Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17778, Nehemiah Whitman, Mass.

SERVICE
Mass.
Whitman, Nehemiah
NUMBER
S. 17778
CONTENTS
carded

SI Middlesex
21.477 Massachusetts
Jeremiah Whitman
of Middlesex in the State of Mass who was a B st in the Company commanded by Captain Gould of the Reg t commanded by Lt. Grayson in the Mass line for 12 mos. Service 16 days 8 " 12 days Sept.
Wm
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 4 Dollars 12 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of Sept 1833 and sent same. Anna W. M. Mass
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 $210.30 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 34 42.06
252.36
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Johnson Clerk Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 93

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency LEVI LINCOLN , Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern :
Know Ye, That Samuel Dana Coggin , is a Justice of the Peace for all the Counties, and Samuel Humphrey Esquire , is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this Seventh day of March A. D. 1832, and in the Fifty Seventh Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
Edward D. Bass Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Declaration of Nehemiah Whitman
Cost of this paper paid
100 3/4
not paid
not paid
not paid
not paid
not paid

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of
ss.
On this seventh day of November A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at within and for the County of Middlesex in the Commonwealth - Quoniam in Said County aforesaid
Nehemiah Whitman aged seventy eight 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.  1. I entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say that he was a minute man so called in the summer and autumn of AD 1774 in the town of Weymouth in a company commanded by Capt. Paul Gould, Lt. Asa Dyer, Ensigns Joseph Dyer, and Eliab Dyer, Lieut. Col. John Dyer, and myself as sergeant. On the 20th of April AD 1775 our company marched from Weymouth to Roxbury, where learning that the British troops had returned to Boston, we returned with the same officers, our company was attached to Col. Grayson's Regt. but some disagreement was made by which Col. Coffin took the command of the Regt. and Joseph Dyer of Milton was Major. In this service I continued in Capt. Gould's Company until the 6th month was completed.  2. Before July AD 1775 I enlisted to go to Ticonderoga, and on the 6th of that month, I marched in the company of Capt. S. Dyer of Scituate, his Lieut. was Rue of Cohasset, and I do not recollect any other officers except Sergeant Dyer, my engagement was for 6 months and the company was Col. Wheeler's Regiment. I do not remember the names of any other field officers, as Brigadier I completed my term of service, and was discharged and returned home to Weymouth again.  3. In the year AD 1777 I engaged in a secret expedition to Rhode Island, I do not remember the names of the officers, I do not know any of them, when I enlisted, the Regt. to which we were attached was commanded by Col. Samuel Dyer and I was the only older officer. From Weymouth, we marched to Little Compton, and there attempted to stop the regular on to Rhode Island, but the fire of the British Palmyra Brigade was so severe as to make the next day a second attempt was about to be made, but Gen. Sullivan with my company fell two months, when we were discharged and returned to Weymouth.  4. The next year as I remember I engaged to go to Rhode Island to support Gen. Sullivan, I enlisted in the company of Capt. Baxter of Scituate, which said man was Lieut. I do not remember the other company officers, but I know that my company was attached to Col. Buttrick's (of Concord) Regt. the other field officers I do not remember. Samuel Lawrence of Quoniam was also attached, I landed at Rhode Island from the 6th July till the last of November, as late as the 25th, when I was discharged and returned again to Weymouth. I never received a written discharge from any officer.  He also served at two alarms in AD 1776 in Capt. North Company in Col. Lane's Regt. at Dorchester. AD 1776 twelve days.
He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity, whatever except, the present, and declares that his name is not, on the pension roll, of the agency of any State, the day and year aforesaid.
Sworn to and subscribed
In presence of Saml Dana The signature of Nehemiah Whitman We John Todd
I hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nehemiah Whitman a Clergyman residing in the town of Groton in the county of Middlesex and among friends, etc. of the same who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and 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 in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, Middlesex ss. Subscribed and sworn to the 20th day of August 1792. Before me Saml. Dana Justice
John Todd. Amos Farnsworth.

And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion, that 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 John Wood who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Groton and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Isaac Fisher Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains, the original proceedings, of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Whelman for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two
Isaac Fisher

