Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,364, for James Mason, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. J.
Mason, James
S 21,364
CONTENTS

21.569 Rhode Island James Mason Enlisted in the State of R.I. as a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Child of the Gr commanded by Col. Mason in the R.I. line for 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Mason at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Sept 1833 and Levi  Wail  Warren
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 $200.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 31 - 40.00 $240.00
Revolutionary Claim, as June 7, 1832.
Recorded by W. Wood Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 120
R. B. Cranston, Feb 7, 7, 1838. Agent, Providence, R.I. Feb 7, 7, 1838. to Benj. Cowell, May 31, 1838. Let. to Benj. Cowell, Aug. 16, 1838 do. Hon. N. R. Knight, Mar. 17 '39 do. to Hon. J. S. Tillinghast, March 11. 1839 - To same January 21, 1840

I Tchaabade Cole, a resident in Warren in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, of the age of eighty four years and upwards, being duly sworn according to Law, do testify and say, that at the commencement of the war of the Revolution I was enrolled in the Company of Militia in said Town of Warren then commanded by Captain John Child, and that I served as first Sergeant of said Company until the 1 st of August A.D. 1778, when I was appointed Ensign of said Company, and served as Ensign until August A.D. 1778, when I was appointed Lieutenant of said Company and served as Lieutenant from that time to the close of the war of the Revolution; that I served in said Company whenever the same was drafted or ordered out under all the different drafts of said Company from the commencement to the close of the war of the Revolution, and for which service I have received a pension; and I further testify and say, that James Mason, a resident in said Warren, was enrolled in said Company of Militia at the commencement of the war of the Revolution, and that according to the best of my recollection he served as a private soldier in said Company under all the different drafts of said Company from that time to the close of said war; on hearing of the Battle of Lexington said Company were ordered out for a short time, and said James Mason turned out with them. In the fall of the year 1778 said Company were again ordered out and said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company Twenty days, in guarding the shores about Bristol, Wallace with his fleet having come into Narragansett Bay. From this time to the month of June 1778 said Company were drafted or ordered out to guard the shores about Narragansett Bay, the members of said Company served by turns, and said James Mason served as a private soldier of said Company in said guard during said time three months or more. Capt. Ezra Omsbee commanded said Company during a part of this time. During the summer and fall of the year 1778 said Company were drafted or ordered out to guard the shores about said Bay and said James Mason served as a private soldier of said Company in said guard service during the summer and fall of the year 1778 three months at least. In the fore part of the month of December A.D. 1778 said Captain Omsbee's Company of Militia were drafted or ordered out to guard the shores about Bristol in said State. After said Company had been in said service about one month, a part of said Company were relieved from duty for a time and then took the place of the other part of said Company, and in this way the members of said Company served by turns; and said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company from the fore part of December 1778 to the spring of 1779 in said guard service three months or more. From the spring to the close of the year 1779 said Company were drafted or ordered out to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, from time to time, I cannot recollect the precise period of each service, but said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company whenever drafted or ordered out, and I am confident that he served five months more from the spring to the close of the year 1779. said Company belonged to Colonel Nathaniel Martin's Regiment, of which Thomas Grey was Lieutenant Colonel & Benjamin Bosworth was Major.

In the spring and summer of the year 1778 said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Captain Ormsbee's Company of Militia under different drafts in guarding the shores in said County of Bristol four months or more, according to the best of my recollection. On or about the 5 th of August A.D. 1778, said James Mason was drafted in said Company of Militia and served as a private soldier in said Company twenty days in the expedition of Major General Sullivan on Rhode Island against the British troops. Curtis Cole was Captain, Thomas Eastabrooks was Lieutenant and I was Ensign of this Company at this time & said Company belonged to Obadiah Miller's Regiment. After the expiration of said twenty days, said Company were again drafted or ordered out and served about fifteen days at Bristol in said State, and were then relieved by a Company of State Troops; said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company during said fifteen days. From this time until late in the Fall of the year 1779, said Company were drafted or ordered out to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, and the members of said Company were ordered out by turns to perform said guard service, and said James Mason served whenever he was drafted or ordered out; from the best of my recollection said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company of Militia under different drafts from the fall of the year 1778 to late in the Fall of 1779 not less than five months. From this time to the close of the Revolutionary War said Company of Militia were drafted or ordered out from time to time to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, I cannot recollect the precise periods of said service, but am confident that said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company in guarding the shores in said County from the fall of the year 1779 to the close of the Revolutionary War four months or more. From the peculiar nature of said service and my advanced age I am not able to recollect more distinctly the precise period or circumstances of said said service, but from the best of my recollection, said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company of Militia in the manner before stated not less than two years four & a half months, during the war of the Revolution.
Ichabod Cole
Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court this fourth day of March 1883.
Samuel Randall Probate Clerk

