Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 5938, for David King, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
King David
R 5938
CONTENTS

State of New York County of Steuben
On this twenty seventh day of October in the year One thousand eight-hundred and thirty seven personally appeared before me Ira C. Clark one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Steuben aforesaid David King a resident of the town of Prattburgh County and State aforesaid aged Ninety Seven 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 th 1832. That he was born April 23 d 1740. in Goshen Orange County State of New York, moved from there to Newark State of New Jersey about the year 1766 where he resided eighteen years until the end of the war. thence to Wyoming, State of Pennsylvania where he lived about twenty years and since that has lived in different places in the State of New York and now resides in Prattburgh aforesaid - That he has no record of his age. In the summer of 1775 he was drafted in the Militia under Capt. Henry Wallman Lieut. Jacob Wallman (who were brothers) the name of the Ensign he does not remember. The higher Officers were Major Hayes, Major Ward, Col. Thomas Ward, Col. Phillis Van Courtland - General Wynds, and Occasionally General Washington was there - There was a Regiment of Militia stationed there during the war to which he belonged, they were generally in tents guarding against the landing of the British. they sometimes had considerable fighting, once marched to Amboy but soon returned and lay at Newark. the draft was for one month which he served and soon after his discharge he was again drafted and served another month under the same Officers - and at the end of that month he volunteered under the same Officers during the war Capt. Abraham Spear took the command of the company and he served under him but how long he does not remember, he served until the end of the war, he believes more than seven years. That during the aforesaid time he was constantly in service.
turn over

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.
He further states that he is too old and infirm to go to Court as it is some distance.
He further states that he has no documentary testimony & knows of no living witness.
Sworn & subscribed the day and year David King aforesaid
Before me Mr C. Clark Judge of Staten County Court
We C. B. Call a Clergyman residing in the town of Pultney and William R. Smith, Stephen Stratton and XXXXXX Moses Burgess residing in Pratt'sburgh hereby certify that we live near to and are well acquainted with David King who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Ninety Seven years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
C. B. Call
Stephen Stratton
Moses Burgess
mark Wm R Smith
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me Mr C. Clark Judge of Staten County Court
And I the said Judge do hereby declare that it is my 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 I the said Judge further certify that I am acquainted with C. B. Call who has signed the preceding Certificate and know him to be a Clergyman resident in the town of Pultney and that William R. Smith, Stephen Stratton and XXXXXX Moses Burgess who have also signed the same are residents of Pratt'sburgh and are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit. I the said Judge do hereby further certify that I am fully satisfied that the applicant cannot from old age and bodily infirmity consistently attend Court.
Mr C. Clark Judge of Staten Co. Court

State of New York
Steuben County Ss.
I William H Bull Clerk of the said County Do certify that Ira C. Clark before whom the Preceding affidavits purport to have been Sworn and also before whom the Preceding Power of Attorney purports to have been Acknowledged was at the date of the same One of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand Writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and the acknowled- gement of the Execution of the said Power to be his proper hand Writing and Signature, Witness my hand and seal of Office this 4 th day of November 1837.
Wm H Bull Clerk

12. 433
David King Penn
Superior Return
14
see letter 2 Feb. 1836 to Hon J. Laporte H R
Simon Kinney Forranda Bradford Co Pa.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
27 th November 1833.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). Yoro 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 David King
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1. pm Capt. Gersman 93 years.   1. " Col. Van Courtland Newark   " Capt. Spicer N. J. Traditionary   " " Dodd   Summed up by Claimant   7. years Service  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[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.

(copy)
Department of the Interior October, 3 rd 1850,
Sir,
I herewith return the papers in the case of David King, and I have to inform you that your report of the 19 th July last, has been affirmed.
I am, very respectfully, Your Most Servant, Alex H H Stuart, Secretary.
J. L. Edwards Esq., Comm r of Pensions

Dec 9
Dao King Jabez Sill Pa-
Copies papers for
Hon. J. Lahart HN

Pa David John King
handed to E.
9 Jan '66
David King ret'd to me
Papers of D. King ret'd to me & handed to M.E. with his separate letter, 29 Jan.

War Department Pensions Office July 25, 1836.
Sir
I herewith enclose the Honble John Laporte's letter in the case of David King of Pennsylvania, and have to state that he claims a pension for services as a militiaman of New Jersey. The militiamen of that state served in tours of not more than one month, or as minutemen. The claim has been suspended because a full and specific statement of each tour of actual service has not been given as required by the regulations, which the pro rata character of the act of 7 June 1832 require. Unless the regulations are complied with, there is no authority in this office to award him a pension. The papers are herewith enclosed.
I am, respectfully,
Your Obt. Servt
Geo. W. Crump
C. A. Harris Esqr Acting Secretary of War.

