Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6369, Abraham Vreeland, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Vreeland, Abraham Rachel
W 6369
B.L.Wt. 19910-160-55
CONTENTS

10232
Rachel Vreeland
N. W
Act 7 th July 38
Adm'd Amo Corp. 4.20 pm
37.55
17 1/2 Also Act 3 March 43
37.55 6332
C. A. Gay Esq New York
Vreeland, Abraham WJ W6369

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
State of New Jersey. Hudson County ss.
On this 13 th day of December, eighteen hundred and forty three, personally appeared, before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Hudson, Rachel Neeland, a resident of the Township of North Bergen, in the County of Hudson, aged, Seventy Seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions 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 Abraham Neeland, who was a now commissioned Officer and private, in the Militia, and other Troops of Bergen County, New Jersey, during the Revolutionary war, under Captains John Merle, or Merrill, Captain John Dutwater, and Captain Peter Ward, That he entered the service, in the early period of the War, she believes with the first Troops that was raised in Bergen County, and served various and numerous different lengths of terms, or "periods," under the above named Officers, both by being drafted, and by enlistment, until the close of the said War, that she cannot specify the length and number of his periods of service, under the above named Officers, nor the grade he held under each of them, but some of his periods was for one month, and some was for a longer period of time, that his services was performed at Elizabethtown, and in the County of Bergen, that she was acquainted with him while he was in such service, that he resided previous and during the said War, at Palliply in the County of Bergen, and State of New Jersey, that she has no documentary evidence in support of her claim, except the annexed register, which she declares is her, and her said husband's original family register, made in his hand writing, except the insertion of the period of his death which is in the hand writing of their son, Lawrence Neeland.
She further declares that she was married to the said Abraham Neeland on the second day of December, in the year, seventeen hundred and eighty six, and that her husband, the ofus said Abraham Neeland, died on the seventeenth day of August in the year, eighteen hundred and twenty six, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January eighteen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated.
Rachel his Neeland
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Bergen, in the County of Hudson, in the State of New Jersey. George Van Winkle, Judge.

I Laurence Keeland, Son of Rachel Keeland, who has sworn and subscribed to the foregoing declaration, and Abraham Keeland, deceased as is therein named, do hereby certify that my Mother, the said Rachel Keeland, who has made the foregoing declaration, is now the widow of the said Abraham Keeland, as is by her stated, whom I have often heard narrates his military services, during the Revolutionary war, under the officers, and in the manner as is by her stated, and that the annexed register, is my said father and Mother's original family register, and that the insertion of the record of the period of the death of my father, is in my hand writing, and was made, about the time of his death, which did take place at the time she stated.
Laurence Keeland
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, in open Court. Cornelius Van Winkle Judge
And we the undersigned Judges of the said court, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Mrs Rachel Keeland, who has made the foregoing declaration and Laurence Keeland who has made the preceding deposition and that we believe them fully entitled to credit.
John P. Speer, Judge Cornelius Van Winkle
State of New Jersey } Hudson County } ss:
I, Robert Gilchrist Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of Said County do hereby certify that Cornelius Van Winkle before whom the foregoing Affidavit was made, and whose name is subscribed to the jurat thereof, was at the day of its date, and now is, a judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Hudson Aforesaid; residing therein, Commissioned and Sworn, and duly authorized to take the same; And also that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said judge and truly believe the signature thereto to be genuine.

I do further certify that John G. Spear And Cornelius Van Winkle whose names are subscribed to the above Certificate, are both Judges of the said Court duly Commissioned And Sworn, residing in said County, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of both; And have no doubt the signatures to said Certificate are in their own proper hand writing.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the Seal of said Court And County this Fourteenth day of December A D Eighteen hundred and forty three
Robert Titchner Clerk

February the 22.
our Lord And Saviour 1793 Was Born My Daughter Annie on Saturday And Died January the 27 1798 on Saturday —
August the 15, in the year of our Lord and Saviour 1795 Was Born my Daughter Eve on Saturday and Died May the 22, 1796 On Sunday —
August 4 th In the year of our Lord and Saviour 1798 Was Born my Youngest Son John on Saturday morning.
January the 6, In the year of our Lord and Saviour 1803 Was Born my Son Laurence at 2 O'Clock in the Afternoon on Thursday —

In the year of our Lord One thousand Seven Hundred and fifty Nine Was Born Abraham Vreeland
September the 25 In the year of our Lord and Saviour 1766 Was Born Rachel Ackerman Consort of Abraham Vreeland
December the 2 in the year of our Lord and Saviour 1786 Then Married Abraham Vreeland And Rachel Ackerman on Thursday
August the 6 in the year of our Lord and Saviour 1799 Was born my Eldest Son John on the 10 th And Died the 31 st of January 1798 On Wednesday

Oct 17 1820 Died my father Abraham Vreeland aged 67 years 2 months 2 days
May 5 1828 Died my mother in law Jane Smith
Jan y 24 1827. Died Sophia Vreeland wife of John Vreeland aged 25 years.
Abraham Vreeland, son of John & Sophia Vreeland born Sept 6 1819.

