Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,411, Asahel Williams, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Williams, Asahel.
S: 6,411
carded
CONTENTS

Let to Pension agent Apr. 20. 1836.
New York 14.321
Isabel Williams of Allegany in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Clark of the 1st Conn. commanded by Subrena in the 1st Conn. A time for 10 months & 10 days
Reduced from $50.
Inscribed on the Roll for New York at the rate of 67 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of April 1836 and sent Henry Sill Burlington N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $335.90 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sept 4th 33.89 $371.79
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M. Adams Clerk, Book C2 Vol. 4 Page 81

18060
Asael Williams
admitted
24 mo. Private
Admitted - Nov 20 th 10 days
Issued a new Certificate for 20 mo & 10 days service Nov. 11. 1835 - $88.88
  66.67  |||    111  |||    67.78  333  
Henry Lill Burlington Osceola Co NY

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined 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 Isaac Williams  Osage New York
   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.     Vol ap d 1775 3 7 10 priv Caps Cols Rotbury Lebanon Crank   Ent d 1775 1 6 " do Clark Putnam do Connecticut   do 1775 1 2 " do do Dygee do do   Vol ap d 1776 1 " " do Dyer Dygee Long Island Powells hook Long Island Declaration   do 1776 " 1 " do " " Hunton "   do 1777 " 1 " Corpl Vaughan Gen Spencer Punton   Vol ap d 1778 " 1 " priv Col Chapman   do Sept 1779 " 1 " priv Williams Gilbert   18 age 78 years   7 10  
20. 14 1. 8. 4
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Evidence of service required

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

Asahel Williams
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 2, p. 52
Yours sincerely John Stuart Mill
Jan 27 - 52

State of New-York. OTSEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SAMUEL NORTH, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that
} R. B. Dinsmore Esquire, was, on the 15 th
day of Decr 1857 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Otsego, duly authorized to act as such, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal of the said County, at Cooperstown, this 19 th day of Decr 1857
Samuel North CLERK.

Whereas I Sherman Williams am a Son of Asahel Williams of the town Exeter Otsego County New York , deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $80. per annum allowed him for his services in the war of the Revolution, and said pension was suspended and reduced to something near the amount of $67. per annum and was suspended a period long enough to make the difference between the $67. and the $80. but do not recollect the year the said pension was suspended and reduced - And whereas I am advised that the said pension ought not to have been so suspended + reduced, and should in justice be restored - Now therefore I do constitute and appoint Henry H Sylvester of the City of Washington my true and lawful agents for me and in my name to present and prosecute my claim to a restoration of said pension to the original sum of $80. per annum or any larger amount, up to the day of my Father's death, which was on the 4 th day of February 1843- And I hereby make this power of Attorney irrevocable during one year from this date -
witness my hand and Seal at Exeter this 15 th day of December 1857
Executed in presence of } Richard D. Dinnick Solomon Bickford State of New York
Sherman Williams
County of Otsego } ss - On this 15 th day of December A.D. 1857 before me the Subscribed a justice of the peace in and for said County personally Sherman Williams, above named, and to me known and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed -
Richard D. Dinnick
Justice
State of New York } Otsego County } ss Sherman Williams of the town of Exeter in said County being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, that he is Son of Asahel Williams named in the foregoing power of Attorney, and that he is directly interested in the claim and application about to be made for a restoration of the pension of his Father, the said Asahel Williams deceased -
Sworn and subscribed before } me this day and year above written
Sherman Williams
R. D. Dinnick Justice

