Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,357, Abraham Westbrook, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey.
Westbrook, Abraham
S6357
1832 11/2
CONTENTS
- carded.

Transfer Circular & letter to Hon. J. W. Keas. 14 April 1838.
Two cds of letter to D. Bullock 23 Dec 1838
cd to Pen Agt 13 th March 1839
To Pennsylvania from 4 March 1838. 28 March 1839. Notification sent to T. Magruder, Elvira N.Y.
Pennsylvania 30245
New Jersey
Abraham Westbrook
Resided in the State of New Jersey who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Hooker of the regt commanded by Col Seward in the New Jersey line for one years service
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 40 Dollars - - - - - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Oct 1835 and sent to Lewis Gaudet Morristown
Arrears to the 4th of March 1835 $160.00
Pemi-ant. allowance ending 1 Sep r 1835. 20.00
$181.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Paul Boyd Clerk, Book E Vol. 3 Page 136

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress - passed June 7: 1832. -
State of New Jersey } Sussex County ss. } - On this Twenty Eighth day of August A.D. 1832 - personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of Sussex  the of the County of Sussex - now sitting Abraham Westbrooks resident in Montague in the County of Sussex - aged 70 - years - who being first duly sworn according to Law upon his oath, doth depose and declare that he entered the service of the United States, under the following officers and served as herein stated - that in 1781 - he enlisted in the Company of Capt: Joseph Harker - the time was somewhat early in the Spring - that Nat: Solo- mons - was Lieutenant - he enlisted at Sandys town Sussex Co. N.J., that he was stationed in New-Castle - to guard the public Stores under the command of the Lieut: & Resign whose name was Wilhelmus Westbrooks the Brother of that Deponent - that he served as he believed for the full end of his term - but will not be positive - but it was ten months - when they were dismissed - that there were two  three persons in the same company who are now living - and who will testify of his service - that he is confident that it was in the year '81 - from the records of the death of three of the company who were killed by the Indians when this deponent was out on an excursion on the River - that the previous year - as that Deponent believes - he served for about one month under the command of Jacob Rosenkrantz - on the Delaware, and a short time after - but the same year, went on a scouting party - up the Lackawanna for a short time, and when there, that he he lived on the Delaware, on the Frontier and was frequently called out to scout, and as a guard for a short time - that the whole term of his service was at the least Fifteen Months that he was in service  service skirmish with the Indians, that the persons referred to as being in service with him are William Spedglen

Sarah Nathan Spencer - that there is no Glen- gymna - who can be procured to testify of his Charac- ter - But he is acquainted with Blanchina Westbrook - who was a young woman - at the time Deponent was in service and will testify of his service also - William Hedgley and Nathan Spencer were also in the same company and will testify of his service - at the time mentioned that he is of the age of 70 - years that the records his age is found in the Register of Baptisms of the Reformed Dutch Church of Minnisink - that he has lived in Sandyston - for part of the time since in Montague - for the last 40 years - that he has no documentary evidence - which he can produce - 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 & subscribed the 18: day of August 1832 in open court
Abraham Westbrook
Ben Halsey } Judges Jos Miller No Halsey
Blanchina Westbrook of the Township of Montague Sussex County - do certify that I am acquainted with Abraham Westbrook who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - and that during the year '81 the Company of Capt: Harker or part of it was at her father's house in Sandyston and that the said Abraham was one of the men who were there at her father's house being one of Harker's men - that she knew said Abraham well - who is a cousin of this Deponent - does not know the exact time of his service - but remembered he was there several months
Blanchina Westbrook
Sworn and subscribed the 28: August 1832 - in open court
Ben Halsey } Judges Jos Miller No Halsey
William Hedgley & Nathan Spencer do certify that we are well acquainted with the said Abraham Westbrook - and know that he was in the Company of Captain - Jos: Harker that said Westbrook came down the River - below Fort Freidenburg (where these deponents were stationed) - under the com- mand of the Lieutenant - the Capt: being at the Fort and the company being divided -
William Hedgley Nathan Spencer
Sworn and subscribed in open court the 28: August A.D. 1832 -
Ben Halsey } Judges Jos Miller No Halsey

