Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15697, Richard Varick, Continental New York

Concordia New York
Smith, Isabella Maria
11.13.697
CONTENTS
Blank lined page with two columns of dotted lines for entries.

New York 3451
Maria Varick
Widow of Richard Varick
who died on the 13 th July 1831
of N. York Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Deputy Commr. General in the ————— commanded
by Captain ————— of the ————— commanded
by N.Y. in the N. York
time for
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 600 Dollars ————— Bonds per annum,
to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831. & to terminate the 13 th July 1831
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of October 1840 and sent to Lewis V. Pierce Brooklyn, N. York
Arrears to the 4 th of 13. July 1840 $ 215.00
Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 2. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book C. Vol. 1. — Page 133

Application of 5216 Mrs Maria Varick for a pension under the Act of Congress. passed 7: July 1838.
adm d by Genl Muster Master 2 years Muster Master for 1 year
600 00
Mem o of deduction
Hon. J. Q. Adams. Quincy Mass. Mass. Brooklyn Agents.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New York, ss:
On this twenty fifth day of April 1839 personally appeared before the undersigned Judah Hammond one of the Judges of the Marine Court in & for the City & County of New York Maria Varick a resident of said City in the county aforesaid aged
75 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Richard Varick who was a Deputy Commissary General in the Revolutionary Army for the Northern Department previous and until the capture of General Burgoyne, that after this period he was stationed at West Point, and served as Inspector General until the discovery of Arnold's treachery, when being acquitted upon trial (by a Court instituted for the purpose of investigating the matter) of all participation in said treachery, she was transferred to General Washington's Military family, and served as his Recording Secretary for the remainder of the war. In the year 1806 he was elected President of the New York State Society of the Cincinnati, which office he held until the day of his death. That she was married to said Richard Varick by the Rev. Dr. Livingston then pastor of the Middle Reformed Dutch Church of the City of New York. That her maiden name was Rosevelt and that she was married at the City of New York. That her said husband at the time of his entering the service of the United States resided at Hackensack, New Jersey. She further declares, that she was married to the said Richard Varick on the Eighth day of May (1786) in the year seventeen hundred and eighty six; that her husband, the aforesaid Richard Varick died on the thirty first day of July 1831 ; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. at the time above stated.
Maria Varick
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me
Judah Hammond Judge of the Marine Court
And I J. Hammond Judge as aforesaid do hereby certify that the above named Declarant (Mrs. Maria Varick)

Varick appears to me to be unable to attend court by reason of old age and consequent infirmity.
Judah Hammond Justice New York
City of New York ss. Helena Lefferts being duly sworn doth depose and say that she is well acquainted with Mrs. Maria Varick within named, and that she is a person of truth and veracity and her declarations in affidavit to full force with and credit sworn the 25th day of April 1839 —
Helena Lefferts
Judah Hammond Justice New York Correct
It is hereby Certified that the within deposition is a satisfactory evidence to me of the facts therein stated
Dated New York April 25 1839
Judah Hammond Justice New York

State of New York } County of New York } ss.
I certify that the following is a true copy of the record of the marriage of Richard Varick and Maria Roosevelt with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair, legible figures, as follows: "1786 May 8" "Richard Varick and Maria Roosevelt."
Benjamin D. Rogers
I, Cornelius Rogers above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk of Middle Dutch Church of New York, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said church in said city of New York with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Sworn before me.
I, Cornelius Rogers above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Religious corporation styled The Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the City of New York that the above is a true extract from the records of said church with the exception above named as certified by me, and that the seal affixed to the said certificate is the corporate seal of said corporation and was so affixed by their authority.
Sworn the 25. day of April 1839 before me
Benjamin D. Rogers
Franklin Brown knows of said

