Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,773, Andrew Van Suydam, New York

SERVICE
New York
NUMBER
W. 16.773
Van Suydam Andrew or Van Suidam Esther
CONTENTS

24.023 New York
Andrew Van Guydam of Hoosick in the State of New York who was a Private in the Co. C. commanded by Captain Brown of the Regt. commanded by Col. Yates in the New York line for 12 months and 28 days
40.00 3.11 43 11
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 43 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Oct 1833 and to S. Davis Troy
86 16 21.54 107 70
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33 $ 107.70 Semest. allowance ending Apr 34 21.54 $129.24
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Col. Yates Clerk, Book E , Vol. 4 , Page 84

State of New York, Rensselaer County } ss.
On this twenty sixth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me George R. Davis, one of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county of Rensselaer Andrew van Suydam a resident of Hoosick in the county of Rensselaer and State of New York aged seventy two years of age who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated, That in the year 1777 on the 16 th day of August he volunteered and went with the militia of the town of Hoosick to meet the enemy who were at Bennington in the State of Vermont, that he was at the battle of Bennington on the said 16 th of August, that his Captain's name at this time was Thomas Brown who was not in the battle nor was the Lieutenant whose name was Joseph Gifford, that his Colonel's name was Peter Yates, and his Lieutenants Colonels John van Rensselaer who lost had command of him at the battle, that the General who commanded in this engagement was Stark, that he was was out in service at this time ten days & was then dismissed, That in the following year 1778, the company to which he belonged was called out to go to Fort Edward, thinks they went sometime in the month of October but cannot recollect the day on which he went, that the whole company were ordered out & went under command of his Captain above named, that the Regiment to which his company belonged went under command of Colonel van Rensselaer he thinks, and that General Sir Brock acted as General during this Expedition That he was marched to Fort

Edward and at that time actually engaged in the service of the United States as a Soldier of the Revolution three weeks and one day  that he  was employed while at Fort Edward in repairing the Fort Scout- ing & making a road to Fort Ann, that he  don't recollect the names of any of the other officers who were out at that time with them at Fort Edward except Major Nicholas Grasebeck a Militia major from Schaghticoke that he was then dismissed, That in the following summer 1779 he was frequently called out, that three several times he recollects of being called out with the rest of the company to which he belonged to go to a place called Palmettown about forty five or fifty miles from where he resided, that he cannot recollect the particular times in which he went but the first he thinks was in the month of June the day of the month he cannot recollect, that he went at each time with the rest of the company to which he belonged and under the officers above named commanding the company to which he belonged that other Militia were there at Palmettown while he was there but he cannot recollect what regiments or companies nor what officers commanded them that no continental Troops or officers were there, that at each of these tours he was gone two weeks making in the whole six weeks & was each time dismissed & went home, That in 1780, in the month of April he thinks but the day he cannot recollect he was drafted for nine months in the militia of the town in which he resided, that during this nine months he served in the same company under the same company officers above named and was at Fort Edward, Fort Ann, Lake George, Saratoga and other places while engaged in performing this service, that neither the whole regiment to which his company belonged nor the whole company did not turn  during this nine months service out but only that part which was drafted

that Colonel Van Rensselaer was out with them at one time & went to Lake George that he does not recollect of his being out with them during said nine months at any other time, that he was marched to various places while performing this service and remained but a short time at any one place and that he does not recollect of any other Troops being with the militia with whom he served during this nine months service, that this service was performed as above stated and at the expiration thereof he was discharged, That in addition to the services above detailed he was repeatedly called out (after the services first above mentioned) at the battle of Banningtown during the Revolutionary war and at frequently during that time turned out as a volunteer and was gone sometimes a week & sometimes only one, two or three days that he has no memorandum of these services nor of the several times at which they were performed but that the time actually spent by him in such service in addition to the services above detailed is not less than six months , that these services were generally performed under command of the officers commanding the company to which he belonged sometimes under command of officers commanding other companies & sometimes he turned out without any officers to command them as frequently happened in case of alarms, that he cannot recollect the names of any officers under whom he served during this six months service except the company officers which belonged to his company above named that they were generally performed at the several places above named and in the vicinity of those places and sometimes at others but by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot detail with