July the 15 In the y r our Lord and Saviour 1792 Then Died my Mother
December the 14 th In the year of our Lord and Saviour 1806 Then Died my Father
April 6 th 1817 Then died Minna Ackerman Mother of Rachel Ack- erman wife of Abraham Ackerman
January the 22 1814 Then Died Peter L Ackerman Son of Lawrence P Ackerman

4591, New Jersey, Rachel Vreeland widow of Abraham N. J. Vreeland who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Spit Hopk
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 37 Dollars 55.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of March 1849 and sent to
Robt. J. Gould 221 Washington St. New York City
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 333 Vol. 11.
Aug 3 mo 58-161957

State of New Jersey Hudson County S.S.
On this 30 th day of May 1855. A.S. before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Hudson, in the State of New Jersey, personally appeared Rachel McLean, a resident of the Township of North Bergen, in the County and State aforesaid, aged eighty eight years, who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of Abraham McLean deceased, who was a private and Corporal in the Revolutionary war. That her said husband continued in actual service in said war for fourteen days and over, as will appear from the evidence already produced and on file at the Pension Office. That she now receives a pension for thirty seven dollars and fifty five cents per annum under the act of Congress of February 2 nd 1848 on account of the services of her said husband in said war, and that her name is on the Pension roll of the New Jersey State agency.
She further states that she was married to the said Abraham McLean on the 2 nd day of December 1786 by the Reverend Mr. Schoonmaker, a minister duly authorised to solemnise marriages. And that her name before her said marriage, was Rachel Ackerman. And that her said husband died at Ridgewood in Bergen County and State of New Jersey on the 6 th day of May in the year 1826. And that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration.

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855- and further declares that she has never before applied for, nor received, any Bounty Land under this or any other act of Congress.
In presence of John L. Freeland
her Rachel Freeland mark
State of New Jersey Hudson County S.S.
We John L. Freeland and Eliza Freeland residents of North Bergen Township, County and State aforesaid, upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Rachel Freeland, in our presence, that we are personally acquainted with the said Rachel Freeland, and that we know her to be the same person she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit which she has subscribed, and that she is now a widow, John L. Freeland Eliza Freeland.
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year before written. And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, and that the claimant is the person she represents herself to

be and that I have no interest in this claim Etheredge M. Fish Justice of the Peace
Know all men by these presents that I Rachel Ireland of the County of Hudson and State of New Jersey and the widow of Abraham Ireland deceased who was a soldier in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war do hereby constitute Etheredge M. Fish Esq of West Hoboken County and State aforesaid My true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute and receive from the United States the Bounty Land certificate or warrant due me by virtue of my deceased husbands service in the United States under existing laws granting Bounty Land to the officers and soldiers or their widows and minor heirs for services rendered in the different wars and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises hereby confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name legally do or cause to be done in and about the premises as much so as if present myself
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 30 th day of May 1855 In presence of Rachel Ireland mark
John L. Ireland acknowledged and subscribed before me this 30 th day of May, 1855
Etheredge M. Fish a Justice of the Peace in and for said County

State of New Jersey Hudson County ss.
I Robert Gilchrist Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby certify that Richard W. Fish whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing declarations, affidavit, and power of attorney, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts and such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court, is a Court of Record, having general jurisdiction.
In witness whereof my hand and Seal of office at the City of Hudson this thirtieth day of May A.D. 1855.
R. Gilchrist Clerk.

No. 987. June 7/58 act mar 23/58
Rachel Vreeland Abraham Vreeland Jr.
N.Y. Mar 18/58 Capt. Oct 18/58 Rev. Previous Certificate of
Wadsworth 16/11/57 No. 121 Wadsworth
Mr. Mac., Apr. 11 th 1856, N.Y. Feb 28-1856
E. M. Fish West Hoboken N.J.
20 Dec. 23/58
Spae duplicate to be sent
with letter marked care of Gen. Sandt to Hon. J. R. Wortendyke H. R.
Original cancelled
Vol 6. page 169

Rev. & 1812 War Section
MCS
February 9, 1925
Mrs. Bessie M. Rhodes 706 W. 22nd St. Wilmington, Delaware
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.6369, it appears that Abraham Vreeland, while a resident of Pollifly, Bergen County, New Jersey, enlisted, date not stated, and served in the New Jersey Troops at various times until January 1782, amounting to about ten months and twenty days in all, as private and Corporal under Captains John Merl or Merril, John Outwater, and Peter Ward.
He married December 2, 1786, Rachel Ackerman who was born September 25, 1766, and was the daughter of Hanna Ackerman who died in 1812. He died August 17, 1826, at Pollifly, New Jersey, aged sixty-seven years, two months and eight days. His widow, Rachel was allowed pension on her application executed December 13, 1843, while a resident of North Bergen, Hudson County, New Jersey.

