Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 23,932, for Pelatiah Mc Donald, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental
McDonald, Pelatiah
N. 23,932
Mass.
Dorcas
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for handwritten entries.
Blank lined area for handwritten entries.

Peteriah M c Donald Private
1 Jan y 17 1780
Brauns regt
Massachusetts line
13 Apr 1818
adm

Peletiah M c Donald

I Reiterate McDonald of Standish in the county of Cumberland & Commonwealth of Massachusetts and fifty four years old declare that I enlisted as an honorably discharged soldier in the American Army in the Continental Establishment sometime in May A.D. 1775 - under Col. Williams in Colonel Dawsey's regiment to serve till Jan'y A.D. 1776. I was stationed at Cambridge which time I served & was discharged on the first of Jan'y A.D. 1776. I enlisted again in the same Company & regiment for one year more & at the time - the English troops left Boston my Reg. marched to Lyndeborough where I was stationed till about the expiration of my time - I was discharged at Fort George on the first day of January A.D. 1777. my discharge - I have lost - at the same time I enlisted again under Col. Burbank in Col. Brewer's Spencer regiment for three years which time I served & was at the Battle of Bemus Heights & at the Storming of Red Bank fort - below Kings Ferry - I was discharged of said three years service on the first of Jan'y A.D. 1780. I then entered into the Quartermaster's Department & served in the same during the war A.D. 1780 - 1783 - in the month of March I enlisted again under Col. Henry Sewall in Col. Sprole's regiment Massachusetts line during the war & was discharged at West Point sometime in November A.D. 1783 - regularly - but took it between Springfield & Boston on my return - I have no pension & from my reduced circumstances in life, I stand in need of assistance from my Country for support - I am as a citizen of the United States - April 17. 1810. Reiterate McDonald

Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss Be it known that on the 13 th day of April A.D. 1818, before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, personally appeared the within named Platiah McDonald & being firstly sworn made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him, in my presence subscribed, in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress for killed An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War, which declaration being signed & sworn to as aforesaid, I George Thatcher one of the Justices do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Platiah McDonald did serve in the Revolutionary War on the continental establishment against the common enemy as stated in his declaration, & that he is in reduced cir- cumstances & stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; And I now transmit the proceedings & testimony had before me to the Secretary of the Department of War, pursuant to the directions in the Act of Congress aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & have caused the seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed this twenty sixth day of June In the year of our Lord eighteen hundred & eighteen —
George Thatcher

I William Smith of Buxton in s d County & Commonwealth do testify & declare that I was in the American Army from November A.D. 1775 - to June A.D. 1782. In the three first years I was in Colonel James Weston's, & the three last years I was in Colonel Henry Jackson's Regiment. During said time I was well acquainted with Pelatiah Mr c Daniel who signed the declaration on the other page & the greater part of the time I served, & moved with him for a considerable time & know that he was in the Army nearly all the time that I was —
Wm Smith
York ss. June 15/1818. Then personally appeared the above named William Smith & being duly sworn made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration & testimony by him subscribed before me Sam l T. G. Harkness Pease

State of Maine. Cumberland ss.
Clerk's Office Judicial Courts. Portland March 13 th 1841
I Charles Cobb, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, hereby certify that the following marriage appears on the list of Marriages returned to that Office by Edward Phiney Esquire, and recorded in the 'Marriage Records' for said County for the years 1752 to 1789 inclusive, to wit, "Plateau No 2 as told to Warrant Stuart August sixth Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven." And I further certify that the foregoing is a true extract from the Records aforesaid, of said marriage, excepting the words "August sixth Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven," which are plainly and legibly expressed in the words and figures following to wit, "Augt 6. 1787."
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
Charles Cobb Clerk

ad 43 5974. 10675
Dorcas M c Donald
Me
out 7. July 38 in 87. 2 aug. 41.
H. Bradford Portland Maine