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, to wit,
At the Court of Probate Groton begun and holden at Groton within and for the County of Middlesex on the Seventh day of August A. D. 1832. On the application of Nehemiah Whitman claiming to be a Soldier of the Revolution, the following Interrogatories were propounded to him to wit:
1 Where, and in what year, were you born  born ?
Answer, at Weymouth in Mas a on the 8 th day of September A.D. 1754
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer, at Weymouth on the 8 th day of September A.D. 1754 I have no such record
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 called into service, I lived in Weymouth aforesaid, and always lived there, until I removed to Groton in the Spring A.D. 1779.
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 was always a volunteer, and entered the service upon my own motion.
5. State the names of some of the regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served, such Continental and Massachusetts Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer, In my declaration I have enumerated all the Officers I can recollect, my memory is greatly impaired by time.
6. 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 Dana. Stewart I. Park, Caleb Butler D.M. Buckley Amer Esq. and Prescott who knew me in service, William Livermore, John Baynton, Reuben Colburn Baynton & Joseph F. Hall.
7 did you ever receive any discharge from service? Ans r I never got any discharge in writing known to me by Nehemiah Whitman his mark in presence of J. G. Gage

I David Whitman of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk; aged eighty four years, testify and say that Richard Whitman now of Groton in the county of Middlesex, who is nearly eighty years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Revolution, and to my knowledge served as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt Jacob Gould, in Col. John Greaton's Regiment, from about the first of May in the year 1775: to about the first of January 1776. and was stationed most of the above mentioned period at Roxbury and Cambridge. I think I was not in the same company with the said Richard Whitman, but was most of the time in the same Regiment
David Whitman
Worfolk ss. Feby. 18 th 1833. Then personally appeared the above named David Whitman, and subscribed the above affidavit, and made oath, before me, that the same is true. It appeared to be his endeavor to speak the truth, but by reason of age his recollection appears considerably to have failed.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace

I Daniel Blanchard of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk aged about seventy eight years, testify and say that Johnathan Whitman now of Boston in the county of Middlesex who is, I think, nearly eighty years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the war of the Revolution, and to my knowledge served with me as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt. Thomas Endicott in Col. Ephraim Wheeler's Regiment from sometime in the first part of the month of July A.D. 1776. to the month of December of the same year - a period of but four months. We marched from Weymouth to Plymouth and served at Plymouth, both myself and the said Whitman in the company and Regiment aforesaid.
✓ Daniel Blanchard Signed in the presence of Mary Blanchard
Norfolk ss. July 18 th 1833. Then personally appeared the above named Daniel Blanchard and by the assistance of another to guide his hands being a blind man, subscribed the above affidavit, and it having been read to him in his hearing, he made oath that the same is true. He is considered a man of integrity and a credible witness.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the peace.

I Silvanus Paul of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk, aged about seventy three years, testify and say that Heinrich Whitman now of Grooton in the county of Middlesex, who is about eighty years of age, was a soldier in the United States service in the War of the Revolution, and to my knowledge served as a soldier in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Bates in Col. Mackintosh's Reg. and Gen. Porville's Brigade I think, the most of a period which commenced I believe in the month of June 1778. and ended in September of the same year. I was in the same company with the said Whitman, we marched to Rhode Island and was there at the time of the battle or skirmish on the Island. This period of service appears to me to have been about three months.
Norfolk ss. Feby 22 d 1833. Then personally appeared the above named Silvanus Paul and subscribed the above affidavit, and made oath, before me that the same was true, and that it has been his intention to speak the truth.
Samuel Knapp Esq. Justice of the Peace

I Azariah Beals of Weymouth in the county of Norfolk, aged seventy six years testify and say that Richmich Whitman now of Grotton in the county of Middlesex, who is I believe about eighty years of age, was a Soldier in the United States Service in the War of the Revolution, and that he served with me as a Soldier in a company commanded by Capt. James Endicott in Col. Wheelock's Regiment from about the first of July in the year 1776. to the Month of December of the same year - a period of about five months. We marched from Weymouth to Milton and there met Capt. Endicott and then proceeded to Piconderoga and we served at Piconderoga nearly the whole period of said time and I was with the said Whitman the whole of said time. Azariah Beals
Norfolk ss. July 19 th 1833. Then personally appeared the above named Azariah Beals and subscribed the above affidavit and made oath, before me, that the same is true. He is considered a conscientious man, and is a credible witness.
Samuel Humphrey, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Feb'y. 16 th , 1833.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Nehemiah Whitman's name, as Corporal, is borne on the roll of Capt. Jacob Gould's Minute Company, in Col. Benjamin Lincoln's Regiment, assembled April 19, 1775, - where he is allowed eight days' service. — Nehemiah Whitman's name is found m. d. 0.. 8 also, as Serjeant, on the roll of the same Captain, in Col. John Greaton's Regt. - enlisted April 29, 1775, and continued to August 1, 1775, and is allowed 3. 14 three months and fourteen days. — Nehemiah to the Whitman's name is found also, as Serjeant, on Capt. Thomas Nash's roll, in Col. Solomon Lovell's Regt. - on service March 4, 1776, to take possession of the Heights of Dorchester, where he is allowed four days' service. — Nehemiah 0.. 4 Whitman's name is found also, as Serjeant, on the Muster Roll of Capt. Thomas Nash, in Col. Solomon Lovell's Regt. on service from March 10, 1776, where he is allowed eight days' 0.. 8 service. — Nehemiah Whitman's name is found 4.. 4

