Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21751, for Nicholas Mathewson, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R.I.
Mathewson, Nicholas Abigail
W 21751
CONTENTS

Let to B Cowell, May 23. 1837.
Rhode Island 867
Abigail Mathewson widow of Nicholas Mathewson
R.I., who died on the 18 th Oct r 1822 of Providence in the State of R. Island who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by Col Fry - in the R. Island Militia two for two years
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of May 1837 _____ and sent to Benj. Howell, Esq r .
Arrears to the 4 th of March 1837 $ 480. 00 Pension allowance ending 11 Sep 37 40. 00
$ 520 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by _____ Book _____ Vol 1, P 111
Clerk,

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations } fs.
On this twentieth day of September A.D. 1836 personally appeared before the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in the County of Providence and State aforesaid
being a court of record Abigail Mathewson, a resident of Cranston, in the County of Providence and State aforesaid aged Seventy nine 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, 1836 - That she is the widow of Nicholas Mathewson late of Cranston, aforesaid deceased, that in the spring of the year 1775 she with her said husband removed from the town of Warwick, in the County of Kent and State aforesaid to the town of East Greenwich in said County of Kent, that they continued from that time to reside in said town of East Greenwich, until the close of the Revolutionary War, that about the time they first removed to East Greenwich as aforesaid, her said husband the said Nicholas Mathewson joined a military company established in said East Greenwich, called the Kentish Guards, a company incorporated by the General Assembly of said State and then commanded by Richard Fry, that said Nicholas was a private in said company and continued a

member thereof, until the close of said war; That during the time he was a member of said Company as aforesaid, he was with said Company frequently called upon and performed many hours of duty therein, in defence of and for the protection of this State and country; That the services rendered by said Nicholas as aforesaid were upon Rhode Island and in guarding the shores of Narraganset Bay; That according to the best of her recollection and belief the said Nicholas, was in actual service as aforesaid in the time of said war more than two years, and that she has no documentary evidence of his said services. She further declares that she was married to the said Nicholas Mathewson, on the 20 th day of May A.D. 1773; that her husband the afore- said Nicholas Mathewson, died on the eighteenth day of October A.D. 1822 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. —
Abigail Mathewson
Subscribed and duly sworn to by said Abigail Mathewson at open court, September 20 1836.
Albert Greene Clerk
In Attestation whereof, and also in attes- tation that sufficient evidence proof, has been adduced before said court, to prove that said Abigail Mathewson is a credible person, and that

Her Statement is entitled to credit the said Court have hereunto caused their Seal to be affixed, on the day and Year first above written.
Albert Greene Clerk

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

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Secretary's Office Sept 15. A 1836
I certify that at the session of the General assembly of said State in May last, William Harrison was elected a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Warwick in the county of Kent, for one year, and has been commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.
I further certify that from the evidence exhibited to me, that the signature "Wm Harrison" to the paper annexed, is the proper hand writing of said William Harrison.
Witness Henry Borden Secy.

Warwick May the 20 th 1773 This may certify all persons whom it may concern that Nicholas Mathew son son of Henry Mathewson late of Warwick dec d and Hannah Cook daughter of Capt Elias Cook late of Warwick was lawfully married the day and year above said in the presence of sundry witnesses by me Charles Gulliver Elder
State of Rhode Island County of Kent ss Town Clerk's Office Warwick Sept 14 1836
I hereby certify that the foregoing certificate of Marriage is a true copy duly compared by me as appears of record in this office Geo A Bragton Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island County of Kent ss In Warwick September 14 A D 1836
Personally appeared George A. Bragton and having subscribed the above certificate in my presence made oath to the truth of the same before me, and I further certify that the said George A. Bragton was on the first monday in June last appointed Town Clerk of said Town of Warwick for the year then ensuing and is now duly authorized to act in that capacity and that he is a credible witness
M m Harrison Justice of the Peace