Benjamin Cole, of Warren in the County of Bristol in the State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, of the age of seventy three years & upwards, being sworn according to law, do testify and say, that in the fore part of December A.D. 1776, I was enrolled as a private soldier in the Company of Militia in said Town of Warren, and that I served as a private soldier in said Company whenever the same was drafted or ordered out during all the drafts from that time until the year 1780, and I further testify and say, that James Mason, a resident in said Warren, was enrolled as a private soldier in said Company at the commencement of the War of the Revolution, and that he served as a private soldier in said Company during all the time that I served therein; and that he served under different drafts or orders not less than the following periods, viz. from the fore part of the month of December 1776 to some time in the spring of 1777 he served as a private soldier in said Company in guarding the shores about Bristol in said County three months or more; and from this time to the end of the year 1777 he served as a private soldier in said Company in guarding the shores in said County not less than five months more. Ezra Ormsbee was Captain and Smith Brown was Lieutenant of this Company at this time; and said Company belonged to Col. Nathaniel Martin's Regiment, of which Thomas Grey was Lieutenant Colonel and Benjamin Brownworth was Major. In the spring and summer of the year 1778, said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company under different drafts in guarding the shores in said County of Bristol four months at least. On or about the 8th of August A.D. 1778, he was drafted and served twenty days as a private soldier in said Company in the expedition of Major General Sullivan against the British troops on Rhode Island, Curtis Cole was Captain, Thomas Eastonbrooks was Lieutenant & Ichabod Cole was Ensign of this Company at this time. After the expiration of said twenty days, said James Mason was again drafted and served as a private soldier in said Company at Bristol about fifteen days. From this time to late in the fall of the year 1779, said Company were from time to time drafted or ordered out to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, the members of said Company being ordered out by turns, and said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Guard service, under different drafts from the fall of 1778 to late in the fall of 1779 more than five months. Curtis Cole was Captain, Thomas Eastonbrooks was Lieutenant and Ichabod Cole was Ensign of said Company at that time. And I further testify & say, that I have always understood that said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company whenever the same were drafted or ordered out from the commencement to the close of the war of the Revolution; and that he was enrolled in said Company during the whole of that time. Sworn & subscribed in afore court.
This fourth day of March 1833.
The Court hereby certify, that it appears to them, that Ichabod Cole and Benjamin Cole, who have signed and sworn to the afore written deposition are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall Probate Clerk

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Bristol ss. On this fourth day of March A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Probate for the Town of Warren in said County of Bristol, being a court of record now sitting at said Warren, James Mason, a resident of Warren in said County of Bristol in said State, aged seventy seven years and upwards, who being first duly sworn in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That at the commencement of the Revolutionary war he, the said James Mason was enrolled as a private soldier in the Company of Militia in said Town of Warren commanded by Captain John Child, & that on hearing of the Battle of Lexington said company were ordered under arms and he turned out with said company and served as a private soldier therein for a short time until said company were dismissed. In the fall of the year 1775 Wallace with his fleet having come into Narragansett Bay, said company were again ordered out and he served as a private soldier in said company twenty days in guarding the shores about Bristol in said State. From that time until the month of June A.D. 1776 said company of Militia were drafted and ordered out to guard the shores about said Narragansett Bay, the members of said company were ordered out by turns to perform said guard service, and he served as a private soldier of said company in said guard service about the shores of said Bay three months or more, he cannot recollect the precise time or period of each draft. During a part of said time Captain Dyer commanded said company. During the summer and fall of the year 1776 said company were from time to time drafted or ordered out to guard the shores of Narragansett Bay, and he said James Mason served as a private soldier in said company three months or more in said guard service in the summer and fall of the year 1776. On or about the 6 th of December A.D. 1776 said Captain Dyer's company of Militia were again drafted or ordered out and served in guarding the shores about Bristol in said State through that winter and until some time in the spring of the year 1777. The British troops having taken possession of the Island of Rhode Island, after said company had been in said service about one month, one half of said company was detached and relieved from service for a time, and then took the place of the other part of said company, and in this way served by turns, and he, the said James Mason still being enrolled in said company served as a private soldier in said company in said guard service from 6 th December A.D. 1776 to some time in the spring of 1777 three months or more, according to the best of his recollection, from this time to the close of the year 1777 said company of Militia were drafted or ordered out from time to time to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, and he served as a private soldier in said company whenever the same were ordered out, he cannot recollect the precise period of each service, but is confident that he served in said guard service five months more in the year 1777.

