Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,982, Nicholas Van Alstine, New York

SERVICE
New York
Van Alstine, Nicholas
NUMBER
S. 23982
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for contents entry
Blank lined area for contents entry

24 736
New York Albany Nicholas van Alstine decd of Montgomery in the State of New York who was a Lieutenant in the Company commanded by Captain Van Euren of the Regt commanded by Col Clyde in the New York line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 320 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.  Sept 1834 3 Ending  Co n August 1836 Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of December 1830 and sent to Hon H. Walden Arrears to the 4th of House of Reps Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. K. Wightman Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 79

No 25900
Nicholas Van Alstine Montgomery County New York.
2192
Admitted Limit 2 years
f
Capt R Van Epps
Capt Van Epps Vol 3. page 24
" " 25
"
Genl D. Gates Schenectady New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Aug 15 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, showing the Service of Nicholas Van Alstine Montgomery County New York
   Date Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Months. Days.     and Aug t 1776 about 8 - Lieut. Cap t Daymont 85 years Montgomery County New York Traditionary evidence & four Witnesses certified credible papers Com ty attached   Served 1777 about 6 - Lieut. & Quarter Master officers not named   Ordered Dec r 1777 - 25 Lieut. Cap t Daymont   Ordered June 1778 about 5 - Lieut. no officers named   Served 1779 4 - Lieut. Cap t Van Evera, Col l Clyde   Ordered May 1780 about 6 - " Cap t Rynear Van Evera   Ordered, 1781 4 - " Cap t Van Evera, Cap t McLean, Col l Willett   Served 3 - " Col l Herkimer, Col l Clyde, Col l Clarke, Waggons & Camps & Ellijay, Drey, Goshman, & House, Battle of Sharon  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
+ Not on the roll of Capt Van Evera See Vol 3. p 24, 25.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1852.
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, 1852.
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, 1852. 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:
_____ set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served in a town or county and State not of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the time and the country through which he marched, when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
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 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) _____, who has 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 days 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
The applicant should produce the Certificate of the of New York, showing that he was appointed

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 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 inquiry 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, a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is signature.
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.
the State
as a Lieutenant

State of New York, Montgomery Co ss
On this second day of November, 1850, before me S. Belden Jr., surrogate in and for the county and state aforesaid, personally appeared Abraham A. Van Alstine of the county and state aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is the Administrator of Nicholas Van Alstine, deceased, who was a Revolutionary prisoner under the act of 7th June, 1832, at the rate of $320 per annum, on the roll of the Albany Agency, but whose pension was suspended from the 4th of September, 1834, and who died on the 20th day of August, 1836 leaving no widow, and that the following named children are the only surviving children of said deceased: viz. Gilbert A. Van Alstine, Cornelius A. Van Alstine, John A. Van Alstine, Charity Van Alstine, Nancy A. John, and Abraham A. Van Alstine.
Now the object of this declaration is to ask for a removal of the suspension of said pension, and to obtain for the use and benefit of the above named children the amount of pension due to said Nicholas Van Alstine at the time of his death, and to which this declarant believes they are justly entitled.
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me Nov. 21 1850
S. Belden Jr. County Judge
Abraham Van Alstine
Administrator

State of New York
Montgomery County ss
I Samuel Belding Jr. County Judge of Montgomery County. Certify that I have examined the papers on file and the records remaining in the Surrogates Court of said County and from said examination & inspection it satisfactorily appears to me that Nicholas Van Alstyne late of Canajoharie in said County deceased - died on the 20 th day of August 1836 -
In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of the Surrogates Court of said County of Montgomery to be hereunto Affixed. Witness S. Belding Jr. County Judge of said County at Amsterdam November 2 nd A.D. 1850
S. Belding Jr.
County Judge

Fees $1.00 Paid by J.B. Mitchell Esq.
to the Commissioner and, Esq.

11 Die Martis 8 va ho. A. M. July 23 rd 1776 The Convention met pursuant to adjournment opened with prayers by the Rev d Mr. Lewis.
Whereas from the best information this Convention has obtained the inhabitants in the Western and Northern parts of the County of Albany, and other inhabitants of the Counties of Tryon, Charlotte, Gloucester Cumberland, Ulster and Orange are greatly opposed to the Indians and and several families in some of the above mentioned Counties from the dangers they apprehend have already removed, and 'tis probable others will remove into the interior parts
this State to the inevitable destruction of many, and to great distress of the public In order therefore to in- duce those inhabitants to remain in their possessions, and to afford them a protection against the inroads of the Indians Resolved unanimously that there be raised in the County of Albany One hundred and twenty six men Officers included to be employed as scouting parties to range the woods; and that the same be divided into two Companies each Company to consist of one Captain two lieutenants, three Sergeants, three corporals & fifty four privates
That in like manner and for the same Service two hundred and one men be raised in the County of Tryon to be divided into three Companies each to consist of one Captain, two lieut s , three Sergeants, three corporals & fifty eight privates"

