Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17748, Robert Wasson, Conn. Sea Service Privateer

SERVICE
Conn Sea Service Privateer
Wasson, Robert
NUMBER
S. 17748
CONTENTS
carded

Let to P. Hagner 27 Aug '34
17850. Connecticut
Robert Wasson
Resided in the State of Conn. was a Lt. Master in the Conn. common Captain Walker - of the Regt. - comman- d (Conn.) - in the Prov. Infan- try for 9 Mos. Lt. Col. Mas. Miss C. Jan 12 - Seamen - claimant etc. 10 th August 1832. Certificate issued to his widow Sarah Hannah Wasson etc. Conn. Sec. Service and Pensions
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn. the rate of 50 Dollars. Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Sept. 1833 and due to Mrs. S. Wasson
Arrears to the 4th of March '33 $ Pension allowance ending 10 th Aug '32 } * John Wasson and } $ 166.40 his wife of } John Isaac
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. A. Steele Clerk Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 217

Robert Watson
Papers.
Mar. 31-1830
Com d - direct - provided for in bill 248

I Robert Wapow of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut, being duly sworn, declare and say that my family consists of Two Sons Samuel and John. Two Daughters Sally and Hannah that my Wife died in Sept. 1828. leaving about thirty Acres of Land which I have the use and improvement of during my Natural life. That I live in the house belonging to my Son Samuel. That my two sons Samuel & John work on my Land, which is very unproductive except it furnishes the family with wood. That my said Daughters is wholly dependent on me for their support. The eldest is very deaf and infirm. And the youngest is infirm and very much out of health. That I am unable to work myself, owing to my great age being now in my Eighty Seventh Year That I am except what little my Land brings me, wholly dependent on my two sons for support, and they have no property except my Son Samuel owns the house and about three Acres of Land on which I live - That I served during the revolutionary war about the first of March 1777 application was made to me by Genl. Silliman to enlist a company of men to go on board the Sloop Schyler of Six guns then lying in ship at Milford Harbour said Sloop being a United States vessel and was pun- ished by Genl. M c Dougall sometime before - The Govt of this State applied to the United States agent Mr. Nathaniel Shaw at New London to fit out said vessel and issued hiring orders to me and by authority of Genl. Green I enlisted thirty three men to go on board of said Sloop and we immediately

went, and took charge of said Vessel, when she was overhauled and put in order I rec d the Commission, which I have sent, on to Washington to Mr. Ingraham. And the whole of said Men which I entitled went on board under Capt. David Howley. And I acted under said Commission as Sailing master. I also procured & entitled Daniel Jackson as pilot. The only person now living besides myself that was on board of said Sloop as I believe. And we cruised on the Coast in Long Island Sound against the common enemy. During the season we took eight prizes and I served on board of said Sloop and taking care of the property over nine Months And said Sloop was returned to Mr. Shaw at New London. the above said agent and resigned to him and we were all discharged about the Middle of December.
Then Capt. Samuel Smedley (afterwards collector for the port of Fairfield) gave me listing Orders to procure men for the Ship Defiance of Eighteen guns belonging to the State of Connecticut. and I enlisted upwards of Thirty men and we all went to Boston where we fitted said Ship Defiance and the Ship Blime Cromwell of Twenty two guns commanded by Capt. Parker, Sailed from Boston in Feb y 1778 in said Ship Defiance under Capt. Smedley as Prime master in company with the other Ship Blime Cromwell. at sea about the first of April. engaged two vessels Letter of Mark. which we took. The armament of said Ships was the Guns of 16. Guns and the Admiral Kettle of 20. Guns. And I was first on board of the Admiral Kettle as prime Master.

