Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17192, John Whitney, Conn.

SERVICE
Conn.
Whitney John
NUMBER
S. 17192
CONTENTS
carded

No 28222
Connecticut No 28222
Cert. from a gang July 16 '36
John Whiteny
of Branford in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Ratter of the Reg t commanded by Col. Hall - in the Conn te line for 7 months & 23 days.
Died Sept. 8, 1835 (A3)
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 25 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of Sept. 1834 and John Whiteny Branford C.
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834.  77.64    Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 th Sept.  12.94     100.58  
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk Book 62 Vol. — Page 48

Suppliment
annexed to the Declaration of John Whitney in Order to Obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832. —
State of Connecticut } ss. on the 7 th Day of November County of New-Haven } 1833 personally appeared in Open Court before the County Court of New- Haven County now sitting John W. Whitney of Branford in the County of New-Haven State of Connecticut now Seventy Nine years old who being first Duly Sworn according to Law doth on his oath Make the following Declaration in answer to the Objections to the admission of his pension Claims in the Brief herewith annexed. — In June 1775 Twelve or Fourteen of us who were all sea- faring Men hired one Edward Burk a Deserter from the English we gave him Forty Shillings pr Month and his board to instruct us in the then Military Exercise. at the expiration of one Month on the 11 th Day of July we all Enlisted with others to the Number of Twenty one privates into a Company commanded by Stephen Oatman as our first Officer we Marched to New Haven and there was first under Command of Lieut. Col. Street Hall from there we Marched to

Harford from Harford to Cambridge near Boston from from thence to a place called Winter Hill where we joined the army commanded by Genl Lee and I was discharged the 20 th Day of December 1775 as per Comptroller's Certificate herewith enclosed My Service at that time was Five Months Nine Days as a private This is the same Service that I set forth in my Declaration to be Seven Months which was a mistake of Mine in the length of time I at that time had no Document to assist My Memory. Therefore I claim no more than the five Months and Nine Days. —
In August 1776 I was Master and part owner of a Sloop in which I was following the coasting business some time. In the latter part of August I came into Bransford Harbor soon after I came too, in the Harbor I was boarded by the Civil Authority and other Officers and impressed Me and My Sloop into the Country Service to transport Soldiers to New York they immediately put as many Officers and Soldiers on Board as my Sloop could would carry I got under way soon as possible for New York where I went into York I was the one that carried the first information that the English had blockaded the sound

after I ordered the officers and soldiers in New York I was then pressed into the service in transporting the troops across to Long Island and held in that service in transporting our troops back from Long Island to New York when the General Washington made his Retreat from Long Island the Enemy then got possession of New York & then Run My Sloop into Harlem River and then lost her and for that service I claim Twenty one days or thereabouts as being pressed into My Country's service and serving under My superior Officer as a private besides loosing My Sloop. —
In April 1777 when the English burnt the publick Store at Danbury I Marched then in the company of Militia Commanded by James Barker as Capt we were under command of General Ward the Enemy were Retreating and we pursued after them as far as with them just as they were leaving the shore to get on board their shipping I served as a private at that time for Ten Days. —
In 1779 when the Enemy landed at East Haven I was ordered out by Ensign Allen Smith and Marched immediately for East Haven with the Militia Company under command of Ensign Allen Smith and done three Days Duty as a private at that time.

In 1779 I was Drafted and done guard Duty as one of the Coast guards in Branford for not less than Forty Days in doing that Duty I was according to My best Recollection Three Months in performing the Forty Days Duty I was subject to a Draft every Week from one to four Days in Each Week I done or performed my guard Duty under Capt John Gordon he having Charge of the guard at that time and I performed My Forty Days guard Duty at a place called Scotch Cap. Johnson Point, and on Indian Neck and My cover of Duty while I was in Actual Service was not less than one Month and ten Days -
According to My best Recollection I served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grades viz
For Seven Months and Twenty Three Days as a private and for such services I claim a pension
I cannot find any person now living that done Duty with me on guard Neither have I any Documentary Evidence therefore I must submit it without any further proof
Affidavit sworn to in John Whitney open Court this 7 th day of Nov. A. 1833 at New Bedford

