Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,886, Leonard Whyland, New York.

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York.
Whyland, Leonard
S. 7886
CONTENTS
carded.

Albany 14384
Leonard Whyland of Rensselaer Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Athert of the Regt. commanded by Col. Schuyler in the N. York line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of March 1837 and sent to Archibald Bull, Troy, N. Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-ann. allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown
Clerk,
Book E. 2, Vol. 4
Page 82
Reduced from $80 per ann. Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 March to 4 th Sept 1839. Agent Notified 20. Aug 1840

No 19885 Leonard Whyland New York
In capt Riellys Army Role — 101 days in 1778 Ent 5. Oct. 1777 Dis 13 Jan 1778 Ent paid in kind discharged
Law
Richd Full Clerk Rensselaer County Comt. New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the 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 show 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 Leonard Whyland Tenselaer Co
   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.     1776 Nov 3 about 3 Priv Capt Bathurst Col Schuyler None N.Y. Dec 84 Rensselaer County N.Y. Living Witnesses   1777 Enl " 3 " Priv Van Schoick -   1777 Feb Enlisted 8 " Fisher Gen. Howe - N.Y.   Nov 1. 1777 Enlisted 4 Captain -   Sept 1778 Sharp Schuyler - N.Y.   March 1779 Enlisted about 1 Wanderson Wynkoop -   (Remained till July)   1779 Fall about 35 12 Sharp Wan & Van Schaick - N.Y.   1780 Enl 1 7 Spjgs Reiley Gen. Montgomery - Canada   1775  
He believes he has served in the revolutionary war nearly three years in the whole
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

In the matter of the application of Leonard Whyland for a pension in
19885

State of New York, Rensselaer
County & City of Troy - - - 3/3 On this third day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Mayors Court of the City of Troy now sitting Leonard Whylund a resident of the Town of Sandlake in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York aforesaid aged eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following Officers and served as herein stated - He first served as a private soldier in the Militia under the Command of Captain Henry Oathout and Lieutenant Jacob Fonda - Capt Oathouts Company belonged to a regiment under the Command of Colonel Philips Schuyler of Albany - thinks this was in the fall of 1775 but how long he continued in the service at this time he does not distinctly recollect but believes about three months -
about 3 -
He marched from his place of residence to Fort Edward & Lake George about seventy miles where he was dismissed -
In the month of May 1776 he enlisted as a private soldier into the continental service as he believes and marched under the command of Captain Bradt Van Schoonhoven - but believes he did not continue under his command - he continued in active service until sometime in the month of August following when he was dismissed he was dismissed after serving about eight  three months -
about 3 -
In February 1777 he again enlisted as a private soldier into the continental service for the term of eight months and was put under the command of Capt Gerrit Fisher and marched out of Albany on the first day of March 1777 for the north - that he continued in said service
8 -

until after the taking of Burgoyne the 17 October 1777 and was only dismissed after his term of service expired - He does not recollect the names of any of the other officers in Capt. Fishers company He recollects of serving Col. Wynkoop during this term of service but does not recollect whether or not he had the command of the regiment to which this declarant belonged - He was among the troops (commanded by General Philip Schuyler) who retreated before Burgoyne from Ticonderoga to the Plains of Saratoga - This declarant was immediately sent to Albany among a small detachment for some purpose and before the return of the detachment Burgoyne surrendered - He has frequently saw Generals Gates & Arnold during this Campaign
About the first of November of the same year 1777 he was appointed a Captain or Commandant over a small company of men enlisted to cut ship timber for the term of four months and continued this service until the following March he and his men were to receive the same pay and rations as the Continental troops and were considered in the continental service
On the second September 1778 he was again called out among the Militia under the command of Capt George Sharp & marched about sixty or sixty five Miles from his place of residence near a place called Caghnawaga on the Mohawk River when a portion of said Militia were drafted and the rest were dismissed He recollects that Col Stephen Schuyler had the command of this detachment of Militia