STATE OF MAINE.
County of Cumberland, ss.
On this Thirteenth day of March A.D. 1844 personally appeared before Barrett Potter Judge of the Probate Court for the County of Cumberland  Dorcas Donald a resident of Standish in the County of Cumberland and State of District of Maine, aged Seventy eight 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 7th, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay, and pensions to certain widows." That she is the wid- ow of Isaac McDonald who was a Revolutionary Soldier of the U.S. and served in the war of the revolution as follows to wit: He enlisted & served as a private in 1775 in Capt. Hart Williams Company seven months.
He enlisted in January 1776 in Capt. Hart Williams Company 6th Edmund Phinney's Regiment & served during the whole of that year.
In January 1777 he again enlisted in Capt. Elias Barbank's company in Col. Brewer's Regt. for three years or during the war, and served that term of time as an orderly sergeant and express rider. In 1780 her husband was appointed an express rider in the North- ern Department under Col. Hays and she believes that he continued as express rider in Col. Hays, and Col. Sprout Regiment to the close of the war. He served during the whole war and she claims a pension under the Act of July 7th 1838 for her said husband's services as more fully set forth in her declaration this day made claiming arrears and increase of pension by virtue of the services of her late husband in the revolutionary war.
SHE FURTHER DECLARES, that she was married to the said Isaac McDonald on the Seventh day of August in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty three and that her husband, the aforesaid Isaac McDonald died on the Thirty first day of August A.D. 1841 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. at the time above stated.
Dorcas X McDonald mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written.
BEFORE
Barrett Potter Judge of Probate

State of Maine Cumberland ss.
I, John Appleton, Register of Probate for said County, certify that Barrett Potter is Judge of the Probate Court for said County as appears by the preceding declaration; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that full faith should be given to his acts and attestations in that capacity; and that the signature on the preceding page purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand under the seal of said Court this Thirteenth day of March Eighteen hundred and forty four.
John Appleton, Register

I William R. Sturges of Standish in the County of Cumberland aged forty three years on oath depose and say that I well knew Pelatiah Mc Donald of Standish in his life time having lived near him & a part of the time with him for the last seventeen years before his death. He died on the thirty first day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty one in Standish. Previous to his death he lived very near me.
Dorcas Mc Donald his widow is still living and now resides in the same house with me. I have known her many years & I know that Dorcas Mc Donald who makes application for a pension is the widow of Pelatiah Mc Donald late of Standish.
Pelatiah Mc Donald was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States and was entitled by his certificate to one hundred & twenty dollars per annum.
W m R Sturges
Cumberland ss. March 12 th 1844 Then personally appeared the above named William R. Sturges known to me as a man of truth and made oath to the foregoing affidavit by him signed before me.
Freeman Bradford Jus Peace

State of Illinois Cumberland ss.
I, John H. Appleton, Register of Probate for said County, hereby certify that Freeman Bradford, witness named is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Cumberland; that he is duly and legally qualified to act as such; that full faith should be given to his attestations in that capacity; and the signature on the preceding page, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto placed my hand and the Seal of the Probate Court, this thirteenth day of February, Eighteen Hundred and forty four.
John H. Appleton, Register

Let. to Pen. April Dec. 8/1837 to F.C.G. Smith Nov. 21. 1839. do to H. J. Smith & P. A. J. April 6. 1840
Dead let to Dora no Dads Sept 5. 1843.
Maine — 31. 285.
Patriarch M c Donald of Cumberland in the State of Maine who was a Sergeant in the company by Captain Lovell of the 1st by Col. Sprague in the Massetts for 2 years Sergeant.
Inserted on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 120 Dollars — Cont per ann. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, Deduct any money from that period under Act.  to March, 1831 
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Decem- ber, 1837 and sent to Hon. A. F. Smith Sec. of Reps.
Annuity to the 4th of Feb 1837 $204:00 Pension allowance on the
$204:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book 2, Vol. 1 Page 35-

5642
Maine
Dionas Mc Donald Mab widow of Petahick Mc Donald who was a Sergeant in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 120 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of June, 1844 and sent to H. Bradford Patten Me
[Act of March 3,
Recorded in Book ed 33 Vol. / Page
Reported
Letter to H. Bradford May 28. 1845.
Let to Pen. Aug 26. 1845.
2d U.S. Sylvester, 6 July 26/51
Rev M. McDonald, June 22/52.
T. A. Sibley, June 2/53
A. M. Donald, Sept 27/53

23 Belatiah M c Donald
Copy
(5508)
cont...
(March 1819)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. DISTRICT OF MAINE, ss.
At a District Court of the United States begun and holden at Portland — within and for the District of Maine, on the first Tuesday, being the sixeth — day of June — and by adjournment from day to day, on the day of — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable ALBION K. PARRIS, Judge of said Court.
ON this sixeth — day of June — in the year above written, personally appeared in open Court, the same having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Maine District, Pelatiah M c Donald — aged sixty six — years, resident in Standish . . . in said District, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows, viz. as a private . . . in the company commanded by Capt. Silas Burbank in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Brewer in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the thirteenth day of April — A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 5508 . . . was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is particularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
Pelatiah M c Donald
Sworn to and declared, on the sixth day of June A. D. 1820.
BEFORE
Albion K. Parris
} U. S. District Judge for the District of Maine.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
Real estate I have none — Since I hire the house in which I live — A few necessary but poor articles of household furniture — I have no income — and owe four hundred dollars more than I can pay Pelatiah M c Donald
Sworn to, before Albron H. Barris U. S. Dist. Judge
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me Pelatiah M c Donald — who, by occupation am a Laborer — which I am not able to pursue by reason of old age and infirmity, constantly
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     My wife Dorcas — years 56 — able to do housework   John a son 16 } boys able to work   Abner — 14 }   Susan, a grandchild 9 — a healthy child   Pelatiah M c Donald    Sworn to before Albron H. Barris U. S. Dist. Judge

