Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14846, Asa Williams, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Williams, Asa
S. 14846
carded
CONTENTS

Connecticut, 9413.
Asa Williams,
of Hartford in the State of Conn. who was a private in the Comp: commanded by Captain J. Roberts of the Regt. commanded by ~~~~~ in the Militia line for Conn.
7 months.
Enscribed on the Roll of Conn. the rate of 23. Dollars 33. Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16. day of May 1832. and sent to J. B. Parsons, Hartford, Ct.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1832.- 46. 66. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1832.- 11. 66
$ 58. 32.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. Francis Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3 d Page 45.

6246 Declaration of Asa Williams of East Hartford in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832.
State of Connecticut } Ys. Hartford. Hartford County. }
Entered 15 July 1780 5 July 1780
On the 28 th day of July A.D. 1832, before the Court of Probate for the District of Hartford, in the County & State aforesaid, being a Court of record having by law a seal & Clerk, personally appeared Asa Williams of East Hartford in the County aforesaid, aged Seventytwo 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 7 th 1832. That he was a private in a Company of Militia
commanded by Capt n Stephen Roberts of said East Hartford That in the month of March in 1778 as near as he can remember he was drafted for two months to go to New London in Connecticut, & was mustered at Bolton & placed under Capt n Edward Payne of said Bolton Lieut. Nath l Olcott of East Hartford & Ensign (name not recollected). That he marched in the Company as a private to New London & there served, about seven weeks when the Company was dismissed by Capt n Payne. While at New London the Company was employed as guards, & in assisting in erecting works of defence against the enemy when he was dismissed, he believes, in May 1778.
That in the month of July 1780 (he thinks about the 10 th or 12 th of that month) he enlisted for six months at East Hartford, & immediately (with about 12 others who had also enlisted) went to Pechskill in the State of New York

joined the American Army & were placed under the orders & command of Major  Saraw of Windsor in Hartford County (the Lieut. if any, he don't remember) - Ensign James Benjamin of S. East Hartford (who was promoted from the rank of a Sergeant, after he had joined the Company,) - in Col. Starrs Regiment - Genl. Jediah Huntington Brigade - the name of the Lieut. Col. was David F. Sill of Lyme. That in the latter part of July (he thinks) he marched with the troops into the State of New Jersey under Genl. Washington - That the army halted (he thinks several weeks, perhaps two months or more) at Orange town. That he has a perfect recollection of being present with the troops when Major Anson was executed which he thinks was in the Fall of that year. That while in New Jersey he was marched with the troops to various places & in the latter part of November, he thinks he returned with the troops to the Highlands near Pechskill. & was discharged he thinks sometime about Christmas in December 1780 & returned home in 30 days. That he served the States faithfully during the whole tour. That during this tour of service he often saw & personally knew Genl. Washington Genl. Baron Steuben, Genl. Green, Lord Sterling - Genl. Parsons - Genl. Fayette - Genl. Huntington & also camping before the quarters of several of them.
And that in reply to certain interrogatories put to him by the Court, the said Asa Williams further declares & says, That he was born the 1 st day of February 1760 at S. East Hartford according to the second mode  way his father in the family bible which is now in the possession of his Brother David Williams.

That he lived at said East Hartford in the family of his father Abraham Williams, when he was called into the service; & has ever since the revolutionary war, & always, lived in the same East Hartford.
That he entered into the service, in the manner & at the several periods as is herein before stated, as near as he can possibly remember.
That he has forgotten the names of a great many of the officers under whom he served & who were then personally known to him. I can now recollect only the names of those he has stated.
That his first tour of service to New London as is herein before stated, is known to his Brother David Williams of said East Hartford - & also to his Brother  Roger Burnham benefit formerly of said East Hartford but now of East Windsor & said town in said County. That his tour of service commencing early July 1780, under Major Darrow, is known to Levi Risley of said East Hartford if now living - & also to his Brother David Williams. That his services as before stated are, as he presumes, known to many other aged people in said East Hartford.
And the said Asa Williams, hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year first before written -
The word "relinquishes" was interlined, - & the words "out the said Asa" "claim whatever" "the present & declares" were written upon errors, before signing. - & the name of Roger Burnham was also interlined before signing.
ASA Williams
And the said Court of Probate hereby declares its opinion, after the investigation of the matter

and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, the before named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, & served as he states.
And the Court further certifies, that it appears that Roger Burnham, Levi Disley, David Williams & Eli Gilman whose depositions are annexed hereto & numbered 1-2-3-4- they are said deponents & are credible persons that their several statements are entitled to credit. their deposed
I William Whitman Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Hartford in the County of Hartford, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Mr. Asa Williams for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28 th day of July A.D. 1832.
W m Whitman, Clk of Court of Probate for the district of Hartford.
Hartford December 22 nd 1832
And the Court would amend their certification by further certifying that at the time of taking the foregoing declaration, there was no settled Clergyman within the town of East Hartford where the above named applicant resides - and that at this time the same reason exists for not complying with that part of the regulations of the War Department requiring a Clergyman's affidavit.
W m Whitman, Clk of Court of Probate for s d district of Hartford.