and. bro't her into Boston. Slop in frame following and the Capus. she carried Slop. and both vessels were surrendered into the hands of the agent. I was in that service about one year. and by Continental Money. and the town of New York being burnt by the enemy. I lost all I made. by the above said prims. I sailed in a Princeton called the Dean of 16. guns. as. Sloop under Capt. Don Seafeld out of New London. in 1779. after being out at sea about six weeks was taken by the Pegusus Frigate Capt. Stanhope carried into New York and put on board. Prison Ship. Stripped almost naked. and suffered almost every thing. but died. where our Capt. died. from which I was exchanged and came home. — 9 months — In the year 1781. I sailed as master of the Sloop Lively from this port. New York to Newis. & St. Kitts. West Indies. and on my return home was taken by a brig called the Genl. Carlton. and brought into New York. vessel & Cargo condemned. and left New York under parole and lost my all —
Robert Watson
State of Connecticut. Fairfield County ss. New York March 1. 1830. Personally appeared Robert Watson and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
Before me
Brig. Isaac Justice of Peace
Sept 3 — 1743. always lived in said New York Resided in the Town of New York

5623.
No grade alleged on board the ketch & therefore eliminated as Seaman
adm d
9 mo. Sails Master Sloop of 6 guns.
12. mo. Seaman Brig ketch
Certificate from 4 mar '31 to 18 aug '32 - to be ipd. to Sam d Sarah Hannah & John Wapson and Ann Isaacs wife of Wm Isaacs - children -

State of Connecticut, } ss. County of Fairfield
On this 10 - day of Augt - 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before
The Court of Probate within and for the District of Norwalk in said County
now sitting, Robert Watson a resident of
Norwalk - in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, aged
eighty nine years, who being first sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the
service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That about the
first of March 1777 application was made to me by Genl. Silliman to enlist a Company of mounted on board the Sloop Schuyler of Six guns then lying under at Milford harbor in said State belonging to the United States and was purchased by Genl. M c Dougall some time before the Govern r of this State supplied to the United States against W. Northam then at New London to fit out said vessel and issued listing orders to me and by authority of such orders I enlisted thirty three Men to go on board of said Sloop and we immediately went and took charge of said Sloop and over her and put her in order and I received a Commission as Sailing Master from the Gov r of the State of Connecticut among the Men enlisted by me was Daniel Jackson as pilot and we sailed under Capt David Rowley. That we arrived in Long Island Sound against common enemy we took eight prizes and I served on board of said Sloop over Nine Months. Said Sloop was returned to said W. Shaw at New London and we were all well and healthy My Commission as Sailing Master of said Sloop was sent to the Hon ble P. S. Hagemoll. in the Month of Feby. 1830. then at Washington and supposed he had it until I received his deposition hereto annexed -
Capt Samuel Smedley (afterwards collector for the Port of Fairfield) gave me listing orders to procure men for the Ship Defense of Eighteen guns belonging to the State of Connecticut and I enlisted thirty Men we all went to Boston where we fitted said Ship Defense and also the Ship Oliver Cromwell of Twenty two guns commanded by Capt. Parker and I sailed from Boston in Feby 1778 in said Ship Defense under Capt Smedley as Pass Master and at sea in Comp y with the other Ship in April engaged and took the Ship Cyren of Sixteen guns and the Admiral Keppel of Twenty guns and I was put on board of the Admiral Keppel as Pass Master and brought her safe into Boston after being in said Service over One Year
In the year 1779 I sailed in a Packet called the Dean of 16 guns out of New London as a Sloop under Capt. Day Smedley after being at sea about six weeks was taken by the Portuguese Frigate

apt. Storch's was carried into New York put into the Prison Ship there on Captain's list from which I was exchanged and came home and served Nine Months - never had my Muster discharge nor have I any documentary evidence except the Commission which is before me and was born in said New York Sept. 3. 1743 always lived in said New York and New Line Village. I petitioned Congress Nov. 30. 1830 my papers were returned to me a few days since by Mr. R. J. Ingersoll and I notice in the file Court's order provided for in bill 248 - I would refer the disbursement to his honor Marshall Pettibone Secy. of the State of New York a per. order of the Court of said New York as to my Gen. Disbursements - The said Robert Watson hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension
or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Robert Watson
We Absalom Day - a clergyman, residing in the town of Newark and Samuel B. Warren residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Robert Watson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty Nine 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 date aforesaid.
Absalom Day Samuel B. Warren
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after investigation of the matter, and after putting the interroga- tories, 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 Absalom Day - who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in town of Newark and that Samuel B. Warren Esq. who has also signed to same, is a resident of the town of Newark - and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Charles Isaac - Clerk of the said Probate Court - do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Watson - for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Probate - Office, this 10 day of August - 1832.
Chas. Isaac Clerk