I Benjamin Palmer of Branford in New Haven County State of Connecticut now Eighty one years old —
Depose and say in 1776 when I belonged to Col. John Thompson's Regiment and was on Long Island under the Command of Genl. Washington at the time we Retreated from the Island and fled before the Enemy when I arrived at the Shore to Cross over to New York I with Many others fled on board a Sloop and when I got on Board I found it was a Sloop that belonged to Branford and that she belonged to Capt John Whitney Simeon Linsley, and others I was Much fatigued and Capt Whitney told me to go below and get something to Eat which I did and he landed all of us as many as his Sloop would carry on York side Capt John Whitney, of the above mentioned applicant is now and has been for the last Fifty years a Neighbor of mine he is Conscience a Man of truth and veracity and I believe him to be now Seventy Nine years old further than the Deposition saith not
Benjamin Palmer
State of Connecticut } be it Remembered that on this New Haven County } 6 th Day of November 1833 the above Branford } Benjamin Palmer was Examined Sworn and sworn according to law to the foregoing Deposition before me and whose Character is well known to me to be Credible for truth and veracity Levi Bradley Justice of the Peace.

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven St. New Haven Nov. 7: 1850 I Int. Branchflerk of the County Court in & for New Haven County hereby certify that Levi Bradley in & has been for more than one year last past a justice of the Peace in & for said New Haven County, duly qualified & administered Oaths, & that his signature to the affidavits hereto annexed is his genuine official signature In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County on the day & date above written
Int Branchflerk.

I James Goodrich of Branford New Haven County State of Connecticut now seventy five years old
Depose and say
in April 1777 when the Enemy Landed and brought Warbury I Marched for there under Capt James Barker we were first under Command of General Ward the Enemy were Retreating when we arrived there but we pursued them until they took Shipping I was in that town of Duty not less then two Days. — I further Depose and say that John Whitney was with me and belonged to the same Company I did and done Duty the same length of time I did we were both discharged together I further Depose that John Whitney is a neighbor of mine and has been for the last Fifty years and that he is reputed to be a Man of truth and veracity and I believe him to be seventy nine years old James Goodrich
State of Connecticut } be it Remembered that on New Haven County } this 6 th Day of November 1833 the Branford — — — — — aforesaid James Goodrich was Examined
cautioned and sworn according to law
To the truth of the foregoing Deposition before me and whose Character is well known to me to be credible for truth and veracity Levi Bradley Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss. Be it remembered that at a County Court held at New Haven within & for New Haven County on this 11 th day of June 1853. The said Court in addition to their Certificate to the pension papers of John Whitney of the 6 th of August 1852 hereto annexed, hereby further certify that the several deponents or witnesses whose affidavits or depositions were taken therebefore before said Court, which are therewith & hereto annexed to wit Allen Smith and James Goodrich are respectively persons of credibility. I declare that in our opinion their statements are entitled to full faith & credit. By order of Court Attest G. H. Dearth Clerk
I G. H. Dearth Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby that the foregoingamesee contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Whitney for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of office the day & date above written G. H. Dearth Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, } ss. County of New-Haven, }
On this 6 th day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the County Court of New-Haven County now sitting, — John Whitney — a resident of — Branford — in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 78 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 Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832: — That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: — in June 1775
I enlisted under Stephen Rotten Capt Marched from Branford to New Haven then joined an Regiment Commanded by Col Hall from New Haven we Marched to Hartford from Hartford to Cambridge from there to Winter Hill near Boston then we were put under Command of Genl Lee and served seven months. — in 1777 April when the Enemy Burned Danbury I Marched then and in 1779 when the British invaded New Haven I Marched then and at Fairfield and called out on Albany & found something in all I should say to Three Months. —
in May 1777 I shift on board the Sloop Wooster of Ten guns Enoch Staples Commander (I shift as Corporal) we took an English Ship (Snow) called the Atlantic from Grenada with between four and five hundred Runaways of Rum carried her into New Bedford arrived home 29 th Oct on Duty five Months. —
in 1778 (I think) in August entered on board the Sloop Lady Washington of 16 guns Johnny Commander Sailed from New Haven on a cruise took a large Snow laden with clothing fine linen and ammunition for British soldiers was captured while on our cruise lost our mast and spars rigged jury mast and arrived at New Bedford I shifted and done duty as Corporal for Three Months in the cruise.

