Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 24832, Benjamin Crowninshield, Navy (Mass) Privateer

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Navy (Mass)     Crowninshield, Benjamin  Number: W24832
Privateer                                                   Mary

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(left Side of Page)
Dead
Paid at the Treasury was the act of the 6th April 1838 from 4 Sept 1836 22 Nov 1836 the day he died.  Agent notified 8 Nov 1838.
(Right Side of Page)
10835
Massachusetts
Benjamin Crowninshield of Essex Co in the State of Mass who as a [illegible] in the [illegible] Boston commanded by Captain McNiel of the ______ commanded by _______ in the mass line for 11 months & 15 day 
3 months Lieutenant
Slat Cont'l Navy

Inscribed on the roll of Massachusetts
at the rate of 114 dollars --- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of April 1833 and sent Nath'l Lord Jr Salem Mass

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $228.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept. " 57.60
= $285.00

[Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by D.D. Addison Clerk
Book E. Vol 2 Page 11

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Benj. Crowninshield Esq.
Lieut in Navy
No 6377

Please address reply to 
Benj. Merrill Salem

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State of Massachusetts Essex County ss.
On this seventh day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in the open Court before the Honorable Daniel A. White Judge of the Court of Probate.  Benjamin Crowninshield Esquire, a resident of Danvers in the County and State above mentioned, aged 74 years, 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 7, 1832  

that about the year 1777 he was appointed a midshipman in the navy and entered onboard the Frigate Boston, Hector McNeil Esq. Commander in the Continental service and served onboard his Thirteen months: the exact dates when he entered and when discharged he cannot re-collect; while on board he was in the action between that Frigate and the British Frigate Fox in which the latter was captured.

This term of service has been stated and proved in a formal Declaration now on file in the War Department under Act of 1818.

He further declares that in July 1779 he was appointed Lieutenant of the State's armed ship Black Prince, commanded by Nathaniel West Esq & sailed from Massachusetts on the expedition

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against the British on Penobscot River in the fleet under Con. Saltonstall, the law forces being commanded by Gen. Lovell and Gen Wadsworth; the enterprise was defeated by Sir Geo Collier the British commander, and the American fleet blown up and destroyed: He served on this Expedition about 3 months.  He was born in 1757 in Salem & has resided there & in adjoining towns till this time.  He had no written discharge or record of birth.  

His name has been on the Pension Roll under act of 1818 and dropped therefrom on account of property, and the evidence of part of said service is in the War Department

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

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before [illegible] Judge of Probate
And the Court aforesaid doth hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department.

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Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary officer and served as he states
D S White Judge of Probate

I Nathaniel Lord Jr Register 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 Benjamin Crowninshield Esquire for a Pension & said Merrill is a Justice of the Peace and his Signature on the amended affidavit is genuine.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of August AD 1832.
[Signed]
Nathl Lord jr.

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Crowninshield
Benjamin Crowningshield
Massachusetts
No. 6377.
Midshipman 11 mos 15 days
Lieutenant Navy 3/14 15
Nath Lord jr.
Salem
Mass

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Brief in the case of Benjamin Crowningshield of Essex County in the State of Massachusetts (Act 7th June, 1832)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge: Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 74 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Headings - Period - Duration of Service - Rank - Name of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Period - In 1777, Duration of Service - Years X, 11 months, 15 days  Rank - Midshipman, Gen. On [illegible] frigate Boston Hector McNiel commander
Period - July 1779, Duration of Service - 3 months, Rank - Lieutenant, Gen.: Ship Black Prince com [illegible] Capt Nathaniel West
5. In what battles was he engaged? With Fox Frigate
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Salem, Massachusetts
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by tranditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  One living witness in [illegible] to Pension Roll [illegible] by 1818, for evidence in part was droped therefore on account of property
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[Signed] C Little Examining Clerk.

