Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32075, John Wilson, Conn. New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Louis. New York
Wilson, John
S 32075
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entry]
[Ruled lines for entry]

Connecticut 28.499
John Wilson ditched in the State of Ct. who was a White in the Reg commanded by Captain White of the Reg commanded by Col. Mead in the Conn For time for 2 years — Conn
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 80. Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
rate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of July, 34. and last A. S. D. Seymour. Ditched — Ct.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 34 240 — Semi-ant. allowance ending 1834 40 280
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Wath: Chas. Rice Clerk, Vol. 2 Page 48.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of Connecticut } Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield County of Litchfield } and in the County of Litchfield
On this 5 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Hon ble Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield in said County now sitting John Wilson a resident of Sharon in said County aged 70 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. 1832 — That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. viz —
I was born at White Plains, Westchester County in the State of New York on the 27 th of June 1762. where I lived in my father's family till 1776. On the day of the battle at White Plains, I removed to the town of South Salem in said county where I lived when I first entered the service. I lived in the town of Southeast Dutchess Co. when I entered the service the second time & when I left the service went to Salisbury Litchfield County Cont d & for short periods resided in Salisbury, Kent and Cornwall, till 1785 when I removed to Sharon in said County where I now reside. I have seen a record of my name and age in my father's family bible.
In March 1778. I entered the service of the United States for one year as a substitute for a Mr. Hothrop in Captain Sackett's Company. The names of the other officers of the Company I do not remember. We were not attached to any Reg t . Our Company was formed at White Plains, and we were stationed at Tarry Town on the North River. Our principal business was keeping guard. We had some skirmishes with the Refugees and took a few prisoners. I was taken sick with the ague and fever and after staying six weeks was discharged by my Captain by parole and did not join my company again that year.

In 1779 early in the Spring or summer though I do not remember the precise date, I went as a substitute for a Mr. Abbot I think in Capt Shute's Compy Col Mathew Mead's Regt to Horse Neck. We were in the Connecticut State troops. I do not remember the names of the other officers of the Compy or Regt. We were stationed and employed in keeping guard at Oyanis Bridge, Sherwood's Bridge and Horse Neck point, and occasionally in small patrolling parties. I served out my time, which I think was 7 months, I received a parole discharge from my Captain and reached home about the last of November.
About the first of April 1780 I again entered the service and was attached to Capt Williams Compy to go up the Mohawk River. Our other Officers were Lieuts Ball and Dikeman. Orderly Sergt Hadley. We were mustered at Fishkill where we took the oath of allegiance, "to be true and faithful to our country &c" Our Compy consisting of about 80 men marched by land to Albany where we crossed the river and marched to Schenectady. We remained at Schenectady about a week when we escorted several Batteaux laden with provisions up the Mohawk River to German Flats. We had to take them by land around Little Falls, about the distance of one mile. Our Compy never joined any Regt but we were stationed at two small posts on opposite sides of the river, viz fort Herkimer on the south side and fort Dayton on the north. We had a small stockade called High Germantown about 7 miles farther up the river, where we kept a Sergt's guard, which was relieved once a week. A scouting party marched from the fort to the stockade every day. One of these scouting parties was attacked by a party of Indians and two of our men, Martin Hyer and John McCalm were killed. I was not in this party. One of our men Job Randal deserted and was retaken in Albany. Col Harper once visited the post when I was there. On four occasions I went with the Compy to convoy Batteaux up the river to fort Stanwix a distance of about 40 miles, and at the head of boat navigation. I was at the stockade when our detachment under Sergt Camp and Corporal Frost was attacked by a large body of Indians. It was about the first of July, on Sabbath morning. There was a small loghouse within the pickets inhabited by two Germans, their wives were both killed in the action. We had no men killed and but one wounded. One of the Indians was killed and left on the ground and

