Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6165, for Robert Stewart, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Harry (Mass.)
Stewart, Robert
if 6165,
Margaret
CONTENTS

Dead. See letter to Miss S.S. Stafford. May 10. 1837
4494
New Jersey
Robert Stewart Cook. 4
on board the Frigate Alliance Navy In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 1 st of June 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st of November and sent to Thomas Hance & Judge Middlesex by New Jersey
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818 2\frac{1}{2} /30 . 24. 26 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 March 1819 . 48. 00
$ 72. 26
Frigate Alliance
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Capt. Barry 1780-1 year
Morris County, N.J. New Jersey

N. Jersey 1049
Margaret Stewart
widow of Robert Stewart
(unknown State)
who died on the
of Hunterdon Co., in the State of N. Jersey
who was a Seaman in the U.S. Navy commanded
by Captain
of the
commanded
by
in the Revolution
time for
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Jersey
at the rate of 148 Dollars — Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d day of June 1837 and sent to Miss Sarah J. Stafford, Trenton, N. J.
Arrears to the 4th of March '37 288.00
Pension allowance ending 14. Sept. " 24.00
$312.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 — }
Recorded by J. Brown Book A. Vol. 1 —
Clerk,
Page 152
Resp d . see letter W.P. Ag d 21 Aug. 1837 do. to same Aug. 25:1837.
Paid at the Treasury under Title Act of the 6. April 1838 from 4 March 1837. to 4 March 1838. Age 80 filed 4 Dec d 1838.

Robert Stewart
navy admitted
I believe this state- ment to be correct
Capt. Perry did command the Alliance & Swift and Tugger in 1813 when the War of 1812 was on the road Perry's victory at the Battle of Erie
To the case of Mr. Deane New Brunswick: -
was before him

State of New Jersey } Middlesex County } ss p: }
On this fourth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Middlesex in the State of New Jersey personally appears Robert Stewart aged Sixty seven years resident in the County of Monmouth in the said State, who being by me first duly sworn according to Law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War"
That he the said Robert Stewart entered on Board the United Frigate Alliance as Cook at Boston in the State of Massachusetts in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty - which said Frigate was commanded by Capt n John Barry - that he continued to serve in said Frigate for one year when the said Frigate returned to Boston and he was there discharged - that during their cruise they went to L'Orient in France - that they captured the British Sloop of war Alsatante and a Brig called Trefosse - three privateers and two Merchantmen - and that he is -

= now in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support - and that David Abell whose affidavit is about to be annexed of the city of New Brunswick was a Midshipman in the said Frigate Alliance at the time and during the cruise aforesaid. —
Sworn to and declared his before me, the day Robert R Stewart year aforesaid — Mark Thos Hance
Middlesex County ss: David Abell of the city of New Brunswick in New Jersey being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he this deponent was a Midshipman in the Frigate Alliance of the United States in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one - that Robert Stewart the applicant above named was the Cook in said frigate - that he well recollects him and that he verily believes that the said Robert served at least one year in said Frigate. —
Sworn this 4 th June 1888 David Abell before me — Thos Hance
I Thomas Hance one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of =

Middletown in New Jersey do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Robert Stewart did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy; And I do further certify that I am satisfied that the said Robert Stewart is in reduced circumstances stands in need of assistance of his country for support; State, And I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. — Dated June 4 th 1818
Thos Hance
State of New Jersey } Middletown County } ss: I William P Deare clerk of the Court of Common pleas of the county of Middletown certify that Thomas Hance Esq. above named is one of the Judges of said Court duly commissioned and sworn. — Witness my hand & the seal of said Court this fourth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred eighteen. — Wm P Deare att

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County, ss.
On this 30 th day of May, 1837. Personally appeared before me Edw. Brim , one of the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County. —
M rs Margaret Stewart Widow of Robert Stewart, who was Cook of the United States Frigate Alliance, in the Revolutionary War, and a Pensioner, at the time of his death, as the Pension Books, will by reference, more fully substantiate his service, in the Revolution.
Who being first, duly sworn according to Law doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed March 3 d 1837. That she was born at Frankfort, on the River Rhine, in Germany. Came to America, many years before the Revolutionary War landed, at Petersburg, Virginia does not recollect the year, lived with a M r Wallace in Virginia, until she was a Young woman. She was married to Robert Stewart in the month of March, but as she is so infirm, and her mental faculties, have failed, cannot recollect the year, was married in the Revolutionary War, is certain it, was, during the War, was married, by a M r Irvine, a Clergyman, in Virginia, and was married by a Licence.
Her Sister, and others who saw her married, are all dead, they died many years ago, in Virginia. She has not any relations, living, only her Youngest daughter who is now in the Poor House, she was born in the War.
Her Husband, took her to George Ware's Tavern at Fort Washington (commonly called the Village) in the State of New York, had three children by Stewart, had two, before she left Virginia, she lived with Ware's wife who kept the Tavern, while her Husband, and Ware, were gone in the War. She lived there, while the British and Hessians, were at Fort Washington, they were near Ware's Tavern sometime, Remembers the British and Hessians well, saw great holes dug, to put the dead in, and saw some of them buried, before the life was out of them. When her Husband was discharged from the Frigate Alliance, he came to Ware's, to see her and her children, and a few years after, we moved to Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Her Husband died in Allentown, New Jersey does not recollect the year. I was at his Funeral and I knew his pension what was due him at his death. Pearson Hunt Esq d said me, his pension that was due my Husband, at the time of his Death
She has never married since, and is Robert Stewart's Widow, now, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before.
Margaret
M c M c Stewart marks.
Evan P. Davis
I do hereby certify that
from personal inspection the above deponent is in due a determination from bodily infirmity & inability to attend any of the Courts of this state
Evan P. Davis

