Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11054, for John Mc Nitt, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
McNitt John McNutt or
S 11054
CONTENTS
carded

Susp? See letter to P. A. G. March 10. 1835 - Do. to same & P. B. Preamble May 27. 1835
Lett to P. A. G. June 16 April 1835 do. to same, May 13. 1835
20. 599  New York  John Mc Nutt  of Chenango in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Long of the Regt commanded by Col. Webster in the New York line for 13 Mo.
★ John Mc Nutt mch 25/05.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Sept.  1835 and to the P. A. G. Preamble Minnick
  Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 35  $ 123    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4. m. 24  25     $ 150  
Revolutionary Claim, } Repd. June 7, 1832. } Geo. H. Miles Clerk
Recorded by Book E Vol. 4 Page 69

No 18265
John McNutt, Chautauqua County New York
U.
Adm d
P. B. Prindle Storerich Chautauqua County N. York Water

$3.00 paid
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 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: { ). 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, showing the Service of John M c Nutt Chenango County N.Y.
   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.     Called out June 1777 - 2 - private Capt. Hutchinson Genl. Williams Col. Williams Marched to Ticonderoga through Vermont 73 years Salem County of Washington New York Traditionary & 1. Witness, Living - Cluettman Cert. & Papers county attached -   Called out 1778 - 1 - private Capt. Long Col. Webster Marched to Shenaborough   Called out " - 1 - private - -   Called out 1779 - 2 - private Capt. Long Col. Webster   Enlisted 1780 - 9 - private Capt. Harrison Col. Harper Fort Edward Fort Ann to Schenectady  
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 [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.

State of New York Chautauqua County p:
On the ninth day of October A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County, now sitting
Present
Pro: Tracy Nathan Taylor Levi Bigelow Dezekiah Reed Charles Dake } Judges
John M c Nutt, a resident of the town of Sprie, with in the County of Chautauqua N.Y. 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 7. 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer and served as herein stated:
In the year 1777 at about the first of June at Salem Washington County N.Y. he was called out into the ranks of the New York Troops by the orders of Captain Hutchinson. The officers of the Company were Captain Hutchinson - Lieutenant Song and Ensign Stewart - John Williams was Colonel of the Regiment and one Armstrong Major. He joined his Company at Salem and marched immediately with the Regiment to Ticonderoga through Vermont. His Regiment was called out to reinforce the Continental Troops - They arrived at Ticonderoga in June - stayed there about two weeks and then retreated from the Fort back to Salem.

the way they marched out - after reaching Salem he was engaged with the troops in building a Picket round the Meeting House which was done. He remained (he thinks) in the Fort and Scouting round some three or four weeks, as near as he can recollect when on the approach of Burgoyne's Army, they retreated from before him and were dispersed - and he went home to his friends in Housatonic having been out full two months.
In the next year, at Salem aforesaid, he was classed and called out in a company of Troops commanded by Captain Song, & Lieutenant Stewart - Alexander Webster was Colonel of the Regiment - the name of the adjutant he thinks was Nathan Morgan and General Williams had command of the Brigade. About May or June (don't recollect which) he marched with his company to Albany (now White Hall) to join a company of 9 months men that lay there - He was relieved here at the end of one month and went home. At the end of the month was again called out to White Hall where he served another month - making in all, that season, two months - One Andrew Simpson William McCoy were called out with him and served with him.
In the year 1779. at the same place, under the same Officers, in the same company and Regiment, in the about the same time of the year, which was after the season had got thick upon the trees, was called out again.

