Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16084, Elijah Washburn, Continental Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Washburn, Elijah Elizabeth
W16084
CONTENTS

5269
New Hampshire, Concord Ag.
Elizabeth Washburn, du d .
widow of Elijah Washburn
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832
and who died on the 7. June 1836.
of Hillsboro' Co., in the State of N. Hampshire
who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Brown of the regt. commanded by Col. Hutchinson in the N.H.
line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord, N. Hampshire
as the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March , 1836. to 24th May 1839, when M r W. died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of April 1840 and sent to Hon. F. Pierce Senate U.S.
Arrears to the 24 th of May 1839 $ 236.90
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to John Washburn and the other children of said du d .
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 60
Clerk,

New Hampshire
Elijah Washburn
of Hanover in the State of N. Hampshire who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Brown of the 8th Regt commanded by Col. Hutchinson the 1st Regt N. H. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of New Hampshire at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 rd day of Aug 1833 and sent to Mrs. Brown
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $1611.00 Pens. amt. allowance ending Dec 1833 40.00 $200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Albion Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 3 Page 128 .

Declaration 2626 Elizabeth Washburn widow of Elijah N.H. Act 7 July 1858
I am requested to forward the enclosed application. Please address any commu- nications respecting the same to me at Antioch Hillsborough County New Hampshire
Leah Woodbury

State of New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office
I hereby certify that the within named Lake Woodbury is Judge of Probate in and for the County of Hillsborough also is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County is duly qualified and his signa- -ture is genuine. In testimony whereof I have this 11th day of October Anno Domini 1838 caused the seal of the State to be hereunto affixed.
J. N. Whipple Deputy

State of New Hampshire. Hillsborough County ss. On this third day of October in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before the Court of Probate of Wills &c within and for the County of Hillsborough, this day, holding at Frankstown, in said County. Elizabeth Washburn, a resident of Hancock in said County aged twenty six years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declarations, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Elijah Washburn late of Hancock aforesaid deceased, who was a Private soldier in the Army of the Revolution and drew a pension, as such, under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, that services rendered, that he drew eighty dollars per year; and drew his money from the New Hampshire agency that she relies upon the proof furnished by him for evidence of his services. She further declares that she was married to the said Elijah (over)

Washburn at Leicester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the _____ day of June in the year nineteen hundred and eighty one that her husband, the aforesaid Elijah Washburn died at said Hancote, on the seventh day of June in the year eighteen hundred and thirty six; that she was not married to him prior to his having the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, nineteen hundred and ninety four, vizt. at the time before stated, that her maiden name was Watson, that she has remained a widow ever since the decease of her husband aforesaid that she cannot recollect the day of the month on which she was married.
Witness Joel Gates
Elizabeth for X Washburn mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written, in open Court, before me -
Leah Woodbury Judge of said Court.
I certify, that the aforesaid Elizabeth Washburn is, in my belief a credible witness.
Leah Woodbury Judge of said Court.

Declaration Elizabeth Washburn

I Joel Gates of Hancock in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire do hereby certify and say that I was ever acquainted with Elijah Washburn late of Hancock aforesaid deceased, that he died at said Hancock on the seventh day of June A.D. 1836. I am also well acquainted with Elizabeth Washburn the wife of said Elijah Washburn and know she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband aforesaid - that he was a moral and temperate person.
Joel Gates
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough ss. October 3. 1838. I was sworn to and subscribed before me
John Woodbury Justice of the Peace
I certify that the aforesaid affidavit is a true and correct copy
John Woodbury Justice of the Peace

- 18684 Elyah Washburn
Private 2 years
1606 Apr 22/1833 P. 350
Titus Brown Esq 7 Frances Town NH

BRIEF in the case of  Eliza Washburn  of Hancock  in the State of New Hampshire  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Gen Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 74 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Spring In 1775 2 — Private Gen. Capt Paton Col M c field   1 st Party 1776 1 — " Capt Brown Col Hutchinson   Spring 1778 3 12 " Col Belcher Col Symonds   Fall 1779 3 11 " Col Wilson Col Denny    Vol 24 p 115
5. In what battles was he engaged? None
7. 12 3. 12 1. 11 72. 35
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Lebanon N. Hampshire
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
X Belcher  Richard Catts Examining Clerk.
Eliza Washburn Danvers May 18 71  MS B 1. 6 v 92 att G. Com. J. R. G.

