Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,988, for Nathaniel Keyes, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass _____
or Keyes, Nathaniel Keyes. Olive
W. 14.988
CONTENTS
_____
_____

8502 3419 Vermont
Nathaniel Keyes
Rutland Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Martin of the Regt. commanded by Col Keyes - in the Mass. line for 22 1/2 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont the rate of 75 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of May 1833 and sent to R. Temple Esq. Rutland
transfers to the Act of March 1833 $150.00 Commut. allowance ending Sept. 37.50 $187.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Attested by W. L. Williams Clerk, Vol. 4 Page 73
In letter Sept. 27. 1833 to R. Temple
let pension 21 Feb 1835
let Col Miner 7 April 1835
to 23 Jan 1836
Letter to Depe Gove Esq. March 28. 1836.
See letter to P. Agt. W. Slade Feb. 14. 1837
See letter of Office within Nathaniel Keyes Cert. at office on 4 Feb. 1833

5210. Vermont Bur. Oliver Reyes — widow of Nathan Reyes —
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private —
Mass.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 75 — Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 — day of Nov. 1849. and sent to
John C. Harris Clarendon Springs Vermont —
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 111, Vol. 2.
See Mr. O. Keyes & D. C. Harris, All 30. 1857

No 3419 Vermont.
adm.
22 1/2 months Private

BRIEF in the case of  Sarah Hays  of  Rutland  in the State of  Vermont  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 71  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1776 3 Private Capt. Martin   1777 X 6 was on guard as Capt. Whiting Col. Keyes St. Col. Wade   1778 1 1/2 Substituted as   1779 6 as Capt. Sibley Col. Tyler   1780 6 Capt. — Lt. Taylor Col. Bailey Genl. Lee  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Rhode Island 
21.17
 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Northbridge Massachus 
 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional 
 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct 
53.53 16.0
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
James Wilson Examining Clerk.

9795
Oliver Keyes
Declaration
Huber A. Thall
Rutland Vt.
agent
M 93c48

State of Vermont } Rutland County ss. }
On this 26. day of September A.D. 1843. personally appeared before the Hon. Court of Probate for the District of Rutland, Oliver Keyes of Wallingford in the county of Rutland, aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July, 7. 1838. entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Nathaniel Keyes late of Wallingford aforesaid who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, in the Massachusetts Militia for proof whereof she hereby refers to the original declaration and accompanying proofs of the said Nathaniel now remaining in the War office of the United States, by means whereof his name was inscribed on the pensions roll of the United States on 7. day of Oct. 1833. at the rate of seventy five dollars per annum - She further declares that she was married to the said Nathaniel Keyes on the 30 th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety three. That her husband the said

Nathaniel Keyes died on the 11 July 1843 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the services, but that marriage took place previous to the first of January nineteen hundred & ninety four. To wit, at the time above stated, and that she has not married since his decease, but still remains his widow - Olive Keyes Witness Rubeus R. Small
Sworn & subscribed on the day & year above written before the Hon. Court of Probate for the District of Columbia
Henry Hall. Register

I John Dawson of Shrewsbury in the county of Rutland, and state of Vermont, aged twenty seven years do depose testify & say that I was well acquainted with Nathaniel Keyes, whose name is in- serted in the declaration hereunto annexed of Mrs. Olive Keyes, his widow, and that he died at Wallingford, in the county of Rutland aforesaid on the 11. day of July A.D. 1843. And I further depose & say that I am acquainted with the said Olive Keyes that she was the reputed lawful wife of the s d Nathaniel Keyes deceased, that she hath not intermarried since his decease. — John Dawson
Sworn to and subscribed by the s d John Dawson this 26. day of Sept. A.D. 1843.
Henry Hall. Register.
State of Vermont } I hereby certify that Henry Hall District of Rutland ss. } is Register of the Probate Court within & for the District of Rutland aforesaid & that his foregoing signatures are genuine. — In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name this 26 th day of September A.D. 1843. Henry Hall. Register.

Patk. Keyes
27 mo
N o 3419
on rolls of Baileys Regt for 6 mo.
wagoning dis allowed.
adm d
16 2 mo pri
$54

STATE OF VERMONT, RUTLAND COUNTY, ss.
On this 14 day of July A. D. 1832 personally appear- ed in open Court before the Judge of the Pike County Court of the Circuit , now sitting, Nathl. Deyes a resident of the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 71 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. In 1776 he lived in Northbridge, Massachusetts & in the spring of that year or the year following he first enlisted for three  three months service in Capt. Martin's company of Massachusetts - it was a company raised to go to Rhode Island to guard the lines, & was not attached to any Regt. That he knows of he marched to North Kingston, R. Island, where he served three months in guarding the lines. In 1777 he enlisted for six months under Capt. John Whiting, Col. Deyes's Regt. of Massachusetts & marched to Providence - Lt. Col. Wade's Regt. of Massachusetts & marched to Providence in wagons . In 1778 he served said six months in guarding the lines. In 1778 he was a volunteer & served six weeks, or rather he was a volunteer for a Mr. Aldridge who had volunteered, in Capt. Whiting's company. At the time Genl. Sullivan attempted to drive the enemy from Rhode Island - he retreated across Howland's ferry & was dismissed at Providence. In 1779 he enlisted for six months, served in Capt. Sibley's company in Col. Nathan Tyler's Regt. of Mass. Troops & marched to Providence, served there & other places in guarding the coast, & was discharged at North Kingston - Lt. Col. Wade served as Lt. Col. - In 1780 he enlisted for six months in Col. Briley's Regt. of the Massachusetts lines, in the St. Col's Regt. at Sayre, company at Col. Gideon's at Sayre, at Sayre , at Sayre , & marched to West Point - thence down the river to Poughkeepsie - thence back to West Point & was discharged at West Point, but has lost his discharge & does not remember by whom it was signed. He was at Poughkeepsie when Arnold attempted to surrender West Point to the enemy & also when Andre was hung. In some year previous to this he served three months at Worcester, Cambridge & Natick, in guarding stores & British prisoners under St. Temple - he does not know his other officers as they were not with him - at another time he served six weeks at Providence on guard under Capt. Martin, but cannot remember the year, in either of these cases - he never recd. a written discharge except the

one above mentioned at West Point. he was in the battle on R. Island under Genl. Sullivan - he recollects Col. Green's Batt n of Col s served with him at R. Island - he knew Genl. Washington, Eat n Sullivan, Genl. Stephen, & many others whose names he has forgotten. He has no documentary evidence, & knows no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. He was born in Upton, Worcester Co. Mass. the 10. Oct. 1760 - but knows of no record of his age. He has lived in Upton & Ashbridge, Mass. since the revolution Winchester in N. Hampshire & Shrewsbury & Wallingford, Vermont - he came to Vermont about 40 years ago, - the last 7 years has lived in Wallingford. There is no clergyman in the immediate vicinity of his residence, but he is known to Col. Levi Farny who lives near, & to most of the people of the neighbourhood -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid.
Nathaniel Kayes
We Levi Farny a Clergyman residing in Shrewsbury and Daniel Packer a Clergyman of St. Holly residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Nathaniel Kayes who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 71 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we con- cur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid.
Levi Farny Daniel Packer
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Daniel Packer who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in St. Holly , and that Levi Farny who has also signed the same, is a resident in Shrewsbury, near Wallingford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Rodney C. Royce Clerk of the Court of Petitions do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original procee- dings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Kayes for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 4 th day of Aug t A. D. 1832
W. Maye