"That the Commissioned Officers of the Companies of the Counties of Albany, Tryon, Charlotte, Ulster and Orange be nominated for approbation and appointment of this Convention by the respective County Committees, and that the said County Committees issue warrants for levying those troops to such persons whom they propose to nominate for Companies. And it is hereby strongly recommended to them to nominate persons of sober & active dispositions for these appointments"
"Tuesday morning Oct. 10. 1776"
A return of Officers for three Companies of Rangers to be raised in Tryon County, Signed John Fry, Chairman, was read - Ordered that Co. issue accordingly"
State of New York } Secretary's Office } I certify the preceding to be the true Extracts from the "Minutes of the Committee of Safety & Convention 1776" deposited in this Office and I further certify that on a careful Examination of the said Minutes & other records also I did not find the names of the officers ordered to be commissioned as above stated. Given under my hand and the seal of this Office at the City of Albany the 21 st day of September A.D. 1833 Arch d Campbell Dep. Secretary

State of New York
Montgomery County p. Henry F. Yates of the Town of Root in said County being duly sworn before me David Sparker one of the judges of the Court of Common pleas of said County of the degree of Councillor at law in the supreme Court of the State of New York deponeth and saith that he has examined the annexed receipts and that the bodies of the said receipts are written in the proper hand writing of his this deponent Father Christopher P. Yates that he has frequently seen the said Christopher P. Yates write and is well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Christopher P. Yates and that the signature of the said Christopher is a subscribing witness to two of the said receipts is in the proper hand writing of the said Christopher P. Yates. And this deponent further saith that he is well acquainted with the hand writing of John Winn who has signed the first mentioned receipt and that the same is the proper hand writing of the said John Winn and that this deponent has been informed and believes to be true that John Fney whose name is mentioned in the said receipts acted as Chairman of the Committee of Tryon County at various times during the revolutionary war and that this deponent is fifty seven years of age and further saith not -
Henry F. Yates
Subscribed & sworn to this 25 th day of June Sept. 1833 before me & I do certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Henry F. Yates who subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit that he is credible to full credit as a witness and that I believe him to be of the age above stated in this affidavit David Sparker a Judge of Montgomery County Court of degree of Councillor at law in the Sup re Court

State of New York Montgomery County
George D. Ferguson clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that David Spraker before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn to on the date thereof a Judge of Montgomery County Courts of the degree of Bachelor at Law of the Supreme Court And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge & truly believe that the name of said Judge subscribed to the within affidavit within Certificate of Character is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 2 nd October 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

John Winn Christian Gittmann Marius Demuth To John one Frey

Palatine July August 2 nd 1776.
Rec d of John Frey Esq r . Chairman of the committee of Tryon county the sum of three hundred and twenty Pounds New York currency, being Money sent to him from Congress for Bounty to the Rangers to be raised in this county
John Winn, Captain
Palatine August 3 rd 1776. Rec d of John Frey Esq r . Chairman of the committee of Tryon county the sum of three hundred and twenty Pounds current Money of the State of New York, being Money sent to him from Congress for Bounty to the Rangers to be raised in this county
his Christian + G. H. man [initials] Mark
Witness Chris t . B. Yates.
Palatine August 6 th 1776. Rec d of John Frey Esq r . Chairman of the committee of Tryon county the sum of three hundred and twenty Pounds current Money of the State of New York, being Money sent to him from Congress for Bounty to the Rangers to be raised in this county
his MD D. M. [initials] Marcus Mark.
Witness Chris t . B. Yates.

State of New York
Montgomery County ss;
William Wallace of the said County being duly sworn before the undersigned a Justice of the peace of said County deposes & saith that he is now eighty eight years of age that during the Revolutionary War this deponent served therein, that in the said War he was well acquainted with Nicholas Van Alstine of the town of Canajoharie in said County, an applicant for a pension. That in the year 1777 in the Spring, this deponent knew the said Nicholas Van Alstine to be in the service of his Country at the North of the State of New York at Piconderoga, that the said Nicholas Van Alstine then served as and was reputed to be a Lieutenant in the said Service, which this deponent afterwards learned to be the fact from seeing the said Nicholas Van Alstine's Commission in his possession And further this deponent saith not
Subscribed and sworn to this 1 st day of October 1833
W m Wallace
before me Henry M Livingston J.P.
And I the said Justice before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named William Wallace that he is a creditable person and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Henry M Livingston J.P.

