Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17,424, for William Mc Queen, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
McQueen, William
N. 17,424
Conn. Service
Palmer, Tryphena
(Former Widow)
CONTENTS
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3057
Connecticut
Joseph Palmer widow of William formerly McLean, dec.
who died on the 5 Mar 1787, or was lost at sea of N. Haven Co. in the State of Conn. who was a private in the Sloop of War commanded by Captain Scott of the Guilford commanded Conn, in the Conn. State line for 5 m 9 ds private sea service 3 m It in the Navy.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 53 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Sept 1839, sent to B.P. Fowler Bridgeford, Conn.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept '39 $455.16 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar '40 26.83
$482.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 5th }
Recorded by D.M. Burdick Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 74.

"William M c Queen & Triphenia Rose were married January twelfth, One thousand seven hundred seventy five."
I Samuel Frisbie, Clerk of the town of Branford, Certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures, as follows, "Jan. 12 1775."
Sam l Frisbie, Town Clerk Isaac Palmer and Triphenia M c Queen were Married February six th , One thousand seven hundred ninety four."
I Samuel Frisbie, Clerk of the Town of Branford, Certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the in fair legible characters as follows, "Feb. 6. 1794"
Samuel Frisbie, Town Clerk
State of Connecticut } B. Branford County of New Haven }
I Samuel Frisbie above named, do hereby say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town in the County, Town & State aforesaid and that the above are true extracts from the Records of said Town with the exceptions above named as certified by me
Samuel Frisbie, Town Clerk
Sworn to and subscribed this 31 st Day of October AD 1838 Before me Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public
I certify that Samuel Frisbie the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credible Witness, Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3 d Section of the Act of the 4 th July Eighteen Hundred Thirty Six and of the 1 st Section of the Act of March 3 d Eighteen Hundred Thirty Seven. —
State of Connecticut } ss Branford New Haven County }
On this fifteenth Day of October Eighteen Hundred Thirty Eight personally appeared before Samuel J. Hildreth Judge of the County Court in and for New Haven County Josephina Palmer a Resident of Branford in the County of New Haven State of Connecticut Aged Eighty Three 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 4 th Eighteen Hundred Thirty Six and the Act Explanatory to said Act passed March 3 d Eighteen Hundred Thirty Seven that She was Married to William McQueen who was a private in the Army and a Lieutenant in the Navy During the Revolutionary War.
In Seventeen Hundred Seventy five William McQueen My Husband enlisted into a Militia Company under Capt William Hull and Stephen Patten 1 st Lieutenant and left home in June or July they went from Branford to Hartford where they joined a Regiment under Command of Lieut Colonel Street Hall from Hartford they Marched to Boston according as I have heard My Husband William McQueen say and done their Duty in and about Boston I always supposed he was gone on that tour of Duty not less than Six Months. —
In Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine April 15 th My Husband William McQueen Received a Commission from the Governor (of this) as 1 st Lieutenant on Board the Sloop of War called the Guilford (as per Commission herewith annexed) he done not less than three Months Duty on board the said Sloop Guilford as 1 st Lieutenant She belonged to the State of Connecticut and was in the State Service in Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine July 15 th when William Nott was her Commander and

when she was lying in the port of New Haven when the British invaded and landed at New Haven Capt Mott ran her on shore and she was destroyed by the British in that way. —
On or about the 1 st of August Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine My Husband William McQueen went on board the Now Gally Brig called the New Defence built at Branford she was rigged and fitted for sea by the State of Connecticut Charles Pond Esq was her Commander and William McQueen My Husband was his first Lieutenant they sailed on their first cruise from Branford on or about the 1 st of October Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine they went to sea were taken by the English Prisoners or the crew were carried into New York and put on board a prison ship called the Good Hope My Husband William McQueen got away from her by cutting his blanket into strips and let himself through a port hole so that he got home before any other of the crew he was absent at that time not less than Eight Months as it was on or about the 1 st of April when he got clear from the prison ship or when he got home. —
June 27 th Septm Seventeen Hundred Eighty two My Husband William McQueen was Commissioned and ordered from the Governor of this State as first Lieutenant of two Sloops armed Boats so called the said Commission is herewith annexed the Boats were called the Branford and the Defence under Capt Asahel Harrison as Commander and My Husband William McQueen was first Lieutenant and done duty as such for not less than Eighteen Months or about the close of the War or in the fall of Seventeen Hundred Eighty three the foregoing declaration is according to the best of My Recollection. —
She further declares she was married to the said William McQueen on the twelfth day of January Seventeen Hundred Seventy five and that her husband aforesaid died or was lost at sea on or about the fifth day of March Seventeen Hundred Eighty seven as there was a severe gale on our coast at that time My Husband William McQueen sailed from Branford on or about the first Monday of

