Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11,600, Frederick D Van Patten, New York

SERVICE
New York.
Van Patten, Frederick L.
NUMBER
S. 11.600
carded.
CONTENTS

24.054 New York
Fredrick Van Patten Schenectady in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Ordebeck of the Reg t . commanded by Col. Mense in the New York line for 6 months a Private Claimant died 3 Sep. 1832 Certificate in favor of his widow Jerimiah Van Patten
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 th day of Oct r 1833 and due to F. J. Van Patten Schenectady Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of Mar. '32. $20. Semi-ant. allowance ending 3 Sep. '32 19.99 $39.99
Revolutionary Claim, due June 7, 1832. G. G. Miller
Recorded by G. G. Miller Clerk. Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 8
Alexander Ray. July 14/59 for same W.H. 8/59

Application of Lemina Patten widow of
Fredk D. V. Patten dec d
for a Pension under the act of 7 June 1832

State of New York County of Schenectady Surrogate's Office
I, Giles H. Yates Surrogate of Said County, do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence had been adduced to me to show that Jemima Van Patten (whose declaration is herunto annexed) is the lawful widow of Frederick D. Van Patten late of the town of Rotterdam in said County deceased, the same person referred to and described in the annexed documents as an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 20 th day of July 1833.
G. H. Yates Surrogate

State of New York County of Schenectady } ss.
On this twentieth
day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight Hundred and thirty-two person- ally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County, now sitting, John Pangburn & Nicholas Hal- lenbake both residents of the town of Rotterdam in said County, who being respectively duly sworn & examined, do depose and say, that they were during the life time of Frederick D. van Patten late of said town deceased well acquaint- ed with said Frederick, in whose name the parties interested are now making application for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, that they the said deponents have personal knowledge of the fact that said Freder- ick D. van Patten departed this life on the third day of September last past at the residence of said Frederick in said town, they the said deponents assisted at the funeral of said Frederick, and are satisfied that said third day of September last past was the day of the death of said Frederick D. van Patten.
Subscribed & sworn in
open Court the day & year
aforsaid
John Pangburn Nicholas Haltenbake
Edward S. Moore Clerk

State of New York County of Schoharie } ss.
I, Jellis A. Fonda late a Lieutenant & Captain in the army of the revolution, do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with Frederick D. Van Patten of the town of Rotterdam in said County, an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, that I knew said Fred- erick D. Van Patten in the time of the revolution- ary war, and saw him performing military duty in Colonel Abraham Wemple's Regiment of Militia of the State of New York in the years One thousand seven hundred & Seventy eight & one thousand seven hundred and seventy- nine at the forts in Schoharie & Stone Arabia but how long he remained at said forts, I can- not remember, yet verily believe that the period I saw him in service as aforesaid at said forts exceeded three months
Given 13. p.m. on this 27 th day of August 1832 W m Strong J.P.
Jellis A. Fonda
W m Strong Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Schoharie do hereby certify that on the twenty fourth day of August One thousand eight hundred and thirty- two personally appeared Jellis A. Fonda who being sworn, gave deposition and made oath that the facts set forth in the said deposition are true and correct.

And I further testify that said Julius A. Gunda is Well known to me to be a man of Credibility And that his statements is entitled to Credit H. Strong J.P.
7. 1. 2. Patten

County of Schenectady ss -
Cornelius L.
Van Santvoord of the City of Schenectady in said County, being duly sworn and examined doth depose and say, that he was during the revolutionary war and is now well acquainted with Frederick D. Patten of the town of Rotterdam in said County the same person referred to in the preceding documents, that said Frederick called upon this Deponent who was then Ensign of a Company of Militia whereof Abrahams Cothout was Captain as stated in the preceding documents, and stated to this Deponent that he was about sixteen years of age, and prayed to be enrolled as a member of said Company, which request this Deponent complied with, by the advice & consent of his superior Officers - that said Frederick continued a member of said Company until the end of the revolutionary war, and was when warned always at his post, and conducted himself with zeal & fidelity - This Deponent was with said Frederick on several military expeditions, & among the rest, at Saratoga, Fort Edward, Fort Plain, Fort Plank, Ballston, Schoharie & Cobleskill - this Deponent further saith that said Frederick was sometimes called out on short excursions to sundry places when this Deponent did not accompany him, he the said Frederick was evincing the utmost readiness to serve his country & to risk his life on perilous occasions for her benefit, and further this Deponent Cornelius

2. Van Santvoord saith not
Subscribed and sworn in Com. W. Van Santvoord open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County now sitting this twentieth day of October 1832
John S. Woodhull Clerk
Franklin D. Van Patten's Deposition - taken -
H. D. Van Patten