I, Daniel A. Serrance town clerk of the town of Winchester in the County of Cheshire and State of New Hampshire being duly sworn, depose & say that the following is a true copy of the record in my custody with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair and legible figures as follows to wit.
Joined in Marriage April Thirtieth seven hundred ninety three Nathaniel Bays & Olive Sargent both of Winchester by the Rev. Ezra Gannett
I, Daniel A. Serrance above named, depose and say that I hold the office of town clerk in the town of Winchester in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town of Winchester, with the exception above named as certified by me.
Daniel A. Serrance } Clerk of the town of Winchester
Cheshire } State of New Hampshire Winchester October 18 th 1843
Sworn to before me Calvin Burnap Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire
Levi Woodbury Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature for (said) County of Cheshire (it being a Court of Record) do hereby certify that Calvin Fairbanks is a Justice of the Peace for (said) County of Cheshire, duly commissioned and qualified according to law, that his commission is dated June 1, 1841 and will expire in five years from said date, (and that his signature as written hereon is in my belief genuine).
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of (said) Superior Court of Judicature the third day of October A.D. 1843.
Levi Woodbury Clerk.

Wauconda, Ill. March 31 st 1891
recd April 4
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington

J. L. Edwards Esq
I enclose you the certificate of the Secy of State of Mass. with regard to Nathl. Kings Claims - notwithstanding the certificate is not full. I hope Mr. K. will not be so unfortunate as not to have his pension reduced. There is no doubt of his having served more than two years. You will observe the Secy says the rolls are very incomplete. If Mr. K. is not to be allowed as before - please state the precise reasons. — The same proof I suppose was required formerly, as when the pensions were allowed, as now. Consequently I cannot see why so many of our old fathers here, should now be stricken from the rolls for the want of proof. The sins of Robert Temple I hope are not be visited upon the innocent and deserving.
I am Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt A. S. Miner
Wallingford March 30-1835
In '33 - you will observe the certificate is silent as to the two terms of service in Rhode Island - six months each —

Record of Upton - Copy -
Jesse Gove Esquire Rutland. Vt.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss.
I, Joseph G. Kendall, clerk of the Judicial Courts for the County of Worcester, certify, that Daniel Fish Jr. Esquire, within named, is a justice of the peace in and for said County, and that his signature to the certificate of the oath of Harvey Bratish, to the within Deposition, is in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the County Seal; at Worcester, this thirteenth day of January, 1837.
Joseph G. Kendall Clerk.

Upton January 10th. 1837.
Thereby certify that I find on the records of this town the following article inserted in a warrant for a town meeting on the 30th of March 1779 which stands recorded as follows. To Wit. "To see if the town will allow Joseph Jackson, Nathaniel Keyes, Benjamin Bingham & James Jackson the money that the committee promised them for going into the war service in the year 1779."
Daniel Fish Jr. Clerk of said town of Upton
I Harvey Bradish of Upton, in the County of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, of lawful age, do depose & say that I have examined the record to which the above alludes and do testify and declare that it is correctly copied from the record. I further testify that the said Daniel Fish Jr. who has subscribed to the above is the Clerk who keeps the records of said town of Upton and is the magistrate before whom I make the foregoing declarations, and further the deponent saith not. Upton January 10th. 1837.
Harvey Bradish
Worcester ss, Town of Upton January 10th. 1837.
This day the above named Harvey Bradish personally appeared before the subscriber and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed and I further certify that the said Harvey Bradish is a man of undoubted veracity and a good & competent witness.
Daniel Fish Jr. Justice of the Peace

Upton Jan. 10. 1837.
Jesse Gove Esquire Dear Sir I should have attended to your request sooner had it not been I been able, I have been sick for 5 weeks and this is the first day I have been able to use my pen. I have sent this to Worcester for the Clerk's signature - and requested him to forward the same to you. I have not been able to go before another magistrate nor to procure one to come to me without incurring expen- se. I find nothing on the town record relating to Mr. Thayer except the article I have copied. It is beyond a doubt that he served a number of campaigns in the revolutionary war. I have heard Jon a Warren whose deposition was then in Ind. when Thayer was at Upton, say that Nath l Thayer was called one of our best soldiers that went out in the revolutionary war. but there is no one living in Upton that can tell how long he served in said war. If what I have stated will do Mr. Thayer any good it will be an ample compensation to me, my services are gratuitous. Yours truly Daniel Fish Jr.

Rutland V t . 26. Sept. 1835
Sir -
Enclosed I transmit the new declaration of Nathaniel Keyes, and, together with it, the certificate of sundry citizens of the towns of Shrewsbury, and Wallingford in this State.
I have no acquaintance with Mr. Keyes, excepting what is derived from the accompanying certificate. As to the gentlemen who have subscribed that paper, I am personally acquainted with many of them, and know them to be among our most respected and valued citizens, and who would on no occasion lend their names to any unlawful purpose - much less, to any imposition upon the Government. I learn from Mr. Keyes, that several of them have subscribed, at his request, with their several additions.
Be pleased to communicate through
Your obt. Servt,
S. Gove 3
P. S. On turning to the Printed Roll, p. 125, I perceive, that Mr. Keyes is there represented to have been "placed on the pension roll, Oct. 25. 1832." But his present pension Certificate is dated the "seventh day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three"; and, upon the face of it, is the following memorandum: "This Certificate is issued as duplicate to one dated 14 May 1833."
S. Gove 3
To
Hon ble James L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions City of Washington

Nathl. Keyes - Application to have his Pension increased.
703.33 1.66 704.99

State of Vermont Rutland ss - 3
On the 4 th day of May 1883 personally came before me the undersigned authority, Nathaniel Hayes who has obtained a pension for a part of his services set forth in his declaration, who being duly sworn doth depose & say - That the six months service mentioned in his said declaration, in which he states that he drove a wagon part of the time, he was a regularly enlisted soldier, & was detailed on that service but about two months, & did duty in the ranks the other four months - That when he drove the wagon he took the place of another soldier who had been detailed, & who returned to the ranks - And he further says, That by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory, he cannot speak particularly as to the precise length of all his terms of service, but according to his best recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, namely, Two years & Three months as Private of Infantry - and for each service he claims a pension.
Known before me this day to be as free?
R. Brattle Pres. Recd
State of Vermont,
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do certify that Robert Brattle before whom the above affidavit was taken, is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly commissioned - and that the above is his signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & affix the seal of said Court this 7 th day of May, 1883
R. Pierpoint

PAID
J. L. Edwardson Endors Washington D.C.  Charles H. Phelps

Vernon A
Clarendon Springs Oct 30 th 1849 J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I enclose to you a Declaration for a Pension for Mrs Olive Gages and when my turn comes for an answer please direct to the above named place
I am Resp Your obt Servt John Harris

Sept 20 1844
J L Edwards 17 Genl W m Cranch Esq. Act n Comm n of Pensions Washington D C
Ans d Sept 23 d 1836