more particularity his different terms of service over the general circumstances attending the same, but that according to the best of his recollection & belief he served at the times and in the manner above stated as a private soldier in the revolutionary war not less in all than seventeen months & fourteen days & was when called out at each time dismissed That he has no documentary evidence of his services nor does he know of any person living who was personally knowing to his serving as above stated except his brother Anthony van Suydam whose affidavit is hereto annexed - That he is old and a cripple & infirm and in consequence of his bodily infirmity is unable to attend court which is held in the county where he resides, at the city of Troy about thirty miles from his residence -
1 st That he was born in the Town of Salisbury in the State of Connecticut in the year 1760 2 nd That he has a record of his age at home in his family bible 3 rd That he was living when he entered the service of the United States at the town of Hoosick in the county of Rensselaer and state of New York and that he has always lived there since that time and still continues to reside there 4 th That he entered the service as a volunteer without being enlisted 5 th That the names of all the officers that he can remember who were with the militia in where he served are as fully stated in his declaration above as he can from his knowledge & recollection state the same and that no continental Troops were at any time with the militia where he served nor was there any militia or State Troops with them that he can remember except those above mentioned in his declaration and that

The general circumstances of his service are above as fully stated as he can from his recollection or knowledge state the same -
6 th That he never received a written discharge
7 th That the names of the Persons to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution are Israel Keach Joseph Dorr and Edward Eldredge
As hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any state sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid { Andrew his Van Suydam mark
Geo W Davis Clerk of the Judges of Rensselaer County
We Israel Keach a Clergyman residing in the town of Herk and Joseph Dorr of same town hereby Certify that we are acquainted with Andrew Van Suydam who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy Two years 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 the day & year aforesaid - Israel Keach Joseph Dorr
Geo W Davis Clerk of the Judges of Rensselaer County Court

State of New York
County of Ulster
ss.
I Anthony Duyck of the town of Hurley in the County of Ulster and state of New York being first duly sworn according to law deposed and says that he is well acquainted with Andrew Van Dyk and have known him from his childhood up to the present time, that during the Revolutionary War he knows that the said Andrew Van Dyk frequently turned out with volunteer in defense of his country that he knows of his going to Fort Edward and to Paterstown and to other places, but the years or years in which he went he cannot recollect neither can he recollect the month or month that the officers who commanded the company to which said Andrew Belonged in the Revolutionary war were Captain Thomas Brown and Lieutenant Joseph Gifford which is all he can recollect that he and he belonged to the said company and that we were both of us frequently called out during the Revolutionary war & frequently vol- unteered & went in service of the United States that he cannot swear pre- cisely as to the length of his service neither can he state the number of times he was actually out nor at what particular times he was out nor how long he was out at each of those several times but that he has no doubt but that he served as by him in his declaration stated and for the length of time by him also stated and at the times by him also stated but that he is old and infirm (being 76 years of age) and cannot recollect so as to swear positively to every particular of his service as to the dates & circumstances & cannot recollect so as to detail them with more particularity
Subscribed & sworn to the day of December 1832 before me Geo H. Dyer Clerk of the Court
Anthony Van Duyck

Andrew Van Sniden Application for a Pension

State of New York.
County of Rensselaer.
ss.
I, George R Davis, one of the judges of the County Court of said County, hereby certify that Andrew Van Suydam, who has subscribed to & sworn to the within declaration is from bodily infirmity unable to attend at any of the courts of record of said County: That after investigating the matter & putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, it is my opinion, that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he states. That Israel Beach, who has signed the within certificate is a clergyman residing in Hoosick, & Joseph Dorr, who has signed the same, is a resident of the same town, & is a credible person; that Andrew Van Suydam, who has subscribed & sworn to the within affidavit, is a credible person; & that their statements are entitled to credit.
Geo R Davis Ass't of the Judges of Rensselaer County Court