in November 1778 I. Shift on Board the Sloop Fanny Mounting six guns Commanded by Capt Clark. Scott the Mate had an Engagement with three privateers near St Thomas. beat them off three times we were in company with two other armed vessels in the Engagement we arrived in New Bedford after a three months cruise I shift and done Duty as Carpenter on this cruise. —
I do not know of any person living that was with me on board the Lady Washington of 16 guns Capt Johnson. —
nor on Board the Fanny of 6 guns Capt Clark. —
— I was Born in Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut in the year 1754. —
— I have a Record of My age Approved
— I was living in sd Branford when called into Service was living in sd Branford at the close of the War am living in sd Branford now and have always lived in sd Branford as My place of Residence. —
I do not Recollect of ever having any written Discharge.
— I served as a private in all My Land service and as a Carpenter in all Marine or Naval Service. —
I would now Introduce Allen Smith to Depose and say as to his personal knowledge and belief as to My actual service in the Revolutionary War and as to My veracity age etc and upon former goodness as to the latter facts as they are both My Neighbors. — and furthermore I do not know of any person living that is knowing as to My actual service in the Revolutionary War excepting James Goodrich & Allen Smith

Convent N. 6090.
1000
[Faint, mirrored handwriting, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
1000

John Whitney son of John Whitney by Deborah his wife was born in Branford April 13 th 1754
A true extract from the Records of Birth, Marriages &c in Branford
Attest, Samuel Frisbie, Town Clerk
Branford July 11. 1832
The Declarant
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest J. B. Beach Clerk
John Whitney
We, Timothy P. Gillea a Clergyman, residing in said Branford and Benjamin R. Fowler residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Whitney who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a sol- dier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Timothy P. Gillea
Benjamin R. Fowler
Attest J. B. Beach Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investi- gation 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 Timothy P. Gillea who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in said Branford and that Benjamin R. Fowler who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Branford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By order of Court Attest J. B. Beach Clerk I, J. B. Beach Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John Whitney for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 6 th day of August 1832
Attest J. B. Beach Clerk

I James Goodrich of Branford in New Haven County State of Connecticut. -
do Depose and say that in 1777 I belonged to the Sloop Wasp Mounting Ten guns Ensign Stephen Cornmander and that John Whitney of s d Branford belonged to the said Sloop at the same time and done duty as Carpenter on Board of her for five Months as we were both ship'd and Discharged together and I further Depose and say that I think his statements set forth in the foregoing Declaration are true as he is a Neighbor of Mine and always has been and that he is and always was considered to be a Man of Truth and Veracity and I believe him to be Eighty years old. Sworn & subscribed the day of James Goodrich before me? Attest J. D. Beach Clerk Allen Smith of Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut
Depose and say that in 1775 I enlisted under Stephen Potter Capt joined Col Walth Ridgment and done Duty at Winter Hill near Boston for seven Months and that John Whitney of s d Branford belonged to the same Company that I did and done Duty with me at the same time say seven Months and I further Depose and say that I believe his statements set forth in the foregoing Declaration are true as he is a Neighbor of Mine and always has been and that he is and always was considered to be a Man of Truth and Veracity and I believe him to be Eighty years of age Sworn & subscribed the day of year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty Allen Smith

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss.
Be it remembered that at a County Court held at New Haven within the New Haven County on the 7 th day of Oct. 1833 The said Court in addition to their certificate to the pension papers of John Whitney, found and ascertained by further belief that in their opinion the said John Whitney was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states in his supplemental declaration - and that the several deponents whose affidavits are hereto annexed are reputable persons of Credibility, & declare that in our opinion their statements are entitled to credit.
By order of Court attest M c Beach Clerk
I M c Beach Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing document contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Whitney for a pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand. Seal of Office the day & date above written.
M c Beach Clerk

