Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25858, John Ward, New York

SERVICE
New York
Ward, John Rebecca
NUMBER
N. 25858.
CONTENTS

24.226
24.226
24.226
New York
John Ward
Butcherdale in the State of New York who was a Sergeant in the Comp. command by Captain Wright of the Regt. command by Col. Hearn in the New York line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of Nov. 1833 and South P. Hoffman Pleasant Valley
Arrears to the 14th of Sep 33 $ 75 Semi-ant. allowance ending Apr 34 15 $90
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. } Go. Cottrell
Recorded by Go. Cottrell Clerk Book E. Vol. 4. Page 128

See letter D. A. Nichols
Aug 12, 1836
F. G. Hoffmar Mar 30, 1837

4919 New York City Rebecca Ward widow of John Ward NY who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
And ending 14 March 1849 Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of June 1849 and sent to
Eliza J. Hart New York —
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 242 Vol. 4

9846
Rebecca Ward
NY.
at 7. July 38
m 80
adm
emo Lugh
30 H
Hon R. D. Davis H.R.

State of New York
Dutchess County ss Be it known that before me a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ward and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of John Ward the identical person who was a pensioner and is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 9 th June 1832 John Ward of the State of New York who was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary army is entitled to receive thirty dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4 th of March 1831: and payable Semi-annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year
Given at the War Office of the United States this 9 th day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Sec. Cags Secretary of War
Examined & countersigned J L Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
That the deceased pensioner resided in the Town of Pleasant Valley in said County of Dutchess and State of New York for the space of twenty years before his death and that previous thereto he resided in Clinton in said County. And this deponent further says that she and the said John Ward were married together on the fourteenth day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty two - That the said John Ward left the service of the United States in the Revolutionary army as this deponent believes in seventeen hundred and seventy seven. and as she knows before the year seventeen hundred and eighty That after such marriage said John Ward never again joined the army of the United States or served in any military capacity whatever in such service That the said John Ward died on the thirteenth day of January 1835 and that this deponent has since that time continued and remained the widow of said John Ward
Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of December 1843 before me
Rebecca X Ward Mark
John W Collins Justice of the Peace of said County
Witness Present George Van De Water

State of New York
Dutchess County ss Be it known that before me John W Collins a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Benjamin F. Wilde to me personally known to be the individual described in and who made the following affidavit and made oath in due form of law that he is the preceding clergyman over the Presbyterian Church in Pleasant Valley in said County. That his predecessor as clergyman in said Church was Wheeler Case and that the following is a true extract from the records of the official acts of said Case and preserved in the records of said Church to wit "Feb 14 th 1792 married John Ward and Rebecca Wilde". And this deponent further says that the figures fourteen and one thousand seven hundred and eighty two are written on said Record in fair and legible figures. - And this deponent further says that he is acquainted with Rebecca Ward the widow of John Ward now deceased. That she resides in said Town of Pleasant Valley and has so resided for many years previous hereto. That he knew John Ward in his life time. That the said John Ward lived in said Town of Pleasant Valley and as was generally reputed and as this deponent believes was a Revolutionary pensioner until the time of his death. And that said Rebecca Ward is the widow of said Revolutionary pensioner. That said John Ward departed this life on or about the thirtieth day of January 1839 leaving the said Rebecca his widow then surviving and who has remained unmarried the widow of said John Ward since his death.
Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of December 1843 before me
Benj. F. Wilde
John W Collins Justice of the Peace of said County
State of New York
Dutchess County ss Be it known that before me John W Collins a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Abraham Divine of the Town of Pleasant Valley in said County to me personally known to be the individual described in and who made the following affidavit and made oath in due form of law that he was acquainted with John Ward of said Town a revolutionary pensioner in his life time now deceased. That as this deponent believes said John Ward left the service of the United States sometime in the year 1777 and as this deponent knows of his own knowledge said John Ward left said service before the year 1780.
Abraham Divine
Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of December 1843 before me
John W Collins
Justice of the Peace of said County

State of New York
County of Dutchess ss
I Robert Mitchell clerk of the county of Dutchess Do hereby certify that John W Collins Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits have been sworn and whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits was at the time of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in the said County And Further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said John W Collins and verily believe that the signatures to the said affidavits are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County the ninth day of December A D 1943
Robt. Mitchell, clerk.