also, as Sergeant, on Capt. Joseph Baxter's roll, in 1778  m. d. Col. Mackintosh's Regt. in Genl. Lowell's Brigade, on an Expedition to Rhode-Island, in August and Sep- tember, 1778, - and is allowed one month and thirteen 1. 13 days. 5. 17
Said Whitman claims also for services under Capt. Endicott, at Ticonderoga, in 1776 - thinks he marched 6th of July in that year. The roll or rolls for this last service are not as yet found in this office, although diligent search has been made.
Edward D. Bangs
Proof for Nath. Whitman
   m. days     From April 19. 1775 - - - - 00. 08   In the 8 m service from April 29. 8. 00   Two Alarms 1776 12   In Capt. Endicott's Co. 1776 Ticond. 5. 00   Ser t expedition 1777 / Baxter 1. 13   at Rhode Island 1778 / Baxter 3. 00   18. 2  
as Sergeant 8 m 12 days

Say Bangs Certificate

23016
Nehemiah Whitman
Mass
Sept 8 Mr 12 days
March 12 " 19
506
July 19 1833
373 122
2.11
42-
40
212
8412
16824
4206
210.30
Samuel Dana Groton Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Jeremiah Whisman Middlesex Co Mass
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1778 — 8 14 Sergt. Capt Gould Col Grayson Fredericksburg 79 Years { Document any evidence Sworn left enemies }   End of 1776 — 6 — — Endicott Whelock 79 Years   1777 — 2 — — — Laverett Months   1778 4 19 Not stated — Baxter Gen Green   — 2 other period time not stated — — Billings   4 19 — — — —  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832..
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[1] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[2] The notes from [a] to [e] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [1] applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

14448 INVALID.
File No. 17778
Abner Whitman
Sgt Geo May
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 403-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Colony of Massachusetts Bay.
William Heath Esq r Brigadier Gen l & commander of a Regiment of Foot raised by said Colony To Nehemiah Whitman Greeting
By Virtue of the Trust reposed in me by the Continental Congress I Do appoint you Nehemiah Whitman to be a fourth sergeant of a company under my command of which Jacob Good is Captain for the Safety of said Colony, and therefore carefully to discharge the Duty of a fourth Sergeant, & to Obey the commands of your Superior Officers According to the Rules & Discipline of War. & this shall be your Sufficient Warrant given under my Hand and Seal this 12 th of August, 1775
W Heath

23106
23006
Atchison Whitman
506
Sam. Alana Esq. Grotas Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Nehemiah Whitman which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? ys 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? no 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? ys VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? ys VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? ys IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? ys 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? ys
265

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? ys 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? ys 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? 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? ys Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? ys 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? ys XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? W 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.

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington

J. L. Edwards Esq. Grafton Ms July 31. 1833 Comm of Pensions.
for I lately rec. from the Pension Office the Paper in the case of Nehemiah Whitman - Under the 4 th query has the declarant mentioned the period of the war when he served - It is written "No," and to the 5 th query also the same answer is given -
Upon an examination of his Declaration, (not very accurately drawn, owing to the place and the party,) I apprehend there is some mistake, and that objections, intended for some other case have been of (by accident) applied to Whitman's case - When he made his Declaration he has had a better rec d of his services, than he now professes.
1 His first claim is for eight months, and he says he enlisted immediately after the 20 of April 1775, he enlisted for 8 m s and that he continued in service 8 m s . Now the period when he served & the time he served is appear to be definite. - as well as the grade a Sergeant. -
2 He says that before July 1776 he enlisted for 6 m s . and marched on the 6 July 1776, and that he served his term of 6 m s -
3 He says he engaged to go to Rhode Island in secret service, here he does not state the period of the months last days of the year 1777. and that he served 2 m s .
4 He says the next year after 1777. / viz t 1778 / he engaged to go to Rhode Island / not for any definite period / least he intends the service the 6 July & continued on it, till the 25 th of Nov r . here the periods, when he served and the length of time is 2 weeks seem to be definite. -
5 to this he adds the days in April 1775 & 12 days in 1776. It has not been served to add the grade unless the party claimed some thing more than a private - Mr. Whitman in his first term states that he was a Sergeant, and at Rhode Island in 1778. 4 m s 19 days he served as a Sergeant, at all other periods he served as a private -
Mr. Whitman can not state more definitely than he has done and it hoped that his Declaration / upon further examination / may be admitted.
I am respectfully y r Sam t Dana
for Nehemiah Whitman.