Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 3510, William West, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
West, William
S 3510
Carded.
CONTENTS

New Jersey. 17903.
William West.
of Monmouth the State of New Jersey. who was a Private in the Co commanded by Captain Snook of the Regt commanded by Col. Holmes in the New Jersey. line for 18 Mo.
No. 15745.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey. at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of Oct. 1833 and sent to Geo. H. Port. Md. New Egypt, N. J. M c Kessy.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. — 150. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34. 30 —
$180
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. H. Palmer Clerk,
k Vol. Five Page 135,

And the said John Patterson Court does hereby declare this 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 said Judge is  Court is also of opinion that the said applicant could not procure a clergyman's certificate without too much inconvenience and expense. And the said Judge  Court further certifies that, Major James Craig, and Mr. Job Throckmorton, who have sworn to and subscribed the preceding certificate to the original declaration, are very credible persons, and to the best of this knowledge, are, the first an officer, and the latter a soldier of the Revolutionary Army, and that their statement is entitled to full credit. And the said Judge  Court further certifies that it appears to them that William Potts and Aaron F. Walker who have signed the preceding certificate to the Amended Declaration are residents of the township of Upper Freehold in the neighborhoods of the above named applicant, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit — And I the (Signed) said John Patterson do hereby further certify that I am the presiding Judge of the said Court of Common Pleas of the said County and that I was on the bench in open court when the original Declaration of the said William West was made and that the whole court were of the same opinion and expressed the same sentiments as above stated. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of July 1833. John Patterson
The following are the replies of the above named applicant William West, to the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, as put by the said Judge  Court , in the order mentioned —
1. I was born in the town of Shrewsbury on the 2 d day of June, A.D. 1756 — Monmouth County, New Jersey. 2. I have a record of my age, it is kept at home — (exhibits it in court) — 3. When called into service I lived in Freehold, Monmouth County; since the War I have lived in Freehold township and Upper Freehold in this County — and now in the last mentioned township — 4. I was called up by the proper authorities. I was a substitute but one month only — 5. The following Regular Officers were with the troops when I served — General Washington, General Morgan, General Forman, Colonels Holmes & Walton, Major Craig Captains Smacks, Vanclive, Bunn, Coward, Lieut. Cook, Wm. Vanclive, John Schenck, and one Serjeant Moses Sprowls — The general circumstances of my services are, as well as I can recollect, as follows I was called first to Middletown in July 1776 and again in September same year and was there two months both times in garrison — The last time I served as a Substitute. In May 1777 I was engaged along the shore from Shrewsbury to Black Point on guard against the British and Tories — In July of this year I was at Tinton Falls and from thence was called to Sourland Mountains in Somerset County, and was engaged in the neighborhoods of that place on different expeditions two months; In the fall of 1777 I was engaged about the Highlands, and Sandy Hook in checking the incursions of the British and Tories, for two months at various times — In December of that year under Capt. Coward we secured the pines in Monmouth for nearly two weeks. In April 1778 I was called to Squan in this County to repel the Refugees, and was out nearly two weeks. In May I was at Middletown again one month in garrison — In June I was in the rear of the British Army as they marched through this County on their way from Philadelphia to New York; in August 1778 I was at Shrewsbury nearly three weeks in garrison — and the remainder of the war in different places performing duties, mostly within the County of Monmouth in guarding the shore from the British Tories & Refugees — 6. I never received a discharge from the service — Th. Samuel G. Wright, Esq. Nathaniel Caffey, Benjamin Hulse, Sidney C. Woodward Esq. P.M. Millaytown, Enoch Coward, Benj m Woodward Esq. James Folwell, Samuel Brown can testify to my character, length of service, with many others —
Certified by my John Patterson Presiding Judge
(Signed) William West his mark

