Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,331, Arnold Westcott, New York R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York R.I.
Westcott, Arnold or Wescott
R 11,331
CONTENTS

Arnold Wrenth Application for Pension
14 5 84
✓

State of New York, } ss.  County of Rensselaer
On this Third — day of October 18 32 personally appeared in open Court, before The Judges of — the Court of Common Pleas of said County now sitting, Arnold Westcott — a resident of Berlin — county of Rensselaer and State of New York, aged Seventy Eight 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 in the Year 1776 he resided in the Town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island and that in the summer of that Year he entered the service as a drafted militia man under Captain Colvin or Captain Maves which he does not exactly recollect (as he served under both of these Captains) in Colonel Watermans Regiment. Oliver Mott was the Major, that he continued to serve from that time alternately his proportion of the time till the British left Rhode Island in the Year 1779 in the fall. That he served a part of the time under Captain Whitman and other officers in the same regiment first mentioned. That the usual term of his service was a month at a time and he served about each alternate month. That at one time he was on Newport as a substitute for his brother Stephen Westcott one month. He thinks this was the second Year of his service in 1777. That he is not able to say precisely how long he was engaged in actual service in the said State of Rhode Island but avers that it was as much as one Year and a half and he thinks more. That he was principally engaged in guarding the shore. That he was in General Spencer's Expedition against Rhode Island which failed. That in the Winter of the Year 1780 he removed to what is now the Town of Berlin in the State of New York when he was again called into the militia in a Company commanded by Samuel Shaw who was first a Lieutenant and afterwards a Captain in the militia and under this officer served in various expeditions against Troups & Co. but how long he does not recollect but should think in all he was engaged in this latter service up to the close of the war about six months. That he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except what is here stated.

Winter of the Year 1780 he removed to what is now the Town of Berlin in the State of New York when he was again called into the Militia in a Company commanded by Samuel Shaw who was first a Lieutenant and afterwards a Captain in the militia and under this officer served in various expeditions against Forster & C. but how long he does not recollect but should think in all he was engaged in this latter service up to the close of the war about six months - that he has no documentary evidence of his services and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except what is hereunto annexed -
To the prescribed interrogatories put by the Court he answers -
1. He was born in the said Town of Coventry in the Year 1754 2. He has no record of his age - 3. He lived as above stated when he entered the service and has lived since 1780 as above stated in the Town of Berlin State of New York - 4 & 5. For answers to these interrogatories he refers to the above statement 6. He never received a written discharge - 7. He is known in his present neighbourhood to John Pease & Preston Hammond who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief

of his services as a soldier of the Revolution —
For answer to the fifth interrogatory returned, the applicant makes the following affidavit —
Rensselaer County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace Arnold Westcott the above applicant who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the main length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not up then the periods mentioned below and in the following grades — For two years I served as a private — and for such service I claim a pension
Amendment to Declaration
Sworn & subscribed before me this 25 th day of May 1833.
his Arnold Westcott mark
Joseph Crandall Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Rensselaer County ss. I hereby certify that Joseph Crandall Esq. before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and rightly believe his signature above subscribed to be genuine
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 29 th day of May 1833.
Henry A. Bristol Clerk for J. Howard (his Deputy)
Arnold Westcott

And the said Arnold Westcott
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, or (if any,) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. his  Arnold Westcott mark
Archibald Bull Clerk
We, William Satterlee a Clergyman, residing in the town of Berlin and Edward Whitford residing in Berlin aforesaid hereby certify that we are acquainted with Arnold Westcott who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy Eight 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 day and year aforesaid.
Archibald Bull Clerk
Wm Satterlee Edward Whitford
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 William Satterlee who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Town of Berlin and that Edward Whitford who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same Town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Archibald Bull Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Rensselaer do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Arnold Westcott for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Second day of October 1832.
Archibald Bull Clerk

State of New York Rensselaer County ss
John G. Green of Berlin County of Rensselaer & State of New York being duly sworn deponeth & saith that he was acquainted with Arnold Westcott the person named in the appli- cation herunto annexed during the Revolutionary War. That he knows that the said Arnold was engaged in the Revolutionary service in Colonel Watermans Regiment in the State of Rhode Island - and that he this deponent served with him in said regiment - how long the said Arnold served this deponent does not know but has no reason to doubt that his statement above given is true as far as relates to his Rhode Island service and further this deponent says not - John G. Greene Subscribed & sworn this 16 th day of October 1832 before me Joseph Brandall Justice of the Peace I certify that John G. Green the above deponent is a man whose reputation for truth and veracity is good. and that full faith and credit is & ought to be given to his statement Joseph Brandall Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss.
I certify that Joseph Crandall Esqr. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Rensselaer and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature "Joseph Crandall" thereto subscribed to be his proper hand writing & signature In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 16 th day of October 1832
Archibald D. Dillick

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 Arnold Westcott, or Wescott , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. R. 11331
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Summer 1776 ✓ Colbrin + Weaver + Whitman. Waterman R.I.   Winter 1780 ✓ Samuel Shaw. N.Y.  
Battles engaged in, Spencer's Cr. to R.I. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Coventry, R.I.; moved to Berlin, N.Y. winter 1780 Date of application for pension, Oct 3. 1832. Residence at date of application, Berlin, Rensselaer Co. N.Y. Age at date of application, in 1754 in Coventry R.I. Remarks: date in Berlin, date of death not shown but soldier left a widow, Elizabeth, and son, name not stated. There is no further family data on file. The claim was not allowed for the lack of sufficient proof of 6 mos service as required by the Act of June 7, 1832 under which he applied for pension.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
6-2856 See: his service in R.I. militia must be more clearly specified

N. York (1)
Arnold Wescott
Suspended
See letter to A. G. Hammond
4. May 1836
Set to Shepherd Record
Apil 9 th '47
Rowland Thomas July 12/53
11331

1913 Nov 6. Hist to Mrs. Mary D. Strump 1916 Nov. 17 Hist. to Mrs. W. D. James.
REJECTED
11.331
P. O. Amola Westcott
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contra
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

21
Pension Office Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs-
I am trying to find out whether any of my great, great, grandfathers fought in the Revolutionary War. One of their names, were: Arnold Wescott of Petersburg, Rensselaer Co. N.Y. another was Anthony Shaw .
" " was John Clangworthy . or Alvin Clangworthy . all of

New York. Thanking you for whatever courtesy, you can show me, in this respect.
I am Yours truly,
(Mrs) Mary H. Stoups.
742 Belmont Ave.
Chicago.
Ill.

