Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,650, James Wilsey, Continental New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental New York
Wilsey, James or Wiltsee, Jacobus
R 11,650
CONTENTS

19682
James Wilsey Schoharie County New York
Not on the roll of. Mott's company, in Lamb's Reg.
Henry Shafer Cobels Hill New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of James Wilsey Schoharie City, N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vols. 1778 2 pr. Capt. Hartnick Col. Lamb. N. York 70 Schoharie County, New York Voluntary  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
 J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions. 

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
R Newman

Cobleskill 18 th Dec/45
Dear
Sir I happily recd your kind letter of information before I recd yours I understood the case and wrote to J. W. Pouldock Esq. of Albany on the subject. I know Wiltse is Low Dutch his name is Jacobus Wiltse to Shorten Jacobus they called him Cobus - in those days Jacob & Jacobus & Cobus all were considered one name The Dutch Yawecobus - Jacobus - Yawecub - Jacob To shorten the name in common language because of the La - I say Cobus - or because of the B's and say Jacob Jacobus Yawecobus or iacobus - Jacobus is Jacobus in The Dutch - you see how near these names connect my name properly in the Low Dutch is Jacobus Jacobus Stout Recd Mr Westerlo of the Dutch Ref Church in Albany administered the Sacrament of Baptism to me in Dutch called me Yawecobus - my Father was educated in the English - in the Family Record I stand recorded Jacobus I was named after my Grandfather Jacobus Arnold. I have known Mr Wiltse upwards of 30 years he has always stated that he was in the Service three years Cornelius Swartout his Uncle. enlisted for 8 years - if I mistake not and served three years as a officer and was taken sick as an invalid & Cobus or Jacobus Wiltse took his place and served the remainder three years as a officer - more than I would remark the Old Gentleman is one of our good friends in our Dutchman no Education and in his Old days lost his property (by Villians) the then supported him - his relations have a Very large Family and his Old parents to support and is poor - he has taken him to his house the Old Gentleman is Confined to his bed Old & weak not able to help himself and has been so for two or three years - I sympathize his state may the Lord bless him - I charge him nothing for services I wanted them to appoint J. W. Pouldock Esq. to aid me I will drop him it will be of no use only create a bill of expense - now then please to give me information of it Can be proved that he is Jacobus Wiltse and that is his proper name & was called so in the war of the Revolution.

and that he is the man that served under Capt Mott & whether such Testimony will be sufficient — I understand there are two Respectable Old Persons that can testify to his name as being Called Jacobs & Coleus & known altogether by that name and who knew him through the whole of the war & knew he was under Capt Mott in the Infantry but cannot say how many years he served — give me information if such Testimony would be sufficient — The object of my writing to you is — it will save me
The trouble and expense of obtaining those witnesses I do it free gratis — I work for the poor & and may God aid those labours & sleepings to the good & sufferings of old Patriots use — I have nothing else in view — it stands a clear case before me — I think it cannot be mistaken — it has become the General Custom for the English to translate Jacobs & Coleus into Jacobs altogether these late years — I here the English and the Dutch has become mixed up you see — Jacobs & Jacobs — it has long been contended it was all one name and the English translation was defective — be this as it may — we see the arrangement as the name stands — if Jacobs both to Jacobs & Coleus have the goodness to answer me give me as correct information as possible — we want nothing but what is right and just & this the Lord will bless — may God direct you respected friend
Respectfully Yours — Pardon my letter Jacob Stuyvesant
How Mr Edwards Com of prisoners
Please direct to Cobleskill Schenectady Co. N.Y.
Please set forth all that will be needed in Testimony in the poor old mans case — I cannot help but feel his case at heart — & God will bring about this case in his righteousness — you dear friend I feel it the case is the Lord — you do what is right before the Lord in your office — I will do it here

10 Barrackville Va April 18 Hon. J. M. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington Pension Office  April 23/76 H. H. ... Pension Office