MAINE DISTRICT, ss.
I, JOHN MUSSEY, Junr. Clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Twenty — dollars and _____ cents.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this sixth — day of June — A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
John Mussey Junr
Clerk of the U. States District Court for Maine District.

Edward W. Lord Me
Norman Bradford Portland Me

STATE OF MAINE.
CUMBERLAND, SS.
Probate Office,
PORTLAND,
March 10
A. D. 1857
I,
Freeman Bradford
Register of Probate,
In and for said COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND, certify that
Henry C. Babb, is an
Acting Justice of the Peace,
within and for the County of Cumberland as appears by the paper hereto annexed, that he is DULY QUALIFIED TO ACT as such; that the COMMISSION of the said Babb is dated November 19 A. D. 1857 and will expire Nov. 19, A. D. 1857
and that the following SIGNATURE, purporting to be his is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal official of said Court, the day and year first above written.
Freeman Bradford
Register.

State of Maine Cumberland Co.
On this 27th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid George McDonald a resident of Standish in said County aged sixty one year who on oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain an increase of Pension under the act of 1828, also an increase of pension under the act of 1832, and also under the act of 1838 1843 & 1844.
And this declarant states that he is one of the children of Pelatiah and Dorcas McDonald both deceased. He states that his father was a native of York Mass. now Maine and a resident of the town of Gorham Maine in the time of the Revolution. His said father entered the service in the Spring of 1775 in Capt. Hale William Company in Col. Phinney's Regt and served 8 mos in the year 1775 and was stationed at Cambridge In January 1776 he enlisted in the same Company and Regiment for a year and served as a Sergeant. During this year he was stationed in Cambridge until the British left Boston and at the latter part of the time was at the Northward to cover the retreat

of Montgomery's or Arnold's Army from Quebec. At the end of the year 1776 he was at Fort George In January 1777 he enlisted for the war and served in Capt. Silas Burbank's company Col. Brown's Regt as Orderly for about three years. He was at Ticonderoga and Lake George till the capture of Burgoyne's Army in 1777 and was in the battles of Stillwater and Saratoga. After the capture of Bur- goyne he was marched down the Hudson river to Kings Ferry thence through New Jersey to White Marsh in Pennsylvania and went into Winter Quarters at Valley Forge. In 1778 he was in the battle of Monmouth. In 1779 he was at West Point the most of the time. In 1780 he was transferred to the the Quarter Master General's Department then under the command of Col. Sidney Hoag and was ap- pointed express rider for the Northern Depart- ment and continued to do the duty of an ex- press rider till peace took place. His declarant states that his father drew a pension under the Act of 1818 at the rate of $96 per annum, and under the act of 1832 at the rate of $120.00 per annum, as will appear by his declarations now on file. That after the death of his father the said Pelatiah McDonald his Mother Dor- cas McDonald received the benefit of the acts of 1838 1843 & 1844 at the rate of $120 per annum

that his father died on the 1 st September 1841 and that his mother died on the 3 rd day of March 1849. He further states that the children and only surviving children of the said Pelatiah and Dorcas McDonald are George McDonald, Martha Rogers Leah Catherine Nason, Joanna Sturgis, John McDonald and Abner McDonald. He therefore in behalf of the above named claims an increased rate of Pension due to his father and mother in consequence of the services of his father the said Pelatiah McDonald as Express Rider under Col. Hays.
George McDonald Combermere ss Feby 27. 1851 Then appeared the above named George McDonald and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him signed Before me H. C. Balch J. Peace

STATE OF MAINE.
PROBATE COURT, Cumberland County, ss.
Be it Known, That on this fourth day of March 18 47 it has been satisfactorily proved in open Court, being a Court of Record, That Pelatiah M c Donald late of York who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, and that he died at said York on the first day of September 18 41 . And that left a widow Dorcas M c Donald, who died on the third day of March 1847, and that George M c Donald, Catharine Nason, Martha Rogers, Joanna Sturges, and Abner M c Donald are
the children and the only surviving children of the said Pelatiah M c Donald (Dorcas M c Donald, deceased, and that he left no widow.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court, and subscribed my name, this Tenth day of March in the year 18 47
Freeman Bradford } Register of Probate for Cumberland County.