I Henry Tatem, now residing in Warwick, in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Clergyman on oath depose and say, that I was formerly well acquainted with Nicholas Mathewson, late of Cranston, in the County of Providence deceased - My acquaintance with said Mathewson, continued up to the time of his death which took place about fourteen years since. I know the fact of said Mathewson's being dead, having attended the funeral when he was buried - I am also well acquainted with Abigail Mathewson widow of said deceased, my acquaintance with her commenced previous to the decease of her said husband; she has remained unmarried to the present time.
Henry Tatem
The State of Rhode Island & Providence for In Cranston Sept 14th 1836 Personally appeared Henry Tatem and having subscribed the above affidavit in my presence made oath to the truth of the same before me - and I further certify that the said Henry Tatem is a credible witness. Jesse Howard J. C. C. Pleas

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence S c . - I Dexter Randall Clerk of The Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Jesse Howard Esq r before whom the within affidavit was sworn is one of the Justices of said Court; that he is duly qualified according to Law to administer oaths & take Depositions and that his signature within written is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Providence this fifteenth day of September A D 1836 -
Dexter Randall Clk

Kent ss - Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas
I certify that John Brown Esqr is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of East Greenwich, in said County of Kent, that the annexed is his proper signature in his own hand writing, and that full faith and credence is to be given to all his official acts —
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court this 12 th day of September in the year 1836 —
Rev. J. Hocum C.M.E.
3.75 to 10/3

I Ezra Simmons of East Greenwich in the county of Kent & State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations aged eighty six years, on Oath do testify - I knew Nicholas Matteson former- -ly of East Greenwich, late of Cranston in this State - that he was a member of the Company of Westish Guards, that he did duty in said Company as long as three years during the Revolutionary War, He was with said Company on Rhode Island & at other places when said Company were called to perform duties in defence of State & Country. I was a member of said Company, & for the space of three years or more, I have no recollection of said Matteson's absence, when said Company were called into service Ezra Simmons
Kent ss Subscribed & sworn to at East Greenwich this Twelfth day of September A D 1836 & I also testify that the above named Ezra Simmons is a credible witness
John Brown Justice

I Wanton Casey of East Greenwich in the County of Kent & State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations aged Seventy six years - On Oath, do testify & say I was a member of and did duty in the Company of Kentish Guards for the term of four years, commencing with the Revolutionary War, that said Company were frequently called out for the defence of our State & Country - that Nicholas Matteson, then of East Greenwich later of Cranston in our said State, was a member of said Company & I believe for the space of three years or more and I have no recollection that said Matteson was ever absent in all that time, when said Company were called into service
Wanton Casey
Kent Jo.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at East Greenwich this twelfth day of September A D 1876 and I also certify the above named Wanton Casey to be a man of truth & his testimony worthy all credence
John Brown Just Peace

I Nathan Miller of Warwick in the County of Kent & State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation aged Eighty four years - On Oath do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Nicholas Matteson formerly of East Greenwich & late of Cranston in said State, that on the first arrival of the British Fleet in Rhode Island, I joined the Kentish Guards, and did duty in said Company - that said Matteson was then a member; on my joining, the Company was called out for one month's Service, at the expiration thereof we were relieved by the Pawtucket Rangers, who frequently called out on alarms, when not on immediate duty - on the first of March the Kentish Guards were again called into service & continued until the last of November or first of December, we were then relieved for one month by the Scituate Troops. we were then called upon again, and did duty in said Company according to the best of my recollection & belief two thirds of the time, the British fleet remained in New Port. I was once on Scituate & twice on Rhode Island during said period - and in all this service, said Nicholas Matteson was with me in said Company. Prior to our joining said Company said Matteson & myself with the Militia were at the taking of a tender sent out by Wallace to alarm & disturb & rob our shores on the Narragansett - It is my opinion & belief that said Matteson, in all the service he rendered, was employed more than two years, and was a good Soldier. his Nathan Miller mark
Kent Jo Sworn to & subscribed at East Greenwich this twelfth day of September A 1836 I also Certify the above signed Miller is a man of truth & a credible witness
John Brown Just peace

