Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,237, Peter Van Tilburgh, New Jersey

SERVICE
New Jersey.
Van Gilburgh, Peter or Gilbry or Gilley
NUMBER
S. 15237
CONTENTS
carded

to W. S. Allison Dickerson, Penn. avt. W. G. Bayly W. Halsted U.S.D.A. Ap 22/5-2 Same July 29/5-2 " Aug 17. " copies of papers etc.,
W. G. Bayly, March 20/53
Let James V. Green Pension act of 1831 May 11. Since Feb 20, 1832
Let L. A. J. B. Thompson March 13/54 Same Aug 16/54 Jas. S. Green Sep 9/1884 Let var. Aug 22/55 Same
of 32066 late of who was a Dunn in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the N.J. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of N.J. at the rate of 88 Dollars _____ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of  June 1851 and sent to  W. S. Allison Arrears to the 4th of semi-annual allowance ending Present
by A. C. Robinson { Revolutionary Ch. { Act June 7, ' Vol. 3 Page 1

Kingston Feb 20/1852
Mr William G Allinson
Respected friend
I have enclosed to you
The affidavits signed by the Justice & Secretary of State you want to know who this William G Boyle is in Yarmouth He lives about one mile from Kingston age about 40 years. He is very angry with our family at present in consequence of a serious law suit between him and my father's Sister for a valuable piece of land which his father sold belonging to my grand father the prospect is Boyle will be compelled to give up the land and that is the spiteful cause of Boyle trying to injure my father in his pension. I should like to hear from you on the receipt of these papers
Yours with respect
Samuel Van Sillinger

State of New Jersey } County of Somerset. } On this tenth day of April, A. D. 1851, personally appeared before me, Cornelius J. Hoyer one of the judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas. in and for said county of Somerset, Peter Van Tilburg, aged eighty seven years, a resident of Somerset County, and state, aforsaid who being first duly sworn, states in order to obtain a pension under act of June 1832, that he entered the service as a drummer, in the winter of 1776 '77 at the time the British lay at New Brunswick in Captain Longstreet's company and Colonel Hoyers Regiment and served one month and was marched to Cranberry, and stationed there. This deponent was fond of musick and being a good drummer, was induced to enter the service in that capacity, before he was subject to be drafted. In the beginning of 1777, his company was called out a second time to serve one month, and was stationed principally at Cranberry and in that neighbourhood. In the spring of 1777, he was again called out as a drummer for one month and stationed at Cranberry as before. In a short time thereafter he again went out and served one month, and was marched to Cranberry and other places. Early in the summer he was again called upon and served one month and was marched to New Brunswick. In the latter part of the summer he again went out and as before was marched to Cranberry and New Brunswick and other places. In the fall of the same year he again went out, and was marched to New Brunswick and Cranberry. In the spring of 1778, he went out and served one month, which length of time he served in the previous tour, and was stationed at Kingston New Brunswick and other places. In all the foregoing tours

he served in Captain Longstreet's company, and as a Drummer. In 1779 this deponent was called upon to serve in monthly tours as a Drummer, in Captain Longstreet's company and then in other companies; there being a great difficulty in procuring good drummers, and served in monthly tours, five months, during which he was stationed at Cranberry, New Brunswick, and other places to guard against the incursions of the enemy. In 1780, he was appointed a Drum Major, although quite young, and was attached to Colonel Rogers' reg t and Captain Longstreet's company as heretofore, and went out in monthly tours, sometimes with one company and sometimes with another, and served in that year, seven months, and was marched and stationed at New Brunswick, Cranberry, Hightstown and other places. In 1781 he was again called out, and served as Drum Major, in monthly tours, five months, and was marched to New Brunswick, Cranberry, Amboy and other places exposed to the depredations of the enemy. In 1782 he was again called out to serve in monthly tours as Drum Major, and was attached to Colonel Dudders' regiment, and served five months, and was stationed at Amboy, New Brunswick and other places, to guard the country which was continually exposed to the depredations of the enemy. This deponent further states that in his younger days he was always known and went by the name of Peter Tilbry and Tilley, and was and is to this day so called by many. All those who served with him and whom he knew are now dead. He has a sister now living, older than himself named Bessian, who is a pensioner, and whose testimony has been taken. He never would himself apply for a pension until lately, having had enough for a comfortable support, but being now far advanced in years, thinks that he may as well claim what is justly due him as others. He never was in any battle, with the

enemy. He lived on the line between Somerset & Middlesex Counties, which are divided by the road running through the place where he lives, and has always lived there. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, or, if any, only on that of the agency of New Jersey.
Sworn & Subscribed Peter Van Tilburg the day & year aforesaid. before me,
Cornelius S. Stryker. Judge as aforesaid.
We Richard Brittan and Samuel Van Tilburg residing in Somerset County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Peter Van Tilburg, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty seven years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. We further certify that he is known and often called by the name of Peter Tilbry and Tilly, although he now spells his name Van Tilburg.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Cornelius S. Stryker. Judge as aforesaid.
Richard Brittan Samuel Van Tilburg
And the said judge hereby declares his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after perusing

The interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and he further certifies that it appears to him that Richard Brittan and Samuel Van Tilburg who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Somerset County, and are credible persons and that their statements is entitled to credit and that the clergymen residing in the neighbourhood of the applicant has but recently removed here and cannot therefore have any knowledge of the applicant; and further, that by reason of old age and consequent bodily infirmity, he is unable to appear in open court to make his declaration.
Cornelius S. Stryker.
Judge as aforesaid.

