Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,382, Joseph West, Navy R.I.

SERVICE
Navy R.I.
West, Joseph Violetta
NUMBER
W.4382
CONTENTS

Maryland - 3078 - Joseph West, deceased of Baltimore - in the State of Md
who was a Lieut: V.P.M. in the . . . . . commanded by Captain - - - - - of the Regt: - commanded by Col: Elliot - in the Rhode-Island line for 12 mos: & 25 days Lieut of Artillery - 14 " - 6 " " Pay-Master -
Inscribed on the Roll of Maryland - at the rate of 468 - Dollars 88 - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, & terminating 6 December 1840 - the day of his death -
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of March 1843 and sent to H. H. Sylvester Presents -
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
This pension has been } $4567.24 - increased from $398.88, } to $468.88, per ann: { Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Clerk Book 2 Vol. 5 Page 114
Repd March 22 d 43 Pension increased from $398.88 to $468.88 - per annum - amount due payable to his  Violetta West his widow - Agent written to, to make the deduction -

4057 maryland
Violetta West
widow of Joseph West who was a Lieutenant Paymaster in the Rhode Island Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 468 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of December 1843 and sent to Thomas Sangster
Present.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 145.
Rep 28
Dec 10 43

no 8628
Violetta West
M 2
act 7. July 38
m 84 d 40-
Lt. 15 May 77. to 10 Jan 78. 6.25.
Lt paymaster 10 Jan 78 to 14.6 16 March 79
adm 2
6 mo. 25 Lt Artillery
14 - 6 paymaster
$398-88
H.H. Sylvester present

City of Baltimore Baltimore county State of Maryland
Baltimore City Court 13 th February 1843
Ss:
On this February thirteenth day of February 1843 personally appeared before the City Court  Baltimore City Court  M rs Violetta West a resident of Maryland in the county of Baltimore aged eighty five years, who, being 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 Lieutenant Joseph West who was a an officer in the army of the United States, from the state of Rhode Island during the war of the Revolution and who was on a Pension when he died
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph West Joseph West on the ninth day of December in the year seventeen hundred and eighty four; that her husband, the aforesaid Joseph West died on the sixth day — of December 1840
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service; but the marriage took place previous to the 1st of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated, and that she has remained a widow since his death
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me
in Open Court
WM C. Chas. Judge of Baltimore City Court
State of Maryland City of Baltimore Set. I hereby certify that the Hon ble Melchior Price before whom the above deposition was made forsooth hath hereunto subscribed his name and at the time of so doing said he is Chief Judge of Baltimore City Court and duly commissioned therefor, to all whose acts in such full faith credit are due ought to be given as well in court of justice as otherwise. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of Baltimore City Court this thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three.
M rs M rs West Baltimore City Court

Joseph West and Violetta Howard were married Dec 9. 1784 by the Rev. Mr. Andrews. -
I hereby certify the above to be an extract from the Church record of St. Paul Parish. Batt. Co. - Chas. C. Austin.
Batt Co. Feb. 11. 1843.
15 Dec 1984

State of Maryland Baltimore County
A Benj. C. Howard
on this 6 th day of November 1892 personally appeared in open court before Baltimore City Court the Court of now sitting Joseph West a Resident of Baltimore County in the State of Maryland aged Seventy Six years and upwards 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 viz
In the month of June 1777, he was appointed by the General Assembly in which State he was born of Rhode Island, Third Lieutenant in Captain for Gage's company in the Third Regiment of the Train of Artillery, commanded by Robert Elliott Colonel; that before that appointment he had several times been out with the draughted Militia between 1775 and 1777 for 15 and 20 days at a time, but after receiving the Commission above stated he continued to serve with his Regiment in the State of Rhode Island for one year and Ten Months when he went into the Marine Service under circumstances that will be presently stated. The Men belonging to the Regiment were enlisted for the War and received a bounty of Eighty Dollars a piece. During the aforesaid year and ten months the Regiment was disposed of as follows. A portion or Detachment was in the town of Providence where there was a Laboratory were two