State of New York County of New York } ss
I Morgan Lewis of the City of New York in said County aged eighty four years do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Mrs Maria Varick the present applicant for a pension under the act of 7 July 1838, that I know her to be the widow of Hon Richard Varick deceased who was an officer in the war of the Revolution, and afterwards President of the Cincinnati Society.
Subscribed & Sworn this 25 day of April 1839
Morgan Lewis.
Before me Joseph Strong Commissioner of Deeds
State of New York County of New York } ss Clerk's Office.
I Joseph Strong Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Judah Hammond Esq before whom the foregoing declaration of Maria Varick purports to have been sworn was at the date thereof one of the Judges of the Marine Court in & for said County duly commissioned and qualified. And that Franklin Brown before whom the accompanying affidavit of Cornelius Poeyart purports to have been taken and Joseph Strong before whom the accompanying certificate of Hon Morgan Lewis purports to have been sworn were at the respective dates thereof Commissioners of Deeds in & for

said County duly commissioned & qualified. And I do further certify that I have examined the signatures of the said Judah Hammond, Franklin Brown and Joseph Strong, to the said declaration affidavit & certificate & their accompanying certificates and that the same are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal this 25 th day of April in the year of our Lord. One thousand eight hundred & thirty nine.
Joseph Strong
By

December 10, 1934.
BA-J/ILL Richard Varick W. 15697
Miss Myrtle Kimble 14 Herbert Street Beacon, New York.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Richard Varick, who died in 1831.
The record of Richard Varick is given herein as found in the papers on file in pension claim, W. 15697, based upon his service in that war.
Richard Varick, while a resident of Hackensack, New Jersey, entered the service in 1775 as Captain of Colonel McDougall's New York regiment, was transferred and served as military secretary to General Schuyler, was promoted April 10, 1777, Deputy Mastermaster General, with rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and served in that capacity until after the capture of Burgoyne; after that, was Inspector General at West Point until after the discovery of Arnold's treason; in May, 1781, he was appointed military secretary, or aid-de-camp, to General Washington and continued to serve as such until the close of the war. Following the war, he continued to serve as recording secretary to General Washington, and in 1784, received a letter from Mount Vernon expressing esteem and entire approbation on account of his faithful public service, during which such fidelity, skill and indefatigable industry were manifested.
In 1806, Richard Varick was elected President of the Society of the Cincinnati of New York. He died July 30, or 31, 1831, in New York.
Richard Varick married May 8, 1786, in New York City, Maria Roosevelt; the ceremony was performed by Rev. Dr. Livingston, then pastor of the Middle Reformed Dutch (Protestant) Church. The names of the parents and dates of birth of neither Richard nor Maria are shown.

Maria Varick, the widow of Richard Varick, was allowed pension on her application executed April 25, 1839, at which time she was a resident of New York City; she was then aged seventy-five years.
In 1843, one Richard Varick DeWitt was living in Albany, New York; no relationship to the family was stated.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and, possibly, the date of death of Maria Varick, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and furnish the following:
Maria Varick, widow of Richard Varick, Certificate 3049 Issued June 1, 1839 Rate $800 per annum Commenced March 4, 1836 Act of July 7, 1838. New York Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Her name is shown on A. B. under both Act of 1836 + Act 1838

Hon J. L. Howard,
Albany Augt 24 1843
Sir I have the pleasure of acknowledging your official communication in reply to mine of 24 ult o -
As I have put my questions in such a shape as not to convey my meaning, I take the liberty of troubling you again on the subject.
I meant to ask for the following information -
1 Whether Col. Varick was entitled to a pension & how much? 2 Whether he rec d any part of it, or whether as his executor I cannot call for the whole or some part of it. 3 If I can call for anything, whether it is necessary for me to establish his title over to again, & if so by what proofs, or - whether the Depart t has not now the proofs - inasmuch as his widow must, in order to receive her pension, (which she did, after his death which occurred in July 1831.) have furnished the proofs & they are as I suppose in the Pension Office Records. 4 What evidence must I give of my Executorship if I am to receive any thing for the Estate.
Very Resp y & Yours John Varick Schuyler Ex r of Elizabeth Varick

New York. - Jan 9
Maria Barick, widow of Richard Barick
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 31 st July 1831. of N. B. - the in the State of N. H. - the who was a By Rev. Mr. Bicknell commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt. commanded by [blank] in the War. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of N. H. as the at the rate of 600 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of June 29, and sent to Mrs. J. L. Adams, Dedham, Mass.
Arrears to the 14th of March - $1800.00 Pension annual allowance ending 300.00 $2100.00
{ Act July 1838.
by R. [blank] Vol. 2 - Page 10
to Lewis Pierce to Hon. S. L. South 26. 1838 - do to same. 28. 1840 - do to Hon. J. C. Adams. Aug. 17. 1840 - do to Lewis Pierce Aug. 31. 1840 - do to same Sept. 25. 1840. do to Jos. Wm. Dec. 17. 1842 - do to C. D. Lewis Dec. 27. 1842 do to C. D. Lewis Jan. 14. 1843 -
Date of death motion filed.

