Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,388, Aaron Wight, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Wight, Aaron
S. 6388
CONTENTS
carded.

1886 May 15 W Wright with history Prior
30.46.5 Pennsylvania
Aaron Wright Enrolled in the State of Pennsylv a who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Ralph of the reg t commanded by Col Atack in the R. Island mil. time for 7 mos.
Enrolled on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate & Pension issued the 8 day of March 1836 and sent to H. B. Wright Milkes Baire, Pa.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $116.66 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept 36 16.66 $128.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Wilson Clerk ok & 2 Vol. 5 Page 68

Penna 19186
Aaron Wright Pennsylvania
auth.
sp. let.
Suspended
See letter H. Pettibone
8 August 1883
11504
H. Pettibone Willsbarry Pa

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Aaron Wright
   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.     Nov. 12, 1776 2 Private Col. Abell County of Providence R. Island a Living Witness   Mar 1. 1777 1 Cap. Knight Cornwall   May 1. 1777 1 " " " " aged 73 years   Aug 1. 1777 1 " " " "   Aug 1. 1778 20 " " Bests   June 1779 1 " " Messrs M c Gardner   Oct 1781 1  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

19185 ✓ Declaration of Aaron Wright a Soldier of the Revolution
Under Act of Cong.
June 7, 1832
— " —

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7. June 1832
State of Pennsylvania Suzer County ss
On this fourth day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Aaron Wright, a resident of Skolellen Township in said County, aged seventy three years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to law, declares the following declaration to be true to the best of his knowledge - that he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as here
Aaron Wright
States
affirmed and subscribed in open court this 4th Sep. 1832. H. Pettebone Prost
Aaron Wright, aged seventy three, by duly sworn, according to law, deposes and saith - that he was, on the thirtieth day of October A.D. 1758 - in State County of Providence - State of Rhode Island - of which he has a record. -
November 12. 1776. volunteered under command of Col. Amos a  the  in Athell - for two months in the Continental Army - stationed at Wauch neck, in Rhet Coast - Rhode Island
January March 1. 1777. He was drafted under command of Capt Jonathan Wright, in the Continental Army - for one month - in Col. Ezekiel Carrance's Regiment - at the Hproter

of which time he was regularly discharged Nov 1. 1777. he was drafted at Scituate in Capt. J. Knight's Company - for one month in the Continental Army - Stationed at Warwick neck - the whole time. -
Augst 1. 1777. that he was drafted in Capt. Knight's Company, for one month, in the Continental Army - served the period & was stationed at Warwick neck. -
Augst 1. 1778 - he was drafted in Capt. Jonathan Knight's Company of Rhode Island Militia in Col. William West's Brigade - for thirty days - Stationed at Portsmouth, Middletown at the end of period was discharged Continental Army
June 1779. was drafted in the Artillery Comp. of Capt. Isaac Medbury - for one year served the time - Stationed part of the time at Providence - Bristol, and Newport Islands - under Major Oliver Gardiner - was discharged -
Octob 1781. was drafted in Capt. Knight's Company for one month - Stationed at Newport town - at the end of the time of enlistment - was regularly discharged Deponent waived further states that he was frequently in the Continental Army several days at a time - which days he does not now distinctly recollect. That since the Revolutionary war he has lived "Scituate" - Providence County - and, Coventry Kent County - Rhode Island and in the year 1815 - he removed to Chichester in Sussex County where he still resides - That during one month of the time he was in the Army

he acted in the capacity of Secretary. — That he never had a written discharge but on leaving the service — he had a Certificate from his Pay. —
That he is personally acquainted with George Reynolds & Westcott Stone. —
He hereby relinquishes all claims whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and demands that his name be removed from the pension roll of the Army of the United States Albany Feb. 1832 Court Sept. 4, 1832
Aaron Wright
H. Pettibone Prov
Westcott Stone aged seventy two years being duly sworn deposes and says that he is well acquainted with the above applicant for pension — Aaron Wright — And that he served a month with him under Command of General Sullivan — Stationed on Stewart Island — in the Continental Army — This deponent was acquainted with said Wright before the commencement of the Revolutionary war — That this deponent — in 1779. was at Bristol in Rhode Island — with said Wright under Command of Col. Calkin. — That this deponent has since known him and has known reason to doubt the above declaration — & further saith not —
Second & Subscribed before me this 4. Sep. 1832
Westcott Stone
H. Pettibone Prov