Laboratories, one of which was near the College which College was the Magazine. As other detachments were stationed as follows, at Pantuxit, at Warwick Neck, at East Greenwich, at Updegraff's town, at Bristol, at Poppy-squash Point, at Gardiner's neck in Massachusetts and at other places. That Deponent was chosen by the officers of his Regiment, Paymaster and Clothier of it under authority as he believes of a Resolution of the old Confederate Congress, which attached an extra pay of thirty Dollars a Month for the Paymaster and Twenty Dollars as Clothier; and acted in those capacities going round from one detachment to another to pay them off. Robert Elliott was Colonel during this whole time. During the year 1778, the Enemy landed at Warren about four miles from Bristol and captured the detachment stationed at Poppy-squash Point, took Bristol and burned a part of it including the Episcopal Church. Deponent was at Poppy-squash Point the day before the Capture, paying off the troops and would have been captured also, had it not been that the distance was considerable to Gardiner's Neck the next pay station, and he rode a part of the journey in the night. Stopping about 11 o'clock at night, he was preparing to go to bed and saw the light of the Fire at Bristol. This was the

only landing the enemy made during the time that Deponent served with his Regiment.
In the spring of 1779, Deponent began to find his health much affected and was recommended to go to Sea by his Physician Dr. Solomon Drown. In the fall of 1779  At that time There were four ships of war lying in the Port of Boston viz, the Queen of France, Boston Providence and Ranger, commanded in chief by Commodore Whipple, who was an intimate friend of Deponent; the Commodore having lived in the house adjoining Deponent's Father in the town of Providence. Deponent resigned his Commission and embarked in the Providence, the Commodore's Flag Ship, acting as Captain's Clerk. The Fleet sailed from Boston in November 1779 on the 12 th day of the Month and arrived at Charleston South Carolina on the 18 th of December following. Whilst the vessels were lying in the Port of Charleston (which they did until the Capitulation) Deponent acted as Secretary to the Fleet, all the orders of the Fleet passing through his hands, and nearly all of them being passed by him for the Commodore's signature. When the Capitulation took place, Deponent was of course included amongst the Prisoners, Admiral Arbuthnot sent for Commodore Whipple and his Secretary who accordingly paid him a visit; the Admiral treated them kindly, returned them their swords, and gave

them a standing invitation to drink Punch with him every day at 12 o'clock and dine with him every other day at 4 o'clock; stating also that if they and the other officers of the American Squadron chose to pay their own board they might dine in whatever part of the City they chose, but if they took "King's Fare" they must dine where he pointed out. They chose the former for themselves and the other officers; and the Admiral paid them the compliment of sending them the City Countess every night, so that they could pass freely through the City. In July 1780, Deponent with Commodore Whipple and the other officers sailed to Philadelphia, being put on Parole, nor were they exchanged until two years afterwards.
Deponent has been particular in mentioning some matter that appear to be of a trivial nature, because he wishes the accuracy of his memory to be tested and these circumstances may enable the Department to form a comparison with other Documents in its possession. In May 1783, Deponent removed to the State of Maryland where he has resided ever since, and consequently cannot collect testimony from surviving individuals of his acquaintance. He has not been in Rhode Island since

B. Benj. C. Howard
the year 1797 and is at a loss to know who of his former acquaintances is yet alive. He has obtained from that State a Document showing his appointment which he files herewith. When he removed to Maryland he left his Papers in his Father's House, not thinking that he should ever want them, since which time the family are all dead and the box of Papers is not to be found.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed by Joseph West this  10th day of  Novr. 6 th Novr. 1832 in Open Court
For W. Hodleacade (W) Baltimore County Joseph West
We Chas. G. Austin a clergyman residing in Baltimore County and State of Maryland and Deol. Momy G. Walker residing residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph West who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 76 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. and we further state that Joseph West has no property whatever
Chas G Austin. Thos C Walker