October Seventeen Hundred Eighty Six in the Sloop Dolphin Enoch Staples Master and My Husband William McQueen Mate They Sailed for and arrived at the Island of Martinque in the West Indies Capt Staples wrote home he had sold his Vessel and Cargo and had taken passage in a Brig bound to New Haven They went to sea were Run foul of by a Ship Received Much Damage put back into the West-Indies for Repairs and that he Capt Staples William McQueen his Mate and two of his hands had taken passage for Home on board a Brig belonging to Saybrook Commanded by Capt Stow There has not any thing been heard from the said Brig nor any person that was on board of her at the time she Sailed from the West Indies when Capt Staples and Mrs McQueen My Husband and two of Staples Men were in her
That She was afterwards Married to Isaac Palmer on the Sixth Day of February Seventeen Hundred Ninety two four who died on the Twenty Sixth Day of August Eighteen Hundred Nineteen and that she was a Widow on the fourth of July Eighteen Hundred Thirty Six and Still Remains a Widow as will more fully appear by Reference to the proof hereto annexed. Tryphena Palmer
State of Connecticut
County of New Haven ss. Branford, On this fifth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally ap- peared Tryphena Palmer widow a resident in said Branford who by reason of age and bodily infirmity is unable to travel to the usual place of holding the County Court for New Haven County, and being unable to write, subscribed in my presence the above and foregoing declaration by hold- ing the pen while Benjamin R. Froot Esq guided the same, and also made solemn oath to the truth of the said declaration before me
Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of New Haven County Court State of Connecticut

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17424 Stephena Palmer Former Widow of William McQueen St. Rev. War.
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. 11 Page 113
[Arrangement of 1870.]

By His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull Esq r Captain General Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of Connecticut in America To William M c Lean Esq r Greeting
You being by the Governor and Council of Safety of this State appointed to be first Lieutenant of the Ship of War called the Guilford - ordered to be fitted out in Warlike manner to Cruise against the Enemies of this and the United States of America, Reposing special Trust and confidence in your Fidelity Courage and good Conduct. I Do by virtue of the Laws of this State in therunto enabling appoint You the said William M c Lean to be first Lieutenant of said Ship of War, You are therefore to take Charge of said Ship of War, called the Guilford and the Crew and Company thereof as their first Lieutenant, and carefully and diligently to discharge that Trust according to the Discipline of War ordained and established by the Laws of this State keeping them in good Order and Government and commanding them to obey You as their first Lieutenant and You are to observe all such Orders and directions as from Time to Time You shall receive either from me or other Your Superior Officers pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in You
Given under my Hand and Seal at Arms at Hartford this fifth Day of April 1780.
J. Trumbull

To
Lieut. W m M c Lean
4. 16. 8 4. 7. 6 4. 0. 8 5-7-6

Dear Sir
on board Sloop Guilford in Bransford Harbour
Stephen Now & Jacob H Asher Mollers rup having having stole our boat & deserted from the Vessel I desire you to go Early in the morning to at East Haven & there get a warrant from proper Authority take an Officer with you Make diligent search for them & In case you find them bring them to Milford with you in the boat & if you can't find them leave the warrant with the Officer with orders for him take them the first Opportunity & commit them to New Haven Gaol & you'll Oblige your Humble Servant Will. Nott June 12 th 1779

4.16.6 5.7.6
16. 10-12-6 5.7.6 1 16 0 11 6

To Lieut Wm Mac Tuen

At a meeting of the Select men of Branford on y e 29 th Day of July 1782. With the Advice of Edward Puffett & Jonah Clark Esqrs. we order Lieut Will m M c Lean to call up or otherwise secure the Boats Belonging to Alpheus Johnson & Oliver Lamser & make Returns to the Select men of Branford -
By order of us
Joseph Barker Ephraim Puffett Sam l Ford } Select Simon Puffett } men Ebenezer Kent Isaac Root

At a meeting of the Civil Authority & Select-men in Branford July 29 th 1782; It was Resolved that the Boats in this Town That are Suspected to have been employed, or that will be employed, in exporting, or importing articles of Produce, Goods &c to or from Long Island, should be haled up and secured agreeable to the Law of this State in such case provided. Therefore we the subscribers Select-men of the Town of Branford, with the advice of Edward Russell & Jonah Clark Esq rs Justices of the Peace, do hereby Order & Direct Lt. Will m M c Queen to haled up & secure the boats belonging to Oliver Lampf er , Alpheus Johnson, John Watson, and Michael Cleary all of the Town of Branford, and make Report to some one of the said Select-men. Dated at Branford Aug t 12 th 1782
Joseph Barker } Select-men Ebenezer Parnham Deacon Stetson Samuel Ford } Timothy Russell Isaac Root Phineas Babcock

State of Connecticut
By the Commander in Chief
William M c Queen first Lieutenant of two Armed Boats at Branford, called the Branford and the Defence Under Cap t Abiel Harrifoa Commander of the same, And accordingly to do and act whatever belongeth to his Office of first Lieutenant of said Two Armed Boats or either of them, as occasion may require.
Given under my Hand in Lebanon, this 27 th June (1782).
Jon s Trumbull

  75. Hull: Hall  6mo.  Compt.  5mo 9d    79. tab. rec? Com: L h  3. L h Navy. atm d .-      79. act. New Defence. Pond X  Taken pris?      82. Brandford Defence X    8mo -  

Comptroller's Office Hansford Court Oct 2 1838
I certify that in Haskell's Receipts I find the following entry March 20 1783 The Silver Men of Mansfield for Allowance Coat Guards in 1782 £250. 5s. 6d.
Henry Nicholson Compt.