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
I. S.
Bureau of Pensions,
U.S.D.I.
Washington, D. C., March 2, 1890.
Sir:-
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Petetjah MacDonald --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. May 1775 8 mos. Pvt. Part Williams Phinney Mass. Jan. 1776 12 mos. Pvt. Part Williams Phinney Mass. Jan. 1777 5 yrs. (Corpl.) (Sgt.) Burbank Sprear or Brewer Mass. In 1780 he served for a time as an express rider in the Quartermaster's Dept. under Col. Hay, and later enlisted in Capt. Ferr Sewall's Co., Col. Sprear's Regt., and served to the close of the war.
Battles engaged in, Pease's Heights, & Stony Point.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Probably Gorham, Maine.
Date of application for pension, April 15, 1818.
Residence at date of application, Standish, Maine.
Age at date of application, 64 years.
Remarks: He married Dorcas Stuart August 6, 1777, and died August 31, 1841.
Very respectfully,
Mr. Aug. MacDonald,
1804 1/2 Mercer St.,
Princeton, N. J.
Commissioner.

F. Bradford Portland Maine

State of Maine. Cumberland County ss.
Clerk's Office Judicial Courts } Portland March 13 th 1844 }
I Charles Cobb, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts, in said County, hereby certify, that the following marriage appears in the List of Marriages returned to this Office by Edward Phinney Esquire, and recorded in the "Marriage Records" for said County for the years 1752 to 1789 inclusive, to wit,
"Pelatiah M c Donald to Merceas Stuart "August sixth. Anno Domini One thou- "and Seven hundred and eighty seven."
And I further certify that the foregoing is a true extract from said Records, of said marriage, excepting the words, "August sixth Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven," which are plainly and legibly expressed in the words and figures following, to wit, "Augt 6. 1787"
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
Charles Cobb Clerk.

State of Maine Cumberland ss.
I, John Appleton, Register of Probate for said County, hereby certify that Barrett Potter is Judge of the Probate Court for said County, as appears by the papers hereto annexed; that he is legally qualified to act in that capacity; that full faith should be given to his attestations as said Judge; and that the several signatures on the declaration and Power of Attorney hereto annexed, are genuine.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court. This thirteenth day of March, Eighteen Hundred and forty four.
John Appleton, Register,

State of Maine Cumberland S.S. On this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty four personally appeared before me Barrett Potter Judge of Probate Dorcas Mc Donald of Standish in the County of Cumberland aged 78 years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to receive the benefit of the act of June 7 th 1832 and for the increase and arrear of pension belonging to her late husband Pelatiah Mc Donald.
That her late husband the said Pelatiah Mc Donald was born in York Maine in 1754. That on or about the tenth of June 1775, he enlisted in the Town of Gorham in Capt. Hart Williams Company, and served about seven months, or till the first of January 1776. In this campaign her husband was stationed at Cambridge a part of the time. In January 1776 he again enlisted in the same Company commanded by Capt. Williams aforesaid in Col. Edmund Phinney's Regiment, and served through the whole of the year of 1776. In January 1777 he again enlisted in (the same Company ) Capt. Silas Burbank's Company in Col. Brewster's Regiment as orderly Sergeant for three years or during the war. She believes her said husband did enlist for all the war. In 1778 my husband was at Valley Forge and at Monmouth, & was in the battle of Monmouth. In 1779 her husband was at West Point. In the year 1780 he was appointed an express rider in the Northern Department under Col. Hays. and she believes he continued in the service as express rider to the end of the war. In 1781 he was under Col. Sprout and

continued under said act as express rider till the end of the war in 1783. After the news of peace he was employed in carrying some money to some place in New Jersey, where he was taken sick He served during the whole war and she believes that he was honorably discharged.
Being advised therefore that her late husband was entitled to additional compensation as an express rider as above stated she therefore claims an additional compensation of  dollars per month by virtue of said service from March 4 1838 to August 31 1841.
She further declares that she was married to the said Pelatiah McDonald on the sixth day of August in the year of our Lord 1788 and that her late husband died on the 31st day of August 1841. and that she is a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed the day  1841 and year above written. Dorcas pres X McDonald mark
Before me Barrett Potter judge of Probate

