Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1254, Joseph B Brooks, Conn. Continental

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE 
Conn.
Continental
Brooks, Joseph B.
NUMBER
R.1254

Page 2

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act
of Congress passed June 7 1832
State of New York
Green [Greene] County ss    On the sixteenth day of January 1833 personally
appeared before me Munson Buel one of the Judges
of the Court of Common pleas in and for the County of Green [Greene]
and State of New York Joseph B Brooks of the Town of Lexington
In the County of Green [Greene] and State of New York aged
Sixty Eight who being first duly sworn according to Law
doth on his oath make the following declaration In
order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
that he enlisted into the service of the United States In the
Revolutionary War under the following named officers and
served under them as Is hereafter named that he Enlisted
at the Town of Danbury in the State of Connecticut Enlisted
on the first day of April in the year 1780 In the Company
commanded by Captain Webb in the regiment Commanded
by Colonel Shelden Colonel of the Regiment of Light Dragoons,
Enlisted for the Term of nine months that immediately after his
Enlistment he Joined Captain Webbs Company and the regiment
below Tarry Town in the County of West Chester and that he did
duty in Captain Webbs Company in the said regiment for
the Term of three months and was there dismounted and
and put into the regiment commanded by Colonel Huntington
where he served out the six remaining months untill
the first day of January in the year 1781 when he was
discharged at a place called the Highlands State of New York

Page 3

That he was substitute hired by Stephen Comstock of the
Town of Danbury aforesaid and he further says that during 
the time that he served in Captain Webbs Company he well
knew McChester Hull who then belonged to Captain Edgars
Company whose affidavit accompanies my first declaration
on the [2 illegible] and he further says That on the fourth
day of January in the year 1781 he again enlisted at the High
Lands In the company commanded by Captain Webb and was
immediately taken out of that company and was put into a Company commanded by Captain Wells of the Eight Infantry and commanded by Colonel Gemoul in the Brigade commanded by General LaFayette enlisted for four months, was hired to go by Mr
John Hand of Middletown Connecticut that they marched from
the Highlands down through the Jersey down to a place 
called Annapolis in the State of Maryland below Baltimore
and stayed there for more than one month and then returned
back to a place called the Head of Elk.  Halted there
Ten or twelve days and then returned back to the Highland
and was discharged on the first day of May 1781 and he further
says that previous to all these Tours of service that on
the first day of July 1776 He enlisted at Danbury aforesaid
Inlisted for the Term of six months inlisted into the Company
Commanded by Captain Rament Major Webb Commanded
the regiment went from Danbury to the Town of Horse Neck 
and there continued to do duty in the said Company untill
the first day of January 1777 that he was Hired to go by
William Comes of Danbury that he was discharged at Horse
Neck on the first day of January 1777. and he further

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says that previous to all these aforementioned services he
inlisted at Danbury aforesaid Inlisted in the first day
of October in the year 1775 Inlisted for three months in the
Company commanded by Captain Pardy of New Fairfield
Connecticut went to Fairfield and was stationed some part 
of the time at Fairfield and the other at Norwalk on the
Sea Coast and on the first day of January 1776 was discharged
at Fairfield and this deponent says that he served Twenty two
months faithfully if he is not mistaken in the service of the United
States in the revolutionary war And he further says that he
has made this second declaration on oath for the Express purpose
of stating the time of his Enlistment services and discharges more
particular than Is stated In the first that he considers this declaration as a part of the one he formerly made on the third day of
September 1832 which I attached to these proceedings and this
deponent further says that he Is an old man and by reason of his old age and loss of Memory he cannot Swear
so positively to every circumstance as he could wish but that he
might be mistaken In some statements but he verily believes
that every thing that he has above swore to is as perfectly
correct as I have stated and that I Served twenty two months
In the service of the United States In the Revolutionary War if he is not mistaken
                       [signed] Joseph Brooks

Sworn subscribed this Sixteenth day
January 1833 before me Muson Buel one of the
Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for the
County of Green [Greene]  State of New York

I Munson Buel one of the Judges of the Court of Common pleas
In and for the County of Green [Greene]  and State of New York do hereby Certify
that the above named Joseph B. Brooks the above applicant &  In
my opinion and belef through Bodily Infirmity Is unable
to attend Court to have any of these pension proceedings Certified
          [signed] Munson Buel Judge as aforesaid

Page 5

[ a sheet of paper is showing behind this document; it will not be transcribed here]

                         Birth Certificate

I William V.B. Heermance Clerk of the County of Green [Greene] do 
Certify that Munson Buel Esquire before whom the
foregoing declaration and affidavits were taken and sworn
was at the date thereof and now Is a Judge of the Court of
Common pleas in and for the County of Green [Greene] and that
his signature thereto affixed Is a genuine signature.
      In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my Hand and Seal of Office
This 29th day of January 1833
        [signed] William W. B. Heermance Clerk

Page 6

Declaration in order to obtain the Benefits of the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832
State of New York
Green [Greene] County ss  On the fourth day of September 1832 personally appeared in Open
Court being a Court of Record called the Court of Common pleas in and for the County
of Green [Greene]  and State of New York now In Session Joseph B Brook, a resident of the
Town of Lexington in the County of Green [Greene] and State of New York aged Sixty Eight
who being duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration In order
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he Enlisted
Into the service of the United States in the revolutionary war under the following
named officers and served as I herein after named that he enlisted at the
Town of Danbury in the State of Connecticut Enlisted on the first day of April
In the year 1780 Enlisted In the company commanded by Captain Webb
In the Regiment commanded by Colonel Shelden Light Dragoons Enlisted 
for nine months and Continued to serve In Captain Webbs Company
three months and was then dismounted and put into the Regiment 
commanded by Colonel Huntington where he served the six
remaining months untill [1 illegible] of the first day of January thereafter
when he was discharged at a place called the Highlands State of New York
that he was a substitute hired by Stephen Comstock of Danbury Connecticut
And further says that on the third day after he received his discharged he
again Enlisted at the said Highlands In Captain Webbs Company was immediately 
taken out of that company and put into a company commanded
by Captain Wells Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Gemont General
Lafayett, Brigade Enlisted for four months was hired to enlist by one John
Hand in Middletown he thinks that during this campaign they marched
from the Highlands went down through the Jersey down to a place called
Annapolis below Baltimore and staid there more that a month and
then returned back to the Head of Elk halted there ten or twelve days 
days [sic] and then returned to the highlands was discharged on or
about the first of May 1781 and this deponent further says that previous
to all this service That he Entered the service on the first day of July
1776 at Danbury aforesaid Enlisted into the company commanded by
Capt Raments Company Major Weeb [Webb] commanded the Regiment Enlisted
for six months went from Danbury to Horse Neck and there continued
to serve untill the first of January 1777 says he was hired
to Enlist by one William Comes Danbury And further says that
previous to all this service he enlisted at Danbury aforesaid enlisted
on or about the first of October 1775 In the company company [sic] commanded
By Captain Pardy of New Fairfield Connecticut was Stationed one part 
of the time at Norwalk and the other at Fairfield to guard the Coast
and on same of the first day of January 1776 was discharged at Fairfield
he says that he faithfully served one year and six months in the United 
State service and further say that he has no other documentary Evidence