No. 1426
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received _____, 187.
Navy. Margaret Stewart Widow of Robert Stewart Seaman. U.S.S. "Alliance"
Consolidated with B.W. Wind. File 6,165.

Aug 26.
care Margaret Stewart N.J. Acc 3614 dm.
Miss Anne Stewart Newark

granted
Trenton N.J. August 22 nd 1837.
James Le. Edwards Esq. Sir
If it should be agreeable to you, I would be gratified to receive an acknowledgement of this letter. I have, for striving to do good, received evil. Mr. Forman, said the Committee were waiting to know what success the Application had. if we did not succeed the want to have been tied, and forced off to the Poor House * I have sent two Certificates. I could have procured others but I thought they would suffice
I am truly Yours &c Sarah Smith Stafford
* That is, if the Pension had not been

State of New Jersey Burlington County
On this 30 th Day of May, 1837,
James B Stafford, being sworn according to Law before me, Horace Smith, one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for said County, on his oath, saith that he was a Midshipman, on Board of the Frigate Alliance, in the Revolutionary War, and now a Pensioner. That he saw, Mrs Margaret Stewart and her Daughter, the next month after he was discharged from the Alliance, at George Ware's Tavern, at Fort Washington, in the State of New York and that Robert Stewart, who had been the Cook of the Frigate Alliance, in the War, informed him that she was his Wife, and that he had had three children by her, and that the little girl he saw then, was his youngest daughter. That he has been acquainted with Mrs Margaret Stewart and her Daughter ever since, he believes her to have been married to Robert Stewart in, or before the War of the Revolution. When he kept a Store, in the City of New York, Robert Stewart and his Wife frequently called to see him. He acknowledged writings for Stewart, when a Magistrate and he knows, that she acknowledged them, as his Wife.
When he lived in Allentown, Monmouth County, he often saw them, and he knows, that she was considered his lawful Wife, and has been considered, by every one that knew them, to be such.
Robert Stewart, died at a Tavern, in Allentown, under suspicious circumstances, and he was called, upon, as a Justice of the Peace, and an examination, was taken before him.
Mrs Stewart, was consulted by the late Doctor George Holcombe, and permission was obtained from her, to have his Head dissected, to ascertain the cause of his death if possible. Dr. Holcombe and his students examined him, in the presence of several Physicians, and others, he was present, and saw John Emray and other students, saw his head open, and one of Doctor Holcombe's students, his Uncle's son, the late Doctor John Stafford of Baltimore, Maryland, placed his Head together, and sewed it up. Robert Stewart died in 1820 he believes, and he is certain, that Mrs Stewart, has never married again, and

still remains Stewarts Widow.
Taken and sworn before me this 30 th day of May A.D. 1837. Horace Smith
James B. Stafford
I Horace Smith one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for the County of Burlington and State of New Jersey, do hereby Certify that James B. Stafford, who has sworn, and sub- scribed to the within affidavit, is well known to me to be a Creditable person & that his Testimony upon oath, or otherwise, is entitled to full credit and belief
In Testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal this thirtieth day of May A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty- seven - 1837. -
Horace Smith 3

State of New Jersey } Hun. Merton (County) } p
On this 30 th day of May 1837. Personally appeared before me, Evan Evans, one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County (Daniel Fenton Esq of the City of Trenton) who being sworn, according to Law, on his oath saith, that he has been acquainted with Mrs Margaret Stewart, Widow of Robert Stewart upwards of Forty years, and he believes that she was the lawful wife of Robert Stewart, has no doubt, but that she was married in the Revolutionary War, never had any doubt of her being his lawful wife, was acquainted with Robert Stewart and their Daughter Margaret, more than Forty years. They were Travelling Booksellers, They made their Home in Monmouth County, where he formerly resided, and he does believe that the Widow Stewart, is justly entitled to a pension.
Daniel Fenton
Taken and sworn before me this 30 day of May AD 1837.
Evan Evans
I Evan Evans, one of the Judges, of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Hunterdon and State of New Jersey, do hereby Certify, that Daniel Fenton Esq who has sworn, and subscribed to the foregoing affidavit, is well known to me to be a Creditable person, and that His Testimony upon oath, or otherwise, is entitled to full Credit and belief
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and seal, this 30 th Day of May 1837.
Evan Evans 3