Brooklyn June 10 th 1839
Sir. We received information from Philip R Fendell Esq of your city that a pension Warrant had been issued in the case of Mrs Maria Varick widow of Colonel Richard Varick upon the 18 th of June inst. As several days have now elapsed and we have not received said Warrant, and as we are fearful that this delay is occasioned by accident, we take the liberty to address you and apprise you of the fact. Will you be pleased to favor us with a reply that we may understand the circumstances of the case. You are aware that this application was forwarded to you by the Hon John D. Adams with the request that you make return to Philip R Fendell Esq of your city. Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt
Levi V Pierce 10 Front St Brooklyn N.Y.
J. L. Edmonds Esq Comm of Pen.

Page 102, Vol. 3. Journals Congress - Sept. 10. 1777 deputy Muster master Genl. rank of Lt. Colonel -
Richard Varick appointed same day -
Page 144, Vol. 4. Journals Congress. Richard Varick still Lt Colonel muster master
Sept. 1780, Arnold in his letter to Gen. Washington, calls Varick "Colonel"
The widow is entitled to the highest pension, of course -

No 5894. Oct 17. 1820.
Curr.
Act July 4. 1836
2 o Section.
$600 per ann. to be paid on 13 July 1831
Estates
City of Washington D.C.
[Handwritten signature or mark]

14 Herbert St. Beacon N.Y. Nov. 21, 1934
Veterans Administration Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen,
Could you please tell me whether Richard Varick Revolutionary soldier, born in Hackensack 1753, died at 18 K Jersey City in 1831, ever received a pension or bounty, or whether his widow did?
Very truly yours, (Miss) Myrtle Grindle

Over
Calumet, Mich. Mar. 22. 1902.
Com. of Pensions
To the U. S. Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C. Gentlemen.
Will you kindly inform me if the records of the U. S. Bureau of Pensions contain the names of Col. Richard Varick (1763-1831) Janus (Van) Varick or Varrack born 1737 Abraham (Van) Varick born 1725 and Richard (Van) Varick born 1720 All of the Revolutionary War Has any record been kept of the patriotic band of men

Called the "Sons of Liberty" who took the active part in defending the rights of the country at the time of the Stamp Act. Will you kindly tell me where I can find any such records if any?
Very respectfully Mrs. E. B. Brown 1111 Calumet ave.

Rev WIDOW, & Co.
File No. 18202
Maria Varick Wid. of Richard Varick Com't'nt Rev War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. M Page 296
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 2-1902 Mrs. E. G. Brown Calumet Mich 1902. Dec. 10. Hilt. to Miss Myrtle Kunkle-
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
No. 15697
Maria V...
Wid of
Richard V...
Dunn. Rev War.
Act July 7th 188
Index: Vol. M , Page 112
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[A large, stylized initial letter, possibly 'B', in the top right corner.]
Miss How Samuel S Southard Jersey City N.J.

Brooklyn Sept 20 th 1839.
Dr Sir.
Yesterday I left at your residence in Jersey City, the pension papers of Widow Maria Varick & Sibbel Kelly. Accompanying was a letter to J. S. Edwards Esq. with reference to Mrs. Kelly. I now address you in order to solicit the favor of your attention to Mrs. Varick's claim. You will observe that she applies for pension due her husband under Act of 15 May 1828. The question is, was her husband (the Hon. Richard Varick dec d ) entitled to the benefits of said act. The act reads thus.
"Each of the surviving officers of the Army of the Revolution in the Continental Line, who was entitled to half pay by the resolve of Oct 21. 1780 be entitled to receive &c."
Said Rich d Varick served until the close of the War with Washington's Military Family, but can he be included among those who served in the Continental Line? The act of 1828 seems in a measure to explain itself on this point. It gives pension to those
"who were entitled to half pay by the resolve of Oct 21. 1780. Said resolve is
"that the officers who shall continue in the service till the end of the War, shall also be entitled to half pay during life, to commence from the time of their resignation."