Smith Bowen was Lieutenant of said Company; said Company belonged to Colonel Nathaniel Martin's Regiment. Thomas Grey was Lieutenant Colonel and Benjamin Bosworth was Major of this Regiment. Said Captain Embree's Company of Militia was drafted or ordered out at different times in the spring and summer of the year 1778, and he said James Mason served as a private soldier of said Company under several drafts in guarding the shores in said County of Bristol not less than four months in the spring and summer of the year 1778. About the 25 th day of May 1778 the British Troops landed, marched to said Warren, and burnt the meeting house, magazine and other buildings, and a large number of boats which had been built for ————— and
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
TOWN-CLERK'S OFFICE, WARREN, March 4 th
1833.
James Mason son of Marmaduke Mason and Hannah his wife, was born on the 20 th day of December A. D. 1755.
A true copy of record.
Witness Samuel Wardell Town Clerk.
were again drafted or ordered out and he said James Mason served as a private soldier in said company about fifteen days, at Bristol in said State, when said company were relieved by a Regiment of State troops. From this time until late in the fall of the year 1779 said company of militia were from time to time drafted or ordered out to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, a part of said company being ordered out & serving for a period of time & then being relieved by another part of said company, and in this way the members of said company served by turns; he does not recollect the precise period of each service, but is confident that he served as a private soldier of said company in guarding the shores in said County of Bristol from the fall of 1778 to late in the fall of the year 1779 more than five months. Curtis' role was Captain, Thomas Eastonbrook, Lieutenant, and Ichabod role Ensign of said company during said time.
From this time to the close of the Revolutionary war, said company of Militia was from time to time drafted or ordered out for short periods of time to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, and he, said James Mason served as a private soldier of said company in said guard service whenever he was ordered out, he cannot recollect the precise length of each term of service, but he is confident that he served as a private soldier in guarding the shores in said County from the fall of the year 1779 to the close of the Revolutionary war four months or more. And the said

Smith Bowen was Lieutenant of said Company; said Company belonged to Colonel Nathaniel Martin's Regiment. Thomas Grev was Lieutenant Colonel and Benjamin Bosworth was Major of said Regiment. Said Captain Embree's Company of Militia was drafted or ordered out at different times in the spring and summer of the year 1778, and he said James Mason served as a private soldier of said Company under several drafts in guarding the shores in said County of Bristol not less than four months in the spring and summer of the year 1778. About the 25 th day of May 1778 the British troops landed, marched to said place, and burnt the meeting house, magazine and other buildings, and a large number of boats which had been built for the public service, and he with said Company turned out and pursued the Enemy.
On or about the 6 th day of August A.D. 1778, he said James Mason was drafted in said Company of Militia, for the term of twenty days, and he served as a private soldier in said Company for said term of twenty days in the expedition of Major General Sullivan against the British troops on Rhode Island. Curtis Hale was Captain of said Company, Thomas Esterbrooks was Lieutenant, and Ichabod Hale was Ensign. Said Company was attached to Colonel Nathan Miller's Regiment.
On or about the 1 st of September 1778, said Company of Militia were again drafted or ordered out, and he said James Mason served as a private soldier in said Company about fifteen days, at Bristol in said State, when said Company were relieved by a Regiment of State troops. From this time until late in the fall of the year 1779, said Company of Militia were from time to time drafted or ordered out to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, a part of said Company being ordered out & serving for a period of time & then being relieved by another part of said Company, and in this way the members of said Company served by turns; he does not recollect the precise period of each service, but is confident that he served as a private soldier of said Company in guarding the shores in said County of Bristol from the fall of 1778 to late in the fall of the year 1779 more than five months. Curtis Hale was Captain, Thomas Esterbrooks Lieutenant, and Ichabod Hale Ensign of said Company during said time.
From this time to the close of the Revolutionary War, said Company of Militia was from time to time drafted or ordered out for short periods of time to guard the shores in said County of Bristol, and he, said James Mason served as a private soldier of said Company in said guard service whenever he was ordered out, he cannot recollect the precise length of each term of service, but he is confident that he served as a private soldier in guarding the shores in said County from the fall of the year 1779 to the close of the Revolutionary War four months or more, and the said

