Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,551, Peter Wilkinson, Conn.

SERVICE
Wilkinson, Peter
NUMBER _____
R. 11.551
CONTENTS

18103
Peter Belkimson
on rolls of Ear B. and Co. Ohio
a. c.
July 13 yr old
21 yr old
Continental
William Mitchell
Bethany Genesee N York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjunct 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 Peter Melkinson Genesee County New 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.     July 1777 Capt Genl New Milford   Substitute 1 1 Transferred North Parson Pelkille Leicester County   1777 11 11 do North Major North White Plains Connecticut   1780 6 Colo Bradley Ladishman   6 pir St Col Johnson Gen Hovey Danbury   2 pir = tingson Clintonpoint   1779 Elizabethtown   Vol 1 1 do Capt Boats Norwalk   = Wick aged 63 years  
I am, respectfully,
Such extensive service is surely deserving of some proof. Claimants are required to produce the best evidence in their power.
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.  The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guardian.
[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 , 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 [e] to [j] 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.

State of Connecticut
Probate Court
District of New Bedford
Be it remembered, that on the 26 th day of August 1833. Personally appeared before said Court in person. Reuben Brewster, whom the Court certify to be a credible witness - and being duly centered & sworn, in oath declared, that he was a Soldier in the Revolu- tionary Army, and in the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy seven, when the British went up the North River, at the time of taking Burgoyne, he was in a Regiment, commanded by Col. Moseley, which was sent at that time, to guard the teams with stores belonging to the United States, at a place called Centin- dal village in Peter's Field; where he saw Peter Metterson, formerly of said New Bedford, with whom he was acquainted, now as the depo- nent is informed, of East Bethany, in the County of Genesee, and State of New York -

who was then driving one of the Continental teams, belonging to the United States army, or American Army; and as the deponent understood and believes, was then a soldier belonging to the Army of the United States, but was then driving a team as above stated; Tho' the deponent never saw the said Wilkinson in the Army at any other time, he understood, and believes he was a soldier regularly enlisted in the Army of the United States.
Robert Booroff
Sworn, and Subscribed, this 26 th day of August, 1833. before me
Sam Smith, Judge of Probate - for the District of New Bedford -
State of Connecticut, Probate District of New Bedford, ss - J. George Taylor,
Clerk of said Court of Probate for said District, do hereby certify, that Sam Smith, is a Judge of Probate for said District, as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 15 th day of December, A.D. 1833 -
Geo Taylor

State of Connecticut-
Probate Court -
District of Stamford -
Be it remembered, that on the 18 th day of December 1833 Personally appeared before said court, in person, Ruth Wilkinson, aged sixty three years, whom the court certify to be a credible witness, and being duly cautioned & sworn, on oath, declare, that she was born in St. Johnsbury, and has always lived there, that she is sister to Peter Wilkinson, formerly of St. Johnsbury, but now of East Portman, in the State of New York, who has made an application for a pension, as a soldier of the Revolutionary War. That she has a perfect recollection, of the said Peter going into the service of the United States, as a soldier, or teamster, which she does not recollect, during the Revolutionary War - and that he went at different times, and joined the Army as she then understood from his conversation in the family, and she knew he was absent, some length of time; and tho' she cannot say with certainty, what time, he was in the service, she believes, from recollection, it was at least, between one, and two years - she remembers, that he at one time came home, which was

in the year 1778, and she thinks, in February or March, on a furlough, to have the small pox, having been repurged it, and that she had it, and others, of the neighbors, had it at the same time - she then came home from the North River, as she understood, some where near Fresh Kill, or Fresh Kill, she believes according to her recollection when she had been stationed - she mentions, that the said Peter Hatt, at the time of his coming home to have the small pox, that his repurged it, was confirmed, by some people, who then had the small pox, in the neigh- borhood of his house with a team, while he was then a soldier, or teamster in the army of the Revolution, when the State troops went, she does not know, taking his team, while he was absent from it at the time, to get some wood, for those, who had the small pox; and that he could not get it, without going so near to them, as to be in danger of taking the disease - and consequently, he had taken a furlough, and came home to have it by in isolation - Ruth Wilkinson
Given, and subscribed, before me,
Ruth Smith Judge.
State of Connecticut, Probate District of Farmington, ss - I, George Taylor, Clerk of the Court of Probate, for said District,