I Joseph Manchester, of Coventry in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island and Providence Planta- tions aged eighty one year, on oath do testify and say, that early in the Rev- olutionary war I joined a chartered military company called the Kentish Guards, established at East Greenwich in said County, and was on duty in defence of, and for the protection of our country nearly three years. The said Com- pany when I joined it was commanded by Richard Fry, and afterwards by William Arnold. I was well acquainted with Nicholas Mattenson, then of East Greenw- ich deceased, the said Nicholas belonged to said Company at the time I joined it and continued in it, according to the best of my recollection, as long as I did. The said Nicholas Mattenson was on duty, and in actual service in said Company according to the best of my recollection and belief nearly three years out of the time that he belonged to it. I should say that he did as much duty and was in actual service as much of the time while he belonged to it as any other member of the Company. He was a private in said Company and a good soldier. I served in said Company until the close of the Revolutionary War having joined the same

about the time of the first arrival of the British troops in Rhode Island -
Joseph Manchester
The State of Rhode Island &c Kent ss. At Coventry the 17 th day of September A D 1836
Then Joseph Manchester personally appeared and having subscribed the foregoing deposition in my presence made Oath to the truth of the same before me And I further Certify that the said Manchester is a credible witness
Arnold Bower Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Sept 19. A 1836.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State in June last, Arnold Bowen was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Coventry in the County of Kent, for and until the first Wednesday of May next, and has been Commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in the office.
I further certify that the signature "Arnold Bowen" to the annexed paper is the proper hand writing of said Bowen.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.

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

N o 236
Abigail Matthews R. Island
admitted 2 yrs P. 1. $80
died 1862

mmh
November 10, 1923
Mary B. Bishop 148 Grove St., Putnam, Conn.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 21751 it appears that Nicholas Mathewson, the son of Henry Mathewson (died 1773 deceased), while a resident of East Greenwich, Kent County, Rhode Island enlisted in the Spring of 1775 and served as a private at various times until the close of the war, more than two years in all, in Colonel Richard Fry's "Kentish Guards", Rhode Island Militia and was in General Sullivan's Expedition.
Soldier married May 20, 1773 in Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island, Abigail, daughter of Captain Silas Cook (soldier and wife both of said Warwick). He died October 18, 1822 in Cranston, Providence County, Rhode Island and she was allowed pension on her application executed September 20, 1836 while a resident of said Cranston aged seventy-nine years. There is no further family data on file.
Respectfully,
Commissioner

PRESIDENT, CHARLES WARREN LIPPITT, PROVIDENCE, R. I.
VICE-PRESIDENT, WILLIAM CHACE GREENE, PEACE DALE, R. I.
SECRETARY, CHRISTOPHER RHODES, 290 BENEFIT STREET.
TREASURER, ARTHUR PRESTON SUMNER, 29 WEYBOSSET STREET.
RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY
REGISTRAR, FRANCIS ELIOT BATES, OAK LAWN, R. I.
HISTORIAN, EDWIN AYLESWORTH BURLINGAME 359 BROOK STREET.
CHAPLAIN, REV. SAMUEL HEBER WEBB, 21 ADELAIDE AVENUE.
POET, JOHN PRESCOTT FARNWORTH, 42 TOBEY STREET.
PROVIDENCE, R. I.,
June 29 th 1908.
To the Hon Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Please to send me a certificate of the services of Nicholas Mathewson a Soldier in the Revolutionary war -
Yours Respectfully Christ d Rhodes Secretary
On the Pension List published in 1840, appear the name of Abigail Mathewson aged 82, as drawing a Pension. She resided at Mary G. Potts's in Cranston R. I., at that time. She was the wife of Nicholas Mathewson,

