Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39,775, for John Jenks, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Jenks, John or Jencks John S.
S. 39,775
B.L.Wt. 1821 - 100
CONTENTS

Sisph?
See letters to A. Beaumont Nov. 13. 1827 and to Agent, Nov. 14. 1827.
Ques. Pension Certificate of 16 th Sept. 1834, of same? to Pension of N. Troy, Super. Co. at Penn.
from
4892
New York Roll - to Pennsylvania
Capt Walker John Jenks
Connecticut Line
Drummer
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
scribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 25 th of May - 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 th of Dec r 1818 and sent to Booth and Clarke Goshen, Orange Co. N.Y.
Arrears to 4 th of Sept. 1818. 9 mo. \frac{7}{31} \frac{4}{30} - 26:06 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 th March 1819 - 48: -
W. C. B.
$74:86
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
@ Vol 6 p. 63
1700 -
Three years
Orange Co. N.Y.

New Troy April 3 rd 1832
Hon Lewis Cass Secretary of War Sir
Yours Sincerely March 17 th 1832
I enclose Enclosing a letter Warrant No 1821 for one Horace Avery to Mr John Janks, who was a Drummer in the Connecticut line
Yours Respectfully William Swittland

Certificate number 4.892
DISTRICT OF NEW-YORK, } ss. ORANGE COUNTY, }
On this fifth day of September 1820 personally appeared in open court in the court of common pleas, it being a court of record for the said county of Orange, John Leekes aged fifty one years, resident in the said county of Orange, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath declare, that he served in the revolutionary war, as follows:—
That he was recruited in the Town of Goshford in the State of Connecticut and was mustered out, in consequence of his infancy, being then not twelve years old; but that sometime in the spring of 1780, he enlisted as Drummer, for during the War, and joined the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, at Peek's Kill & Hill near the North River and was annexed to the 1 st Company commanded by Capt. Benton of the 5 th Regiment commanded by Col. Sherman;— That he was subsequently transferred to Capt. Walker's 2 nd Company of the 3 rd Regiment commanded by Col. Saml. B. Webb of the same Line;— where he remained till Peace was concluded, and then was discharged, at West Point by General Huntington in the year 1780 one thousand seven hundred and eighty three.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of the act of congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the following inventory, and by me subscribed, viz: He has nothing Robert O'H

And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of the act of congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the following inventory, and by me subscribed, viz:
Robert Pat
I have no real property neither in possession, in remainder or reversion
Personal Property
  Two small Hogs worth $  5 00    1 old setting hairs - 50 to one pr. andiron  1 00 62 1/2    1 pr. tongs - 50 to one shovel 25 - one tea kettle 50  1 00 12 1/2    1 frying pan 50 8 knives & 8 forks 50  87 1/2    2 wooden bowls 50 8 light pewter spoons 25  82 1/2    3 tea cups & saucers, 25 - one ore 50  82 1/2    1 large one small spinning wheel  1 00    1 rake     1 loom and cracking $5 = 1 wash tub 25  5 00 25    1 old chest, 50 - one table, 50 - tin earthen plates 1 25     2 old feather beds and bedding  $ 17 48  
And the said John Jenks further states that his occupation is that of a common school teacher & labourer as occasion may require - that he is infirm being debilitated by a rupture which he received in the army & likewise the Prolapsus Anni - that he is not able to do more than one third of the labour of an able bodied man - that he has a Wife named Penelope aged forty-five years who is also infirm, being afflicted with the Asthma - that he has ten children whose names and ages are as follows - Wm David Wells aged 24 years, now learning the trade of a carpenter - Obediah Seymour aged 22 learning the trade of a Shoemaker and that the said Obediah is unhealthy and unable steadily to pursue his business - Amelia Ann aged 20 residing at home, weak and infirm - Occupation house-wifery - Mary J. Coffin aged 18 now upon trial as a School Teacher - Almira Caroline aged 15 residing at home - occupation house-wifery - Moses Wells aged 14, for the

last three years supported by a friend, is now residing at home — Judge Nelson aged 12 living now with a friend but generally at home — Theodora Ball aged 10 years — Virgil Bennet aged 4 years — and Horace Wiltshire aged two years, all living at home — — — — —
And the said John Jenkins further states that he is justly indebted to the following persons viz —
   To Doct r Samuel Dimonick by obligation one hundred Dollars with interest for ten years  $ 170.00    To Daniel Corwin twenty three Dollars with interest for ten years  39.10    " Moses Phillips  40.00    " George Gardiner Esq r of Newburgh  36.47    To Estate of W. McEwen dec d . about thirty Dollars with ten years interest from 1 st Nov 1818  59.00    " Messrs. Wells & Howell with Int e from 1 st Nov 1818  108.43    " Abijah Wells pr. book Account  25.28    " Samuel Bennet twenty Dollars  20.00    " George Hill Merchant Nineteen Dollars  19.00    " Jacob R. Everson Sixteen Dollars  16.00    " Thomas Sergeant  34.33    " Julia Ann Corwin 14 Dolls. & 2 years interest  15.96    " Silas Wilson 55 Dollars with five years interest  74.25    " Johnathan Jenkins of Philadelphia  71.00    " William Shaw  5.00     $ 725.82     Sworn before me this 5th of Sept r 1829. in open court Jas M c Clintock Deputy CLK  Jno Jenkins

State of New York Orange County ss. I James W. Clintock Deputy Clerk of the County of Orange of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby cer- tify that the foregoing oath and Inventory are truly copies from the record of the said Court, & that it is the opinion of said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is seventeen dollars & forty eight cents. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court this 6th day of September 1820.
James W. Clintock Deputy Clerk of Orange Court of Common Pleas -
In the matter of the Inventory
Com
Inventory
2.2
17.48

State of New York } ss On this twenty fifth day County of Orange } of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen before me the sub- scribed one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared John Jenks aged forty nine resident in the County aforesaid who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following else- where in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" That he the said John Jenks enlisted in the Spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty as a drummer into a company commanded by Captain Perton being the seventh company of the fifth Regi- ment in the Connecticut Line commanded by Colonel Sherman That he was subsequently trans- ferred into the third Regiment of the Connecticut Line commanded by Colonel Samuel B. Webb into a company commanded by Captain Joseph Walker being the second company in said Regiment in which he ser- ved until the close of the War in the year one thou- sand seven hundred and eighty three at which time he was honorably discharged by General Huntington at West Point in the State of New York - That he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence in his power of his said services - Sworn to and declared before me this day and year aforesaid -
John Jenks. W. H. White

I Nathan H. White Judge of aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Jenks did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration against the Common Enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforesaid act of Congress — Dated May 25. 1818
State of New York } In Testimony to the official char- County of Orange } acter of Nathan H. White as stated in the preceding affidavit and certificate and that his name thereunto subscribed is his own proper handwriting and signature I do hereunto subscribe my name and affix my seal of office this 30 th day of May 1818 J. M. Westcott, Clerk of the Court of Com. Pleas
Jenks Off
Mr. Jenks

John Jenks N o 1821.

