Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,372, for Thomas Hutchings, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Hutchings, Thomas Esther
N. 23,372
CONTENTS

Maine - 3094
Esther Hutchings widow of Thomas Hutchings Mass who was a prisoner under the Act of Jan 7, '32 and who died on the 28 th Aug t 1835 of Tumor in the State of Maine who was a P. in the Campy commanded by Captain P. of the Reg t commanded by Cargill in the State of time for 13 m on the
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of Jan '39, and sent to H. Chamberlain Bristol, Me.
Arrears to the 1 th of Mar - $129.99 Semi-annual allowance ending 21.66 $151.65
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by R. D. Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 11

March 26 th 1834 dup for Hunt Hon Mr. Kanenagh H. B.
Maine 11,529
Thomas Hutchings of Lincoln Co. in the State of Maine who was a Pr. in the Company commanded by Captain Sumner. of the Regt commanded by Col. Gargill in the Mass. State Troops -
13 : No Piodi - 43 33
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of May 1833. and Sept 1. V. Coffin Wiscasset. Me Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 86.06 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 21.66
$ 108.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 1 Page 20

4564
Hutchings
Me
July 7 July 30
m 89d 30
vol 37-50- on S.C. quarrels
admd Binoperi
$43.33
no deduction
Henry Chamberlain Bristol Mills Me

"Marriages solemnized by the Reverend Alexander McLean of Bristol one thousand Seven Hundred eighty nine
May twenty first. Married Thomas Hutchings and Esther Goody both of Bristol."
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Records of the town of Bristol with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows viz "1789. May 21 st ."
Henry Chamberlain, Town Clerk of Bristol
Henry Chamberlain above named depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town of Bristol in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine & that the above extract from the Records of said town is a true extract with the exception of date as above certified by me -
Henry Chamberlain, Town Clerk of Bristol
Proceded Sept 24. 1838. Then Henry Chamberlain above named made oath to the truth of the above Certificate by him Subscribed, said Chamberlain being a credible witness before me Warren Rice, Just Peace

ee Marriages solemnized by the Reverend Alexander McLean of Bristol one thousand Seven hundred eighty nine
May twenty first. Married Thomas Hutchings and Esther Goudy both of Bristol."
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Records of the town of Bristol with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows viz "1789. May 21 st ."
Henry Chamberlain, Town Clerk of Bristol
Henry Chamberlain above named depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the town of Bristol in the County of Lincoln & State of Maine & that the above extract from the Records of said town is a true extract with the exception of date as above certified by me -
Henry Chamberlain, Town Clerk
State of Maine.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss—I JACOB SMITH, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Warren Dike Esq. whose name is affixed to the annexed paper, as a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE is legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known.
IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this
24 th day of September A. D. 1838
Jacob Smith CLERK,

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838) is
State of Maine } On this thirteenth day of October Lincoln ss } A.D 1838. Personally appeared before me Esthaniel Grown, Judge of Probate in and for the County of Lincoln. Esther Hutchinson of Bristol in said County widow aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declara- tion, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows."
That she is the widow of Thomas Hutch- ins deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution and a prisoner under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832 and received a pension certificate to draw her pension till his death. at the rate of forty three Dollars & thirty three cents a year. as will appear by the record of his pension certificate now surrendered to obtain arrears of pay said certificate was dated March 26 th 1834. and numbered H. 529. She further declares that her maiden name was Esther Goody. that she was a native of Bristol. and was married to her said Husband on the twenty first day of May one thousand eight hundred & eighty nine - by the Reverend Alexander McLean a minister of the Gospel then settled in Bris- tol & now dead. and that there is a record of her marriage on the records of said town of Bristol.