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield
Probate Court. District of Norwalk in said County. This may certify that satisfactory Proof by the testimony of Charles Thomas and Jacob Smith, both of said Norwalk, and to me known to be credible and respectable persons, that the within named Robert Wesson died in said Norwalk, on the eighteenth day of August, 1832, between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock forenoon, and that he has left, my Widow. In Witness whereof, I have set my hand 25. day Jan'y. 1833
Benj. Isaacs Judge
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield
Probate Court District of Norwalk in said County. This may certify that I am well acquainted with the family of the within named Robert Wesson late of said Norwalk dec'd. and that he has left five Children viz Samuel Wesson aged Sixty Sarah Wesson aged Fifty Seven Hannah Wesson aged Forty Six Ann Wesson Wife of William Isaacs aged Forty three and John Wesson aged Thirty Seven. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 25 day of Feb'y. 1833.
Benj. Isaacs Judge

August 20, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr. Byron Jones Forest City Iowa
Robert Wasson, S.17748 BA-J/MCS aw
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Robert Wason or Wauson who served in the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.17748, based upon the military service of the only Robert Wasson (searched under all spellings) that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
Robert Wasson was born September 3, 1743, in Norwalk, Connecticut. The names of his parents were not given.
About the first of March, 1777, he enlisted a company of men and went on board the United States sloop, Schuyler, as sailing master at Milford, Connecticut, under Captain David Hawley, cruised on Long Island Sound and served until about the middle of December, 1777, having captured eight prizes. He then enlisted a company of men for the Connecticut ship, Defence, commanded by Captain Samuel Smedley. went to Boston and with the ship, Oliver Cromwell, commanded by Captain Parker, sailed from Boston in February, 1778; about the first of April, while at sea they captured the ships, Cyrus and Admiral Kepple and Robert Wasson was placed on board the Admiral Kepple as prize master and brought her to Boston in June, 1778. In 1779 he sailed from New London on the privateer, Dean, as lieutenant under Captain Dan Scofield, was captured by the frigate, Pegassus, and carried into New York and placed on the Prison Ship but was exchanged, having served nine months. In 1781 he sailed as master of the sloop, Lively, from Norwalk to the West Indies and on the return home was captured by the brig, General Carlton, and brought to New York where the vessel and cargo were condemned and he left New York under parole.

Robert Wasson applied for pension March 1, 1830, while living in Norwalk, Fairfield County, Connecticut, and he stated that he had always lived there. The claim was allowed.
His wife, name not given, died in September, 1828.
Robert Wasson died August 18, 1832, in Norwalk, Connecticut.
He was survived by the following children: Samuel aged sixty years, Sarah Wasson aged fifty-seven years, Hannah Wasson aged forty-six years, Ann Isaacs aged forty-three and the wife of William Isaacs, and John Wasson aged thirty-seven years.
Benjamin Isaacs lived in Norwalk, Connecticut, relationship not shown.
There are no further data relative to the family of Robert Wasson.
Very truly yours
GEORGE H. SWEET Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1937, Aug. 20. hist. to Mr. Byron Jones. MCS
Invalid WIDOW Reoy Jury
File No. 17748
Robert Wasson Sailing Master Brig Defiance "N.S.M." Per War
Act June 7. 1832
Index: Vol 4, Page 47
[Arrangement of 1870.]

