Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,472, Alexander Watson, Mass.

SERVICE
Watson, Alexander
NUMBER
S. 23472
Mass.
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for contents entry
Blank lined area for contents entry

24.432
New York
Alexander Watson
of Herkimer Co in the State of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Newton of the Regt. commanded by Col. Smith - in the Mass. line for Ithaca
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Decr. 1831 and sent to Hon. Alvan H. Rep.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 $200.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept 1834 - 40.00
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 128

State of New York } ss; County of Herkimer }
On this eleventh tenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Herkimer now sitting Alexander Watson a resident of the town of Frankfort in the county of Herkimer and State of New York who was born at the town of Charlestown in the county of Middlesex in the state of Massachusetts on the fourth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty and who is now aged seventy one years eleven months and about five days 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 7-1832 - That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated -
That the first term he enlisted was at the town of Southbury in the county of Worcester in the state of Massachusetts he then being a resident of the said town of Southbury in the county and state aforesaid, on or about the first day of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six

for the period of five months in the company command- -ed by Captain Seth Newton in the regiment comman- -nded by Colonel Smith - That the other officers of said regiment whose names he now remembers were Major Wheelock & Captains Root and Dewey - That he marched with the said regiment immediately after its organization from the said town of Southbury in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aforesaid to the town of Hartford in the county of Hartford in the State of Connecticut and from thence to New Haven in the said State of Conne- -cticut where he embarked with the said regiment on board of vessels and proceeded by water to the city of New York in the State of New York where the said regiment was landed and joined the American army under the command of General Washington then encamped in the said city of New York and in its vicinity - That after remaining in the said city of New York abo- -ut three weeks the said regiment was marched northerly about three miles where it was encamped on the west side of the island on which the said city of New York stands on the Hudson until the American army under the command of General Washington evacuated the said city of New York which was in the

about the middle early part of the month of September in the said year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six when he together with the said regiment was marched to Harlem on the island of New York where the said regiment took post for a short time - That on leaving Harlem aforesaid the said regiment moved on to the main and proceeded to White Plains -ns in the county of Westchester in the said state of New York and there encamped with the said American army under the command of general Washington at which place he remained with the said regime- -nt till after the battle of White Plains when the whole American army fell back a short dist- -ance to Croton river in the said county of Westchester and state of New York aforesaid where it took a new position - That while at Croton river aforesaid the said term of five months for which he had enlisted expired and he was honourably discharged in the early part of the month of December in the said year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six - That the said regiment to which he belonged commanded by colonel

Smith owned a part of the brigade command- -mand by brigadier general Fellows - That colonel Coleman commanded a regiment belonging to the said brigade - That he has no document- -ary evidence of his service and discharge none having been given to him at the time of his aforesaid discharge - That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -
That the second term he enlisted at the said town of Southbury in the county of Worcester and state of Massachusetts aforesaid some time in the month of December in the same year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six the precise time not now being known to him for the period of three months in a company commanded by captain Elijah Bellows of the said town of Southbury in the regiment commanded by colonel Sparrock - That the name of the lieutenant colonel of said regim- -ent was Groot - That the said company in which he had enlisted marched from the said town of Southbury to Peksill on the east side of the Hudson in the state of New York where said company joined the said regiment

under the command of the aforesaid colonel Sparrock - That their line of march was thro- ugh the towns of Hartford Farmington and Danbury in the State of Connecticut and Salem in the State of New York & thence to Peks Kill aforesaid - That while at Peks Kill in the said State of New York the aforesaid regiment to which the company he belonged to was attached was encamped with the other reg- iments commanded by colonel Whitney - That soon after he arrived at Peks Kill aforesaid the said regiment under the command of the aforesaid colonel Sparrock crossed the river Hudson and marched to Morristown in the State of New Jersey and from thence to Bound- brook in the said State nine or ten miles from Brunswick where he remained with the said regiment till he was honorably dis- charged in the month of March in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven after having served out his term of three months for which he had enlisted - That he has no documentary evidence of his service and discharge none having been given to him at the time of his aforesaid discharge -

That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -
That the third term he served he was drafted on or about the first day of May in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven at the said town of Southberry in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts aforesaid for the period of two months to go to Providence in the State of Rhode Island - That the company to which he belonged was commanded by captain Martin and marched from the said town of Southberry to Providence in the aforesaid State of Rhode Island where the said company joined the regiment commanded by colonel Whitney - That the said regiment was marched from Providence aforesaid to South Kingston in the said State of Rhode Island where he remained with said regiment until the term of his said service had expired when he was honorably discharged - That he has no documentary evidence of his service and discharge none having been given to him at the time of his said discharge.