State of New York Montgomery County
ss: I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Henry M. Livingston, before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace of the said County: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and Verily believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit & to the within Certificate of Character is Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 2 d October 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York
Montgomery County ss: On the nineteenth day of June in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared before me David Spaker one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery aforesaid Nicholas Van Alstine a resident of the town of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery aforesaid 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 7. th 1832.
That he was born in the Year 1748. at a place called Smithtown now Glen in the County of Montgomery aforesaid on the 26 th day of December of that Year - and that he has ever since his birth been now is a resident of the County of Montgomery aforesaid - That he did some time in the Month of August 1776. receive a Commission as Lieutenant in a company of Militia in the County of Montgomery State of New York aforesaid under Captain Daymont of said County - that this was a company of Rangers to serve in the Revolutionary War - that he resided in the town of Canajoharie in the then County of Tryon now County of Montgomery when he received said Commission - that your applicant entered into actual service as such Lieutenant under the said Mark Daymont Captain in the said Month of August 1776 and soon after he received said Commission and continued in actual service until some time in the Month of December following that during that period he served at the following places he first after leaving his place of residence with his said company arrived at a place now called "Little Falls" in the County of Herkimer on the borders of the Mohawk River & from thence they proceeded up the Mohawk River to a place then called "New Dutch Land" & within about 9 miles of the now City of Utica from thence the said applicant proceeded down said Mohawk River to the said Little Falls from thence to Canajoharie & immediately from thence to Lake George and from thence to Ticonderoga at Lake Champlain - and that he so continued in the said service of the United States without any interruption until the Month of April 1777. but that from the Month of December 1776. till the Month of April 1777. the said company was commanded by Captain Christian Gotsman as Captain & by your applicant & one Laurence Grops as Lieutenants - that he was discharged from the service in April 1777. that immediately after his return home from Ticonderoga aforesaid he was ordered into actual service as such Lieutenant to garrison fort Plank in the then County of Tryon & also Fort Ehle in said County at which said forts he served constantly continuing from the Month of May in 1777. until the Month of November 1777. but that he did a part of the time during that period perform the duties of Quarter Master instead of Lieutenant - that about the first of December 1777.

9 he was ordered by said Captain Daymont to go to Peekskill to fetch Public Money for the pay ment of the said troops which he accordingly did and that he was actually employed in this service till the 25 th day of December 1777. being twenty five days - and that he was commanded by Captain Ryneer Van Ecora during his services at Fort Plank & Fort Ehle as above stated - after which he performed no service until the month of June in the Year 1778. When he was ordered to Fort Plank aforesaid where he went and performed active military services as such Lieutenant until the month of November 1778 - and that in the following Year of 1779. he served at the same fort & at Fort Ehle for the term of four months under Captain Van Ecora  Daymont & was during that period commanded by Col. Clyde - that in the month of May of 1780 - he was ordered to the said Fort Ehle where he continued to serve as such Lieutenant under Captain Ryneer Van Ecora until the month of November of that Year - that in the Year 1781 - he was again ordered into active service as such Lieutenant under the said Captain Van Ecora and that they served during this Year for the further term of four months at said Fort Ehle except that during that Period the said applicant went in Company with a party of men from said fort to a place then called "Turlock" now called Sharon in Schoharie County & State of New York and that the applicant was in the battle fought at Sharon aforesaid was then & there commanded by one Mc Kean who was a Captain & that the party to which he belonged were volunteers for that particular service from said Fort & that Col. Willett had the Command of the troops at said battle - and that in addition to the services above stated the said applicant did on divers occasions when there were alarms during the said Revolutionary war perform trifling services of days & parts of days which are not included in the services above specified amounting no doubt to three months service - that he was during the time the above services were performed commanded by the following officers of higher grades than has heretofore been stated vizt General Herkimer Colonels Clyde, Clark, Waggoner & Campbrell, & Majors. Frey, Coseman & House - and that he was personally acquainted with the following regular officers vizt during said service - Col. Willett, Col. Gannvoort - General Philip Schuyler - Capt. Andrew Trick, & Captain Mc Kean & William Wallace a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary army - That Your applicant did during the said war when moving his property and family from place to place lose his commission nor has he now any documentary evidence whatever relating to his commission discharges or services whatever - That he is known in the neighborhood where he lives by the following persons vizt Rev d . Ransford Wells John Roof, John Frey the Rev d Abraham Van Horn & that he has produced before the said Judge the said John Roof & the Rev d . Ransford Wells  Wasserman  has known to prove his character his age & that he is reputed to have been an officer in the Revolution

And the applicant hereby relinquishes all claims whatever for a Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State - and that by reason of old age & infirmity he is wholly unable to attend Court to make this declaration - and that Peter Hof, Cornelius Van Camp, John Van Alstine, Simon Veeder, can testify to his services in the said Revolutionary war as said Lieutenant - and that I have no record of my age whatever -
Nicholas Van Alstine
Signed taken and acknowledged before me this 19. day of June 1833. David Spaker a judge of Montgomery County, Court of degree of Counsellor in the Sup. Court
And I the said David Spaker do hereby certify that on the said 19 th day of June 1833 - the above named Nicholas Van Alstine personally appeared before me, and after being duly sworn I put to him the several interrogatories required to be put by the regulations of the War Department in those cases to all of which he gave satisfactory answers and from which I am well satisfied that he served in the Revolutionary War as a Lieutenant as particularly specified in the above declaration. I do further certify that I have for many years been personally acquainted with the said Nicholas Van Alstine and that he is credible & entitled to full credit & I do further certify that the said Applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity attend the Court to make this declaration -
David Spaker a Judge of Montgomery County Court of degree of counsellor in the Sup. Court -