State of New Jersey Somerset County Is:
On this nineteenth day of April, 1851, personally appeared before me Charles Shann one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Mrs Mary Berrion aged eighty eight years a highly respectable person and a credible witness, and a pensioner under act of 7 th July 1838, who being duly sworn, states that Peter Van Tilburg who has made a decla- -ration to obtain a pension is her brother. She further declares that she well recollects that her brother was out in the service during the revolution as a drummer and drum major in Captain Longstreets company and Colonel Hays regiment of New Jersey Militia at different periods, and that he was marched to Cranberry, New Brunswick and other places; that when he first entered the service he was not old enough to be drafted, but being an expert drummer, he engaged to go out in that capacity by our fathers consent, and that he served as a drummer & drum major as aforesaid as stated by him. She further declares that her brother and her fathers family, were often called by the name of Tilbury or Tilley, and further saith not sworn subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid.
Mary Berrion
Charles Shann, Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey Somerset County Ys I Henry D. Johnson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify Cornelius S. Stryker whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declaration of Peter Van Silburgh and certificate of Richard Britton and Samuel Van Silburgh is and was at the time of signing the same a Judge of the aforesaid Court duly commissioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and also that Charles Shaeffer whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit of Mary Benion is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commi- ssioned and sworn and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit and that the a- foresaid court is a court of record having general Jurisdiction
Given under my hand and the seal of the County County at the clerks office in Somerville this twenty sixth day of April A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty one
Henry D. Johnson Clerk

38.160. Peter van Tilburg or Tilburg N. Jersey aw 7 June 1832 original
W. S. Allison Attorney

The pension papers of Mary Bernian of N.J. under Act of 1838. have been examined. I find therein that the person within claimant was her brother; that in testifying to John Bernian's service & the marriage of the parties he incidentally mentions his own service as a runner, in consequence of which, I have no doubt of his service. His depo- sition was taken in 1845 - when, as far as is known, he had no thought of applying for a pension -

Peter Van Kliefburg N.Y. FILE
S. Col. Eng. acting Quartermaster Pension Office Washington D.C.
Official Business

Peter Van Klief N.Y. Oct 1832
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington. D.C.
MS B

P
15237 INVALID.
File No. 15237
Peter Van Tilburg Brumma Puu
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. M , Page 387
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Swote Chambers
24th Aug 1834
hi.
I beg leave to enclose a letter which I have received from Mr James S Green of Princeton N.J. Mr Green is a gentleman of high standing in our State, and was formerly atty of the U States under the administration of Pres. Jackson Mr Van Buren. I also know the old man, for whom he interests himself, and I therefore obliged if you will direct your attention to the case & inform Mr Green of the result.
Very respectfully
Moss
M c Donough
Wm L P Waldo

Washington May 9, 1851
Sir,
Enclosed are the original papers in the case of Peter Van Sileburg or Tilbury of New Jersey, under act of June 1832,
Very Resp y
Your O bl Serv t .
Wm L. Alston
J. E. Heath Esq. Comm ee of Pensions.

Princeton New Jersey
November 23 d 1855
J. Minot Esq. Commissioner of Sir I enclose the favor of B. Hove Esq of the 13 th as it is attached to the affidavit of Mary Berrien I also enclose the Commission of P. H. Barker under the Broad Seal of the State, which estab- lishes his official character as to putting the statement of the Rev David Bonfort into the form of an affidavit, that cannot be done, as the good man departed this life se- veral months since. The handwriting may, have been proved if the certificate had been sent to me with the affi- davit of Mary Berrien. The character of Peter Van Tilburg for truth and integrity is well known. I send also the Family Bible as requir- ed - I have placed pieces of paper - 1 st where the age is recorded 2. the time of the

printing of the Bible - you will perceive that the first title page is gone - The title page to New Testament does not contain the year of the printing - but you will find this date at the end of Revelations and when the piece of paper is. I hope this will relieve all doubts either of form or substance
Very Respectfully
Your O. Servt Jas S Green

Trenton Oct 29 th 1855
Rev S Green Esq
Dear
I have seen the letter of J Alvin Bannipier of Pensylvania dated August 22 nd 1855 in which he says "There is nothing in the letter of Mr Halsted indicating any change of views on his part as to the merits of the case." I did not intend in that letter to express an opinion for or against the merits of the case, as I had ceased to act as the Offi- cer of the Government I thought it right that the District Attorney should if he was called to act on the matter act unbiassed by my opinion - as no step has been taken by that office and as I pre- sume none is now intended. I am free to say that you had submitted to me the family Bi- ble supported by the affidavit of Mary Berrien the sister of Peter Van Tilburgh, from which it appears that Peter Van Tilburgh was born in 1764 October 3 rd , which answered the objection suggested by the affidavit of Van Langstreet and others as to age - And you also produced the Cer- tificate of The Rev David Bergeat as to the respec- tability of Peter Van Tilburgh, and that from other information subsequently obtained my views of the case have changed and that I should not have commenced the case if I had at that time

been as well advised as to the nature of the case as I was then.
I am very Respectfully
Yours Obedt Serv
W. Halsey

Princeton New Jersey October 30 th 1855
J. Minot Esq. Commissioner Respected Sir
I certainly would have not troubled you again with the case of Peter Van Silburgh if I did not believe, that injus- tice has unintentionally been done by the officers of the Gov t to a very worthy and excellent man. He is not long for this world to all appearance and his being suspended from the pension roll, presses heavily upon his spirits. I have been desired to press his case once more upon your kind consideration
In reading over your favor of the 22 nd of August last it seems to me, that your remaining difficulty is to be found in the letter of Mr Halsted. I accordingly deter- mined to send your letter.

to Mr. Halsted and to ask him to state what were his views of the merits of the case after I had submitted to him the family Bible and the other testimony of the defendant, which he would have laid before the court and jury, if the Govt. had gone on with the trial. Mr. Halsted has promptly written me an answer - which I enclose and which I hope may remove all doubt and make it clear for the department to rescind the order of suspension and to direct that Mr. Van Tilly be restored to the list of pensioners. I enclose also the affidavit of Mary Berrien as to genuineness of the family Bibles and also the certificate of the Rev. David Comfort the clergyman at that time of the congregation at Kingston and of which Mr. Peter Van Tilly had been for many years a consistent and irreproachable member.