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that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can Testify to his
Service other than those that accompanies these proceedings he Is Informed that
Comstock and Stone whose testimony was taken in the year 1819 are both
dead does not know the Certainly of it which affidavits accompany these proving 
that he was in a skirmish at [1 illegible] and further say, that
relinquishes his Every Claim whatever to a pension or annuity Except the present
and further declares that his name Is not on the pension Roll of the
agency of any State.
                                  [signed] Joseph B Brooks

Sworn and Subscribed In Open Court
fourth day of September 1832
before me
          [signed] William V. B. Heermance Clerk

                    Clergymans Certificate
We Hezekiah Pittet Clergyman and Henry Goslee Esquire
of the Town of Lexington in the County of Green [Greene] and State of New York
do Certify that we are well acquainted with Mr. Joseph B Brooks of Lexington
who has subscribed his name to the above
declaration that we
believe him to be Sixty Eight years old and that he is reputed in the neighborhood
where he lives to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur
In that Opinion
                                      [signed] Hezekiah Pettit
                                      [signed] Henry Goslee

Sworn and subscribed this third day 
of September 1832 before me Munson Buel
one of the Judges of the Court of Common
pleas In and for the County of Green [Greene] state aforementioned.

                          Certificate of the Court
And the said Court do certify and declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after pulling 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 the said Hezekiah Pittet who has above signed
his name to the preceding certificate is a Clergyman of
the Town of Lexington
                                 Dorrance Kirtland [signed]
                                 Presiding Judge
                                 of said Court

Page 8

and the said Henry Goslee who signed his name to the same
Certificate is a resident of the Town of Lexington and I, a person of respectability
and Is Entitled to full credit as a witness and the Court, further certified that
when the Interrogatories were put to the applicant he was under solemn
Oath and the Court further certifies that I would in these opinion be
attended with great Inconvenience and Expense to the applicant to
promise the attendance of the said Clergyman or the other person who
signed the certificate with him

                   Clerk's Certificate
I William V.B. Heermance Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the County of Greene and State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court In the matter of the
application of Joseph Brooks for a pension. In Testimony Whereof I have
hereunto set my Hand and seal of Office this fourth day of September
one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty Two.
               [signed] William V. B. Heermance
                                                                Clerk
                Interrogatories of the Court

Question 1  Where and in what year were you born and have you any record of your age and where is it.

Answer   I was born in the Town of Danbury in the State of Connecticut I am now 
Sixty Eight years of age if I am not mistaken I was born in the year 1766 I have 
[1 illegible] no record of my age

Question 3'd   Where were you living when Called Into Service where have you lived 
since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live 

Answer   When called Into Service I lived in the  town of Danbury In the State of Connitut
and there I lived sometime after the revolutionary war from thence I
moved to the Town of Lexington where I have lived for more than twenty
years and where I now Live with my family~~

Page 9

Question 4  How were you called Into Service were you drafted did you Volunteer 
or were you a substitute and If a substitute for whom~~~
Answer   Under my first Enlistment I Voluntarily Enlisted In Capt Webbs Company 
In Colonel Sheldons Regiment (I was hired by Stephen Comstock) when I Enlisted for Captain Wells 
Company Colonel Gemonts Regiment in General Lafayette Brigade.  
I was hired by Mr Hand belonging to Middletown Connecticut

Question 5  State some of 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 service.
Answer  When In Sheldons Regiment I well knew him Irving was the major I then 
knew all the Captains names but have forgot them.  When I was in Captain
 Wells Company in Colonel Gemonts Regiment General Lafayette Brigade I well 
knew these officers and then I knew many others General Washington and 
others whom I formerly knew by seeing them and being Informed of 
their names which I have forgot their names.

Question 6.  Did you Ever receive a discharge from the service and If so by whom
Answer  I never received any Written discharge from any of my officers

Question 7.  State the name of persons to whom you are known In your present 
Neighborhood and who can Testify as to your character & veracity and their 
belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Answer  I am well acquainted with the Reverend Hezekiah Pettit a Clergyman
 in the Town of Lexington I am also well acquainted Henry Goslee Esq'r.
                            [signed] Joseph B Brooks

State of New York}
Green County} ss
Hezekiah Pellet and Henry Goslee - 
of the Town of Lexington In the County of Green [Greene] and State of New York
being duly sworn doth on their several oaths depose and say that 
they are well acquainted with Mr. Joseph B Brooks of Lexington who
has above Subscribed his name to the within declaration for 
to obtain a pension that we severally believe that the said Joseph 
B Brooks Is now sixty eight years of age and that he Is reputed and 
Believed in his neighborhood where he resides to have been a

Page 10

soldier of the revolution and that we concur In that opinion 
and further state that he Is a man of truth and veracity.
                          [signed] Hezekiah Pettit
                          [signed] Henry Goslee

Sworn and subscribed this third day 
of September - in the year 1832 before 
me Munson Buel one of the Judges of the 
court of common pleas of the county aforesaid

State of New York}
Green County  }ss
I the said Munson Buel Judge as aforesaid 
do hereby certify that the Reverend Hezekiah Pettit Is a Clergyman 
In the Town of Lexington and that Henry Goslee 
are residents in the said Town of Lexington and are men of respectability truth and veracity
                         [signed] Munson Buel