In March of the year 1779 he again enlisted among the Continental troops as a private soldier transferred under the command of Capt Jacob Van Deusen and on the first day of April following he left Albany for an expedition for Coeymans and about the first of May following the detachment returned to Albany afterwards they marched to a place called the Helderburgh and remained there until sometime in July when they received the news that the Americans had made a treaty & league with France - made the 30 th October of the year before - when they were dismissed this company belonged to a regiment com- manded by Col Wijn Koop -
In the fall of the same year (1779) He was again called out among the militia and again under the command of Capt George Sharp and marched to Lansingburgh - Half-moon & Still Water in Saratoga county and thence to Schenectady where they were dismissed after an absence from home of about five or six weeks - This detachment of militia consisted of two Regiments one of which was commanded by Colonel Henry K Van Rensselaer and Major Leonard Van Deusen and he recollects the name of the Major of the other regiments to have been Jacob Scher- merhorn -
In the Spring of year he believes of 1780 he enlisted under Capt John Reiley of the City of Troy among an independent band called Rangers a kind of Indian spies for the term of nine months the duty of this band was to protect the lives and property of the Inhabitants against marauding

hands of Tories and Indians - He continued among the Rangers until the expiration of term the following winter -
He was in the Campaign in the fall and winter of 1775 under General Montgomery and was at Montreal when General Montgomery was killed at Quebec the last day of December 1775 - He has frequently seen him - He believes he has served in the Revolutionary war nearly three years in the whole -
1 Was born in the City of New York the twenty third day of November 1749 2 Has no Record of his age 3 Has resided in the Counties of Rensselaer and Albany ever since he was a year and a half old 4 Has never received a written discharge from service and has no documentary evidence of his services 5 Philip Coons of Brunswick David Banniger of Sand Lake & Gilbert Rulay Abraham Price & John Taylor of Troy are well acquainted with this declarant and will testify as to his character of truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension rolls of the agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Archibald Bull Clerk
his Leonard F. Whyland mark

State of New York Rensselaer County City of Troy 3 rd I Philip Hayner residing in the City of Troy in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Leonard Whyland who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and was well acquainted with him before during and since the revolu- tionary war that I believe him to be a man of truth and veracity that I believe him to be eighty two years of age that I have heard the above declaration read and know him to have performed the services therein  in said mentioned to have been performed under Capt George Sharp in the Militia & Capt John Reiley and was a fellow Soldier with him during said times of service This deponent was also one of the men under the command of said Whyland who were engaged in cutting Ship timber as in said declaration stated This deponent also knows that said Whyland was engaged a number of times in the Continental service but cannot state particulars of his own knowledge but believes that the statements in said declaration are true and correct I subscribed  sworn this day and year his Philip + Hayner aforesaid 3 Philip mark Archibald Bull Clerk
State of New York Rensselaer County City of Troy 3 rd I John Lynd of the town of Sandlake in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Leonard Whyland who has subscribed and sworn to the above

declaration and was well acquainted with him before during and since the revolutionary war - that I believe him a man of truth and veracity - and to be eighty two years of age that I have heard the above declaration read same and know that he performed all the services stated therein to have been performed under Capt George Sharp and Captain Reiley among the Martin & Rangers. I also know of his having been in the regular or continental service at several different times and believe that he has stated what is strictly true and correct and nothing else - That this deponent was a fellow soldier with him under Capt Geo. Sharp and Capt Reiley and was also one of the men employed in cutting ship timber as stated in said declaration. Stated
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid Archibald Bull Clerk
John Lynd
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 he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Philip Hayner and John Lynd who signed the above certificates are residents as stated in said certificates and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I Archibald Bull Clerk of the Mayors Court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of Leonard Wm Lynd for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Archibald Bull Clerk

Rev. War
7886
INVALID.
File No. 7886
Leonard Whyland
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 15 , Page 403
[Arrangement of 1870.]