To W m Crump
Wallingford Sept 15 th 1844
Sir
I sent two claims for pensions about three months ago Elias Crary & Abraham Hawkins if you will please inform me what time I shall have returns on them or if they have been received you will very much oblige Also Mrs Olive Nyes is very poor and has got to be helped by the town her claim was sent to the pension office one year ago She wished me to write respecting it if you will please write me you will very much oblige
Yours Respectfully John E. Harris
P.S. if a Certificate is lost or withheld from a pensioner can the pensioner receive a new Certificate by sending to the pension office I should like an answer to this question very much
Yours Respectfully J E Harris
To W m Crump Sec y com. of Pensions
Elias Crary } rec d 23 rd July Abm Hawkins }

July 1 st 1841 Oliver Keyes Q.L.
file with her papers
Hon J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington 28
M c C. Harris app d her agent in place of D r R. Thrall

Wallingford June 27 th 1844
Dear
J L Edwards
Sir
I employed Mr. Israel of Rutland to obtain my pension in Sept., 1843 I am poor and ready and I cannot wait for him any longer to do the business I have therefore employed John E. Harris to do my business and if I am entitled to a pension it is my wish that the certificate should be sent to John E. Harris or if there is any thing lacking please to inform him what the reason are found Respectfully
Olive Flyer
From
J L Edwards
Com d of Pensions
Olive Flyer

No 9795-
Oliver Keays
Mono of Nathaniel
VI.
act 7 July 1838 and his Resolution of the 23 rd January 1845
Adm ty 21 m 17. 6 p m
$71 87 / 100 per ann
No 7729
adnd acts March 1843
and 17 June 1844 n o 119.
$71 87 / 100 per ann
John C. Harni
Wallingford
VI-

J. C. Watson J. C. Morris, Wallingford, Conn.
July 17/94
File into old King's
paper Wallingford Conn. J. Morris W. H. Edwards
C. Miles
July 12 1874
6 66.66 333 187 787 187 89

Wallingford July 9 th 1871
Mrs. J. L. Edwards
Sir
Mrs Olive Ryles wrote you requesting you to send her Certificate to me, if she is entitled or if there is anything lacking she wished you to let her know what the reasons are &c. She is quite anxious to know whether her Certificate has been given out or not;
Mr Edwards I wish to know whether a Declaration made out before a Justice of the peace will answer; I mean the one year act and the late 4 year act Where a Declaration is made out before a Judge the applicant has to pay just what the Judge sees fit to ask and it is in most cases unreasonable. if I make out the Declarations for the one year act and the 4 year act before a Justice of the peace with the papers duly authenticated will they answer
Please send me directions for obtaining bounty Land I wish to make out the papers I wrote you James Clemens & John Bishop I wrote you about two months ago but receive no answer
Yours Respectfully, John C. Harris
Mrs. J. L. Edwards Com d of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Have a new boat: h Send to R. Temple Esq Rutland, vt.

State of Vermont Rutland p. - 3
I Robert Temple of Rutland aforesaid do depose & say, that on or about the 19 th of May last, I returned to the Russian office a pension certificate in behalf of Nathaniel Heyes, which had been forwarded to me without the signature of the Sec'y of War - and that I have never received said certificate since it was signed by the Secretary, nor any other in behalf of said Heyes. R. Temple
Milner's Hill Vermont This 2 nd Oct. 1833
before me N. H. Pease

I think the suspicion of fraud sufficiently upholstered, & altho there may be some want of minute evidence, yet enough is shown to sustain the presumption.
The 10th State H.R.
P. G. Grafton By his attorneys, J. G. Merrill
July 13. 1837.
State H.R.
Yours sincerely W. S. D. Lee

Washington Feb. 3. 1837.
Sir
I have just fallen by accident upon a printed letter from Edward D. Bangs, late Secretary of Massachusetts to myself dated Jan. 30. 1834, in which he says—
"The rolls in this office, though numerous, are very defective, irregular and incomplete,—a fact of which the War Dept. at Washington is well informed. It is therefore always uncertain whether the services claimed, although they may have been faithfully rendered, can be proved by our records."
I desire to call your attention particularly to the foregoing, in connexion with the case of Nathaniel Hays submitted to you a few days ago upon new testimony. It strengthens the suggestions made in my letter in reference to that case, with regard to the inconclusive nature of the evidence drawn from the absence of the rolls of alleged Revolutionary Service. To set aside the testimony furnished in Mr. Hays' case upon the ground that

There are no rolls of this service which he claims to have performed, or that his name is not found on them. It seems to me would be disregarding the ordinary rules of evidence, doing him great injustice.
Respectfully, Your obedient Servt William Slade
J. L. Edwards Esq.

We the Subscribers & Inhabitants of the Town of Shrewsbury at Rutland in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont do hereby certify that we have been acquainted with Nathaniel Dyer of the Town Rutland formerly of the Town of Shrewsbury & have always considered him as an honest poor Revolutionary Soldier & a patriot in his Country in the struggles of 1776 & that he has lived in the Town of Shrewsbury at Rutland nearly forty five years Dated this 29th day December 1835
Isaac Y. Gates Jacob W. Gates Lyman Bucklin Ezra Cheetham Wm. Sweetland Charles Wickes Alex Miller Henry Button Joseph Packer Clergy Stephen Martindale Clergy  personally acquainted for a few years Rev. Jos. Luther Pease Howard Harris Justice Peace Corning H. De Wm. Stimson Joel Constantine
Calvin Robinson Wm. Marsh Justice Peace Wm. Wbley Henry Waterman John Bachman Justice Peace J. P. Warner Justice Peace Otho G. Jones Constable Almer Aldrich Stephen Glason P. Master Joel B. Dow Justice Peace Henry Gifford Minister Lewis Loring P. Master Daniel S. Huntington Harvey Steward Thomas Steward Silas Beven Jacob Gates

James Lubean Joseph Atkinson Thomas Aldrich Zimri Howard W. P. Purvis David Menchum
[Faint, illegible handwriting]
Caleb Longdon Solomon Stewart J. L. Reed Hiram Smith John Brown Calvin Spencer, M. D.

Washington Feb 1. 1837.
Dear Sir
I send herewith a letter to me from Issac Gove Esq, relative to the case of Nathaniel Hovey, together with several affidavits in proof of his services.
Will you have the goodness to inform me whether you consider the rolls in the office of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts (now transferred to your office) so complete as to make the absence of an individual's name from them conclusive evidence that he did not serve in the Mass. State troops or militia. I had supposed that they were understood to be deficient - that is, that all the rolls which were actually in existence during the Revolutionary war, have not been preserved down to this time; and also that they are not always regarded as free from defect when they have been preserved.
I know not what partial testimony there may be now in your files tending to prove

the services of Mr. Fergus; but it seems to me that the testimony herewith sent is worthy of great consideration, - that it is of such a character as, of itself, to furnish evidence there of the deficiency or deficiency of the rolls, if they do not bear the name of Mr. Fergus.
If the absence of a name from the rolls of Mass. is to be regarded as conclusive proof that the person bearing it did not serve, against all parol testimony, it seems to me to involve a very great error in the principle, or rather in the application of an admitted principle to this case of alleged revolutionary service, because it gives the same character to rolls which might, or might not, have been preserved, and which, it is obvious were, when preserved, very liable to be defective, as the law gives to Records made by Recording officers , under all the solemnities connected with the Legislative and Judicial proceedings.
It seems to me that the indiscriminate application of the ordinary rules with regard to Record evidence to such a case as that

of Mr. Keyes, so as to render of no account such evidence as is now furnished, would be very unreasonable.
I have to request an early examination of this case, and a report of the result of the examination to
Your obedient servant William Slade
J. L. Edwards Jr.