Children of Abraham and Rachel Vreeland:
John            born August        6, 1789, died January 31, 1798. Anny            "    February        2, 1793, died January 27, 1798. Eve             "    August        15, 1795, died May        22, 1796. John            "    August        4, 1798, married Sophia ---- who died January 24, 1827, aged twenty-five years; they had a son, Abraham. Lawrence born January 6, 1803.
The soldier's mother died July 15, 1792, and his father died December 14, 1806, names not stated.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner

1925 Feb 9 H.S. to Mrs. Bessie M. Clarke Mrs.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6369
Rachel Orreeland
Wid.
Abraham Orreeland
Corpl. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 28/18
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 302
[Arrangement of 1870.]

706 West 2nd St.
Kirkington Ill.
Jan. 15/25.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Will you please advise of Rev. Soldier name of Widow No. 6369 of Abraham Vreeland the pension claim filed at Washington. Her maiden or first name is what I wish to get.
I enclose stamp for reply If there are any other charges will you please advise. (Rhodes) yours truly, Mrs Bessie M. Rhodes

161987 Oct/53 Abraham Vredant Du.
Rev. War.
Wart. 19.910 for 160 ams cancelled Jan. 16/57. Grant lapses.
M.

Set to C. A. L. Lang Sept 26 1845. do. to same Oct. 22 d 1845
1

161.987
Office of the ~
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

West Hoboken N.J. Dec 30
19910-160 5-
North Reeland N.C.
Glukins W.F.
Washington
James H. Miller
See

Ph. at 2nd Floor, U.S. N.Y.
Stephens

10-232
Rachel Vreeland
N.Y.
un
Suspended
Sub to C. A. Day August 3. 1844
22-Corp
13.33
2.22
37.55
Act 7 th July '38

63 69
Rachel wid of Abraham
Vreeland N J
Pay roll taken & put on file

West Ashland
Dec 31 1886
Dear Sir
Enclosed please find Land warrant of Rachel Treleant, which according to the laws regulating the same is a nullity. My grandmother having died before the warrant was issued and leaving no children
Yours Respectfully John L. Treleant

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  Department of the Interior  OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS  Bounty Land  160 ACRES   160 ACRES  It is hereby Certified, that under the Act of March 3 rd 1855, entitled, "An Act in addition to certain Acts granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States,"  Rachel Vreeland  Jan 16 th 1856  W. A. Leffler  Widow of Abraham Vreeland  Private  Revolutionary War  is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES , at any Land Office of the United States, in one body, and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, upon any of the public lands subject to sale at either the minimum or lower, graduated prices.  Given under my hand and the seal of the Department, this 16 th day of April 1856  No. 19,910  A. A. [Signature] Commissioner    
Note You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States Land Offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your application to that effect endorsed thereon, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it fill up and sign the following application.
To the Register of the Land Office at _____  I locate this Certificate, in the _____ quarter of section _____ in Township _____ of Range _____  Attest _____ Register.

An Act to raise by voluntary enlistment eight hundred and twenty men for the defence of the frontiers of this State.
Sec. 1. Be it therefore enacted by the Council and General Assembly of this State and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same that eight hundred and twenty men shall be raised by voluntary enlistment and embodied for the defence of the defence of the frontiers of this State to continue in service until the first day of January One thousand seven hundred and eighty two unless sooner discharged and to be stationed in the several Counties in such manner as to afford the most equal and beneficial protection to all the inhabitants on the said frontier, and that the said eight hundred and twenty men be distributed and stationed in the different Counties as follows: That is to say:-
In the County of Bergen One hundred and twenty men to be divided into two Companies consisting of sixty men each including three commissioned Officers, three sergeants, three corporals, one drummer and three horsemen, one to be raised and commanded by Capt. John Catwater, of the County of Bergen, Lieutenant Joseph Catterline and Ensign Abraham Hoagland of the County of Somerset. &c.
6. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the