George Reynolds - aged seventy one years has duly sworn according to law deposition and says that he is well acquainted with the above applicant for a pension who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - that he believes him to be seventy three years of age - and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution - sworn and subscribed
This 4. Sp. 1832  in Open Court
H. Pettebme Prob
George Reynolds
Declaration of Aaron Wright a Soldier of the Revolution
Act. of Congress Jan. 7. 1832

In the matter of Aaron Wright's petition, and in answer to the special letter further amends his declaration under oath before a Justice duly authorized to administer oaths. —
That in June 1779 an Artillery Company consisting of sixty four exclusive of the first Lieut., who had command and was styled Captain (Isaac Medbury) and the second Lieut. 2d. Fists Jr. — That in this Company of Artillery the said Aaron Wright enlisted and served for one year or thereabouts in his former declaration — And that all the said Aaron knows of Major Gardiner is — that when Major Gardiner was with his company and but once , when his company was stationed at Middletown on New York Island — he heard Lieut. (or as he had command was styled) Captain Medbury say, pointing to the Gardiner and say "tho' is our Major" and that the said Aaron has never seen said Gardiner after that time and then he did not remain with the Company to exceed three days.
That the Company this Deponent was in was during the year of said not attached to any Regiment — and that when the Gardiner came there this Deponent supposed he came then merely to see

the condition of the troop - That the Company had two guns, which he thinks carried nine pounds each - Joseph Medbury was 1 st Sergeant in said Company - 2 d Sergeant was William Gilmore - 1 st Corp - was Benajah Bosworth, and that the Respondent was himself the second Corporal along the same line -
I do hereby certify that before me a Justice of the Peace this 12 th June 1833
Aaron Wright
Thomas Dyer Just. Peace
Suzerne bounty — Isaac Bowman Recorder of deeds for said bounty do hereby certify that Thomas Dyer Esq. whose name is attached to the above Instrument of writing was at the time it was executed and is now an acting Justice of the Peace in for said bounty and that full faith and credit may be given to all his acts and deeds as such and that the annexed is his genuine signature In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Wilkesbarre this thirteenth day of June A.D. 1833 Isaac Bowman Rec I. Bowman Dep

Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace this eighth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two - John Miller, a clergyman of the Township of Abington - and being duly sworn, deposed and said that, he has been acquainted with Aaron Wright the now name Applecare for pension - that he has known him for seventeen years and upwards and that said Wright has been generally esteemed and reputed among his friends and neighbors to be a soldier of the revolution - And that he holds him to be a person of truth and veracity. Sworn and subscribed before me the day and date above written John Miller Samuel Stone Esq.
George Wymbleas being duly sworn, said that he was present at the ordination of John Miller - and knows him to be a rightly ordained clergyman - Sworn before me this day 8 th day of September A.D. 1832 Robert Stone Samuel Stone Esq.

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 within named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that John Elliott who has signed the within Certificate is a Clergyman Resident in Abington, and that George Reynolds and Mescot Stone who have also signed the annexed Certificates are also residents of the same place and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I Henry Pittbome Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Luzerne, do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Aaron Wight for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Wilkes-Barre this seventeenth day of November 1832
Henry Pittbome Proth.

MSY
September 19, 1925.
Mr. Alfred E. Lister, Tip Top Coal Company, Box. 464, Scranton, Pa.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S-6388, it appears that Aaron Wight was born October 31, 1758 at Scituate, Providence County, Rhode Island.
While residing there he enlisted November 1, or 12, 1776 and served two months as a private in Captain Nathan Ralph's Company, Colonel Amos Atwell's Rhode Island Regiment.
He enlisted March 1, 1777, May 1, 1777 and August 1, 1777 and served three tours of one month each in Captain Jonathan Knight's Company, Colonel Ezekiel Cornwell's Rhode Island Regiment and was in an engagement on Prudence Island.
He enlisted in August 1778 and served one month in Captain Jonathan Knight's Company, Colonel Stephen Kimball's Rhode Island Regiment.
He enlisted in June 1779 and served one year in Captain Isaac Medbury's Company, of Rhode Island Artillery.
He enlisted October 9, 1781 and served one month in Captain Peter Pierce's Company, Colonel Christopher Olney's

