Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,065, Edward Wilkins, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
SERVICE Continental Mass.
Wilkins, Edward Bridget
NUMBER _____
W 26.065
CONTENTS

Lett from R. K. Goodenough June 22, 1850.
Notification sent to R. C. Dose Esqr 23 Oct 1820 Augusta, Maine
Maine. 17.603
Edward Wilkins,
of Penobscot 4 in the state of Maine, who was a musician in the regiment commanded by Colonel Phinney, of the Wapachello line, for the term of thirteen months.
scribed on the Roll of Maine , - at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 9. of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13. of July, 182 and sent to Robert C. Dose, agent Augusta, Maine.
Arrears to 4th of March, 1820. $: 182.90 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4. Sept 7 48. " 22 mo. \frac{22}{30} } 1820. $: 230.90.
\frac{4}{31}
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued

11.409
Maine
Bridget Wilkins dec d widow of Edward Wilkins who died on the of Me in the State of who was a Drum r in the Dr ng commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Portland at the rate of 79 Dollars 15 — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. & ending 28. Feb. 1839.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of Nov. 1852 and sent to Jno. L. Hodson Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Exeter Me
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act July 7, 1838. }
Recorded by Book D Vol. 1 Page 21. R. M. Kae Clerk,

Copy of Record of Marriage of Bridgett Wilkins Ed Wilkins,
Feby 26, 1778,

Town of Sudbury County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts May 15 th 1850.
Extract from the records of Marriages in said Town of Sudbury.
"Edward Wilkins and Bridget Farran both of Sudbury were married February twenty sixth one thousand seven hundred seventy eight, Rev. Josiah Bridge."
I Ephraim Stone Town clerk of the aforesaid Town of Sudbury, hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true copy of the record aforesaid, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in fair legible figures as follows, viz: "Feby. 26. 1778."
Attest, Ephraim Stone
Town Clerk
I Ephraim Stone above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Town clerk in the Town, County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town of Sudbury, with the exception above named as certified by me.
Ephraim Stone
Town clerk of the Town of Sudbury.
Middlesex ss May 21. 1850 Sworn before me.
Marshall Preston.
Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex County.—
I, Seth Ames clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, for said County of Middlesex, certify that Marshall Preston Esq. is now and was on the twenty first day of May A.D. 1850, an acting justice of the peace within and for said County of Middlesex, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations as such, full faith and credit are to be given;—
That the foregoing acknowledgment is in due form and by the proper officer and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at my office at Cambridge this twenty first day of May A.D. 1850.
Seth Ames Clerk

State of Maine Penobscot ss }
I James F. Rawson Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Penobscot hereby certify. That John Wilkins of Bangor in said County Esquire, who made a declaration about the twenty third day of January AD 1852. for himself and his Brother Daniel Wilkins and his sister Nancy Osgood to obtaine pension due their Mother Bridget Wilkins for the services of their father Edward Wilkins in the Revolutionary war:— died at said Bangor on the seventeenth day of May AD 1852. leaving no children or heirs at law known to this court except the aforementioned Daniel Wilkins and Nancy Osgood, and that this court is a court of record
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal official of said court this fifteenth day of June AD 1852 James F. Rawson
Probate Office June 15 th 1852
I E. G. Rawson Judge of Probate for said County hereby certify that James F. Rawson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate is the Register of Probate for said County duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, and that his said certificate is in due form.
E. G. Rawson

was discharge Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
BSCOT, ss.
ON the ninth — day of April — A. D. 1818, the me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Third Eastern Circuit, of the Court of Common Pleas, in said Commonwealth, including the Counties of Hancock, Washington and Penobscot : Personally appeared Edward Wilkins who, being by me first duly sworn according to law, on his oath made the statement and declaration by him subscribed, and hereto annexed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war."
And thereupon, I the said Judge do certify that I am satisfied the said Edward did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in his said declaration, against the common enemy, and that he has made it appear to me, that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support.
Which proceedings and the testimony annexed, being all he has been able to produce, I now transmit to the Secretary, for the department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of said Court to be hereto affixed Judge of the Court as aforesaid. M. Kinsley Esquire,