4246
Asa Williams
magistrate not confided which credible
6 11 12 14 16
23: 33 per ann
HP anon
9413.
157.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Asa Williams which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 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? 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? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Not accurately VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 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?

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 ? No
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ? No
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 has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility ?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office ? No
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 ?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? No
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 the 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.
†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 authenticated 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 end 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.

I Roger Burnham of East Windsor in the County of Hartford State of Connecticut, formerly of East Hartford, in said County, aged seventy one years do hereby say, That I have well acquainted with W m Asa Williams of East Hartford. That I lived in the same Town, near him for more than sixty years & now live in an adjoining Town, about one mile from said Williams's residence.
That I served as a private with said Williams in a company of Militia in said East Hartford commanded by Stephen Roberts, Lieut. John Williams & Ensign Joseph Kirtland. I was drafted, with said Asa Williams, Joshua Bulkeley, for Hills & several others, sometime in the forepart of March 1778 as near as I can recollect. That we all marched to New London & served under Capt n Payne of Boston Lieut. O'Leary of the name of the Ensign (if we had any) I don't remember. That while at New London we did duty as a guard & also worked on the fortification. That was then throwing up. That we served out, as I think, the full term of two months. & were discharged at New London, by an Capt n I believe, some in the month of May 1778 & returned home to East Hartford. — I further depose that the character of W m Asa Williams for truth & honesty & piety is good; & that he is universally respected by his neighbours & acquaintances I further saith not.
Dated at Hartford in said County of Hartford this 28 th day of July 1832.
Sworn & subscribed this day & year, last above written
Before me En. Parsons Just. Peace
Roger Burnham

N o 1
Roger Purnham's deposition -

I certify that the within named deponent sustains a fair character for sobriety, honesty & veracity.
Con: Parsons Just. Par.

State of Connecticut ss Hartford County of Hartford ss
I Samuel H Parsons a Notary Public for the County of Hartford do hereby certify that Enoch Parsons Esq before whom the within Affidavit was executed is a Justice of the peace for the County of Hartford and that the signature purporting to be his, Witness my hand and seal is genuine
This 22 nd day of December 1832.
Samuel H Parsons Notary Public

N o 2 Le Risley's deposition.

I Levi Risley of East Hartford in the county of Hartford & State of Connecticut, aged seventy one years, deposes & says That he was well ac- -quainted with Asa Williams of said East Hartford - were boys together & have known him always, & lived both in the same Town when boys & ever since. - That the deponent was a soldier in Major Darrow's Company & was at the Highlands near Pekskeill in the summer of 1780. & he well remembers that said Asa Williams & several others, who had enlisted, came on & joined Major Darrow's Company at or near Pekskeill That when Major Darrow was promoted from the Captaincy, Richard Douglass was the Lieut. & Hosea Cushing was Ensign. That James Benjamin was promoted to an Ensigncy. The Regiment was commanded by Col. Starr of New Milford in Litchfield County in Connecticut Major Lill was also in the Regt. & he thinks was made Lt. Col. That sometime in July he thinks, the troops passed over the North river into the State of New Jersey. & halted at Orangetown Genl. Washington, Genl. Green, Genl. La Fayette Lord Sterling, Genl. Parsons, & Baron Steuben were there. That Orangetown, seemed to be headquarters, but the troops were marched during that Campaign to a number of other places; - That he was present at the execution of Major Andre in Sept. or October 1780. That during the month of November or Dec. the Connecticut troops & perhaps some others, marched back into the State of New York to the Highlands a little above Pekskeill where the troops wintered

That he knows Gwell recollects that the said Asa Williams served with him in Major Darrow's Company from the time he joined viz in July 1780 (the day he don't remember) untill the troops returned to the Highlands & went into winter quarters when he believes the time of said Asa's enlistment expired & that he was dismissed & went home to East Hartford. & further the deponent saith not.
Levi Risley
State of Connecticut Hartford County } ss Hartford
Sworn & subscribed this 23 rd day of July 18532 Before Me En. Parsons Just. Pac
I further certify that Levi Risley, the above named deponent is a person of veracity -
En Parsons Just. Pac
State of Connecticut } ss Hartford Dec 22 1832 County of Hartford
Samuel H. Parsons a Notary Public for the County of Hartford do hereby certify that Enock Parsons aquire before when the above affidavit was executed was Justice of the peace for the County of Hartford and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine Without my hand & seal. Samuel H. Parsons Notary Public