Several were carried off by the Indians. The action continued till near night when a patrol from fort Herkimer came in sight and the Indians retreated. On the next day the whole Company under Capt Williams came up, when we buried the females and returned to fort Herkimer, and did not keep a guard at the Stockade any more.
On the 22 d of July a recruiting party arrived at the German Flats from Gen Washington's Army then in the Jerseys. They were Capt Horton and Sergts Williamson and Glover. They wanted to procure recruits for 15 days. Most of our Company enlisted and myself among the number. We marched to Schoharie where a few more recruits joined us, and then we went to Albany Albany where we went on board a sloop and sailed to West Point where we landed and marched to Tappan where we joined Gen Washington's army and Gen Clinton's Brigade, New York line State Continental troops. I was attached to Col Frederick Wischfeldt's Regt under Capt Stewart I think. Our Lieut's name I do not remember. Our Ensign's name was Dodge, our Adjutant's was Talmadge. I remember a Col Gansevoort commanded a Regt there. I remember seeing Baron Steuben there frequently, he commanded when we were maneuvering on the field. We remained here till about the 20 th day of September, when the whole army was marched toward the river a little above New York city where the British appeared to be landing in considerable force. Gen Green commanded at this time. Gen Washington, it was said was gone to the Eastward. We were drawn up in order to receive them, when after a few hours they returned on board their shipping. A few nights after we had a general alarm about 2 o'clock in the morning, we paraded, the tents were struck, and we marched off and made little or no halt till we reached West Point. We soon heard of Arnold's treachery and that Major Andre was taken. We staid at West Point a few days and then marched to Tappan where Andre was tried and executed. I was one of the guard who escorted him from the prison to the gallows. We remained here till sometime in November when our Regt was ordered to fort Stanwix at the head of the Mohawk river. We marched to West Point where we went on board two sloops, sailed to Poughkeepsie, where we took in Gov. George Clinton and then sailed to Albany. From Albany we marched to fort Stanwix. We remained here till the forepart of December, when the recruits under a Capt

Duncomb of the Line, took all the Battalions down to Fort Herkimer. We then marched to Albany and on the 15 th of December were discharged by parole. Jonathan Sturtevant, Isaac Smith, Samuel Bouton, Major Adams & — Urmans were messmates with me in this campaign. If any of them are living and apply for a pension for this service, their statement may serve to corroborate mine.
In April 1781. I enlisted with a Serg t Edwards in Capt d Andrew White's Company State troops New York, under my old Col Frederick Wisenfelt, who had left the Continental line. Our Reg t was formed at Esopus, marched to Half Moon Point where we crossed the river & marched by Stillwater to Saratoga. We encamped near the battle ground where Burgoyne was taken. We here joined Gen l Stark. We had no general engagement, but Major McKinster surprised and took a party of twelve men. One of them Lovel a Lieut had been enlisting men on our frontiers. He was hung and his men sentenced to be confined during the war. Our Lieut s name was George Wisenfelt a son of the Col. James Cooper was our Sergeant Major. I continued here till December 1781 and received a written discharge from my Col. which is now lost.
In 1782 about the middle of April I believe I enlisted again into Capt d Andrew White's Comp y Col Wisenfelt's Reg t New York State troops to guard the frontiers. Our Major's name was Capt d Thomas Delano was Serg t Major, Consider Sturtevant Quarter M c Serg t . We marched to the frontiers of Ulster County State of N Y York. Our Reg t was extended 30 or 40 miles; we had no engagements, but were engaged in small patrols most of the time. The Col's head quarters were at Marble Town. I was stationed there and employed most of the time in writing despatches for the Col. When our Reg t was embodied we were stationed at a place called Lohawae. Our Adjutant's name was Welch. Capt s Hardinburg & Livingston commanded companies in the Reg t . On the 30 November I received a written discharge from Col Wisenfelt, which I kept till Sept r 1802. when I sent it to the Land Office in Albany and it has never been returned. I understand my name was registered at that Office. I have no documentary evidence of any of the above service, nor any evidence of any kind nor am I able to obtain any, though I have repeatedly endeavoured to procure it.