James Mason further declares, that he was enrolled as a private soldier in said Company of Militia in said Town of Warren during the whole time from the commencement to the close of the war of the Revolution, that he served whenever he was drafted or ordered out during said time, and during the whole of the time for which he was drafted; and that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear more positively as to the precise length of his service, than he has before stated, but according to the best of his recollection, he served as a private soldier in the Militia, in the manner before stated, not less than two years four months and twenty five days; and for such service he claims a Pension.
And he further declares, that he was born in the Town of Warren aforesaid on the 20 th day of December A.D. 1755 and that his birth was recorded on the records in the Town Clerk's office in said Town of Warren, a certificate of which is herunto annexed. He lived in said Town of Warren, when he entered the service, and has always lived in said Town except when the public service, and now lives in said Town of Warren. He received no written discharge from said service, but was verbally discharged by the commanding officer at the expiration of each of the aforesaid terms of service. He has no documentary evidence of his service.
He knows of no person, but Ichabod Cale Esq. and Col. Benjamin Hale whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He is known to the following persons in his neighbourhood who can testify to his character for truth and veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution viz John Pease and Ebenezer Luther. Inquires. He is not personally acquainted with either of the Clergymen in his neighbourhood, as they have resided there but a short time; and they have no personal knowledge of his Revolutionary services. 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.
James Mason Samuel Randall Probate Clerk
We John Pease residing in Warren aforesaid and Ebenezer Luther residing in said Warren hereby certify, that we were acquainted with James Mason, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be upwards of seventy seven 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 concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Samuel Randall Probate Clerk John Pease Ebenezer Luther

And the Court do hereby declare, their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that James Mason, the aforementioned Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certify, that it appears to them, that John Pearce, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a resident in Warren aforesaid, and that Ebenezer Luther, who has also signed the same is a resident in said Warren, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Randall Probate Clerk
I Samuel Randall, Clerk of the Court of Probate of the town of Warren in the County of Bristol aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original Proceedings of said Court in the matter of application of the aforementioned James Mason, for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal at office. This Tenth day of March 1833.
Samuel Randall Probate Clerk

236A 8
James Mason Rhode Island
That Dyers
506 Eng
Levi Haile Warren Rhode Island

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of James Mason Bristol City Rhode Island
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol 1775 20 privt Capt. M c Child Col. Martin 77 years Town of Warren 2 Traditional   Drafted 1776 in June 3 " Capt. Crambee Col. Martin Bristol Evidence and   all - 1776 3 " Capt. Crambee Col. Martin County 2 living Witness   Rec. Draft 1776 3 " Capt. Crambee Col. Martin Rhode   1777 5 " Capt. Crambee Col. Martin Island   1778 4 " Same Company   " " 20 privt Same Capt. Col. Col. Miller  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Draft 1778 - 15 days. Capt. Col " 5 Months or more Do 1779. " " " Do

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Resolution
21364 INVALID.
1920 Dec 8 Hil-ki. Genett Fairmon - En
File No. 21,364
James Wilson 1811 - 1881
Act: James 7" 89"
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 252
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Chicago, Ill. Oct. 31st. 20
G.W. Saltsgeber, Pension Commissioner, Pension Department, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will greatly appreciate any information you may give me regarding the Pension of James Mason , Bristol Co. R.I. Militia, whom I understand was granted a pension in March of 1831 or 33. and was born about 1752, also the record of Pardon Mason , Providence, R.I. who served in Mass. Militia. Think he was placed on Pension roll in April 1834, but pension begun some 2 or 3 years earlier. These records will be of great value to me and I shall be very grateful for anything you may give me..
Thanking you in advance, I am, Yours very truly,
#9922 Charles St. Beverly Hills, Chicago, Ill.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Dec. 8, 1920
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of James Mason a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. 21364
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1775 to close of War Served at various times in all 2 yrs. 4 mos. 25 d. Pvt. Ino. Childs Nathl Martin R. I.   Ezra Comsbee Nathan Miller   Quentin Cole  
Battles engaged in, None stated Residence of soldier at enlistment, Warren R. I. Date of application for pension, Mar. 4, 1833 W. al. Residence at date of application, Warren, Bristol Co. R. I. Age at date of application, Dec. 20, 1755 in Warren, R. I. Remarks: There is no data as to family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Rev Ben. Cowen, Aug 7 .
3: '39
To Hon. J. Lillinghurst
January 21, 1840.
Same. Feb. 14 th 1843