State of New York } Seneca County } p.
On this 16 th day of October 1832 person- ally appeared in open court before
the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Seneca, now sitting, Peter Wilkin- son, a Resident of the town of Bethany in the said County of Seneca aged Sixty Eight years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to ob- tain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers and served as herein stated viz,
That in the year 1777 he resided in the town of New Milford in the County of Litchfield and State of Connecticut: that he was born in the said town on the 19 th day of May 1764; that at that time (being in his four- teenth year) he resided with his father David Wilkinson; that in the Spring of the said year 1777, his said father enlisted in the Militia of the State of Connecticut, and entered the service of his country at Picks Hill in the State of New York, as this applicant was informed and believes to be true; that in the month of July of the said year 1777, his said father returned home, and this applicant went to Picks Hill and took his place; that he then entered the service under Captain Gabriel North in General Parsons Brigade, and that the Battalion to which Capt. North Company was attached was commanded by Major Benjamin North, in (as he believes) Col. Bradleys Regiment: that after he arrived at Picks Hill, he was directed to drive a Waggon team consisting of two yoke of Oxen, which was the most common team then in use by the Connecticut troops: that the Officers above named were Officers of the Continental Army as he then supposed and still believes; that he con- tinued with the Army at Picks Hill, and had charge of the said team until about the time of his fathers return to the Army being about a month:
That at this time he this deponent enlisted into the said Continental Army for Eleven Months; that he continued in the service in the capacity of teamster transporting Wagons &c until July 1778. that that part of the Army to which he was attached removed several times from Picks Hill to White Plains, & from White Plains back again to Picks Hill: that his said father remained in the Army until the Spring of the year 1778: that in the month of July 1778 he returned home to his father at New Milford Conn.

and that he remained at home in the employment of his said Father until the Spring of the year 1780 when he again enlisted at New Milford in the Continental Service for six months;
That in the town where he then resided all who were able to bear arms were called, and this applicant was drawn with others to take the place of some of the three years men whose term of Service had expired: that he was sent on to Danbury Conn, from that place to Nelsons Point, opposite to West Point, where he joined the Army, under Lieut Col Johnson who also, at that time, acted as Captain of the Company to which this applicant belonged, and as he believes in General Putnam's Brigade: that from Nelsons Point he marched to Kings Ferry, from thence crossed over to the State of New Jersey: that he was then attached to what was called a Captain's Guard, under a Captain from the Southern States whose name he does not now recollect.
At this time the guard to which he was attached joined the Division commanded by the Marquis De La Fayette, and marched to Elizabeth town, that they returned the next day and joined the Army; that he remained in the service at this time six months: that he received a discharge at a place called the Highlands, after the Army had gone in to Winter quarters, signed by Lieut Col Johnson; that he then returned home to his Father, and gave him this applicant's discharge for safe keeping; that the said Discharge is now lost or destroyed as he believes.
That sometime after this, but in what year or under what Officers he cannot now recollect, in this applicant went twice to Horse Neck, that he served each time about a month as a Militia man: That in the year 1779 he volunteered under Captain Westwick and went to Scarsdale Conn, where he served one month: that he again returned to New Milford and remained there until he was thirty five years of age: that he then removed to the town of Aurelius in the County of Cayuga and State of New York, where he lived six years; from that place he removed to the town of Bethany in the said County of Seneca where he has resided for the last twenty seven years, and where he now resides.
This applicant recollects one other circumstance viz that in the fall of the year 1777 about the time that that General Burgoyne was taken at Saratoga, he went with the Army as far as Red Hook on the North

ascending the said River: That he does not now know of any witness living who can testify to his services during the war of the Revolution: That he has a Record now at his residence, of the births and deaths of his own and his father's families, in which his own age is recorded: That he has not now, nor ever had, a discharge from the Army excepting the one above mentioned.
That he hereby renounces every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, excepting the one now applied for, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
That he is acquainted with Russell Whiting a clergyman residing in the town of Bethany in the County of Greene and Lyman D.  Henry Prindle of same place who will testify that they believe him to be a Soldier of the revolution that he knows of no living witness by whom he can prove his services in the revolutionary war - and that he has no documentary evidence of such services. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court Peter Wilkinson Timothy Fitch Clerk
We Russell Whiting a clergyman residing in the town of Bethany in the County of Greene and Lyman D.  Henry Prindle residing in the same place hereby testify that we are well acquainted with Peter Wilkinson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed - Timothy Whiting The day and year aforesaid in open court Lyman D. Prindle Timothy Fitch Clerk

And the Said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as in States and the Court further certify that it appears to them that Raphael Whiting is a clergyman residing in the town of Bethany and that Symon D. Prindle also resides in the said town of Bethany in said County and that they have signed the preceding certificate that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
Isaac Wilson
William Mitchell
Robert Carr
James Taggart
I Timothy Fitch Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Genesee County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Peter Wilkinson for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this sixteenth day of October 1832
Timothy Fitch Clerk