BYRON W. JONES
FOREST CITY, IOWA
July 29 , 1937
Veteran's Administration Washington, DC.
Gentlemen:
Is there any record of a pension or land grant application based on the service of ROBERT WA(U)SON in the War of the Revolution ? If so would you please furnish me with any military or family information therein contained?
ROBERT WASON was born in Pennsylvania, lived for a time in Berkley county, Va., and moved to Augusta county, Va., prior to the Revolution. While living in Augusts (later Rockbridge) he served at various time in the Augusta county militia ; from Nov 4, 1779 to March 30, 1780 in Capt. McCutchen's Company. He and his wife, CATHERINE , were residing in Rockbridge and Augusta counties in 1805 and 1819.
They had daughters: Margaret Stewart , Hanna Stuart , Mary Entaminger and Sarah Marley.
Thanking you,
Byron Jones. Byron Jones Forest City, Iowa.

We the Subscribers, freeholders of the Town of New York County of Fairfield being duly sworn depose and say, that we have this 1 day of March 1830 appraised the use and improvement of about Thirty Acres of Land in possession of Robert Wesson of said New York believe there is something like three Thirty Acres we have been acquainted with said Land for a number of years past, and we fully believe and declare that the use and improvement of said Land is not worth more than Twenty Dollars fifty Cents per Year, and we further believe it is all the Land in the Possession of said Wesson and it came to him by his Wife, now dead
Eli Sanford Isaac Jennings

State of Connecticut. Fairfield County ss. March 1 st 1830. Personally appeared Eli Sanford and Isaac Jennings, both of them known to me to be men of respectability, and made solemn oath to the truth of the within deposition by them subscribed.
Before me, Benj. Isaac Justice of Peace

I W. M. Betts of Norwalk 6 th being duly sworn do depose & say that some time in the year 1777. Capt n Robert Watson was (as I then understood) an Officer of a public armed Vessel called the Schuylkill, employed in Cruising against the Enemy in Long Island Sound and that he was actively and successfully engaged in enlisting men to serve on board of said Vessel I also depose & say that said Robert Watson has ever sustained a respectable Character, and is much esteemed for the correctness of his morals & for great integrity & uprightness of conduct
W. M. Betts
Fairfield County ss Norwalk. March. 2 nd 1830 Personally appeared the Hon ble W. M. Betts and made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing disposition by him subscribed -
Before me Benj t Isaac Justice of Peace

I. Daniel Jackson, of Wilton in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut, being duly sworn before me say that about the first day of March in the year 1777 Robert Wapson of Stamford in said County intended me as Pilot to go on Board of the Sloop Schuyler, belonging to the United States, and at the same time said Wapson intended own three Men to go on board of the same Sloop, that in about one week after we intended we all went on board said Sloop, she was at that time lying in Milford Harbor, without any thing to do, that we overhauled and refitted said Sloop, and sailed about the first of April 1777 under Capt. David Keanly, Lieut. John Jones, and Robert Wapson Sailing Master and we arrived in Long Island Sound, during the whole of the Summer, and was discharged at New London some time in the middle of December next following that we took eight prizes, and they were all condemned. I lost my purse money in Continental money which was principally lost. That said Robert Wapson served on Board of said Sloop Schuyler during all the time I was on board of her, and I believe he was at the same discharged, and she was given up to the United States agent Nathaniel Shaw, then at New London. Said Sloop carried six guns, and Genl M c Dougall, prothonotary, in of Benj t Isaacs there living, and of said Robert Wapson, and was a very fast Sailer.
✓ Daniel Jackson

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss William Feby 27. 1830. Personally appeared Daniel Jackson and made solemn oath that the facts stated in the within Deposition is true and was by him Subscribed
Sworn before me Darius D. Isaacs Justice of Peace

