Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18,963, for John Matson, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Matson, John
S. 18,963
carded
CONTENTS

Vermont - 28.495
John Mattson of Orange in the State of N.Y. who was a priv. & drum. in the by Captain of the  comm. by Col. Talcott in the max. line for 17 months -
Date of death not in AB.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermon at the rate of 59 - Dollars 33 Cents per ann. to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of July 34 Smith, Chelsea - and sub. Bro. W.
Arrears to the 14th of Mar - 34 177.99 Semi-ant. allowance ending 2 nd Sept. 1. 29.67 $207.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Chas. Rice Book C Vol. 3 Page 78

I Honour Welsh of Kennebec in the County of Bruns and State of Vermont aged seventy one years do hereby certify & say that during the war of the Revolution I lived in Glastenbury in the State of Connecticut with my father and that John Watson my brother who is now an applicant also lived at home with my father in Glastenbury but now resides in Kennebec A.D. I distinctly recollect that the said John Watson was in the service of the United States three or four terms of service of three months each according to my best recollection. I can recall when he left home and returned and that my father to line help when the said John was in the service and also that with the other girls my sisters have to work some out of doors - I also recollect that the said John was in the Army as a drummer eight months after his other terms of service but cannot re- collect the year only I know it was previous to 1781. He was a drummer in his militia company from a small bay at Glastenbury I can distinctly recollect of his going out and returning in his eight months term - I believe from my best recollection that he went out soon after leaving in the month of August and in 1779. on his eight months term - he came home to Glastenbury from his eight months service some time in the Spring and this was the Spring of 1780. according to my best re- collection - the said John has been very feeble in health for several years and has lost his memory and his other faculties of his mind.
Witness John W. Smith
Honour her Welsh Mark -
State of Vermont } Kennebec Dec 3 1833 personally ap- Orange County } peared Honour Welsh personally known to me and a credible witness and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by her subscribed con- tains the truth and nothing but the truth before me John W. Smith, Justice Peace

State of Vermont } Personally appeared before Orange County ss } me the undersigned a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange aforesaid John Watson an applicant for a Pension, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he can not swear more positively than he has done in his declaration as to the precise length of his service but according to his best recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For three months I served as a private in Capt Samuel Wells Company in Col. Elisha Slocum's Regiment, in 1776 - and for three months I served as a private in Capt. John Wells Company at Fishkill town in 1777. but cannot re- collect any other service - and for three months I served as a private in Capt. Pomeroy's Company, in Col. Chapman's Regiment in Rhode Island. In 1778. and for 8 months I served in Capt. Dement's company of eight months men in Col. Wells & Adjutant Root's Regiment as a Drummer - & John McDowell was Lieut. colonel in my 8. months service in the years 1779 and 1780. and for such service I claim a pension -
I am confident that I was in the service as I have mentioned a little more than my 17 months. and in the three first campaigns I served as a private in the last as a drummer. I could not rec- all my officers very particularly when I made my declaration - but I have maintained my health and in some small degree my memory since that time, and I have stated my officers according to my best recollection above - I further testify and say that I was told by the Court, that any of my neighbors would do for witnesses in Court if no clergymen lived in the vicinity who were acquainted with me as a soldier of the Revolution and I there- fore called on Mr. Stephens & Mr. Bartholomew two of my neighbors both advanced in life and both soldiers in the war of the Revolution who had been intimately acquainted with me for fifty years past

I further testify and say that I was born in Glastenbury Connecticut in the 5 th day of April 1759, and have a Record of my age in a bible of my fathers and made by him in his life time that I lived in Glastenbury till I removed to Windsor Vt. where I have lived since 1783 - I had a verbal discharge in the form terms of service before mentioned - while in the service as a Soldier I received forty shillings a month and in my eighth months service as a Quarters I received forty four shillings per month and was paid for all my service in continental money I may possibly have misplaced some of my papers, but I am confident I was out in the service under all the officers above stated - and I have mentioned them according to my best recollection - I further testify and say that I have made all the exertion I can to find testimony to prove my above service, but have failed all whom I could contact and depended upon are dead - I am not able to do any thing more to get my pension - if my account and statement is not sufficient authority to give me a pension, I must fail - I throw myself on the mercy of my country - Witness J. W. Smith John W. Smith
State of Vermont } At Chelsea in D r County on the Orange County } 15 th day of December 1833 Then personally appeared before me Deacon John Watson, a person well known to me, and person whose testimony is entitled to full credit and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth John W. Smith, Justice Peace