That I may have a fa- vourable response to this letter I do most earnestly request -
Very respectfully Yr. ob. Servt Jas S Green

J. S. Green
Aug 5 11.
P. Van Tilburgh or Tillybury's pension suspended.
How stands this?
Heads crossed Mr. Heald &c to Com. by 20/55-

Princeton New Jersey August 11 - 1855
Josiah Minot Esq Comr. of Pensions Sir
May I call your attention to the case of Peter Van tilburg an old gentleman residing at Kingstree a village about three miles distant from this place. From satisfactory evidence produced by him, he was placed on the Roll of pensioners and received his pensions for some time. He was suspended on an allegation that the pension was obtained improperly. Mr. Halsted the Dist. Atty - brought suit in the name of the Government against Mr. Van tilburg - he appeared and sought an investigation. The suit was abandoned and judgment of non pros

Mr. Fantilbury applied for restoration and is refused Mr. Halsted writes a letter explaining the reasons of the non pro- but, still he Mr. Waldo does not feel himself justified in re- taining Mr. Fantilbury It is a small matter for the Government but one of consequence to Mr. Fan- tilbury not only in money but in character
Let me respectfully solicit your early attention to this matter and your female determination - that if adverse to Mr. Fantilbury I may appeal to the Secreta- ry of the Interior to the President or to Congress To facilitate your investi- gations I enclose the letter I addressed to Mr. Senator Thomson - which you will please to return
Very Respectfully your ob. Servt Jas J Green

Office of District Atty of U.S.
Trenton July 30 th 1852
Sir
Your letter of the 29 th is just at hand. Since the receipt of yours of the 22 nd of April I have partially investigated the question of Peter Van Tilburgh's pension, and have been advised by persons who knew something of the circumstances, to go to the place of Van Tilburgh's residence and engine and examine the witnesses who may be found there, so as to satisfy myself fully what can be proved before commencing a suit. Our Spring Courts have kept me constantly occupied and have prevented my visiting Kingston for the purpose of making the necessary examination but I shall be at leisure to attend to it in the course of the following week, and will when I have obtained all the information I can on the subject, then make up my mind what is proper to be done and advise you.
776 Triplette Esq. Acting Commissioner of Pension Office
I am very Respectfully
Your obed Servt
W. H. Halstead

13
Kingston N.Y. Dec. 30/31.
William G. Bayly
Rel: to an alleged fraud perpetrated on Pension Office
Ref to Com Pension for investigation Sept 2nd 1882

Kingston New Jersey Dec. 30, 1857
Hon. H. S. Stewart Washington D.C.
Sir
A Pension, Having been granted lately to Peter Van Killough, in the name of Peter Tilbury, I think it my duty to inform you that there is something wrong in the matter, and that the person whom you have granted, a Pension to, as a Drum-Major, was never, in any way, this fact can be well established, by old persons now residing in this vicinity, and all persons are astonished that a pension was asked, for much less obtained, I am assured, that he, Peter Van Killough, is not as old by one or two years as is set forth, in his application, There is much talk in this vicinity in relation to this matter, and all say, that, the Government, is being defrauded barefacedly,
I refer you, to the Hon. Geo. H. Brown, member of Congress, from this district,
Hoping to hear from you soon I Am Truly Yours
William G. Bay
P.S. I Have More to say and to prove, if required

case of Sam t Van Hilburg on Roll N. Jersey at 7 June 1832 pension suspended.

Thingstun March 11 th 1882
At the request of Mr Wantilburgh I make a statement of what would induce Mr Bayles to make such statements against Peter Wantilburgh. Peter Wantilburgh's Daughter claims a certain piece of land that W m G. Bayles's father sold to Aaron Colby. said Daughter has sued Aaron Colby and if the Law suit goes against W m Colby, W m G. Bayles will have to pay said Colby for the land. The suit about the land was commenced before me.
Peleg H. Barker Justice
I know that Mr Barker acted as a justice of the Peace two or three times & have not heard of his being someone else. H. Brown Rep d at N.Y.

L. P. Waldo Esq. Chm. of Pensions Washington Honored by Senator Hanson

Princeton Feb. 27. 1857
L. P. Waldo Esq
Sir
I had the honor to address to you a letter under date of March 29. 1857 in behalf of an old gentleman Peter Van Tilburg residing at Kingstown New Jersey. Will you oblige him as well as myself by saying what action has been had in his case? He has been suspended for some two years and is clearly entitled to be restored, as his enemies have failed to invalidate the testimony originally filed
Very Respectfully W. B. Scriven J. A. & C. Allen

Peter Van Tilburg or Tilbury.
New Jersey.
Act June 7. 1832.
adm d 2 yrs. summe. $88.
Re Annu:
commencing 4 March 1831.
Payable to him
bequeath to
W. S. Allison
Present.

Pension Office, June 9, 1851.
Sir:
The claim to bounty land under the Act of Feb'y 11. 1847 set up by Shamel Parkam, who belonged

Pension Office January 7 1852.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 30 ult to the Secy of the Interior relative to the Pension of Peter Van Tilbury, I have to thank you for your intimation & to inform you that I have suspended farther payment & called upon the Agent who furnished the evidence on which the claim was allowed for an explanation. It is probable that I shall hereafter call on you for evidence to sustain your allegation.
Very Respectfully Your O bt Servt J Wilson
for Commissioner of Pensions
W m G Bayly Esq Kingston, N. J.

Punicus New Jersey
March 29. 1853
Hon: L. P. Waldo Comm: of Pensions Sir
Some years ago a respectable inhabitant of the neighboring village Kingston was placed on the pension list and received his semi annual payments - till about 2 years or 18 months ago - and this arose from some person or persons sending word to the office of Pensions that Mr. Tantalbright was improperly on the pension list. An order to suspend payment was sent to Mr. Beckins the pension agent at Trenton and Mr. Halsted Dist. Atty was directed to institute a suit to try the matter - and a summons issued returnable to September term 1852 I wrote to your predecessor.

to send to Mr. Dickinson per- sion agents or to Mr. Halsted the Dist. Atty - the proofs and documents on file in your office in the case - but no attention was paid to this reasonable request. I pro- duced the family Bible - the certificates of the congregation of the congregation of which Mr. Vantillough is a member and affidavit of Mr. Berries his sister - and applied to the court at the last term (22 inst) to dismiss the suit for want of prosecution - and the court so ordered.
There can be no doubt, but that this hostility to old Mr. Vantillough arises from a neighborhood quarrel or want a piece of land - now in suit - Why should the Govr. withhold the pension longer? May I ask your kind and early attention to this mat- ter
Very Respectfully Mr. W. B. Sewell J. A. S. Green former Dist. Atty

Princeton Sept. 5. 1854
J.bole Esq Acting Comr. S. Sir
Senator Thompson handed to me your favour of the 16 th ult. in relation to the case of Peter Vanilburgh of N.J. in which you are pleased to suggest "that Mr. Green might obtain from Mr. Halsted such a statement as might relieve the case of its difficulties." bearing out that suggestion, I made a personal application to Mr. Halsted, and he obliged me with the enclosed letter which, I think, will prove satisfactory, and will enable your office to restore Mr. V. to the Rolls.
I am very Respectfully Yr. O b d Serv t Jas S Green

