Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,143, for Seth Hunt, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass
NUMBER
W. 11. 143.
Hunt, Seth Richardson, Abigail Former widow
CONTENTS

3.
Concord New Hampshire
Abigail Richardson, decd. formerly widow of Seth Hunt who was a Quarter Master in the New Hampshire Line, Mass.
W.P.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 256 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. and ends May 25. 1844 the day of her death. Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Aug. 1844, and sent to
Seth Hunt Walpole N.H.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A June 17. 1844
Vol. 1 Page 257
Pay to Seth Hunt only sur. child

No 8444 ✓
Abigail Richardson formerly widow of Seth Hunt N.H.
act 7. July 38 23 aug 42
1 m 79. d 79.
2 m 82. d 20 -
Dec 26. 67. 20 m 8. 23 May 75. 7. 8 doc. Witness - N. L. 12 - add 7 mo. 80 2 nd Master 42.
$256.88/100
Seth Hunt Walpole N.H.

State of New Hampshire County of Cheshire ss. On this 5 th day of September One Thousand eight hundred & sixty two, personally ap- peared before me Larkin Baker Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire Abigail Richardson late of Keene but now of Walpole in the said County and State, now in the eighty fourth year of her age, widow of Captain Josiah Richardson late of Keene deceased, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 9 th of July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay pensions to certain widows" and the act passed during the late session of Congress approved the 23 d of August 1842 entitled "An Act to amend the acts of July 1836 & 1838 allow- ing pensions to certain widows".
That she is the widow of Captain Josiah Richardson late of Keene in said State & County, who died on the 25 th day of February 1820, and that she was for- merly the wife and widow of Colonel Seth Hunt of Northampton in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who died on the 28 th of Dec r 1779, and that she claims the benefit of the aforesaid acts of Congress, as the widow and in conse- quence of the military services of her first husband the said Seth Hunt, who entered the service of the United States, as a volunteer in the month of April 1775 immediately after the news of the battle of Lexington was received at Northampton - that he marched to Cambridge where he joined the Army and served in the neighborhood of Boston at Roxbury and Dorchester during the summer and autumn of 1775, and as she has reason to believe, was appointed Quartermaster in Colonel Pellows Regiment, with the rank of Lieutenant.

and from the information which she has been enabled to obtain, she is confident & firmly believes that her said husband was also first Lieutenant of the company, whereof Israel Chapin was Captain and which company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Elisha Porter of Hadley and she believes that her said husband in the winter of 1776 went with the troops that were ordered to reinforce the Army employed for the conquest of Canada and she is certain that her said husband served in the said Expedition as first Lieutenant of the company commanded by Captain Israel Chapin, and was in the retreat from Canada and she is satisfied that he continued with the Army after the retreat from Canada and that he served on Lake Champlain during the summer & autumn of 1776 and until the company to which he belonged was ordered with other troops to the southward, she has satisfactory evidence that he was stationed so late as the 21 st of September 1776, at Mount Independence on the East side of Lake Champlain, near to Ticonderoga, as she has a letter of that date, written at that Post and addressed to his brother Doctor Ebenezer Hunt of Northampton now deceased, which original letter is hereunto annexed and she is satisfied from the account given by her said husband of his services, that he went from Lake Champlain to the southward before he was discharged allowed to return home to Northampton but she cannot state how far south he went, or the exact time when he retired from the service, she is however confident that it was sometime in the year 1777, when he returned home in impaired health from which he never recovered, but continued gradually to decline until his death which took place on the 28 th of Dec r 1779, as a result

by the Certificate of the Town Clerk of Northampton hereto annexed Numbered 2.
The said Abigail Richardson further affirms that she was married to her said first husband Seth Hunt, on the 28 day of March 1779, at the House of her Mother Mrs. Mary Bellows in Walpole by the Rev. Thomas Pender the settled Minister of Walpole, her brother Thomas Bellows and her sister Mary Bellows now Mrs. Kinsley who are still living, were both present at her said Marriage and have given their deposition in proof N o 3 which is hereto annexed, together with the Certificate of her said Marriage by William Ruggles the present Town Clerk of Walpole and sworn to as required by law before E. Morse Esquire Justice of the Peace duly authenticated.
The said Abigail Richardson doth further testify and depose, that she was married to her second husband Captain Josiah Richardson of Keene on the 17 th of April 1782, at the House of her Mother Mrs. Mary Bellows aforesaid. That the Marriage Cer- emony was performed by the aforesaid Reverend Thomas Pender in presence of her mother and her family & that her brother sister Thomas Bellows & Mary Kinsley were present, as is set forth in their aforesaid Depositions annexed together with the Certificate of said Marriage, by W m Ruggles Town Clerk of Walpole sworn to before E. Morse Esquire a Justice of the Peace & properly authenticated also hereto annexed Numbered 5.
In proof of the death of her second husband Captain Josiah Richardson, the Certificate of the Town Clerk of Keene properly authenticated will be hereto annexed Numbered 6.
In proof of the Military service of her said first husband Seth Hunt, the following Deposition

are also herunto annexed - viz The Deposition No 7 of William Bates of Southampton in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a Soldier of the Revolution & now a pensioner, also the Deposition of Thomas Lyman of No 8 Northampton in the County & State aforesaid a Soldier of the Revolution & a pensioner of the United States together with the Certificate of No 9 Mr. Joshua Porter of Hadley County of Hampshire said, Grandson of Col. Ebenezer Porter, commander of a Regiment engaged in the Expedition into Canada in 1776. containing an extract from the Muster Roll of his said Regiment and left among his papers, wherein is contained the names of the Officers, Noncommissioned Officers & privates of the Second Company in said Regiment & command- ed by Captain Israel Chaplin and whereof the said Sgt. Hunt was the first Lieutenant. A Deposition expected from Nathan Strong a Sol- dier of the Revolution & now a pensioner of the United States and a private in Captain Israel Chaplin's Company, if received in time will No 10. also be annexed here to & numbered 10. Abigail Richardson
New Hampshire 3 Cheshire County 3 d . September 5 th . 1842 The aforesaid Abigail Richardson personally appear- ed before me and made oath, that the foregoing declaration by her subscribed in my presence are true, to the best of her knowledge, belief and belief. Sarahin Barker Judge of Probate

