Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39873, John Viol, R.I. Sea Service

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I. Sea Service
Viol, John or Vial
S. 39873
CONTENTS

(2416)
Rhode Island Roll
John Vial
Capt Field
Ensign
Rhode Island line
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of twenty Dollars per month, to commence on the 2 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of Sep: 1818 and forwarded to David Houll Esq: Providence R Island
Arrears to 4th of Sep: 1818 $ 102.00 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Mar: 1819 120.00
Wrs 5 Mrs. 3 days. $ 222.00
Revolutionary claim, } Act 18th March, 1818. } 2 Years Continued Providence
Attest J. F. Sumner Jan 31. 1846.
Verification sent November 5 1820 to Benjamin Cowell Providence R Island

John Vial
24/6
March 1819
[Handwritten signature]
KNOWS ALL THE DISTRICT.
Clerk's Office of the High Court, N. D. 322
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Providence, sc.
District Court, April August Term,
A. D. 182
On this first day of August 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, within and for said District  John Veal aged 64 years, residing in the town of North Providence in said County of Bristol who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:
That he served as an officer in Col o Hitchescock's Foot Artillery Regiment of the Rhode Island Line about three years
that he made a previous declaration on the second day of April 1818, and that he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 2416 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Veal
A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of John Veal
8 Old chairs, 1 small looking glass, 1 pair Iron dogs, 1 pair Shovel & Tongs, 2 Iron Pots, 1 Dish tubb, 1 Tea tubb, 1 Soap tubb, one old wooden dish, one pewter Plate, 2 account tumbel, 2 old chests, 3 old tables, 1 small trunk, with other utensils barely sufficient to keep house, 1 old loom, 1 cow 13 years old, 1 Pig, 1 old broken waggon. And this declarant further saith that he is a butcher by trade, but has not followed that business for some time past in consequence of ill health. That he had a shock of the Palsey about two years ago, which has wholly disabled him for any business, that he has a wife aged 41 years and four small children, dependant on him for support viz Eliza aged 15 years, William aged 13 years Anthony aged 8 years & Samuel aged 6 years, and that at this time of life with all his infirmities, should his Pension be taken away, he would be compelled to depend on others for support. That before he received his pension he was frequently charitably assisted by the Society of Free Masons of which he is a member.
John Veal
Sworn to and declared in Open Court on the first day of August 1820 before Hon d D. Howland U S District Judge
Notary Benjamin Cowell Clk
$ 69-25
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Clerk's Office of the District Court, A. D. 1820
I, Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Sixty nine dollars and Twenty five cents. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Third day of August 1820
Benjamin Cowell Clerk of said Court.

Recd Roll John Veal Ensign 2 d April Sent to D Howells Providence
Admitted.

The State of Rhode-Island & Providence Plantations. —
I John G. Dexter of Providence in the County of Providence in said State, Major in the Rhode-Island Regiment in the service of the United States at the close of the revolutionary War, do certify That John Vial of North Providence in said County was commissioned and served with reputation as an Ensign in the 2 nd Rhode-Island Regiment commanded by Colonel Israel Angell in the service of the said United States, in the years 1777 & 1778 — That he was in the Battles of Red Bank and Monmouth, in which his Conduct was gallant and meritorious, and was, towards the close of the latter year, honorably discharged from said Regiment, at his own request. —
Providence January 20 th 1818. —
J. G. Dexter

I John Vial of North Providence in the District of Rhode Island on solemn oath do declare and say that I enlisted as a private soldier in Capt. John Field's company and Col Hitchcock's regiment in the month of April - 1775 in the continental army of the United States and in the Rhode Island line in which service I continued eight months I then entered on board the public armed Brig Washington commanded by Simon Mortimer and went on a cruise & was captured and carried to England as a prisoner - was kept a prisoner fifteen months when I made my escape In the month of April 1777 I recd an Ensigns commission in the continental army of the United States in the company commanded by Capt Shaw & Col Israel Angell's regiment in the Rhode Island line In which service I continued until November 1778 I was in the battles at Mudfort Red Bank & Monmouth, towards the  after close the war I resigned in consequence of my ill health I further declare that the commission I recd as above stated is now lost, I further declare that I am now in reduced circumstances & stand in need of the assistance of my

for support according to the lots act of Congress - - John Vice
I Israel Angell do hereby certify a deed that I am acquainted with the above John Vice & know the facts so far as he was in my regiment to the true,
Israel Angell
Rhode Island District,
Be it remembered that on this fourth day of April A.D. 1818 came before me the above John Vice & made oath to the truth of the declaration by him above subscribed also appeared before me the above Israel Angell & made oath to the truth of the certificate by him sub- scribed In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & poor caused the seal of the District Court for said District to be hereunto annexed
David Howell.
District judge.

