Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 20993, Charles Douglass, R.I.

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Service                                  Number
R.I.        Douglass, Charles       W20993
              Mercy

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    21.218
Rhode Island
Charles Douglass
of Washington in the state of Rhode Island
who was a private in the company commanded by Col Hoxie in the Rhode Island line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Aug 
1830 and sent John Hall North Kingston R. I.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending ? 40.00
$200.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by DD Addison Clerk,
Book E Vol. 2nd Page 107

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Certificate made payable to John C. Reynolds, administrator of Mercy Douglass, decd. to commence 4th of March, 1836 and to terminate 11th May, 1839, time of her death.
[Next page]
Rhode Island 5830
Mercy Douglass, decd. widow of Charles Douglass, decd. 
RI
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832 and who died on the 11th of Januy 1835.
of Washington co. in the State of R. Island who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Asbury in the compy commanded by 
Col. Hoxie in the Rh. Island for 18 months private.
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 60 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836, to terminate 11th May, 1839; payable as per [unclear]
Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of September, 1840 and sent to S. G. Sherman, Wickford, R. Island.
[Illegible] to the 11th of May 1839
$191:16
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 6

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Declaration
The order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress of the Seventh of July 1838, entitled an Act, granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows
State of Rhode Island, &c.
County of Washington Sc.
On this tewntyfifth Day of September in the year 1838, personally appeared before Benjamin Smith Esq a Judge or Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Washington in said state of Rhode Island etc.
Mercy Douglass, of North Kingstown  in said County 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 Benefit of the Pension of the Act of Congress, passed July the seventh 1838 - entitled an Act, granting half pay and Pensions to certain Widows - that she is the Widow of Charles Douglass of said North Kingstown Deceased, who served as a Soldier in the army of the Revolution according to the best of her knowledge and belief. But that she is reliably unable to state any particulars of the services of her said husband as she was not married to him until after he ceased serving. But [unclear] for proof thereof to her Declaration and the [uncertain] and Documents, attached that made before the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Washington, on the first Monday of September 1832 and morein the [uncertain] the pension Department. And she further declares that she was married to the said Charles Douglass in the town of Exeter in this County, at the Home of her Father Benonio Albio , by William Northrup a Baptist Preacher, in the Month of

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August 1786 - But she has no Certificate of the same nor does she know of any round thereof any kind, in existence. She offers for Proof thereof to the [uncertain] Definitions of Mary Livingston and Marcy Douglass who have always known her and who were present at her Marriage. And she further made the Oath that her said Husband died at said North Kingstown on the Eleventh Day of January in the year 1835 that he was a Pensioner, under the Act of Congress of June 7th 1832 at the time of his Death, and that she [unclear] as his Widow for the Agent for paying Pensions, in this State the amount due her at the time of his Death under a Certificate which he left, added and summed up, and that she has not married since his decease but now remains his widow - And that she is unable to offer in Court and make her Declarations.
Witness Sylvester G Sherman Mercy [ her X mark] Douglass
Washington For September 25th 1838 -
Personally appeared before me, the [unclear], a Judge or Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Washington. Mercy Douglass whose Name is above written and being first duly sworn made solemn Oath to the truth of the pressing Declaration. And I further certify that her character for truth is good , and that she is known to be the Widow of Charles Douglass.  And that she is unable to appear in Court to make her Declaration. 
Benjamin Smith Justice C C

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The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation
Washington &c Under office Court of Common Pleas October the first and 1838 
I hereby Certify that Benjamin Smith Esq is one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas for the County and State aforesaid and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his and attached to the Declaration of Mercy Douglass is Genuine. In to him any thereof I have here unto Set my hand and the Seal of Said Court the day and year above written.
Matthew Marte Clerk

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Decon
Charles Douglass 
J. Hall
22810

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State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
County of Washington Yc. 
On this 5th day of September 1832. Personally appeared in open court before the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Charles Douglass a resident of North Kingstown in the County of Washington and State aforesaid aged 74 years in April last, who being find duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benifit of an act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States and served under the following named offiofficers as herein stated. I entered the service of the United States in the month of June 1775 I think as a volunteer in the comompany of militia commanded by Capt James Alsberry and served in said company attached to  Col. Hoxe's regiment stationed in said North Kingstown and Jamestown to guard against British vessels of war on the Newport station, I served as a private soldier in this company until June 1776, when I was discharged - In August 1776, I entered the company of Capt James Parker attached to Col Cook's regiment and was stationed on Rhode Island until the British took possession in November 1776. I served at this time 3 months, when I was discharged and came to my home in North Kingstown - I served this time as an enlisted soldier I then entered the company of Capt Wm Taylor attached to Col. Byers regiment as a substitute for Josiah Arnold and served one month stationed in North Kingstown I served the next month in the same company as a drafted militia man, stationed in the same town. The next month I served in the company as a substitute for Oliver Arnold stationed in said town. The next I served as a drafted militia man as a forward making six months that I served in said company  - I then served until November 1777 as a drafted militia man in the company commanded by Capt. James Cole attached to Col. Byers regiment about half the time say two months