I have never been informed whether pensions under said act of 1828 were granted only to such officers of the line, who were entitled to Country Pay . If such precedent had been established, it is probably useless to present the claim of the Variola but if staff officers are equally entitled I should think that she has a just claim.
I would moreover submit for your consideration another inquiry which I would thank you to reply to at your leisure.
Does the receipt of pension under act of 7 th June 1832, annul the claim under act of 15 May 1828, from 3 rd March 1826 to 4 th March 1831. The dates of the commencement of said pensions?
There are many who have never heard of the act of May 1828 & yet were entitled to the benefits thereof who have applied for & received pension under act of June 1832. Have they thus unwittingly set aside their claim from March 1826 to March 1831? I can discover no reason or justice in this.
The act of June 7 th 1832 contains a clause of relinquishment, but it applies to those who are in the receipt of pension under some other act; they must relinquish further claim before they can receive the benefit of this act, & the amount they have received up to the date of their application since the 4 th March 1831 must be deducted. If they had been pensioners under act of 1828 they would have retained five years pay from 1826 to 1831. Why then should

those who first make application under act of June 1832 lose their claim to this five years pay?
The form of Declaration under the Act of June 1832, contains the following clause.
"He" (the applicant) "hereby relinquishes every claim "whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present." Is not this intended to provide against the payment of two pensions at the same time? If not what authority have they to insert such a clause & what force can it have in view of said act of 1832.?
As the above inquiry embraces matter of considerable interest I would respectfully solicit a reply to the same at your earliest convenience. I do not think that I shall have occasion to trespass so much upon yr kindness in future. & I only do so now as I am unable to obtain the information I desire from any other quarter.
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servt Charles D. Lewis 10 Front St Brooklyn.
W. H. H. Samuel L. Southard Jersey City

New York. Nov. 13. 1839.
Sir,
Enclosed are additional affidavits in support of Col Rich Varick's claim to pension under the act of May 15. 1838. We might procure a great number of similar affts (were it necessary) to prove that said Varick was Military Secretary to Genl Washington from May 1781 until the close of the Rev War, & that he retained his rank of Lieut Col. The following resolution of the Continental Congress of May 1781 (the same month in which Varick entered Washington Mil. Family) would seem to determine the question of rank.
"Resolved. That officers not annexed to any line serving in the family of the Commander in Chief & those serving as Aids de Camp with other general officers retain the rank they now hold & shall be eligible to command, upon detachments when the Commander in Chief or Commanding Officer of a detachment shall think proper Res of 1781 May 25."
Edw. Edwards Esq.
Very Respectfully &c. H. S. Pierce Rev.

B.
The rank of Col. Rich d Varick is recognized by Congress in a resolution of Oct 30 th 1783 which commands that.
"Resolved that it be recommended to the Executive of the State of New York, to settle with Lieut. Col. Richard Varick" Ye Ye."

Brooklyn Sept 11. 1840
Sir
As your decision appears to be final that Col Richard Varick was not entitled to the benefits of the Act of May 15 1828 we are instructed to apply for the small amount due under the Act of 7 June 1832 to wit from 4th March 1831 to 13 July 1831 the time of his decease. As the particulars of his service & decease have been so often set forth in former papers we suppose that it will not be necessary to furnish any further evidence. Please instruct us if such are your requirements.
We are very Respectfully
Your Oth Servts Lewis H. Pierce.
Hon A. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

Brooklyn August 26 th 1840.
We are requested to send our arguments relating to the application of Mrs. Maria Varick for the pension due her husband the Hon. Richard Varick at the time of his decease under the act of Congress passed 15 th May 1828.
We would respectfully direct your attention to the following facts which seek to determine the merits of this claim.
The journals of Congress of April 10/77 afford the following record.
Resolved, that the Deputy Muster Masters General have the rank of Lieutenant Colonels in the Army of the United States.
Congress proceeded to election & the ballots being taken Richard Varick & William Fraunces Junr were elected Deputy Muster Masters General .
April 20/81 Congress authorized the Commander in Chief to employ an additional secretary Whereupon Richard Varick (still a Lieutenant Colonel having never resigned his rank as such) was appointed said Secretary in which capacity he continued to serve until the close of the war.