Rhode Island Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832 while residing in Nicholson Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

33.180
Aaron Wright Pennsylvania Suspended
Augt. 20. 1835
See letter to H. B. Wright.
Augt. 20 - 1835
do. 7 Sept. 1835.
do. 14 Oct. "
do. 23 Dec 35 Hon. A. Beaumont,

1882 Pa
11.504.
P. O.
Aaron Wright
Service: _____
Enlisted: REJECTED _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Consolidated with admitted cases
Application filed: File 6388 _____, 18
Alleges: ok _____
Re-enlisted: _____
X
Attorney: _____

1925 Sept 19. 1 List n Mr. Alfr E. L. L. mdy
Reoham
6388
INVALID.
File No. 6388
Aaron Wright Pri. Rev. War
Act: June 7" 1832
Index: —Vol. 9 , Page 408
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pennsylvania
Aron Wright.
allow for 7 notes $23.33
H. B. Wright esq Wilkesbarre Pa

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Pennsylvania } Susquehanna County } ss
On this 6 th day of August 1835 personally appeared in open court before the Hon David Scott President and Chas D. Shoemaker and William G. Rall Esquires his associates - Composing a Court of Common Pleas now sitting - Aaron Wight a resident of Abington in said County and State aged Seventy Six Years and upwards, 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 was born on the thirty first day of October 1758 of which he has a record - in the town of Scituate - County of Providence State of Rhode Island - That his record is contained in a family bible now in his possession -
That about the first of November 1776 he was called out to defend the Coast at Warwick

Creek - he was not drafted nor did he volunteer for any length of time but was called out by the authorities - Was in Capt Jonathan Ralphe's Company of Rhode Island Militia - Said Company marched to Warwick Neck in said State and was there attached to Colo Amos Sturtevant's Regiment of United Joseph Knight and a Major of said Regiment on a battalion of said Regiment. He remained here two months and was discharged by his Captain - verbally - He then returned home to Scituate aforesaid -
2. yrs
That on the 1. day of March 1777 for one month he was drafted in the Rhode Island Militia at Warwick aforesaid in a Company Commanded by Capt Jonathan Knight - he marched to Warwick was attached to a Regiment of United - under the Command of Ezekiel Cornuel - Joseph Knight as a Major - Served one month and was discharged verbally and went home - Just before he left Warwick, he was drafted for the month of May following -
1. mo
May 1. 1777. he marched in Jonathan Knight's Company of Militia to Warwick - there he joined the same Regiment as used to in
1. mo
The tour of which preceding - he remained

in service one month and was stationed at Warwick the whole time - was verbally dis- charged and went home -
1. Rec. In on 1. st day of August 1777. he was drafted at Scituate aforesaid in Capt. Knight's Com- pany of Rhoadland Militia for one month - he marched to Warwick aforesaid where he joined the same Regiment under Command of Ezekiel Cunnell - Along this time he had an engagement on the Island of Prudence where he embarked in the night with 200 privates - and 16 Commissioned officers under Command of Ezekiel Cunnell - surprised a Company of British Marines of fifty fifty or sixty and took them prisoners and brought them to Warwick neck at the end of the term was verbally discharged and returned home to Scituate -
In August 1778 he was drafted for twenty days in Capt. Knight's Company of Militia at Scituate - he marched to Providence where he joined a Regiment of Militia under Command of Col. Stephen Minkbell said Regiment was attached to a

1. Res.
Brigade under Command Genl. Wash landed to Newport by way of Hauland ferry - Was stationed at Newport - and remained in service one month - and has usually his Choyce - had this time a written dis Charge which he has since lost - He returned home. -
Ther some time during the summer of 1779 1779 he enlisted or returned in a Company of Artillery for one year - under Command of Danc Medbury Capt and Lieutenant Job Fisk - As soon as said Company was filled he marched to Providence in Ri Island and County as aforesaid - here said Company was attached to a Company Regiment of Militia under Command of Col. Kimball - and said Company generally performed duty under Col. Kimball. Joseph Knight was major in said Regiment. During the year he was at Newport island Middletown fort and Providence the whole time - said Company of Artillery did service in said Militia Regiment under Command of Col. Kimball as