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
State of New York ) County of Otsego ) On this fifteenth day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Otsego in the State of New York now sitting
Asahel Williams a resident of the town of Exeter in the County of Otsego and State of New York aged Seventy eight 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 law of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That he lived in Lebanon Crank in the State of Connecticut in the year 1775 That on the alarm of Lexington Battle he volunteered and went to Lebanon and drew ammunition about the 20 th April 1775 and marched to Roxbury near Boston he served there without being regularly mustered till about the last of April when he enlisted into Capt. Clark's company in Colonel Patnam's afterwards Colonel Dwyer's Regiment for the term of six months in the Connecticut State troops and he served out this term and after his term of service was expired he entered again because his officers did not like to discharge him till the militia came in to fill up the Army and he continued there served at Roxbury till about the 20 th December 1775 when he was discharged in Cambridge. He was on guard in Cambridge during the Battle of Bunkerhill - and suffered worked on the intrenchments on Prospect Hill the night after the Battle. General Washington took the command during  some time in this term of service - had a written discharge - and it is lost - At Lebanon Crank aforesaid About the 1 st of January 1776 he enlisted into Captain Dyer's company his Lieutenant was Daniel Tilden in Colonel Dwyer's Regiment of the
8. no 3

of the Connecticut line in the regular army of the United States for the term of one year and went back } 12 mo. and joined the army at Cambridge, which was besieging Boston and he continued in the service there till the British evacuated Boston - we then entered Boston, from thence we marched to New London and embarked for New York and landed there. Colonel Dyrge's Regiment was stationed at Powles Hook. There 100 men of which he was one was drawn out of the Regiment and placed under the command of Major Knowlton (who afterwards was killed in Battle on York Island) we were ordered to go on to Long Island was on the Island about a week - was in the Battle of Long Island and in the retreat to New York. He then returned to Powles Hook and joined Col. Dyrge. Marched from Powles Hook to English neighborhood in New Jersey opposite to Fort Washington on the North River was stationed there when the British took Fort Washington - there we built huts for winter quarters. was ordered to retreat, and retreated through Trenton across the Delaware into Pennsylvania and was stationed there about a week - was then ordered to Trenton and marched all night under the command of General Mercer got to Trenton about day break attacked and surrounded the Hessians and took about 1100 of them 26 December 1776 and marched back again to Pennsylvania. In about a week after we were again ordered back to Trenton there the British attacked us and there was some skirmishing at night we were ordered to build up fires and at midnight General Washington ordered us to march still & silent & take a by road to Princeton, he was in the front guard commanded by Genl. Mercer. The front guard arrived at Princeton about sunrise and was attacked by the British; General Mercer was killed, and we retreated General Washington soon came up with the main army and attacked the British in turn they retreated to the College where they surrendered - After this General Washington

20 mo 3 established his head quarters at Morristown and the army was stationed in the vicinity. at the expiration of his term of 12 months he enlisted again for one month longer in the same service and received an extra Bounty of $10. and was discharged about the 1st of February 1777 near Morristown in New Jersey & returned home.
1 mo 3 At Lebanon Brant aforesaid in the year 1777 time not recollected he enlisted for the term of one month as a Serjeant under Capt. Vaughan Col. not recollected under General Spencer to go to New Port in Rhode Island and served out this term. When he was there when General Spencer undertook to take New Port and failed there
1 mo 3 Volunteered in April 1778 one month under Capt. Dunn in Col. Chapmans Regiment Connecticut militia in Building the forts at New London and served out this term there
1 mo 3 Volunteered again in September 1779 one month under Captain Williams in Colonel Gilberts regiment Connecticut militia and served out this term also in the Building the said Forts at New London he received written discharges for the two first mentioned terms of service but they are lost and he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service
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 any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Isabel Williams Hosue Lathrop Clerk.