That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -
That the fourth term he served the regiment to which he belonged, was ordered out in mass about the tenth of July in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven in order to aid in stopping the progress of general Burgoyne - That he belonged to a company in said regiment commanded by captain Rice - That the name of the lieutenant of said company was Ball - That the said regiment so called out in mass was commanded by colonel Cushman - That at the time the said regiment was called out he was a resident of Southberry aforesaid in the aforesaid county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts That the said regiment immediately after it was ordered out marched by the way of Brookfield and Northampton in the aforesaid State of Massachusetts to Barringtton in the State of Vermont and from thence to Halfmoon now Watford in the county of Saratoga and State of New York where the regiment

abovesaid encamped for about two weeks when said regiment was ordered back to Birming- -ton abovesaid in said state of Vermont to assist in stopping the progress of colonel Baum who- -m general Burgoyne had detached from his army at Batten Kill with a strong corps ag- -ainst the said town of Berrington where the Americans had depots of provisions and other munitions of war for the use of the northern army opposed to the British army under the said general Burgoyne. That the said regiment marched from Ha- -lmoon abovesaid for Berrington abovesaid which latter place it reached just after the defeat of the said colonel Baum and the capture of his corps - That the said regiment was discharged in the early part of the month of September in same year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven - That he however was retained to take care of Josiah Ward one of the privates of the com- -pany to which he belonged the said Josiah Ward having been severely wounded in the battle of Berrington fought between the Americans under general Stark and the said

corps under the said colonel Mann detach- -ed as aforesaid against Bennington afores- -aid by the aforesaid general Burgoyne.- That the said Josiah Ward did not recover suffi- -ciently of his wound so as to be able to return to the said town of Southberry in the county of Worces- -ter and State of Massachusetts before the twen- -ty seventh day of October in the year one tho- -usand seven hundred and seventy seven afore- -said at which time he returned with the said Josiah Ward to the said town of South- -berry - That he served in the fourth term of his service about three months and seventeen days including the time he was retained in the said service to take care of the aforesaid Josiah Ward who was wounded as aforesaid in the battle of Bennington aforesaid - That he has no documentary evidence of his said fourth term of service and his discharge none having been given to him - That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testi- -fy to his service -
That the fifth term he served he enlisted about

the first of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight at the town of Marl- borough in the county of Middlesex in the state of Massachusetts for three months he then being a resident of the said town of Marlborough in the company commanded by Captain Amasa Branson - That the said company was marched from the town of Marlborough aforesaid through Brookfield and Northampton and other towns in the aforesaid state of Massachusetts to the city of Albany in the state of New York - That the said company after its arrival at the aforesaid city of Albany was marched from thence northerly to the New City now Lansingburgh in the latter state distant about nine miles from the said city of Albany where he remained with said company till the last of December in the same year when he was honorably dis- charged having served in his said fifth term nearly three months - That the regiment to which the said company belonged in which he served was never embodied the several companies composing said regiment having been stationed at different places in the said state of New York - That he has no recollection of having seen the

colonel more than once and that was while he was with the said company at the aforesaid city of Albany and that he does not now remember the name of the said colonel - That he has no documentary evidence of his said fifth term of service or of his discharge none have been given to him - That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -
That the sixth term he served he enlisted in the month of October and as he thinks about the first of October of said month in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine at the town of Marlborough in the county of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts he then being a resident of the said town of Marlborough in a company commanded by captain Cole for the period of two months - That he does not now remember the name of the colonel of the regiment to which the company he enlisted in belonged nor does he remember the name of the major or the names of any of the other officers of said regiment - That the said

company in which he enlisted marched under the said captain Cole to the town of Prov'd was in the state of Rhode Island and from thence to  formed at Severny in the state of Massach- -ussets aforesaid where he remained with said company until his term of enlistment had expired which was about the first January he thinks — but can't say certain — of December in the year last aforesaid wh- -en he was honorably discharged — That he has no documentary evidence of his said sixth term of service and his discharge none having been given to him — That he knows of no per- -son whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service —
That the seventh term he served he enlisted about the first of July in the year one thousa- -nd seven hundred and eighty he still being a resident of the town of Marlborough in the cou- -nty of Middlesex in the state of Massachusetts for the period of six months and was marched to Springfield in the said state of Massachusetts where the man so enlisted amounting to about

two hundred were mustered on the thirteenth day of July in the same month - That they were marched from thence under the com- -mand of captain Bridget of the continental army to West Point on the Hudson in the state of New York where they joined the continental army under the command of general Washington That here they were distributed among the several regiments constituting the Massach- -usett line - That he with some others were distributed in the regiment commanded by colonel Greighton belonging to said line at a place called Gallows Hill - The name of the lieutenant colonel of said regiment was William Hull and that of the major Robert Oliver - That he has forgotten the name of the captain of the com- -pany in which he was put - That very shortly after he was put in said company he was taken out of said company and regiment and put in another regiment of infantry commanded by colonel Shepherd - The name of the major of the last regiment was Prescott - That the company in which he was placed was comma- -nded by captain Williams - That the said

