Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 15067, for Atkins Matthews, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Matthews, Atkins Sarah
W 15067
CONTENTS

Reported Jan'y 29/49.
3475. Massachusetts Sarah Matthews widow of Abraham Mass who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of January and sent to
Amos Yarmouth Mass.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 87 Vol. 2

1827 Massachusetts
Atkins Matthews
of Barnstable in the State of Mass ts who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain W. H. D. of the Reg t commanded by Col Jackson in the Mass a line for 9 months & 1 day
Contract
72 Barnstable
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 30 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of July 1833 and Agnes Davis Barnstable Massachusetts
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $60.22 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833 15.05 $75.27
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. } Recorded by W. H. D. Clerk, Book E Vol. 30 Page 53

I hereby certify that Atkins Matthews is the son of William and Abigail Matthews & that he was born in the town of Yarmouth county of Barnstable & State of Massachusetts. May. 21. A. D. 1762 as appears by the records of the town page 51.
Yarmouth Aug. 15. 1832
Barnp Matthews Jr Town Clerk

1604 V 1783 Application of Sarah Matthews for Pension
Mass.
ack 7 July 38
Maria 1785
Deed 1833
Allan $30 pr. ann
J. Reed Barnstable Mass.

State of Massachusetts } County of Barnstable } ss
On this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Eight personally appeared before the Court of Probate  the Court of Probate  the Court of Probate of Probate, a Court of Record within and for said County, Sarah Matthews a resident of said Yarmouth aged Seventy Five years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress passed July 7 th A.D. 1838. Entitled "An act for the granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows": That she is the widow of Atkins Matthews of said Yarmouth who was a private in the continental line of the Militia in the war of the Revolution. That he enlisted in said service as she believes in the fall of the year of Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Eight or the Spring following. That her Husband was a pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7 th A.D. 1832. That she refers to documents and proofs on file in the Department at Washington to which she refers as for those further proofs which she is now unable to obtain.
She further states that she was married to the said Atkins Matthews at said Yarmouth on the day of February in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty Five. That her Husband the said Atkins died at said Yarmouth on the eleventh day of April in the year Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Three. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen Hundred and Ninety Four viz. at the time above stated - Sarah Matthews
Witness Timothy Reed - Barnstable ss.
Sworn to and subscribed on the  the day of Probate  first day and year first above written before me in Court
Nymphas Marston - Judge of Probate
State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss. Probate Court Aug. 14, 1838 I Timothy Reed Register of the Court of Probate in & for the said County of

Barnstable hereby certify that the than Symphos Newton is the judge of the within said Court of Records and that the within signature pur- porting to have been made by him is his genuine signature affixed in my presence —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 14 th August 1838 Timothy Read Register Pro
1838

State of Massachusetts County of Barnstable } September 10 th A.D. 1838
I Joseph Eldridge of Yarmouth in said State and County of lawful age to give Evidence depose and say that I well know Sarah Matthews widow of Atkins Matthews late of said Yarmouth deceased, a pensioner under the act of Congress passed June 7 th A.D. 1832.
That I know that said said Sarah is the widow of said Atkins, and has ever remained his widow since the death of the said Atkins which took place in April in the year Eighteen Hundred and Thirty Three. - I also know and well remember that the said Sarah was married to the said Atkins sometime in the month of February in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty Five. - That I was present at their wedding and that they were married in said Yarmouth, after a regular publication, by the Reverend Mr. Alden, the then Minister in said Yarmouth.
I also state that the said Sarah is my sister and that I well remember the facts above stated.
Joseph Eldridge.
Then personally appeared the above named Joseph Eldridge and made oath that the above deposition signed by him is true - Before me. Caleb S. Hunt Justice of Peace

Barnstable Jp. September 10. 1838
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the within named Joseph Eldridge. That he is a man of truth and a credible witness
Calvin Hunt Jno. Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable Jp
I Timothy Reed clerk of the court of common pleas within & for the county of Barnstable do hereby certify that Calvin S. Hunt Esq. is a justice of the Peace in & for said county duly sworn & qualified and was so on the tenth instant, and
that I believe the above written signatures purporting to have been made by him to be his genuine signatures in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court this 13 th day Sept. 1838 Timothy Reed clerk