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. AWF
January 18, 1930.
L. B. Frith Yuma, P.O.Box 742 Arizona.
Dear Sir:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 17192, it appears that John Whitney was the son of John and Deborah Whitney and was born April 13, 1754 in Branford, New Haven County, Connecticut.
While residing in said Branford, he served as follows- From July 11, 1775 to December 20, 1775 as a private in Captain Stephen Potter's Company, Colonel Street Hall's Connecticut Regiment; in 1776, twenty-one days and transported troops to Long Island and back on his own sloop; later in 1776, five months as carpenter on the sloop "Lady Washington", Captain Johnsey; in April 1777, ten days as a private in Captain James Barker's Company, when Danbury was burned; from May 1777 to October 29, 1777 as carpenter on the sloop "Wooster", Captain Enoch Staples; from November 1778, six months as carpenter on the sloop "Fancy", Captain Clark, and was in an engagement with privateers near St. Thomas; in 1779 three days as a private under Ensign Allen Smith, Colonel Russell's Connecticut Regiment; and later in 1779, forty days in Captain John Gordon's Company of Coast Guard.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Branford, Connecticut
He died September 8, 1835, leaving a widow, her name is not stated.
There are no further data as to family.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Copied from John Whitney
Leicester
John Beards New Haven Co

Jul 23
John Whitney Norfolk Ct

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of De Whits
   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 5 9 Private Col. Hall. 1st Lee 79 New Bedford Comptroller Certificate   1776 21 Do Col. Thompson 1st Washington 79 New Bedford Benjamin Palmer Deputy   1777 10 Do Genl. Ward James Goodrich   1779 3 Do Brig. A. Smith Allen Smith   1779 1 10 Capt John Gordon no Eviden living   7 23  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby, relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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
Severs in 1875 may be procured from Rolls in Office of Comp- troller of Public accounts at Hartford

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 two 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 fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [e] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
The service on 60 and private armed ships will not be computed.

17.192 INVALID.
No. 17.192
John Whitney
Dr Rev War
Act: Jan 7 th 82
Box:—Vol. 1 , Page 403-
[Arrangement of 1870.]
June 3, 1907 History Emma W. Roemer eng. 5 Hist. to G. Clifford state. V.L. like 930 1/2 pgs. 18-Hick to S. S. miles 2-3. 217 May 29 - Mrs. Anna B. prinkler adv. total amt. cost of photos. MNF 1- May 22 - Mrs. Anna B. Sprinkler connected to state whether she desired refund of $1.00 - MNF 1- Sept 19 - Mrs. Anna B. Sprinkler $1.00 to be refunded to her - 11 see letter as requested MNF

E.H.R.
Detroit May 20 th 1907 Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I wish to establish the Revolutionary war record of my great grandfather, John Whitney, of Branford, Conn. I think he was in Capt. Hall's Co., in 1775 and later. He was a ship builder and captain of a vessel in the West India trade.
Family tradition says he served in a privateer in the Revolutionary War, and received a pension for his services, under

the act of 1832. He died in 1835, aged 82.
I would like a positive record of his service, if possible.
I will be greatly obliged to you, and appreciate your kindness.
Very Sincerely Mrs Emma H. Koerner 276 Warren Ave. W. Detroit Mich
22282

Comptrollers Office October 15 th 1833.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify that in the authenticated copy of the pay roll of Lieut. Col. Street Hall's company, in the 7 th regiment of 1775, that John Whitney enlisted into said company on the 11 th day of July 1775, and served therein, as a private, until the 20 th day of December 1775, being five months and nine days.
E. Phelps

Payments to be made at Hartford by the Am. Fam. Ins. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
Connecticut
Paid to 4 th September 1835- Died 8 th September 1835 this certificate surrendered by his widow—
Pension Agency Hartford Conn t
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E 2 Vol. —
Page 48 by
R. Burdine Clerk

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Whitney of the State of Connecticut — who was a private during the Revolutionary War — is entitled to receive twenty five — dollars and eighty eight cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this fifteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
Isaac Bab
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Whitney which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yy V. * Has he mentioned 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? yy VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yy

