Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1138, John Vanderveer, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Vanderveer, John
S. 1138
CONTENTS
barred

28098 New Jersey
Order to pay 12 Sept 1838.
John Vanderveer
of Somerset in the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Longstreet of the Regt commanded by Col Edgar in the New Jersey line for Militia for 10 mos & 14 days
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 34 Dollars 87 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Feb 1834 and sent Hon J Freeling- Huysen. U S Senate
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 — $87.17 Semi-ant. allowance ending Apr 34 17.43 $104.60
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. Cromwell Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 137
Rate of death per m 08-

4906 John Vandever, Son's application for a Pat- ent under the law of 1832.
advised 10m 14 ds pri
Hon V. Freelinghausen
James P. Randolph Agent

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
State of New Jersey ss  ss Somerset County ss  ss
On this Sixteenth day of August, in the Year of our Lord, one Thousand eight hundred & thirty two, personally appeared in open court, before the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas now sitting, John Van Dorn - a resident of the township of Bridgewater in the county of Somerset, & State of New Jersey, aged twenty seven years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following deca- -ration, 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, & served as herein stated. He was drafted in Middlesex, in said county, in the New Jersey Militia, in the year 1776, & immediately man- -sioned to assist to reinforce Militia after the British being at that time at New York & Staten Island. Under the same officer he thence marched through Elizabeth Town & New Ark to to Bergen Point. Some time in the month of December in the same year, he accompanied the army in the retreat to Pennsylvania under Genl. Washington. Was on the rear guard of the Militia at the battle of Princeton, & could not arrive in time for that engagement. After the battle of Princeton, the British having retreated to New Brunswick he was sta- -tioned as a guard at Cranbury, during the the residue of the winter, the duty at that time being very hard, by reason of the extreme cold -ness of the season. In the spring following & 1777 the British still lying at New Bruns- -wick, he accompanied the army back to Millstone under the command of Captain

Full knowledge; the service at that time was extremely arduous, the whole army, on account of the superiority of the British, being continually under arms to avoid a surprise. In the fall of 1777 the British having gone over to Reynolds  Staten Island  he at one time went  under command of Genl. Howe over to that place in the night, & captured a large number of Loyalists. From the time he was drafted till the conclusion of the war, he was in continual service; a great part of which was very difficult & arduous. He has therefore served two years. He born in Somerset County in the year 1752 - lived at Millstone during the war, & afterwards removed to the North Branch in said County, where he has ever since resided.
We hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or gratuity except the present, & then declare that this name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state whatever.
Sworn to, & subscribed the day & year afore said -
John VanDusen
W. H. Gaston

We Isaac Southard a clergyman residing in the County of Somerset and Thomas Talmage Jr. residing in the County of Somerset aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mr. Van Derveer Sen. who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be 79 years of age; That he is resu- -ted & believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion - Sworn & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid.
W. M. Gaston
Isaac Southard Tho s Talmage Jr.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named appli- -cant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he stated. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Isaac Southard who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Somerset & State of New Jersey, & that Thomas Talmage Jr. who has also signed the same, is a resident in the County & State aforesaid, & is a credible person, & that this statement is entitled to credit - It further appears satisfactory to the court that a clinical certificate could not conveniently be obtained.
W. M. Gaston
M. Rooney
Genl. H. Burrough
John Kirkpatrick

J. Bau Lư bèn
4906.
9.
Q.

State of New Jersey Somerset County ss
I John M. Mann Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of John Van Dorben for a revision
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two -
J. M. Mann

Declaration
An order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the seventh of June, 1832. —
State of New Jersey Somerset County, ss.
On this fourth day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three personally appeared in open Court, before the judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Somerset now sitting, John Van Derveer, a resident of the township of Bridgewater, in the County of Somerset aforesaid, aged exactly one years, who being first duly sworn, according to rites, etc., on his oath, made the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed June the seventh, eighteen hundred & thirty three. — That he entered the service of the United States in the year seventeen hundred & seventy six, was drafted in the New Jersey Militia in the County of Middlesex, & immediately marched to Amboy to perform militia duty there. Served as a private in the New Jersey Militia under Captain Aaron Longstreet & Major Edgar Coats at Amboy one month, the British forces at being at that time at New York & Staten Island under the command of General Howe marched through Elizabeth Town, Newark, &c. to Bergen. On this tour he was also out one month. Some time in the month of December in the same year, (1776) was with the Army in Washington's retreat to Pennsylvania — I think he was then under the command of General Washington of Somerset, was out at that time but two weeks — was in the rear guard of the militia at the battle of Princeton, in consequence of which, he did not arrive in time for that engagement, was out at this time also one month. After the battle of Princeton, the royal army having moved to New Brunswick he was stationed as a guard at Cranberry (Somerset Co.) under the command of Col. Neilson & Major of New Brunswick for the residue of the winter. This tour was at the least one month. The service was at that time peculiarly arduous by reason of almost constant exposure to the violence of the season the cold being excessive. In the spring following (1777) the enemy still lying at New Brunswick, he accompanied the army back to Milstone, under the command of Col. Halkerd. The service here also, was extremely arduous, the whole army, on account of the proximity of the British being continually under arms to avoid a surprise. His tour was on this occasion two months. In the fall of '77 was at Elizabeth Town about one month under the command of Captain Halkerd. While at that place, he at one time, under the command of General Halkerd

