Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13539, for Charles Jeffery, Connecticut

SERVICE
born-
Jeffery Charles
NUMBER
S. 13539
CONTENTS
carded

Connecticut 4885.
Charles Jeffery
of New London in the State of Connecticut Drum Major and who was a Drummer in the Company commanded by Captain Robbins of the Regt commanded by Col. Wells in the Connecticut
line for 8 mo Drum Major $36. " 16 " Drummer $60.66 " " $96.66
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn t at the rate of 96. Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30. day of Jan y 1833. and sent to Hon. N. Barber, H. of R.
Arrears to 14th of Sept r 1832 — 144. 99. Semi-ann. allowance ending Apr r 33 — 48. 33.
$ 193. 32.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Francis J. Franciosi Clerk Book (D) Vol. 3. Page 49.

Charles J. Jeffery No. 3133

State of Connecticut New London County ss
On this 6 th day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court before the City Court of New London City now sitting Charles Jeffery a resident of New London in the County of New London and State of Connecticut aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he entered the service at New London on the 24 th day of April 1776 by enlistment as a Drummer into Capt. Samuel Mather's Company then stationed at New London that he enlisted for the term of Eight months, but the Company was discharged from service in the early part of December following so that he served at that time Seven months and one week the officers of the Company were as follows viz viz Samuel Mather Captain Dee Lury 1 st Lieut Abner Ledy 2 d Do John Johnson Ensign
That the Company belonged to Wolcott's Regiment and was stationed at New London and impleaded at Fort Trumbull. That Capt. Mather is living at Lyme and Daniel Chapman at New London. That Chas. Broom at Waterford in New London County who belonged to said Company and can testify that he the said Jeffery was a member of said Company and served in the same as stated herein.
That afterwards in the early part of the summer of 1777 he again entered the service at Groton in said County by enlistment as a Drummer into the Company commanded by Capt. Robinson then stationed at Groton nights. That said Company continued stationed at Groton nights till the fall of the year and then he should think in the month of Oct r received orders to march to Rhode Island. That he then marched with said Company and another

Company Commanded by Capt Hays to Providence and from thence to Tiverton and Little Compton. there was a large force collected at Tiverton and vicinity of Militia from the States of Rhode Island Massachusetts and Connecticut under command of Genl Spencer the object of which was to take Rhode Island then in possession of the enemy. efforts were made several times to accomplish this object. boats were procured & on one occasion an embarkation was effected but the enemy rode a portion of the troops and occasionally effected a repulse of the troops and the enterprise was abandoned. and the Company under command of Capt Robinson returned to Boston & that he returned with them, that shortly after his return to Boston the company received orders to march to the westward. that they accordingly took up the line of march through New London Lyme Lybrook Killingworth Guilford to New Haven where they halted and were then in camp about one month. after which they marched to New Haven and were then stationed till the season became very cold & that he was then discharged. that he cannot remember as to the exact time he was in service under Capt Robinson but thinks it must have been six or eight months. passing through it before  Jonathan Searle & Francis Harding both of New London can testify that he was in service under Capt Robinson.
That Subsequently in the Spring of the year 1779 he again entered the service by enlistment as a drummer into Capt Shaplys company at New London that he enlisted for the term of One year during which time said company was stationed at New London the officers of the company were as follows:
  Adam Shaply  Captain    Rich d Chapman  1 st Lieut    Joby Storr  2 d Do    Daniel Bill  3 d Lieut or Ensign  
  Stephen Humpstead  Sergeants    Joseph Bales    John Comstock  
That Col d Ledyard was the officer who had command. that he the said Jeffrey continued in the service in said company during the term of his enlistment which was one year when he was discharged in the Spring of 1780 Joseph Smith and John Comstock both sergeants of