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And on Rhode Island
stationed in said North Kingstown - In November 1777 I was a volunteer under Major Phillips, stationed in South Kingstown, employed in stripping the British ship Syren. I was employed in this manner about one month. In the month of August 1780 I entered the company of Capt. John Cole as a substitute for Elisha Lew and marched onto Rhode Island and was stationed in Spencer Layton company in said Col. Byers regiment and served one month. I then served one month on said station as a drafted militia man - the next month I served on said station as a substitute for William Slocum.
I was from North Kingstown in the year 1758. I have no documentary evidence in relation to my service, nor have I any written discharge. I have no record of my age. I lived in North Kingstown at the time I was called into service have lived there since the Revolutionary war and now live there - I have no documentary evidence. Hutchinson Cole and Samuel Cole who live in the neighborhood with me are I suppose acquainted with some portion of my services.
There is no clergyman riding in my neighborhood who is acquainted with my service.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                     Charles Douglass his [X] mark
(Wm Sam [crossed out] Helme)
Sworn to in open court Sept 5, 1832
We Benjamin Hardwin  [ written above crossed out text] Wm Sam Helme Cole and Christopher Allen residing in North Kingstown and Samuel Tillingham residing in Exeter
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Charles Douglass who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy

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four years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Benjn Gardener
Samuel Tillingham
Christopher Allen
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid 
[Four lines of crossed out text]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogationers prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states. 
And the Court further certifies that it appears to them [2 lines of text crossed out]
that Benjamin Gardener, Sam Tillingham, and Christopher Allen who [crossed out word] have signed the certificate [crossed out] residents in North Kingstown in the County aforesaid - and [crossed out] credible persons and that their statment is entitled to credit And that Samuel Cole and Hutchinson Cole whose supositions are given in this application are credible persons and that their ststement is entitled to credit
I Samuel Helme Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Charles Dougless for a pension
In testimony whereof I hereinto set my own seal of office this eighth day of Sept 1833
Sam. Helme Clk

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22810
Charles Douglass
Rhode Island

Private 2 years
                                        


Jno Hall
North Kingstown
RI

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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the Act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing there papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marched in the margin with a brace, (thus, } ).    You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Charles Douglass
Washington Co R Island
[The following information is presented in a table in the document]
[Headings] Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the claimant's service. Years. Months. Days. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Firld officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
[Line 1] Vol 1775 | 1 ----- | Prv Capt Alsbery | Col Hoxies | ----- | North | 74 years |
[Line 2] -- 1776 | -- | 3 | -- | --- "  Parker | " Cook | ---- | Kingston | North | traditionary
[Line 3] Sub -- " | " | 1 | -- | -- | Taylor | Dyer | --- | James |     | Evidence
[Line 4] Draft | -- | 1 | -- | --| Same | Same | ---- | town | Kingston| 12 Sworn 
[Line 5] Sub . | -- | 1 | -- | Same | Same | ---- | R Island | RI | Witnesses
[Line 6] draft | -- | 1 | -- | ---- | Same | Same | ------ | North Kingston | - | [ crossed out text]
[Line 7] Vol -- | -- | 1 | -- | --- | d | d | --- | ----- | - | [crossed out text]
[Line 8] draft " | " | 1 | " | " | -- | --- | --- | ----- | - | 
[Line 9] --- " | " | 2 |   |    | Cole | Dyer | --- | R Island - | 
[Line 10] Vol 1777 | " | 1 | -- | --- | Mjr Phillips -- | ----- | South Kingston |
[Line 11] 1780 | " | 2 | -- | --- | Capt Cole | Dyer | ----- | Rhode Island |
[Line 12] --- | -- | 1 | -- | -- | ----- | ------ | None | ------------ |
[End table]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. 
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in the Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION, 
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of        County of     }ss.
On this     day of        personally appeared (a) before        A. B. a resident (b) of         in the county of       and State, Territory, or District of         aged (c)            years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)        , with        and served in the          (e) regiment of the          line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the name and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the county through which he marched. -> This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency and State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I          of the Court of         do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of         for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this         day of             &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the             and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are acquainted with           , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; we believe him to be        years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur inthat opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogationers prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.       who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the         and that C. D., who has also sign3d the same is a resident in the         and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,           Clerk of the Court of          do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of         for a pension. 
In testimony whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand and seal 
of office, this        day of         &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witnesses cannot be found, the applicant will so state in the declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known to the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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3.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war , and where do you now live?
 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. {To a Soldier} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
    {To an Officer} Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates. 