May 25/82 Congress passed (apparently for the ex- press benefit of Colonel Vanick) that those serving in the family of the Commander in Chief retain their ranks & rights at the close of the war Congress distinctly recognized his ranks as it appears by their Resolution of Oct 30/83 that it be recommended to the Executive of the State of New York to settle with and pay Lieutenant Colonel Richard Vanick
These facts combined seem to render it conclusive that Colonel Vanick was entitled to the benefits of the act of May 25 th 1828.
It may be proper to add that this applica- tion was originally forwarded to you through the Hon Samuel Southard & subsequently through the Hon John D Adams but as they are at present absent from Washington we would respectfully request that your reply be sent to us direct.
We have the Honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Levis Pierce 10 Frank St
Brooklyn N.Y.
Hon A. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Comm. of Penurs.
New York. Dec 12. 1842.
G. D. Lewis.
calls attention of Secy to application which has been rejected by Commttee in proportion due last Oct. Recd Vanick. Ask usual of decision.
L165. Rec Dec 14/42
Prison Offic
Report
private consideration
War Dept
Ans. 17 Dec 1842

New York Dec 12 th 1842
Wor. John B Spencer Secretary of War
Sir
I beg leave very respectfully to call your attention to an application which has been rejected by the Commissioners of Pensions for the Pension due the late Col. Richard Vancl at the time of his decease under the Act of Congress passed May 15 th 1828. As an apology for persisting in this application after it having been repeatedly disallowed by the Commissioners I would simply state that Col. Vancl himself who was thoroughly acquainted with the merits of his claim always considered himself entitled and designed to apply for relief but that the infirmities of age prevented
The Act of 1828 awards Pensions to all Officers of the line who served until the close of the War; pay to commence on the 4 th of March 1826 and to continue until the day of their death.

Col. Barick died in 1831. This claim therefore is for five years pension
The Commissioner of Pensions in his rejection of this claim urges but one objection. In his reply of March 28 and August 31 st 1840 he says. "It appears that Col. Barick was Military Secretary to General Washington at the close of the War. No Officers of the Staff are provided for by the Act of 1828"
In opposition to this we affirm that Major W m Popham - North and many others - Officers of the Staff have received Pensions under the Act of 1828
The Commissioners may perhaps contend that these received Pensions in consequence of a previous Rank in the line which they still retained while Officers of the Staff until the close of the War, and not on account of their service as Staff Officers. This is all that is claimed for Col. Barick - to wit that he may receive a Pension under the Act of 1828 on account of the Rank which he held in the line while on the Staff, until the close of the War
The case of Col. Barick appears even clearer than that of Popham or North and many others, for Congress by an express Act of May 25 th 1781 "resolved that those serving in the Family of the Commander in Chief retain their Rank " In the cases above referred to of Popham & North, it might be doubtful whether they retained their Rank but in the case of Barick

Congress expressly determined that his Rank be retained
The question then at issue is what Rank did Richard Varick hold that was thus to be retained? The Assembly Journal of the State of New York of March 29 th 1810 contains a Petition of said Richard Varick for Bounty land embracing the following account of Service which was duly established
That in September 1776 he resigned a Captaincy in the line in consequence of the Resolution of Congress that no Officer in the Army should hold more than one Office and he thus resigned because his services were required in a higher capacity. to wit that of Deputy Muster Master General to which he was appointed with the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel He continued to hold this Rank in the Army of the United States until the mustering department was discontinued by resolve of Congress of January 1780 when he was appointed Military Secretary and Aide-de-Camp to General Washington and as if for his express benefit, Congress resolved as before mentioned that "those serving in the Family of the Commander in Chief retain their Rank" &c
Now it cannot be contended that Varick's Rank as Lieutenant Colonel was not lineal Rank. It was evidently so considered as he would have retained his Rank as Captain. This he could not do because of the Resolve of Congress

"that no Officer of the Army should hold more than one Office " He could not be " Lieutenant Colonel and Captain " at the same time
Now then, it may be inquired, could Popham and North retain their Captaincy and still be Officers of the Staff ranking as Majors . It appears evident that their Rank in the Staff was not considered lineal Rank , so that they were allowed to hold both , notwithstanding said resolve that "no Officer should hold two Offices" &c. It appears equally evident that Varick's Rank as Lieutenant Colonel was lineal upon the reverse of the same principle. Popham & North were Majors by Aide de Camp but not of the line and therefore held the Rank and received the pay of Majors not inconsistently with said resolve of Congress, while Varick's Rank of Lieutenant Colonel was lineal and could not be held in connection with that of Captain . If this is not so, I know not what right North & Popham and very many others had to the Rank and pay of Majors without first resigning their lineal Rank of Captain
The services rendered by Col Varick while Secretary to General Washington were peculiarly valuable. Washington himself refers to them in terms of the highest eulogiums, as I discover from his letters published by Jared Sparks. Of the facts which I have endeavoured to present