DEPARTMENT OF WAR.
Regulations for the Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary War who acquired a right to Land from the United States, but have not received it.
By an Act of Congress, of the 16th September, 1776, it is provided, that the Officers and Soldiers who engaged for, and continued to serve, during the War, or until discharged by Congress, shall receive land in proportion to their rank.
N. B. Those who engaged for three years, or for any other period than during the war, are not entitled to land from the United States.
The following declaration must be filled up and sworn to by the claimant :
State of Pennsylvania County of Luzerne }
I, John Jenks aged Sixty years, do upon oath testify and declare, that I entered the service of the United States on the 15 th day of April in the year 1780, for the term of During the War and that I served in the company commanded by Capt. Joseph Walker in the Regiment No 3 , commanded by Col. Samuel B. Webb of the Connecticut line, and was honorably discharged on or about the 20 th of August in the year 1783, from the Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel B. Webb .
I Further declare, that I have never received a warrant for the Bounty Land promised to me on the part of the United States; nor have I ever assigned or transferred my claim in any manner whatsoever: therefore,
Know all men by these presents, that I, John Jenks aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint William Sweetland Esq. of New Troy to be my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States, a warrant for the quantity of Land due to me as aforesaid; and my said attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or attorneys under him for the special purposes above expressed.
Attest, A. Phillips
J. Jenks
I, Jonathan Carpenter aged forty six years do upon oath, declare that I have been long acquainted with John Jenks who has subscribed the above declaration in my presence, and well know that he is the identical person he therein represents himself to be; and further, I do believe, that he did perform the military service therein stated.
Attest, A. Phillips
Jonathan Carpenter
Before me, Aluah Phillips a Justice of the Peace for the County of Luzerne personally appeared the above named John Jenks subscriber to the foregoing declaration, and in my presence acknowledged the power of attorney thereto subjoined, to be his free act and deed; and, likewise, personally appeared Jonathan Carpenter who hath subscribed the above certificate of identity, both to me well known to be men of respectability and truth, and made solemn oath to the truth of the depositions by them respectively subscribed, this twenty second day of October 1831
A. Phillips
Justice of the Peace.
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss }
In testimony that the above-written Aluah C. Phillips was a magistrate authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments, &c., in the State of Pennsylvania at the above date, and that his name there subscribed appears to me to be his usual signature, I have hereunto affixed the county seal, and subscribed my name and quality, at Wilkes-Barre this twenty fifth day of November 1831
Henry Pallebone Clerk, &c. of Luzerne County

January 7, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Miss Klizabeth Hatch Woodbine Pennsylvania
JOHN JENKS S. 39775 BA-J/MCS:MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Jenks who served from Connecticut.
You are furnished below the record of the only soldier named John Jenks, under any spelling of the surname, found in the Revolutionary War records of this office, the data of which were obtained from pension claim, S. 39775, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John Jenks was born about 1768 or 1770 at Providence, Rhode Island. He stated that his father, John Jenks or Jencks, was an officer of a corps of minutemen at the beginning of the Revolution and during the battle of Lexington or Bunker Hill he was wounded and placed in a meetinghouse at Roxbury and died soon afterward, leaving a wife (her name not give) and three children, namely, Sabrina, John Seymour and Obediah.
After the death of his father, John Seymour Jenks or Jencks was apprenticed to Samuel Whipple of Ashford, Connecticut, the brother of Commodore Abraham Whipple and a distant relative by marriage.
While living at Ashford, Connecticut, he enlisted in the spring of 1780 as substitute for said Samuel Whipple and served as drummer in Captains Selah Benton's and Joseph Walker's companies in Colonels Sherman's and Samuel B. Webb's Connecticut regiments, and was discharged about August 20, 1783.
He stated that after his service he returned to his old master, Whipple, at Ashford, but finding himself free he hastened to the

support of his widowed mother in Providence and she then told him he was named after her brother, John Seymour. He followed a seafaring life from December, 1783, until 1794. In 1795, he settled in Orange County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 25, 1818, at which time he was living in Orange County, New York.
In 1820 he was living in Orange County, New York, and referred to his wife, Penelope, aged forty-five years, and to the following children: David Webb, aged twenty-four years; Obadiah Seymour, aged twenty-two years; Amelia Ann, aged twenty years; William D. McCoppin, aged eighteen years; Almira Caroline, aged fifteen years; Moses Webb, aged fourteen years; Judge Nelson, aged twelve years; Theodosia Bull, aged ten years; Virgil Bennet, aged four years, and Horace Wiltshire, aged two years.
In 1828 John Seymour Jenks or Jencks was living at Northmoreland, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, having moved to that state in 1826.
In 1820 reference was made to Jonathan Jenks of Philadelphia but his relationship to the soldier was not given.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of John Seymour Jenks or Jencks, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of soldier's death, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., citing the following data: John Jenks, Certificate 4892, issued December 14, 1818, rate $8 per month, commenced May 25, 1818, Act of March 18, 1818, Pennsylvania Agency, transferred from New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

July 1 st
The honorable James Buchanan Secretary of the Navy Department 7 th April 1828. Fort Mifflin Pa. Pennsylvania
In answer to yours of the 1 st inst. wherein you from the and finally that some the cause of the sudden suspension of my pension viz "That in my first Declaration I pronounced my Father John Senke - that I am sometimes called John S. Senke and at other times John Senke and that it is alleged that I am no more than 52 years of Age, and consequently that I could not have served as a soldier during the Revolution and finally my pension would be entirely forfeit if these allegations should not be disproved."
That I pronounced My Father in my first declaration for the Pension is incorrect is absolutely false; - That I pass by the name of John S. Senke, and sometimes Doctor Senke is correct, - and that I am no more than 52 years of age I believe to be false.
In addition to the corroborating facts already before you in full view of the officers of this high department of state, - I at the present can only add the following detached facts viz
That I was born in the Town of Providence State of Rhode Island, some time about the year 1755 - or 1760 - the supposed son of John Senke a black smith, - who was an Officer of a company of Volunteer or Minute Men
That about the commencement of the disturbances at Boston, in regard to the throwing the Tea overboard my Father - with his Family fled herein themselves away to the Secur of Danvers; - and in some of the first skirmishes was mortally wounded - and the body & bundle was thrown into Rocksbury Meetinghouse, and in a state of distraction consequent to his wounds, precipitated himself thro one of the windows, upon the pavement, - and there shed his last & perhaps best blood
That in consequence of his premature death - the few stores of things occasioned by ravages of the impending war - my Mother and three children - were reduced to a state of poverty - & my Elder sister Sabrina & younger Brother Blackwell were taken out, in the County of Windham State of Connecticut
myself to Sandwich Mass. State of Brother to Comodore Abraham Whipple who were distant Relatives by marriage.

us, Dick Waltch & self to come to his Markree & briefly informed us that the Generals had made such of us a part of a superfine White Broadcloth Coat to be turned up or dyed with Blue , (which was a part of the Musick Uniform ) because we were two pretty Active Drummers . The Order & Movements of the Connecticut Line (as nearly as I can recollect) were as follows. —
From Rock Hill Place , — we moved to Rock Kill Hill & Hollow  Set  at  our  Settler ; — whilst here 4 Disasters out of 4 were hangings — on Gallows Hill , — not far from Crumbs House . From the Hollow our Line marched to the New Connecticut  Heights , (which were at this time not quite finished) these Heights were situated in the rear of Constitution Island , — not far from Old Danford the Duke's Manor . The Camp was in a Plenty situated with rear of Col. Swift's 2 Regiment , — near this spot the Mutiny commenced at a Wicket or General Back Playing of the Waltz of Adjutant Meech , — hence  Snitch or Informers , — in consequence Gale & others were apprehended. Some time after this the whole Line was Paraded on this spot with  Artillery  Inspected , — all the Rounders & Shirts & Boys taken from the common Soldiers & Wooden Drummers & Shirts . We then hastily march to Dunk's Line to the North river , then embarked on board of Boats , — crossed over Long Island  West Point , — march up to the Provost , where I saw a man hanging by the Neck — & the Major went round Galer  Wood  Galer . With Muffled Drums we marched three times round hastily returned to the Batture , crossed the river , & quietly entered our  huts .
That sometime after this our Line were stationed on West Point , our troops in the Baracks , — Colonels  Lamb & Greene's  Regiment of Artillery , at the Works below — near where the Ordinance of the United States was, — & particularly when the Old Ser. be a Norther into which I have drifted many a time. That while on the Point our Line suddenly embarked on board of Batture , & glided down the river to Light Point , or King's Ferry (nearly opposite Stoney Point ) — we encamped on Elevated Plain , not far Eastward of the N. river , — where there joined by the French troops (having Brass  shells  Drums ). They crossed from Stoney Point , on a Bridge of Batture .