State of Connecticut } New Haven County } ss Branford
The deposition of Ammi Harrison of Branford aforesaid Aged Seventy four years is as follows viz
In September Seventeen Hundred Eighty Six I shift on board the Sloop Dolphin as a Hand before the Mast bound on a Voyage to the West-Indies Enoch Staples Master William McQueen Mate of Said Sloop Dolphin we Sailed from the Harbour of Branford on or about the 1 st Monday of October Seventeen Hundred Eighty Six and arrived at Martinique our destined port where Capt Staples Sold Vessel and Cash he had his Money counted out to him and took me up with him to assist in getting the Money on board I carried it and put it into the Boat and on board a Brig bound to New Haven where Capt Staples had engaged passage for himself and all his Crew but Subsequently I shift on board another Vessel (Brig) called Pegasus which was bound to New Haven and I arrived home in the winter or Spring following and Jared Whitney one of our hands on board the Dolphin who is now dead shift on board another vessel and arrived home after I did. —
I further depose and say that Capt Staples William McQueen his Mate and two of his other Men whom I left in the West-Indies have never been seen here nor heard of Since they left the West-Indies it is considered that they were all lost at Sea as no information whatever has been had of the Vessel nor any of the Crew Since they Sailed from the West-Indies for home I always knew William McQueen and she that was his Wife now the Widow of Isaac Palmer and am of opinion that full credit ought to be put to her Declaration Relative to the loss or Death

of her husband the aforesaid William McQueen as I was always was well acquainted with Mr McQueen and his Wife further the Deponent saith not. — in the thirteenth line from the bottom of this Deposition it should be read Viperl instead of Brig where there is a line drawn around the word Brig it should be read Viperl
Anne Harrison
Sworn and Subscribed to
this 30 th Day of October 1838 Before me Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public
I certify that Anne Harrison the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a credible Witness Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public
4076
Stephen Salter formerly residing at the 16 College
at July 1836.
Commonwealth 37
vs 75-8-87
Resident
advised
5mo. 9th mo.
3mo. 24th mo.
No evidence
B. R. Fowler Frankford
CL Nov 17

Palmer
In at June 20. CT

Branford June 17 th 1839
Sir in answer to yours of May 20 th 1839 Relative to Widow Ephsina Palmer formerly Widow of William McQueen your State, it is apparent from the Comptroller Certificate that the Defence was not a State Vessel Consequently Service on board of her furnishes no ground for a Claim, - you likewise State that McQueens Services on board the "Boat" Branford and Defence built by the Citizens of Branford as a guard and for which it appears the State made the Loan on allowance the , it was the "Brig" Defence which the Citizens of Branford built the Hull and then applied to the State by Capt Samuel Barker their agent for assistance for which the State Rigged fitted her with her armament (Manned her and sent her to sea) not the boat Defence which W m McQueen afterwards had charge of as Lieut.) v z the Brig Defence for which Services on board the same Vessel and at the same time pensions have been allowed to others by the Department for which the Widow of W m McQueen and the Widow of John Keyes in their Declaration now on file in your Department Claim for their Services but they are utterly unable to introduce any other proof than what they have with their Declarations now on file in your Department Therefore their Claims Must be Submitted without further proof. —
you likewise State that a Copy of Douglass Roll should be Certified by a Court of Record you will find such is the case with Ephraim Rogers and John Keyes for their Service to the Northward in 1775. W m McQueens service in 1775 is not Claimed under Col Douglass but was at Boston as you will find by Comptroller Certificate under Col Hall as per Declaration To J. L. Edwards } your Respectfully Commissioner of pensions } Benjamin W. Grosvenor

Comptroller's Office Hartford Sept 6 1838
I certify that on application for evidence of the services of W m M c Queen, I have examined the Books & papers remaining in this Office relating to the War of the Revolution, and find his name on "A Pay Roll of the 2 d 6 th 7 th Reg t raised p o order Gen l Assembly Conn t 1775." Entered Service July 11 th , Time of settlement Dec r 20 th , making 5 m 9 days. I further find on the Record of the Gov t & Council of Safety that at a meeting held in Hartford 15 th day of May 1779. W m M c Queen is appointed 1 st Lieut of the Schoop Guilford, in the room of Obadiah Spencer who declines serving on board, at a subsequent meeting in May 17 1779, voted that Capt W m Vott commander of Schoop Guilford enlist the Men to serve on board said Schoop for a term not less than three mo s from the time of their enlistment. Again at a meeting of the Gov t & Council of Safety held at Lebanon March 5 th 1779. Voted that Capt W m Vott is appointed to the command of the Schoop that was cast on shore at Guilford to cruise in the Sound, She being taken for this State and is now called the Guilford —
Mary Willbourn Compt r
I certify that a Record in this Office appears in the Council of Safety in the following manner. "At a meeting of the Gov t & Council of Safety held at Hartford March 4 th 1779. On Representation of Capt Sam l Barker that that the Town of Branford, are about setting up a Row Galley for the defence of said Town & State, have asked some assistance from this board, and also a Guard to protect said Galley while building — Voted that they have a Guard (over)