Page 11


Green County ss
Chester Hull of the town of Lexington in the County
of Green [Greene] and State of New York now a pensioner of the United States
being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say that he was
a Soldier of the revolutionary War that In the year one
thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty he belonged
to Captain Edgars Company Infantry and In the regiment command by Colonel Shelden Light Dragoons and that he well
knew Joseph B. Brooks now Living in Lexington well remembers
that In the spring of the year 1780 he was a soldier or dragoon
In Captain Webbs Troop of Horse In said Sheldens Regiment
does not remember how many months he served In the said
Company and regiment, and further saith not.
                                                        his
                                             Chester  X  Hull
                                                        mark
Sworn and subscribed this
Twenty first day of August    
1832 Before Mr Munson Buel one 
of the Judges of the Court of Common
pleas In and for the County of
Green [Greene] State of New York-
 
And I the said Judge do certify that I am well
acquainted with Mr Chester Hull who has subscribed
his name to the above affidavit well know him to be a
man of truth and veracity -
                                      [signed] Munson Buel

Page 12

State of New York
Greene County ss.
I, William V. B. Heermance Clerk of 
the Court of Common Pleas of the said county do 
certify that Munson Buel Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits were sworn, was at the date 
of the same, a Judge of the said court being a court of record - and that the signature of the said
Judge annexed to the said affidavits is his genuine 
signature.
     In testimony whereof I have hereto 
     set my hand and seal of office this 
     fourth  day of September in the year
     1832.
           [signed] William W. B. Heermance Clk

Page 13

N. Y. Sept 4

[vertical}
Windham NY
31 Aug.

 Honble James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Joseph B. Brooks
act 1818 & '32

Page 14

Livingston Heights Gr Ct  N York August 31 1834
Honble James L Edwards Esq
I beg leave to inform your Honor that some of the family of Joseph B Brooks brought him over to my office yesterday who spent some part of the day with me concerning his pension.  Mr Brooks says that I have incorrectly stated his age that he was born on the fourth day of August 1762 that he is now 72 years old and that he was 16 years old when he entered the service, this he informs me that he is ready to make this affidavit  that Mr Joseph B Brooks did come to me to make out his pension proceedings to obtain a pension under the former act of his months service he gave me the minutes of his age and services from that and I made out his declaration made and your Honor refused him a pension because you said that he had not served nine months at any one tower [tour] and from those minutes I drew his present declaration and when he came forward before the Judge I read the same to him, now Sir the old Gentleman casts the blame on me and so does his children and neighbors saying all this & through my mistakes dare not say that I was not I endeavored to take the minutes correctly but perhaps did not make out the figures right I should be sorry to have Mr Brooks suffer on my account for I verily believe the old Gentleman is justly entitled to a pension for he was at a number of towers [tours] for the state and Continental service this cannot be disputed how Sir I could have on my oath say that I made the figures of His age correctly or not I can say that I meant to do so but might have made the figures wrong will your Honor write me a line by the next mail and give me your opinion on the subject and what must be further done to entitle him to a recovery of his pension 
Very Respectfully Yours
 Anton Hosford

Page 15

9424
Joseph B. Brooks
10 Sep 1832
17 Dec. 1832
Reuben Hosford
Lexington Heights - N. Y.

Page 16

Brief in the case of Joseph B Brooks of Lexington in the State of N York
(Act 7th June, 1832)

1.  Was the delaration made bfore a Court or a Judge:  in open Court
2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3.  How old is he 68 years
4 State his service as directed in the form annexed
Period/Duration of Service/Rank/Name of General and Field Officers under whom he served
1st April in 1780/9 months/substitute/ Capt Webb, Col Sheldon and Col Huntington Connect.
Jan of 1781 inlisted/ 4 months/ Private/Capt Will Col Gemoul Gen Lafayette Brigade
States that previous to the above he entered the service on the 1st July 1776 for 6 months under Capt Rament and Major Webb and continued to serve until the 1st Jan  1777 States that previous to the last mentioned service and on or about the 1st of Oct 1775 he inlisted in Capt Purdys camp of (Connect) to guard the coast and was discharged on the 1st Jany 1776.
5.  In what battles was he engaged:  none
6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Danbury Connecticut
7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary evidence and the testimony of one living Witness to be part of his service in 1780 in Sheldons Dragoons
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  The papers are not attached as the Regulations require and are defective in other respects
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Capt Edgar Rothschild [possibly]
Examining Clerk

Page 17

additional proof
Revolutionary Pension
act 1832 of
Joseph B. Brooks
New York
suspended
Calc
filed 26 Sept 1853.
F. E. Hassler

Page 18

State of New York
County of Green ss} 
Joseph Brooks whom I certify is a respected old man & I have no doubt was a revolutionary soldier after being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is an old man forgetful and liable to correct errors but that his intent is to swear truly and that according to his best recollection some of his companions in arms as officers were Capt Wills Colonel Gemott or some like name that this service was done in 1781 when he took the place of a man who was inlisted for three years and had served all but four months which the deponant says all were strangers to him except a few he thinks the orderly sergeant name was Forbs or Ford another sergeant Meyer and sergeant Bradley drummer.  he thinks drummer may Troll or Trell, a private of the name of Miller & one by the name of Wheeler that his deponent was taken from the army with others selected for that purpose and put in a squad of fifteen hundred and sent in pursuit of Armond the train as they were told, they went as far as Chesapeake bay & after remaining there some time the army were ordered to York town he and one more man had only sixteen days to serve they were ordered back to their old quarters where they were dichared and went home he to Danbury Conn, the other to New Haven
Joseph Brooks
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of June 1848
Austing Chase Justice of the Peace

Page 19

State of New York 
County of Green } ss
On this 20 day of Sept 1852 Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid.  Roswell Brooks aged 57 years, a resident of Greene Co in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that he is the son of Joesph B Brooks, deceased who was a soldier in the Company commanded by Captrian Raymont under Colonel Webb in the Revolutionary war that his said father volunteered on or about [scratched out] July 1780 for the term of six months and continued in actual service in said war for six months and was honorably discharged but did not think any thing of his discharge and lost it.  Also in May I believe 1781 he volunteered for nine months in the horse which time he served out and was discharged and lost that discharge also  This 9 months service he says was called the drafted horse the Colonel, name was Sheldon I believe, Captain name not known, there he took a man's place who had listed for 4 years and had 4 months yet to service which

