Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5533, for Francis Jacobs, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (New York) Jacobs, Francis Catherine
P. 5533
CONTENTS

Invalid 1810 New York
Francis Jacobs a waiter to Genl. Washington Captain company of the
Ratio of disability,
Date of discharge,
Time of closing the testimony,
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 st of January 1832
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th of August 1834 and sent to Hon. G. F. Lansing Albany, N. Y.
Arrears to 4th of March 1834 209.06 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4th Sept. 1834 48.00
$257.06
Act of the 30 th June 1834
Recorded in Book D. Vol. 5. page 21 by D. Brown Clerk

Francis Jacobs's
Declaration
✓ 6 24 0
Rejected
100 100 100 100 100
to the ble... it... very... look... the... up...

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COUNTY of Albany } ss.
On the twelfth  eleventh day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Justices Court of the City of Albany now sitting, Francis Jacobs Watson  Watson in the county of Albany and state of New York aged seventy  seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, and served as herein
stated: That he was born at Brooklyn on Long Island in the State of New York in 1758 and at the at the age of fourteen  fifteen years, he went into the family of M rs Sitgreaves then Adjutant General of the American Army, and remained there for the term of six months or thereabouts, and then, through the solicitation of M rs Stagg of the Army, some time in the month of November in the year 1777 was taken into the family of General George Washington, then Commander in Chief of the American Armies, under a stipulation with the General to serve him as a Waiter and Pioneer, and for which the General agreed to allow him to board in his family, with a pecuniary compensation or allowance of twenty five dollars a month. That this Declarer accordingly commenced his services in the General's military family in the aforesaid stations of Waiter and Pioneer, on or about the twentieth day of December in the year 1777 and continued in his family and service, until the final termination of the Revolutionary War;
That at the time when that Great and Good Man, was about to take leave of, and offer his farewell address to that gallant and meritorious Army, over whom he had so long commanded, as their beloved Chief, he, with his accustomed benevolence & kindness, invited this declarer to accompany him to Mount Vernon, there to continue in his service during life (if he chose) on the same terms as during the war for independence. That having waited on his beloved Commander until his arrival at Philadelphia; and finding there, that the lameness in his knees & ankle bones, (occasioned by a fall from his horse, at the time of the battle of the Brandywine) as will be hereinafter truly related) he thought it most prudent, in consequence of his increasing infirmities and infirmity  infirmities , to decline the very flattering offer of the General of accompanying him to Mount Vernon, and in the most grateful manner, and with a heart full of good will towards him, thanked his benefactor for all his favors, and respectfully declined to accompany him further — That hereupon, Col o Alex r Hamilton at the request of a M r Pinckney, of South Carolina, proposed to this Declarer his entering into his employ as a domestic, with the same compensation

which General Washington had theretofore had so generously allowed him; which kind offer this Declarer, was constrained, from a fear that his lameness which was daily increasing his inability to give Satisfaction to those with whom he might engage to serve, also declined — That upon this, his first and worthy friend, the General accosted this declarer, & inquired of him, whether he had concluded to accept of Mr. Pinckney's offer, to which he respectfully replied that he had not, and assigned his reasons therefor as before mentioned; but that he had partly concluded, to return to his Native place, and endeavor in the best manner he was able to gain his further livelihood — Whereupon, the General, with his characteristic benevolence, was pleased to say, that Since such was his determination, he proffered and presented to him, his written testimonial approbatory of his conduct whilst he had been a domestic in his family; at the same time saying, that if ever the time should arrive (which it was possible it soon might) that the unfortunate injury which had befallen him, whilst engaged in his Service, should increase his disability to gain a Subsistence by manual labor, the testimonial then given to him, might perhaps tend, when shewn, to assist in obtaining from the government of his Country, some assistance in alleviating the troubles and cheering the evening of his life — Unfortunately, the apprehensions and forebodings of his ever to be lamented friend, have already been in part realized. This declarer is already overtaken with increased disability, & as a very distressing concomitant, with privation and want, and in great need of his Country's benevolent aid — but that honorable testimonial of his faithful Services in the General's family, as a domestic and as a pioneer for his person, are unfortunately lost! The Declarer is unable to produce them! Some years Since, being desirous of using his best exertions towards supporting his Wife and five Children, he made application to the Hon. Col. Young, M r Henry Seymour & Mr. Buick, the Canal Commissioners to be appointed by them a Lock tender at one of the Locks on the Lake Erie & Champlain Canal, and to strengthen his application presented to and left with them his aforesaid original testimonial in the General's own handwriting which, altho' he has often requested them to return to this Declarer, has never been able to get back; but, at his request, Col. Young