Oct. 28/98. J. W. Barnes. So. Bridge Mass. I 19809
1908 July 11. List. to Christopher Rhodes. A.P. 1923-Nov-10-List to Mrs. Mary B. Bishop. 1928-Jan-13-Howard H. Preston assigned part of shares - M.M.F. 1928-Jan-26-Philo's 15 H.F. Preston. M.M.F.
Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21751
Abigail Mattewson wid of  Nicholas Mattewson Rev Rev. war.
Act July 4 th  1836
Index: Vol 16 , Page 10
[Arrangement of 1870.]

...ler of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find the following information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Wid. F. 21751. Nicholas Matthews
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Spring 1775- various times until close of war for more than 2 yrs. Private ✓ Richard Fry R.I. Mil  
In service by D.R. Pond & Col. Bliss, R.I. Mil.
Battles engaged in, none stated. Residence of soldier at enlistment, East Greenwich, Kent Co. R.I. Date of application for pension, Sept 20, 1836. Her claim was allowed. Residence at date of application, Criswinton, Providence Co. R.I. Age at date of application, 72 yrs.
Remarks: Sol. mar. at Greenwich Nov. 30, 1773. Abigail daughter of Silas Cook, Sol. died Oct. 18, 1822; he was the son of Henry Matthews of Greenwich R.I. deceased in 1773. No further data as to family.

Abigail Matthews R. Island
Suspended
let 19 Oct. 1836
J. Howard.
T Sec. act July 4. '36.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
July 7, 1908
Searched by S. D. L.
Original No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant, _____
Soldier, Nicholas Mathewson
Service, R. I.
Rev. War
Remarks: No such claim, except Wid. # 21751 R. I. service

MRS. MARY B. BISHOP 142 GROVE STREET PUTNAM, CONN.
Sep. 29, 1923.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Referring to your letter of Sept. 19, 1923, limiting my privilege to ask for only two records. I have chosen as follows:-
Service in the Revolutionary War.
ROBERT CALDER, b Nantucket, Mass. Dec. 11, 1757 died Nantucket, Mass. Mar. 16, 1826, enlisted from Nantucket, was a prisoner on prison ships in New York.
ABIGAIL MATHEWSON the widow of NICHOLAS MATHEW- SON received a pension for the services of her husband who was of Cranston, R. I. enlisted at Warwick, R.I., was in service throughout the war, Abigail Mathewson died Sep. 21, 1849
Kindly give the pension record of the above.
Very truly,
Mary B. Bishop

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
..... Jan. 19 ..... 1928
Chief Rev. and 1812 Law Section Division.
I have this day received from Preston and Pounds Co. .... money order ..... in the amount of $ 3 85 ..... , requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
Photo's mailed Finance Div. 7/2/28 - Jan 26 - 1928 M. M. [initials]
O. J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division.
see L
To Law Jan. 21

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington City
D.C.

Cranston R. I. Sept 20 th 1836
Sir,
By request of Mrs. Abigail Mathewson of this town, I enclose to you herewith the Declaration made by her for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress of July 4 th 1836 together with the proof which she offers in support of the same. — For additional proof of the services of the Company mentioned in her declaration and in the deposition annexed (if further proof be thought necessary), she would respectfully refer to the proof offered by the persons who have given these depositions in support of their application under the act of June 7, 1832 and now on file in your department. —
If a Certificate is granted to Mrs. Mathewson please enclose the same to me. —
Yours with due consideration of respect
Jesse Howard
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington City D. C.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D. C.

