Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,242, Benjamin Whitaker, New York

SERVICE
New York.
Whitaker, Benjamin
NUMBER
8,15242
CONTENTS
carded

see let. G. Fleming. P. agent. 25 March. 1834. do to same June 9. 1834 (under) do to same June 13. 1834 (dead.)
New York 20378
Benjamin Whitaker of Orange in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Everett of the Reg't commanded by Col Harris in the State Troops line for N.Y.
13. Months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 43. Dollars 33. Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4. day of Sept. 1833. and sent to Ch. Morrill Morrill - Goshen NY
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 33. 108 32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 14 Mar 34. 21. 66
$ 129 98.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. Franciosi Clerk. Book E. Vol. 4 Page 39.

State of New York
Orange County - ss - on this Seventh Day
of September in the year
1832, Personally appeared
Before me John Wallach for
one of the judges of the Court of Common
Pleas, in and for said County; of Orange
Benjamin Whitaker, a resident of the
Town of Minisink, County and State aforesaid -
aged eighty one years - Who being
Quly Sworn according to Law - doth on
his oath Depose, and make the following
declaration in order to obtain the benefit of
the act, of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832.
Deponent saith that his first Service as a
private Soldier in the Militia in the revo-
lutionary war was at Fort Montgomery, under
as he thinks the Command of Capt. David Swayze
and thinks he served three weeks; and his
Duty at that time of Service was, prepar-
ing the fortifications, and in that Service
he recollects that James Clinton was the
General, and it was in the year as Depon-
ent thinks to the best of his recollection 1776.
During the same year Deponent was
called at New Windsor under officers which
he cannot now recollect their names, but
thinks Daniel Buerett was Capt. or
Lieutenant; and served there ten Days or
or more, to watch the Enemy on the
Hudson River and then returned home.
And further Deponent saith that
he volunteered as a Militiaman in the year
1777 in Capt. Sawyers Company and
Marched to Fort Montgomery and there
Served two Months or more. James Clinton
was General & — Harris was Col; at this
time he was in fatigue, and then returned
home.

And further Deponent saith that he was called upon the same year in the Service at Tappan, on the Hudson River, as a guard against the Enemy, the Company officers name not recollect, William Ellison was the Col, and there served two Months -
And further Deponent saith that while belonging to Capt Samuel Coles Company that he Deponent, Volunteered as a private to defend the frontier against the Indians and Tories on what was then called the Minisink frontier, and was there at that battle called the Minisink battle, wounded, and with said wound confined about two Months as the annexed Certificate of Dr. Jonathan Swezy will show and further Deponent saith that he was in the aforesaid in the Indian battle in the year 1779 and on the 22 nd day of July of the same year -
And further Deponent saith that he was called at different times into Service in the Revolutionary war Six Months at different place which deponent cannot now recollect to state time and place, neither his Commanding officers as he was sometimes under one officer and sometimes under another - Some part of said Service was rendered in Scouting parties &c. and the last part of his Service as set forth is exclusive of the foregoing - -
And this Deponent saith and he verily believes that he was that he was in the Revolutionary Service as a Militia Private for the term of one year one Month and three Days or more

And Deponent further saith that he never had any written discharge - but that the Common Practice was in the Coast discharge by verbal order and in regard to proof of my char- acter as a person of truth Integrity and veracity - for my services I refer to Freight Booley - Mary Van Tassell and Stephen W. Fullerton Esq. then Being no regular settled Clergyman in this place that has an acquaintance with me for any length of time - Deponent further saith he is not on any Pension roll in any state - Sworn and Subscribed before me the 7 th Day of Sept. 1882 John H. Wallock Jr. Benjamin his  X Whitaker mark
State of New York } In the Matter of Benjamin Orange County } Whitaker A revolutionary Soldier This may Certify that I have taken the foregoing Examination of Benjamin Whitaker who is making application as a pensioner under the act of Congress passed June the 7 th - 1882 And Proclaimed unto him. The questions laid down by the War department - And he the said Benjamin Whitaker has answered the In- terrogatories unto him part - so far his recollection and memory is retained -
And I do further Certify that the said Benjamin Whitaker is infirm, in body and has lost his sight - and believe him to be un- able to appear at Open Court, a Distance of thirty Miles from his residence - and that his recollection has much failed him, -
And I do further Certify that I am acquainted with Mary Van Tassell, Freight Booley and Stephen W. Fullerton Esq. whose affidavits