Washington March 6. 1839
Sir,
I am requested by Mason Barry Esq. & Orange March 5 to ascertain for what reason the pension of his uncle, James Mason , of Warren, R. I., has been suspended or stopped. It is about a year since he ceased to receive it. Will you have the goodness to inform me, by letter addressed to me at Providence R. I., of the reason thereof?
Most respectfully Your obedient Servant
Joseph L. Tillinghast
Hon. J. L. Edward (Present Services)

Providence May 5 1838
Sir
I recd the enclosed letter a few days since & from its contents you will see what information is wanted. I know nothing in regard to Mr Masons claim his papers I understand were prepared & sent to the Pensions office by Judge Hale. - Will you be kind enough to inform me what the objections are with regard to his pension -
I am respectfully your obed servt
Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Hon. Geo. Cowen providence R.I.
Paid 6

Warren April the 18 1836
Hon: Benj: Cowell Sir I went over the 4th day of March to draw my pension that is had a road for 6 years but the Casher of the Street Bank said he had recieved a letter to stop payment till farther orders I want you to send on immediatly, James Mason
I want you to send to widow Kennebec with me J. M. Mason

Providence July 5 1838
Sir
I recd yours of 31 of May, with respecting the claim of James Mason whose pension had been suspended. I herewith enclose a further Statement of his services during the war of the Revolution which I hope will be satisfactory, - I believe he has separately detailed each term of service as to period length & grade together with the names of the officers, &c agreeably to the requisitions of your letter, according to the best of his ability & his character stands unimpeached for truth & veracity. I have therefore to request his pension may be restored
I am respectfully your obt servt
Benja Cumme
Dr. Edwards, Esq

Jan 14 1870
RD
J. L. Tillinghast McC
James Mason
Hon
J. L. Edwards Comm. of Ways Washington D.C.
Hon J. L. Tillinghast
AN

House of Representatives Washington Jan'y. 13. 1840.
My Sir,
Will you have the goodness to inform me upon what grounds the pension heretofore enjoyed by Mr. James Mason of Warren R.I. a soldier of the Revolution, has been suspended? I am requested to make this application in order that, if it is for deficiency of evidence of service, it may be furnished by Mr. Mason. Your early attention will oblige,
Your obed Servt
Joseph L. Tillinghast
Hon. J. L. Edwards (Chairman of Pension)

Dear Sir
The matter of the enclosed letter (which I shall be happy to have returned to me) seems strongly im- pressed, as I think others are, with a belief that justice has not been done in the case of the Venerable old gentleman, James Mason, who claims to a pension in the right of his widow. I should be glad to be informed wherein his proof of service is deficient or irregular, and if not incompatible with Rule or Convenience, I should feel much obliged, as I cannot find the time at present to visit the Office if I could have the file of all the papers,

in his case in my possession for a day or two for a complete examination when I can get time in the evenings.
With perfect respect
I am Sir Yours M c Intosh
Joseph L. T. M c Intosh
Ad. Genl. Edward } Commt. Persian }
No. 2 Reps
July 10, 1843.

Providence July 23. 1839.
Sir I herewith enclose some further documents relative to the pension of James Mason of Wams in this State. In your letter of May 31 1838 you observe that his pension was suspended because in the pressure of business "in Sept 1833 it appears to have been admitted without requiring him to comply with the rules". Soon after this letter Mr. Mason made a supplemental declaration specifying all his services according to his best recollection, which was transmitted by me. In answer to which you observe in your letter of August 16, 1838 that "separating his pay & duty from his military service he did not serve six months". I now have it in my power to throw more light upon the subject of the services of the Militia in this State during the war of the Revolution.

