Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11676, Silas Walbridge, Vt.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Ut.
Walbridge, Silas
S. 11676
CONTENTS

W- York 18 649. Vermont
Silas Walbridge of Dunn  Franklin Co in the State of Vermont who was a 2nd Lieut. Col in the Company command by Captain of the Regt  of the command by Col of the  of the in the Mass. Gen- eral line for 6 mos. 2nd Lieut. Col. 2 - 2nd Lieut. Sgt. 1 - Sgt. 15 - Privates
Aug. 17/05. Vt. State Records Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 145 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of September 1833 and Subst Col Q. C. Merrill Bennington. Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 1833. $ 362. 50 Semi-ant. allowance ending March 1833. 72. 50 $ 435.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. William Book 3 Vol. 3 Page 16
Feb'y 20. '34. transfer to re. pnb, from 21 Sept '33 - & notice sent to Hon. H. H.R. - - Sent to Nicholas Carroll Mar. 18th 1844

STATE OF VERMONT, ) County of Bennington. ) 88.
On this 14 th day of August A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, Silas Wallbridge a resident of Bennington in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged 73 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers - and served as herein stated -
That I considered myself enrolled in the service of my country, and one of its defenders in the revolutionary war, in the various ways adopted by the existing authority, and in the manner they calculated best from time to time to meet the wants of our suffering country, from the year 1776 to the year 1782, both inclusive. The following is a concise narrative of the active scenes of the war in which I participated as an actor. In 1776, I belonged to the Vermont militia, to the company commanded by Capt. Samuel Robinson, in the Regiment commanded Col. Moses Robinson - Nathanial Brash Lieut. Col. and Joseph Williams Major. In September of this year we were marched to fort Ticonderoga and remained in that vicinity until in the month of November when we returned to Bennington. In the month of June 1777, I was of the number of those of the same Regiment of militia who were ordered out for the defence of Ticonderoga, and marched from Bennington to this fort, and remained in defence of the fort until it was abandoned by order of Gen. St. Clair, on the 6 th day of July 1777. From thence we retired to Castleton, and from thence marched through Poultney and Wells to Pawlet. On the 8 th of July at Pawlet I enlisted for six months in the Regiment of State troops denominated rangers, commanded by Col. Samuel Herrick, and Lieut. Col. Asahel Root (then being no Lt. Colonel) - this Regiment of Rangers consisted of four companies, commanded by Captains Ebenezer Allen, John Warner, Parmely Allen and Goodenaw - I belonged to Capt. Warner's company, Enoch Eastman was the Lieutenant. Our duties were to reconnoitre the enemy who had possession of Ticonderoga and Champlain, and protect and help the inhabitants on our frontiers. Our head quarters were at Manchester. And on the 15 th day of August 1777 we were ordered from Manchester to Bennington where we arrived on the evening of that day. And on the next

day were engaged in the memorable battle of the 16 th of August 1777, called Bennington battle. I was in both of the actions of that day. The one that commenced in the forenoon against the enemy's breast-work commanded by Col. Baum and in the one that commenced in the afternoon of that day against a reinforcement of the enemy. In the afternoon engagement, Gen. Stark commanded where I was; this action continued until after sunset. Two days after the action we were ordered to march to the north and stationed upon the frontiers for the protection of the inhabitants, and having served out the time of my enlistment, was discharged the first part of January 1778, at Pawlet then our headquarters, and returned to Bennington where I was continued on the rolls of Capt. Robinson's company - and in the course of the year 1778 was ordered out with the rest of the Regiment, but cannot specify the day or period of service but suppose it about three months in active duty. In 1779 was with the militia at Castleton fort in the company commanded by Capt. Samuel Robinson as I believe at Castleton from two and a half to three months. In 1780, I went with the militia to Castleton and served with them a part of the time, and a part of the time with the Regiment of Rangers commanded by Col. Herrick then stationed on the frontiers. That in 1781, I was out in the summer months on active duty - That Sometime in September 1781, I was ordered to march again to Castleton in the same company of militia - Capt. Robinson was this season I believe promoted, Gen. Ennis then commanded all the forces that composed the brigade of troops on our frontiers whose headquarters were at Castleton. On the 10 th of October, five others with myself were ordered to go on scout under the command of Sergeant Tupper to obtain information of the enemy's force then at Ticonderoga under the command of Gen. the 12 th October, 1781, the 2 nd day Breyer - on the 2 nd day of our departure we were ambushed by the enemy, Sergeant Tupper was killed, four others and myself were taken prisoners and carried to Fort Ticonderoga - there I was called before Gen. Breyer, and questioned by him, the result was, he permitted our return. He sent communications by me to Gen. Ennis, and sent out with us a flag and assistance to bury Sergeant Tupper. In 1782 militia were classed for the defence of our frontiers, and in the month of March in this year I engaged for nine months for a class in the by Capt. Alexander B. Bush & Reg t commanded.