Page 20

time he served, and was regularly dischared and has lost that also, this service was done under Captain Webb and Colonel Huntington, he has spoken of serving under Captain Wills and Colonel Genott about ths time making in all 19 months services
I make this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the pension due to him which he has never received
Roswell Brooks
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20 day of Sept 1852
Nathaniel F Ellis Justice Pacem

Page 21

POWER OF ATTORNEY
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners & c.
State of New York
County of Green}
Be it known that before me Nathaniel F Ellis, a Justice of the Peace personally appeared Roswell Brooks aged 57 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that he is the son of Jospeh B Brooks who was a Revolutionary Soldier, or Pensioner of the State of New York and that he died on the 20 day of September 1849 and that his mother named Rowleres died on the 30 day of April 1850 and that they were married on the [blank] day of [blank] in the year 17 [blank] and that they were residents of Green Co in the State of New York and that they resided there 60 years, and that he resided in Green County and that furthermore 
I BY THESE PRESENTS, constitues, appoints and fully empowers and authorises irrevocably and with the powers of the substituion - F. E. Hassler of Washington City, D. C., as my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U.S. Government Offices my rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land, that may be due me as heir of Joseph B Brooks, who died leaving the same undrawn as in right of law, custom, or equity he is or may be entitled.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I has on the 20 day of September 1852 hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal
Roswell Brooks X (his mark)

Witness:  P H Miller
Witenss L Fellery
Signed, Sealed, acknowledged and Sworn to before me, on this 20 day of September 1852
Nathanel F Ellis JP

At the same time personally appeared before me Nathaniel F Ellis a Justice of the Peace, two credible and disinterested witnesses named P H Miller and Phillip Feller residents of aforesaid County and State, who having been by me cautioned and then duly sworn according to law, do depose and say each for himself, that he has always heard it said and it is generally believed by the community that Joseph B Brooks was a Revolutionary soldier at that Roswell Brooks was by him always treated as and is by the witnesses believed to be the son of the said Revolutionary Soldier.
P H Miller Philip Fellers
Sworn to before me the day and year first above written.
Nathaniel F Ellis J.P.
State of New York
Country of Greene] to wit:
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That Nathaniel F Ellis Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknoledgment were made and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County County Court, this 27th day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
John Orlien Clerk
_________________
If a Widow applies state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband."

Page 22

Honorable Gale H. Stalker,
House of Representatives.

My dear Mr Stalker:
In response to your letter of the twenty-first instant, and the enclosed letter of Mr. Frank W. Severne, of Watkins, New York, I have the honor to advise you, that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to soldier, named Austin Leonard, Jobe, or Job Hubbard, and Wakeman Brooks, and you are herewith furnished the history of the only soldier named Joseph Brooks found on said records.

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 1854, it appears that Joseph B Brooks (the son of Joseph) applied for pension September 4, 1843, while residing in Lexington, Green County, New York. He then stated that he was sixty-eight years old and also that he was born in 1766, in Danbury, Connecticut, but in 1834 he gave the date of his birth as August 4, 1762.

Page 23

He stated that while residing in Danbury, Connecticut, he enlisted in December 1775 and served three months in Captain Purdy, or Pardy's Connecticut  Company.
He enlisted in July 1780 and served six months, in Captain Raymond's Company, Colonel Webb's Connecticut Regiment.

[note in right margin]
see Conn archives page 252 for this service 1780 (but Capt is not given)

He enlisted in May 1781, servied in Captain Webb's Company, Colonel Sheldon's REgiment of Light Dragoons, Captain Webb's Company, Colonol Huntington's Connecticut Regiment and Captain Velles' Company, of Colonoel Gimat's Light Infantry Battalion and was discharged in 1783 after serving thirteen months.

[note in right margin]
He is not recorded under these officers but he gives too detailed an account of what he did to have been mistaken see Ginials 1781 service Conn P 30 V,

His claim was not allowed, as he died September 20, 1849, without completing the proof of his services as required by the pension laws.  His wife, name not stated Died April 30, 1850.  He had children, the only name on record, being that of son Rowwell, who was fifty-seven years old and a resident of Green County, New York in 1852.

Very truly yours
Winfield Scott
Commisioner.

[note on right of page]
This claim should not have been rejected.  Many boys went in at the age of eleven.

Page 24

Gale H. Stalker
37th Dist. New York

Committees:
District of Columbia
Pensions
Public Buildings and Grounds
Indian Affairs

Home Address:
Elmira, New York

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
April 21, 1926

Bureau of Pensions,
Revolutionary War Section,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sirs:
I inclose letter from Frank W. Severne, relative to some information which he desires, and would thank you to advise me concerning the same.
Thanking you for your cooperation, I am
Very truly yours,
G.H Stalker

Page 25

1254   [Stamped] REJECTED

P.O. Joeph B Brooks

... lleges: List of rejected (or suspended) claims printed in 1852, shows cause of rejection as follows:
 "Seven months and fourteen days shown (See Comptroller's certificate which must be identified as applying to claimant in person as well as by name"

[Written vertically of left side of document] 
1926 Apr 23. Hist. to Hon G.H. Stalker

Page 26

Sept. 26, 1853
Ado ev. in case of Jos. B. Brooks, decd.
Green Co. N.Y.

F. E. Hassler
Present

Document has typed vertically on lower right 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE. OFFICIAL BUSINESS 
Commissioner

Page 27

9444   N.Y.
Joseph B. Brooks
N. York
J.D. Pinckney Nov. 2, 1843
:et to Asad Joy June 8, 44
:et to Hon. P. H. Silvester
March 28th, 1848
F.E. Hafker 26th Oct 1953
Gilmore H. Brown 1832

Page 28

9924
New York
Revo
Joseph B Brooks
lot to R Hosford 23 Apl 38
Rejected
let R Harford 8th June 1833 Do tu same 18 June 1833

[crossed out]
" 28 Mar '34
" 8 Sept 1834
" June June 15 1837
" same 26 1837
" Hon F Pratt 6 Jan 1838

Copies of papers sent to same Mar 7 1838
Set [written on top of other text]

Page 29

To the Commsioners of Pensions, Washington City

Please deliver to the Order of James D Pinckney the papers relating to my application for a pension - file in your office - Catskill, N.Y. August 25 1843
Yours
Jospeh B Brooks.