Andrew Van Sydanis Application for a Pension
22053

State of New York Rensselaer County ss. I, Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that George R. Davis Esqr. before whom the preceding Declaration & certificate purports to have been made and sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Judges of Rensselaer County Courts. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe his signatures above subscribed are genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this Eleventh day of January 1833.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk

State of New York
Rensselaer County } ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Rensselaer aforesaid Andrew Van Sinden who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear posi- tively as to the precise length of each of his terms of service nor the precise time or times at which each of them were per- formed but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the follow-
10 ing grades. For ten days I served as a private soldier under command of Lieut Colonel John Van Rensselaer that this service was in August 1777 and was at the time of the Bennington battle which battle I was in. For three weeks
21 and one day I served as a private soldier in a company of militia under command of Captain Thomas Brown, and my colonel name was Peter Yates, this was in 1778
1. 12 in October I think. For six weeks , I served 2. 13 as a private soldier in the same com- pany of militia under command of Captain Thos Brown above named that this service was performed in the summer of 1779 at three several times at a place called Palmerstown in the county of Saratoga about 45 or 50 miles from where I resided that while at Palmerstown I was employed in keeping guard my colonel's name & who had command of me while at Palmer- stown at this time was Peter Yates, as in my declaration herewith annexed is stated, that I do not recollect of being under command of any higher officer than  but my captain above named while

2, 13 at Palmetto town, forensaid -
9 For nine months I served as a private soldier in the same company of militia under same captain which services were performed at Fort Edward, Fort Ann Lake George, Saratoga and at other places of less note along the northern frontier. That while at Lake George Colonel Van Rensselaer was with them & commanded, that I was in no engagement during this service but performed the same along the lines in standing guard & protecting & defending the posts which were most exposed to the enemys approach. For nine days
-9 I served as a private soldier on an alarm I was then under command my Lieutenant Gifford my Captain did not go at that time that I went during in this expedition to Sicondero - go was employed while at Siconderoga
-2 in standing guard For two days I served as a private soldier being called out on an alarm & going to & returning from Saratoga under command at this time
-4 of my Captain Thos Brown - For four days I served as a private soldier on an alarm in going to Fort Miller under command of Captain Brown - For three days at
-3 another time I served as a private soldier in the same company of militia under same Captain Brown this service was also performed in going to & return
-10 = ing from Fort Miller For ten days I served as a private soldier being called out on an alarm, this service was performed under my command of my Captain Thos Brown & same Colonel as before stated - For
-2 two days I served as a private soldier under same Captain Brown this was towards the last of the war & was on an alarm
1 -

1-7 to Saratoga & back again - For one week I served as a private soldier in same company of Militia under same Captain Brown that this service was also performed on an alarm and in performing which service I went to Fort Ann and was employed while there in keeping guard & was at this time out in service
-8 one week - For eight days I served as a private soldier in the same company of Militia under Captain Brown and my Colonel's name at this time was Lewis
1. 15 11. 13 12 28
van Wart, that this service was performed on an alarm and that I was called out to Granville and remained stationed there for several days being out in all at this time in service 8 days making in the whole one year and twenty eight days and for such service I claim a pension - That I am unable to state from my recollection the precise times or the years in which the 8 last tons of service performed by me on alarms were so performed neither can I recollect so as to detail the remainder of my services which were performed on alarms and are included in my declaration hereby amended under the period of six months therein last stated & can therefore state nothing further than is therein mentioned in relation thereto except the above additions specifying a number of the times so generally
and that I was not at each time when called out verbally dismissed by the commanding officer -
Subscribed to & sworn before me this 10 th day of June 3 Andrew J. Vose Suedom 1833 - Nancy Patterson Justus Dean