are hereunto annexed, and believe them to be creditable persons, and whose oath would be taken in any Court of Record where they are known, and further I do concur in their testimony.
Signed the 15 th Day of Sep r 1832
John Hallock Jut. at Judge of Orange Com. Pleas.
State of New York Orange County } I Asa Dunning Clerk of the County of Orange and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Orange Do hereby certify That John Hallock Esq. before whom the preceding Declaration of Benjamin Whitaker was made & sworn & whose name appears to the pre- ceding Certificate and also before whom the annexed affida- vits of Mary Van Tassel, Freight today & Stephen W. Fullerton was sworn were at the time a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Orange which is a Court of record and that the name of John Hallock Esq. subscribed to the said affidavits and Certificate is his genuine signature —
Witness my hand and Seal of office this nineteenth day of September 1832
Asa Dunning

This may Certify that Benjamin Whitaker (a Private in Captain Coles Company in a Regiment of Militia of the County of Orange in the State of New York Commanded by Colonel William Ellison) was Wounded by a Rifle Ball which passed through his left arm above the Elbow and tore the flesh and hurt the bone of his left breast - he was under my Care about Eight Weeks - The said Whitaker received said wound in an engagement with a Party of Indians and Tories who made a descent upon the frontier part of the said County of Orange on the 22 nd day of July in the year 1779 The said Indians and Tories being in the service of his Britannic Majesty under the Command of Capt d Joseph Brant and the said Benjamin Whitaker when he received the said wound in the actual service of the United States under the command of the then Colonel now Brigadier General John Hattorn -
June 1811
Joseph Hattorn Surgeon Washington Regiment

Surgeon's Certificate

In the matter of Benjamin Whi- State New York } p =Taker- Orange County } on tenth Day of Septem- ber in the year 1832
Before me John Wallack junior one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Orange - Personally appeared Mary Van Tassel, a resident of said County and being, Duly sworn deposeth and saith, that she has been acquainted with the said Benjamin Whitaker forty years and upwards, and saith that she has never heard any scruples of any one that he was not a revolutionary soldier in Militia Service - Further Deponent saith, that the said Benjamin Whi- taker, is a person, of Integrity Honesty and Veracity and to be believed under oath - and that is, the general opinion of said Benjamin Whitaker where he has been acquainted - - - - -
And further this Deponent saith that she nursed the said Benjamin Whitaker when he was wounded in the battle called the Minisink battle which conforms to the annexed certificate of De- Jonathan Sneyd - And further Depo- nent saith not Sworn and subscribed the 10 th Day of Sep r - 1832 before me John Wallack jun Mary her  Van Tassel mark

In the Matter of Benjamin Whita- ker a Revolutionary Soldier State of New York Orange County } ss on the tenth Day of September in the year 1832
Personally appeared - Before me John Hal- lock jun r one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and Said County of Orange, Freight Cooley and being Duly Sworn according to Law deposeth and saith, that he has been acquainted with the said Benjamin Whitaker forty years and upwards, has a portion of that time resided in the same neighborhood and never heard any person have or set forth but what he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, And this Deponent further saith, that Said Benjamin Whit- aker from his acquaintance with him has been reputed as a man of Integrity truth and veracity; and would have no hesitation of believing him under his Oath. - - And deponent further saith that he was acquainted with some of the services of the said Benjamin Whitaker as a Militia Soldier in the Revolutionary War. and thinks at different times but cannot state precisely, Deponent was in the service himself and recollects of being in the service with said Benjamin Whita- ker at Tappan on the Hudson river. And further Deponent saith not Freight Cooley -
Sworn by affirmation and Subscribed the 10 th Day of Sept in the year 1832 before me John Hallack jun r

10386
Benj. Whitaker, Application for Pension - under The act of Congress of June the 7 th 1832

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. These 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 Benj r Whitehead Orange Co N.Y.
   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.     Mch 1776 Thurs 21 Private Capt Davis Lieut Gen De Clinton Minisink Monmouth New Brunswick Tappan Age 81 Francis Cook Mary Van Tassel John Lunn Surgeon Traditionary   Oct 1777 2 Capt Davis Col Harris M c Alison   Oct 1779 2 Capt Davis Col   June 1780 6   13 31  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that 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 the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