of said - at the end of the year and some time in the summer of 1780 he was discharged verbally and returned home. - There was no engagement during the year of said - Then he will recollect the facts as stated, - that in a form dictation he mentioned being under command of Major Gardiner - he will recollect that while he was on New-port islands during the year 1779 & 80 - Major Gardiner came on the island and this deponent was told said Gardiner was to be their Commander but he has since discovered his mistake - and the facts are as above stated. -
12. Nov
Then on the 9 th of October 1781 - he was drafted in Capt. Prentiss Pierce Company of Militia or State for one month - marched to Newport - when he was attached to a regiment under Col. Christopher Olney Major Heath was in command - he re- turned a month when he was discharged verbally and returned home -
1. Nov

He refers to Joseph Medbury of the State of New York as a living witness to his services in the Company of Artillery for one year - the said Medbury was in said Company during the time of this dispute - and he knows him to have been 1 st Sergeant in said Company He also refers to Mr. Stone of Luzerne County a Revolutionary pension in Pennsylvania under the act of 1832 of 7. June to provide some part of his services in the Abington Massachusetts Militia. - Also to Joseph Edmund of or to his Church for truth and veracity That he lived in Scituate till 1815 when he removed to Abington his present place of residence - He hereby relinquishes every claim whether to a pension or annuity or any other present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. - Witness my hand and seal this the 6 th day of August 1835 - Given under my hand in open Court H. Pettibone Pres.      Aaron Hight

Herbert Stone of Greenfield Greenfield Sussex County aged Seventy five years and upwards being duly sworn in open Court deposes and says that he has been acquainted with Aaron Wright the above applicant before the for sixty years and upwards that he knew him before the Revolutionary War - That the Deponent is a Revolutionary pensioner - under the act of 7. June 1832 - and draws his pension in the Pension Agency - That he saw Aaron Wright very frequently in the Revolutionary War the once he particularly recollects of seeing him at Britton in the Rhode Island troops - again at Newport Islands in the service of the M c Intosh - he saw him again at Warren - in each place in actual service - but he does not recollect in what year as he was not attached to the same Corps in the service - That he saw

him at different times within the space of, he would think two years or more, but cannot recall particularly the time as it has been solely since, and his memory is not fresh on the subject - He has known him ever since he lived in Linn County, and the he believes him to be a man of truth and veracity, and what he has stated in the above declaration to be true
Sworn and subscribed in open court this 6 th of Aug. 1835
H. Pettibone
Prob.
W. G. Stowe

Joseph Edwards, a resident of Abington in Surrey County being duly sworn says tho' he is thirty nine years of age and upwards and has known Aaron Wright for twenty years and upwards - and tho' he believes him to be a man of truth and veracity and has full confidence in his statements set forth above I am and subscribe in open court this 6 th Aug. 1835- H. Pettibone Prob.
Joseph Edwards
Benjamin B. Wright aged twenty five years and upwards being duly sworn says that the was a full declaration in the application of Aaron Wright - and that it with the other papers of said applicant - as he believes were returned - to him or H. Pettibone Esq. and they are now misplaced or lost -
I am and subscribed in open court this 6 th Aug. 1835- by me H. Pettibone Prob.
B. B. Wright

Henry Pettibone Esq. Prothonotary of Luzerne County aged thirty years and upwards being duly sworn says that he has made diligent search in his office for the original declaration and papers for perusal of Aaron Wright - and is unable to find the same -
Sum and Subpoena in H. Pettibone open Court August 6. 1835 G. D. Shoemaker Associate Judge

Sir I received your letter of the tenth instant in relation to the business of Mr Wight & in reply to the requisition of the War department I would state that my pension certificate is numbered 8968 that I received my money at New York untill last Spring & then at Albany
I was under Colonel Kimball & General Cromwell & my Sergeant Majors warrant signed by Col Kimball is with my papers in the War department these facts I think will be sufficient without being at the trouble & expense of a new affidavit to satisfy the department Should you wish however I have no objection to make out an other affidavit & will cheerfully do anything I can for Mr Wight
I am Respectfully yours
H B Wright
Joseph Medberry By J Jones Jr
My certificate is dated 3 rd day of May 1833 & is recorded in the pension office in Book E Vol 4 page 25 by Jno Cromwell Clerk

