Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 317, Samuel Wales, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Wales, Samuel Abigail
Yf 317
B. L. Wt. 58694-160-55
CONTENTS

74 Norfolk
156 1/2 Massachusetts
Samuel Wales of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Hancock of the Mass commanded by _____ in the Mass line for 3 Years
State
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of $____ Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of July 1833 and that E. H. Derby Boston Mass
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $460.00 Semi-annual allowance ending Sept 1833 100.00 $560.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by M. Addison Clerk, Book 7 Vol. 2 Page 92

1974 Massachusetts Abigail Wales widow of Samuel who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private Mass
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1818.
3 rd February 1833 Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of Sept r 53 and sent to
H. Woodman Boston Mass a
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29. 1815. Page 47 Vol. A
Feby 3 rd 53
1832
269427

269. 127
Act. Mar. 3. '58
Mar 6/17
Abigail Wales. mid. Samuel Wales. jun.
W: 160 Ac. Inc. 13/57 — Blyth
Rev. war.
Bond at Feb. 3. 1853. 1974
Special. by Chief Clerk. Mar. 2. '57
Handwritten initials and marks
E. D. 4 b. A. Dyn. do. Abington. Mass.
End P
Vol. No. 35. 2

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, Feb'y 16, 1857.
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the attestations hereunto annexed,
Nathan C. Martin was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony of which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
Iss Chas W. Loret Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Mass
County of Norfolk
On this fourteenth day of February A. D. eighteen hundred and fifty seven , personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace, within and for the County and State aforesaid, Abigail Wales aged Seventytwo years, a resident of Dorchester in the State of Mass , who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Samuel Wales deceased, who was a Soldier in the revolutionary war in the company commanded by _____ in the _____ regiment of _____ commanded by _____ in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812 that her said husband on or about the _____ day of _____ A. D. 181_____, for the term of _____ and continued in actual service in said war for the term of More than fourteen days and was honorably discharged with said company on or about the _____ day of _____ A. D. 181_____, as will appear by the roll of said company. That she now receives a pension under the act of Feb 3 - 1853.
She also declares that neither herself and she believes nor her husband have ever applied for or received any bounty land under any Act of Congress, except a _____ aero-land warrant, No. _____ which was issued under the Act of Sept. 28th, 1850.
She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Wales in Stoughton on the _____ day of Nov A. D. 1836, by one _____ and that her name before her said marriage was Abigail Washburn that her said husband died at Stoughton on the _____ day of April A. D. 1895, and that she is still a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the additional bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act of Congress passed March 3d, A. D. 1855, and she prays that a certificate thereof may be sent for her to E. D. & C. A. DYER, South Abington, Mass. For the proof of service, her marriage and the death of her husband reference is given to her application for her pension
Abigail Wales
Subscribed and sworn to before me, the day and year first above mentioned.
Nathan G. Martin Justice of the Peace.
269. 427

South Abington Mass. State of Mass, County of Norfolk,
We Sarah P. Washburn and O. M. Holbrook residents of Dorchester and Abington in the State of Massachusetts upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Abigail Wales in our presence; and that we believe, from the ap- pearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. and we also declare that we know the said Abigail Wales is now unmarried.
Sarah P. Washburn
O. M. Holbrook
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the tenth  fourteenth day of Feb  Feb 1852. and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be; and that I have no interest in his claim.
Nathan G. Martin, Justice of the Peace.

6682 Sam Wales,
W. E.
14. 16 06 Apr 27 1833
P. 357. Private 2 years, Admiral
E. N. Derby Boston

6682  BRIEF in the case of Samuel Teale County of Norfolk in the State of Mass (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 72  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers   Years, Months, Days. As a     11 Dec In 1779 to Dec. 1782 3 — — Volunteer Gen. John Hancock Garrison duty Boston harbour the whole term  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none mentioned  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Shaftsbury  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 2 living Witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Deposition not properly authenticated 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. C. Easton Examining Clerk.
24 Jan. 33

Revolutionary War. Widow's application for Pension Act Feb. 3, 1853 Certificate to be sent to Horatio Woodman Boston Mass as within requested.

