Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11788, Benjamin Williams, N. H.

SERVICE
NUMBER
N.H.
Williams, Benjamin
S. 11788
CONTENTS
carded

28.046 28 046 Vermont
1891 Sept 2 F B Dano
History Error
Benjamin Williams of Franklin in the State of Ver- who was a Corp! & Ensign the com commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col Reed in the Rev  YH Troops time for 13 mo. 9 days
43
A. N. H. Line. Records corrected,
Oct. 31 03
Inscribed on the Roll of Ver at the rate of 72 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Jany 1833 and serv. Heon H. Allen. House of R
Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 1833 $ 180.82 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 4, 34 36.16 $216.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. D. Wilson Clerk, ok Vol. 3 Page 99

Benj m Williams Declaration

Interrogatories
1 st Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. I was born at Concord Massachusetts the 25 th of October nineteen hundred & forty four O. S.
2 nd Have you any record of your age if so where is it?
Ans. I have not
3 rd When were you born when called into service? When have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Ans. I have lived in New Hampshire with N. Hampshire, until June 1827 when I moved to Enniskerry Vermont where I have lived ever since & where I now live —
4 th How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I have answered all the particulars comprised in this interrogatory, that I can recollect, in my declaration
5 th 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 service?
Ans. I have stated in my declaration all that I can now definitely recollect in answer to this Interrogatory
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service if so by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Ans. At the expiration of my first term of service which was nine months I rec d a discharge signed by Capt. James Reed, which is lost & the remainder of my service I did the duty of a Lieut. but had two commissions as Ensign, both signed by M c Lean and certificates signed by E. Thompson Secy. the first dated the 20 th day of March 1777 the other dated July 18 th 1777 both of which I duly forwarded with my application
7 th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character as to your veracity, and their belief of your service as a soldier of the Revolution

Ans: I would name John Johnson and Thomas M. Pollard Esq. and many more if missing -
  1775.  9  Mo.  Service as a non commissioned Officer    1-96  4.  "  " " as a commissioned Officer    97.  4.  "  " " " " " "    98 -  1.  "  " " " " " "     9-    

State of Vermont } On this 3 rd day of August Franklin County ss 1832 Personally appeared before me the subscribing authority one of the Judges of the County Court of Franklin County as Benjamin Williams, a resident of Pownalburgh in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont Aged Eighty Seven years the 25 th of Oct. now last past. AD 1832, 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 the 7 th day of June 1832 "That I turned out as a volunteer from New Ha- mpshire in the State of New Hampshire, in the Spring of 1775- at the time of the alarm or battle at Lexington in Massachusetts, but did not arrive at Lexington until the British had left and gone to Boston, from thence I went to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I enlisted for the term of nine months, the date I do not recollect into a company commanded by Capt. Ezra Gove, belonging to a Regiment of New Hampshire Militia com- manded by Col. James Reed, of Littleton, New- Hampshire, where I served as a Corporal the first part of my time of enlistment until our com- pany was divided and a part of them went to Canada, among whom was an Orderly Sgt. was one, after which time I did the duty of Orderly Sgt. the remainder of my time of service, until our com- pany was discharged at the expiration of nine months, the term of our enlistment, at which time I rec d my discharge signed by Col. James Reed, which discharge is lost; during this time, I was in the Battle of Bunkerhill, so called, under the command of Genl. Sullivan, and while on the retreat from the battle ground, and assisting to bring off a wounded soldier I rec d a ball through my clothes so near the small of my back that it