Baltimore City Court October Term 1832 J Williams ab M o deulfe Clerk of Baltimore City Court do hereby certify that the foregoing containing the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph West for a pension
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set (my) Hand and Seal of office this Sixth day of November in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty two
(W. Holliday Clerk) Baltimore City 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 Charles C Austen who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Baltimore County and that Thomas C Walker who has also signed the same is a resident of Baltimore County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
J. Force, Chief Judge of Baltimore City Court.
Atty. Fisher A. Jones

Baltimore City Court October Term 1832
I William M Medcalf, Clerk of Baltimore City Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph West for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
W M Medcalf City Court
I hereby certify that the Sheets marked A and B to which I have subscribed my name, are the original Deposition made by Joseph West in the case of his application for a Pension; that I knew it, because I drew up his deposition for him taking down the facts as he related them and assisted him in passing through the forms of Court and that the sheets thus marked are in my hand writing -
Further, acting as the friend of Mr. West and empowered verbally to judge for him, I take upon myself the responsibility of accepting the pay that he may be entitled to receive for one year and Ten Months Service instead of returning the Papers for fuller evidence of two years full service. - I do so, because of the age and infirmity of Mr. West anxious that he may receive his money whilst he is alive to enjoy it. Washington. Dec r 13. 1832
Benj t C. Howard Member of Congress from Maryland.

July 12, 1937
Joseph West W. 4382 BA-J/AWF Can
Mr. H. H. West 214 South Hill Street Los Angeles, California
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joseph West, who was a resident of Baltimore County, Maryland, in 1840, then aged about eighty-five years.
The record of Joseph West which follows was obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 4382, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
Joseph West was born in the State of Rhode Island, no date given, definite place not shown, nor were the names of his parents stated. His father, during the Revolution lived in Providence.
Joseph West during the years 1775, 1776 and a part of 1777, served in the Rhode Island Militia in short tours of fifteen and twenty days, no further details of this service given. He was appointed sometime in June, 1777, 3rd lieutenant in Captain Garzia's company in Colonel Robert Elliott's Regiment of Rhode Island Artillery, and was chosen by his officers to act as Paymaster and Clothier, in which service he continued until he resigned his commission in the fall of 1779, his health having failed and was recommended by his physicians to take a sea trip. At this time there were four ships of war lying in the Port of Boston, commanded by Commodore Whipple, who was an intimate friend of Joseph West; he embarked on the "Providence", which was the Commodore's Flag Ship, and

was Captain's Clerk; sailed November 12, 1779 from Boston and reached Charleston, South Carolina, sometime in December following; they remained in Charleston until the capitulation, when taken prisoner, and held until in the month of July, 1780, when paroled and sailed to Philadelphia, but was not exchanged until about two years later.
Joseph West moved to the State of Maryland in 1783. He was allowed pension on his application executed November 6, 1832, at which time he was living in Pikesville, Baltimore County, Maryland, aged seventy-six years and "upwards". He died December 6, 1840.
Joseph West married December 9, 1784 in Baltimore County, Maryland, Violetta Howard of Baltimore County. The date and place of her birth were not shown, nor were the names of her parents stated.
The widow, Violetta West, was allowed pension on her application executed February 13, 1843, then aged eighty-five years and living in Baltimore County, Maryland.
She died February 21, 1844 in said Baltimore County. It was stated that her only child died before she did, name of child not given.
In 1832 Benjamin C. Howard was a member of Congress from Maryland, no relationship to the widow, Violetta West shown. Reference was made in 1775 to James Howard "one of her nephews", and in 1775, McHenry Howard was an attorney at law of Baltimore, Maryland, and referred to the widow as his great aunt, and also referred to sons and daughters of her deceased brother, Colonel John Eager Howard, names of these children not shown.
The papers on file in this claim contain no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

3078- Maryland -
Joseph West
of Baltimore in the State of Maryland. who was ad t of Art y . in the Comp y commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col: Elliot in the R. Islands- line for 1 year 10 months
1777-
Inscribed on the Roll of Maryland - at the rate of 366. Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Dec r 32 and sent Hon: T. C. Howard. House of Reps.
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 — 549.99. Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Mar: 33 183.33
$733.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nathan Rice — Clerk, Book D Vol. 7 Page 47
March 9 th : 1843 - pension increased - from $366.66 - to $398.88 -