No 16386
Benj m Whitaker Orange Co. N. York
Admitted Private 13 months
Corroborating witness are not made available vide Concluding paragraph of Judge Hakins Certificate of reasons why Witness did not make Debs in open Court The papers are not authenticated -Treated — J.C
Chas. Monroe Goshen N. York

10386
Benj. Whitaker,
Application for Pension - under The act of Congress of June the 7 th 1832

In the Matter of Benjamin Whitaker State of New York } Orange County } On the 10 th Day of Sept. in the year 1832 - Before me
John Wallack first one of the judges of of the Court of Com. Pleas in and for said County. Personally appeared Stephen W. Fullerton Esq and being Duly sworn according to Law. Deposeth and saith that he has been acquainted with the said Benjamin Whitaker for twenty years and upwards and as a man of truth Integrity and Veracity I concur in the affidavits of Mary Van Tassel and Fregift Cooley -
And Deponent further saith that he is acquainted with the Informer of said Benjamin Whitaker, and believes what is set forth to be correct - and further saith not
Sworn and Subscribed
This 10 th Day of Sept r 1832
before me John Wallack Jr
Stephen W. Fullerton

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Aug. 25 1919
Chief Revolutionary War Sec.
Sir:
I have this day received from Mrs. Florence J. Bates draft No. Cash for $ 1 00 copy of record requesting post-office addresses as per letter herewith
Money returned Aug. 26. 1919 Finance Dept W. Campbell
Very respectfully,
Chief of Division.
W Campbell

Post Office Department
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
REGISTERED ARTICLE
No.
49832
INSURED PARCEL
No.
Return to
Board of Review
(NAME OF SENDER)
Street and Number, } or Post Office Box, }
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON,
D. C.

Rev. Rec Sec 20. A. Bates. Aug 27/99
RETURN RECEIPT.
Received from the Postmaster the Registered or Insured Article, the original number of which appears on the face of this Card.
James A. Gate (Signature or name of addressee.)
_____ (Signature of addressee's agent.)
Date of delivery, 8/29/99
Form 3811
5-6116
Beng Whalen 815242

I
15242 INVALID.
Own
File No. 15. 242
Benjamin Whitaker Priv. Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1, Page 405
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 27
May 27th
Hon Lewis C. Sundry J. L. Edwards Comm

Goshen May 25 th 1833
W m L d Edwards Esq r Comr of Pensions
I return you the papers with all the corrections that I can make the papers you will perceive has now been authenticated by the County Clerk as the registrations of the court officer clerk. The Certificate of Judge Holcomb as to the credibility of the witnesses you will find in the last paragraph of his certificate of the reason why the declarant could not appear in open court
with the Highest considerations
I am yours &c. &c.
Chas. Monroe

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Benjamin Whitaker a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 3 weeks Pvt. David Jones ✓ N.Y.   1776 10 days Daniel Covert ✓   1777 2 mos. Sawyer Harris   1777 2 mos. ✓ Wm Allison   1779 Samuel Cole Wm Allison   6 mos. out at various times, officers not recollected  
Battles engaged in, Minerva where wounded in left arm by rifle ball.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, _____
Date of application for pension, Sept 7, 1892. His claim was al.
Residence at date of application, Minerva, Orange Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, 81
Remarks: no data as to family
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

AW Rev. War Section.
August 26, 1919.
Mrs. Q. A. Gate 236 South River St Wilkes-Barre, Penn.
Madam:
In reply to your letter of the 21" instant, you are furnished the history of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Benjamin Whitaker of the New York Troops, for which there is no fee charged and therefore the dollar bill forwarded in your letter is herewith returned.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Law 21 August 1919. $1 00 enclosed 2/5.
To the Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C.
My dear Sir;
A pension was granted to Benjamin Whitaker, Private, in Revolutionary War somewhere between 1831 and 1833. He served from Orange County New York. I very much want such particulars as he gave of himself and his family when he applied for his pension. This information is desired for genealogical purpose and will be very greatly appreciated.
An old volume marked, "U. S. Pensions Revolutionary War" p. 384. Vol. II reads as follows; "Orange County, New York,
Benjamin Whitaker, Private New York Militia.
Placed 4 Sept. 1833. Began 4 Mar. 1831.
Age of pensioner 82."
Everything relating to him will be of great interest to me.
Sincerely
Florence J. Gates
Mrs. Zerviah A. Gates
236 South River Street Wilkes-Barre Pa