The foregoing Declaration is made at the residence of the said Abigail Richardson in the town of Walpole in the County of Cheshire, she being unable by reason of bodily infirmity to attend Court.
Latkin Baker Judge of Probate
State of New Hampshire Cheshire County
I Elijah Sawyer, Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Cheshire, aforesaid, do hereby certify that Latkin Baker is Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County of Cheshire, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine.
Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this ninth day of September A.D. 1842.
Elijah Sawyer Register.

Extract from the Records of the Town of Walpole in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire. "Mr. Seth Hunt of Northampton, and Miss. Abigail Bellows of Walpole were married by the Revd. Tho: Hemenway y e twenty eighth of march one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine". State of New Hampshire.
Cheshire ss. I certify that the foregoing 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. "28 th of march 1779". Attest, William Ruggles Town Clerk.
I William Ruggles above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract, from the Records of said Town of Walpole with the exception above named as certified by me. William Ruggles Clerk of the town of Walpole.
Walpole March 5 th 1842
Then appeared the above named Wm Ruggles & testified that the above, certificate is true before me Eliza Morse J.P.
State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss. -
I Elijah Sawyer, Register of the Court of Probate in & for the County of Cheshire aforesaid, do hereby certify that Eliza Morse is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the fourteenth day of Decr. 1840 & will expire on the thirtieth day of December 1845.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court, this twelfth day of September A.D. 1842. Elijah Sawyer Reg.

No 5.
Extract from the Records of the Town of Walpole in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire. "Capt. Josiah Richardson and Mrs. Abigail Hunt married by Tho. Fessenden Clerk. April seventeenth one thousand seven hundred and eighty two."
State of New Hampshire,
Cheshire, ss. I certify that the foregoing 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 17: 1782."
Attest.
William Ruggles Town Clerk.
I William Ruggles above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract, from the Records of said Town of Walpole with the exception above named as certified by me.
William Ruggles Clerk of the town of Walpole.
Walpole March 5th 1842
Then appeared the above named
Who recognized & testified that the above certificate by him subscribed is true.
Ebenezer D. Moore Jr. Dean
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss.
I Elijah Sawyer, Register of the Court of Probate in and for the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Ebenezer Moore is an acting justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the fourteenth day of December A.D. 1840, and will expire on the thirteenth day of December A.D. 1845, and that his signature above written & also his signature to his certificate subscribed upon paper "No 4" as his mark, are genuine. Given under my hand and seal of the Court of Probate the twelfth day of September 1842. Elijah Sawyer, Regt.

J L Edwards Esquire Walpole N.H. August 8 th 1844. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
My Mother Mrs Abigail Richardson who deceased on the 25 th day of May last was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed the 3 d of March 1843 and previous acts of Congress granting Pensions to the widows of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution. The pension was for $256.88 per annum and was granted to her on account of the military services rendered by her first husband Seth Hunt of Northampton Massachusetts (my father) who died on the 28 th day of December 1779 - I was the only child by that marriage. by her second husband Captain Josiah Richardson of Keene New Hampshire, she had but one child, which child died in infancy in the summer of 1785 - so that she left no child but one, in proof of which you have my declaration and the deposition of Thomas Bellows Esquire & Mrs Mary Hinsley, the brother and sister of the said Abigail Richardson, and her death is proven by the said deposition and the certificate of William Ruggles Town Clerk of Walpole, all herewith enclosed, the same having been duly sworn to before and certified by Frederick Vose Esquire a Justice of the Peace throughout the State of New Hampshire, were laid before the Judge of Probate for the County of Cheshire & State aforesaid, who having examined the same and deeming them satisfactory evidence of the death of the said Abigail Richardson and that she was a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of the 3 d of March 1843 -

Directed the Register of the said Court of Probate to authenticate the same, by his certificate under the official seal of the said Court which order the said Register obeyed, as you will find by reference to his certificate attached to the said Depositions.
These documents furnish I believe, all the Evidence required by your letter of the 8 th of July last and are herewith transmitted to the Pension Office in conformity with your instructions. And I ask, that an order may be issued, directing that the amount due to the said Abigail Richardson on account of her said Pension, granted and continued under the act of Congress of June 17 th 1844 - viz from the 4 th of March, to the 25 th of May 1844 inclusive (two months and twenty one days) may be paid to me, as her only child and sole heir at Law.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant
Seth Hunt

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1143  Elizabeth Richardson  Widow of  Seth Knapp  Westmoreland N.H.
Act: June 1844 Index: Vol. 94 , Page 162
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J. L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions Washington

J. L. Edwards Esqre Com r of Pensions
Walpole N.H. July 14. th 1843
Sir,
Enclosed you have my mother's Declaration, with the Certificate of Judge Vose properly authenticated by Mr Biscoe the Clerk of the Court here. the omission was the effect of inadvertence.
Very Respectfully
Seth Hunt

James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

James L. Edward Esquire Walpole N.H. April 22 1843 Commissioner of Pensions
Sir, Enclosed you have my Mother's declaration in order to entitle her to the one years Pension granted under the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March last.
At your convenience you will please to enclose to me the Warrant of the Secretary of War.
Respectfully Your Obedient
Seth Hunt

Northampton Mass. Sept. 1, 1842
I hereby certify, that there is a Tombstone now standing in the Burial Ground in said Northampton, on which the following words are inscribed.
Here lies interred, the remains of Col. Seth Hunt, who died Dec. 28 th 1779. Aged 31.
Harvey Washburn } town clerk Northampton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire ss I Samuel S. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate in & for said County do hereby certify that Harvey Washburn above named is town clerk of said Northampton and also that he made oath before me as Justice of the Peace that the above certificate subscribed by him is true.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 2 nd day of September 1842. Samuel S. Lyman Reg t of Probate

I find widow's second husband Capt. Joseph Richardson of Keene, N. H. on page 527 & 531. N. H. book Vol 3. Have searched files A. Book, & Reg & also printed list, and fail to find him as a pensioner - he died in Feb. 1820.
O. K. Feb 23 1921
M. Rice.
Not identical with I. 33566. Marp. service and residence and alive in Sept. 1820.

3-342. (Old No. 3-059.)
_____ Div. _____
_____, Ex'r.
_____ No. _____
Department of the Interior,
Co. _____ Reg't _____
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
The above title should be indorsed on every paper relating to this claim.
Washington, D. C., _____, 190_____
SIR :

I hereby certify that Capt. Josiah Richardson, of Keene in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire died on the twenty-fifth day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty as appears by the records of said Town
I depose and say, that I am Town Clerk of the above said Town of Keene, in the County and State aforesaid for the current year, and that the above is a true copy of the record of the death of Capt. Josiah Richardson, as appears on the Towns Book except the date, which is in figures, thus, "25 th of February 1820"
Albert Godfrey
State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss.
September 20 th 1842, Personally appeared Albert Godfrey and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit, by him subscribed
Before me
Levi Chamberlain
Justice of the Peace
State of New Hampshire Cheshire ss.
I Elijah Sawyer Register of the Court of Probate, within and for the said County of Cheshire, hereby certify that Levi Chamberlain is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereunto affix the Seal of said Court this twentieth day of September A.D. 1842.
Elijah Sawyer Reg.

No. 9. I Elisha Porter of Hadley in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts grandson of Genl. Elisha Porter formerly of Hadley aforesaid, and during the Revolutionary War the Colonel of a Regiment commanded by him in the expedition to Canada in the spring of 1776. do hereby certify, that the following list of the officers - noncommissioned officers and soldiers of the company attached to his Regiment commanded by Captain Israel Chapin is a true extract from an original paper now in my possession purporting to be "a list of the names of men in his Regiment now remaining at the Isle aux Noix, June 23. 1776"
Capt. Israel Chapin
Lieut. Seth Hunt
" David White
Ensign Nathl. Sylvester
Sergt. Eliphalet Wright
" John Smith
Corporal Benj. Wells
" Ebenezer Bardwell
Drummer Daniel Strong
Piper Cotton Dickinson
Privates
Oliver Bartlett, Adam Beals, John Frost Ralph Way, Enoch Beals, Oliver Frost Giles White, John Sephson, Samuel Bardwell Joshua Boston, Ephraim Patch, John Baxter Lyman Clark, Spencer Phillips, Nathl. Dickinson Moses Clark, Sylvester Phillips, Benjamin Harris Nathan Strong, Daniel Luddington, Jacob Walker Noah Cook, Tebadiah Miller, Seth Dickinson John Legge, Solomon Scarl, Samuel Gray Joseph Watles, John Brown, John Montague David Graves, David Dewey, Benjamin Durgay Solomon Clapp, Jonathan Clark, Eliab Hubard Alvord Edwards, Levi White Humphrey Richardson, Ephraim Power Henry Jones, Sepe Robbins Lemuel Ellis, Richard Carey
Elisha Porter

Hampshire ss
Sept. 2. 1842 Personally appeared Elisha Porter aforesaid and made solemn oath that the aforementioned certificate by him subscribed is true.
Before me Joseph Smith 2 d Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss. I Samuel S. Symonds Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that Joseph Smith 2 d Esquire before whom the annexed deposition was taken was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within said County of Hampshire duly and regularly appointed and that the signature there to annexed purporting to be his I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this second day of September A.D. 1842.
Sam. S. Symonds Register of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept r 24 1847.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Seth Hunt of Northampton, is borne as Quarters Master on a "Return of the First Company of Foot in the eighth Regiment of Foot in the Continental Army commanded by John Fellows Esq." The Return is dated Dorchester Oct r 7 1775, and signed by the Captain, W m King.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

South Chas. & Secy of the Comm.
Q5
Dear Sir,
Walpole (N.H.)

Nov
Sec. of State
Boston, Sept. 24. 1842.
Dear Sir
I send you a certificate as to the time in years of service but cannot state definitely that the service was for 8 months as there is nothing positive on record to show it. I do know that it is generally understood that when the name is on a roll which is dated as late as October, the Department at Washington construes it to indicate an 8 months' service, unless there be some remark on the roll against the name indicating that the individual's service was for a less time. I presume therefore that will allow an 8 months' service on the certificate. We have no record of the Commission of '75 & 6 - although they probably may be found in Washington. The fact is that very many of the rolls of the Revolution (possibly at least one third) are either not in existence or in the hands of descendants to offer. We are constantly receiving the rolls from the hands of private individuals. Many  Many things were done in those days in a hasty & irregular manner to meet the emergency

-cies, which were constantly turning up, until no pains seem to have been taken till long after the war of rebellion began the roll remaining in the hands of officers. In the mean time, thousands of them were lost, or destroyed as being useless, for until a full reorganization after the war, the pension system was not activated  enacted of benefit to.
If you can get any one of your members of Congress to interest himself in your case & to leave the papers at Washington for some friend to look something out which might be found.
I am sorry I have nothing more satisfactory to send you.
Respectfully Yours S. P. Hildreth
Mr. Hunt

State of New York
Ottawio County ss. Nathan Strong being duly sworn deposes and says that he is eighty nine years of age last July and that he now resides in the town of Prattsburgh in the County of Steuben in the State aforesaid - This deponent further says he was born in the town of Northampton in the State of Massachusetts and resided in that town at the commencement of the Revolutionary War and this deponent further says that he was personally and intimately acquainted with Seth Hunt of the said town of Northampton and son of Deacon Ebenezer Hunt -
This deponent further says that in the spring of 1776 this deponent enlisted into the company commanded by Capt Israel Chapin and that the aforesaid Seth Hunt was a lieutenant in the said company and that the said company marched to Wormwood Newbee & was there in March or April of that year and that this deponent and the aforesaid Seth Hunt retreated with the American army to Lake Champlain & from thence the company of the said Chapin was detached to the State of New Jersey and that this deponent distinctly recollects that the said Seth Hunt was there through the campaign of that year and returned to Northampton in the winter following. This deponent further says that he thinks the said Seth Hunt died shortly after or within a year or two. This deponent further says that he is at this time & has been for a number of years past a pensioner of the United States.
Nathan Strong

I certify the within affidavit Signed by Nathan Strong who subscribed and sworn to before me the 5 th day of September 1842 Calvin H. Luther Jr.
State of New York }
Ontario County Clerks Office. S. Thomas Hall. Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Calvin H. Luther Esqr before whom the within affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly elected, qualified, and authorized to take the same and that his signature to the foregoing — certificate is his genuine hand writing —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 6 th day of September 1842
Thomas Hall. Clerk

I Thomas Lyman of Northampton, in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts a Soldier of the Revolution and now a pensioner, in the Eighty sixth year of my age, depose and say that I personally knew Colonel Seth Hunt formerly of Northampton aforesaid and many years since deceased and that I belonged to the same company in which he was a volunteer in the year 1775 commanded by Capt Jonathan Allen. We marched together to Cambridge in said Massachusetts where we joined the Main Army and I am very confident that said Seth Hunt served in the vicinity of Boston during the Summer of 1775 although I returned after a few weeks to said Northampton and I am also perfectly satisfied that he remained there until he went with the forces ordered from that vicinity into Canada for the purpose of attacking Quebec, and I have good reason to believe that said Seth Hunt after the retreat of the American Army from before Quebec was stationed upon Lake Champlain for the defence of the Northern frontier and I then understood and verily believe that he continued there in service as a Lieutenant until some time in the year 1777 and although I was not present with the said Seth Hunt in the aforesaid expedition into Canada and his subsequent service on Lake Champlain, I am nevertheless certain of the fact of his having rendered such service from repeated conversations with him after his return home to said Northampton as well as from information derived from various others engaged with him in the same arduous service.
Sept 1. 1842.
Thos Lyman
Hampshire ss Sept 1 A.D. 1842 Personally appeared Thomas Lyman above named and made oath that the above affidavit subscribed by him in my presence is true -
Before me
Harvey Kirkland Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cambridge ss. I, Samuel F. Symon Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Cambridge, do hereby certify that Harvey Kirkland Esquire before whom the foregoing deposition was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly and regularly appointed and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this first day of September A.D. 1842.
Sam F. Symon Register of Probate

No 7.
I Lemuel Bates of Southampton in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a pensioner of the United States, being in the eighty eighth year of my age do testify and say, that I entered the service of the United States, as a private soldier, from Northampton where I then resided, in the month of April 1775, and marched to Cambridge and attached myself to a Company, commanded by Captain Jonathan Allen raised at Northampton. That I well remember that Mr. Seth Hunt of said Northampton, afterwards known as Colonel Hunt, accompanied me to Cambridge, where he joined the service, as a Lieutenant, or Quartermaster of the Regiment commanded by Col. Hellows. We were stationed at Cambridge, Roxbury & Dorchester until the month of September, when I left the camp in the expedition to Canada under General Arnold, when I was taken prisoner in the assault upon Quebec. During the time I remained with the troops near Boston I am certain that said Hunt did duty as Quartermaster but was generally called Lieutenant Hunt. I further testify that I afterwards understood that said Seth Hunt, in the winter following, went with the troops into Canada as a Lieutenant in a company commanded by Captain Israel Chapin, attached to Col. Porter's Regiment, and I distinctly recollect hearing the said Hunt

after his return, narrate many of the circumstances of the disastrous expedition into Canada and the retreat from Quebec - and he fully believes that during that service he acted as a Lieutenant, but is unable to state how long he served or the exact time that he returned from the service.
Samuel Bates
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire. On this first day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty-two, the aforesaid deponent was examined and cautioned & sworn to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed. Taken for the purpose of being used in an application of Abigail Richardson, of Walpole in the State of New Hampshire, now widow of Isaiah Richardson Esq. deceased, and formerly wife & widow of the said Seth Hunt, for a pension from the Government of the United States, for services performed by her first husband, the said Hunt, in the Army of the Revolution, under the acts of Congress in relation to that subject. And that is the cause of taking this deposition.
And I further certify that Samuel Bates, the aforesaid deponent, is a credible witness, and of sound mind & memory.
Nathaniel Birge, Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss.
I Samuel P. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that Asahel Berge Esquire before whom the annexed deposition was taken was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County duly and regularly appoin- -ted and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his I know to be genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this first day of September A. D. 1842 Sam. P. Lyman Regt of Probate

State of New Hampshire No 3
County of Grafton ss. On this 5 th day of September 1842. Personally appeared before me Sarah A. Bell Judge of Probate for the County of Grafton and State of New Hampshire. Thomas Bellows by me in the 80 th year of his age and Mrs Mary Linsley formerly Mary Bellows in the 78 th year of her age widows both of Wolfpole in the County of Grafton aforesaid. Brothers and Sisters to Mrs Abigail Richardson late of Keene in the said County and State but now of said Wolfpole widows of Captain Jacob Richardson of said Keene deceased, formerly Abigail Bellows and the wife and widows of Colonel Seth Hunt of Nashua in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, who died on the 25 th day of December 1779.
The said Thomas and Mary being first duly sworn, do testify and declare, that the said Sister Abigail Bellows was married to the said Colonel Seth Hunt by the Reverend Thomas Popenken then the minister of said Wolfpole at the House of then mother Mrs Mary Bellows widows of Colonel Benjamin Bellows deceased, and that they were present and witnessed the marriage ceremony which took place as aforesaid on the 28 th day of March 1779. The said Thomas and Mary do further testify and declare that they were acquainted with the said Seth Hunt, that they first knew him at the House of their father Colonel Benjamin Bellows.

in Walpole, dressed in March or April 1775 and afterwards at the House of their mother Mary Bellows in 1778 and again in March 1779 at the time of his marriage to their sister Abigail before mentioned - and the said Thomas & Mary do also testify and declare that they made a visit to the said Israel Seth Hunt at Northampton in the month of August 1779, and that the said Mary Hunt stayed there seven or eight weeks, with her sister Mrs. Abigail Hunt - and they said de- ponents say that they heard and believe that the said Israel Hunt entered the Military ser- vice of the United States in April 1775, soon after the battle of Lexington and they suppose that he was a Lieutenant, as he was called Lieutenant Hunt and they are under the impression that he continued in service until some time in the year 1777, but they are unable to fix the time when he retired from service or to state to what company or regiment he was attached.
The said Thomas & Mary further testify & declare that they were also present at the marriage of their sister Abigail to her second husband Captain John Richman of Keene that the said marriage was solemnized on the 17 th day of April 1782 at the House of their mother Mrs. Mary Bellows, by the Reverend Thomas Patten before mentioned and

Thomas Bellows testified that he attended the funeral of Captain Isaac Richardson who died in the month of February 1820.
And further the Deponents say not.
Thomas Bellows
Mary Kinsley
View the foregoing checkered 3p. September 5 th 1842. The afore- Thomas Bellows & Mary Kinsley this day ap- peared before me and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed in my presence is true to the best of their recollection and belief.
Larkin Baker Judge of Probate
State of New Hampshire, Cheshire County ss.
I Elijah Sawyer Register of the Court of Probate, in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Larkin Baker is Judge of the Court of Probate, in & for said County of Cheshire, that he was duly commissioned and qualified in the month of Novem- ber last past, and that he still officiates as such. And that his signature above written is gen- uine.
Given under my hand and seal of said Court , this ninth day of September A.D. 1842. Elijah Sawyer Register.

Mount Linton St. John's Newfoundland Sept 21st 1776 Fort Independence Lake Champlain

Mount Independence 26. Sept. 1776
Dear Brother -
I now acquaint you I am in better Health much, than when Mr Dickinson left this - tho I still have the Fever & Ague but much lighter than at first, hope soon the Fits will break, - I recd Capt. Bonney the Begg of Rattles, they come safe & good, for which our Miss & all our Folks, humbly thank you & Sister - two p. of homemade worsted Stockings, (for I suppose others can't be procured) I spoke to Dickinson to have you send me 1 st first Off. I want them very much. Now I have none, - but only one one Fortnight it's my Opinion, determines whether our Enemies come this Year or not, we are pretty well prepared for them, & the greatest part of us wish to see them on our own Grounds and - we have of five Schooners & Sloops armed sixteen or Eighteen Gun delos down the Lake, of which Genl. Arnold has the Command, we have here that will be ready to sail in five Days three Row Galleys, that mount twelve Guns, each, 24 lb . 18 lb . & 12 lb . - which when joined the others, we have sanguine Hopes of comm. of the Lakes, by a letter from Genl. Arnold three Days ago. we are informed Burgoyne has two Ships built, one of 20. one of 16 Guns besides some small Craft, by a Despatch from them, we are informed they have not more than 7000, in their Army, as far up as St. Johns & Isle au Haut, we have in our Army here, as per the victualling Returns, upwards of 21000 tho a vast many sick, but are in genl. upon the gaining Hand but very slow - in haste I present my Duty to my hon. Parents, my affec t Regards to Brother & Sisters. & subscribe myself your greatly obliged loving Brother
John Brown
Compliments to Miss Peggy - & all Friends -

New Hampshire  Conera
Abigail Richardson formerly widow of Veth Hunt, who was a Dr. Master in the N. Hampshire law Mass Jan 7 mo 88 93
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 25 6/10 Dollars & 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of Nov r 1843 and sent to Veth Hunt Reene A. He.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4 Vol. 1 Page 20
Nov 4

4815
Reported, Letter to S. Hunt, 8 th July 1843
New Hampshire Abigail Richardson, formerly widow of
Seth Hunt dec d , who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 28 Dec. 1799 of Cheshire in the State of N.H. who was a Drummajor in the Comp commanded by Captain Chapin of the Regt commanded by Col  in the N.H. line for 7 mts. 8 days Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of Concord N.H. at the rate of 25 C. Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of Oct. 1842 and sent to Seth Hunt, Walpole, N.H.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841, Semi-annual allowance ending Oct. 23 rd 1842
$1284.40 [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Miss Moody Clerk Book A Vol. 1 Page 53

704

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County } ss. On this 22 d day of April 1843. Personally appeared before The Honorable Frederick Rose a Justice of the Peace throughout the State of New Hampshire Abigail Richardson a resident of Walpole in the County of Cheshire, widow, aged Eighty four years, on the 14 th day of January last who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following de- claration, in order to obtain the benefits of the Provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d day of March 1843. Granting Pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. The said Abigail declares that she is the widow of Captain Joseph Richardson late of Keene in the County of state aforesaid, deceased & that she claims a pension for one year from the said 3 d of March 1843 on account of the military services ren- dered by her first husband Colonel Seth Hunt of North Hampton in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who served in the three first years of the Revolutionary War. Viz. Eight months in the year 1775. from April to the 31 st of Dec r as Quarters Master of the Regiment commanded by Colonel Fellows stationed in the vicinity of Boston and also in the expedition into Canada early in the winter of 1776. as first Lieutenant of Captain Israel Chaplin's Company, which was the second Company in Colonel

Elisha Pates Regiment, that he was in the disastrous retreat from Quebec in the Spring & continued in service on Lake Champlain during the Autumn Summer of 1776 & marched from thence into New Jersey & retired from the service from ill health some time in the Winter or Spring of 1777 as will appear by reference to the Evidence on file in the Pension Office at Washington upon which Evidence he was allowed five years Pension under the acts of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 & the 16 th of August 1842, at the rate of two Hundred and forty six Dollars, and a little over per annum - which said five years Pension, was paid to her Attorney at Concord in the State of New Hampshire in October last, by John George Gagne, the then United States Pension Agent, upon the warrant of the Secretary of War.
The said Abigail Richardson further de- clares that she is still a Widow.
Abigail Richardson
Sworn to and subscribed on the 22 d day of April 1843, by the said Abigail Richardson, known to me to be the person represented and described in the foregoing declaration. The great age & infirmities of Mrs Richardson is the reason of her declaration not being sworn to in open Court but at her own House.
Frederick Vose Justice of the Peace.

Cheshire Co
State of New-Hampshire
Superior Court of Judicature
The undersigned Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for the aforesaid County of Cheshire hereby certifies that Frederick Rose is a Justice of the Peace.
throughout said State of New-Hampshire duly qualified and commissioned according to law, and that his signature as before and within written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Superior Court of Judicature this fourteenth day of July A.D. 1843.
Levi Wood. Clerk.

The undersigned Thomas Bellows aged eighty one years last September and Mary Hunt aged eighty nine years last October, the Brother and Sister of Abigail Richardson Widow lately deceased, both inhabitants of Walpole in the County of Cheshire & State of New- Hampshire, do testify and declare, that they were present at the funeral of their said Sister Abigail Richardson who died on Saturday the 25 th day of May last at Walpole of residence. That they have understood and very much believe that the said Abigail Richardson was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of March 3 rd 1843 & other previous acts, which Pension was granted to her, on account of the military services which her first husband Seth Hunt of Massachusetts rendered during the Revolutionary War. And the said Thomas and Mary, do also testify and declare, that Seth Hunt the son of the said Abigail Rich- ardson, now a resident of said Walpole, is well known to them, and they know that he was the only child of the said Seth Hunt & Abigail his wife, who was afterward and at the time of her death Abigail Richardson, widow of Captain Josiah Richardson of Keene deceased, and the said Thomas & Mary, do further testify and declare, that the said Seth Hunt was born on the 19 th day of August 1779 & that he was the only surviv- ing

being child of her at law of the said Abigail Barker the never having had with one child by her second husband the said Abigail Barker which child died in infancy in the summer of 1785. In testimony of the truth of the foregoing declaration, the said Thomas Bellows, and Mary Kinsley, have hereunto subscribed their names, this 15th day of July 1844. Sealed before me this 15th day of July 1844 by me Thomas Bellows Mary Kinsley
State of New Hampshire Christian p. July 15. 1844. Personally ap- peared the above named Thomas Bellows and Mary Kinsley, and made solemn oath that the foregoing affidavit by them subscribed is just and true. Before me Frederick Dorr Justice of the Peace
I certify that the said Thomas Bellows & Mary Kinsley, who are both well known to me, are credible witnesses. Frederick Dorr Justice of the Peace

No. 2.
The Deponent Seth Hunt of Nashua in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire, aged sixty four years on the 29 th day of August last. doth testify and declare, that he was the only child of Seth & Abigail Hunt of Nottingham Massachussetts, that after the death of his said father Seth Hunt, who died in December 1779, his said mother was married in April 1782, to Captain Josiah Richardson of Keene New Hampshire, who died in February 1820, and the said Deponent doth also testify and declare, that his said mother had but one child by her marriage with the said Josiah Richardson, that he will remember the death of the said child, which died in infancy in the Summer of 1785. and further, that at the time of the death of his said mother Abigail Richardson, which happened on Saturday the 25 th day of May last, he was her only surviving child at Law - that he acted as her agent in procuring the testimony upon which the pension of $256.88 per annum, was granted to her under the acts of Congress of July 1838 & August 1842 for five years, which pension was continued & paid to her for one year under the act of Congress of the 3 rd of March 1843 - the same having been granted to her, on account of the military services of her first husband Seth Hunt, rendered during the Revolutionary War - and the

Said Deponent further declares, that his said Mother Abigail Richardson Wilson deceased, was if she still living, would be entitled to the said Pension of $250.00 per annum under the act of Congress of the 17 th of June 1844 extending until granting pensions to certain widows of Officers and soldiers of the Revolution, for four years from the 4 th day of March 1844. And the Deponent as the only surviving child and heir at law of his said Mother Abigail Richardson, claims and is entitled to have allowed to him, that portion of the said Pension granted to her by the aforesaid act of Congress of the 17 th of June 1844 that accrued and was due to her from the 4 th day of March to the 26 th day of May 1844, the day on which she died viz for two months and twenty one days.
In testimony of the truth of the foregoing declarations, the Deponent hath hereunto set his hand and subscribed his name, this 25 th day of July 1844.
J. H. Hunt
State of New Hampshire Chatham July 15. 1844. Personally appeared the above named Betsy Hunt, who is well known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavit by her attested described in just and true. Before me, Judson Forb Justice of the Peace

No 3.
To all, whom it may concern.
I hereby certify, that, on the 26th. day of May A.D. 1844, I officiated at the Funeral of Maria Abigail Richardson, who died the 25th. day of the same month, aged eighty five years, four months and twelve days.
Walpole N.H. July 13. 1844.
Abraham Jackson, Pastor of the Orthodox Chh. in Walpole.
Recorded July 13 th A.D. 1844. By,
William Ruggles Town Clerk.
I William Ruggles Clerk of the Town of Walpole, New Hampshire, certify, that, the foregoing is a true copy of the records of the town of Walpole.
A true copy of Records.
William Ruggles Town Clerk.
Attest:
William Ruggles Town Clerk.
State of New Hampshire
Cheshire ss. July 15. 1844. Personally appeared William Ruggles & made oath that the foregoing certificate by him subscribed is true.
Before me Theodore P. Br., Justice of the Peace.

I certify that the aforesaid Seth Hunt is a credible witness.
Fredrick Voss, Justice of the Peace.
date is J C in e of v to the - to -
W. C. ...

State of New Hampshire. Cheshire County ss.
Be it remembered that at a Court of Probate held at Keene in and for said County on the first Tuesday of August A.D. 1844, upon the application of Seth Hunt of Walpole in the County aforesaid it was proved in open Court to the full satisfaction of the Judge of said Court, that Abigail Richardson, late of said Walpole was a Revolutionary Pensioner, that she died on the twenty fifth day of May A.D. 1844, was the Widow of Capt. Josiah Richardson late of Keene, deceased, and that Seth Hunt aforesaid, is the only child of the said Abigail Richardson living at the time of the decease of the said Abigail, and that he is still living, and also that the said Abigail prior to her marriage with the said Josiah Richardson was the widow of Seth Hunt, deceased.
In testimony whereof I Elijah Sawyer Register of the said Court of Probate, hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 7th day of August A.D. 1844.
Elijah Sawyer Reg.

hpt 30 1842 P.O. SEP 27 1842 N.H. Hunt
FREE
John D. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington
answered Oct 3, 1842

James D. Edward Dole Pension Office
Walpole N.H. Sept 26. 1842
Sir, The papers which you caused to be enclosed to me at that time since, were duly received. The death of almost all of my father, Revolutionary Compatriots renders it some what difficult to obtain all the evidence that may be required to prove the length of the service, which he rendered during the three first years of the Revolution. It is certain however, that he (with the Regiment of Northampton Massachusetts) immediately after the receipt of the news of the battle of Lexington, marched to Cambridge (which was then head Quarters of the American Army) as a Volunteer in company with Captain Kings Company, which was attached to Colonel Mellores Regiment of which he was appointed Quartermaster. That he served in that capacity during the summer, autumn & into the winter of that year, for which he was awarded  accommodated & mon this as is Officially certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this service he has the most inimitable testimony. In Dec 1775 or January 1776. My father, then said to be the Wm. Hunt, was appointed first Lieutenant of the Company which Israel Chaplin was Captain, which Company constituted one of the Companies which formed the Regiment commanded by Colonel Elisha Porter which Regiment constituted a part of the force ordered into winter to reinforce the American Army.

For against Quebec - he was in the disaster in retreat from Canada, in March or April 1776 - was at Ike au Noir the 23 d of June following, as appears from the Muster Roll of Peter's Regiment. At that date, in company of his friends Mr. Cluett 'Peter's Battery' - he continued in Lake Cham- plain during the summer & autumn of that year & until the Regiment was detached to reinforce the American Army in New York, where he served until he retired from service on account of ill health for a time in the year 1777 but the evidence which I have as yet obtained does not show the exact time when my father returned to Northampton, but the witness generally concurs in testifying that he served until some time in the year 1778 in all, as is believed, over two years.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has furnished me with an official extract of my father's service in 1775 as "Deputy Muster" of Colonel Galloway's Regiment, but he informs me that the Rolls of Peter's Regiment are still at the Pension Office and are not likely to be returned. Under these circumstances I am constrained, in order to ascertain the length of time which my father served as a Lieutenant or Captain of Colonel Galloway's Company in Peter's Regiment, to request that you will cause the Rolls of the said Regiment to be examined and to furnish me with a certificate, etc.

time when his business ended & he returned home, this point being established the whole time which he served from the latter part of April 1775 until his final leaving the service in 1777 will at once be clearly ascertained as his health never afterward was sufficiently re- established to enable him to again.
Soliciting the favor of your early reply.
I am most Respectfully Your Obedient
Seth Hunt
h sent letter 4/2

James D Edwards Esquire Walpole N.H. Septembe 28 1842 Commissioner of Pensions
Sir Having acquired all the evidence likely to be obtained here in proof of the Military services rendered by my father Col Seth Hunt of Northampton Massachusetts in the early years of the Revolutionary war for and on account of which my Mother Mrs Abigail Richardson claims a pension, in virtue of the acts of Congress 1836 & 1838 and the act amending thereof, approved the 28 th of August 1842 - I have concluded to transmit the same without further delay together with my Mother's declaration, to which I beg leave to ask your early attention, trusting that you will find among the Rolls of Pates Regiment or the private Reports of Captain Israel Chapin second Company said Regiment, in possession of the War Department, all the proof requisite to show the full time which he served in 1776 and 1777.
Dueing to the long lapse of time, very few of my father's Compatriots who can testify to his services are living and of the ancient inhabitants of Northampton Massachusetts, who were his neighbors and contemporaries, not many survive and all whom I have seen or enquired of although they recollect him well, and remember that he served in the Army during the early years of the Revolutionary war - there is not one, excepting those whose depositions are transmitted herewith, who feels able to testify to the length of time that he served or to the exact period when he returned home to Northampton. Nevertheless, the evidence transmitted will I trust be found quite sufficient to establish the following as facts - viz. That the said Seth Hunt my mother's first husband, entered the service in April 1775 as a volunteer and that he was actively employed from

that time, until sometime in the year 1777. First It is I think clearly proved, that the said Seth Hunt was actually employed during the summer and autumn of 1775 - in the vicinity of Boston, at Roxbury and Dorchester, from the latter part of April of that year - that he was attached to Captain William Henry's Company and that he acted in the capacity of Quarter Master of the Eighth Regiment in the Continental Army, commanded by Colonel John Fellows and that he continued in the vicinity of Boston until he was appointed first Lieutenant of the Company whereof Israel Chapin was Captain. In proof, see the letter and Certificate of John P. Bigelow Esquire Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, herewith - marked Nos 11 & 12. also the Depositions of Mr Lemuel Bates of Southampton & Mr Thomas Lyman of Northampton Soldiers of the Revolution and now Pensioners of the United States, marked Nos 7 & 8.
Secondly There is not a doubt that the said Seth Hunt was first Lieutenant of the Company whereof Israel Chapin of Hatfield was Captain, which Company was the second Company in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Elisha Porter of Hadley and constituted a part of the force ordered into Canada in January or February 1776. to reinforce the American Army employed for the reduction of Quebec. In proof that he accompanied said Expedition - was in the disastrous retreat of the American forces out of Canada in March or April of that year and that he continued in the service on Lake Champlain at Isle au Noix and Mount Independence during the summer and autumn of 1776 and until the Regiment or Company to which he was attached was detached and marched

to join the American Army in New Jersey - In proof see the deposition of Mr. Eliza Pater of Hadley marked N o 9 - containing an abstract from the Roll of his Grandfather Colonel Eliza Pater's Regiment, dated at New Haven June 23 d 1775 - The letter of the said Seth Hunt, to his brother Doctor Ebenezer Hunt of Northampton deceased, dated at Mount Independence 21. September 1776. Marked N o 1 - Also the Deposition of the afore- said Lemuel Bates, & Thomas Lyman and of Nathan Strong formerly of Northampton aforesaid but now of Poughkeepsie in the State of New York who was a private in Captain Israel Chapin's Company now a pensioner of the U. States.
Lastly that the said Seth Hunt late in the Autumn of 1776 or in the Winter of 1777, was detached with the said Chapin's Company & with the Regiment to which he belonged to the State of New Jersey - where he continued to serve until he was discharged & returned home to Northampton in the Winter or Spring of 1777 - In proof see Mrs. Abigail Richardson's Declaration enclosed & the Deposition of the aforesaid Thomas Lyman & Nathan Strong.
My Mother is confident, that if the whole period of my father's service had not exceeded, that it was very little short of two years viz - some- thing over eight months in 1775 - 12 months or the entire of the year 1776 & several months in 1777. in all about twenty four months, but the accuracy of this estimate, will I conclude be fully ascertained by you, on reference to the Rolls of Pater's Regiment & the separate Report of Captain Israel Chapin, should it turn out, as intimated in the Deposition of Mr.

Nathan Strong, that his Company and not the entire of Porter's Regiment was detached & marched to New Jersey. evidence of all all which will clearly be from the letter of Mr Secretary Bigelow befound in the Archives of the Department of War, to which I respectfully refer you. -
Hoping soon to have the pleasure and satis- faction, to announce to my aged and infirm parent, the pleasing information, that her long deferred claim upon the justice and beneficence of the nation, is allowed.
I am Sir most Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Seth Hunt
P.S. I am confident, from all the information that I have been enabled to collect, that there was no interruption from active service on the part of my father, from the time that he entered the service Army in April 1775. to the time that he finally retired therefrom in New Jersey in the Spring of 1777. - all the old people con- cur in the confident opinion of my Mother, that my father, as soon as he received his Commission as Lieutenant of Chapin's Company was employed in obtaining recruits, in drilling the men and in making the necessary preparations for the Canada Campaign.
It will relieve me most from anxiety, for the safety of this letter & the accompanying Documents if you will cause their receipt to be acknow- ledged -