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[Left side of page]
1271
Massachusetts
Mary Crowninshield
widow of Benjamin Crowninshield who served in the Revolutionary war as a Midshipman and Lieutenant
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 114 Dollars [lined out] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of August 1848 and sent to 
Elijah Clark
Brighton, Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 3 Vol. 2

Right side of page
Reprinted

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I Joseph Cloutman Esquire of Salem in Massachusetts on oath testify that I am Clerk of the City of Salem and have the custody of the Records thereof, and that it appears therefrom that Benjamin Crowninshield and Mary Lambert were lawfully married on the ninth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty": and the above is a true transcript of the city record with the exception of the date which is exception of the date which is ex[illegible] thereow in plain legible figures as follows, "Nov. 9th, 1790."
Joseph Cloutman City Clerk
State of Massachusetts
Essex Count 1s: Sept 20. 1838 Then said Joseph CLoutman Esq & made oath to the above before 
Benj Merrill Just:Peace
State of Massachusetts Essex ss:
Oct 8. 1838 I certify that Benjamin Merrill is a Justic of Peace for [illegible] County and that his signature above is genuine.
[Signed] John Prince Clk
[Illegible Stamp]

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2561
Crowningshield
Act 7 July 38
m 80 d 36
admd
11 mo. 15 d Midshipman
3 mo. Lt. Navy
114$
died 22. nov. '36
pen: com: 23 '36
Isaac Fisk
E Cambridge
Mass

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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1828 entitled "An act granting half pay of pensions to certain widows."
State of Massachusetts Middlesex County 1s: on this tenth day of October 1838 personally appeared before the Honorable Samuel P P Fay, Judge of Probate for the County of Middlesex in said state, Mary Crowninshield, a resident of Charlestown in the County of Middlesex, aged sevety seven years who being first duly sworn according to her 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 7th, 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay of pensions to certain widows"  

That she is the Widow of Benjamin Crowninshield who served in the Revolutionary War as Midshipman & Lieutenant & was placed on the Pension list Roll of the Massachusetts agency, at first on May 5. 1819. & again on 27th April 1833, as will appear from his documents on file in the War Department- 

She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Crowninshield on the ninth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty: that her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Crowninshield died on the twenty second day of November 1836, that she has not since been married. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four, viz at the time above stated 
Mary Crowninshield 

Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written before me F. P. P. Pay Judge of Prob for County

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County SS

Isaac Fiske Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County Middlesex aforesaid hereby certify That Sam'l P P Fay is the judge of said Court duly commissioned qualified & that his signature within written is his genuine signature 

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this with day of October in the May Eighteen hundred & thirty eight 
Isaac Fiske Esq

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The undersigned citizens of Charlestown in Massachusetts do on oath testify that we were acquainted with Benjamin Crowninshield Esqr lately a Revolutionary Pensioner & know that he died on the twenty second day of November 1836 & that Mrs Mary Crowninshield now applying for a Pension was his wife & is now his widow, & that she has not been married since his decease. 
Benj. Crowninshield 
J. Crowninshield 

State of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. Oct. 10. 1838 Then the above named Benjamin Crowninshield and Jacob Crowninshield who are respectable & credible witnesses, made oath that the above affidavit by them subscribed is true. 
Before me . 
Wm Wyman, Justice Peace 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Melleson County ss I Isaac Fisk Register of Mr Court of Probate in & for the County of Middlesex aforesaid hereby certify that William Wyman Esq is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that his signature above written is his genuine signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of October in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty eight
Isaac Fiske Esq

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In reply to your request of received for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Crowninshield a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.- W. File 24832. 
[table, first column]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
Dec. 31, 17776
July 1779
[second column]
LENGTH OF SERVICE
to Nov 30 1777
3 mos
[third column]
RANK.
Midshipman
Lieut.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
[fourth column]
CAPTAIN
Hector M. Neill
Nathaniel Webb
[FIFTH column]
COLONEL
Frigate Boston
Armed ship Black Prince
[sixth column]
STATE
Navy

Battles engaged in, engagement captured British Frigate Fox. In Penobscot expedition

Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated 

Date of application for pension, Aug 13, 1818. His claim was allowed 

Residence at date of application, Danvers, Essex Co. Mass. 

Age at date of application, Born 1767 at Salem Mass. He died Nov 22 1836

Remarks: Sol mar at Salem, Mass. Nov. 9, 1780, Mary Lambert. She was allowed pension on an application executed July 7, 1838 while a resident of Charlestown, Middlesex Co. Mass aged 77 years. No further family data

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1910, Feb. 8. Hist. to Frank Cousins A.E.P. --- 

Revy WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 1482  Mary Crowninshield Wid of Benjamin Crowninshield

Midship Rev. War

Act Feb. 2d 1848. 
Index: Vol. A, Page 156
 [Arrangement of 1870.]