She further declares, that she was married to the said Thomas Hutchinson her husband on the twentyfourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine and that her husband the aforesaid Thomas Hutchinson died on the twenty eighth day of Au- gust A.D. 1880. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January one thousand eight hundred and eighty four, to wit, at the time above stated, and that she has never been mar- ried to any other person since his death.
Witness Henry Chamberlain Roseleida B Booker
her Mother F. Hutchinson mark
State of Maine Lincoln Co. October 13. 1888.
Be it known that on the day above aforesaid personally appeared before me Nathaniel Grooten of the Court of Probate for said County the owner of a tract of land, keeping a record of wills & estates of persons deceased. Within the same, and made the foregoing declaration. She reduced to writing the same being read to her and understood by her, she subscribed her name thereto and made solemn oath that the same every part thereof was true. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name the day above aforesaid.
Nathaniel Grooten Probate for said County

Thomas Hutchings
5
22404
A. D. 183
CLERK.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this day of

State of Maine.
COOLN, ss—I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that the annexed paper, signed by the Judge and attested by the Clerk, contains the original proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas, at a special session thereof held at Bristol in said county, by the Hon. John Ruggles, one of the Judges of said Court on the 27 th day of November A. D. 1832, in the matter of the application of Thomas Hutchings for a Pension. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 27 th day of November A. D. 1832. Nathl. Coffin CLERK.
deposed by Cargill's regiment of the Massachusetts line or corps, was no less than 2 during the aforesaid term of time in garrison at Pemaquid fort & that he was there verbally discharged by Capt. Turner at the time last above named. Also from the middle of July 1778 to the middle of August the same year in a company of Infantry commanded by Capt. Deuelon Howland, marched from Bristol to Pemaquid (now Castine) was there joined to Col. Revere's Regiment of Artillery & was there verbally discharged by Capt. Howland. Also from the last of August 1778 to the last of November the same year in a company of Infantry commanded by Capt. William Sermon in Col. Littlejohn's Regiment of the Massachusetts line or corps that he was employed the most of this last term of time with others in going from a place called Clam Cove in Camden Maine to Penobscot river & there collecting & bringing in boats & gunboats, whatever could be saved from the vessels destroyed at Penobscot after the defeat at Pemaquid we went up three times & brought to Camden considerable quantities of Iron, anchors, rigging, one cannon, also a number of cattle & delivered them to Col. Littlejohn at Camden & that he was at the expiration of the three months he was verbally discharged at Camden by Capt. Sermon. And to the interrogatories propounded under the instructions of the war department he answers that he was born in Bristol Maine in the year 1759. has a record in his family bible at some time Bristol when he was called into the service each time has been there ever since and now lives there entered the service each time as a volunteer, was not drafted, nor a substitute. I do not recollect the names of any officers other than those I have before mentioned. I have also before stated all the general circumstances of service as far as I can recollect & also how & by whom I was discharged.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before
Tho. Hutchings John Ruggles Judge of said Court

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th June, 1832.
STATE OF MAINE, } ss. COUNTY OF LINCOLN, }
ON this 27 th day of Nov. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before John Rug- -gles Esq. Justice of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, Thomas Hutchinson a resident of Bristol in the County of Lincoln and State of Maine, aged seventy three 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 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. From the first of march 1777 to the last of december the same year in a company of Infantry com- menced by Capt. Caleb Turner, Thomas Thompson Lieutenant Colonel Casgills regiment of the Massachusetts line or Troops that he was stationed during the aforesaid term of time in garrison at Penobscot fort & that he was there verbally discharged by Capt. Turner at the time last above named. Also from the middle of July 1778 to the middle of August the same year in a company of Infantry commanded by Capt. Debulon Howland, marched from Bristol to Bangor (now Castine) was there joined to Col. Revere's Regiment of Artillery & was there ver- bally discharged by Capt. Howland. Also from the last of August to the 1778 to the last of December the same year in a company of Infantry com- menced by Capt. William Sermon in Col. Litchfield's regiment of the Massachusetts line or Troops that he was employed the most of this last term of time with others in going from a place called Clam Cove in Camden Maine to Penobscot river & there collecting & bringing in boats & gondolas, whatever could be saved from the vessels destroyed at Penobscot after the defeat at Bangor we went up three times & brought to Camden considerable quantities of Iron, anchors, rigging, one cannon, also a number of cattle & delivered them to Col. Litchfield at Camden & that he was at the expiration of the three months he was verbally discharged at Camden by Capt. Sermon. And to the interrogatories propounded under the instructions of the war department he answers that he was born in Bristol Maine in the year 1759. has a record in his family bible at some time in Bristol when he was called into the service each time has given their own time and paid his own time entered the service each time as a volunteer, was not drafted, nor a substitute. I do not recollect the names of any officers other than those I have before mentioned. I have also before stated all the general circumstances of service as far as I can recollect & also how & by whom I was discharged.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before
Tho. Hutchinson John Ruggles Judge of said Court