183
H B Wright Esq— Wilkes Barre P.a

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 applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as Le States - And the Court further Certifies, that in Magna Mesta Stone who has been of arms is a resident of Greenfield - and that Joseph Edwards is a resident of Abington - who signed the aforesaid statement - are both credible persons and their statement is entitled to credit -
J. Henry Pattenbone Prothonotary of Luzerne County do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in this of the said Court in the matter of the application of Aaron Wright for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office - a Notary Public - Luzerne County And State of Pennsylvania this 7 th day of August 1835 -
H. Pattenbone Pro

19. 186 Aaron Wright resid Penn.
Phila. Oct 23
Office
add. post Aaron Wright pa Aaron Wright

Chenango County p:
Joseph Medbury of New Berlin, in said County, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he is 76 years of age - that he was a soldier of the Revolution, and served for the space of one year, in the Company, Commanded by Capt. Isaac Medbury, in the Regiment Commanded by Col. Stephen Kimball, and the Brigade Commanded by Gen. Ezekiel Cornell, in the Rhode Island State Troops. - That Job Fisk was Lieutenant, and this deponent first Sergeant of said Company, of Artillery - and that Joseph Knight was a Major of the said Regiment. - That during the whole of this time, this deponent was acquainted with Aaron Wight, who served as a soldier in said Company, for the said term of One Year, to this deponent's knowledge, and further this deponent saith not. - Sworn & subscribed this 9 th day of October 1834 before me Charles Medbury } Justices of the Peace
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named deponent - that he now draws a pension as a soldier of the Revolution and is generally reputed and esteemed as such. and that he sustains an unimpeachable reputation for truth and veracity. - Charles Medbury J.P.

State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss
Supplemental statement of Aaron
Wight, a soldier of the Revolution - to further his claim as a pensioner under the law of the 7 th June 1834 -
Aaron Wight, being duly sworn before me a justice of the peace in and for the County of said and the same person whose application for a pension is now in the pension office of the United States - Says that from conversing with Joseph Medbury, the within named deponent, and from other circumstances he is now well convinced that Major Gardiner was not in command of the artillery as stated in his former declaration but that it was Major Joseph Hough to whom he referred in the declaration of said and not Gardiner - He further says that to procure the within evidence he has travelled more than one hundred miles, and as obtained that the within deponent was living by the slightest evidence circumstance -
Sworn and subscribed before me this 18 th Oct. 1834
Aaron Wight
Morris Dyer Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss
I Henry Pettibone Prothonotary of Luzerne County do certify that
Morris Dyer is a justice of the peace in said County and the above signature purporting to which is genuine - In witness whereof I have affixed my seal of office this 18 th Oct. 1834.
H. Pettibone Pro.

State of New York
Chenango County Clerks Office,
I Jarvis R. Pike Clerk of the said County do certify that Charles Medbery Esquire, whose name is signed to the within Affida- vit and Certificate of Credibility of Joseph Medbery was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and Certificate, to be his genuine handwriting and sig- nature.
Witness my hand and seal of said County this tenth day of October A.D. 1834
P. P. Prindle Dep Clerk

State of Pennsylvania Susquehanna Co } }
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for Susquehanna Co. this 7 th day of October 1835- Aaron Wright-who being duly sworn according to Law deposes and says that he is the same individual whose application is now before the War Department of the United States for a pension - that in addition to his former declaration he states - that he was enlisted in a company of Artillery at Litchfield on the time before specified for a period of one year - Darius Meadbury was Captain, Job Fisk second  first Lieutenant, That said Meadbury was first Lieutenant but acted as Captain - Abraham Gann was Drummer - Robert Patten he thinks was fifer - He thinks said Company consisted of sixty four men - of this however he is not confident - Soon after the enlistment his company marched to Providence in Rhode Island - there he saw some Hinkley's Regiment of Militia - that he had a brother in said Regiment of Militia - That his company went to Bristol - Thence to Newport Islands - Thence back to Providence - all this service was done under the

immediate Commands of his Captain that he served out his period of one year and was discharged verbally and returned home - This deponent supposes that he was no further attached to Colo Rimbels Regiment of militia than to make the numerical force necessary to form a Regiment - That he trained in Company separate from said Regiment - And this deponent thinks the Regiment of militia was not out this year more than two weeks - to wit in 1779 or 80 - That he will recollect when his brother was discharged who belonged to Bone Heimbels Regiment he came to deponent before he went home to see him - He there was under the direct Command of Col Heimbel and did service in Regiment - but that when his Company went from one post to another he was commanded by his Captain who said he had received orders from Col Heimbel where to go and what to do - This deponent well knows that there was no enlistments in the Militia for a period of one year - He thinks there were enlistments in Militia for nine months - but that Militia were drafted for one month generally - he saw some of of his neighbours with commands of Colonel