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10.251
 Massachusetts --- Benjamin Crowninshield of Salem in the state of Massachusetts who was a mariner on the Frigate Boston commanded by Capt  McNeal of the U.S. Navy for the term of eleven months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 15th of August 1818 

Certificate of Pension issued the 5th of May 1819and sent to Samuel Putnam Salem Massachusetts

Arrears to 4th of Mar 1819 53.15
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4th Sep: 1819. 48.00 
=$101.15 -

 {Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818.}

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Massachusetts 2549 
Mary Crowninshield widow of Benjamin Crowninshield who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 32 and who died on the 22d November, 1836. of Middlesex in the State of Massachusetts who was a Mid Lieut in the Brig Boston commanded by Captain McNeil of the commanded of the ___ commanded by  ____ in the Mass line for 14 mos & 15 days 

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 114 - Dollars- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & termination 22d November 1836 

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of May 1843-- and sent to James Gregory Marblehead Mass 

Arrears to the 4th of ____
_Semiannual allowance ending___
$ 81.36 
(Act July 7, 1838) 
Recorded by Wm. Steuart Cler to case. 
Vol. 1  Page

Refd May 12, '43
New certificate issued in this see the opinion of the Attorney Genl of Gent of the 2d of 
September 1842-

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Massachusetts - 2549 Mary Crowninshield 
widow of Benjamin Crowninshield 
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 32 and who died on the 22 November 1826 of Middlesex in the State of Massachusetts who was a Mid & in the Brig commanded by Captain McNeil in the Mass  for 14 months 15 dys 

Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 114 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the [crossed out: 4th day of March, 1826.] 23 November 1836 

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Apr '39, and sent to Isaac Fisk E. Cambridg, Mass

Arrears to the 4th of Mar. $269.67 Semiannual allowance ending 57.00
 --- $316 
Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by R Burdine
Book A Vol. Page 86

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Massachusetts  107
Mary Crowninshield widow of Benjamin Crowninshield was a Midshipm and Lieutenant in the Massachusetts line- 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 114 Dollars --Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of May, 1843 and sent to James Gregory Marblehead Massachusetts 

Act of March 3, 1843.
Recorded in Book A Vol 1 Page 39-


Ref'd- May 12 The papers upon which the arrears in this case has been granted, are within Refcd June 5 '43 

the Refts of May is for arrears-

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Benj. Crowninshield 
Midshipman Frigate Boston \Capt A. McNeal 1776 - 11 months 
Admitted

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I Benjamin Henderson, of Salem in Massachusetts, man ner, aged 57, on oath testify 

That in the beginning of the year 1777 I shipped as a Seaman on board the Continental Frigate Boston Hector McNeal Esqr Commander, for one year, at Boston I know that Benjamin Crowninshield, now of Danvers was a Midshipman on board said Frigate when I entered and all the time till I was discharged at the end of the year. 
He is now in reduced circumstances. 
Benja Henderson 

I William Ropes, of Salem, aged 61, on oath testify that I served ten and a half months in the year 1777 as a Seaman on board the Continental Frigate Boston, Capt. McNeal; and know that Benjamin Crowninshield, now of Danvers, was a Midshipman on board the Boston all the time I belonged to her. He is now in reduced circumstances in life 
William Ropes 

Essex ss:  August, 15. 1818 Then the above named Capt. Benjamin Henderson and Capt Wm Ropes severally subscribed and made oath to the above written depontions before me Benj Merrill Just. Pac

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Declaration 

I. Benjamin Crowninshield Esqr of Danvers in Massachusetts, aged 60 years, on oath declare --- 

That at the end of the year 1776 I entered on board the Continental Frigate Boston, 32 guns, commanded by Hector McNeal Esqr and I was rated and served as a Midshipman in that capacity and station I served on board said Frigate eleven months and fifteen days - she sailed from Boston in the spring-- cruised on the Grand Banks fought and captured the British Frigate Fox, returned to Boston in the latter part of 1777, and was discharged at the end of the year 

That I am now in reduced circumstances in life and need the assistance of my country for support. I never received any pay for my services on board 
Benj Crowninshield 
Sec. 15. Augt 1818