Page 30

To Hon J L Edwards court of Pensions in have application Arad Joy of Ovid [NY] my agent to investigate my claim to a pension, my application is on file under the [illegible] of 1832 from New York
Dated Chenango Co., N.Y. May 1847 
Joseph B Brooks

Page 31

N.Y. / 32 Sus

Page 32

West Lexington NY Sept 10 1853
F E Hassler
Dear sir, I have heard nothing from you in a long time and as there is a number of applicants  from your place subjecting the agency of the claim of Jospeh B brooks pension, I would be very glad if you would inform me what the propect is and what evidence is absolutely necessary to reverse it.  I have never found out the reason why it was rejected will you please state it to me if you know 
Some that went the agency think that evidence sent in longer mint be so managed as to be sufficient if you think there can be any such theory done please to inform me as soon as may be convenient
There is no doubt but there is a pention due
it has always been a wonder to me why his claim was rejected when he proved by men that served with him in the war that he did serve and there affidavits are on file most likely in the office some where.  I am in very respectfully your obd servent Austin Chase

Page 33

Joseph Brooks
[stamped]
Department of Pensions
Office
 Jan 4 1866

Page 34

                   Maine Agency,
                    305 F STREET
                          Washington, January 2nd 1866
[seal of the state of Maine on left margin]

Hon. J. H. Bannet}
Com. of Pensions}
        Sir:
                  We have the 
honor to transmit herewith a communication 
received from Messrs Lewis & Sceva of New 
York.
      If you can furnish us the information 
without infringing upon rules of your  
Dept - you will much oblige
                              Respectfully yours
                               Obt. servants
                              Gilmone & Brown
                               305 F Street
                                      Washington
                                                   D.C.

Page 35

No  [crossed out: 37590] 9244
Joseph Brooks
         Con

Act 7 June 1832

Page 36

Dear sir, I have taken down the services of 
Joseph Brooks as near as I can get at it from 
his own statement which is as follows
I commenced in the service of the United States
in 1780 in July at the age of 17 years & 
11 months.  I went as a substitute for a 
man by the name of William Comstock who 
was drafted for six months 
 under Capt Raymont [Raymond] Colonel Webb where 
I served his time out and got my Discharge in January in 1781 in May 1781 I took a mans place 
by the name of Stephen Comstock who was drafted 
in the service for nine months commonly called the 
nine months service under Colonel Sheraton Capt
 Webb. I believe when I served in the horse 
until we had orders from General Washington to be 
dismounted and join his army at  Terry Town under 
Colonel Huntington Capt Web [Webb] where I served 
until Arnold made his escape then we were
ordered to march to West point where we continued 
until we were ordered to march to the Highlands 
to winter quarters except when we were out on some scouts such as going to Moraine and taking 
the torys to them we had a hard time of it but 
I lived through it and got my regular discharge in 
Jan 1782.  Then I took a man's place by the name of Hand who had enlisted for three 
years and served all but four months which time I
served for him
While I was in this service the whole brigade was 
ordered to parade with three days provision in 
the napsacks ready for a march then the officers 
came around and took such men as they pleased until they got fifteen hundred men of which 
I was one  Then we were ordered to march I

Page 37

know not where but we marched to 
Morris town and there we were equipt for the 
light infantry under Colonel Gennett Capt 
Wells company there we marched to the head of 
Chesapeake in pursuit of Arnold the traitor.  
There we lay until they pressed vessels to take us down 
to Anapolus [Annapolis] there we was [sic] blocked in one month then 
we drove the British out of the harbor 
and sailed up the Chesapeake again there we lay nine 
day when we had orders to march to Yorktown.  
I and one more man had only 16 Days to serve 
and so we got orders to return back to General persons Bregade.  The same that we were 
taken from where we were taken from the 
light infantry.  I staied there my time out when 
I got my discharge and certificate which I 
thought was not worth much at that time 
and I took no care of it, of course I lost it.

I have served in the revolutionary war nineteen 
months in all
six months in 1780
nine months in 1781 
four months in 1782
                           [signed] Jos B Brooks

This 13 day of Sept 
1847 Joseph B 
Brooks appeared before 
me and saith on 
oath that the above statement is true 
according  to the best of his knollege and 
belief
      [signed] Austin Chase Justice of the Peace

[different handwriting at bottom]                                    
The history would seem to indicate from the circumstances 
of and or [2 illegible] that it may have been performed in '79 '80 or '81

Page 38

when Mr. Brooks made his first [1 illegible] he proved by 4 witnesses that he was the man 
that served in the war.
The name of the man was Stephen Comstock
The men he served for in the nine months service the other were Oliver Stone
                        Chester Hull

Page 39

this is to certify that I am sure that the within named Joseph Brooks and the service performed 
by him refer to myself as there was no other man 
by that name in Danbury or the adjoining Town 
or in the service when I was and I further 
certify that I never heard or knew of any one by 
that name except my father and myself. My father died when I was 14 years old 
and some children that were named after me.
                          [signed] Joseph B Brooks

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 18 day of February 1848
        [signed] Austin Chose Justice of the peace

All tho I wright my name Joseph B Brook I was always called Joseph Brooks by others and I seldom 
get a leter from my friends but is rit 
Joseph Brooks.            [signed] Joseph B Brooks

I do certify that the old gentleman 
seems to be very sure that 
the within name refers to him
                                 [signed] Austin Chose


The verity in Mr Brooks new declaration & affidavit, may deny 
or confirm the herein named by the Comptroller, as his, or not his, the
history may explain & settle it for or against him

Page 40

                                  Hartford Dec 24 1847
W Auslee Chase
                          Some time since I 
rec'd a letter inquiring for the evidence of 
the service of one Joseph Brooks in the war 
of 
the revolution. Being desirous of [illegible] the [illegible] of the the soldiers of that war I 
have borne that name in mind when 
engaged in searches for active names 
of said [illegible] of Joseph Brooks [illegible] 
as having served in "the 9th Con't [Continental] regt for 3 mos  26 days probably in the year 1779 and for 4 mos  18 days in 1781 in Col.  Butlers regt. As this does not correspond with the old gentlemen's recollection it may refer to some other man of the same name of which he can but judge--                                         
                       yrs scrly  
                             Abyah Collin [signed]
                                    Comptroller
The residence of the soldier in the 
1st service above named is set down as Danbury
[the line is illegible] 
2nd case