Essentially injured me, so much so that during my life since I have frequently suffered great inconvenience therefrom — In the spring of 1776 I volunteered as a minuteman for the remainder of the war. Soon after our Army's return from Canada that season, and after the battle with the fleet on the lake, by Col. Arnold, I was called to Ticonderoga to guard the frontiers until the Continental Army could be recruited, when I did the duty of Asst. under Josiah Brown who did the duty of Capt. for the term of two months I was again called out the same season in the fall to the same place, when I again did the duty of Asst. under the same Capt. Brown, two months more we had a Major with us from New Hampshire, whose name I do not recall, I think Genl. Gates had the command and an officer by the name of Wayne his rank was then a major I do not recall, at both of these times I was out about four months, the next season 1777 I was again called to Ticonderoga under Col. Bellows of N. Hampshire, the ap d Brown was again acting Capt. and I was acting Asst. at this time Genl. St. Clair commanded the place, & at this time had a Commission as Ensign in the Malitiga but did the duty of Asst. in the service very two months at this time I was out over two months, I was dismissed and sent home by Genl. St. Clair a little before he evacuated the place, In these operations from New Hampshire to Ticonderoga we had to pass through an entire wilderness about one hundred miles, when we suffered greatly from privation, and fatigue — on my return home I enlisted into a Brigade raised by Genl. Stark called the flying Camp, for two months, at this time, I rec d my second Commission as Ensign in this Brigade, Major Nickols was my Col. Stephen Parker Capt., Cunningham or Cunnigham and

and Braggan Lint and myself Ensign after enlistment we went to Charleston N.H. N. Hampshire to muster - from there we went to Barnington where I was in the Battle of Barnington so called in August 1777 from there I went to Stillwater where my term expired and was dismissed, upon returning to the capture of Burgoyne, I was not at this time over two months so I was again I was again called out 1778 and went to New Port Rhode Island at the time of the anticipated engagement between the French and British Fleet, for the purpose of the land forces cooperating with the fleet to drive the British from that place, I was under the command of a Colonel Nickols commanded the Regiment and of Genl. Sullivan, my Captain's name was Fletcher from Temple New Hampshire at this time I was not over over a month - I again was out for Newaltan H. at the time the Indians were committing depredations at that place, but went no farther than to Charleston N.H. New Hampshire about sixty miles, when learning the Indians had left and returned home, I did not molest the time - In all the time I was out except the first since months, I acted the duty of a Commissioned Officer - I do not know of any one living that knows of my services in the revolution, the last of my acquaintance as such was a man by the name of Supply Wilson, of New Ipswich, N. Hampshire, about two hundred miles from this, the last I heard of him was that he had fallen from a load, and was badly injured, whether he recovered or not I have not heard, he was knowing only to my first since months service in Manchester etc - of my birth I was born the 25th of October 1744 at Old Tuckermans at Cambridge Tuckermans Hill, where I resided until twenty years of age when I removed to New Ipswich N. Hampshire

where I resided until June 1827 when I removed to Poughkeepsie where I now reside - The foregoing declarations are according to my best knowledge and I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present and do hereby declare that my name is not in the pension roll of any agency in any state, territory or district.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before Joseph Smith Judge of Co. Ct.
I hereby certify that from extreme age and lady's infirmity, I do think the foregoing Applicant could not with prudence go before the Court or any other Court of the United States or any other Court, they being held in twenty miles from his place of residence, and hereby after stating the interrogatories required by law to be put to the Applicant, that in my opinion he is of the age he declares himself to be, and that he was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he has declared, and that further that I am acquainted with John Tolman and Thomas M. Piccard Esq. whose affidavits are hereto annexed, and do know that they are considered to be men of truth and veracity, and that they are residents of the Town of Poughkeepsie.
Joseph Smith Judge of Co. Ct.
I Joseph Smith one of the assistant judges of Franklin Co. Ct. do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings had before me in the matter of application of Benjamin Williams for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my official hand this 20th day of April A.D. 1828 Joseph Smith Judge of Franklin Co. Ct.

22 7 33
40 3 22.33
Benjamin Williams
Vermont
8 th Corporal
4 th G. day Ensign
$72.33 Retired
W Mr. Williams does not make out his right to a pension as a soldier. I would ask if he does not sufficiently show his service as Ensign. Whatever grant of pension is shown for that is his birthday I get his pension. Allen
June 18. 1834
See letter to Allen
25 Jan'y 1834
In principle of allowance Hon. H. Allen
No. of Report to
This is a letter from

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
28 th Nov. 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the 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 Benjamin Williams
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     * 1775 9. Col Reed 87. years This claim cannot be admitted for services as a Lieutenant, unless the claimant shall produce his commission as such or two witnesses having a personal knowledge of his being Com d as Lieut and serving in that capacity for the time alleged   1776. 7 Lieut Rev Dps   3 Ensign Rev Hantz  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
* 6. Mo. Corp 3 " Infy

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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 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.

