Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,206, Edward Dunscomb, New York

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(3 - 1776)

SERVICE [column 1]
New York

[Column 2]
Dunscomb, Edward
Mary

NUMBER [column 3]
W. 19, 206
{curled bracket around below text}
B.L.Wt. 545_300_Capt.
Issued June 22, 1790
No papers.

[Solid line across page]
CONTENTS

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Reputed
●
2376. Increase
New York
Mary Dunscomb
widow of Edward Dunscomb
N. Y.
who served in the Revolutionary war
, as a Lieut & Captain
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
444 Dollars 10
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the
---
13th day of April 1850 and sent to
and sent to
Hon E.W. McGaughey
Henself Rips
Increased from $377.54
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 64 Vol. 4

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STATE OF NEW-YORK,
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK,} SS.

I, Joseph Hoxie, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the
In the.   Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That
Aaron Clark was on the second of August instant
& now is Mayor of said City & the signatures of Aaron
Clark subscribed to the two certificates and I wrote on affidavits
of William Berrian hereto annexed taken before
said Clark on that day are the proper genuine signatures
& hand-writing of said Aaron Clark and I further
certify that Charles H. Dougherty was at the
time the annexed affidavits of Harriet Leary, Thes-
doseus Fowler & Leonard Bleecker were taken a
Notary Public in & for the City & State of New York &
the signatures of Chalres H. Dougherty subscribed to the
[illegible] of said affidavits are his own [illegible] [illegible][illegible
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said
Court and County, the twenty ninth day of August 1838.
                                                                                        Joseph Hoxie 
                                                                                                                      Clerk
the marine court & [illegible]  Mary Dunscomb a
residen of the City of New York in the County of New York
and State aforesaid aged Seventy seven years, who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath
make the following Declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed
July 7, 1838 entitled "an Act granting half pay and pen-
sions to certain Widows" That, she is the Widow of
Edward Dunscomb deceased who was Captain in the 
Fourth New York Regiment in the regular army of the United
States in the Revolutionary war, that according to the best
of her knowledge and as she verily believes, the said Edward
Dunscomb then residing in the City of New York in the
county and State aforesaid, at a very early period of
resistance to the claims of Great Britain became a Volun
-teer in the company of Fusileers in the Militia Regiment
of Colonel John Lasher and was with said Regiment 
posted on Long island in August seventeen hundred and
seventy six, to meet the army of Britain then landed,
that on the night of the twenty sixth of August aforesaid
he with Robert Troup and others volunteered their services
and were detached by General Sullivan to ascertain the
views of the Enemy, in this service they were captured
by the British and Edward Dunscomb for his firmness
in resisting improper Enquiries as to the strength etc of the
American army was threatened with Execution, then confined on

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In the Marine Court. Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congrefs of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and previous to certain Widow." State of New York In the Marine court of the State of New York City and County of New York Js. On this twenty ninth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the undersigned Judah Hammond one of the frontier of the marine court came  Mary Dunscomb a resident of the City of New York in the County of New York and State aforesaid aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congrefs passed July 7, 1838 entitles "an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" That she is the Widow of Edward Dunscomb deceased who was a Captain in the Fourth New York Regiment in the regular army of the United States in the Revolutionary was, that according to the best of her knowledge and as she verily believes, the said Edward Dunscomb there residing in the City of New York in the county and State aforesees, at a very early period of resistance to the claims of Great Britain became a Volunteer in the Company of Fusileers in the Militia Regiment of Colonel John Lasher and was with said Regiment posted on Long island in August seventeen hundred and seventy six to meet the army of Britain then landed, that on the night of the twenty sixth of August aforesaid he with Robert Troup and others volunteered their services and were detached by General Sullivan to ascertain the views of the enemy, in this service they were captured by the British and Edward Dunscomb for his [illegible] in resisting improper Enquiries as to the strength Js of the American army was threatened with Execution, then confined over

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on board a Prison ship and afterwards was a Prisoner on
parole in New York.  That being released or exchanged he
again entered the service and on or about the twenty first
day of November in the said year seventeen hundred and
seventy six became a Lieutenant in the Fourth New York
Regiment of the army of the United States a Captain
Lieutenant on the twenty third of April seventeen hundred
and seventy Eight and a Captain in said Fourth New York
Regiment on the Eleventh of April seventeen hundred
and Eighty, his commission as such Captain bearing
date the twenty fourth day of February seventeen hundred
and Eighty one to take rank as such from the said Eleventh 
of April seventeen hundred and Eighty.  That said Edward
Dunscomb was as she has always understood and believes
with the army when it suffered in Winter quarters at Valley
Forge in the winter of seventeen hundred and seventy seven,
and also was at the Battle of Monmouth on the twenty
eighth of June Seventeen hundred and seventy eight, and
also in the Expedition against the Indians under General
Sullivan in the summer of Seventeen hundred and Seventy
nine, and according to the best of her belief the said
Edward Dunscomb from the time of his entering the
service as aforesaid in said Fourth New York Regiment
(and prior thereto in Lasher's Regiment as above mentioned)
was mustered in the said army to the month of 
January Seventeen hundred and Eighty one, when
his Regiment was deranged. - She further declares
that she was married to the said Edward Dunscomb
on the fourteenth day of June in the year Seventeen
hundred and Eighty six, that her husband the aforesaid
Edward Dunscomb died on the twelfth day of November
in the year one thousand eight hundred and fourteen
That she sas not married to him prior to his leaving
the Service, but the marriage took place previous