Standish March 13 th 1844.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions &c &c
I herewith transmit to your Department the aforesaid declaration for arrears and in arrears of Pension due to my late husband under the Act of the 7 th of June 1832, and being advised that my late husband did not receive in his life time the full amount of pension he was entitled to, by virtue of his revolutionary services, I do hereby claim the same to be computed according to the grade of an express rider as set forth in the foregoing declaration. And for the purposes aforesaid I have appointed & do hereby appoint Freeman Bradford of Portland my true and legal Attorney and Agent for me & in my name and for my use, to procure the evidence of my husband's service in the war of the Revolution, & to present this my claim to the Commissioner of Pensions at Washington & to receive from him or from any other officer of government the arrears that may be due me, or any certificate that may be granted thereon.
Hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Given under my hand and seal at Portland this 13 th day of March A.D. 1844. Acknowledge before me Doreas X M c Donald Barnes Potts Judge of Probate Court

I, John Lane of Hobbie in the County of York and State of Maine of the age of fifty nine years under oath depose and say - That I was well acquainted with Pelatiah McDonald late of Standish in the County of Cumberland - That the said Pelatiah died at said Standish in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty one - I was a neighbour to the said Pelatiah and resided near him for the period of thirty or more years - I well knew that at the time of his decease he was and for a long time before had been a Revolutionary Pensioner - I am well acquainted with Mrs. Dorcas McDonald of Standish aforesaid - And that she is the widow of him the said Pelatiah McDonald - And that she has not married again but continues a widow as aforesaid - I have always since the commencement of my acquaintance with the said Pelatiah and Dorcas, known by general reputation and by my intercourse with the family of the said Pelatiah - that the maiden name of the said Dorcas was Dorcas Stuart, of Gorham in the County of Cumberland -
John Lane
Cumberland ss. March 13. 1844. Then personally appeared before me at Portland in said County of Cumberland the above named John Lane, who is known to me as a man of truth and veracity and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed - Before me -
H. G. Sewasey - Justice of the Peace

I William R Sturges of Standish in the County of Cumberland aged forty three years on oath depose and say that I was well acquainted with Pelatiah McDonald of Standish in his life time having lived in the same house with him several years before his death. I married a daughter of the said McDonald and have been intimately acquainted with him and his widow Dorcas McDonald for the last seventeen years. Pelatiah Mc Donald died on the thirty first day of August 1841 leaving a widow Dorcas Mc Donald who now resides with me She is the identical person who now makes application for a pension before the judge of Probate. I was with her in court. Her name was Dorcas Stuart before her marriage to said Mc Donald and she is reputed and I verily believe the only wife of said Pelatiah Mc Donald who was a pensioner of the U.S. and who received under the act of 1832 a pen- sion of one hundred and twenty dollars per annum
W m R Sturges
Cumberland ss. March 14 th 1844 Then personally appeared the above named William R. Sturges known to me as a man of truth & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed Before me
H Bedford J.P.

State of Maine Cumberland ss.
Clerk's Office Judicial Courts Portland March 14. 1841
In testimony that H. S. Swasey and Freeman Bradford Esquires are mag- istrates duly and legally qualified to adminis- ter oaths, and that the signatures on the annexed affidavits of William R. Sturgis and John Lane purporting to be theirs are genuine. I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year above written.
Charles Cobb Clerk of said Court.

6 Augt Macdonald N.Y. M.E.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
Mch. 29th Phil. West. 91 Mercer St. Providence
File No. 23932
Dorcas McDonald Widow of Celestiah McDonald Sgt Rev War
Act: Mar 3 rd 1843
Index: — Vol. M Page 25
[Arrangement of 1870.]

See letter to Hon. J. R. Pennycuick, Oct. 16. 1837
Notwithstanding that 16 th June 1825 to John Murphy Esq. Jr. Per Ward Maine
5008
Maine Massachusetts 4
Petiteah M c Donald Private
1 Jan 1777 1 Jan 1780
Massachusetts line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Enscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts Maine at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 13 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 of Jan y 1819 and sent to George Thacher Esq. Saco Me.
  Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818. 4 mo. \frac{22}{30}  $ 37.86    Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 March 1819  48. --     $ 85.86  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 }
Standish Cumback Esq

St Resa 182.
9.235
Maine
Dorcas M c Donald
widow of Petaticat M c Donald who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 31. Aug. 1841. of Cumberland in the State of Maine who was a Sergeant in the Company commanded by Captain Serral of the Reg t . commanded by S t roat in the Mass — line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 120. — Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of April 1845. and sent to H. Bradford. Portland Maine
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. S. Evans Clerk Book L Vol. 6 Page 6 .