has, last winter, given him a Certificate of his having seen it and of its then not being to be found; which Certificate, together with other testimonials of the Standing and Character of this declarer, now on the files in the Office of the Clerk of the Hon. the House of Representatives, this Declarer xxxxxx Craves leave to refer the Honorable the Secretary of War to; All which foregoing, this Declarer humbly submits to him, having in the xxxxxx hope of his the authority, and in his exercising the prerogative of granting this Declarer a pension of at least a private, he hereby Subjoins a Relinquishment of all Claims on that Country in whose service he has been disabled from gaining a living for his family, altho' not as a Revolutionary Soldier, yet as a Servant and Pioneer of the incomparable Washington.
He 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.
Subscribed And Sworn to, } Francis Jacobs the day & Year aforesaid } John G. Watson Clerk
In the said Court xxxxxx hereby declare their opinion after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and after the investigation of the Matter, That the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states -
John G. Watson Clerk of the Justice Court of the City

of Albany Do Herby Certify That the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the Application of Francis Jacobs for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court & subscribed my name this 19 th day of October 1832
By the Court John S. Watson Clerk
Francis Jacobs's
Declaration
1832
1832
acted
e

State of New York City & County of Albany } ss. On this Eleventh day of March in the year One thousand Eight hundred and Fifty three, before the Justice Court of the City of Albany (the same being a court of Record) personally appeared Catherine Jacobs, a resident of the city of Albany, and State of New York, aged Fifty -six years - Who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the 2 d Section of the Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to continue half pay to certain Widows and orphans" approved February 3 d 1853 —————
That she is the widow of Francis Jacobs, who served as a waiter in Washington Military Household, and was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96. per annum. On the Invalid Rolls of the Albany pension Agency under a special act of Congress passed June 30 th 1834 —
She further declares that she was married to the said Francis Jacobs on the Eighteenth day of April, in the year One thousand eight hundred and nineteen —
That her husband the aforesaid Francis Jacobs died at his residence in Cohoes, in said County of Albany, on the twentyseventh day of December, in the year One thousand Eight hundred and forty four —————
That she was not married to the said Francis prior to the second day of January Eighteen Hundred - but the marriage took place subsequent to January Anno Domini Eighteen hundred - to-Wit - at the time above stated

She further declares that she was married to to the said Francis Jacobs in the aforesaid city of Albany. And that the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Mr. Horton, then on a visit to the city of Albany, from the South.
She further declares that she received a certificate of her marriage from the Rev. Mr. Horton aforesaid, which said certificate was destroyed with other papers by her son, Francis J. Jacobs some fifteen years ago — And she further declares that she does not know of any record of said marriage now in existence.
She further declares that she was formerly the widow of John H. B. Baldwin, and at the time of her marriage to the said Francis Jacobs, her name was Baldwin — That ever since the death of her husband the said Francis Jacobs she has remained, and now is a widow, and that previous to her making this declaration she has never applied for a Pension — Subscribed and sworn to in } her open court on the day and } Catherine X Jacobs year first above written } marks
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of the said Justices Court.
H. P. Nugent Clerk