I am known to the Rev. William Andrews of Cornwall and to Charles F. Sedgwick Esq of Sharon who can testify to my character for truth and of their belief of my services &c.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
John Wilson
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Before me Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate Litchfield District, Connecticut
I William Andrews a clergyman residing in the town of Cornwall one of being the nearest clergyman to the above named applicant & Chas. F. Sedgwick of Sharon in said County of Litchfield
hereby certify that we are acquainted with Mr John Wilson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 70 years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion and also that the said Wilson sustains a good character for truth & veracity
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me
Frederick Wolcott, Judge of
Probate Litchfield District State of Conn.
William Andrews
Chas. F. Sedgwick

And the said Court 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 the Rev William Andrews who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Clergyman residing in said Cornwall and that Chas F. Sedgwick Esq. who has signed the same is a resident in said Sharon and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Frederick Wolcott, Judge of Probate, District of Litchfield, Conn.
I Phinehas Miner, Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield in the County of Litchfield do hereby certify that the foregoing, contains the original proceedings in said Court in the matter of the application of John Wilson
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said court this 25 th day of September A D 1832..
Phinehas Miner Clerk
John Wilson
1895-5

1895 John Wilson Connecticut
Return
(j)
2 years private $80
A. S. Seymour St. Johnsbury Connecticut

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
7 th June 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those 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
John Wilson Subj. to the Comt.
   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.     Dec 1778 — 1 15 Priv Capt. Sackett Some skirmishes at Mt. Rain formed at Tarrytown 70 Traditional   Oct 1779 7 — — Shuter Capt. Sackett with the South Evidence   Enl. 1780 time not stated — — Williams Harper Refugees Horseback Salem   Enl. 1780 4 23 — Worton Genl. Washington Indian fight Fishkill Westchester Co. NY Strong   Enl. 1781 8 — — White Col. Allen Albany NY Patrick   1782 7 15 — White Genl. Green Schenectady   Col. Allen Fort Herkimer   Genl. Stark Albany   Col. Allen Fort Stanwix   Fort Ticonderoga   Stillwater (Saratoga)   Marble Town  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
The testimony of living witnesses should be exhibited to prove his service under Col. Wisenfelt.

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 A. B. Sworn to 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 (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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his 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 _____; 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.

for a statement of the military history of the soldier  John Wilson , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
John Wilson B. 32075
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mar. 1778 6 weeks Private Sackett ✓ N.Y.   May 1779 7 mos. Shute Matthew Mead Conn.   Apr. 1. 1780 3 mos. John Williams Frederick Weissenfels N.Y.   July 22, 1780 to Dec. 15, 1780 Titus Horton & Stewart " "   Apr. 1781 to Dec. 1781 Andrew White " "   Apr. 1782 to Nov. 30, 1782  
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at 14 2 enlistment, South Salem, Westchester Co., N.Y.  South East, Dutchess Co., N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 5, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Sharon, Litchfield Co., Conn. from 1785.
Age at date of application, born June 27, 1762 White Plains, Westchester Co., N.Y.
Remarks: His claim was allowed. There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

32 075 Rev INVALID.
1918 Dec. 6. Hist. to Mrs. F. H. Monroe, letter in R. 707 Moses Beecher.
File No. 32,075
John Wilson Pri Rev Nav
Act: June 1 st 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 456
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J. L. Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions Office - Washington City

Cornwall Bridge Office
March 10 th 1834
Sir, I would return you my thanks for your goodness in sending me a number of Names and Places of Residence of my Comrades in the Revolution War — I wrote them immediately but have not received that prompt Returns that I expected — whatever of Testimony I could obtain I herewith forward to the Office — I give a little Explanation, I live on the Sharon side of the River opposite this Office about Equal Distance from the Village of Sharon & Litchfield — I mention this as some my Depositions have stated John Wilson of Cornwall Connecticut —
My endeavour was in my first Statement to give the facts as near as from the best Resolution I was able — but I find from Documents that I erred in the Name of my Capt. in the Line — thinking it was Stuart — which I now know was Titus — and now Dr. for all I want you should give them an attentive perusal and by comparing the parts judge of their Merits — as I have ever made the true American principle the rule of Action. To ask nothing but what is right, and not to receive any thing that is wrong — Message —
Let the final action be as it is
J. L. Edwards Esquire
I shall ever Remain your
Obed t Serv t John Wilson
I am privileged above most the Old Soldiers — I write all my Letter My otherwise Very Large