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Essex,ff
On this Fifteenth day of August in the year of our lord one thoufand(thousand) eight hundred and eighteen, personally appeared before me Samuel Putnam a Judge of the Supreme Judicial fourth of said State The aforenamed Benjamin Crowninshield and in my preface fubfcribed (subscribed) and made folemn (solemn) oath to the aforefaid :-- And it appearing to my fatisfaction (satisfaction), that the aforenamed Crowninshield ferved (served) more than Nine Months, to wit, from the last day of December A.D. 1776 to the last day of November A.D. 1777 at one period of the Revolutionary War, on the Continental Eftabifhment (Establishment), againft (against) the common enemy, I do hereby certify the teftimony (testimony) in the cafe (case), and the proceedings had thereon, to the Secretary of the Department of War. He is in reduce circumstances in life and needs the assistance of his country for : Benjamin Henderson and William Ropes are credible and disinterested witnesses. Given under my hand, and the seal of the Court a- forefaid (foresaid) at Salem, this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thoufand(thousand) eight hundred and eighteen. 
S. Putnam Just
S.J. Court of Mass

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
Essex ss: On this 15th Augt A. D 1818. I Ichabod Tucker, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in and for the County of Essex in said State hereby certify that the Hon. Samuel Putnam is a Judge of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State : that Benjamin Merrill Esqr is a Justice of the Peace for said County that their respective aforewritten Signatures are genuine; and that the seal affixed is the seal of said Court

Attd Ichabod Tucker Clerk

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I  Nathaniel West Esquire, of Danvers in Massachusetts aged 76 years on oath testify that I was in the summer of 1779 Commander of the ship Black Prince an armed Ship of 18 - 6 pounders - she also a number of swivels on the quarter deck, either four or 6 - we sailed from Salem - took in troops at Portland - Sailed for Penobscot.  Benjamin Crowninshield Esq. now of Danvers was my Lieutenant cannot recollect the exact time of our activity or the length of time of our absence. We were on pay I think about three months, all our papers were lost. 
Nath West

Essex ss: Aug 6 1832
The the fair Nath. West Esq. a credible & disinterested witness, subscribed I made oath to the above.
Benj Merrill Justice of the Peace

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Mary Crowningshield 
Mass 
Act 7 July 38 
114$ from March to 22 Nov. '36 

James Gregory Marblehead Mass -

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State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ⎬ Charlestown 

On this twenty-second day of April, A.D. 1843, personally appeared before me Arthur W. Austin, Justice of the Peace for sd. County, Mary Crowninshield a resident of Charlestown, aforesaid, aged eighty three 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 March 3, 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War

That she is the widow of Benjamin Crowninshield who was a Midshipman and Lieutenant in the United States Navy in the War of the Revolution that her said husband was a Pensioner under the law of June 7th 1832 to that amount of One hundred and fourteen Dollars per Annum, and she begs to refer to the declaration and evidence upon which his said Pension was allowed for all the particulars of his said Revolutionary services 

She further declares, that after the death of her said husband, she herself was pensioned to the same amount of one hundred and fourteen dollars per annum, under the law of July 7th, 1838 and that she is still a widow. Witness-
Benja Cowninshield, Mary Criminald 

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year above written before me 
Arthur W. Austin Justice of the Peace

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State of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ⎬ . Charlestown 

On this twenty second day of April, A.D. 1843. personally appeared before me Arthur W. Austin - Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Middlesex Mary Crowninshield, a resident of Charlestown in the said County of Middlesex, aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the amount of Pension which she claims from the 4th of March, 1836, to the 22d of November 1836, from which period she has been already paid under the act of the 7th of July, 1838. 

And the Declarant further alleges that she is still the widow of Benjamin Crowninshield, who was a Midshipman and Lieutenant of the U.S. Navy during the Revolutionary War; that her Pension was allowed at the rate of one hundred and fourteen dollars per annum, and was paid to her at the Agency in Boston, in the State of Massachusetts, and further she saith not 
Witness  Benja Crowninshield Mary Crowninshed 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written 
Before me, Arthur W. Austin Just Peace

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss. 

On this sixteenth day of June Eighteen hundred and forty Eight, personally appeared before Elijah Clark, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mary Crowningshield , a resident of Charlestown in said County, being Eighty eight years of age, 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 February 2d 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. 