W. to R. R. Thrall May 15 '44
Set. to Hon. Solomon Foot. L. Juniata " 16 Nams, July 12/44
Olive Stayes - act 38

8502 -
Vermont
Nathaniel Keyes.
The papers not being found in the proper file on the 6. June 33. this Mem: is placed in its place
The Certificate in this case was returned to this Office for seal and signature; and J. Root, Esq r acting as Secy of War, the date of the Certificate was altered to the 6. June 1833. and the proper alteration made on the rolls -

Grafton Dec r 24 th 1836
Personally appeared Joel Bolster of Grafton in the County of Windham and State of Vermont and made solemn oath that he was personally acquainted with Nathaniel Hies now residing in Wallingford in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont that he was a Revolutionary soldier in the year of 1780 for the time of six months
Before me Barnard Lynde justice peace
STATE OF VERMONT.
WINDHAM COUNTY COURT, CLERK'S OFFICE.
NEWFANE, December 24 th A. D. 1836
I the Marshall Miller Clerk of the County Court, for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Barnard Lynde is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County Court, the day and year above written.
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk

9795
Oct 16. 1843
Rec.
Vt. July 7 1838 Oliver Keyes
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions Washington City District of Columbia

Rutland, Vt. 11. Oct. 1842.
Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the declaration of Olive Heyes of Wallingford in this county with a certified copy of her marriage which I trust will be satisfactory
Yours Truly
Richard A. Hall
Jas L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington City

Capt. Martin 77 4. 12 " Sybley. Co c Keyes- 6- Lt Temple 3. Capt Whiting McIntire 6 " Tyler 6

Jan 18 - 57
Beel of Olive Kings with of night.
Jacob Ellin England
Kulland
33
Hon J. E. Heath Commissioner City of Washington Pension office

Rutland 18 March 1836
Sir
Your letter of the 23 d of January last, relative to the claim for pension of Nathaniel Keyes, has been received. The proofs of militia service, in the Secretary's Office of Massachusetts, are extremely defective and deficient. Mr. Keyes desires to be informed therefore, whether or not, in this case, any other testimony of his services, than that already adduced, will be received at the Department. Will the testimony of his contemporaries, if they can be found, or of his former neighbors in the town from which he went into the service, be satisfactory? Mr. Keyes is unquestionably, as purely honest, as a man can be - and there is no doubt among those in whose vicinity he now resides, that his statements of service are altogether true. Among the numerous proofs of this, there is one circumstance derived from Calvin Robinson Esquire, the gentleman who drew up, and subscribed with many others, one of the testimonials I transmitted to you in December. He states, that some 30 years past, or more, when his business called him to travel into various parts of this then new country, he often met in his travels persons who were acquainted with Mr. Keyes, and who would inquire of him after the welfare of "Uncle Nat" - and, that many of them would conclude with the remark, "Well I was out in the service, so and so , with Uncle Nat." This is certainly, a case of peculiar hardship; and I cannot persuade myself, that any more injustice - nay, nor as much, - would be done, by extending the same favor, in this case, as is done to the militia of Vermont. On the contrary, I beg leave, respectfully, to say, that it would only be that even-handed justice to which all are entitled. I know, indeed, that it is necessary to throw around the treasury the guards that have been established by the laws granting pensions, and by the

regulations issued by the Secretary of War. But, it could never have been, either the purpose or the design of that officer, to defeat or to thwart the generous purposes of Congress, in granting those old soldiers the pittance now tendered. Yet, if the letter of those regulations is adhered to, it is apparent, that men who performed militia service in Vermont — or the "Hampshire Grants" — may be admitted to the favor of their country, solely upon the testimony of compurgators ; while those of the same class, in another "Province," are denied, or held at bay, unless they can produce testimony from records, which, I believe it is pretty well known, have not been preserved. The law, I know, Sir, is binding, and you cannot recede from its provisions; but the rules of your own creation are subject to modification, and I cannot but hope that in this case you will give them such an interpretation, as will do "equal and exact justice" to "Uncle Nat," as well as to "Uncle Sam."
I remain very respectfully, Sir
Yours afft sent Depr Govt
Hon ble James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14988
Olina Kegeles widow of Nathan Kegeles Prs. over war
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. a , Page 388
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Mr. Gove to Mr. Slade Dec 30. 1836 & 17. Jan '37

Rutland 30 Nov 1836
Dear Sir -
On the 18. of February last, I addressed a letter to the Commissioner of Pensions, in behalf of Nathaniel Keyes of Shrewsbury, a suspended pensioner, who claims for, and has stated, in his declaration of 2. Dec. 1835, twenty seven months service; whereof, 6 mos. was in the Mass. Cont. Line, and the remainder in the militia, or drafts, or men hired by Committees.
The Comt. on the 23 d of Jan'y. '36, had stated to me, that "the regulations require each claimant to procure the best evidence in his power - and he should, therefore, procure the Certificate of the Sup. of Mass. in relation to any evidence which the records of his office may afford, of each item of his alleged service, except the term of 6 mos. rendered in Col. Bailey's Regt." This being, so far as relates to Mr. Keyes at least, a virtual repeal of the Secretary's 2 d Regulation ("Doc. N o . 298. 22 d Congress, 1 st Sess. Ho. of Reps. p. 4.") which is, in these words: "The case of State troops, volunteers, and militia, is different. There are in the Department no rolls of the State troops, except those of Virginia; and no rolls of the militia, except those of New Hampshire. "
"But, with respect to other State troops and militia, there is no record to advert to , and no presumption to be rebutted." From all which, I raised the argument; that as Mr. Keyes' case came within the letter of this rule, there being no record to advert to , for his militia service; it was a hardship, and he could not but regard it as such, to admit the militia of Vermont, upon their voir dire & 2 compurgators , while he must be referred to a source of proof (the Sup. office in Boston) where the records of militia service, if any there existed, it was known to be, both deficient and defective.
In reply, the Comt., on the 28 Mar. reiterated his requirement of the 23. Jan'y., and said, "that the department has always required the highest grade of attainable evidence ; and if, under the rule,

"The inhabitants of one State are enabled to establish their "claims by the highest grade, it is no infringement of even- "handed justice, if the same measure be meted to the citizens "of another State who, not having the benefit of the highest, "must rely on a lower grade of proof." Not, however, admitting either the soundness or justice of this postulate, I must be allowed, still, to entertain the opinion, that its operation does in fact repeal the Rule of the Secretary, above quoted. If "even- handed justice" has any meaning whatever, it is the measure of like compensation, on like proof of like service; and not, as is assumed, like compensation for like service, on dissimilar proof. But, the Court goes on to say, that "the parol testimony to "which you refer may be taken; but the record evidence "from Massachusetts is indispensable." And, here, allow me, respectfully, to remark, that the hardship complained of, seems only to be aggravated, by this last member of the rule. Is it saying to Mr. Keys, more or less, than, 'You may procure your parol testimony, - you may fill the department with it - at whatever cost, whether you are able to bear it or not - you may get it - but, we must still have the record; and (it might, perhaps, as well have been added - for so is the fact) 'though it is known, that no record is in existence?'
Notwithstanding, Mr. Keys, who is now in his 78th year, gathering hope from this "straw," has undertaken, & accomplished, on foot, a journey of near 200 miles out, and as much on his return, to obtain the few depositions - "parol testimony" herewith presented. They are the only surviving comrades of his services, within his knowledge. Four of them, Taft, Brown, Stephenson, and Bolster are themselves pensioners, and draw for a part of the identical terms of service they have sworn to for Keys. I would fain ask, then - Are these men to be discredited, because there is no record evidence of Keys' services? If it be indeed true,