[c.]
State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk.
On this Sixteenth day of May A. D. 1853, personally appeared before the Suffolk County Probate Court of the State of Massachusetts , Mrs. Abigail Wales a resident of Dorchester in the County of Suffolk and State of Massachusetts aged Sixtyeight years, who first being 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 3d of February, 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War: That she is the widow of Samuel Wales who was a Revolutionary Soldier and a Revolutionary Pensioner at eighty dollars pr. year, payable at Boston, - and for a description of his service refers to his papers on file in the Pension Office, and to the accompanying certificate of the Secretary of State She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Wales on the twenty third day of November 1836; that her said husband died on the twenty third day of April 1845; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January, eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow, - and that she desires that her certificate may be made payable at Boston, and sent to Horatio Woodman, Boston, Mass.
Abigail Wales
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before me as I am Judge of Probate as aforesaid.
Sam G. Linn

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, June 21 st 1853.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Samuel Gay was a justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. D. Knight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk Town of Houghton (a) Married by Rev Calvin Park Mr. Samuel Wales of Houghton to Miss Abigail Washburn of North Bridgewater "Nov. twenty third Eighteen Hundred & thirty six"
I CERTIFY that the above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows: —(b)
"Nov 23 d 1836"
I, Jabez Talbot Jr. above named, depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk in the town, county, and state afore- said, and that the above is a true copy from the records of said town, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
Jabez Talbot Jr. Clerk of the town of Houghton Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this fifteenth day of June A.D. 1853
Sam. Guy Justice of the Peace.
A transcript of the record, except that, instead of copying the figures, the date must be written out in full. exactly as it is in the record.

No 6682.
Daniel Wales.
Byers

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By his Excellency  LEVI LINCOLN , Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know Ye, That Silas Baine Junior is a Justice of the Peace, for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof,  I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this Sixteenth day of August A. D. 1832, and in the fifty Seventh year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor,
Edward D. Dangs Secretary of the Commonwealth.

✓ Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 3 d 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that
There is a receipt signed by Samuel Wales for seven pounds, ten shillings, dated Feb. 22 nd 1787 - in the Castle Rolls in warrant 278. And that in warrant 64 to pay rolls, at a balance of nineteen pounds & twelve shillings is stated to be due him, dated May 31, 1785 - And that there is a receipt by him for two pounds in warrant 273, dated Jan y 22, 1787 - And that there is a receipt by him for twelve pounds, in warrant 39, dated April 11, 1787 - And that in warrant to pay roll N o 56, dated Nov. 13 th 1782, twelve pounds is stated to be due him - And that in warrant 60, his name is entered against three pounds 1 s 4 d , paid Edward D. Bangs Secy

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Norfolk
ss. Quincy
On this fourteenth day of August A.D. eighteen hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate now sitting at Quincy within and for the County aforesaid Samuel Wales of Hocuttston in said Norfolk aged seventy two years
Who being 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 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say
That he entered a company of Massachusetts State Troops as a volunteer at Braintree in said Norfolk on the eleventh day of December seventeen hundred & seventy nine During the Revolutionary war & served in said Company as a private soldier until December 1782 a period of three years The Company in which he enlisted formed the Garrison of Castle William & Governors Island in the harbour of Boston was commanded by Captain John Hancock. the Lieutenant was William Burbeck. Samuel Treat was second Lieutenant. William Knable gunner.
He was stationed in Boston Harbour the whole period of his service. At the expiration of this term he was honorably discharged his term having expired. But he received no written discharge.
David Trufant & Moses Whitecomb who served with him are still living

He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity whatever, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Samuel Wales
We John White, & Harket Derby and Isaac Smith the last a Clergyman residing in the town of Houghton in the County of Norfolk hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Wales  seventy two years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
John White
& Harket Derby
Isaac Smith
And the said Court thereupon proceeded to propound the following interrogatories, which he answered under oath, as follows:
1. Where and in what year were you born?
Answer,
In Houghton in June 18 th 1860.
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer,
I know of none
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer I lived in Houghton when I enlisted have lived there ever since to the present day except four years passed in Boston
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer,
I was a volunteer
5. State the names of some of the regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served, such Continental, and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer,
I have stated all that is important on these subjects.
6. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution?
Answer,
Mr John White Reverend Mr Gile & Reverend I Smith