to not make the claim perfectly clear. Should not the character and eminent services of Col. Vanick entitle the claim to a liberal consideration and the Act to a liberal construction ?
I would very respectfully submit this claim to your consideration and in behalf of the Claimants humbly request that the decision of the Commissioners of Pensions may be reversed if to your better judgment the claim may seem just and equitable.
I have the honor to remain
Sir
With great Respect
Your Obs & humble servant
C. D. Lewis
71 Cedar St.

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissions of Pensions

Brooklyn Oct 16 th 1840
Sir
We have the honor to enclose a declaration drawn pursuant to your directions to obtain the balance of Pension due Richard Vanak at the time of his decease under the 2 nd Section of act of July 4 th 1836.
Very Respectfully
Your Obed Servant
Lewis & Pierce
10 Grant St
Brooklyn
We have deemed it unnecessary to get a County Clerks Certificate to the signature of the Commissioners. This name has occurred frequently in our business with your department. L 20
Yours James L Edmunds
Commissioner of Pensions

James S. Edwards Esq Comptroller of Pensions
Sir
I was surprised to learn by your Report in the case of Col. Richard Varick that he received pay as a Captain under the Act of 1828. This fact was wholly unknown to his Family and I will esteem it a favor if you will inform me as early as convenient the amount he received per annum and whether he received that amount from the 1 st of March 1828 to the time of his Death in July 1831. Col. Varick's name does not appear in the printed list of Pensioners of 1828 and you will further oblige by stating the year in which his Pension was

granted by your Department
I have the honor to submit his
Very Good Humble Servant
C. D. Lewis
Newark Dec 24 th 1842

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I received your letter of the 27 th of December requiring some proof that I am the Attorney of the claimants to the annuity of Pensions due Richard Vancl's decd. under the Act of 1828. You must be aware that the claim was originally presented by me thro' my business Mrs. J. L. Southwick and as the Attorney of Mrs. Vancl I have had numerous communications addressed to me by your Department. Why evidence should now be required of a fact which you have hitherto acknowledged, I cannot conceive. The Application made by me was rejected for the reason that Col. Vancl was in

service only as a Staff Officer at the close of the War, but when proof is adduced to show that he was entitled notwithstanding this objection. It is discovered that Col. Vancl himself had actually applied for and received the pay of a captain under the Act of 1828
I have been informed by the Russian Agents here that Col. Vancl's name was paid in the usual way under the Act of 1828 and it was because I thought a mistake had been made by your Department that I requested more particular information. My letter I cannot think was discourteous - It certainly was not intended to be so. I hope under the circumstances you will not refuse the request I have made
I remain Sir
Very Respectfully
Yours Afft Servant
Charles D Lewis
New York January 7 th 1843

James W Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington. Sir,
Albany August 16 1843
On the 24 July I addressed to you a letter of which the subjoined were the contents. Fearing it may not have reached your office I despatch this to make sure of my case reaching you.
Col Richard Varick of the City of New York died there in 1831. I understand that he was entitled to a pension as Lt Col in the Continental army which he never received, & for which as his representative I apply. His Widow who died two years ago received a pension till her death.
My object is to learn.
1 Whether the Col was entitled to a pension & how much 2 What proofs are necessary to establish the Claim. 3 Whether in establishing the Claim for the widow's pension, the proofs have not been already placed in the Pension Office files. 4 What evidence is required of my authority to receive the pension.
I will be much obliged for such direction

in the premises as you deem proper to give, very respectfully yr. M c f
Rich d Varick DeWitt surviving Executors of R Varick dec d

Thos W Edwards Esq Albany July 24 1843
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington - Sir, Col Richard Vanck of the City of New York died there in 1831 - I understand he was entitled to a pension as Lt Col in the Continental Army, which he never received, & which as his Representative I apply for. His widow Maria Vanck who died two years ago received from the Fund a pension till her death.
My object is to learn
1 Whether the Colonel was entitled to a pension & how much? 2 What proofs are necessary to establish the claim? 3 Whether in establishing the claim for the Widow's pension, the proofs have not been already placed in your hands 4 What evidence is required of my authority to receive the Pension -
I will thank you for any other information connected with the case you may think it necessary for me to be possessed of
Richd Vanck De Witt Executor named in Richard's will