State of New York Rensselaer County ss.
I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County
Do hereby Certify that Harry Patterson Esqr. before whom the foregoing affidavit was supported to have been sworn to on the day of the date of the same One of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verify believe his signature subscribed to the Certificate of said affidavit to be genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 13 th day of July 1833.
Henry R. Bristol Clerk for W. H. Howard Junr. Deputy
Ms. Vol. 8 p. 62 1777-91.70

Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6 th April 1838 from 4 th Dec 1838 to 6 th March 1839. age notified 26 April 1840
Letter to David B. McNamara P. Sec. War.
2183
Albany New York
Esther Van Suidam wife of Andrew Van Suidam died on the 27 April 1834 of Hensselaer in the State of N.Y. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Brown of the Regt. commanded by Col. Yates in the N.Y.M. line for 12 months & 28 days N.Y.
Enrolled on the Roll of Albany at the rate of $3 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834 27 th April 1834
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of July 1838 and sent to Gen. W. Mail fee of Rep.
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1838 $172.44 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept " 21.55
$193.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, Not July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by W. W. G. G. G. G. Clerk, Book 7 Vol 2 Page 120

3002 Esther Tan Surland Application for a Pension
Mamma 1779
Died 1834
Allan 12 m 28 d $43.68 per ann cum
28. Apr 1834
773
Hor Henry Vail H R

State of New York Rensselaer County ss.
On this 27th day of November 1837 personally appeared before me George R Davis one of the Judges of Rensselaer County Court & Chancellor of the Supreme Court - Esther Van Lunderen a resident of the town of Hoosick in the said County of Rensselaer State of New York aforesaid aged Seventy seven years last June the 14th day who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3, 1837 that she was married to Andrew Van Lunderen who obtained a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, on the 24th day of February one thousand eight hundred  one thousand and seventy  seventy five; that her said husband Andrew Andrew Van Lunderen died the 27th day of April one thousand eight hundred & thirty four - that she remains his widow at the time & has not married since his death.
That she was married to the said Andrew Van Lunderen on the day & year aforesaid, by Elder William Wait who then resided at Walloomsack near Hoosick, who died nearly twenty years
She was not "right" called "Seven" witnessed before being sworn subscribed to the foregoing charge etc.

since - that no record of her said marriage was kept by herself or her said husband or by the said Elder William West as she has been able to ascertain after the most diligent inquiry & search - that She further declares, that he lived & cohabited with her said husband from the period of her marriage aforesaid to his death on the 27th day of April 1834 as aforesaid, and had seven children by him. The eldest of which was born the 24th day of November 1780 - -
And she further declares that after her marriage aforesaid her said husband was called out & actually served in the revolutionary war as a militia private several terms of service at Fort George, Ticonderoga, Fort Edward so the place on the northern frontier, but the officers name, she does not recollect,
and she further states that the pension Certificate of her said husband, she thinks was attached to the papers, on which she

applied to the War department, for the Balance of the pension due her said husband, at the time of his death aforesaid — and she is unable from age & bodily infirmity to go to Court at Troy a distance of about thirty miles
Either her Mark Van Lendam
Subscribed & sworn before me this 27th day of November 1837 Geo R Davis Judge of Renss. County Court
State of New York Rensselaer County } }
on the 29th day of November 1837 personally appeared before me, Cornelius Lee  attorney  the  attorney at Law, resident of the City of Troy in the County & State aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law asks on his oath that the law did not require record on entry of marriage by the officers authorized to solemnize them until the Revised Statutes of this State passed in 1830 — and as far as his knowledge experience & knowledge extend, he has not been usual to make any entries of marriage before the Revised Statutes aforesaid, —
C. L. Tracy
Sworn to & subscribed this 29th day of November 1837 Geo R Davis Judge of Renss. County Court