and I hope the documents now enclosed will satisfy you that his statements were correct. It is true soon after the British landed in New England in Dec 76 our Legislature passed an act for "drafting" the Militia for a month at a time dividing them into three depots. But it is true also that soon after the above act was passed the 4 New England States, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island & Connecticut, held a convention in Providence to concert measures of defence. At this Convention the drafting the militia was recommended to the several States in the manner mentioned in the enclosed document which mode was sanctioned by the several States, & drafts were made accordingly in all the States. By this act it will be seen that the law dividing the militia was modified & drafts could be made even for 6 Months if necessary & that all the men, it is believed wanted for Gards, were called out under this

act — Thus far do the public records corroborate the statements of Mr Mason But the orders of the Council of War herewith endorsed still more corroborate his statements. They show not only the establishments of Gards in Warren & Bennington but that their services were military & not "patrol duty" — These orders, for guards, by the Council of War have recently been discovered & are now sent to the Pension office for the first time. It is next to impossible after a lapse of 60 years for one to state from memory all the particulars of ones service, but if the public acts show the foundation of his services it is all that could be expected. When Mr Mason made his supplemen- tal declaration he did not know, nor did I, of these orders of the Council of War. They were never printed but are still in manuscript but they do, I think clearly corroborate his statements, — I do hope therefore his pension may be restored. Respectfully &c. Benjamin Russell J. L. Edwards Esq

The State of Rhode Island &c. } County of Bristol } ss.
On this second day of September A.D. 1833, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Probate for the Town of Warren in the said County of Bristol being a court of record now sitting in said Warren, James Mason, a resident in said Warren, aged seventy seven years and upwards, who is an Applicant for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832, entitled the Act supplementary to the Act for the relief of certain surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution, and who made his declaration before said Court on the fourth day of March A.D. 1833, and being sworn according to law, doth on his oath depose and say, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot now state the precise time of the commencement and termination of each period of his services in the Revolutionary War, but he is confident, that he did not serve less than the periods mentioned in his said declaration, and not less than the periods hereinafter mentioned; and that the several statements in his declaration are correct & true; and he doth further depose and say, that during the period of the Revolutionary war mentioned in his declaration, on account of the peculiar exposure and liability of said State & especially of the County of Bristol, to the sudden encroachments of the Enemy, the Militia of said County were kept constantly armed and equipped, and were liable to be called at a moment's warning to guard the shores or repel the Enemy, and that in addition to the regular drafts, the Militia in said County were ordered out on alarms, and served for short periods of time & that they were constantly transferred and deprived almost wholly of the privilege of engaging in civil pursuits; and that during said period the Company of Militia in said Town of Warren were drafted or ordered out to guard the shores in said County, a part of said Company was drafted or ordered out for a period of time & then was relieved by the other part of said Company; that half of said Company was usually ordered out at a time, and the drafts were generally for one month each: the members of said Company which were drafted or ordered out were held to military service during the time for which they were drafted, drew rations in the same manner as regular troops, & were not engaged in any civil pursuit; and he the said James Mason further deposes and says, that he was drafted or ordered out by competent authority, and served in the rank of a private soldier in an embodied corps, & according to the best of his recollection during the whole of the following periods, during which he was not engaged or employed in any civil pursuit, & that he drew rations in the same manner as regular troops, viz. in the fall of the year 1775, the precise time he cannot now recollect, he served twenty days as a private soldier in Captain John Clark's Company in Col. Nathaniel Martin Regiment of Militia in guarding the shores about Bristol. Between that time & the first of June 1776 he served as a private soldier in Capt. Ezra Snusher's Company of Militia in Col. Nathaniel Martin's Regiment three months in guarding the shores at Bristol, and the shores of the Bay in Bristol neck; according to the best of his recollection he served under three different

drafts of one month each. Between the first of June and the first of December 1776, he served as a private soldier in said Capt. Oursbee's Company of Militia & Col. Martin's Regiment, three months, under three different drafts of one month each in guarding the shores about Bristol and Bristol Neck; from the fore part of the month of December 1776 to some time in the Spring of 1777, the precise time he cannot recollect he served as a private soldier three months, under three different drafts, in said Capt. Oursbee's Company & Col. Martin's Regiment, in guarding the shores about Bristol; from some time in the Spring to the close of the year 1777, he served as a private soldier in said Capt. Oursbee's Company & Col. Martin's Regiment of Militia, not less than five months; he served a part of the time at Bristol, and a part of the time in guarding the shores of the Bay on Bristol Neck; he served from the best of his recollection under five different drafts of one month each. Between the first of January and the first of August 1778, he was drafted or ordered out & served four months, as a private soldier in said Capt. Oursbee's Company of Militia & Col. Martin's Regiment; he served under four different drafts of one month each; he served in guarding the shores about Bristol and Bristol Neck. On or about 6 th of August 1778, he was drafted & served as a private soldier in Capt. Curtis' Col's Company of Militia & Col. Nathan Miller's Regiment twenty days, on Rhode Island. After the expiration of said twenty days, he was again drafted & served as a private soldier in said Capt. Col's Company & Col. Miller's Regiment not less than fifteen days at Bristol. From that time to late in the fall of the year 1779, he served as a private soldier in said Capt. Col's Company of Militia & Col. Miller's Regiment not less than five months. He does not now recollect the precise times, but from the best of his recollection, he served under five different drafts of one month each; he served at Bristol, and at different places on Bristol Neck. From this time to the close of the Revolutionary war he was from time to time drafted or ordered and served as a private soldier in said Company & Regiment of Militia for short periods of time, he cannot now distinctly recollect the times or precise length of each period of said service, but he is confident that he served as a private soldier in said Capt. Col's Company of Militia & Col. Miller's Regiment from the fall of the year 1779 to the close of the Revolutionary war, not less than four months and he further deposes that he served as a private soldier during the period aforesaid not less than two years four months & twenty five days; and that in addition to the aforesaid service he was frequently ordered out on alarms and served as a private soldier in said