C. D. Lewis
14. Jan. 1843
I am very sorry to hear that you are not well. I hope you will be able to get better soon. I have been thinking about you and your dear children. I hope to see you again soon. I am truly your friend C. D. Lewis
Yours sincerely
C. D. Lewis
de
111

218 Pension Office
January 14. 1843
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 7 th inst. I have to inform you that the late Colonel Richard Vanick applied for the benefits of the act of 1828, but did not obtain any allowances because he was not an officer of the line when he left the Army. The decisions in the cases of Popham and North have no bearing on Vanick's case. If Vanick had been alive when the act of June 7. 1832 passed, he would have been pensioned under that law. As he died before that time, nothing can be done for his widow under the act of 1832. She is therefore not entitled to any further allowance. In the report to the Secretary of War there was a slight error, of no consequence, however, as to the merits of Vanick's case. The words "applied for" should have been used in the letter instead of the word "obtained." 2
C. D. Lewis, Esq.
New-York.

Supplemental Affts.
Mrs Maria Varick
widow of
Col. Rich d Varick
act of May 15. 1838.
Agents
Lewis & Pierce Brooklyn N.Y.

State of New York City & County of New York } ss.
Theodosius Fowler of said City & County of New York aged Eighty six years, be- ing duly examined & sworn deposeth & saith that he was an officer during the War of the Revolution as is particularly set forth & described in the matter of his application for Pension under the act of Congress passed 15 th May 1828.
That during said war this De- ponent was well acquainted with Richard Varick whose widow Maria Varick (now residing in the City & County of New York) is an applicant for the pension due said Richard Varick at the time of his decease under the act of May 15 1828.
That after said Richard Varick had been ex- amined & honorably acquitted of all connection with Arnold in his conspiracy at West Point he was (as this Deponent was repeatedly & credibly informed at the time thereof) transferred into Washington's military family & appointed a military secretary in which capacity he served until the close of said War. This Deponent was also informed that said Richard Varick while serving as said secretary held the rank of Lieut Colonel. & this Deponent well knows that he bore that appellation & was uniformly considered as such. And further.

This Dependent Subscribed
Theodore Tinker
On this 25 th day of October 1839. Personally ap- peared before me the above named Theodore Tink- ler & made oath in due form & that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed are true & I certify that he is a credible wit- ness
Wm H Craig Commissioner of Oaths

State of New York City & County of New York
SP
William Popham of said City aged 88 years being duly sworn deposes that he was an officer in the War of the Revolution as is particularly related & proved in the papers filed by the Deponent at Washington under the act of Congress passed May 15 1828.
That during said War the Deponent was well acquainted with Colonel Richard Varick. That for two or three years previous to the close of said War said Varick held the office of military Secretary to Genl Washington being a member of & associated with his military family & that while thus serving as military Secretary he retained his rank & appellation of Colonel having held the rank of Lt Colonel in the early part of the war.
W Popham
On this first day of Nov 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned & made oath that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed are true & I certify that he is a credible witness.
Justin Harvey Commissioner

State of New York City and County of New York ss
I Charles D. Lewis of said City being duly sworn depose and say that the following letter purporting to have been written by General Washington to Col. Richard Varick was copied by me from "Sparks Life and Letters of Washington" Vol. 9 page 2. "Mount Vernon 1 January 1784"
Dear Sir
From the moment I left the City of New York until my arrival at this place I have been so much occupied by a variety of concerns that I could not find leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors of the 4 th and 7 th ultimo.
The public and other papers which were committed to your charge and the books in which they have been recorded under your inspection having come safe to hand. I take this first opportunity of signifying my entire approbation of the manner in which you have executed the important duties of Recording Secretary and the satisfaction I feel in having my papers so properly arranged and so correctly recorded. I beg you will accept my thanks for the care and attention you have given to this business. I am fully convinced that neither the present age nor posterity will consider the time and labor which have been employed in accomplishing it unprofitably spent. I beg you will be persuaded that I shall take a pleasure in asserting on every occasion the sense I entertain of the fidelity skill and indefatigable industry