said Company are now living at New London & can testify that the said Charles Jeffrey served in Shapley's Company as herein stated
That after his discharge from Shapley's company in the year 1780 the Regiment commanded by Col. Wells and belonging to Genl. Tyler's Brigade was stationed at New London. that he was applied to by Col. Wells to enlist as a Drum Major in his Regiment and that he did enlist as a Drum Major for the term of Eight months and during the whole of that Period was the Drum Major of the Regiment under command of Col. Wells which was during that time stationed at New London that he enlisted in the early part of the season and was discharged late in the fall that William Darrow of Waterford was a Drummer in said Regiment and Eben Darrow a private that they are both living and can testify as to this part of his service. His applicant further states that he was born in New London October 10 th 1759 when there is a record of his age in the records of the town. that he lived at New London when he first entered the service that entered the service by enlistment has since continued and now resides there that he does not remember to have rec d discharge when his term of service expired but has a certificate from Capt. Mathews as a drummer in his Company from 24 th April 1776 to the 1 st of Decr. that he had a receipt signed by Col. Wells for his last pay that he is well known to Jonathan Cook Esq. one of the aldermen of the City of New London & to Rev. Abbe. McEwen who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. and that the persons mentioned herein to wit Capt. Genl. Mathews, Christo Blym. Paul Chapman. also Jeremiah Hapgood Joseph Smith John Comstock Eben & William Darrow can testify to his 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. Charles Jeffery W. F. Mainard Clerk
We Abiel M c Emen a clergyman residing in New London and Joseph Smith residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Charles Jeffery who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy three 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 & subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Court. Abiel M c Emen Jonathan Coit W. F. Mainard Clerk
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 Rev d Abiel M c Emen who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in New London and that Jonathan Coit who has signed the same is a resident in the town of New London and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit, and that Daniel Chapman Jeremiah Hazing Joseph Smith and William Darrow are all credible witnesses
I William F. Mainard Clerk of the New London City Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the said Court in the matter of the application of Charles Jeffery for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said City Court the 1 st day of August AD 1832 W. F. Mainard Clerk
Charles Jeffery

I Daniel Chapman of the Town of New London of the age of seventy one years depose and say that in the month of April 1776 I enlisted into Capt. Nathan Company stationed at New London and continued to serve therein two or three months after which I was exchanged to Shapley's Company stationed at New London and served till the early part of Decr 1776. That I well remember Charles Jeffrey of New London who was a drummer in Capt. Nathan's Company while I belonged to the Company and continued in service as a drummer in said Company till late in the season I should say till the latter part of Novr or 1 st Decr. Signed sworn to in Court D. Chapman W. F. Main and Clerk
I
I Jeremiah Harding of New London depose and say that I am well acquainted with Charles Jeffrey of New London and remember that in the year 1777 after the return of the troops from Rhode Island I was coming into New London from the westward and met Capt. Robinson's Company marching to the westward and well remember meeting Charles Jeffrey with the Company with his drum marching on toward New Haven. Jeremiah Harding Signed sworn to in Court W. F. Main and Clerk

I Joseph Smith of the Town and County of New London of the age of seventy six years do pose and say that I was a sergeant in Shatbury's company stationed at New London from the spring of 1779 to 1780 and will remember Charles Jeffery of New London who was the drummer in Shatbury's com- pany from the spring of the year 1779 to 1780 and was in service in that company one year Joseph Smith signed down to in Court W. M. M'Kinne Clerk
I William Danorr of the town of Waterford in New London County do pose and say that in the year 1780 I was a drummer in Capt. Griswold Avery's company which belonged to Colone Wells Regiment Capt. Avery's company was stationed at New London. I will remember Charles Jeffery of New London and remember that he was during that season Drum Major in Wells Regiment how long he was in service that year I cannot remember but should think seven or eight months. There were three regiments stationed at New London under command of Genl Tyler and Mr. Jeffery had charge of all the music. I have stated above that Avery's company belonged to Wells Regiment but about this fact I cannot state positively William Danorr signed down to in Court W. M. M'Kinne Clerk