regiment in which he served and which was commanded by the aforesaid colonel Shepherd formed a part of the brigade commanded by brigadier general Poor - That the said regiment under the command of the aforesaid colonel Shepherd shortly afterwards crossed the river Hudson at Kings Ferry with the rest of general Poor's brigade and marched into the state of New Jersey to a place then called English Neighborhood where the said brigade encamped - That soon thereafter the said brigade marched from the latter place to Totowa  Tappan in said state and from thence to Hackensack in said state from whence it soon after returned to Totowa  Tappan or Totowa  where aforesaid where he remained with the said brigade until he joined the regiment of colonel Greighton in the vicinity of the latter place after which the said brigade returned to West Point on the Hudson in the aforesaid state of New York where he remained with the said regiment until the expiration of the term of six months for which he had enlisted was expired when he was honorably discharged having served out the period of his said enlistment - That he has no

documentary evidence of his said seventh term of service and of his discharge now having been given to him - That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -
That he has no record of his age.
That a little before the end of the revolutionary war he removed from the aforesaid town of Marlborough in the county of Middlesex and state of Massachusetts aforesaid to the Upper Cohoes in the county of Orange in the state of Vermont where he took up his residence and resided until the month of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three when he removed to the town of Frankfort in the county of Herkimer and state of New York where he has had his residence ever since - That he has no record of his age -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
Sworn in Open Court This 11th day of Oct 1832. A. L. D. Pinner Dept Clerk — Abenethy Watson

Sworn to and subscribed } the day and year aforesaid }
We Benjamin Budlong a clergyman residing in the town of Frankfort in the county of Herkimer aforesaid and John Goslin  Thomas Pierce of the said town of Frankfort in the said county of Herkimer hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Watson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about seventy one  two years and eleven months and five — days of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion —
Sworn and subscribed } Benjamin Budlong the day & year aforesaid } in Open Court Julius Johnson Clerk John Goslin
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

documentary evidence of his said seventh term of service and of his discharge now having been given to him - That he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service -
That he has no record of his age.
That a little before the end of the revolutionary war he removed from the aforesaid town of Marlborough in the county of Middlesex and state of Massachusetts aforesaid to the upper Cohoes in the county of Orange in the state of Vermont where he took up his residence and resided until the month of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety three when he removed to the town of Frankfort in the county of Herkimer and state of New York where he has had his residence ever since - That he has no record of his age -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state -
Sworn in Open Court A. L. D. Pinner Dept. Clerk Alexander Watson This 11th day of Oct 1832.

No 14 9420 Alexander Watson Herkimer Co N.Y.
W.F. admiral
Rev. A. Mann
James Macculloch - Frankford N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Alexander Watson Hartman etc.
   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.     enlisted July 31 1776 5 Capt Col Smith Warfield 71 Years Additional   Sept Heut Chas H Connecticut 11 Months   Dec Capt Lock Housatonic 5 Days   2 nd Enlisted Dec Post Gen Wash Housatonic Worcester   March 1777 3 Capt Livingston N. Y. Country   3 rd Enlisted May 1777 Bellows Col Smith Croton Magda   May 1777 2 Capt Cole Livingston Chenango   4 th Enlisted July 1777 Major Spencer N. J.   July 1777 3 19 Capt Franklin Providence   Sept Capt Cook Rh Island   Oct 1778 3 Capt Whitney Watford   6 th Enlisted Oct 1779 2 Crosson Col Livingston N. Y.   7 th Enlisted July 1780 6 Capt Gen Wash Brookfield   Capt Livingston N. Hamp   Capt Col Sheph ton   Capt Lord Spring   May field   Trask   Gen Poor  
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) _____, 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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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

Herkimer County Ys: Alexander Watson of the town of Frankfort in the said county of Herkimer and State of New York an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 1832 being duly sworn doth depose and say that pursu- -ant to the directions contained in a letter from J. G. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions dated Aug- -ust 19th 1833 directed to James McCalley my attor- -ney and which said letter is herunto annexed with other letters &c he wrote a letter on the 29th of Marlborough in the county of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts day of August last past to Aaron Prigham who served with deponent in his fifth and seventh terms of service in the revolutionary war which said terms of service are stated in deponent's declaration now on file at the war office in Washington in order to obtain his affidavit if living in relation to said services - That deponent delivered said letter to Ira Curtis the post master at Frankfort aforesaid and paid the postage thereon - That said letter was directed to the said Aaron Prigh- -am and had a special indorsement thereon to the Post master of Marlborough aforesaid requesting him to open said letter in case of Mr Prigham's death or removal and return said letter with an answer to deponent - That on the eighteenth day