That frequently hearing of the death of my Father & of the Glorious cause of liberty restored - and perhaps without some of the Ancestors of my line - at the age of 10, 11, 12 or 13 years I ran away from Mr Whipple - enlisted in a Recruiting Party at the Port of Lebanon - but soon after was mustered out in consequence of my infancy & being very short of stature - That Mr Whipple received a Whipping & shortly afterwards ran away again - received another Continental Bounty on my back - ran away to the line with the same intention - was overtaken & received another slight Bounty.
But now I am averse (Noble Sir, & Mr Edson too) I please remark particularly that Mr Daniel Whipple at this time was himself liable to the Draft in his Class in Rotation - must either go himself, or furnish a Man for the 3 years service in the Continental Army.
True my Uncle Sam (for so I have been taught to call him) managed the affair as to get me enlisted once Mustered in among the same Recruits - from whom but a short time before I had been Mustered out!!!
Accordingly I was conveyed with 15, or 100 other recruits to the Head Quarters, - near the North River - to a place called Peek- kill Hill - out for from Crumel Pond; - was there critically Inspected by Col Sherman Major Troop & Smith, and after the Assurance of Major Fiske that I was an Active little Fellow - fond of the Drum & would soon learn to beat it & that if I could not beat my allowance & take care of myself after some trial he would take me Back & provide a fit able Bucker man in my place - something like
this passed among the officers in my hearing at the time. Finally I was Mustered in - into the 3rd Regiment commanded by Colonel of the Troop - Major Troop & Smith enrolled in the 1st company Captain of the widely Benton; - half of Col at 1, Lieutenant Benjamin of East Hartford Ensign G. R. Orderly Sergeant; - Mettler the rattle-brain Crosby & Minor Quarters; - but these were afterwards broke, in consequence of Intemperance

July 3 rd
The Revd. & my Wife that I now recollect was Old Isaac and Young Rider (I think his christian name was Daniel) Our Drum Major's name was Churchell (I think Moses) Peter Moses - Paterson - Right hand Drummer Sam Geyerage afterwards Pickels Left hand Drummer self - Young Wood pretty to my Right, who deserted sometime of the 16, I presume as I was informed that Adjutant Benjamin ordered Drummer Churchell to place me on the Right of Wood  Paul Davis of the Town of Ashford in our Regiment (whether of the 5 th or afterwards of the 3 rd I cannot now distinctly recollect, but when it was then called the Second Arrangement (for there had been an Arrangement before) I was transferred from Col. Sherman's 3 rd to Col. Sam B. Webb's 3 rd Regiment Second company Captain Joseph Walker - the name of the Drum Major of the 3 rd Regiment was Pratt - Hatch & Catalin I think were Drummers in this Regiment - or of the 5 th or of both; but of this I am now not positive but I am certain of having beat the Drum in company with Hatch & Catalin Ahimell & Pratt Sam Geyerage Pickels Wood Little Bogue & Sam Wood of both shafts 2 nd - who formed post on our Right, while we lay at the Connecticut Huts, and finally Little Dick Hatch another Drummer & myself were the Youngest & Smallest Drummers of the whole Bennington Line. Bogue & Little Sam Wood of Col. Swift's 2 nd - the next Yes, Noble Sir, it is a solemn fact altho' I ethed not a word of Record that in consequence of my Infancy & size, Col. Sherman & Major Frost Smith, ordered me a peculiar Drum of a smaller size Painted sky blue different from the rest of the Drums; and at a General Review at West Point, by Generals Geo. Washington & Baron Stuyvensant after the Salute given Washington placed a hand on the head of Little Dick Hatch & myself and Addressed the officers somewhat to the following effect "Fellow officers & Soldiers I assured need not despair of her cause; some Infants embark in the Defence" That a day or two after this declaration, - our Paymaster (I think Beers) sent for

Now sir, I trust - It remains only for me to satisfactorily account to the Officers of this highly intelligent department for this apparent discrepancy.
When discharged I returned to my old Master Whipple at Ashford, lived there a while, - but finding myself now free , I hastened to the support of my Widowed Mother in Providence , who for the first time that I informed me that my name was not only John  Senk but also John  Seymour , after my Uncle John  Seymour her brother. From that time to the present Sir I have added the S. in all my writings (excepting those relative to the Army and to my Revolutionary Claims as a Pensioner, then & there only I omit the S. and subscribe John  Senk the name by which I joined the Army. - at that time knowing no better, I believe not meaning hard to write of this fact in first Affidavit before Judge White of the Town of Goshen, County of Orange, State of New York. I advised the Judge & requested him to take particular notice that I subscribe my name John  Senk only and not by my usual signature J. S. Senk for the reason above stated. Whether Judge White noted this fact in writing on my first Declaration I do not; but probably it may be remembered either by him or by Doct. Grascius  Horton , who was then present.
Thus Honored Sir, I was not only John  Senk while in the Continental Army, and out of it when it regards me as a Pensioner, but also J. S. Senk . That I have not only been a Soldier, but a Seaman, yet a Master of a ship before the age of 20; - a School Teacher, since a Wales  Graduate ; although entitled by a regular study & diploma have the name of a Physician without the ability to practise to any extent to much advantage, owing to Age & Backly  Systematics , !!!
I have an Infirm Wife afflicted with Rheumatism & Asthma of Lungs & 3 daughters; my 2 elder sons Davie  Nebb & Abraham  Seymour , only volunteered the services, on York & Staten Island, in the late war. 3 Sons and one Daughter depend on me for support. I am a Cobbler - have the goodness to combine all those clashed facts (clashed I say for I write from recollection only of events which transpired 45 or 50 years since) and if all the books of the United States be on me, I should have been able to give the above confirmation of Senk unless I had been then in the Army.

True sir I am fully persuaded that, not a shadow of doubt can exist in the mind of the Honorable Secretary, as of W. B. S. Edwards I Marchand sir, that the greater part of not all of my old Officers and compeers are either dead or dispersed to some remote place beyond the reach of my inquiries...
But honored Sir - I further inform you in regard to the identity of the person sometimes called Don Benito, sometimes Captain Don B. - at other times Master John B. Schoolmaster John B. or Doctor John B. or John B. I request you to order the Marshal of the District to take me & bring me before this honorable Department upon the slightest intimation I will voluntarily surrender myself to Prison to be tried before you Sir & the other Officers of the War Department And the Lord has my soul with them; because I wish to be transcribed at the expense of the United States of America not being a file to have not myself. I am really not able to and if I am appear un marked in the  Drums before you in Personal Propria and then beat the Drum like an old drummer for am now known and inform you then submit to be examined by the officers of the War Department & perhaps by many other old officers & compeers of the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, who may be knowing about the Federal city in hope of being remunerated for their former Revolutionary services Yes noble Sir if I could thus appear before you, - & be thus examined It would be perhaps all & perhaps the best evidence of the identity of the person sometimes called John Benito, sometimes John B. and which would eternally put to silence the calumnies & calumnies of a Gaping enormous multitude, - who say & whose pragmatical interference is calculated not only to obscure the Truth, but to add misery to the Wretched by insinuating "they can all these things Be, he has been a Soldier a Seaman & a Schoolmaster, and a Farmer & a Doctor and only 52 years of age". To the integrity of the officers of the War Department I submit the whole matter in controversy - between those pragmatical beings and myself, - and O Sir they help me so develop the Truth, that officers of this high Department, will hereafter let me pass as a Pensioner & a Drummer of the Revolution as the name of John Benito; or John B. or Captain John B. Schoolmaster; - or Doctor John B. !!! I sincerely hope Sir, that you will have the goodness to pardon this inimitable scroll.
I am, noble Sir
respectfully
Yours a lot sent John Benito alias John B.