That she is the widow of Benjamin Crowningshield, who was a MidShipman in the Navy & a Lieutenant in the Penobscot expedition from Marblehead in the State of Massachusetts and that she has received annually a pension of one hundred and fourteen dollars per annum under the act of the 17th of June 1844, and she further declares that she is still a widow 
Mary Crowninshield 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, and I certify that the declarant above named is personally known to me a widow, and a Revolutionary Pensioner as she declares 
Before me Elijah Clark Justice of the Peace

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M.C Ad 107 Admitted Elijah Clark Brighton Mass

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary's Office, Boston July 26 1848 

I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Elijah Clark was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written. 
Wm Tufts Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.

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Treasury Department Second Comptroller's Office, Nov. 5, 1838 

Sir
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Prisoners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, The widow of Benj. Crowninshield decd a Pensioner on the Roll of the Boston Agency, at the rate of one hundred & fourteen Dollars ⌨ ⌨ Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 of Sept. 1836 to the 22 Nov. 1836 day he died 

Respecfully, yours, Albion K. Parris Comptroller. 

To the Commissioner of Pensions Present.

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Navy Yard Boston Commandant office 24th March 1843 

Sirs
I beg leave to enquire whether there has been a recent decision of the Department relative to the of Pensions to widows of Revolutionary Officers I have been informed that there has been some decision of the kind and that there is due to Mrs Mary Crowninshield under the five years pension law of July 7th 1838 the sum of $81.62 /100  for arrears from the 4th March 1836 till the death of her husband, which took place on the 22 November of the same year 

Will you be pleased to inform me on this subject and if there be anything due what course I shall take to obtain it for the widow who is now near 72 years of age 

the new declaration can be made and all the other document procured and forwarded it such should be the evidence required 

I am Sir veryrespectfully 
Your Obt. Servt. 
Benj Crowninshield Clerk to Co. 

J.L. Edwards Esqr 
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

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Marblehead, April 28th, 1843.

Honored Sir 
at  the request of Mrs Mary Crowninshield of Charlestown County of Middlesex of this State of Massachusetts, widow of Benjamin Crowninshield Esqr. I have the Honor to forward two Declarations of hers,one claiming arrearages from sixth of March, 1836, to the date of the death of her said husband, and the other claiming the benefit of the act of 3d of March, 1843 

These documents were sent to the Office of the Secretary of State, at Boston, with the request that they should be regularly authenticate, & they were wrongfully returned to the writer with both united; but as the authentication is in the plural number, and as they may be easily separated, without injury, I have thought that with this explanation they might be suffered to pass 
I am, with very great respect, 
Your Honor's humble servt.
James Gregory
James L. Edward 
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.

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Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Secretary's Office, Boston April 24th 1843 

I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation, Arthur W. Austin was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Middlesex in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court. 

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written 
Jno A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth

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Brief objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Crowningshield which require further proof of explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes,
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the country where he resides? yes,
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the country where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes,
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in the language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes,
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes,
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes, 
VIII. Has the court given their opinion? yes,
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes,
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes,

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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had one living Witness 

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes- If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes, 

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes the Captain under whom he served 

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes 

XVI. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes, 

EXPLANATORY NOTES. QUERE V. 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; Foryear months, and --- days, I served as a For -- and days, I served as a ; and for such service I claim a pension. months

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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served. and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid as to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about the three or four months is too indefinite , and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 shewn 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. 

QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, is well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 

QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

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[sideways on left]
No. 2561
Oct 17
Mass
7 July 1838
Crowningshield

Free
J.L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions Washington

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East Cambridge County of Middlesex Mass 

J L Edwards Esq. 
Sir 
Inclosed is his application of the widow of Benj. Crowninshield to be placed upon the Pension Roll; thence to communicate the result to me 
Respectfully yours 
Isaac Fiske

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Frank Cousins Art Company 
Incorporated 
Architectural and Art Photographs 
Directors,
Frank Cousins 
Salem, Mass.
B.B. Crowninshied 
Boston, Mass.
Louis C. Newhall
Boston, Mass. 
Frank Cousins
Prest. & Treas.
Office and Salerom 
335 Essex Street, 
Salem, Mass. Jan 22 1910
Pension Dep
Wash. D.C.
I have a memo, that says Benjamin Crowninshield granted a pension Aug 14 - 1832 - was located at the time at his Danvers home- he died in 1836 - age 79 at Charleston Mass - 
can you tell me what his record was 
I am preparing a genealogy of the Crowninshield family and would like what I can get of his record - 
Respectfully  From 
Frank Cousins 
Jan 25 1910