State of New Jersey } } Burlington County }
Personally appeared before me, Horace Smith, one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for said County.
Charles McCoy who being sworn according to Law, on his oath saith, that he has been acquainted with Mrs Margaret Stewart, Widow of Robert Stewart many years, that he believes that she was the wife of Robert Stewart, has no doubt but that she was married in the Revolutionary War, from her age, and from the general opinion of her acquaintance. I was acquainted with her Husband Robert Stewart many years. she is now very infirm, and her mental faculties have failed very much, and he believes, she is as much entitled to a pension, as any Widow ever was, he believes her to be upwards of eighty years of age, he was formerly a resident of Monmouth County, and knew they made their home there.
Taken and sworn } Charles McCoy before me this 29 th day of May A.D. 1837. Horace Smith

I Horace Smith one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Burlington and State of New Jersey, do hereby Certify that Charles M c Gay who has sworn and subscribed to the within affidavit, is well known to me to be a creditable person & that his Testimony upon oath or otherwise is entitled to full credit and belief. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29 th Day of May 1837.
Horace Smith J.P.

State of New Jersey:
I James D. Westcott Secretary of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Evan Evans Esq. before whom the annexed affidavits of Margaret Stewart and Daniel Denton were solemnly made and who has attested the same, was at the time thereof and now is one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Hunterdon, in said State, duly appointed commissioned and sworn; and that Horace Smith Esq. before whom the annexed affidavits of James B. Stafford and Charles M c Coy were solemnly made and who has attested the same, was at the time thereof and now is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Burlington, in said State, duly appointed commissioned and sworn; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to their several and respective official acts.
Given under my hand and seal of office at the city of Trenton, in said State, this thirty first day of May A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty seven (1837).
James D. Westcott

Freniton New Jersey August 26 th 1867
James L. Edwards Esq.
Sir) Understanding, you called at my residence for an explanation, respecting the Widow Stewart.
Last spring, while in Monmouth I saw Mrs Stewart, she wept bitterly and informed me, that she had no friend to do for her, that her daughter had been tied by the Officers, and sent to the Poor house (I was informed it was true) and she expected daily that she would be tied and taken off, too. Her Lamentation would have melted a heart of Adam.
I told her, she was entitled to a pension & perhaps she could get some one to assist her to get it. She said she had asked almost every one in the Neighborhood and no one was willing to do for her, as she had no money. She said to me "Oh try, try to get it for me"
I did not know what to do for her, but said, if she could go home with me, perhaps something might be done for her, at any rate, we could get my Father's Affadavit, & I thought it would be essential to have it, as from all appearances he had not long to live, he was at that time confined to his bed & had been for several weeks. She returned with me, & I thought it would be best (after advising with others) to write to you, for instructions, how it could be done, without much cost &c.
I spent one week in trying to get evidence to sustain the Application. I conversed with a great many people, taking advise, and endeavouring to find out, what proof could be made, respecting what time her marriage must have taken place according to the opinion of her acquaintances, every one admitted, that they was certain, that she was his lawful widow, and believed her to be justly entitled to a Pension.
She said, that she had had a Certificate of her Marriage and that, in one of the many frolics, of her Husband's he had burned it. She staid with us one week, when she returned to stay to see to her garden, until we should hear from you. On the 26 th of June, I again sent for her, as I had received from you, the Warrant.
After she had given me a Power of Attorney to receive the money at the Bank, she requested my Mother to accompany me, to get the money, as she said that as I was young, I might receive Continental Money (she calls all paper Money Continental), when we returned with the Money, she would not receive it as it was paper, I tried to get Silver, all I could, but