7th Did you ever receive a Discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it Answer. I had none. Samuel Wales
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and 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 Isaac Smith who has signed the preceding
Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the said Houghton & that John White & Elizabeth Duby are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. Sherman Gales Clerk of the Court of
I Samuel Haver, Register of the Court of Probate for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Samuel Wales herein named, for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Samuel Haver.
The Court further certify that Silas Paine is a justice of the peace for said County of Norfolk & that the name signed to the certificate to the deposition of Moses Whitecomb & David Infant Smith annexed is his signature thereunto written - I Gales Clerk of Probate
I Samuel Haver above named hereby reaffirm my certificate above made, under my hand and the seal of the said Court, this fourth day of May, A.D. 1833.
Samuel Haver Reg. of Probate.

I Moses Whitcomb of Roxbury in the County of Norfolk (and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do testify and say Samuel Wales of Houghton, County of Commonwealth aforesaid, served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution three years from the Eleventh day of December seventeen hundred & seventy-nine to December seventeen hundred & eighty-two on Castle William, in Boston harbor under Col. John Hancock Lieut William Burlock & Samuel Treat during all of which time I the said Moses Whitcomb served with the said Samuel Wales (and further de- ponent saith not)
Moses Whitcomb
I hereby certify that said Moses Whitcomb is a credible witness - Silas Paine Jr. Probate Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss. August 14 th 1832 Then personally appeared the above Moses Whitcomb (and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed Before me Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the Peace
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age, do tes- tify and say, that Samuel Wales of Houghton County of Commonwealth aforesaid, served as a soldier in the war of the revolution three years from Eleventh day of December seventeen hundred & seventy-nine to 11 th day of Dec. seventeen hundred & eighty-two. on Castle William in Boston harbor, under command of Col. John Hancock Lieut Samuel William Burlock & Samuel Treat during all of which time I the said David Dufont served with the said Samuel Wales (and further depo- nant saith not - David Dufont
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Norfolk ss August 14 th 1832 Then personally appeared the above named David Dufont and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him sub- scribed Before me Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that said David Dufont is a credible witness - Silas Paine Jr. Probate

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
all a. 13
October 26, 1927
W. M. Wayles Humeaton Iowa
Sir:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 317 , it appears that Samuel Wales was born June 19, 1760 at Stoughton, Norfolk County, Massachusetts.
While residing at said Stoughton, he enlisted December 11, 1779 and served three years as a private in Captain John Hancock's Company with the Massachusetts Troops, and was stationed in Boston Harbor.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 14, 1832, while a resident of Stoughton, Massachusetts. He died at said Stoughton, April 23, 1845.
Soldier married November 23, 1836, Miss Abigail Washburn of North Bridgewater. She was

allowed pension on her application executed May 16, 1853, while a resident of Dorchester, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, aged sixty-eight years.
There is no reference to children.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

1927- Oct 26 - visit to W. M. Waugle's case.
317 Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 317
Abigail Wales Widow
Sammuel Wales Br. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index: —Vol. M. , Page 304
[Arrangement of 1870.]

58.694
5 Geo Aris

FREE
Hon Geo C Whiting Com of Pensions Washington D.C.

Official business
To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

June 27. 1853
NO 2506
App t of Abigail
Leeales widow of
Samuel-
Suffolk Co
Maps # 80
15676
Act 3 d Feby: 1853
$80 per annum
Cony 3 rd Feby 1853
Rev:
Horatio Woodman
Boston
Mass.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business
Ed. Towne Regd

Pension Office, Sept r 8. 1853
Sir,
Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid; and (if in your power) the date of his death.
Very respectfully Your Ob t Serv t
J. Cole For the Comm r
J Burt Esq r 3d auditor Present
(See other side.)