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration be fore required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. 
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. 
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

(From this point up unto “f” is parenthesized to call attention to the instructions]

“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For____year____months , and____ days, I served as a______ . For____months and_____ days, I served as a_______; and for such service I claim a pension." 

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required. 
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. 
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers. 

Mode of authenticating papers.

 In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set for in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses , and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
[A symbol of a pointing finger] The notes from (a) to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. 
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration

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May 9, 1939
XXXXXXXXX

BA-J/MCS
Charles Douglass, W.20993

Mr. W. E. Douglas 
28 Marine Avenue, Apt. 3B.
Brooklyn, New York 

Dear Sir: 

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, W.20993, based on the Revolutionary War service of Charles Douglass. 

Charles Douglass was born in April, 1758, in North Kingston, Washington County, Rhode Island. The names of his parents are not shown. 

While a resident of North Kingston, Rhode Island, Charles Douglass enlisted in June, 1775, and served at various times each year until about November, 1780, amounting in all to three years and ten months as private with the Rhode Island troops under Captains James Alsberry, James Parker, William Taylor, John Cole and Spencer Taylor, Major Phillips and Colonels Hoxie, John Cooke and Charles Dyer; most of the time he was engaged in guarding against the British invasions and was stationed at North Kingston, South Kingston and Jamestown, and he aided in stripping the British ship, Syren. 

Charles Douglass was allowed pension on his application executed September 5, 1832, at which time he was a resident of North Kingston, Washington County, Rhode Island. He died January 11, 1835, in North Kingston. 

This soldier married in August, 1786, in Exeter, Washington County, Rhode Island, Mercy Albro, the daughter of Benoni Albro, at whose home they were married.

Page 16

As the widow of Charles Douglass, Mercy Douglass applied for pension on September 25, 1838, at which time she was eighty-three years of age and was living in North Kingston, Rhode Island, the claim was allowed. 
She died May 11, 1839, in North Kingston, Rhode Island. 

The widow, Mercy, was survived by several children but the only child whose name was given was Sarah Douglass who, in 1838, was forty-nine years of age and was living in North Kingston. It was stated that if the first child of Charles and Mercy Douglass had lived until 1839 she would then have been over fifty years of age. 

In 1838, one Marcy Douglass, aged seventy-eight years was a living in North Kingston, Rhode Island, her relationship not given. 

In 1838 one Mary Livingston of North Kingston, Rhode Island, aged seventy years, stated that both Charles Douglass and his wife, Mercy, were her cousins.

In June, 1839, one Phebe Browning of North Kingston, Rhode Island, aged eighty years, stated the following: "I was present at the marriage of Charles Douglass now deceased & who when living was a Pensioner of the United States. He was married to Mercy Douglass, his wife, who previous to her marriage was Mercy Albro, they were married fifty-three years ago this summer I think in the month of August, at the House of her Father, Benoni Albro, by William Northup, a Baptist Preacher. His wife was cousin to me." 

The papers in this claim contain no further data relative to the family of Charles Douglass. 

Very truly yours 

A.	D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

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(3--1776)

SERVICE                                    NUMBER

R. J.         Douglass, Charles     W 20993
                      Mercy

CONTENTS

Page 18

[A rubber received stamp is in the upper left corner of the page and reads as follows]:

Received Feb 28 1939, 3:15

28 Marine Ave., Apt 3B.,
Brooklyn, N.Y.,
February 27, 1939.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I would like to receive from you an abstract of the information which your records show relative to the pensioner whose pension I have found described as follows: 

Charles Douglass; Pension Roll of 1835; private, Washington County, Rhode Island Militia; all. $80, rec. $240; pl. August 24, 1833, com. March 4, 1831, age 76. 

I would also like to know if you have any pension or other data relative to the following soldiers of the Revolutionary War: 

David Douglass, private, Col. Elliot's regiment (Rhode Island ) 1776. 
James Douglass, private, Col. Topham's regiment (Rhode Island ) 1776. 

Trusting that I may hear from you at your earliest convenience, 

Very sincerely, 
[His signature]
W.E. Douglas.

Page 19

[left hand upper corner handwritten] run
Widow, &c.
File No. 20993
Mercy Douglass
Widow of
Charles Douglas
Priv. Rev. War
Act July 7 1838
Index: Vol. A ,Page 190
[Arrangement of 1870.]

(right-side of page hand written)
1939-May 9-Hist to W E Douglas hics

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Mercy Douglass
R. I. 
widow of Charles
Act 1838
Let to S. G. Sherman
2 May 1839
to same Aug 30. 39
"      "      Aug 3. 1840.