Ann Arbor MI
10 Aug 1854
Dear
The enclosed letter from my friend & neighbor has been handed to me, with a request that I would enclose it to you
Very respectfully
Yours Sinc
M. O. Wilson
Wm L O'Neal

Princeton Augt. 4. 1854
Rev! Jos. R. Thompson
Dear Sir
I have delayed an answering the letter of Mr. Waldo of the 15 th of March in relation to the pensions of Mr. Peter Van Tilburgh, till I could examine the case with some care. The result that I have reached is as follows. a suit was brought by the U. States against Peter VanTilburgh as early as September 1852 in the Circuit Court of the U. States for the New Jersey District. The object of this suit was to try the right of the defendant to the pension and had been prompted by the late District Attorney Mr. Wal- do upon certain affidavits taken by him at Kingston. I have never seen the affida- vits, but I learn, they were principally as to the age of Mr. VanTilburgh. and I was em- ployed as counsel for Mr. Van

tilbury and applied to the department for the papers or files in the case to be sent to Mr. Dickerson the pension agent at Newton or to Mr. Waldo the Dist. Atty to be used on the trial. This was not complied with, which I then thought and still think very unreasonable and a demand of justice. In preparing for the trial I obtained a bible printed in 1764 and according to the affidavit of Mrs. Mary Berris whom I had known for several years as a woman of fair character, this bible had belonged to her father William Van Tilbury and that she had known it as the family bible for sixty years; that Peter Van Tilbury was her brother and that there was an entry in said bible in the hand writing of her father the said William Van Tilbury as follows "Peter Van Tilbury was born October 3, 1764" Besides this I procured the certificate of the Revd David Goinfort the clergyman, as you know

at Kingston for many years and after stating the fair character of Peter Van Tilburgh for truth he says "that he (Mr. Van Tilburgh) would be 88 years old on the 4 th day of January 1853 and that Peter Van Tilburgh is some months older than himself."
With this testimony I was determined to bring on the trial and gave notice that unless the trial was postponed in, I should move the Court to dismiss the suit. The trial was not postponed in and at the next term I moved the Court in the presence of the District Attorney to dismiss the suit which motion the Court granted. The officer of the Government at whose instance the action had been commenced declined to pursue the case further. That there might be no mistake as to the facts I have stated. I have submitted a copy of this letter to Mr. Halsted, who says, he has no alteration to make.

How the conviction of Mr. Waldo of the testimony is altogether against the claims I cannot conceive. Certainly the pension- er - a man, who for a period of above sixty years has man- tained a fair character for truth and integrity - ought to have an opportunity of defend- ing himself. Let Mr. Waldo if he is not satisfied - give particulars and I will en- deavor to obviate the diffi- culty -
Each of you, the for- mer to submit this letter to the Commission's oppo- sition - To continue the pro- pension a few months lon- ger will find the pensioner in another world
Very respectfully Yrs. Ob. Servt Jas H Green

Office of the District Attorney of the United States New Jersey
Sir
I have since my last communication been to Kingston where Peter Van Tilburgh resides and have seen and examined several of the oldest inhabitants in the neighbourhood who have been acquainted with him during and, since the Revolution. There appears to be but one opinion among them; and that is that he did not serve in the revolutionary war in any capacity whatever. I am satisfied also that he never in any business transaction ever assumed the name of Tilbury; his father's name, and that of all his brothers & sisters is Van Tilburgh . He must therefore have personated another person if there is such a name as Tilbury in the militia roll. I think that if you will direct to be sent to me, copies of all papers and affidavits in this case, I will be able satisfactorily to establish the fraud which has been committed on the Department, and will be able to recover back the money. I should like also to have copies of the papers in the case of one Van Tilburgh who was an elder brother of Peter, (and who it is supposed by many not to have been entitled to his pension either) They may throw light upon Peter's case. His sister

Mary Berrien widows of Wm Berrien also obtained a pension through the instrumentality of Mr. Brien and she and her brother Peter mutually swore for each other. Perhaps Peter's affidavit in her case might also be of service. There has been & am sales had a great deal of fraud and perjury practiced in regard to the pension cases in this state and it is quite time an effort should be made to arrest it
F. F. C. Triflett Esq. I am very Respectfully
Acting Commissioner Yours Obedient Servt of Pensions
W. H. Bledsoe
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original letter.]

Trenton Augt 19 th 1854
Dear Sir
In relation to the Pension of Peter Van Tillburgh. The facts are these. I was applied to by certain persons in Kingston who informed me that Peter Van Til- burgh had received a pension, to which he was not en- titled, and told, that there would be no difficulty in proving it; and upon their representations I wrote to the Pension department stating that I thought that Van Tillburgh was not entitled to a pension, and that I thought I could recover it back. The department in- stead of directing me to proceed upon its responsibility informed me that I might proceed upon my own responsibility, if I thought I could recover and obtain my compensation and costs out of what I could re- cover from the Defendant, I accordingly commenced a suit. Soon after the suit was commenced you called upon me, and told me that you had in- vestigated the subject and that you was satisfied that Peter Van Tillburgh was entitled to his pen- sion, and that you thought that if I could see the whole of the evidence and be put in possession of all the facts of the case, that you thought I would come to the same conclusion. I then determined that I would if possible satisfy myself in re-

yard to the proof that could be made before I would proceed farther in the case. I went to Kingston three for the purpose of obtaining all the testimony I could in relation to it. I was also informed that affidavits had been taken on behalf of Peter Van Tilburgh and forwarded to the Pension department. These I was anxious to see before I could decide upon the conflicting testimony that I found would be produced, and I accordingly wrote to the Pension Department to forward me copies of all the affidavits on file in the Department in relation to the case. The Department sent me copies of the original application and affidavits annexed, but did not send me copies of the affidavits which had been subsequent-ly taken and sent to the Department. I wrote a second time for copies of these affidavits but I never received them.
As the suit which I had commenced was a civil suit and was to be prosecuted at my own risk of recovering costs, and not at the costs of the Department. I was unwilling to proceed farther until I knew exactly the nature of the evidence which could be produced in the case. In this position of things and shortly before the expiration of my term of office you moved the Court to dismiss the case for want of prosecution. I stated to the Court that I had

written to the Pension Department for copies of papers I deemed necessary to enable me to de- cide whether it was expedient for me to pursue the case further; but that I had not received them The Court ordered the case dismissed, saying that if the Government felt disposed to prosecute it they could commence a new suit
I was unwilling to commence a new suit under the additional information I had received, upon the same terms I had commenced the first one. And when I ceased to be District Attorney I handed the papers over to my successor Mr Barnes, and I believe he has never commen- ced any suit in relation to the matter
I am very Respectfully Yours obed Servt
Jas S Green Esq
W Halsted