To what time was Leonard Whyland, of N. York, act June 7. 1832, last paid? (Albany agency)
J. L. Edwards 24 March 1837
To the 4 March 1834 JH

4382,
New York
Leonard Wheland of Rensselaer in the State of NY- who was a private in the 60th Regt - commanded by Captain Atwater of the 11th Regt. commanded by Col. Schuyler in the NY line for 2 years. Private
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20-day of May 1833. and sent to. Archibald Dull. Clerk of Rensselaer Co NY
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $160.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4. Sep 1833 - 40.00 $200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 21, Page 37.

Letter to Isaac Lawrence 26 Sep 1833. " " John Fleming - 5 th " 1834 } " " Pursuer " " " " " Geo Gould . . . . . 17 Octr " " " Archibald Bull - 1 April 1836 " " Same 15 July " " " " Same 29 " " " " Same 3 Dec. " " " Hon. B. F. Butler, 22. Dec. "
Certificate within
See letter from Sec. War to H. M. Bull, March 13 th 1837

B. 524 3  Mr Edwards
19 Dec 1836 Pension Office Report. recd 24th. ✓
Washington City
Stephen Decatur
Mr. Benjamin L. Butler
Send Comm ee Report, and that I have heard that Wheland on Comm ee statement, may be allowed for 6 months service.
P. H. B.
and also a statement of my services in the case of Rept d Vernon .
Walker — P. H. B.
Ans. 12 March 1837

New York December 13. 1836.
Hon. J. L. Butler
Sir
Having had long correspondence, with P. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions; in relation to the cases of Leonard Whyland and Thomas Thompson both of Sand Lake in this County who were placed on the Pension Roll under the act of June 1832. and whose pensions have been suspended for some cause - I have thought it due to these two aged and worthy men, that an appeal be made directly to the Secretary of War from the fact that no relief has not and it seems cannot be obtained through an application to the Commissioner of Pensions - Although every thing has been done in their behalf that has been required of them, by the Department, yet they are not restored, as was anticipated.
In the case of Whyland the Department, for what reason I do not know, neither can I conceive required the Testimony of two credible witnesses, that he served as stated in his declaration: This testimony was furnished. The answer does not contain the restoration of his name to the roll - The reason assigned, is the practice under the Law requiring as much and as positive proof as is required in regard to service in the continental or regular army - The Law requires that the

services be proved by tradition - where positive proof cannot be obtained. - and the most or nearly all the pensioners under the act of June 1832, proved their services in the way the Law particularly provides -
The Testimony in Whyland's case is clear & explicit as to when the services were rendered & when they ended which was at the Battle of Saratoga on the taking of Burgoyne - in Oct 1777. The witnesses both, never learned to write & do not recollect dates or years - and they even could not tell the year in which that important battle took place - I have supposed & do still suppose that witnesses of this description are entitled to as much credit as those who can from education & study have read & learn important historical events like the one now mentioned.
There is not among the numerous acquaintances of Whyland & Thompson a single individual but what believes they served as stated by them. And what can have taken place to warrant a suspension of their pensions is matter not understood.
If there ever was testimony sufficient to place them on the roll, it still remains in full force unless the rolls of the different companies in which it is alleged they served have been received at the Department.

and the fact learned that these names are not in the rolls - But I ask with confidence, whether the testi- mony of credible witnesses, can be considered as hav- ing no weight, From the fact that the  From the solely vague uncertain testimony must be, are produced & the names not found upon them.
In the case of Thompson, the Department now requires, that he prove by two credible witnesses that his declaration contains the truth. It may be possi- ble, and it may not be, that witnesses exist some where that will prove what the Department requires - But that if such witnesses do exist, their place of residence is unknown as well as their names - and they will die of old age before it can be ascertained with sufficient certainty to answer the requisitions of the Department.
If this application is proper, I really hope it will meet your early attention.
Respectfully & truly your obed Serv t
Archibald Bell

July 11
N.Y.
Revolutionary Claims
Hon. James A. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City D.C.