Peter Wilkinson
Application
18103
Secretary of War Washington City
Sir
Please to make such returns in relation to the within application as from its contents you may think proper to William Mitchell of Bethany, Genesee County New York

State of New York / Genesee County ss. personally appeared before me the undersigned a judge of the County Courts for the County of Genesee Peter Wilkenson who being duly sworn Depo- -eth 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 period mentioned below and in the following Grades -
13 years of age In the year 1777 I served not less than one month in Capt. Norths Company in Col. Bradleys Regiment as a teamster . And in the said year 1777 and in the year 1778. I served not less than eleven months in the said Captain Norths Company and Col. Bradleys regiment as a teamster
In the year 1779 I served not less than one month in Capt. Bastwickes Company at Newwalk Connecticut as a private Soldier at the time Capt. Bastwick was the highest officer in command at Newwalk.
In the year 1780 I served not less than Six months in Lieutenant Col. Johnsons Company in General Parsons Brigade as a private Soldier
In the year 1781 (as I now believe) I served not less than two months at two different times at Horse neck in Col. Judgsons Regiment. The Captain's name I can- -not remember as a private Soldier . Making in the whole of my service during the war of the revolution the time of one year and nine months . one year of which I served as a teamster and nine months as a private Soldier and during which time I was not employed in any any civil pursuit and for which time I claim a pension
And this deponent further Saith that it was not his intention to represent or set forth in his Declaration to which this affidavit is an amendment that he performed but one term of service of Six months in the year 1780. And this deponent further Saith that he is

saw Sixty nine years of age that he was Sixty eight years of age and upwards at the time of making his Said Declaration (and not of the age of Sixty Three as marked in the table of the printed letter)
And this Deponent further Saith that he has been to Great pains and trouble to procure living witnesses of his Service but has been utterly unable to obtain any Such witness That he has resided in the western part of the State of New York about four hundred Miles from the place where he resided when he performed his Said Service for more than thirty years. That all who were knowing to his Service and with whom this Deponent was acquainted During the war of the revolution are Either Dead or Gone to parts unknown to this Deponent That Since his Dislocation has been returned to him for amendment and proof he has performed a lengthy journey to the East to obtain witnesses of his Service and has made use of all other means in his power to obtain Such testimony but has entirely failed. And further this Deponent Saith not Sworn and Subscribed before
me the 20th day of July 1833
William Mitchell Judge as aforesaid
Peter Wilkinson
State of New York Genesee County ss
We Edward Doyon Jacob B Brownson William H Kenney Levi Oles and Nathaniel Estabrook do Severally Swear that we reside in the town of Bethany in the County of Genesee and State of New York that we are each of us well acquainted with Peter Wilkinson who has Subscribed and Sworn to the foregoing affidavit that the Said Peter Wilkinson is a man of strict truth and moral integrity and that

full faith and credit ought to be given to his State- ment.
Sworn and Subscribed before me the 20th day of July 1833
William Mitchell a judge of Genesee County Courts
Edward Dizon Levi Oles Isaac B. Browning W. H. Cumsuy Nicholas Estabrook
State of New York } Genesee County } ss I, Timothy Fitch, Clerk of said County, certify that William Mitchell before whom the above affidavits purport to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same, a Judge of the County Courts for said County. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and may believe his signature to said affidavits to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and seal of Office at Batavia in said County this twenty second day of July 1833
Timothy Fitch Clerk By D. Pringle Deputy

March 10, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mr. Robert Pennell Berrien Springs Michigan
PETER WILKINSON R. 11551 BA-J/MLB
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Peter Wilkinson or Wilkeson, of New Milford, Connecticut.
The record of Peter Wilkinson (as he signed) is given herein as found in pension claim, R. 11551, based upon service in the Revolutionary War.
Peter Wilkinson, son of David, was born May 19, 1764, in New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut; the name of his mother is not shown. He resided in New Milford, Connecticut, until thirty-five years of age, then moved to Aurelius, Cayuga County, New York, where he lived six years, and from there to Bethany, Genesee County, New York.
Peter Wilkinson applied for pension October 16, 1832, while a resident of Bethany, New York. He stated that while residing with his father in New Milford, Connecticut, he enlisted in July, 1777, as a substitute for him, and served as teamster in Captain Gabriel North's company, Colonel Bradley's Connecticut regiment, until July, 1778; that he volunteered in 1779 and served one month as private in Captain Bostwick's Connecticut company; that he enlisted in July, 1780, and served six months as private in Lieutenant Colonel Johnson's Connecticut regiment; and that he enlisted in 1781 and served on two tours to Horseneck, amounting to two months, in Colonel Judgson's Connecticut regiment.
His claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirements of the pension law.