Maryland - 3078 -  Joseph West, deceased - of Baltimore — in the State of Maryland who was a Lieut. V.P. W in the ————— commanded by Captain ————— of the Regt — commanded by Col: Elliot ————— in the R. Island line for 6 mos. & 25 days Lieutenant 16 " " 6 days Lieutenant V.P. Master —
Inscribed on the Roll of Maryland — at the rate of 398 — Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 24th day of March, 1831. & terminating  6 December, 1840, the day of his death.
Certificate of Pension issued the ————— day of  March 1843 and sent to H. H. Sylvester Present —
Arrears to the 24th of Semi-ant. allowance ending
  Increased from {  $3.892.74  Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }    $366.66 per annum {    amount payable to {      Violetta West, his {      widow —————    
Recorded by Book E. 2 Vol. 5 — Page 114 — Clerk,
Rept Mar. " " Pension increased from $366.66 to $398.88 — amount due payable to Violetta West his widow — agent written to, to make the deduction
E. 2 Vol 5 / 114

Maryland 7035-
Violetta West- widow of Joseph West-
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 32 and who died on the 6th: December, 1840- (of Baltimore) in the State of Maryland- who was a Lieutenant Pay Master } in the . . . . . of the commanded by Captain - - - - - of the Regiment - commanded by Col: Elliott - in the Rhode Island line for 6 mos: 25 D: St: arty: 14 - - 6 - P. Master -
Inscribed on the Roll of Maryland - at the rate of 408 - Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21st: -day of March 1843 and sent to H. H. Sylvester present -
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending This pension has been { 52344.40 increased from $398.88 - to $468.88 per ann: [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Book A - Vol. 2
Clerk, Page 235
Rept March 22 d 43
Pension increased - from $398.8 to $468.88 - per annum - agent written to, to make the deduction
Letter to H. H. Sylvester 29. April 1843.

Maryland 7035
Reported
Violetta West
widow of Joseph West
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 6. Dec r . 1840 of Baltimore in the State of Maryland who was a Lieut. of Artillery Paymaster in the commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Elliott in the R. Island line for 16 " 6 " 25 D. Lt. Pay M r .
Inscribed on the Roll of Maryland at the rate of 398 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of February 1843 and sent to Col. H.H. Sylvester, Present
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $1994.40 Semi-annual allowance ending
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book A. Vol. 2. Page 235.

Perf  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4382
Violetta West
Wid.
en  Joseph West Lieut. Paymaster U.S. Navy
Act: March 3, 1873
Index:—Vol. W , Page 319
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Oct. 27 - Letter to M c H. Howard and 3 rd Aud. while
Dec. 3/36 Atty informed as to status. white.
July 15/36 Letter to M c H. Howard as to statement of 3 rd Aud. white.
1937. July 12 - letter to H. H. V.

Rev Mar
7848
INVALID.
File No. 7848
Joseph West Lieut Bear War
Act: June 7 th 82
Index: Vol. 18 , Page 398
[Arrangement of 1870.]

H. H. WEST CO. Manufacturers' Representative 214 South Hill Street VAndike 1818 Los Angeles, Calif.
June 23, 1937.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
In the printed list of Revolutionary Pensioners on the 1840 index appears the name:
JOSEPH WEST , age 85, Baltimore County, Maryland.
Will you kindly furnish me an abstract of his military services, and also any family data contained in the papers in his case, and oblige. Information wanted for History of Hezekiah West, a Revolutionary patriot.
Yours very truly,
H. H. West.
HHW/M

White and son

All Official Letters to this Office must be addressed to the "Third Auditor of the Treasury," and in replying to Letters from this Office the initials on the upper left-hand corner should be referred to.
Treasury Department,
THIRD AUDITOR'S OFFICE,
Washington, D. C., Oct 7, 1875.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 5 th inst. herewith returned, relative to the date to which Violetta West widow of Joseph, war of the Revolution , was paid, I would state that her pension was paid to Feb'y 21 1844 in April 1844 at the rate of $468. 88 per annum to James Howard Administrator at Baltimore Md.
Very respectfully
W. H. Gansauer
Acting Auditor
How Commis of Pensions.
L.C.N 40
'K'
L.