Commissioned Officers before mentioned in this Act who shall accept of their appointment, shall be entitled to receive while in service the following pay per day, that is to say: a Captain seven Shillings and Sixpence, a Lieutenant six Shillings; and Ensign five Shillings to commence from the time they receive their warrants and every non Commissioned Officer and private who shall be enlisted and embodied as before directed, shall be entitled to receive as follows per day viz: a Sergeant, three Shillings and sixpence, a Corporal three Shillings and three pence; a drummer three Shillings and three pence; a private three Shillings, and every person who shall engage to serve as a horseman on the terms in this Act expressed shall receive for the service of himself and horse, at the rate of four Shillings per day to commence from the day of enlistment inclusively and to be paid in the lawful money of this State by the Paymasters of the Counties respectively in which they are stationed, on Pay rolls of the same being to them produced properly certified and authenticated; and every person who shall be hereafter appointed, in pursuance of the directions of this Act, shall while in service, receive pay according to his rank as aforesaid to commence from the time of his marching to join the detachment to which he belongs.
9. And be it further enacted. That every Officer who shall engage to serve in the said levy, shall from the time of accept

-ance of his appointment, and every non Commissioned Officer, Serjeant and private, who shall be enlisted as aforesaid, shall from the time of his enlistment, become amenable to the rules and Articles of War established for the government of the troops in the service of the United States. &c.
Passed. December 26. 1780
State of New Jersey
I Charles G. M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from a law passed by the Legislature of this State December 26 A. D. 1780 as taken from a copy compared with the original now on file in
my Office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton in said State this twenty fifth day of April A. D. One thousand eight hundred and forty five.
Charles G. M c Chesney Sec y of State

Act of 2 d February 1848
State of New Jersey } Hudson County } ss.
Be it known, that on the 16 th day of September, eighteen hundred and forty eight, personally appeared before me one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County aforesaid, Rachel Vreeland, a resident of North Bergen in the State and County aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved on the 2 d of February 1848.
That she is the widow of Abraham Vreeland, who was a private and Corporal in the Militia and other Troops of Bergen County New Jersey during the Revolutionary war, and that she has received a pension on account of his services under the Acts of 7 th July 1838, 3 d of March 1843, and 17 th of June 1844, at the rate of $37.50 per annum. That she resides at North Bergen in the State and County aforesaid, and has not intermarried since the death of her said husband the said Abraham Vreeland but still continues a widow. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me } Rachel Vreeland my mark Corn t Van Winkle Judge
I certify that the above named declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension as is stated by her in the above declaration
Corn t Van Winkle Judge

State of New Jersey } Hudson County } ss:
I Robert Gilchrist Clerk of the County of Hudson Aforesaid And Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for said County do certify That Cornelius Van Winkle whose name is subscribed to the within Affidavit and Certificate is a judge of the said Court of Common Pleas Commissioned and sworn and duly authorized to take the same and that he resides in said County.
I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Cornelius Van Winkle judge as aforesaid and I verily believe the signature are in his own proper hand writing and genuine
Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court and County this Sixteenth day of September in the Year one Thousand eight hundred and forty eight
R. Gilchrist Clerk

6040 New York November 27. 1844.
Sir,
In relation to the claim of Rachel Fruland widow of Abraham Fruland 6 , under the act of July the 7 th 1838, who I had the honor to represent, and in whose case, a pension of six months as Corporal, in Captain Outwaters Company, in 1781, was allowed and four months and twenty day as private upon proof furnished by a certificate of the Secretary of War Fussy, I would respectfully call the attention of the Department, to two of Capt. Outwaters Rolls, upon which, according to the copy, will be found the name of Abraham Fruland as a private. One of the Rolls, purports to be known as "N o 1 of those last sent," and to be headed, "A pay roll of a Detachment, of the State Regiment under the command of Capt. John Outwater, stationed in the county of Bergen," and by which Roll it would appear, that Abraham Fruland served twenty six days as a private. The other Roll, purports to be known as (N o 3, of those last sent) and purports to be headed, "Extract of a Pay roll from first of July until first of December," and by which Roll, it would appear, that Abraham Fruland, served from June to December, as private, with the pay of 3/ per day, I suppose the said, Roll is an extract, from Captain Outwaters, pay Roll of his Company of State Troops, that is well known that he commanded in the year 1780, It certainly cannot be an extract from his Roll of 1781, because this Abraham Fruland, could not have held two different grades at the same time, Therefore, we respectfully assert that the Rolls referred To above, shows the facts as is represented by the Copys that it would authorize a further allowance to her of five months and twenty six days, as private, and if such should prove to be the case, to the satisfaction of the Department, she respectfully desires that her pension may be increased accordingly without any further trouble and expense to her,

I am very respectfully Your obed Servt A. A. Lay
A. L. Edwards (engineer) Commis n of Pensions }

New York March 17 th 1849
Dear Sir
Accompanying this is Mrs. Arnold and Brinterhoff's Certificates Declarations and you will gratefully oblige by forwarding Certificates for Pensions at your earliest convenience
Very respectfully your obedient Servt ROBT Gouler
J. S. Edwards Esq r 221 Washington St " Cor Barclay New York City