5. The following Regular Officers were with the troops where I served - General Washington, General Morgan, General Forman, Colonels Holmes & Walton, Major Craig Captains Smacks, Vanclive, Dunn, Coward, Lieut. Cook, Wm. Vanclive, John Schanck, and one Serjeant Moses Sprowls
The general circumstances of my services are, as well as I can recollect, as follows I was called first to Middletown in July 1776 and again in September same year and was there two months both times in garrison - The last time I served as a Substitute. In May 1777 I was engaged along the shore from Shrewsbury to Black Point on guard against the British and Tories - In July of this year I was at Tinton Falls and from thence was called to Fourland Mountains in Somerset County, and was engaged in the neighbourhood of that place on different expeditions two months; In the fall of 1777 I was engaged about the Highlands and Sandy Hook in checking the incursions of the British and Tories, for two months at various times - In December of that year under Capt. Coward we scoured the pines in Monmouth for nearly two weeks. In April 1778 I was called to Squan in this county to repel the Refugees, and was out nearly two weeks. In May I was at Middletown again one month in garrison - In June I was in the rear of the British Army as they marched through this county on their way from Philadelphia to New York; in August 1778 I was at Shrewsbury nearly three weeks in garrison - and the remainder of the war in different places performing duties, mostly within the county of Monmouth in guarding the shore from the British Tories & Refugees - within the county of Monmouth in garrison - 7th. Samuel G. Wright, Esq. Nathaniel Caffey Benjamin Hulse, Sidney C. Woodward Esq. P.M. Amboytown, Enoch Coward Benj m Woodward Esq. James Folwell Samuel Brown - can testify to my character, relief of service, with many others - Certified by my John Patterson Presiding Judge
(Signed) William his X West mark
I Daniel B. Ellis, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, do hereby certify that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings of the said John Patterson , in the matter of the application of William West for a pension - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty fourth day of July A.D. 1833
D. B. Ellis Atty

State of New Jersey } Monmouth County }
On this 24th day of July A.D. 1833
personally appeared before me the undersigned, one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, William West, the within named applicant, 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 in the war of the Revolution not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grade:— For one year and six months I served as a private, and for such service I claim a pension.
John Patterson.
William his West mark
I Daniel H. Ellis, Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Monmouth do hereby certify that John Patterson — Esquire, who has signed the above deposition, is a regularly commissioned Judge of said County, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 24th day of July A.D. 1833
D. H. Ellis Clk

Declaration - In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832
Monmouth County } } On this sixteenth day of October, in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two, per- State to New Jersey } } sonally appeared in open Court, before the Judges and Justices of the court of the county of Monmouth, and State of New Jersey, now sitting, William West, a resident of the township of Upper Freehold, county and State aforesaid, aged seventy six years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th. 1832. That he was born in the township of Shrewsbury, county and State aforesaid on the 2 d day of June, 1756, and that he lived in the township of Freehold when the war of the Revolution commenced, and entered into the service of the United States as a volunteer, in the summer of 1776, the year the British took possession of New York, being then about twenty years of age; in the Monmouth Brigade, then under the command of General David Forman, Col. Holmes, Major Craig, Capt. Hendrick Smock and Lieut. William Mavilve, and was marched to Middle town and there performed a month's tour of duty as a volunteer militia-man. He then returned home, and was, after a month's interval again called to the same place and performed another month's duty. That afterwards he was called to keep guard at Tinton-Halls, near Long Branch in Monmouth County, and while there, his officers received orders from General Washington, to march to Sourland Mountain (six or seven miles north-west of Princeton) to join the continental troops stationed there, and were encamped on the top of the mountain near the enemy. While there, he recollects, they took two of the British prisoners, while out in plundering the inhabitants. I helped guard these prisoners to Flemington, Hunterdon County, twelve miles from Sourland Mountain, and delivered them to the guard there. We were then ordered on to, and crossed the river Raritan, at a place called Steel's Tavern, under the foot of a mountain where Washington's camp was, and viewed the encampment. From thence we were ordered to Somerset Court House. There were about three thousand of us, as near as I can recollect. We lay all night near the enemy, and next morning were all drawn up in order of battle, to go to Bonumtown (a small village near) to attack the enemy who lay there. The light horse were sent out to reconnoitre, who returned and informed us that the enemy had moved off towards Woodbridge, in Middlesex County. We were then ordered to march on, and marched all day so near the enemy, that we were twice drawn up to attack them, but did not come to an engagement. We marched all that day without any refreshment; and next day General Washington sent word that we, (the militia) might return home, and thanked us for our services. From that time, he, (the deponent) was almost always every week called out to the Highlands and Sandy Hook, to check the incursions of the British and Tories, which were very frequent. In one of them our party were almost all cut off, or made prisoners. We once had a long march through the Pines in pursuit of the Tories, under command of Captain John Leonard. I was at one time called from Monmouth Court House, to keep guard on the Bay Shore, (where the British and Tories often landed,) under command of Capt. Hurn. While there a sloop came down the Bay, and sent off several small boats for shore, filled with men, for the purpose of plunder. Capt. Hurn gave orders for us to march on and attack them. When we got near them they made an attempt to form, but seeing our numbers they jumped into the boats and fired, by which our Captain was shot down by my side, as we thought dead, but only slightly wounded. Each party returned. I was once pressed to convey a man, named John Sulphin, a sergeant, who was shot dead by the Tories, to his mother; and one Ezekiel Williams, a refugee, who was wounded, to Monmouth Jail. - When the British marched through New Jersey, from Philadelphia to New York in 1778, I with my company, under Capt. Smock, belonging to the Monmouth Brigade, under Gen. Forman and Col. Walton, were in the rear of the British Army, and came into Allentown, (Monmouth Co.) soon after the battle and lay in the church yard that night and the next day in a circuitous march headed the hos-