went over with a party at night to Staten Island & assisted in taking a large number of Tories. Shortly after this event was a skirmish at Elizabeth Town one month became very ill & was relieved by his brother. In 1778 he hired a substitute for $100. to perform his monthly tour, but was still obliged to act on a general call. Believing his time in all limited to at least two years but by reason of his age & loss of memory cannot detail all his specific tours & periods of service. His duty was hard & he suffered much, but knew it was for his country. He was never employed in any civil pursuit during his service. Was born in the County of Somerset in State of New Jersey, 1752, lived at Millstone during the war, & afterwards removed to the North Branch in said County where he has ever since resided. Knows of no person now living whose testimony can be obtained that knew him in the service. All his companions in arms for all that he can remember having within a few years passed away. Many since the act of Congress was passed for their relief. His approximate age is about eighty one years.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency in any State. Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.  John Van Der Beek  W. M. Gaston
That the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier. These certificates of the court & clerk attached from a misapprehension of the United States Government sent from the War Department, being considered superseded by the C.L.K. are cancelled.  John M. Mason clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Somerset & State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Van Der Beek for a pension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this _____ day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.  W. M. Gaston W. T. Rodgers Henry D. Stryker

We Abraham D Wilson a clergyman residing in the township of Bridgewater - in the county of Somerset, & State of New Jersey, & William J Hedges residing in the township of Bridgewater county & State aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Van Dancer, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be Eighty one or 82 years of age; That he is reputed & believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed this day & year aforesaid. Abraham D. Wilson Wm. J. Hedges
Wm. Gaston
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories subscribed by the loss Detachment, that the above named applicant, was a Revolutionary soldier, & served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Abraham D. Wilson who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident in the township of Bridgewater, & county of Somerset, & that William J. Hedges who has also signed the same, is a resident in the township of Bridgewater & county of Somerset, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Wm. Gaston
W. T. Rodgers
James D. Hughes
I John M Mann Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Somerset aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of John Van Dancer for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this fourth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.
J. M. Mann

Answers to the interrogatories propounded by the court to said applicant. —
 1. The said John Van Dusen was born in the township of Gran Klein, in the county of Somerset, on the third day of October, in the year of our Lord seventeen hundred & fifty two - 1762.  2. The record of his age is in an old family bible in the possession of said applicant.  3. Was living at Millstone, in the township of Hightstown in the county of Somerset when he was called into service, & after the war removed to the North Branch, in the township of Bridgewater in said county where he has ever since resided.  4. Was drafted in the New Jersey Militia.  5. Served under Captain Aaron Douglass, Thomas Edgar major of Middlesex, Brigadier General Felip Hughes of Somerset, Col. Neilson & Layd of New Jersey, Col. John Smith, Col. Jackson of Somerset Co. & General Dickinson. (For further particulars of service see description).  6. Never received a discharge in writing.  7. The names of his neighbours to whom he refers for an answer to interrogatory seventh are William Weldon, Peter D. Hoorn Esq. Esq. Esq. Governor of New Jersey, Hon. Samuel Swan, Hon. Isaac Southard, John W. Gaston, Wm B. Gaston Esq. all of whom are known to the applicant & can testify to his character for veracity & their belief of his Revolutionary Service. 
Sworn & Subscribed the date above.
John W. Gaston
John Van Dusen
Declaration of John Van Dusen as a soldier of the Revolution
I John M. Mann Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Somerset aforesaid do hereby certify that William B. Gaston, who has subscribed to the above interrogatories, is one of the judges of the said court of the county aforesaid, & that said interrogatories were subscribed & sworn to by the said John Van Dusen as above stated. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the fourth day of June - in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & thirty three.   J. M. Mann