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No  The credibility was not
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No  Vide quere 16
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the —————, who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper, 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Washington September 9, 1931.
BA-J/MMHF Am
Mrs. Henry J. Sprinker, 101 South Main Street, Newton, Kansas.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to refund of $1.00 which you forwarded May 12, 1931 to cover cost of photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.17192, John Whitney .
On May 29, 1931, you were advised the further amount due to cover such cost. On August 22, 1931 you were requested to state whether you desired the copies and would remit additional amount or whether you desired a refund of $1.00.
In compliance with your request of August 25, 1931, your remittance of $1.00 will be refunded to you in due time.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

Mrs. Henry J. Sprinker 101 South Main St. Newton, Kansas
August 25, 1931
Mr. A. H. Miller Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
In reply to your letter of August 22, 1931 - regarding the refund of the $1.00 forwarded to you May 29, 1931 for the photo static copy of papers in Revolutionary War claim of John Whitney, S. 17192 - would say I shall appreciate - the refund of this amount.
File number B. H. J M M H F.
Thanking you, Sincerely - Anna B. Sprinker

Washington August 22, 1931.
BA-J MMF
Mrs. Anna B. Sprinker, 101 South Main Street, Newton, Kansas.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to office letter to you of May 29, 1931, advising additional cost of photostatic copies of papers in Revolutionary War claim of John Whitney, S.17192.
You will please advise your decision in the matter, whether you desire a refund of the $1.00 forwarded by you, or that you will remit further, $1.70 or $1.95, the latter amount if you wish copies certified.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

May 29, 1931
Mrs. Anna B. Sprinker 101 South Main Street Newton, Kansas
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section MMHP:MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of May 4, with which you enclosed $1.00 cash to cover the cost of photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim of John Whitney, S. 17192.
You are advised that such copies are furnished at the rate of 15¢ a page. The number of pages to be copied in said claim is eighteen, making the cost $2.70. If you desire to have them certified, the cost will be 25¢ additional.
This included less pages sent cash, also cert jacket & this old cert dated Apr. 15-1834 back & front.
Upon receipt of your further remittance of $1.70 or $1.95, as you may decide, the copies will be made and mailed to you.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Acting Commissioner of Pensions.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner
I did not include soldier's letter of Feb. 7-1834 as it cited two certificates which he forwarded & which are not now in the claim, presumably were sent to War Dept. & no record made here, as did sometimes happen prior to Miss Wilson's regime - MMHP

Mrs. Henry J. Sprinker 101 South Main St. Newton, Kansas
May 4- 1931
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
I would like photo stat of the Pension papers of Capt. John Whitney born April 13-1754 died Sept. 8-18133 - age 82 - he served as a private and commanded the sloop "Woonsocket" for which service he received a pension in 1832. He was born and died in Bradford, Conn.
This Capt. John Whitney was an own ancestor and we wish this photo stat of Pension record in proving W.A.R. eligibility. I enclose $1 00 if this is not enough I will add the balance of the cost but we do not know how many pages. Thanking you - Sincerely - Anna B Sprinker

V.I.R. Inv. File 17192 Rev. War Madam:
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.,
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of John Whitney , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 11, 1775 to Dec 23, 1775 31 days Pvt. Stephen Potter Colonel Hall Conn. on his own sloop.   1776 3 mos. Corporal John Safford to Long Island & back to Sloop off Washington   Apr. 1777 10 days Pvt. James Barker when Dan burned   May 1777 to Oct 29, 1777 34 days Corporal Enoch Staples Sloop Woodcock   Nov. 1778 6 mos. " blank Black Lancer   1779 3 days Pvt. Ensign Allen Smith Russell   1779 40 days John Gordon in Coast Guards  
Battles engaged in, * captured English sloop Atlantic engagement with privateers near St. Thomas. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Branford Conn. Date of application for pension, Aug 6, 1832. His claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Branford New Haven Co. Conn. Age at date of application, Born in Branford, Conn. Apr. 13, 1754. Died Sept. 8, 1835. Remarks: Soldier was the son of John and Deborah Whitney. He left a widow, name not stated. No further family data.
Very respectfully,
Mr. Emma H. Roemer 276 Warren Ave. H. Detroit, Mich.
Commissioner. Op