In the matter of the application of John Ward for a Pardon
Amended Declaration
Please attach original to the application

State of New York.
Justice of Peace
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the said County of Dutchess Co. John Ward of the town of Poughkeepsie in said County the declarant in the annexed declaration named. who being duly sworn according to law, doth depon and say, that for six months and upwards he served in the Revolutionary War as sergeant in the regi- ment of New York State Troops under Captain Schuyler and the other officers particularly mentioned in his his declaration for a pension herunto annexed. That if the department ever had a Warrant as such ser- geant it is now lost or mislaid. That so far as his recollection now serves him he thinks that in those days it was not the practice to issue Warrants or commission papers to under officers of the grade of ser- geants & he did not recollect that they were appointed verbally. That he does not recollect that any one in his com- -pany who did duty as a sergeant ever had a written Warrant under which he acted or did said duty. and further saith not
Sworn & subscribed
John Ward
This 16 th day of Sept 1833.
before me
Gerrit Adrians Justice of the Peace.

State of New York } Dutchess County ss: }
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Dutchess. Robert Neder a resident of the said County, who being duly sworn, saith depon and say that he is of the age of seventy nine years. That he is heretofore well acquainted with John Ward the Petitioner in the annexed petition named. That he well recollects & knows the facts that said Ward was a sergeant & did do duty as such in the war of the revolution in the Company of Malitia under the command of Capt Humphrey, & Lieuten and Francis Atsaw. That said Company underwent at Albany and march from thence to the North and were stationed at various places not now particularly recollects, That he always understood & believed said Ward to be a volunteer in the Malitia & from the length of time & loss of memory he does not now recollect with sufficient clearness to state how long said Ward served as sergeant afore - said -
Robert Neder
Sworn & subscribed
this 11 th day Sept 1833
before me
Richard B. Jackson Justice of the Peace.
State of New York } Dutchess County ss: }
I, Richard B. Jackson the above - named Justice do hereby certify that I am heretofore acquainted with Robert Neder, who has taken and subscribed before me the above affidavit. That he is a man of credit and respectability in his neighborhood & that his statements are entitled to credit & belief.
Richard B. Jackson - Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF NEW-YORK, County of Dutchess,
ss. I, HENRY I. TRAVER , Clerk of
the County of Dutchess, DO HEREBY CERTIFY , That Garrel Adame Ebenezer whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavit of John Ward and Richard B. Jackson Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit of Robert Pider, were at the time justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and qualified.
And Further, That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justices and verily believe that the signature to the said Affidavits are genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, the 20 th day of September A. D. 1833
Henry I. Traver Clerk

State of New York Dutchess County ss. } John Gage of the said county being duly sworn doth affirm & say that he is the for a number of years has been personally acquaint- -ed with John Ward, who has sworn to & subscri- bed the annexed declaration that his character for truth and veracity is good. That he is acquainted in the neighborhood in which he resides. To have been in the state service of the Militia of the State of New York & served in the revolutionary war as he states in said declaration that he had a con- versation with the clergyman of his neighborhood yesterday who stated to this deponent that he could not attend the court of common pleas this day in behalf of said John Ward being necessarily distant in professional business. That he was in attendance at court yesterday for that he has been an account of the loss of business before the court said Ward could not obtain a hearing of his case. That said clergyman fully concurred in opinion with this deponent as to the character of said Ward & believes him entitled to credit -
John Gage
Sworn & subscribed in open Court this 25 th Sep r : 1832
R.W.S. Livingston