State of New York
Montgomery County ss:
We Ransford Wells a Clergyman and John Roof of the town of Canajoharie in the County of Montgomery aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nicholas Van Alstine who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be Eighty five Years of age - that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war - and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn & subscribed this 19. day of June 1833. before me and I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Ransford Wells & John Roof and that they are credible and entitled to full credit as witnesses - and that said Wells is a Clergyman in good standing -
David Spear a Judge of Montgomery County Court -
Ransford Wells
John Roof

State of New York
Montgomery County ss: Peter Fox of the town of Palatine in the County of Montgomery aforesaid being duly sworn before me David Spratt one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas of the said County of Montgomery of the degree of Councillor of the Supreme Court of the State of New York deposeth and says that he was personally acquainted with Nicholas Van Alstyne who has made the above declaration during the Revolutionary War, and that he has known him ever since that the deponent has during said War and at different places seen the said Nicholas in active service in the capacity of Lieutenant that this deponent has seen the said Nicholas engaged in said service as Lieutenant at Oriskany at Fort Ehle at Fort Plank & at other places during parts of the years 1776. 1777. 1778. 1779 1780 & 1781 and that this deponent has no doubt of the truth of the facts stated by the said Nicholas in his declaration hereto annexed, which the deponent has here read, nor that he the said Nicholas served the time in the manner therein particularly stated, and that it has always been understood & believed in the neighborhood where the said Nicholas lives that he was an officer in the Revolutionary War of the grade of Lieutenant - and that the deponent now is of the age of Seventy three Years since September last - I further say not
Subscribed & sworn this 22 nd day of June 1833. before me & I do certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Peter Fox who subscribed & swore to the above affidavit that he is credible and entitled to full credit as a witness & that I believe him to be of the age above stated in this affidavit -
Peter Fox
David Spratt a Judge of Montgomery County Court of degree of Councillor in the Sup. Court

State of New York
Montgomery County ss: On the 28 th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me David Spraker one of the judges of the court of Common pleas of the County of Montgomery aforesaid Cornelius Van Camp of the town of Minden in the said County of Montgomery who being by me duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Nicholas Van Alstine who has made the above declaration during the Revolutionary War and was given in that in the winter of 1776 1777. he was in the service of the united States at Seconderoga  Lake George under Col Cox & that after he had been there a few days the said Nicholas Van Alstine arrived at that place with a company of Rangers he the said Nicholas was then serving in the capacity of Lieutenant, and the deponent believes that the said company of Rangers was Commanded by Captain Frederick Gethman & the deponent believes that the said Nicholas arrived at the place aforesaid some time in the month of January of that winter & that he & the said Company of Rangers Remained at that place in active service until the latter part of March or the first of April following - has no reason to doubt from the declaration of the said Nicholas Van Alstine but  and the deponent would believe that the said Nicholas served in the Militia of the State of New York & in the service of the united States for the time therein the manner stated in his declaration hereto annexed & which the deponent has heard read, & he believes the said Nicholas to be a man of truth & veracity & entitled to full credit - that it has always been understood & believed in the neighbourhood where the said Nicholas lives that he was an officer in the War of the Revolution of the grade of Lieutenant & that he believes the said Nicholas to be of the age stated in his declaration - & that the deponent is of the age of about seventy two years
Corn t . Van Camp
Subscribed & sworn this 28 th day of June 1833. before me, And I do certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Cornelius Van Camp who subscribed and swore to the above affidavit, that he is credible & entitled to full credit as a witness & that I believe him to be of the age above stated in this affidavit -
David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Court of degree of Council in the said Court

State of New York
Montgomery County ss:
On the 27 th day of June 1833. personally appeared before me David Spraker one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery in the State aforesaid of the degree of Counselor at Law of the Supreme Court of said State John Van Alstine of the town of Canajoharie in the County & State aforesaid who being duly sworn by me deponeth and saith that he is the brother of Nicholas Van Alstine the person who has subscribed & sworn to the declaration for a pension which is hereto annexed and which the deponent has heard read - that the deponent is twenty four Years of age and has ever since he was a was a child of three or four years old known intimately the said Nicholas Van Alstine - that he has always from his infancy lived in the immediate neighborhood of the said Nicholas - that during the Revolutionary war he knows that the said Nicholas Van Alstine was appointed and received a commission of Lieutenant in the militia of the State of New York and that the said Nicholas as such Lieutenant during the said Revolutionary war served at different times under Captain Daymont - Captain Geyman and Captain Van Epps as stated in the declaration of the said Nicholas Van Alstine hereto annexed - the deponent further saith that he has seen the the commission which the said Nicholas Van Alstine received as aforesaid and the deponent has no doubt but that he, the said Nicholas received said Commission in 1776 - the deponent further says that he has a distinct recollection that the said Nicholas Van Alstine went in the Year 1776 as such Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Mark Daymont from Canajoharie up the Mohawk River in the service of the united States & that after some time & the deponent cannot recollect how long they returned, & that the said company together with the said Nicholas immediately on their return to Canajoharie started for Lake George and the deponent will recollect that the said Nicholas Van Alstine did not return till the following Spring of 1777 - and the deponent further says that he has seen the said Nicholas Van Alstine in the service of the united States at Forts Plank & Ehle as stated in his declaration nor has he any doubt but that he served the time specified in his declaration at said the Forts - that he knows that the said Nicholas Van Alstine was in the battle during the Revolution called the "Turlouck Battle" & the deponent thinks it was in the Year 1781 - the deponent saw the said Nicholas in the service of the united States at different times & places during the Years 1776. 1777. 1778. 1779. 1780. & 1781 - nor has he any doubt but that said Nicholas Van Alstine served the time particularly specified in his declaration hereto annexed in the capacity & manner therein stated - the deponent also has a distinct recollection of the fact that the said Nicholas went to Peeks Kill after money as stated in his declaration hereto annexed -