that there is no record evidence of Keyes' services; does it not establish the position, so often insisted upon, that the records of militia services in Massachusetts — and which, I beg leave respectfully to add, is known at the department — is both deficient and defective? These witnesses are either impeached, or they are not impeached, by the operation of the Commissioner's Rule; in as much as, they must have sworn, in their own declarations, to the identical terms of service they have sworn to for Keyes; and, although the record may sustain them, — yet, methinks, the plaster is not quite as broad as the wound. Be this, however, as it may, the witnesses are all supported by the magistrates, excepting the informal deposition of Bolster; as to whose testimony, the term  therein , by him referred to, is admitted by the Court.
How, then, shall we account for the coincidence in the testimony of those men who have pretended — if you please — to know about Nathl. Keyes' services, unless we refer it to the coincidence of truth ? If there be no record at Boston — even though none was ever made, by authority, during the war — are the depositions, therefore, not true?
The depositions now sent prove, then, the amount of 19\frac{1}{2} months service; being so much of the 27 months, claimed in the supplemental declaration, sworn to before Thos. Stewart, Jun. Pease, on the 4 Dec. 1835, now in the Pension Office, & to which I beg leave to refer. Four & a half months service, there stated to have been performed in 1777; six weeks enlistment, under Capt. Martin, & 3 mos. as a volunteer, immediately after, under the same officer — we think may be fairly inferred, from the declaration taken in connexion with Reuben Wood's deposition.
The residue of the service, or, at least, enough of it to make out 2 years, M c . Keyes respectfully insists, should be allowed him, under the rule of the Secy. of War, above quoted. Sustained, as this statement is, by a long list of the most worthy citizens of that part of the country where he resides, —

if the Rule is respected, the proof is at hand.
It may not be useful to refer to the hardship of this case; because, I fear, that governments are, eftsoons , too near akin to my Lord Coke's definition of Corporations which, for reasons that, in his day, and generation, might have been extremely wise, he furtly saith, have " no Souls ." I suppose that that result may have been derived, etymologically, from the fact, that the first corporations were not known to possess any of that ingredient of the human form divine — and, as an apostle said, on another occasion, "I partly believe it." I know the doctrine is said to be established by precedent ; and thus far, precedent has had the honor, — if it be an honor — of depriving, associated gentlemen, of a most essential portion of their divinity. I trust, however, that the divinity may be found, reappearing, where those associations are grown into the maturity of Sovereignties ; so that it may not hereafter be tauntingly thrown in our teeth, that Republics have no gratitude.
But, to the hardship . Figure to yourself, an old man, 78 years old — decrepit, bowed & bent over, into the form of a zeta — nearly blind, & a veritable Bellisarius — setting off, afoot & alone, without money, — unknown beyond the precincts of his township, — begging his bread as he travelled (tho' that is no difficult thing, in New England, to the veriest rogue that comes among us) — and at stages of 10, sometimes 15, & again 20 miles per day, as his strength would allow, for 200 miles — until he reached the goal of his hope — not for a pension — but for proofs — returning in the same slow manner, over another 200 miles — exposed, the while, with insufficient clothing, to the inclemency of all the present & past months of November and December. Most men would call this hardship qualified by oppression . And yet,

Nathaniel Keyes has the magnanimity to say — that if the Government should cast him off, altogether, he shall always rejoice that he performed the service.
This is not all the hardship suffered by Nath l . Keyes, in the matter of his pension. Simple, also, has been against him. He obtained the old man's pension — drew, first, in May or June, 1833, for 2 years, then back pay; and keeping the possession of the Certificate, represented to Keyes, that he had obtained only 54 dollars per annum, when the actual amount was 75 dollars: thus, wrongfully, retaining 50 dollars, beyond the compensation for his services. More than this; after the then next payment, he filched from the old man, another reward of iniquity, for a pretended increment of his pension, from 54 to 75 dollars; when, from the appearance of the certificate, it was always the latter sum.
Since writing the above, I learn from Mr. Keyes, that he had procured, while on his late tour, a copy of a vote of the town of Upton in Massachusetts, passed by said town to raise money To pay Nathaniel Keyes & others, for their services, during the revolutionary war. Being old & clumsy, and blind, withal, he has lost the copy. I shall not, therefore, send this letter, with the depositions, until I can send to Upton for another copy.
January 17, 1837. — I have just received the copy above mentioned. To my mind, it furnishes very strong, if not conclusive proof of the services of Mr. Keyes. The letter from Mr. Fisk, the town Clerk, annexed, is traditional evidence of what others, cotemporary with him, have said of his services. It cannot be necessary to remark upon such testimony. —
Hon d William Slade Member of Congress
I am very respectfully Your obed Servt
Depe Govt

2 Certs. 1 act '38 1 "43 & '44 rep o
7087 Poulney Vermont
Oliver Keyes widow of Nathaniel Keyes who was a Private in the Rev. War.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 71 Dollars 87 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of June '45 and sent to J. C. Harris Wallingford Vt.
[Act of March 3, 1843.] June 17, 1844 Recorded in Book: A Vol. 2 Page 64

9443.
Vermont Bur-
Oliver Keyes
Widow of Nathaniel Keyes, who was a pensioner under the Act of July 8 38. and who died on the 11 th July 1843 — of ————— in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the ————— commanded by Captain ————— of the ————— commanded by ————— in the Massachusetts line for —————
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington Vt at the rate of 75 — Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836 Deducting former pay at at $71.87.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Nov. 1849 and sent John O'Harra Clarendon Springs
Total amount, $ Vermont
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Henry Robinson Clerk, Book D, Vol. 11, Page 131.

9443
Vermont
Oliver Keyes
widow of Nathl. Keyes who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 11 July '43 of Rutland in the State of Verm t who was a Pri t in the Company commanded by Captain Martin of the reg t commanded by Col Keyes in the Mass t line for 21 m s 17 d s .
Inscribed on the Roll of Pountney, at the rate of 71 Dollars 87 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of June '45 and sent to J. O'Harris, Wallingford
Total amount, 45 Dollars 87 1/2 Cts [Act July 7, 1833.]
Recorded by J. L. Gann Clerk, Book D Vol. 4 Page 131.

7087, Vermont ~ Bur. Oliver Keyes widow of Nathaniel Keyes who was a Private in the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 75 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. former payh: to be deducted. Certificate of Pension issued the 22 ~ day of Nov. 1849. and sent to John O'Kearny Clarendon Springs Vermont
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A. 64. Vol. 2 ~ Page 64.