In 1833 the soldier's address was given as East Bethany, Genesee County, New York.
In 1846, he had died (date not stated), leaving a widow, Louisa Wilkinson, of Bethany, New York; the date of his marriage to her, her maiden name or other details not stated.
No reference was made to children.
In 1833, Ruth Wilkinson, soldier's sister, aged sixty-three years, who was born in New Milford, Connecticut, was still residing there.
In 1846, one Amon Wilkinson witnessed the signature of soldier's widow, Louisa Wilkinson, no relationship to the family stated.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

State of Connecticut
Private Court -
District of New Haven
Be it remembered that on the 7 th day of February 1834, personally appeared before said Court in Sion, Benjamin Goodwin aged seventy four years - whom the Court certify to be a credible witness - and being duly cautioned & sworn, on oath declares, that he was acquainted with Peter Melhusen formerly of New Haven - and near of some part of the State of New York, as he believes, and that he saw the said Peter, equipped for military service, during the Revolutionary War, going as he understood, and believes to some place in this State to join the Continental troops, there in the United States Service, and also saw him, when he was on his return from New York, when he understood, he was returning from the Service, the time he was there certainly he does not know, as he never saw him in the Service, but from what he saw, & heard at the time, has no doubt he was in the United States Army, or military service, of some kind, there according on Continent - And during the War, the date, he does not well recollect, he knows of the said Peter going with the

baggage of the army to Fort Mout Gomney as to Fish-kia- and that he drove a herd, then belonging to the account, and was gone some weeks with him, and returned him, pretty much worn out, from which, he then understood, snowbliss. The I Peter was in the service of the United States, nine months or more.
Benjamin H. Block
Sworn & Submitted before me.
Purvis the Judge
State of Connecticut - Probate District of New Britain ss. I George Sayler, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the said District do hereby certify that Purvis the is Judge of Probate for said District as above, and that the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 8 th day of February A D 1832.
George Sayler

Hon S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
I have appointed Isaac Loy of Bridgetown, agent to act in all things for me as the widow in procuring or investigating my just - claim to a pension, as the late Widow of Peter Wilkinson late of N. York who made application for a pension
Dated Bethany May 30 th 1846
Louisa Wilkinson
Louisa Wilkinson

The particular state of this attached case is respectfully asked for, with a copy of the Service claimed & the officers under whom rendered, together with what the Department require

J S Edwards Esqr.
Or Sir Inclosed are some additional affidavits in proof of the revolutionary services of Peter Wilkinson whose papers are on file in the pension office. I hope they will be satisfactory if it is found that he can not be allowed for a greater length of time than nine months. Please forward his certificate to me for that rate - Permit me to enquire the fate of the applications of Ebenezer Darden and Darius Cone whose applications have been some time in the pension office.
Your obedient Servant William Mitchell
Bethany New York 2nd April 1834

Salmon Books September

Hall of Court, St.
Probate Court.
Deed of Acknowledgment.
Be it remembered that on the 13 th day of December, 1888, Personally appeared before said Court, in Session. Salomon Buehr of New Bedford, in said State, whom the Court certify to be a credible witness, and being duly cautioned & sworn, on oath declares, that he was acquainted with Peter Welchman formerly of said New Bedford, and who lives, as he believes in East Brittony, in the State of New York; the present place of his residence, he only knows by information from others; and that the said Welchman, was about five years older than he is; that he was sixty seven years old last May - that he well remembers, the said Welchman, went away from him, at one time with a gun, and stated that he was going to Farmville or Sturminster, in this State to join the troops, in the service of the United States, which was during the Revolutionary War - and this deponent believes that he did go, and join the American Army - how long he stayed - or whether they were still troops, he cannot say, but it was in the American Service - the deponent, further recollects, that at one time, he

the said William, came here, when he had been absent, he thinks, though the summer, or perhaps longer, this year in the fall of the year, and during the War, but the particular dates, he does not recollect - the said William. Stated when he came home, that he had just returned from the army, and that he was discharged, according to his discharge, in some of the Southern States - and the story then related by him, was as this deponent believes correct, he then had no reason to doubt it - nor has not since - This deponent believes, the said William, was not in the Revolutionary Army, and in the services of the United States, one year, or more, but cannot say with any great degree of certainty - This deponent believes the said William, was a part of the army, in the term Service - The deponent believes that the Father of the said Peter was in the Army, in some kind of Service, pretty much, during the War, and that he took his son along with him, while he was going going, the said Peter, and he believes that the said Peter went first with a team, and then as a soldier - Salmon Buck
Sworn, and Subscribed before me Perry Smith Judge -
State of Connecticut - Probate District, of New Britain, ss - I George Foyles, Clerk of the Court of Probate, for said District, do hereby certify, that Perry Smith, is Judge of Probate for said District, as above, and