twice to go to Whitehall which he performed and served two loads of a month at a time - Andrew Simpson and Nathan Dophins were with him at the time
In the year 1780 at Salem he enlisted in the new Series of New York State troops sometime about the last of April or the first of May for nine months in a company commanded by Captain Harrison, Lieutenant Buell - Ensign Broadshaw - Barber was the Colonel of the Regiment, but the Regiment was commanded by Major Hughes - I joined the Company at Fort Edward a few days after enlistment. There were two Companies stationed there. He remained there a few weeks & marched to Fort Ann and there built a Fort. He was stationed a few weeks at Fort Ann scouting round and guarding the portage. On September as near as he can recollect, he marched with his Company and four others to Schenectady, this still water and Saratoga and joined the Regiment under the command of Major Hughes - remained a few days at Schenectady and then marched up the Mohawk River to Fort Stanwix now Rome - stopping at Fort Kirkland and Fort Schuyler a short time - Between Fort Kirkland and Fort Schuyler at Germanstown they had a skirmish with some Indians and killed 5 of them - He remained at Fort Stanwix receiving Col. Van Schaick's Regiment which went to the southward - He lay at Fort Stanwix until snow fell, pretty deep - don't recollect the month or time of the month when he was marched back to Schenectady.

being relieved at Fort Stanwix by Colonel Klein- sevelt of the Continental Regiment. In going back to Schenectady they stayed over night at Fort Schuyler and one night at Fort Kirkkirk and marched along the Mohawk down to Schenectady where he was discharged with the whole company by Maj. Skewes - He had no written discharge - He served his nine months out before he was discharged but can not tell the exact time he entered the service or was discharged from it -
He has no documentary evidence of his service except the accompanying Af- fidavit of John Eastwood - and he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to testify to his service except the said John Eastwood
In answer to the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department to be put to applicants he answers as follows
1. Was born in the town of Pelham, (County does not know) State of Massachusetts on the 24th day of February 1759 - 2. He has a record of his age in his fam- ily Bible at his residence in Norwich Chenango County - 3. He lived at Salem Washington County N.Y. each time he entered the service - Since the war he resided at Salem until about thirty eight years ago when he removed from there to Norwich Chenango County where he has ever since resided and

where he now resides -
4. He was called out by his Officers of the militia every time except once, when he enlisted for nine months as stated previously
5 He knew Col. Warner a Continental Colonel at Fort George & Fort Edward - He knew Colonel Wainfelt at Fort Stanwix - Also L. Gansevoort - also Captain Shipman at Fort Edward - and Captain Drake Captain Noorman - Captain Noorman - Captain Bogert and Captain Harrison who was in the same Regiment with him - This question is answered fully in the body of his declaration as he can answer it -
6= Never received a written discharge from the service - was always discharged verbally -
7= He gives the names of the Rev. Pedediah Randall, Perez Raydall, Late County Clerk; General Herman Late Senator in Congress; General May Late Sheriff; John Clapp Postmaster; Samuel Pike Justice of the Peace - Damer Burdick Cashier of the Bank of Cheneque all of Albany Co. N.Y. and Mr. Tracy Late First Judge and Member of Congress & Judge Sherwood of Oxford Cheneque County N.Y. as men living in his present neighborhood to whom he is known and who can testify to his character for gravity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution -

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 in
Sworn to and subscribed John McVitt the day and year aforesaid J. H. Pike Cllk
Jedediah Randall like James F. Frazar a Clergyman residing in the town of Norwich Chenango County N. Y. and Mrs Randall residing in the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John McVitt who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration: that we believe him to be seventy three 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 and that we have never read any doubt expressed by any person as to his having been such soldier
Sworn to and subscribed Jedediah Randall the day and year aforesaid (James F. Frazar erased & Jedediah Randall Pray Randall overwritten before execution) J. H. Pike Cllk
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 Jedediah Randall  James F. Frazar who has signed the preceding Certificate is a

Clergyman resident in the town of Hornich Chenango County N.Y. and that Peter Ran- dall who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
McGraw (Her Read) Charles York Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Chenango County N. York
State of New York Chenango County p: I Davis R. Pike Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do here- by Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John M c Nutt for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October 1832
P. B. Prindle Dep. Clerk