56 We William G. Angel M c Lough residing in the town of Easton in the County of Otsego in the State of New York and James C. Walworth residing in the town of Burlington in the County & State aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Asahel Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in the opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Horace Lathrop Clerk. W. G. Angel J. C. Walworth
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 William G. Angel & James C. Walworth who signed the foregoing certificate are credible persons & entitled to credit
J. A. Morn Seth Chase } Judges J. C. Walworth }
State of New York } S. Horace Lathrop Clerk of the Court Otsego County } of Common Pleas in & for the said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Asahel Williams for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal Special seal this 19 th day of Oct r 1832 Horace Lathrop By T. B. Cory Deputy Declaration of Asahel Williams 18060 Henry Sile

Asahel Williams
No 14321
Ms. A. 9. 2. 45
Danny I. Alvarado Esq., Commission of Pensions Washington City.
1311 Memorial by the Commissioners Oct. 6

Coopers-town N.Y. Sep 30. 1834
Dear Sir,
I owe you a few days since in relation to the Pension due Abner Williams, who has been suspended he has this day sent me his Certificate, requesting me to forward it to you for correction, he wishes it to be returned to me
Very respectfully Yours Obed Lord
D. P. Edwards Esq.

Burlington (Ontario Co.) March 1835 J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions
Sir
I am authorized and requested by Abel Williams a suspended Pensioner to enquire of you the reason of his suspension. The letter he recd from the Pension Office requiring his Certificate to be returned did not state any specific reason. therefore he wishes you to give this information. That if there are any objections against him he may remove them or if there are none he wishes that his Certificate may be returned to me and that his name may be restored in order that he may receive the benefit of the act of 7 th April 1832 -
Yours respectfully &c
Henry Sill

State of New York Otsego County ss.
Minerva Cushman of the town of Exeter in said County aged 72 years Being duly sworn de- poseth and saith that the this deponent has been acquainted with Asahel Williams now of Exeter aforesaid ever since the time of the Revolutionary War. That this deponent resides in Coventry in the State of Connecticut adjoining Lebanon Brattle the former residence of said Williams That said Williams has always been reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier and a man of truth and veracity and entitled to belief in all his statements. That this deponent is in- formed that said Williams states that he served in the Revolutionary War 8 months at Roxbury in 1775 13 months in the Regular Army in 1776 and 1777 12 months at Newport in Rhode Island under General Greene and 2 months at New London in Connecticut in 1778. That from his knowledge and acquaint- ance that this deponent has of the character and reputation of said Williams this de deponent does fully believe that said Williams would make no other but a true statement of his Service and that he had ought to have full credit for the statements he has made
Sworn and subscribed this fortieth day of October 1835
Before me
Minerva Cushman
Samuel Berkwith Justice of the peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named deponent Minerva Cushman and that he is a man of reputable character and entitled to credit in all his statements
Samuel Berkwith Justice

Otsego County ss Henry Sill of Burlington in said county being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he has been acquainted with Asahel Williams of Exeter (that this deponent And has resided within the distance of about 4 miles of him) for more 30 years - that this deponent has for a long time been in the habit of doing business for Pensioners as their agent and of being consulted by them in relation to their claims. On various occasions stated his services to this deponent and always sincerely liked and that said Williams has always sustained an un- blemished character for truth and veracity has always been respected and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and to have served as he states in the neighborhood where he resides And that this deponent has been consulted and advised him in relation to procuring proof and this deponent knows that great exertion and diligence has been used to procure the testimony of living witnesses to his services and that he knows of no further positive evidence that can be adduced - Sworn and subscribed this 17 th Oct. 1835 Henry Sill Before me Eleazar Sheldon Justice Peace
Otsego County ss I certify that the above named Henry Sill is a credible person and entitled to belief in his statements And further that am also acquainted with said Asahel Williams and that I agree with S. P. Hovey, Cornelius Jones, and Naboth Buckingham in their affidavit hereto annexed made 14 th Oct 1835 before Esqr. Buckworth. Eleazar Sheldon Justice Peace
Ref. The Official Signature of E. Sheldon is attested in John Jackson's case