Subscribed and sworn this his John x Van Alstine mark 27 day of June 1833 before me and I do further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said John Van Alstine who subscribed & swore to the above affidavit that he is credible & entitled to full credit as a witness and that I believe him to be of the age above stated in this affidavit David Spraker a Judge of Montgomery County Court of degree of Councillor in the sup court -
State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office
I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of Montgomery County do hereby certify that David Spraker Esq. before whom the foregoing annexed declaration of Nicholas Van Alstine, and the foregoing annexed certificate of Ransford Wells, & John Roof, & also the foregoing annexed affidavits of Peter Fox, John Van Alstine Cornelius Van Camp, & John Roof to have been sworn was on the date of said declaration, certificate and affidavits a judge of Montgomery County Court; And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge & truly believe that his name subscribed to the said declaration of Nicholas Van Alstine, & Certificate of Ransford Wells & John Roof & affidavits of Peter Fox, Cornelius Van Camp & John Van Alstine and to the Certificate of Credibility of the said Nicholas Van Alstine, Ransford Wells, Cornelius Van Camp, Peter Fox in Alstine is genuine. "John Van Alstine" in their name interlined. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 2 nd July 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York
Montgomery County ss: On the 27 th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me David Fisher  Abraham Morrill First one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery in the State aforesaid of the degree of Counsellor at Law of the Supreme Court of the State aforesaid Simon Veeder of the town of Johnstown in the County State aforesaid who being by me duly sworn saith that he was personally acquainted with Nicholas Van Alstine of Canajoharie who has subscribed & sworn to the annexed declaration for a pension, during the Revolutionary War, and ever since - that this deponent was one of the Committee of Safety in the County of Tryon of which the present County of Montgomery is part, during the Revolutionary War - and that the said Committee then in the Year 1776 recommended the said Nicholas Van Alstine as a fit & proper person to be appointed Lieutenant in a company of Militia belonging in said County of Tryon now County of Montgomery - and the deponent further says that he did during the said Revolutionary War understand that the said Nicholas Van Alstine did receive the appointment of Lieutenant as aforesaid, and that this deponent has, during the said War & after the said Nicholas was so recommended as aforesaid seen the said Nicholas in the service of the United States in the Capacity of Lieutenant and the deponent further says that he has always since the Revolution understood & such has been the General understanding in the said County that the said Nicholas did during the Revolutionary War serve as such Lieutenant Nor has the deponent any doubt but that the said Nicholas served in the Revolutionary War as stated in the annexed declaration by him made & signed & which the deponent has heard read - that this deponent is in the Eighty Sixth Year of his age & that he knows that he & the said Nicholas are nearly of the same age - the deponent further says that he did on several occasions during the Revolutionary War hear that the said Nicholas was engaged in the service of the United States as such Lieutenant which he believes to be true - that the said Nicholas is a man of truth and veracity and that he sustains a good moral character - & further says not.
Subscribed & sworn, this 12 th day of July 1833.
Simon D. Fisher
before me, and I do certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Simon Veeder who subscribed & swore to the above affidavit, that he is credible & entitled to full credit as a witness & that I believe him to be of the age above stated in this affidavit -
Abraham Morrill First Judge of The Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery & of the degree of Counsellor at Law in the Supreme Court of the State of New York

State of New York
Montgomery County Clerk's Office.
B: George D. Ferguson, Clerk. of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that Abraham Morpell, Esq. before whom the within affidavit of Simon Veeder purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof First Judge of Montgomery County Courts. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that his name subscribed to the within affidavit is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office this 2 d July 1853.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York
Montgomery County ss Peter Van Alstine of the Town of Hutton of the County of Schoharie being duly sworn deposeth and saith. That he is now in his Seventy third year of his age. That he was born in the Town of Canajoharie in the County of Tryon now the County of Montgomery And this deponent further says that from his youth up he has been well acquainted with Nicholas Van Alstine. And that he has personal knowledge by seeing the said Nicholas Van Alstine act. And also that this deponent has actually been in much service with the said Nicholas Van Alstine during our Revolutionary struggle. And this deponent further says that he personally knows that the said Nicholas Van Alstine was commissioned as a Lieutenant and acted in the capac- -ity of such. And that he this deponent was residing in the summer of 1776 in the Town of Canajoharie County of Tryon now Montgomery. That in the month of August in the same year according to the best of this deponent recol- -lection. Started from Tryon County an a Military For- -ce a Company commanded by Captain Getman Lieutenants Gros and Van Alstine the said Nicholas Van Alstine above named. And that the aforesaid Company did not return from the War of Service until the following Spring. And this deponent further says that Nicholas Van Alstine was deputed to go to Schoharie to procure money to pay off the Company aforesaid. And that the said Nicholas was gone for some days thinks not less according to the best recollection of this deponent than twentyfive or thirty And this deponent further says that he knows that the said Nicholas Van Alstine acted in the Capacity of a Quarter Master at Fort Stanwix in the Spring of 1777 until the Fall of the same year. Also the year 1778 from spring till fall. And this deponent further says that the time of service in each year was not less than six months according to this deponent's recoll- -ection. And this deponent further says that he saw the said Nicholas Van Alstine acting in the Capacity of a Lieutenant at Fort Eddy in the summers of the years of 1779 1780 & 1781. And that this deponent believes that the time of service in each year was not less than three months