Petition M c Donald - Maine
Act 18 March 1818
To what time last paid?
70% the 18 March 1817
JA
8 th 37 not in 1837
 120  720  576  144  60  204 
difference up to March 1817

100 St. Mark's Road
Home 33
St. Mark's
Rev. E. Heath Esq. Convent Parsons
5

To Act 7 June 1832
adm d 2 yrs Serf. 120 pp pr. an m subject to deduction of payments under act 18 March 88.
3 Instruct Portland Agent accordingly
Hon. J. O. Smith

Hon. F.O.J. Smith AR

I Petitioner Mc Donald of Standish in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine on oath depose and say, that I am the identical person named in the Pension certificate hereto annexed, 5508, and bearing date at the War Department the twenty first day of January one Thousand eight hundred and nineteen - and that I claim an increase of my pen- sion under the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, to one hundred and twenty dollars per annum, together with the arrearages of pension due me under said act, deduct- ing the amount of pension received by me in the mean time at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum.
Deliah McDonald
State of Maine, Cumberland ss. Novr. 16. 1877. Then personally appeared the above named Petitioner Mc Donald, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above declaration by him signed before me. I also certify that he is a man of reputed truth and veracity, and entitled to credit in his state- ment above. Thomas Ingalls Justice of the Peace

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY That, in conformity with the Law of the United
States, passed the 4th of March 1818.
Petition  McDonald late a Private
in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pen-
Ohio Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the
13 th day of April one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Twentyfirst day of
January one thousand eight hundred and nineteen .
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.

Served in Capt. Seward's compy. Infantry, 1st Reg. N.Y. Heavy Artillery Resided in Standish 25 years. Spent July in Galveston.
el th m!

pr - 30 the to w O
Payable semi-annually---the first pay- ment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of March next, at the Cumberland Bank
Portland Maine
Recorded

STATE OF MAINE.
COUNTY OF Cumberland ,
November 15th 183 7
I, Phineas Ingalls a Magistrate in the county above named, do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence, viz. the personal presence and appearance, in person added to the reputation of Pelatiah. Mr. Dinsdale as a pension soldier in the Army of the Revolution.
that Pelatiah N. Dinsdale who has this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity, is the identical person named in the pension certificate, which he has exhibited before me, numbered 5505 and bearing date at the War Office the twenty first day of January 181 9 ; and signed by
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.
Given under my hand at Standish on the day and year above written.
Phineas Ingalls,
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Payable semi-annually—the first payment on this certificate will be made on the 4th of

Genl Edwards Esq. Pension Office Washington City

State of Maine
On this seventh day of Yorke County October 1843
Personally appeared before the subscriber of Hollis in the State and County aforesaid Dorcas McDonald in the Seventy Seventh year of her age doth according to Law on her oath make the following Declaration that she is the Widow of Pelletiah McDonald of Standish in the County of Cumberland and State of Maine and that he formerly resided in Gorham in said State and County who was a Revolutionary soldier and Pensioner and receive an increase of pension from eight to ten Dollars she further declared that she was married to the said Pelletiah McDonald in the year 1777 and the aforesaid Pelletiah McDonald died on the Thirtieth of August one Thousand eight hundred and forty one and that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the Marry took place Previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and thirty four viz at the time above stated and as the record of her marriage states which you now have and that she the said Dorcas remains the Widow of the said Pelletiah Deceat
Witness Yates Proger
Dorcas her McDonald Marke
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Yates Proger justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the Widow Dorcas McDonald is not able to attend Court is the reason of her appearing before me Yates Proger justice of the Peace

The Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir I received your Letter requesting me to prove my husband's services I send you a copy of his certificate and refer you to the War records I enclose in my former Letter to the Esq Commissioner for evidence that he was lawfully qualified and will please to return his Commission By the next mail
To satisfy you that I have never been married since the death of
Peter M c Donald I desire you to see the Comrs Deposition on the back of the certificate
I submit this to your honor's investigation desiring not that you will answer my request most respectfully yours
Attest George M c Donald
President Service
Stannish October 9 th 1843 Cumberland County State of Maine
Doncas ton M c Donald mark
post your letter north Hall's post Office it is near for me from Standish
S