Continued

State of New Hampshire. Hillsborough County ss. I Stephen Peabody, Register of the Court of Probate of Wills &c. holden at Amherst, in and for said County of Hillsborough, on the third day of March A.D. 1840. do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, that Elizabeth Washburn, late of Hancock in said County of Hillsborough deceased was the widow of Elijah Washburn, late of said Hancock deceased; that said Elizabeth died at said Hancock, on the twenty fourth day of May A.D. 1839. that said Elizabeth left ten children living, at the time of her death, whose names are as follows. to wit. John Washburn, William and Samuel. Betsey wife of John Barber. Elijah. Watson Hannah wife of Samuel Hills. Lydia, wife of Silas Barber. Mary, widow of Ruben Hills deceased and Melinda, wife of John Hayward. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at said Amherst this third day of March A.D. 1840.
Stephen Peabody
Register as aforesaid.

Affidavit Joseph Washburn

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I JOSIAH STEVENS, JR. Secretary of the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Luke Woodbury — is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Hillsborough duly Commissioned and qualified; that his Commission was dated on the twenty first day of May 18 39 and will expire on the twenty first day of May 18 44 and that his signature to the annexed instrument is genuine.
Given under my hand and the Seal of said State this 27 th day of Feb y 18 40
Josiah Stevens Secretary of State.

Joseph Washburn of Hancock in the County of Hillsborough New Hampshire aged seventy seven years of age and say that I was well acquainted with Elijah Washburn late of Hancock aforesaid deceased. He was my brother He enlisted into the Revolutionary service in 1775 for eight months and before the expiration of his eight months service I have always understood that he enlisted into the first service under Captain Brown and went as his waiter. I do not recollect of having the Col. name. He did not return home after his first enlistment and I am satisfied he was absent a year after I heard of his second enlistment under Capt. Brown. and understood after his second enlistment he went from Cambridge into the State of New York
Attest Mary Washburn Joseph his Washburn must
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough County S. Sept. 14. 1839 Personally appeared the above named Joseph Washburn who is a credible witness and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me.
Luke Woodbury } Justice of the Peace

I John Sargent depose, and say that I held the Office of Clerk of the Town of Leicester in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts and that I have examined the Town Records and find no Record of the marriage of Elijah Wardburn to Elizabeth Watson
Leicester Sept 17 1838
John Sargent
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County ss. On this seventeenth day of September 1838, personally came John Sargent, with whom I am well acquainted, whom I know to be Town Clerk of Leicester, to me a person entitled to full belief, I made oath, that the above certificate, by him subscribed, is true. - Before me, Waldo Flint Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss. - I Jos. G. Kendall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County, certify that Waldo Flint and James Chaplin whose names are found on the annexed affidavit on this paper are justly of the Peace within and for said County duly qualified, and that the above signatures of their respective names on the annexed paper are in their own hand writing respec- tively - In witness whereof I have here set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court at Worcester this eighteenth day of September A.D. 1838 Jos. G. Kendall Clerk

I certify that I have been the minister of the first Congregational Church in Leicester Mass. since December the 4 th 1812 - That I have had in my possession all Church Records & papers known to be in existence That none of them extend back as far as the ministry of the Rev. Benjamin Cooklin one of my predecessors; & further, that it has always been said that the Records of the Rev. Mr. Cooklin if he kept any were lost
Leicester 17 September 1838
John Nelson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss. on this seventeenth day of September A. D. 1838, came John Nelson, with whom I am well acquainted, & whom I know to be the minister of the Church above named, & to be entitled to full credit, & made oath that the above certificate, by him subscribed, is true.
Before me, Waldo Flint Justice of the Peace.

I William Watson of Spencer in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, Gentleman, being eighty seven years of age do testify and say, that, sometime in the month of June, according to the best of my recollection, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one, I was at the house of my father, John Watson, in Leicester, and I there saw Elijah Washburn married to Elizabeth Watson both of said Leicester. The said Elizabeth Watson being my sister was the reason that I was at their wedding, and saw them married as above stated.
William Watson
Worcester ss. September 17. 1838
Then the above named William Watson personally appeared and was sworn to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed, and I further certify
That the said William Watson is a person of truth and veracity.
Before me
James Draper Justice of the Peace

I Ruth Watson of Spencer in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, being righty seven years of age do testify and say that, sometime in the month of June in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one, I attended the wedding and saw Elijah Washburn married to Elizabeth Watson, both of the town of Leicester in said county. They were married at the house of John Watson in said Leicester, he being father of the said Elizabeth Watson, and also father to my husband Samuel Watson, was the reason that I was at their wedding. Ruth Watson
Worcester ss. September 17. 1838.
Then the above named Ruth Watson personally appeared and was sworn to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscribed and I further certify that the said Ruth Watson is a person of truth and veracity, and I further certify that the word "Elijah" was wrongly written at first and then altered to Elizah as it now stands before signing
Before me
James Drape Justice of Peace