That the foregoing signature, purporting to be his, is genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Comt. this 15 day of Decmbr, A. D. 1833 -
Geo Taylor

Washington Oct 19 th 1846
Sir
Peter Wilkinson of New York during his life made application for a pension as I am informed under the law of 7 June 1832, he died in 1844, without obtaining his pension & I am employed by his widow further to prosecute his claim & as she is not acquainted with the history of his services fully , & also for other reasons desires that I may be furnished with a copy of his declaration, or permitted to examine personally the same (at least) I would respectfully request that I may be fully informed of the service set forth & the reasons for disallowing the claim that I may act understandingly in the case & if possible obviate the difficulties in the way of its allowance I am informed that the service was, at least a part in the capacity of teamster.
Very Respectfully
Your obedt Servant
Nathan Lake
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm y Pensions,

Hon. Albert Smith June 24. 1840.

557 Prussian Office. June 24, 1846
Sir
I have the honor to return herewith Mr Jry's letter and to inform you that no additional evidence has been received in the case of Peter Wilkinson. Since the date of my letter of the 26 th April 1834, to William Mitchell a copy of which is herewith enclosed
Hon Albert Smith House of Reps

H. U. Soper Jan 3. 1844 ✓

Pension office Dec January 3 1844.
Sir,
In the case of Peter Wilkinson, whose papers are on my file, I have to inform you that the letter from this office of the 26 th April 1834 to Mr. Wm Mitchell, copy of which is enclosed will shew what is wanted. No evidence in the case has since been produced.
H. H. U. Soper Esq. Batavia N.Y.
no 1810 3 Supt N.Y. tot 32

W. Muench Nov 4. 1883
OL
Rec vol 10 p 378

War Department Pension Office Nov Oct 4 1833
Sir
The claim of Peter Wilkinson has again been examined & suspended — No less service other than that under enlistment in a Corp of Con- tinental Troops organized under a Special act of Congress, is provided for by the act; The service in question does not appear to have been of that description — It is further objected to that part of the claim that the declarant was not of an age to be liable to enlistment having been nor can he be considered as capable at the time, of the performance of military duty —
The claim for nine months service will be allowed The papers are on file in this Office
William Mitchell Esq, Bethany Genesee New York

do hereby certify, that Perry Smith, is Judge of Probate, for said District, as above, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this 15 day of December, A.D. 1833.
Geo Taylor

Patania, Genesee Co. N. Y. —
December 21. 1849. —
Dear Sir,
Some ten years since William Mitchell acted as the Agent of one Peter Wilkinson, of Bethany in this County, for the purpose of procuring a Pension for him under the Act of 1832. He says that Judge Mitchell informed him that he had received his Pension Certificate and his papers were made out in order to draw the money — He never received the money or any money and he was subsequently informed that by Judge Mitchell that his application for a Pension was rejected. — Such is the old gentleman's story now and if there has been any thing wrong here I wish to find it out — Will you please inform me of the facts — whether a pension certificate was granted to him and for how much, if any, and whether any thing has ever been paid upon it. —
I am Yours truly
H. W. Loper
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Comr. of Pensions Washington.

New York Rev.
Peter Wilkinson
Suspended
Act. Wm. Hutchinson 4
Apr. 33
Canin's friends letter (copy) let. to same 26. April '34
H. S. Sep. 3 1814
Rev. A. Smith June 24. 1840.
11557
Act. June '32

1934 Mar 10 - Hist to Mr Ralt Pennell MHB
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
11.551
P. O. Peter Wilkinson
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: Printed List of 1852 , 18 Rejected & suspended Claims shows following cause of suspension: "Not of military service - he was Application filed: _____, 18 a teamster
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Berien Springs, Mich Feb. 27, 1934.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly tell me whether or not the name of Peter Wilkinson or Wilkeson of New Milford, Conn. appears on your pension rolls for the Revolutionary War. I am anxious to find some record of the above man's activities in the Revolution.
Very truly yours,
Robert Pennell.