For July 7 th 1836.
Hon. J. N. Cawards - Sir
Inclosed is the affidavit of Cornelius Mary & Philip in behalf of Leonard Whyland who was stricken from the Pension Roll as I am informed - Will you be so good as to inform me whether the inclosed Testimony is sufficient to show that Whyland was a member of Capt. Sharp's Company as required by your Department
Respectfully Yours &c Archibald Dull
App.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 28 th 1840.
Sir :
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Leonard Whyland, — a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars and — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of March, to the 1 st Sept., 1839.
Respectfully yours,
Albin B. Tarr
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

J. Enos L. Whyland,
Revolutionary Claims
Feb 1.
Mrs.
Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City D.C.
ew

Troy N.Y. January 25. 1836.
Hon. James L. Purnell.
Sir
Some time in the year 1831 or 1832. I transmitted to your Department the claim of Joseph Enos for revolutionary services, accompanied with his commission of either Lieutenant or Ensign, I have forgotten which, showing also, his services as a private, Sergeant and commissioned officer of one of the grades above mentioned - The answer to the claim was, that each term of service, and the service of each grade was not sufficiently minute to enable the Department to fix the pro rata allowance - For the purpose of more minutely defining each term of service, an amended declaration was made & transmitted to your department - To which objections were still made, that the declaration was not sufficiently definite - I then addressed you again on the subject, requesting either a return of the papers or copies thereof, that I might myself review them with the Applicant and endeavor to make them satisfactory to the Department having those claims in charge - Your answer was satisfactory to me, "that after the papers were placed on file you never transmitted the originals or copies unless there were some peculiar circumstances existing that required it" or some thing like it - (Mr. Enos is dead, and the object of this communication is to know, if, you cannot upon a review of the application, grant a pension that may look

Something like right to all concerned - If not, will you have the goodness to send me copies of such part of the ap- plication as will enable the widow to supply the proof by proof if proof can be found - (Your attention to this sub- ject will be gratefully acknowledged -
Leonard Whyland was placed on the pension roll under the Law of 1831. and shortly after was struck from roll - Will you have the goodness to inform me whether the proof existing in your Department that caused his name erased is insurmountable - and whether it is possible to get him reinstated as a pensioner - I did not make the application of Mr Whyland for the pension, and am not acquainted with any facts in relation to his being put upon the pension roll or stricken from it -
Respectfully Yours
Archibald Bull
Hon James M. Edwards.

NY
Hon. James S. Edwards Comt. of Pensions Washington City D.C.
General Mayhew

Troy July 25. 1836.
J. S. Edwards Esq. -
Sir
Your letter under date of the 15 th instant, in answer to one of mine of a former date, in relation to the claim of Leonarda Whyland, states that the affidavits of Cornelius Myers & Philip Hayner in support of Whyland's claim to be reinstated on the pension roll have been received and examined - and were considered "defective in a material point, no date is fixed to the service they were intended to prove" - "As soon as that objection is obviated, it will be an easy matter to decide how far their testimony will operate in the claimants favor" - In preparing the Testimony of Myers and Hayner, their attention was called particularly to dates & times of service - and they could not either of them distinctly remember them - The advanced age of both, added to the fact that they neither of them ever learned to read, made me feel it my duty not to press the point upon them, as they might commit gross mistakes in time, altho' they might be and beyond all doubt are correct in their statements of Whyland's being out in the militia at different times - indeed I could & presume prove as much by several witnesses, because there is no doubt of the fact that Whyland was a soldier of the Revolution - Indeed so uncertain were Myers & Hayner as to dates, that they could not remember the year in which the battle of Saratoga was fought altho' we all distinctly