Cirencester D. S. May 20th 1837
Sir,
I forwarded to you in September last by request of Mrs. Abigail Mathewson of this town the Declaration made by her for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress of July 4. 1836 on account of services rendered by her late husband Nicholas Mathewson in the Revolutionary War, together with such proof as she then had to offer in support of the same. I afterward received a communication from you by which it appeared that the papers had been examined and filed with suspended case, in your office, and that further proof in relation to the particular services rendered by Mr. Mathewson, was considered necessary. Mrs. Mathewson then procured the Deposition of Nathan Miller, who was a member of the same company with Mr. Mathewson and a near neighbor and intimate acquaintance of his in the time of the war, in which which the services rendered by Mr. Mathewson were more particularly set forth, which deposition was handed to Judge Gowell, of Providence, I think in December last together with a Certificate from the Secretary of this State to be by him forwarded to you. The papers I understood were soon after forwarded by him and as Mrs. Mathewson has not since heard anything in relation to her application she has requested me to write to you on the subject. Will you in have the goodness to inform me whether the last mentioned papers have been received or not and if they have whether any further investigation of her claim has been had.

With our consideration of respect Yr Ld. Jesse Howard
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pension Washington City D. C.
Ques

May 23 rd
In at- Abigale Matthews
J. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pension Washington

Providence May 20 1833
Sir
The deposition of Nathan Miller re- ferred to in the enclosed letter was sent by me to the Pension office about the time mentioned, It was the last of December or first of Jan y that I sent, not having taken any memorandum of the time I cannot say positively - The deposition con- tained specifications of the services of Mr Nicholas Mathewson such as I supposed would be satisfactory I hope the deposition was read & that Mr Mathewsons pension may be granted I am respectfully yours J L Edwards Esq
Benjamin Lawler

Providence Dec 27 th 1886
Sir
In behalf of Jesse Howard Esq. in answer to your letter to him of October 19 ult. respecting the claim of Abigail Mathewson widow of Nicholas Mathewson. I have to state, that the deposition of Nathan Miller has been taken and is herewith endorsed in support of her claim which I have reason to suppose will be satisfactory. It will be seen there are no documents in the Secretarys office showing the services of the "Kentish Guards". It is a well known fact, however, that no corps, unless it was the "Patuxet Rangers", that did more active service than this, during the war of the rebellion, in this State, which was not enlisted, indeed these Corps did nearly as much service as if they had been enlisted. So constant was their service that the members could not attend to

much, if any other business, at least during the time this State was invaded. This is known to be the fact, not only by those who belonged to them, but by others acquainted with the his- tory of those times -
I have to request that this further deposition of Nathan Miller may be filed with the other testimony & if found satisfactory that the pension may be granted
I am respectfully your obed servt
Rosa Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 20426
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
January 18, 1928 192
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job Photostatic copies of 24 pages from Rev. War pension claim, W. 21751, Abigail, widow of Nicolas Mathewson, R. I. Trps.
No. of copies 1 of each page Shall form be kept standing? ..... days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: L. L. Lamborn Chief Clerk of Bureau.
Margaret M. H. Finch Chief of Branch or Division.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering .....
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? ..... Facsimile signature? .....
Mimeograph one side or both sides? ..... Facsimile signature? .....
Folding once or twice? .....
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End? .....
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Photostat x Size actual Official use? ..... Repay? yes  $3.60 Blue Print Size ..... Official use? ..... Repay? ..... $.....
Remarks .....

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
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as follows:
Now reads   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
Should read   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
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PRESTON TREAS. 1887 to 8
F. WALTON LOVELL ASST. TREAS.
HOWARD L. WHEELER SECY.
PRESTON & ROUNDS COMPANY BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
January 16, 1928.
Winfield Scott, Commissioner Bureau of Pensions Department of the Interior Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Enclosed please find Money Order for $3.85 for which please send me certified photostatic copies of original papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension of Abigail Mathewson, widow of Nicholas Mathewson of the Rhode Island Troops,
Yours very truly,
Howard W. Preston
H.WP/E

MMVH
January 13, 1928
Howard W. Preston % Preston & Rounds Co., Providence, R. I.
Sir:
I have to advise you that photostatic copies of original papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension of Abigail Mathewson, widow of Nicholas Mathewson of the Rhode Island Troops, W. 21751, will be furnished you upon request, under the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied is twenty-four.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.
Handwritten notes: H 1/15/28 12/6/27 2/4/28 B.R.