I Edward Wilkins of New Charlestown in the County of Punobscot Gentleman aged sixty four. do hereby testify & say: That I was in the Battle of Sixinton on the memorable 19 th of April 1775. soon after this I enlisted into the service of my country for the term of eight months, in Capt. Joseph Butler's company & Col. Nixon's Regt. I served out this time & then enlisted again as a Penna. Major for one year in the same company under the command of Lieut. Silas Walker in the same Regt. I served out this years enlistment & one month as a volunteer, & received a Regular discharge at Chatham in the Jerseys: In the month of Feb. 1777. I enlisted for during the war , in a company of Horse under Col. Lewis de Verno Jones, but the Command soon after dissolved on Thomas Seaman: I was at the Capture of Bangaine - in the battle at Trenton, & many others: I was discharged by particular permission of Genl Washington at Trenton, on the 18 th of December 1777. — I served my country faithfully thirty two months & Rev d a slight wound: I sent my discharge to Boston & have lost it: I am now under reduced circumstances & need the assistance of my country for support — I hereby relinquish all claim to any previous Pension on account of my P. services. —
Witness my hand. —
Edward Wilkins
9. of A. Long 4 • Abstract of Brig t Nixon indeed. —

I James Gordon, a pension under the late law of Congress do upon Oath testify and declare that I well knew Edward Wilkins the drum major of Col Nixons Regiment in year service in 1776 - to my knowledge he enlisted and served during the year in Col Butlers Company as he has within stated. I served with the said Wilkins and well knew of his service. I did not know personally of his last months service in Jan'y 1777 - but I well knew many of the year men to volunteer for one month or six weeks longer in New Jersey and I fully believe the said Wilkins was one of that number -
James Gordon
State of Maine Kennebec County
March 23 d 1820. Personally appeared James Gordon to me well known as a credible witness and he made Oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed Before me Robert C. Vose Justice of the Peace
I Nathan Wood, of Starks Somerset County Maine, do hereby upon Oath testify and declare that I well knew Edward Wilkins within named to my knowledge he enlisted in December 1775 or January 1776 - for one year in Col Butlers Company Col Nixons Massachusetts Regiment he fully served out the period of one year faithfully to my knowledge, and I have no doubt he was discharged in the manner he has stated. I served in the said Company with the said Wilkins and well knew of his faithfully serving one full year
Nathan Wood
Kennebec P. March 8. 1820 -
Nathan Wood above named to me well known as a credible witness personally appeared and made Oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed
Robert C. Vose Esq is a Justice Before me of the Peace for the county of Kennebec.
Nathan Weston Jun C.J.C.C. Pres.
Robert C. Vose Justice of the Peace
Edward Wilkins

Edward Wilkins Declaration etc.
copy
I certify that Edward Wilkins certificate has been received by me - the same is numbered 17603-
R.C. Vose
July 22. 1820
New Marlinton
July 1820
July 20

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF PENOBSCOT, ss. A Circuit Court of Common Pleas, begun & held at Bangor within said County, on the fourth Tuesday of June A.D. 1820.
ON this twenty seventh day of June in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and twenty, personally appeared in open court, being a court of record within and for said County, and State of Maine, established by a law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, made and passed on the eleventh  twenty first day of June, A. D. 1811, and recognized by the Constitution of the State of Maine, Edward Wilkins , aged, sixty six years, resident in New Charlestown in said County of Penobscot, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows; viz: in the Company commanded by Captain Joseph Butler, and Silas Walker, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Nixon, in the Massachusetts Line upon the Continental Establishment, as a Musician during the whole of the year 1776. - Also in the Company commanded by Captain John Louis de Verne Jones, in the Regiment of Cavalry commanded by Colonel John Sheldon during ten months of the year 1777, being on the Continental Establishment - All which is more fully set forth in my original declaration, made on the ninth for tenth day of April A.D. 1810, before Judge Kenney & which declaration is now in the War Office at Washington City, but my Certificate of Pension has never reached me. - I was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains and Harlem Heights, and against Burgoyne.

AND I Edward Wilkins do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me: nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
(Signed) Edward Wilkins. Schedule of Real and Personal Estate belonging to me the subscriber. (necessary bedding & clothing excepted.)
Real Estate. None.
Personal Estate — 2 Cows — 1 Two-year-old Heifer — 1 Yearling Heifer — 1 Calf — 1 Hog — 3 Pitch-forks — 1 Hoe — 2 Chains — 3 small Chests — 2 Tables — Broochery Ware & Cooking utensils hardly sufficient for necessary convenience. And have been dependent on my friends for support.
(Signed) Edward Wilkins. Schedule of the family residing with me Edward Wilkins, who am by occupation an Husbandman, which I am unable to pursue by reason of accidents that have befallen me, together with the infirmities of age. My wife Bridget, aged sixty two years, very infirm.
(Signed) Edward Wilkins. Sworn to and declared on the twenty seventh day of June, A.D. 1820, before the Court.  Atty. Tho. Cobb Clerk.
I, THOMAS COBB, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the Third Eastern Circuit, in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court: And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is seventy seven dollars and  cents .
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this twenty seventh day of June A. D. 1820.
Tho. Cobb Clerk
of the said Court for the County of Penobscot.