M c Dickinson said if we would not take paper, we could not have any Money. After a great pleading with him and telling him how angry she would be, if we did not get some silver, he told us, he would let us have eight Dollars in silver, but made us promise that we would not tell any one, that he had paid us silver, as others would likewise want silver. The same day, I called on Mrs. Judge E. Evans and other Ladies and told them that we had received the money, and took their advice what was best for me, to purchase for her, according to their advice. I purchased such articles as they thought was best, they advised me how, and what to do with the money. I purchased her a Bonnet, Caps, Handkerchiefs, Calico for dresses, Muslin for under garments, Check for Aprons, and many other articles, according to her many wants, and after I had hired a woman to sew for her, and make up the articles, we had purchased, returned home, she cried for joy, and said if it had not have been for my exertions, she must have been dragged off to the Poor-house. She was overjoyed she wished My Mother to pay all her Debts (my Mother has paid all she owed except myself) her Debts were trifling) she wished me to be paid for my trouble, and all the expenses of getting her pension and particularly my rent. I did not make any reply to her wish, for me, to take her, and maintain her during life, for the pension I had in my hands then, and what she would yearly receive, until the 1 st of July, in the presence of several persons, she earnestly besought me to let her, live, and die, with me, she requested me to keep the money in my hands, as we were her only friends. I then agreed, to take her for life, for the pension, I had received & would annually receive, to provide for her, and maintain her with it.
What I had done for her, was far from selfish views, it was to preserve her from going to the Poor-house, the place she so much dreaded. I never direct or indirectly, made any bargain with her, previous to my receiving her pension, my only thought was to save her from the Poor-house. She staid with us until the 10 th of August, being about seven weeks when My Mother went with her to Monmouth, to get some few articles, and then to return again they expected the same day, when they got to the house she lives in owned by me, the windows were broken, she went to tell a Family through whose hands, she had drew money from the Overseer of the Poor of the condition of the house & Mama waited for her return, she did not return as she had expected, and she went to the house, where she was when they told her, that Mr. Stewart did not wish

to see her, and shut the door. My Mother returned that night & on Tuesday following the 15 th you called to see me. The next Morning, I sent my Brother, who lives with me to Monmouth to see where she was, & to inform the Overseer of the Poor, & request him to come & receive the money from me, as I had after all my trouble been blamed for striving to do good, and to tell him that Mr. Dickinson had complained to you, of my conduct, he was astonished, to hear that I was accused and said that neither he, nor any of the Committee, nor any one authorized by him or the Town Committee or any of the Officers had complained, he knew it was no secret, that I was trying to get the Pension, or I would not have talked about it all over, looking for evidences, he said that the Town Officers, were pleased that some one, had undertaken for her & wished me success.
My Brother saw Mr. Stewart in the house owned by me, where she has lived several years past & she wished to return with him, but as I had told him not to bring her with him, he refused to bring her, until he saw me, as I did not want her here, if I was to be blamed for assisting her. The Overseer said that he was allowing her (altho' not there) seven shillings per Week it was left at a Store, where she might go and receive it, in what she might want, it was the Family who told Mamma that Mr. Stewart, did not wish to see her & shut the door.
Mr. Stewart told my Brother that she did not know, that Mamma had been there, until after she was gone, they told her not to go to Trenton, only hurting and making her leg worse, but stay, as I would never charge her any rent, and they could get the Money from Mr. Dickinson, or else Mr. D would make me give it up to them, and she could have what she wanted out of their Store, they expected if they told him, I had not given her the Money Mr. D would send for me, and deliver it up to them.
The Overseer appointed August 21 st to come & get the Money, as I had sent for him, he thought it best to see the Town Committee, and consult with the Officers of the Township, he came accordingly accompanied by some others, from Monmouth, they informed me, that the Town Committee, had voted me their thanks & through him, they were presented to me, for relieving the Township, from one Pauper, & that it was said that at Town Meeting, the general thanks of the Township would be voted, (as the taxes are heavy in their Township) and he would send the resolutions of the Township to me, in a letter, as he lives twentyone miles from here, the latter honor I begged to be excused from.

Mrs Stewart has lived in my House ten Years I never received a Cent from her, or from any person for her. I was to have had 18 00 per Year, she went to live in the House, in the fall of 1827 and I moved from Monmouth in February 1828, (the Overseer has agreed to pay me, if she shall hereafter remain in the House) when she moved in the house had a Note against a Man in N York, for more than 200 00 the man failed soon after & she has never been able to pay me any rent. I could not bear, to turn her out of doors, as she was so old a woman, and had ever looked to our family to befriend her, previous to her moving into the House, she & her daughter, came to our house and would stay with us, they were there upwards of a Year they never worked any for us, whatever. The Overseer settled with me I paid him, and took his receipt, and had it recorded in the Secretary of State's Office, for fear that I might lose it. Ever since the close of the Revolutionary War, our Family have been troubled with Steve his wife & daughter. Wherever my Father moved they would be sure to find him out, and make their home, in the same Neighbourhood. Whenever they were in trouble, they always went to him for assistance she begged Money from him, the first time he ever saw her, at the close of the War.
When Papa was a Merchant in New York City, he advised & told them, how to make a living, that he (Papa) would furnish him, with articles to sell & he let them have goods to sell (previous to their selling books) sometimes, he got his Pay, & sometimes he did not.
They followed him to New Jersey, they considered whatever we had, as theirs & if we complained, his doing for them so much, they would say we have known him so long, he ought to see to us, after Stewart's death Mrs Stewart would say "Why my Husband was the Cook & Mr Stafford ought to see to his Widow & daughter"
While Mrs Stewart was here, I got up every night to bathe her legs with Campher, or Laudanum, to help her in, & out of bed, sometimes, I would get up three times of a night to assist her & in the daytime, I had bought salve to have on her legs in the daytime, one is very much frost bitten, travelling as she did with her Husband, & lying on the ground, she now feels the effect of a hard life, the other leg was bitten many Years ago by a Dog, and is very sore, I treated her with much kindness, and bought every thing for her I thought she could eat or drink, when I went to School in the morning, I would ask what shall I bring when I return, I always bought her something, and she was pleased that I was so kind to her,