"Sarah Eldredge born April fifth seventeen hundred and sixty three."
The above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows, "April 5 th 1763."
Attest - Simeon Gowell
"Atkins Mathews died April eleventh eighteen hundred and thirty three."
The above is a true copy of the record, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "April 11 th 1833."
Attest, Simeon Gowell

State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss - Yarmouth August 30 th 1838.
I Simeon Crowell above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid, and that the above are true Extracts from the records of said Town with the Exceptions above named as certified by me
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk Affirmed to before me, Simeon Crowell 3d Justice of the Peace.
State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss - Yarmouth August 30 th 1838
I Simeon Crowell above named depose and say that there is no record of marriages found on the records of the town of Yarmouth aforesaid from January twenty eighth seventeen hundred and eighty three to March thirty first seventeen hundred and eighty five, the book of records of marriages containing the above dates being broken into two parts and a number of the leaves missing I believe are the reasons why Sarah Eldredge's marriage to Atkins Mathews is not found on the records of said Town and why this deposition to that fact is given by me
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk Affirmed to before me, Simeon Crowell 3d Justice of the Peace.

Cannonworth of all parishes the
Barnstaple
I Timothy Reed clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Barnstaple and Cannonworth upon said hereby Cer- tify that Simon Leavell Esq. is a justice of the Peace within your said County duly Commissioned and qualified and has so on the 30 th August last and that I believe the signatures on the other half of this sheet purport- ing to have been made by him to be his genuine signatures
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand at the seat of said Court this 13 th day of Sept. A.D. 1838
Timothy Reed clerk

State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss - Yarmouth August 30 th 1838.
I Simeon Crowell above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid, and that the above are true extracts from the records of said Town with the exceptions above named as certified by me
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk Affirmed to before me,
Simeon Crowell 3 d Justice of the Peace.
State of Massachusetts
Barnstable ss - Yarmouth August 30 th 1838
I Simeon Crowell above named depose and say that there is no record of marriages found on the records of the town of Yarmouth aforesaid from January twenty eighth seventeen hundred and eighty three to March thirty first seventeen hundred and eighty five, the book of records of marriages containing the above dates being broken into two parts and a number of the leaves missing I believe are the reasons why Sarah Eldredge's marriage to Atkins Mathews is not found on the records of said Town and why this deposition to that fact is given by me
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk Affirmed to before me,
Simeon Crowell 3 d Justice of the Peace.

Atkins Matthews.
Yarmouth.
20.019

We Stephen Homer of Dennis in the County of Barnstable & Commonwealth of Massachusetts age sixty nine years & Ebenezer Sears of Falmouth in the same County aged seventy years seven, depose & say that Atkins Matthews for the term of years enlisted with us on the sixth day of July A.D. 1780 in the United States service and marched with us to Springfield & thence to Westport and continued in said service for the term of six months from the time of said enlistment & was there honor- ably discharged, his said term of enlistment having then expired & Subscribed & sworn to by us - Stephen Homer in open court. Ebenezer Sears Attest, Almon Davis. Rev.
Probate Court at Falmouth in said County on 1st Tuesday August 1832
Personally appeared in open court the above named Stephen Homer & Ebenezer Sears & made oath to the above deposition by them subscribed in court and also personally appeared James Taylor & made oath to the truth of the deposition on the other side of this paper by him subscribed in court, and I certify that the above named Stephen Homer & Ebenezer Sears are in the opinion of the court credible witnesses In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the court the day & year aforesaid Almon Davis Register