ington sent word that we, (the militia) might return home, and thanked us for our services. From that time he, (the deponent) was almost always every week called out to the Highlands and Sandy Hook, to check the incursions of the British and Tories, which were very frequent. In one of them our party were almost all cut off, or made prisoners. We once had a long march through the Pines in pursuit of the Tories, under command of Captain John Coward. I was at one time called from Monmouth Court House, to keep guard on the Bay Shore, (where the British and Tories often landed,) under command of Capt. Hearn. While there a sloop came down the Bay, and sent off several small boats for shore, filled with men, for the purpose of plunder. Capt. Hearn gave orders for us to march on and attack them. When we got near them they made an attempt to form, but seeing our numbers they jumped into the boats and fired, by which our Captain was shot down by my side, as we thought dead, but only lightly wounded. Each party returned. I was once pressed to convey a man, named John Sulphin, a Sergeant, who was shot dead by the Tories, to his mother; and one Ezekiel Williams, a refugee, who was wounded, to Monmouth Jail. - When the British marched through New Jersey, from Philadelphia to New York in 1778, I with my company, under Capt. Smock, belonging to the Monmouth Brigade, under Gen. Forman and Col. Walton, were in the rear of the British Army, and came into Allentown, (Monmouth Co.) Soon after the enemy left it, and lay in the Church yard that night, and the next day by a circuitous march headed the hostile army, and at the Battle of Monmouth were stationed at Richmond Mills, near Freehold, as a flanking party. Here we took two British prisoners, who had wandered from the Army to plunder. While marching through Allentown we were under the command of Gen. Morgan of the Continental Army, and in conjunction with it. There were about 300 riflemen of the regular army along with us. When I returned home after the Battle of Monmouth, I found the enemy had been to the house where I resided, had broken the lock of my chest, and robbed me of all my clothes, except those I wore at the time, which to me was a great loss at that time. After this I continued to do my monthly duty in turn, (which was every other month during the revolutionary war) and attend to every call of emergency, till the war ended. I served at different times under different officers, most of whose names are mentioned in the body of the declaration. I have been for 15 years past sorely afflicted, and in consequence very infirm and weak, so much so as to be scarcely able to attend court. And withal my memory is so impaired, that otherwise I believe I could have given a more satisfactory statement of my services, and gone more into details. It is impossible for me to procure

any living witness to testify to these services, except the following; and discharges for the militia were not common. He believes that he was engaged in the service of the United States, as a militia man, during the Revolutionary war, one full year, and six months, and claims a pension for that period accordingly. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, in open court — (Signed)
Jehu Patterson
his William West Mark
We James Craig and seventy nine years residing in Freehold Township County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, and Job Throckmorton and seventy one years upwards of the same place do hereby certify that we are respectively well acquainted with William West who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be of the age of seventy six years and we know him to have been a soldier of the Revolution having seen him frequently in the service during the revolutionary war and that we have no doubt from our knowledge of his services that he was actually engaged as such soldier in the service of his country during the period of time mentioned in his declaration, doing the service therein as stated, that he resides in the township of Upper Freehold in said County of Monmouth a few miles from us and that he is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Jehu Patterson
James Craig Job Throckmorton
I Daniel H. Ellis clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Monmouth in the 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 William West for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this sixteenth day of October A. D. 1832
D. H. Ellis, clk