This is to certify that an action for trespass was brought in the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey in the term of November last by Aaron Colby against William Sykes. In said action Sykes justified his entering on the land as the agent or by the authority of Miss Evelina Van Filburgh, who is the daughter of Peter Van Filburgh - Aaron Colby the plaintiff claims title to the property under a deed executed to him by John Gulick and Robert Payns . Robert Payns is deceased and is the father of William G. Payns. The land in controversy is in the neighborhood of Kingston in the County of Somerset and State of New Jersey.
This suit has created considerable excitement in the neighborhood and has led to much strife between the Van Filburghs and the said William G. Payns. Dated March 24. 1852
J. A. S. Green Princeton N.J. atty of Defendant

Trenton Feby 25 1852 office of Dist Atty of U.S.
Sir
I have been called upon by some of the most respectable men in the neighbourhood of Kingston, and been informed that it is their opinion and the opinion throughout the neighbourhood, that the Pension Department has been grossly defrauded in regard to the pension of Peter Van Tilburgh, and which has been granted to him under the name of Peter Tilbury one of the Quillemans who called on me was the nephew of Peter Van Tilburgh, who says that there was a family of Tilbury's in the state of New York but his family and his father and uncles family always went by the name of Van Tilburgh. That Peter Van Tilburgh was never in the service during the revolution; and his statement was corroborated by the other Quillemans and the names of witnesses given me to prove the deception and fraud which must have been practiced in the Department to obtain this pension. They state that the old man Van Tilburgh as well as his sister whose

where evidence was procured to sustain the application must have been either secured by the manner in which the affidavits were read to him, or else they have stated things which are untrue, and they enter into no doubt that the money which has been paid to Peter Van Tilburgh can be recovered back by the United States; as said Van Tilburgh is abundantly able to pay - They say that the attorney the agent who got the pension received $700. for her services, and they blame her more than they do old Peter think Van Tilburgh and his sister; If you should think it expedient for me to bring a suit for the recovery of the pension money Please advise me in the subject
Yours obed serv
W. Halsted
J. G. Heath Esq
Pension agent

Office of District Atty of U.S. District Court AD 1882.
Dear Sir,
I invite you sometime since for further copies in regard to the case of Peter Van Tillburgh. But have received no answer allow me to remind you of the fact
77 B. Treflell Esq.
Your obed Servt W. H. Alslee Dist Atty U.P.

Kingston New Jersey March 28 th 1853 To The Commissioner of Revolutionary Pensions At Washington D.C.
Sir
In December 1851 I wrote to your Department in relation to the Pension that had recently been granted to Peter Van Tilburgh of this place, and alleged that the said Van Tilburgh was never in any war, and that the impression among the people here was that the Pension had been obtained through misrepresentation or fraud.
In reply I received a letter from your Department bearing date of January 7 th 1852, thanking me for my intimation given in my letter of the 30 th ult. and informing me that the Pension had been suspended, and that the Agent who furnished the evidence, on which the Pension was granted would be called on to explain, and that the Department would be likely to call on me for evidence to sustain the allegation. I prepared myself at once, with the evidence and I submitted it to the District Attorney, when he visited the old people of this place and vicinity, in relation to this case, a short time after, the matter was sent by your Department to him, and he seemed to be decidedly of the opinion, that a fraud had been committed, and he as the U.S. Attorney of New Jersey, brought an action, by order of your Department, in the U.S. Circuit Court, of New Jersey against Peter Van Tilburgh, to recover money fraudulently obtained, upon a certificate, as a Pensioner, the payment semi-annually, at the Agency in Trenton, being suspended.
The Attorney, allowed the Government to be nonsu'd, on the 23 d Inst. for want of filing a Declaration.
That the Pension, is a base fraud can be fully proved, and the Attorney was so informed, and urged to

prosecute the action, and subpoena the witnesses which was not done, The pretence, for the Pension was, that he acted as a Drummer or Drum Major in the Revolution, when he was a mere boy, and a deception was practiced,
Van Tilburgh, had an elder Brother, William who did, regularly obtain a Pension upon the most satisfactory Proof of service, and continued to receive it during his life, he resided in the immediate neighborhood of this Brother Peter, who never dared or thought of making application, during the life, of that Brother, Knowing that he had no pretence of Claim,
Since that decease, a Speculating Agent in Pensions, discovered, the name of one Tilly or Tilbrough, registered, and has, manufactured, the Petition to subserve this purpose. The Government, having escaped from the Gardineis and other swindlers, It is but just, that this Pension, be held suspended, until a new Prosecutor is appointed, with orders, to prosecute the matter to judgement, and if a base fraud has been, committed, as I am sure will be proved, that restitution be exacted, from the Speculating, Covetous, and unscrupulous, that have been engaged, in this unjust transaction. There are some circumstances, connected with, the application that, your Department, should be made more fully acquainted with, and I will give them in detail in my next, if you desire me so to do, I shall be very happy, to give you or the Prosecutor, any information, that is at Command, in this neighborhood, in relation to this case - Hoping that you will give it your immediate attention and that I shall hear from you soon.
I Am Very Respectfully Your, Obt. Servt. William G. Bayley

Rev David Compton Certificata

Princeton September 25 th
1852
From the request of Mr Peter Van Tilburgh's family I take this opportunity of saying that I have been acquainted with Mr Peter Van Tilburgh for fifty years past, and have always known him to be a man of good moral character, of honest integrity, truth, and veracity, the neighbourhood always gave him that character; As it regard our age I shall be eighty eight, the fourth day of January, should I live until that time - and Mr Van Tilburgh is some months older than myself.
David Comfort