company of militia for short periods of time, the precise length of each period he cannot recollect, and he has not embraced this service in the aforesaid period of regular service.
James Mason
Sworn to and subscribed by the above named James Mason, in open court, this Second day of September, A.D. 1833.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court
Samuel Randall Clerk

State of Rhode Island } County of Bristol } sc
On this day of June 2 d 1838, personally appeared before me, Levi Hale, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of said State, James Mason of Warren in said County, who being sworn according to law doth now make this further statement, in reference to his military services, during the war of the Revolution, agreeably to the request of the Commissioner of Pensions in a letter to Benjamin Cowell Esq. of the 31 st of May ult. The said James declares, that when he first made an application for a pension, under the Act of June 7 th 1832, he was not so able to call to his mind the events of the war of the Revolution, nor his services in the same, as he now is, for at that time, they had laid dormant in his mind for a great many years, and when called upon to state them, he found it a difficult task yet he did it according to the best of his recollection. Since then however, his mind has been frequently exercised in calling to recollection the events of those days. Having been frequently called upon, to give his testimony for others, he feels better able to state his own services now, than he was when he first applied for a pension, & he will now state them, according to his best recollection, embracing all the particulars mentioned in the Commissioners said letter.
Specification of Services.
His first service was in September 1775, he was then enrolled as a private in a company of militia, commanded by Capt Ezra Ormsbee, and in a regiment commanded by Col Nathan Miller and he was called out, and served twenty days stationed at Bristol about 4 miles from home for which he was paid, and received rations. And the said James further declares, that about this time Capt Wallace of the British Navy.

Having several regts under his command, infested the waters of Narragansett Bay, & often landed on the shores, & burnt & destroyed the dwellings of the inhabitants, which rendered it necessary to have a large force to watch against him; and the regular enlisted troops, being stationed near Boston, the Minute Men & Militia of this State had to perform this service — and in the month of November, he was called out, as a private in said Company, & he served in that capacity without intermission until June 1776 seven months at least during this time, he was stationed at Bristol about 4 miles from home, quartered at the house of one Church, part of the time, and part of the time at one Greenes, our Company consisted of about one hundred rank & file and we drew rations of Stephen Smith, a Commissary stationed at Bristol. It was during this winter, that Wallace burnt the houses on Prudence Island nearly opposite Bristol & frequently fired upon Bristol, causing the inhabitants to flee back into the country. — And the said James further declares, that in August of the same year, he was again called out as a private, in the same Company & regiment and performed Guard services, stationed at the same place as before mentioned, he served three months at least, the whole of August, September & October, for which he was paid and received rations. And the said James further declares, that on the sixth of December of the same year, about 14 time the enemy took possession of Newport our Company was again ordered out, & served until March 1777, four months at least. That during this time he served as a private therein, stationed at Bristol, and quartered at the same house, which had been taken up by the State for Barracks, & was paid, and received rations, Stephen Smith was Commissary, Ormsbee was Captain and Miller was Colonel of the Regiment although not present.