State of New York Dutchess County ss }
On this twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dutchess now sitting John Ward a resident of the Town of Pleasant Valley in the said County of Dutchess and State of New York aforesaid aged seventy one years the second day of January last who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed the seventh day of June in the year one Thousand eight hundred and thirty two
That he entered the service of the United States some time about the month of October in the year one thou- sand seven hundred and seventy seven at Pleasant Valley in the County of Dutchess and State of New York aforesaid as serjeant in the company of Cap- tain Frederick Flieght, and as a volunteer. That they encamped at the Town of Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess and State aforesaid and were marched immediately to the Town of Fish- Kill in said County, soon after which they were ordered and returned back to Poughkeepsie where they remained until they were discharged having been on service one month. While they thus lay at Poughkeepsie, the whole force there was under the command of General Putnam
That he was again called into service at the time of the great alarm which he believes was in the year one Thousand seven hundred and seventy eight, that he again entered the Com- pany under the command of Captain David Catter as a volunteer and served in the capacity of serjeant in said company which was a part of the Regiment of Colonel Frea. They remained most at the Town of Fishkill aforesaid

and from Thence were marched into the Highlands where the whole body under the command of Colonel Grayer were encamped, where they remained about three weeks when the whole force was discharged.
about 3 weeks
That he again entered the service as a volunteer soldier in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, in the company under the command of Captain David Boston for the term of three months, and was put under the command of Captain Hugh Montgomery and was from the place of rendezvous marched to the Town of Fishkill, where the Regiment under the command of Colonel Frear were all encamped in company with several other Regiments, where they remained until discharged, the term of three months for which he entered having expired.
3 mo
That he again entered the service as a volunteer in the fall of one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine or winter of seventeen hundred and eighty, in the capacity of sergeant in the company under the command of Captain Humphrey. Commanded most of the time by Ensign Nelson, rendered service at Rhinebeck in the said County of Dutchess and from thence were marched by land to Albany, and from thence to Schenectady, and from thence to Saratoga and from thence the company commanded by Ensign Nelson, and as he believes a Lieutenant whose name he does not now recollect, were sent as an escort to twenty wagons for the purpose of transporting women and children from thence to P'keepsieborough, from thence they were sent by water to their husbands and fathers within the British dominions. From P'keepsieborough aforesaid the escort returned with the teams that conveyed the women and

14050.
John Ward
application for Pension

Chitten up back to Saratoga aforesaid, when the company under the command aforesaid were billeted out among the inhabitants of the place for seven days during which time they drew but two days provisions from this place they were marched back to Albany, when the company were discharged and returned from this Campaign, having been on service about one month and an half.
above 14/1/1832 Mrs.
That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person who can testify as to his services.
That he was born the second day of January one thousand seven hundred and sixty one, has a record of his age as taken from his father family Bible. That he has no written discharge, but thinks he was verbally discharged by the commanding officer at the expiration of each term of service. That he has since the Revolutionary war, and now does live in the said County of Dutchess. That he is known in the neighborhood where he now lives by Daniel S. Dean John Gage & John W. Carpenter
who can generally testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that he is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed before me John Ward 1832 Notary Public
We John Gage of the town of Pleasant Valley in the said County of Dutchess & State of New York aforesaid & John W. Carpenter of Poughkeepsie in the County & State aforesaid do - - - - -

hereby certify that we are were acquainted with John Ward who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy one 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 con- cur in that opinion - Sworn and subscribed the day + year aforesaid John Gager
Sworn in Open Court Henry Frazer Clerk T. S. D. WING
John W Carpenter
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 John Gager & John W Carpenter
who have the  above certificate signed the same  affidavit  are  residents in the same place  county of Dutchess  and are  and are  the  same  persons  persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Henry Frazer Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dutchess do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Ward for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty fifth day of September one Thousand eight hundred and thirty two Henry Frazer Clerk

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
County of Dutchess,
ss.
I, HENRY I. TRAPER , Clerk of
the County of Dutchess, DO HEREBY CERTIFY , That
Garret Adrians Doy
whose name is subscribed to the annexed Affidavit or declaration was made and sworn to was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and sworn
And Further , That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof , I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county,
the thirteenth day of May — A. D. 183 3
Henry I. Traper Clerk