of one Sergt & twelve Men to protect said Gallery while in building. Again at a meeting held on the 21 st day May 1779- Resolved that Col: John Pitch be directed to lend & deliver to Capt Saml: Barker of Branford two twelve pound Cannon lying at West Haven and suitable shot for them taking his rect to be account- able. That Col: Pitch be directed to deliver Capt Barker such quantities of Powder as he shall have occasion for the use of his Row Gallery taking his proper rect. That Maj: Leayard be directed to deliver Capt Saml: Barker two twelve pound Cannon belonging to the State now at New London - That N Shaw Esq deliver to Capt Saml: Barker the smallest Cable lately belonging to the Ship Defence taking his rect - That Mr. W m Whiting overseer of the Cannon Foundry deliver to Capt Saml: Barker or order such quantity of round & grape Cannon shot as he the said Barker shall request for the use of his Row Gallery taking his proper rect. and that said Barker deliver the same to the care of Col John Pitch of New Haven, and from time to time receive from him such quantities of it as he shall need for the use of his Row Gallery - Copy deliver: Capt Barker 21 st May 1779 -
Henry Kirbourn Comr
On further examination I find at a meeting of the Council of Safety July 12 1779 Voted that Capt Barker of 3 rd Gallery now Defence may receive on Loan a Cable & Anchor & Main Part late taken by Enemies - belonging to 4 th Schoop Guilford at N. Haven for use of 4 th Gallery to be accountable - order deliv d Capt Baldwin - Again in Council of Safety Sept 18 1779 gave an order on S. Bishop Rigging for Row Defence for Mr. Spelman. Henry Kirbourn Comr

State of Connecticut New Haven County
I J. B. Beach Clerk of the County Court in & for said County & keeper of the seal thereof hereby certify that Samuel J. Hildreth is Judge of said New Haven County Court in said State; & that Benj. R. Fowler is Notary public in & for said State each duly appointed Commissioner & sworn with power to administer Oaths. That each was so at the respective dates of their certificates & official acts hereto annexed. That I am acquainted with the handwriting & signature of each, & that the signature of each hereto annexed is his genuine official signature. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this 1 st day of Nov. A.D. 1838.
J. B. Beach Clerk

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } NEW HAVEN COUNTY, } ss. COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, G. B. Beach Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
Samuel J. Hitchcock
Esq. is a Justice of Peace, Judge of the County Court
within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned, and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds; that his Commission is dated the 31 st day of May A. D. 18 38 and will expire on the twentieth day of June, A. D. 18 39 ; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 17 th day of June A. D. 18 39
G. B. Beach Clerk.

State of Connecticut ss.
County of New Haven
June Seventeenth One thousand eight hundred and fifty six I, Betsey Cook, of the State of Connecticut, do hereby certify that the within copy of the original document now in my possession is a true and correct copy of the same as it was at the time she made the same and as it now remains in her possession and as it was at the time of her death.

a right hundred and thirty nine. I Samuel Hitchcock County Court, for the County of Washington in hereby certify that Mrs. Typhena Palmer of Mansford in made a declaration before me to obtain a pension on file at the proper office in the City of Washington said declaration, and still is, unable to walk in the lumens occasioned by a dislocation of her infirmity, and that she is now blind. Date as written Samuel J. Hitchcock Judge of Washington County Court State of Connecticut.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of pensions Washington City

Branford July 10 th 1839
Sir
In answer to yours of the 22 nd I was in your Remarks Relative to the name of the Vessel in which Lieutenant William McQueen served in you say in the papers the Vessel is called "The Gally Boat Brigantine Defiance" - now if that is the fact set forth in the papers it is written wrong as I have carefully examined the Manuscript from which the Declaration of the Widow Tryphena Palmer formerly the Widow of William McQueen Deceased was taken and I find it there stated that in 1779 he William McQueen went on board the Race-galley built in Branford She was Riged into a Brig and called the New-Defence.
In regard to the Brig New-Defence being built by the Town of Branford and Riged &c by the State it was not intended to set forth that the Hull of the Vessel was built by the Authority of the Corporation of the Town of Branford but built by certain Individuals Inhabitants of the Town of Branford they provided for as they were then able and then applied to the State for Assistance for the proof of which I would refer you to the Certificate from the Comptroller in the Widow Tryphena Palmer papers and in the papers of the Widow Derine Baldwin formerly the Widow of John Keegan whose papers remain on file in your Department together with the Deposition of Mason Hobart herewith enclosed as he is the only one now living that built a share of the Brig New-Defence.
The Comptroller has carefully examined all the papers in his Department Relative to the New-Defence W th McQueen's services on board of her &c and cannot find any more proof than what has been forwarded to your Department with the papers above referred to. -
"you referred me to the Records of the Town" There is no papers or Records to be found in the Town Clerks Office Relative to the said Vessel Neither can I find any papers or Bills in any of the Houses or Families who were the builders of the said New-Defence.