Wrighton Feb 11. 1852
Mr William D Allinson Dear Sir.
We have been around the neighbourhood & got the affidavits of different persons which I have enclosed in this envelope please sent them on to you for inspection & if they are right you can send them back & I will take them down to Trenton and have them certified by the Secretary of State. It is rumored in the neighbourhood by the rabble that my Father has made a difference in his age as to sovereign & that has caused this trouble I speak of this to let you know what they say & you can right it when you write in again in which your letter to Princeton Post Office instead of Wrighton send me all the news you can relative to my fathers position, I have sent you 9 affidavits and an old letter that my grand father received some 30 years ago, and the Henry Silby mentioned in the letter is my fathers Brother, if the letter is of any consequence to you you can keep it & if not please return it
Yours With Respect
Samuel F. Silbrough
Copy

Washington, February 24, 1852
Sir,
I enclose herewith a number of affidavits for the purpose of removing the suspension of the Pension of Peter Van Tilburg, which I trust will be deemed perfectly satisfactory by the office. I also enclose an old letter written by a brother of Peter Van Tilburg to his father, some fifty years ago, showing that he went by the name of Tilb y at that time as well as his brother. Also enclosed are two letters of Saml Van Tilburg the son of Peter to me, one of which clearly shows that William E. Baker, who wrote to the Pension Office relative to Peter Van Tilburg, acted from vindictive motives.
If necessary I can show further that Peter Van Tilburg was recognized as a revolutionary Drumsmer, this testimony having been obtained some years ago to establish the claim of the widow of a revolutionary soldier,

and officer, Mr Peter Van Tilling is a very respectable old gentleman, and I am sure would never have applied for a pension had he not thought himself clearly entitled to it,
I am, respectfully Your Obedt. Servt, H. L. Allison
James E. Heath Esq. Commr of Pensions,

Kingston, New Jersey 11 Feb 56 To, The Hon. Comm ee of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir
I enclose you a letter from your Department, written on the 7 th of January 1852 in reply to a letter from W m G. Bayler, Esq. dated December 30/51 which is on file in your office without doubt, and I have to ask you to have the goodness, to refer to it, and examine its contents, I in behalf of myself and a number of respectable Citizens of this Com- munity, very respectfully ask, that there be an investigation, into the pretensions, that Peter Van Silburgh, ever was entitled to a Pension, as a Ennmer, Drum Major, or even a common soldier, it is a notorious fact in this neighborhood, and especially among the Old , persons, that Peter Van Silburgh, never was in any war, in any capacity. There is no "Silbury's" in this section and if a Peter Silbury, of New Jersey, was,

entitled to a Pension, it was not properly applied when it was paid to Peter Van Silburgh, of Knizton,
There was two brothers by the name of Van Silburgh, in this vicinity in the days of the Revolution, one was named William, and the other Peter, the former was in the War, he being the oldest, & he applied for a Pension, at an early day, and it was granted, and he continued to receive it, until the day of his death, which occurred many years since, he obtained his Pension not as William Silbury or Van Silbury, but as William Van Silburgh, as the Books of your Department will show, John Van Silburgh, son of William now over 60 years old, is confident that Peter Van Silburgh was never in any war, and consequently not entitled to a Pension or else he would have applied for it at the time his father got his, as he Peter was in need of money at that time, The truth

is, Peter Van Silburgh, would never have thought of applying for a Pension, had not a speculating Pension Agent, ascertained that a Certain Peter Silbury or Silbern, was entitled, to a Pension, and as that person could not be found, Van Silburgh was manufactured into Silbury or Van Silbury & quite an amount of money drawn from the Treasury of the People, out of which it is said the Agent, received a handsome Fee, The whole transaction, is looked upon in this Community as a base fraud, & it can be so proven, if an opportunity is afforded to do so, by you, the representations of a late Government Officer, or any feed lawyer, to the contrary notwithstanding.
I am satisfied beyond a doubt that if Justice is done in this Case, that instead of more money being paid to the Heirs of the Estate of Peter Van Silburgh, that his Estate will be made to disgorge, the amount already received, Hoping this matter will be investigated, by your orders, and

that the District Attorney for this State Mr. Cannon, will be instructed to look into this matter, I close by saying that Mr. Bayles called upon Mr. Cannon a few days since at Trenton, and that Mr. Bayles is prepared with evidence to show, that this Claim should never have been allowed & that the money should be paid back to the Government, at once.
Please answer me soon and return the letter now enclosed dated Jan 7/52
I Am very Respectfully Your Ob't Serv't. W. A. Pierson

To William Vantilluough Living in King town New Prins town in the State of new garse in Middlesex County
of the

August the 24-1799 to my father I take this opportunity that I with the rest of my family are at present in good health for which I desire to be thankfull I received your letter I wish you now as soon as you possible can get information to me concerning that lot of land of fulkese my reason for this is I have a minde to ly it if it can be had on good terms Which I believe it may it is the same lot of land that Vesle wrote to you a couple The Number of the Land it lies in the 2-range the Ninth township and the Ninth lot in that 9 township My reason for wanting an answer as soon as possible is Because that I know our Father will push to get the land this lot is of no value land but this I wish you to leave to your self and if there is no information concerning the the land from the owner I wish you to give Greeny in Duke my to get me the the surest notes you possible can I have it can be had on good terms I intend to have Strate there to buy it but I first want to know his price for the land and Likewise if he would not take a couple of good horses in part pay towards the land if he would when I can I will fetch them along with me Vesle writes the all things himself there for I wish you to direct your letter to me to John Cuppy who lives in side of my house he lives in Brooke County in the State of Virginia Near the mouth of Big yale necks I would wish Vesle not to get your letter in his hand before
So a being the a lease piece of land described has a couple two hundred and fifty acres in it this fulks has other lots but the lot we want is a lease described the range is Number 2 the township number 9 and the lot number 9

it wood Anner us will if the man will take a Cople of horses in parte pay tond the if he will please to Let us know in your letter and I Will fetch them on
if the lot of fultner is Set for Sale we will Lease it from him this please to Let us know in your letter to us

I wante you Likewise to nite to mushroes land to John mushnow to Se what he has aminte to Doe With his Land it tis good Land and Lies Close by Whan I here and if he will sit oute on good terms mily I may lease or buy of him I wish you to nite to him If you have a chance and let me know as soon as you can what way he meanes to dis pose of it No more but I remain your obediant Serv ontill death
Henry Littlehanye
your Sun son Henry and me has I grieved to news Shearners in the Land if it can be had on reason Steel terms I for my parte wish you to get to us by the poste the Soonest information you can be cause I know that there is post others will push for the Land niteby. The first what information you then have got I will speak to our poste to fetch on our letters as soon as possible and I will pay the post postage Henry wants a piece of Land very much and this will sute him well if he can get it Henry your Sun means to leave as soon as we get information from you that We may know what fatten we have on these few lines from your friend
John Cuppy

Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties of the State of New Jersey for Militia service during the Revolutionary War.
   NO. OF CERTIF. DATE. SIGNED BY. PAYABLE TO. AMOUNT.     45 June 8. 1784 Thomson Stelle Peter Tilkay £9. 9. 0  
STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Thomas S. Allison I, Charles G. McChesney Secretary of state of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from, and compared with the original, now remaining in my office.— And I do further certify, that Thomson Stelle was, by an Act, passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled, "An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a Commissioner for the County of Middlesex for the purpose of settling and adjusting the Pay-rolls of the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due, for balance of pay.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said State, this second day of May A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fiftyone
Thos S. Allison Secretary of State.

STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
George F. Fort
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
To Abel H. Barker
Esquire, Greeting:
Whereas, the Secretary of State hath exhibited to me a statement of the result of the election for Justices of the Peace at the last annual meeting of the Township of Franklin in the County of Somerset whereby it appears that you were duly elected, by the electors of said township, to be one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Somerset You are therefore, by these presents, commissioned one of the Justices of the Peace of the said State for the County of Somerset aforesaid: to have and to hold the same, with all powers and jurisdictions, civil and criminal, cognizable before a Justice of the Peace, severally or jointly with other the Justices of the said State, in the said county; together with the fees allowed for the exercise of the several duties thereof, agreeably to the Constitution and laws of this State.
In testimony whereof, the Great Seal of the State is hereunto affixed.
Witness,
George F. Fort
Governor of the State of New
Jersey, at Trenton, the
first
day of
May
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty
one
and of
the Independence of the United States the seventy-
fifth .
By the Governor.
Thos S. Alston Secretary of State.
Geo. F. Fort

State of New Jersey Somerset County ss
I Henry D. Johnson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the within named Felix H. Barker appeared before me at the County Clerks office and took and subscribed the oaths of office as one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County, & State aforesaid and also at the same time filed his official bond duly executed Given under my hand and the seal of the County at the clerks office in Somerville this fourteenth day of May A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty one Henry D. Johnson Clerk

I Peleg H. Barker do hereby certify That for the last Twenty years I have known, Mary Berrien, Elijah Black- well, Peter Wandewater, Ann Anderson, Joseph Britten, Susan Sunderland, and Richard Britten, the persons na- med in the accompanying affidavits and that they are all and each credible witnesses.
{ Peleg H Barker Justice of the Peace for Somerset Co Franklin Township, W Sussex
Dated this nineteenth day of February one Thousand Eight hundred and fifty two

Joseph Butten

State of New Jersey
Conversant Court ss On the ninth day of February A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me Pely H Barker a Justice of the peace the for said Court Joseph Britten aged forty forty four years who states that he knows Peter Wantilburgh and knows of said Peter Wantilburgh being called Peter Tibbey, deponent never -er knew of any Family being called Tibbey except the family at present of Peter Wantilburgh deponent's father was in the revolutionary war and Recd a pension.
Joseph Britten
Sworn and subscribed
before me Pely H Barker Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above Joseph Britten has a good Character for truth and veracity Pely H Barker,

State of New Jersey Mercer County ss.
Before the subscriber, one of the jus- tices of the Peace in and for said county, personally appeared Susan Sunderland who being duly sworn saith that I am acquainted with Peter Van Gilburgh who now resides at Kingston, New Jer- sey. I know that he formerly went by the name of Peter Gilberry. I am now seventy-two years old.
Sworn & Subscribed This seventh day of February A.D. 1852.
for Susan X Sunderland mark
before me Augustus L. Martin Justice of the Peace.
cont

Richard Britten

State of New Jersey Somerset County ss
On the ninth day of February A.D. 1852 personally appeared Pelez H. Barker a Justice of the Peace in and for Somerset County state of said, Richard Britten aged Sixty years who states that he has heretofore given his testimony in support of the claim of Peter Wantillburgh to a pension, that this deponent's father served in the revolu- tionary war, and that during his father's life time he has heard him say that Peter Wantillburgh or Tilly as he often called him was as much entitled to a pension as his Brother William who had received a pension. This deponent never knew of any family going by the name of Wantillburgh or Tilly but the family of Peter Wantillburgh and that he himself and his father more often called them Tilly than Wantillburgh. This depon- ent says that he has heard his father say that Peter Wantillburgh was a drummer at the time of the revo- lutionary war.
Richard Britten
Sworn and subscribed before me Pelez H. Barker Justice of the Peace. This ninth day of February one thousand eight hundred and and fifty two. Pelezy Barker Justice I certify that the above Richard Britten has a good character for truth and veracity. Pelezy H. Barker Justice

State of New Jersey } On that tenth day of County of Middlesex } February one thousand eight hundred and fifty two before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State of New Jersey aforesaid personally appeared Jasper Provost a resident of the City of New Brunswick County of Middlesex aforesaid who being by me duly sworn according to law upon his oath saith that he is in the eighty ninth year of his age that he remembers a man who was called Peter Tilby who resided at Kingston in the County of Somerset in the State of New Jersey that he was partially acquainted with him while they were both young men that deponent at the time living on George's road some five or six miles from Kingston aforesaid that he the said Peter Tilby so far as he knows always resided at Kingston aforesaid Sworn to and subscribed his before me the day and Jasper Provost year above mentioned mark
Peter P. R. Rynear Justice of the Peace I do hereby certify that Jasper Provost above named is a reputable person Peter P. R. Rynear Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey } On this tenth day of February County of Middlesex } one thousand eight hundred and fifty two before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid duly authorized by the laws of said State to administer oaths personally appeared Ann Anderson a resident of the City of New Brunswick in the County of Middlesex aforesaid who being by me sworn according to law upon her oath saith that she is in the eighty fifth year of her age that formerly she resided in the village of Kingston in the County of Somerset State of New Jersey she resided there from the time she was six years of age until she was about twenty eight years old That she was acquainted with Peter Van Silburg he being brought up from her childhood in the said Village of Kingston The said Peter Van Silburg as he is now called resides at this time in the same village That at the time they that is this deponent and the said Peter were children together he went by the name of Peter Silby and not by the name of Peter Van Silburg as he is now called That she never heard him called Peter Van Silburg until within about ten years past That she knows and is certain that the man who is now called and goes by the name of Peter Van Silburg now residing in the village of Kings- ton in the County of Somerset in the State of New Jersey is the identical man who was called and went by the name of Peter Silby and further this deponent saith not Ann Anderson Sworn to and subscribed before me The day and year above named and I do hereby certify that the above named affiant is a reputable person Peter P. Ruryon Justice of the Peace