The Overseer said that the Township wished me to keep her, they would pay me, as they knew if they boarded her, where they would, she would never be satisfied but would be trying to get to one, to enter complaints. I refused. I told her she should perhaps die, the next complaint would be that I had let her suffer to death, he did not wish me to think, that the Township, had any thing to do with the charge now alleged against me.
He said that he knew the Township Committee would appoint me, to have the charge of her, but I positively declined, I will never have any more to do with her except, she cannot live with any one else, & she will come, I don't wish to turn her out of doors, if she does come.
From my infancy, I was taught, to act & to do to every one, as I would with others to do to me, being a descendant of the Plymouth Pilgrims whose sufferings and oppression, having been faithfully handed down to their descendants, should teach them to love mercy, and do justice to every one, & I as one of them would be the last to do injustice to any person, & far - far, be it from me to wish to injure any one connected with those, who fought the Battles of the Revolutionary War - As my ancestors, were those who took a decided part in that eventful struggle.
My Mother was born near Boston Massachusetts. Her Family were those who resisted the Stamp Act, and assisted to throw the Tea overboard from a British ship, into the Harbour of Boston and when the British were advancing into the Country. My Mother's Grandfather Ephraim Bacon collected together his five sons, his sons-in-law and other relations, making altogether forty of his own household, and they met the British, at the Battle of Lexington, and my Mother's Father Henry Smith, was wounded at that Battle, and died from wounds received in contending for the Liberty of his Country & carried home covered with gore, the very sheet for a part of it, is now in our possession, having to preserve it, been quilted in a bedquilt, that he died on, his only child then an infant (my mother) he left to the protection of God, and his Country. His property was sold for five hundred pounds & received by her guardian in Continental Money, it was all lost. They were highly respectable farmers, and were ploughing in the field, which they left, without their horses unhitching when it was announced that their services were wanted, & the Red Coats were advancing.

Therefore I trust, that I have reason to respect the Revolutionary Patriots, knowing well what they suffered in the cause of their Country and when I have listened to Papa when a Chief of the sufferings he underwent during the Revolution suffering from fatigue, cold, hunger &c although on the Bed, I have thought truly, that more than common respect, ought to be showed to "those who lived, in the days, that tried mens souls"
I think it strange Passing Strange!! that so grave a Charge should be made to you by Mr. Dickinson against me, without ever letting me know of it, I see him several times in a day, I pass the Bank, every day on my way to School, I sent to know the name of the person who had complained to him, his reply was, "I never inquired his name, he was a Very Young man" to charge with injustice, without an Affidavit, or even any name, is truly a singular action for a Lawyer
I have showed Mr. Westey P. Hunt the receipt I have from the Overseer of the Poor, and the other writings (he is the one, who attends mostly to the pecuniary business)
It has been suggested to me that Mr. Dickinson, was pleased to have an Opportunity, (and probably has given, a colouring to the complaint) to be even with me, for having complained to the Legislature, last winter against the Trenton Delaware Falls Company, of which he is President on account of their injuring my property, what I done, was in self defence, I was sustained by about 360 of the inhabitants, they Petitioned the Legislature, with me, on account of their works, The Company were prevented from further privileges in consequence, I wish not, however to believe he has revenge, towards me on that account, I trust that he is a Gentleman, and would be above bearing malice to any one, he and Mr. P. Sherman Esq. acted towards me, with more honor than any others, of the Company,
I do not wish to believe he purposes such venom, I never felt vengeful towards any of the Company, but was, and am exceedingly grieved on account of the injury, I have received from their works. A great excitement prevailed here, for a while on account of the Oppression I had sustained from the Company, every person who heard of it, felt sympathy for me, the Ladies unanimously sustained me as upwards of 200 hundred petitioned the Legislature