Yuma, Arizona, Nov. 24 1929
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.,
Gentlemen:-
John Whitney , of Branford, Conn., a soldier in the Revolutionary War was one of my ancestors. After the war he received a pension, probably from the Federal Government.
In order to completely establish my claims in this matter I would like to have a report of what your records show for John Whitney of Branford. On the enclosed sheet is all the data I have at present. I think it will serve to identify this John Whitney in case there be more than one such name.
Yours very truly L. S. Smith P.O. Box 742 Yuma Arizona

John Whitney
Born at Branford, Conn. April 13 - 1754
Married at Branford, Conn. Dec. 18 - 1776
Name of wife Amy Howd
Died at Branford, Conn. Sept. 8 - 1835
Family tradition says that he served on a privateer in the Revolutionary War, was captured, and enjoyed a pension for his services.
The Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut advises that:-
John Whitney enlisted May 11 - 1775 as private in 2 nd company, Capt William Hulls in 7 th regiment, Col. Charles Webb commanding, discharged Dec 20 - 1775.
Private March 3 to July 4 - 1776 in Capt. Edward Mott's company raised for defence and protection of harbor of New London, stationed at Groton
Private Jan. 1 - 1780 in Capt. Isaac Lockwood's company of Sea Coast Guards stationed at Stamford, discharged Jan 1 - 1781

Pensioner in 1832, residing in New Haven county.
For S. Smith P.O. Box 742 Yuma Ariz

225 Lenox Street New Haven, Conn.
July 28, 1914.
United States Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please send me a free copy of the application for a pension for  John Whitney the son of John Whitney, who was born in Branford, April 13, 1754. It is stated in the Whitney Genealogy that he was a priviteer in the Revolutionary War, captured by the British, and was in later life a pensioner.
Is it possible that this is the same John Whitney who is said to have been a pensioner in 1832.
Very truly yours,
G. Clifford Foote
GCF/N

I Allen Smith of Branford in New Haven County State of Connecticut now Eighty three years old
Depose and say in 1779 when the Enemy landed at East Haven I was ordered by Col Russell to muster our Company and March Immediately to Morris point to attack the Enemy which I did then acting under My Ensign Commission
I further Depose and say that John Whitney then belonged to our Company and done Duty as a private for Three Days, and was then Discharged John Whitney has always been a Neighbor of mine and is considered a Man of at truth and veracity and I believe him to be Seventy Nine years old
Allen Smith
Subscribed & sworn in open Court this 7 th day of Nov. 1883
Attest. H. B. Brantingham 3

Comment: clar in add: evidence for John Whitney
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissaire of Pensions Washington D. C.

Branford
February 4 th 1834
Dear Sir
In answer to yours of the 23 rd Nov r 1833. herewith Enclosed you state the only Service clearly proved is five Months Nine Days Service in Col t Hall's Corps in 1775 you further state My Services in the Branford Guards and the other Services stated cannot be allowed unless the Corps in which I served were called out by proper Authority. —
In answer to that I herewith Enclose a Certificate from the Comptroller of the publick accounts of the State of Connecticut that the pay Roll of Capt James Barker Company is charged to the United States on the Books of the Pay Table. —
And likewise the pay Roll of Sergeant John Gordon Coast Guards at Branford is charged to the United States. —
as you mentioned in yours above referred to that My papers were placed on file awaiting further Evidence I have been enabled to obtain from the publick accounts the two Enclosed Certificates which I hope and trust will be sufficient Evidence that I was called out by proper Authority and done Duty and was payed by the United States which were the facts as set forth in My Declaration now in your Office.

when I forwarded My Declaration I did not that any Certificate could be obtained from the publick Accounts of the Service and pay of Capt James Barker Company nor the Service and pay of Sergeant John Gordon Coast Guards Bradford but I forward these two Certificates hoping you will take My case into consideration and allow Me all I am justly Entitled to
I am Respectfully your Obedient Servant John Whitney
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions