daniel Basset who was located part of the time in Barnstable, and part of the time in Boston, as the particular duty of the said Daniel Basset (that of enlisting men) happened to call him and subsequently he believes one year or more after reenlisted for during the war. He distinctly recollects of passing the winter of 1777 in Boston in the Barracks near Fort Hill, and that his first arrival there was soon after the evacuation by the British. He drew musket clothes &c from the Commissaries office in Boston and the company he belonged to had been preparing and was about marching for head quarters; but some news he thinks the surrender of Burgoyne was the

Page 103

cause why the order was countermanded and that he did not go. - and he further declares that he was in the Regiment of Colonel Bradford but that he is not certain of his given name (believes Gamaliel) and that the Capt of the company he belonged to was Joshua Gray and Josiah Miller 2d Lieutenant but whether these were his officers during his first enlistment, Second, or both he is not able to state, for being on the main in his capacity of waiter during the first year or more from his entering the army, he does not remember who were his particular officers, he being always under the immediate command of his father; nor is he acquainted with any person now living who were soldiers of the same Company with himself: but remember, the names of several that are deceased, viz James Lathrop, Ebenezer Cobb, Josiah Miller of Yarmouth, Joshua Brimhall of Barnstable, and two coloured persons by the names of Nathaniel Conant and Jabez Jolly.
He also declares that he was born in Barnstable on the 21st of April 1763 and was at the time of his entering the service a Resident of Barnstable and where he now lives; has resided ever since the Revolutionary war and that he was not in any Battles, being stationed as above named in Barnstable and Boston. his title to one hundred & sixty acres of land, he sold a few years after the peace, but does not know to whom, was paid off upon his discharge in Continental money which turned out to be worth very little. And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pention or Annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pention Roll of any agency in any State whatever. And the said Joseph Basset further declareth and deposes that by reason of being a minor and under the particular

Page 104

care and direction of his father, and likewise under his immediate command as an officer during the time of his continuance in the Army, and now of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of neither of these services nor to the year or manner of his discharge, but he is positive that he served his country faithfully as a soldier in the Revolution for more than one year, under the first enlistment and does not know how long under the second, but thinks for about as long a period
Joseph Bassett
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court the day & year first aforesaid-
Abner Davis Regr

We John M Spear, clergyman, and Freeman Bearre Yeoman both residents of Barnstable in the County of Barnstable and State of Massachusetts hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Basset who has subscribed to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy one years of age. that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood, where he now lives to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Subscribed and sworn to this fifteen day of May AD one thousand Eight hundred & thirty four.
John M Spear
Freeman Barre
Subscribed & sworn as aforesaid Abner Davis Regr

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served

Page 105

as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that John M. Spear who has signed the proceeding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in Barnstable and Freeman Bearse, who has also signed the same is a resident in Barnstable and both credible persons; and that their statement is entitled to credit
Nymphas Marston Judge

I, Abner Davis Clerk of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Joseph Bassett for a
Pension.-

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & the seal of the said Court of Probate the day of year first aforesaid
Abner Davis Regr

[sideways]
31287
Joseph Bassett
Barnstable Mass

Hon J Reese
Yarmouth Mass

Page 106

J
No 4
J. L. Green's Affidavit


H C. 28

Page 107

I Isaiah L Green Collector of the Customs for the District of Barnstable do certify that I have long known Capt Joseph Basset of this town that I believe him to be a man of strict truth & integrity, and that to the best of my knowledge and belief he served as a Soldier in the war of the Revolution for a considerable length of time.
Isaiah L Green
Barnstable January 14 1837.

