Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,498, James Wormsley, R.I.

SERVICE
R J
Wormsley, James or Wamsley, James
NUMBER _____
S. 23. 498
CONTENTS

33 271
New York
James Gormsley
Madison in the State of N.Y.
who was a Private in the Regt commanded by Captain of the Regt. commanded by Col. Green in the R. J. line time for
Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 96 Dollars & Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 July 1842
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Sept. 1854 and sent to
Joseph Clarke
Arrears to the 5th of Brookfield Semi-ant. allowance ending under
Special act of 27 July 1834
{ Revolutionary Claim. Act June 7. 1832. }
Recorded by R. M. Rae Clerk Book A Vol. 1 Page 266

W. I. Clarke, 30 Augt 1831
New York  Albany James Wormsley private Captain company of the
Ratio of disability, Date of discharge, Time of closing the testimony,
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at 8, Dollars per month, to commence on the 4 th July 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd of August, 1854 and sent to Hon. Gerrit Smith No. of Rep ts
Arrears to 4th of Semi-ann. all ce ending
Special Act of the 27 th July 1854.
Recor d Book F Vol. 5. page 104

State of New York Madison County
James Harrington being duly sworn says he is eighty one years of age that he lived in Hopkinton Washington County State of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War and was a servant to Samuel Babcock of Hopkinton aforesaid: That on or about the first of July 1781 he entered into the service of the United States as a private under Lieutenant David Johnson who commanded the company. was enlisted by Oliver Davis that said Davis paid him one Dollars advance and agreed to pay him one hundred and twenty of his Master would consent to his enlistment that his master the above named Samuel Babcock consented to his enlistment and he marched with them that enlisted from Hopkinton to Providence from there to Severton and after remaining there a short time marched to New Port State of Rhode Island and continued there the full term of six months from the time he was mustered in Hopkinton aforesaid; That from his first impression he thought he was attached to Col Green's Regiment but from further reflections he is positive he was under Col Olney's command. although he feels confident Col Green was on the Island while he was stationed there but he said distinctly remembers that he was under Col Olney that he intentionally served six months as a private in Lieutenant Johnson's Company in Olney's Regiment as above stated in the year 1781 That he was a servant to Samuel Babcock but was never a slave...
sworn and subscribed before me James Harrington
This 9th day of April 1846
Wait Clarke Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above deponent sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Wait Clarke Justice of the Peace
I certify that Wait Clarke Esq. before whom the above affidavit was taken was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Madison N.Y. at the time of taking the same and that I am well acquainted with the said Clarke and that the deponent then placed under a certificate as his Attorney in fact. Joseph Hough U.S. Dist. Ct. N.Y. 23rd Decr 1846.

state of New York Madison County
Ruth Brown being duly sworn says she is twenty five years of age that she is the daughter of Samuel Probus who resided in Hopkinton County of Washington and state of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary War and many years after that she resided with her father in Hopkinton aforesaid during the Revolution that James Bromley was a servant to her father but not a slave that she distinctly recollects that James Bromley aforesaid entered into the army of the Revolution went into the service and was stationed in New York but cannot recollect the names of the officers under whom he served or how long he remained but he was gone a long time it has allways been said by her father during his life & by others that he was in the army six months of which she has no doubt
Ruth Brown
sworn and subscribed before me
This 9th day of April 1846
Walt Clarke Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above named Ruth Brown sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Walt Clarke Justice of the Peace
I certify that Walt Clarke Esq. before whom the above affidavit was taken was a justice of the peace in & for the County of Madison N York, at the time the same was taken and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Clarke & that the signature to the said affidavit as in his handwriting -
Washington May 8. 1846.
Wm Hough N.Y. Coydite N.Y.

State of New York County of Madison
On this 18 th day of June 1845 personally appeared in open court before the court of common Pleas now sitting James Brantley a resident of Madison in the County of Madison and State of New York aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he is informed and believes that he was born in Newport in Rhode Island on the 12 th day of Aug 1764, but that the exact year of his birth is not known, tradition by which he computes his age to be 81 years. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he enlisted for six months under Capt Johnson in the Town of Hopkinton State of Rhode Island in July 1780. But does not know whether State or United States troops, but in the Army of the Revolution. and joined the Company at Providence, after remaining there three or four weeks, they marched to Greenwicht after remaining there two or three weeks they then went on to Rhode Island and were continued there and at Darton as a guard and to repair the fortification to the best of his memory and was discharged in January 1781, on Rhode Island. While on Rhode Island the most remarkable occurrence fine soldiers were ordered to be shot for desertion and one, Duncum was shot the others repaired he stood near by and saw the execution of said Duncum. That Col Green was the commanding officer of the forces at that time but that Capt Johnson's company was not in the Regiment of Col Green although Green was the commanding officer. That the object was named Boston that he was not a slave but the servant of several Masters. That Capt Elijah Lewis commanded a Company of colored soldiers who were in the service at the same time and place, that he served for six months as a private and for such service I claim a pension. That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. J. T. Bentley Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas Jones M. Woodson

We Agur Gilbert and George Gooding residing in the town of Madison County of Madison and State of New York do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Hensley who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be eighty years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Given and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J. T. Bentley — Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
Agur Gilbert George Gooding
That the said Court do hereby declare its opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the interrogations prescribed by the 8th Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and considering the stated facts and my own facts I am satisfied that it appears to them that Agur Gilbert and George Gooding who have signed the preceding certificate are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I, Joseph S. Bentley, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court on the matter of the application of James Hensley for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office. This
18 th day of June 1842
J. S. Bentley
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas

We the undersigned certify that we are well acquainted with the petitioner James Hambley and fully believe him to be a man of truth and veracity.
George B. Blake Ethan Clarke
John Allen William Potter Isaac Clarke Gared Covey Nathan Steward
Paul Brandal
Joshua Miner William Newton Billings Palmer Laban Okey Timothy Allen Lyman Sherman L. S. Harding Edward B. Lemy
James McCarthey Henry McCarthey Minae Dutton Frederick Putnam A. H. Wright
H. H. Kenyon H. H. Burlingame Edward Frash George Ingersoll R. W. Peabody Elisha Fowler A. A. Hitchcock
David Murray Albert Knapp
Jehadiah Chase
Samuel Mallory
Peter Stebbins
Richard Holmes David Williams
Allen Southworth
Isaac Dick
John Dick
Henry Skeels
Alexander Fowler
Isaac Dick
Benjamin Fowler
David G. Smith
Dennis Bangs
Dennis A. Bangs
Orias Ward
Samuel R. Ward
Samuel Morse
Stephen H. Plumpter
Wm Snow
Amos Phelps
James Brown
John Hazard
Sydney Putnam
Ebenezer King
A. S. Rice
Alexander Write
Samuel Putnam
Sydney Putnam
Samuel Bregham

H. C. Brugham Isaac Lee
Samuel White
Samuel White
H. R. Barker
K. Blagden
B. Summers
M. Collett
G. Gooding
Worm Tucker
A. J. Campbell
W. L. Burton
Samuel Dunham
N. S. Howards
James Gifford
John Morgan
J. W. Johnson
Francis Rico
Pinder Field

S. 241 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
FEBRUARY 28, 1854.—Ordered to be printed.
Mr. JONES, of Iowa, made the following
REPORT.
[To accompany Bill S. 241.]
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of James Wormsley, beg leave to report:
That the petitioner was a soldier of the revolution, who enlisted for a term of six months, but was, with others, honorably discharged after the expiration of five months, and is thus precluded from a pension, as no existing law provides for any who served less than six months. There is abundant evidence of all the facts alleged, and the Commissioner of Pensions, in a letter of date January 8, 1850, recommends that a special act be passed for his relief. The case has been before this committee at the several sessions since 1847, and a favorable report and bill have been repeatedly presented by it. The committee append hereto a former report, which more fully sets forth the facts in the case, and report a bill which, in view of the age of the petitioner and past delays, they would respectfully urge upon the attention of the Senate.
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.—JANUARY 3, 1849.
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of James Wormsley, report:
The petitioner states that he enlisted into the service of the United States as a private soldier, in the State of Rhode Island, in June, 1780, for six months, under Lieutenant Johnson, who was attached to the regiment commanded by Colonel Christopher Green, and that he served the full term of six months, when he was discharged, and he claims a pension under the act of 7th June, 1832. Several witnesses have testified that they were well acquainted with the petitioner when he enlisted, and that they believe he served in said regiment six months, as stated by him. It appears, however, from the records on file in the Pension Office, that, although he was paid for six months' service, he was discharged before the expiration of six months; that the six months'

levies of 1780, in which the petitioner served, commenced 10th July, and were discharged on the last Monday of November, 1780.
The act of 7th June, 1832, provides for those only who served and received pay for six months. The petitioner, having served only about five months, is not legally entitled to a pension. But having been willing to serve out the term for which he enlisted, and being now upwards of eighty-three years of age, and destitute of the means of support, the committee think that he is entitled to the favorable consideration of Congress, and report a bill for his relief.

Brookfield Nov 26th 1846
Hon Wm J Hovey
Dear Sir
Yours of the 14th ult including Mr Edwonds, reply to the Claim of James Hornsby for six months service in St David Johnsons Company in Olneys Regiment or Battalion was duly received by which I see Mr Edwonds come to the conclusion that Hornsby served from 1st July 1780 until the last of November following in St Johnsons Company, and was a part of the 610 men raised by the Genl Assembly of Rhode Island in June 1780. in this conclusion he will see the mistake or be deceived if Hornsby's case Hornsby is a colored man and was formally the servant of Samuel Babcock of Hopkinton Rhode Island although was never a slave, Babcock was one of the most respectable and wealthiest men of Rhode Island he moved into this town more than 40 years past & brought Hornsby with him & kept him during his life Hornsby remained with the family of Babcock in this town until some fifty or sixty years past he then moved into the town of Madison where he has remained until recently he lost his wife & is now a widower, without the means of support. Hornsby refused being a Negro he was not entitled to a pension under the act of 1832 but was informed some years after its passage by Judge Mayers that he was entitled. He then came into this town in pursuit of evidence as you know this town was settled by people generally from Rhode Island & in fact from the neighborhood of Hornsby he called on me occasionally but I would give him no information he informed me that Godfrey White who formerly lived in this town was the only man living that he knew of who served with him. He then went to White who resides in Jefferson County, N.Y. & was informed that White was in a low state of health and all but incurable & being an aged man it was refused he would not receive under these circumstances a petition was drawn up & very numerously signed by the most respectable people of Madison and this town stating Hornsby to be a man of truth & loyalty and respectability and that his declaration was entitled to full credence