I have taken the Deposition of Mason Hobart in order to Shew that the Vessel's name was the New-Defence "not the New-Defiance" in which William McLean done his Duty on board as Seaman for which his Widow Claims a pension. —
and Likewise to Shew to the Department the way and Manner the Brig New Defence was built fitted out and went to Sea and was taken on her first Cruise. — According to the Recollection of Mason Hobart the only Surviving owner to be found, which is in accordance with all the Elderly people now living but did Nothing towards building said Vessel all they know is Mere Common Report at the time the Vessel was built and taken to
Then I Remain Respectfully your Obedient Servant Benjamin R Fowler
W. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } NEW HAVEN COUNTY, } ss. COUNTY COURT CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, Geo. Beach Clerk of the County Court, within and for said County, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commissions of Justices of Peace, within and for said County, hereby certify that
George R. Fowler Esq. is a Justice of Peace  Notary Public
Notary within and for the said County, duly appointed, commissioned, and sworn, with power to administer oaths and take the acknowledgment of Deeds; that his Commission is dated the 15 day of May A. D. 1838 and will expire on the 15 twentieth day of May  June , A. D. 1840 ; that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and that the signature hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court, this 6 th day of July A. D. 1839.
Geo. Beach Clerk.

State of Connecticut } Is Branford New Haven County }
I Mason Hobart of Branford in the State of Connecticut County of New Haven, now Eighty six years old, of Sound Mind and Memory, being truly Sworn do Depose and Say, that in the Winter of Seventeen Hundred Seventy Eight and Seventy Nine, Myself together with Many others who were My Neighbours, and Townsmen, agreed to build a Row-Galley, to be used for the Defence of our Country, against the British, who were then at War with us, Some of the people brought in plank plank Logs Some brought Ship Timber and every Material that would answer for building together with Labour all was well Received we prospered greatly in Building the Hull and we built it Much larger than we first Calculated and when the people at large had some Contributing towards building the Vessel the Bills that were to be payed, called for, the Amount added together, and the amount Divided into Shares of which I took one Eighth to Myself Some took More but Many took Less Such as Sixteen, thirty two parts &c - I do not know of a person now living but Myself who had a share in said Vessel and in building the Hull of the Row-Galley as we then called her. we the then owners felt ourselves unable to Rig her and fit her for a Cruise, we therefore appointed Capt Samuel Barker our agent to apply to the Governor and Council for Assistance for which they ordered a Guard of a Sergeant and twelve Men to guard her while Rigging her the State were at the Expense of Rigging her and (her and) fitting her for a Cruise She was Rigged into a Brig and Called the New Defence the State then furnished the Cannon, Powder, Ball and all other Accessories for a Cruise together with Sails and Rigging Charles Pona Esq r of Milford was her Commander and William Mc Queen her first Lieutenant of Branford and went to Sea as Such in the fall of Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine. - I have no Coocurrent Books Bills Contracts or Documents of any kind Relative to the Building of the Said Brig New Defence or any thing Relating to her for almost Twenty years Since My Store together with its contents all My old Account Books papers &c were all Destroyed by Fire Therefore I am unable to State any thing Relative to the Said Vessel or William Mc Queen as first Lieutenant Excepting from My Memory

and according to the best Recollection I was to Receive if any prize was taken and a Dividend was Made the proportion of what I payed towards My Eights of Said Vessel and no More and the other owners in the same proportion but She went to sea was taken by the Enemy when She was on her first Cruise and Some of her Officers and Crew Returned home but there was no Dividend Made no Bills or Claims ever payed by the owners of the Vessel or by the State no further than what they had advanced or become answerable for before She Sailed but all went by the Board as lost I cannot Recollect as any Demand was ever Made by any person as it was well known to be a total Loss from the time the Deponent Saith not. — Dated at Branford this 24 th Day of July AD 1839
Mason Hobart
Sworn to and Subscribed on the 24 th Day of July AD 1839
Before Me Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public
I Timothy Bradley a Resident of Branford in the County of New Haven State of Connecticut now Sixty four years old hereby Certify that I have alway been acquainted with Mason Hobart who has Subscribed and Sworn to the foregoing Deposition is a Credible person and his Statement in My opinion in the foregoing Deposition is entitled to full Credit
Timothy Bradley
Sworn to and Subscribed on the 3 rd Day of July
AD 1839 Before Me Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public
I Samuel Gould a Resident of Branford in the County of New Haven State of Connecticut now Seventy one years old hereby Certify that I have always been acquainted Mason Hobart who has Subscribed and Sworn to the foregoing Deposition is a Credible person and his Statement in My opinion in the foregoing Deposition is entitled to full Credit
Samuel Gould
Sworn to and Subscribed on the 1 st Day of July
AD 1839 Before Me Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public