11281
Abraham Westbrook N o
Return of —
Hacker
adm o
12 mo. pri.
40 $
Return to Lewis Condait Morris town, N. Jersey.
H. T. Frelinghuysen Senate U.S.
Whitfield L. Johnson
Senator Supreme Court

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
3. June — 1833
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 these 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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked 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, shewing the Service of Abraham Westbrook of Superior? New Jersey
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field 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.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1781 10 Private Capt Joseph Hacher - Lieut Nathan Solomon - Ensign William Westbrook & the Lieut Station at Albany - on the Dola River up the Lackawax Princeton New Jersey Aged 70 Traditionary & living witnesses   The Previous Year 1/2 14  
The Declarant alleges that lived on the frontier & was frequently called out as a scout & guard for short periods & that the whole term of his service was at least Fifteen months
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
x commanded by Jacob Rosenkrantz - but does not mention the rank - (most Lieutenant)

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 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 this 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 } ss. County of }
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 names 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 country 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 in the 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 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 (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 well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that 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 in that 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 interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. 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 signed 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 witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his 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 at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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 the 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 traditional 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 before 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:
"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 forth 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
State of New York
County of Chemung ss.
On this fourth day of February 1829, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Chemung personally appeared Abraham Westbrook who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Harker in the Regiment commanded by Colonel in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of New Jersey from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the state (district, or territory) of Pennsylvania where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future; and that his reasons for removing to the state of Pennsylvania, is that his son with whom he resides has removed to Pennsylvania
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid. } Abraham Westbrook
R. Maxwell P.
Chemung County
NOTES.—The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, setting forth that the person taking the testimony is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also have the authentication as above required.
State of New York Chemung County ss } Moses Crawford of Dingman, Pike County Pennsylvania being duly sworn say, that he is personally acquainted with Abraham Westbrook above named and will know him to be the same

person described in the above affidavit - sworn before me the 4 th . Feb. 1839. the said Moses Crawford being in my opinion a credible witness - Th Maxwell JP Chemung Co. NY
Moses Crawford
State of New York Chemung County Clks office } }
I Isaac Baldwin Clerk of the said County of Chemung do hereby certify that Thomas Maxwell whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits of Abraham Westbrook & Moses Crawford was when the same bear date a Justice of the peace of said County duly commissioned & sworn & that his several signatures above subscribed are genuine - Witness my hand & Seal of office the 4 th February 1839 -
Isaac Baldwin

New Jersey Sussex County ss:—
Personally came before
the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace of said county Lieut. Genl. Helen —of the County of Pike and State of Pennsylvania and being sworn upon his oath saith that he lived in the year 1781.—in Sussex County N.J. that he remembered the company of Captain Joseph Warner—that the Company was raised early in the spring of that year, that Abraham Westbrook was a private in said Company—during the spring summer autumn and part of the winter of that year—that the Company was stationed on the Delaware River on the N.J. side—and was divided in two parts one of which was stationed at Fort Westbrook in Sandyston—which the Lieutenant commanded—the other part was under the command of the Captain—at Fredericksburg.
—The name of the Lieutenant whom Deponent knew, was—Nathaniel Solomon—the Ensign Nicholas Westbrook.—the Militia of the neigh- -bourhood were commanded by Major Westbrook I was well acquainted with Abraham Westbrook and saw him frequently during the time mentioned— That in the capacity of a Ranger of Indian spy, at that time—was principally in Pennsylvania, but when I came over to N.J. I saw Abraham Westbrook— that the Company were discharged as Deponent understood early in the winter with the understan- -ding that if needed, they should return—that Abra- -ham Westbrook was dismissed with the others of the Com- -pany at Sandyston—that this Deponent knows the Indian by his referred to—from the circumstance that the Indians the same year (in April) passed over the River & killed three men & took of their Prisoners others—that Deponent was at the spot a short time after the same day—that Capt. Warner's Company was called the Rangers & was not attached to any larger Corps—that this Deponent recollects on one occasion that he went with a Company of Volunteers against the Indians under Major Westbrook Capt. Westbrook and Lieut. Smith—that Abraham Westbrook was