5939

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
5939.
P. O.
David King
Service: See Rejd Case 5938
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
5938.
P. O. _____
David King
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Hand King New York Suspended in let to E. Skinner Lee.
4, 1837
to some 17 July 1838
let to Lee June 19 July 1850. Decision affirmed by Sec. State Oct 3 rd 1850.
K-938
Oct 1832

David King
Penn a - Act 7 June 1832 in
Susp d . see letters on pa. index.
Papers enclosed to Hon S.W. Morns A.R. Dec 28. 1837.

Dear Sir
Last fall I forwarded to the pension Office the papers of David King in claim of a Pension and received your answer dated Dec r 4 th 1837 saying you "had placed his papers on file" &c. After which I learned from the Hon d . John Laporte of Asylum, Bradford Co y Pennsylvania that Mr s Kings claim had already been before you, but by reason of some defect in taking the proofs was not allowed, I have now all the correspondence between your Office and Messrs Laport & Morris - by which I learn that the Hon d . Sam l W. Morris had laid it before the committee of Rev d . Pen n in Congress - I have now written to Mr s Morris requesting him to withdraw it from that Committee and would request that you would forward me the Original declaration of Mr s King made by Simon Kinney Esq r . to the Hon d . J. Laporte with the one sent by me with all other documents on the subject in your office - Fully believing Mr s King entitled to a pension and that proof ample and satisfactory can be obtained of the facts - he wishes to amend his Declaration so as to satisfy you of his claim. We believe that proof of his services for more than three years can be obtained, such as will be satisfactory, and believing that you will not willingly withhold aid from any one that is fairly entitled to pay induces me to trouble the Office further. If requested I will return all the papers again to the Office
Your Ob d Serv t
Orastus Skinner
Prattsburgh
Steuben Co.
New York
June 20 th 1838

Let to Hon. J. Laporte Dec 12. 36
David King - Penn. a Suspended at 32
See letter to 5939 Simon Kinney Towanda Pa.
21 Feb. 1835 to May 1 - same. D. A. Hall 30 May 35
Samuel B. Miller
Augt. 7 1835 let 28 Augt to J. Kinney let 25 July 36 to C. A. Massie do. to Hon.
J. R. Pemssett June 1837
- D 3 See letter 2 o Feb. 1836 to Hon. J. Laporte H. R.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Towanda (Bradford Co. Pa)
Feby 14-1835
Sir
I again forward the application of David King for a pension, accompanied with further evidence of his services.
I was, for myself, so well satisfied of the truth of the old man's to the best of his memory. statement, from his apparent candor, and his good reputation for sincerity and honesty, and being acquainted with his poor and needy circumstances that I have been at considerable trouble and expense to obtain the accompanying depositions, which, I doubt not, will be entirely satisfactory to the department.
He was unable to inform me of the name of anyone by whom he was aware he could make the proof, or with whom I could correspond with an expectation of obtaining the requisite information. I therefore made a visit to Newark N. J. and after some time of fruitless enquiry I employed a gentleman to pursue it, which has resulted in the obtaining the enclosed depositions, which were transmitted to me within the present week. And Mr King has yet no knowledge of my having received them, or what they contain. I hope it may be convenient to have the subject undergo an early consideration, for I assure you Sir that the old man is miserably poor and necessitous.
I remain Very Respectfully
Your Ob't Servant
Simon Kinney

Hon J. L. Edwards Esq
Concord Bradford Coq
Penn ce April 28 1835
Dear Sir
Since receiving your favor of the 21 st February last, I have been (at some pains & expense) enabled to obtain what I presume will be satisfactory evidence, that the testimony  assertion of the witness, and the statement of himself, that the services by David King having been  were rendered, if at all, under Col. Philip Van Cortland, is correct. And that the fact of there having been a Col. Philip Van Cortland in command, in the N. Y. line, led to the misconception indicated in your letter.
I enclose to you the deposition of Stephen Van Cortland, who seems entitled to full credit, and who testifies that he knew both Col. P. Van Cortland of the N. Jersey Militia and also him of the same name of New York line. Also the supplementary declaration of the applicant, which I hope may sufficiently explain the nature and terms of his service, not inconsistent with the legal classification, and the times, or terms of service, of the Militia of New Jersey. By his uniform representations to me, though it may not have been stated with sufficient distinctness, in his original declaration, it seems that after his first three months as a drafted Militia man, he volunteered without regard to the time fix by law or usage. And as the exposed situation of the country, from the occupancy of N York by the British during required that a body of militia in its vicinity, should be continually kept up and organized, though usually & successively supplied by drafting and drafts, yet there would be no inconsistency in receiving into the companies, the voluntary services of those who were disposed, under engagements for any longer period.
I am so well satisfied of the integrity of Mr King and of his services entitling him to a pension, that I cannot but entertain a hope that the accompanying evidence and explanation will be entirely satisfactory. I remain very Respectfully,
Your Abt Servant
Simon Steiner,