19 6 Statement of John Cook Drummer, confirmed
The York Troops & the Berseys Blues, also joined us here when we all disjoined & rejoined a few days, under the Baron Sturken ; but all of a sudden the main part of those troops in the right vanished like a fog, so that the next morning at the usual Reveille I was surprised not to hear the regular Drummers call repeated along the line from the right towards our left, - so but at fair daylight I observed that all the Tents pitched and packed - leaving only a few old Invalids myself, a few other Boys & stragglers behind, those with myself soon after returned to the point
That some months after this, we were rejoined to perceive our old Regiments & companions reforming us again, - with Shirts on their backs, and their Shirts  Uniforms - some with Red some with Green, others with Blue or White Coats on; and I believe Sir, this was the first time that I heard any thing from the mouths of our Soldiers of the Defeat of Lord Burn  Wallace .
Some time after this I was discharged, on the point by General Harrington -
But Noble Sir, until moment I had forgotten to narrate what may be deemed a very important fact, in the above calculation viz. at a game of Wicket Ball playing in rear of the Tents I was struck by a Bat stick by the Left part of the Aboemen , and so violent was the blow that I received a Scrotal Hernia - the intestine protruding through inguinal ring into the sack - in consequence I was first examined by our Regimental Surgeon  Doctors - Skinner & Rose or Rosa - and afterwards by a Board of Doctors at General Harringtons quarters, - some of the Doctors recommended to have me discharged others to put me on furlough the latter was finally done by my consent, I remember of hearing it argued by some of the members of the Board to return me as an Invalid . But, honored Sir, with this latter fact be a matter prior in your office I know not, - But, I know Sir, it is a fact, & I know Sir it is a solemn fact, on which alone I am willing to hazard every thing secured as it regards the Identity of my Person - But Dr. Cook  Doctor  Cooke or, little John  Cooke , when in the Army - those I named Identifying the same unfortunate being who now has honor to Celebrate the Honorable  James  Barbour

Wilkes-Barre Dec 12 th 1827
Sir I have availed myself of every safe opportunity, since the receipt of your letter, to obtain the information desired, respecting Livingston Jones the pensioner therein alluded to. All that I have yet been able to gather respecting him, leads me to me to suspect that your suspicions are not without foundation . I have learned from one of his neighbors that he has served a term in the S.P. in the state of New York for forgery; It is also believed that his age would not warrant the belief that he could have served in the Revolutionary Army; His character is not good. He resides about twenty miles from this place, which renders it difficult to obtain many facts respecting him. I shall however endeavour to sound the matter as thoroughly, as my situation and means will allow, and when any fact comes to my knowledge calculated to throw any light on the subject I will communicate it immediately.
Respectfully, &c
A. Deamont
J. L. Edwards Esq. War Dept.
P.S. I would under present circumstances regret very much that the this information in any shape came to the knowledge of Jones as it would in all probability kindle his resentment against me A.D.

Northmoreland Feb 6 March 1828
Sir Agreeable to your request I forward you the enclosed which is the only paper proffer for me to share with the signature of John J. Jenkins but in all instances where I have done business in my official capacity he has signed his name J. P. Jenkins & I know of no other person of this name in this township. He has further informed me that he receives his pension through the hands of Wm. Southland Postmaster Tempest  at Newberry. From an acquaintance in the adjoining township I am led to believe there is no person in them by the name of John Jenkins. I have been residing in this County for twelve years. Wm A. Jenkins
Shurman Leoni

APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE.
State of Pennsylvania
County of Luzerne ss.
On this fourth day of September 1834, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Luzerne personally appeared John Smith who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Joseph Walker in the Connecticut regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel B. Root in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the State of New York Agency, that he received a certificate, of that fact under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War; which certificate, on or about the Thirteenth day of June, or July 1834, at or near the house of his mother, in Northumberland County, on a return from the Sick in a nearby place, he being in an extensive Storm, about 10 A.M. was overtaken by a tremendous Squall, or Tornado, of Thunder Lightning, Wind Hail & Rain; he became bewildered & lost, and during the Tornado lost his Original Pension Certificate with his Transfer from the New York Agency to hold Pennsylvania, & a number of small Sworn and subscribed to before me, the day and year aforesaid.
Isaac H. Phillips Justice of the Peace
John Smith
NOTES.—The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified Magistrate, whose official character and signature must be properly authenticated.
If the Pensioner has never received a formal certificate, but has drawn his pension on a mere notification, as was the case in a few instances many years ago, he should leave out the above words in italics, and insert, in lieu thereof, "but has never received a formal certificate, and now wishes to obtain one."
The Pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The Magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, under his seal of office, setting forth that the officer before whom the affidavit may be made is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be.
When a person acting as an agent or Attorney for a pensioner, loses the certificate, the affidavit of that person is also required, which must be authenticated as above.
In every case where the Clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should be sent with the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.—In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officers who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or small ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
No attention will be given to applications from persons who act as agents, unless they are known at the War Department, or are vouched for as respectable persons by some one who is known to the Department.

State of Pennsylvania } Luzerne County } ss.
On the 4 th day of September 1834 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for said County came William Sweetland who after being duly sworn says, that he well knows John Leaks, who has herewith applied for a new Pension Certificate, and has for several years assisted him in getting his pension under the former certificate and knows him to be the same person named in the annexed affidavit.
Sworn & subscribed } before me } A. B. Phillips J.P. }
William Sweetland
I do hereby certify that, I am well acquainted with both the persons who have made and subscribed the two above and foregoing affidavits, to wit John Leaks and William Sweetland who are both persons of veracity.
Witness my hand, September 4 th 1834
Aloah B. Phillips Justice of the Peace
Luzerne County ss
I Henry Pellebone Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County certify that Alvah B. Phillips before whom the above affidavit was taken, was at the time, a Justice of the Peace for said County and duly authorized to take such affidavit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this sixth day of Sept. A.D. 1834
H. Pellebone Pro- By Dickinson

John Jenkins
Apr 18 th 1832
John Jenkins

3 1832
The Hon. Thos Lewis Cass Esq., Secretary. War Department, Washington
New York Pa April 30
Pennington Office
Mar 9 1832

The Honorable Lewis C. G. Jr.
Secretary of War.
War Department
Yours of the 15 th Ult. enclosing the Land Warrant for 100 Acres, N o 1821. have been received, and delivered to my Agent W m Sutherland Esq. as will appear by his Receipt to that effect. —
I pray the hon. the Secretary's further indulgence to keep me, and advise me, in regard to the mode of setting forth, — and obtaining my back Arrearages of Pay and Rations & clothing: — I humbly submit the following statement of facts, for the consideration of the War Department.
 1 st That My Father John Bentons, — was killed (when a Volunteer) at the Battle, — either of Lexington, or Bunker's Hill; in consequence our Family was Brocken up — reduced to penury & want;  2 nd That I was bound to a Sumner Whipple of Ashford, Windham Co in Connecticut.  3 rd That thro' the Influence of S th Whipple, I was Alhozen into the Continental Army, — at a premature age (being then about 12 years old)  4 th That I was attached to Col. Benton's, 7 th Company, Col. Isaac Sherman's 5 th Connecticut Regiment; — as a Drummer, — and in consequence of my Infancy & Small Stature, — the Officers (Col. Sherman — Major Smith & Troop), procured me a Blue Drum, — hence I was denominated the Little Blue Drummer.  5 th That subsequently (on the second Arrangement) I was transferred to Col. Joseph Matthews 2 nd Company of the 3 rd Connecticut Regiment, — commanded by Col. Samuel B. Webb, where I remained till the close of the War, & was discharged by Genl. Huntington, on West Point (upon my return from an Unsuccessful Expedition, — in consequence of a Scurvy Therrine, which I had previously received) 
 1 st That, being now free I returned to Norwalk (R.I.) to the support of my poor Widowed Mother!  2 nd That in order to do that I commenced a Dead Raring life, in Dec r 1783. which carried me unmercifully followed till April 1794 which employment I then quit, in consequence of the Washington 