I Israel Traft of Northbridge in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts age seventy six that I do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with him Nathaniel Keyes that in the year 1777 I believe, he served with me six months in the Company commanded by Capt Joseph Sibley and in Col. Davenport Keyes Regiment in the Revolutionary War in the State of Rhode Island. We went first to Providence afterwards to a number of other places to Updeike Newtowne I furthermore testify that in the year 1778 I believe, he served with me six weeks under Capt Whelin on Rhode Island and was in on Rhode Island in the service six months under Col. Nathan Dyer in the year 1779 at the expiration of six months we were discharged at Andover R.I. Several years after the above service he moved to Wolke- ford Co. Vermont I know him well and am fully satisfied of his integrity now, and further your Deponent saith not. Israel Traft
Common Wealth of Massachusetts
Worcester County ss. On this thirtieth day of November 1836 personally appeared before me Israel Traft who subscribed the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same I furthermore certify that I am well acquainted with him Traft the above Deponent and that he is a man of veracity and a competent witness. John Taylor & Justice of the Peace

I Jacob Whitney of Upton in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Sixty eight years do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Nathaniel Thyges and will remember that my Father was a Committee man to hire Soldiers in said town of Upton to go into the Service in the Revolutionary war and I remember of my father saying that he had hired Nathaniel Thyges above named to go into the service aforesaid and soon after that my said father had hired him the said Thyges to came to my father and I heard them converse about his enlisting and according to my best recollection he paid him some money as a bounty before he went into the service. I remember of his returning from the Army but cannot tell how long he served in the Army. as near as I can recollect it was in the year 1779 or 1780 - that the said Thyges went into the Army aforesaid. And further the Deponent saith not.
Jacob Whitney
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. December 7th. 1836.
Then personally appeared Jacob Whitney who subscribed the above Affidavit and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same.
I further testify that I am personally acquainted with Jacob Whitney the above named deponent and that he is a man of veracity and a credible witness.
Daniel Fish Jr. Justice of the Peace

Daniel Fish of Milton in the county of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy eight years do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Sheyes and well remember of his being named as a soldier that was going with others from said town of Milton into the service of the Revolutionary war but how long he served in the said war I do not now recollect. I have no doubt that the service was performed in the years of 1779 & 1780.
And further the Deponent saith not. Daniel Fish
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester County ss. December 7th. 1836.
Then personally appeared Daniel Fish who subscribed the above affidavit and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same.
I further testify that I am personally acquainted with Daniel Fish the above deponent and that he is a man of veracity and a competent witness.
Daniel Fish Jur. Justice of the Peace.

Jonathan Warren of Upton in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty six years do testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Keyes and I well remember of his going into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war and according to my best recollection he went out on two campaigns from the Town of Upton aforesaid when he then lived and where I now live and have lived ever since the time said Nathaniel Keyes went into the service I do not distinctly recollect how long he served in each campaign - The service was performed as near as I can recollect in the years 1779 & 1780. and further the Deponent saith not. Jonathan Warren
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Worcester County ss. December 7th 1836.
Then personally appeared Jonathan Warren who subscribed the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I further certify that I am well acquainted with Jonathan Warren the above deponent and that he is a man of veracity & a competent witness.
Daniel Fish Junr. Justice of the Peace.

Reuben Wood of Upton in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy four years do testify & say that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Thayer, and was knowing to his enlistment and going into the service of the Revolutionary war a number of times - At one time he enlisted for the term of six months (and went into the State of Rhode Island, at another time he enlisted and went to West Point in the state of New York as near as I can recollect he went in to the service of said Revolutionary war in the year 1777-1778-1779 & 1780 but cannot tell the length of time in which the services were performed in those several years - Several years after the close of the war he went from Upton to Winchester in Hampshire State and from thence he moved to Wallingford in the State of Vermont. and further your deponent saith not. Reuben Wood
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester County ss. December 3. 1836.
Then personally appeared the above named Reuben Wood who subscribed the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same - I further testify that I am well acquainted with Reuben Wood the above Deponent and that he is a man of veracity and a competent witness.
Daniel Fish Jr. Justice of the Peace

I Elisha Brown of Uxbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy five years do testify & say, that I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Keyes, that in the year 1777 I believe, he served with me six months in the Company commanded by Joseph Sibley & in Col. Danforth Keyes' Regiment, in the revolutionary war, in the State of Rhode Island, we went first to Providence, afterwards to Updegraff's Newton, North Kingston, Scituate & returned again to Providence within said term & at the expiration of said six months we were discharged. Several years after the above service, he moved from this vicinity, but to what place I am not personally knowing - and further the Deposition saith not Elisha Brown
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
November 24 th 1836.
Worcester County ss. Then personally appeared Elisha Brown, who subscribed the above De avit, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same.
I further certify that I am well acquainted with Elisha Brown the above Deposition & that he is a man of veracity & a competent witness - Benjamin Adams Justice of the peace

Jedadiah Jefferson of Douglas in the County of Worcester in Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged seventy six years Depose & say. That I am personally acquainted with Nathaniel Hayes of Wallingford in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont. That he enlisted with me into the Revolutionary Army of the United States sometime in the Spring of 1777 as near as I can recollect, in Capt. Joseph Sibley's Company, in Col. Danforth Hovey's Regt. at  the  place Bennington, & from there to a place called Updegraff's Barn, & from there returned to Providence. From Scituate, & from there returned to Providence. How long we were at each of these places I cannot now recollect. — But we enlisted for six months & served as aforesaid. That length of time, & the said Nathaniel Hayes served all of the time with me in the Company & Regt. — The said Hayes was then and resident of Northbridge in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, & I know him well, & am fully satisfied of his identity now. — In further your Deponent saith not. — Jedadiah his Jefferson mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. On this twenty Worcester County ————— eighth day of December 1836. personally appeared the above-named Jedadiah Jefferson, whom I certify to be a man of credibility for truth & veracity & made Oath that the above Deposition of him subscribed is true. — Before me
R. Church Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Worcester, ss. I, William Jennison, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Wor- cester, do certify, that John Taylor, Benjamin Adams, Robert P. Church and Daniel Fish Jr. Esquires, are Justices of the peace in and for said County of Worcester, and that their signatures to the respective certificates by them subscribed, and hereto annexed, appear to be in their own proper hands writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, at Worcester, this tenth day of December, 1836. —
William Jennison, clerk.
Robert P. Churches named interlined as above, by me, W. Jennison
Hon. W. Slade 172

Cap Martin 2-2 Cap Whilney 6-00 As 1-15 Col Tylr 6-00 " Bayly - 6-00
21-17
830

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston;
May 3. 1845.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Nathaniel Huges is borne as a private, upon an abstract of bounty due to Capt. Isaac Martins Comp y . in Col. Joseph Whitney's reg t ; for service at R.I. from May 4 to July 4, 1777, both days included, 2 months, 2 days, and 80 miles travel; — Upon a list of Capt. Joseph Sibley's Comp y . in Col. Danforth Huges' reg t in North Kingston, dated Dec r 8, 1777, but showing no term of service; — Upon a pay roll of Capt. Caleb Whiting's Comp y . in Col. Benj a Haines' reg t for service in the expedition against R.I. from July 30 to Sept r 12, 1778 inclusive, & allowing 1 day for travel, 1 month, 13 days; — The above is all the evidence of service of any one of the name who can be identified with the individual for whom it is claimed in the annexed declaration. No one of the name is found upon the rolls of either of the officers under whom service is alleged, except the above mentioned.