Declaration of John Wilkins for Pension to Heirs of Bridget Wilkins Widow of Ed Wilkins Deceased, Pensioner.

State of Maine. County of Penobscot ss.
3 3 3
On this 23 d day of January Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred & fifty two, personally appeared before the undersigned Re. Gilman Rawson Judge of the Court of Probate within & for the County of Penobscot, being a Court of Record. John Wilkins of Bangor in said County and State Esquire, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth for his oath make the following de- claration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1838. entitled "an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows." That he is the son of Edward Wilkins a Rev- olutionary soldier & Pensioner, and Bridget his wife, whose maiden name was Bridget Farran, that the said Edward Wilkins was in the battle of Lexington, on the 19 th of April A.D. 1775. & soon after enlisted in Capt Joseph Bull's company of Col. Nixon's Regt for the term of eight months, which he duly served, & then enlisted in the same company as a Drum Major, under the command of Lieut Silas Walker, in the same Regiment, for the

term of one year, which he duly served and one month in addition as a Volunteer, and received a regular discharge at Stratford in the Verseys. In the month of July 1777. That he enlisted for "during the War" in a corps of Horse, under the command of Capt. Louis D. N. Jones, but the command soon after devolved upon Thomas Seaman he was at the Capture of Burgoyne &c. & was dis- charged by particular permission of Genl Wash- ington at Pittsfield on the 18 th of December 1777. That he served in all, under regular enlistments in the War of the Revolution thirty two months, & received a slight wound, as will be seen for reference to S de Edwards Declaration with accompanying affidavits on file in the office of the Com te of Pensions at Washington, made for the purpose of entitling him to the benefit of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," which declaration & proof was filed about the year A.D. 1820, & under which, said Edward Wilkins received a pension at the rate of $96. per annum, up to the time of his death in A.D. 1831. That the said Edward Wilkins & Bridget Far- ran were joined in Marriage the 26 th day of

February A.D. 1778. & that his said father died the last day of February or the first day of March A.D. 1831. & that the said Bridgett Wilkins his mother, lived unmarried until the last day of February A.D. (1839) one thousand eight hundred & thirty nine, on which day she died. That there are now living, as the said John Wilkins perily belies, the following persons the children of the said Edward & Bridgett Wilkins, who are the heirs at law of the said Bridgett, viz. Daniel Wilkins of Charleston. Nancy Osgood of Roxbury, wife of Joseph Osgood. & the other heirs at law of Bangor aforesaid, all in said County & State, for whose benefit this application is made, by the said John Wilkins, to receive as the heirs of said Bridgett, whatever sum of money she might have received in her life time, she never having applied for or received the same. —
Sworn to & subscribed, for the day & year above written.
Before
E. G. Reavis
of Judge of Probate Penobscot County,
State of Maine Penobscot ss.
January 23 rd A.D. 1852.
I certify that it is satis- factorily proved to me in open court,

that Bridgett Wilkins widow of Edward Wilkins a Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner, Died on the last day of February A.D. one thou- sand eight hundred & thirty nine & that said John & Daniel Wilkins & Mary Osgood are the lawful heirs of said Bridgett & Edward.
E. G. Rawson of Probate for the County of Penobscot.
Penobscot ss. State of Maine Probate Office Bangor January 23 d A.D. 1843
I do hereby certify that E. G. Rawson Esquire is sole Judge of Probate for the County of Penobscot in State of Maine, and that the above signature of said Judge is genuine, and that the seal hereto affixed is the Official seal of said Court, and that said Court is a Court of Records.
James F. Rawson { Register of Probate for Penobscot County