Definitive
Robert Watson
Revolutionary services

I. Robert Watson of Norwalk in the County of Fairfield do depose and say that in the year 1777 in the Month of August. when I was on board of the Sloop Schuyler we conveyed and convoyed part of several companies of Continental Troops under Col. Minge from New Haven to Sag Harbor or Long Island where we burnt and destroyed 13. vessels loaded with produce and forage for the British Army then stationed at the City of New York. and took and captured a company of British Soldiers commanded by Capt. Raymond. suppressed the Guard. and brought the officers. Soldiers and the Guard. Prisoners to New Haven and delivered them up to proper authority. which in the Schuyler we commanded. and was subject to the command of the Continental officers. and was frequently ordered by them to cruise in search of vessels and to convey troops.
Robert Watson
State of Connecticut. Fairfield County ss Norwalk March. 15. 1830. Personally appeared Robert Watson and made solemn oath that this Deposition by him subscribed is true
Before me
Benj. Isaacs Justice of Peace

I Daniel Jackson of Milford in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut aged eighty six years being duly sworn depose and say that on the first day of March in the year 1777 Robert Wapson of Norwalk in said County Intited me as Pilot to go on board of the Sloop Schuyler belonging to the United States and at the same time said Wapson intited over thirty Men to go on board of said Sloop Schuyler. that in about one week after we intited we all went on board said Sloop at that time lying in Milford harbour in said State that we overhauled and rifled said Sloop and sailed about the first of April 1777 under Capt. David Henshaw Supt. John Jones and Robert Wapson Sailing Master and we cruised in Long Island Sound during the whole of the season on board of said Sloop and was all discharged in New London some time in the middle of December next. following that said Wapson served on board of said Sloop as Sailing Master during the whole of said time and at the expiration was given up. at New London to Nathaniel Shaw the United States Agent. said Sloop carried six guns. and was purchased by Genl. M c Dougall. and was a fast sailer - and further saith not
Daniel Jackson
State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss Probate Court District of Norwalk Personally appeared in open Court Daniel Jackson and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed sworn & subscribed in open Court July 26. 1832 and Bonyf. Isaac Judson that said Jackson is a credible person -
July 26

I Stephen W. Johnson of Albany County of Albany State of New York aged Eighty three years and one Month being solemnly sworn de depose and say that he was well acquainted with Robert Wesson of Newville in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut that said Wesson was sailing Master on board of the Sloop Genl. Schuyler that he intited me in the Month of March 1797 as Clerk & Purser on board of said Sloop and that said Wesson served on board of said Sloop from said Month of March until the Month of November the latter part of said Month - and was discharged at New London in the State of Connecticut
After said Wesson was discharged from said Sloop Schuyler he intited me the Second time on board of the Ship Defiance of Eighteen guns then lying in Boston harbour as second mate and that said Wesson sailed in said Ship as first mate and continued in the service until the Month of October next following that we took at sea two prizes viz. one called Admiral Riffle of Twenty guns and the other called the Gages of Twenty guns and said Wesson was sent as second mate on board of said Ship Admiral Riffle and she was brought up into Boston where we were all finally discharged in said Boston at the time of said Wesson and subscribed this 9 th day July. 1832
Stephen W. Johnson
State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss Probate Court District of Newville Personally appeared in open Court Stephen W. Johnson and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed Newville July 9. 1832 and I believe in open Court - and that said Johnson is a Very Hon. Isaac Judson Credible person -

Comptrollers Office Hartford April 4 th 1833.
I Elisha Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears upon the journal of the Council of Safety for this State, that on the 7 th day of February 1777, Lieut. Samuel Smedley was appointed Captain of the Brig Defence instead of Capt. Seth Harding, who was an well; & that James Angel was appointed third Lieutenant of the same.
And that on the 6 th day of December 1777 Timothy Parker of Norwich was appointed Capt.; John Chapman of New London, 1 st Lieut. & John Smith of Hartford 2 nd Lieut. of the ship Oliver Cromwell.
E. Phelps -

Robert Wapson
admiral
13
P 191
Hon G. Tomlinson

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Robert Mahon which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned 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? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? If his commissions have been lost, a certificate from the office in charge of the Executive records showing when they were must be produced. The papers referred to by Mr. Ingersoll should also be transmitted.
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
† QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