New York Aug 22 d 1844.
Sir,
In relation to the case of Rachel Wheeland in which you propose to allow her for four months and Twenty days as private upon proof furnished by the certificate of the Secretary of N Jersey, and Six months as Corporals upon proof furnished by the original pay Rolls of Captain Outwater if such an allowance is satisfactory. In my letter to you of the 5 th inst I informed you that such an allowance would not be satisfactory for reasons therein stated, but as there is no probability of being able to furnish any additional proof of service, she will, if the Department does not deem itself warranted in allowing her a higher pension for the service of her husband in Captain Patricks Company take the pension offered.
I am very respectfully Your obed Servt C A Lay
J S Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions

New York Sept r 22 o 1844-
Sir,
Mrs Rachel Vreeland, widow of Abraham Vreeland, to whom you proposed to allow a pension for four months and twenty days as private, and six months as Corporals, "that is from June 1781, to January 82", which she acceded to receive, and her Certificate for $37.57- has been received- which she is dissatisfied with, as she expected to receive a pension for the six months service as Corporals computed according to his pay, and grade in his said Line, of duty. The Company in which he performed the six months service in question was raised by the act of the Legislature of New Jersey, passed December 26 th 1780- which declares that the pay of a Corporals rendered pursuant that act shall receive as pay three shillings and three pence per day besides rations. I suppose that it was an error in allowing her for the six months as a militiaman, yet, it is respectfully desired that it may be rectified
I am respectfully your Obt Servt E A Lay
Hon ble J L Edwards Esq r } Commrs of Pension }
666 22- 22 13:33 222 8/37.57 55

New York December 19 th 1843
Sir
Enclosed is the declaration and papers of Rachel Kreland claiming a pension under the act of July 17. 1838. (Your kind friend informed me that the Rolls of Capt. Patton existed in the Department) - they are relied upon to afford proof of service, as is also the certificate of the Secy of New Jersey. She expects the Department will allow her the pension upon such proof authorized.
I am very respectfully Your obed Servt B A Lay Agent
J L Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions

Appeal case of Mrs. R. Treveland. by her Atty. C. A. Lay.
The decision of the Pension Office has been so recently revised and approved by the Secy of War, that it is not deemed requisite to recapitulate the particulars of this claim.
The only new paper presented now, is a copy of the Act of New Jersey authorizing the levy of the troops. It does not, however, militate in any way against the views taken by the Commissioner of Pensions - and it is respectfully submitted that an approval of his report & its transmission to Mr Lay would constitute a proper reply to the appeal.
J. H. Offley. Clerk
War Office 15 May 1845

New York City
April 28. 1845
Chamney A Lay to the Secretary of War Relative to the adjustment of Rachel Mulands Pension
L. L. Lee age 29 1/2 Pioneer Office

New York City
April 28th 1845.
Sir,
The undersigned has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 26th ulto. covering a report of the Commissioner of Pensions, in relation to the adjustment of Rachel Trulands Pension as was referred to in the letter of the undersigned to the President. You say "the report of the Commissioner is quite clear and satisfactory and it is not in the power of this Department or the President to alter the rate of pension prescribed by the law." In my letter to the President I not only claimed for her , that she should receive a pension, computed according to the full half "pay" attached by the law of New Jersey to her husbands rank in the Company in which he served six months in the year 1781, but I claimed for her the pension that is shewn to be due her on account of her husbands service as a private in Captain Patwaters Company, in some other year, of the war, as is shewn by that officers rolls in the Pension Office, amounting to five months and twenty six days, and for which  she  has  never  been  allowed  at all, nor does the Commissioner assign any reason for not doing so, In order to condure the grounds as much as possible, upon which this claim is urged under the law, upon the Government, I herewith return you the report of the Commissioner of Pensions, together with an authenticated extract of the law of New Jersey, pursuant to which her husband rendered the six months service as Corporal in 1781, which defines the pay to each rank , in the Company which directly contradicts the assertions of the Commissioner and verifies, the facts contained in my letter to the President that his pay in that service was $13. per month, and it is evident that the author of the report has no conception of the character of the laws of New Jersey, by which that State, raised, embodied, subsisted, and paid her Troops in the war of the Revolution.