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Penobscot ss. - On the ninth day of April A.D. 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the Third Eastern Circuit of the Court of Common Pleas in said Commonwealth including the Counties of Hancock, Washington, and Penobscot; Personally appeared Edward Wilkins who being by me first duly sworn ac- cording to law, on his oath made the statement and declaration by him sub- scribed, and hereto annexed in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval services of the United States, in the revolutionary War, and thereupon I, the said Judge, do certify that I am satisfied the said Edward did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in his said declaration, against the common enemy, and that he has made it appear to me that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support - Which Proceedings and the testimony annexed being all he has been able to produce I now transmit to the Secretary for the department of War pursuant to the directions of the afore mentioned act of Congress - In testimony

whereof I have hereunto set my name and caused the seal of said Court to be affixed. — (Signed) M c Kingsley, Esquire Judge of the Court aforesaid. —
I Edward Wilkins of New Charlestown in the County of Penobscot, Gentleman aged Sixty four do hereby testify & say That I was in the Battle of Lexington on the memorable 19 th of April 1775. Soon after this I enlisted into the service of my Country for the term of eight months, in Capt Joseph Butler's Company and Colonel Nixon's Reg t . — I served out this time and then enlisted again as a Drum Major for one year in the same company under the command of Lieut Silas Walker in the same Reg t . — I served out this year's enlistment & one month as a Volunteer & received a regular discharge at Chatham in the Jerseys. In the month of Feby 1777 I enlisted for "during the War" in a corps of Horse under command of Captain Louis DeVerre Jones, but the command soon after devolved upon Thomas Deammon. I was at the capture of Burgoyne, in the Battle of Trenton, and many others. I was discharged by particular permission of Gen l Washington, at Fitchfield on the

18 th of December 1777. — I served my Country faithfully thirty two months and received a slight wound, I sent my discharge to Boston, and have lost it; I am now under adverse circumstances and need the assistance of my country for support, I hereby relinquish all claim to any pensions pension on account of my services.
Witness my hand —
(Signed) Edward Wilkins
I James Gordon, a pensioner under the late law of Congress, do upon oath testify & declare that I well knew Edward Wilkins the Drum Major of Col. Nixon's Regiment in year service in 1776. To my knowledge he enlisted and served during the year in Capt. Butlers company as he has within stated. I served with the said Wilkins and well knew of his service. I did not know personally of his last months services in Jany 1777, but I well knew many of the year men to volunteer for one month or six weeks longer in New Jersey, and I fully believe the said Wilkins was one of that number.
State of Maine (Signed) James Gordon ,
Kennebec Co ss March 23, 1820. Personally appeared James Gordon to me well known as a credible witness, & he made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed
Before me Robert C. Vase Justice P.

E. Wilkins Deed affidavit I Nathan Wood of Stark, Somerset County, Maine, do hereby upon oath testify and declare that I well knew Edward Wilkins within named, to my knowledge he enlisted in December 1775, or Jany 1776 for one year in Capt Butler's company of Col Nixon's Mass: Regiment, he fully served out the period of one year faithfully to my knowledge and I have no doubt he was discharged in the manner he has stated, I served in the said company with the said Wilkins and well know of his faithfully serving one full year. —
(Signed) Nathan Wood
Kennebec ss March 8, 1820. Nathan Wood above named, to me well known as a credible witness personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed — (Signed) Robert C. Vose, Jus of Peace
Robert C. Vose Esq is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Kennebec. —
(Signed) Nathan Wood C. J. C.C.C. Pleas

Dorcas Holt- Depn.

State of Maine.
Penobscot, ss.
I, William C. Dilliard, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that John L. Hodson of Exeter in said County
Esquire, is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such;
and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two .
Wm C Dilliard Clerk.

I Dorcas Holt of Litchfield in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine before John S. Hodsdon Esquire, of said Litchfield, one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County & State, on oath depose, testify & say, that I am sixty eight years of age. I was well acquainted with Edward Wilkins a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States who resided in the town of Charleston (formerly called New Charleston) in the County of State aforesaid, & died the last of February or the first of March A.D., one thousand eight hundred & thirty five. & I was also well ac- quainted with his wife Bridgett Wilkins, and knew them both in- timately more than twenty years; the said Bridgett died at the house of her son in law Joseph Osgood, in Litchfield aforesaid, the last day of February A. D. one thou- -sand eight hundred & thirty nine having remained a Widow from the date of her husband's decease, up to the time of her death. I am

Said Bridgett after her death, and assisted in preparing her body for burial. The children of the said Edward and Bridgett Wilkins, are John Wilkins of Bangor, Daniel Wilkins of Charleston, & Nancy Osgood, of Efton wife of Joseph Osgood, all in said County of Penobscot, that are now living, Betsey Hatch wife of Aaron Hatch, who removed into the Western Country more than thirty years since, was a daughter of said Edward & Bridgett Wilkins, but as she has not been heard from for many years, it is presumed she is dead. The above named John, Daniel, Nancy and Betsey, with one William, who died during the War of 1812, unmarried, and without issue, are all the children the said Edward & Bridgett ever had,
Dorcas Holt
State of Maine, } County of Penobscot. } Efton April 21 st A. D. 1851. —
Subscribed and sworn to, the day & year above written & I hereby certify, that the said Dorcas Holt is a credible Witness & appears to be of the age herein before stated.
Before me John L. Hodsdon Justice of the Peace.