6135- McHENRY HOWARD, Attorney at Law, 41 LEXINGTON ST.
Baltimore, November 19 th 1875.
Hon. H. M. Atkinson, Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
On October 1 st I wrote to you with reference to some arrears of pension which appeared to have been due to Mrs. Violetta West at the time of her death February 1844, enquiring if the arrears had ever been paid, and if not whether her Administrator or relatives were entitled. You were kind enough, in reply, to state what information the records of your department afforded, but also said that "a call had been that day made upon the Third Auditor for payment and upon the receipt of an answer I should be promptly informed as to the result." Being about to close my administration on Mrs. West's estate, I should be greatly obliged if you communicate to me any other information you may have received.
Very respectfully &c.
McHenry Howard

Joseph West dec d ? M r ?
act 7 June 32
Increase
6 mos 25 ds Lt artillery $113.88 14. 6. Lt Paymaster 355.-
$468.88
To Violet West his wid- ow from 4 March '31 to 6 Dec. 1840 the day of his death deducting all that has been paid to him & to her on ac- -count of his pension
H. H. Lyman Present

McHENRY HOWARD, Attorney at Law, 41 LEXINGTON ST.
Baltimore, September 30 1875.
Honorable H. M. Atkinson, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
On the 21 st of February 1844 Mrs. Violetta West, widow of Capt. Joseph West, (my great-Aunt), died in Baltimore County and administration on her estate was granted to James Howard, one of her nephews. The Administrator returned an inventory, but shortly afterwards became non compos mentis and nothing more was done in the way of legal ad- ministration. The inventory In the inventory there is this item "The only debt due to the deceased which has come to the knowledge of the Administrator is a claim for balance of pension from the United States estimated at $222.71". Now we have

lately learned, to our surprise, that a sum of money in the Savings Bank, which was also returned in the inventory, is still there, with accumulations, and it occurs to me that perhaps these areas of pension, if payable, were overlooked in the same way. Will you be kind enough to inform me whether this amount was ever paid over, and if not, whether Mrs. West's next of kin are entitled to it? Her next of kin were the five sons and daughters of her deceased brother, Col. John Eager Howard, her only child having died before her.
Very respectfully,
Your obed. Servt
McHenry Howard

8628
Violet West
M rs
act 7 - July 38
Increased
  L st artillery - 6 mo - 2587  $113.88     L st paymaster 14. 6  355 -      $468.88   
advised $468.88
Deduct what has been paid
H. H. Lycurgus
Present

Violetta Webb Mayland Oct 1838
M rs . July 7. 1838 Violetta Webb
Washington City
conformity of laws
Dear Sir,
H.H. Sylvester Presb. H.H.

Balt.
February 14 th 1843.
Sir.
Under cover are the papers of Mrs. V. West the widow of Lieut. Joseph West of Road Island Line in the Revolution. which papers I am obliged to forward to You, and will receive Your answer in Washington on my arrival there, or so soon as You may have concluded them.
With great Respect
I am Sir Yours
Thos. Bangster
Col. J. S. Edmonds
commrs. Pensions