State of New York Rensselaer County ss
on this 27 th day of November 1837 personally appeared before me George R Davis one of the Judges of Rensselaer County Court, to Peter Van Sundam a resident of White Creek in the County of Washington State of New York, aged fifty years the 14 th day of March last - who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath state - that he is the fourth child of the said Andrew Van Sundam deceased & Esther Van Sundam the present applicant & widow of the said Andrew Van Sundam - that they had three children born before this deponent - the first on the 24 th day of November 1780, the second on the 2 nd day of December in the year 1781, the third on the 24 th day of February 1783. & this deponent on the 14 th day of March 1787 - and this deponent further says that he has made diligent inquiry & search to ascertain, if possible whether Elder William West who has been dead a great many years left any records of his marriage,

to the end that such records might be used to prove his mother's marriage with the father of this deponent the said Andrew Van Andam but has not been able to learn that any such records was ever kept by the said Elda William Wait or left by him among his papers. either from inquiry from the door the said Elda William Wait or from other persons — Peter Van Burdam
Subscribed & sworn before me this 27 November 1837
Geo R Davis Esq Peshkeba County Court

State of New York Rensselaer County } On this 27th day of
December 1837 personally appeared before me one George R Davis one of the Judges of Rensselaer County Court &c authority of Van Rensselaer of Hoosick in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York aforesaid aged Eighty two years the 18th day of December coming - who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make say that he is the brother of Andrew Van Rensselaer who obtained a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, who died the 27th day of April one thousand eight hundred & thirty four, leaving his Widow Esther Van Rensselaer, him surviving, the present applicant, who has remained his Widow to the present time - that the said Esther lived & cohabited with the said Andrew Van Rensselaer as his wife from her marriage with him, until his death aforesaid & raised a family of seven children. That this deponent doth not recollect the day of the marriage

affirmed - that deponent was married in the year one thousand Seven hundred & Eighty one (1780) - on the 12th day of October of that year - that the said Andrew Van Lunden was married to the said Esther his present Widow, about two years before - the precise day this deponent does not recollect nor can he tell -
Subscribed & sworn before me this 27th November 1837
Anthony his  Van Lunden mark
Geo R Davis Esq of Resp. County Court etc

State of New York Rensselaer County ss.
On this 27th day of November 1837 - personally appeared before me one George R Davis Judge of Rensselaer County Court &c. Sarah Dorr a resident of Hoosick in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York aforesaid aged sixty nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law with on her oaths make state that she well knew Andrew Van Lunden of said town of Hoosick deceased & his wife Esther his present Widow, & applicant - that she recollects that during the revolutionary war the said Andrew Van Lunden was married to his present Widow Esther then Esther Dodge, by Elder William Waller and she recollects, that the same evening they were married - they came to the house of the Father of the deponent & celebrated the said Wedding from that period to the death of the said Andrew some three years since, they lived together as man & wife & reared a large family - that this deponent can not recalled the precise year of the marriage but she is confident it was pending the revolutionary war. & she thinks about

two years after the surrender of General Burgoyne, & as she nearly believes in the year 1779 in the Winter of that year she well recollects —
That this deponent further states — that the said Andrew Van Lundam, was reputed to be pensioner —
her Sarah X Dorr marks
Subscribed & sworn before me this 27th day of November 1837
The R Dorr Judge of Rup. County Court
State of New York Rensselaer County, ss } I George R Dorr Judge of Rensselaer County Court & Councillor of Supreme Court. Do Certify that before me named deponents Esther Van Lundam Widow of the late Andrew Van Lundam, Anthony Van Lundam. Peter Van Lundam, Sarah Dorr & Cornelius L Tracy each being of them personally appeared before me & respectively swore to and subscribed to their several depositions hereto attached & to which their several names are subscribed and that each & every of them are well known to me to be credible persons & that their statements are entitled to Credit — and I know — — —