Burlington Otsego County N.Y. 20 th July 1835
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Sir I herewith send your papers to support the claim of Asahel Williams to a Pension under the Law of 7 th June 1835. Mr Williams is a man of the most upright character and he has ever maintained that character and testimony to that effect might be multiplied to any extent if it was necessary. That he is the man he represents himself to be, and that he did the services he alleges no one that knows the man doubts. He is one of those few remaining Patriots of 1775 who flew to arms at the shedding of the first blood at Lexington. One thing you will please to notice, that is, that all his services were Volunteer Service . That is his best red that he never was dropped or forced into the services he always was ready to go. I will state one other term of his Service. It was at the taking & Burning of New London when Sedgwick was slain he then volunteered & served a number of Days. He complains that he is hardly dealt by - that he is stricken from the Pension Roll without a cause - an old man of 80 years as he is - and put upon a more rigid rule of proof than ordinary. This is his view of the subject He probably does not fully appreciate the obligation you are under to the government strictly to scrutinize every claim

and that the only knowledge you can have is from the evidence adduced, and that you are disposed to do justice to Deacon Williams, as to every other applicant I have no doubt. He turned out on the first alarm of the Lexington Battle. It must have been on the 18 th 19 th or 20 th of April 1775 he went immediately to Boston and remained there during  thirty as a Private in Capt Clark's Company till orders came to enlist men for 6 mo when he enlisted for 6 mo service that time out the Army was then dwindling away and Men were wanted he consented to stay enlisted and did stay till the 18 th Dec. 1775 when he was discharged he then went home. This you will perceive will look but 2 days of 8 mo upon the lowest calculations this service stands proved by the affidavit of Jerams Clark and the Certificate of the secretary of State of Connecticut Proof of the 1 mo in R.I. & the 2 mo at New London He is not able to obtain further than by traditional evidence - already adduced
I am yours respectfully
Henry Sill

18860 14321 New York
Isahel Williams of Albany Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company command by Captain Clark of the Regt : command by Col. Putnam in the Ch ma line for 24 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of May 1833 and sent to Henry Hill Burlington
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $ 160.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sept  40.00 $ 200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book E Vol. 4 Page 37

Letter to John Fleming Sept. 3 d 1834 " " " " " " " " " " " " J. P. Scott Oct. 6. " " " Henry T. Ely - June 9, 1835 " " Samee - July 27. " " " " Nov. 16. "
There will be nothing due till Sept. 1836

Burlington 20 th Oct 1835
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. Pres.
Sir here with I send additional testimony in support of the claim of Deacon Asahel Williams Upon with this and the previous testimony adduced he rests his case. He is not able and probably cannot hereafter produce any that will be any more positive. Testimony to his credibility and traditional testimony of his services might be obtained to an indefinite amount for no man that knows Deacon Williams doubts the correctness of his statements The affidavits now adduced are from the most respectable of his neighbours & townsmen. With these remarks I submit this testimony

to you - I would also beg permission to call your attention to the evidence heretofore adduced. especially the affidavit of Jerome Clark by whom I think you will find about 2\frac{1}{3} of a months service proved which it would seem you have overlooked viz. from the time time of the Lexington Battle till the 8 th May when he enlisted. The reason that he did not sooner enlist was that the officers had no orders from government to enlist men till about the date of his enlistment. as he tells me I think you will find he is entitled to this addition to his 7 mo 10 ds. which makes up the 8 mo according to his declaration the other 3 mo. is submitted to you believing that according to the rules you have adopted, and as his undoubted right - you will see fit to al-

low him - However he submits the case to your decision and requests you to send him a Certificate for what you find him entitled to
I am very respectfully
Yours &c Henry Hill

Isabel Williams
Payments to be made at New York by Genl. U. S. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 4 Page 37 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Isahel Williams of the State of New York who was a Private in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and 62 cents 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 18 day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
Lewis Cass
Secretary of War.
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Examined and } Countersigned. }