he then presented the testimony of three of the children of his master who resided in this town but none of them were old enough to recite the events of the revolution but all testified they had always understood from their father and other aged persons that Hovey was a soldier in the revolution that he was a man of truth and veracity & they had no doubt he served as stated. Then papers I forwarded to the Pension office with Hovey's declaration made in our court of common pleas, but Mr. Edwards required further proof of service. After this I heard about a year past Gadsby White sent word to the Bakersfield formerly here that he distinctly recollects entirely with Hovey & serving with him six months he had then entirely recovered his health and faculties which he still retains he sent his affidavit that he enlisted under St. David Johnson in Hopkinton State of Rhode Island in 1781 for six months and served the full term of six months with him Hovey in Green's Regiment. I then presented the affidavit of Abigail Brattle Brown of Jefferson County who is the eldest child of Sarah Brattle the mother of Hovey. She testified when she was ten years of age she lived with her father in Hopkinton and that James Hovey was a servant to her father and enlisted into the Army obtained the consent of her father went into the service & was gone she believed as much as six months. This agreed exactly with Hovey's declaration as to date time & Hovey had testified that he served under Capt Johnson or St Johnson as he referred in Greene's Regiment in the Spring or Summer of 1780 six months & served the full term of six months. He further testified that Col Olney and Green were both stationed on Rhode Island but he believed or supposed he was in Green's Regiment. To all of the above declarations Mr. Edwards replied that there was no six months service in Green's Regiment they were for 9 months one year & three years & that there was a full record of the officers of Green's Regiment but no St Johnson and it was believed that the Representative of Mr. Dexter who was stationed in the Rhode Island Regiment had a full list of all the six months men I learned from Mr. John S. Dexter the Representative above named that all his papers referring to the Rhode Island service was deposited with Mr. Bacon Esq. Secretary of Rhode Island. I then wrote Mr. Brown who informed me he had just accidentally found that there were six months men in Green's Regiment and gave me a certificate embracing the following facts

That by an act of the Genl Assembly of Rhode Island in June 1780-610 men was raised for six months to be put under Col Green & that in the War service following previous was made to pay them. That he had all the Malls departed with him kept by Col Dexter, but there was no records in his office or within his knowledge of the six months men in 1780 and that there was no records kept by Col Dexter prior to 1781 a year after Hovey served. He further certified that Lt David Johnson in Olney's Battalion was paid for his service from the 1st July 1780 to the 1st January 1781. The very time & and full time that Hovey served & that there was no records of the men that served under him It must therefore be satisfactory that Johnson served in Olney's Regiment the exact time; and there is further proof that Hovey served with or under him & that Johnson's command was no part of the 610 men raised by the act of the Genl Assembly of Rhode Island because the act that raised them made them Greene's Regiment although Hovey testified Col Green & Olney were both there yet by the records Johnson was not in Greene's Regt from the acts of June & Nov of the Assembly it would appear that these six months men in Greene's Regiment was discharged probably a few days before the close of the six months yet they might have been there that time before they were all discharged. but it is evident that Olney was no part of these six month men, if so he would have been discharged with his men: I have known Hovey more than 50 years I was bred up in his neighborhood in Rhode Island & my father moved into this town about the same time he did I knew him well here more than 20 years & I know he has always sustained an excellent character for truth & veracity and piety he has been a member of the Baptist Church in this place more than 40 years in good standing & I do not believe he would state a selfish falsehood

to save his life. He is poor has lately lost his Wife and is now a widower without a home or the means of support he unreservedly calls on the children of his former master Dyer & Sturgis weeks at a time but he feels dependent & that he is a burden to his friends with this small pension he could live comfortable and die in peace: I received the Pension of Godfrey White in 1833 for this same service which was all he claimed & he has allways drawn the 20 Dollars per annum he testifies & works with him The whole time his testimony is more particular than Whites was if one is entitled to the Pension the other certainly is & I have not a shadow of doubt that Mr Edwonds in receiving this this sum will be fully satisfied that St Johnsen was no part of the forces raised under the act of June 1780. That his son must have served with him from the 1st July 1780 to 1st Jan 1781 as he was paid for that service & there is no record of the son under him
Very respectfully Yours Joseph Clough

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1870.
REJECTED
P. O. James Mansley
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Cont
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

S. 241.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
APRIL 12, 1854.
Referred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions.
JUNE 10, 1854.
Committee on Invalid Pensions discharged, and referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions.
JUNE 23, 1854.
Reported back by Mr. CHURCHWELL, without amendment, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Private, No. 105.
AN ACT
For the relief of James Wormsley.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of the Interior be, and he is hereby, authorized 4 and directed to place the name of James Wormsley on the roll 5 of revolutionary pensioners, and pay him the sum of ninety- 6 six dollars per annum from the fourth of July, one thousand 7 eight hundred and forty-eight, and during his natural life.
Passed the Senate April 7, 1854.
Attest:
Approved July 27, 1854.
ASBURY DICKINS,
Secretary.
Department of State,
Washington, Aug. 2, 1854.
A true copy carefully collated with the original Roll.
W. H. Hunter, Chief Clerk.

Payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September at Albany.
by James M French Esq
No payment can be made on an original certificate, until the arrival of one or the other of the above dates af- ter issuing the certificate.
Registered in Book H Vol. 5. Page 104 by
J. J. Getty Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
INVALID PENSION.
I certify, That in conformity with the Law of the United States, Special Act 27th, July 1834. James Wormsley, late a private of the _____ is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Albany, New York, Agency, at the rate of Eight, dollars per month, to commence on the fourth, day of July, one thousand eight hundred and forty eight.
GIVEN at the Department of the Interior, this Second, day of August, thousand eight hundred and fifty four.
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
J. P. Marcy Commissioner of Pensions.