Marbletown October 2 d 1784.
Sir, Please to send me by the hand of Capt. Lounsbury the certificates due to me for the service in Col: Wipenfells Regmt. Capt. Wrights Company In the year 1781, and you will greatly oblige yours &c.
John Wilson
Witness Richard Lounsbury junr. Colonel Wipenfells.
Marbletown October 2 d 1784
Sir, Please to send me by Capt. Lounsbury the certificates due to me for service in your Regmt Capt. Wrights Company In the year 1782.
and you will oblige yours &c.
John Wilson
Witness Richard Lounsbury junr. Colonel Wipenfells
Sharon March 21. 1786 to the paymaster to Colo. Wipenfells Ridgment of the New York Levees.
Sir, Please to pay unto Ebenezer Gay, or his order the whole of my wages that is due to me for my service in the year 1780 for most Seven months being under Capt. Williams and Titus being with me James Gray, and his receipt, or order shall be your discharge as Witness my hand in presence of O. Benjamin
John Wilson
John Wilson junr.
Rec d the contents in full (Endorsed by E. Gay) * Sam l Canfield
State of New York
Comptroller Office I certify that I have compared the preceding copies of papers remaining in this office, with the original papers from which the copies have been taken, and that they are correct transcripts from, and of the whole of the said originals.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my Office this tenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
A. C. Flagg Comptroller.
State of New York } Secretary's Office }
I certify that Azariah C. Flagg is Comptroller of this State duly commis- sioned and sworn and residing in the City of Albany that the Signature "A. C. Flagg" to each of the certificates herunto annexed is the proper hand writing of the said Comptroller and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official.
Given under my hand and the Seal of this office at the City of Albany the Tenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Arch. Campbell Dep. Secretary

State of New York Comptroller's Office } I certify that a paper or document marked B N o 158 purporting to be an "Abstract of receipts for Levy Pay for men that joined Colonel Weissenfells Reg t in 1780" now re- = mains in this Office, and that the name of John Willson appears upon such Abstract as having received the amount of his wages amounting to the sum of thirteen pounds seventeen shillings and four pence.
In Witness whereof I have here- = unto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this tenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
A. C. Hogg Comptroller.
State of New York } Secretary's Office } I certify that it appears by the minutes of the Council of Appointment of this State that Andrew White was duly appointed and commissioned as a Captain in the Levies Raised for the defence of this State in the year 1781 and also in the year 1782 and that Richard Sackett was duly appointed and commissioned as a Captain in the Levies Raised for the defence of the State in 1782 & which said Levies were commanded by Lieut. Colonel Frederick Weissenfells
Given under my hand and the seal of this Office at the City of Albany the Tenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Arch d Campbell Dep. Secretary

Jh
Mr John Wilson
Cornwall Bridge Post office Connecticut

State of New York
Jefferson County ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Thomas Delano who being duly sworn according to law deponeth and says - that he is well acquainted with John Wilson of Cornwall Connecticut that he became acquainted with him in the Revolutionary Service and has seen him since at times since - I was Sergeant Major in Col. Weissenfels Regt in 1782 - The Regiment had its headquarters at Stone Ridge in Marble town, and the said John Wilson was a private soldier in my guard - I marched from Fishkill with a part of the troops to Stone Ridge and there became acquainted with Wilson - I understood and believe he had then been in service about one month - I know of his having served faithfully about Eight months after that, when he was discharged at Stone Ridge having served I have no doubt Nine Months - I further depose and say that I am now in the seventy fourth year of my age & further saith not Sworn & Subscribed this 28 th day of November 1833 before me Dan Lee Justice of the Peace.
Thomas Delano
I certify that Capt. Thomas Delano the above deponent is one of our most respectable citizens whose statement is entitled to the fullest credit.
Dan Lee Justice of the Peace