Asahel Williams
24 5
✓

State of New York County of Otsego ss We Samuel P. Storrs a Clergyman Cornelius Jones Member of the Legislature of New York & Post- Master and Naboth Buckingham Physician all residents of the town of Exeter Testify that we are well acquainted with Asahel Williams of said Exeter that said Williams bears an un- impeached Character for truth and veracity that he is respected and believed in the neighbor- hood where he resides (and as far as our knowledge extends) to have been a revolutionary Soldier and to have served as he states We have examined the statement of his ser- vice in the affidavit of Minerva Cushman herunto annexed and we fully believe that said Williams would make no statement but what is true and that he had right to have full Credit for the statement he has made -
Sworn and subscribed to this fourteenth day of October 1835 Before me Samuel Beckwith justice of the peace
I Certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel P. Storrs Cornelius Jones and Naboth Buckingham that they are all men of respectable characters and entitled to belief in all their statements Samuel Beckwith justice

State of New York } I George C. Clyde Clerk Owego County } of said County do certify that Samuel Beckwith Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit was taken to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Owego duly Elected & qualified. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to said Affidavit and the annexed Certificate of Credibility to be his genuine handwriting & signature —
Witness my hand & seal of Office this 17 th day of October A D 1835 —
George C. Clyde Clerk

Revwar
6411.
INVALID.
File No.
6411
Aspel Williams
Pri Revwar
Act:
June 7 th 32.
Index:—Vol.
2
Page
408
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Asahel Williams

State of New York County of Otsego ss.
Abahel Williams of the town of Exeter in said county aged 80 years Being duly sworn deposeth and saith in addition to his declaration made in the 1832 in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 that he then stated the time of his enlisting or entering the service, and the length of the several terms from his memory not having kept any memorandum thereof in writing - and his memory is very distinct as to the time he served in the Army. At the first news of the Lexington Battle he went immediately to Lebanon drove Ammunition and in company with Jerome Clark and others marched immediately to Boston and joined Capt. Clarke's company in Col. Putnam's Regt. and served in said company till the 8 th May 1775 (as appears by the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut then with annexed) when he enlisted for 6 months and continued in the service till 18 th Dec. 1775 making 8 months in all he estimates it he thinks it was a day or two over from the time he went away from home till the time he returned and that he was engaged in the service the whole time he was out from home and that in January 1776 as near as he can recollect he did enlist in the continental service of the U. S. in Capt. Dyer's Comp y . Lt. Tilden in Col. Dury's or Durkee's Regt for 12 months and that he served 13 months before he left the service at this time - as he believes that the Muster rolls of said Regt in the war office will show in the said Regiment and that he did afterwards voluntarily serve one month in Capt. Vaughn's Comp y Col. McCalland's Regt under General Spencer at New Port in R. Island on guard as a Sergeant. It was at the time that General Spencer made the attempt to take the Island and failed thinking this was after the following service at New London again he volunteered in April 1778 as near as he can recollect the time to work on the

fortification at New London in the state of Connecticut one month and served in Capt Dunhams Comp y in Col. Chapman's Regt. And again he volunteered in Sept 1778. to work on the aforesaid fortifications and served one month in Capt Williams Company Col. Gilbert Regt. all of which service he did faithfully - and other service he did which if it was necessary he could state - And further he says that the reason that he did not make application for a Pension under the Law of 18 th March 1818 is this - That by the blessing of God upon his own Industry  Temperance  Prudence & Economy he has always had a competence for his support and has never been a Pauper or in Indigent Circumstances which he always supposes wholly precluded him from participating in the benefits of that Law
Sworn and subscribed this 13 th day of July 1835
Before me Abahel Williams J. C. Walbridge a J. of Peace of Otsego County Court
State of New York County of Otsego
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Abahel Williams and that he is a respectable citizen of Otsego County and a man of unblemished character and reputation and his statements are entitled to the fullest credit and further that no doubt does or can exist to his having rendered the service he alleges - And further that I examined his case in open Court in 1832 and put to him the interrogatories prescribed by the war department and have since examined the same now and am fully persuaded there is no reason for continuing his suspension
J. C. Walbridge a J. of Peace of Otsego County