of September instant deponent received a letter from Mr Thayer the post master of Marlborough in the State of Massachusetts with the letter of August 29th 1833 sent by deponent to Mr Brigham informing deponent that Mr Brigham had been dead about two years - That for about said letter and answer more particularity deponent begs leave to refer the commissioner of Pensions to said letters which are hereto annexed and marked A. and B.
And deponent farther saith that on the 2nd of September instant he delivered a letter of the same date to J. H. Smith the clerk of the aforesaid Ira Curtis and paid the postage thereon which said letter was directed to Willard Newton Esquire of Southber- ry County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts and requesting the said Willard Newton to inform deponent whether Josiah ward Ebenezer Newton Horatio Fay Peter Fay Edmund Moore Silas Newton Francis Fay and Stephen Bullows were living - That on the back of said letter were instructions drawn up by James Macaulay deponent's attorney as to the course the said Willard Newton should take provided all or only a part of the aforesaid persons were living That by the instructions the said Willard Newton was to procure the affidavits of such as were living as to deponent's services in the revolutionary war That for more particularity deponent begs leave to refer the commissioner of pensions to a copy of

said letter sent September 2nd to the said Willard Newton Esq r together with said instructions which are also annexed to this affidavit and marked C.
That on the eighteenth day of September inst. -ant deponent received a letter from Willard Newton Esquire which is marked D. on the first page and which also is annexed to this affi- -dit which said letter contained an inclosure having the affidavits of Nehemiah Parker Eben- -ezer Newton & Stephen Bellows taken before the said Willard Newton as a justice of the peace and authenticated by Jos t G. Kendall Clerk of the county of Worcester in the state of Massachusetts - That the deposition of Nehemiah Parker proves deponent's 2nd term of service that of Ebenezer deponent's first term of service which seems to have been doubted by the department on account of deponent's age and that that of Stephen Bellows proves deponent's fourth term of service -
And deponent further saith that it appears by the letter of Willard Newton Esquire hereto ann- -exed and marked D. and which deponent verily believes true that Josiah Ward Horakiah Fay Peter Fay Edmund Moors Silas Newton and Francis Fay are

all dead - And deponent further saith that all of the aforesaid persons who are dead together with Benjamin Norton Nehemiah Parkard Stephen Bellows who have made affidavits as before stated and which are forwarded to the department with deponent's affidavits were associates of deponent and served with deponent in one or more of his terms of service which are set out in deponent's declaration now on file in the war office - That Francis Fay who is dead was served with deponent with deponent in deponent's 2 nd term of service; that Stephen Brigham was with deponent and served with deponent in deponent's 5 th term of service that Edmond Moore was with deponent & served with deponent in deponent's 6 th term of service & that Aaron Brigham was with deponent and served with deponent in his 7 th term of service That were the said Francis Fay  Stephen  Moore  Aaron  Brigham Edmond Moore & Aaron Brigham living deponent could prove his 2 nd 5 th 6 th & 7 th terms of service in the revolutionary war - That the testimony of Josiah Ward if living would be similar to the deposition of Stephen Bellows which deponent has procured with this difference that deponent attended on him after he was wounded at the Bennington Battle in August 1777 and attended on him till he had returned which made the term of service longer than stated stated by the said Stephen Bellows as will be seen on referring to deponent's deposition on file in the war office the time deponent served being

three months and swinten days - That deponent vively believes that the said Stephen Bullows would have remembered the fact of deponent's being ordered to take charge and attend on the said Ward till he was cured of his wound had deponent been present when the said Stephen Bullows made his affidavit That Francis Fay who is dead was with deponent & served with deponent in his 2nd 3rd & 4th terms of service - That Hezekiah Fay was with deponent and served with deponent in his first term - That Peter Fay who is dead was with deponent & served with deponent in his first & fourth terms of service - That Edward Moore who is also dead was with deponent and served with deponent  Newton  dead in deponent's 1st & 2nd terms of service - That Silas Fay  Newton who is was out with deponent in deponent's 1st term of service and served with deponent - That Mr Harrington mentioned by Willard Newton Esqr in the letter marked D. and who is living was out with deponent in his first term but deponent supposes it unnecessary to be at the additional trouble and expense of proving his deposition as he has proved said term of service by Ebe- nezer Newton whose deposition will be trans- mitted with deponent's to the war department
That deponent has made all the inquiries he could which he deemed would lead to proving his services in the revolutionary war - That since he saw and read the letter of the commissioner

of persons of August 19-1833 he has related as to what persons might be now living who are acquainted with his services as before stated and that he has been unable to recollect any more than as above stated whose dispositions could be procured - That if there are any more living he is unable to procure their affidavits in consequence of not knowing where they live
That within a few years some who lived in the state of New York and who emigrated from Massachusetts to that state after the war and who served with deponent in some of his services have died and whom if now living might depose to part or most of deponent's services
Alexander Wilson
Taken and subscribed and sworn before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace of the County of Sheffield - This 28 th Day of Septem- ber 1833
John B Dyger, Justice Peace
State of New York Herkimer County ss. Clerk's Office
I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said County do hereby certify, that John B Dyger Esqr before whom the forego- ing affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the day it bears

date a justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized to act as such - and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe his name subscribed to the said Certificate is his proper hand writing and signature
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal this 21st day of September 1833
Julius C. Nelson Clerk.