State of New York Schoharie County } ss
Iacobus Wittse being duly Sworn Deposeth and Vays that he is the reason Called now James Wittse who made Application for a pension from the United States before Henry Shaffer Esq. or his agent (in the year 1833 he virily beleives) and his Application papers were sent to Washington by his Agent said Shaffer & have been there ever since This Declarant now Deposeth & saith in connection with his former declaration - that he This Declarant is Dutch and was brought up in the Dutch Language and his name properly is Iacobus Wittse - and that in the war of the Revolution he resided as stated in his former declaration in Dutches County New York where they were all Dutch inhabitants - and then the name of Iacobus - was Called Jacob - and Cobus to shorten the name and Declarant Vays that he can not write nor read writings himself - & then in & through the said war of the Revolution his name was wrote properly as should have been Jacob and Generally Called Cobus - and his name was written & Called so until he This Declarant left said Dutches County and moved into Schoharie County which is upwards of forty years ago and then the English commenced to write his name James & he then was informed it was in general use to write James who was originally Called Iacobus and This Declarant Vays as he knew some in Schoharie County who wrote James and was Called Cobus or Iacobus and could not write himself - that since he has resided in Schoharie County has received the name in the English as he is now Called James - Declarant will illustrate an other name together with his name to wit Johannas Called in the Dutch Hans - in the English John - iacobus in the Dutch take of the Ja - and it is Cobus - leave of the bus, and it is Jacob - so the name Declarant believes explains itself - without any more said by This Declarant - This Declarant also states that when (Judge) Henry Shaffer his agent made out his Application that This Declarant stated he had served in said war of the Revolution three years and took his Discharge for three years and that said Discharge was lost - and said Agent Shaffer -

then spoke about putting in his service for two years & said that was enough to ensure his pension and if he had served three years that he would surely be safe by putting it two years service - This Declarant says he cannot now state whether his former Agent said Shaper made out his Declaration for the full time of three years as he served and requested him to put it three years - This Declarant says he served three years under the officers as set forth in his former Declaration in the years 1778 in 1779 & in 1780 This Declarant says are the years to the best of his knowledge - and further this Declarant says he is old and very feeble and feels his mortal day is almost past and gone and that this Declarant hereby appoints and constitutes his Brother in Christ - to wit Jacob Slingerland as his true and Lawful Agent and if the Lord will bless and reward him for his hard suffering of Cold Hunger and the many dangers he has been exposed to in said War of The Revolution let my pension should not survive to see it be given to John Hoss my beloved Son in Law for a reward for his goodness and Charity I now reside with him and said John Hoss hereby nominate him as my only heir to receive my pension for his benefit and behoof forever should I be called to Eternity - may the Lord bless my beloved friend my Old Governor Marcy now City of Washington and bless our happy Land and all the rulers now of our Administration I am feeble and may I meet you all in Heaven by and The Grace when you are called to leave our dear Country This happy Land - may we then find a blessed redemption in Jesus I now seek - may God Grant it - and Declarant further states that while he was in the service as above named he knew of no other private name in the Army along the Highlands where he was stationed Declarant says they often were called from place to place as orders came to move to Scout and defend the different Forts &c  Subscribed Acknowledged and sworn before me this 10 th day of January 1846  { James X Wilson mark  Jacob L Laroyen Justice of the Peace
Witness present Jacob L Laroyen John J Hoss
I, Certify that I am well acquainted with Mr. James Wilson and am a perfect stranger with the Dutch of his name and Certify that it is the standing standing, and I further Certify that I have no reason to doubt, the sincerity of James Wilson, believe him to have been one of our old and true Patriots of the Revolution, and he is a man of good Reputation and of good Character, for truth and veracity, and the definition he gives in his name is correct -
Jacob L Laroyen Justice of the Peace, Ulster County -