David King for Revolutionary Pension act 1832, New York suspended file
Refused
David King
Sept. 1832

Will the Commr permit

Sir
Enclosed I send the papers relative to an application of a pension of David King he is very aged and infirm & considerably broken. I am not in possession of any new rules prescribed by your Department if there is will you please send them to me with due respect,
Ebenezer Skinner
Prattsburgh Steuben Co. N.Y. Nov 8 th 1837

Hon. Lewis Cass Secy of War
Asylum Bradford County Penna July 15 th 1836
Sir
David King of Bradford County Penna a soldier of the Revolutionary War, has made an application to your Department for a Pension under the Act of 1832, since the application has been rejected by Mr Edwards, and I am constrained to appeal from his decision to you, I do so from the strongest conviction that the old man is as justly entitled to the Bounty of Government as any man whose name is now upon the Pension Roll, I have examined his papers and it does appear to me that his case is clearly made out, and in addition to what evidence is contained in his application, I will state what I know of my own knowledge, during the years 1813 & 1814 I was sent to school to Wilkes-Barre Luzerne County Penna a place about sixty miles distant from my residence, and I boarded in a family with whom David King then lived, it was during the late war and the recruiting parties passing the House where we both lived daily, and in frequent conversation respecting the soldiers and the war he often alluded to his service in the Army of the Revolution, he certainly could have had no

inducements to have told an untruth about his service at that time, as it was long before a Pension Law was thought of, he was considered by the Family when he lived as a man of truth and integrity and I know he had their confidence as he was trusted to do any kind of business for them, I then thought him a man near seventy years of age although robust and active, I do not now recollect that I ever heard him say at that time what his age was; he now informs me that he is between ninety and a hundred, and now let me entreat you in behalf of this worthy old man to examine his papers yourself and give his application a favour- able consideration, he is old infirm and poor and I think is justly entitled to his Pension, from my knowledge of the man for the last twenty three years I can not not for one moment doubt the truth of his being a soldier, and I think from what he says he has performed impor- tant services, you may think that I am over- solicitous in this matter but if I am it arises from a firm conviction that David King ought to be placed upon the Pension Roll.
After you have examined the Papers you will please inform me of the result of your examination examination.
I remain your truly John Lapsite

Washington Dec r 26/37
Sir
My predecessor, the Hon John Laporte laid before you, the claim of David King for a pension which was rejected by you. Mr Laporte thinks that the Comm e will consider this case favorably, & at his request I have the matter referred - Will you be good enough to cause the papers accompanying this claim to be sent to me, or else a copy as may be the usage in such cases, that they may be presented to the Comm e
Respectfully
I am yr obedt servt
Sam l W Morris

H B February 11 th 1837
Hon B T Butler Sir
On the 20 th of December I addressed you a letter calling your attention to the application of David King of Bradford County Pa for a Pension; some time in July or August last I appealed from the decision of the Commissioners of Pensions to the Secretary of War in the case of David King and I have never yet received any answer upon the subject, I have been informed by the Commissioners of Pensions that he made a report of the case to the Secretary of War in August last, and I refer you to my letter to you last written in July or August and also my late letter to you written on the 20 th of December and I should be very glad if you would examine the application and inform me of the result of that examination.
Very Respectfully yours P.S. I am not
John Tapsote

Washington January 25 th 1836
J. S. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
Dear Sir
I send you the inclosed letter from Simon Kenny Esq. of Bradford County Penn. You will see that it relates to the Application of Daniel King a soldier of the Revolution for a Pension, and is among the suspended cases in your office. I am well acquainted with D. King and have known him since the year 1813 and I recollect of his then saying that he was a soldier of the Revolution and I know that he has always been reputed as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Since I have been acquainted with him, I wish you would re-examine his papers yourself as it does appear to me that the old man is justly entitled to the bounty of the Government.
You will please answer this and return me Esq. Kenny's letter
Very respectfully
Yours etc. etc.
John L. Porter

N.B. Washington December 21 st 1836
Dear B. F. Butler
Sec. of War ad mls.
Dear Sir
Some two years ago David King of Bradford County Penn a a soldier of the Revolution made an application for a Pension and the Commissioners of Pensions rejected the application having been personally acquainted with Mr King for more than twenty years and feeling satisfied that he was a soldier of the Revolution; in July last I appealed from the decision of the Commissioners to the Secretary of War not receiving any answer, I called at the Pension Office a few days ago for his papers and find that the papers were enclosed to G. A. Harris Esq. Acting Secretary of War on the 25 th of July last my object in writing to you at this time is to ask you to examine the case, and I refer you to my letter to Gov. Cass which I presume is on file with the other papers nothing but a full conviction in my own mind that David King is justly entitled to a pension warrants me at this time to trouble you with the matter
I have the honor to be Very respectfully your Obedt Servt.
John Laporte