15715 Declaration of William West }

Parson of Attorney of the heirs of Mrs. Mary Lee of New Jersey, a Pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 1832.
Erasmus H. Land Washington City

Know all men by these Presents. That I, Stephen West of the City of Trenton. N. Jersey, a Grandson of William West dec d a soldier of the New Jersey Continental line, who drew a pension of sixty dollars, per annum, under act of 1832, & who resided in the County of Monmouth N. J. do hereby make, constitute Messrs Evans, & Faut of the City of Washington My attorneys for me and in my name to examine the papers, & records on which my Grandfather W m West was pensioned, to ascertain if there are arrears, or increase of Pension, or any monies due on account of the services of the aforesaid W m West in the Revolutionary War, .
Stephen West Jr
Subscribed & acknowledged before me the subscriber a Commissioner in and for the County of Mercer and State of New Jersey - And I further Certify, that I am personally acquainted with the aforesaid Stephen West Jr who has subscribed, & acknowledged to the above, and believe him to be the Grandson of the said William West dec d a Revolutionary Pensioner, Samuel W. Stafford, Trenton N. Jersey Commissioner, July 1 st 1852.

No 15 7/5 William West. Monmouth County New Jersey
Returned Jan 860
Adm 1 year & 6 months $20
Geo. F. Fort M. D. New Egypt New Jersey Monmouth County

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
21. May — 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 subjjoined 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. Those 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 William West Monmouth County New Jersey
   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.     Vol. Serv. 1776 - 1 - private G. F. Hornan, Col. Holmes, Major Craig 76 years Freehold Traditionary evidence no   Call - 1776 - 1 - " Capt. Smock, Monmouth Cliginaus certificate & no   Call - not stated County New Jersey reason given & no opinion   Call - not stated of the Court.   1778 not stated Capt. Smock, G. F. Hornan  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
2/1 2/2 1/10 1/11 1/16 1/16

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) _____, who has 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.

June 1, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Louise Whitfield 29 Reckless Place Red Bank, New Jersey
WILLIAM WEST S. 3510 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of William West who, you state, was born in 1756, lived in Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, served from that county in the Revolutionary War, had wife named Hannah, and died in 1836.
You are furnished herein the record of William West as found in pension claim, S. 3510, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. No charge is made for furnishing this record.
William West was born June 2, 1756, in Shrewsbury Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey; the names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Freehold Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey, William West volunteered in July, 1776, and served at various times throughout the Revolutionary War, amounting in all to one year six months, as a private under Captains Hendrick Smock, Benjamin Van Cleve, John Coward and Hunn, and Colonels Holmes and Walton in the New Jersey troops engaged in guarding the shores against invasion by the British and Tories, on one of his tours of one month each he served as a substitute for his brother, Jacob West. During his service he was in a skirmish with the Tories, also assisted in taking two prisoners which were delivered to the guard at Flemington, New Jersey.
William West was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, at which time he was living in Upper Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey.
No reference was made in the claim to soldier's wife, and no names were designated as those of his children, but in 1852, his grandson, Stephen West, Junior, was living in Trenton, New Jersey, the names of Stephen's parents not stated.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name of

person paid and possibly the date of death of William West, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
William West Certificate #17303 Issued October 7, 1833 Rate $60 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act June 7, 1832 New Jersey Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLIER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