State of Connecticut New London County S ss
On the 15 th day of December AD 1832 Personally appeared in open court before the City Court of the City of New London now sitting. Charles Jeffery a resident of New London in the County of New London and State of Connecticut who being first duly sworn accor- ding to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to and in explanation of his declaration of the 6 th August AD 1832
That he served as follows to wit
In 1776 on the 24 th April he enlisted as a Drummer into Capt Mathews Company and served as such in said Company without interruption Seven months
In 1777. In the month of June according to his recollection he en- listed into Capt Robinsons Company as a Drummer and served as such in said Company uninterruptedly for at least Five months
In 1779. In the month of April as he believes 1779 he enlisted into Cap- tain Shapleys Company as a Drummer and served as such in said Company for the term of one year , till April 1780 constantly and without interruption
In 1780. In the month of April, as he believes 1780, he enlisted into Colonel Coles Regiment as Drum Major and served as Drum Major of the Regiment without interruption Eight months and was discharged in December following
That Captain Mathews Company belonged to Colonel Eustus Wolcotts Regiment, that the officers of the Company consisted of the individuals named in his original application. That he does not remember to what Regiment Capt Robinsons Company belonged nor the names of the Company officers. The Company belonged the opposite side of the river and the officers were not of his acquaintance. That Shapleys Company and Lathams Company stationed at Boston were raised to garrison Forts Trumbull & Griswold and were under command of Col Wm Ledyard
That in his former application he has declared that he had a warrant from Colonel Mills

But on further reflection he now declares and says that he received the appointment Drum Major from Colonel Pills but has no recollection that he received any warrant. according to his present recollection the practice in the State Service was when a person was appointed to a warrant office to notice the appointment in the orders of the day. He knows that his appointment was so noticed at the head of the Companies in the orders of the day of his appointment which was the same day or the day following the day of his enlistment & if he rec d a warrant he has lost it. Given to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Charles Jeffery
And the said court certify that Christopher Brown Jonathan Leeds Joseph Smith John Constock as well as Daniel Chapman Jeremiah Harding & William Darrow all are credible witnesses
I William F Brinard Clerk of the City Court of the City of New London do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Charles Jeffery in addition to and explanation of his former application for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said City Court this 15 th day of December A.D. 1832
Wm F Brinard Clerk

I Christopher Brown of the Town of Watford in New London County aged Seventy three years depose and say that I was a member of Capt Mathews Company in Col Wolcotts Regiment of State Troops from the month of April 1776 till the month of December following. That I will remember Charles Jeffery of New London who was the Drummer of the Company when I entered it and continued to serve therein without any interruption till the Company was discharged in the month of December following a period of more than seven months.
Christopher Brown
Subscribed Sworn to in Court Mr H Mainear Clerk
I Jonathan Leeds of the Town of New London aged sixty four years depose and say that during the Revolutionary war I resided in the Town of Groton. That I will remember Charles Jeffery of New London who was a Drummer in one of the Companies stationed at Fort Griswold during the war of the Revolution though I cannot state the precise periods. I was at that time a boy and was often attracted as children are by the music and will remember that said Jeffery was one of the Drummers.
Jonathan Leeds Subscribed Sworn to in Court Mr H Mainear Clerk
I Joseph Smith of the town and County of New London aged seventy six years depose & say that in May 1779 I enlisted into Capt Shapleys Company and served therein till May 1781 the term of two years without interruption. That he

very well remembers. Charles Jeffery of New London who belonged to said Company and served therein as the Drummer of said Company constantly and uninterruptedly from the Spring of 1779 till the Spring of 1780, a period of one year
Subscribed & sworn to in Court Wm. Brainerd Clerk
Joseph Smith
I John Comstock of the Town and County of New London aged Eighty years depose and say that in the Spring of the year 1779 in the month of April or May he enlisted into Capt Shapley's Company stationed at New London and served therein one year till the Spring of 1780. That he well remembers Charles Jeffery of said New London who also belonged to said Company and served therein as the Drummer of said Company from the month of April or May 1779 till the month of April or May 1780 con- stantly without interruption
Sworn to & subscribed in Court Wm. Brainerd Clerk
John Comstock