No 104
Elijah Washburn
1808

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
County of Hillsborough, ss.
On this third day of October A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate, now sitting at Frankstown within and for the County of Hillsborough, in the State aforesaid, Elijah Washburn a resident of the town of Hancock in said county aged 74 years
Who being 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 entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say,
In the Spring of 1775 he enlisted for eight months and served said term out in Capt Putnam's company, the other officers of the company being Lieut. Whipple & Lieut. Gardner - the Regiment commanded by Col. Mansfield until he was broken for not going forward with his Regiment at the Battle of Bunkerhill. The other officers of the Regiment were Lieut. Col. Hutchinson & Major Putnam. He was stationed first at Cambridge & afterwards at Winterhill - and went into winter quarters at Colden. Col. Poor's Regiment & Col. Gurney's Regiment lay near him at Winterhill. This service expired the last of December.
Before the end of said eight months service he enlisted again for one year from the first of January 1776 & served in Capt. Brown's company in Col. Hutchinson's Regiment. The other officers of the company and Regiment whose names he recollects were Lieut. Downing Lieut. White Ensign Clough & Lieut. Col. Holden. He remained at Cambridge till after the British Army left Boston - then went with his Regiment to Dorchester Point - stood there & worked on the fortifications at that place and at the Castle - then marched to New York & took shipping to New York - went from New York to Fort Washington and stood there till just before the fort was taken when he left it with part of his Regiment. The rest of the Regiment were taken prisoners. He went to New Jersey - at the time of the Battle at Trenton he was one of the party which manning the boats that took Gen. Washington's Division across the Delaware & remained with the boats till he returned with the prisoners. He was discharged from the service on the first of January 1777.
In the Spring of 1778 he entered the service for three months & served the term out in Capt. Belcher's company in Col. Symonds Regiment of Massachusetts militia & was employed in guarding prisoners at Prospect Hill & on board the prison ships at Boston. The term of service expired the first of July.
In the fall of 1779 he volunteered to serve in the Massachusetts militia for three months - went to Albany and served there in the neighborhood of that place in Capt. Wilson's company in Col. Denny's Regiment two months or more, when he with his company and Regiment were discharged, before the three months were out. One Shrague was lieutenant of the company.
He was born at Natick, Massachusetts, Oct. 8 1757 - has no record of his age except a memorandum in his Bible - lived in Danvers, Massachusetts when first called into the service. The last time he entered the service he lived in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Since the Revolutionary War he has lived in said Lancaster - and for about forty six years past in Hancock N.H. where he now lives. Samuel Gates and John Whitcomb Esquires of Hancock are persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, who can testify as to his character for truth & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. He received no written discharge from the service or here collect.

He 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,
Elijah Washburn
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
John M c Kim, Judge of Probate
We Archibald Burgess a Clergyman residing in the town of Hancock in the county of Hillsborough aforesaid, and Shacher Bradford residing in Hancock aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Elijah Washburn who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and 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 in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Archibald Burgess Shacher Bradford
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
John M c Kim, Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and 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 Archibald Burgess who has signed the preceding Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the town of Hancock and that Shacher Bradford Esq r who has signed the same, is a resident in the town of Hancock and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
John M c Kim
{ Judge of Probate for said County of Hillsborough.
I CHARLES H. ATHERTON, Register and Clerk of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Elijah Washburn for a pension.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of Probate for said county, at Antrim in said county, this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
C. H. Atherton
Register and Clerk of Probate, for said county of Hillsborough.

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE.
County of Hillsborough, SS.
At the Court aforesaid, On the application aforesaid, the following interrogatories were propounded to the said Elijah Washburn and the following answers given, on oath, to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer, At Natick, Massachusetts, Oct 8. 1757
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer, I have no record except a memorandum in my Bible
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live? Answer, When first called into the service I lived in Danvers, Mass The last time I went into the service I lived in Lancaster Ms. Since the Revolutionary War I have lived in said Danvers & for about fifty six years past in Hancock N.H. where I now reside
4. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom? Answer, I can say nothing more on this point than is stated in my foregoing declaration
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 service?
Answer, I believe all the particulars required within my recollection required by this interrogatory are stated in my foregoing declaration
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? Answer, I received no discharge as I recollect
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?
Answer, Samuel Gates & John T. Williams Esquires of Hancock
Attest,
C. H. Atherton Register and Clerk.