Harri' Row
Bridget Wilkins, d o widow of Edward, who was a drummer and born Major. Mass last, —
Ac. d o July 7. 1838,
5 mo drum Major $26,00
14 mo 15 days drummer 53,15
$79.15
Ca March 4. 1836,
End Feb 28. 1839,
when she died
Payable to James Wilkins & Nancy Osgood, only children John L. Hodson, Yeta, Maine.

Mam Roe
Bridget Wilkins, et et al

Rel to care of John Wilkins Heir of Budget
Oct 21/32
A. Heath, Comm of Sensory, Washington, D.C.
REC

Letter 18 th Oct r 1852. —
Dear Sir. —
Will You please
inform me, if you find in the De- -claration of John Wilkins, (heir of Bridget (Wilkins,) for accompanying it, the regis- -ter certificate from a Court of Record showing the period at which Mrs. Wilkins died, & the number & names of her children now living,
Yrs
John P. Housden
Hon. Com r of Pensions, Washington,
D.C.

There is no evidence that the within are true copies of the original certificates.
The testimony of two witnesses whose credibility is certified by the Judge will be admitted.
27 July 1819

Brief in the case of Brajet Wilkins, etc Penobscot County and State of Maine
act
July 7, 1838.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband's pension Act 1818. Record evidence of same and marriage.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
J. L. Hadson, Yates, Maine.
Examining Clerk.
Ogden Mels

14.586
Bridget Wilkins dec d Wid of Edward Maine, Act 7 July 1838.
let 10 May '52.
J. L. Hoddon Exeter, Maine. ✓

Letter Me. Jany 24 th 1892,
Hon. Comm. of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
I enclose
Declaration of John Wilkins Esq of Bangor as gone, & in behalf of the heirs of the late Bridgett Wilkins, Widow of Edward Wilkins, deceased, for Revolutionary Pensions,
The proof of Marriage, Identity &c &c, is I believe most conclusively es- tablished.
Respy
Yrs,
John L. Hodsdon,

June 19 th 1852
Aldyevi: case of Bridget Perkins decd widow of Edward.
M c S. Hodsdon Exeter Maine
James E. Heath Atty at Business Washington D.C.

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT made and concluded at
day of
in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and
this
by and between
on the one part, and
on the other part, Witnesseth ,
That the said
on
part, for the consideration hereinafter
mentioned,
agreed and do
by these presents agree to and with the said
of the other part,
And the said
on
part, in consideration of the premises
agreed and do
by these presents agree
To the true and faithful performance of the several covenants and agreements aforesaid, the parties aforesaid do hereby respectively bind themselves and their respective heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, each to the other, his executors, administrators and assigns in the penal sum of
In Testimony Whereof , they have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and year above written.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED IN PRESENCE OF

Washington June 20, 1850
hi,
In reply to yr letter of yesterday's date, I have to inform you that a copy of the declaration of Edward Watkins is wanted, because "it is of great consequence to his heirs to have a copy," as I am advised. I do not know for what purpose it is to be used. But, from the character of the gentleman for whom I apply, I am quite confident that no improper use will be made of it, if obtained.
I am very respectfully yr obed Servt J. K. Goodnow
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr. of Pensions

Letter Me. June 14 th 1852.
Hon. James R. Heath, } Comm ee of Pensions. }
Dear Sir.—
Herewith you will receive the certificate of the Secy. of the Com tee of Mass. in due form, of Revolutionary services performed by Edward Wilkins, at sundry times during a period of 14. years & 7. months; how far this evidence corroborates said Wilkins' Declaration, & the affidavits by him furnished, I am unable to say. I think he alleged service out of Mass s . His Daughter Mrs. Osgood, says his efforts to obtain a pension under the Act of 1818, were for a long time fruitless, but on information to the Pension Depot, that he served as Drummer & Drum Major, his name was found, & the Pension granted. You speak in yr