Page 41

Oct  4 1843
D. Cump

[circular stamp] 
      Catskill 
         Oct 
   [illegible date]
         NY 

J.B. Brooks

[vertical]
Commissioner of Pensions
                     Washington City 
                                    DC

Page 42

Catskill (NY) Oct 19 1843

Dr Sir
     Some 3 or 4 years ago Mr. Joseph B. Brooks made application 
for a pension.  The Evidence of service was not considered at 
that time sufficiently full.  He wishes now to make a new 
application, having as I believe ample testimony to sustain it.
If it is consistent with the rules of your Office, you will please forward the papers on file to me as they may be of 
service to me in preparing new papers.  I enclose his order.
     If there are any objections to the withdrawal of his former 
application, please advise.
                               Yours respectfully
                                         James B. Pinckney [signed]

Page 43

June 2d 47

Relg to claim of
 Joseph Brooks 
under act / 32

[postmark] 
    OVID
    MAY 
     28
   1849

[Vertical]
Hon J L Edwards 
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington DC

1833
    68
1765

Page 44

                  Ovid N.Y. May 28 49
Sir
      I enclose my agency in the case of Joseph 
Brooks, who applied for a pension some 15 or 18 
years since, from the State of New York, I 
am not able to learn from him any thing 
in relation to the case, what has been done 
nor what is required to be done~~ In this state 
of the case, I enclose my agency and beg leave to 
ask provided I have a right so to ask for a 
copy of his declaration or a copy of the service
 he alleges to have performed and whether any 
part of it is admitted and what you require.
                           Respectfully 
                               Your Obt Sevt  
                                      Arad Joy [signed]

Hon J L Edwards
Comsr of Pensions
            Washington 
                          DC

Page 45

free          Apl 10

W. Luce
In. att.

[vertical]
Lexington Height NY
                 April 6

Hon James S Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
City Washington

Page 46

Lexington Heights Gr S. N York April 5th 1838

Honble James L. Edwards Esq
                 Sir
Your Honours Written Communication of the sixth of January 
Last addressed to His Honour Zadock Pratt Has been received and Is now Lying before 
me since I received that Letter.  I Have Written three Letters to the City of Hartford 
express purpose of obtaining a Certificate from the Comptroller of 
the Revolutionary Services for Mr. Joseph B. Brooks agreeable to your Honors Instructions. 
In Your Letter Basette refuses to make any Certificate unless Mr. Brooks will Send 
Him Two dollars In money.  Mr. Brooks Is a Very poor unfortunate man His Wife Has 
been Sick and Confined to Her Bed for Something like Eleven Years and for three 
Years and more Mr. Brooks Himself has been sick and Has Enjoyed but Very feeble 
Health and Cannot get Six Cents to send to that very Humane Gentleman for his 
Certificate and further I would mention that when I was Last at that office the 
Comptroller Informed Me that his office was but a poor place to Come to In Search 
of Evidence for Revolutionary Soldiers, Mr. Brooks Is a Very Worthy Old Gentleman of 
Christian profession, whose Character Stands Well Supported before your Honour, 
and Respectability truth and Veracity In addition to this He Has procured the 
affidavitt of Mr. Chester Hull my neighbor as respectable a man as Lives 
In this part of our Country and two other respectable Witnesses besides his own 
Oath.  Have all these Witnesses perjured themselves I believe not, Mr. Hull Informs Me 
that he Is ready to repeat the Same Oath again formerly made that Mr. Brooks 
Joined their Corps Where he regularly did duty for Something Like three Months 
and Was then transferred to Some other Corps, he Is not positive to what Corps. 
I presume to say that If Mr Brooks Is mistaken In the Regiment His name 
Must Stand registered in Some Roll In the Connecticut Line If I have Rightly 
Interpretted the Meaning of all Your Honours Letters from the Commencement 
the 3 Months under Capt Purdy, Six Months under Captain Rayment, and 
four months at the Southard under Capt Gamont under General Lafayette 
Your Honour does Not Seem to Question these Statements any farther than that.  
Some of the first of them were performed while It was not more than Eleven 
Years Old by Your Honours Letters to me I Concluded that your Honour was 
fully satisfied that that was not His age, that he was more than two Years 
Older than Eleven, Your Honour Has Mr. Brooks affidavitt to that fact.  It was 
my mistake Entirely In Making out his proceedings, but for My Self I Cannot 
See the propriety of an Officers Enlisting or Receiving any person as a Substitute

Page 47

Into Service and then after they Had performed the Service refuse their 
wages or a pension Such a proceeding I think Cannot be Countenanced 
by your Honour, neither does the rules of your Honours department give 
Countenance to It.  In your Honours Rule Book of Laws and Instructions 
minors are not to be deprived of their rights to pensions this Cause has 
been pending before Your Honour for many Years and I wish that It may 
now Come to a close and I am Sorry to be Obliged to tresspass in your further 
Indulgence but it seems to be necessary, Mr Brooks has done Every thing 
that he can that Is In his power under his Situation to give your Honour
 further proof of His Services, but hereto totally unable in every Sense of the 
word to procure any further Testimony, he has three besides himself 
has appeared in proof of his services, will your Honour be so good as to reflect
on his Lamentable Situation and Write me a few Lines by the next 
Mail how much Credit Your Honour will allow him for his Services 
 Mr Brooks appears very unwilling to receive a pension for Less than 
Twenty Two months, but In my Last Letter to Him informed him
 I was afraid that your Honour would not allow him for the Six 
months In Huntingtons Regiment without he gave your 
Honour further proof of his Services In That Regiment.  Your Honour, pleasure.
                    I have the Honour to be 
                          Very Respectfully 
                               your ob Svt
                     [signed] Reuben Hosford

Page 48

                            Washington  July 3d 1838
                            House of Reps
Sir
      Will you please furnish me 
with a copy of the Petition of 
Joseph B. Brooks from the state 
of New York --- for a pension and 
other papers relating to the subject 
on file in your office - as I wish to 
present them to the House of Reps
      I have the honor to be
      Respectfully yr obt Servt
    [signed]   Zadock Pratt

Hon 
J S Edwards

Page 49

June 26, 1837
       LC

Page 50

                         War Department
                                  Pension Office
                                              June 26 1837
Sir
      In reply to your letter of the 21st instant 
in relation to the claim of Joseph R Brooks I 
have to state that his claim unless supported by the widow called for in my letter of the 15th cannot be allowed.