State of New York Jefferson County
I P. B. Burchard Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Daniel L. Ely before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County. And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper handwriting and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of said County this Twenty eighth day of November A.D. 1833.
P. Burchard Clerk

Dear Sir
ity it was with Pleasure that I Recd your Letter happy to find that you were in being the Sympathy that Exists between the Revolutionary Soldiers it ever will be Extending while Life Last you were fresh in my memory so is your name. I should be happy to tell you I was out two years and three months in the Last War but I was much mortified at the management
I have the Pleasure to inform you that my health is Good. you need not trouble y self on the account of this I Paid only Twenty five Cents
I Remain Your sincere friend
Thomas Dilano
John Wilson

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield } ss Cornwall August 18 th 1832
I Hiram Whitcomb of Cornwall in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut being seventy four years of age do testify & say that I am personally and well acquainted with John Wilson of Sharon in said County & State and have been so acquainted with him for about thirty six years past. That he has sustained the reputation of a respectable citizen in society. & that he has uniformly sustained the reputation of having served as a soldier in the Army of the revolution
Hiram Whitcomb
State of Connecticut Litchfield County ss Cornwall August 18 th 1832
Personally appeared Hiram Whitcomb signor of the foregoing affidavit (personally known to me and a man of creditability in all respects) and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the same
Peter Bissell Justice of the peace

This may Certify that I Philo Swift of part 32 Cornwall Litchfield County & State of Connecticut Being in the seventieth year of my age do Testify that I have resided in the Neighbourhood of Mr. John Wilson and have been personally acquainted with him ever since the year 1785 and have ever considered him as a Respectable man in Society, that I have frequently from my first acquaintance heard him converse on the subject of the Revolutionary War, and relate that he served as a Soldier several Campaigns in different parts of our Country, that I have no doubt of the correctness of his Statement and I think the general belief of People in this Region I would further State that I am infirm and not convenient for me to go before the Court Cornwall September 4 th 1832 Philo Swift
Litchfield County ss Cornwall September 4 th 1832 personally appeared Philo Swift Signer and Sealer of the foregoing statement and made solemn Oath that the same is true in all its parts before me Peter Beecher Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mr. Philo Swift who has subscribed the within statement and that he is in all respects a credible person and a respectable man in Society
Peter Bierce
Connersall Sept. 1832
State of Connecticut ss
Office of the Clerk of the County Court in and for the County of Litchfield
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of said Court hereby certify that Peter Bierce Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits of Hiram Whitcomb and Philo Swift appear to have been taken, is and for more than a year last passed has been a Justice of the Peace for said County of Litchfield and duly authorized to administer oaths and that the signatures to said Affidavits purporting to be his are
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court this 24 day of September A.D. 1832
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk.

10 John Wilson Esquire Cornwall Bridge Connecticut

Secretary's Office
Albany (N. Y.) Feb. 28. 1834
Sir,
I received your letter of the 24. instant yesterday and I hasten to comply with your request as far as in my power - There is no document in this Office which shews how long the Levies of 1781 & 1782 actually served - The enclosed Certificate refers to the Acts by which authority was given to raise them - I presume they served 8 or 9 months at least in each of the said years - The term was fixed by the Governor I presume by General orders - The minutes of the Council of appointment do not state how long the L t Col. & other officers were to serve - They were merely appointed officers in the Regiments of Levies ordered to be raised I hope however that the enclosed will be of some use to you and that you will receive the full amount to which I am persuaded you are justly entitled.
I thank you sincerely for your kind offer of making compensation to me for what services I have rendered you - It is a great pleasure to me indeed to be of service to any of the heroes of the Revolution - To take pay would be to mar that pleasure; and as I have never taken pay from others for be it from me to take any from you - I should like however to be informed of your receiving the pension.
Mr. Flagg is now Comptroller - John A. Dix is Secretary of State - They are both excellent men - Mr. Flagg has been so much engaged since I received your letter that I had no chance of showing it to him but I will do it before long.
I am with great respect
Your Ob t Servant
Arch d Campbell Dep. Sec.
John Wilson Esq.
N.B. If the within certificate should be of no use, please let me know what more I can do