Mr. D and Mr. Sherman called upon me during the recess of the Legislature & compromised with me for half the price of the damage done me. Mr. D assured me that the money he paid me was paid out of his own pocket. I then considered his conduct to me honorable, and when called upon by some of the leading members of the Legislature, I pronounced it to be such.
The wife and mother interceded for me with him in my presence, & his wife assured me that if any thing could be done for me by Mr. D, it would be done.
If the privileges had been granted to them, the lower story of my House would have been buried up and the water for 120 feet thrown upon my premises.
There was a circumstance I had forgot to mention, when Mrs. Stewart went to the Store where she received articles, on account of the Overseer of the Poor, she wished them to pay her money, as she had been absent about seven weeks, the money amounted to about 6 00 /12 00 . They asked her why you have got money enough, and she said she had none, she had requested my Mother not to tell that she had received any money as she wanted to get from them, as the Overseer was paying them. Mama told her, if she was asked, she would not deny it, but she should not say any thing about it.
It was well known that we were trying to get her a pension (in Monmouth), as we had went there to get witnesses. The following is a Copy of the Receipt received from the Overseer of the Poor.
Received August 21 st 1837 of Sarah Smith Stafford two hundred and eighty eight Dollars, in full for pension of Margaret Stewart Widow of Robert Stewart which was received from the Pension Agent at Trenton New Jersey by Virtue of a Power of Attorney given her by Margaret Stewart
As Overseer of the Poor for the Township of Upper Freehold County of Monmouth & State of New Jersey having been appointed according to Law
I do Warrant & defend the said Sarah Smith Stafford her heirs & c. from all persons claiming said Money whether by Virtue of a Power of Attorney from said Margaret Stewart or otherwise, and from all suits that may cause to be instituted to recover said Money, as the said Margaret Stewart, is now a pauper on said Township.
Witness Wm. Y. Forman (Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Upper Freehold Monmouth County) Henry P. Bilyon (three gentlemen, live in Monmouth, the Witnesses) John Riley
(Copy) Recorded 21 st August 1837. in Book, A. D., of Deeds folio 115. in the Office of the Secretary of State at the City of Trenton.

(Copy)
Received August 21 st 1837. Of Sarah Smith Stafford, the WARRANT Authorising Margaret Stewart to draw a pension under the Government of the United States
William J. Gorman } one of the overseers of the Poor of Upper Merion
(Copy)
This is to Certify that the House which I have been notified to clear by Sarah Smith Stafford, Situate in Monmouth County. Shall be cleared by the 10 th of September, or I hereby agree to pay her as Overseer of the Poor, the Speci- fication of said Notice Annually, so long as I shall be Overseer of the Poor of the Township of Upper Merion & County of Monmouth, To Wit, Eighteen dollars, Annually
Witness present
(Wm. J. Gorman) Overseer
John Riley
The Overseer, had requested me, to give him Notice, if I didn't, he could not, without being himself accountable, agree to pay me, the rent. I gave him Notice, when he was here, accordingly. I have now given fully the whole transactions of this business (I believe)
I trust you will excuse the bundling of this letter, as I have written it, at night, not having time, to write, at any other time, being engaged in my School. The Overseer assured me, if the Pension had not been granted, she should have been sent to the Poor House, I am Sir
Yours
Most Respectfully
August 22 nd 1837.
Sarah Smith Stafford
My Father is quite poorly, scarce able to walk about, he may linger, a few months longer with us,
S. J. S.

This is to certify that Charles M c Boy (formerly of Monmouth County) on or about the 14 th of July 1837 heard Margaret Stewart say that she wished all her debts paid, that she owed and all the expenses of getting her pension and have heard her say that Sarah Smith Stafford should be paid for her trouble of getting her pension for her, besides the expenses and that she wished the Dr. Sarah Smith Stafford and did agree that the balance of her pension (that she had received) should remain in her hands, to deal out to her when ever she required it. It was Margaret Stewart's own wish that she should take her pension and provide for her with the pension during her life, that she was to keep her the Dr. Margaret Stewart, the pension she had received and would yearly receive and that the Dr. Sarah Smith Stafford to maintain her with it, and the Dr. Sarah Smith Stafford did agree, at the request of Margaret Stewart to the bargain then made. There were other persons present, when the agreement was made between them besides myself and I am willing to testify to the above, in any Court. August 19 th 1837
Charles M c Boy