State of New York Dutchess County ss:
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county of Dutchess. John Ward of the Town of Pleasant Valley in said County, who being duly sworn doth depose and say, 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 period mentioned below & in the following grades:
For six months and seven days I served as a volunteer in the militia in the capacity or grade of sergeant, and for such service I claim a Pension
and this deponent further says in answer to the tenth query contained in the brief objections to his claim for a pension, & in order to amend his declaration heretofore made in relation thereto, that the reason why he did not know the affidavit of the clergyman residing in his neighborhood at the time he made said declaration was, that he could not know the personal attendance of said clergyman at that time at the court of Common Pleas then sitting he being on the day that this department did obtain a hearing of his case before the court necessarily detained on his professional business, being in attendance at a religious meeting previously appointed by him in his congregation,
John Ward
Sworn & subscribed This eleventh day of May 1833. before me.
Garret Adrians Justice of the Peace

Reported
7979.
New York
Rebecca Ward widow of John Ward who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 13th Jan'y 1838 of Dutchess in the State of N' York who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Sleight of the Reg't commanded by Col. H. H. H. in the N. York line for 16 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of Dec. 1843 and sent to Honble R. D. Davis Hef' of R
Total amount, $131.-
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Geo Sump Wm, Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 189.

5763.
rep 28 Mar. 1844
New York City
Rebecca Ward widow of John Ward who was a Sergeant in the N. York Line 6 months.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Mar. 1844 and sent to
Hon R.D. Davis Ho. of Rep.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 258.

Ref WIDOW, &c.
File No. 25858
Rebecca Ward wid. of John Ward Sergt. Pa. Res.
Act. Feb. 2 nd 1848.
Index:—Vol. W , Page 313
[Arrangement of 1870.]

In The Matter of John Ward for additional Pensions
Dr. affd. of Suzanne L. Ward

State of New York Dutchess County ss.
At a court  session court of oyer & terminer held in and for the county and state aforesaid on the twenty third day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
Present the Honorable Charles H. Huggins. General Judge
Joseph S. Jackson
Robert S. Livingston
Stephen Thorne, Esquire
Judges.
Dutchess County ss. On this twenty third day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared in open court John Ward of the Town of Pleasant Valley in said county, aged seventy six years on the second day of January last past, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to his declaration heretofore made for an increase of his pension heretofore granted, That in addition to the services performed by this deponent as a soldier in the War of the Revolution and as set forth in his aforesaid former declaration this deponent now says that at a great variety of times between the years 1776 and 80. this deponent was engaged in the service of the army of the revolution (and when he was not on duty in any regular company of militia men) as a wagoner in transporting soldiers & goods from different places in the county of Dutchess to other places such as Fishkill, Dover Poughkeepsie and other places in the said county. That he rendered the said services with his own wagon & horses, and would very often be absent from home for some two or three days at a time, That this deponent was so engaged for the space of at least six months during the period aforesaid. That during the said period this deponent recollects of having been repeatedly called by Col. Hays & his agents to go out with his wagon and horses and procure and bring in hay & provender for the army, That this deponent at the time of making his former declaration did not understand that he would be entitled to a pension for such services as he would

have particularly stated there at that time - That he never had the recollection of having often been ordered out by the commanding officer at the time to go as a guard on various occasions in cases of hanging trees and spurs - at Poughkeepsie, That he was also often ordered out to pursue and detect Tories and spies and robbers - and that during the period of arrest they detained was engaged in said last mentioned service for the further space of six months - and from then on the rest I swear to and subscribed
John Ward
this 24 th day of October 1877
in open court.
Harry D. Fowler Clerk
We John H. Newcomb and Samuel H. Adee residing in the town of Pheasant Valley in the county of Dutchess hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Ward who has here subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be of the age of seventy six years. That he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
John H. Newcomb
Sworn & subscribed
this day and year above written in open court.
Samuel H. Adee
Harry D. Fowler Clerk