Page 21

State of Rhode Island
Washington Co.
 I the [ ] Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingston, in the City of North Kingston in the county of Washington and Clerk of the Count of Probate of the said Town, hereby certify that Sylvester G. Shearman, before who the annexed Certificate of Thomas 
Phillips [_______________] at the time and 
at the time, ]    ] and sworn to a Justice of the Peace in said County of Washington , legally chosen [ ] and qualified - And that the signature annexed to said Certificate, purporting to be his signature, is his true and genuine signature, in his own hand writing.  In testimony of which I have heretoset my hand and seal of [  ] North Kingston, this Sixth Day of July in the yewa 1840.
Nichs N. Spink,  [and Probate Clerk
Publish and Close

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State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations 
Washington Co.
I the [  ] Town Clerk of the Town of Exeter in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, hereby certify that I have held the Office of Town Clerk of said Exeter from June 
1833 to the present time, I hereby examined the Records of the Marriages and Births  of said Town of Exeter from the year 1770 to 1820 nd I do not find any where on record the Marriage of Charles Douglas to Mercy Albro or any record of Births of their children, which [recognized] their relation of Husband and Wife [  ] January 1797, and I also certify that the record are [very 
irregular] and by no means full and that very few Marriages and Births are on record in said Town and [  ] has been so unusal and so much [  ] lor against a Marriage having take [  ]in Said Town  [  ]no Record of the Marriage being  [ ]   
in [ ] of which i take hereto fore my hand [  ] of Day of April in the year 1840

Thomas Phillips
Washington Co  April 16th 1840
Personally appeared before me the [} or Justice of the Peace of Peace in said County of Washington, Thomas Phillips, Town Clerk of Exeter and made witness unto the truth
of the foregoing Certificate and { }
Sylvester G. Sherman
Justice of the Peace

Page 23

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Washington sc-

I Nicholas N Spink, Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Clerk of the Court of Probate of said North Kingston- Hereby certify, that at a Court of Postate holden in and for said Town of North Kingston, according to Law, on the Fourteenth [illegible] Satisfactory proof was produced to said Court, that Mercy Douglass, the Widow of Charles Douglass deceased, died at said North Kingston ,on the Eleventh Day of May 1839- and that at the time of her death, she was an Applicant for Pension under the Act of July 7th 1838, and that the said Charles Douglass, at the time of his decease was a Pensioner under the Act of June 7th 1832 - In Testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court, at said North Kingston, this Eighteenth day of September, in the year 1840. By order and in behalf of said Court-

Nichl. N. Spink Town & Probate Clerk

Page 24

Washington sc- State of Rhode Island &c-

I the Subscriber Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingston, in the the County of Washington and Clerk of the Court of Probate of said Town of North Kingston, hereby certify that John C Reynolds of said North Kingston has been duly appointed by said Court of Probate, Administrator, on the Estate of Mary Douglass late of said North Kingston Deceased, Widow of Charles Douglass deceased, that he has given bond as Administrator on said Estate according to Law and is in all [illegible], legally qualified to act in said capacity of Administrator.

In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at said North Kingston, this Eighteenth Day of September in the year 1840- 

Nichl. N. Spink Town & Probate Clk

Page 25

Wickford September 19th 1840-

J. L. Edwards Esqr 

Sir- I again address you in on the subject of the Application of Mercy Douglass, the widow of Charles Douglass for a Pension, under the Act of July 7th 1838- And herewith enclose you a certificate, in due form stating the time of her death & also another certificate on the same sheet, stating the name of her Administrator and I now hope that you will send me the Pension Certificate without delay. I also wish you would have the goodness to forward me, at the same time, a copy of the Act mentioned in your letter to me of the third of August last, for the information of to Administrator- By attending to this as it soon as is convenient, you will oblige me much-

Yours truly S. G. Shearman

Page 26

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office

Page 27

Wickford  June 26th 1839-
J.L. Edwards Esq 

Sir

Your Letter of the second of May 1839, relative to the application of Mary Douglass, Widow of Charles Douglass Deceased for a Pension under the Act of July 7th 1838 was duly received. In that Letter you state that before going into an investigation of the claim Mary Douglass, widow of Charles Douglass Deceased whose pension was approved previous to his death, the Department will require further and more [illegible] proof of the alledged date of their marriage”- The Depositions of Mary Livingston cand Marcy Douglass which were forwarded with the Deposition [illegible] state the marriage to have taken place in August 1786. And I now forward you herewith the Deposition of Phebe Browning, the other person  spoken of as being present at the Marriage, who is a Maiden Lady of [illegible] and Good Character, who you will see concurs with them in their statement as relates to the time of the Marriage. And also the depositions of Hutchinson Cole who confirms the statements of the others.  The marriage is now proved I trust to your satisfaction. As it is proved as well as it can be, under all circumstances and no other, proof can be attained.  As respects to the other statement in your Letter that “the Pension of Mr Douglass was suspended before his death”, I presume that upon examination you will find that you are mistaken in that [illegible].  As I well remember that Mr Douglass drew his Pension in September 1835, that he died in January 1836, and that his widow rec’d the amount from the Pension Agent at Providence, of his Pension, from the 4th of September 1835 to January