I Noah Haines of Dennis in the County of Barnstable & Commonwealth of Massachu- setts of lawful age testify & say that I am well acquainted with Atkins Matthews of Yarmouth in said County and was during the revolutionary war and well recollect that he was a fellow soldier with me in the the United States Service from before time in September A.D. 1778 to the close of that year being between three and four months during which time we were stationed at Falmouth and Rochester in this State - We were in the Militia Service & he was hon- orably discharged. Noah Haines Subscribed & sworn to in open Court.
Albion Davis, Pres. I James Taylor of Dennis above said of lawful age depose & say that I am and during the revolutionary war was well acquainted with Atkins Matthews named above and well knew that he was a soldier in the United States Service as stated in the above dep- osition of Noah Haines having myself been in the same service & seen him daily during said term - He was hon- orably discharged. James Taylor Subscribed & sworn to in open Court
Albion Davis, Pres.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Barnstable ss. On this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. ble Symphus Marston Judge of the Court of Probate of Wills &c now sitting in Farnsworth in & for said County of Barnstable. Atkins Matthews a resident of Farnsworth in said County aged Seventy years, who being first duly sworn, according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th A. D. 1832.
That he was born in Farnsworth on the twenty first day of May A. D. 1762 and that there is a record of his birth in said Farnsworth a certificate of which he offers, - that he was in the United States Service from the 6 th of July 1780 to the 6 th of January 1781, as a private in the Militia of Mass ts . - that he was residing at said Farnsworth when he entered the Service; that he enlisted for six months and served for that period under the command of Col. Jackson - Capt. Hunt - that he marched from Farnsworth to Springfield in Mass ts where he passed winter & from thence to West Point where he joined the army and served at that place with the Continental army Capt. Hunt & a portion of the Regular army Washington & Stephens of the regular officers were then & known to him - that he was in no battle & at the end of his service received a written discharge which has long since been lost - that since the revolutionary war he has resided in said Farnsworth where he now lives. Ebenezer Dyer of Farnsworth & Stephen Hemen of Dennis were fellow soldiers during the aforesaid term of service & are all the witnesses to my knowledge who can testify

the fact -
Also that he was in the United States Service from sometime in the month of Sep- tember A.D. 1778 to the last day of December of the same year as a private in the Mili- tia - that he was residing in Falmouth at the time he entered the service, that he went as a substitute for his brother Isaiah Matthews who had enlisted on the last of June or the first of July of the same year for six months as a private in the Militia - that he entered the service at Falmouth in Barnstable County under the command of Capt. John Brock- Bulter Esquire where he remained a time to protect said Town from certain British vessels then anchored off the Town threatening depredations - that he marched from thence to Dorchester Heights to keep garrison where he remained to the close of the year & of the enlistment of his said Brother - that Ellis was Lieutenant - that he does not rec- ollect with certainty but thinks Enoch Hall was his Colonel at Falmouth & - Sparhawk at Dorchester - At the end of his service he received no written discharge as he recollects & was in no battle - that Ebenezer Taylor of Falmouth & James Taylor of Dux- bury were fellow soldiers with him & also Isaac Haines of Dennis -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pensions roll of the agency of any State
Isaac Matthews

Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Attest, Almon Davis, Register. of the Court of Probate.
We Nathaniel Cogswell a clergyman residing in the Town of Yarmouth aforesaid & James Matthews residing in the same Yarmouth hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Almon Matthews who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we be- lieve him to be seventy years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neigh- borhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Nathaniel Cogswell James Matthews
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Attest, Almon Davis, Register. of the Court of Probate.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interroga- tions prescribed by the War Department, that the deponent was a revolutionary soldier and served as he stated. And the Court further certify that it appears to them, that Natha- aniel Cogswell, who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman, resident in the town of Yarmouth; and that James Matthews who has also signed the same is a resident in Yarmouth & is a credible witness; & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Nympha Manslow-Judge
I Almon Davis, Regr of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Almon Matthews for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office on the day and year first aforesaid.
Almon Davis, Regr.