And this deponent further says that all the above services were rendered in a regularized corps of militia under Col. Clyde, except the first above mentioned. And this deponent further says that he knows that the said Nicholas Van Alstyne was a vigilant Fellers acting officer and was much devoted to the interest of the American cause. And further this deponent saith not.
Peter Van Alstyne
I certify that Peter Van Alstyne the person whose name is subscribed to the above affidavit personally appeared before me John Cumming a Justice of the peace of the County of Montgomery and duly made oath this 19 th day of October 1835 to the truth of said affidavit. I further certify that I have for several years been acquainted with the said Peter & consider him entitled to credit.
John Cumming Justice
State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office
I Richard H. Cushing Deputy Clerk of the County of Montgomery do certify that John Cumming Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and do believe that the signature to said Jurat is genuine. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 21 st day of October 1835.
R. H. Cushing Dep. Clk.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Nicholas Van Alstine a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
Sur. File 23,982.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAINS COLONELS     Aug. 76 to Dec. 76 Lieut Hansmark Benoth Frank Daym... Clyde, Clerk N.Y.   Dec. 76 to Apr. 77 Lieut Christian Gettmann Maggoner, and   May 77 to Nov. 77 Q.M. Rumer Vans Everen Campbell   Dec. 1. 77 25 days - Lt. "   June 78 to Nov. 78 Lt "   May 79 4 mos - " "   May 80 1 mo. 78 " "   81 4 mos. " " McKean Millet  
Battles engaged in, - Turlock, under Capt McKean.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Caujoharie  Tryon Co. - NY
Date of application for pension, June 19, 1833.
Residence at date of application, Caujoharie, NY.
Age at date of application, Born Dec. 26, 1748 no only but Saughton NY.
Remarks: + He died Aug. 20, 1836 leaving children: Gilbert N., Cornelius N., John N., Charity, Nancy & John, & Abraham N.
1833 bro. John ae 76 - + child N. N. Van Alstine resident  Caujoharie in 1835.
Office note: Service not verified by N.Y. State.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by L. D. L.
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Nicholas Van Alstine
Service _____
Additional Service Rev. War
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No claim except I# 23982

Em
Caujoharie N.Y.
Jan. 15, 1909.
Commissioner of Pensions, -
Dear Sir:
Can you give me the war-records of Cornelius L. and Nicholas Van Alstine. A girl wishes to join C. A. R.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Charles H. Campbell
Pres. C. A. R.
Caujoharie,
N. Y.

Revolution
23982 INVALID.
1909 July 2. Hit. to Mrs. Chas. W. Campbell
File No. 23,982
Nicholas Van Kliefine
Lieut Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index: —Vol. 9 , Page 439
[Arrangement of 1870.]

24. 736. New = York
Nicholas Van Alstine of Montgomery in the State of New York who was a Lieutenant in the Corps commanded by Captain Van Evera of the Regt. commanded by Col. Blyde — in the New York line for 2 years —
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Feb. 1834 and unto G. H. Yates Schenectady
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 38 $ 800 Semi-ant. allowance ending M. 34 100 $ 960
Revolutionary Claim, Oct 22nd 7, 1832. Geo. C. [unintelligible] Clerk, Recorded by Book E Vol. 4 Page 85

Payments to be made at New York by Jas. McKee & Co. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of
New York
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E. Vol. 1, Page 85. by Goldsmith Clerk.
Can this name be read?
20100-11 V

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Nicholas Van Klief of the State of New York who was a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary Army
is entitled to receive Three hundred Dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 13 day of February — one thousand eight hundred and thirty—
J. P. Kirtland Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions.