To the Hon John C. Calhoun -
Sir
In explanation of my absence from the regiment on the 9th of October 1798, I would observe that I was then a prisoner with the British - I was taken about the 1st of August & was not exchanged until the 15 of October following - I solemnly declare that I never was absent without leave - and I cannot account for such a mistake unless it was the continual fighting of the armies which took place about that time - The retreat of the American Troops from Rhode Island is well known to have taken place about that time -
John S. D.
Newport Island District 27 Aug. 1810.
Sworn to before David Howell District Judge.
The signature of the District Judge and the seal of the District Court - for said District Court are hereunto affixed -
Witness Benjamin Cowell
Atty B. I. District

May 15, 1931.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section. MMHF
Mr. Charles Shepard, 711 Wilder Building, Rochester, New York.
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.39873, that John Viol (pensioned Vial) enlisted in April 1775 as a private in Captain John Field's Company, Colonel Hitchcock's Rhode Island Regiment and served eight months.
He then entered on board the public armed Brig "Washington" commanded by Sion Martindell, went on a cruise and was captured and taken to England as a prisoner; he made his escape and in April 1777 received an ensign's commission in Captain Shaw's Company, Colonel Israel Angell's Second Rhode Island Regiment; he was in the battles of Red Bank, Mud Fort and Monmouth, while on guard duty was taken prisoner and exchanged about October 15, 1778 and was discharged toward the close of that year.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 2, 1818 while a resident of North Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1820 he was aged sixty-four years and referred to his wife aged forty-one years, her name not stated, and to his children, Eliza, William, Anthony and James Madison, aged fifteen, thirteen, eight and six years respectively.
He died December 18, 1831.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Pension Office, Jan 31. 1846
Sir,
In the case of John Vial dec d , referred to in the enclosed letters, I have the honor to inform you that he did not acquire any right to bounty land, or commutation, as he did not serve till the close of the revolutionary war. It appears from his declaration under the act of March 18. 1818, now on file in this Office, that he left the army in consequence of ill health, before the war terminated.
Hon. J. F. Simmons, Senate U.S.
mk 1818

Providence (R.I.) May 19-1820
To whom it may concern This certifies that Mr. John Viol (in consequence of a paralytic shock about two years since, which has been succeeded by a disease of the Liver, together with a frequent and painful obstruction of urine, is incapable of transacting but very little business, on account of his uniform ill state of health — Harvey Robinson (Physician)

Providence R.I. In Johnstown May 30 th A.D. 1820
Personally came Harvey Robinson and was engaged according to Law to the truth of the within Statements by him made and subscribed
Witness Samuel M c Wing J. C.
480 100 580

The Honorable
J. C. Calhoun Esq. Secretary of the War Department Washington.

Providence August 27. 1868 To the Hon J. C. Calhoun Secretary of the War Department Sir.
I am personally acquainted with John Viol who has petitioned for a pension under the act of Congress of the last Session & I am also well acquainted with Colonels Dexter & Macomber whose depositions have been taken in support of his petition. There can be no doubt of the facts of his having served in the army, being taken prisoner & having afterwards resigned as stated by them. I have known him for many years and know him to be in low circumstances and that owing to his poverty his age & increasing infirmities he stands much in need of the relief he asks for. I believe he is without property and that he maintains

himself by his industry in an em- ployment which sickness will interrupt & which his infirmities will soon incapacitate him for.
I also certify that he sustains the character of an honest industrious man.
I have the honor to be with great respect your obedient humble servant
James Burrough

Ele Manonulins
Dupon

I - Ebenezer Macomber of Providence in the County of Providence County of Providence District of Rhode Island being now in the 64th year of my age on oath do declare and say that in the year 1798 I was a Lieutenant in the army of the United States & attached to Col: Israel Angells regiment of the Rhode Island line. That in the latter part of August or the first part of September of the same year I was on the Island of Rhode Island - The British Army then had possession of Newport - and Gen Sullivan commanded the American Troops. - I remember well John Vial now of North Providence and (who is now present before me) belonged to the army of the United States & attached to Col Angells regiment also; Said Vial was then an Ensign  Lieutenant - I recollect that about that time said Vial was on guard in the night season - on the east side of the Island - & was taken prisoner by the British together with all the guard except one. - If my recollection serves me it was about the 15th of October following before said Vial was exchanged - Ebenezer Macomber
Rhode Island District ss -
I certify that on this day the 26th of August 1818. Ebenezer Macomber personally appeared before me & made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the deposition by him above subscribed - Said deposition was taken at the request of John Vial to be used as evidence before the District Judge on his the said John's application for a pension - & was signed by the said Ebenezer in my presence -
Benjamin Cawell
Commissioner authorized by the Court to take depositions

Port Royal District 27 Aug. 1848.
I certify that B. Lowell Aguin within named has been commissioned by the District Court here to take depositions in cases pending before said Court in behalf of the District Judge David Howell District Judge.
He. Mansfield Clerk

Pomquet Centre June 16, 1914.
Could you please send me the military history of Lieut. John Viall born in Johnston, R.I. May 12, 1756 - married Lydia Brown died 1814 - also I would like the date of his death

& date of her birth - also, could you tell me if Daniel Miller born July 15, 1713 married Hannah Thayer Sep. 7, 1735 served in the war or Peter Miller his son born June 16, 1745 married Anna Aldrich Nov. 13, 1766. served in the war.