Mason of said Volunteers - That in that action the Captain & Lieutenant were killed & this Deponent was wounded through both thighs - That this was at Dr. Mowatt's house in 1780. - That he understood that Abraham Westbrook was frequently out on short expeditions against the Indians but he cannot say particularly to any but the one time above mentioned. That this Deponent is now a Pensioner under the act of 7: June 1832. -
Samuel Mowatt
Sworn & Subscribed before me the 3 day of January A.D. 1834.
James Stoll
State of New Jersey Sussex County ss. This is to certify that I am personally acquainted with Samuel Mowatt who signed the above affidavit that he resides in this neighbourhood & that his statement is entitled to credit.
James Stoll
John H. Northcote
State of New Jersey Sussex County ss.
I, Joseph O'Callaghan Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Sussex do hereby certify that Robert W. McCarter, Joseph V. Miller and James Stoll Esquires are Justices of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that their signatures subscribed to the above and foregoing instruments of writing are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and Seal of Office at Newton this 8th day of January A.D. 1834
J. O'Callaghan Clerk

Affidavit in the case of Abraham Westbrook of Sussex County Ct. P. -
New Jersey - ss. Personally appeared before me Sussex County ss. Robert H. M c Carten - a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - Abraham Westbrook who being duly sworn - deposes and saith that by reason of old age and loss of memory - he cannot now certainly - as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the Period below and in the grade of a private - the whole period - That he served in the company of Capt: Hacken in 1781 - for Three Months - That as he stated the company of Capt: Hacken was not according to his recollection, attached to any regiment but - when stationed at Westbrook Fort, was commanded by Major Sam l Westbrook - That he served one Month - under Lieutenant Jacob Brant - who was under Colonel Brown Brant - that he served on the scouting party up the La Savayen - under Capt: Westbrook (as Deponent believes) in Regiment of Col. Hacken Seward (or Seward) - the major was Sam l Westbrook - He served for one Week that in the years 1778 - 79 - 80. - Deponent was frequently called out as a scout for a week or less time - under several officers - under Col. Simmons for two years, and - afterwards under Col. Brown Brant - that the service was along the Delaware River sometimes in Forts and at others - not that when not on duty Deponent was attending to his ordinary pursuits - that he thinks the service was

considerably more - but cannot say with confidence that it was more than Four months including the expedition up the Laramie river: that the whole term of his service was over year and Three months - as a private and for such service I claim pension -
Sworn and Subscribed before me this thirty first day of July A.D. 1833.
Abraham Westbrook
Abel S. Carter Justice of the Peace
Rev. James Smith County of St. - Personally came before the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace of said County Nathan Dyer of full age who being first sworn according to Law upon his oath saith that he recollects having seen Abraham Westbrook in the service that he lived near Fort Frederick and was in Captain Harkness company with Despatch in 1780 - during the whole term of his service Three months this Lieutenant was Westbrook - the Major who commanded at Fort Frederick was also Westbrook - that Colonel Hombraunt of the militia commands at Despatch believed that they were discharged at or near Fort Frederick that term of his service was at Despatch believed Three months -
Taken & sworn before me this 23 rd day of August A.D. 1833.
Nathan Dyer
The name of Abraham Westbrook being first intoned -
Jos. McMillan