                                [unsigned]

Ruben Hosford  Esq
      Lexington Heights
           New York

Page 51

                                       War Department
                                           Pension Office
                                               Jun 6, 1838
Sir 
     The claim of Joseph B Brooks referred to 
in the letter of the 13th ult is for 3 months service 
in Captain Purdys Company in 1775; 6 months under 
Capt Ramont, Major Wells in 1776. 9 months under Capt Webb, Col Sheldon & Col Huntington 
in 1780 & 4 months under Capt Gamont in 
1781 - The claimant stated both in his original 
and Supplemental declaration that he was then 68 years of age [crossed out: which makes him] consequently 
about eleven at the time of entering the service.
This, viz his youth, has been considered a 
fatal objection to his claim to service previous to 1780. 
The claim to that is Col Sheldons Dragoons is not 
supported by the rolls of that regiment:  If any service 
was ordered by the claimant as a private of Dragoons 
in 1780 or 81 it must have been as one of the 
company  & their levies; if for evidence of it may be had by ap[plication]

Page 52

[ap]plication to the comptroller of the State of Connecticut 
to whom the [crossed out: the claim and] he has been twice before referenced for further proof.

                 Entd

[vertical]

Henry Pratt
Jan 1838

[horizontal]
Hon L Pratt
House Reps
      US

Page 53

     N Y
15 June 1837
     OG

Page 54

                               War Department
                                      Pension Office
                                                June 15 1837
Sir
      The claim of Joseph B Brooks referred  
to in your letter of the 26 January last is a very doubtful one.  If the service aleged in this 
case was actually performed some evidence of 
it may be found in the office of the Comptroller 
of the state of Connecticut

                               [unsigned]

Rueben Hosford Esq
Lexington Heights
New York.

Page 55

[?] File
Revolution Hos th foot
[1 illegible] case
Jos B Brooks
[2 illegible]

Hon'ble James S Edwards Esq
Commission of Pensions
City Washington

Page 56

          Livingston Heights Gr. Cs. S. N. York June 26th 1837
Hon'ble James L. Edwards Esqr
      Sir
        The pension concerns of Joseph B. Brooks
Have Long ben pending before your Honour and during said time
Many Letters have passed between your Honor and Myself Touching
the concerns.  Mr Brooks In his first declarations, If I am correct I
Speak only from reflection, says that he Enlisted for nine months In
the regiment commanded by Col Shelden mounted dragoons
that In this regiment he served Something Like three months
and was then taken and put Into the Regiment Commanded by
Colonel Huntington where he served the remaining six months
this first three months In Sheldens regiment of horse Brooks proves
by my near neighbor Mr. Chester Hull who then a dragoon
in the same regiment with him at the time as respectable a man
as five In Community, and I had a pensioner for the same Service
and Mr Hull Informs me that he will again Swear against all
negative documents that he did Serve there as he has stated any
to the contrary not withstanding, Mr Brooks further Swears that
He served four months under Gen LaFayette and six months at Horse
Neck under Colonel Wells If I am not mistaken In the Colonels name
Together with tours the three Tours of duty which I have not named, none 
Sir after all that your Honour has written to me on the subject I cannot 
prevail on Mr Brooks to think he is mistaken In the name of His
Colonel. However I think from what your  Honour has Written to me
on the Subject he may be mistaken In the name of the Colonel that He
served under, But I do pray your Honour not for one moment to Indulge
a thought that old Father Brooks Is guilty of any thing knowingly
and wilfully which he Has Said, I should think Mr Brooks one of
Last persons In Life to be guilty of Such an act, I Have been well acquaInted 
with him for more that Twenty years past. Mr. Brooks is an old
honest zealous Methodist by Christian profession and I do not
think that he would Swear to one word that Is false to obtain one
Hundred pensions, I do believe that your Honour may Consider
all His Testimony perfectly correct unless he may be mistaken In the
name of the Colonel that he served the six months under

Page 57

'-
I do believe Mr Brooks Is Entitled to full Credit as a witness under oath
who If any man In Life Is, Should your Honour require other Testimony
than that which Is now before In Support of His good character as to
truth and Veracity under oath or otherwise upon notice to me It Shall
be sent on to your Honor, you I know must Say that If Mr. Brooks
Has Sworn to any thing false So Is the case with Mr. Chester Hull
but Mr Hull will Swear again that He Is not mistaken and I
must think that your Honour will decide whether that Mr Brooks
not perform all His service. If He Is mistaken In the Colonels
name that He did the service under, I would Here Inform your
Honour that. I am now setting by the Side of my office Table In a
Very weak and feeble State of body, with Every one of your Honours
Letters now spread before me I Have Carefull Examined Every
Line and sentiment Contained In them, If I correctly understand
the meaning of your Letters you make no Question about any of 
the services he Has Swore too Except the three months In Sheldens
and six months In Huntingtons regiments and those Government
documents now before your Honour are nothing at best but
negative Testimony you only Infer from them as his name Is
not there that he did not the service but those rolls does not
prove for certain that he did not do the service but Mr Brooks
and Mr Hull come forward on these oaths and swears that
He did this service by this rule negative Testimony Is to our way
positive Testimony I must confess that I must think that there
Is Something mystical about this concern your Honour on Your
Letters Have Mentions the four months Service but In none of your
Letters Have mentioned one word concerning his Six months
Tour at Horse Neck the Two Tours are mentioned In [1 illegible] minority
Now under all this Circumstances I do beg of your Honour to review
the case of Mr Brooks and I do pray your Honour that you May
Seek Commitment to give Mr Brooks a pension on his own oath and
that of Mr Hulls for the Service your Honour has made no Question 
of I do think that your Honour may rely upon his own Testimony
with great Safety If you can on any [illegible] In Life, I do think
there can be nothing Labouring in your Honours mind

Page 58

respecting Mr Brooks case but his forgetfullness, Mr Brook has
as ben at Great Expence and trouble to procure Testimony to prove
His services by writing and Employing Agents at Danbury
In Connecticut and other places but there Is not one person found
Living to prove His Service by and [1 illegible] this misfortune of
Mr Brooks I do pray your Honour to grant him His pension
on the Evidence now before you as your Honour has done
by others for what your Honour this Mr. Brooks Is justly
Entitled To receive Mr Brooks Is a poor Old Honest Man
with a family. His Wife I understand has ben out of Health
for many Years and He really Stands In need of a pension
to aid His Support In Life, please to write me or make
returns as soon as may be your future Enquiries. [1 illegible]
Wanted will be attended [1 illegible] If possible
                     I remain your Mos'O Sn [Most Obedient Servant]
                             Very respectfully
                                    your [1 illegible]
                                           Ruben Hosford [signed]

Page 59

R Hosford
8th Sept 1834

G.C

Record Vol 24 page 378
G C.