Mar 17. 1843
Viola West.
14.6
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
H. H. Sylvester Pre. b.
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 24.600 - 14600 \\
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 24 \overline{) 8400} \text{ ( } 35 \\
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Washington City
March 17 1843
Sir The claim of Nichola West, widow of J. P. West, was recently allowed under the act of July 7. 1838 for the services of her late husband as Suit and Paymaster. The pension was computed as a suit of artillery, at the rate of $400 @ Paymaster at the rate of $480 per ann.
J. P. West, was a suit in Col. Elliott's Regt. of Artillery, commencing in 1777. In Feb. 1778 he was appointed Paymaster of said Regt. as appears from the original rolls now in the Pension Office.
The rank of Paymaster in the Infantry @ the pay was always that of a captain. In the artillery the pay of a captain was $600.
By referring to the resolution of Congress May 27. 1778. The period when said West was discharging his services, you will find that the pay of each Paymaster, when taken from the line was fixed at $25 per month, in addition to his pay in the line. Such was the fact in the case of J. P. West: he was taken from the

here and served as Paymaster from Feb 1778 to March 1779. The original rolls of Col Elliott's Regt in the Offspring will show this fact.
My object therefore is, that Mrs Ward be allowed for the term she has served and served as Paymaster at the rate of $100 per ann, agreed with the provisions made by Congress.
I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Yours &c Henry H. Sykes
Hon Jas L. Edwards Cannon Battery

64 Mar 28 1843
Mar 3 1843
Violet West
Rev J. L. Edwards Comm. of Peace

Washington City March 27 1843
Sir Enclosed you will find the declaration of Mr West of Maryland for a pension under the Act of March 3 rd 1843.
I have the honor to be Respt Your Ob d Serv t Henry H. Singleton
As J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Dec 6 1832
SIR :
I return herewith the papers in support of the claims of the persons whose names are hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective. This Each case is accompanied by a brief. The objections are contained in the negative answers, in red ink, given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the accompanying regulations and to the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us from attending to the applications sent by you. The investigation of the cases presented under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is in the investigation of claims and writing letters. Each case is considered correct in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative answer is affixed. No other alteration or addition will be required.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
Hon B. C Howard
H. Representative
{ Joseph Webb }

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Alvest which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 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? yes 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 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? yes

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? has produced
evidence of his appointment & service as to the remaining service traditional evidence only
XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? 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?
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
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 the 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.
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 certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

333) Sept. 5, 1843.
Isabella West
March 30 1842.
Mid
$468:88 per am
Vno Sams  Sangster

State of Maryland Baltimore County to wit
On this fourth — day of September eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace for the State and County aforesaid Mrs. Violetta West a resident of Maryland and County of Baltimore aged eighty five years and who is personally known to me who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War That she is the widow of Joseph West a Lieutenant of artillery and paymaster of the Continental line of Rhode Island and that she received three hundred and ninety eight dollars and eighty eight cents per annum under the law of July the 7 th 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow
Violetta West
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before,
John W. Peab

State of Maryland Baltimore County I do hereby certify that John W. Peale Gentleman before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who has thereto signed his name was at the time of signing one of the Justices of the peace of the State of Maryland in and for the city of Baltimore duly commissioned and sworn. In Testimony Whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of Baltimore County Court this 4 th day of September 1843.
Thos Kell Clerk of Baltimore Co. Ct.

To
Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War

Baltimore Nov: 8, 1832
Dear Sir
Enclosed are the Papers of Joseph West a Revolutionary Soldier to which I pray leave to call your attention
The Statement is prepared by myself as taken down from the Old Man's lips. The information therein contained was not given by him as a Narrative but drawn out by Interrogatories which I put; he had therefore to trust to his Memory alone for facts, dates and other circumstances. You will find some things mentioned of a very unimportant character, inserted with a view of testing the truth of the evidence by comparing it with historical documents, and no previous study would have enabled any old Man to have prepared himself to undergo such examination, if he had intended to falsify. I have not referred to books and therefore cannot say whether or not his story is consistent with them; but if they shall be found to agree, there can remain no doubt of the old Man's accuracy - I asked him for instance the names of the Ships that sailed from Boston to Charleston

under Commodore Whipple, and he gave them without hesitation. So little could any person have prepared himself to make a fraudulent statement upon this point, that I am at a loss what book to consult to ascertain the names of the Ships; and so with the name of the Admiral in Charleston who received the capitulation of the Fleet -
On the whole I am persuaded that the Statement is true -
If you deem it proper to put him on the Pension list, be pleased to enclose to me his certificate and check for areas and I will see that he gets them.
I am very respectfully
Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of War
Y r obed. Servt.
Benj. C. Howard
P. S. For acting as Secretary to the Fleet the Old Man states that he received 50 $ p r . month; I presume it is sufficient at all events to cover

the continuation of his pay as Lieutenant N C H.