WE, John Sprowl 3 d Henry Chamberlain and  of said  residing in the are well acquainted with Thomas Hutchings to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three 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.
residing in the town of Bristol hereby certify, that we who has subscribed and sworn years of age; that he
John Sprowl 3 d Henry Chamberlain
State of Maine.
LINCOLN, ss.... Sworn and subscribed this twenty seventh day of November
A. D. 1832
Before me, John Ruggles J.C.C.P.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Sprowl 3 d who has signed the preceding certificate, is resident in the town of Bristol and that Henry Chamberlain who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town of Bristol and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. It also appears that there is no clergyman residing in the vicinity of said Applicant who could without too much inconvenience, attend said court.
State of Maine.
John Ruggles J.C.C.P. Attest Nathl. Coffin Clerk
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss.... I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that John Ruggles Esq. whose name is affixed to the above certificate, as a Commissioner of the Court is legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known.
IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 22 nd day of November
A. D. 1832
CLERK.
Thomas Hutchings 22nd Nov

Thomas Hutchings Lincoln County Maine
Admitted 13 months $43.83
Nathan Coffin Esq. Lincoln County Maine

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Hutchinson Lincoln  Maine.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     March 1777 9 pr. Capt Lur- ner — Col Can- gill — Me — 73 Bristol Maine Traditionary   July 1778 1 " Capt Hoi- land Col Rem- res — Living Witness   Aug. 11 3 " Capt Lem- ond Col Litch- gant   1 1  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 23372
Esther Hutchings wid of Thomas Hutchings Pr. Mass Line
Act July 7 th 38
Index: Vol A , Page 560
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Deposition of William Germond taken for James Mylne & Thomas Hutchings

I William Lermont of Warren in the county of Lincoln and State of Maine aged 82 years on oath do testify & say that in the year of our Lord 1778 I was Captain of a company in the service of the United States in Col. of the Massachusetts line Silhgon's Regiment, James Myllie & Thomas Hutchings both of Bristol State & county aforesaid were privates in my company & served therein three months each at least according to the best of my recollection.
William Lermont
Lincoln p. Sept r 29-1832 Then the above named William Lermont made oath to the truth of the above statement by him subscribed
Before me
Reuben M. Wells Justice of the Peace
I further certify that that the above named Lermont is in my opinion a man of veracity & disinterested truth.
Reuben M. Wells

State of Maine.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss.—I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Roger Hanley Esq. whose name is affixed thereunto to the annexed paper, as a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE is legally commissioned and duly qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own proper signature, to me well known. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this sixth day of March A. D. 1834
Nathl. Coffin CLERK.
at or near Bristol being in the possession of Peabody M. Wells was lost or destroyed by fire
Thomas Hutchings
Sworn and subscribed to, before } Roger Hanley Justice of the Peace me, the day and year aforesaid. }
NOTES.—The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.
☞ If the pensioner has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics , and insert, in lieu thereof, " but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one "
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.
When a person acting as an agent or Attorney for a pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
☞ In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.
☞ Mode of authenticating papers. —In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
☞ No attention will be given to applications from persons who act as agents, unless they are known at the War Department, or are vouched for as respectable persons by some one who is known to the Department.

APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE.
County of Lincoln ss.
On this Twenty fifth day of February 183 4 , before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Lincoln personally appeared Thomas Hutchings who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Isaac Deymonce in the regiment commanded by Colonel Lithgow North in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New Hampshire that he received a certificate of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate, on or about the Twenty fifth day of January 183 4 at or near Bristol being in the possession of Peabody M. Wells was lost or destroyed by fire.
Thomas Hutchings
Sworn and subscribed to, before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Roger Manley Justice of the Peace
NOTES.—The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.
□ If the pensioner has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics , and insert, in lieu thereof, " but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one "
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.
When a person acting as an agent or Attorney for a pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
□ In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.
□ Mode of authenticating papers. —In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
□ No attention will be given to applications from persons who act as agents, unless they are known at the War Department, or are vouched for as respectable persons by some one who is known to the Department.