I hereby Certify that for the last thirty five years I have been acquainted with Mason Hobart who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing Deposition and likewise have been acquainted with Timothy Bradley and Samuel Gacela Clegg for the same term of time who have each sworn to and subscribed the above Certificate and they each and individually are credible persons for truth and veracity and the Deposition and Certificate by them above subscribed and sworn to are entitled to full faith and Credit Dated at Branford July 2 nd 1839
Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public

State of Connecticut } New Haven County } to Branford
The Deposition of Timothy Blackstone of Branford aforesaid aged years after being Duly Cautioned and sworn is as follows viz. —
In the Summer or first part of the fall in Seventeen Hundred Eighty two or Eighty Three Lieutenant William McQueen called on me to go on board one of the Guard Boats that were under his Command at that time as Coast Guards I went on board as directed and done duty as a hand I should say for not less than twenty days to supply the deficiency of some of his men I did not belong to either of the Boats he had charge of as a regular Hand I had to supply the deficiency of some of his men that were absent I well Recollect one Circumstance that took place one day while we were out upon and about the Thimble Islands so called off Branford there was two of the Enemys Boats come near to the Islands until they discovered us they gave about Lieutenant McQueen Immediately gave Chase and before they got half way across the Sound we overhauled one of the said Boats and took her the other escaped the circumstances above stated I fully Recollected and that was all the service I was called upon to do under Lieut McQueen but well Recollected he had charge of them two Guard Boats for one or two years before the close of the Revolutionary War Timothy Blackstone
Sworn to and Subscribed this 31 st Day of October 1838 Before Me Benjamin R. Fowle Notary Public
I certify that Timothy Blackstone the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credable Witness.
Benjamin R. Fowle Notary Public

State of Connecticut } ss Branford New-Haven County - }
The Deposition of John Blackstone of Branford aforesaid aged Seventy five years after being Duly Cautioned and sworn is as follows viz. —
In July Seventeen Hundred Eighty two I was called into Service by order of the Civil Authority and Select Men of Branford aforesaid and ordered on board an Armed Boat Commanded by Lieutenant W m Mc Queen I do not Recollect the the Boats Name that I first went on board of whether it was the Branford or the Defencer My Service at that time was thirty four days and then I was Discharged our Cruising ground was from New Haven Harbor Eastward to Branford Guilford among the Thimble Islands where the Enemies Boats often lay I was not one of the boats Crew only for that particular time the Boats Branford and Defencer under Lieutenant W m Mc Queen were in Service before I went on board and for a long time after I was Discharged I should say until nearly or quite the close of the Revolutionary War but I cannot state every particular as I have no Documents to correct My Memory Excepting the Number of Days I served at that time and I do not know of one of the persons now living that done Duty with me at the above stated time nor one of the Regular Hands that belonged to Either of the said Boats Neither do I know of one of the Officers now living
I further depose and say that I served the time above stated and done the aforesaid thirty four Days Service under the Command of Lieutenant William Mc Queen as Commander of said Boats further the Deponent saith not
John Blackstone
Sworn to and subscribed this 31 st Day of October A.D. 1838
Before me Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public I certify that John Blackstone the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credible Witness. Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public

State of Connecticut } for Branford New Haven County }
The Deposition of James Goodrich of Branford aforesaid aged Eighty years after being Duly Cautioned and sworn is as follows viz. —
on or about the first of August Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine I shift on board the Gally built at Branford aforesaid by Capt Samuel Barker and others I shift and done Duty as gunner on board said Vessel She was Riged into a Brig and Coaled the New Defense She was Riged and fitted for sea in a Warlike Manner the Sails Riging part of her Span runs Powder and Ball for the Guns were furnished at the Expense of the State her Hull Victualing and some small necessaries at the Expense of Samuel Barker and others who built her Hull some in large shares but many in very small shares we sailed if I recollect aright in October 1779 Charles Pond Esqr of Milford was our Commander after being at sea a few weeks we fell in with an English Snow and after a Desperate Engagement with her we were obliged to surrender and give ourselves up as prisoners of War we were carried into New York and put on board the prison ship Good Hope when those who had not Deserted and were alive were exchanged in June 1780. —
I further Depose and say when I went on board the Brig New Defense it was the first of August Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine I shift on board of said Brig at the urgent Request of Lieut McQueen as gunner as I had served in that Capacity on board the Sloop Guilford and William McQueen as first Lieut on board said Sloop Guilford I do Depose and say that the said William McQueen was first Lieutenant on board the Brig New Defense when I shift and I done Duty under him as first Lieutenant

from the time I first went on board the Brig New Defene as gunner untill we were taken which was not less than two - Three Months and twenty Days or thru  four Months Lieutnant McQueen was put on board the prison ship Good Hope at New York with me and was held there as a prisoner of war untill between the 15 th and 20 th of February 1780 he Lieut. McQueen with some other Quarters from the prison Ship Good Hope and as he told me afterwards he got onto Long Island he was not taken but got Home in about one Month after he left the prison Ship Good Hope. I cannot state the exact time Lieut. McQueen began his service on board the Brig New Defene for it was previous to my shipping I should say from the time he shifted on board untill he returned Home was not less than Eight Months the word two at the end of the third line from the top of this page should Read for two Months instead of three Months and the word three on the same line should Read for three Months in stead of four Months so that the words three and four should Read two and three instead of three and four months this is from My but Recollection as I have no documents to Refer to further the Deponent saith not
James Goodrich
Sworn and Subscribed to this 29 th Day of October 1838 before Me Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public
the word two and three in the third line from the top were added and the word three and four were erased before signing in My presence Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public
I certify that James Goodrich the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credible Witness - Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public