And I further Certify, That before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Phipps.
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

7 The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office of the service of my husband Nathaniel Keyes in the war of the revolution. He was a native of Massachusetts I do not remember the town nor county. He served in 1776 under Captain Martin in 1777 under Capt Whiting Col Keyes Lt Col Wade 1778 as a substitute in 1779 under Capt Sibley Col Tyler and in 1780 under Capt Lt Paylon Col Bailey Gen Sullivan. I am now seventy five years old and my memory does not enable me to state my husband service more fully than above stated. Witness my hand at Wallingford this third day of March Eighteen hundred forty five (Signed in presence of) Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year John O'Harris (last above mentioned) Olive Thyes David Wolcott Before me David Hale Clerk
John C. Haines Wallingford Vt

Wallingford Vt May 17 th 1845-
Hon D L Edwards
Sir,
I inclose to you a certificate of service of Nathaniel Reyes his widow, Oliver Reyes made application some time ago I do have any faith about drawing the pension as she cannot prove enough service, if the certificate will grant a pension I wish to know what further steps to take before any more expense is made on her part
Yours Respectfully,
John C Harris

Adad Act 35 43444 at $75. per annum, dedy former pay at $71.87 per annum,
Adad Act 2 Feb 1848 at $75. per annum
Burlington Rail
John C. Harris Clarendon Springs W.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 2 d February 1848 entitled, an act Making further provisions for surviving widows and Soldiers of the Revolution State of Vermont Rutland County
On this 22 d day of September 1849 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace Olive Keyes a resident of Wallingford in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont Aged Eighty Years who being first duly Sworn according to Law did on her oath make the following declaration in order to ob- tain the benefits of the of the Provisions made by the act of congress passed on the 2 d February 1848 granting pensions to widows of Pensioners who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of Nathaniel Keyes who was a private in the Revolutionary war and served in Massachusetts and the time and length of service and officers names she asks to refer to her and his original papers now on file at Washington, from loss of memory and old age she cannot remember and that she drew under the act of the 17 th of June 1844 to the amount of Seventy one Dollars and 87 1/2 Cts She further declares that she is still the widow of Nathaniel Keyes Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above written Olive Keyes
Before me Isaac Smith Justice of the Peace
This may certify that I am personally acquainted with Olive Keyes and know that she still remains the widow of Nathaniel Keyes
Isaac Smith Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont.
County, ss.
I, J. W. Hopkins Clerk of the County Court of the County of Rutland in the State of Vermont, which is a court of record, do hereby certify that Isaac Smith
is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission was dated on the Thirteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight and will expire on the thirtieth day of November next; that his signature to the foregoing Declaration is genuine, and that he is duly qualified by the laws of this State to take declarations, separations &c.
Given under my hand and the seal of said County Court, this Thirteenth day of October A.D. 1849
J. W. Hopkins CLERK. By J. W. Hopkins Depty

State of Vermont ss Be it known that before me Joel W. Rutland County) Ainsworth a Justice of the Peace in & for said county duly Authorized by Law to Administer Oaths Personally appeared before me Olive Reyes widow of Nathaniel Reyes Deceased who was a Pensioner at and before his death of The United States at & before his death and said Olive Reyes makes Oath in due form of Law (as follows) Deposes and Says that She is now Single and unmarried and that She is now the Lawful Widow of Nathaniel Reyes aforesaid and that is the Identical widow Olive Reyes who is now a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of (Seventy five dollars per Annum) and that she was a Pensioner previous to A.D. 1848 and that her Original Certificate Expired in said year of 1848 and that John Harrison made out a Declaration under the Act of February 2 nd 1848 and as he acted as the Attorney for said Widow Olive Reyes and he stated he had received the Certificate and made out draft Papers and brought her a small share of the Money and kept the Balance himself and that this Declarant cannot obtain her Certificate from the said John Harrison and he has withheld said Certificate and he now says he has lost said Certificate whether he has lost it or has the Certificate Still in his Possession - this Declarant can neither ascertain nor obtain it in any way - and she now

She now prays that the Commission of Pensions at the Pension Office at the City of Washington will favour her Said Declarant with an Other or New Certificate that she might Continue to receive her Pension as aforesaid from the United States as She is very poor and needy and has no means for her Support for life Said Certificate will be directed to Said Declarant to Cuttingville Rutland County & State of Vermont She This Declarant Resides in the Town of Wallingford in aforesaid County where her Said Husband Died and where She has Resided many years past all which her former Papers will show on file at the Pension Office at the City of Washington & She now Declares & prays for a New Certificate as aforesaid as her last Certificate is illegally withheld from her as aforesaid Subscribed and sworn to before me This 13 th day of January A. D. 1857 and I Certify that I am well acquainted with the foregoing and the above named widow She was a Pensioner from the United States and I believe the foregoing to be facts as by her States
Isaac H. Ainsworth Justice of the Peace

1851 and I certify that I am well {
STATE OF VERMONT, } RUTLAND, S. S. COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, FREDERICK W. HOPKINS, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Soel M. Ainsworth Esq.
was, at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is, a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified; that his commission is dated the thirtieth day of November, Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty and expires the thirtieth day of November next: _____ : that his signa-
ture to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine; and that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Rutland, this fourteenth day of January Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one
F. W. Hopkins
CLERK.

I Certify that I have been Called upon by the friends of Widow Mrs Keyes stating over her said State and Graces I have directed them to apply for an other Certificate I am acquainted with her Circumstances she is very Old and very Poor I have Received Communications according to the aforesaid Declaration & I see no way for her only to try to obtain a New Certificate I am quite a distance from the Old Body I have written the foregoing & send it to her to have it properly Executed and I trust the Department will send her a New Certificate & direct it to her - Cuttingville is her best Post office
from Your Obedt Servant &c
Isaac Slingerland
Hon L. P. Heath Commissioner of Pensions
see now

I, Nathaniel Keyes of Wallingford in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, aged 76 years, do depose and say, in reference to my revolutionary services, and according to my present best recollection and belief, as follows, to wit:
That about the first of March, 1777, then residing in Northbridge in Massachusetts, I entered into the service of my Country as a volunteer from said town, and marched from thence to Providence, R. I. under a Capt. Martin of Douglass, Mass. to the troops of which state we both belonged, but the Regiment, or Colonel, I do not remember: Capt. Martin had a son with him, as a waiter, by the name of Timothy. I engaged for the term of six weeks. From Providence, we were marched down to North Kingston, and were stationed as guards, along the Narraganset shore. Immediately upon the close of this term, and before I returned home, I volunteered again, for three months, under the same Capt. Martin, and served in Rhode Island, where our Company was stationed mostly along the said shores of Narraganset, as guards.
After this, in or about haying-time, of the same year, 1777, I enlisted for six months, under Capt. Joseph Sibley of Tuller, Mass., in Col. Danforth Keyes' Regiment; my own residence still being in Northbridge aforesaid. Among other service in which I was engaged during this tour, I was out in what was then called the private expedition ; which moved from North Kingston, towards a place near Slade's ferry, taking in our guards that had been placed along on the route. Here we stayed several weeks; but the expedition was given up, and we returned to the several posts previously occupied. At the close of the term we were dismissed, not discharged, and went home. This was in the winter after Burgoyne was taken. I remember this, from the fact of having been on duty, in Providence street, when I first heard the news of Burgoyne's Capture.
About the 1. of March, 1778, as I suppose, I enlisted under a Lieutenant Temple of Shrewsbury, or Boylston, Mass. for the term of three months, and went to Worcester, and Mystic, for the purpose of