Dear
Cobleskill April 14 th 1846
Sir I am in very ill state of health at present and unable to do any business. This paper has been in my possession some time. I had intended to have sent it back to Mr John Hoos the withers named Mr Willsee is no more he has gone to his long home Eternity I died as I am informed shortly after this paper was printed in full faith of a blessed hope & salvation in his Redeemer — I trust he reaps his reward among the righteous — his son-in-law John Hoos wishes me to send you this paper his last request — Your reply was received by me & also saw the reply you sent to Mr Paddock — it seems as though Mr Willsee could have no confidence in Mr Paddock Mr Paddock is an old friend of mine & I introduced the case to Mr Paddock & he did not consent to have the case go to Mr Paddock unless I took full charge of it — you can very easily discover I am unacquainted with the business & know nothing of the law & forms & I am now where I received in years that on past & gone & find many friends — I have no prayer if I can help the poor & needy I am satisfied I was urged to go into this business I did some business of for other Agents last summer to fall — I have not a case in hand — this case of Mr Willsee if you see fit to reply to this paper reply to John Hoos — himself & if any thing can be done as far as consistent I will help him & no further — understand me if you do — the Old Patriot Claim is good reply to John Hoos Cobleskill Schoharie Co. N.Y. and state all you require of him &c —
I found the Widow Kings Papers widow of John King Dec were in Albany in Mr P's (Pine) hands Mr Pine is a fine man & Credible I was happy to learn they had fallen into his hands — The poor widow has paid her debt also — died some weeks ago —
The Case I sent to you of Mr Elias Hillenauer I will put in the hands of John Astorhout Esq our late Member to our Legislature — Mr Hillenauer is Old & Superstitious he thinks they will wrong him and as he has suffered much for his Country he says he will rather let it go for the benefit of the United States but Astorhout is a man of high Credit & does much for the poor & he feels satisfied with Astorhout — Astorhout resides in Carlsle Schoharie Co. N.Y.
I am grateful to you for past favors and the directions & papers I received from you in your reply to the Case of Widow King — I can receive no information here to do any business of this kind — I should be truly happy to receive some of your printed forms & papers I should be happy to get more instructions & if any expense send in a bill of the same to me — I am truly yours with great respect
I should feel happy to receive further instructions in the above case & to be absent all summer
Hon E. L. Edwards
Isaac H. Slingerland

I have one more Communication to State from Mr. Wilton only a short time before his death he spoke about his Pension & Services — and stated he thought he was not entitled to it — as he had drawn his Bounty Lands he told me he had drawn his Bounty Lands & I think he said he sold it — he came to a Conclusion that his Bounty Land — would cut of his pension & he thought he had done wrong for not enquiring before he made out his Declaration
Hon J. L. Edwards Com of Pensions
L. S. Myerland

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
11650
P. O.
James Wilson
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
REJECTED
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

New York
Revs:
11650
James Wilsey.
Rejected
let. Henry Shaper, Cobleskill. let. 21 May 1833-
let to Jacob Hengenland Nov 26th '45
to J. W. Paddock 3. Jan. 1846 J. Dingenland 5 March 46 " same - June 30, '46.
Act 7 June 1832

Honorable William L. Marcy Secretary of War of the U.S.
The enclosed communication addressed me, and appointing me agent of an old Revolutionary Soldier, in poverty and distress, is my only apology for addressing myself to your Honor, instead of J. L. Edwards the Purian Coaxampt. It will appear from the examination of the enclosed, especially that part of it written by Mr. Sengenland, that there has been some mistake in the translation of the Christian name from Dutch into English, and perhaps also a  a further mistake in the orthography of the sur name. It does appear, on examining the Records, that a man by the name of Jacob Pilori served in the same Company and at the same time with the applicant Abraham, for the term of three years. I believe the declarant set up but two . But supposing that to invalidate his claim. He was advanced in old age when he made his declaration and is now almost imbecile. He had a discharge but had lost it, it would appear, not an uncommon thing among the revolutionary worthies, and he declared prematurely for two years. Now should we supple the discrepancy in the Christian and Sur name, a mistake made by others, invalidate his claim? Was any person by the name as found upon the Records of the army, applied for a pension, either by himself, wife, or heir? If not doubtless this is the man. The question as to the translation of Jacobus, or Yawcobus to James is one that may well be submitted to your Honor, though yourself not a Dutch man yet your long residence in the good City of Gotham, may have well prepared your Honor to question the correctness of the translation of Yawcobus to James as the granting in many instances have done. To show how easy mistakes may occur by different individuals writing the same name, I remark that in the official declaration his name as appearing was written Pilory. on the War books it stands Pilori to the enclosed communication his name is signed (by the hand of another) Piltrin. - but all doubtless, mean the same person, and as it appears he could never write his name, he could therefore never correct its misspelling. If other proof is needed please inform me, and direct to City of Albany.
Albany Decr. 25, 1845.
I have the honor to be with high consideration W. P. D. Dack