know from History on this subject that it was in Oct. 1777 - and inasmuch as the Testimonies of both witnesses in this case from the details set forth in their affidavits, shew that they ended with the account of that battle. And of course the presumption was & would be irresistible that the services were rendered before that time & within two or three years previous - Taking such view of it, the presumption with me was, and is, that the relation given by Myers & Hayner, might or would be weakened, or rendered less certain by relation mixed up with days upon which they were not very certain -
Will you Sir have the goodness to examine the Testimony with reference to the fact "whether the account given by both respondents does not end with the relation of service at the battle of Saratoga when Burgoyne was captured". I have not re-examined Myers & Hayner under this view of the case - I now with diffidence as to what is right and best on this subject, ask you whether the Testimony contained in their two affidavits beyond all reasonable doubt does not fix the services in the years 1775. 76. & 77 - And if so whether the additional statement of Myers & Hayner can or would be of any further particular consequence, when they for reasons above stated are not certain as to days -
Respectfully Yours Most obt & very humble Servant
Archibald Dull

Payments to be made at The City of New York by the Pr. of the Br. D.W. U.S. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of N.Y.
Issue a certificate for Twenty (20$) per ann. and send to Archibald Bull, Esq. Troy, N. York. Inform the Agent of the re- duction, and direct him to pay from the time to Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E. Vol. 4 Page 37 by paid, viz. 4 March 1834. George Taylor Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Leonard Myland of the State of New York who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and _____ cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1834, 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 20 th day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
James P. [Signature]
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. Edwards [Signature]
Commissioner of Pensions.

FREE
27 Feb a Bull ack second Why land Lucas
James V. Carrards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Very February 21. 1837.
James V. Edwards Esquire
Sir
Some thing like four months ago, I inclosed to you two affidavits, in support of the claim of Leonard Whyland to be re-placed on the pension Roll - The Testimony of the two witnesses, were duly certified in the manner prescribed by the Department over which you preside - Those two witnesses are illiterate and uneducated men, who could not, remember dates, but events were fresh and distinct, in their recollection - and they testified to the services of Whyland previous and up to the Battle of Saratoga, and capture of the British Army under the command of Burgoyne. The year they would not testify to, nor month, but recollected that it was in the Fall of the year. In a letter from you on the subject after the receipt of those affidavits, requires that the witnesses should give State dates of certain transactions, sworn to by them &c &c to enable the Department to decide with the more certainty I presume in this matter - On repeated applications to them, they uniformly say they cannot recollect dates, and therefore will not attempt to give any as it would be guess work with them - This application is believed by the inhabitants of this county who know Whyland to be a very meritorious one - and presuming that Mr. Butler, the acting Secretary of War, was acquainted with him Whyland & a Mr. Thomas

I wrote him some time since Thompson, whose name also was stricken from the roll, urging him to interest himself in this behalf - they both reside in Sand Lake in this county, some 8 or 10 miles from the city of Albany the late residence of the Secretary ad interim -
The affidavits in behalf of Thompson were inclosed to you some six or eight weeks since, as required by you and to the point, upon which testimony was required - and I pre- sumed would be satisfactory -
Presuming that the Secretary has shown you, or given you my letters, I hope you will justly appreciate my motives in this business. I have always done this business for them, gratis - never attempting to charge the class of our fellow citizens any thing for my services and if in my zeal in their behalf I am considered as too urgent or lack in any particular, the proper courtesy due to, and expected by officers - I should regret it much, as I do not mean any disrespect; and to have a meritorious applicant injured, or the application defeated through what may be deemed improper conduct on my part, would be a source of much regret -
If Sir the application of Leonard Whyland & Thomas Thompson are not abandoned or rather rejected absolutely - I should like to be informed - I have not been advised that any thing has been done in Thompson's case since the two last affidavits were transmitted to you -
Respectfully Your obedient very humble servant
Archibald Wull.