State of Connecticut } Personally appeared before the Litchfield County } the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for s d County, James H. Kellogg who being Duly Sworn, according to Law Deposeth and says that he has lived the two years last past in the Town of Catlin Tioga County, State N.Y. and that he was personally acquainted with Deuben Barber of s d Town of Catlin and that the general character of s d Barber as respects a Man of Truth & Veracity was considered Good Subscribed and sworn to James H. Kellogg This 5 th day of February A D 1834 before me
Peter Bierce Justice of Peace I certify that I am well acquainted with the above Deponent. James H. Kellogg and that he is a man of credibility in every respect whose statement is entitled to full credit
Peter Bierce
I Frederick Wolcott Clerk of the County Court within the County of Litchfield, in the State of Connecticut, certify that Peter Bierce Esq. was on the fifth day of February 1834, that he now is & for many years hath been, a Justice of the Peace for said County, legally ap- -pointed & qualified, & that the above sig- -natures which purport to be his are genuine, & his proper hand writing. —
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court this 11 th day of March A. 1834.
Frederick Wolcott, Clerk

State of New York Secretary's Office
Certify that on the Tenth day of March 1781 the Legislature of this State passed an act entitled "An Act to raise troops for the immediate defence of the State," which troops so to be raised were to serve until the first day of January 1782 unless sooner discharged. That on the 17 th day of November 1781 the said Legislature passed an act entitled "An Act for the further defence of the frontiers of this State" under which act the Governor was authorised and directed to draw out into actual service so many able bodied and effective men not exceeding one thousand five hundred for any term or time not exceeding one year from the first day of January 1782 as he should deem most conducive to the safety of the State.
And I further Certify that Frederick Weissenfels, was appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of one of the Regiments of Levies raised as aforesaid in the year 1781 and also in 1782 And that Andrew White was appointed Captain of a Company in the Regiments commanded by the said Lieut Col Weissenfels in 1781 and in 1782 as appears by the minutes of the Council of Appointment of this State.
Given under my hand and the seal of this Office at the City of Albany the twenty eighth day of February in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty four.

21
John Wilson Esquire Cornwall Bridge Litchfield County Connecticut

State of New York Secretary's Office
Albany Feb. 10. 1834.
Sir, Your letter of the 27. th January was received on the 3. d instant. I made a careful search in this office but did not find your name. Being however unwilling to return you an unsatisfactory answer I went to the Comptroller's Office as I knew that a great mass of Old Vouchers & Receipts were deposited there and requested them to search for Receipts or orders for your pay; and fortunately after a good deal of labor they found three of which I enclose copies - also a certificate of the Comptroller about the payment & also a cert. from this office about the appointment of Captain Sackett & White in the Service commanded by Lt. Col. Weissenfels - This I hope will be of some use to you in obtaining your pension - I am the Sir your obedt. Servt.
Yours very respectfully
Arch. d Campbell Depr. Secretary
John Wilson Esq.