The author of the report "if I understand him" undertakes to say in substance that, altho' he he is credited on the roll with the pay of thirteen dollars per month, that it is not to be doubted that the amount received by him as monthly pay could have been neither more nor less in specie than, Six dollars, and Sixty six and two third cents per month, by which it would seem that he was under the impression that the pension should be no greater than the half pay actually received, or its value in specie. That argument excites surprise, for wrongs in enacting the law under which she claims, or the Act of 7th June 1832, as will be seen by the proceeding of the Committee gave the pension in order to indemnify the soldiers for the loss sustained by them, in the depreciation of the money in which they were paid. Now the Committee of Pensions would never advance such an argument, for the reason that the law will bear no such interpretation. It has been the settled and universal practice of the Department to adjust all claims arising under the act of 7th June 1832, and the acts supplementary thereto, according to the full pay of the soldier or officer, in the particular Corps in which the service was rendered. In arguing this rate of computation we are asking for no new construction to be placed on the law under which she claims; all we ask is that the principal of adjudication that the Department has strictly adhered to since June 1832, and which has been decided by the Attorney General to be the correct one, may be adhered to in the adjustment of this case. If other similar claimants claiming for similar service have not received a pension for that service computed according to the full half pay , it is their misfortune, not the fault of the Department, because it appears it had no idea that the pay exceeded the ordinary Militia rates, but in this case we show what the pay was by competent proof, and I can see no reason whatever why she should not receive a pension for her husband's six months service as Corporal in 1781, at the rate of $39. per annum, instead of $22, being the pension that she was allowed for that service, and the other 5. months and Twenty six days service as private, as is shown that her husband performed

in Captain Detwaters Company, and for which she has not been allowed at any rate, a computation of that service at the Militia rates will be satisfactory, inasmuch as the omission of the year on the Rolls leaves us without the means of affording any proof of his rate of pay in that service beyond the fact that he is credited on the Roll for 5 months service with the pay of $12 per month, but we do not contend for that rate of computation unless the Dept should deem it self warranted in allowing at the rate credited.
The Rolls upon which we rely upon proof to sustain his service as a private, in Detwaters Company is "Known as No 1 of those last sent" headed as follows, "A pay roll of a Detachment of the state Regiment under the Command of Captain John Detwater Stationed in the County of Bergen." and the one known "as No 3 of those last sent" headed, "Contract of a Pay Roll from first of July until the first of December." The other four Rolls which bears the name of her husband as Corporal refers to the service of 1781, beyond a doubt, and embraces his pay and Bounty, for that service - and the other two upon which he is bound as private and for which we claim to be allowed is most undoubtedly for the service of 1780, as it is understood that his Company in both years consisted of nearly the same men and officers. All we ask for is sustained by the most clear and conclusive documentary proof and we shall esteem it a great favor if you will please to direct this matter to occupy the early attention of the Department.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully, Sir
Your Obedient Servant
C A Lay
Hon William L Marey, Secretary of War.

New York August 6, th 1844
Sir,
I have received yours of the 2 d instant in the case of Rachel Breland, widow of Abraham Breland, proposing to allow her for six months as corporal in 1781, in Capt Outwater Company, and four months and twenty day as private, on the proof furnished by the certificate of the Secretary of New Jersey. In reply I have to say, that, inasmuch as you do not propose to allow her the pension that she is by the law and her proof entitled, as appears from a letter that I have received from Mr Pye, who informs me that he furnished the Department with the original Rolls, of Capt Outwater, and of which he now has a copy, from which he informs me that it appears that, Abraham Brelands name is on six of his Rolls. viz, On Roll No 1 of those last sent, as private "length of service not given" £ 2, 3, 4 do do No 3 do do do do do do 153 days at 3/ per day amount 22 19, 0 do do No 4, do do do do as corporal 32 do do 3/ do do do 4, 16, 0 On Rolls No 1, of those first sent, as do 31 do do 1/11 do do do 2, 16, 11 do do No 2 do do do do do do 57 do do do do do do 5, 4, 6 do do No 3 do do do do do do 115 do do 3/3 do do do 18 13, 9 by which it appears that he received in the aggregate, for his services in that Company £ 56, 13, 5 which being computed according to the act of 7 th June 1832 would "as I understand it" afford her a pension, of $ 70, 83, for which if you will allow her, together with the 4 months and 20 days, she will be fully satisfied to receive,
I am very respectfully
Your Most Snt
H. A. Day
J. L. Edwards Esquire } Commissioner of Pensions }

Receipts for Cash paid One years' interest on Notes given by the Commissioners of the several Counties for Militia Services.
   No. of Voucher. No. of Certif. Date. SIGNED BY. PAYABLE TO. Amount. 1 y's int.     5 94 Aug 21 1784 Peter Wilson Abraham Vanclief 11.16.9 11.2  
 £ 518  2.665   1335-  2.54   16 3- 
STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
I, CHARLES G. McCHESNEY, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do hereby certify, that the foregoing is a true abstract from a Book, headed as above, as taken from, and compared with the original, now remaining in my office.—And I do further certify, that Peter Wilson was, by an Act, passed by the Legislature of this State, December 20, 1783, entitled "An Act to procure an estimate of the sums due to the Militia and Troops who have been raised for the defence of the frontiers of the State, and to provide for the settlement of the same," appointed a Commissioner for the County of Bergen for the purpose of settling and adjusting the pay rolls of the Militia and Troops of this State, as aforesaid, and also for signing and delivering out to each and every person a note for the payment of what may be justly due.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, at Trenton, in said State, this eighteenth day of December A. D. one thousand eight hundred and forty- three .
 Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State.
Aug 23. 1845