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Mar 15 1811
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears
that the name of Abiah D. Dyer is borne upon the rolls of the 8th Regt. Mass. Line and upon the last rolls then up to the company of Capt Abiah Dyer Williams Col Edward Dyer as a private from Taunton . There are no rolls of said company in Regiment in 1781 in this office.
The name of said Abiah Dyer is also borne upon the books of Col Spencer in the company of Capt John Dyer from Springfield to Wadsworth in 1779 as Sergeant . (He was in 1781 & 1782 in Col. Dyer's  1st Regt. Mass. Line was also a Colonel ).
There are no rolls of Col. Dyer's in 1780 or of Col. Dyer's after 1780 in this office, and this service as officer is not there found at present.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone: and that said application and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances which tend to satisfy me of the identity of the party described in the application with the individual who rendered the service.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper. Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Dorcas McDonald.
Me.
Act 3 March '43
h 87. d 41.
adm d 24 mo leng.
120.
H Bradford Portland Maine

State of Maine. Cumberland ss.
Clerk's Office Judicial Courts Portland March 13 th 1882
I Charles Cobb, Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, hereby certify that the following marriage appears in the list of Marriages returned to this Office by Edward Phinney Esq. and recorded in the "Marriage Records" for said County for the years 1782 to 1789 inclusive, to wit: "Nathaniel L. Gould to Mercia Stuart August sixth Anno Domini One thousand Seven hundred and eighty seven."
And I further certify that the foregoing is a true extract from said Records, of said marriage, excepting the words "August sixth Anno Domini One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven," which are plainly and legibly expressed in the words and figures following to wit, "Augt 6. 1787"
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, the day and year first above written.
Charles Cobb Clerk

State of Maine
Cumberland Co. On this thirteenth day of March in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and forty four personally appeared before Barrett Potter judge of Probate in and for said County Dorcas Mc. Donald of Standish in said County of Cumberland aged 75 years who being first duly sworn doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Pelatiah Mc Donald who served as Private orderly Sergeant and Express rider. Under Capt Hart Williams in 1775 + 1776, + in Capt Silas Burbank's Company in 1777- and who was an Express rider under Colonels Hovey + Sprout for the Northern Department and continued in the Revolutionary service to the end of the war in 1783. For further particulars of her husband's service she refers the commissioner to her declaration this day made in order to obtain the benefits of the provision of the act of Congress passed on the 7 th of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight. Dorcas Mc Donald
Sworn to subscribed on the day + year above written
Before Barrett Potter judge of Probate

State of Maine.
Cumberland ss. I John Appleton, Register of Probate in said County, certify that Darrett Potter is Judge of the Probate Court for said County as appears by the preceding declaration; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that full faith should be given to his acts and attestations in that capacity; and that the signature on the preceding page purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto placed my hand and the Seal of said Court, this Thirteenth day of March, Eighteen Hundred and Fortyfour.
John Appleton, Register.
Portland Maine

Portland 14 th March 1844
J. L. Edwards Esqr Commr of Pensions
He &c
Sir
I herewith forward to your Department the annexed declaration of Dorcas McDonald of Stawdish for the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed on the 3 d of March 1843. The evidence of her husbands service for the claim will be fur- nished from the records in your office or from the Rolls in the Office of the Secretary of Massachusetts in a few days.
I have to request that the certificate be sent to me when obtained
I am very Respectfully your obt Servt H. Bradford

Dorcas M c Donald
under joint resolution of 23 d Jan'y: 1845 - Vot of July 7 - 1838 -
Adm t : of 120 per ann: from 4 March 1836, to 4 March - 1841 -
H. Burford Portland Maine

State of Maine.
CUMBERLAND, ss.
I Charles Cobb Clerk of all the Judicial Courts in said County, certify that,
Joseph W. Paine esq is a Magistrate
as appears by the paper hereto annexed; that he is duly qualified to act as such; that his Commission is dated October 12th 1840 and will expire October 12th 1847
and that the following signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court for said State, this Twenty Sixth day of March Anno Domini 1847.
Charles Cobb CLERK.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 23 d January 1845.
Cumbulana Ys
Whereas the act of the 30 th April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period for which my husband was a pensioner I now make the following declaration under oath to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned
I am the widow of Petatiah McDonald who was a sergeant in the war of the revolution. I have drawn a pension at the rate of $120 per annum from the 4 th March 1843 to the 4 th March 1844 under the act of March 3 d 1843, and at the same rate from the 4 th of March 1844 to the 4 th of March 1845 by virtue of the act of June 1 st 1844 - and I now ask for the amount due me from the 4 th of March 1836 to the 4 th of March 1841 - Mary Ellen Harger
Dorcas McDonald mark
Sworn to me subscribed this 2 nd day of March 1845 at Standish. before me
Joseph W. Paine
Justice of the Peace
I certify that the declarant Dorcas McDonald is personally known to me, that she resides in Standish in the County of Cumberland, and that she is the same individual she represents herself in the foregoing affidavit
Joseph W. Paine
Justice of the Peace