I John Eastwood of the Town of Butternuts County of Otsego and State of New York do on oath depose testify and say That I am seventy three years of age That I am well acquainted with John Mc Nutt formerly of Salem Washington County of Chenango and State aforesaid now of the town of Norwich County of Chenango and State aforesaid and that the said John Mc Nutt was in the Revolutionary Service and was in the same company with myself from the first of April or first of May until some time in October following when I was taken prisoner all which time of five months the said John was a soldier in the troops called at that time the new levies in actual service to my knowledge the name of the Captain of the company was Harrison, Lieutenant, Buel Ensign: Broadshaw The company first met and for a time were stationed at Fort Edwards afterwards marched to Fort Ann after the old fort was burnt and there built a picket fort and afterwards marched to Fort Stanwix at which place I was taken prisoner all which time of all of these services the said John was a soldier and after I was taken prisoner I do not know from personal knowledge that the said John remained a soldier in the said company but as they were not discharged until four months afterwards I have no doubt that the said John was for the remaining four months a soldier and in service of the Revolutionary war as for the former five and at this time I was twenty three years old
John Eastwood
Subscribed and sworn August 28 1852 before me Eliza Blackwell Justice of the Peace

State of New York County of Chenango
On this 28 day of August 1832 personally appeared before me John Eastwood the signer of the within written deposition & being duly sworn on his oath, says that the aforesaid deposition contains the truth and nothing but the truth and I further certify that the said John Eastwood is to me well known and that he sustains an irreproachable character for truth and veracity and that in my opinion his statement is entitled to credit
Elisha P. Beckwith State of New York Chenango County
Justice of the Peace
I, Jarvis K. Pike Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Elisha P. Beckwith before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County and that I am ac- quainted with his handwriting and truly believe his signature subscribed to the said affidavit and the foregoing Certificate to be his genuine handwriting and signature
Witness my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October 1832 P. B. P. P. P. P. P. P. Dep. Clerk
Affidavit of John Eastwood of the service of John Eastwood
John M. Nutt Percy P. P. P. P. P. P. P. 18203 Address P. B. P. P. P. P. P. P. Norwich Chenango Co N.Y.
com d 15 mfrs P. 50

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MLHF/eel
Ans
8.11054
December 5, 1928
Marion D. Smith 59 Mitchell Street Norwich, New York
Sir:
I advise you that from the Revolutionary War records of this bureau it appears that John McNitt (pensioned McNutt) was born February 24, 1759 in Pelham, Massachusetts.
While a resident of Salem, Washington County, New York, he enlisted about June 1, 1777 and served two months as private in Captain Hutchinson's Company, Colonel John Williams' New York Regiment.
He enlisted in May or June 1778 and served two tours of one month each as a private in Captain Long's Company, Colonel Alexander Webster's New York Regiment, then about the same month in 1779 he enlisted and served two tours of one month each under the same officers.
He enlisted in April or May 1780, served nine months as private in Captain Harrison's Company, Colonel Harper's New York Regiment and was in a skirmish with Indians near Fort Herkimer.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832 while a resident of Norwich, Chenango County, New York, to which place he had moved from Salem, New York, thirty-eight years before.
There are no data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
Date of death not on file

11.054 ✓ INVALID.
Rev John
1928-Dec-5-Keith, Co. Marion D Smith MMVH
File No. 11.054 John Mc Nitt ★ Rev Rev War
Date: June 7 th 1832 Index: Vol. A , Page 247
[Arrangement of 1870.]
John Mc Nitt ★ Records corrected Feb 25/05.

See letter 27 May 1835 to B. Prindle

Suspension of John M c Nutt's pension, under June 7. 1852.
May 27.
John M c Nutt My dear
James S. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, City of Washington, D. C.

Monroe, Chemung Co. N.Y. May 21. 1835.
Sir. I enclose you the affidavit of John Mc. Nitt & the Hon. H. Mitchell, in explanation of the circumstances  reason why his name on the pension vouchers does not correspond with the name on his original declaration &c.
As Mr. Mc. Nitt is in declining health and is not expected to survive long, may I ask you to give this an early attention
Respectfully
Yr. Obedt servt.
P. B. Pundt
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comt of Pensions

April 2 nd
John McNeill NY
South
6 FRI
James S. Edwards Esq. Court of Pardon Washington