letter of May 10 th last of certificates from Col. & Brig. Genl. Nifon, but inasmuch, as neither the claimants nor myself have any original papers or copies relating to the services of Mr. Wilkins, nor know where to seek them, we are unable to supply the deficiency complained of. In fact we had not regarded the proviso in the Secs. of the act making appropriations for the payment of Revolutionary, and other services pensions, of the U. S. for the year ending June 30 1847. but looked only to the enactment in the body of the section prescribing the general rule, that the widow of a husband who was drawing a pension at the time of his decease, is not to be required to furnish any further evi- dence that her said husband was entitled to such pension. Inasmuch as the act concerning these cases, shifts the onus from the shoulders of the applicant to those of the Dept., it is presumed, the investigation of the evidence in this case, by the Com y will be made in that spirit of liberality which characterizes the law, I am

confident that you will give due weight to the fact, that ample proof of more than two years Revolutionary services by said Redward Wilkins, was furnished to a Judge of one of our highest courts, at a time, when the means of establishing such services by living witnesses, or other proof, were more accessible than at this late day. It may be possible too, that Mrs. Osgood's sug- gestions in relation to the difficulty occurring at the original application by her father, may afford you some clue, to an explanation of the doubts now existing upon the subject,
Yrs most respcy,
John L. Hodsdon
P.S. I enclose a certificate in the due form from the office of the Probate Court in this county, of the death of John Wilkins the apt ly in this case. I presume that the certificate will issue in the name of the surviving heirs, Daniel Wilkins, & Nancy Osgood.

Smith Osgood's Dep.

State of Maine.
Penobscot, ss.
I, William C. Billiard, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that John L. Hodsdon of Exeter, in said County
Esquire, is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such;
and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two .
Wm C Billiard Clerk.

I Judith Osgood of Kennebec in the County of Penobscot & State of Maine, before John L. Hodsdon Esquire of said Kennebec, one of the Justices of the Peace within & for said County & State, on oath, depose & say. That I am fifty nine years of age. I was well ac- -quainted with Edward Wilkins a Rev- -olutionary Pensioner of the United States, who resided in the town of Charleston (once called New Charleston) in the County of State aforesaid, and died the last of February, or the first of March. A. D. one thousand eight hun- -dred & thirty one, & I was also well acquainted with his wife Bridgett Wilkins, & knew them both inti- -mately, more than twenty years; the said Bridgett died at the house of Joseph Osgood, (his daughter Nancy's husband) in said Kennebec the last day of February A.D. one thou- -sand eight hundred & thirty nine, a Widow, not having married after the decease of her husband. I saw her after her death. I believe her body was carried to Charleston for

burial. The children & heirs of said Edward & Bridgett Wilkins are John Wilkins of Bangor, Daniel Wilkins of Charleston & Nancy Osgood of Roxbury wife of Joseph Osgood that are known to be living. Betsey Hatch wife of Aaron Hatch, who removed into the Western country more than thirty years since, was a daughter of said Bridgett & Edward, but as she has not been heard from for many years, it is presumed she is dead. The above named John, Daniel Nancy & Betsey were died with one William, who died during the War of 1812, unmarried and without issue, are all the children the said Edward & Bridgett ever had, Judith Osgood
State of Maine,
County of Penobscot, ss.
Roxbury, April 21 st A.D. 1851,
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year above written & I hereby certify, that the said Judith Osgood is a credible Witness & appears to be of the age above stated.
Before me John L. Hodsdon,
Justice of the Peace,

Isaac Noddons Depn. — in app n of Ed. Wilkins & Bridget his wife heirs,

State of Maine.
Penobscot, ss.
I, William C. Billiard, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County certify that John L. Hodsdon of Exeter in said County
Esquire, is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such;
and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT for said State, this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two .
Wm C Billiard Clerk.

State of Maine County of Penobscot, ss.
I Isaac Hoasdon of Exeter in the County of Penobscot and State of Maine aged sixty nine years upon oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Edward Wilkins late of Charleston in said County of Penobscot deceased: that I knew him first in April 1803. That on the first Tuesday of May 1803 I did Military duty as a duly enrolled Militia Soldier under said Wilkins who was then a Militia Captain. That my acquaintance with said Wilkins continued until the time of his death, which time is not certainly recollect d , but believe it was eighteen or twenty years ago. That I knew him as a Revolutionary Pensioner. That I have often heard said Wilkins say, before any Pension Law was passed except invidia Pension Laws. That he was a Drum Major in the Revolutionary Army. And that I have been acquainted with Bridget his wife nearly as long as with her husband Edward, and have nearly as long been acquainted with John, Daniel, Betsey, & Nancy their Children. William their youngest child enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812, and died at Plattsburg, as I understand. That John Wilkins of the city Bangor, Daniel Wilkins of Charleston, and Nancy Osgood wife of Rev d Joseph Osgood of Exeter are all the children of the said Edward and Bridget that are known here to be now living. Betsey, who married Rev d Aaron Hatch removed from this State more than thirty years ago and little or nothing has been heard or know from her during the last twelve or fifteen years, and whether she is dead or living is unknown. I know that said Edward until the time of his death lived with the said Bridget as husband & wife, and that she survived the said Edward about eight or ten years.