Barnstable Ss. January 14th 1837.
Personally appeared before me the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Barnstable, Isaiah L. Green Esquire, and made oath that the above certificate by him subscribed is true.
Lathrop Davis

Page 108

no 215.597

Page 109

Hyannis 28 Sept 1855
Hon J. Minot
Commissioner of Pentions

Dear Sir
Enclosed I send the application of Nancy Bassett, the widow of Joseph Bassett deceased a Revolutionary Pentioner; she is destitute and any possible way of hastening her reception of a warrant would by her be gratefully received.
Yrs truly Zenas D. Basset

Page 110

1881 Oct 25 J H Barrett
Military & family History
1890
May 13 J P Lothrop- history  Prior
May  31/95 Hist, Mrs. F. A. Dale  
123 Washington Ave, Chelsea, Mass. F.F.
1912 Dec. 20. To Miss Ruth Van Hall ¢
Ex'r.
INVALID.
no. 642
[crossed out text Acts of July 14, 1832, and March 3. 1873]
Nancy Bassett
P.O. Wid of
Joseph Bassett
Service:
Enlisted:    . 18
Discharged:    , 18
Application filed:   , 18
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:

Page 111

Washington D.C.
May 6.9
Hon. Charles P. Lincoln
Deputy Comr of Pensions
Sir: 
My grandfather, Joseph Bassett
was pensioned under Special Act of
Congress approved March 19, 1842 ( les Vol. 6. page 827 chap. 14) New statutes at the 
rate of $80. per annum from March 4, 1831
under the Act of July 4, 1836.
He was the son of Daniel Bassett who
served as Lieutenant of Continental
Troops- Revolutionary War---
It has been stated that said Joseph
was an enlisted man, but I have
no positive knowledge on that point,
I respectfully ask to be furnished
with such information as the records
of the Old War and Navy Division may
afford, showing first, whether Joseph
was pensioned in his own right, and 
if so his military history. Second, if

Page 112

pensioned as the son of Daniel
(which is probable) the name of the
organization to which the latter was
attached and his period of service.
The information is desired as soon
as practicable in order that I may
join an organization now in process
of formation.
Very Respectfully
J P Lothrop
Both Daniel and Joseph Bassett
were resident of Hyannis Barnstable
County, Mass.

Page 113

Mr. Hales
If Lieut Daniel Bassett was a pensioner
Please [illegible] 
not I
W

Page 114

May 14. 1895
B
Hon. William Lochren:
Dear Sir
Will you kindly give
me what information
you possess, concerning
one Joseph Bassett
of Barnstable who was a
pensioned Soldier I
believe, also anything
relating to his Father
who was 1st Lieutenant
in the Continental Army
Respectfully
Mrs F.A. Dale
#123 Washington Are
Chelsea, Mass
[stamp] PENSION OFFICE US MAY 18 1895

Page 115

Daniel Bassett  father of Joseph
---
There no record of an application for pension on  a/c of his services but of the
casualty book for Mass Soldier he is reported in Col Samuel Bradford
regt comp' SC Nov 6 1776 & discharged Nov 26. 1777
Among other officers  reported in that regiment Comp Nov 6 1776 are
Barachiah Bassett St Cole
Fortune Great

Page 116

Columbus, Ohio,
Dec. 14, 1912.
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Will you please give me
all the Date you have
about Joseph Bassett
of Barnstable Co. Mass
A Revolutionary Pensioner
also when the pension
began, and what age
was he when it began.
Who drew his pension
at his death. And
the date of his birth.
Yours Very Truly
Miss Ruth Van Hall
1373 Oak St.
Columbus Ohio

Page 117

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of Joseph Bassett, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this bureau.
R. 602
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. STATE
1776 1 year Pri. acted as Waiter to Lt. Daniel Bassett, his father. [Capt.] Joshua Gray [Col. - checkmark sign] Mass.
Feby. 15, 1777 3 yr. [Capt.] J. Russell [Col.] Gamaliel Bradford

Battles engaged in, none.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Barnstable, Mass.
Date of application for pension, May 15, 1834. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Barnstable, Mass.
Age at date of application, born Apl. 21, 1763 at Barnstable, Mass.
Remarks: Sol. married at Barnstable, Mass. Apl. 2, 1808 Miss Nancy Hawes of Yarmouth; he died July 7, 1855 at Barnstable where she resided and was 78 years of age in 1855.
It was stated that the parish register would show the soldier was the father of 28 children by two wives, no names are given except son, Zenas D. Basset, who resided at Hyannis 1835.
Very Respectfully,
Commissioner.
6-2856