State of New York County of Schenectady } ss.
We the undersigned John Pangburn & Nicholas Battenbach residents of the town of Rotterdam in said County, do hereby certify, that we were during the life time of the before named Frederick D. Van Patten referred to and described in the preceding documents well acquainted with said Frederick D. Van Patten that we believe he was at the time of his death, which took place on or about the third day of September last past about or upwards of seventy years of age; that he was always reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 20th day of October 1832 John S. D. Doman - Clerk
John Pangburn Nicholas Battenbach
X

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after a due investigation of the matter that the before named Frederick D. Van Patten was a revolutionary soldier & served as stated in the preceding depositions - and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John Langburn & Nicholas Wallenbuss who signed the foregoing certificate are residents of the Town of Rotterdam in said county of Schenectady, and are both credible persons & that their statements are entitled to credit , as are also the statements of Jellie A. Fonda & Cornelius T. Van Santvoord whose depositions are herunto annexed.
I, John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that William Strong before whom the preceding deposition of Jellie A. Fonda has been taken, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for said County - And I further certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the foregoing application for a pension - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office, this twentieth day of October One thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty two.
John S. Vrooman Clerk
Re: F. Van Patten -
County of Schenectady
I, the aforesaid

Cornelius L. Van Santvoord, do further certify in addition to the facts set forth in the preceding affidavit by me subscribed, that said Frederick J. Van Patten served with me as aforesaid in the grade of a private soldier at the following places for the following terms as nearly as I can remember
 at fort Plank and Plain at least one month - at the Schoharie forts at least one month - at fort Edward & Saratoga at least three weeks - at Ballston one week - at Johnstown one week - also on many other occasions which I cannot sufficiently well remember to specify the terms - & further I do not 
subscribed & sworn this 4th Day of July 1833, before me
Wm Strong Justice of the Peace
I William Strong the Justice of the Peace aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Cornelius L. Van Santvoord who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing deposition, & that full faith & credence are due to his statements. Witness my hand this 4th Day of July 1833
Wm Strong

19643
In the matter of the application of the parties interested in the estate of
Fred K. D. Van Patten deceased for his pension
Proceedings
No 52
In the care of Giles H. Yates
Schenectady, N.Y.

County of Schenectady
I, Jemima Van Patten the Widow of the aforesaid Frederick D. Van Patten deceased do hereby declare that according to the best of my knowledge informa- tion & belief said Frederick served as a Private soldier as set forth in the preceding papers for a term not less than six months, yet this declarant is certified from sundry conversations had with her late husband the said Frederick as well as from the information of Cornelius Van Dyke & others now deceased that said Frederick served as aforesaid for a much longer time nor less than one year, but can produce no witnesses to prove the fact and there- fore claims a pension for only six months services, & hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, & declares that the name of the said Frederick is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Jemima X Van Patten mark
Subscribed & sworn this 14 th day of July 1833, before me.
W. Strong Justice of the peace
I, Giles T. Yates Deputy Clerk of said County of Schenectady, do hereby certify, that William Strong before whom the preceding Depositions of Cornelius L. Van Santvoord, & Jemima Van Patten have been taken, was on the days of the respective dates thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said County, that I am acquainted with his hand- writing, and verily believe that the signature to said Depositions & also to the certificate of credibility annexed to said Deposition of Cornelius L. Van Santvoord purporting to be that of said William Strong is genuine. and I further certify that Jellis A. Van de Kooij & Cornelius L. Van Santvoord aforesaid whose Depositions were taken in said Court appeared satisfactorily to said court at the time thereof to be, & thereby certify them to be men of the first respectability & credibility & that their statements are entitled to credit. Witness my hand & the seal of said County this 20 th day of July 1833.
G. H. Yates Dep. Clerk

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
May 24 1833
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 Fredrick Van Patten Schenectady Co. N. York
   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 1779 3 pr. Capt. West West Col. Wm. West West N. York 70 Rotterdam Schenectady New York  
In cases of this kind the Widow should set forth her claim as particularly as she can in conformity to the Regulations - but no service can be taken into the computation of a pension which is not established both as to amount & grade by credible testimony.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
3 Sep '32
Lemina Van Patten

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 the 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.
[j] 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.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
H. Newman

19643
Fredrick Van Patten Schenectady City, New York
fj
June 3 Sept. 32
Admitted Private 6 months
11.11129 16.66 319 3.19 24 / 20 109.85
Giles H. Yates Schenectady New York
6" 1200 m 5.29 30 30 180 180  180 13580 (1495) 180 30 6" 2000 m 5.29 180 180 200 30 1780 150 1620 7 29 1200 3600 3600 1179 ea 900 " 200 29