and died (at the house of John Wesleygood, her grandson in Exeter as I understand and believe.)
(And further this deponent saith not)
Isaac Hoasdon
State of Maine, } County of Penobscot, }
On this twenty first day of April Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred & fifty one, personally appeared the above named Isaac Hodsdon & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed, & I certify that said Hodsdon is a credible Witness, and appears to be of the age by him stated. Before me,
John L. Hodsdon, Justice of the Peace,

Isaac Noddons Depn. — in app n of Ed. Wilkins of Bridget his wife heirs,

7 Hon. James E. Heath, Comm. Pensions, Washington, D. C.

Exeter Nov. 16 th 1852, Hon J. E. Heath,
Dear Sir -
In the case of heirs of Bridgett Wilkins, in which I was notified under date of August 28 th 1852, that a "certificate would issue for $7915, I am - as soon as a certificate from a Court of Record should be filed showing the period at which Mrs. Wilkins Died the number & names of her children now living" - I would suggest that I am positive you will find the above annexed to the original declaration of John Wilkins taken before Hon C. G. Ransom Judge of Probate, which was among the first papers filed by me in the case. Said John Wilkins having since deceased I filed the requisite proof thereof. The heirs now living are Daniel Wilkins & Nancy Asgood. You will greatly

oblige the claimants in this case by an early recurrence to the papers in the case, I am unwilling to subject the heirs to the trouble & expense of making the proof which is indispensable to the pro- -curements of the Certificate for- -warded by Recd. as requested, without being quite sure that I have failed (most unaccountably) to furnish it, hitherto. I have
addressed the Dept. twice, at least, since my last without being honored with a reply.
most resp.
Yrs John L. Hodsdon.

He died 1831
Maria Feb. 26, 1778
She died Feb 28, 1839,
5 mo Dunn Ngon. at $5.20 $ 26,00
14 mo 15 dy Dunn at $3.66 53 85
$79.15

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
June 8. 1852.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name Edward Wilkins is borne :- 8 On rolls of 8 mos. service in 1775, as Drummer, from Concord, from April 26 to Sept 30. 5 months + 5 days - least receipt not found. Capt. Joseph Bulters Co., Col. Nixon's Regt. :- 5 5 5 1 10 On pay book of Lt. Col. Nixon's Regt., (4 th ) Capt. Walker's Co.; as Drum Major for the Months September, October, November, + December. 1776 and January, 1777. 5 months - Benj. Haywood Pay master of this Regt. :- On roll of Capt. Amasa Cramston's Co.; Col. Samuel Denny's Regt. raised for 3 mo. as Drummer from Sudbury from Oct. 24 to Nov. 23. 1779. 1 month + 10 days including travel allowed.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Maria Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Pension Office May 10 th 1852.
Sir,
The application of the heirs of Bridget Wilkins, widow of Edward of Maine, who was a pensioner under the act of 1818 has been examined and filed. We cannot now allow this claim upon the evidence of service on file in this office. There is no record of his service on any of the rolls of this office. The rolls of Col o Nixon's and Col o Sheldon's Reg t as far as we have them, have been carefully examined, but his name is not found thereon. The copies of the certificates from Col o & Brig Gen l Nixon cannot be received as such, without proper proof that they are true copies. If the originals are in existence, they should be sent here. The Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Mass: could no doubt furnish evidence of all the service performed by Wilkins; and to him, you should apply.
I have the honor to be Your Ob t St t J F C Ripley Commissioner
John L Hodsdon Esqr Exeter, Maine