I Samuel Mather of Lynn in New London County & State of Connecticut aged 92 years On Oath depose & say that I was a Captain of a Company of Militia Stationed at Fort Tunkill in New London from the last of April 1776 to the first of December 1776 a period of seven months The Company belonged to Col Erastus Wolcotts Regiment in the service of this State and was ordered out by Authority of the State for the defence of the same & continued in actual service in the revolutionary war at Fort Tunkill seven months - that Charles Jeffery of New London entered into said company as a drummer in the latter part of April 1776 and continued with said company until it was discharged from service in December 1776 a period of seven months Lynn January 16 th 1833 Sam l Mather
New London County ss Lynn Jan y 16 th 1833 Personally appeared Samuel Mather signer of the above Certificate & made Oath to the truth of the same & I hereby Certify that said Samuel Mather is a credible witness Henry M c . Waite Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } County of New London } fs
I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby certify that Henry M c Waite esq r before whom the within deposition of Samuel Mather was taken is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County and that his signature thereto affixed is in his own proper hand writing In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 17 th day of January A D 1833.
John D e Witt Clerk
H

I also Woodruff of the Town of Lyme in New London County age seventy one years depose and say that in the summer and fall of the year 1777 I was a member of Baldwin's Company in Ely's Regiment of Infantry Ely's company and Robinson's Company belonged to the same Regiment. That I will remember that in the fall of the year 1777 late in the fall after said Companies returned from the expedition to Rhode Island they received orders to march to the westward. That I will remem- ber seeing Charles Jeffery who was the Drummer of Robinson's Company. That I first became ac- quainted with him at New Haven while the Companies were there on their way to Rye and Horse Neck. I do not now remember whether Baldwin's Company or Robinson's Company arrived first at New Haven but will remember that from New Haven the said Companies also marched together to Rye & Horse Neck and were there discharged, after the season be- came very cold. That he will re- member said Jeffery was the Drummer of Robinson's Company till it was dischar- ged as he believes the first of January 1778 and I further depose and say that in the year 1780 I served five months in the Con- necticut Continental Line by Capt. Fitch in Col. Wells

Regiment. That I well remember that when I joined the Company Charles Jeffrey was the Drum Major of the Regiment and continued during all the time I belonged to said Company without interruption to be the Drum Major of the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Wells.
Isaac Woodward
New London County ss Lyme December 25 th AD 1832 Personally appeared Isaac Woodward who signed the foregoing Deposition in my presence and made oath to the truth of the same. and I hereby Certify that Isaac Woodward is a credible Witness
Peter Garmstock Justice of Peace

State of Connecticut } County of New London } ss
I John DeWitt Clerk of the County Court in said New London County do hereby Certify that Peter Comstock Esq before whom the annexed foregoing deposition of Asa Woodward was taken is a Justice of the peace in for said New London County, and that his sig- nature thereto annexed is in his own proper hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 21 st day of Jan y A D 1832
John DeWitt Clerk

O. W. & N. Div. F. S. H. E. C. I. 13339. I. 36145.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 25, 1896.
Madam:
In returning herewith your letter of March 17, 1896, you are advised as follows:
Charles Jeffery made an application for pension on August 6, 1832, at which time he was residing in New London, Conn., and seventy-three years of age, and his pension was allowed for sixteen months actual service as a drummer and eight months actual service as a Drum-major in the Connecticut troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time served under Capt. Samuel Mather and Col. Wolcott.

Soldier pensioned W. Rogers Newfoundm M ch 6/61
Res War
13539 INVALID.
Mch 27/66 Mrs. A. Comme
File No. 13 539
Charles Jeffery Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1, Page 122
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Charles Leffery 6
admitted
Summer - 8 months
Summer 16 months
$121.33
5. 6. 13. 14. 15
per ann $96.66.
W P Cleveland
Barber
138.
Released the money to N. Balum H of R

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Charles Leffery which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned 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? No VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Not satisfactorily VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
His warrant as Town major should be accounted for and it must be shown by the best evidence that his service was continual during the terms he claims to be allowed
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
Witnesses evidence not shown to.
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
No
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.