1832, and his widow in 1834 - In 1838 I procured an increase of pension, as it appears from the Albany books - from $20 to $50 per annum for the F.V.P. on the books - In 1841 the pensioner is marked "dead" on the Albany books - but no balance was drawn in Albany. Might it not have been drawn at Washington? I was in Albany last week, and did not think of looking for any widow's pension. Do, my good friend, to accommodate me in a case where you see my character is concerned, & try to ferret out this matter. It is clear that if Comd McPeters's father died in 1832 as he alleges, & the widow in 1834 (By the way he admits recd pay in 1833 & not after) that there has been forgery & fraud in the case on the Albany books, provided it be true that Comd's father & the F.V.P. on the books are the same person. My health is declining & I cannot do much active work; indeed have not time after Custom House hours, 4 P.M. —
It appears that in 1838 I drew the increased back pay in the case referred to. The powers of Attorney in 1832 if any - in 1833, 1834, 35, '38 &c &c ought to be scrutinized closely, and I would like to know if I could in whose handwriting the powers & drafts are, as well as the name of the justice in each case who swore the party & took the acknowledg-ment. I know I am imposing a vexatious & unpleasant task upon you; but for old acquaintance sake I pray you to undertake

Alexander Ray Esq. My old friend & Resp. Sir,
You are aware that I have done nothing at Pension business since (for the last 5 years) I have been an employee of the U.S. gov't. But every now & then I receive letters of enquiry from some of my old clients respecting their claims (presumed) for increase &c. Indeed I am annoyed much by it, as my papers are stowed away in trunks & not accessible. But within the last month I have been persecuted by one Comt. Van Patten son (alleged to be) Adm't of the estate of Frederick Van Patten for whom it would seem I got a pension of $20 00 or thereabouts pay in 1832 or 1833. And you know me well enough to know that I would not sell my soul for a paltry $20 per an. by keeping on record an old soldier alive for 10 years after his death. This Comt. or somebody for him who is trying to blacken my character in my declining days (while I have letters from different Comts. of Pensions certifying to my honest practice) has found a "mare's nest" in the Pension Agency office at Albany, which is perfectly inexplicable to me. The record there shows that one H. V. P. drew a pension regularly from 1832 or 1833, till 1841. The father of Comt. died, so he says, in

1832, and his widow in 1834 - In 1838 I procured an increase of pension, as it appears from the Albany books - from $20 to $50 per annum for the F.V.P. on the books - In 1841 the pensioner is marked "dead" on the Albany books but no balance was drawn in Albany. Might it not have been drawn at Washington? I was in Albany last week, and did not think of looking for any widow's pension. Do, my good friend, to accommodate me in a case where you see my character is concerned, & try to ferret out this matter. It is clear that if Comd M c Peters's father died in 1832 as he alleges, & the widow in 1834 (By the way he admits rec d pay in 1833 & not after) that there has been forgery & fraud in the case on the Albany books, provided it be true that Comd father & the F.V.P. on the books are the same person. My health is declining & I cannot do much active work; indeed have not time after Custom House hours, 4 P.M. —
It appears that in 1838 I drew the increased back pay in the case referred to. The powers of Attorney in 1832 if any - in 1833, 1834, 35, '36 &c &c ought to be scrutinized closely, and I would like to know if I could in whose handwriting the powers & drafts are, as well as the name of the Justice in each case who swore the party & took the acknowledg- ments. I know I am imposing a vexatious & unpleasant task upon you; but for old acquaintance sake I pray you to undertake

it at your convenience & let me know what you shall have discovered. It cannot be otherwise but that there was more more than one Frederick Van Ratten - Perhaps one had a middle letter - the father of Com d . Any expenses you may be put to I will pay forthwith - I am scant of paper - which please excuse - I write this at the C. House, where I have no paper
Very Respectfully & truly your obliged friend & servant
Giles H. Wells
New York June 29/59

No. 6. Whiting Corp Can be done? of Concord Gow 8/39

Rev. May
11600 INVALID.
File No. 11,600
Fredrick D. Van Patten
Rev. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832.
Index:—Vol. a , Page 388
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Washington Sep 7. 1859
Geo. B. Whiting Esq Com d of Pension Sir
On the 14 th of July last you were kind enough to reply to a letter I addressed to you, enclosing a letter to me from Elias F. Gates Esq of New York.
Altho' your letter very satisfactorily showed that there was no person, by the name of "F. Van Patten" inscribed on the revolutionary pension roll, and their widows; yet, it is still important in way of identity, to know the town the pensioner and their widow resided, the name of the Captain under whom they served, and the nature or character of the Service claimed and pensioned for.
And you will perceive from Mr Gates letter enclosed that he wishes to ascertain the names of the last witnesses to the power of atty, and the names of the Justices of the Peace, to enable him to trace, and identify the two parties.