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE. }.
The Government and People of said State:
TO Benjamin Williams Esq GREETING.
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Courage and good Conduct. Do by these Presents constitute and appoint you the said Benjamin Williams Insign of Capt Stephen Barker's Company in the Regiment of Militia raised within said State, for the Continental Service of which Moses Nichols Esq is Colonel. You are therefore carefully, and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Insign in leading, ordering and exercising the said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline, and they are hereby required and commanded to obey you as their Insign and you are yourself to observe and follow such Orders and In- structions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from the General and Com- mander in Chief of the Continental Forces, Or any other your superior Officers, ac- cording to Military Rules and Discipline in War in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. In Witness whereof we have caused the Seal of said State to be here- unto affixed : Witness Meshech Weare Esq; the President of our Council at EXETER, the eighteenth Day of July Anno Domini 1777
M Weare
E Thompson Secretary.
S. File 11,788.

Benjamin Williams
Declaration
No 2. 916

I John Johnson of Enniskillough in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont of lawfull age do depose and say, that I was formerly of New Ipswich in the State of New Hampshire where I became acquainted with Benjamin Williams, who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration about seventeen years since and then lived a neighbour to him, and have since my removal to this neighbourhood been also been a neighbour to him, and while at the former place I have frequently heard him and his elderly neighbours talk of his living in the revolutionary war, and of his living in the Bunkerhill Battle and Binnington Battle, and also of his living at Ticonderoga during the war, and do know from hearing him converse with the elderly people of that place that he was by them considered as known to have been considerably in the Revolutionary war, and have heard him at sundry time converse in the same way on the same subject since he has resided at this place, and do readily believe both from his own and others conversation that he was in the service considerably during the revolution and from my first acquaintance with him he has always been considered by his neighbours to be a man of unexceptionable character as to truth and veracity, and is of the age he declares himself to be, and as I believe further the deponent saith not
John Johnson
Subscribed & sworn to this 3 d day of August 1832 at Berkshire in ss County
Before Joseph Smith Judge of Co. Ct.

I Thomas M. Pollard of Enniskill in the County of Franklin and State of Vermont, of lawfull age do depose and say that I have been en- gaged in the service of the containing Declaration of the containing Binyamin Williams, now of Enniskill at about forty years, I was first acquainted with him in New Hampshire in New Hampshire where he resided until about fifteen years since, when he came to reside in Enniskill, with his sons, and I well recalled of hearing him converse with his elderly neighbours, about living in the Revolutionary War, and do know that he was engaged and known by them to have been a Revolutionary soldier and have heard him frequently tell of living at Concord, and in the Battle of Bunker Hill, and many anecdotes of the revolu- tion and have always understood from himself and others that he had been consp- icuously in the service of the revolution and from my acquaintance with him do believe him to be of the age he declares himself to be, and further know he has always been considered to be unexception- able as to truth and veracity.
Thomas M. Pollard
Subscribed & sworn to this 3 day of August 1832 at Bennington in Franklin County
Before Joseph Smith Judge of C. Ct.

State of Vermont Franklin County ss
St. Albans August 14th 1832 I Horace James Clerk of the County Court in said County do hereby certify to all whom it may concern, that Joseph Smith Esq of East Berkshire whose name is signed to the several foregoing certifi- cates, is one of the assistant Judges of the County Court within and for the County of Franklin and duly qualified to act as such, and that the foregoing certificates are signed by him in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have here- unto signed my name and affixed the Public Seal of the Court the day and year above
Horace James Clerk

Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Franklin in the State of Vermont Benjamin Williams a resident of the Town of Enniskill in said Franklin County 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 recollec- -tion he served not less than the periods mentioned above and in the following grades; for six months he served as a corporal, and for three months he served as ardily serg. For seven months he served as a lieutenant and two months he served as an ensign and for such service he claims a pension for He further deposes that at the time he made his declaration, that at the time he was called to Woudens- -gar in 1776 he recruited an officer by the name of Wayne but did not recruit his grade but has since been informed he was a Capt. and he further deposes that at the time he was called to Woudensland in 1778 the Regt. he belonged to, was commanded by a Capt. Nicholas
Horace Eaton, Justice Peace
Enniskill 2 nd October, 1833.