Petr. Wandelaar

State of New Jersey
Somerset County ss On the seventh day of February A D 1832 personally before me Pely H Barker va Justice of the Peace for said County Peter Wandwater aged Sixty five who being duly sworn states that he knows Peter Wantilbury and believes that he was out in the revolutionary war. he deponent has heard his father say that Peter Wantilbury was a drummer in the revolutionary war. deponent's father was a soldier in the revolutionary war. deponent says that he has heard Daniel Britten Abram Skill- -man and. Iediah Huggins all men of the revolu- -tionary war say that Peter Wantilbury was a drum- -mer in the revolutionary army and that he went to Cranbury as a drummer. in Capt Long- street's Company. and deponent further says that he knows that the present Peter Wantilbury was called Peter Tilby by all the oldest inhabitants. further deponent says his father was named Henry Wandwater of the continental army.
Peter Wandwater
Sworn and subscribed before me Pely H Barker, Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above Peter Wand- -water has a good character for truth and veracity Pely H. Barker Justice

State of New Jersey Mercer County ss }
Before the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Elijah Blackwell who being duly sworn. Saith that I am acquainted with Peter Van Gilburgh who now resides at Kingston New Jersey I know that he formerly went by the name of Peter Gilberry and believe that he wrote his name in that way.
Sworn & subscribed
this Seventh day of February A.D. 1852, before me Augustus L. Martin Justice of the Peace
E Blackwell

State of New Jersey Somerset County S.S.
on the day of February A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me Peleg H. Barker a Justice of the peace of and for said county Mary Berriman in her Eighty ninth year who being duly sworn states that she knows of Peter Van Silbrough going to Brunswick as a prisoner in Captain Longstreet's company and at other places until the close of the revolutionary war, and that she never knew of any family going by the name of Silby or Van Silbrough but the present family of Van Silbrough, fifty years ago this deponent says the present Van Silbrough family went by the name of Silby
The above testimony was, Mary Berriman taken before me Peleg H. Barker Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above Mary Berriman has a good character for truth and veracity. Peleg H. Barker Justice

Peter Wentworth

State of New Jersey Somerset County ss
On this seventh day of February A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me Peleg H Barker a Justice of the Peace of and in said County Peter Wantilburg in his eighty eighth years, who being first duly sworn states that during the past year he made applica- tion for a pension to the General Government which was allowed, that he has been informed that through the representations of some evil and maliciously disposed persons to the Pension Office his pension has been stopped or suspended, that he hereby declares as heretofore that he entered the serv- ice of the United States at a very early age, being a stout and robust boy as a drummer and served until the termination of the revolutionary war, that in his youth he always went by the name of Peter Gilbry, and that he is often so called to this day, That with his declaration was exhibited record evidence of the service of Peter Gilbry which he has not the least doubt referred to himself as he never knew or heard of any other person of that na- me who served in the revolution war he herewith exhibits the testimony of persons who have known him and who have considered him as one of those who served in the revolution and who have known to be called by the name of Gilbry as well as that of Wantilburg,
Peter Wantilburg
Sworn and subscribed before me Peleg H Barker Just- ice of the Peace.
I certify that the above Peter Wantilburg has a good character for truth and veracity
Peleg H Barker Justice

State of New Jersey
I Thomas Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do here by Certify that Peleg H Barker Esq: before whom the affidavits of Richard Brittan, Joseph Brittan, Peter Vandewater, Mary Berrien and Peter Bartillbay were made & taken, was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Somerset. That Augustus L Martin Esq: before whom the affidavits of Susan Sunderland and Elijah Blackwell were made and taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer. and that Peter P. Rumyn Esq: before whom the affidavits of Jasper Provost and Ann Anderson were made and taken was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Middlesex; all duly elected Commissioned and sworn, that full faith and credit are to be given to their official attestations, and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said Peleg H Barker Augustus L Martin and Peter P. Rumyn Esquires
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this twentieth day of February Eighteen hundred and fifty two.
T Allison Secretary of State

Papers in the Case of Peter Van Tilburg
The Bible referred to - is in the Office and shows satisfactorily that the Van G. was born in '64 - which is in accordance with his age as stated in his original dec- laration.

Pension Office Nov. 13 th 1855-
Sir:
I have received, and examined the papers transmitted by you in the case of Peter Van Fلبng of New Jersey, act June 7. 1832 — Before finally determining whether it will be proper to restore the party to the Pension Rolls the Family Bible referred to in the letter of Mr Halsted must be transmitted to this Office — The statement of the Rev d David Comfort, put into the form of an affidavit, and the Official Character of the Justice of the Peace before whom the affidavit of Mary Berrion was verified must be only attested by the proper Seal —
Therein without the affidavit of Mrs Berrion for the purpose indicated.
I am Res d &c
James M c Lean, Esq Princeton N. J.
B. Hood Co. Commr

Butte Van Hillough Brown October 3 1964 in appears by Family Butte Twift

State of New Jersey
Somerset County ss: Mary Ben- nion now confined to her bed by bodily infirmity, being of the age of eighty nine years, ha- ving been duly sworn, doth depose and say, that she is the daughter of William Van- tilburgh late of Kingston in the State of New Jersey de- ceased - that she has a brother Peter Vantilburgh still living younger than herself - that she has been shown a Bible purporting to be printed at Edinburgh in the year 1746 that the said Bible con- tains an account of the deponents births and that of her brother Peter - that she has known the said Bible as the family Bible of her father William Vantilburgh for upwards of sixty years that the entry of her age and that of her brother Peter is in the hand writing of her father William and said entries have been in said Bible as long as she recollects the Bible
Sworn subscribed to Mary Bennion before me at Kings ton N.J. September
27. 1852
Relg H. Barker Justice of Peace