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to first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated.  
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before. Mary Dunscomb
In shore Court Judah Hammond Justice of the Marine Court.  
State of New York. City and County of New York
Js; I John Babarie Clerk of the Marine Court in the City of New York do hereby Certify that Judah Hammond by and before whom the aforegoings Declaration was taken and subscribed and whose Signature is subscribed to the above Jurata there to, was at the time of subscribing the same and now is a Justice of the said Marine Court and that the same is a Court of Record and that the signature of said Judah Hammond subscribed to the law Jurata is his genuine Signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this twenty ninth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight. John Barberie

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a Justice of the said Court and John Baberie Clerk there of and that the signature of the said Judah Hammond to the aforegoing Certificate and Jurat is the genuine signature of the said Judah Hammond and the Signature of the said John Barberie to the aforegoing Certificate is the genuine signature of the said John Barberie and that the above attestation is in due form. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court and [illegible] the thirtieth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight. Joseph Honie Clerk

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"A Register of Marriages for the Parish of Trinity Church in the City of New York, Commencing the 30th of November in the year of our Lord Christ 1746. 
Page 169 Dr. Beach's Register of Marriages one thousand seven hundred and Eighty six June Fourteenth Edward Dunscomb and Mary Whitehead"
City of New York Js, I William Berrian Rector of Trinity Church in the city of New York do certify that the above copy has been compared by me with the original Marriage Record of Edward Dunscomb and Mary Whitehead, (now Mary Dunscomb) contained in the Book of Records in said Church and that it is a true Copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which is expreped on the Record in fair legible figures as follow "1786, June 14 
Sworn before me this 2? day of August 1838 before [illegible] 
William Berrian Rector of Trinity Church
State of New York, City and County of New York Js. I William Berrian above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Rector of Trinity Church in the City County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Church with the Exception above named as certified by me William Berrian Rector of Trinity Church
Sworn before me this 2? day of August 1838 Aaron Clark Mayor

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State of New York City of New York Js.
On the Fifteenth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight before me Charles H. Doughart a Notary Public in and for said City of State residing in said City personally appeared Harriet Leary, Widow of William Learyy deceased of Newark New Jersey aged Eighty year, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that she is Sister of Mary Dunscomb, Widow of Edward Dunscomb deceased a Revolutionary Officer. That she was present and will recollects that the said Edward Dunscomb and Mary Dunscomb were married in June seventeen hundred and Eighty six by the Reverend doctor Beach, an [illegible Afiest] 
Mnt Minister of Trinity Church, that they lived together as man and wife until the death of the said Edward Dunscomb on twelfth of November Eighteen hundred and fourteen. That during their marriage they had seven children. That since the death of her said husband, Edward Dunscomb, the said Mary Dunscomb has lived as Widow and is now a widow. Sworn this 15th day of August 1838 before me Charles H. Dougherty Notary Public 
Harriet Leary

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Trinity Church Register Burials
Page 10
Persons buried Edward Dunscomb Age 64 yrs
When buried November thirteenth one thousand eight hundred and fourteen 
Where buried Trinity
City of New York Js. I William Berrian Rector of Trinity Church in the City of New York do certify that the above copy has been compared by me with the original Record of interment of Edward Dunscomb deceased contained in the Book of Records in said Church and that it is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which expresed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows, "Nov 13. 1814" 
Sworn before me this day of 2. August 1838 Aaron Clark Mayor
William Berrian Rector of Trinity Church
State of New York City and County of New York Js.
I William Berrian above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Rector of Trinity Church in the City County and State aforesaid and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Church with the exception above named as certified by me. 
Sworn before me this day of 2. August 1838
Aaron Clark Mayor
William Berrian Rector of Trinity Church

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Rev Widow, &c.
File No. 19206
Mary Dunscomb
wid of
Edward Dunscomb
Capt. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 2nd /48
Index:- Vol. A, Page 200
[Arrangement of 1870.]