State of New York Dutchess County ss
Susannah Ward of the Town of Pleasant Valley in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath say that she is, and for many years last past has been, personally acquainted with John Ward the person named and described in the annexed declaration. That she knew him during the Revolutionary War, and at that time she lived a near neighbour to him. That she distinctly recollects, that he was a soldier in the revolution, and when he was not out on regular duty in the army, he was often engaged during the war, with his horses & Wagon in carting goods and provisions for the use of the soldiers and in conveying soldiers to and from different stations in the said County. That she has known him often since from him for several days in succession on said services, and that she has no doubt that the whole length of time that he the said John was so engaged during said War was at least twelve months & further saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed this day of October 1837 before me and I hereby certify that the deponent is a person entitled to credit, and that she is unable from debility and old age to appear personally in open court
That Susannah Ward Mark
Martin W. Collins Justice of the Peace

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, 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 John H. Bream and Samuel H. Rader, who have signed the foregoing certificate are both residents of the said Town of Pleasant Valley in Dutchess County of Pennsylvania and are creditable persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. and that
I, Henry J. Traver clerk of the said Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John H. Bream for an additional pension, and I do further certify that Martha W. Collins is a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Dutchess and that his signature above written is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty fourth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven.
Henry J. Traver Clerk

14.3 12 50
John Ward ✓
Sergeant 6 Months Capt Sleight Col. Freem. N York
d c
F. S. Hoffman Pleasant Valley N. York

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 inquiry 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 fix 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[t] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Sir,
In the early part of March last the attorney of Rebecca Hunt a pensioner under act of June 1844 applied for the pension alleged to be due here. I stated to him that it was necessary to make application for continuance of pension under Act 2 d February 1848. She subsequently died eight days after the enclosed voucher was executed as per certificate of the Clerk of the Court of Dutchess Co. herewith enclosed. I have been very much importuned to obtain the pension due, and send the accompanying papers for your consideration and direction.
Yours Respectfully,
J. Hark
James H. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
New York 14 June 1847

House of Rep
13 Dec 1843
To the Com te of Pensions
I enclose the papers - for the pension of Mrs Ward - the widow of John Ward. See late a pensioner - which I will examine - and if correct - the same directions sent me what she is to do - How to get it - or if they be not sufficient - then what further is required for her to obtain it.
Richard D Davis

State of New York Dutchess County, ss: I, Joseph T. Adriance, Clerk of the Supreme Court of said state of New York holden at Poughkeepsie in said county in and for said state, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Rebecca Ward was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of thirty dollars per annum; was a resident of the County of Dutchess in the State of New York and died in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, State of New York on the Fourteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine and that she left six children whose names are John Ward, Sally widow of Oliver Collins deceased, Nancy widow of Stephen Augustine deceased, Susan widow of Abraham Allen deceased, Laura widow of William Vandewater deceased and Eliza wife of Orry Northrop all of the said County of Dutchess.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess this Thirteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
Joseph T. Adriance (Clerk)

United States of America
State of New York, Dutchess County, ss: Be it known that before me,
Stearns A. McClosky a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ward and made oath in due form of law that she is the identical person who drew a pension under the act of the 3 rd of March 1843, on account of the revolutionary service of her husband, the late John Ward of Pleasant Valley Dutchess County, aforesaid deceased, at the rate of thirty dollars per annum during his natural life: - that she now makes this affidavit for the purpose of drawing a pension under the act of congress passed on the 17 th of June 1844 entitled "An act to continue the pensions of certain widows; - that she has not intermarried but continues to be a widow; - that she now resides in Pleasant Valley in the county of Dutchess and state of New York, and has resided there for the space of fifty five years past; and that previous thereto she resided in the town of Clinton in the aforesaid county of Dutchess.
Sworn to and subscribed this 6 th day of March 1849. In presence of Rebecca her Ward
Before me Stearns A. McClosky Justice of the Peace Henry Van De Water
I certify that the above named affiant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as stated by her in the foregoing affidavit.
Stearns A. McClosky for lack of time
Know all men by these presents, that I Rebecca Ward of the town of Pleasant Valley in the county of Dutchess and state of New York a revolutionary pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint John P. H. Holloman of the town of Poughkeepsie in the county of Dutchess and state of New York my true and lawful Attorney for me, in my name, to receive from the agent of the United States for paying pensions in the city of New York my pension from the fourth day of March one thou