Nathan Grages Deposition -

I David Bryant of Leicester in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being seventy one years of age do testify that I am well acquainted with Elijah Washburn formerly of Leicester, but now of Hancock in the county of Hillsboro. State of the New Hampshire that in 1779 the last part of Sept r .
I volunteered in the militia of Massachusetts, & about the first of Oct r following marched from S t . Leicester, thro' Great Barrington, to Albany, & joined the United States troops, & serving, in a Comp y commanded by Capt. Wilson, in Colonel Sam l Bennys Reg t . I was stationed in S t Albany & on the Hudson river between Albany & Half Moon until we were regularly dismissed about the middle of Dec r following, making between two & three months service, and that the above said Elijah Washburn was a private in said company & Reg t during the whole time & in the same mess with me, & that the said Washburn is the same that did the aforesaid duty. —
David Bryant
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Worcester — — — — — } ss. — — — — —
Sept r 6 th 1832 Personally Appeared David Bryant & made oath that the above statement by him subscribed is the truth. before me — — — — — Austin Flint justice of the peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with David Bryant & that his veracity is unimpeachable. — —
Austin Flint just. Peace — — — — —

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester ss. I Abijah Bigelow, Clerk of the Judicial Court, held within and for the County of Worcester, do hereby certify, that Austin Flint, Esquire, before whom the foregoing affidavit of David Bryant, and the annexed affidavit of David Grage were made and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Worcester, and that his signature thereto appears to me to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the County Seal this six th day of September in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Abijah Bigelow, Clerk.
David Bryant Deposition -

I Nathan Cragg of Spencer in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the  the seventy ninth year of my age Do testify that I am well acquainted with Elijah Washburn of Hancock in the County of Hillsboro, State of New Hampshire who formerly resided in Leicester in said County of Worcester. and that in the fore part of April in the year 1778 the said Washburn joined Capt. Melchers Comp y . of Col. Lysons Regt. of Militia as a private in the United States Service in the Revolution that I the deponent was a Sargent in the same Company. & that the said Washburn did military duty with me in said Company the term of our enlistment, which was three months & that we were regularly dismissed on the first of July in said year, & that we were stationed in Boston in said Mass. during the whole time.
Nathan Cragg
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } County of Worcester } ss. — — —
On the fifth day of September in the year 1832. Personally Appeared Nathan Cragg & made oath that the above statement by him subscribed is the truth. & that the said Washburn is the same who did the duty. Before me Austin T. Lins Justice of the Peace
& I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Nathan Cragg & that his veracity for truth is Unimpeachable — — — Austin T. Lins. Just. Peace —

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16084
Elizabeth Washburn Widow of Elijah Washburn Priv. Rev. War
Act June 7 th 1838
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 310
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Elizabeth Washburn widow of Elijah
N. H.
Act 7 July 1838. Susp
See letter to Hon. F. Pierce
9 Feby 1839. Luke
Wardbury 28 Mar
1839 — same, Sept 24 '39
$80 per annum to
24 May 1839 when W m W.
died - payable to her children. See names
Hon. F. Pierce
Senate U.S.

Joseph Washburn affidavit, for C. Washburn

Joseph Washburn of Hancock in the County of Hillsborough and State of New Hampshire aged about 70 years, testify and say, that in the year 1775 Elijah Washburn then of Danvers Massachusetts, now of Hancock in said County of Hillsborough enlisted for eight  months in the United States service, that I was at Winter hill near Boston in the fall of the year aforesaid, and that the said Elijah Washburn was doing military duty at that place
Joseph Washburn
State of New Hampshire Hillsborough County ss, September 13 th 1832 personally came Joseph Washburn the above deponent and made oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed is true before me
Thacher Bradford Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with Joseph Washburn the above deponent that his character for truth and veracity is good
Thacher Bradford Justice of the Peace
See official signature of the above named Justice Certified - John Brad- ford - taken sent by me - S. H. Thomson
I Andrew Wallace, clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the County of Hillsborough in the State of New Hampshire, certify that Thacher Brad- ford is a Justice of the Peace for said County as above and that the above signatures, purporting to be his, are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscrib- ed my name, this fourth day of May in the year of our Lord 1833.
A. Wallace Clerk

18684 Elijah H. Barn
7 1/2 p
Titus Brown Esq. Francistown N.H.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Elijah Wahl which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? no VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? no IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 4
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? 4
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? 4
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? No in one case
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? 4
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 4
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.