New Jersey, Sussex County ss:
Before the subscriber, a Justice of peace in said County, personally appear, Abraham Westbrook, of Montague, in said County, & having been duly sworn according to Law, saith as follows viz: - I am in the 74 th year of my age, since the 7 th March last, & am the same Abraham Westbrook, who on the 28 th of August, 1832, made a Declaration of my Military services, to obtain the benefit of the Law of June 7 th 1832, & a supplemental Declaration on the 31 st of July 1833, both of which have been returned for want of more detailed specification in my services in 1778, 79, & 80: & also for further proof, that Captain Harker commanded a company of State troops, raised under the act of 26 th Dec. 1780. - At this distant period of time, it is impossible for me to state with accuracy, the particular months in which my shorter terms of service were performed. The month of my service under Captain Rosenkrantz, along the Delaware river, was in the year immediately before my 10 months service under Captain Harker, which was, as I believe in 1781. - The particular month I cannot tell, but it was in the season of autumn, & I believe in the month of November, for I will recollect it was in the season of pulling turnips, & I think it was in the winter after Count Pulaski was quartered on the Delaware. My other short terms of duty, I am unable to particularize, & will not attempt it, lest I should mistake them, - altho' I know I was very often called out upon alarms in Militia duty against the Indians, sometimes for a week & often for 2 & 3 weeks, performing guard duty along the shores of the Delaware, principally on the Jersey side. - My enlistment in 1781 was in cold weather, the month not recollected. The time of our mustering, or collecting together for active duty, was, I believe, early in the spring. - I have an impression on my mind, that when this body of men was about to be raised in Sussex, Captain Edsell was expected to command this company, but for some reason to me unknown, he failed. At all events, Captain Harker was my Captain, & the other Officers, as I first named them. My 10 months service along the Delaware against the Indians was under Harker. Upon reflection, it seems to me, that the enlistment was for 12 months, altho' my actual service was for 10 months only. - In the dead of winter, the Indians were not commonly troublesome, & we were all dismissed, out of hand, early in winter, or late in the fall, liable to be called immediately, if an emergency required our services. I believe some regular troops came to our relief & that we were perhaps dismissed by our officers somewhat before the term expired, but of this, I am not certain. During the whole of this 10 months service, I was constantly engaged in active Militia duty, under arms, & was not engaged or employed in any civil pursuits, but was under the order of my commanding officers. I now remember, that Sergeant David Silsbury, or Silby, was our Sergeant in this service, in Captain Harker's company, & that he receives a pension for his service. I remember him well, & if possible, I will endeavour to obtain his testimony of our joint service. - Sam l . Helm of Pennsylvania & Nathan Spence, who are witnesses for me, I am told, are pensioned for their services under Capt. Harker, & perhaps their papers may show conclusively the fact, that Capt. Harker was duly commissioned. - I live at a great distance from Trenton, the residence of the Secretary of State, - & in my old age & poverty, it

will be difficult, if not impossible for me to visit his office, to learn whether or not, there can be found any record of his commission, as a Captain of a company of State troops. Should I be unable to go, or should that office contain no such record, I hope it may not prejudice my claim, for services which certainly were faithfully & honestly performed in my country's cause, & for which I pray to be rewarded, as as others have justly been. — I refer to the evidence of Blandine Westbrook, Nathan Spencer & Saml. Adair, heretofore forwarded, & to the testimony also of Sergeant Silsbury, if I shall be so fortunate as to find him yet living & retaining his mental faculties.
P.S. On enquiry I find I was mistaken in the name of Silsby, who I understood was living. — I am told that Sergeant David Silsby, my old acquaintance, is not living. The Silsby who is living, proves to be his brother, his first name is unknown to me. — I have found one Peter Drake, a pensioner, who recollects me, & whose testimony I hope to obtain, in relation to some part of my service.
Subscribed & sworn before me one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this 15. August. A.D. 1835.
Nathan Westbrook
Jos. Merrill

In the case of Abraham Westbrook as Applicant for Pension under the act of 7: June 1832.
Peter Drake of the Township of Frankford County of Sunnyside, being duly sworn upon his oath doth depose and say that he is of the age of seventy seven years that he is now a Pensioner under the Pension act of 1832. - That as the said Peter Drake is acquainted with Abraham Westbrook and has known him from a boy - I have a distinct recollection that he did duty in a company of the New Jersey Troops commanded by Capt. Joseph Clarke which this Deponent knew before the war. I was drafted in the year 1781 - in a company com- manded by Capt. Cornelius C. C. - and was stationed some time I think about one month on the Delaware river at a place about 1/4 of a mile from Fort Mifflin - where the company of Capt. Clarke was. I knew said Westbrook well, and during my stay there saw him very frequently - when a month had expired we were relieved by a Capt. Jacob Stoll. I left Westbrook then - when I returned home but cannot say how long he remained. I under- stood at the time - and believe, the company of Capt. Clarke was enlisted for one year - and I understood that Abraham Westbrook filed a notice that he was dischar- ged at the end of his term. - Though as I have said I do not know anything more from direct knowledge than I have stated - the time when I was seen for Westbrook was I think October. I do not recollect the names of the officers in his company except the Captain - and I believe that Westbrook the brother of said Abraham Westbrook who was the Captain of the company. He is now dead. I have known Abra- ham Westbrook from the time of his birth till the present, who has always been a