guarding Government Stores; and to Cambridge to guard a part of Burgoyne's men. From thence we returned to Mystic, — staid out our time — were dismissed, and went home.
After this, in July, 1778, I volunteered for six weeks, to go onto Rhode Island, under Capt. Whiting of Douglass, Mass. We rendezvoused at Providence, R. I. from whence we crossed a ferry to Rehoboth, and from thence by Slade's ferry, onto Rhode Island, to where the battle took place, the last of August. One of the field officers, on this march, was according to my best recollection a Lieut. Col. M c Intire, who brought up the rear. I remember, that while on this march, a British vessel that was passing, fired several shots at us; and at one time, the Lt. Col. threw himself onto the ground, when the shot was fired. One shot came quite close to us, but did no injury. I supposed the vessel was attempting to sail around the Island, to prevent the Americans from passing on to it. But the redoubt or fort at Bristol ferry fired upon the vessel, and drove her back. I was in the action that soon followed, with my Regiment, which was stationed on Butts Hill. In the night after the action we retreated off the Island. My company crossed at Slade's ferry.
After this, I went to reside in the town of Upton, Massachusetts; from whence I went for another six months into the service, under the above mentioned Capt. Whiting and in the Regiment commanded by Col. Nathan Tyler of Uxbridge. We rendezvoused at Providence, R. I. I was kept on guard at Providence, — and about half of the time was detached from the Company, to drive ammunition waggons, to draw timber, wood, &c. and to tend the Continental horses. Was dismissed at Providence at the close of the term, and returned home to Upton. The year in which this service was performed I am unable now to recollect. I can only remember the fact of the service.
In 1780, I volunteered from the town of Upton into the Continental Army for six months, in Col. Bailey's Regiment — Lt. Col. Bedlow — in Lt. Taylor's Company.

We marched from Leicester to West Point. From there we marched down on the west side of the North River to a Stone Church at Tappan — into the English neighborhood so called — were stationed a while at Dobbs ferry, and other places — and, just before the close of our term, were marched back to West Point; at which place I was discharged. I never had any other discharge; and this one I have long since lost.
The above is a correct statement of my services in the Revolutionary war, according to my best recollection and belief. I am not certain, that every date is precisely correct, as to the times when I entered and when the services terminated; but, that I have served in the whole the full term of twenty seven months, I am confident. This fact has always been impressed on my recollection, and I know I cannot be mistaken.
The witnesses who were knowing to these services, are now, all of them either deceased or removed to parts unknown, so that I know not where or to whom to apply for proof; other than to my neighbors who have long known me, and in a paper herewith transmitted, have expressed their opinion of my services, and of my character for truth and veracity.
I should have stated above, immediately before the service performed under Capt. Joseph Sibley, that about the 1. of March, 1777, according to my best recollection, I enlisted for six weeks under a Capt. Martin of the town of Douglass, Mass. and marched with him to North Kingston, R.I. After this term was out, and before I went home, I volunteered for three months more, under the same Capt. Martin. We were stationed along the Nanaganset shores, as guards. These two last mentioned terms constitute a part of the above mentioned term of 27 months. And further this deponent saith not. Shrewsbury 2. Dec. 1835.
Nathaniel Hovey

State of Vermont, } Rutland County, } Be it known, that on the 4 th day of December, 1835, before me the subscriber, a magistrate in and for said County, personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Keyes who subscribed the preceding deposition in my presence, and made solemn oath, that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth. And I do hereby certify that the said Keyes is a credible witness.
Thomas Steward Justice Peace.
State of Vermont, } Rutland County, }
Robert Rippon, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Rutland Certify that Thomas Steward is a Justice of the peace for said County that I believe his signa- -ture above is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Rutland this 2 nd day Dec. A.D. 1835
R. Rippon

Feb 19 Wallingford N 3 Feb 14 3/100 To J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Wallingford Vt- July 13 th 1835
To J. L. Edwards Esq.
Coun d of Pensions Washington
In compliance with the requirements of your office - with regard to Pensioners from this county I forward to you the following statement of my revolutionary services
I was born in Upton, Worcester county Mass - removed to Northbridge same county and state when quite young - at which place, I think, in the year 1776, in the month of March I volunteered went into service in Gen. Sullivan's expedition in Rhode Island - served six weeks - in the state of Rhode Island. Capt. Martin commanded the company - Gen. Gates was at Providence - before I returned home I volunteered for three months longer, in the same company and Capt. - during the first six weeks I was in a battle on Rhode Island - during the three months I was a part of the time at Providence and a part the time at North Kingston in the Narragansett country - I am not very positive whether I served the three months after or previous to the six weeks - but was absent four months and a half - at the end of which time I returned to Northbridge - was dismissed but took no discharge - do not know what officers above the Capt were in command - - - In the Spring following at Northbridge I enlisted into a company to guard to guard  military stores  serve go to the state of Rhode Island - served six months under Capt. Joseph Sibley. Col. Danford Hays commanded the regiment - was in that state most or all of the time - was dismissed at the end of the six months and returned to Northbridge - In the Spring of 1778, I think, I enlisted into a company raised to guard military stores served the time in Worcester and Cambridge Mass. a part of the time was employed to guard Burgoyne's men

Who were then stationed on Bunkerhill - do not recollect the Capt or Col's names - my Lient. name was Temple - do not know that I ever saw any higher officer - I may be mistaken as to the time of this Service - I am not positive but it was previous to the last six months in Rhode Island - at the end of these months was dismissed and returned to Northbridge - Soon after I removed to Upton in the same county - I think it was in the year 1779 - I volunteered under Capt John Whiting and went to the state of Rhode Island and remained at that state six months Some of the time at Providence - Some times near Howlands ferry - Col. Nathan Dyer commanded the Regiment - Lient Col. Wade - the same officer that was in command the other six months that was in Rhode Island - at the end of six months I was dismissed, and returned to Upton
In the Spring of 1780 - I volunteered  enlisted into the continental army for six months - I went to West Point - served in Col. Dayle's regiment - was some of the time down the Hudson river on the Jersey side - saw Maj. Andrew while he was in prison - also Gen. Washington while below West point - He was sent away by Arnold from West Point a day or two previous to Arnold's treachery and the capture of Andrew by Arnold - were at that time down the river - Lient. Taylor commanded the Co- the company was called Lient Col. Bellows company at the end of six months I was discharged - the only written discharge I ever had and that is now lost - I then returned to Upton - I lived in Shrewsbury on a farm adjoining the one on which I now live for thirty years or more - have resided in Wallingford for the past ten years -
I resided in this town when I made application for a pension
The testimony I suppose was taken before the probate Court of the District of Rutland - R. Pierpont was then judge of said Court - Robert Temple did the business

I have hitherto drawn twenty five dollars per annum - but do not know why I have not drawn a full pension -
I have drawn my pension up to the fourth of Sept. last -
All of which is Respectfully Submitted Nathaniel Keyes
I hereby certify that Nathaniel Keyes relates to me and subscribed above statement - that he now resides in Wallingford - is a very credible man - but aged and forgetful - is not positive as to dates and thinks he may be mistaken as to which terms of service were previous - he was undoubtedly a soldier in the Revolutionary war
A. S. Miner
Justice of the Peace for Rutland Co the first
Nathaniel Keyes says - he was not in a battle at Rhode Island the first six weeks that he served there - but was at Rhode Island six weeks in Gen. Sullivan's expedition - at which time he was in the battle above related - which six weeks are not included in the above statement -
A. S. Miner
Mr Keyes wishes the items forwarded to me - at Wallingford
A. S. Miner