No 26019 Atkins Matthews Barnstable County Massachusetts
on Race C. & L. Sackens Ref 6 Months
Print 9 Mo 21 day
Abner Davis Reg d Barnstable County Massachusetts Barnstable

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 subjoined 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 Atkins Matthew Barnstable County Massachusetts
   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.     Enlist 6 July 1780 - 6 - privt Col Jackson, Col Hunt 70 years Barnstable County Traditionary evidence Witnesses certified credible papers correct   Served Sept. 1778 1 3 4 " Col Brocher, Col Waller Massachusetts  
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) _____, who has 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 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 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 _____; 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 here or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [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.

Sarah Matthews Mass. (1783) Act 7 July, 1838. on list to J. Reed, Decans Oct 10, 1838.

Resp. See letter Oct 9. 1844 to Amos Otis -
5202
Massachusetts
Sarah Matthews
widow of Atkins Matthews
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
11 day of April 1844 and sent to Amos Otis
Yarmouth Port, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A.
Vol. 1 Page 48.

See letter Feb. 23. 1839 to Hon. J. Reed H. R.
Massachusetts - 11504
Sarah Matthews widow of Atkins Matthews, deceased
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832, and who died on the 11 th of April, 1833, of Barnstable in the State of Massachusetts - who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Street - of the Regt commanded by Col. Jackson in the Massachusetts line for 9 months service
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of Jan- uary, 1839 and sent to T. Reed, Barnstable Mass.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1838 = $75:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4th '39 - 15:00
$90.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Ellis Clerk Book A Vol. 1, Page 106.

Reg
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15067
Sarah Matthew
Widow of
Atkins Matthew
Priv. Ser. War
Act: Feb 2 nd 1848
Index:—Vol. M , Page 8
[Arrangement of 1870.]

5596 March 14 Amos R. M. Amos R. M. Map Sarah Maudlin March 1843 $30 per acre
To The Hon. Secretary of War Washington D.C. Amos R. M. Port Royal
fee

Garnetts Port (Mass.) Mar. 8. 1846
To the Hon Secretary of War of the United States
Sir,
I enclose the application of Mrs Sarah Matthews for a pension under the act of March 3, 1843. There is no doubt but that she is entitled to the pension, but it is very difficult to prove it. The old people say that her husband Atkins Matthews was in the Service six or seven months, and that he was present at the execution of Andre and that seems to be about the amount of the information I can obtain. The proofs of his services I presume are on file in the pension office, and I hope will be found satisfactory. —
I have not sent a certificate from the Clerk of the Court, as you would have it with the papers of said Elizabeth Bassett.
Respectfully Your humble Servt
Amos O'K
(Died Mar. 2. 1844.) —

State of Massachusetts Barnstable ss.
Yarmouth December 28 th 1838
I, Simeon Crowell depose and say that there is no record of the marriage of Atkins Matthews and Sarah Eldredge found on the records of the town of Yarmouth aforesaid, and that there is no record of marriages found on the records of said Town from January twenty eighth seventeen hundred and eighty three to March thirty first seventeen hundred and eighty five, and that the book of Records of marriages is broken into two parts and a number of leaves containing the above dates missing: which I believe are reasons why Sarah Eldredge's marriage is not found on the Records of said Town and why this deposition to that fact is given by me
Simeon Crowell Town Clerk Affirmed to before me, Simeon Crowell 3 d Justice of Peace,
I hereby certify that Simeon Crowell 3 d is a Justice of the Peace that I am acquainted with his signature and that the above is his hand writing
John Reed Member of Congress from Mass ts

House of Rep Jan 4. 1838
Sir
I have this day received a letter from Falmouth Mass ts enclosing a deposition from the Town clerk in relation to the Marriage of Sarah Matthews the widow of Atkins Matthews an applicant for a Pension. I herewith enclose it to you
With Respect
Mr Ob t Lev ts
John Reed
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Barnstable County, ss.
On this fourth day of September, 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Sarah Matthews, a resident of Yarmouth, in the County of Barnstable, aged eighty five years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d of February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Atkins Matthews who was a resident of Yarmouth, and who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, & is the identical person who drew a pension under the Act of 17 th June, 1844, on account of the Revolutionary Service of her late husband aforesaid, at the rate of thirty dollars per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
Before me
Sarah
In presence of
Amos Otis Justice of the Peace
Matthews
Amos Otis
Henry Otis
Barrows Matthews
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me a widow & a pensioner as she declares.
Amos Otis, Justice of the Peace,