a fair and irreproachable character.
Subscribed & sworn before me this 15 th day of August 1835.
Jos. Y. Miller Justice of the Peace
Peter Drake Mark
I do hereby certify that Peter Drake who has made the foregoing affidavit before me is to me personally known and that he is a person of truth and veracity and that his declarations are entitled to credit. — Jos. Y. Miller Justice of the Peace
I also certify that Blandina Westbrook who has made an affidavit of the service of Abraham Westbrook, is to me personally known and that she is a person of truth and veracity and that her statements are entitled to credit. — Jos. Y. Miller Justice of the Peace August 15 th 1835.
State of New Jersey Sussex County ss
I Joseph E Edsall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Sussex do hereby certify that Joseph Y. Miller Esq. is a Judge & Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn and acting in said County. And that his signatures above written are genuine — In testimony whereof I have hereto affixed my Seal of Office and subscribed my name the 16 th day of September 1835.
J. E. Edsall Clerk

Sec. 1. — In the county of Sussex, one company consisting of sixty men, including three commissioned officers, three sergeants, three corporals, three horsemen and one drummer, to be raised as herein after directed, and commanded by Captain Richard Edsall, Lieutenant William Catannuch, and Ensign Wilhelms Westbrock. —
And in case any or either of the officers herein before named should neglect or refuse to accept the said appointment it shall and may be lawful for the majority of the representatives of the county to which such officer belongs, to appoint another in his room and stead: and any vacancy happening by death or other disability shall be supplied in like manner.
State of New Jersey ss:
I James D. Westcott Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from one of the public Statutes of said State passed December the twenty sixth Seventeen Hundred and Eighty, entitled "An act to raise a voluntary enlistment eight hundred and twenty men for the defence of the frontiers of the State," as taken from and compared with the original now remaining on file in my office. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at the City of Trenton this twenty ninth day of September A.D. One thousand Eight Hundred and thirty five — (1835.)
James D. Westcott

Elias Woodruff, C.M.B. account of Deliveries.-
   Date To Whose Orders Shoes Carriage Boots Blankets Coats Shirts Blankets Blankets     1781 Apr 25 Capt Markes & Reg 69 " 255 56 69 " 300  
State of New Jersey ss:
I James D. Westcott Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from an account headed "Elias Woodruff, C.M.B. account of Deliveries" as recorded in Book A. of Auditor's accounts folio 224, now remaining in my office. - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at the City of Trenton this twenty ninth day of September A.D. One thousand Eight hundred and thirty five - (1835.)
James D. Westcott

Minton Bank Pimoor Office March 15 1839
Sir
Abraham Westbrook was paid at this office up to the 4 th March 1838 under the Act of June 7. 1832
I am very respectfully Your Obedient Servt M c Dickinson Pres
J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir. Abraham Wetbrook who is on the pension roll of New Jersey as a revolutionary pensioner has removed to the state state of Pennsylvania & desires to be transferred to the pension roll of that state - If convenient please forward me a blank form for his use & oblige him & yours respectfully.
Darius Bullock
Northumberland Bradford Co Pa
Dec 13/38

free
Mr Evans
Hon J. L. Edmonds Esq Court of Passions city of Washington

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department.