PRESTON & ROUNDS COMPANY BOOKSELLERS AND STATIONERS
PROVIDENCE, R. I.
January 6, 1928
Commissioner of Patents Revolutionary Record Division Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Kindly inform me as to the expense of photostating all of the papers filed in the Pension Claims for the services of Nicholas Mathewson of Rhode Island. These were probably filed by his widow Abigail Mathewson.
Yours very truly,
Howard W. Preston
HWP/E

The deposition of Nathan Miller - of Warwick in the County of Kent State of Rhode-Island, aged Eighty four Years and upwards who on Oath testifies and says that he was intimately acquainted with Nicholas Mathewson formerly of East-Greenwich and late of Cranston in this State now deceased has been acquainted with him from boyhood that he was with him in the Militia on the alarm of the battle of Lexington and served in the Militia six days in April A D 1775 that said Mathewson was with him again in the Summer of the same year at Warwick Neck served five days in the Militia that he was again with him at Quonsett-neck in north Kingston served five days in the Militia that the said Mathewson was with him again at Warwick Neck under the Command of Colonel Waterman in Capt Reuben Whetman's Company and served one month in December A D 1775 on the second day of January following we were ordered to the Island of Prudence and was on duty there seven days and said Mathewson was with us on duty during that time. That he the deponent became a member of an independent Military Company called the Kentish Guards, (chartered by the State of Rhode Island) in December A D 1776 that said Mathewson was then a member of said Company and said Company was then on duty at East-Greenwich and served to the first of February and then relieved by a company called the Pawtuxet Rangers, and on the first of March our Company was again called into service at said East-Greenwich and served until the first of May when we were relieved, by a company called the Kingston Reds in June following, said Company was again called into service at said East-Greenwich and continued in service until the first of January A D 1778 when we were again relieved and on the first of February we were again called into service and served until at said East-Greenwich until the last of July A D 1778 then said Company marched to Rhode-Island and served in Sullivan's Expedition and at the termination of said Expedition returned again to said East-Greenwich where we continued in service until the latter part of November said Company were again called into service on the beginning of January A D 1779 and continued in service until the beginning of March - in the summer following he the deponent with about twenty five other members volunteered to go in an Expedition to the Island of Cananecut under the Command of Col Christopher Greene for the purpose of taking a small battery we served on said Expedition twelve days

that the Said Company served one month in the year A 1779, he thinks in December, at Newport at a place called Sachuesth Beach, the French Troops being then at Newport The Said Company served again at the same place one month in August A 1780. and on his return from said service he volunteered with about twenty five members of said Company to go on to Connanaut to take the Stock from the Stars under the apprehension that the enemy were about to return - that we were fifteen days on said Expedition. During all the services of Said Company afore mentioned Said Nicholas Mathewson was a member thereof and served in said Company that the Said Nicholas Mathewson was also one of the Volunteers in the expectations to the Island of Connanaut and served during said Expectations The Said Company was commanded by Col Richard Fry and subject to the Orders of the Governor of the State of Rhode Island
Nathan Miller
State of Rhode Island Kent County
Se In Warwick this 8 th day of November A 1836
Personally appeared Nathan Miller and subscribed the above deposition and made oath to the truth of the same before me I further certify that he is a credible witness
Wm Garrison Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's office Decem 6. 1836
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly on the first Wednesday of May last, William Harrison was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Wanwicks in the county of Kent for one year and has been commissioned accordingly. as appears of record. The signature "Wm Harrison" is genuine. Witness Henry Bowen Secy
I further certify, that to my knowledge there are no documents in this office showing the particular services of the Kentish Guards.
Henry Bowen Secy.

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