Norwich, Chenango Co. N.Y. March 23. 1835.
Sir,
Mr. John M c . Nutt of this place, who was placed upon the pension roll of the New-York Agency under the law of June 7. 1832 on applying to the Agency at Albany for the amount due him from 4 th September 1834 to the 4 th March 1835 had his papers returned with a line from the agent that "the payment was suspended by order of the War Department."
I am requested by Mr. M c Nutt to ascertain from the Department the reasons for such suspension, and the causes which have led to it, that he may, if within his power, remove them, to your entire satisfaction. An early answer is desired.
I am, with respect, Your Obedient servant P. P. Pindle
James S. Edwards Esq. Secy. of Pensions

Suspension of John Mc Nutt Pension - under June 7. 1832 May 11
16571
J. A. Edwards Esq. Genl. Piquet Washington D. C.

Norwich, May. 1. 1835
Sir,
Your letter of 16 th April ultimo in relation to the suspension of John M c . Nutts pension, is rec d . The difference in his signature to the declaration and the vouchers to draw his semi-annual allowance is caused by the certificate being granted to John M c Nutt instead of M c Nitt which is his real name. and He has uniformly written his name McNitt until his vouchers were returned from the Pension Agency on account of the name not corresponding to the name in the certificate. He was thus under the necessity of writing it M c Nutt in order to draw his money - He has resided in this town a great many years and always passed & still does, by the name of John M c Nutt in conversation - There are more persons who call him M c Nutt than M c Nitt . I drew his pension papers for him and supposed from having heard others call him M c Nutt that that was his name and so wrote it. My misspelling it probably misled the Department in making out his certificate -
The above statements can be verified by the most ample testimony and I

rite to request you will send me some instructions and directions how to proceed to have his name restored to the Pension Roll, and his certificate altered to his true name, if the De- partment should deem it proper to have it done —
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt Servant
P. B. Pindle
Norwich
Chenango N.Y.
J. S. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions
Washington City

J. W. Smith
May 27 1835
G. B.
Quora. V. 28 page 62

War Dept. Pension Office May 27. 1835
Sir,
The papers in the case of John M c Nitt have been placed on our files. I have directed the Agents to pay the amount due on presenting filing the proper vouchers.
P. B. Prindle Esq Norwich Chenango County N. York

State of New York Chautauqua County ss:
John M c Nitt of the town of Norwich in said county, being duly sworn, deponeth and saith, that he applied in the year 1832 for a pension under the pension law passed in that year: that Philander B. Prindle of said town was his agent in preparing his declaration and papers: that this deponent in writing his signature to the declaration wrote it as he believes, "John M c Nitt" in which may he had always spelt his name, but the pension certificate issued by the War Department and sent to him is granted to "John M c Nutt": And he further says that "M c Nitt" is his real name and the name of his family, though he passes in community and is called by his acquaintances both by the names of "M c Nutt" and "M c Nitt": And this deponent further says that until the receipt of his certificate he had uniformly spelled his name "M c Nitt", but since then he has written it on his pension vouchers "M c Nutt" in order to have it correspond with the name in the certificate, and he has always said when so writing it that that was not the true way of spelling it.
Sworn to & Subscribed this 20 th day of May 1835 before me
Simon Smith Public Notary
John M c Nitt

State of New York Chautauqua County, ss:
Henry Mitchell of Harriet, in said County, being sworn says that he has been, for a great many years well acquainted with the within named John Mc c nitt: this deponent has during his acquaintance with him heard him called in community both by the names of "John Mc c nutt" and "John Mc c nitt", and he is as well known by one name as by the other, though this deponent has always understood and be- lieves that he writes his name Mc c nitt and not Mc c nutt, and this is also the spelling adop- ted by the family. And further this deponent saith not.
Henry Mitchell
Sworn to and subscribed this 20 th day of May 1835 before me Ezra Smith Public Notary
And I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Henry Mitchell and that he is a credible person Ezra Smith Public Notary
State of New York Chautauqua County, ss:
J. Perez Randall Clerk of said County do cer- tify that Ezra Smith before whom the above and within affida- vits purport to have been sworn was at the dates of the final of said affidavits a Notary Public in and for said County, duly com- missioned and qualified. And that his signature to the same is his genuine hand writing Witness my hand and seal of said County this 28 th day of May 1835. J. Perez Randall Clerk By J. S. Randall Dep.