FCS Rev
WILLIAM D. JAMES FORT ATKINSON, WIS.
Bureau of Pensions. Washington D.C. Gentlemen -:
Will you kindly give me the Revolutionary War Record of Arnold Westcott? He was born in Grafton, R.I. Mar. 7th - 1754 and died Dec 25 - 1843 -
Thanking you in advance I remain - Yours Very truly. Mrs. W. D. James.
Oct 28-1916.

A. G. Hammond 4 May 1838
O. C.
War Department Pension Office (3)
4 May 1838
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 38 p. 248
Sir The paper of Arnold Wescott having again been examined - It is agreed in this case that the claim claimant served from 1776 to 1779 in the Rhode Island Militia in Col Watermans regiment under different officers, that he was then paid Eighteen months: That in 1780 he removed to Berlin in the state of New York that he then paid in Captain Shaw's Company about six months - The Militia of Rhode Island paid in monthly or half monthly tours, both Officers and privates - Be- fore any part of the 18 months can be allowed each tour must be distinctly specified in letters as to the name of the Captain in each tour and the place or places where each tour was rendered - By the roles of Capt Shaw
W. be returned A. G. Hammond Esq. of Berlin N.Y. President

company it appears that the claimant served therein but three days -
The claim of John G. Green is for two years service in the Rhode Island Militia There are the commencing in 1776 - The same objections are made to this claim as in regard to this claim as that same in the preceding objections to the claim of Arnold Wescott are applicable to this, particularly in regard to The names of his officers in each town are not There is no specification as to the different towns the names of the officers, & the places where the service was rendered - The same objections are made to this claim that are are raised in the case of Arnold Wescott -
The claim of There are like objections to the claim of Allen Mattison. He has specified specific one town of three & one of two months in 1776 but there were no such towns in the Militia of Rhode Island - The names of his officers in
the towns in 1777 & 1778 should be of service in order to a satisfactory disposition of this claim before a satisfactory response.

Sandlake, N. Y. August, 19. 1847.
It is with great diffidence and doubt of my suitable ability, that I, in behalf of suffering humanity, attempt to write to your Hon. But knowing as I do, we belong to one common stock, having one common Parent, I venture to address you on a subject which calls up in our breasts feelings of patriotic sympathy. Our noble country ever willing to act the praiseworthy part of Justice, will never see any of the Revolution, who are justly entitled to a pension suffer for want of it. I have been told that a widow, whose husband served in the war of the Revolution six months or more, and was married to him before 1794, and a few years he died, ago, was entitled to a pension. If it be so, widow Elizabeth Westcoat is entitled to a pension. And for this purpose I now write, for her sake, to know, if it be so, and if it be so, I hope your goodness will give me the necessary information. It seems the venerable Elizabeth Westcoat is the widow of a Mr. Westcoat who served in the Revolution under Colo. Waterman, which will more fully appear, if the answer to this communication be favorable. If you will readily see, am not bread to the Law, but only an obscure individual, in the great Republic, and whose rights and liberties lay near his heart. What I do, to assist the needy, worthy widow, I do it without fee or reward. Please direct your communication to Nassau (Alps P.O.) Rens. Co. N. Y. So I remain your ever sincere friend and humble servant.
Yours, &amp;c.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Shepherd Daccord.

83
Pension Office September 9 1847
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 19 th ulto I have to inform you that before the widow of Arnold Wiscout can have a hearing have any claim to a pension she must show that her husband rendered as much as 6 mo service and that they were married prior to January 1794.
Arnold Wiscout asserted a claim under the act of June 1832. The enclosed extract from my letter to A G Hammond dated 4 May 1836 will furnish you with the objection to its admission.
Shepherd Record Esq Sandlock N.Y.

✓ 14664
Arnold Westcott N.Y.
Specific reg d
5. 16
A. G. Hammond of Berlin N.Y. Port

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Arnold Westcott of Rensselaer county N.Y. which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yy
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yy
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? yy
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 - Amended
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yy
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yy
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yy
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yy
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? yy

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? yes
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? yes
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? yes  No - Amended
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yy
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? yy
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No - Amended
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? all 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.

Perlin N. York April 7th 1888
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I am Requested by the Administrator being a son and heir of the Estate of Arnold Westcot formerly of this town & who died in this town to write to you to ascertain if a Pension Certificate was ever granted to the said Arnold Westcot, if so if any money has been paid on said Certificate & how much also how much was the annual pay
The administrator says he is informed that the evidence of his father being entitled has been forwarded to the department some 15 to 20 years ago. I cannot ascertain that his father ever received any pay at any time for or on account of a pension.
Your Early Attention Sir to the above is solicited It will be duly appreciated
Very Yours very Respectfully
Rowland Thomas

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Westcott, Benjamin GRADE Private LINE Massachusetts
WARRANT NUMBER 5324 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Jan. 26, 1790
to John May
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.