Dear Sir,
Morris town N. J. Oct. 15 th '35.
The applicant speaks of Capt. Edgell as the first Capt. - He's doubtless, & before the records at Trenton had been exam d . in his explanatory deposition before Col. J. G. Miller, 15 th Aug t .
I return herewith, the papers in the case of Abraham Westbrook, of Super Co. in this State, returned here for further testimony. - Your letter which I return also, shows the points upon which some doubts rested, when the papers were exam d . by Mr. Gla. - I was in Trenton lately, & took your letter to the Office of our Secy. of State, who after considerable search, found the original rolls, or acts of the N. J. Legislature referred to in the letter. Extracts are given by the Secy. from the law, by which it appears, that the Ensign named by Abn. Westbrook, under whom he served, is also named as Ensign in the law, viz: Wilhelmus or Wilhelmus Westbrook. It also appears, not from that law, but from other official records, that Capt. Harker actually was in service at that time, April, 84 in that particular service, viz: guarding the Country along the Delaware river. - The Capt. named in the law Edgell might not have accepted his commission, or might have resigned before the Co. was mustered for duty. - I observe that Mr. Gla's Clerk, in copying the letter, writes the name of the Captain, "Harker". - The true name, as it is pronounced by Westbrook, & as it is universally known in Super, is, Harker, & so the name stands on the books in the Secy's office. - The Captain's son, Lieut. Harker, served in the N. J. Legislature with me one or two years, about 1806-7, or 8, & was a most respectable man. - There is no record in the Secy's office, of Military commissions, except a few loose memoranda, until after the war. - The then Legislature, were a sort of flying camp - often pursued warmly by the enemy, from Trenton to Amboy - from Princeton to Burlington &c. &c. - and often in their flight, records & papers were lost & never found. -
I think there is not a doubt, from the proof furnished, that Westbrook actually performed his 10 months by enlistment service, & other service in Militia equivalent to 2 more months, making together, one year; & I sincerely hope, as well on acct. of his good character, as of his poverty, that you will allow his honest claim.
With sincere esteem & respect
Your friend &c.
Lewis Condict.
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions.

application for Transfer
Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards Court of Pensions Washington

Elmira Feb. 4. 1839
Hon J. L. Edwards.
Sir:
I enclose the application of Abraham Westbrook for a transfer. He is now on the New Jersey roll & wishes to be transferred to Penn a .
Yours &c
J. H. Maxwell

Senate chamber April 11-38
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
Permit me to call your attention to the contents of Genl Buller's letter herewith enclosed very respectfully Yours etc etc Sam M. Keane

Rebwas
635 u INVALID.
File No. 6357
Abraham Westbrook Dis Rev War
Act: June 1 st 82
Index:—Vol. M , Page 398
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

11.281 Abram Westbrook Application under act of June 7, 1832 - for Pension -

We Jacob Hornbeck of Sandyston & James Stoll of Montague do certify that we are well acquainted with Abra Westbrook - and that we believe him to be of the age of 70 years - and that he is reputed and believed by his neighbors to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and that we concur in that belief - Given and subscribed in open court 28: August 1832 - - - - - Jacob Hornbeck James Stoll Saml Raper
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter - and after putting the questions presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states - And that Court certifies that it appears to them that Doctor Jacob Hornbeck of Sandyston and James Stoll Esquire of Montague who signed the above certificate - are residents of their places - respectively - and that the said James Stoll is Judge of this Court and that they are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
By Wm Walsby } Judge Acting Atty Clerk
Superior Court ss.
I Joseph E Edsall Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Abraham Westbrook for a Pension - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of said Court this tenth day of September A.D. 1832 - J E Edsall Clerk

War. Depart. Pension
January 25. 1811
Sir
The services stated by Abraham Westbrook in general terms in his supplementary declaration to have been performed in 1778-79-80 cannot be allowed in the computation of his pension unless specifically detailed as has been heretofore required. The ten months constant service in the company of Captain Joseph Hecker will be allowed upon the evidence furnished if it shall appear on recourse to the archives of the State in the Secretary's office. that Captain Hecker commanded a company of the State Troops raised under the Act of 26 th December 1780. but not otherwise. Upon the facts set forth. it is not altogether clear that this corps was raised for permanent service. The papers are herewith returned.
I am very Respectfully Your. Obed. Servant J L Edwards
Abraham L. Condict Morristown N. J.