Benjamin Williams
Born Oct 25 1744 at Concord Medkenox 16 mos & when 24 or 25 years of age removed to New Ipswich, Hillsboro Co NH & June 1827 he settled Enniburgh Franklin Co Pa where living in Augt 1832 when he applied for pension Died Feb'y 7 1835
app Enn Mar 20 Mar 1777 15 th reg t Enn July 18 1777 cap t Stephen Parker & col s Morris Nichols
Spring 1775 he turned out from New Ipswich NH on alarm of hostiles at Lexington April 19 1775 but did not arrive until Boston had left & he followed to Cambridge where he enlisted as a volunteer for 8 mos with cap t Ezra Gurnea & col s John Reed NH reg t & acted as orderly Sgt In Battle Bunker Hill & rec d a bullet through his clothes & near the small of his back, from which at times he had pain more or less thereafter In Spring 1776 he was ordered to Ticonderoga where as Lt he was on duty as guard for 2 mos under cap t Josiah Brown — then in the fall 1776 he was on duty for 2 mos as Lt under cap t Brown & col s Warner both times — In 1777 he was on duty as Lt under cap t Brown & col s Bellows of NH, at Ticonderoga for 2 mos On his return home he

he enlisted under Capt Stephen Packer & Col Moses Nichols as Ensign marched to Bennington where he was under Gen Stark in the Battle Aug
16, 1777 to & soon his term expired
In 1778 he was ordered out for 1 month to go to New fort R.I. where he served with Capt Fletcher & Col Nichols At Royalton Vt to repel a body of Indians went only to N o 4 or Charleston

The Government and People of said State.
TO Benj a Williams
Gentleman.
GREETING.
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Fidelity, Courage and good Conduct, Do by these Presents constitute and appoint you the said Benjamin Williams to be the Ensigne of the Second  First Company in the fiftieth Regiment of militia within the said State of New Hampshire.
You are therefore carefully, and diligently to discharge the Duty of an Ensigne a leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to keep them in good Order and Discipline; hereby commanding them to obey you as their Ensigne and Yourself to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from the Council and House of Representatives of said State for the Time being, and in their Recess from their Committee of Safety, or any your Superior Officers for the Service of said State, according to Military Rules and Discipline, pursuant to the Trust reposed in you. In Testimony whereof we have caused the Seal of said State to be hereunto affixed: Witness Meekah Weare Esq; President of our said Council at EXETER, the twentieth Day of March
Anno Domini 1777.
E. Thompson Secy
M Weare
S. File 11,788.

Benjamin Williams claim
went to Ticonderoga in fall of 1776 as Lieutenant under Capt' Josiah Brown - 2 mos see papers annexed afterwards same year same place for 2
In 1777 went to Ticonderoga under Col Bellon - Brooks Capt
Moses Nichols Col under Gen Stark in 1777 as Ensign.
Stephen Parker Capt
1778 R Island under Col Nichols Stephen Capt By rolls it appears that Benj Williams Ensign in Robert Fletcher Co in Col Enoch Bacon Reg - entered 10 aug t 1778 discharged 28 aug t

Capt Donah Brown's company in Col Enoch Dales reg t May 1777
Benj o Williams Ensign
March March 8 May 1777 served 43 days
set out in Capt Donah Brown's under Col Dales
Co in field June 1777 -
Hezekiah Gorah was Ensign that time
Benj o Williams Ensign in Capt Stephen Parkers Company
March March 18 July 1777 date of Commission
disbanded 26 Sept
served 2 mo 8 days

Rev. War
11,788 ✓ INVALID.
File No. 11,788
Benjamin Williams Enf. Corp. Rev. War
Act: June 9 th 1832
Index:—Vol. a , Page 410
[Arrangement of 1870.]