This is to Certify that I Catharine Ann Beck (formerly of Monmouth County) have been acquainted with Mrs Margaret Stewart and Sarah Smith Stafford from my Childhood. I was present when Miss Stafford brought the Pension from the Bank I heard Mrs Stewart say "you must keep me during my life for my Pension". She refused to take the money, as it was not hard money, I know that Miss Stafford purchased Clothing for her and hired a woman, to make up Clothes for her, & paid for the making. On the fourteenth of July I was at Miss Stafford's house . I heard Mrs Stewart say, you must take me and keep me my life time for my Pension you have received and what you will yearly receive, and maintain me with it as you are the only friend that I have. if it was not for you I should have to go to the poor house, Mrs Stewart proposed it, and Miss Stafford agreed to the Bargain, as it was Mrs Stewart request.
She wished Miss Stafford to pay the Black woman for washing for her last Winter in Monmouth and to pay the Expenses of getting her Pension, and wished her to be payed for her trouble besides; I had an opportunity to see how she was used, Miss S. was affectionate to her getting up, at night, to bathe her legs, and to help her into bed she slept in the room with us, and I do know that she was treated with the utmost kindness. Sometimes Miss S. was up three times up in one night, assisting her to get up and then to get into bed, Mrs Stewart said you have never had any rent from me, I wish you to pay yourself for the rent of your house. Miss Stafford said I will endeavour to keep two hundred Dollars in case of your being confined to your bed, with sickness, and to pay the doctors bill if it should be wanted for that, and if you should die I will pay the funeral Charges with it, and if any Balance should remain at your death I to keep it for my rent.
I was present when Mrs Stewart started to go to Monmouth on the 10 th of August with Mrs Stafford, Miss S. offered her Money & said perhaps you will want it before you return, Mrs Stewart said no. I shall be back with your Mother I shall want none. Miss S. insisted on her taking five Dollars as she might want it. Mrs Stewart would not receive it.
after Mrs Stafford returned from Monmouth, without Mrs Stewart, I heard Miss S. say, I will go to Monmouth to see Mrs Stewart, & provide for her if she does not wish to return, I will go before a week there.
I am willing to make oath to the above
August 19 th 1837
Catharine Ann Beck

Power of Attorney
Thm all men by these Presents, That I Sarah Smith Stafford, sole Executrix of the last will & testament of Margaret Stewart deceased a Revolutionary Pensioner under Act of July 4 th 1836, who was Administratrix to the Estate of her husband Robert Stewart, do here- by make, constitute, and appoint Evans G- Taut, of the City of Washington, my Attorney for me, and in my name, to examine all papers on file in the Pension Office upon which Margaret Stewart dec d late a Revolution- ary Pensioner, & of her husband Robert Stewart dec d also a Revolutionary Pensioner, were pensioned, to see if there are arrears, or increase of Pension due the Estate of said Robert, or Margaret Stewart,
Sarah Smith Stafford
Acknowledged, and subscribed, before me a Commissioner, and Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Mercer, and State of New Jer- sey this 31 st day of December 1857
Bailey Attest

$48 pr ann
Send cut: to Miss Sarah J. Stafford Trenton
H. Jones

James Le Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City
2d. 4 July '36 30 cts
E. R. T.

2 May 31 st 1839. Trenton, New Jersey
James L. Edwards Esq Sir,
Herewith I send Mrs. Margaret Stewart's proof, at her request. I suppose that there could be two, or three hundred persons, whose testimony could be obtained, who believe her to be Robert Stewart's Widow, as they have been acquainted with her and her Husband from the Revolutionary War, believe her to have been lawfully married in the War. Judge Westcott says that he has been acquainted with her and her Husband many years, and he feels satisfied, that she is entitled to a pension. Judge Evans likewise says, that he has been acquainted with her, and her Husband Robert Stewart, many years, and thinks in justice, she ought to be allowed a pension, as he has no doubt, but that she was married in the War, from his own personal acquaintance with them. If those papers, are not done, according to Law, if you please, return them and mention, where they are insufficient, so they may be corrected.
Please address the letter, to me, for her, and I will see, that she gets it.
I am Sir
Yours &c. Sarah Smith Stafford

Treasury Department,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Nov. 27. 1838.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Margaret Stewart a Pensioner on the Roll of the New Jersey Agency, at the rate of Forty eight Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 July 1836 has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March 1837 to the 4 th March 1838.
Respectfully, yours,
Alison B. Parsons Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Trenton Banks
August 22. 1837
Sir,
I have evidence that Sarah Smith Stafford has paid over the moneys received on the pension of Margaret Stewart to the overseers of the poor of the proper township, who have her in charge & in whose possession her pension certificate now is.
Under these circumstances I submit to your judgment the propriety of suspending her pension, which you suggested you would do when you arrived at Washington.
I am very respectfully your ob: servant Philip Dickinson Pres
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions

Margaret Stewart Widow of Robert Stewart Seaman "U. S. S. Alliance" U. S. N.
Mrs Stewart Answer April
May 11th 1837
Hon. Mahlon Dickerson Sec. of the Navy Washington City Mary Censor Fms
R. 419 May 10 Rags

Baltimore May 9 th 1837.
Sir,
M rs . Margaret Stewart, widow to the late Robert Stewart dec d , has applied to me, to have her name placed on the Navy pension roll under the late act of congress, providing for the widows of de d Officers & Seamen. She represents herself as the widow of the late Robert Stewart who served on board the Frigate Alliance, and who formerly received a pension under the act of congress passed 18 March 1818. of $96 pr year. The proof of her marriage can be obtained, but before she is subjected to any expense, wishes to know the proper forms &c. required by your office. If her case comes within the provision of the late law,
Your most Ott Ser.
Alex r Ray
for M rs . Margaret Stewart
Hon ble . Mr. Dickerson Sec y of the Navy &c.