Sir,
Cobleskill December 3 rd 1845
I understand you are doing business for old soldiers in obtaining pensions - I am confined to my bed and very infirm in a state of weakness and debility - I inform you that I was in the service as a soldier under Capt. Mott my Col s name I cannot now remember I served for a length of time as will be found in my application papers which was made out by Henry Schafer a Judge of the County of Schoharie some years ago - and said Judge Schafer died and my case has not been seen to I am poor and infirm and have no assistance confined to my bed - I served as a substitute for Cornelius Swartwout who enlisted for the term of years as stated in my application papers and was a Musician officer he was taken sick and I took his place as officer in the Army and took my discharge regular - I am so ill now I cannot go definitely in the particulars as my application papers will fully show more definite than I am now able to state my case at present - and I sincerely hope I will be excused in my letter as I am entirely unable to state over particulars now - will you have the goodness to befriend me and assist me I have wrote to Esqr Pierre to Albany and he has never answered me I am poor I think this must be the reason I now wish to employ you as my Agents and I authorize you to act for me and to write to Washington - write to our Good old Governor now I understand Secretary of war I know Governor Hovey is a faithful good man to assist the poor and he will see to my case I want you to write to him I got Mr Jacob Hingerland to write to him for me and you will try to get an answer from Washington and if more testimony is wanting we will try if any can be found and send it to Washington and please to write to me as soon as you can get an answer from Washington - I cannot pay you unless I get my pension I have suffered much in the service in the war - I hope you will not fail to assist me - I am truly your humble servant &c.
Joseph H. Paddock Esqr. Jacob Hingerland Esqr. of Cobleskill & Albany
James his  X Wilton witness present John Hovey
Since writing the above Mr Wilton says he was under Col Lamb his mind is very fluctuating he is confined to his bed & very sick

Cobleskill 2 nd Decem /45
I have wrote for Council to Washington at the request of the late Gentleman & his no known I expect an answer soon & will send it on to you
There is a mistake I apprehend in the name of Old Father Willsee - he was called Cobus - or Yawecobus he is Dutch - Yawecobus - is Jacob in prop- er translation and in those times they translated the name Jacob and Jacobus - to shorten the name it was called Jacob - This is the case with my name my Grandfathers name was Yawecobus - or Yawecobus always with Jacob - now it has become customary generally to write The name Cobus or Yawecobus James - This is so now generally in alms- -st every case of late I never could translate the name of Cobus to James yet it has now become general - you will therefore search the records his name is not James Willsee on the Records - it is Jacob or Jacobus find out if there were no Jacob Willsee or Jacobus Willsee in the service if you will get at the proper person - there was no such a translation as James for Cobus or Jacob or Jacobus in those days nor is it proper now I am well aware that there is a gross mistake - you search through & write to me truly yours & Jacob Slingerland J W Paddock Esq
Mr Willsee has no Education a good friend Old Gentleman & been two good and easy he has been wronged out of all he had & the unfortunate old Patriot is supported by the town - This is a hard case may the Lord bless him in his Old age to receive that he is justly entitled to and no more
2692