State of New York ss Reuben Barker of the Tioga County ss town of Catlin in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is twenty six years old that at the time of the revolutionary war he lived in the State of Connecticut near the line of Dutches County of the State of New York and that he was acquainted with John Wilson who at that time lived in Dutches County in the State of New York within about a half a mile of this defendant. And also that he was acquaint- ed with the said John Wilson while he was in the revolutionary army was that he served in Colonel Wisenfelt regiment remembers Captains John Williams & White of the said regiment. He first saw the said Wilson in the service at Horsneck then under Colonel of Danbury Connecticut a Militia Colonel as he thinks in the year 1779. He next saw him at West Point in the year 1780 under Colonel Wisenfelt and the same season about two months after he saw him at Lap Pond under the same Colonel he also saw him at Saratoga under Colonel Wisen- felt also in the year 1781. Says he was well acquainted with the said John Wilson and he understood at the time that he served during the years above mentioned in the army of the Country and recollects of seeing a discharge which he obtained and further saith not Subscribed and sworn before me the 9th day of June 1834
Walter D. Daily Reuben Barker Justice of the Peace New York

State of New York, Iroquois County ss I Green McTattile Clerk of said Court do certify that Walter L. Daly Esq before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said county. And that I am acquainted with his handwriting and barely believe his signature subscribed thereto to be genuine — Witness my hand and seal of office the 8th day of January A.D. 1834
Green McTattile

To the Hon The Comm't of Pensions Washington City

Litchfield, (Conn t ) March 11. 1834
To the Hon. The Commissioner of Pensions —
The pension application of Mr. John Wilson is herewith again sent. You will perceive that Mr. W has been diligent in searching for testimony and that he has been successful in collecting evidence, which tho' somewhat more indefinite as to dates & times, than I wish, shows fully, that the statements in his declaration are substantially correct. —
The Justice, who took the deposition of Mr. Barber herewith sent, has neglected to certify to Mr. Barber's credibility. But as he lives remote from here, & as Mr. Wilson has already suffered many delays, he has sent the deposition of Mr. Kellogg in proof of Mr. Barber's character, in the place of the Justice's certificate. There is, I understand no doubt whatever as to Mr. Barber's credibility. & as he is a pensioner, you probably have evidence on that subject in your possession. The facts sworn to by Mr. Barber are moreover, as you will find, confirmed by other testimony. However, if the certificate of credibility is indispensable, & the other evidence is not satisfactory without Barber's deposition, then, of course, on return of the papers to me the certificate shall be sent for. — Please send your answer to me. — Mr. Wilson is a man of unblemished character and where he is known

his own uncorroborated statement would receive full credit. —
With respect
your ob t serv t .
Origen Seymour

State of Connecticut County of Litchfield p Litchfield Cornwall
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace, in & for the said County, John Wilson of Sharon — in said County of Litchfield, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that by reason of old age & 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 in the following grades ;
For the full period of six weeks , I was in the actual service of the United States in Captain Sackett's company; the particulars of which service, as also of the several services herein after mentioned, are detailed in my declaration, made before the Hon Court of Probate for the District of Litchfield, on the 5 th day of September 1832.
For the full period of seven months , I was in the actual service of the United States in Capt Shute's company.
For at least the full period of three months I was in the actual service of the United States in Capt Williams Company
For the full period of four months & twenty three days , I was in the actual service of the United States, forsooth , from the 22 d of July, to the 15 th of December 1780 , in the manner detailed in said declaration that is under Capt, Mason, & Capt Stewart of Col Wisonfelt's Regiment. —

For the full period of eight months , I was in the actual service of the United States in Capt White's company, under my first engagement, to wit from Ap. to December 1781. —
For the full period of at least seven & an half months , I was in the actual service of the United States in Capt White's company under my second engagement, to wit from Ap. to 30 th November 1782.
In all the times aforesaid I served as a private,
In the whole then, for at least the full period of thirty one months , and twenty three days , I served as a private & for this service I claim a pension.
Subscribed & sworn to on this 11 th day of July 1833.
Before me,
Peter Brice Justice of Peace
John Wilson
Sitcheild County
Sitcheild July 12. 1833.
O. S. Seymour Assistant
I Frederick W. Scott, Clerk of the County Court in & for said County hereby certify that Peter Brice Esq, before whom the foregoing affidavit is made, was at the date thereof, now is, & for more than a year last past has been a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly authorized to administer oaths and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine, —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 12 th day of July AD 1833 —
Osgood L. Seymour Assistant Clerk,