J. Edard Comm'f. of Pensions
James M'Cauley Esq Frankfort N.Y.

War Department Pension Office August 19. 1833.
Sir,
The claims of Isaac Ward and Alexander Watson have been examined and suspended. They each allege an amount of service in the State of New York, which is deemed susceptible of some proof, and claimants are required to produce the best evidence in their power. Some objection is taken to very early age at which Mr. Watson alleges to have commenced his service as a soldier. They should furnish some evidence of their service, or shew that proper exertions have been made to obtain it. Their papers are placed on file.
I am Respectfully (Yr. Obt. Servt.) J L Edwards
James M c Cauley Esq Frankfort Ky

Nashboro ms Sept r 13
Free S Thayer PM
Mr Alexander Watson or his Attorney - Frankfort - Herkimer County, New York.
Sept 17 th 1833

New York Frankfort County of Herkimer & State of
A.
To Mr Aaron Driigham
Dear Sir,
I have made an application for a pension under the present pension law but am likely to fail for want of some direct proof therefore I have thought proper to write to you in relation to what you know about the services I rendered in the revolutionary war - you must I think remember of our marching from Marlborough in Massachusetts to Albany & the new city in the state of New York and of our being commanded by captain Amasa Cavanon - You must also remember I think of our enlisting in 1700 for 6 months & of our marching from Marlborough to Spr- ingfield in Massachusetts and thence to West Point & other places on the Hudson in the state of New York where we were under captain Williams &c. Please write to me & to James Manuley my atty at Frankfort as soon as you conveniently can # all the particulars -
Yours very respectfully
Alexander Watson
August 29-1833

Frankfort N.Y. Aug 29
Paid 18 3/4
Captain Aaron Prigham Marlborough County, of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts
The Post Master in case Mr Prigham is dead or removed will please to open this letter & return answer with this letter enclosed to James M c Laughlin Frankfort County of Ulster N.Y.

Marlboro Me Sept 13 1833
Dear sir, your letter has been received as you will perceive, Capt Aaron Brigham has been dead about two years.
Yours &c Sullivan Thayer Post Master
B.
4 m

Marbleboro ms Sept 13
37 1/2
M rs Alexander Watson of
Frankfort, County of Herkimer
State of New York

Southborough Sept. 12 th 1833
Mr Watson Sir — I rec d your letter of the second Instant, stating that you was in want of some further evidence to establish your claim as a Pensioner in the Revolutionary service of the United States being desirous to render you any service in my power and in nothing more so, than that of being instrumental in helping you to the rewards for your trials & troubles in the services of your country, whereby we have gained the Independence, Sir, I have attended to your request and am flattering myself that I have been able to furnish you with all the evidence that is necessary in the case, although most of your companions in the Revolutionary service are now in their Graves. Josiah Ward  Heinrich Fay , Peter Gray , Edmond Moods , Silas Newton and Francis Gray , are no more, Robert Newton & Stephen Bellows , are the only ones you named, that are now living, and these I have took their affidavits, also that of Nehimiah Parker who happened to be in town, should the inclosed Depositions not embrace all that is necessary in your case there is a Mr Harrington in Shrewsbury, whom I understand was well acquainted with you whilst in the Army, and yet retains faculties well, whose Deposition can be had if necessary.
You ask d for information respecting the Borgham family, there is none this way that is living excepting Mrs Wait and Mrs Sadford . Mrs Sadford has been living for some years, my next Neighbour untill about six weeks ago, she went on a visit to her Sister Waits at Sterling where it is some what probable she will tarry through the Winter, she was in good health when she left, excepting being troubled some what with the rheumatism. Mrs S. Bellows & wife are enjoying very good health, she in a special manner, and she requests me to express her love and regard for you and your family, and

asks for you to favour her at least with one more letter which would afford her great satisfaction, Mr Bellows labour is done and is in some what low circumstances, but he obtains his pension which enables them to live comfortable — — —
Sir, I got a Nephew of mine to make out the papers, who had been into this business, making out for all the pensioners in this Town and for many in other Towns; as Government is somewhat particular in these matters, I thought it best to employ him, and for his trouble in making out papers, giving them to the Court for their sanction, and some monies paid out see he has charged the sum of $3.00, I spent one days time in taking the with- in Deposition which should be one Dollar, making in the sum of four Dollars, which you may convey to one by Mail
I am Sir, in sentiments of the highest respect your friend and humble Servant M c Alexander Watson ————— Willard Newton