personally that the said Esther van Lendorn the affiant is the Widow of Andrew Van Lendorn who was a pensioner under the act of Congress passed 7. 1832 & also that the said Esther from bodily infirmity can not attend Court
Geo R Davis Judge of Rensselaer County Court etc
State of New York Rensselaer County ss. I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of said County Do hereby certify that George R. Davis Esq. before whom the above Declaration purports to have been made and before whom the above Depositions purports to have been sworn, was on the days of the respective dates thereof a Judge of the County Court of the County of Rensselaer. And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge. and verily believe his signature, sub- scribed to the above Certificate to be genuine. In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my my hand and affixed the Seal of the County Court of said County this 4 th day of December 1837. Henry R. Bristol Clerk

22053
Andrew Van Dyke Pensylvania 6- N York
e.f.
Admitted Private 12 mo & 28 days
308
G. R. Davis Troy 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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Andrew Van Sycdam
   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.     16 th Aug 1777 10 Pvt Capt Brown Capt Gates Bunker Hill March to Bunker Hill 72 years Transaction a Burgoyne   Octob r 1778 22 " Capt Brown Capt Van Ruyven To Fort Edward NYork   0779 Palmstare   2 transp d Mch 1-12 12 " Same officers Same officers   April 1780 9 Same officers Same officers Fort Edward   11 14 Same officers Same officers Fort Ann   26 Same officers Same officers Fortake   Gerse   Saroga   Thompson  
x The above is a list of the time he was called up at different times in the army and served six months
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that 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. Infirmity
[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.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
No. 16773
Esther Vandusen Widow of Andrew Vandusen Pro Gen War
Act July 4th 86
Box: Vol. M , Page 296
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Andrew Van Saydam (N.Y.) a sum under the Act of June 7. 1832. When paid last,
A. H. B. July 2 nd 36
Third Audit Off
Due 27 th April 1834 paid to that period
14

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
April 13 th , 1840.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Esther Van Lieden, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, Mr. Agenoy, at the rate of Twenty Three Dollars and eleven Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July 1836, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1838, to the 4 th March, 1839.
Respectfully yours,
William B. Porter
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds etc.?
Sep 15 1823
OK
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of previous Washington City Dist Columbia

Woodstock Falls Sept 9th 1843
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Dear Sir
I will thank you to examine the enclosed, and inform me whether Kinsley F. Allen is duly and legally constituted, by the same, the agent of Esther Van Suidam for drawing her pension from the 4th of March to the 4th of Sept 1843 from the United States agency for paying pensions in the city of Albany?
Whether the said United States agent would be justified in paying the pension due Esther Van Suidam to the said Kinsley F. Allen from the 4th of March to the 4th of Sept 1843. if the enclosed paper should be presented to him accompanied by the affidavit of the said Kinsley F. Allen, and the certificate of the clerk of the County of Rensselaer certifying to the official standing of the magistrate?
And if Allen is not authorized to receive, or the agent to pay the money due the pensioner by the enclosed paper together with the affidavit and certificate aforesaid - will you have the goodness - to inform me wherein it is deficient?
There are a number of pensioners in my neighborhood who expect me to prepare their papers - and I am desirous of knowing what it is necessary for them to contain, which is my excuse for troubling you with the above queries - which I will thank you to answer as soon as you conveniently can and oblige
Yours respectfully
David S. M'Namara
Pr have the goodness to return the enclosed
D. S. M.

3,002 M y . Dec 8.
4 July '30
FREE
J. G. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City

J. L. Edwards Esq
My dear Sir,
Inclosed are the papers of Mrs. Esther Van Lucame - who claims a pension under the act of 1836 -
She is very aged. I will not be a charge upon the Pension Department - very long -
I knew her husband & the present applicant. I have known them over thirty years - I hope her case will receive an early attention.
Truly Geo R. Davis
Gray Ruff County Feb 5 1837