Comptrollers Office
Hartford April 4 th 1833.
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Connecticut, do certify that I have carefully examined the records rolls & documents in this office, but have not been able to find the name of Robert Watson upon them. I ought to add, that it is apparent from the proceedings of the Council of Safety, that appointments were made by that board, & the names of the appointees were never entered upon their journal. In some instances, commissions were sent in blank to some confidential person, who was authorised to fill the blanks with the names of some  such suitable persons.
Vessels of war were fitted armed & equipped, sometimes the names of the officers appear & sometimes not. Their business was well done, but all the details of it, cannot now be discovered.
E. Phelps
N. B. But under date of June 27 th 1777 there appears upon the journal of the Council of Safety,

The following order, viz, "Orders sent to Mr. Nathanial Shaw to send all the whale boats to New Haven " also the armed Sloops Schuyler & Mifflin to cruise " of the harbour of New Haven and to the Westward."
E. Phelps -

app X Wm Seymour 30 March 1778 Wm Seymour 100 44-9 Eli X ... - 100 48 Oyes ... - 100 49 58
off of June Parker O'connor 1 st Society of Cong Defen...
Church Regn - 65 X Jabez Gagey - 66 X Nathan Gilbert - 150 - 103 P 47
63. 103 59.
29
Joseph ... Elizabeth Sockman 63. X Saml Reed P. 103 59.
Benjamin Francis Esq.
Beit Don Jackson - 103 P 66 P 3
J.G.B. May 27 1782 -
Colt. Deficit Sess Jan 9 1782
1781 July 25 Col. Dimes to debate B. Nash

Hartford, Jan y 24. 1833.
Dear Sir,
Since the receipt of your letter, I have had the public records searched for the appointment of Robert Watson, but without success. I suspect that he was appointed during the recess of the General Assembly, by the Council of Safety; and in that case, his appointment would not appear on the records in my Office, but on the minutes of the Council of Safety deposited in the Comptroller's Office. — I shall of course keep your letter; and if in any future search, I should come across the name of Robert Watson, I will send you a copy of what I find. I have not much expectation, however, from any further search. — As to fees. I never expect to get much for searching for what I cannot find. — Though such a search is generally of all others the most tedious. About half a day has been spent in the present instance. — Say $1. — Yours with regard, Thomas Day Judge Isaac.

Ralph I. Gager soe a representative in congress from the state of Connecticut, being duly sworn deposes and says that at a former session of congress, he does not recollect the precise time, he received sundry papers at Washington from Capt. Robert Watson through a letter, he thinks, from Benjamin Isaacs Esq. of Norwalk in the state of Connecticut, the papers were intended to prove the services of said Watson in the war of the revolution, and to procure for him a pension, through congress. The deponent had the case referred to the proper committee of the House of representatives and the papers sent to the same committee. Among them (the papers) there was as the deponent believed a commission or warrant, but of what grade he does not remember, to said Watson in the naval service, issued by Jonathan Trumbull the governor of this state during the Revolution: under which commission or warrant the said Watson served in the Revolutionary war.
During the late session, while at Washington the deponent went to the clerks office of the House of representatives to procure from the files of that office the papers relating to Capt. Watsons service, that his case

might be procured, and presented to the Secretary of war under the late act. He found them all, except the commission or warrant before referred to. The respondent while at Washington and since his return to New Haven has thoroughly examined his own papers, thinking that he might possibly have mislaid the warrant or commission: but can find no trace of it, - and has come to the conclusion that it must have been lost or mislaid either in the committee room or the clerks office, or in its passage from one to the other, and further the documents saith not. New Haven (Conn) 9 th August 1832
M. L. Ingersoll
State of Connecticut
County of New Haven ss.
At a court of Probate held at
New Haven, within and for the probate district of New Haven in said county and state, on the 9 th day of August 1832.
The same being a court of record.

Personally appeared in open Court, Ralph J. Purdie signer of the foregoing deposition, and made oath to the truth of the same. The testimony showing I have been sworn at my hand and offered the seal of said Court the 9th day of August A.D. 1832
Arthur T. Sanford Clerk