Christopher Green and Mayn Hagg at New Port Island and Providence who had enlisted for Nine Months - but that the drafts are for one Months -
He is clear and distinct in his recollection of his enlistment and service for one year in Captain Medbury's Company of Artillery -
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day and year first above written
Aaron Wight
Thomas Dyer
State of Pennsylvania Susquehanna Co. ss
I Isaac Bowman Records of Susquehanna County do certify that Thomas Dyer Esq. is a Justice of the peace duly commissioned and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and hand at Milton- Barn in the County aforesaid this 7. day of October 1835. -
Isaac Bowman Records

Pa
17 June 1835 Pension Office
Walter H. Jones 1835

Recd 17 June
Wilkes-Barre, June 13. 1835
Hon Lewis Cass Sir Sir
Sometime since I received a letter from the Pension Department stating that a deposition in support of the claim of Aaron Wright was on file and desired a return of the original declaration and papers - If therefore not at the pension office they are misplaced and I am now unable to find them after very diligent search - I ask therefore the indulgence of the War Department to inform me if a new declaration will be received and the necessary proof furnished, or before.
In that event I desire the affidavit returned tho it may be accompanied with the declaration and all the papers -
Very Respectfully I have the Honor to be Sir my Obh Servt.
A. B. Wright

Wilkes-Barre Oct 18. 1834
J. J. Edwards Esquire Sir Sir
I herewith furnish the War Department, further evidence in furtherance of the claim of Aaron Wight an old soldier. The objection to his procuring a pension on his former declaration was that - there was no Major Gardiner in Command of Artillery for so long a period of the set forth. Since then he went to the State of N. York to procure the evidence of Mr. Madsbury and he says the Madsbury mentioned the name of Major Knight. He will remember the mistake in the names. - The letter containing the objection from the Department to me is misplaced and I am unable to find it. I hope the objection of its not being returned may be waived by the Department.
Respectfully Yr. Ob. Servt.
A. B. Wright

Wilkes-Barre Feby. 24. 1836
Hon. Lewis Cass Sec. of War Sir Sir
I am requested by Aaron Wright, whose claim for a pension is now pending before the War Department, to state that he is unable to get any further proof of a Continuous Service of one year in the Artillery in the State of Rhode Island - & prays he may be allowed for the time specified exclusive of the year Service in the Artillery - The applicant has been to the State of N. York to see Jos Medbury, who is still of the opinion the applicant served one year in the Artillery - He still says that he was under Arms for a period of one year - tho' it is possible he might not have been in Continuous Service: but acting as a "Minute" man in the Service which

perhaps does not appear by the rolls in the Comptroller's office - I hope in his name as far as possible a construction of the pension laws may be applied to his case as the Justice of it certainly requires -
Very Respectfully I am Sir, the Hon. to be Robt. H.
J. B. Wright

Wickes-Barre August 24, 1835-
J. S. Edmonds Esquire } Sir } }
I some time since wrote to the Department that the original declaration of Aaron Wight had rather been misplaced or lost - In answer I was directed by the Department to make a new one - This I have done, and in addition attached my own and the affidavit of H. Potterbond Esq. - Poor tho' diligent search had been made for the original declaration and it could not be found - I know of nothing in my power that can be done further in the matter - And requiring the original to be filed to the department after this evidence, is requiring an impossibility - In Courts of Justice in Penn - they hear evidence of the contents of a paper after proof of its being lost or

destroyed - and I should indeed be sorry to see a more rigorous rule adopted in trial of the claims of the veterans of '76 than in a court of law! It is not my province to lay down rules however - but I have complied with all the Department has required me to -
It was said in a former communication the original declaration was returned to H. Pettibone Esq. - It may possibly have been placed out of the way through examination and it cannot be found - The only variation in the form from the present to my knowledge is mentioned in the one now before the Department - as in relation to Major Guden I think -
If the pension account be granted because the original is lost I am indeed sorry -
Yours ly. ob. Servt
H.B. Wright