State of New Jersey } p. On this twenty fourth day of July in the year eighteen hundred and thirty Monmouth County } three, personally appeared me the undersigned one of  the Justices of the Peace of the county of Monmouth, and State of New Jersey, now sitting William West, the above mentioned declarant, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following amendment, to the above annexed declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th. 1832; That the second time he was called to Middletown as mentioned in the commencement of his declaration, was as near as he can recollect in September 1776, under command of General Forman, Col. Holmes and Capt. Inverness and he that time served as a substitute for his brother Jacob West, a private, and was in garrison, as well at this time as in July at that place, under arms in the service of the United States; That from the time he was called to keep guard at Tinton Falls (which he believes was in July 1777, or thereabouts) to the time he was discharged after performing the tour of the Sourland Mountains, Flemington, Steel's Tavern, and Woodbridge, was two months, during which tour of duty he was under the command of Genl. Forman Col. Holmes and Capt. Inverness; That in the fall of 1777 he was called out almost weekly to the Highlands and Sandy Hook to check the incursions of the British and Tories as mentioned in his declaration, during which en- agements of duty he was under arms in the service of his country for two months at least in the aggregate, under the command of Genl. Forman and Col. Holmes, all of the time in garrison except while marching to and from those places; That in December 1777 as near as he can recollect, he had "a long march through the Pines" (as stated in his declaration) under command of Capt. Coward, who was sent out by the commanding officer, Genl. Forman. We started from Freehold and went by circuitous marches to Hornerstown and other places, and were out under arms about 10 days, as near as he can recollect; That the time he was called to keep guard on the Bayshore, under Capt. Hearn (who was ordered by the General Officer) was in the fall of 1778, as well as he can recollect, and occu- pied one month of actual service; That in June 1778 about the time of the Battle of Monmouth he was out one month under arms, as stated in Declaration, and under officers there stated; That not deeming it es- sential to notice every particular of his services in the revolutionary army, he merely states in his declaration, after mentioning the most prominent circumstances that he further served every other month, during the War, and in addition, attended to every call of emergency, and which is strictly true; but in order to satisfy the War Dep- artment of the validity of his claim, he further states as near as he can recollect; That in May 1777 he was called to Shrewsbury under Captain Benjamin Banclere and Lieutenant George Cook, who were sent out by General Forman, for the purpose of guarding the sea shore from British depredators; from which place (Shrewsbury) we went to Red Bank, along the shore, to Black Point, in Monmouth County. We were about two weeks in Shrewsbury town, under arms, and another two weeks, marching to Black Point and back again to Shrewsbury, making one month in actual service; That in April, or thereabouts in 1778 he was called toquan, in Monmouth County, on the shore, to repel the Refugees and Tories, under command of Captain Banclere, and was engaged in this service ten or twelve days; That in May, same year, I was at Middletown again, in garrison under Capt. Banclere, guarding the shore, and was engaged in this service, one month; That in August 1778 he was called to Shrewsbury to keep guard and was there about 16 or 17 days, under arms, and commanded by Capt. Banclere; That in the years 1779 and 1780 he was frequently called out, most of the time being over the last mentioned district of country, and was engaged in opposing and guarding against the Tories and Refugees, under the above mentioned officers, and was in all out for six months at least, under arms in his country's service, but from long affliction, age, and consequent loss of memory he cannot define all the circumstances with precision; that he served in all cases as a private; and that he believes as before stated, he served throughout the war at least eighteen months, and for such service, he claims a pension.
I sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, in open court before me. The mark of me the undersigned one of "interlined" "now sitting" arated
(Signed) William X West. his mark

under arms, and another two weeks, marching to Black Point and back again to Shrewsbury, making one month in actual service; That in April, or thereabouts in 1778 he was called to Iquan, in Monmouth County, on the shore, to repel the Refugees and Tories, under command of Captain Banclere, and was engaged in this service ten or twelve days; That in May, same year, I was at Middletown, again, in garrison under Capt. Banclere, and was engaged in this service, one month; That in August 1778 he was called to garrison the shore, and was engaged in this service, one month; That in August 1778 he was called to Shrewsbury to keep guard and was there about 16 or 17 days, under arms and commanded by Capt. Banclere; That in the years 1779 and 1780 he was frequently called out, most of the time being over the last mentioned district of country, and was engaged in opposing and guarding against the Tories and Refugees, under the above mentioned officers, and was in all out for six months at least, under arms in his country's service, but from long affliction, age, and consequent loss of memory he cannot define all the circumstances with precision; that he served in all cases as a private; and that he believes as before stated, he served throughout the war at least eighteen months, and for such service, he claims a pension.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, in open court before me. The marks of me the undersigned are of "interlined" "over writing" added before signing.
(Signed) William his X West. mark
We William Potts and Aaron F. Walker - residing in the township of Upper Freehold in the neighborhood of the above named applicant William West, who has signed the above amended declaration, after having sworn to the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said William West that we believe him to be (now) of the age of seventy seven years; 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 in open court before me July 24th A.D. 1833
(Signed) William Potts Aaron F. Walker
John Patterson