State of New Jersey
Somerset County ss. On this fifteenth day of Janu- ary 1834, before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of said, personally appeared John Man- derville, sen. the applicant for a pension named in the foregoing paper, who being duly sworn, on his oath saith, that he has heretofore given a narra- tive of his services in the Revolution, but understand- ing that it is deficient in several respects, he proceeds to give such an account as he believes will remedy the defects of his former statement. He may perhaps omit some incidents and particulars of his service, but is quite confident of relating every thing mate- rial to a full & correct understanding of his case. His services were in all in the capacity of a private. His first term of duty was in 1776 - when the Bri- tish landed on Staten Island - was stationed at Am- 1 mo. boy for one month recommended by Capt. Aaron Lopdell. In the same year performed another term of a month under Capt. Lopdell at Elizabethton, Newark & Bergen. His next term was under the same officer in same year at the retreat of Washington thro' New Jersey, and lasted, as he thinks, 2 wks. but two weeks. In December 1776 & January 1777, he performed another term, under Capt. Pickens, which 1 mo. lasted one month. In all these terms he was engaged in watching the motions of the enemy, and endeavoring to counteract & thwart his movements. After the battle of Princeton of Princeton the militia of Middlesex and Somerset, & perhaps of the counties, were stationed at Cranbury, as the most eligible point for defence, or attack of the enemy, then in New Brunswick. He was there amongst the rest, and remained, as he is now enabled to recollect, at 3 mo. least three months without intermission. He was also there, under Capt. Lopdell, & Col. Neilson & Lieut. Col. Taylor, engaged in the ordinary service of protect- ing the lives and property of his fellow citizens. In the Spring of 1777, he went into Somerset County, and

joined the company of Capt Cooper  Frederick . The British still remaining in New Brunswick, the militia were 2 mo. still kept out, and he did two months more duty at least, in continuous service, up to the June 1777 at which time the enemy moved off for Staten Island. These two months were under Capt Frederick, as he thinks. During the remainder of the year 1777 he performed 2 mo. not less than two tours of a month each, at Elizabethtown under Capt Frederick, in the hard service of guarding the lines, as it was termed. Pretty early, as he thinks, in 1778 he hired a substitute, and his service there- after being only in emergencies, and on occasions of calls for the whole body of the militia, he is not enabled so to specify it, as to make it come within the rider presented presented by the War Dept. He has not attempted, in this amended declaration, to do any thing more than give the specification of his service required to enable the Department to ascertain the precise extent of his claim. For the particulars of his services he refers to his former declaration. He herewith presents such testimony as the industry of his friends has collected for him. He did not himself know that there was any witnesses to his services living. He has none, now, he hopes, all that it is necessary to entitle him to the very small allowance the law makes for a claim such as his, and asks a compensation ac- cordingly.
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid, before me
Jacob Loney Justice Peace
John Van Der Burch

State of New Jersey, ss. On this fifteenth day of June, Somerset County, May 1834, before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared William Wilson, known to me to be a credible person, whose statement is entitled to credit, who being duly sworn, on his oath saith, that he is in the 81 st year of his age, and a soldier of the Revolution. That he well knows John Vanderveer, the foregoing applicant for a Pension, knew him throughout the war of the Revolution, lived a neighbor to him, knows that said Van Derveer was in active service several times of a month each in each of the years 1776 & 1777, and that he was out occasionally afterwards, though not regularly, as it was understood he had hired a substitute to perform his regular tours. Knows said Vanderveer for a man of integrity, & gives full credit to his statement in relation to his revolutionary services.
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid before me William Mark  his Mark Jacob Lony, Justice Peace

State of New Jersey 3 d ss. John M. Mann, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the ori- ginal & supplemental proceedings in the case of John Anderson, Jr. an applicant for a Pardon. I also certify that Jacob Sorey, before whom the affida- vits of John Anderson & William Wilson were then read, is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned therein, & that the signature of said Sorey is his genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have here- unto set my hand & the seal of said Court, this fifteenth day of January, eighteen hundred and thirty four.
J. M. Mann.