State of Vermont } I Harry Hale, Clerk of Orange County } Orange County Court do hereby certify that John W. Smith is a justice of the Peace within and for the County of Orange, and that the within writings purporting to be his signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have unto my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Chelsea in said County This 6 th day of December A.D. 1833. Harry Hale, Clerk.

Claim of John Watson
✓
Adm d a parcel of 17 m.p. $30.00 of 8 mo. sum d 29.33  $459.33 Proof of Service
See Comptroller's appeal to the Reg.
John W. Smith Esq. Chelsea N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 8 th 1833 Dec 15 th 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Nelson
   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.  
Since this claim was examined in April last, the rolls of Conn State Troops in the office of C. Phelps, Comptroller of public accounts, Hartford Conn, have been examined, and there is but little doubt, that by applying there, he may obtain the most undoubted proof of his alleged services — I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
John W. Little Esq Chelsea Vt

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 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.
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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
claimant cannot recollect particulars & cannot produce proof of service his claim must fail. Pensions are not allowed on conjectures

December 3, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. F. V. Keller 305 Coleman Street Olean, New York
John Matson, S. 18963 Daniel Matteson, W. 13489 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of the following soldiers with surname Matteson or Mattison: Leonard of Massachusetts; Daniel of Rhode Island; George and John of Rhode Island or Vermont.
There are no claims for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of a Leonard or George Matteson, under any spelling of the surname. Such claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Records have been found of a John Matson of Connecticut and Vermont, and of a Daniel Matteson of Rhode Island, which are furnished you herein:
JOHN MATSON S. 18963
The data herein were obtained from pension claim, S. 18963, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Matson.
John Matson was born April 5, 1759, in Glastonbury, Hartford County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not given.
While residing with his father in Glastonbury, Connecticut, he volunteered in August, 1776, served three months as private in Captain Samuel Welles' company, Colonel Elizur Talcott's Connecticut regiment. He volunteered in August, 1777, served three months as private in Captain Jonathan Welles' Connecticut company. He volunteered in August, 1778, and served three months as private in Captain Pomeroy's company, Colonel Chapman's Connecticut regiment and was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island. He volunteered in July or August, 1779, and served eight months as a drummer in Captain Dimon's company, Colonel Wells' Connecticut regiment.
The soldier resided in Glastonbury, Connecticut, until 1783 when he moved to Vershire, Orange County, Vermont.

John Matson was allowed pension on his application executed August 21, 1832, while a resident of Vershire, Vermont.
It is not stated whether the soldier ever married.
In 1832, soldier's sister, Honnor Welch, aged seventy years and a resident of Vershire, Vermont, stated that she was born in Glastonbury, Connecticut, and lived there with her father during the Revolution. She made reference to her sisters but did not give their names or the given name of her husband.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension and name of the person paid, also, date of death of this soldier (if on file), you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: John Matson, certificate No. 28495, issued July 2, 1834, rate $59.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act June 7, 1832, Vermont Agency.
*****
DANIEL MATTESON W. 13689
You are furnished herein the record of Daniel Matteson as found in pension claim, W. 13689, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Daniel Matteson (whose surname appears, also, Matheson) was the son of John Matteson of Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island. The date and place of his birth, age, and names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island, he enlisted in May, 1775, and served at various times until the end of the war as private under Captains Reuben Whitman, Squire Millard, Benjamin Green, Benedict Colvin, Lansford Weaver and Parker and Colonels John Waterman and Nathaniel Brown in the Rhode Island troops. During his service he was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island. In 1776, the soldier moved from Warwick to Coventry, in Kent County, Rhode Island. He died February 7, 1824.
Daniel Matteson married March 1, 1770, in Warwick, Rhode Island, Dorcas Chapman who was born December 21, 1747. She was the daughter of Stephen Chapman of Warwick, Rhode Island, where their marriage was recorded in the Town Clerk's Office.
Soldier's widow, Dorcas Matteson, was allowed pension on her application executed April 11, 1839, while a resident of Coventry, Kent County, Rhode Island.