M rs West
St. Louis.
6 July
Cour. of Sessions
E & J

Washington, July 3 rd 1852
Sir
We herewith enclose authority to examine the papers, and prosecute the claim of the heirs of William West, deceased, of New Jersey, who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7 th 1832.
Very respectfully Evans J. Hunt.
James E. Heath Esq Bureau of Pensions.

Hon. L. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City

New Egypt N.J. Aug. 6th. 1833
Sir:
Enclosed I return the original declaration of Wm. West together with an amendment expected according to your instructions. I hope they will meet your approbation and that relief will be extended to the applicant as speedily as possible consistent with your numerous & important engagements.
He is very much afflicted and very, very poor; and his loss of memory in consequence of his afflictions and age render it very difficult for him to recall his services - Please to take this into consideration in your decision -
An early reply to me will be very thankfully received by Sir:
Your mo. obed. Servt.
George P. Port
To Hon. J. L. Edwards

1916 Feb 21. History to Mrs. Amelia Berg. MMB
1937 June 1. Hist. to Mrs. Louise Winfield MLB
Readman
3510 INVALID.
File No. 3570
William West
Priest Rev War
Act: June 7  1832
Index:—Vol. 28 , Page 397
[Arrangement of 1870.]

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION WASHINGTON, D. C.
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE TO AVOID PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, $300
Misdirected Returned to writer No such post office in State named New York N.Y. I.S.
But to Peckham instead of Red Bank returned & remailed 6/8/37 MKB

BUY U.S. SAVINGS BONDS ASK YOUR POSTMASTER

Rev Ser 2
15035 Hilliard Rd. Lakewood, O. Feb. 13-16.
Bureau of Pensions,
Enclose you will find a copy from the Adjutant General of the war department of my grandfather which will show you that they did serve in the Revolutionary war. Can you please furnish me with the Certificate of Service.
Hoping you will kindly oblige
I Remain Yours Respectfully Mrs. Amelia Berg (Cupples)

Louise MRS. NORMAN WHITFIELD 29 RECKLESS PLACE RED BANK, NEW JERSEY
May 7, 1937
Pension Dept. Veterans' Administration Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir - I have from the office of the Adjutant General of N.J. the record of service of one William West who served as Private, Mon. County, N.J. militia. He was 20 yrs. old and served during all the years of the Revolutionary war.
My ancestor, William West, also 20 years old might have been the above, in fact I am very desirous to prove that such was the case and thought perhaps a record of a pension might prove same. My William West was born 1756 died 1836 and lived at Freehold, N.J. His wife's name

was Hannah.
Will you please see if you have on file any record of a pension having been granted to William West and send me a summary of the papers, for which I will gladly pay the necessary fee.
Yours very truly (Mrs.) Louise Whitfield

m 13 H
Rev. War Section.
February 21, 1916.
Mrs. Amelia Berg, 15035 Hilliard Road, Lakewood, Ohio.
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 13 th instant, you are advised that this Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services,
Said records fail to afford any information in regard to John Cupples, as you were advised on February 13, 1916.
You are herewith furnished the history of William West of the New Jersey troops, Revolutionary War, Sur. File No. 3510. It does not appear that your former inquiry included said William West.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Tiernan
Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William West , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     July 1776 and served at various times in all 1 yr + 6 mos. Pvt. Hendrick Smock Benjamin Van Evec John Howard. Heinn. Holmes N.J.          
Battles engaged in, Skirmish with Jones
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Freehold Township, Monmouth Co. N.J.
Date of application for pension, Oct 16 1832. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth Co. N.J.
Age at date of application, 6: June 2, 1756, in Shrewsbury Township, Monmouth Co. N.J.
Remarks: Grandson, Stephen West Jr was a resident of Trenton, N.J. in 1852
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Return A. G. report