Company commanded by Major Gideon Brownson. I engaged as an orderly sergeant of said Company. On the 8 th of April arrived at Fort Warren our headquarters - here I was appointed quarter master sergeant of said Reg t . I served in that capacity at that time - there was no Quarter Master appointed to the Reg t and I was appointed to that station and duty - and I performed the duties of Quarter master and Adjutant of the Reg t until the expiration of my service in December 1782, when the Reg t was discharged and my accounts as Quarter master were settled at Fort Warren. - On being questioned says - he was born in Norwich, Connecticut, 1759, and was brought from there by his parents when he was about three years old, and that he has ever since, for the period of about 70 years resided in the town of Bennington. That he supposes there is a record of his birth in the town records of Norwich. That he never had a written discharge from any service. - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on any pension roll of any agency of any state. He declares that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person living who can testify to any additional facts as to his service. He declares he was out in active service as much as two years and eight months, in the whole.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Haswell, Register
David Robinson Jun r
David Robinson, Jun r . residing in Bennington
residing in the town of Bennington
and Oramus C. Merrill
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Walbridge who has sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 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.
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Walbridge
who has sworn to the above
David Robinson Jun r
O. C. Merrill
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Haswell, Register
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 David Robinson Jun r who has signed the preceding certificate, is a credible person resident in the town of Bennington and that O. C. Merrill who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same Bennington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Merrill
I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application
of Silas Walbridge for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of day of August
A. D. 1832.
office, this 15 th
Wm Haswell

State of New York } Orleans County } On this third day of February A.D. 1831 before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace for the said county of Orleans personally appeared Silas Walbridge who on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain John Warner in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Herrick in the service of the United States, that his name was placed on the Pension roll of the state of Vermont from whence he has lately removed; that he now resides in the town of Gaines in the County of Orleans & State of New York, where he intends to remain, & wishes his pension payable in future at the Pension agency in the city of New York in said State of New York. His reasons for removing are that his children having settled in the state of New York, he is desirous of spending the remainder of his days with them, & has removed for that purpose Silas Walbridge
Sworn & subscribed to, before me this day I year aforesaid William M. Ruggles
Justice of the Peace

State of New York,
Orleans County ss. On the third day of February A.D. 1831. before me, the subscriber, a justice of the Peace for the said county of Orleans, personally appeared
John J. Walbridge of Gaines in the county aforesaid who on his oath declares that he is well ac- quainted with Silas Walbridge who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit, & that he is the person & personation described in the same.
John J. Walbridge
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid before me William W. Ruggles Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named John J. Walbridge is a person to me well known, & that he is a person of veracity
William W. Ruggles Justice of the Peace
Orleans County ss.
Clerks office ss.
I Henry J. Nichols Deputy for A. S. Mills Clerk of said County do hereby certify that William W. Ruggles before whom the fore- going affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly qualified and authorized according to Law And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe the signature subscribed to the same are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and the seal of said County at Albion Feb 3 1831 Henry J. Nichols Clerk.

Additional Declaration.
STATE OF VERMONT, } 33. County of Bennington. }
On this 5 th day of June A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Hon. the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, now sitting, Silas Wallbridge a resident of Bennington in the County of Bennington and State of Vermont aged 74 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 act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.—That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated and in his original declaration is stated
That—Having examined his first declaration, he finds nothing to alter in respect to the narrative of events, —as to the time of service he cannot in respect to his tours of duty he cannot designate the particular day of his departure from or return home, by reason of the great lapse of time, age, and the infirmities of memory —but in the following additional statement his declaration in no case exceeds his term of service but according to his best recollection and belief is within and short of his full service —but as greater certainty is required than in his first declaration, he adds. —
That in the year 1776, he entered into actual public service as early as the 15 th day of September, and continued there in as stated in first declaration as late in the fall as the first day of November —Making 1 month and 16 days. —
That in 1777 —he left home and entered into actual public service at as early a period as the 16 th day of June —That on the 8 th day of July he enlisted for the period of 6 months & served his term of enlistment faithfully & fully out —making at the least 6 months & 21 days service. —
That in 1778 he was out doing field and garrison duty, as early in the year as the 15 th day of July, and continued therein without any respite until or as late as the 15 th or 20 th day of October —making at the least 3 months service.