James Wilson
19082
V

State of New York Schoharie County ss.
On this twelfth Day of December 1832, personally appeared in open court before the court of Oyer and terminer being a court of record in the county of Schoharie New York, setting forth James Wilsey a resident of the town of Cobleskill aged about 70 years who being first duly sworn according to law, do hereby make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June 7 th 1832 that he entered the service of the united States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he the said James Wilsey was enlisted in Poughkeepsie in Dutches county in the State of New York, by one capt. Garrison a recruiting officer for the term of two years, this enlistment was in the fall in the year 1778, that he the said James Wilsey was called into the service next spring 1779, that he was but in captain Gershon Mott company of Artillery in the 2 d New York regiment of Artillery, which was commanded by John Lamb colonel of said regiment of Artillery, in the service of the State of New York on the continental establishment, that he the said James Wilsey served at least point Poughkeepsie Dutches county and in that vicinity this service was rendered at the time when the British Army lay in New York; that he was also in a battle at the time when the British Army came up the river and burnt the village of Schoharie, that he the said James Wilsey was the piper in captain Mott company that he continued to serve in said corps faithfully as a piper until in the spring 1781, that he was then honorably discharged in most point Stockland county in the State of New York from the service by captain Mott verbally, that he the said James Wilsey has been informed that his name is not on the muster roll in the State of New York the said James Wilsey says on his oath that capt. Garrison mustered him at the time when he was enlisted in the fall in the year 1778, and has been neglected to enter his name on the muster roll records; that he was called into the service next spring 1779, that he was but in capt. Mott's company continued

opposed and also has been neglected this must be the reason that his name is not on the records of the muster Roll, the said James Wilson says on his oath that he diligently enquired to obtain positive testimony to his services, but he has not found any; because he is a Poor lame man, that he can not go much about that he has no documentary evidence, that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services, only by reputation and circumstances.
That he hereby relinquishes every claim what ever to a Pension or annuity except the present; and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Colony of any state.
The court prepared the interrogations presented by the war department on the said James Wilson the applicant 1 he answered on his oath that he has been informed and believes the same to be true that he was born in Poughkeepsie in Dutches county in the State of New York 2 that he has no record of his age, that he has been informed and believes the same to be true that he was born in Year 1762
3 that he died in Poughkeepsie in Dutches county when he was called into service in the revolutionary war, since the revolution he lived part of the time in Poughkeepsie Dutches county and in that vicinity, from thence he removed to Schoharie and lived in Schoharie and Cobleskill about 38 Years and that he now lives in Cobleskill
4 that he was enlisted by captain Harnick, and discharged by captain Stottynwood as he has stated in his declaration
5 that captain Bliss, captain Stevens, captain Savage and captain Thomas were with the troops in colonel Lamb's regiment of artillery; that he the said James Wilson was a piper during the two years services in colonel Lamb's regiment; that he was also acquainted with minor Bagent a private soldier and Cornelius Sweetheart a piper and others in said regiment; and that at the time when he

he entered the Service as aforesaid that capt. Mott Made him the said James Wilsey the piper in the place of Cornelius Seartheart, because Cornelius Seartheart was an intemperate man and frequently intoxicated with strong liquor that he the said Seartheart had then to serve a private soldier in Colonel Danks regiment 6 that he was discharged by captain Mott by reason as aforesaid 7 that he answered and stated the names of the persons in his neighborhood who can testify to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier in the revolution Jeremiah Brown John Horn James Cross Jacob France David Borneo and John D. Shafer a clergyman sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid In open court John Deobard pr. Clk. James Wilsey marker
We John D. Shafer, a clergyman residing in the town of Cobleskill and David Borneo residing in the same place by certify that we are well acquainted with James Wilsey of the town of Cobleskill who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be about seventy years of age; that he is respected and beloved, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the 12 th Day of November 1832 before me Henry Shafer a Judge of Schoharie Common Pleas
John D. Shafer David Borneo