Embargo of 60 days. —
3 That in 1795 I settled, in Orange County, N.Y. — and shortly afterward called on the Comptroller, in Hartford, for information in regard to my long delayed claims as a soldier of that state. —
1 That the Comptroller briefly informed me — that the Original Department Books, had been transferred to the War Office, Wash. — but that the state had refused to supply copies of those books; — in which he found my name and grade — the sum due me, and the sum I had received in clothing of (on secret, a letter) which was about $9.18 N.E. currency.
2 That my Pay Masters, viz — Sherman & Bears were insolvent, — and that finally I was barred by a Limitation Act of Assembly, — requiring every soldier of the Connecticut Line to assert his claims within 6 years from its passage, — and that period had expired; but
3 That a proviso in s d Act, enabled me to bring my claims before the legislature of that state by petition; — setting forth, that I had been in foreign service during s d term of Limitation. —
But being poor & helpless — and at so great a distance from the seat of government of Connecticut; — I abandoned my claims, — waiting with patience till the present auspicious moment of an Administration which knows how to appreciate the rights of Individuals, — and how to reward without partiality.
Since the system of the Nation may be obtained without money & without price, — I believe the Secretary the Hon. Leaves Laps Off. will inform me how & where I may present my claims. . .
I Am, Sir
very respectfully yours
Oliver D. Smith
St. J. Apr. 1882
(answer)
Sir
War Dept. Bounty Land Office Apr. 18. 1882
In answer to your letter addressed to the Secy of War, on the subject of your claims for "back arrearages of pay. Rations & Clothing" I have to inform you that all claims of that nature by soldiers of the Revolutionary Army, have been barred by an act of limitation passed by Congress many years ago — Relief in such cases can only be obtained from Congress
Yrs No.
Wm. Gordon
Mr. J. Jenkins New Troy — Penn a ?

This Indenture made the first day of April Anno D o 1826 between Sherman Loonis of North mae l and township in the County of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania former of the one part and Doctor John S Jinks of the other part Witnesseth that the said S Loonis for and in consid- eration of the rent and agreement hereafter in and by these presents mentioned and reserved on the part and behalf of the said S Loonis his executors and admin- is trators and assigns to be paid observed and performed both granted and leased and set to farm let and by these presents doth grant lease set and to farm let unto the said J S Jinks his Executors Administrators and assigns all that message or tenement tract or parcel of land situated in the township first is to privileges building notes improvements and other the premises hereby described. The land to be improved by the said J S Jinks is that part of the lot including all the land within fence on the north end of the said J S Jinks his Executors Administrators and assigns from the first day of instant for and during and until the full term of one year and fully to be completed and ended yielding and paying therefor yearly during the said time into the said S Loonis his and assigns the rent of fifteen dollars in good merchantable wheat to be received at the house of the said S Loonis or at the cash price paid by Thomas Borrage Merchant of Hunington the wheat to be delivered by the first day of October next the said J S Jinks is to plow what part of the land he thinks proper and put on any and every crop he pleases and at the expiration and end of one year the expiration of the said term he the said J S Jinks shall and will quietly and peaceably leave surrender and yield up unto the said S Loonis his heirs and assigns the said premises with the appurtenances in good and sufficient repair and condition (reasonable use made and let there of and damage by fire only excepted) in witness whereof over the said J S Jinks hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written
Sherman Loonis J. S. Jinks

Received March 26 1827 four dollars ninety cents which was due to me by J. S. Jenkins on settlement on this day from me and was to apply on this Loan by our agreement
April 2 d 1827 Received satisfied in full on the within Loan by me & L. L. L.
I owe to J. S. Jenkins

APPLICATION FOR A TRANSFER.
County of Suzerne ss.
On this fourteenth day of August 1826, before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Suzerne — personally appeared John Jenks who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Joseph Walker in the regiment commanded by Colonel Sam d B Webb in the service of the United States ; that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New York from whence he has lately removed ; that he now resides in the State (District, or Territory,) of — Pennsylvania where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable, in future ; and that his reasons for removing to the State of Pennsylvania was for the purpose of improving the condition of his family in respect of health and property.
Sworn and subscribed to, before } me, the day and year aforesaid. }
John Jenks
John Myers Justice of the Peace
NOTES.—The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character and signature must be authenticated by the certificate of the proper officer, setting forth that the person taking the testimony is a Justice of the Peace, Judge, or Notary Public, as the case may be, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
The pensioner's oath must be supported by the evidence of another person as to identity. The person must swear that he well knows him to be the same person described in the above affidavit. The magistrate must certify that the deponent is a person of veracity. This oath must also have the authentication as above required.

Luzerne County ss
Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace personally came John Smith who being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is well acquainted with the within named John Jenkins and knows him to be the same person herein named. Witness my hand and seal at Wilkes-Barre the fourteenth Day of August 1826 John Myers Justice of the Peace
Sworn to before me the Day and Year aforesaid and I certify that the above named Deposition is a matter of Truth and veracity John Myers Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss
I Charles D Shoemaker Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas and Clerk of the Quarter Sessions of the Peace in and for the County of Luzerne aforesaid. Do certify that John Myers Esqr whose name is subscribed to the foregoing aff is now and was at the time of taking and certifying the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned as such and that full faith and Credit are due to his Official acts and Deeds and that the signatures purporting to be his are his own proper sign manual and genuineness. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed hereto the Seal of the Court of said County at Wilkes-Barre this fourteenth day of August 1826 C.D. Shoemaker Prothonotary

Wellesbourne P. 21 Aug d
Pennant Office
Free
The Hon James Barber Secy of War Washington City
rec d 25 Aug. 1826
Make the ... J. ... P...

Wilkes-Barre Aug 21 1876
Sir I am requested to forward to the War Department the enclosed application for a transfer of pension.
Be pleased to transmit the notice of transfer to me when made.
Respectfully &
A. Deamour
The Hon James Barber Secy of War
P.S. Please transmit the enclosed Certificate of Pension back to this office.
A.D.

see letter Oct. 6. 1827
Free Parker's Office Oct 3 rd 1827
South Moreton Pa Oct 1 st
Mr — —
Secretary of war Washington City

North Moreland Luzerne, Co, Pa, Oct 1 st 1832
Sir From the information I have rec d there is a Person in our Township, who receives From Government a Pension as a Revolution Soldier which is Fraudulent, I Do not feel Desposed to Injure the the man feelings Should he be innocent, But if Guilty Justice ought to be done, I keep the Postoffice in this Town and Letters frequently come for Doct John S Jenkins and others for Dr John Jenkins all the one Person, which Gave Rise to my suspicion, on Enquiry I find he signs his name to the war Department John Jenkins - and he signs his Name here J S Jenkins, I have his Subscription in my hands
I understand his father was a Revolutionary Soldier and the idea is he Draws in the name of his father this Person is not far from 55 years I think Judge under I have thought Proper to inform you of the contents as a Duty I owe to Government
Capt Ziba Peterson of Windham, County & at above mentioned who left here for a fraud of the above kind has returned as I understand, he resides about 15 miles above me
I am Sir yours
Asa Kirtland
1 st Doct John S Jenkins and my self are on good terms and should be innocent I could wish still to continue the same

North Moreland Pa Feb 6 th
Free A. Kaler P.M.
Rec d Feb. 9. 1828
Present to John Jenkins
War Department Pension office Washington City
Mr. Elias Keeler. North Moreland Penn a

North Moreland Luzerne Co Pa Feb 6th 1823
Sir I rec d -yours of the 6th of Octo last, and I have thought proper to obtain of Esq r Loonis now an acting Justice of our Township the Enclosed writings for your perusal, and I think it not be sufficient I can forward you Depositions, and a Bond originated before our County Court wherein John S Jenkins & Henry M Braun had a suit and both bond &c. bound to be Decided by the S d -Loonis which I now have before me, but as the bond is not all set forth it cannot be sent at this time, but the copy can be sent if required
I have in my hands 2 obligations executed by John S Jenkins, which were payable to him and sign d by another person hereafter if required, but must be omitted at this time as I have not got the pay for them — I can likewise forward your good Testimony that Jenkins says he is 52 years old this Statement being made not over 20 Days ago to clear the Carrier there is no person of the name of John Jenkins in the place and this subject is in the mouths of almost every person from a Duly I owe to my Country I am induced to state the within as facts in every Part
I am Sir yours - Asa Keeler
you have herein his real name, and you must have before you, a different name, by the same hand am Swarthmore Pa since May Pa stated to me at the time of his signing her name the reason of so doing, and rec d -a trifling answer, so P r M c D r an answer is required.

State of New York } County of Orange } David Hanford and John B. Cox being duly sworn depose and say that they are personally acquainted with John Jenks in the annexed deposition or statement men- tioned and with his circumstances and will know him to be in an indigent situation and to stand in need of the assistance of his country for support. Subscribed and sworn to this David Hanford fourth day of December 1818 before me John B. Cox Stephen Jackson
State of New York } I do hereby certify that the above County of Orange } named David Hanford and John B. Cox are credible witnesses. Dated at Goshen the fourth day of December 1818 Stephen Jackson
State of New York } David H. Westcott Clerk of the Court County of Orange } of Common Pleas in and for the County of Orange do hereby certify that Stephen Jackson is a Judge of the said Court and that his name set to the preceding affidavit and certificate is the proper hand writing of the said Stephen Jackson. In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said Court the 4 th day of Dec r . 1818. D. H. Westcott

John Jenks placed on rev. roll Dec r 14. 1818.
Such? See Caveat within and letter to J. Jenks 12 th May 1828. do 9 May, 1829. also 29 May, 1829. Suspension removed. See letters to Agent & Pen- sioner. June 13. 1829.
New Ben. if? Wood (as wither) 16 th Sept 34.
Set to Pensions April 4. 1835. Same Oct 1. 1836
(March 1819)

Lucien Leamy personally appeared before Pennsylvania's me Luman Ferry and the Justice of the peace in and for said county Ebenezer Bartlett, who after being duly sworn on his oath deposed and states, that of that whilst in the Continental Army of the Revolutionary war in the years 1780 to 1783 he was well acquainted with little drummer (Dent) (but he does not recollect his Christian name), that he knew and distinguished him, because he carried & beat a very small blue drum, and that the man now called J. S. Dent, and sometimes Doctor Dent, is the very identical person with whom is well acquainted in the Army, as aforesaid.
John R. Bartlett
Sworn and subscribed before me May 19 th 1829
Luman Ferry Justice Peace
I do hereby certify that I have been for several years personally acquainted with Ebenezer Bartlett the subscriber to the above affidavit and he has uniformly sustained the character of an honest man and any man that whom full faith and confidence may be placed in what he saith
Eaton May 19 th 1829
Luman Ferry J.P.

Luzerne County, ss.
I Charles D. Shoemaker Clerk of the Court of the County of Luzerne in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that Sumner Perry before whom the within affidavit were sworn was at the time a Justice of the Peace and duly empowered to administer oaths
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this sixth day of June Anno Domini 1829.
For C. D. Shoemaker
Seal Thomas Colt Deputy

N. G. R. pa
John Jenks
Rev. 14: Sept. 1818
lost certificate
Rev. 10: Sept. 1834

Lewis Cass Esq.
Secretary
War Department Pension Office J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
Commissioner.
In compliance with yours - of the 11 th ultimo, herewith return the prescribed form, - which you had the politeness to send me.
We have endeavored to comply with all its requisitions as far as we know.
William Swisland Esq., - Fort Marley, New Jersey - is a gentleman of the first standing in this country; - whose character must be well known in some of the executive Departments of State, - especially in that of the Post Master General. Thus, - it is confidently believed, that the Honorable Commissioners of Pensions will have no hesitation, in forwarding me a Duplicate Pension Certificate.
4, Sep r , 1834,
in Fort. Luzerne Co. Pa.
I am Sir & very respectfully Amos D. Sewell

The Hon. Lewis Cass Esq. Secretary of the War Department D. L. Pinnon Officer D. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioners
Sir,  I return the enclosed late Pinnon certificate granted me in lieu of the Original, which was supposed lost or purloined — and which is now again lost; or purloined The enclosed (a few weeks since) was Found by my Wife in a path in a clump of Wood near my house, with the wrapper and other writings Unsoiled as tho they had been chopped an hour since!!  At a Referee Trial on the 5 th March last at New Bedford, the (my) Original Certificate last granted me, was Missing & has not been since found.  I feel exceedingly regret, — so thus leave the War Department, on this occasion; but it was a Prelude, — to my long Delayed Back Arrearages of Pay &c.  The Advise of the Department, is humbly solicited viz whether I may act as receiving Pension, in virtue of the enclosed certificate.

Or whether I must wait the Decision the of the Commissioners of Pensions? —
I sincerely hope the Hon. Secretary — and especially the Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. will point out the course I must pursue? —
For I am still Poor & Needy Pennyles
With sentiments of profound respect for the present Vice Pres t Administration & also for the future Pres t  yet Buren !!!
I remain an Old (tho' young) Revolutionary Blue Drummer
Agreeably J. D. [unintelligible]
Centergraveland Post Office. Northmoreland. Luzerne Co. Pa.

To the Hon the present Secretary of the War Department
Sir, Enclosed.
Paymaster's Office D. L. Richards Esq. Commr.
I transmit
my Affidavit of my Lost Original Certificate, N. (P. 1804-1809) which affidavit I have for it. In obedience to the requisitions of the War Department, - I have returned the Certificate granted me in favour of the Old Brigade which is also, your last a second thing I sincerely hope the Officers of the Department will take into the consideration of an Old the the younger Soldiers of the Revolution
Agreeing Gentle Woodland Post Office, 16. Sep 1809.

State of Pennsylvania County of Luzerne
So.
On this sixteenth day of September 1836, before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Luzerne personally appeared John Senke, who on his oath declares that he is the same person, who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Capt. Joseph Walker, in the 3 d Connecticut Regiment, commanded by Col. Samuel B. Webb, in the service of the United States, that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New York that he received a certificate of that fact, under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War, which certificate on the fifth day of March last (1836) at the house of Jacob Sager in New Troy, in said County, was lost or mislaid, under the following circumstances, Deponent was in attendance as a party at a Refferre Trial, his papers consisting of several accounts current, together with his certificate, were enclosed in a wrapper, and laid upon the table before the Refferre the day previous, and that he has made diligent inquiry and due search, but cannot find it.
Sworn and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written.
John Senke
Hezekiah Phillips J.P.

State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss.
On the 16 th day of September A.D. 1836, before me the sub- -scribed a Justice of the Peace for said County, came Jonathan Movers of New Troy, in said County, who after being duly sworn says, that John Leeks the within deponent, is well known to him, to be the same person, mentioned in the within affidavit.
Jonathan Movers
Sworn & subscribed before me
Abiah C. Phillips Jus. Peace
I certify that the above deponent is a man of truth and veracity.
Given my hand this 16 th day of September A.D. 1836.
Abiah C. Phillips J.P.
State of Pennsylvania Luzerne County ss.
I John Smith Notary Public of the court of common pleas of said county certify that Abiah C. Phillips before whom the foregoing affidavit by John Leeks and the above affidavit by Jonathan Movers, is taken was at the time of taking such depositions and is at this time a Justice of the Peace in full commission and that full faith and credit are due to his acts as such in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Wilkes- Barre this 17 th day of September A.D. 1836.
John Smith Notary Public

Centre Mouland Place March 20 th 1832
see 2 nd H.
Henrietta Sewell Esq. Sewell Esq. London J. & E. Estlin Messrs. Estlin & Co. London
Mar 31

The Honorable Lewis C. Griffith
Secretary of War.
Genesee Office N.Y.
Sir, Enclosed I return my Original Certificate (Agreeably to the directions of the new one) which with some other writings, were found, in a Hat which I daily wore, - on (or about the 6th) that those Writings were undoubtedly discovered. !! On the 16, Nov, I had occasion to return my Power of Attorney to Charles Ely for some necessary addition as I then believed. But, I say, with shame, & regret, I confess, when preparing to send the Power to Isaac Hooms Esq. of Philadelphia, - I missed the Power, the late Certificate, - & some other writings, all carefully enclosed in a Wrapper, - placed in a side pocket of a Frock Coat, - securely buttoned. Not, - being able to keep a Horse at present, - my Practice is frequently performed on foot, especially my return visits - in such trips I carry a Frock on my Arms, - and it carefully retains having any horse, or stable from my first arrival, - like an Equitable Circumstances restored. However on one of these Return Visits, I stopped at Public Inn, (travelling to write a Letter to my son) that side pocket was Unbuttoned & the said Certificate discovered - with a view to be coerced or compelled to make a Transfer of my Pension, - to some other person, whom I do not think proper !!! In this sad Delimma (For Affected I am Poor & penniless, without the Pension) Humbly ask Aid & advice of the War Department, thro' the

The Pension Office, & especially of the Pension Agent & Commissioner, J. S. Edwards Esq.
Whether it be that proper for return me the Oregonian Certificate (that I may act thereon) Grant me another, on a Petition, to receive my Present Pension. For Sir, I must write all the Regular Routine of Proceedings I must Suffer, before Relief can travel!!! Notwithstanding Sir, I am firmly Believer in man being of the Necessity of Exact & even hired Regulations, - in order to prevent frauds This latter sentiment, I would not presume to express; - were it not, that I am conscious of being myself the subject thereof, by others in those cases above recited.
If the Hon. the Secretary, the Commissioner & Pension Agent, - do, or can afford me any Relief in the premises consistent with the Regulations of the Department, with which I expect it not I promise, upon my Sacre Honors, - for the future, if possible to observe, more strictly the Rule and of an old
26 March, 1835
Revolutionary Soldier W. J. Weeks
Adams Central Moreland Post Office Luzerne Co. Pa.

Given being personally appeared before me Isaac Harding one of the Justices of the Pennsylvania peace in, and for the said County Isaiah Perkins who being first duly sworn acknowledges to law, on his Oath Deposition and saith That he is personally acquainted with the man now known by the name of Doctor (Dink) who is also sometimes called (Shr B. Dink), he very believes to be the very same Little Drummer Dink, wh whom he was particularly acquainted in the Revolutionary War of the United States, in the Company commanded by Col. John Benton of the 5 th Connecticut Regiment commanded by Col. Deane Sherman; and that he was then commonly called the Little Blue Drummer; because he was one of the smaller Drummers and beat a very small Blue Drum Isaiah Perkins
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19 th day of May 1829. — Isaac Harding J.P.
I do hereby certify that Isaiah Perkins the above named deponent is personally known to me and that full confidence may be placed on what he saith under Oath Isaac Harding

Luzerne County ss.
I Charles D. Shoemaker Clerk of the Court of the County of Luzerne in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that Isaac Harding before whom the within affidavits were sworn, was at the time a Justice of the Peace and duly empowered to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this sixth day of June Anno Domini 1829.
For C. D. Shoemaker
(Seal) Warner Colb
Deputy.

War Department Bounty land Office Sir
5 March 1832
In answer to yours of 29 Sep r 1831. I have complied with the Regulations therein specified, by filling the Blanks of the printed form which you Sir, had the goodness to forward to me. And therein (as you will perceive) I have constituted and appointed William Swettland Esq r of New Troy to be my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name, - to demand and receive from the Secretary of the War Department of the United States, a Warrant, for the quantity of Land, due me for Revolutionary Services. -
Sure in further compliance with the supposed regulations of the War Department in regard to Unknown Agents, I beg leave to remark, that the said William Swettland Esq r my Agent, resides near me, & known to me as a gentleman of the first standing, in regard to character and property.
I therefore humbly request of the hon ble the Secretary, - to forward the Warrant (when granted) to the said William Swettland Esq r New Troy Luzerne County Pennsylvania, who will safely deliver it me.
For The Hon ble Lewis Cass Esq r very respectfully - J. D. D. J. D. D.
By an Unavoidable Occurrence, this with the enclosed power, have been thus delayed J. D. D.

James L. Edwards Esq. War Department Pension Office Washington United States 9 March 1829 New York Pa March 4 th 3

24. Feb 1829.
W. J. Edwards Esq. War Department Pension office
Sir in answer to yours of the 12. May 1828 requiring me to prove by the testimony of at least one creditable and disinterested Testimony, that I served in the Army as set forth in my Declarations, I have com- plied with, and instead of one affidavit, have forwarded four viz. that of Jesse Dickerson, Isaac Harding, Bartel and Atkinson; — taken before a Magistrate of our County, and the whole Authenticated by the Prothonotary signature & Seal of of the Court. —
Taking it for granted, that no further proof of the Identity of my person would be required, — I have waited with some impatience to be sent the Warrantum, or final Decision of the Secretary. — But the fluctuating state of our national Political affairs, — the removals and appointments of new Secretaries, — has induced the Old soldier to return to his post with more patience; firmly believing, that when the Commander in Chief make his Grand Rounds, — and give and receive the True Counter sign, — he will be remunerated. —
I, (like the greater part of my comrades) live in seclusion & retired, consequently did not know, that we had an Acting Secretary of the War Department, — till I noticed in the Washington Republican (January of the 20 th inst) the Instructions of the Hon. P. B. Porter Esq. to all Old Soldiers, Department of War 26 Dec r 1828. — Without reciting the whole of the above regulations I would humbly crave your opinion of in regard to the conclu- ding sentence viz To obtain the Benefit &c — a New Declaration

Is now deemed essentially necessary, in order to show what is the present state of the claimants property, and to prove his Identity?"
By reference to your files, Sir, you will find two Declarations of mine as one under the Original Act of 1 May 1818, and another under the Amending Act of 1820. Now the question Sir is, — Have, or should I make another — a "Third Declaration," in order to have my Pension continued?"
The Allegations, which were the cause of its discontinuance, originated in party Political motives, which I sincerely hope, do not now exist. I would be understood to say & meaning those persons and those only who wrote to the Department, against me; I would not impute the least reflection against an honorable Officer of the Department: They have acted, as I would have acted, — under similar circumstances.
How trifling soever, Sir, my case may appear, upon a large scale, — yet you have candor and the goodness to follow, — that to a poor old fallen man, in a strange land — among strangers, the loss of a year might reduce him to a starvation among his friends at least; and if they then forsake him it would soften the pillow of adversity and enable him to respond Song Seven Amazed.
A line, or countersign from the War Department will enable the old Veteran how to Act. —
I am Sir, Edwards Very respectfully  J. W. Smith J. S. Smith

Hon. James Buchanan Secretary of the Navy Washington D.C. United States

The Honorable James Barbour Secretary of the War Department of the U.S.
Sir
Thro' the medium of Mr. Isaac Reams, my Agent for receiving my Pension in Philadelphia, I have received an Abstract of your Order to N. Bedle Esq. requiring him to suspend the payment of the Pension of John Senks until further Instructions from the War Depart- ment.
For the cause of this sudden suspension I am at a loss to Account.
And therefore, Sir I humbly request your honors to be acquainted with the general statutes of State (so far as is consistent with the regulations of this high Department of State) what further Information (if any) be required, with what- ever other requisition, in regard to my Pension I will endeavour cheerfully to comply.
Please direct to William Swilland Esq. Post Master New Bray
Suzem Co. C.A.
I am very respectfully
25 March 1828.
Sir your obed. Servt. John Senks

Wilkes-Barre Dec 15 th 1827
Sir
It has occurred to me since my letter of Monday last that I used the name " Livingston " instead of " John " Jenks. It was an error & should have been John Jenks .
Respectfully &
A. Beaumont
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Woodbine, York County, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1934
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-- only one in files
John Jenks was enrolled in "Connecticut Line, 1781-1783," "from Coventry, Connecticut."
Did he reside at Coventry, or did he go to Coventry to enlist? Any information as to age, place of residence, family, record in Army, etc., will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Elizabeth Hatch
(Miss) Elizabeth Hatch