1783 Sept 22 Notable Ms. Sept. 17 1833 July 7 Ms
File.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Barnstable Mass. Sept 16. 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com d of Pensions
Sir Please examine the enclosed papers of Sarah Matthews & make return to me & oblige yrs respect d Timothy Root

Yarmouth Me Sep 5 th
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Mass.
Yarmouth Port, Sep 5. 1848.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com. of Pensions,
Sir
I enclose the Declaration & Application of Sarah Mat- thews for a pension.
You have in your files the certificate of the Clerk of the Courts for Barnstable County - certifying that I am a Justice of the Peace - If that is not sufficient you will receive in a few days one from the Secretary of War attached to the declaration of Lucretia Taylor.
Please forward to me the pension certificate, with a form for the affidavit & Power of Attorney to be presented to the Agent for paying Pensions.
Respectfully Yours
Amos Otis

To the Hon. Secretary of War of the United States.
The petition of the undersigned Sarah Matthews widow of Atkins Matthews, who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution & died on the eleventh day of April, A.D. 1833 respectfully represents, that she was a pensioner under the act of March 3, 1823 and under pre- vious acts of Congress, that she has not inter- married, but continues the widow of the above mentioned Atkins Matthews, and that she now resides in Yarmouth in the State of Massachusetts, and has resided there for the space of eighty years past, and that previous thereto she resided in Yarmouth, that she is en- titled to a pension under the act of Congress of 1844, continuing the pensions of the widows of deceased Soldiers of the Revolution, and she there- fore petitions that a certificate for her to receive said pension may be granted to her. Yarmouth Mass. Oct. 4. 1844
Witnesses. Ebenezer Hallet                      Sarah Matthews George Hallet Amos Otis
State of Massachusetts. Barnstable County } ss
Be it known, That on the seventh day of October, in the year Eighteen hundred & forty-four, before the Subscriber a justice of the Peace, in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Sarah Matthews, above named, & made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above petition & declaration by her subscribed, and of the truth of the Statements therein I am fully satisfied.
Amos Otis, Justice of the Peace.

Yarmouth Port Mass. Oct. 4, 1844
J. S. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir,
Annexed I send you the petition of Wid Sarah Matthews for a pension under the act of 1844. — My Certificate from the Clerk of the Courts is on file at your office, sent with Wid. Elizabeth Bussells papers.
Some of the widows of Revolutionary Soldiers in this vicinity have obtained "back pensions", under a decision of a former Secretary. A number of widows have applied to me to draw up petitions for them. If you have that decision printed, by enclosing me a copy you will much oblige
Yours Obedient Servant
Amos Olin

To the Hon. Secretary of War of the United States.
The undersigned, Sarah Matthews would respectfully represent that she is the widow, of Atkins Matthews of Massachusetts who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and who died on the tenth day of April, 1833, that she was married to said Atkins Matthews on the 20th of January 1785. That she has not since married, but continues the widow of the above mentioned Atkins Matthews, and that she now resides in Farnsworth, Massachusetts and that she has resided there for the space of eighty years past. That she was a pensioner at about $30. per annum (but does not recollect the precise sum) and that she is entitled to a pension under the act of March 3. 1843, and she therefore prays that a pension certificate may be granted to her.
Signed & sealed on the 8th of March, 1846.
Sarah Matthews
Presence of Amos Otis Percyine Noble Eliza Matthews
State of Massachusetts } Barnstable County } ss.
Be it known, That, on the eighth day of March 1846, before the undersigned, a justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid personally appeared Sarah Matthews, above named, and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her subscribed and of the truth whereof I am fully satisfied; —
Amos Otis Justice of the Peace
[ The certificate of the Clerk of the Court, of my signature goes here with the papers of Elizabeth Dallett. ] Amos Otis J.P.