January 31, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
John Vanderveer-S.1138 BA-J/AWF
Mr. Charles C. Gardner 26 Park Road Maplewood, New Jersey
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Van Der Veer of Somerset County, New Jersey, who was granted a pension in 1834.
The record of that soldier is given herein as found in pension claim, S.1138, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. Fifty cents, the amount of your remittance, will be refunded in due time. No charge is made for this service.
John Vanderveer was born October 3, 1752 in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, names of his parents not given.
While residing in Millstone, Somerset County, New Jersey, he enlisted in 1776 and served as a private at various times until the close of the war in the New Jersey militia, under Captains Aaron Longstreet and Fulkerson and Colonels Neilson and Taylor; length of all service about two years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 16, 1832, at which time he was a resident of the Township of Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey.
He stated that he was sick during his service and his brother served in his place, but he did not give the name of his brother. There are no further data

in this claim concerning the family of the soldier, John Vanderveer.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person to whom sent, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing the following:
John Vanderveer Certificate # 28098 Issued February 20, 1834 Rate $34.87 per annum To commence March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

INVALID.
File No. 1138 John Vanderwer John Vanderwer Mrs. N. J. Mil.
Act: June 7, 1832.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 386
[Arrangement of 1870.]
* W. R. H. Oct. 11, 06.
Rev. John
1928- Sept. 14- H. H. R. to Mrs. William R. Conover - See her letter in James Van Perneu - S. 1475 2nd St. Gardiner - N. J. 1935- Jan. 31- H. H. R. to Chas. C. Gardner - N. J. Din. notified, 50 to be refunded. - 50

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
COPIED BY ADY
September 14, 1928.
Mrs. William R. Conover, Star Route, Freehold, New Jersey.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 1138, it appears that John Van Derveer was born October 3, 1752 in Franklin Township, Somerset County, New Jersey.
While residing at Millstone, New Jersey, he enlisted in 1776 and served at various times as a private with the New Jersey Troops under Captains Aaron Longstreet and Fulkerson and Colonels Neilson and Taylor and served until close of the war, in all about two years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 16, 1832, at which time he was living in the Township of Bridgewater, Somerset County, New Jersey.
It is not stated whether soldier was ever married.
The above noted John Van Derveer is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Refer Line To G. A. Aft Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

CHARLES CARROLL GARDNER 26 PARK ROAD MAPLEWOOD, N. J.
Cash. 50 1812 end
Jan. 17. 1935
Veterans Administration Washington, D.C.
4760
Gentlemen: Will you please supply me with a summary of data relative to one John Van Der Beer of Somerset Co. N.J. as to his revolutionary war service, dates of birth and death, residence and family connections, shown in his application for pension, which Duane stand was granted in 1834.
I enclose 50 cents which I believe is your stand and fee for this service.
Yours sincerely C.C. Gardner
enclosure when opened in Mail Sub-Div., 50¢ cash C.S.
copying fee in above

Hunter Bank Pension Office Sept 7 1838
Sir
I enclose voucher and Certificate of John Van Dusen requiring your special direction for payment thereof for twelve months
I am respectfully Your Ob Servt
W. D. Hunt for D. D. D. D. D.
J. L. Edwards Esq

Affidavit in the case of John Vanderveer, vs. 4906
dk
J. F. Randolph Agent

State of New Jersey
Union County 3 On this fifteenth day of January 1834, before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Henry H. Schenck, known to me as a credible person, whose statement is implicitly to be relied on, who being duly sworn, saith that he is in the 74th year of his age, was in the Revolutionary service as a chaplain & Assistant Chaplain, and is now receiving a pension for such service. That he well knows John Vanderveer the foregoing applicant for a Pension named in capias 4906 was Surgeon of the Regt. to which he belonged and had therefore an opportunity to know not only when his company were out, but when said Vanderveer was in actual service; can say from a distinct recollection that said Vanderveer was out repeatedly in each of the years 1776 & 77 & 78 & 79 & 80. After that time cannot specify, because he was no longer in the militia service, but went into the regular army. Believes that said Vanderveer is a man of scrupulous veracity, and that any thing he may say in relation to his revolutionary services may be relied upon.
Subscribed & sworn to the 3rd day of Jan. aforesaid before me Peter P. Remond Justice of the Peace
Henry H. Schenck
State of New Jersey 3 I Nicholas Voorhies clerk of the Court of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Peter P. Remond before whom the foregoing affidavit of Henry H. Schenck was taken was at the time & still is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly sworn and qualified. That the signature of the said mayor thus subscribed is true & genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of office this fourteenth day of January right now hereunto & thereto done Nicholas Voorhies clerk

4906
J. Van der Veer
discharged returned
Dec 6. '33 admiral
Hon. Thos. Frelinghuysen Senate U.S.
u u
J. Van der Veer James P. Buchanan J. Buchanan

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 29 th
1833
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 subjóined 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
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. J. van der Meer N. L.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 [j] 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.
As claim for service not specified in the manner indicated above can be allowed