Christopher Haenig of the town of Cobleskill in the county of Schoharie being duly sworn doth on his oath say that he has been between twenty and thirty years well acquainted with James Wilsey the applicant for a Pension that the said James Wilsey has been during that time been reputed to be a soldier in the American revolution and that he was called the revolution file that the said James Wilsey is a man of credibility that his statement in his Declaration and affidavit is entitled to full credit. Sworn and subscribed Christopher Haenig his mark This 12 th Day of November 1832 before me Henry Shaper a Judge of Schoharie common Pleas
Jacob Framer of the town of Cobleskill in the county of Schoharie being duly sworn doth on his oath say that he has been for a number of years well acquainted with James Wilsey the applicant for a Pension that the said James Wilsey has been during that time been reputed to be a soldier in the American revolution and that he is a man of credibility that the statement in his Declaration and affidavit is entitled to full credit. Sworn and subscribed Jacob Framer his mark The 12 th Day of November 1832 before me Henry Shaper a Judge of Schoharie common Pleas

Jeremiah Brown late captain of the town of Cobleskill in the county of Schoharie being duly sworn doth on his oath say that he has been between thirty and forty years well acquainted with James Wilsey the applicant for a Pension, that the said James Wilsey was reputed that it was a general report during that time that the said James Wilsey was a soldier in the American revolution that he was called the revolutionary fifer, that this deponent called frequently on the said James Wilsey to be the fifer in his company on drilling days, that this deponent believes the same to be true the said James Wilsey was a soldier in American revolution that the said James Wilsey lives in town of Cobleskill in the county of Schoharie, that he is a man of credibility that his statement of his affidavit is entitled to full credit
Sworn and subscribed the 12 th Day of November 1832
before me Henry Shaper a Judge of Schoharie Common Pleas Jeremiah Brown
James Craps of the town of Cobleskill in the county of Schoharie being duly sworn doth on his oath say that he has been between twenty five or six years well acquainted with James Wilsey the applicant for a Pension that the said James Wilsey has been reputed during that time, that he was a soldier in the American revolution; that he the said James Wilsey lives in the neighborhood where this deponent resides; that he is a man of credibility, that his statement of his affidavit is entitled to full credit
Sworn and subscribed on the 12 th Day of November 1832 before me Henry Shaper a Judge of Schoharie common Pleas
James Craps

Thomas Britton of the town Cobleskill in the County of Schoharie being duly sworn doth on his oath say that he has been between twenty and thirty Years well acquainted with James Wilsey the applicant for a Pension that the said James Wilsey has been reported to be a Soldier in the American Revolution that this deponent believes the same to be true, and that the said James Wilsey is a man of credibility that the statement in his declaration and affidavit is entitled to full credit
Sworn and Submitted the 12 th Day of November 1832 before me Henry Shaper a Judge of Schoharie common Pleas
Thomas Britton
Peter Bouch of the town of Cobleskill in the County of Schoharie a revolutionary Pensioner being duly sworn doth on his oath say that he has been between twenty and thirty Years well acquainted with James Wilsey the applicant for a Pension, that he the said James Wilsey has been during that time been called the revolutionary life; that he the James Wilsey has been reported to be a Soldier in American revolution that this deponent believes the same to be true; that the said James Wilsey is a man of credibility and that his stat ment in his declaration and affidavit is entitled to full credit
Sworn and Submitted the 12 th Day of November 1832 before me Henry Shaper a Judge of Schoharie common Pleas
Peter Bouch
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 John. Dehafer who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman, Resident in the Town of Cobleskill and that David Berner who has also signed the same is a Resident in the same Town and is a Credible person, and the other Witnesses also a Credible Persons and that their Statements is entitled to Credit
NY. WILLIAM. Baint Judge.
William Bakhman W. Mann Thos. Pfenforth } Judges
I John Gebhard Jr. Clerk of the court of common pleas of the county of Schoharie Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of James Wilsey for a pension - I further certify that Henry Shaper beque whom the seven preceding affidavits purport to have been sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the court of common pleas of the county of Schoharie; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signature -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twentyth day of November 1832.
John Gebhard Jr. Clerk