State of Maryland
Baltimore County Set
I hereby certify to all whom it doth or may concern that on the first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four a License issued from the Office of the Clerk of Baltimore County Court directed to the Reverend Mr Andrews or any other person qualified by law to celebrate the rites of Marriage between a certain Joseph West and Violetta Howard of Baltimore County according to law there appearing to him (the said Andrews or such other person) no lawful cause or just impediment by reason of any consanguinity or affinity to hinder the same. —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my Office this thirteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty three. —
Thos Kell Clerk

I Joseph Ransom, of Providence, in the County of Providence, and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations & aged Seventy Three Years, first duly cautioned and sworn according to Law, do depose and say, that in the month of October of the Year 1777 I entered the Military Service of the United States as Sergeant in a company of Artillery commanded by Col. Robert Elliott, called Col. Robert Elliott's Regiment of Rhode Island State Troops, I remained in said Regiment for three Years and three months, and was a Lieutenant in 1779, & served one Year as such, I served in Col. Robert Elliott's Regiment from (I believe) December 1 st . 1777, for the period of Three Years and Three months, as Sergeant, and one Year as Lieutenant, at which time, in May 1780, I left the said Regiment, I further depose that Joseph West, now residing in Pikesville, in the State of Maryland was paymaster of Col. Robert Elliott's Regiment, to which I belonged, He joined the Regiment, according to the best of my recollection, at the same time I did, that is to say the latter part of the Year 1777. He served as Paymaster for more than two Years , from the time when he entered said service, He served as Paymaster from the time he entered in 1777, till the Regiment was disbanded in 1780. The whole period of his service as Paymaster must have exceeded Two Years, I further depose that I have read the deposition taken

given by Samuel Inan, of Providence, taken in Connecticut before La Fayette Foster January 28 th , 1833, and wholly agree to the statements therein con- tained, and do depose that said state- ments are just, correct, and true ac- cording to the best of my knowledge and recollection. — Joseph Ransom.
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations,
Providence Fe- Providence January 30, 1833, Then and there personally appeared before me Joseph Ransom, Public Notary for the Gamaliel L. Dright, Public Notary for the County of Providence, Joseph Ransom, who in my presence subscribed the pre- ceding deposition, & having been first swor- kened made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I also certify, that Joseph Ransom, the said deponent is a person well known to me, that he is a man of veracity, and that his statement is entitled to full faith and credit. Attest, my hand & notarial seal,
Gamaliel L. Dright Public Notary for the County of Pro- vidence
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Be it known, that William A. Watson Clerk of the court of Common Pleas within & for the county of Providence in said State, hereby certify that Gamaliel L. Dright is a Public Notary within & for said county — that the above signature purporting to be his, is in the proper hand writing of said Dright and that said Dright is duly authorized & qualified to take oaths and take depositions —
In Witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court at Providence this 30 th day of January 1833 —
W. A. Watson