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss: Cornelius Mynus of the City of Troy in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn doth depose & say, that he is now about seventy six years of age, that he has always from the time of his birth resided in what now is the County of Rensselaer. That this deponent has been well & intimately acquainted with Leonard Whyland now of Sand Lake in said County for sixty years, that this deponent well knew the said Leonard Whyland during the Revolutionary War. That this deponent was well acquainted with the said Leonard Whyland while he was in the service of the United States as a private in Captain Sharpe's Company of Infantry. This deponent well and distinctly remembers the said Leonard Whyland at the time Captain Sharpe's Company was called out front to Schenectady, in the State of New York, the said Leonard Whyland was then a member of said Company commanded by Captain Sharpe, the Company was organized at Samuel Haysness house in now Rensselaer County previous to the capture of Burgoyne the year deponent does not distinctly recollect; after the organization of said Company, said Sharpe marched his Company the said Whyland then being a member thereof, to Albany, from there to Schenectady, where the said Company remained, and six weeks after making prisoners of about one hundred fifty Tories the said Company was then marched back to Albany where they were temporarily discharged. That shortly after their return home, the said Company was again ordered out by the said Captain Sharpe, the said Leonard Whyland was again a member of said Company as a member and marched with them to Wolfmoon in Saratoga, remained there a short when they were ordered over the Hudson River to the neighborhood of one Foltets where they had a battle with the enemy. That is the company of said Captain Sharpe, & marched to Fort Edward where they remained a short time & then crossed the River over to Paterway on the Mohawk, from there to Fort Hunter & then to Schenectady where they remained some time remained out the whole of the time four months. All which time the said Leonard Whyland remained in the service in said Company. This deponent was taken from said Company, but understood that the Company remained out after he left it about three weeks. This deponent frequently heard from said Leonard Whyland afterwards as being out in the service of the United States for more than a year - and has no doubt but that the said Leonard Whyland was in the service for more than a year in the whole understood that the said Leonard Whyland was at the Battle of Saratoga.

when Burgoyne was taken - Deponent understood & believes that Captain Sharpe's company was out for the greater part of the time for two years, that said Whyland was out with them every time the company was out until after the capture of Burgoyne - and further says not -
Sworn to this 6 th day of July 1836 - before me
W. T. W. Masten Justice Peace
Conklin his X Myans mark
I certify that I am acquainted with Conklin Myans him a credible witness. July 11 1836
W. T. W. Masten S.P.
State of New York
Rensselaer County
Philip Hayner of the City of Troy in the County & State aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose & say, that he is now about seventy seven years of age that he has been well & intimately acquainted with Leonard Whyland of said Rensselaer in said County - that he has known him for sixty five years, last part - That the said Whyland & deponent were both members of Captain Sharpe's company of Infantry were called out the first time with said Whyland, when the company was ordered to Fort Ann, from there marched to Fort Edward, from there to Saratoga, from there to Stillwater, from there to Halfmoon - from there to Schenectady, from there to Cohoes - when the deponent's company went to the Beaver Dam in Schenectady remained out the whole of the four five months were marched to Albany where the company was temporarily discharged - The company was again called out & marched to Fort Edward - when the British advanced & we retreated to Saratoga when a general battle resulted in the capture of Burgoyne - The said Whyland being with the company at the time & from the time they left home until by after the capture of Burgoyne, was out three weeks - This deponent was taken sick & sent home the company remaining - and further deponent says not -
Sworn to - this 6 th day of July 1836 before me
W. T. W. Masten Justice Peace
Philip his X Hayner mark
I am acquainted with Philip Hayner a believe him a credible witness. July 6. 1836.
W. T. W. Masten S.P.

Leonard Whyland.
James S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Nov 10 th Oct. 1834
Sir, I enclose Leonard Whyland's Pension certificate for correction, Pursuant to your letter of 8 th Sept. Mr. Whyland is old & in- firm; and on that account did not, I understand, go to the Post office so as to get your letter, until within a few days. — He is anxious that the correction should be made as soon as convenient, and when made, please to return his corrected certificate to me. Respectfully,
Yours &c G. H. Gould
Jas. L. Edwards Esq Comm ee of Pensions Washington