Palatine Bridge Oct. 16. 1873
France
To the Hon. S. Cox Secretary of War Washington

Ganadaga Oct 12 th 1835-
To the Hon Secy of War
Dear Sir
In answer to your polite letter of the 12 th ultimo I solicit your kind indulgence in answering the objections, raised by the pension office to my father's pension — Your honour says in your letter, "In many parts of the country the settlements were much exposed, & it frequently became necessary for the inhabitants to turn out voluntarily, for a few days in their own defence. And in others they associated together erected block houses &c. and that it was frequently a question of much difficulty, to draw the line between the services they rendered, and those rendered under the legal authority of the United States or of the proper States, The last come within the pension law, the former do not" In order to satisfy your honour that you have indubitable evidence of the fact that my father comes directly within the purview of the act as by you set forth. By a reference to the papers your honour will find an original receipt, in the hand writing of Col Christopher P. Yates, In which receipt Capt Getman Capt Baymouth & Capt Nimm severally acknowledged the receipt of bounty money, from the Committee of safety of Tryon County, who were legally constituted for that purpose by the State authority — The above commissioned officers were severally required to raise volunteer companies, to act at a minutes warning as exigency might require — Here permit me to apprise you that my father was a Lieut under Capt Baymouth — After the companies under the above officers were formed, out of the three companies one was formed to march directly to Ticonderoga, under the command of Capt Getman, my venerable father & Gros Lieutenants. That they did go there and render services can admit of no doubt, if your honour will take the pains of referring to the affidavits of Cornelius Van Camp, William Wallace, and my father's declaration —

That my father rendered service under Capt Van Everea will admit of no doubt, but the length of time is objected to inasmuch as the records on file contradict that length of service. As the Comr of Pensions says. But if your honour takes into consideration the disqualification of the officers at this time, and their incapacity and inability to do business correctly may be assigned as a reason why the records do not exhibit a longer term of service. But for the purpose of obviating all objections, and the difficulty of procuring much more proof than what is already in your possession, my father is willing that the time set forth relative to Capt Van Everea's service should be applied to him — In consequence of the advanced age of my father, and the few surviving patriots that remain, it is at present impossible to procure any additional proof further than what is now in your possession, and which with all due deference I humbly conceive to be strong —
I conclude by humbly requesting your honour to supervise my father's papers, and if you will take the pains of so doing I cannot but believe your honour will reinstate him, and will erase those unpleasant feelings created by his suspension —
With sentiments of the highest consideration and Respect I remain Dr Sir Yours very Sincerely,
A. A. Van Alstine
To the Hon L. Gaf

V.S.W.2.
D. G. M. P.
21 October 1835 Pension Office

N. 10. W. 2.
NY.
27 October 1835.
Pension Office

Ganajoharie Oct 22 nd 1835-
To the Hon Lewis Cass
I forwarded you a letter not long since. Permit me to trespass on your kind indulgence once more. I enclose you an additional affidavit, which I fondly hope you will find sufficient to reinstate my venerable father -
With consideration of the highest Respect
I Remain Sir
Your very obedient Servant
A. A. Van Alstine
Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of War

Hon. Lewis G. Bag Secretary of War Washington City

Apr. 10. Palatine Bridge April 6
Immediate & very particular attention
Free
C. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington
Apr 6

Canajoharie April 4 th 1835
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir
In behalf of my father I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you, in which you mention that the amount of services rendered by my venerable father during our revolutionary struggle is exaggerated. In what that exaggeration consists you do not condescend to mention in what particular. I have the honour also to acknowledge the receipt of a letter addressed to the Hon Charles McLean by you, in which you state the grounds for the suspension of my father's pay, & here I would premise that if you are tolerated to put such a construction upon the clearest proof, and to sully or tarnish the most respectable evidence of the surviving officers and soldiers such as are produced in behalf of my father, you have it in your power to abrogate the law without the interpretation of the Legislature, or of applying the law in such a manner as may suit your convenience best I draw those conclusions from the objections set forth in your letter to Mr McLean. The first of which is "There is no evidence in the Department that a town of service such as described was rendered at Ticonderoga in the winter of 1776 by the Militia of Tryon County. There is likewise no evidence of the necessity of such service at that time". In reply to the above objections I answer in behalf of my father What the evidence is in the Department is not for him to know, and if it is not there don't falsify the fact that the services were not rendered as set forth in the Declaration of my father. Besides in corroboration of the truth of his Declaration he is sustained by some respectable survivors who were with him at the time and place referred to, and for which evidence I refer you to the testimony of some of our most respectable citizens of the State accompanying his Declaration. I refer you to the testimony of Cornelius Van Camp, & William Wallace. Here then you have the testimony of my father. Van Camp & Wallace whom you must pronounce perjured villains, & you must bottom that allegation upon the ground that the services were not required at that season of the year, which I consider ungenerous & unkind and you ground your protestations upon the assumption first that no services were required at that season of the year