Page 28

1836 on a Power of Attorney made out or drawn by Jonathan Reynolds Esq, then a Justice of the Peace for this Town. Mr Douglass was part of the time an enlisted Soldier in the R. I State Troops, which makes his amount of service more than usual - Should you however, upon examination of the paper and evidence in his case, think that he was allowed for more time and service than what he ought to have been we are willing to accept of a grant for such as amount in the present case of his widow, as to you may seem right and proper according to the proof in his case, and and all the Circumstances.  Mrs Douglass herself is now dead, having deceased as I am informed some time last month. She has left several Children in very indigent circumstances, who I presume are entitled to receive the amount due her if any thing is due, under her application. I have not however taken any testimony to prove the time of her death or number of children, as I think it unnecessary to do so untill I ascertained your [illegible] granting or not granting the Application, and besides I knew not how to proceed in taking such testimony never having [illegible] such a case before. If upon examination, you think that you can in justice, allow any thing, please inform me and I will then forward proof of the time of her death, the number of her Children &c- according to your directions. By attending to this Business as soon as is convenient you will oblige me much –

Yours Truly
S. G. Shearman

Page 29

J.L.Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City

Page 30

Wickford July 6th 1840- 

J.L. Edwards Esq 

Sir—I would again respectfully call your attention to the application of Mrs Mercy Douglass late of North Kingston, State of Rhode Island, Widow of Charles Douglass deceased for a Pension, under the Act of Jun 7th 1838, [illegible] which you last wrote unto to me, on the 30th of August 1839- As Mr Douglass is dead, and the Money accruing from the Pension, if any is ever granted, will be devided amongst several Heirs.  I [illegible] not troubled myself bout it or you with it, [illegible] you last wrote me- in that letter you enclosed to me, a copy of the Regulations of June 6th 1839, respecting Marriage Certificates. And I now forward you herewith, a Certificate, in conformity with these regulations, from the Town Clerk of Exeter, in which Town it is stated the Marriage was solemnized. Which Certificate I trust will prove satisfactory to you. The certificate accompanying the former papers I think was from the Town Clerk of North Kingston. As the parties had lived in this town ever since their Marriage, or nearly [illegible], it did not occur to me at that time that I ought to obtain a certificate from Exeter. I suppose that the certificate from North Kingston is in impunity with your regulations as [illegible], if it is not [illegible],I suppose you will think it of no consequence

Page 31

as the Marriage was in Exeter, the Certificate ought to come from there.  The Marriage is proved by the Testimony of three Witnesses who were present at the Marriage, Mary Livingston, Marcy Douglass and Phebe Browning, all of whom unite, in placing the time in August 1786 and they are also corroborated by the Deposition of Hutchinson Cole, who testifies that he was acquainted with them and heard of their Marriage before 1794, and that they lived in his immediate Neighborhood as Husband &amp; wife before that time. And that their first Child would have been over fifty years of Age, had she lived to this time. The Marriage and the time thereof, is as well proved as it can be under existing circumstances and trust you will now he satisfied, with the proof in that respect- <u>In your last letters to you state, that Mr Douglass allowed in 1833, among other [illegible], twelve Months from June 1775 to June 1776 in Captain Alsberrys Company in Colonel Hixsons Regiment and that the Widow cannot be allowed for this unless evidence is [illegible] that such a service was authorized by the State.</u> I have examined all the evidence within my reach &amp; I cannot find any such Regiment or Company - I found that it is a mistake and that Hixon, or Hitchcock, as I find a Colonel of that name, within that period and a Regiment raised by the State, to be commanded by him- If the service for that year is not found to your satisfaction, and I presume it is not, you will of course strike out that time- And I presume that their is [service?] enough [illegible] that to entitle him to an allowance for a Pension.  And we shall be satisfied,

Page 32

with a grant for such time and such an amount, as to you may seem just. I wish you would have the goodness to examine the case soon and if any thins can be granted please inform me and also inform me at the same time what evidence you want of the time of the Death of Mr Dougless & number of heirs, their identify [illegible] suppose you must have some evidence of that nature, before the issuing the certificate for the heirs, as I requested in my letter to you of the 26th of June 1839. By attending to this soon you will oblige me much, as I have now only three Applications at your office, including this and am anxious to bring them to a close at I have no more to send & do not expect to have any more.  And I assure you, that I feel very greatful, for the polite and frank manner, in which you have conducted towards me, in all the business I have had at your office 

Yours &c
S. G. Shearman

Page 33

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions

[written sideways down the right side of the page:]

M. 86
d. 1835

Page 34

[illegible] October  17th 1838- 

J. L. Edwards Esq 

Sir

Herewith I forward you the Application of Mary Douglass, widow of Charles Douglass deceased, formerly a pensioner under the act of June 7th 1832- There is record of the Marriage and it is not then that any such record can be found. We therefore rely upon the Deposition annexed to the Declaration, for her proof of the Marriage which I trust will be [illegible], although all the Witnesses make their marks, which is nothing unusual in this State with [illegible].  Please examine the papers and make known your [illegible] to me as soon as convenient-- As the old lady is very feeble.