State of Connecticut } New Haven County } ss East-Haven
The Deposition of Elijah
Bradley of East-Haven aforesaid aged twenty nine years after being Duly Cautioned and sworn in as follows viz. —
In September Seventeen
Hundred Seventy Nine I Shift on board the Brig New Defence an Armed Vessel Commanded by Charles Pond Esq. of Milford as I was then and ever since have been informed the the said New Defence was fitted out at the Expense of the State to cruise against the English who were then at War with us. I cannot state wheather we sailed in the latter part of September or first part of October 1779 but I well Recollect after being at Sea a few weeks we fell in with an English Snow on the twentieth Day of October 1779 and we had a severe engagement with her in which Many Men were killed on board of both Vessels and both Vessels much Injured but we were obliged to Surrender to Superior force and were Made prisoners of War Carried into New York put on board the prison Ship Good Hope. I was held a prisoner there untill some time in April 1780 when I was exchanged Some of our Crew got away sooner by Deception and Exchange and some were held longer than I was —
I do further
depose and say that when I went on board said Brig New Defence it was in September 1779 William McQueen was then acting as first Lieutenant on board said Armed Brig New Defence and that he the said William McQueen continued in that Station as first Lieutenant all the time I belonged to the said Brig New Defence and he Mr McQueen acted in the Capacity of first Lieutenant in the Engagement when we were taken and Discharged his Duty in an Officer like Manner to the acceptation and praise of all. —
I further Depose and say
That Lieutenant William McQueen Deserted from on board our

The aforesaid prison Ship Good Hope some time from the fifteenth to the twentieth of February 1780 s and as he afterwards told Me he got onto Long Island went to the East end of said Island and got ash upon the Main so that he got home in about one Month after he left the prison Ship Good Hope so that if his Service Commenced in July on Board the New Jersey he was probably absent not less than Seven Months at that time. —
I further Depose and say I have no Document to count My Memory but what I have here deposed is from My best Recollection which I am sure is substantially correct further the Deponent saith Not
Elijah Bradley
Sworn to and Subscribed this 1 st Day of November 17838 Before Me Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public
I Certify that Elijah Bradley the above named Deponent is personally well known to Me and is a Credible Witness Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public

State of Connecticut } New Haven County - } ss Branford
The Deposition of James Goodrich of Branford aforesaid aged eighty years after being duly cautioned and sworn is as follows viz. —
In March Seventeen Hundred Seventy Nine I shift on board Sloop Guilford William Nott Commander I belonged to the Sloop Guilford W m Nott Commander not less than four Months I shift and done duty as gunner She was a State Vessel owned Equipt and Manned by the State of Connecticut we were in the port of New Haven when the British landed and took New Haven on the 5 th of July 1779 the Sloop Guilford was then taken by the British and destroyed as to any further Service we then ran her ashore so that the Enemy could not get her off. —
I further Depose and say that William McQueen was first Lieutenant under Capt Nott on board the Sloop Guilford if I mistake not he commenced his service on board and done duty as first Lieut on or about the first of April 1779 and I served under him on board said Sloop Guilford he as first Lieut untill the 5 th of July 1779 when she was taken in New Haven Harbor and destroyed by the British I should say that he Lieut McQueen done not less than three months duty at that time as first Lieut on board the aforesaid Sloop Guilford
James Goodrich
Sworn and subscribed to this 29 th Day of October 1838 Before Me Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public
I certify that James Goodrich the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credible Witness
Benjamin R Fowler Notary Public

"One thousand seven hundred and seventy five, January twelfth. William Queen and Stephena Rose," (were married.)
I Timothy O. Gillett Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Branford certify that the foregoing extract is a true copy of the Record taken from the List of Marriages in the Church Records, performed by the Rev Philemon Robbins, with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows - 1775 January 12 th " and the word "Marriages" stands at the head of the Record - Timothy O. Gillett Pastor of the Congregational Church
State of Connecticut County of New Haven ss - Branford
I Timothy O. Gillett above named depose & say that I hold the office of Pastor of the First Congregational Church in the town, county & state aforesaid, & that the above is a true extract from the records of said church, (as kept by the Rev Philemon Robbins who was pastor of said church from the year one thousand seven hundred and thirty three to the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one) with the exceptions above named as certified by me.
Timothy O. Gillett Pastor of the Congregational Church
Sworn to and Subscribed this 31 st Day of October AD - 1838 before me Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public
I certify that Timothy O. Gillett the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credible Witness Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public