Frankfort County of Kentucky State of New York - September 2 d 1833 -
Dear Sir,
C. I have made application to the General Government for a pension last October and obtained the sanction of our county court; and the papers were sent on to Washington. They were sent back in May last requiring some little amendments which was done and sent back to Washington not expecting any more trouble as we had done every thing that their law required at that time - A few days since we received a letter from Washington informing us that they rather doubt my being a soldier at the early age of nearly sixty years old: and they think that some proof must be made which can be done by many in Southbury if living - Now Sir what I have to request of you is to be informed if Josiah Ward , Ebenezer Newton , Hezekiah Fay , Peter Fay , Edmund Moore , Silas Newton , Francis Fay or Stephen Bellows whether any or either of them are living; should that not be the case which I think is more than probable at this late day - I want to prove my being out to New York under captain Seth Newton in the year 1778 as that is what they most doubt - Francis Fay if living can testify to my being out with him three different times - But should it be the case that none of these men are living whether you altho very young at that time could testify to my being a soldier and going out with Josiah Ward to New York as I made it my home at your father's house - Whether you remember of my being in the army at short terms for the most of the war - I think you must remember that I went to Pennsylvan with Josiah Ward & coming home with him a wounded man to your father's house - Sir I wish you to communicate this to these other men as soon as possible & send me word as soon as convenient - Me & my family are all well hoping this may find you & yours enjoying the same blessing - Sir I remain your friend's well wishes A copy Alexander Watson

Instructions to W. Newton Esqr
1. Mr William Newton should all any or either of the persons named by Mr Watson in the foregoing letter be living will please to have their affidavits taken before a Justice of the peace or other officer and duly authenticated so that the same may be evidence before the War Department 2. Mr Newton will in case he remembers of Mr Watson being out to Birmingham in 1777 please to make an affidavit of the fact and what he knows- 3. Mr Newton will in case all the persons named by Mr Watson in the foregoing letter are dead make an affidavit of the same and whether he knows of their being out with Mr Watson as stated by Mr Watson in his letter or whether such is the report- 4. If all any or either of the persons named by Mr Watson should be living and should they make affidavits it is desirable that certificates should be obtained as to their moral character as to truth- The certificates will have to be on the same papers on which the affidavits are- 5. As to the mode of taking the affidavits & certificates that mode which has been adopted by your courts in relation to pension papers under the pension law of 1832 will have to be followed otherwise the papers if is to be apprehended will be rejected at the War Department
James Macaulay
Please write to me Mr Watson at Frankfort Warwick County & State of New York
A copy J. Macaulay

Sir
I would thank you for any information you can give me of the remains names of the Prigham Family also of Stephen Bellows & family - I have wrote to Aaron Prigham - The Prigham & Bellows families must know of my services in the revolution -
Should you be at any expense you will please to send your bill to me and I will transmit the amount to you by mail - If it cannot be effected before money is sent write me and I will forward the amount -
I would send some money enclosed in this letter but the uncertainty of your being living precludes me from doing it - Yours Respectfully Alexander Watson
Sept. 2 d 1833.
A copy.
Endorsement on letter sent by Mail Sept. 2-1833.
Willard Newton Esquire Southbury County of Worcester & State of Massachusetts
The Post Master in case Mr. Newton is dead will please to open this letter & make the inquiries and transmit them with this letter to Alexander Watson & James Marceley of Frankfort 6. Ulster Co. & State of N. Y.
The letter of which the foregoing is a copy was mailed this day
J. H. Smith Sept 2 d 1833

Frankfort Herkimer County State of New York Sep. 20-1833
To J. L. Edwards Esq r Com r of Pensions
Dear Sir,
I send inclosed the following papers in the case of the pension application of Alexander Watson whose papers you put on file for want of some direct proof.
1. The affidavit of Alexander Watson- 2. Your letter of August 19-1833- 3. A letter mailed at Frankfort to Aaron Brigham of Marlborough county of Massachusetts state of Massachusetts mar- -ried A. and dated August 29-1833 4. The letter of the Post Master of Marl- -borough to Mr Watson marked B. 5. The copy of a letter dated Sep. 2-1833 and marked C. sent to Willard Newton Esq r of Southborough Worcester county and state of Massachusetts requesting to be informed whether certain persons acquainted with his services were li- -ving together with instructions to Mr Newton to procure the depositions of those living 6. The letter of Willard Newton Esq r of to Mr Watson Sep. 12-1833, as to what he had done and as to the death of most of the persons of by Mr Watson enquired