War Department Pension Office June 20, 1835
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 13 th instant I have to inform you that the original declaration of Aaron Wright was returned to H. Pettibone, Esq r . in 1833, since which time it does not appear to have been received here. If said declaration cannot be found, the applicant should make a new one, before a court of record. It does not appear that Joseph Medbury's name is on the New York pension list as alleged. The place where he receives his pension and the number of his pension certificate, should be stated in order that reference may be had to his papers. Otherwise his evidence cannot be received. It is alleged in his affidavit that he belonged to a regiment of R. Island State Artillery commanded by Col. H. H. H. H. and that the applicant belonged to the same company with himself. Colonel Kimball did not command a regiment of R. Island State Artillery.
I am, respectfully, Your Obedt. Servt.,
H. B. Wright Esq r Wilkes-barre, Pennsylvania
J. L. Edwards

Wilkes Barre Oct 7, 1835
Hon. J. J. Edmonds Sir Sir }
Enclosed I send you a further statement of the services of Aaron Wight. - I have corrected his former statement I trust in the material points desired by the Department. - Your letter also received
Yours ob st
J. B. Wright

War Department
Pension Office
March 23 d 1833
Sir
The papers of Aaron Wight have been examined, and are herewith returned to You. He alleged that he served one year in an Artillery regiment commanded by Major Gardiner, - There is no evidence in this Office, that that Officer commanded Troops in active service, for so long a period of time. Proof on this point is therefore requisite. The accompanying printed sheet, will point out to You the other objection to the admission of his claim -
I am respectfully Your Ob st Serv t J L Edwards
H C Pettibone Esq r Wilkesbarre Pa

Aaron Wright
In Sept 1832 of Nicholson & in 1835 of Abingdon both in Luzerne Co Penn - one or both may have been in Meigs or that Co was formerly part of Luzerne Co He was born in Scituate Providence Co R.I. Oct 31, 1758 & after the war
He resided in Scituate, & Coventry R.I. & in 1815 removed to Nicholson Penn
Abt Nov 1, 1776 the British armed ship with troops was threatening the Coasts on the Coast of that State & he was called out under Capt Ralph for the defense of Warwick Neck & attached to reg of Colo Atwoods Militia - about 2 mos
In March 1777 May 1 1777 Aug 1 1777 He was drafted for 3 hours of 1 mo each going to Warwick Neck as coast guard In the Augt time they surprised a Compy British Manoev & took their prisoners
In Aug 1778 He was drafted for 1 mo 20 days, going to Providence joining the Regt Colo Kimball Marched to Newport where Stationed
In Summer of 1779 He enlisted for one year in a Co of Arty at Middletown & attached to Regt Militia Colo Kimball & performed duty at Newport at Fort Middletown on the Island of Rhode Island
In Oct 1781 He was drafted under Capt Owens for 1 mo Marched to Newport & was attached to Regt of Col. Diney He also states that had a brother whom he saw in 1779-80 in Colo Kimball's regt militia.

WALTER L. HENWOOD, PRESIDENT BOYD A. MUSSER, VICE PRESIDENT
ALFRED E. LISTER, TREASURER GEO. E. SCHULTZ, SECRETARY
TIP-TOP COAL COMPANY
613-615 BROOKS BUILDING
SCRANTON, PA.
MINES SCOTCH VALLEY, PA.
July 13 - 1925
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir - The Wight Genealogy states that Aaron Wight (b. Oct. 31-1758, Scituate R.D. d. March 27-1837 in Abington Twp. Luzerne Co. Pa) was a soldier in the Rev. War, serving at various times from Nov. 1-1776 to Oct. 1781 in Regiments of Col. Atwell, Col. Kimball & Col. Olney.
If above Aaron Wight received a pension will you kindly send me the a copy of his application for same?
If he did not receive pension to whom should I write for record of his services.
Respectfully yours Alfred E Lister.
After 5 days, return to TIP TOP COAL COMPANY, Box 464, SCRANTON, PA.
A.E.L.