Yours &c.
S. G. Sherman

Page 35

Deponties in the
Application of
Mary Douglas
Widow of Charles Douglass
for a Pension
under the Act of
July 7th 1838

Page 36

Phebe Browning of North Kingston, in the County of Washington, on Solemn Oath do testify and say that I am Eighty years of Age- I was present at the Marriage of Charles Douglass now deceased & who when living was a Pensioner of the United States. He was married to Mercy Douglass his wife, who previous to her Mariage was Mercy Albro.  they were married Fifty three years ago this summer & I think in the month of August at the House of her Father Benoni Albro by William Northrup a Baptist Preacher.  His wife was Cousin to me-Mary Livingston and Marcy Douglass were likewise present at the Marriage. and I know of no others now living that were.
Phebe Browning 

I Hutchison Cole of North Kingston, in the County of Washington, am Seventy nine years of old- I knew Charles Douglass and his wife now deceased previous to their marriage, they were married I know before the year 1794.  I was not present at their marriage but heard of it at the time- They lived together as man & wife in my immediate neighborhood, I recollect the Birth of their first child, which would have been, fifty years of Age if she had lived to this time --- Hutchinson Cole

Page 37

Washington Ss.
In North Kingston 
June 15th 1839 

Personally appeard before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said North Kingston Phebe Browning and Hutchinson Cole, whose names are [illegible] to the forgoing Deposition and after being the day examination and ever make oath to the truth laid depositions, and after being by me duly examined [illegible] and [illegible], made oath to the truth of said depositions, which were by reduced to writings in their presence, and by their [illegible] [illegible].  And I further testify, that the said Phebe Browning, and Hutchinson Cole, are both well known to me and that their character for truth and veracity are good.
Sylvester G Shearman
Justice of the Peace

Page 38

Washington S
State of Rhode Island sc-
Town Clerk [illegible] of the Town of North Kingston-

I the [illegible] Town Clerk of the Town of North Kingston in the County of Washington, in said State is Clerk of the Court of Probate of said North Kingston – hereby certify that Sylvester G Shearman before whom the foregoing Depositions of the Hutchinson Cole and Phebe Browning were made and sworn to,  is a Justice of the Peace for said Town of North Kingston, duly chosen commissioned and qualifed to act in said office-the that the foregoing signature purporting to be his signature, is his true and genuine signature, is [illegible].  In testimony which I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 26th Day of June in the year 1839-

Nichl. N. Spink Probate Clerk

Page 39

S. G. Sherman
Agent for 
Applicant

Wickford Rhode Island-
Dead

Admd18 mos

60.$

From 4 March ’36 to the 11 May ’39 payable to John C. Reynolds adm. Of Mercy Douglass decd-
“Certificate & copy of the Act to go to Sylvester G. Sherman, Wickford, Rhode Island.

Page 40

[There is a star-shaped and completely faded seal affixed to the upper left corner of page]

T[rest of word obscured by seal- Clerks Office of the Town of North Kingston-
I the [illegible] Town Cler of the Town of North Kingston, in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island Here certify that I have examined the Records of Marriages in said Town, in my office and that I do not find any where any record of the Marriage of Charles Douglass deceased to Mercy Albro- in testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this First day of October the year 1838.

Nichl. N. Spink Town & Probate Clerk 

Washington Sc- In North Kingston
October 16th 1838- 
Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a justice of the Peace for said North Kingston- Nicholas N Spink, whose name is subscribed to the above certificate and made Solemn Oath, to the truth of the same and subscribed the same in my presence.
Sylvester G Shearman 
Justice of the Peace

Page 41

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington County

[A partially covered seal is affixed here to left side of page]

I  J. Thomas P. Wells, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court within and for the County of Washington and State aforesaid, do hereby certify the Sylvester G. Shearman Esq. before whom the annexed depositions were taken and sworn to is a Justice of the Peace of the town of North Kingstown County aforesaid, duly elected and qualified; and that his signature thereto is in his own proper hand writing 

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 31st day of July 1833 
Thos P. Wells Clerk