Ren + 1812

IN REPLY REFER TO Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MHF/cel
3-1865
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
October 24, 1928
Marion D. Smith 59 Mitchell Street Norwich, New York
Madam:
I advise you that in order to identify the record of a particular soldier of the Revolution named John McNitt, as much as possible of the following data is essential; approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service, and if known, the given name of widow.
Due to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make prompt reply to each request pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution.
Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in the order of receipt.
Please return this letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
E.W.MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Oct. 30, 1928.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MMHF/eel
Gentlemen:-
I have your letter of the 24th inst. and thank you for same. I will give you as much of the information required as I know. John McNitt died, at Norwich, Chenango County, New York, on the 17th day of April, 1843. His headstone simply gives the name, date of death, and the following, "Age 85 years. Soldier of the Revolution." Therefore he must have been born in or about the year 1758, but I am unable to give you the name of the place. I do not know the place of his enlistment, but he came to this section in or about the year 1793 or 1794, settled on a farm here, and remained here until his death, as I understand. After I have straightened out the record for entrance into the D. A. R., it is my intention to trace back his ancestry as far as I can, and I thought if he had a pension, the application for same might show the date, place of birth and enlistment, etc., which would give me a clue on which to work later on. I think the name of his wife was Ellinor.
I am enclosing a copy of the data furnished me by the War Department, which may help you. I am unable to identify my particular ancestor from same, as I do not know in what branch he served. This, also, I suppose the application would disclose.
I think that my ancestor, John McNitt, may have been related to Capt. Alexander McNitt, for John McNitt had a son named Alexander, and therefore the John McNitt mentioned in the certificate quoted above and having been signed in the presence of Alex. McNitt, may have been my ancestor. This is merely a surmise on my part.
I trust that if this soldier or his widow had a pension you will be able to give me such information concerning them as the applications or any other papers on file in your department may show, and I shall be very grateful for any information on the subject you may be able to furnish me. I am returning your letter, as requested.
Very truly yours,
Marion D. Smith
#59 Mitchell St.,
Norwich, New York.

Copy
War Department The Adjutant General's Office.
The records of this office show services in the Revolutionary War of man named John McNitt as follows:
John McNitt, rank not stated, Capt. Joseph Harrison's Company, Col. John Harper's New York Regiment. His name appears on an undated receipt roll of that organization which shows that certificate number 18116 in the amount of L6 S6 D10 and certificate number 18175 in the amount of L10 S13 D4 was issued on account of his service in that organization in the year 1780. These certificates were transferred to one Seth Sherwood. The following is a copy of a record on file in this office: " To whom it may concern
Blackcreek 18 of December 1783.
This certifies that I John McNitt a soldier in Capt. Drakes Company in Col. Harpers Regiment of Levies raised for to serve in the year 1780 in the New York Levies in the service of the United States have for value received sold Capt. Seth Sherwood my wages coming to me for seven months service (Viz) from the first of May until the first of December 1780. These are therefore to desire you to settle the same with him and pay it to him and this order shall be your sufficient discharge for the same and I do hereby warrant the same to him against all other claims whatsoever as witness my hand in presence of Alex. McNitt (Signed) John McNitt".
John McNitt, rank not stated, Col. John Williams' Regiment New York Militia. His name appears on an undated abstract of certificates delivered to that regiment, which shows number of certificate 7771, sum S10 D5.
John McNitt, rank not stated, Webster's Regiment New York Militia. His name appears on an undated abstract of certificates delivered out to Col. Webster's Regiment of Militia, County of Charlotte, now Washington, which shows number 9312 sum L2 S13 D4, number 8319 sum S17 D9, number 8213 Sum L1 S10 D3, number 8092 sum L1 S3 D1.
A return of persons employed in the Quartermaster General's Department from Kings Ferry to Wappens Creek, under the direction of Hugh Hughes Deputy Quartermaster for the state of New York, shows that one John McNitt served as a blacksmith and that he was drafted from the line. This return is dated Fishkill, December 28, 1781.