State of New York County of Otsego
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid Jerome Clarke aged seventy seven years who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is well ac- quainted with Asahel Williams of Exeter in said County that this deponent went in Company with said Asahel from Lebanon Frank in the State of Connecticut in the month of April 1775 on the alarm of Lexington Battle to Boston that he and the said Asahel both enlisted together in Capt. Clarke's Company in Col. Putnam's or Durgin's Regt. that they several enlisted in the month of April 1775 for the term of 6 months and that they served to- gether and Mustered together and slept together during the whole term till this deponent was discharged to go and take care of a Brother who was wounded in the Battle of Bunker Hill that he left the said Asahel in the service at Cambridge near Boston when he went home that said Asahel did not come home till about the 1st of January 1776 & that he then stated to this deponent that he had continued in the service till that time That soon after the said Asahel returned as above this deponent and the said Asahel again enlisted together at Lebanon Coone into Capt. Dyer's Comp'y Lieut. Tilden in Col. Dyer's Regt or Duncomb's in the Regular Service of the U.S. for the term of 12 months that they went back to Boston together served, Mustered, & Lodged together as before was together in the March to New- York and served together till the Army left New York
That this deponent knows that said Asahel did enlist and serve the terms above stated and further he believes that he did serve

two years or more during the Revolutionary war - that this deponent knows that said Israel was absent from home and it was then believed that he was in the service all the said mentioned time except Beside that part that this deponent was with him in said service
That this deponent was taken out to the provision store at New York when said Israel was marched to the south with the Army and when said Israel returned from the service after his discharge in Feb. 1777 he called to see this deponent and told him he was then just discharged and was returning home and that he had continued in the service till that time that this deponent resides in the town of Cherry Valley in said County of Otsego Sworn and subscribed this eighth day of July 1835 before me Jerome Clark William S. Thompson Justice of the Peace
Otsego County ss I certify that I am well acquainted with Jerome Clark the above named deponent & that he is a credible person & his statements are entitled to credit
William S. Thompson J.P.

State of New York } Otsego County } } J. Clinton Walworth Dep Clerk of said County do Certify that William T Thompson Esq n before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Otsego duly elected and qualified - And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & verily believe his name subscribed to said affidavit. And the annexed Certificate of Credibility to be his genuine hand writing & Signature -
Witness my hand & seal of Office this eight day of July AD 1835 -
Clinton Walworth Dep Clerk
By at at London

100 Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 18 Mr. Henry Sill Burlington Otsego County New York

Comptrollers Office
Hartford 25 June 1835
Sir
I have annexed a certificate of all that I can find of the service of Mr. Williams, —
There are no pay-rolls in the office of service of 1777 (the year & months service mentioned in your letter) and as you have given no name of Col o Capt o or place of service, of course nothing can expected in the shape of evidence. —
For the 3 d service in Rhode Island, I can find no evidence, there are no pay-rolls the most that could in any case be done would be to certify the service of the Cap t & perhaps the place of his service — but in this case, there is no such name as Vaughn to be found. —
In the 4 th service, I find the name of Col o  Samuel Chapman — but not that of Col o Gilbert or Capt o Dunham or Williams, — perhaps he has in this case mistaken the name of the Cap t as he did that of Cap t in the certificate. —
Should you write again, it will be indispensable to mention the given names of Officers — the place & time where the service

was rendered — and to draw a line between, or otherwise distinguish the several periods and services — otherwise it would be in vain to search. —
Respectfully Yours Edwin Benjamin for Gideon Welles, Compt W
M c Henry Sill

Secretarys Office
Hartford, Conn t . 25 June 1835
I certify that in the a certified copy of Capt. James Clarkes Pay-roll, Col o Putnam's Reg t . now in Comptroller's Office (he being absent) the name of Asahel Williams appears, as having served from 8 May to 18 Dec r . 1775 — 7 Months & 10 days including time to return.
Certified by M rs M c Whinnian
Secretary of State
7.10