Page 42

Washington Sc- In North Kingston
July 18th 1833-
Personally appeared before me the undersigned,
A Justice of the Peace, for the town of North
Kingston, Charles Douglass of said North Kingston, an Applicant for a Pension, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith that by reason of old Age, & 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 - In June 1775 I enlisted as a Private in Captain Alsberrys Company, as stated in my Declaration, and served therein, untill June 1776, making seven months in 1775 
 & five months in 1776.  In 1776 I likewise served in Captain [Parkers?] Company as stated
in my Declaration, three months. In
the same year I served one month in the Company of Militia of which Wm Taylor was Captain One Month [^ as illegible], Charles Dyer was Colonel of the Regiment, to which the Company belonged - In 1977 John Cole was chosen Captain of the Company, and I served the whole year for myself six Months & six months as a Substitute for [illegible].
In 1778 served in said Company Nine Months
half of the time for myself and half of the time,
as a substitute for them, whose names I cannot
state-- In 1779 served in said Company six months, the services of the two last years, were omitted in my

Page 43

declaration by mistake - In 1780 I served three months, as stated in my Declaration, making in the whole three years 10 months -I was not engaged in any civil pursuit or occupation, any part of the time, but was on duty the whole time, as a Soldier & for this same, I claim a Pension --- 

Charles Douglass
His Mark [indicated by an “X”]

Washington Sc-In North Kingston-
July 18th 1833. 
Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for said North Kingston, the above [illegible] Charles Douglass, who being by me, first duly sworn, made oath, to the truth of the above written affidavit, which was by me reduced to writing in his presence, and by him subscribed by affixing his mark in my presence, he being unable to write, and I wrote his name in his presence - And I further certify, that the said Charles Douglass is well known to me, that his character for truth is good, and that said [illegible] Applicant is entitled to full and implicit credit- Sylvester G Sherman 
Justice of the Peace

Page 44

I Polypus Austin of North Kingston in the County of Washington, on oath do testify that I am nearly eighty two years of Age.  during the Revolutionary War I was acquainted with Charles Douglass of said North Kingston, and during the year 1775 & 1776 I served with him in Captain James Alsberrys Company of Minute Men, as mentioned three months- In 1776 I served with him three months in Captain James Parkers Company, in Colonel Cookes Regiment- we served both [illegible]-
Polepos  Austin

Washington sc- In North Kingston 
July 18th 1833-
Personally appeared, before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for said North Kingston, the above subscribed Polypus Austin, who being by me, first duly examined, cautioned and sworn, made oath to the truth of the above Deposition, which was by me reduced to writing, in his presence, and by him subscribed in my presence, and I further certify, that the said Polypus Austin, is well known to me, & that his character, for truth & veracity is good-
Sylvester G Shearman
Justice of the Peace

Page 45

I Samuel Browning of North Kingston in the County of Washington on oath do testify and say that I am seventy nine years of Age. During the Revolutionary War, I was acquainted with Charles Douglass of said North Kingston, now as Applicant for a Pension, 
who being duly sworn, deposeth &amp; saith
, 
In 1776 I enlisted in the Company of State Troops, of which James Parker was Captain, attached to Colonel John Cooks Regiment, for three months, and served at the time, as a Private, &amp; said Charles Dougless [illegible] about the same time, for the same period of three months, and served out the time with me, he served as a Private, we were stationed on Rhode Island and at [illegible], it was in the fall of the year 1776, we were at Newport, when the British came in, in 1776 &amp; [illegible] to Tiverton-
Samuel Browning
His Mark [indicated by an “X”]

Witness S.G Shearman
Justice of the Peace

Washington sc- In North Kingston 
July 24th 1833-

Personally appeared, before me, 
 the above subscribed
,Samuel Browning, whose name is above written, who being by me first duly examined, cautioned and sworn, gave the aforegoing Deposition, which was by me reduced to writing in his presence, and he being unable to write his name thereto made his mark in my presence, and I further certify that I am acquainted with the said Samuel Browning, &amp; that his character for truth is good-
Sylvester G. Shearman - Justice of the Peace

Page 46

Hutchinson Cole, Dep.

Page 47

I Hutchinson Cole of North Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on solemn oath do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Charles Douglass of said North Kingston.  that I served in the company of Capt. William Taylor militia attached to Col Dyers Regiment with Charles Douglass stationed in North Kingston about seven months and in the company of Capt. John Cole of said regiment  I also served with him said Douglass nine months or more, stationed on Rhode Island and in said North Kingston.  I have always lived in the neighborhood with Charles Douglass and believe him to be 74 years of age and know that he sustains a fair character and that his reputation for truth is unquestionably good.

