Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14132, Caleb Westcott, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. J.
Westcott, Caleb Lydia
W. 14132
CONTENTS

2613
rept. Dec. 29, 39
Rhode Island
Sydia Westcott
widow of Caleb Westcott dec.
who died on the 23 d April 1826
of Providence in the State of R.I.
who was a Private in the Comp y commanded
by Captain Williams of the Reg t commanded
by Col. West in the R.I.
line for 9 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of Ap r 1839 and sent to Situate R.I.
Arrears to the 4 th of Mar 39 $70.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept., 15.00
$105.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by H. H. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 o Page 101

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d section of the act of Congress of the 1 st July 1836
State of Rhode-Island } County of Providence } ss.
On this 26 th day of December 1837 personally appeared, before me, Jeriah Westcott, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Providence, which Court is a court of Record. Lydia Westcott, a resident of the Town of Scituate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 1 st 1836, that she is the widow of Caleb Westcott, late of said Scituate deceased, who was a private in the revolutionary army, and did service as such in the Rhode Island Militia and in guarding the beacon pole, on the Chopnish hill, (so called) in said Scituate which pole was erected early in the revolution for the purpose of giving the alarm by running up a burning barrel of tar, and firing a cannon kept in possession of the guard in case of unexpected attack, or movements of the enemy - That according to her best recollection and belief said Caleb, at the great alarm, in December 1776, when the enemy took possession of Newport turned out, and marched to Bristol where he was stationed and did duty in the Rhode Island Militia for a term of one month in Captain James Williams Company

in Col William West's Regiment this term commenced about the first of December and ended about the first of January - That in September 1777 the said Caleb volunteered into the service of watching and guarding said beacon pole, and was for that purpose placed under the command of James Aldrich, who was the Sergeant of said guard - That he continued said service till October 1779 excepting his being ordered to Providence and Newport in the expeditions of Generals Spencer and Sullivan She further states, that said guard had guns, a cannon and ammunition, that they lodged in a cabin erected by them near said pole, and in buildings near by, and were a part of the army, then contending against British tyranny and for the liberty of the States - That in July 1781 there was a call on the Militia to en- large the guard at Newport and said Caleb turned out and marched to Newport, by way of Providence, where he was stationed one month in Capt John Potter's Company in Col Asa Kimball's Regiment, this term commenced the last of July 1781 and ended the last of August 1781 - She further states, that she has no documentary evidence of said service, and that said Caleb resided in said Situate, during all the time of said revolution - as soon as I heard of the law passed for my benefit as before stated I told my son Thomas K Westcott that he ought to help me about getting my claim forwarded to Washington

he made some inquiries, found that some witnesses were still living, who knew about the services of my said husband, but did not employ any one till this last fall to do the busi- ness, when he informed me that he had spoken to Mr Titus to draw a Declaration; soon after Mr Titus called on me to hear my state- ment; & I have expected that the business would have been done before now - She further declares that she was married to said Caleb Westcott on the 15 th day of April 1781 Seventeen hundred and Eighty one, that her husband, the aforesaid Caleb Westcott died on the 23 rd day of April A.D. 1826 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed -
Lydia for X Westcott mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before me the said judge, and I further certify that she is a credible person and her statement entitled to credit. I also certify that by reason of age, and bodily infirmity the said Lydia Westcott is unable to go abroad to attend court on a court for the purpose of making this Declaration -
Josiah Westcott of the 6th of Decr

L. Wortvoll
see-
11 - 11 - 11

J. Westcott's Certificate for L Westcott

I hereby certify that Caleb Westcott of Situate in the County of Providence Son of Brian Westcott Esq. of said Situate and Lydia Borden widow of Ebenezer Borden in life of Situate deceased were Lawfully joined in Marriage in said Situate the Fifteenth day of April A.D. 1781, According to Rites the 21 st A.D. 1781
John Harris, Junr, Clerk.
John Harris Just. Peace
I hereby certify that the above within instrument is a true Copy from Situate Records of Marriages, V. 1. first Book Page 149 only Examined
Witness Josiah Westcott, Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island County of Providence
Is December 27. 1837
Josiah Westcott, town Clerk of the town of Scituate personally appeared and made oath, that the above certificate by him signed, is true in all its parts. I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - Before me - Jonah Fitch. Justice of the Peace

S. K. W.
for L. Westcott

I Thomas K Westcott of Suttuate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged fifty years and being engaged according to Law do testify and say that my Mother Lydia Westcott spoke to me about arresting her in forwarding her claim to the Pension office for a pension, that I took some pains to find out whether any proof could be found of the service which my said father had performed after his Marriage, and found that Samuel Kimball knew of it, and heard that Ezekiel Hopkins of Foster was also knowing to it; about two or three months ago, I called upon Jonah Fiter Esq. and requested him to draw up the Declaration, and the other necessary papers in the case. My father Caleb Westcott, died on the 23 April day of A.D. 1826, and ever since that period my said Mother has con- tinued a widow, and is still living. I also know, that my said father always had the reputation of being a revolutionary soldier.
Thomas K Westcott

State of Rhode County of Providence } ss - December 26 th 1837 then Thomas K Westcott, signer of the foregoing affidavit made solemn oath to the truth of the facts therein stated; I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - Before me Josiah Westcott J. C. C. Phas

H. Kimball for L. Westcott

I Samuel Kimball of Scituate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 75 years and being duly engaged according to Law do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Caleb Washburn late of Scituate Deceased in the time of the revolutionary war - he was one of the guard under James Aldrich who guarded the Prison on Chopnick Hill so called, which guard as I then under- stood were on continued service for a great portion of the time that the enemy were in possession of Newport, he also did some duty in the Militia - I well recollect of his turning out, in July 1781 and going to Newport on a tour of a month in Capt John Potter Company Genl Asa Kimball Regiment it was the next summer after his marriage, he being married in the Spring before - Samuel Kimball
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } S. December 31 st
1837 then Samuel Kimball, sign of the above affidavit made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated - I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - Before me Jonah Titus, Just. Peace

I Esriel Hopkins of Foster in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island aged 80 years do say upon solemn oath that I was well acquainted with Caleb Westcott late of Suttuate in said County deceased, in the time of the revolutionary war, he was one of the guard that had care of the Beacon Pole on Chopnuck Hill in Suttuate, Ephraim Williams and Squire Williams were also members of said guard, they were under the command of the late farmer Aldrich who was Captain or Sergeant of said Guard, they guarded the said Beacon Pole, had fire arms and a large cannon together with ammu- nition - this guard were on duty a good part of the time, during the three years that the British had possession of Newport in the summer previous to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and about two months before that took place said Westcott did a short term of duty in the Rhode Island Militia in the company of Capt John Potter, in Col Kimball Regiment - Some troops were at that time called out, to increase the guard on the shores; I saw him at Providence, we went from there to Newport in a boat

together, we were gone at least a month, we were stationed at Bath Hill fort which on Newport, this service was performed the same year that eleven hundred stand of arms were sent from Rhode Island to Virginia and commenced about two months after that event took place said Westcott was then married for I well recollect of joking him about his wife I also remember that he volunteered, at that time - and that the war raged with great fury at the south - I also well remember that the French fleet had been out out to the South a little time before we got into Newport - To my best recollection this tour com- menced about the 25 th of July and ended about the 25 th of August in the year 1781 when I went from home there was some hay not cut Ezekiel Hopkins
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } Se. December 4 th 1837 then Ezekiel Hopkins signed of the above and foregoing affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the facts by him therein stated - I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises Deform m. Jonah Tabor Just Peace

C. H.
for L. Westcott

X 3277
L Westcott
wa of Calb
R D
4 July - 1836
Manned 1781
Acid 1826
Allas 9 m d pri.
$ 30 per ann
Isaac Titus
Sent Saluab
R D

I Ephraim Williams of Fortes in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 81 years and duly engaged according to Law do testify and say; that I was well acquainted with Caleb Westcott, late of Scituate in said County, Deceased, in the time of the revolutionary war; and know of his doing service in the Rhode Island Militia, in guarding the Beacon pole on Chopnisk Hill in Scituate, and also in guarding the shores of the Narragansett Bay - He went to Bristol on the great alarm in December 1776 and served a term of one month, stationed there, in Capt James Williams company, & in Col W m West Regiment, I was on duty with him, at that place; In the summer of 1777 a Beacon Pole was erected on Chopnisk-Hill (so called) in Scituate, to be used in alarming the Militia of the surrounding country in times of danger, a guard was stationed on said Hill for the purpose of protecting said pole against the Tories & for the purpose of giving the alarm, by running up a burning barrel of Tar, & firing the cannon which they had in case of any unexpected move- ment of the enemy then in possession of Newport said Caleb Westcott and myself were two of that guard we volunteered into the Service, we had guns and ammunition, in addition to the cannon above named we lodged in a Cabin & adjoining buildings, and James Aldrich was the Captain of said guard; the duties of this guard were continued from its establishment

which I think was in September 1777 till October 1779 said Westcott did duty on said guard the whole of the time, except about two or three months, during which time he was taken to Providence and Newport in the Rhode Island militia; the time that he was on said guard, including the two or three months he was taken off as above stated, which said two or three months he served in the Expectations of General Greene & Sullivan amounted to over two years - I lived within half a mile of Westcott before the war - He was married in the Spring of 1781 and he went one term of a month in the summer after as I have understood, but I was not with him, I at the time, understood he turned out to enlarge the guard at Newport & I have no doubt the fact was so - Ephraim Williams
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } On January 9 th 1838 then Ephraim Williams, signed & the foregoing affidavit made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated - I also certify that he is a credible witness in the premises - Before me Jonah Fiter Justin Pease

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations I Dester Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County. being a Clerk of Record do hereby certify that Josiah Westcott Esq before whom the preceding Documents were sworn. is a Justice of said Court That Jonah Titus Esq before whom the preceding Documents were sworn is a Justice of the Peace of Situate in said County: and that they are severally authorized and empowered to take depositions & administer oaths; and that their several signatures before written are Genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Providence This twelfth day of January AD 1838
Dester Randall

I Ephraim Williams of Tiverton in the County of Providence aged 82 years and engaged according to Law do testify and say that I was well acquainted with Caleb Westcott, late of Tiverton in said County in the time of the revolutionary war; that I have given a Deposition before Jonah Titus formerly a Justice of the Peace in said County, in relation to the service of said Caleb, in the revolution - The guard spoken of in my former Deposition which guarded the Beacon Pole on Choppish Hill in Tiverton, consisted of Captain James Aldrich who had the command of the guard, and Eight privates - to wit, Gideon Cornell, Nathaniel Cornell, Oliver Cornell, Elisha Aldrich, Caleb Westcott, Benjamin Williams, Squire Williams and myself - said Squire Williams draws a pension, as I suppose, for that kind of service & I draw for services rendered in guarding said Beacon pole, and the Shores of the Narragansett Bay at different points - When I speak of said Westcott, being one of said guard in my former Deposition, I speak from my own knowledge - My fathers house stood within about one hundred rods of said Beacon Pole and I had known said Caleb Westcott from my boyhood -

I will add that all the various of said Westcott stated in my former deposition can be relied upon - Ephraim Williams
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } } S. June 15 th 1838
Then Ephraim Williams sign of the foregoing deposition, personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated, and I further certify that he is to me well known and entitled to full credit as a witness -
Subj. Slave Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence Ss.
I Josiah Westcott, Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the Town of Scituate in the County of Providence in said State do hereby certify that Zadock Young before whom three of the annexed affidavits were sworn, was at the time and now is a justice of the Peace for the Town of Scituate in said County and State; and that Peleg Place before whom of said affidavits was sworn, was at the time and now is, a justice of the Peace for the Town of Foster in said County and State; that they are by the laws of said State, authorised to administer oaths and take depositions; and that the signatures to the annexed documents purporting to be severally theirs, are in their proper hand writing -
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court, at Scituate this twenty first day of June one Thousand Eight Hundred and thirty eight
Josiah Westcott. Probate. Cl.

O. L. for L.W.
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

I Oliver Cornell of Gloucester in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 78 years do say upon oath, that I was well acquainted with Caleb Westcott late of Scituate in said County in the time of the revolutionary war, and had been, so acquainted with him from my boyhood - In the fore part of said war, Ezekiel Cornell caused a Beacon Pole to be erected on Chippish hill, in said Scituate, for the purpose of using it, to give signals or alarms, on occasions of danger; the signals were given by first firing the cannon and then by setting fire to a barrel of or tub of tar placed upon the top of said pole, there was a crane on the top of said pole, on the end of which the tub of tar was placed for setting on fire - There was a guard of soldiers set, as I always supposed and now believe, by the constituted authorities at that time, to guard said pole & to give signals of danger, over this guard James Aldrich acted as captain; Caleb Westcott was one of said guard he was one of the first who entered upon that service, and continued the service until it was taken off except that he was ordered to other points at the time of Spencer and Sullivan's expedition and on the alarms - I saw said Westcott on duty at Newport in Gen Sullivan's expedition in the fore part of September 1778, the way that I

known, that said Westcott was one of said guard is as follows. When the guard was first put on, I was one of the guard, and he was one, and I lived when at home, within about half a mile of the Pole, by which circumstance I knew the guard - from my last motion and belief, this guard was continued over two years, in the service before described, and that said Westcott was continued as one of them, excepting only the times that he was called to other places upon alarm, and during the aforesaid expeditions of Gen. Spencer and Gen. Sullivan - said Westcott was on duty in Gen. Spencer's expedition for I saw him, in Tiverton during said expedition on service, under Gen. Spencer -
I suppose that Ephraim Williams, one of said guard is living in the town of Foster & capable of giving a deposition, he served some on said guard; and Squibb Williams who lives in this town, was on said guard but is too infirm and feeble of mind to give evidence - I do not know of any person who served upon said guard except we three, that are now living
Oliver Cornell

State of Rhode Island } June 16 th 1838 County of Providence }
Then Oliver Cornell, signor of the foregoing Deposition personally appeared, and made oath that to the solemn truth of all the facts therein by him stated; I also certify that he is well known to me, and that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to full credit - Before me J. Young Jr. Clerk

8 B for 2 W

I Esekial Bishop of Scituate in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 76 years do say upon oath, that I now live within about a mile and a half, of the site of the Beacon Pole, which was used for giving signals in the time of the revolutionary war, on Chapin's Hill in said Scituate I was over them and seen in fire, the signal was given by firing three canon, and then a barrel of tar, at the top of the P. It was soon on fire, the signal was given in the night - This signal was given to alarm the people that there was fear that the British were about landing on Warwick neck - This alarm was in May time in 1779 I believe of the Revolution turned out, and were some for several days - I had cut my leg with a scythe and was lame at that time, which excused me from going - The fact that there was such a Beacon Pole, and used for that purpose, and that there was a guard there under James Aldrich I certainly know, I also know that Nathaniel Cornell was one of the guard when I saw the signal given as above stated, because he went up the pole at that time to set the fire - I also recollect said Aldrich, living there at that time, I did not know the number of the guard, there were several, they had a cabin or hut to lie in, as a barrack; I have it

by way of tradition handed down in the neigh- bourhood, that this guard was put on service soon after the British took possession of Newport and was on said service a good portion of the time that the British kept possession of that place — The cabin or Barrack, before mentioned I have seen; That there was such a service as before alluded to, done under said James Aldrich, is as notorious in this vicinity as any fact of the revolution —
Ezekiel Bishop
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } Se. June 16 th 1838
In Testate on the day & year aforesaid person- ally came Ezekiel Bishop, signer of the foregoing deposition, and made oath to the truth of the facts therein stated — I also certify that said Bishop is to me well known and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit; I also certify that there is a notorious tradition of such guard, as is stated by said Bishop for the purpose of guarding said Beacon Pole & giving signals or alarms as by him stated —
George J. Parent

8 H. for L.W.

I Ezekiel Hopkins of Fiske in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 80 years do say upon solemn oath, that I am correct in my statement in the deposition given before Jonah Pites, formerly a justice of the Peace in said County, wherein I stated that I did duty at Newport on a tour commencing in July and ending in August 1781 I know that service is not stated in my Declaration, It did not occur to my mind at that time, and there was another short tour which I did not recollect, till in conversation with one Samuel Kimball who stated it to me then I recollect it - Caleb Westcott formerly of Sutnall served with me said tour in 1781 Seventeen hundred and Eighty one, what fixes the year in my mind beyond all doubt is, that it was just before Cornwallis surrendered, which was in October last after the same year. This tour was in the summer before October 1781 Ezekiel Hopkins
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } } S c . June 16 th 1838 then Ezekiel Hopkins, signer of the above affidavit personally came, and made solemn oath that the facts therein stated are true, in all

their parts; I further certify that said Hopkins is to me well known, and is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit — Before me J. Young, Judge

ap. 8.
Am at
R.D.
H. or Weston
J. L. Edwards
Conway's Pension
Washington City D.C.

South Scituate R.I. April 4. 1839
J L Edwards, Censor of Providence,
Dear Sir;
Mrs Lydia Westcott widow of Calib Westcott, reluctantly concludes to accept her certificate for a pension on the ground that you have put the most un- favorable construction on all her evidence - but as there is no appeal, which she can in her situation under take you will oblige by forwarding to me the said certificate - yours Humble servant
Jonah Titus -

J. L. Edwards, Com te of Pension
Washington City D.C.

S, Scituate R. I. June 24, 1838 J. S. Edwards Comr of Pensions, Dear Sir,
I enclose your additional affidavits in the case of Mrs Lydia Westcott, widow of Caleb Westcott; In yours of April 27 th you express the opinion, that documentary evidence ought to exist in this case, if the service in guarding the Beacon Pole is correctly marked  expressed in the claimants declaration - Col. Atwell informs me that the same opinion was entertained by you, in the case of Squire Williams who draws a Pension for similar service done in guarding the same Beacon Pole - but that the service in that case, was ultimately made out to your satisfaction by parol proof - To what extent proof was offered of the inpracticability of finding such evidence, I do not know; But I conclude, that in as much, as the Department in that case, were satisfied that such service was performed, it will cheerfully give Mrs Westcott, the whole benefit of the proceedings and the proofs upon which it was founded - This case of Mrs Westcott, if human testimony can establish facts, upon which it is safe for tribunals to act, is fully made out; In the case before referred to, of Squire Williams, who draws a Pension under the act of June 1832 you state the affidavits of the late John Wilkinson, I again refer to his evidence

not only because Col. Stowell informed me that his evidence was very decisive on the point of the Beacon Pole service, but because he stood in his day and generation, more exalted for all those good qualities, that enable one scutum, than scarcely any other individual of his time. I might also call your particular attention to the affidavit of Ezekiel Bishop, against whom the tongue of scandal was never heard to move. But why make this invidious distinction? There is not a witness named who does not stand in a credible position - Judock Young the Justice in his certificate, attached to Ezekiel Bishop's affidavit affirms the tradition tradition, as being to him well known, that such a Beacon Pole & guard, as we contend, had existed - Said Young is rising of 70 years of age - I will not go into detail upon the evidence in this case, but will add that Mr. Stowell's claim is one of the most meritorious kind, in my opinion, so far as service is concerned - And you will see by the affidavit of Ezekiel Hopkins, that he reaffirms the service in July & August 1781 and states cir- cumstances, which render it impossible for him to be mistaken - I think this claim therefore established, by both sufficient proof and the precedent in the case of Tyrion Williams - Yet, if you should differ with me on this point, I will take it as a great favor, in behalf of

Mrs. Washburn, to receive an immediate reply, that further efforts may be made to satisfy the disputation of the justness and legality of her claim -
Your Humble Servant Mr. Jonah Titus

State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } J.
I Josiah Westcott, Clerk of the Town Council of the Town of Scituate, in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that I have carefully examined the records of said Town Council from 1774 to 1780 for the purpose of ascertaining by what authority, the guard which had charge of the Beacon Pole, on Chopnisk Hill during the revolutionary war, was established, and that I do not find but one record in that time, which has any relation to the subject. I also certify that the following is a true copy of said record;
"At a Town Council held in Scituate in the County of Providence according to law on Thursday the 11 th day of June 1778 Present
Rufus Hopkins } Josiah Colvin Stephen Knapp } Gideon Cornell
Whereas his excellency General Sullivan having directed by his letter dated the 9 th instant superscribed to the Committee of Safety or select men of the Town of Scituate that a guard consisting of a Lieutenant, Corporal, & twelve privates, be ordered to take the charge of the Beacon lately erected in this Town, therefore and to observe the instructions contained in said letter; the Town Council of this Town therefore request

Col. Wm West, the Commanding Officer of this Regi- ment to furnish said guard agreeable to his Ex- cellency's directions -
Voted that a copy of his Excellency's Letter, together with this request be forwarded to Col. Wm West immediately;
I further certify that I have carefully examined the files in this office for the purpose of finding the aforesaid letter of Governor Sullivan and have not been able to find it; Witness Josiah Westcott Council Clerk
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } ss. In Situate November ninth A D 1838 then Josiah Westcott, Council Clerk, of the Town Council of said town of Situate in the County and State aforesaid personally appeared and made oath to the truth of the foregoing certificate by him subscribed, and all the facts as therein by him stated - Before me,
Ebenezer Dyer Publick Notary

State of Rhode Island &c
Providence Je. I, John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Ezra R. William Esquire is a Public Notary within & for said County of Providence; that by law he is authorized & qualified to administer oaths & take depositions; and that his signature aforewritten is genuine. —
In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of our said Court, at the City of Providence, this Sixteenth day of November A D 1858.
John W. Smith Clerk

I William Wilkinson of Providence on Oath do Testify and say - That during the War of the Revolution my Father resided at Scituate in the State of Rhode Island about 14 Miles from Providence. During part of the Summers of 1708, 1709 I was at home. Within one mile of my Father's house, an Alarm Post or Beacon was erected, and a Guard stationed. I perfectly recollect a standing notice in the Providence Newspapers of the Time - "When you hear Cannon, look out for the Beacon". How long it was continued, or how many men composed the Guard, or whether established by the United States or the State of Rhode Island, I do not know, I well remember in the summer of 1709 on hearing the Cannon and seeing the Beacon at Providence, the Beacon at Scituate was lighted and the Militia were effectually mustered: As about 450 Men turned out in the single Town of Scituate and Marched to Bristol
William Wilkinson
State of Rhode Island
Providence Sc. Providence November Third A. D. 1838. Then appeared the above signed William Wilkinson and made oath to the facts stated in the above affidavit. And the affiant is to my knowledge a credible witness. Sworn to before me
Charles Holden Jr Not Public

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence Ye. I. John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within & for the County of Providence, in said State, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Charles W. Holden Jr Esquire is a Justice of the Peace for the City of Providence in said County: that by law he is duly authorized & qualified to administer oaths and take depositions: (And that his signature aforewritten is genuine.)
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of our said Court, at the City of Providence this third day of November A.D. 1838.
John W. Smith Clerk

J L Edwards
Comm of Pensions Washington City

South Scituate R.I. Nov 25, 1838
J L Edwards
Comm ee of Pensions,
I send you enclosed a copy of a record which will satisfy you of the existence of the Beacon, referred to in the application of Lydia Westcott widow of Caleb Westcott, as well as a guard there stationed; Whether the letter mentioned of Gen. Sullivan, contained an order for the first establishment of the guard, or whether it was an enlargement of the guard I cannot say; our witnesses think the guard established some earlier than from 1778, but however that may be, Mr. Wilkinson swears that the guard was on service two years afterwards; I think you will be fully satisfied with the enclosed - I am yours &c
Jonah Titus -

J. L. Edwards, Comm ee of Pensions - Washington City D. C.

South Scituate Rhode Island
January 16. 1838
Sir, I forward the papers of widow Lydia Westcott, for a pension, whose husband served as a private in the army of the revolution - In relation to the character of the service in guarding the beacon hill, I would, if you wish for any further information on that subject, refer you to the deposition of Dr John Wilkinson, late of Scituate, second amongst the papers in the case of Squire Williams, who is a pensioner, as I am informed, under the act of June 1832 - - If you should desire it, Stephen Harris was with said Caleb in Sullivan's expedition, but I have not taken his deposition, yet will do it, upon a suggestion from you, that it is necessary -
Yours with Respect -
Jonah Sitton -
J. L. Edwards
Com d of Pioneers
Washington City, D.C.

Lydia Westcot Mar age 1781 of Calh — died 1826 Nov '76 1 mo. St. William. Col. Mich. Sept 77 gnas Braco under Leyde Aldus. La Dis 79 7 (ex. Gen. & Nat. Exp.) 1781. 1 mo. Potter. Rimbah at Providence 9 May allan 9 and Sam Rimbah West all the time 12 2 14 23 Hopkins — — — — — Co Ep William it ord to be established June '78

Epilithium not in his dict
12 m 76 } 6 - 77 } bol mth
78 every other month not a word about Beacon pole

Lydia X Alcott M rs of Caleb
R d
Les. Formal Hts Age
27 1838. do do Aug
4 1835 do do Mar.
18 th 1839 —

South Scituate April 21 N.S.
From
W. Apr 26 Lydia Weston
L. Edwards No 3277 Comm & Pension Washington City D.C.

South Scituate R. I. April 21, 1838
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Dear Sir, I write this to inquire whether the claim of Lydia Westcott, widow of Caleb Westcott, for a pension has been ex- amined, & in hopes to expedite final action on that claim - The papers were forwarded some time since - yours Respectfully Jonah Titus.

Revolution
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14132
Lydia Westcott Widow of Caleb Westcott Pri Rev War
Act: July 4 th 36
Index:—Vol. M , Page 321
[Arrangement of 1870.]