Said eight hundred and forty eight, to the fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine -
Witness my hand and seal this sixth fourth day of March 1849. Rebecca her Ward, mark
Sealed & delivered in presence of } Samuel A. McCosha Henry Van De Water
State of New York
Dutchess County, ss: Be it known that on the fifth day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty nine before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Rebecca Ward above named, and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to her act and deed. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned
Samuel A. McCosha Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Dutchess County, ss: Be it known, that on the _____ day of _____ one thousand eight hundred and forty nine before me a justice of the peace in and for said county duly authorized by the laws of said state to administer oaths, personally appeared _____ the attorney named in the foregoing power of attorney, and made oath that he has no interest whatever in the money he is authorized to receive by virtue of the foregoing power of attorney, either by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the same has been so disposed of to any person whatever,
Subscribed and sworn the day and year last above mentioned Before me - }

5609 Rebecca Ward
N.Y.
3 March 43
30¢
from R.D. Davis of N York Slave of Rep
Hon. R. D. Davis H.R.

State of New York } Dutchess County-ss } Be it known that before me Samuel D. McKee, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Rebecca Ward claiming the benefits of an act of Congress approved the third day of March 1843 entitled "an act granting a pension to cer- tain Revolutionary Soldiers" personally known to me the individual described in & who made this affidavit and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of John Ward the identical person who was a pensioner & is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued of which the following is a true copy-
Revolutionary Claim-
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 John Ward of the State of New York, who was a Sergeant in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive thirty dollars per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 8th day of November one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three
Examined & Countersigned } L. L. Edwards } Commissioner of Pensions.
Levi Cass Secretary at War
And this deponent further says that she is the identical person to whom a certificate of pension under and in pur- suance of an act of Congress approved on the 7th day of July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows" was issued, of which the following is a true copy.
War Department, Widows Pension
I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838 Rebecca

Ward widow of John Ward who was a Sergeant in the Revolution and died on the 13th day of January 1838 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of thirty dollars and cents per annum Com-mencing on the 4th of March 1836 and terminating on the 4th of March 1841 unless the pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Given at the War Office of the United States This 21 st day of December one thousand Eight hundred and forty three,
J. M. Porter Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Endorsed.
payment to be made at New York City by John A. Stephens Esq agent for paying pensioners in the agency of New York payable on application recorded in the pension Office in Book D. Vol 1 page
187, by
Tho Lumpkin Clerk.
And this deponent further says that she now resides in the town of Pleasant Valley in the County of Dutchess & State of New York and has resided there for the space of twenty five years. That previous thereto she resided in Clinton in said County - That she has remained & now is the widow of the said John Ward never having married any other person
Subscribed and Sworn to } this sixteenth day of March } 1844, before me,
Rebecca her X Ward mark,
The word "resides" interlined between the words "now" & "in" before affidavit was sworn to on the twentieth line.
Samuel A. McCloud Justice of the Peace. Witness President.
George Van De Water

State of New York.
County of Dutchess Co. I Robert Mitchell Clerk of the County of
Dutchess Do Hereby Certify, That Samuel A McCord Before whom the foregoing affidavit has been sworn was at the time of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in the Town of Pleasant Valley in the said County, And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Samuel A McCord and verily believe that the Signature to the said affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County of Dutchess the Seventeenth day of March 1844,
Robt. Mitchell, Clerk.