2 nd That the Indians did not make their appearance until early in the summer. Whether the services were required or not it is undoubtedly true as has been proven, and my father in his 86 th year of his age and therefore with one foot in the grave is willing and able to swear to it again & again. If as you state that the Indians made their inuptions in the summer season that goes to corroborate the fact of the rendering of the services, because he started away in August and did not return until the April following, at which season of the year they were dismissed the service at that time and Captain Fox Getman & Grog were his companions on his return home, Some time afterwards he was despatched as a special messenger to Peeks Hill to draw pay for the officers & soldiers for the services then rendered. You also say that the services rendered in Capt. Van Everea's company is incorrect, because others have sworn to services rendered by them under Capt. Van Everea for a term of four or five days and from that you infer that his declaration is false & thing true, which I consider equally ungenerous and unkind and which you are not warranted in saying by a referance to the declaration of my father. As to the different periods set forth in my father's declaration they are all substantially true as far as the memory of man can retain —
In consequence of the very few of the revolutionary survivors it is idle to undertake to procure additional proof, and if it should be procured and should be made out as clear as holy writ (and I consider my father's proof perfectly clear or his pension would not have been granted) at this period obstacles & objections would be thrown in the way. I am aware that innumerable impositions based upon perjury and forgery have been practised upon the Department and that many an undeserving claimant has succeeded in procuring a pension, but because that has been so is no reason why the honest and deserving should have justice withheld from them, which I consider would be the case so far as relates to my father if you should lessen the amount of his pension, which by the bye I hope an honest review of my father's case will cause you to change your opinion — As to the standing of the claimant I might refer you to the Hon Charles McLean late member of Congress from this County, & the present member elect Mathias D. Bovea and even the Hon Martin Van Buren. But sir confiding in your disposition to do what is right in the premises, I shall expect in behalf of my father, that you will  to do him that justice which

His services and privations in securing to us our Independence has so richly entitled him to and that you will reinstate him to his full pension - I conclude by requesting that you may do justice in the premises, and that you will let me hear from you soon
With Sentiments of Respect I remain Dear Sir Yours Respectfully
A. A. Van Alstine
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
were required in

from M. J.
C. J. Van Alstyne Dec 19
Yours
Hon Mathias D. Bovee Member of Congress Washington
Hon. M. J. Bovee H.R.

A. A. 9 Fernald

Ganadawie Nov 30 th 1835-
Hon Mathias I. Bowe
Dear Sir
Permit me to solicit your kind interposition in behalf of my venerable father to procure for him a reinstatement to his pension claims under the Act of 1832 - I am aware you will have difficulties to encounter provided you succeed in consequence of the determined opposition manifested by John L. Edwards Com of Penservy - Permit me to remark however that Mr Edwards has not unfrequently admitted that services have been rendered which would entitle my father to pension, provided they were rendered in a regular embodied corps - I might for your satisfaction give you extracts from his letters, but knowing they will avail nothing I will not trouble you on that subject. Suffice it to say from the determined opposition manifested by Edwards, relief is not to be expected from that quarter - Edwards harps a good deal upon the services rendered under Capt Van Evers, and that it appears from the pay rolls on file in the War Department, that the term of service did not exceed 31/2 months, and that my father is not recognised as an officer in that company. Be that as it may it does not alter the truth of the case that he did render services, and laboured vigilantly in our revolutionary struggle for rising of three years, and that the services were performed at the instance of competent authority - But for the purpose of enabling you to judge advisedly on the subject I would refer you to his papers on file in the pension office. In Oct last in order to do away the difficulties heretofore interposed by Mr Edwards, we procured an additional affidavit of Peter Van Alstine of Fulton Schoharie Co, whose affidavit obviates the difficulties & corroborates generally the declaration of my father

If you will take the pains of examining the mass of testimony in this case, and the respectability of the witnesses many of whom are personally known to you, your mind must irresistably be brought to the conclusion that the Com of Pensions exerts his power to such a stretch as to defeat the law, and that no individual can expect to succeed if he thinks proper to vito his claim - In order therefore to succeed in this instance it will be necessary to procure the original papers together with the affidavit last referred to of Peter Van Alstine, and present them to the Secty of War personally for from the determined opposition manifested by Edwards no relief is to be expected from that quarter - From the politeness & courtesy manifested by the Secty of War I have hopes that you may succeed. The case however is with you if success attends your efforts the credit shall exclusively be given to you. That you ought to succeed will admit of no doubt! That you will give it your undivided attention is my sincerest wish. It will be gratifying to hear from you on the subject -
When any thing of national moment occurs before your honorable body let me not be neglected - With sentiments of the highest consideration
I remain Dear Sir
Yours Sincerely A. A. Van Alstine
Hon Mathias F. Berce.

Nicholas Van Alstine
Nicholas Van Alstine, dec.
Adm o 2 yrs Lieut $320 per annum Comg 4 Sept 1834 & ending 20 Augt 1836, when he died, Payable to Abraham N. Van Alstine, Administrator on the Estate, for the benefit of his Abraham N. Van Alstine Gilbert N. Van Alstine Cornelius Van Alstine John N. Van Alstine Charity Van Alstine & Nancy St John, only surviving children.
Albany Roll H. Waldo M. C. H. of R

The People of the State of New York to all to whom these presents shall come or may concern send greeting,
Know Ye that at the County of Montgomery on the second day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty letters of Admin- istration with the will annexed of the goods chattels & credits of Nicholas Van Alstyne late of Canajoharie in said County of Montgomery deceased were duly granted by the County Judge of said County as Surrogate to Abraham N. Van Alstyne a residuary & principal legatee of the said testator, and that the same are still valid in full force,
In testimony whereof we have caused the seal of the Surrogate Court of said County of Montgom- ery to be hereunto annexed, witness J Belding Jr County Judge &c of said County at Amsterdam this November 2 d A. D. 1850,
J. Belding Jr County Judge