That in 1779 - he entered into actual public service as early as the 14 th day of June, and returned home as late in the season as the 15 th day of September. — Making his tour of field & garrison duty 2 mo. 17 days.
That in 1780 - he was ordered to duty as early as the 15 th of October, and continued in actual service until the 15 th or 20 th day of December. Making 2 months.
That in 1781 - He did two of duty. tours - 1 st tour commenced as early as the 10 th day of July, and ended as late as the 15 th day of September - I tarried at home a short time, and was ordered out on a 2 d tour as soon as the 10 th September - and did duty as late as the 25 th day of October - Making in all this year 3 months & 7 days
That in 1782 - I engaged in service in the month of March, entered upon this service as orderly sergeant - did duty in that capacity until the 8 th day of April following, was then promoted to be Quarter Master Sergeant, did duty in that capacity until about the middle of June, when I was promoted to the higher grade and duties of Quarter Master of the Regiment and Adjutant of the same, which said arduous double duties of Quarter Master & Adjutant of the Reg t  performed and no one else, for the remainder of my 9 months, and until its expiration in December. — Making 9 months —
As to my duties as an officer of this Reg t I had, on a former application I made for pension, the affidavit of the late Martin D.  Capt Charles Follett, who acted as waiter for me, & had the care of my horses - testifying particularly as to my service as Quarter Master and Adjutant of the Reg t it was put by me into the hands of the member of Congress for this district, the late Hon. Jonathan Hunt, since deceased - I have made diligent application personally, & by others to his Executor to find and obtain this affidavit, but have not been able to obtain it. Mr. Follett is since dead - Mr. Hunt is also dead - and the only evidence I can now find as to this matter, is Lieutenant Safford who saw me performing the duties mentioned - and whose affidavits of the facts are annexed, to this & my former declaration. —

In the years 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779, 1780, 1781, in which I have stated I did duty, I acted as a private . — In 1782, I did duty for about 1 month as orderly sergeant , something over 2 months as Quartermaster Sergeant — and for the period of almost 6 months, I performed the double duties of Quartermaster and Adjutant . I further state that in every campaign or tour of duty I have stated that I performed as aforesaid, in the years mentioned, I was ordered out by what I believed, to be competent authority, & served in the corps of militia, rangers and drafts raised organized & embodied by the authority of the State of Vermont — and that the whole time stated I was in active service in field or garrison, and not employed or engaged in any private or civil pursuits.
I further say that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, I cannot swear positively as to the whole or precise length of my service, but according to the best of my recollection I served not less than the periods as before stated and mentioned below and in the grades mentioned. — And further, that I have put all within the and short as I believe of the actual service I performed, and omitted other short tours which I included in my general estimate in my first estimate declaration, and is the reason of this estimate's being variant from that.
viz. Duration of my services — and grade
  In 1776 — 1 month 16 days in the capacity of Private   1777 — 6 " 21 " " " " "   1778 — 3 — " — — " " " "   1779 — 2 " 17 — " " " "   1780 — 2 " — — " " " "   1781 — 3 " 7 — " " " "   1782 — 9 " — — in the capacity of Orderly Sergeant   26 " 61 " " " Quar. Mas. Sergeant   Making 2 years 4 months, 1 day " " Quar. Master & Adjutant of Regt. 
And for these services I claim pension.

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.
In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court the applicant declares,
1st. That he was born at Norwich, (Con.) 1759
2d. That he has no record of his age, supposes there is a record of his birth in the town records of Norwich —
3d. That he lived in Bennington — Vt — when called into service, had lived here ever since and is still a resident of Bennington —
4th. That he was out in service in the militia by draft, or special order of his superior officers, and by enlistment —
5th. That among the regular officers who were with the troops where he served, he recollects Colonel Seth Warner, Lt. Col. Safford, Maj. Wait Hopkins — Colonels Poor & Patterson and Graydon, Gen. St. Clair & nearly all the Captains in Col. Warner's Regt viz. Wolcott, Brownson, Burris, Smith, B. Hopkins, and a number of the subalterns of the same.
6th. That he never received a written discharge, and he never received, or was, particular enough to apply for one, not then considering it important — the main object was to serve my country. While a prisoner at Ticonderoga , I was offered a Lieutenant's commission in the British service —
7th. That he is known to Henry Kellogg residing in Bennington and Alanson P. Lyman residing in Bennington who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Silas Walbridge
Wm Haswell, Register.
We, Henry Kellogg residing in the town of Bennington and Alanson P. Lyman residing in Bennington hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Walbridge who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 74 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.
Henry Kellogg Alanson P. Lyman
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Wm Haswell, Register.
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 Henry Kellogg who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in the town of Bennington and that Alanson P. Lyman who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Bennington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
S. D. Davenport Judge
I, WILLIAM HASWELL, Register of the Court of Probate for the District of Bennington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Silas Walbridge for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 5th day of June
A. D. 1833.
Wm Haswell
Silas Walbridge