Washington Aug 11/54
Hon. Mr. Wale,
Camp of Pioneers,
Pa.
The accompanying letter from Judge Clark of Brookfield Madison Co. N.Y. will show you what he wishes. I intend to remain in this city until next Monday -
Very respectfully
Yours
Brinsfield

Washington Dec r 29. 1845
Hon. J. L. Edwards Com d Review
Dear Sir
I have the honor of transmitting to you the application of Isaac Wansey a Revolutionary Soldier for a pension under the Act of 1832 together with the proof upon which it is founded & the letter from Judge Clarke of Brooksville Madison Co. N.Y. sending the same to me.
I also take the liberty to transmit to you a letter of enquiring from Judge Clarke dated the 21 st Inst t asking for information from your Department upon subject upon which you are doubtless familiar and will be able to give the desired information.
I am Sir with esteem
Yours much obliged and etc. etc.
W. J. Drough

BRIEF IN THE CASE OF James Wormsley Madison County and State of New York act
CLAIM, ("original," or "for increase.")
PROOF EXHIBITED, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Allowed by special act of Congress, approved 27 July 1854
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Joseph Clarke Name and residence of Agent Brookfield NY
J. Cag Examining Clerk.

PENSION OFFICE,
August 2, 1854.
SIR: Be pleased to inscribe on your roll under the act below mentioned the following names, and pay the pensions as directed opposite the names.
Respectfully,
L. P. Wallis Commissioner of Pensions.
To James M. French, Esq.
Special
   CONTINUATION OF PENSIONS. COMMENCEMENT OF PENSIONS. ANNUAL AMOUNT. ACT. RANK. NAMES.     Life, July 4 th 1848 per month $8.00 Invalid. July 27 th 1854 private James Marmsey  
Ent d in Ledger D. Act. Invalid Page 215

(Copy)
Pension Office, December 31st, 1846.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Clarke's letter asking a review of the case of Isaac Warner, entered in your of the 16th inst. has been respectfully considered.
On the 2nd Monday of June, 1780, the Genl. Assembly of Rhode Island authorized the raising of 600 men to recruit the "Continental Battalions" of the state to reorganize on the 1st July at Providence & to serve for the 1st. January, 1781, unless sooner discharged.
On the last Sunday of November 1780, an act was passed for settling with the troops, H. for pay and bounties to those living beginning with the following preamble "Whereas the Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers who enlisted into the Regt. of Col. Christopher Green for six months has been discharged."
The act of 7th June, 1832, provides for those only who served and received pay for six months, and these records which may not be controverted show that the six months living of 1780, in which claimant alleges he served, commenced 1st July, and had

been discharged on last Monday of November, 1780.
It is but lately that this information was obtained, and which applying equally to the claim of Godfrey White.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Very resp y Your affec d S r . O. S. Edwards
(Signed)
Hon. M. J. Vaughn, Vice of Reps.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office April 15. 1846.
I certify that in and by the Report of a Committee appointed by the General Assembly to ascertain the Balances due Colonel Christopher Greene's Regiment for Depreciation of Pay, which Report is dated May 13. 1780 and on file in this Office, there is the following entry: " David Johnson, Lieutenant, £ 110. 15. 0
That in the list of Balances reported as aforesaid up to August 1. 1780 with Interest, there is the following, " David Johnson, Lieutenant, £ 146. 5.
I further certify that by the Report of a Committee appointed as aforesaid for settling certain accounts with Col. Olney's Battalion in the service of the United States, (dated Feb 26. 1783) among the balances due to non Effective from August 1. 1780. to Decm. 31. 1781. there is as follows,
" David Johnson, Lieut. £ 35. 9. 4
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State, (of which I am Keeper) the day and year first above written
Henry Bowen Secy

Jan'y 8, 1850.
From Com te of Pensions to Hon. Geo. W. Jones - relative to claim of James Wormsley.
Recommends the passage of special act for petitioner

Pension Office January 8 th 1850
Sir
With reference to the petition of James Wormsley for pension, for services rendered in the Revolutionary War, I have the honor to suggest to the Committee the adoption of the report made in the case, by the Hon: Henry Johnson, 2 d Session, 30 th Congress, of which a printed copy is enclosed. My opinion is that a special law should be passed for his relief. The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I have the honor to be very respectfully Your obed t serv t
J L Edwards
Comm tee of Pensions
Hon: Geo: W. Jones Chairman of the Committee on Pensions U. S. Senate

State of New York Fifteen County
Godfrey White being duly sworn says that he is Eighty Six years of age that he was born and lived during the Revolutionary War in the town of Neshannock State of Rhode Island but now resides in Adams Fifteen County and State of New York that he was well acquainted with James Hornsby during the Revolution who was a servant to Samuel Babcock who lived near defunct near the line between Westerly & Neshannock Washington County and State of Rhode Island that said James Hornsby now resides in Madison County State of New York that in the year 1781 the said James Hornsby in company with defunct was engaged into the service together at Neshannock aforesaid for six months by Oliver Davis a recruiting officer as privates that they went into the service under Lieutenant Johnson who commanded the company and went on to Rhode Island and was under the controul of Col. Green. and remained in the service on Rhode Island and guarding the shores nearly for the full term of six months at which time they were both honorably discharged that said James Hornsby was a young man but old enough to be enrolled in the muster in 1781 that said Hornsby always sustained a good character for truth and veracity ever and maintained the 15 day of December 1845 - before me Godfrey his White Mark Deol Dewey Justice of the Peace
I further certify that the above named Godfrey White sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Deol Dewey Justice of the Peace

State of New York, } ss. Jefferson County Clerk's Office. }
I, Charles B. Hoard, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that Joel Dewey
before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn,
was at the date of the same Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand-writing and signature.
WITNESS my hand, and seal of said County, this 16 day of December in the year 1845 C. B. Hoard Clerk. By M. Sigourney
3

No. 3. 159. 32 Cong. } S. 374. 1 Sess. }
Petition
of James Wormsley, a soldier in the revolutionary war, for a pension.
1847. Dec. 14. Referred to the Com: on Pensions 1848. Com. dischd?
1848. Dec. 12, Referred to the Com: on Pensions.
1849 Jan'y. 3, Bill S. 374 & report.
1849 Dec. 24, Referred to the Com: on Pensions.
1851. Jan. 9, S.B. A 408 & rept.
1852 April 12, Referred to the Com: on Pensions.
" Augt. 16. Bill S. 533 & Report.
1852 Feb. 13, Referred to the Com: on Pensions.
" " 28. Bill S. 241 & report.
M c Seward.
S.

To The Honorable Senate & House of Representatives
of the United States in Congress assembled
Your petitioner as the agent and in behalf of James Warner respectfully represents that said James Warner enlisted into the service of the United States as a private soldier in Washington County of Washington and State of Rhode Island in June 1780 for six months under Lt. Commodore Johnson and served the full term of his enlistment and was honorably discharged that he procured his service by Godfrey White who enlisted with him and was discharged with him. At the end of his enlistment in Greene's Regiment White was the only person living who enlisted with him that he could find he likewise procured his service by the daughter of the man with whom Warner resided, with other substantial corroborative evidence and of respectability of said Warner with a representation of truth and security of all of the most respectable residents of Middletown and Brookfield in the County of Middlesex State of New York where he had resided for the last forty years. Mr. Edwards required me to sustain his declaration by the records of Rhode Island his name was not found there and the Secretary informed me that the applicant must be mistaken as there appeared to be no six months men in Greene's Regiment. although Godfrey White the witness was allowed a pension in 1833 of twenty dollars per annum for the same service and only seven claimed and has ever since drawn the same unless recently suspended White's pension was allowed when but little calculation was made on the records of Rhode Island about one year past I applied to Mr. Brown Secretary of R. Island

for the services of St Johnson in Greene Regiment and immediately attached his certificate that Johnson was paid for six months service the same time and in the same Regiment but that there was no account of the soldiers who served under him. about one week after receiving Mr Brown's letter he wrote me that to his astonishment he had found there was six hundred and ten men raised by the General Assembly of Rhode Island under a requisition from the continental Congress who were first under Col General Greene. I gave me a copy of the act of the General Assembly which raised them and the next Assembly which made provisions for their pay I sent these papers to the Pension office. Mr Edwards admitted Hornsby's service but said it appeared they were discharged a short time before the expiration of the six months of course he would not allow the pension under the act of June 1832 one day less than the six months Your petitioner would further represent that St Johnson whom Hornsby served under was paid the full term of six months & have no doubts the soldiers served the same & that there is no positive proof that all did not serve the full term of six months yet from the preamble to the act that entitled the pay of the soldiers would naturally be inferred that they were discharged a few days short of the six months for the facts set forth where your petitioner would refer your honorable body to the papers on file now in the pension office. Your petitioner would further represent that said Hornsby is a man of strict morality and piety but very needy being very aged and infirm having

lately lost his wife and is formerly left without the means of support and wholly dependent on his acquaintance for subsistence Your petitioner most humbly prays that your honorable body will pass a law giving him twenty Dollars per annum under the act of Congress of 1832 being for six months begin in 1880 as fixed by him and your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray Brookfield Decm 4 th 1847
Joseph Clontz agent and in behalf of James Donohue

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office Sept 4. 1846.
I certify, that the first and second pages annexed, contain a true copy of the first - second - tenth and eleventh Paragraph's of the act passed at the June session of the General Assembly of said State 1780, for raising the Six Months Men as appears by said act:
That the third page contains a true copy of the Resolution relating to said Quota as passed at the November session 1780.
I further certify that there is no list or record in this office or elsewhere, to my knowledge, containing the names of the persons who enlisted for said service: That the Regimental Book deposited recently in this office by the Executors of the late Col John Dester, contains a Record only of the Rhode Island Regiment under the new Establishment , which commenced on the first of January 1781.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year above written Henry Bowen Secy
I further certify, that it appears by the Report of a Committee appointed by the Gen. Assembly of this State to ascertain the Balances due the Commissioned, non-commissioned officers & Soldiers in the Continental Service belonging to this State, for depreciation of Pay, which Report is dated May 13. 1780, and appears to have been made up to April 1780: that David Johnson was a Lieutenant in Col. Greene's Reg. t and a Balance of £ 110.15.0. reported due him.
That by the Report of a Committee aforesaid, dated Feb 8. 1781. the sum of £ 146.5.0. is allowed the said David Johnson up to Aug. 1. 1780.
That by the Report of a Committee for settling certain accounts with Col. Olney's Battalion, dated 26 Feb. 1783. the sum of £ 35.9.4 is allowed David Johnson, Lieut. "in the list of non effective" from Aug 1. 1780. to Decem r 31. 1781. Witness Henry Bowen, Secy.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
At a session of the General Assembly of said State, begun and holden on the Second Monday of June 1780.
An act for raising and sending into the Field, Six hundred and Ten Men, to recruit the Continental Battalions raised by this State, under the Command of Col. Christopher Greene, and Col. Israel Angell.
Whereas the exigence of the public affairs requires that a formidable efficient Force be raised and sent into the Field as soon as possible: And whereas this State is called upon by Congress and the Comman- der in Chief of the Forces of the United States, to recruit the Continental Battalions of this State with Six hundred and ten Men: In order therefore to comply with the said Requisitions, and to give as far as possible, Stability and Success to the public Measures,
Be it Enacted by this General Assembly, and by the Authority thereof it is hereby Enacted, That Six Hundred and Ten able bodied effective Men be raised as soon as possible, to recruit the said Battalions: That they rendezvous at Providence by the First day of July next, and continue in Service until the First day of January next, unless sooner discharged. And that each Soldier so raised sign the Enlistment and take the oath directed by Congress, mutatis mutandis.
It is further Enacted, That each able bodied effective Man who shall enlist into said Service, shall be entitled to and receive a Bounty of Fifteen Pounds in the Bills ordered to be emitted by this Assembly at the

present Session, to be paid upon his being properly engaged, or to the same sum in Silver or Gold, at the expiration of the Term for which he is enlisted, with an Interest at the Rate of Five per Centum per Annum, at his Election: and shall also receive Forty Shillings per Month for the Time he shall be in Service (Desertions excepted) in Silver or Gold, or other Money equivalent.
It is further Enacted, That the Honorable Izaac Bowen Esq; and James Mitchell Varnum and Esah Hopkins, Esquires, be and they are hereby appointed a Committee to wait upon the Honorable Major General Heath, and request him to cause the Priates in Col. Christopher Greene's Regiment to be incorporated into the Regiment commanded by Col. Israel Angell, or otherwise disposed of for the best Good of the Service: and that Col. Christopher Greene and his Officers be appointed to command the Men ordered to be raised by this Act, in a Corps separate and enlive.
It is further Enacted, That the Secretary cause a sufficient number of Enlistments, and copies of the act to be immediately printed and sent to the Town Clerks of the several Towns, who are hereby empowered and directed to convene the Inhabitants of their respective Towns immediately on the receipt of the same, that this act may be executed as soon as possible: and that Copies hereof be inserted in all the Newspapers printed in this State.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
At the Session of the General Assembly of said State begun and holden on the Last Monday of November 1780.
Whereas the non commissioned officers and Soldiers who enlisted into the Regiment commanded by Col. Christopher Greene, for six months have been discharged from the same: And whereas it is represented to this Assembly that divers of the Towns or Classes for whom they were enlisted have contracted to pay the Wages of the Men by them enlisted, which will become due on the First day of January next: And whereas it will be necessary that the same should be paid immediately, in case any of the said Men shall again enlist agreeable to an act passed at the present session for filling up and completing this State's Quota of the Continental Army: It is therefore voted and Resolved, That if any Town or number of Men who have been classed for furnishing the said Six months Men, or who shall be classed for furnishing Recruits agreeable to the said act passed at the present session, shall pay or cause to be paid to any or either of the non-commissioned officers or soldiers who enlisted for Six months as aforesaid, the Wages respectively due to them, such sum or sums of Money so advanced by them, shall be allowed and paid them out of the General Treasury in the same currency as they shall so advance: And this Assembly will as soon as may be, take Measures for supplying the Treasury with Money for that purpose; as also for discharging and paying the Wages due to all the non commissioned Officers and Soldiers who enlisted into the said Regiment for Six months as aforesaid.

Washington Dec. 16. 1846
Hon. J. S. Edwards Court Justices Dear Sir
I have the honor to transmit herewith a communication from Hon. Joseph Clarke of Poughkeepsie Madison Co N.Y. relation to the application of James Wansley for a pension which it would seem has heretofore been submitted to & passed upon by you, and which Judge Clarke desires you should receive as he is under a strong impression the case has been misapprehended.
If it will be consistent with the business and regulations of your office I beg leave to express the hope the case may be received with a favorable result. It is true I know nothing of the merits of the case & consequently can express no opinion upon it, but knowing Judge Clarke as I do I cannot avoid the conviction that he feels a very strong assurance that the case has been misconcieved and that justice requires its receiving its review. May I ask an answer at your convenience. I am Sir with esteem
Yours Obly Servt W. J. Strong

37.061.
James Warmsley
N.Y.
Act. Y. June 23 rd service only 5 mo see Secy's certificate
1

George R. Beck
Officerville

Nucelison County, ss. Miriam Babcock being duly Affirmed deposeth and saith that she has been acquainted with James Wernsley from her youth up to the present time some sixty years or more and that said James Wernsley is a colored man and was in early life a servant of deponents father (to wit) Samuel Babcock then a resident of the town of Hopkinton County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, and further this deponent saith that she has frequently heard her father Samuel Babcock say that the said James Wernsley together with other servants of his were in the Continental Army a part of the time during the war, and further this deponent saith that she verily believes that the said James Wernsley will serve in a com- pany under the command of Captain Johnson for a term of six months in the year subsequent to the arrival of the French fleet on the coast of Rhode Island and further this deponent saith not.                      Miriam Babcock
Affirmed and subscribed before me this 3 rd day of April 1845 Nathaniel G. Brown Justice
I hereby certify that the above deponent sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Nathaniel G. Brown

Macneem Bulcock
Afficeavit

Matthew Glavin
Coffinville

Melison County ss. Martha Clarke of the town of Brookfield County of Melison and State of New York being duly Affirmed deposeth and saith that she is acquainted with James Wernsley and has been from her earliest recollection up to the present time some fifty years or more and that said Wernsley was in early life a servant of deponent's father Samuel Beebe etc. And further this deponent saith that she has frequently heard her father Samuel Beebe etc say that the said James Wernsley did serve in the army a part of the time during the war. And this deponent further saith that she verily believes that the said James Wernsley did serve in a company under the command of Captain Johnson for the term of six months or more. And further this deponent saith that the said James Wernsley is reported to be a man of about 80 years of age. and further this deponent saith not.
Affirmed and subscribed this Martha Clark
8 day of April 1813 before me
Nathan D. Brown Justice
I hereby certify that the above deponent sustains a good character for truth and veracity Nathan D. Brown

Jerome Wernstley
Affidavit

Washington County, ss. James Warmesley being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was in early life the servant of Samuel Beebe & then a resident of the town of Hopkinton County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and that this deponent served said Beebe until he deponent was nearly or about sixteen years of age when he enlisted in the Army of the United States and further this deponent saith that he enlisted on or about the first of Sept  July in the year 1781. for the term of six months was enrolled at Providence and ordered from thence to Greenwich and subsequently to New- Port and while there he served under Captain Johnson and further says that he served out the term of six months and returned to said Samuel Beebe where he the deponent lived until he was 21 years of age and this deponent further saith that among the number who enlis- ted and served with the said James Warmesley to his recollection was Henry Barber and Augustus Greene who are now deceased both of whom would have been while living good witnesses to substantiate the facts set forth in the above affidavit and further this deponent saith not.
Affirmed and subscribed
JAMES WARMESLEY
This 3 rd day of April 1845
before me - Nathan D. Brown Justice

Matthew Glavin
Coffeyville

McLean County ss. Martha Clarke of the town of Brookfield County of McLean and State of New York being duly Affirmed deposeth and saith that she is acquainted with James Wernsley and has been from her earliest recollection up to the present time some fifty years or more and that said Wernsley was in early life a servant of deponent's father Samuel Beebe. And further this deponent saith that she has frequently heard her father Samuel Beebe say that the said James Wernsley did serve in the army a part of the time during the war. And this deponent further saith that she verily believes that the said James Wernsley did serve in a company under the command of Captain Johnson for the term of six months or more. And further this deponent saith that the said James Wernsley is reported to be a man of about 80 years of age. and further this deponent saith not.
Affirmed and subscribed this Martha Clark
Day of April 15 1843 before me
Nathan S. Brown Justice
I hereby certify that the above deponent sustains a good character for truth and veracity Nathan S. Brown

Matthew Clarke
Coffinville

Washington County. James Warmesley being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was in early life the servant of Samuel Beebe & then a resident of the town of Hopkinton County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and that this deponent served said Beebe until he deponent was nearly or about sixteen years of age when he enlisted in the Army of the United States and further this deponent saith that he enlisted on or about the first of Sept  July in the year 1781. for the term of six months was enrolled at Providence and ordered from thence to Greenwich and subsequently to New- Port and while there he served under Captain Johnson and further says that he served out the term of six months and returned to said Samuel Beebe where he the deponent lived until he was 21 years of age and this deponent further saith that among the number who enlist- ed and served with the said James Warmesley to his recollection was Henry Barber and Augustus Greene who are now dead both of whom would have been while living good witnesses to substantiate the facts set forth in the above affidavit and further this deponent saith not.
Affirmed and subscribed
James Warmesley
This 3 rd day of April 1845
before me Nathan D. Brown Justice

Mullison County, v. George R. Beebe being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is acquainted with James Marmoley and has been as far back as the year 1780 or thereabouts and that at that time the said James Marmoley was a servant of Samuel Beebe then a resident of the town of Hopkinton County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and further this deponent saith that he has frequently heard his father the said Samuel Beebe say that the said James Marmoley and all of his servants were in the Continental Army a part of the time during the war and this deponent further saith that he verily believes that the said James Marmoley did serve in a company under the command of Captain Johnson for the term of six months in the year subsequent to the arrival of the French fleet on the coast of Rhode Island and further this deponent saith not.
Affirmed and subscribed
George R. Beebe
Before me this 3 rd day of April 1845
Nathan D. Brown Justice of the Peace of Mullison County
I hereby certify that the above deponent sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Nathan D. Brown

The 48 th and 49 th March
1881 March 48 49

Brookfield Sept 14 th 1896
Dear Sir
I enclose the certificate of the secretary of state of the Island to sustain the claim of James Womelsky to a pension for 6 months service under Lt Johnson in Olney's Battalion in 1780; he has Caroline Jones of his service six months by Gredy White who enlisted with him & who draws a pension for the same service of 20 dollars per annum. The last not referred to you by Mr Edmonds under date of May 15 th last. He says in his original declaration he claimed to have served 6 months in 1780 under Capt Johnson Col Olney's Battalion Regiment. The certificate of secretary of state of R.I. shows that David Johnson was a Lt in Olney's Battalion from August 1780. to December 1781. There are a number of muster rolls in this office of that Battalion but the name of Claimant is not found on any of them nor upon the rolls of Col Greene's Regiment — Genl Dexter's returns for the 6 months service of that state are believed to be complete and should furnish proof of any service rendered. However if Womelsky as alleged his allegation should be substantiated by these returns. In a former letter from Mr Edmonds he concluded there was no 6 months service in Greene's Regiment and that Dexter's returns were considered full; I first wrote after receiving the note of the 15 th May last to Mr Dexter & was informed by him that he had delivered all the papers in his former to the secretary of the Island. I wrote to him & he came to the conclusion that there was no 6 months service in Greene's Regiment. by about two weeks past I received a letter from him stating that he had just accidentally found there was 6 months men raised by an act of the Genl Assembly in 1780 to be under Genl Greene & that there were no records of the service of the soldiers returned by Col Dexter until after the close of Womelsky's service in 1781. which the enclosed certificate shows conclusively. This information is new to the secretary of state & of course to Mr Edmonds. It sustains Womelsky in every particular. Johnson was a Lt and White called him Lt & Womelsky left Womelsky supposed he was under Col Greene White under Olney. This matter is of no consequence.

Brookfield August 28 th 1859
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Dear Sir
I recd through the hands of Hon. Gannett Smith a few days past a pension Certificate issued under a special act of Congress passed 27 th July 1859 given at the Department of the Interior the 2 nd day of August 1859 for James Worsley, Worsley enlisted in R. I. in the Revolution for 6 months, with much trouble & expense the record of his service was found, which should be interest- and was paid for 6 months but it appeared they were all discharged a few days before the six months expired Mr. Edwards to make the facts out as it was short of six months actual service altho paid in full & honorably discharged he could not allow it & I believe he recommended a special act 5 or six years past he petitioned the Com- repeated a bill for $20 per annum commencing on the 4 th of March 1831. That bill has been before the Senate every session probably repeated 5 or 6 years but never acted on until now Worsley lately died leaving one child I have delayed writing to know whether it is all right the Certificate is for $5 per month to commence on the 4 th of July 1848 which will give his child I believe about the same amount I cannot see why it should commence in '48 the law gave it here from 1831 so was the bill originally

I did not know but there might be a mistake in filling out the certificate from the land if the land is as the certificate is there is of course no way to alter it & I shall draw the money after waiting a reasonable time to hear from the Department
Please direct Joseph Clarke
Brattlefield Mt. & N. York
Very Respectfully your humble servt
Joseph Clarke

Brookfield Wis. Sept 14
Free
Wm. William J. Waughs Member of Congress & President of the Smithsonian Institute noted at Washington City D. C.

Dear Sir
I enclose the Index of James Bromley on oath to sustain his claim I trust it must be satisfactory & hope Mr Edwards will be satisfied & give you a certificate. The certificate of the Secretary of Ashmore Island will give him information not expected which removes all the difficulty. On Tuesday next we have our Council. The British Columbia to have a reparation military but Genl. H. sent word to the assembly here that they was going to summon & he must not call the meeting but I presume he never a lesson to check this town if possible but I think we shall keep things right side up. I expect to attend the convention but do not intend to be a delegate.
Yours &c J. Cook
Genl H. & J. W. H. Jr

Revolution 23498 INVALID.
File No. 23,498
James Wormley vs Rev War
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 491
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Brookfield June 20th 1895
Dear Sir
I inclose the declaration of proof of former Hensley a colored man for a pension & hope it will be satisfactory to give him the small amount claimed I have known him nearly fifty years in this County & in Rhode Island he has allways sustained a good character has been a member of a Baptist Church in this town & in good standing more than forty years but has resided for the last ten or fifteen years in the adjoining town of Madison, soon after the act of 1832 he called on me to assist him in procuring his pension but could not hear of any man living who was with him except Godfrey White who he says was with him who formerly lived in this town but is now in Jefferson County N York & is a pensioner under the act of 1832 he called on him but he was so aged & infirm that he hardly knew him & could not remember any thing to help him his former master lived in this town but died 30 or 40 years past but left a family who now reside here and one of the very first respectability he renders them affidavits which although not positive proof a service yet I trust it will be sufficient to satisfy you that he served as stated he is very poor & out of health but if he could obtain barely 26 dollars per annum it would relieve him I have no doubt he served as stated by him as soon as he can recollect & so seems to be the unanimous opinion of his acquaintances it seems he is unable to procure any further evidence
You will please direct or order to Joseph Clark Brookfield Moderator Co N York very respectfully your obedient Servt. Joseph Clark
James S Edwards Esqr Commission of Pensions

11172

Free Smith
Hon. W. Waldo
Conf. Pensions
Washington
L.B.

71° 38.804
James Wormsley, Forester in Col. Green's Regt.
Special Act
27 July 1854
£91 per annum
commg 4 July 1848
(Place on roll under Act of 7 June 1832,
Albany
Joseph Clarke, Brookfield NY

James Wansley, NY
Sur alge Special Act 27 July, 1837, § 8 per annum, Comy 14 July 1848
Albany
Rev Gerrit Smith W of R