Box 1683 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 8, 1934
Revolutionary & 1812 War Sec., Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:--
Will you kindly send to me case history of John Seymour Jenks or Jencks, Revolutionary War pensioner, with special attention to what he says regarding his father, John Jencks.
Very truly yours,
L. M. Hatch

U. S. Pension Office 1812 & Rev. War Section.
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:
In have been endeavoring to trace one Oliver Jenks who lived in Bainbridge, Chenango Co. N. Y. from 1800 to 1831 at least. and in so doing, the only one I can find on record of his age is one Oliver Jinks, p. 175 Conn. men in Rev. (B) 1760-1770.
I now have a hint that in the Pension papers of John Seymour Jenks, (who was a drummer boy, and also in records of Killingly Conn.) that he makes mention of some relative in Prison either in N. Y. or Pa.
I am naturally curious as to whether the name of relative is given, and if Oliver has anything to do with John Seymour Jenks.
I find record of an Abigail Seymour who marries an Oliver Jenks b. 1782. and he is supposed to have written letters on file in Pension office where he desired his pension of $6.00 to be sent to Michigan. ( Letter written from Harrisburg, P a)
The strange part of it is that Oliver Jenks of Jericoo or which is now Bainbridge, N. Y. wifes name was Nabby, on land deeds. 1800 - Jenks ny
This Oliver must have had a bro. Joseph Jenks who also was enlisted from Killingly Conn. and in 1790 census lived Joseph Jinks, 2m. & 2 fem. over 16 years. Columbia Co. N. Y. In town of Coventry 1820 census lived one Joseph Jenks and family, Bainbridge, N. Y. 6 miles away lived Oliver Jenks from as early as 1800 when he purchased 100 acres.
What I want straightened out is whether or not John Seymour Jenks or Leven Jenks makes mention of anyone by the name of Oliver in his letters, and what it is all about.
Thanking you very much for any information which will help clear a statement of this kind, I am
Sincerely,
(Mrs) Beatrice Jenks Perkins Beatrice Jenks Perkins. 1737 E. 67th St., Chicago, Illinois.
Mar 10-1931

39775
Rev INVALID.
File No. 39775
John Jenks Drummer Rev War
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index: Vol. 8 , Page 256
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1913 Feb. 17. History to Miss Myra C. Case. C. 1915 Nov. 10. Duplicate copies not sent to above. 1917 Jan. 13. Myra C. Case, Westtown, Orange Co. N.Y. info that is the only John Jenks on Rev. War. Records - no claim for widow or heirs of his father. (Correspondence attached to neg- ative slip of Marys Stephen Mead.) aw 1931 Apr 28 - Mrs. B. Jenks Perlins, ad. that no mention of a rel. of the pensioner being in prison is made. E.E. 1934 Aug. 25. Hist. to Mrs. L. M. Hatch 1935 Jan. 7 - Hist. to Miss Elizabeth Hatch McS. m. B

6) Please give me the Military Record of John Seymour Jenks who enlisted from near Boston Mass..
He ran away from home at the age of eleven years and went in the Army as a drummer boy and ship protector. Commanded by John Foster Williams at one time., he was a Rev. Pensioner and drew 8.00 until Oct. 19 - 1843 the time

7 of his death in Wyoming Co Pa. he is buried by his wife Penelope Webb-Jenks at Northmoreland Pa. He married Penelope Webb. in Orange County N.Y. John S. Jenks born 1764 married 1794 or 5 died Oct 19 1843 Penelope W. Jenks died Dec. 7 1841 John S. Jenkses father was mortally wounded in the battle of Lexington and died in a church in Concord that night where he was carried with other injured

I hope what I have given you will enable you to give me the Military (entire) record of both Stephen Mead and John S. Jenks.
Respectfully yours (Miss) Myra L. Chase Westtown N.Y.
Feb. 18 = 1913

Pages 1, 2, 3, 4, + 5 missing from this letter. 1948

August 25, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS John Jenks, S. 39775
Mr. L. M. Hatch Milwaukee, Box 1683 Wisconsin
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of John Seymour Jenks or Jencks.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 39775, based upon the military service of John Seymour Jenks or Jencks.
He was born about 1768 or 1770 at Providence, Rhode Island. He stated that his father, John Jenks or Jencks, was an officer of a corps of minutemen at the beginning of the Revolution and during the battle of Lexington or Bunker Hill he was wounded and placed in a meetinghouse at Roxbury and died soon afterward, leaving a wife (her name not given) and three children, namely, Sabrina, John Seymour, and Obadiah.
After the death of his father, John Seymour Jenks or Jencks was apprenticed to Samuel Whipple of Ashford, Connecticut, the brother of Commodore Abraham Whipple and a distant relative by marriage.
While living at Ashford, Connecticut, he enlisted in the spring of 1780 as substitute for said Samuel Whipple and served as drummer in Captains Selah Benton's and Joseph Walker's companies in Colonels Sherman's and Samuel B. Webb's Connecticut regiments and was discharged about August 20, 1783.
He stated that after his service he returned to his old master, Whipple, at Ashford, but finding himself free he hastened to the support of his widowed mother in Providence and she then told him he was named after her brother, John Seymour. He followed a seafaring life from December, 1783, until 1794. In 1795 he settled in Orange County, New York.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 25, 1818, at which time he was living in Orange County, New York.
In 1820 he was living in Orange County, New York, and referred to his wife, Penelope, aged forty-five years, and to the following children: David Webb, aged twenty-four years; Obadiah Seymour, aged twenty-two years; Amelia Ann, aged twenty years; William D. McCoppin, aged eighteen years; Almira Caroline, aged fifteen years; Moses Webb, aged fourteen years; Judge Nelson, aged twelve years; Theodosia Bull, aged ten years; Virgil Bennet, aged four years; Horace Wiltshire, aged two years.
In 1828 John Seymour Jenks or Jencks was living at Northmoreland, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, having moved to that state in 1826.
In 1820 reference was made to Jonathan Jenks of Philadelphia but his relation to the soldier was not given.
In order to obtain the date of the last payment of the pension of John Seymour Jenks or Jencks, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of the soldier's death, it is suggested that you address The Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., citing the following data: John Jenks, Certificate 4892, issued December 14, 1818, rate $8 per month, commenced May 25, 1818, Act of March 18, 1818, Pennsylvania Agency, transferred from New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

April 23, 1931
Mrs. Beatric Jenks Perkins 1737 E. 67th Street Chicago, Illinois
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section EEL
Dear Madam:
You are advised that this bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.
The records fail to show a claim for pension on file on account of the services of Oliver or Leven Jenks, under any spelling of the surname.
In the claim of John Seymour Jenks, S.39775, who alleged service in the Revolutionary War as a drummer boy, there is no statement in regard to a relative of his having served in prison, nor does the name of Oliver Jenks appear in said claim.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Rev. War Section.
November 10, 1915.
Miss Myra C. Gane.
Westtown.
Orange County, N. Y.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 30 th ultimo, you are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information relative to John Jencks described by you, other than that found in the claim of his son John or John S. Jencks, Sur. File No. 39.775, Rev. War. whose history was furnished you under date of February 17, 1913, and it is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than one such statement to the same person.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ a statement of the military history of John Jencks, aka  John B. Jencks soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. L 39.775  signature Jencks
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1780 Drummer Benton's Co. Sherman's Bn.   Discharged 1803 Joseph Walker Samuel B. Webb "   at West Point  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hartford Conn.
Date of application for pension, May 25 1818.
Residence at date of application, Orange Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, 49  born Jan 1 1768 or 1770 at Providence R.I. son of John who was killed in battle of Bunker Hill
Remarks: at 1818 he returned to his wife. Children: 45 yrs. & children.  David Webb 24 yrs., Ola Webb 22 yrs., Amelia Webb 20 yrs., Mrs. B. McCaffin 18 yrs., Alvinia Caroline 15 yrs., Moses Webb 14 yrs., Judge Nelson 12 yrs., Theodore Bell 10 yrs., Virgil Bennett 4 yrs., & Horace Wiltshire 2 yrs.  1828 Northumberland Virginia Co. Pa.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.