And the said James further declares, that in August and October 1777, he was drafted as a private in the same Company, & served as such, stationed & quartered at the house of one Walker, at the lower end of the town of Bristol, two months, for which he was paid, and received rations, Smith Bowen was Lieutenant, Of the Field Officers present, he remembers Col Nathaniel Martin, Lieutenant Col Thomas Gray and Major Benjamin Bosworth, he was quartered at Walkers, during General Spencers expedition, a part only of the Company went to Tiverton, to join said expedition, he did not go but continued on Guard at at Bristol.
And the said James further declares, that his services in the year 1778 were as follows.
In the months of January and March he was drafted as a private, and he served out his drafts which were for a month each, stationed at said Bristol, in said Company & regiment.
In May following, the enemy landed, and took the town of Warren, which is near to, & adjoins Bristol, and he was then again ordered out to repel the enemy, & to do Guard service, and he avers that he then served a month, as a private at said Warren and Bristol, before he was dismissed.
In the month of June immediately after, some Artillery was moved out of Warren, on to a hill called "Grass Hill" and a Sergeants Guard, of about 15 men, was detached from said Company to guard it, & he was one of them, and he continued in the Guard, through the whole of June and July, two months at least he drew his pay of Col Nathan Miller, and his rations of Stephen Smith,
Edward Mason was Sergeant of the Guard, And he further declares that in the month of August of said year, he was drafted for a month to join Sullivan's expedition, against the enemy on Rhode Island, & he went & served twenty days, and was then discharged, he was a private, Curtis Keel was then Captain, and Nathan Miller Colonel.

In September following, he was ordered out, to do Guard service, for fifteen days, which he did, as a private, & was stationed at said Bristol five miles from home, and drew his pay and rations, about forty of said Company, were present during this service.
In the winter of 1778-1779, four regiments of the Continental Troops lay at Warren & Bristol & the Militia were not so much wanted, until said Troops marched away, then the Militia were called out again.
In April he was drafted for a month in Capt Ormsbee's Company, of Col Millers regiment & he served out his time stationed at Bristol, quartered at Church's house as a private, & drew pay & rations.
In June he was again drafted for a month as a private, and he served, drew pay & rations, and was quartered, at the same house, as in April, and in the month of August, he was again drafted, & he performed another tour of duty, of a month, at the same place and drew pay & rations for same. Curtis was Captain & present. Ichabod Cole was Ensign. Nathan Miller Colonel, drew rations of Stephen Smith the number of us was about forty, rank & file.
And the said James further declares, that in July & August 1780 he served two months in the Boat Service, was then quartered at the house of one Jonathan Peck, about two miles from Warren.
In this service, they were employed in carrying Troops on Rhode Island, the enemy being then again expected to return, he believes the French Troops were then on Rhode Island, at the same time Major Monroe commanded us in this service.
He drew pay and rations as a private —
These are his services specified as near as he can recollect, he served over two years in the War of the Revolution in actual service, for which he drew pay and rations, as a private & besides his regular services he was often called out upon alarms for his peculiar situation was such belonging to a Company in a town open & liable at all times to the invasions and assaults of the enemy.

That this could not be avoided & yet he rendered a willing service to his Country Since his pension has been stopped he has reflected & called to mind his services during the struggle for independence, & he feels in his bosom  upon an assurance, that if any one in entitled to a full pension under said Act of Congress, he is. & he hopes & feels assured that his pension will be restored
James Mason
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Bristol
In Warren June the 22 nd A.D. 1838.
Then the above named James Mason personally appearing before me, the subscriber one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State and being sworn according to law made oath to the truth of the above and aforesaid declaration to which he subscribed his name in my presence. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said James Mason that he is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit.
Levi Child Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.
we the undersigned members of the Town-Council of the Town of Warren in the State of Rhode Island do hereby certify that we are personally acquainted with James Mason, of said Warren, who has signed and sworn to the above and aforesaid declaration, that we believe said James to be a man of truth and veracity, and his statements entitled to full credit. He sustains a good character among his neighbours and friends and it is understood that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
John Pearce
Stephen Mason
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations County of Bristol
In Warren June the 25 th A.D. 1838.
Then the above named John Pearce and Stephen Mason personally appearing before me, the subscriber & being sworn according to law,

severally made oath to the truth of the aforewritten certificate, to which they subscribed their names in my presence. And I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said John Pearce and Stephen Mason, that they are credible persons, and their statements are entitled to full credit.
Levi Hoile Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office July 2. A 1838.
I certify, that at the session of the General Assembly of said State held on the first Wednesday in May last, Levi Haile (whose proper signature is to the certificates annexed) was elected an associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court for one year, and commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secretary

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
William Sprague
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 aforewritten attestation subscribed, is in 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 the 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 second day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- eight and of Independence the sixty- second
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy
Wm Sprague