Page 60

                         War Dept
                            Pension off
                                  Sept 34
Sir
        In reply to yours of 30 ult respecting
the claim of Joseph B. Brooks I would
refer you to my letters of 8 & 18 June 33 & 28
March 34 for those considerations which wholly
discredit his claim in all respects. The intimation 
of an error of less than two years in stating his age would not
affect the decision upon the claim generally altho
if true it might impair the objection founded
upon his [1 illegible]. His allegations of service
under Sheldon & Huntington after he had reached 
an age not liable to exception, disproved by the records & consequently by the
rules of evidence discredit all other items
of his claim.

                        [unsigned]

                               act 7 June

R. Hosford esq
Lexington Heights 
                       NY

Page 61

Reuben Hosford Esq
       Lexington Heights
                     NY
Mar 28. 34
    OC                NY

Rec'd Vol. 30 pa. 354

[vertical on lower left]
Hosford Esq
     Lexington Heights
               New York

Page 62

                       War Department 
                                  Pension Office
                                       March 28, 1834
Sir,
         The papers relating to the claim of Joseph B. 
Brooks heretofore rejected have again been examined.  The term of 
service referred to in your letter as the subject of [1 illegible] is wholly inadmissible.  The claimant was 
at that time no more than twelve years of age, 
not liable to enrollment nor could he 
at that age except in violation of the regulations 
of the army have been enlisted.
     The former 
decision on this case is adhered to.  
     On an examination of his papers which took place  
June 19th 1833 Justus Artman was required to 
set forth in a supplemental affidavit
 the facts relative to his entering the team or a [1 illegible] service, whether by enlistment &c 
tho whether as a teamster or soldier the requisition has not been complied with.  When the requisition has been complied with a sound 
decision will be had on the case.
   The papers remain on file

                                   [unsigned]

Page 63

Joseph B. Brown


Gilmore & Brown
Jany 8" 1866,

Page 64

                            Dept. Int. Pen. Off;
                                  Jany 8" 1866
Gentlemen,
      In answer to the enclosed letter of Messers
Lewis & Scena accompanies yours of the
2n Inst: I have to state that the claim of Joseph
B. Brooks, for a pension as a revolutionary soldier has
not been allowed. It was repeatedly suspended  
in the life time of the soldier for the reason that,
the evidence filed in its support, did not show that he 
served six months.
      There is no authority
of law for allowing a claim of this character to
the heirs of a deceased soldier or of his widow.

[illegible] &c. &c.
Com'r

Messrs. Gilmore &  Brown
305. F Street
           Present:

Page 65

4 March 1848
Revl
Joseph Brooks
D.C.
Hon P. H. Sylvester
H R

[vertical]
J.L. Edwards Esqr
      Commissioner of 
                   Pensions

Page 66

J L Edwards Esqr
             Dear Sir-
                         Will you be 
so good as to examine the enclosed papers,
which were forwarded to me, & let me know
at your earliest convenience, whether or
not Mr Brooks has any claim to a
Pension - Please to state the ground of your
objection, if any exist, so that I may enclose
them to the old gentleman-
                 Very respy
                            Yours
                           PH  Silvester [signed]


Thursday evening-
Willard Hotel -

Page 67

Hon'ble Lewis Cass Esq
          Secretary of the War department
                City
                          Washington-

Page 68

        Lexington Heights Gr Ct January 1833
Hon'le. Lewis Cass Esq
        Sir
            I have once more transmitted to your Honourable 
department the pension application of Mr. Joseph B. Brooks but here 
I will beg your Honours indulgence for a moment while I represent the former case
 of Mr Brooks.  Sometime about the first day of April 1819 I made out 
an application to your Honourable department for him to obtain a pension 
under the former dispensation and after passing before you I 
think on the nineteenth day of the same month the same papers 
were returned to me accompanied by a letter addressed to me by the Honourable 
James L. Edwards Esquire and on the outside of the bundle of papers 
returned to me was told with Red Ink these words The applicant did 
not serve nine months at any one period of enlistment, that his name 
is not found on Sheldens Regiment that he served six months only.  
In Huntingtons Regiment Rejected, now sir agreeable to the Honourable 
Gentlemans Statement he did at the time Serve Six months.  In Huntingtons 
regiment under whom did he Enlist if not under Captain Webb  
what is the natural presumption but aside from presumption Is the 
oath of the applicant and the positive testimony of Mr Chester Hull 
a Very Respectable Gentleman who was a soldier in Captain [1 illegible-water blot] 
Company for Sheldens regiment at the same time whose affidavit 
accompanies these proceedings swears that Mr. Brooks was a soldier -
In Captain Webbs Company for spring of the same year he says that 
he Enlisted Mr. Hull is a near neighbour to me and positively says that 
he as well knows that Brooks was there as that he knows that he was 
there himself the Old Gentleman is poor and needs all that Is Justly 
due to him and I should be sorry myself that he loose [lose] the three months 
service I suppose there remains no doubt respecting his other Services 
Mr Brooks first application was taken at Catskill and has been sick ever 
since and will never be able to go again therefore his said declaration 
to amend the first was taken before his Honour Judge Buel as Mr 
Brooks lives forty two miles from Catskill where Court is attended will 
your Honour return the Certificate to me as soon as may be convenient 
as the Old Gentleman is full of anxiety about his pension~~
                 I remain Honoured Sir Very 
                    respectfully your obs
                       [signed] Reuben Hosford