manifested by you in the performance of your Public Duties and that I am with sentiments of esteem and regard Dear Sir &c.
Charles D. Lewis
On this 31 st day of October 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned and made oath that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed are true and I certify that he is a credible witness
Joseph Henry Commissioner
State of New York City & County of New York } B Clerk's Office.
I Joseph Horie Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Benjamin D. H. Craig before whom the foregoing deposition of Theodore Tinker purports to have been taken & Joseph Henry before whom the foregoing deposition of William Popham & Charles D. Lewis purport to have been taken were at the respective dates thereof Commissioners of Oaths in & for said City & County duly Commissioned & qualified & I do further certify that their subscriptions to said Depositions with their accompanying certifi- cates are genuine.
Witness my hand & official seal this 11 th day of November 1839. Joseph Horie

State of New York City & County of New York, ss.
Twelfth
On this 12 th day of Septem- ber, One thousand eight hundred thirty nine, person- ally appeared before me Joseph  Richard  Varick of the Judges of the Marine Court of the City & County of New York, Maria Varick of said City, Vow- ing the following declaration in order to obtain the balance of pension due her husband Richard Varick at the time of his decease under the act of 15 th May 1828. That she is the widow of said Richard Varick who was an officer in the War of the Revolution. That her husband the said Richard Varick entered the service of the United States in the year 1775 & was appointed a Captain in Col. M c Dougal's Reg- iment & served therein until transferred & promoted to the staff of General Schuyler among which he served as Military Secretary. That he was subsequent- ly appointed Deputy Commissary General with the Rank of Lieutenant Colonel. That after the cap- ture of Burgoyne in the fall of 1777 he acted as Dis- patching General at West Point until the dis- covery of Arnold's treason, when he was transferred into Washington's Military family & served therein until the close of the War. She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Varick on the Eighth day of May 1786, as particularly set forth in her declaration in the matter of her application for pension under the act of 19 th July 1838. And she further declares that her husband at the time of his decease had never received the amount due him under the provisions of the act of Congress passed 15 th May 1828 to wit: the act granting pensions "to all officers who served to the end of the Revolutionary War, in the Continental Army." She further declares that the said Richard Varick departed this life on the thirtieth day of July 1838, as is also set forth in said declaration together with particulars of his said Revolutionary Service to which for greater cer-

sanity she begs leave to refer from subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid.
Maria Varick
Judah Hammond one of the Justices of the Marine Court of the City of New York
New York ss. The within written deposition of Maria Varick is satisfactory evidence to me of the truth of the facts therein stated. I attended her at her dwelling to take this Deposition because that her great age renders it unreasonable to require her attendance in court September 10. 1839 Judah Hammond Justice of Marine Court
State of New York City & County of New York Clerk's Office
I Joseph Morris Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Judah Hammond before whom the above declaration of Mrs. Maria Varick appears to have been sworn was at the date thereof one of the Judges of the Marine Court in & for said City & County of New York duly commissioned & qualified for said duties & his signature thereto is genuine Witness my hand & official seal this Nineteenth day of September in the Year One thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty nine.
Joseph Morris, Clk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 and the 2 d section of the Act of July 4. 1836
State of New York City and County of New York ss
Abigail Vanick of said City and County aged 70 years being duly sworn makes the following declaration in order to obtain the balance of pension due her husband Richard Vanick at the time of his decease under the Act of and the 2 d section of the Act of 4 th July 1836 7 th June 1832. That her husband the said Richard Vanick entered the service of the United States in the year 1775 as a captain in Col. Pat. Dugalls Regiment. He was subsequently appointed Deputy Commmissary General with the Rank of Lieut. Colonel. After the capture of Burgoyne he acted as Inspector General at West Point . After the Treachery of Arnold he was transferred to Washington Military Family and served therein as Secretary &c until the close of the War . She further declares that she was married to said Richard Vanick on the 8 th of May 1785 as was particularly related and proved in the matter of her application for Pension under the Act of 7 th July 1832. That her husband the said Richard Vanick died on the 13 th day of July 1831 as was also particularly set forth and proved
Subscribed and sworn to this 14 th day of October 1840 before me the words "and the 2 d section of the Act of 4 th July 1836" above matter interlined
Abigail Vanick
Joseph Harvey Commissioner