803
David Williams deportation.

I David Williams of East Hartford in the county of Hartford & State of Connecticut, aged seventy six years - depon & say. That he well remem- bers that in the year 1778 - in the fore part of the Spring, (the month he don't remember) his Brother Asa Williams was drafted to go to New London as a private soldier for a tour of two months. & that he went there & served out the term, as he always supposed & believes. The deponent & his said Brother, were both members of his father's family at that time, & he has a perfect recollection of the drafting of his said Brother - & of his going off - & of his returning home from the service -
That he the deponent also remembers that in the Summer of 1780, in July he believes, his said Brother Asa, enlisted for half a year & left home with Zenas Burnham, David Burnham & several others who had also enlisted & went into the State of New York, where, as the deponent has understood & always believed, his said Brother & those who went with him joined the Army, & served under Major Sawyer who lived in Windsor, a few miles from said East Hartford - That his said Brother returned home in the fore part of the Winter, say in Dec r 1780 or in Jan y 1781 which of those months he the deponent don't remember, but he recollects that it was cold weather in the Winter.
He the deponent, after the return of his said Brother often heard him relate his army adventures & where he was marched to - That sometimes the soldiers had a very scanty allowance of provisions but that he always remained at his post & did his duty - That he was present at the execution of Major Andre

of that he always supposed & understood that after the soldiers returned from New Jersey they came to the Highlands in the State of New York & was dismissed there or near there The deponent says that he has often heard from his Brother many other incidents of his service while on this tour, but the great lapse of time since then, have left but a slight impression of many unimportant occurrences of that day. - The deponent further says, that his said Brother was born on the 1 st day of February 1760 as appears by a record now in his the deponent's possession made in the hand writing of his father upon a leaf of his family Bible - He further saith that
State of Connecticut } David Williams Hartford County } J. P. Hartford.
Sworn & subscribed this 23 rd July 1832 Before Me. En. Parsons Jus. Pa.
I hereby certify that David Williams the above named deponent is a person of veracity -
En. Parsons Jus. Pa.

State of Connecticut - } Is Hartford County of Hartford }
Samuel H. Parsons a Notary
Public in the county of Hartford do hereby certify that Enok Parsons Esq before me the within and foregoing affidavit was executed, is a Justice of the peace for the County of Hartford and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 22nd day of December 1832
Samuel H. Parsons Notary Public

N o 4
Eli Gilman's Departure.
Monday 2 nd March 1861
From Mr. Gilman to his wife I have not yet received your letter of the 28 th ult. but I am sure you will be soon with us again

State of Connecticut } Hartford County. } Jo. Hartford July 23 rd 1832
I Certify That I am personally acquainted with David Williams & Asa Williams both of East Hartford in the Co. Hartford county that their general reputation for honesty & truth is perfectly good - I also certify that I know Levi Rusley of said East Hartford but slightly. still it is my belief & general impression that his character for truth & veracity is equal to that of men in general. -
Eli Gilman
Sworn & subscribed this 23 rd July 1832
Before Me. Con. Parsons Just. Peace
I Certify that W. Eli Gilman the person above named is personally known to me, and that his character for veracity & integrity is perfectly fair & good. -
Con. Parsons Just. Peace

State of Connecticut County of Hartford } ss Hartford ..
I Jared Griswold Clerk of the County Court for said Hartford County do hereby certify that Enoch Parsons Esquire before whom the annexed Affidavits of Roger Burnham, Levi Riley, David Williams & Eli Gilman, were respectively taken, was at the time the said depositions taken, was at the time the said depositions purport to have been sworn to, and still continues to be a Justice of the peace for said County of Hartford duly authorized to administer Oaths, and that the sig- natures as respectively signed to the cer- tificates of the oaths of said deponents appear to be in this genuine handwriting.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County Court - this 13th day of May 1833.
Jared Griswold, Clerk

Hartford May 13 th 1833.
Sir,
Herewith enclose the pension applications of Asa Williams and Elijah Barnes, which were returned to me the 3rd inst for correction on the ground that the Official Character and Signature of the Magistrate was certified by a Notary Public only -
That objection existed only in the case of Williams, which has now been corrected. Barnes' papers were authenticated the 19 th of April last by the Clerk of the County Court.
May I hope for an early reply -
L. Edwards Esq
Comm te on pension Washington
With great respect I am Sir Y. affec ly Samuel H. Parsons

N.B.
Williams' application is dated July 28. 1832
Barnes' is dated August 11. 1832

Rev man
14846 INVALID.
File No. 14, 846
Asa Williams
Priv. Rev. man
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 412
[Arrangement of 1870.]