Hutchinson Cole

Subscribed &amp; Sworn to 
Open Co Sept 5. 1832 
Wm. 
Sam
 Helme Clk 

I Hutchinson Cole, subscriber, to the above deposition do further swear, that the services above stated were performed by said Charles Douglass in the year 1776, 1777, 1778 &amp; 1779, but cannot [illegible] the exact time or number of months in each year as he always served when I served &amp; when I left he continued in the Company.  I only served [illegible] my time, [illegible] which was every other month, but [illegible] when he had served out his own time, served for others- 
Hutchinson Cole

Sworn to &amp; subscribed before me
July 18th 1833
Sylvester G. Shearman
Justice of the Peace

Page 48

Dep. Saml. Cole

Page 49

The Deposition of Samuel Cole of North Kingstown
in the County of Washington and State of Rhode-
I stand [illegible] doth testify and say on solemn oath
that he is well acquainted with Charles Douglas
of North Kingstown aforesaid, that he served in the
Company of Capt. William Taylor with said Douglas
attached to Col Dyer regiment at least seven
months stationed in North Kingstown guarding the
shores of Narragansett Bay He also served in
the company of Capt. John Cole with said
Douglas at different times about one year
He has always resided in the neighborhood
with said Douglas and knows his
truth and veracity to stand fair
Samul C [signature]
Subscribed & Sworn to
in Open Court Sept 5. 1832
Wilm Sam. Helme Clk
I Samuel Cole subscriber to the above Deposition
do
further swear that the services above stated and
performed, during the year 1776 1777 1788 and1779, that
cannot state the number of Months in each year, only served
with said
Douglas my time came, which was every
other month that he [illegible] his own turn was not served for others, so that he served more [illegible] I here state, but I serve no more with him [illegible]
I was with him one Month in Rhode Island and
not knowing to his going more than a [illegible]
Samuel Cole [Signature]
Sworn to and subscribed before me
Sylvester G [illegible]
Justice of the Peace
July 18th, 1833

Page 50

I Mary Livingston of North Kingston in the County of Washington, on solemn oath do testify and say, that I am Seventy years of age- I was acquainted with Charles Douglass of said North Kingston, now deceased, and who at the time of his Death was a Pensioner of the United States, and am also acquainted with Mercy Douglass his Widow now living near me in that Town- I was present at their Marriage and saw them married in the month of August 1786, by William Northup a Baptist Clergyman. The Marriage took place at the house of Benoni Albro in said Exeter, the Father of the said Mercy- But Mr Douglass living in North Kingston.  I know from the birth and age of the eldest child the time of the Marriage - I well remember the month and know that they were married Fifty two years ago this August. Mary Douglass and Phebe Browning, now living in this town, were also present at the Marriage- Charles Douglass has been dead some years and the said Mercy is now his Widow, and has not married since his decease- The said Charles Douglass and his widow were both our [illegible], I lived near them many years-
Mary Livingston
Her Mark [indicated by an “X”]

Witness Sylvester G  Shearman 

I Mary Douglass of North Kingston, in the day of County of Washington, in Solemn Oath do testify and that I am Seventy eight years of Age. I  was acquainted with Charles Douglass, of this Town, during his life, and am acquainted with his Widow Mercy Douglass now living.  I was present at their marriage with many others. They were married in Exeter, at the

Page 51

of her Father Benoni Albo, in the Month of August 1786, I cannot tell the Day of the month - They were married Fifty two years ago this August last. They were married by William Northrup a Baptist Preacher.
Marcy Douglass
Her Mark [indicated by an “X”]

Witness 
Sylvester G Sheraman 

I Sarah Douglass of Kingston in the County of Washington, on solemn oath do testify and say that I am Forty Nine years of age- My Father Charles Douglass died at said North Kingston on the Eleventh day of January 183[last digit illegible].  At the time of his death he was a Pensioner of the United States -My Mother Marcy Douglass is now living is a Widow, never having married since his disease and is helpless-
Sarah Douglass
Her Mark [indicated by an “X”]

Witness 
Sylester G Shearman

Washington sc.
In North Kingston
September 24th 1838- 
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said North Kingston, Mary Livingston, Marcy Douglass and Sarah Douglass whose Names are subscribed to the foregoing Deposition- and all being by me duly sworn made solemn oath to the truth of the same- which said Depositions were by me reduced to writing in their presence. And they being unable to write their names is their [illegible] – And I also certify that they are of good character for truth and veracity-

Sylvester G Shearman 
Justice of the Peace

Page 52

State of Rhode Island
Washington
Town Clerks Office of the Town of
North Kingston
I the subscriber Town Clerk of the
Town of North Kingston in the
County of Washington and Clerk of
the Estate of Probate Said Town, do hereby certify, that
Sylvester G Shearman, before whom the annexed
Depositions were taken and [illegible] to, is a Justice of the Peace for
said Town of North Kingston legally chosen, commissioned, and qualified to act in said office. And that the signatures hereto
annexed purporting to be his are his true and genuine
signatures, in his own Pen writing
In testimony of which I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of Office at said North Kingston
this First Day of October in the year 1838
Nich N. Spink Town & Probate Clk