I presume the witnesses to the power of atty. to draw the money is with the 3 rd Auditor, but enough perhaps may be had from the papers on file in your office, to identify the residences of the parties at the time of the application, and if you will be pleased to furnish Mr. Bates with the information which is so important = last to him .
Yours with very greats
Oblige You or Sir.
Alex. N. Vay

Washington
July 5. 1859
Mr. G. Whiting Esq. Commr of Pensions Sir
I take the liberty to enclose you a letter, from an old correspondent and a very worthy gentleman Miles F. Gates Esq.
This letter relates to a case of Pension Van Patten under act 32. State of New York: the person he represented died in 1832 and the Widow in 1832. Still it would seem the pension was paid up to 1841. perhaps this may be another ( another  Von der Muhl's case)
May I respectfully ask an examination of the papers and favor me with a report for Mr Gates.
Your compliance will oblige
Yours Tr. Servt
Stear. O'Neil
Please return the enclosed if of no importance to your office

OD Pension Office, July 14, 1889
Sir,
In reply to the letter of Mr. Giles H. Gates, communicated by you, I have to state that a certificate was issued on the 27 th October 1833, placing in favor of Lemina Van Patten, as the widow of Frederick D. Van Patten, granting her an allowance of pension, at rate of $20 per annum due her husband, from March 4, 1831. to September 3, 1832, the date of army in the case of his death - payable at the New York.
I further find that on the 9 th January 1834, a certificate was issued to Frederick Van Patten, for an allowance under act of June 7, 1832, at rate of $20.11 c , which allowance pension was increased in 1838 to $50.11 c and was paid at the Albany Agency to the 4 th September 1841. Date of death not given.
Both these soldiers, served (if there were two) appear to have resided in Schenectady County in 1832. Both claims appear to have been prosecuted by Mrs.

Giles H. Yates, and both soldiers, it would seem, claimed to have served in Wemple's Regiment although in different companies.
These facts may enable you correspondently to make the necessary explanations.
The vouchers upon which payments were made to Frederick Van Patten up to September 1841, are on file in the 3 d Auditor's office, and can be doubtless personally examined by you, if deemed necessary. The arrears due at his death do not appear to have been recovered.
July 14.
Alexander Ray Esq Washington, D.C.

Alexander Ray Sept. 8. '59

Pension Office, Sept. 8, 1839.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 7 th inst. I have to state that reiterate that all the evidence in relation to the payments in the cases of Van Loureina Patten and Frederick Van Patten are on file in the office of the 3 d auditor. The papers upon which these claims were allowed are on file in this office, and can be examined by you, when you can procure such facts as they disclose, which in in your opinion will enable your correspondent, Mr. Yates, to afford the  explain  render the explaining he desires.
Alexander Ray Esq Washington, D.C.

New York Sep 3 d 1859 Alex s Ray Esq My dear Sir.
I thank you for the letter you caused to be sent to written for my information by the Commissioner of Pensions in answer to some queries I made in the matter of the application of Frederick Van Patten for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832. But it lacks one or two points which I would like to have you get supplied, if possible -
The Commissioner's letter of the 14 th July 1859, states the facts which it may be useful to repeat as follows - 1 st That the first certificate was issued to Frederick D. Van Patten & widow Jemima 27 th Oct 1833 - to whom the pension granted by said certificate, was paid from 4 th Mar 1831, to Sep 3 d 1832, the day of his death at the New York Agency at the rate of $20 p. an. 2 nd That on 9 th Jany 1834 a like certificate was issued to Mrs. Van Patten under said act at the same rate which was increased, in 1838 to $50 p. an. - payable at the Albany agency to 4 th Sep 1841, date of death not given
Both soldiers resided in Schenectady County & both applications were prosecuted by Mrs. F. Yates .
Now Comr. F. Van Patten claims that

I have rec d monies not paid over to his mother in 1833 or thereabouts He acknowledges she rec d $30 at that time & that her name was Gemina - which would seem to identify him as the son of Fred o  D. Van Patten . He has possession of certificate No 2. You see what I want to make out the iden- tity of N o 1 & N o 2 Frederick Van Patten . Schenectady County don't fix the residence as there are several towns belonging to that County - Rotterdam, Glenville &c &c in one of which all the Van Patten family or most of them lived. This C. F. V. P. says he has received information from Washing- ton that some $78 is due. I informed him in reply that on his getting up the proper vouchers of time of death &c he could draw that balance.
N o 2 draw his pension up to 1841 it seems. If I could ascertain who were the witnesses to his last power of atty say in 1840 & 1841, the name of the Justice before whom he swore & it would perhaps aid me to trace the family connections of this N o 2 and so satisfy Cornl F. V. Patten who is continually writing to me about a balance due his late mother.
At your convenience let me hear from you in reply. Yours truly A. H. H. (A. H. H. signature)