Aug 29. 1895 New York, July 25/95
J. A. Lay.
Calls attention to Rachel Vreelands pension claim.
L. 136. See July 28/95.
Pension Office
L

New York July 25. 1845.
Yon Wm L. Marcy, Secretary of War Sir
As much time has elapsed since I had the honor to enclose to you an authenticated extract of the Act of the Legislature of R. Island of the 26 th of December 1784. which directly contradicted the report of the Commissioner of Pension to you of 25 th March last relative to the adjustment of "Rachel Vrelands Pension," and upon which it is understood that your decision "that she was not entitled to a higher Pension was made," and shows her rate of pay was for the time he was in Capt. Nuttall's Company was at the rate of, Three Shillings and Three pence per day , which according to the established usages of the Department entitles her to a pension for that service equal to one half of such pay, which she was not allowed for when her claim was adjusted, I therefore most respectfully call your attention to the subject.
I have the honor to be most respectfully, your obedt humble Servant, A. A. Lay
Chas. B. C. 1845

Rep d
New Jersey 8625
Rachel Vreeland widow of Abraham Vreeland
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 17 th Aug. 1826 of Hudson Co. in the State of N Jersey who was a Pw. & Corp t . in the company commanded by Captain Ward of the regt. commanded by in the N. J. Militia line for 6 mo. Corp t . 4-820 Dr. M.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 37 — Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of August 1844 and sent to C. A. Lay New York
Total amount, $ 167.75
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D Brown Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1. Page 211

New Jersey 6040
Rachel Vreeland
widow of Abraham Vreeland
who was a Dr. & Capt,
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 37. Dollars 55 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27. day of August 1844 and sent to C. A. Lay New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1. Page 127.
Rep?
let to C. A. Lay Sept 25. 1844.
" " Hon. W. L. Marcy, March 20. 1845
do. do 14 May '45-
do. to C. A. Lay Oct. 22 d 1845

1 C. 12. 17 C. 12. 17
Oct 22 nd 45
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm te of Pensions Washington D.C.
Rachel Dreceland NY
6040-213

New York October 20 th 1845.
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 26 th ult o respecting the adjustment of Rachel Vaulands pension, together with the report of yours to the Secretary of War of 25 th March last, and a copy of your report to that Officer in the case of 14 th of May last.
I have most respectfully to ask that her case may be again reviewed. My only object in asking it is that full justice may be meted out to her. She was allowed for six months service as Corporal in Capt. John Dutwaters Company of State Troops in 1781, upon proof furnished by that Officers Rolls. As regards the length of time that she was allowed in that grade it is satisfactory, but the rate of pay by which her pension for that service was computed seems to be manifestly wrong. Her husband was entitled to receive as pay while in that service, by the Solemn Act of the Legislature, Three shillings and three pence per diem, in the then lawful Currency of N. Jersey, which the Legislature declared should be in all respects equal to Specie; and the Rolls show that her husband was paid in conformity with the Act. That pay was exclusive of rations &c. In your late letter of 26 th ult o you say, there could be no propriety in admitting upon such proof that the monthly pay (excluding all allowances) of Infantry in service was more than the Continental Congress, and each of the States, had established and by which both the United States and the several States, had ever since the Revolution been governed. In reply to which I beg leave most respectfully to inform you, (and the same can be clearly proven) that the Commissioners, appointed by the Legislature of N. Jersey after the war, to settle and adjust the pay due the Troops of that State, paid such Troops at the rate specified in the Act, and the same was admitted by the Commis rs of the United States in the settlement with that State, after the adoption of the Constitution.