Sister Walbridge
1852
Mr Cole
May 17 1851
By H. H. Sylvester
Jun 18 May 21-51

Whereas I Silas Walbridge, am a son of Silas Walbridge deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $145. per annum, allowed him for his services as a private, Sergeant, & Quartermaster, in the war of the Revolution. And whereas I am advised that the children of the said Silas Walbridge deceased are entitled to an increase of his said pension.
Now therefore I do, for myself, and on behalf of all the surviving children of my father, the said Silas Walbridge deceased, hereby constitute, and appoint, Henry W. Sylvester Esq. of the city of Washington, my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and behalf, & on behalf of all the said surviving children, to present and prosecute our claim to such increased amount of pension as we may be by law entitled to —
Witness my hand and seal this 13 th day of May A.D. 1851 —
Executed in presence of } Gustavus Clark. } 2
Silas Walbridge
State of New York } Monroe County }
ss. On this 13 th day of May A.D. 1851 before the Subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county, personally appeared Silas Walbridge of Clarkson in said county, above named and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act and deed —
Gustavus Clark, Justice of the Peace.
State of New York } Monroe County Clerk's office } I certify that Gustavus Clark Esq. before whom the above acknowledgment was taken was at the date of such proof or acknowledgment of the above instrument in writing a justice of the peace in & for said county duly authorized to take the same, that I am well acquainted with his handwriting & verily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine & that the annexed instrument is a true and acknowledged copy according to the laws of this state. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal this 14 th day of May A.D. 1851 John T. Lacey Clerk

State of New York }
County of Monroe } ss.
Silas Walbridge of the Town of Clarkson in said County, being duly sworn, doth depose that he is one of the children of the within named Silas Walbridge deceased, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $145, per annum, at the time of his death. That application is about to be made for an increase of pension allowed to the said Silas Walbridge and that this deponent is directly interested in said application and claim as one of the children of the aforesaid Silas Walbridge deceased.
Sworn to and subscribed this 13 th day of May A.D. 1851. before me }
Silas Walbridge
J. Clark J. Pease.

e. auth.
Adm by Comt s
6 mo s 2 nd M th 80. 2 " 2 nd M th S up 10. 1 " S up 5 15- " P ri v 50 145. 290 24 122.50 Col. O. C. Merrill 122.50 Bennington Vt.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 29. 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 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 Silas Walbridge
   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.     1776 Pvt Col. Herrick Aff t & Warrant   1777 Major Brownson   1778   1779   1780   1781   1782 2 nd M er  
I am, respectfully;
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
M t Silas Walbridge care of Col. Ors. E. Merrill, Bennington Vt.
See the other side.

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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [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.

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 Silas Walbridge 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.     Sept 15 1776 1 mo. 16 days Pvt. Samuel Robinson Moses Robinson Vt.   June 1777 July 6. 1777 " in same regiment at defense of Ticonderoga   July 8 1777 July 1778 " John Warner Samuel Herrick   July 10 1778 8 mos. " Samuel Robinson   Jan 14 1779 1 mo. 17 days " Samuel Robinson   Oct 15 1780 2 mos. in militia at Castleton & Sherick's Ranch   July 10 1781 Sept. 6 1781 in militia at Castleton   Sept. 10 1781 Oct. 25 1781 in militia at Castleton & while scouting was taken prisoner then released   March 1782 Dec. 1782 Undiv. Sgt. Q.M. Sgt. L.M. + adf't. Alexander Brugh Major Gideon Rowson  
Battles engaged in, Bennington
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bennington Vt.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 12 1832. Housatonic
Residence at date of application, Bennington Vt.
Age at date of application, born in 1759 at Norwich Conn.
Remarks: deed May 12 1840* in Vermont
In 1834 he was living at Gaines, Orleans Co. N.Y. having moved to New York State to be near his children. No names are stated other than Silas who was a resident of Clarkson Monroe Co. N.Y. in 1844. No other data as to family.
Respectfully,
*from A.P.O.
Commissioner.

1914 Oct. 17 Hist. to R. M. Walbridge J. G. Allen
Rev. Wm
11.676 INVALID.
File No. 11.676
Silas Walbridge Dr. M. A. Capt. Rev. War.
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index:—Vol. A , Page 394
[Arrangement of 1870.]