State of New-York City & County of Albany } ss - Francis J. Jacobs a resident of the city of Albany in the county and state aforesaid being duly sworn according to law - deposes and saith, that he is thirty three years old, That he has always resided in the said county of Albany - That he was born in the city of Albany - in said county on the 22 d day of February, 1820 - That he is a son of Francis Jacobs late of the Village of Cohoes in said county now deceased - That his father the said Francis was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under a Special act of Congress passed 30 th June 1834, at the rate of $96 per Annum - That the said Francis died at the said Village of Cohoes, on the 27 th day of December 1844, leaving a widow whose name is Catherine - That the said Catherine is the deponent's mother, and that she is now living with him in the city of Albany aforesaid - And he further saith that ever since the death of his father the said Francis - his Mother the said Catherine has remained, and now is a widow -
This deponent further saith that when he was about 18 years old, he distinctly remembers a firing his Father in looking over and regulating his papers. And that after selecting such as were of any value - those considered worthless were destroyed - And he distinctly remembers that among the old papers destroyed was the Marriage Certificate of his Father and Mother the said Francis and Catherine Jacobs - and that he read the said certificate upon which his said Mother remarked, "that is of no consequence"

and it was burned up with the other old papers. And I do so further saith that he distinctly recollects that the said Marriage Certificate was signed by a Mr "Horton," and that he has often heard his said Mother say that the Rev. Mr Horton, who married her was at the time of said Marriage, on a visit at Albany, from the South - and that the Marriage took place in April in the year Eighteen hundred and Nineteen -  Sworn and subscribed at Albany this 12 th day of March } Francis J Jacobs A.D. 1853 before me } N. G. Bane & Lee, } Commissioner of Deeds }
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Francis J. Jacobs, and that he is a reliable witness. - And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Francis J. Jacobs.
State of New-York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office.
} ss. Harker
I, Robert St. L. Clerk of the said City and County, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that Nufus H. Dandree whose name is appended to the Great Seal of the annexed Commission of Deeds , was, on the day of the date thereof, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the City of Albany, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Nufus H. Dandree and verily believe that the signature to the said Great Seal is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this 12 th of March 1853.
R Harker Clerk.

And it was bound up with the other old papers. And I further saith that he distinctly recollects that the said Marriage Certificate was signed by a Mr "Horton," and that he has often heard his said Mother say that the Rev. Mr Horton, who married her was at the time of said Marriage, on a visit at Albany, from the South. And that the Marriage took place in April in the year Eighteen hundred and nineteen — Sworn and Subscribed at Albany this 12 th day of March } Francis J Jacobs A.D. 1853 before me } R. G. Boodlee, } Commissioner of Deeds
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Francis J. Jacobs, and that he is a reliable witness. — And I further certify that I am not in any way interested, or concerned in the claim of Catherine Jacobs to a pension Albany March 12 th 1853 —
Rufus G. Boodlee, Commissioner of Deeds

Francis Jacobs Act 7 th June 1832 New York
Rejected see letter to P. Van Ingen Feby. 1. 1833
JV31

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
5531
P. O.
Francis Jacobs
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

55-33
P. O.
Catharine Jacobs
Service:
widow of Francis
Enlisted: _____
REJECTED
, 18
Discharged: _____
, 18
Application filed: _____
, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
Recognized. _____
Contract. _____

664
Catharine Jacobs
Widow of Francis
N York
S. H. Marks May 25 1853-
same October 17 1853-
Hon Geo W Jones Jany 21 1857-
J. J. Coombs Jany 11/58
Hon: G. W. Jones. Ap. 10/58.
5553
3 Feby 1853

Albany March 21 st 1853
J. E. Heath Esq. Commr. of Pensions
Sir, I herewith enclose the application of Mrs Catherine Jacobs, Widow of Francis Jacobs deceased, for a pension under the 2 d Section of the act of the 3 d Febry 1853, as follows —
1 st The declaration of Mrs Jacobs made before a court of Record — 2 d The certificate of the Albany Justice's Court as to the death of her Husband, the said Francis, 3 d The affidavit of Francis J Jacobs a son of Francis & Catherine Jacobs, as to the destruction of his mother's marriage cert. &c 4 th An affidavit of Supply F Wilson who has been acquainted with the said Francis & Catherine Jacobs & their son for 26 years, 5 th a like affidavit from Samuel Waterman who has been acquainted with them for 20 years upwards —
I trust the above may be sufficient to entitle the said Catherine to a pension under said act
(With great respect)
I am Sir
Your Ob t Servt
Sam l H. Marks Ag t

Senate Committee Room, (Pensions,) April 8th. 1858.
Sir:
I am directed by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Pensions to enclose to you the Petition of Catharine Jacobs, widow of Francis Jacobs, a servant in the Military Household of General Washington, during the revolutionary war, praying a pension; and to request you to furnish any information you may have to communicate upon the case.
Very Respectfully
Harrison H. Hott
Chk. of Comm ee
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Comm ee of Pensions,

Washington City D.C.
Dec 24. 1856
Sir
The Petition of Catharine Jacobs is herewith to you. For such information as you may be pleased to communicate very Respectfully.
Your obedt Servt
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting Comr Pensions
Geo. H. Jones Chm Com. on Pensions

Pension Office 28 May . 1853.
Sir,
The claim of Mrs Catherine Jacobs for a pension as the widow of Francis Jacobs, who was was allowed a pension by a Special act of Congress, passed 30 June 1834, is rejected.
The law under which her husband was pensioned, being a Special law, its operation ceased at the date of his death.
There is no law under which she can properly claim a pension as the widow of the said Francis. She will therefore be obliged to seek relief in her case from Congress.
Very Respectfully L. P. Waldo Commissioner
Samuel H. Marks Esq. Albany N. York.

War Department Pension Office Decem 20. 1833
Sir,
The papers in the case of Francis Jacobs have again been examined, and at your request I return them. I regret very much to say that his claim cannot be admitted. It would afford me great pleasure to do any thing in my power to relieve him, but I can perceive no reason for reversing the decision heretofore made known, and I know of no mode by which he can be permitted but by a special act of Congress.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your ob t Servant, J. L. Edwards
Hon. G. W. Lansing House of Representatives

State of New York } County of Albany } ss. Samuel Waterman a resident of the Town of Watervliet in the County and State aforesaid being duly sworn according to law Deposes and saith that he has resided in the said County of Albany for the space of Twenty years. That he was well acquainted with Francis Jacobs late of the Village of Cohoes in said County, now deceased. That the said Francis, in his lifetime was reputed as being a pensioner of the United States. That he died at the said Village of Cohoes on, or about the year 1844 according to this Deponent's best recollection - That the said Francis left a Widow, whose name is Catherine with whom this Deponent is well acquainted & who is still living - This Deponent further saith, that he has been acquainted with the said Francis and Catherine for Twenty years or upwards - That from his earliest recollection of them, they have always lived together as Hus- -band, and Wife - and were always reputed as such in the community where they resided.
This Deponent further saith that the said Francis & Catherine reared a son, whose name is Francis J. Jacobs, and who is now upwards of 30 years old, & that he has no doubt that the said Francis and Catherine Jacobs were Husband and Wife - nor has he ever heard the legitimacy of their son Francis J. called in question
Subscribed and sworn to on this 15 th day of March 1853 before me -
Daniel G. Stewart
Justice of the Peace
Samuel Waterman
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with

Samuel Waterman above named and that he is a credible witness - And I further certify that I am not in any way interested or concerned in the claim of the aforesaid Catherine Jacobs to a pension -
Daniel C. Skidmore Justici of the Peace
State of New York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, } ss:
I, Robert Harper , Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY, that Daniel C. Skidmore , whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was, at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same: That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine: And that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 21 day of March 1851.
R. Harper Clerk.

State of New York } County of Albany } ss.
Supply H. Wilson a resident of the Town of Watervliet in the County and State aforesaid being duly sworn Depo th and saith, that he has resided in the County of Albany aforesaid for the space of twenty seven years last past - That he resided in the Village of Cohoes in said County from the year 1826, to the year 1847 - That ever since he has lived in said County he has been well acquainted with Francis Jacobs up to the day of his death, which occurred on or about the year 1844 - That the said Francis was a person of the United States - That he left him surviving a widow whose name is Catherine, who this Deponent is informed and believes is still living.
This Deponent further saith that from the year 1826 - the said Francis and Catherine Jacobs always lived together as Husband and Wife up to the day of the said Francis' death - and that they were always reputed as such in the village where they resided - That the said Francis and Catherine had a son named Francis J. Jacobs who is still living, and who was a scholar in the School taught by this Deponent in the year 1826 and from his best recollection, at that time about six or seven years old and this Deponent further saith that he has no doubt that the said Francis and Catherine Jacobs, were Husband and Wife, nor does he doubt the legitimacy of their son Francis J. Jacobs.
Subscribed and sworn to on } S. H. Wilson This 15 th day of March 1853. }
Before me } Glenville C. Stewart Clerk of the Court

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Suffey O'Wilson above named, and that he is a reliable witness - And I further certify that I am not in any way interested or concerned in the claim of Catherine Jones to a pension -
Daniel C. Stewart Justice of the Peace
State of New York, City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office, } ss:
I, Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY, that Daniel C. Stewart , whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was, at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same: That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine: And that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 21. day of March 185.
R. Harper
Clerk.

State of New York City and County of Albany } ss - I, Henry P. August Clerk of the Justices Court of the city of Albany (the same being a court of record) do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to the said court, that Francis Jacobs, late of the Village of Cohoes in the County of Albany who was a pensioner of the United States under a Special act of Congress passed June 30 th 1834, at the rate of $96. per Annum - Died at said Village of Cohoes on the 27 th day of December, in the year One thousand Eight hundred and fortyfour leaving a widow whose name is Catherine - who is now living in the city of Albany N.Y. and that the said Catherine has, ever since the death of her husband the said Francis Jacobs, remained, and now is a widow
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Justices Court this eleventh day of March A.D. 1853 -
H. P. August Clerk

Francis Jacobs Order for Pension Certificate —
$8 per month to com:
1 January 1832 —
act 30 June 1834 —
N. York In d Roll.
Certs. del. to V. Lucas, Esq r
Present
Hon. G. G. Lansing
Albany
N.Y.

Hon James L Edwards
Sir
You will please to deliver to Gerrit Manning or his order all any way Certificates or other Authority or Evidence to be issued to me from the War Department under the virtue of the Act of the last Congress granting pensions to certain persons therein named - August 5 th 1834.
Witness by Manning
Tuesday Sept 2 nd
I do hereby request that the above Certificate Authority or Evidence may be enclosed in my address at Albany in the State of New York, per Mail -
Augt 5 th 1834.
Gerrit Manning

Francis Fowler Affidavit of Identity of residence

State of New York County of Albany.
Francis Jacobs of the Town of Waterkill in the County of Albany and State of New York being duly sworn doth depon and say - That he is the same "Francis Jacobs" named in the Bill passed during the last session of the Congress of the United States of America entitled "An act granting pensions to certain persons therein named" - And that he now resides in the said Town of Waterkill in the County of Albany and State of New York.
Sworn this 5 th - day of August 1834 before me. act intitled before qualification of signature.
Francis Jacobs
By Hansing Commissioner of Deeds in the City of Albany.

Francis Jac Docum Albany. N.Y.C. 1832.
Francis Jacobi, petition (28.560)
Jan y 30 1832 Ref d to the Committee on Invalid Pensions —
Feb. 15. 1832
Bill reported — N o . 377.
Dec r 23. 1833 Ref d to the Committee on Invalid Pensions
Jan. 3. 1833
Bill reported — N o 128
Lansing 38. Inv. Pen. H.R.

Five or six years ago Francis Jacobs applied to the Canal Commissioners for the appointment of lock-tender. He handed to me to be presented to the Board a strong recommendation from some of the most respectable citizens of Albany, and also a Certificate purporting to be made and signed by General George Washington.
The appointment was given to Jacobs and the papers he had presented, having accomplished the object of their production, were not, as it now seems preserved with care. They were probably mislaid and are not now to be found.
I have not the least reason to doubt the genuineness of the paper to which General Washington's name was attached. And from an indistinct recollection of its contents, it is my impression that it stated that Jacobs had been a servant to the General during the revolutionary war, or a considerable portion of it; and that his services had always been characterised by zeal and fidelity.
Albany 18 th Jan y . 1832
S. Young Canal Com r .

I concur with S. Miller Jg. as within stated in relation to Francis Jacobs. R. Pitkin
May 10 Aug 1837 Allen, Mass

To all to whom these Presents shall come or may concern.
I certify that Francis Jacob long resided in this City, and in my immediate neighborhood. That he uniformly conducted himself in an ex- emplary manner, and was considered by all of his acquaintance, as an industrious sober, and moral man.
New York
Aug. 1: 1837
S. Vassar Miller

I do hereby certify that I have known the Deacon Francis Jacob for many years, particularly while he was a Servant in General Washington's family during the Revolutionary War and while he was President of the U. S. It affords me pleasure to bear testimony to the good character and correct deportment of Jacob and to state that he was always much esteemed and respected -
New York August 19 th 1831
Richard Fish

State of New York
Rensselaer County ss: John Foliard, of the city of Troy in the County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn doth depose and say That he is well acquainted with Francis Jacobs now present, and has been for more than fifty years last past. That his first acquaintance with Jacobs commenced at West Point when the said Jacobs was a waiter to General George Washington and knew him well for several years as attached to the had Military house of the said George Washington while he was commander in Chief during the revolutionary War. That he well knew the said Jacobs at Yorktown in Virginia, saw him at Brandywine at Monmouth, & several other places with the said Commander in Chief. Understood that the said Jacobs received the injury of which he is now lame in his right leg, at Brandywine the evening previous to the battle. And further saith not. John Foliard mark
State of New York
Rensselaer County ss: Archibald Dill Clerk of the County of Rensselaer do certify that John Foliard to me well known appeared before me, & was by me duly sworn that the affidavit by him subscribed contained the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth, and that the said John Foliard is a man of truth & veracity according to my best belief & opinion. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name affixed the Seal of said County this 7 th day of September 1831. Archibald Dill Clerk

I do hereby Certify that I have known the bearer hereof Francis Jacob, since the Year 1778, when he was a servant to Gen l George Washington Commander in chief of the American Army, and continued with the General 'till the close of the War, he always bore a fair Character, and much liked by the Army in general. Given at the City of Albany this 28 th day of July 1831.
To Whom it may Concern.
J. H. Wendell late Captain in the 1 st N. York Regiment
The bearer Francis Jacob is labouring under a Chronic lameness of his right knee, and left Ankle. which renders him unfit for ordinary labor
J. H. Wendell - Atty. D.
Albany Aug. 13 th 1831.
Francis Jacob above named, resided in this City for several years, and uniformly bore a fair character -
Albany. Aug. 17. 1831
Charles K. Webster
Adam O'Rourke
John D. M'Nally
Private -
in Col. Corlandts Regt.
Albany. August 18 th 1831.
The above Certificates are correct both in the letter and spirit of them I have known Mr Jacob for the last 15. Years and his Character is unimpeachable.
James M c Elroy

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States.
The petition of Francis Jacobs, a citizen of, and Resident in the State of New York,
Humbly sheweth;
That your petitioner did, in the Spring of the year of our Lord 1776, volunteer and attach himself to the military family of General George Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Army, as a Domestic and Servant, and served the General during the Revolutionary War, and whilst he was President of the United States Residing at New York.
And Your petitioner further sheweth, that he received from General Washington an honorable discharge, stating that your petitioner had served him with fidelity, honesty and sobriety, during the War, and whilst he was President of the United States as aforesaid.
And as the said Francis Jacobs is now deceased

General Washington an honorable discharge, stating that your petitioner had served him with fidelity, honesty and sobriety, during the War, and whilst he was President of the United States as aforesaid.
And your petitioner further sheweth, that in the night previous to the battle of Brandywine, General Washington was informed (at a late hour) that the British Army was making a movement, which indicated an intention of crossing the Brandywine that night, or next morning; that the General, with his Staff Officers moved rapidly, on horse back, to the place where the alarm was given, taking the nearest route across fields and woods: That your petitioner, with a guide, went before as pioneers; that in crossing a field skirted with young under wood, they came to a brush fence, which your petitioner attempted to leap over on his horse; that a young sapling got in between your petitioner's right thigh and the stirrup-strap; the impetus being so great, that it brought down your petitioner's horse, (and thereby) your petitioner's right knee and left ankle were dislocated; that after a few weeks, he got so far restored, as to be enabled to resume his station again with the General.
And your petitioner further sheweth, that he experienced nothing more than ordinary inconvenience from his wounds, until he advanced in Years, when the knee & ankle joints became so weak, that your petitioner could not perform manual labour which required an exertion on his feet.
And your petitioner further sheweth, that by virtue of General Washington's discharge

to your petitioner, and the good Character he had given him, the Commissioners of the Erie and Champlain Canals, were pleased to appoint him a Keeper of a Canal lock; that the said Commissioners, at the same time, received of your petitioner, his discharge from General Washington, which your petitioner supposed was necessary to be put on their files.
And your petitioner further Shews, that the said appointment of Lock Keeper afforded him and his Wife a comfortable Support for about five Years, and kept them from penury and want, but that in the course of the last Spring, he has been displaced & removed from the office of Lock-keeper, owing to his being disqualified for manual labour, added to his advanced age, bordering on four Score; in consequence of which removal as Lock Keeper, he has lost his support for himself and his aged Wife, and cannot by reason of old age, infirmity and lameness, perform manual labour, to obtain bread. Your petitioner is induced to apply to your Hon ble Body for relief, on the Ground of his having served his Country faithfully, and had his Limbs injured in its service; but he has been so unfortunate as to be unable to produce General Washington's discharge to him, which the Canal Commissioners, have either lost or mislaid, as will appear by the annexed Certificate from the Hon ble Samuel Young one of the said Commissioners. Thus circumstanced, your petitioner hopes the testimony of Officers yet living, to establish the fact of his having served General Washington during the Revolutionary War, and which are herunto annexed, will, together with Col o Young's Certificate, be deemed satisfactory.
Your petitioner would crave leave to refer to the Certificates which he has obtained from Col o Nich l Fish in the City of New York, and General John H. Wendell of the City of Albany, two Gentlemen of high Standing and great Respectability of Character. The first was a Major in the 2 nd Reg t , and the second, a Capt n in the first Reg t in the New York line of Continental Troops during the Revolution, as by their several Certificates herunto annexed, will appear.
Your petitioner has also obtained the affidavit of a private who served in the New York line of Continental Troops during the War for Independence (a man of fair Character) who testifies that your petitioner, received his wounds by the fall from his horse, on the night previous to the battle of Brandywine,

which affidavit is also hereto annexed.
And your petitioner further Sheweth, that the aforesaid testimony, added to his own affidavit, and a Certificate from a Respectable Physician (Surgeon in the City of Albany), also hereto annexed, is all the proof which your petitioner can present to Your Honorable Body, to enable him to obtain from the Government of the United States, Relief in his present destitute Situation.
Your petitioner therefore, Reposing himself with Confidence on the Justice of that Government, that it will not allow an aged and infirm Servant of the illustrious Commander in Chief of their Armies during the Struggle for Liberty and Independence, to suffer in penury & want; humbly prays, that he may be placed, for the few remaining years which he may be permitted to exist, on the Pension list as a private; or, in some other way, favorably Noticed, as your Honorable Body in Your Wisdom Shall deem just and Equitable:
And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray &c.
Francis Jacobs Signed by Francis Jacobs in my presence
W. Van Ingen
State of New York } City of Albany } ss.
Francis Jacobs of the Town of Watervliet and County of Albany, being duly sworn, deposes and saith, that the facts stated by him in the foregoing petition, as to his having been in the service of General Washington, and the time and manner of dislocating his right knee and left ankle; and also as to having had, in his possession, and the manner of his having lost, General Washington's discharge to him, as severally stated in the said petition, are true.
Sworn this 21 st Jan y . 1832. Before me
Harm D. Van Ingen, a Public notary in and for the State of New York.