As regards the propriety of the Dept. admitting that that was the rate of pay allowed by Law to that Company, I don't understand. There certainly cannot be no impropriety in admitting what the Act of the Legislator said in the most peremptory language, in which it says, that such shall be the pay To set at rest the inference that the increased pay to the non Comd. Officers, and privates was not intended to include rations &c. I will refer you to the pay authorized to the Captains, and Subalterns, which you will find is much below the pay those officers of the same rank received in the Militia and Line of that State. For example, suppose Capt. Outwater should apply for a pension per Act of 7 th June 1832, for his services in that year, that he rendered pursuant to that same Act, would the Dept. compute his pension according to his full pay as was authorized by the Act pursuant to which he served, which would give him only $365. per annum, or would it deem itself warranted in adjusting his pension for that service at a higher rate, or for the usual rate of $420. The question which arises here enters directly into the merits of the case, for according to the rule of adjudication laid down in your report of 25 th March last, (which is the correct one,) and is Countenanced by the Secretary of War. that the pension is computable according to the full half pay to which the applicant was by Law entitled while in service, would compel the Dept. to compute the pension to a Capt. in that service at the rate of only $15 per month, instead of $17. 50 which was the full half pay of a Capt. in the Infantry of the Line, exclusive of rations &c. Now I think the Dept. will agree with me, if it is, (or would be) bound to compute a pension to the Capt. at the rate specified in the Act, it also in like manner would be bound to adjust the pension of a Non Commissioned Officer or private, according to his rate of pay specified in the Act. That is the simple grounds upon which this extra allowance in this case is asked for. If the Dept. should not feel satisfied that the $0-3.3 per diem allowed her husband was not exclusive of rations, it can be so shewn, but I doubt not but it will be satisfied upon a review for the reasons above stated.

The grounds upon which I have, and do now ask that she should be allowed for five months and twenty six days as private, is because Capt Outwater Rolls show that he rendered that service in that grade . You are mistaken in asserting his husbands name is not on but one of the Officers Rolls for his name is on six of them, - on four as Corporals, and on two  as  privates . It is true that one of the two Rolls that bears his name as private is without the year, but it shows the months and it is utterly out of the question for him to have held two different grades at the same time. Capt Outwater Commanded at Hartness a Detachment of six months men in 1780, from July June to January, as is well known and it was in that service that his husband is credited as a private beyond a doubt. All that is asked for is, simply what the law and the proof authorize.
I have the honor to be Most respectfully Your obedient Servant C. A. Lay
J. L. Edwards Esq Clerk of Pensions

New York April 20, 1846.
Sir,
In relation to the claim of Mrs. Rachel Freeland to be allowed for the full half pay to which her husband was by law entitled for the six months service in the Company of New Jersey State Troops, in the year 1781, as a corporal, and for five months and twenty six days, service as a private which is credited to her husband on the original Rolls of Captain John Outwater in your Office , I beg leave most respectfully to make the following suggestions, in support of her claim. By reference to the correspondence it will be seen that it is admitted that her pension is computable according to the full half pay to which her husband was entitled, " as established by the law of New Jersey while in service ;" and it will be seen by reference to the extract of the Act of the Legislature of New Jersey of 30th Dec. 1780, pursuant to which he served the six months; that his pay was definitely defined "as it was to every rank" and his pay was to be Three shillings and three pence per diem, in the lawful currency of New Jersey which being computed in federal money allowing 30 days to the month would be, $13 dollars per month. It will also be seen that the Dep. thinks it would not be proper to admit that his pay in specie exclusive of rations &c. was more than $666 2 / 3 per month. It strikes me that the Dep. is not required to admit any such thing to adjust this claim; all that is required to be admitted is that his pay was what it was declared that it should be in the act, and that the Department must admit, and it is not to be doubted but that the currency of New Jersey was as good as that of any other state, and if it was not it strikes me as making no difference under the principle laid down and announced in the Secretary of War, in this case, as is cited above. In relation to the assertion that it embraces rations &c. as well as pay and is contradicted the inference that the currency was not regarded to be equivalent to specie, I would refer you to the

rate of pay authorized by the act, to the Captains and subalterns, in that particular service, which you will perceive falls much short of the allowance to officers of the same grade in the Militia and Line of the Army. That must certainly dispel all doubts on the subject. Suppose the Dept was to compute a pension to Captain Outwater, with the same evidence as is adduced in this case, would the Department feel itself warranted to cut his pension down, from the full half pay authorized to a Captain in that service, "which falls $10. per month short, of the pay to a Capt. of the Infantry of the Line," proportionally, as you seem to think you must do in this case, if you did what kind of a pension would be computed to him as a Captain, why he would be entitled to, worse than nothing. He would find himself indebted to the Government. The Dept could not of course allow him beyond his full pay authorized, and if they could not, upon the same principle it could not allow a non commissioned officer or private. If the Dept. is authorized to apply one principle of adjudication to the Officer, and another to the non commissioned officer and private, then the position assumed by the Department would be more feasible, but if they are to be adjusted on the same principle then the Captain would be entitled to his full half pay and the non commissioned officer and private to theirs, also. If you do not feel satisfied that  he is entitled to his full half  full pay, I desire you will so inform me.
In relation to the claim for five months and twenty six days service as a private , I have only to say that her husband is credited with that amount of service in that grade on the Rolls of Capt Outwater in the pension office, and for which she has not been allowed.
I am Sir
Very respectfully your obed serv.
C. A. L. S. - v - B
Q. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions