Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3,599, for John F Radloff, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Navy
Radloff, John F Sarah
N. 3,599
Miss. Residence and Agency
CONTENTS

2210 Massachusetts Sarah Radloff Si =3599 widow of John F. Radloff
who died on the 9 th June 1808 of Bristol Co., in the State of Massachusetts who was a Surgeon in the Frigate commanded by Captain Whipple of the ————— commanded by R J in the U.S. Navy line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 360 Dollars ————— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Increased to $300 —————
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of May 1844 and sent to J. Ray Present,
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
(3599)
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk. Book C. Vol. 1, Page 6.
Reported to P.M. Agt. See Letter Set Sam l Morse 8 Oct 1850

Rehoboth Town Clarke office, September 20 th 1836. I hereby certify that it appears from the records in this office, that John Frederic Radloff was Married to Sarah Medbury, on the seventh day of December, A.D. 1780, duly examined by me -
Cyrus M. Wheaton Town Clerk
Bristol ss Rehoboth Sept 20 th 1836 -
Personally appeared before me the above named Cyrus M. Wheaton, known to me as town clerk of Rehoboth & made oath the above certificate is true & correct -
Before me James Bliss Justice of the Peace Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss. I, James Sprague, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that James Bliss Esq., whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty six - J. Sprague

Sarah Radloff
X 746. 3. sec.
Sarah Radloff
Widow of John F
Radloff
Married 1780.
Allows $300 per ann.
no deduction —
Unltd State Mary Surgeon 2 years
Dr Bloome Present

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol ss
On this first day of November A.D. 1836 personally appeared in open court being the Court of Probate within and for said County & a Court of Record Sarah Radloff a resident in Seekonk in said County aged 78 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Provision of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 that she is the widow of John who Radloff was a Surgeon during the war of the Revolution for more than four years that in the month of December 1777 or about that time the said John was appointed a surgeon to the Frigate Providence a vessel of war in the service of the United States & under the command of Commodore Abraham Whipple, but his commission is lost, but the documents hereto annexed signed by said Abraham will shew the appointment - Said Frigate was then lying in Providence River & was bound on a voyage to France. That in the spring of 1778 said Frigate sailed on her destined voyage & fought her way through the British Fleet, which then had the control of Newport Harbour & the waters of Narragansett Bay, & proceeded to France where she lay remained several months & then returned to the United States and arrived in Boston in November of said year. Said Frigate then made several other cruises during that & the following year, when she was ordered to go to the relief of Charleston South Carolina. In the spring of 1780 said Frigate was captured & her said husband was made prisoner & continued a prisoner until the close of the war in 1783 he was never exchanged as she has understood & believes & more especially from the fact that he received his wages until peace. After his capture as aforesaid, in Charleston he came home on a parole of honor, which parole she has often seen but is now lost. That she was married to the said John on the 7th day of December A.D. 1780 & her said husband the said John died on the 13th day

of September A.D. 1888 & that she has remained unmarried ever since that wherefore she requests that the pension which her said husband might have had under the act of June 7th 1832 may be extended to her—
Sarah Radloff
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written —
Before Oliver Prescott } Judge of the Court } of Probate for said } County of Bristol
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County ss. —
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate for said County, do hereby certify that Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in the County aforesaid is the Judge of the Court of Probate for said County of Bristol, and that the signature to the above cer- tificate purporting to be his, is genuine —
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Probate, this first day of November Eighteen hundred and thirty six — A Bassett
N.B. The word "frequently" on the opposite page was erased by my order. I heard him say after his marriage he was a prisoner of war but I can't say "frequently" — Nathaniel Viall

Massachusetts 2210
Sarah Radloff
widow of John F. Radloff dec d
who died in the month of June 1808 of Bristol Co in the State of Mass a
who was a Surgeon in the Fugate commanded by Captain Whipple of the _____ commanded by _____ in the U S Navy line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a
at the rate of 300 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of July 1838 and sent Benj n Cowell Present
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $2100.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept r " 150.00
$2250.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 58

Massachusetts D. 210
Sarah Hadloff
widow of John F. Hadloff Recd.
who died in the month of June 1808 of Bristol Co in the State of Massa who was a Surgeon in the Frigate commanded by Captain N. B. Dike of the by in the U. S. Navy line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of MASSA at the rate of 300 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of August 1838 and sent Benjn Howell Providence R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1838 $2.100.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1/ Sept. 150.00
2250.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd }
Recorded by N. H. Addison Clerk, Book 4 Vol. 2. Page 8
Letter to Honorable Joseph Grinnell, Mar. 30 th 1844— Letter to A. Ray 22. April 1844

June 24 1902 Susan J. S. Fisk Pawtucket R. I.
Rev Widow File No. 2599 Sarah Radloff wid John F. Radloff Surgeon - U. S. Navy — — — — — Rev. War

Payment to be made at Boston Mass a by Franklin Warren Esq Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Massachusetts
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 4 Vol. 2 Page 58 by H. H. Addison
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Sarah Radloff of Massachusetts widow of John F Radloff deceased who was a Surgeon in the Navy of the Revolution is entitled to receive Three hundred dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 22 nd 6 th day of July August, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-Eight
Examined and Countersigned.

W
2210

I John Warner of Coventry formerly quarter gunner on board the Frigate Providence under the command of Abraham Whipple, do further testify & say as to the services of John F. Raeloff & also as to his grade. Said John was our prin- cipal Surgeon on board, or first Doctor - He was first and Jacob Stoddard was his mate - there was another Doctor who was his Yeoman or tender - his name I have forgotten, as I have before stated we were together a number of years until our capture at Charleston South Carolina in the Spring of 1860 -
John Warner
Kent Is.
In Coventry August 1-1838 -
personally appeared before me the above named John John Warner and made oath to the above affidavit by him signed - and I also certify said John is a credible witness - Asahel Johnson Justice of the Peace

I George Field of Cranston in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations do further testify and say as to the services of John H. Radloff. The husband of Sarah Radloff his widow - as I before testified said John was Surgeon on board the Frigate Providence Abraham Whipple Commander, and it was always my impression and I so understood it that he was the principal or first Surgeon on board. My impression is that Jacob Stoddard was Surgeons mate.
George Field
Providence ss In Providence this thirtieth day of July 1888. Personally came the above named George Field and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement and at the same time subscribed the same in my presence. And I further certify that said Field is personally known to me and is a credible witness. Before me
Henry L Bowen Justice Peace.

State of Rhode Island &c.
Secretary's office August 2, 1838
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State held on the first Wednesday of May last, Henry S. Bowen was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Providence in the county of Providence for one year.
That in June last, Asahel Johnson was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Coventry in the county of Kent, until the first Wednesday in May next, and have been severally commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, That the name, " HENRY BOWEN, " to the aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law : Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed, at Provi- dence, this second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight and of Independence the sixty- third
Wm Sprague
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

Washington City
Feby. 17 th 1844
Sir
I enclose a declaration made by M rs Sarah Rad- loff of Lukewick, Mass. claiming an increase of her present Pension under Act of 4 th July 1836. on account of her deceased husband's revolutionary services as a Surgeon, to which I ask your attention
With great respect &c - Jos. Grinnell
J. L. Edwards Esq r . Comm r of Pensions

Isaac Radcliff
Payment to be made at Boston Mass a
by Franklin Warren Esq.
Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of
Massachusetts
Increase to $360 per an
Send cut: to
A. Ray
Present
Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book A Vol. 2 o
Page 58 by N. N. Addison
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Sarah Radloff of Massachusetts widow of John J. Radloff dec d who was a Surgeon in the Navy of the Revolution is entitled to receive Three hundred dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 6th day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight
Examined and Countersigned. §

Washington Ap. 19. 184
Sir,
In the case of Sarah Radcliff of Massachusetts interested to my charge for an increase of pension under act of the 4 July 1836. You state in a letter to the Hon ble . Joseph Brinsell now before me, under date of the 30 th ulto.
"She is now in the receipt of a full pension of a Naval Pension, as established by the resolution of Congress in Nov. 1776. establishing the pay of the Navy viz. twenty five dollars per month."
By the resolution above referred to, a surgeon of a ship of 20 guns and upward was allowed 25 00 a month and a surgeon of a ship under 20 guns $21. 32 a month.
But it appears, that the allowance of pay, to a surgeon of a ship of 20 guns and upward was found inadequate: and under the resolution of the 16 th of July following, the pay of surgeons was increased, so as, to be equal to that of a Lieutenant of a vessel to which they shall respectively belong.
John F. Radcliff. was a surgeon on board the ship Providence commanded by Capt. Abraham Whipple of 28 guns. a Lieutenant of this class of vessels received $30 per mo. and under the resolution of the 16 July 1777. a surgeon was entitled to receive the same pay. under which, the widow asserts her claim to an increase. It is hoped the resolution referred to will be sufficient for the Department to grant the increase asked.
J. L. Edwards for Com d of Pension
I am Your obed Serv Alex. Ray

Providence August 2, 1838
Sir,
In a conversation with you when I was in the Pension Office last month, respecting the claim of Mrs Radloff, widow of John D Radloff - you observed, that some further testimony was wanting to shew, that he was the chief or principal Surgeon on board the frigate Providence. The amended affidavits of John Warner & George Field are herewith enclosed which I presume will be satisfactory on that point. As this was all the objection to the

claims (the other having been re- moved) as it has been pending for some time permit me to request that a certificate may be granted without further delay -
I am very respectfully your dist d Serv t Benjamin Lorde
J. L. Edwards Esq.

I Josiah Medbury of Seekonk in the County of Bristol, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, being now in the City of Providence on oath do testify & say that I was born Sept 11, 1766, & always lived in said Seekonk in that part of the town which was taken from Rehoboth & made a separate town. I have a distinct re- collection that when the Frigate Providence lay in Providence river, bound on a cruise in the year 1777, being then about thirteen years of age. I have a distinct re- collection also that Doctor John T. Radcliff was then Surgeon on board said ship & that he used frequently come on shore to my father's house & as I supposed then paid his addresses to my Sister Sarah, whom he afterwards married. I have also a clear recollection that when

said Fiyote was taken in Charleston South Carolina, in the Spring of 1780 that said Radloff returned home a prisoner of war. I remember he said, he bought a home in Charleston & made all the way home, & was married soon after. I have a distinct recollection that he was permitted to come home on his parole and I believe he continued a prisoner of war, until peace, & drew his wages until then - If he had been exchanged I should have been made ac- quainted with it, as the said Sarah was my sister -                      Josiah Medbery
Residence In City of Providence
July 12 1837
Sworn to & Subscribed before me and I further certify that said Josiah is personally well known to me & he is a credible witness
Benjamin Lowell G. H. C. Phos

April 23 1844
Sarah Radloff
James A. G. Jones Esq.
Conni? of Portland
Washington

Washington April 23. 1844
Sir,
In compliance with your letter of yesterday's date: in the case of Sarah Radloff of Massachusetts. I now enclose her pension certificate made out 1836. at the rate of $300 per annum. That a new one may issue for an increase at the rate of $360 per annum.
I am very respectfully Your mover.
On her
Also. may
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions

North Rehoboth Sept: 30th. 1850.
Dear Sir,
I send this communication to you at the request of Mrs. Sarah Radloff, the Pensioner afore named. She relies upon the evidence which was produced to establish her claim to a pension, and which, I suppose, is now in your department. From the best information I have been able to obtain, her late husband, John Frederic Radloff, was a native of Germany, a Surgeon in Burgoyne's army, and was made prisoner of war, when Burgoyne surrendered in Oct: 1777. He entered on board the frigate Providence of twenty eight guns, Capt. Abraham Whipple in December 1777 as Surgeon's Mate, he was afterwards promoted to be chief Surgeon, (his widow informed me that he was promoted to be chief Surgeon while he was in France.) In May 1778 orders came for the Providence to sail with despatches to France, she soon sailed and arrived at Brest, from whence the despatches were sent to Paris, others were received in return, and the frigate returned to the United States, and arrived at Boston. The said John F. Radloff was constantly on board from that time, until she was captured at the fall of Charleston S. C. in the Spring of 1780. Capt. Whipple got said Radloff's parole from Sir H. Clinton. He then returned to Rehoboth now Seekonk, and married Sarah Medbury now the above mentioned Sarah Radloff Dec: 7th. 1780, and they lived together until his death June 13. 1806. He was not exchanged until the treaty of peace. Her claim to a pension was allowed upon the ground, that he was constructively in service so long as he was a prisoner of war. All which I suppose agrees with evidence in your possession.

The said Sarah Rudloff fully believes that her late husband, the said John F. Rudloff was Chief Surgeon in the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution for more than two years, and that she is entitled to a pension of Four hundred and Eighty dollars per annum.
Very Respectfully
Yours.
Saml. Morse.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
P.S. Please address communications to the subscriber North Rehoboth.

I, Sarah Radloff, of Seekonk in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, aged Ninety Two years, do testify and say that I am widow of John F. Radloff, late of said Seekonk, dec. who was a Surgeon in the Navy in the war of the Revolution. That I now hold a Certificate of Pension in conformity with the third section of the Law of the United States, of the fourth of July, One thousand eight hundred and thirty six, for Three Hundred and Sixty Dollars per annum, which is herein enclosed.
I verily believe, that, according to the decision of the War Department, I am entitled to Four Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum, and I hereby request, that a new Certificate may be issued for the said sum of Four Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum, and arrearage from the fourth of March One thousand eight hundred and thirty one.
Sarah Radloff
Seekonk September 20th. 1850.
State of Massachusetts, } Witness Albert E. Woodbury Bristol County. } ss. On the twentieth day of September One thousand eight hundred and fifty, personally appeared Sarah Radloff above named, who is a credible witness, and is personally known to me, and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by her subscribed is true. Before me, Levi Morse Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss.
I, Samuel Sprague, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Lawrence Moore, Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing Certificate, is a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at Farmington, this thirtieth day of September, in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty.
Sam. Sprague

To S. L. Edwards Esqr
28 June
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Having been informed by Benjamin Howell Esqr that my pension cannot be granted unless I can prove that my husband received his wages after our marriage I have to say that it is now out of my power to do it by witnesses who were knowing to the fact. As I stated in my declaration my husband was taken prisoner when the Frigate Providence was captured at the surrender of Charleston in May 1780. He was Surgeon of the Frigate and Abraham Whipple Esqr was commander. My husband came home in the summer following upon parole and we were married in December of that year. My husband was a prisoner of war when we were married and so continued until Peace as he never was exchanged. and he drew his wages until then
After Peace took place I well remember of being present at several conversations between Commodore Abraham Whipple and my husband. He always told my husband they both could draw their wages up to the end of the war. He not only told him so but once wrote him to that effect which letter you will find among the papers of my claim in the Pension Office Several years after the war I also well remember that when William Jones who was also an officer on board the

Providence went to Philadelphia to get his wages. my husband gave said Jones a power of Attorney to settle his also - when Mr. Jones returned he told my husband that some one had got them & soon after this Commodore Whipple told my husband he had the certificates for them. After this I well remember my husband asked me Samuel Bishop who was formerly a member of Congress if he should go to Boston to have them loaned. Mr Bishop said he would go to Providence and have them loaned just as well. my husband did go to Providence and had them loaned there. I remember he had three or four certificates from the Loan Office drawing different rates of Interest whether my husband kept all these loan Office certificates until his death or sold a part I do not remember but at his death I know there were several. for I went to Providence and drew the interest on them myself several times - Since his death those certificates have all been paid up by Government and have been delivered up and I do not know what has become of them. I thought they might be found at Washington but Mr Lowell has informed me they cannot from the enquiries he has made - My husbands papers have been all lost or destroyed. I have been able to find none except what were forwarded with my claim - My husband never to my knowledge had any other claim upon Government except for his wages as Surgeon on board the Providence. He was chief Surgeon of that vessel for a number years until that vessel

was taken and then he was made a prisoner and so continued until Peace. for to my knowledge he never was exchanged. If he had been he would have entered the service again. but he did not and would not on account of his parole - These facts I well remember and can Attest to -
Sarah Radloff
Bristol St. Leonards, October 9 th 1837
Personally appeared before me the above named Sarah Radloff and made Oath to the truth of the forgoing statement by her signed, and I further certify that said Sarah Radloff is well known to me and her statement is entitled to full credit
Jesse Medbery justice of the peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } Bristol County S. S.
On this Eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three, Before me Albin Thurston one of the Justices of the Peace within and for the County of Bristol, Mrs. Sarah Knapp, a widow of Seekonk in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath state, she is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress July 4. 1836, at the rate of three hundred dollars per annum on the Massachusetts roll the widow of the late Doct John F Knapp deceased who was a surgeon in the War of the Revolution
Now the object of this declaration being made in order to assert a claim to an increase of pension, at the rate of $600.00 dollars per annum, and the payment of the increase and arrears thereof under said act

from the 4 th of March 1831, on account of the revolutionary services of her late husband, the said John F. Reckloff as Surgeon
Sarah Reckloff
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me. And I do hereby further certify that the declarant and signer of the above declaration is personally known to me as the Widow, of the late deceased John F. Reckloff
Alvin H. Kent Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston December 21 st 1843 -
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Allen Hunt was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Bristol,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Jno A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Providence June 7 th 1838
Sir
You wrote me on the 25 Feb. 1837 respecting the claim of Mrs. Sarah Radloff widow of Dr. John H. Radloff a Surgeon in the Army of the Revolution. I had afterwards some conversation with you respecting her claim when I was at Washington last July. I have delayed writing until now, in the hope I should be able to find Mrs. Whipple's correspondence with Dr. Radloff which would throw some light upon the subject of her claim but I have not been able to find it. I have however obtained some further testimony which is herewith endorsed. Dr. Radloff's papers have also been destroyed. I am informed that a few years before his death, he became partially deranged in his mind & in that state destroyed many valuable papers, a few only were saved by his wife. He was an accomplished Surgeon & physician, resided but a few miles from this City altho' in another State. He was a foreigner by birth but like many other distinguished foreigners, he entered into the cause of American freedom and contributed his mite to the establishment of our independence. His widow now is in retirement, poor & needy, living like one who has seen better days. If justice has been done, she will no longer want for temporal things. —
In your letter of 25 th of Feb. as above mentioned you observe, "it appears her late husband was captured in the Spring of 1780 was released from captivity by parole & returning home was married in Decr. 1780. She cannot therefore claim for service rendered subsequent to the marriage, nor can she claim for constructive captivity." In answer to these objections I have to say I have taken great pains to ascertain what was understood in war time by "Captivity." I have conversed with several officers of the Revolution & without exception they say when a person is made a prisoner of War he was always considered

in service until exchanged; that being allowed a parole does not release him from captivity, properly understood, or discharge him either from his duty to his country or his responsibility to his enemy. While the parole lasts, he is bound not to act against his enemy or in favor of his own country. It is true his parole releases his body from confinement but as to his power of action he is still in captivity, and he forfeits his honor if he uses that captivity power against his enemy. It is not necessary to constitute captivity to be imprisoned or deprived of personal liberty. An officer must be considered in captivity until his freedom, not of body only but of action is restored and I believe our Continental Congress so understood it. By referring to their Resolves of May 22 1779 it will be seen, "that all Continental officers who are or may be exchanged not continued in service be after such exchange considered supernumerary officers." Now I ask if continental officers after exchange and not continued in service were still to be considered as officers, does it not follow that before any exchange takes place they must be considered as officers and " in service " can there be any other sound construction given to this Resolve - Supposing therefore Dr Radloff was a prisoner of war when he was married was he not " in service ", certainly he was.
But again let me present this claim in another view. Suppose Dr Radloff had been at home on a furlough instead of a parole at the time he was married would it be said he was not in service within the meaning of the act of July 4 1836? certainly not, for his time of service had not expired and altho not on duty he would be considered still in service - Now permit me to ask does a capture terminate service any more than a furlough? It is admitted that both release from present duty but in neither case can it be said the service has expired. The law of July 4 1836, provides that if they were married " before the expiration of the last period of service", she shall be entitled. I ask again did his last period of service expire when he was

taken prisoner? if so why was he paid his wages? Is not a man legally in the service of his employer so long as his employer pays him his wages? The United States hired Dr Radloff for during the war or least until they discharged him or he resigned. Was he discharged or did he resign? neither - but he continued to receive his wages until the war ended, this fact the evidence shews - For it is shewn in the first place, he was entitled to his wages, by the Resolves of Congress before mentioned. It is also shewn by other testimony aside from Mrs Radloffs positive declaration upon this point. It is shewn by Capt Whipple's letter of March 22 1787 which appears to have been an answer to an enquiring made by Dr Radloff upon this very point. It says he "you were near exchanged you were entitled to your wages until then". What prompted such precise language but an enquiring by Dr Radloff stating that fact? By referring to the deposition of Mr Viall you will find, if I rightly remember that Dr Radloff told him he was "a prisoner of war" when he married & this he said about the time he was married. Mr Viall is a very respectable man & stands high as any other man in this community for truth & veracity. The same fact is shewn by the deposition of J. Medbury which is corroborated by the testimony of the Administrator, Now I ask if all this testimony does not substantiate the positive declaration of the widow, upon this point? -
Since the above was written I have providentially met with a very important resolution of the old Congress of March 20 1778. I wish particularly to call your attention to it as it settles the question as to what is to be understood by the term "captivity". It is in these words, "Resolved That officers of the Continental Army not in actual service be allowed their pay but not their rations nor the subsistence money allowed by the resolution of the 25 of July 1777. That such officers of the Army as are or may be taken by the enemy be allowed the pay while in the enemys possession or under parole and rations in captivity deducting therefrom such supplies as they may in that time have received from the enemy."

By the phraseology of the preceding resolve it clearly appears that an officer was considered in captivity from the time of his capture until his exchange, whether in the enemy's possession or under parole. For he was to receive pay & rations during captivity only deducting such supplies as he received from the enemy while in his possession or in other words before the parole was granted. Captivity therefore covers the whole time from capture to exchange. Dr Radloff was therefore in captivity when he married & entitled to pay & rations, & if so was in the "service" within the meaning of the act of July 4 1830. Now where is the doubt as to Mrs Radloff's right to a pension? Is it doubted that he served? Is it doubted he was captured? Is it doubted he was a prisoner of war under parole when he married? Is it doubted he did not receive his pay & rations. Can it be doubted that a man entitled, as he was, should fail to get them? But whether he got them or not his neglect ought not to prejudice his widow's right. But none of the above facts can be doubted unless all human testimony is to be disregarded.
The circumstantial evidence is also in her favor. The circumstance of her being married so soon after his return goes to show that his declaration that he was a prisoner of war when he married was true. In fact it does appear to me without pursuing the subject any further, that there cannot be a shadow of a doubt of her right to a pension.
I am most respectfully your obed servt Benja Russell
J. L. Edwards Esq

I John Warner of Warwick in the County of Kent being now 77 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was Lucretia Grinnell on board the Frigate Providence from the time she sailed from Providence in 1778 until said Frigate was captured in May 1780 in Charleston South Carolina Abraham Whipple, Esq was Commander - And I further testify that I well remember Dr John T. Radloff who was our Surgeon during all that time. He was with us & acted & served in said Company, more than two years - After the capture of the Frigate he came home on board - John Warner
State of Rhode Island & Kent Co at Warwick this 4th day of October A D 1836 Then the above named John Warner was duly sworn to the above and I further certify that he is a credible witness
Before Me Wm Spencer Just Peace

I George Field of Cranston in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island being now 67 years of age & upwards on oath do depose & say that I was well acquainted with Doctor Radloff from the time he entered on board the Frigate Providence as Sur- geon until his death - While said Frigate was lying in Providence near opposite the Field's point where she lay about Eighteen Months before she sailed for France he used to visit our house which was near the shore. & was then the Surgeon as I understood & be- lieved. Said Frigate was then commanded by Abraham Whipple Esq. who after the war removed to the State of Ohio - According to my first recollection said Frigate sailed for France in the Spring of 1778 & fought her way through the British Fleet then lying in Newport Harbor, said Radloff sailed in her as Surgeon & he continued to serve in said capacity on board of her not only during that voyage but others & until that Frigate was taken at the siege of Charleston

towards. The done of the War - as I have always understood & believed. I am also well acquainted with his widow Mrs Ridloff who now resides in Seekonk in the State of Massachusetts , & to my knowledge she has always remained unmarried since the demise of her said husband. My brother in law William Waterman who was a Lieutenant on board said Frigate at the time of her capture at Charleston came home on parole & never was exchanged as I understood. The above statements are according to my best recollection
Georgetown
In Providence Sept 21 1836
I was then & subscribed before me and I further certify said deponent is well known to me & he is a credible witness
Benjamin Cowen C. J. L. C. Phas

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN" to the aforesaid attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation, full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Providence, this day of _____ in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- and of Independence the sixty-
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office Nov 7. A D 1836
Certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State in May last, Nathan C. Bovee was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Barnes; and William B. Spencer a Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in the county of Kent, for one year each; and that they have been severally commissioned accordingly. records of records.
Signature "Beryl Bovee" to the papers used is genuine - with that of Wm B. Spencer not acquainted.
Witness Henry Bown Secy

Doct. John F. Redloff Hounded by } Rehobath M c Carpenter

Waneta October the 18. 1800 — Dear Doct r fr.
M c Carpenter your labour come to Major Olney near to where I live and I now write you that Jam Wall and Mrs Whipple I live on the River of — Neshannong one mile from the town in a pleasant place for a new Country I went to see you and all my old — officers but I never shall be in my — Complaints to them all if you see them my Love to your Wife and all Inquiring friends pray write me if you have any opportunity What is gone M c Picher and all the rest of —

our officers tell all friends that I live out of the noise of the world and am happy I have to bed Ely and get up Ely which is good Doctor for old men Now I conclude your friend at Comans. Abraham Whipple
Doc r John F. Redloff

Mr. Vansom If you was not exchanged by the Company of Pioneers then your wages Will continue from the 11. of July 1780 —
To the end of the war. Abraham Whipple Providence March 22. 1787

Sarah Redloff

I Nathanial Viall of Seekonk in the County of Bristol & State of Massachusetts being now 74 years of age on oath do depose & say that I was formerly well acquainted with Doctor John F. Radloff during the war of the re- -bellion. did after his return from Charleston in 1780 employ him as physician. I re- member perfectly well of his being Sur- geon on board the Frigate Providence under the command of Commodore Abraham Whipple at the time said frigate sailed for France, in 1778. he was Surgeon on board said vessel until she was captured at the surrender of Charleston in May 1780. He then came home on parole & was married & continued a prisoner until the close of the war - I frequently heard him say after his marriage that he was a prisoner of war. He never was according to my best recollection

was charged but continued a prisoner until the Peace in 1783 - I also know his widow Sarah Radcliffe have been acquainted with her since we were children at the same school. She has always remained unmarried since the death of her husband. Nathaniel Viall
Bristol Hindstreet Sept. 30 th 1836 Personally appeared before me the above named Nathaniel Viall and made oath to the truth of of the above deposition by him signed and I further certify that said Nathaniel Viall is well known to me and he is a credible witness and his state- ment entitled to full credit
Joseph Melbury Justice of the Peace Commonwealth of Massachusetts
9 Bristol St. I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Jesse Spratt Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in the said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, this Seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six - J. Spratt

I Caleb Abell of Seekonk in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Being now in the seventy fifth year of my age on oath do testify and say that after the death of Deceased John Radloff formerly of this place now Seekonk I was appointed Administrator of his Estate and as such took possession of the personal Estate - among which was several United States securities or Certificates payable at the Loan Office in Providence, which said said securities amounted to between Three and Four Hundred Dollars and I distinctly remember of going several times to the said Loan office getting the interest which I think was paid quarterly and I did this until said securities was transferred by a division of said Estate to his Widow Sarah Radloff as her property who is Residing in said Seekonk.
Whether the above publick securities were all he had after the war of the Revolution was over I do not know he bought a Farm in said Town after the Peace but how he paid for it I do not know - Seekonk January 1 st 1838 Caleb Abell
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss January the 1 st 1838
Personally appeared Caleb Abell and made Oath to the Truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed
before me Lewis Walker I further certify that said Caleb Abell is a credible witness. Lewis Walker

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency EDWARD EVERETT , Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Edward Everett
Know Ye, That Lewis Walker, and Jesse Medbury Esqrs. are now, and have been for three months last past, Justices of the Peace for the County of Bristol, in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to their Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this fifth day of June, — A. D. 1838; and in the sixty second Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

BV
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Can you give me any information in regard to the service of John Fredrick  Redloff whose wife Sarah is said to have received a pension for his services

as surgeon in the navy, during the Revolutionary War.
His wife resided in Seekonk - Massachusetts up to 1838 -
Thanking you - I am Very respectfully yours.
Simon G. S. Griel.
14 Main St
Pawtucket R.I.
June the ninth -

U. OLD WATSON NAVY JUN 13 1902 FILES. P. B.