The only name in the claim designated as a child of Daniel Matteson and his wife, Dorcas, was Cory Matteson of Coventry, Rhode Island, their youngest son, who in 1839 was aged fifty years, and with whom his mother lived after the death of the soldier.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of soldier's widow, Dorcas, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data: Dorcas Matteson or Matheson, widow of Daniel, certificate #2951, issued July 25, 1839, rate $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act July 4, 1836, Rhode Island Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of John Matson a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 18,963.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug. 1776. 3 mos. Pri Samuel Wells Elizer Talcott. Conn.   Aug. 1777. 3 " " Jonathan Wells. "   Aug. 1778. 3 " " Pomeroy. Chapman   July or Aug. 1779. 8 " Drummer. Dimon Wells.  
Battles engaged in, In General Sullivan's expedition to R. I. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Glastonbury, Hartford Co. Conn. Date of application for pension, Aug. 21. 1832. His cl. was al. Residence at date of application, Vershire, Orange Co., Vt. Age at date of application, 73 yrs.
Remarks: There is no data relative to wife or children.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

18963 INVALID.
1913, April 5: History to John L. Porter. (Fr.)
1937, Dec 3 - Hist to Mrs. D. S. Keller (Ruth in ch. 1369 of Daniel Matteson) 1 mfr B
File No. 18963
John Matteson
Rev War
Act: James 7" 92
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 241
[Arrangement of 1870.]

By the State records it appears that the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut at their session in November 1780 ordered 575 raised to serve until the first of March 1782, & in February 1781 augmented & reorganized this corps, & subjected it to the command of a Brig. Gen. Hartford 18 Sep. 1833. E. Phelps
Comptroller Office Sept 18 1833
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the journal of the Council of Safety, under date of July 11 th 1781 that James Stoddard was appointed a Captain in the above corps; & that Brig. Genl. Waterbury commanded it. (The State records show that Col. Samuel Barnfield's Reg t was raised in Jan. 1782 & to serve until the first of April 1783 & that James Stoddard was appointed a Captain therein.)
That the books of the Pay Table show that Capt. James Stoddard received orders on the Treasury for his services & that as Capt frequently, in the years 1782 & 1783, & that his pay rolls

were charged to the United States.
Capt. James Stoddard was by the Council of Safety on the 29 th of March 1782 appointed Major vice Humphrey resigned, & Daniel Alker was appointed Capt. to fill the vacancy made by the promotion of Major Stoddard.
I send no roll of Capt. Stoddard's Company.
C. Phelps
Under & Canfield
Reg 1780
1782
Continental
Cambridge Mass

Chelsea Vt March 7, 1834
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir
Since the return of these Jensen papers of John Matsen to me, I have written twice to E Phelps Esq. Controller of the public accounts Hartford (Conn) and have received no answer from him - Mr Matsen is so feeble in health and so poor that he - is not disposed to make any further exertions as he has been to great trouble already in en- deavouring to look up testimony. I therefore enclose to you his papers again, and submit the case to the decision of the Department.
I have the fullest confidence in Mr Matsen's up- rightness honesty and integrity of character - and as he has a complaint upon him which will probably terminate his days, he is will- ing to rest his case as it stands without any further trouble to look up testimony. The fact of his being quite out of health when he made his original application and pre- pared his declaration - was truly unfortunate for him, but he has been able in a measure to attend the deficiency in his supplementary affidavit) - I hope a decision may be made favourable to the Claimant -
Resp. Sir, Your Obedient Servant John W. Smith
For evidence of my character and the truth of my statements I refer you to Hon. Samuel Brantley of the U.S. Senate - to whom you may deliver

J. L. PORTER, PRESIDENT C. L. KING, SUPERINTENDENT
NATIONAL SEPARATOR & MACHINE COMPANY
SOLE MANUFACTURERS OF THE
BUSINESS ESTABLISHED 1896
SPRINGFIELD SEPARATOR COMPANY'S CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES COMBINED OIL SEPARATORS AND FILTERS AND THE "NATIONAL" OIL EXTRACTORS
SHOP AND STOREHOUSE CONCORD, N. H.
OFFICE
89 STATE STREET, BOSTON, MASS. March 26, 1913.
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I desire to qualify for membership to one or two of the patriotic societies and beg to ask if you will furnish me with an abstract of service from your records of
MATSON (MATTISON OR MADISON), JOHN. (My great-grandfather). Was in the War of the Revolution. Drew a pension. Lived in Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont, as late as 1827. Died in Vershire, Vt., between 1827 and 1835. (The early Town Records of Vershire, Vermont, were burned and as yet I have been unable to get more accurate information regarding him.)
PORTER, ENOS. (My grandfather). Was a "Plattsburg Volunteer" in War of 1812. Born in Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont, Feb. 6, 1789. Died in Corinth, Orange Co., Vermont, Mch. 4, 1879. Lived in towns of Vershire, Vt., Thetford, Vt., Worcester, Vt., Vershire, Vt., and Corinth, Vt. Married about 1820 to Electa Matson (Mattison or Madison). Had five (5) children - all dead except my father.
Appreciating your favor, I am
Very truly yours,
89 State Street,
Boston, Mass.
JLP/J

John Mather No 2.564 Declaration
Mushin Vt.
John Mather
No. 17
Make return to John Mather Children & Co Vermont
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

State of Vermont, ORANGE COUNTY ss.
State of Vermont, } At Chelsea in said County on this 21 st day of August ORANGE COUNTY ss. } A. D. 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before Hon. Titus Hutchinson Daniel Calkins and Thomas Jones, Justices of the County Court. The Court of said Orange County, now sitting being a Court of Record.
the Court of said Orange County, now sitting, being a Court of Record John Watson a resident of Providence in the County of RI and State of Vermont, aged 73 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
of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, that he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated - that in the year 1776 he resided in Glastenbury in the County of Hartford & State of Connecticut, that in the Month of August 1776 as soon as he can recollect he volunteered in the Connecticut Militia or State troops in the Regiment commanded by Col. Tol. Col. but cannot recollect the Company Officers - for the term of three Months as he thinks, that he was ordered immediately to New York City, that he went down Connecticut River in a Hoop & then through the Sound to the City of New York, where two or three weeks & then onto Long Island and remained there two or three weeks & came off the Island in the night when the American army left the Island in the possession of the British - that he was stationed in the City of New York a short time - after the British took possession of the City he & his Regiment crossed Kings bridge - that he was discharged some where above Kings bridge in New York, that he was taken sick with the Camp Dysentery before he was discharged and therefore cannot recollect the precise time nor place where he was discharged - but was verbally discharged for his term of Service Also that in the Month of August 1777, as soon as he can recollect he volunteered in the Service a/o: in the Connecticut Militia or State troops for the term of three Months as he believes - that he marched from Glastenbury to Hartford, where he was mustered immediately after he volunteered from there through Danbury to Fish Kill in New York - this was soon after Danbury was burnt that he was stationed at Fish Kill several weeks he cannot tell how long, while he was there some British Ships passed up North River towards Albany & the whole army pursued them up the River & kept up with them - mounted up as far as Hudson & the shipping there returned down the River & the American Army pursued them back he thinks to Fish Kill & that the Amer- ican Army was very large at that Campaign & he thinks was commanded by Gen. Washington that he saw all his officers on this Campaign both Company & Regimental, but cannot now recollect any of their names & that he was verbally discharged at Fish Kill a/o: at the expiration of his term which he thinks was three months -
Also that same time in the month of August 1778. according to his best recollection he volunteered in the service of the Connecticut troops for the term of three months to go to Rhode Island in the Expedition of Gen. Sullivan in the Regiment commanded by Col Chapman. that he was mustered at Hartford Connecticut. immediately after volunteering and marched from there to Providence. & to Bristol & then across Bristol Ferry on to the Island & then south west to Bristol. the British had possession of Bristol. He was stationed on the hill a mile or two from the City - a large body of American forces were stationed there & a cannonading was kept up between the two armies. that he was on the Island there as four weeks as he thinks. that he retreated off of the Island in the night when the Amer- ican forces left the Island - & crossed at Howlands Ferry into Scituate & from there to Providence in a Circuitous Route & staid there a short time & from there he & his Reg- iment retreated south some distance to some place which he cannot recall and there remained till he was verbally discharged at the expiration of his three months
Also that on the last of July and the first of August in the year 1779. he again enlisted on volunteer in the service of the United States for the term of eight months. that each man was required to furnish a certain number. Called the "Eight months men" - that he was attached to the Regiment commanded by Col. Wells. & Adjutant Root - he cannot recall his Company Officers - he thinks the Regiment was called Connecticut State Troops or lines - that he marched from Hartford immediately on enlisting through Windham Colchester to New London and was there stationed during the whole of the time till the last of March in the year 1780. - there was only one Regiment there. & they were employed on guard at Fort Trumbull & Fort Griswold on the eastern side of the River and in the City of New London. - that he was honorably discharged at New London aforesaid on the last of March in the year 1780. - that his memory is so impaired he cannot recollect the names of any of his Officers either Company or Regimental. tho' he once knew them all - that at each time of entering the service aforesaid he resided in Glastonbury aforesaid.

collect his company officers - he thinks the Regiment was called Connecticut State Troops or line - that he marched from Hartford immediately on enlisting through Windham Colchester to New London and was there stationed during the whole of the time till the last of March in the year 1780. - there was only one Regiment there. & they were employed on guard at Fort Trumbull & Fort Griswold on the Gratan side of the River and in the City of New London. - that he was finally discharged at New London aforesaid on the last of March in the year 1780 - that his memory is so impaired he cannot recollect the name of any of his officers either company or Regimental. tho' he can now know them all - that at each time of entering the service aforesaid he resided in Glastonbury aforesaid. that he has no documentary evidence to prove his services. and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can produce who can testify to his services aforesaid except what he has promised - that in the three first terms of service aforementioned he served as a private and in the eight months term he served as a drummer.
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 to his knowledge
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John Watson H. E. G. B. Laughlin Clerk
We Stephen Stetson residing in Wethersfield in said County of Orange and Moses Bartholomew residing in the said Wethersfield hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Watson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, and that we believe him to be 73 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 we know of no other person in the said County who would probably be able to testify about the subject.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Moses Bartholomew Stephen Stetson H. E. G. B. Laughlin Clerk
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 certify that it appears to them that Moses Bartholomew who has signed the preceding certificate, is a are resident in Wethersfield in said County, and that Stephen Stetson who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. E. G. B. Laughlin Clerk
I H. E. G. B. Laughlin Clerk of the Court of Orange County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Watson for a pension. In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 24 day of August A. D. 1832.
H. E. G. B. Laughlin CLERK.

I Hannon Welch of Wershin County of Orange State of Vermont aged Seventy years do testify and say that I according to record was born in Glosenburg County of Hartford State of Connecticut that John Matson is my brother and in August 1779 did enlist for eight months, at the Glosenburg and as I understood went to New London & well recollect at the time of the S d John Matson returning from the Expedition of the S d Eight Months
Hannon Welch Mark
State of Vermont Orange County ss } at Wershin in S d County on this 17 of August A.D. 1832 Personally appeared Hannon Welch and made solemn oath that the foregoing Deposition by her subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth relative to the purpose for which it was taken
Also certify that the S d Hannon Welch is a good creditable witness and entitled to credit
Timothy D. Dorman Justice Peace
State of Vermont Orange County Clerk's Office August 23 d A.D. 1832 I H. E. G. H. Baughlen Clerk of Orange County Court hereby certify that William Booramann before whom the above Deposition was taken is a Justice of the Peace in said County duly authorized to administer Oaths, and that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Day & year above written, H. E. G. H. Baughlen Clerk