Samuel Wales, At 7 th June 1832, $80.00. p. an. Died 23 d April 1845, Paid to his death,
J. Burch Auditor.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
April 14 1853.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name Samuel Wales is borne on a roll of Capt. Abel Richards Co. Col. Howe's Regt. R.I. service in 1777 from Sept. 25, 1 mo 7 days, roll dated at Dedham.
On roll of Capt. Thos. White's Co. of Guards under Maj. Proctor from Dec. 10, 1777 to Mar. 1, 1778. 2 mos. 22 days.
On roll of Capt. James Endicott Co., Col. McIntosh's Regt. on service at Roxbury, as private from Mar. 20, 1778, 18 days. roll dated at Stoughton.
On roll of Capt. Caleb Champlaine's Co. of Guards in and about Boston from Feby. 3, 1779, 3 mos.
On roll of Capt. Ralph Thompson's Co. at Castle Island from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, 1779, 2 mos + 2 days travel included.
On rolls of service at Castle Island under Capt. Thos. Cushing, His Exy. John Hancock commander from Dec. 11, 1779 to Dec. 10, 1782, 3 mos.
All the above service as private

5203
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. W. Knight Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts....Suffolk County.
J. P. Andrews
I CERTIFY, That NORATIO WOODMAN , before whom the accompanying Affidavit made, was, at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace for the said County, duly authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgements, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand, and the seal of Supreme Judicial Court of the said State, for Suffolk County, this thirteen twenty fourth day of June A.D. 1853.
Geo. C. Wilde
} Clerk of the said Court.

(C4)
State of Massachusetts County of Suffolk
We, Sarah P. Washburn and Samuel Wales Jr. having been duly sworn, depose and say, that we well knew Samuel Wales who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
whose widow now applies for a pension that we knew him for more than nine years before his death, which occurred at Stoneham, Mass about eight years ago, — that we know that he died about that time because the said Sarah, was present when he died, — and because I, the said Samuel Jr. was at his funeral.
that we have known his said widow from his death to this time, that she has remained unmarried, and that we are disinterested.
Sarah P. Washburn
S. Wales Jr.
Subscribed, and duly sworn to before me, this fifteenth day of May A. D. 1853 by the said Sarah P. Washburn , and on this Eighth day of June A. D. 1853, by the said Samuel Wales, Jr.  A. Andrew Justice of the Peace.
It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof has been exhibited before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, by the affidavits of Sarah P. Washburn and Samuel Wales Jr. of the said county and state, who are personally known to me, who are entitled to credit, and who swear that they have no pecuniary interest in the result of the above application; that Mrs. Abigail Wales is the widow, remaining unmarried of the late Samuel Wales who was a revolutionary pensioner — and that the said Samuel Wales died at Stoneham, Mass. on or about the day of A. D.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this Eighth day of June 1853
A. Andrew Justice of the Peace.
* "We attended his funeral," or "were in the neighborhood at the time," or some equally good reason.

Brief in the case of Abigail Wales, widow of Samuel, Suffolk County and State of Massachusetts act 3 d February 1853.
Claim, ("original," or " for increase ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832
Marriage proved by duly verified Copy of Town Records
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Noratio Woodman Esq. Boston,
Name and residence of Agent Mass.
K. G. Dyer
Examining Clerk.

6682
Samuel Wales
E. H. Derby Boston Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Wales 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? Yes 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 ?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? Yes
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? No
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ? Yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“ Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates 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 ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Application should be made to EKD George Ege for evidence of the claimants same

South Abington Mass. Feb 16, 1857.
Sir,
We herewith enclose the application of Abigail (Tilton) of Sam l Wales a her pensioner Act of Feb 3 d 1853, for bounty land under the Act of Mar 3, 55
Very Respectfully
E D & C S Ayer

AMERICAN RAILWAY EXPRESS COMPANY (INCORPORATED)
(1056) (Printed in U. S. A.)
Humeston Iowa Oct 10th 1927.
Mr. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C-
Dear Sir: Your favor of the 3rd, Re-Rev & 1812 Wars Section. I would be much pleased to have history of one, Samuel Wales, W-317, born in Stoughton , Norfolk County Mass in 1760, enlisted from there, still living there in 1832 and died there in 1845. Thanking you for your kind consideration, I remain,
Yours Resp'y
W. M. Wayles