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Lieut 9th Nov. 77- Capt Lieut 23 Apr 78
Capt 11th April 80 - Mustered till Jany 81 - then deranged

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617 Increase City
New York.
Mary Dunscomb
Widow of Edward Dunscomb
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 12 Nov 1814
of New York in the State of New York who was a Lt Capt in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City
at the rate of 444 Dollars 16 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued 13th day of April 1838 and sent to Hon E.W. McGaughey, HR
Increased from 
Total amount, $377.54
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J.P. Chase Clerk,
Book D Vol 1 Page 537

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512 Increase City
New York
Mary Dunscomb
widow of Edward Dunscomb
who was a Lieut Captain
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 444 Dollars 16 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of April '50 and sent to Hon E.W. McGaughey
House of Rep
[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol 2 Page 83
Increased from $377.54

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New York 617
Mary Dunscomb
widow of Edward Dunscomb
who died on the 12 Nov. 1814
New York in the State of New York
 who was a Lieut Capt in the commanded by Captain D. of the 4 Regt, commanded in the N. York for 15 mos 11 days
204.88
172.66
$377.54
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
the rate of 377 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Oct, 1838 and sent to Mrs. E. Dunscomb, New York
Arrears to the 4th of Sept '38
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 39.
844.85
188.77
$1033.62
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book A Vol. 2 Page 74

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Letter to Wm E. Dunscomb
15 October 1838
do to Hon C.C. Camlscleng
H.R. Dec. 14 1838

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Reparted
 Let to Hon C.B. Smith
Aug 25th 1849
Let to Hon. Thomas Ewing
Nov 8th 1849
Let Hon Caleb B. Smith 
April 6 /50
2376 I. City
New - York
Mary Dunscomb
widow of Edward Dunscomb
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Lieut. & Captain
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 377 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Oct. '48 and sent to Hon F. A. Tallmadge 
Hou of Reps 
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 59 Vol. 4

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572
New York City
Mary Dunscomb
widow of Edward Dunscomb
who was a Lieutenant & Captain
in the New York line
Lieut 15 months 11 days
Capt 8 " 19 "
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 377 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22nd day of June 1843 and sent to William E. Dunscomb
207 Beekman Street 
New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 105

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Ho. of Rep.[?]
Washington City April 11th 1850

Hon. I. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions

I enclose herewith the certificate
of Mary Dunscomb widow Edward Dunscomb, in which cas[?]
an increase of pension has been allowed. At the request of [appears to be cut off]
C. B. Smith I am attending to his business in his absence [?]
will therefore enclose the Certificate of Increase to me [?]
made out.

Your Old? Servt.
E. W. M. Gaughey

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[illegible] at W [illegible]

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(Copy)
Department of the Interior
April 4, 1850.
Sir
I herewith to turn the papers in the case of Mary Dunscomb  widow of Edward Dunscomb deceased and I am of the opinion, that a pension should be allowed for one year, six months and 19 days as a Captain, and for the residue of the two years as a Lieutenant.
I am Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt,
(Signed) T. Ewing,
Secretary

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Ed. Dunscomb
Proof
S. A. Peugh Esq.
Washington City
D.C.

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New York, Feb. 8. 1850.
S.A. Peugh Esq.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 4th Inst was received yesterday in relation to the case of the late Capt. Ed. Dunscomb can only give you the following as entered on the Roll of the Cincinatti Society
"Edward Dunscomb Captain 4th New York Regiment, served five years, deranged 31st December 1780."
In regard to the nature of his services it is out of my power to furnish you any information, nothing of the kind being entered on the minutes
Very Respectfully
Your obt Servt.
Edward P. Marrellin

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Department of State
Washington, 19th September, 1849
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 30th I have to state that the only evidence which the papers in this Department appear to afford the service of Edward Dunscomb as a Captain and an Assistant Quarter Master General during the period of the American Revolution is as follows.
In a paper entitled, "Arrangement of the 4th New York Battalion commanded by Henry B. Livingston, Esquire," he is styled a captain when appointed, is not mentioned. This paper is not dated but the set of papers, respecting the arrangement of the New York Battalions to which it pertains, has the following endorsement, N. "acted upon Vide Arrangement of York Line "Committed the Board of War - 23 June, 1779.
In a paper endorsed, "Arrangement of the Army" and not dated "Dunscomb" his

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Christian name is omitted) is styled Abertant Quarter Master General to Colonel Pickering.
The date of his appointment is not given.
I am, sir, very, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
John M. Clayton
Caleb B. Smith Esquire
Commissioner on claims against Mexico
Washington D.C.

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Washington City D.C.
Nov. 2nd 1849
Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter from the Com. of Pensions rejecting the application of Mrs. Mary Dunscomb of New York, for an increase of pension under acts of July 7th 1838. From this decision I beg leave to appeal, and to request that you will do me the favor to give the papers on file in the Pension Office as well as those I now enclose a careful examination.
That Edward Dunscomb, the husband of the applicant, was a Captain for, at least, 2 years, I believe there can be no question; and that you will concur in that opinion, after an examination of the evidence, I cannot doubt.
Mr. Edwards contends that Edward Dunscomb was not appointed Captain until the 11th of April 1780, and that he became a supernumerary on the 1st of January 1781 and, consequently, could have served in that capacity only 8 months & 19 days. We admit that he became a supernumerary on the 1st of January 1781 but contend that he was a Captain in the 4th New York Regiment as early as the 23rd of June 1779 and as proof of that fact, would respectfully refer you to the enclosed letter

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from the Honorable Secretary of State showing that he was a Captain on the 23rd of June 1779 and so returned in the arrangement of the New York Regiments of that date by the committee. This, then, it is shown that he was in service at that time as Captain (Calculating from the 23rd of June 1779 to the 1st of January 1781.) one year six months and eight days.
Again, by reference to Dunlap's "History of New York, pages 97, 98, 99 of the appendix you will find that he was a Captain as early as January 1776 in what was termed "the years service in 1776" in which he continued until the general organization of the Continental Army which took place on or about the 21st of November 1776. By this arrangement and at that time, he with most of the officers of Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Regiers' Regiment was reduced, but continued in the Continental service in the regiment commanded first by Colonel Livingston and afterwards by Colonel Weissenfelt - For his service then as Captain to the 23rd of November 1776 under Colonel Regier we claim 10 months and 9 days which added to the 18 months & 6 days from the 23rd of June 1779 to the 1st of January 1781 makes 2 years 4 months and 15 days service as Captain and we therefore respectfully request that a certificate may be issued accordingly.
In corroboration of the evidence before referred

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to, we would respectfully call your attention among other to the affidavit of Major Popham who as Brigade Major and Inspector of the New York Line, had every opportunity of knowing the particular grades of officers of that line. The high character of Major Popham may be judged from the fact that he was for many years before his death President of the "Society of Cincinnatti".
Independent of the foregoing, it is alleged by Mrs. Dunscomb that her husband was in service after January 1781 and continued to the close of the war, but as that service was performed in the staff and as no proof of its duration has yet been discovered, no claim is made for it.
Very Respy
Caleb B. Smith

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Mrs. Mary Dunscomb
Pension Office
25th August 1849

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Pension Office
August 25th, 1849
Sir
The case of Mrs. Mary Dunscomb widow of Edward Dunscomb of New York under act 7th July 1838, has been examined agreeably to your request, she has been allowed a pension of $377.54 for her husbands service as a Lieutenant for fifteen months and eleven days and as a Captain for eight months and nineteen days making two years service, the records of service of the New York line in this office show that he was promoted from a Lieutenant to the rank of Captain 11th April 1780 and that he was deranged and became a supernumerary officer January 1781. As which supernumerary officer he would be entitled to commentation pay and county land, but no pension can be allowed for service after the date at which he was deranged. The pension which has been allowed is comparted for all

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the service performed as a Captain and the allowance of the two years as a Lieutenant, no increase of pension can therefore be allowed.
I have the honor to be 
Very respectfully 
Your obdt servant
J.L. Edwards
Hon Caleb B. Smith
Washington City D.C.

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Col. J.L. Edwards
Washington City D.C.
23rd August, 1849
Sir,
As the authorized agent of Mrs. Mary Dunscomb of N.Y. widow of Edward Dunscomb, I respectfully request a reexamination of the claim with a view to an increase of pension
Edward Dunscomb her husband was a Captain in the N. York line and served to the close of the war. He recd 1800 acres of land from the state of N.Y. and War Office and also, law Commentation from the [illegible]
I am very respectfully
S.A. Peugh

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Washington D.C.
20th August 1849
Col. J.L. Edwards
Sir
As the agent of Mrs. Mary Dunscomb of N.Y. wid. Ed. Dunscomb a Revolutionary Pensioner I desire to examine the papers in her case as she thinks herself entitled to a longer in a stipend on account of her husbands services for a longer period of time in another grade (masters dept)
I am very respectfully,
S.A. Peugh

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Payment to be made at New York City by
B. S. Hart, Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York City,
N. York
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2nd, 2848, Page 59 Vol. 4
Th. Lumpkin, Clerk.

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War Department
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2, 1848, Mary Dunscomb of New York, widow of Edward Dunscomb who was a Lieutenant & Captain in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of three hundred seventy seven dollars and fifty four cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 13th day of December, one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight
W.L. Marcey
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned
J.G. Berret
Comissioner of Pensions.

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Declaration for Pension of Mary Dunscomb
Act 2 Feby 48
$377.54 per
4 March 1838
8
Hon F.A. Tallmadge
House of Rep

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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 2nd February 1848 granting pension for life to certain widows who have received pension under the act of 17th June 1844.
State of New York, City county
and District of New York
On this 7th day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before the undersigned known as Jeffn Smith one of the Justices of the Marine Court of the city and county of New York Mary Dunscomb a resident of the city of New York in the county of New York aged eighty seven years and upwards who being first only duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Edward Dunscomb who was a Captain in the Fourth New York Regiment in the regular Army of the United States in the Revolutionary war, and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 17th June 1844 was three hundred and seventy seven dollars and fifty four cents and which was paid to her in semiannual payments at the Pension agency in the city of New York. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Mary Dunscomb
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written by the above named Mary Dunscomb the declarant who is personally known to me.
Tho Jeff Smith 
Justice of the peace in the city of New York

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State of New York, City and County of New York;
I Abraham Asten Clerk of the Marine Court in the city of New York do hereby certify that Thomas Jefferson Smith by and before whom the aforegoing declaration was taken and subscribed and whose signature is subscribed to the within certificate, was at the time of subscribing the same and is now a Justice of the said Marine Court and that the same is a Court of record and that the signature is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the said Court this eighth day of September one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
Abraham Asten Clerk of the Marine Court of the City of New York
State of New York City and County of New York I James Conner Clerk of the city and County of New York and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said city & county do hereby certify that there is a Court of Record in said city under the name and title of the Marine Court of the city of New York, that Thomas Jefferson Smith is a Justice of the said Court and Abraham Asten Clerk thereof and that the signature of the said Thomas Jefferson Smith to the within certificate, and of the said Abraham Asten to the above certificate are is I verily believe their genuine signature respectively that I am well acquainted with their handwriting respectively and that the aforegoing attestation is in due form 
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal

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seal of the Clerk of the said City and county this eight day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
James Conner

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James L Edwards Esquire
Comm. of Pensions

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New York December 18th, 1838
Sir
I yesterday received from Mr. Cambreleng your letter to him respecting the application of my Mother Mary, widow of Capt. E. Dunscomb for a full pension. The strict construction given to the pension act (by not granting the full pension according to the Rank in which the officer served unless he served in that grade for two years) probably now at this late day cannot be altered a the Mr. Butler that the act of doubtful interpretation.
In your letter it is stated that "the affidavit of Capt. Popham had been produced to prove that Mr. Dunscomb served as Captain in 1779 & that if he did serve in that capacity he was not at the time commissioned as such, for the military record clearly showed that he was not a Captain until the 11th of April 1780 and that he served 15 months and 11 days as Lieutenant and 8 months and 19 days as Captain" - The above two years service of course was not intended to refer to or include Mr. Dunscomb prior services during the years 1776 1777 & 1778 - Mr. Butler in his opinion (May 2, 1834) says "the Law proceeds on that principle that the party must have served two years as a Captain, but that there was nothing in its language which very plainly showed that the deficiency of rank might not be made up by length of service so as to give the party a Captain pay nor did it strike him as very inequitable that this should be the case" - Now if there ever was a case in which this rule should be applied it certainly should if necessary in the case of Capt. Dunscomb: But in regard to Mr. Dunscomb it is not necessary to rely upon any deficiency

Page 42

of rank or length of service, for independent of Capt. Dunscomb length of service it is clearly shown that he served as a Captain in the years 1779 and 1780- from the great lapse of time it cannot be expected that any writing or authority for Mr. Dunscomb serving as Captain in the year 1779 can not be produced, but the affidavit of Capt. Popham who was Brigade Major in the same Brigade with Mr. Dunscomb & served with him in 1779 can leave no doubt that he acted in the capacity of Captain in that year. In addition to which I beg leave also to submit the enclosed documents and would also respectfully refer to the opinion of Mr. Cass Secy of War in Jany 1833 in the case of Peter S. Schulyer in which he says "after submitting it to the Atty Genl., he is of opinion that service in a military office (even at the commission may not be issued or may not date back to the commencement of the service) entitles the person to a pension for such service" It is presumed all that the Department could reasonably require would be that some acts of the officer should be shown in the rank in which he served this is fully shown by the Brigade Major in the same service - it cannot be presumed the officer served without authority - Mr. Cass says a commission is not in every case independently necessary to invest a pension with rank or command and Captain Dunscombs commission as Captain not having been dated back to the commencement of his service as such, ought not to deprive his widow of the pension to which the rank n which he served entitled him - according to the construction given to the act it was intended to reward the service in a particular

Page 43

particular grade, and if Capt Dunscomb performed the service which is fully shown it is presumed nothing more can be necessary.
I have refrained from referring to the meritorious nature of Capt. Dunscombs services, which are well
known in this Community, and also to the Services of his Father
Daniel Dunscomb, who was one of the firmest Whigs of the
Revolution and was a member of the Convention of this State
which met during the War and formed our first State
Constitution-- such Considerations can have little or
no influence in the present case-- All Mrs Dunscomb asks
is that she may receive that Justice & Equity
which the Services of her Husband may entitle her to.
Will you oblige me by communicating
your determination with as little delay as possible
I am
Respectfy
Your Obt Sert
Wm E. Dunscomb
30 Wall St
James L Edwards Esq
Commiss of Pensions

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James L Edwards Esquire
Commiss of Pensions
Washington City
11

Page 45

New York October 24th 1838

I beg leave respectfully to present to you the claim of Mary Widow of Captn Edward Dunscomb to a full pension of $480 instead of the sum allowed and I do so upon the following grounds -

1. That the law of 1832 granted to the Officer a Pension according to his rank, that his according to the Rank he last held and the only graduation contemplated by the act was a Graduation as to the time of Service, this act should be construed favorably for the Soldiers and was intended to remunerate all officers who had served for two years in any rank with a full pension according to the Rank they last attained. a different construction would require you to add to the act "that the Pension should be according to the various Ranks the officers may have held during the two years". I am aware that Mr. Taney in October 1982 gave a different construction to the act and supposed it required two graduations, viz. graduation as to Rank and a graduation as to [underlined] Service [end underline] and that the practice of the Department has since pursued that opinion, but notwithstanding this Mr. Butler Atty. General in his letter of 2nd of May 1834 says "that the Law to saty the least is of doubtful interpretation, but as the practice under it had been constant he thot it ought to prevail. If it should become necessary I would respectfully request that this question be again submitted to the present Secy of War and Atty General, the reason stated by Mr. Butler that the expenditure under the act has been greater than was contemplated by Congress has now lost much of its force by the disappearance from amongst us of many of the Worthies of the Revolution and it strrikes me in addition to the Reasons above stated for a different construction that Congress did not intend that the Officers should make a

Page 46

a retrograde movement as to his pay, but that they intend to proceed on the principle of all other acts granting pensions & bounty lands & half pay for life & commutation for 5 years, that is by granting the pay or land according to the rank last held or in case of invalids when the disability occurred
II. It would be equitable from the length of service of Capt Dunscomb that his widow be entitled to Captains pay see Mr. Butler's letter as Atty Genl. of 2nd May 1834. he was first posted on Long Island as Lieut of a Company of Fusileers in Col. John Lashers Regt. in August 1776 was captured & placed in a prison ship, exchanged and continued in service until 1781 and it may have been longer but from the lapse of time it is believed no evidence can now be had after the last period.
III. If the two grounds above stated are deemed insufficient it is hoped they will add weight to the last consideration, which is, the Capt. Dunscomb was actually in service as a Captain & performing its duties for two years, in the years 1779 & 1780, which it is submitted entitles his widow to a pension for such service - For that purpose I beg leave to enclose the depositions of Major Popham and Capt Fowler and would respectfully refer to the papers already furnished.
With Respect
I am your obt servt
Wm E. Dunscomb
30 Wall St.
To James L Edwards Esq
Comiss. of Pensions

Page 47

Dec 13.
Com.
Mary Dunscomb
add proof 26 Oct
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Hon C. C. Cambreleng
H.R.

Page 48

Colo. Edwards will oblige Mr. [illegible] Camhaling [?] by enabling him to answer the enclosed and by returning
the letter
Wash
12 Octo
1838

Page 49

Oct 10
N.Y.
James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 50

Oct 10
N.Y.
James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 51

New York October 8th, 1838
Sir
I observe by your certificate enclosed to me that Mrs. Dunscomb widow of Captain Edward Dunscomb of the Revolution is allowed $377.54 as a pension, Mrs. Dunscomb expected from the time her husband served that she would be entitled to receive $480 per annum - Capt Dunscomb and Capt. Theodosius Fowler were both Captain in the same Regiment and Capt Fowler has received for many years $480 per annum. Capt Dunscomb has never received any annuity and his widow ought at least to receive for the short period allowed her the like annuity of $480 - Your certificate was not accompanied by any explanation. May I ask of you the favor to write to me and it would much gratify not only the widow of Capt. Dunscomb but her numerous family, if you would correct her annuity to $480 which would be no more that she is fairly entitled to her for the early decease of her husband on very much by his exposure and hardships during the Revolution.
I am with respect 
Your obt sevt.
Wm E. Dunscomb
James L Edwards Esq 
Comiss of Pensions

Page 52

Mary Dunscomb
widow of Edward
New York City
Increased from $377.54 to $444.16
 per an 4 March 1836 to 40, for 43 to 48, from 48 deducting what has been paid
h. d. 12th Nov. 1814
Act of pens 1838 & Acts
Nov E.W. McGaughey
H.R.

Page 53

James L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions

Page 54

New York Sept 8, 1848
Sir
On applying at the Pension agency here for Mrs Dunscomb's pension, I understood it was necessary to forward to you a new declaration - which has accordingly been prepared and I beg leave to enclose the same - You will please enclose the necessary certificate for Mrs Dunscomb's pension to me
Respectfully I am
Your obt sevt
Wm E. Dunscomb
On the corner of Vesey and Church Streets
James L Edwards Esq 
Comm of Pensions

Page 55

374
Declaration of Mary Dunscomb
For Pension under the Act of 3rd March 1843

Page 56

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress of the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7 1838.
State of New York 
City and County of New York
In Marine Court April 13, 1843
On this thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the undersigned Judah Hammond one of the Justices of the Marine Court of said city and county, Mary Dunscomb a resident of the city of New York in the county of New York aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war: That is the widow of Edward Dunscomb who was a Captain in the Fourth New York Regiment in the regular army of the United States in the revolutionary war and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of July 7 1838 was three hundred and seventy seven dollars and fifty four cents. She further declares that she is still a widow. 
Mary Dunscomb
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written by the above named Mary Dunscomb the declarant who is personally known to me 
Before 
Judah Hammond
Justice of the Marine Court
State of New York
City and County of New York
I Abraham Asten Clerk of the Marine Court in the city of New York do hereby certify that Judah Hammond by and before whom the aforegoing declaration was taken and subscribed and whose signature is subscribed to the above, was at the time of subscribing the same and now is a Justice of the said Marine Court and that the same is a Court of Record and that the signature of

Page 57

of said Judah Hammond subscribed to the same is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
Abraham Asten
Clerk Marine Court
City of New York
State of New York 
City and County of New York
I Nathaniel Jarvis Clerk of the city and county of New York & also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said city and county do hereby certify that there is a Court of Record in said city under the name and title of the Marine Court of the City of New York, that Judah Hammond is a Justice of the said Court and Abraham Asten Clerk thereof and that the signature of the said Judah Hammond to the within certificate is the genuine signature of the said Abraham Asten to the aforesaid certificate is the genuine signature of the said Abraham Asten and that the above attestation is in due form. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court and county the thirteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three

Page 58

374
Apl 17 1843
N York
Mar 3 1843
Mary Dunscomb
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 59

New York April 13 1843
Sir,
I beg leave to enclose you papers to obtain Mrs. Mary Dunscomb's pension - you will please forward the certificate to me & obliege
Your obedt sevt
Wm E. Dunscomb
27 Beekman St.
To James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions

Page 60

374
Apl 17 1843
N York
Mar 3 1843
Mary Dunscomb
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 61

374
Apl 17 1843
Mar 3 1843
N York
Mary Duncomb
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 
D.C.

Page 62

New York April 13 1843
Sir,
I beg leave to enclose you papers to obtain Mrs. Mary Dunscomb's pension - you will please forward the certificate to me & obliege
Your obedt sevt
Wm E. Dunscomb
27 Beekman St.
To James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions

Page 63

Lieut Colonel Frederick Weisenfels, Late Commandant of the 4th Regt. New York - on settlement of account current in this office for Monies recd on recruiting service account charges Captain Edward Dunscomb of the said Regiment with the sim of nine hundred dollars which said sum Captn Dunscomb has this day accounted for and is hereby discharged from the same 
(signed) Jno. Pierce P. M.G.
Pay office
Comp June 14th 1783
State of New York
City and County of New York
I Charles H. Dougherty of said city Notary Public duly constituted and appointed do hereby certify that the above and before written to be a true and duplicate copy of the original produced to you word for word.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my Natural Seal this seventeenth day of December AD 1838
Charles H. Dougherty 
Notary Public

Page 64

State of New York
City and County of New York
I Joseph Hoxie Clerk of the city and county of New York and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said city and county, do hereby certify that William E. Dunscomb was at the times the annexed affidavits of William Popham and Theodosius Fowler were severally taken before him and now is a Notary Public in and for the city and state of New York and that the signature of William E. Dunscomb subscribed to the Jurata and certificates aforesaid affidavits are his own proper genuine signatures In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court and county the twenty third day of October 1838
Joseph Hoxie Cle

Page 65

State of New York
City and County of New York
On the twenty second day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight before me William E. Dunscomb a Notary Public in and for the city and state of New York residing in said city personally appeared William Popham of said city aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he was a commissioned officer of the rank of Captain in the Revolutionary war and was in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight appointed Major of New York Brigade under the command of Brigadier James Clinton and he further says he was intimately acquainted with Captain Edward Dunscomb who commanded a company in Cortlands Regiment in the same Brigade now deceased and very well recollects he was in General Sullivan's expedition against the Indians in New York in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine this deponent also served in the same expedition and he very well recollects hat said Edward Dunscomb served and acted as a Captain in charge of a company in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine when he was in Sullivans expedition and distinguished as Captain Dunscomb and this deponent never

Page 66

never knew him by any other name
W Popham
Sworn before me this 22nd day of October 1838
Wm E. Dunscomb
Notary Public 
I certify that William Popham the deponent name in the above deposition sworn before me is a credible witness known to me 
Dated October 22nd 1838
Wm E Dunscomb
Notary Public in & for the city and state of New York

Page 67

B
On the application of Mary, widow of Captain Edward Dunscomb for full pension
Additional depositions
2

Page 68

State of New York, City and County of New York
On the twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight before me William E. Dunscomb Notary Public in and for the city and state of New York residing in said city personally appeared Theodosius Fowler of said city late a Captain in the second New York Regiment in the Revolutionary war, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he was acquainted with the late Captain Edward Dunscomb oof the Revolution and knew him until his death, that from the length of time since the Revolutionary war this deponent cannot very well recollect events of that day, but he says that according to his last recollection and as he believes said Edward Dunscomb had charge of & served and commanded a company as Captain thereof in General Sullivans campaign against the Indians in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine; in which expeditions this deponent also served
Theodosius Fowler
Capt 2nd N York Regt
Sworn before me this 20th day of October 1838
Wm E Dunscomb
Notary Public
I certify that Theodosius Fowler the deponent named in the above deposition sworn before me is a credible witness known to me dated October 20th 1838
In testimony 
Wm E Dunscomb
Notary Public in & for the city and state of New York

Page 69

617    916

Application of Mrs Mary Dunscomb
Widow of Edward Dunscomb deceased.

Under Pension Act
1838.

Admitted

Lieutenant Mo 145 & 11 days
Captain 8 & 19 "

2 years

Wm. E Dunscomb Esq
New York

Page 70

State of New York. Westchester County

On the twenty seventh day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight before me Charles H Doughtery Notary Public in and for the City and State of New York residing in said City personally appeared Leonard Bleecker of Singsing in the county of Westchester in siad state aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he was a Commissioned officer of the Continental army in the Revolutionary war of the rank of Captain and was acquainted with the late Captain Edward Dunscomb of said City now deceased who was a Captain in the American army of the Revolution. That this deponent was landed on Long island & joined the American army there in August seventeen hundred and seventy six, that said Edward Dunscomb was also with the American army at the time aforesaid and was captured by the British on Long island and taken & remained a Prisoner for some time until he was released or exchanged That at the new Organization of the army in the November Seventeen hundred and seventy six said Edward Dunscomb was commissioned as an Officer & lieutenant in Col. Cortlands Regiment being the Fourth New York Regiment, he will recollect that that Regiment was in the Expedition under General Sullivan against the Indians in New York in the year seventeen hundred and Seventy nine and also at Andres Execution in October seventeen hundred and Eighty and according to the best recollection and belief of this deponent the said Edward Dunscomb was in service in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy six & continued to serve from that year until as this deponent believes January Seventeen hundred and Eighty one. That the said Edward Dunscomb during

Page 71

his service attained the rank of Captain.

Leon. Bleecker

Affirmed and taken before this 27th day of August 1838.

Charles H. Dougherty
Notary Public

I certify that Leonard Bleecker the deponent named in the above deposition taken and affirmed before me, is a Credible witness known to me. Dated August 27th 1838.
In testimonium Vertitatis.
Charles H Dougherty
Notary Public.

Page 72

State of New York, City and County of New York. [illegible]  on the Fifteenth _ day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight before me Charles H Dougherty Notary Public in and for the City and State of New York residing in said City personally appeared Theodosius Fowler of said City Esquire aged Eighty five years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he was a Commissioned Officer of the Continental army in the Revolutionary war, and was acquainted with the late Captain Edward Dunscomb of said City now deceased, who was a Captain in the American army of the Revolution. That this deponent was with the army posted on Long island to meet the British army then landed and was at the battle of Long island in August seventeen hundred and seventy six, that he has always understood and believes that said Edward Dunscomb served with the troops posted on Long island as aforesaid and that said Dunscomb was there captured by the British and taken a Prisoner in August seventeen hundred and seventy six, and that he was such Prisoner has been since generally considered and reputed and that he remained such Prisoner for some time until he was released or exchanged. This deponent further says that he was afterward with the army when it lay in Winter quarters at Valley Forge in the winter of Seventeen hundred and seventy seven and he well recollected that said Edward Dunscomb was then in service in the army when it suffered in Winter quarters at Valley Forge. And  this deponent further says he was with the army at the battle of Monmouth in New Jersey and well recollects that said Edward Dunscomb was in service in American army at the Vattle of Monmouth on the twenty eighth of June seventeen hundred and seventy eight and that said Dunscomb commanded Lees Guards in that action. And this deponent further says that said Dunscomb also served with

Page 73

with the troops under General Sullivan in his expedition against the Indians in the summer of seventeen hundred and seventy nine (in which expedition this deponent also served) That this deponent having afterwards gone to the Frontiers and a new arrangement of the Regiments of the army having been made, this deponent cannot describe the subsequent services of the said Edward Dunscomb in the army of the Revolution, he recollects he was in such service from the year Seventeen hundred and seventy to the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty as aforesaid, and that he was afterwards appointed a Captain in the Fourth New York Regiment in the army of the United States his Commission as Captain in which Regiment has been seen by this deponent bearing date the twenty fourth day of February seventeen hundred and Eighty one, to take rank as such from the Eleventh of April one thousand seven hundred and Eighty.

Sworn before me this 15th day of August 1838.
Charles H. Dougherty.
Notary Public

[illegible signature]

I certify that Theodosius Fowler the deponent named in the above Deposition sworn before me, is a Credible Witness known to me. Dated August 15th 1838.
In testimonium Veritatis.
Charles H. Dougherty
Notary Public -

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State of New York
Secretary's Office
I certify that it appears by the Military Register in this office that on the 21st day of November 1776 Edward Dunscomb was appointed a Lieutenant in the 4th New York Regiment - Capt. Lieut. 23rd of April 1778 - Capt. 11th of April 1780 mustered to January 1781 and then deranged: and I further certify that three lots of land were granted to the said Capt Edward Dunscomb in the Military Tract by letters patent under the great seal of this state dated July 9 1790.
Given under my hand and the seal of this office at the city of Albany the 8th day of August A.D. 1838
Archd Campbell
Dep. Secretary

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES Form VAM-51 12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT CARD*

NAME Dunscomb Samuels 
GRADE Private
LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 9282 
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED March 12, 1792 to Moses Sill, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.