7 The depositions of Nehemiah Parker Ebenezer Newton & Stephen Bellows 3 of W m Watson's associates in the war - These depositions are duly authenticated by Jos G. Kendall Clerk of Worcester County State of Massachusetts -
Remarks -
1. W m Watson served at 7 different times as will appear by his papers on file mak- -ing 2 years & 17 days which he thinks with the proof he has procured will entitle him to a full pension -
2. W m Watson was always in the Massachusetts service and never in that of New York -
3. The depositions of N. Parker S. Bellows & E. Newton prove W m Watson 1 st 2 nd & 4 th terms of service making 10 months -
4. It must appear manifest after reading letters marked A & B. and the copy marked C. and the letter marked D. and the 3 dep- -ositions together with W m Watson own aff- -idavit that he was  fully  fully must have fully served the 2 years & 17 days and that he could have made proof of all his services if several persons named were only living -
5. It is humbly concurred that W m Watson has abundantly made out his case - I beg to refer you to that part of your instructions relative to making out papers sent on last year page 3 where

you say - "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 required to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general and whether any doubts have been raised upon the subject" - This was attended to by the court - The traditional evidence seemed to have been ample -
Again you say in the next sentence on the same page, "to require from the applicants positive proof of service from a contemporary would after the lapse of so many years be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the law"
It was supposed that under these instructions & without any further proof he would have been entitled to a full pension - I humbly conceive that such was the intention of congress when they passed the law -
I have said more than I should had it not been on an arrest of Israel Ward whose papers were placed on file when Mr Watson went for want of direct proof - Mr Ward is a very poor man and is now in his 83 year I believe; and though it possibly may be that some of his contemporaries are now living in the county of Dutchess in this state about 100 miles from where he now lives yet he is absolutely unable to go there to ascertain whether such be the fact or not - and if so to get their depositions - His case is a very hard one and I humbly conceive that the decision is not conformable to the spirit of the law - May I suggest to

to you a revision of his case - May I hope that a pension may be allowed him on the revision -
6. There is nothing more I can say in the case of Mr Watson save that Stephen Bellows whose deposition proves Mr Watson's term goes only to 2 months & Mr Watson's declaration and affidavit to 3 months & 17 days - In the deposition Mr Bellows is silent is to Mr Watson having in charge Ward a wounded man -
Mr Watson thinks had he been present when Mr Bellows made the deposition that he would have sworn to his having the charge of Ward -
It is manifest that after a lapse of 36 years many things must slip the memory of frail man-
If there should be anything farther wanted in Mr Watson's case please to write to me
Yours very respectfully
James Macaulay
N.B. We have not supposed it necessary to have the clerk certify & seal the affidavit as to John B. Deygert, being a Justice as you have the clerk's cert- -ificate as to that fact to an affidavit taken before him last May which is attached to Mr Watson papers on file at the war office

certifies that it appears to them that Benjamin Budlong who has signed the preceding Affidavit is a resident in the Town of Frankfort and that John Foslin who has also signed the same
is a resident in the said town of Frankfort in the county of Aroostook and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit -
I, Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Aroostook do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Alexander Watson - For a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Eleventh day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Julius C. Nelson Clerk

Alexander Watson's Declaration under the act of Congress of June 7-1832 -

14942 V Alexander Watson, Declaration for a Pension under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832
Please to write to James Macaulay at Frankfort in the County of Warren and State of New York
Abund 24 m. pri 80 3/4

In the Matter of the Application of Alexander Watson for a Pension under the act of Congress of June 7-1832.
Herkimer County Ys Thomas Pierce of the town of Frankfort in the said county of Herkimer aged sixty eight years last December after be- -ing duly sworn doth depose and say that for the last twenty five years he has resided in the said town of Frankfort about a mile and a half from where Alexander Watson named in the annexed declaration resides - That dur- -ing all of the aforesaid time he has been well acquainted with the said Alexander Watson - That the said Alexander Watson has ever since he has been acquainted with him sustained and still sustains a fair character and that he is considered and esteemed to be a man of truth and veracity - That this deponent has read the annexed declaration subscribed and sworn to by the said Alexander Watson and that he has no reason to doubt any of the facts therein contained relative to his services in the revolutionary war - That the said Alexander Watson is generally respected and believed in the neighbourhood

where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war - Thomas Pierce Sworn in Open Court Oct 11th 1832 Julius C Nelson Clerk
Herkimer County ss; Alanson Merry of the town of Frank- -fort in the said county of Herkimer being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Thomas Pierce who has subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit and that the said Thomas Pierce is generally reputed and considered to be a man of truth and veracity - and this deponent further saith that he believes the statement of the said Thomas Pierce is entitled to full credit
Alanson Merry
Sworn and Subscribed this 18th day of May 1833 before me Julius C Nelson Clerk of Herkimer County 3
And I further certify, that I know Alanson Merry, and have been acquainted with him for the last twenty years, and that he is a creditable person, and his state- ments are entitled to credit
May 18. 1833
Julius C Nelson Clerk of Herk. County