Trenton N. Jersey December 31 st 1851.
H. S. Evans Esq.
Sir, I have taken the liberty of enclosing to you, a power to examine the papers (on file, in the Pension Office) of Robert Stewart dec d , a Revolutionary Pensioner, under the Act of 1818. & also of his Widow Margaret Stewart dec d who was a pensioner under the Act of July 4 th 1836. Mr. Stewart was Cook of the Frigate Alliance, and I have often heard my Father James B. Stafford, (who was a Midshipman, in the U. S. Navy of the Revolution & a pensioner under the Act of 1832) say that Mr. Stewart served in other Vessels during the War, he died in 1820 his Widow Margaret Stewart drew a Pension under the Act of 1836, and Mr. Edwards only allowed her 48 00 (forty eight dollars) per annum.
My Father being in the Navy of the Revolution, Stewart & his Wife generally looked to him for assistance. I am the sole Executrix of Mrs. Stewart's Will.
She received the most part of her maintenance from our family, a short time before her death, I gave her pension into the hands of the Overseer of the Poor, as her pension of 48 00 per annum, would not

support her, On looking over the act of 1836, I perceive the 3 rd section says That if any Person who served in the War of the Revolution in the manner specified in the Act of June 1832, have died leaving a Widow whose Marriage took place before the expiration of the last period of his service such Widow shall be entitled to receive the Annuity or pension which might have been allowed to her Husband, by virtue of said Act. As she was Married before the fall of Fort Washington, I sup- -pose she was entitled to the same pension as her husband would have been entitled to. I am willing to give you one fourth , of whatever you can obtain on her account, if upon examination of their papers on file in the pension Office and the Laws & Rules, You find there is any encouragement, You will please write to me, how to proceed
I Am
Sir
Yours Very Respectfully
Sarah Smith Stafford

129
FREE
Robt Stewart
21 Nov 1860
21 Nov 1860
James Le. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Trenton, New Jersey May 1 st 1837.
James L. Edwards, Esq Sir
At the request of Mrs. Margaret Stewart, the Widow of Robert Stewart, who was Cook, of the Frigate Alliance, in the Revolutionary War, and at the time of his death, a Pensioner, I have addressed this letter, for her, to you. Mrs. Stewart is in distressed circumstances, and is on the eve of being sent to the Poor House. This daughter is now in the Poor House, who has been deaf and nearly blind, from her childhood. She is anxious to be informed, if she has sufficient evidence, to enable her to draw a Pension. There is no person living who saw her married to Mr. Stewart, and I believe no record, of her marriage. She drew the Balance of her Husband's Pension, that was due to him, at his death, as his Widow, and was paid by the then Pension Agent, in this State, having sufficient cause to believe her, to be his Widow. I believe there is no positive proof, of her being his Wife, although all that ever knew them, believe her to be his Widow.
Mr. Stewart had several tracts of Land which he sold, and at each time, when he sold it, she went with him, and acknowledged the writings as his Wife, before the Judge.
My Father James B. Stafford, now a Pensioner, was a Midshipman, on Board of the Alliance Frigate, can testify, that he knew her

at the close of the Rev olutionary War, and often heard, Mr Stewart talk of his Wife, and Daughter, and that when he first saw her, she had a little girl with her, and that he has been acquainted with Mrs Stewart, and her Daughter ever since the Revolution, and he believes her to be Stewart's Widow, Mr Stewart, I think cannot attend Court, as she is unable to walk, being lame, and she has no relations living (except their daughter) Therefore there is no one to bear her expenses, or to assist her.
My Father, resides with me, he is very infirm, and at present quite sick, he will not be able to go to the Court House. If you will be so kind, as to address a letter, to me, whether the evidence will be sufficient, and directions how, she must proceed to get her a Pension without much expense, it will be an act of Humanity, to assist an aged widow, who is unable to assist herself, and is in great distress.
I am
Sir Yours Respectfully Sarah Smith Stafford
P.S.
Perhaps you might have been acquainted with Robert Stewart, and his Wife, as they were until his death, Travelling Booksellers. They travelled almost all over the Union,
They made New Jersey, their Home, From Mr Stewart's appearance I think she

must be upwards of eighty years of age.
living
time

Given to Sarah J. Stafford, Aug. 1857

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
6165
Margaret Stewart Wid. of Robert Stewart Seaman 2d Class Navy Dept. Wash.
Act: _____
July 19 th 36, Sec. 3 d
Index:—Vol. _____
16
Page _____
240
[Arrangement of 1870.]