Thanking you in advance, Yours Sincerely (Miss) Rachel M. Miller

HERBERT O. BRIGHAM COMMISSIONER
STATE RECORD COMMISSIONER STATE HOUSE PROVIDENCE
November 20, 1922.
Revolution 1
Washington Gardner, Commissioner, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly send me an abstract of service for a John Viall who served as Ensign, Rhode Island Continental Line; placed on pension roll, Sept. 17, 1818; pension commenced, April 2, 1818, age 78; died Dec. 18, 1818 . 1831 / 839873
Also a John Viall who served as Private, Rhode Island Line; Rhode Island pensioner residing in Essex County, New York; placed on pension roll, May 19, 1824; pension commenced, April 16, 1824; age 66.
Very truly yours,
Herbert O. Brigham
State Record Commissioner.
8425961
HOB-D

East Greenwich, R.I. March 23. 1916
mmms
Would like the history of S. file No 39873 from North Carolina and died in 1831.
OR
Yours truly, (Miss) Rachel M. Miller

ENCL
OR
March 17, 1926
Miss Rachel M. Miller East Greenwich, R. I.
Madam:
I have to advise you that there are two Revolutionary War pensioners named John Viall(or similar spelling) found on the records of this Bureau, each of whom served in the Rhode Island Troops.
One, S. File No. 39873, was pensioned from North Providence, Rhode Island and died in 1831, the other, S. File No. 42596, was pensioned from Essex, Essex County, New York and died in 1824.
If you will state which of these pensioners whose history you desire, the same will be furnished you.
Please return all of this correspondence with your reply.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

East Greenwich R.I.
Feb. 3 1926.
Could you tell me if Lieut. John Viall, born in Johnston, R.I. May 12. 1756 received a pension. I have not the date of his death. His wife died in 1814 aged 53 yrs. Daughter of David & Mary Brown of Johnston, R.I.

39 873
INVALID.
Rev
File No. 39 873
John Vial Ensign Rev Div
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: Vol. 8, Page 524
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1914 June 18. First to Rachel M. Miller. V.L.M. 1927-Dec. 12 - First to Herbert O. Brigham - MMX 1926 - Mar 24 - First to Miss Rachel M. Miller - MMX 1931 May 15. First to Charles Shepard. See John Vial, L. 142596. W.M.H.F.

mmh
May 24, 1926
Miss Rachel M. Miller East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 39873 it appears that John Viol (pensioned Vial) enlisted in April 1775 as a private in Captain John Field's Company, Colonel Hitchcock's Rhode Island Regiment and served eight months.
He then entered on board the public armed Brig "Washington" commanded by Sion Martindell, went on a cruise and was captured and taken to England as a prisoner; he made his escape and in April 1777 received an Ensign's Commission in Captain Shaw's Company, Colonel Israel Angell's Second Rhode Island Regiment; he was in the battles of Red Bank, Mud Fort and Monmouth, while on guard duty was taken prisoner and exchanged about October 15, 1778 and was discharged toward the close of that year.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 2, 1818 while a resident of North Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1820 he was aged sixty-four years and referred to

his wife aged forty-one years, her name not stated, and to his children, Eliza, William, Anthony and James Madison, aged fifteen, thirteen, eight and six years respectively. He died December 18, 1831.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

June 18, 1914.
Miss Rachel M. Miller, Pomfret Centre, Connecticut.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the sixteenth  six instant, you are advised that from the papers in the claim. Sur. File No. 39,873. Rev. War, it appears that John Viol or Vial enlisted in April 1775, as a Private in Captain John Field's company, Colonel Hitchcock's Rhode Island regiment and served eight months. He then entered on board the public armed Brig Washington commanded by Sion Martindell, went on a cruise and was captured and carried to England as a prisoner, he  he made his escape, and in April 1777, received an Ensign's commission in Captain Shaw's company, Colonel Israel Angell's 2d Rhode Island regiment; he was in the battles of Red Bank, Mud Port to and Monmouth, while on guard duty was taken prisoner and exchanged about October 15, 1778 and was discharged towards the close of that year.
In 1820, his wife was forty-one years old, her name is not stated, and his children were Eliza fifteen years old, William thirteen years, Anthony eight years and James Madison six years.
He was allowed pension on an application executed April 2,

1000 18 1818
1818, while a resident of North Providence, Rhode Island, aged sixty-two years. He died December 18, 1831.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford information in regard to Lieutenant John Viall, or for Peter or Daniel Miller described by you.
Very respectfully,
J. C. Lienard J. C. Lienard
Deputy Commissioner.