The reason why the copies, with the Judge's explana- tion, was not sent -was that the copies were deemed not sufficient - they are now enclosed with this, as well as the original marks made in the Pension Office - the reason why this claim was first returned for further proof
July 4. 1820
R.C. Vose
Edward Wilkins. musician Col. Nixon's Regt Mass'ts, January 1776. to Feby 1777 - 13. Months
April 9 th 1818 Penobscot County, Maine
In note on Joel Rich's Claim - returned - for cert certificate then Not found on rolls Agree
Proof J. Gordon
Nathan Wood
July 4. 1820. original papers with J. Gordon's Explanation Just service proved by R. C. Vose two credible witnesses April 17. 1820.
Admitted.
R.C. Vose, August. Maine

no. 14.586.
Bridget Wilkins dec?
Wid. of Edward
Maine
Act 7 th July 1838.
let May 10 th 1852.
Hodsdon, J. L. Hodson, Aug. 28/52.
Hodsdon J. L. Hodson. Exeter, Maine.

M c Adams ME W Cole J. S. Edwards Esq Comt. of Penins Washington

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26,065
Bridget Wilkins
Wid of
Edward Wilkins
Drummer Rev War
Act July 7 th 1838
Index: Vol W , Page 347
[Arrangement of 1870.]

To the Hon ble the Secretary at War.
Sir
I think it a duty incumbent on me to state a few facts relative to the within Claim of Edw d Wilkins: At the time of his making his Declaration before me my house was literally filled with Revolutionary soldiers, waiting with impatience for their papers to be made out: And a little confusion occasioned of course by such an assembly, I hope will apologise for such inaccuracy as may have appeared in some of the Papers: In this situation I made out the papers for Mr. Wilkins: He showed me the within certificates, & asked me if I thought it would be proper to have them sent on? I cast my eye upon the paper & seeing that it pur ported to contain certificates from Officers of his Regiment, without further question or remark, I answered in the affirmative: Had they I have had a moments leisure to have examined him touching the paper I should not have sent it on; or otherwise should have stated them to have been copies : I am clearly of the opinion that Mr. Wilkins had no improper motives or inducements in what he did: From a personal acquaintance with him, I believe him to be an honest man: And from some corroborating circumstances from his sons (both of which are respectable Officers in our Government) and others, I have no doubt as to the validity of his testimony: Should this Claim appear, otherwise to be a fair & valid one, I hope this explanation will serve to obviate such unfavorable impressions as must of course have been produced by the appearance of such a Paper :
I am most respectfully, Y r Serv t & Sir.
M c Kinsley J. C. G. P.

Penobscot Is June 12 th 1819.
I hereby certify, that since the return of the within Application of Edward Wilkins, he has called upon me, & made the following explanation relative to the within certificates vizg. "That after the defeat of St. Clair's expedition, he the S d Wilkins had it in contemplation to enlist into the service under General Hull : And for this purpose he procured the within certificates, as also a similar one from Col. H. Jackson , directed to Genl. H. Knox then Sec y of War, recommending him as a commissioned Officer: Recommendations were sent on to the S d Sec y at War; and which he presumes may now be found in that department: And that the inclosed are copies of the S d  Original Certificates , taken at the time in the hand writing of him the S d Wilkins; And that he could have no inducement to never meant or intended to exhibit them as Original Papers , but only as Copies : And that they ought to have been certified as such: He avers most solemnly as to the truth of his original Declaration: That he performed the service faithfully; and hopes that the unfavorable appearance of the inclosed Papers, will not operate to disqual him of the liberality of his Country, earned by more than two years of contested & faithful service . — He hopes & prays that his claim will not be rejected: That his Companions in Arms are principally dead: If any of them are still living they are in the State Mass a proper, three or four hundred miles distance; but still he would make the journey & prove proof positive if doubts should still remain as to the propriety of his claim
Att. H. Russell J. C. C. S. (over)

This may certify to whom it may or doth concern that Edward H. Wilkins was personally in the service of the United States in the late war with Great Britain & was Drummajor of the Regt I then had the honor to command & was Drummajor of the Brigade in which he be- haved himself with great propriety, distinction and punctilio in the of his Country's activity and courage & bravery is worthy notice & I had it in contemplation to have promoted him by a Commission but he was taken with the small pox at the time the Vacancy was filling & was omitted
Signed
Feb 6 the 1789
Copy
Thomas Nixon Colonel of 6th Regt Massachusetts Line
This may certify that the above Edward Wilkins was Drummajor of my Brigade in late war with Great Britain and he behaved himself with great propriety, distinction & punctuality and gave good satisfaction to his Commanding officers
Signed
Feb 6 the 1789
John Nixon Brigadier General
West Ludbury
Copy