One thousand seven hundred and ninety four, Feb- mary sixth; - Isaac Palmer and Tryphena "Marguean" (were married)
I Timothy P. Gillett Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Branford Conn. certify that the foregoing ex- tract is a true copy of the Record as taken from the list of Marriages in the Church records, performed by the Rev. Jason Alwater with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows "1794. Feb 6" the word "Marriages" standing at the head of the Record.
Timothy P. Gillett Pastor of the Congregational ch h
State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } ss Branford
I Timothy P. Gillett abovenamed depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the First Congregational Church in the Town, County & State aforesaid, & that the above is a true ex- tract from the records of said Church as kept by the Rev. Jason Alwater (Pastor of the church abovenamed from the year 1784 to the year 1795) with the exceptions above named as certified by me.
Timothy P. Gillett Pastor of the Congregational Church
Sworn and subscribed to this 31 st Day of October
AD 1838 - Before Me Benjamin H. Fowler Notary Public
One thousand eight hundred and nineteen, August twenty sixth. - Isaac Palmer" (died)
I Timothy P. Gillett Pastor of the First Congregational Church in Branford Conn. certify that the foregoing extract is a true copy of Record as taken from the list of deaths in the church records, as kept by me with the exception of the date which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows
1819. Isaac Palmer Feb y 6 th the word "Deaths" stand- ing at the head of the Record. Timothy P. Gillett Pastor of the Congregational Church

State of Connecticut County of New Haven } ss Branford I Timothy O'Gillatt within named depose & say that I hold the office of Pastor of the First Congregational Church in the Town, county & state aforesaid & that the within is a true extract from the records of said - with the exceptions within named as certified by me. Timothy O'Gillatt Pastor of the Congregational chh
Sworn to and Subscribed this 31 st Day of October A.D. - 1838 Before Me Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public
I certify that Timothy O'Gillatt the above named Deponent is personally well known to me and is a Credable Witness, Benjamin R. Fowler Notary Public

Sept 6
Branford Conn Sept 2 - 3
Spec
ct.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Letter at pension office
Washington City
Binders

Branford Sept 2 nd 1839
Sir
Yours of August 22 nd 1839 I Received on the 28 th in which you State in the case of Mrs Tryphena Palmer formerly the Widow of W m McLean after stating your reasons you say her Claim is therefore Rejected. —
I cannot suppose you intend to be understood that she is not entitled to a pension for W m McLean's Services prior to 1779 but I suppose you have reference only to his Services on board the Brig New Defence. —
In your Letter of May 20 th 1839 you State in the case of Mrs Tryphena Palmer formerly the Widow of W m McLean there is no objection to the three Months Service as Lieut. on board the Guilford. —
you then proceed and say but as a copy of Douglass Roll should be certified by a Court of Record with its opinion of its antiquity and genuineness for the five Months nine Days Claimed for Service in 1775. —
In answer to this objection, I have to say that I have carefully Examined the Manuscript from which Mrs Tryphena Palmer formerly the Widow of W m McLean's Declaration was an exact copy or intended so to be have Examined Mrs Palmer and others and cannot find that it was ever claimed that W m McLean done any Duty under Douglass in 1775 or at any other time in the Revolutionary War. Therefore if it is so stated in her Declaration or in proof to support such a claim, it is erroneous, and a mistake of mine in the Declaration or a mistake of the Clerk in placing the proof with her Declaration when it should have been placed with some other Declaration. —
But the five Months and nine Days Claimed in Mrs Tryphena Palmer's Declaration as done by W m McLean in 1775 was done under W m Hull as Capt and Stephen Potter 1 st Lieut in Col t Hall's Regiment they Marched from Branford to Hartford then joined Col t Hall's Regiment and Marched Direct to Boston where W m McLean done his five Months and 9 Days Duty under Col t Hall and was Regularly Discharged, as per Records in Comptroller's Office well authenticated, for the proof of which I forwarded a Certificate from the Comptroller.

attached to Mrs McQueen papers, and Declaration, by the Clerk of the County of New Haven, in conformity with Direction from your Department, which Certificate I am confident you will find attached to Mrs Palmer formerly the Widow of W m McQueen Declaration, together with many other papers as proof of McQueen Revolutionary service. —
The three Months Service done by W m McQueen as listed on board the Guilford and the five Months Nine Days Service as a private done in 1778 which you admitted in your letter of the 20 th of May 1839 I consider as good and fully proved but if you find any deficiency in the Declaration of Mrs Ipsona Palmer or in the proof to support s d Declaration Different from what I have here stated please inform me but if you are satisfied the Declaration is correct and proof to support the same to the satisfaction of the Department please forward the Certificate to me
very Respectfully
your Obedient Servt Benjamin R Howler
to J L Edwards (Commission of pension)
As I wrote you June 17 th 1839 in answer to yours of May 20 th 1839 and that McQueen's service in 1778 was done under Col. Hall not Dawley's