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace of the town of Frankfort in the county of Herkimer and state of New York to Christopher Joslin of the said town of Frankfort and county of Herkimer aged fifty five years the twenty third day of April last past who being duly sworn doth depose and say that for the last twenty eight years he has resided in the said town of Frankfort within a quarter of a mile of the said Alexander Watson named in the annexed declaration - That during all of the aforesaid time he has been well acquainted with the said Alexander Watson - That the said Alexander Watson has ever since he this deponent has been acquainted with him sustained a fair character and still sustains a fair character & that he the said Alexander Watson is considered & esteemed to be a man of truth & veracity - That this deponent has heard the annexed declaration subscribed & sworn to by the said Alexander Watson reads that he believes the facts therein contained set out as relative to the services rendered by the said Alexander Watson in the revolutionary war to be true - That the said Alexander Watson is generally respected & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war -
Christopher Joslin
Subscribed and sworn May 15 th 1833 before me John B Deygent Justice of the peace of the town of Frankfort in the county of Herkimer. And I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Christopher Joslin who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a creditable witness and that full credence may be given to his testimony
John B Deygent Justice of the peace

Wickiup County Clerks Office
I, Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the said County do Certify, that John B. Seggest Esqr. before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day it bears date one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for said County, and duly authorized to act as such, and that
I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County this 18th day of May 1833.
Julius C. Nelson Clerk

3. m.
I Nhemiah Parker of Princeton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being seventy three years of age do testify and declare that I enlisted as a private together with Alexander Watson then of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid but now of Frankfort, Herkimer County State of New York, in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War in the Massachusetts Militia for three months in Capt. Elijah Bellow's Company, Col. Starkweather's Regiment some time in the month of December 1775 and marched immediately to Danbury in Connecticut, and from thence to Stamford and from thence to Peekskill in New York and there joined Col. Starkweather's Regiment and thence to an Island in the Hudson River on which was a fort (the name I now do not recollect) and from thence to Bound Brook where we completed our term of service of three months, and at which place myself and said Alexander Watson were verbally discharged by our commanding officer.
Witness, Willard Newton
Nhemiah Parker
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County ss. September 9th 1833 - Then personally appeared Nhemiah Parker and made solemn Oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed was just and true and that I am personally acquainted with the said Nhemiah Parker and that he is entitled to full credit as a witness - before me -
Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
I Ebenezer Newton of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being seventy years of age, do testify and say that I enlisted as a private together with Alexander Watson then of said Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth aforesaid but now of Frankfort, Herkimer County State of New York in the

service of the United States in the Massachusetts Militia in Capt. Seth Newton's Company Col. at Smith Smith Regi- ments about the last of June or first of July 1776 5. m. for the term of five months and marched immediately to New Haven in Connecticut and there took shipping and went to New York City and their continued until we were driven out of the city by the British and then retreated back over Kings bridge to Harlem Heights and from thence to White Plains and their continued in that vicin- ity till December following where we completed our term of time of five months in the service and there and there we were verbally dismis- sed by our Commanding Officer
Witness Larkin Newton
Ebenezer Newton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. September 11 th 1833 Then personally appeared Ebenezer Newton and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed was just and true - and that I am personally acquainted with said Ebenezer Newton and that he is a man of good moral character and entitled to full credit as a witness. - before me - Willard Newton Justice of the Peace
I Stephen Bellows of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts being seventy six years of age, do testify and say, that I enlisted as a private together with Alexander Watson then of Southborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, but now of

Frankfort Herkimer County State of New York on some of the first days of July 1777 in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, in the Massachu- setts Militia in Capt. Asa Rice's Company, Col Job Cushing's Regiment and marched immediately to Bennington Vermont, where we stayed several weeks and then the Regiment marched to Half Moon in New York and from said Half Moon back to Bennington and there arrived on the day of the Battle at said Bennington Aug. 16 th towards evening and there served in guarding the prisoners &c till some of the first days of 2. m September following being in the service two months and then said Alexander Watson and myself were verbally dismissed by our commanding Officer Witnessarkin Newton Stephen Bellows
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss. September 11. 1833. - Then personally appeared Stephen Bellows and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed was just and true - and that I am personally acquainted with the said Stephen Bellows that he is a man of good moral character and entitled to full credit as a witness before me Willard Newton Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss. I, Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the judicial courts within and for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Willard Newton, Esquire, before whom the within Depositions of Nehemiah Parker, Ebenezer Newton, and Stephen Bellows were taken and sworn to, is a justice of the peace in and for said County of Worcester, and that the signature of the said Willard to the oaths, &c. of said Nehemiah, Ebenezer, and Stephen, appears to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the Court of Common Pleas, at Worcester, this eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Jos. G. Kendall Clerk

Boston
23472
INVALID.
File No. 23472
Alexander Watson
Pris Rev War
Act: June 7 th 39 th
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 185
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York
Reos:
Alexander Watson
Suspended
lot. McCarlog 19
Aug. 33
Act. June '32