F B Danco Me
April 13 1891
Bery William G Maf. NH
I W
Henry Theodore Tappan
BANGOR, MAINE
OFFICE SECRETARY OF WAR RECORD DIVISION. ACKNOWLEDGED APR 13 1891
Pension Office

Bangor Theological Seminary.
FACULTY.
PROF. LEVI L. PAINE, D. D., Ecclesiastical History. PROF. JOHN S. SEWALL, D. D., Sacred Rhetoric. PROF. LEWIS F. STEARNS, D. D., Christian Theology. PROF. CHARLES J. H. ROPES, A. B., New Testament Exegesis. PROF. FRANCIS B. DENIO, A. B., Old Testament Exegesis.
PROF. HENRY L. CHAPMAN, President Board of Trustees.
JOSEPH S. WHEELWRIGHT, Esq., Vice-President.
JOHN L. CROSBY, Esq., Secretary.
SAMUEL D. THURSTON, Esq., Treasurer.
BANGOR, MAINE, Apr. 16 1891 188
Dear Sir;
My great-grandfather, Benjamin Williams, was a revolutionary pensioner, dying in 1835. He was a native of Concord, Mass., lived in New Ipswich, N. H. at the time of the Revolution. He was orderly sergeant of Capt. Ezra Towne Towne's company in Col. James Reed's regiment and present at the battle of Bunker Hill. He was later ensign in Capt. Stephen Parker's company, in Col. Moses' Nichols regiment in Gen. Starks' brigade of New Hampshire militia and present at the battle of Bennington. I wish an official abstract of his  the statement of his service which he made when he made application for his pension. I know little beyond the facts which I have stated as to his service. Will you please cause such an abstract to be sent me?
Respectfully Yours
F. B. Denio
F. B. Denio,
168 Hammond St.
Bangor,
Me.

 J. B. Demeo  ms  May 18 1891 Benj Williams NH File with 11.788 Benjamin Williams
Boston Historical Society
BANGOR, MAINE
MAY 18 1891
188
STANTON H. THOMPSON, Esq. Chairman. JOHN F. CROWLEY, Esq. Vice-Chairman. HENRY F. ALLEN, Esq. Treasurer. JOHN HENRY F. CHAPMAN President of the Committee
Dear Sir,
It is my wish to beg in an apology of
I wrote a letter similar to the one addressed to the Secretary of War, but which later joining Gen. Gates Army. I joined a Regiment, Col. Stephen Salisbury's command, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill. Col. Jones' Regiment was a volunteer. Later he served in the Battle of Bunker Hill, in the company of Gen. Howe's forces, in more than once. He served at the Battle of Bunker Hill, in the company of Gen. Howe's forces, in services. He went from New Ipswich where he was a member of the local militia, and after the services were over, he went to New Hampshire, Benjamin Williams, of his Revolutionary

Bangor Theological Seminary.
168 Hampshire St
FACULTY.
 PROF. LEVI L. PAINE, D. D., Ecclesiastical History.  PROF. JOHN S. SEWALL, D. D., Sacred Rhetoric.  PROF. LEWIS F. STEARNS, D. D., Christian Theology.  PROF. CHARLES J. H. ROPES, A. B., New Testament Exegesis.  PROF. FRANCIS B. DENIO, A. B., Old Testament Exegesis. 
 PROF. HENRY L. CHAPMAN, President Board of Trustees.  JOSEPH S. WHEELWRIGHT, Esq., Vice-President.  JOHN L. CROSBY, Esq., Secretary.  SAMUEL D. THURSTON, Esq., Treasurer. 
BANGOR, MAINE, May 18 1891 188
To The Commissioner of Pensions:
Dear Sir:
It is my wish to get an an abstract of the statement made by my great grandfather, Benjamin Williams, of his revolutionary services. He went from New Ipswich Mass New Hampshire at least twice, and I think more times. He served at the battle of Bunker Hill, in the company of Ezra Towne, in Col. James Reed's Reed's Regiment. Later he served in Gen. Stark's Brigade, Col. Moses Nichol's regiment, Capt. Stephen Parker's company, and was at the battle of Bennington, later joining Gen. Gates' army.
I wrote a letter similar to this, addressing it to the Secretary of War, not knowing exactly whom to address. I received as reply the enclosed reply. I was not certain whether I needed to write again, but concluded to make it certain that my application should reach the appropriate person.
Respectfully Yours
F. B. Denio