I, Samuel Snow, of Providence, in the County of Providence, and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, do hereby say in the City of Norwich, in the County of New London, and State of Connecticut, aged seventy five years, being first duly cautioned and sworn according to law, do depose and say, that in the latter part of the year 1777, I entered the military service of the united States as Lieutenant in a company of artillery belonging to Col. Robert Elliott's regiment of Rhode Island State Troops. I remained in this service during the whole of the years 1778, 1779, and a part of the year 1780, stationed in different parts of the State of Rhode Island. I further depose that Joseph West, now residing in Pikesville, in the State of Maryland, was Paymaster of Col. Elliott's regiment, to which I belonged. He joined the regiment, according to the best of my recollection about the same time that I did, that is in the latter part of 1777. The companies of artillery composing Col. Elliott's regiment were stationed at different posts, with the infantry, at the most exposed points along the coast, so that the regiment was never stationed together at any one place. I cannot therefore depose positively as to the precise length of Mr. West's service, though according to the best of my recollection he served as Paymaster from the time he entered in 1777, till the regiment was disbanded in 1780. His quarters were generally at Providence, from which station he went at proper times, to the posts where the different companies belonging to the regiment were stationed, to pay them off. The whole period of his service must have exceeded two years. After the war I made up the account of the Rhode Island Brigade, in order to ascertain the amount due to each officer - I have not the book containing this statement now by me, but think the amount due to Mr. West, was about £24. I believe a copy of this book is now on file in the War Department. - And further the Deponent saith not. — Samuel Snow.
State of Connecticut, County of ? New London, ss. Norwich Jan 7. 28 th 1833 }
Then and there, personally appeared before me, La Fayette Foster, Justice of the Peace for New London County aforesaid, Samuel Snow, who in my presence subscribed the preceding deposition, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. —
I also certify, that Samuel Snow, the said deponent, is a person well known to me, that he is a person of veracity, and that his statement is entitled to full faith and credit. —
(Attest, La Fayette Foster, Justice of the Peace for New London County —)

State of Connecticut } County of New London } for
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that La Fayette Foster esq before whom the within deposition of Samuel Snow was taken is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County & that his sig- nature thereto annexed I believe to be in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 28 th day January AD 1833
John D e Witt Clerk
(seal)

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretarys Office July 30 th A 1832.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the third Monday in June one thousand seven hundred seventy seven, Joseph West was elected third Lieutenant in Capt. Garzia's company, in the Regiment of the Train of Artillery; Robert Elliott Colonel. as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Brown Secy.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
Samuel H. Arnold
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
Be it known that the name " HENRY BOWEN ," to the afore- written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire , who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Sec- retary of the State aforesaid , duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed, at Provi- dence , this thirtieth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- two and of Independence the fifty- seventh .
Samuel H. Arnold
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secy

3078
Joseph West die 2 M D
act 7. June 32
Issued new certificate no. 3078 for increase
6 mo. 25 ct L t Certi
14 6. L t Pay mt. artillery
$468.88
to Viola West widow from 4 March '31 to 6 Dec. '40 the day of his death deducting what has been paid him file with her papers no. 7035 act 7. July 38.
A.H. Lewis Esq Present

Baltimore City State of Maryland. §. 35.
This day personally appeared me J Hanson Belt a citizen of the place for the city aforesaid. My Violette West the widow of Joseph West, who was described by a certificate now in her possession a lieutenant and paymaster of Artillery in the Revolution, aged 85 years. Who being duly sworn, according to Law, doth make the following declaration that she is the widow of the said Lieutenant West, who died 6 th day of December 1840, and who was on Pension at his death, as will be seen by his papers now on file in the War Office at Washington, and her papers also on file in said Office, to which she refers the commission for reexamination, to the end that she may now be allowed the difference between the sum for which her said husband was pensioned, say, three hundred and sixty five dollars cents . Said that to which he was entitled from the 4 th of March 1831 to his death, 6 December 1840, say three hundred and ninety eight dollars and eighty eight cents, as appearing by her certificate of Pension as widow, bearing date the 25 th Feby 1843. Signed this first day of March 1843.
the interlineations having been first made by me J Hanson Belt
Violette West
Sworn to and subscribed this first day of March March 1843. before me the subscribed, who knows the said Violette West to be the widow of the said Joseph West of Baltimore county State of Maryland.
J Hanson Belt
Hour of Representation March 2. 1843
I certify that the above signature of J. Hanson Belt is to the best of my knowledge and belief the genuine handwriting and signature of the person who purports to have signed the same. That I am well acquainted with the said Belt and have frequently seen him with his name. I further certify that Thomas Hanson Belt was a Justice of the Peace Mayor of the City last year in the City Baltimore and still is in my belief in occupation of the same office. I have not heard of his removal and have no reason to believe that he has been removed from office. John P. Kennedy