I Peasee M. Wells of Bristol in the State of Maine on oath do testify & say that I had in my possession the pension certificate of Thomas Hutchings who has signed the within affidavit & that the same was destroyed by fire on the twenty fifth day of January 1834 Peasee M. Wells
Lincoln ss. February 25. 1834 Personally appeared Peasee M. Wells & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. Before me Roger Manly - Justice of the Peace
I Henry Chamberlain of Bristol on oath do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Thomas Hutchings of Bristol & know him to be the same person described in the within affidavit Henry Chamberlain
Lincoln ss. Feby. 25. 1834 Personally appeared Henry Chamberlain & made oath to the truth of the above affi- davit by him subscribed Before me
Roger Manly - Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above named Peasee M. Wells & Henry Chamberlain are in my opinion men of veracity & disinterested witnesses Roger Manly

David Estlin of Bristol in the County of Bristol State of Maine & Revolutionary Union aged seventy eight years on oath declares that I am a native of the town of Bristol aforesaid I have resided in said town from my infancy. I was well ac- quainted with Thomas Southings who lived in Bristol aforesaid & who died in said town in the year 1805. and I knew him to the time of his death. I am also acquainted with Peter South- ings widow of the said Thomas Southings who is now living in Bristol. and who is in her seventy eighth year. I further know that he was a Revolutionary Unionist. David Estlin
State of Maine Bristol County 11 January 1837
Personally appeared before me David Estlin the above named & subscribed the foregoing in a affidavit I made solemn oath that the same was true - My Chamberlain

James L. Edwards Esq

Clackington
House of Representatives
13 th March 1834
Yrs
I herewith transmit the application of Philip Hatch, Thos. Hutchings and W m Spence who wish to receive their pension Certificates in the room of former ones which have been destroyed.
Respectfully,
your obedient Servt
Edward Macanagh
James L. Edwards Esq —

United Mills Maine Jan y 14 th 1839
Hon. J. B. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I have this day completed the Pensions in the following Pension cases of Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers. This Mrs Nancy Yeats, Miriam Farrow, Jane Sprout Lydia Pearce Esther Hutchings & Mary Askins I have mailed them directed to your Department. If they should prove to be any error in either of them or any further proof required please inform me. If any or all them are entitled to Pensions please forward me their certificates.
With great respect I am Your Obedient Servant
Henry Chamberlain

Deposition of John Little Taken for Thos. Hutchings
John Little in copy Thos. Hutchings -

Depo. Ina Little in conq. M rs . Hutchings -
Deposition of John Little Taken for Mrs. Hutchings

I John Little of Mistol in the county of Lincoln & State of Maine aged seventy six years do testify & say that in the year of our Lord 1777 I belonged to & was a pri- vate in a company of Infantry in the service of the United States commanded by Capt. Caleb Turner I further say that Thomas Hutchings of Mistol aforesaid was also a private in the same company at the same time & that he served therein in that capacity in that year ten months at Penobscot we were discharged the last of december I know that said Hutchings served that term of time for I was with him during the whole of it.
State of Maine.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
LINCOLN, ss— I NATHANIEL COFFIN, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts within and for the Coun- ty of Lincoln, do hereby certify that Peaslee M. Wells Esq. whose name is herein affixed to each of the annexed papers as a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE is legally commissioned and duely qualified to act as such, and that the name so affixed is his own prop- er signature, to me well known. IN TESTIMONY whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 27 th day of November A. D. 1832.
Nath. Coffin CLERK.
Peaslee M. Wells Just. of the Peace I further certify that the above named John Little is in my opinion a man of veracity and a disinterested witness
Peaslee M. Wells

I John Little of Bristol in the county of Lincoln & State of Maine agee seventy six years do testify & say that in the year of our Lord 1777 I belonged to & was a pri- vate in a company of Infantry in the service of the United States commanded by Capt. Caleb Turner I further say that Thomas Hutchings of Bristol aforesaid was also a private in the same company at the same time & that he served therein in that capacity in that year ten months at Penobscot we were discharged the last of december I know that said Hutchings served that sum of time for I was with him during the whole of John Little
Lincoln p. July 11. 1832 Then the above named John Little personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed
Before me
Peasee M. Wells Just. of the Peace I further certify that the above named John Little is in my opinion a man of veracity and a disinterested witness
Peasee M. Wells

Tho. Hutchings

Gen. J. L. Edwards Commisioner of Pensions Washington City