158
Mar 25 1840
FREE
Col. L.
Edwards Esq. Petahik... one mile
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Maine Bank
Portland March 19. 1840.
Sir
There are certain facts relative to the Pension of Patatiah Mc'Donald a Aud ly Pensioner on the Roll of the Maine Agency which we deem it proper to state to the Department —
It seems that Mc'Donald was a pensioner under Act March 18. 1818 at 8 dls. per m o or 96 per annum; & that he has always been paid at that rate to Sept. 4. 1837. — That in Dec r 1837. his pension was raised to 120. dls. per annum under the act of July 7. 1832 and his name dropped from the first roll and placed on that of July 7. 1832,
In Jan y 1838 P. B. Abbott his agent & atty y , and who has for a long time before & since that time acted in that capacity for Mc'Donald, who is blind, applied for and received at this agency the increase of Mc'Donalds pension from March 4. 1831. to Sept. 1837 amounting to $156.
In March 1838. he applied again for Mc'Donalds Pension and was paid $60. for the semiannual payment then due and by mistake was paid again the arrearage from March 1831. to Sept 1837. viz t the sum of $156. — The vouchers were sent to the Department for the 1 st 2 d of 1838 without at the time discovering the error, before we were apprised of the result after examining the vouchers at the Comptrollers Office of that 2 d . Mc'Donald had rece d . by the same agent or atty y several semiannual payments $60. each — After we rece d the accounts from the Comptrollers for that 2 d . we first discovered the error, by the disallowing the several payments of the arrearage made in March — and the receipt for the $156. was taken from the vouchers and returned to this agency. The error was not discovered by us until Oct r last, the reason was our accounts had not been audited for 2 1/2 years from the time we had forwarded them to the Auditors Office.

as agent for paying pensions we have refused to pay McDonald any further until the sum which has been overpaid him shall have been restored or refunded. P. B. Abbot his agent or atty has failed in business and is unable to pay any thing, but does not deny that he received the money or as he says thinks it may be so as the receipt, for both payments he says are genuine. It seems to be his wish that McDonald should receive his pension - and compel the Bank to seek their money from him personally - we are assured that McDonald has made complaints to the Department, and we wish to know if we shall be sustained in the course we have adopted, proof can be furnished that the money was paid to Abbot, in atty to said McDonald agreeable to the receipt if required by your Department.
I am Very Respectfully your atty & etc.
A. Newhall, Dist.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington,

State of Maine } ss. Cumberland County, }
BE IT KNOWN, That before me, Joseph Warren a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Pettiah McDonald and made oath in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy :
WAR DEPARTMENT—REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
NO. 5508
18th March
I CERTIFY, That in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 1st of Dec, 1831
Pettiah McDonald
who was a Private of the Revolution in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Eight dollars and  per month  Ninety Six dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831 and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this twenty first day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty  thirty nine
J. C. Calhoun
SECRETARY OF WAR.
Examined and Countersigned. }
that he now resides in Standish and has resided there for the space of thirty two years past, and that previous thereto he resided in Gorham
Abner D. D. D.
Sworn and subscribed this fourth day of September 18 36 before me, J. W. Parise J. P.
NOTE.—The above deposition must be signed by the deponent. Where the pension has been increased, since the certificate has been given, the Magistrate will note that fact.

State of Maine
Yorke County
Personally appeared Abraham L. Gaine of Buxton in the State and County aforesaid and said that Dorcas McDonald is the widow of the within named Pelletiah McDonald and that she still remains the widow of the said Pelletiah McDonald Deceased
Abraham L. Gaine
Personall appeared Abraham L. Gaine and made oath to the truth of the above deposition Before Me ————— Yates Proger Justice of The Peace
October the eighth one Thousand eight hundred and forty three

Washington March 28. 1851
Sir
Patrick M c Donnell (now afterwards his widow, Dora), in a pecuniary for $120 per ann. The widow died in the 3 d of March 1847.
In addition to her savings as a Servt. M c Donnell served as an Ensign under the order of Col. May St. M c G. and is for the services the children claim an interest of their mother, Francis Dora the deduction as proof of service as Servant up to the time he was transferred to the 2 d Maryland Regiment.
Yours Truly Respectfully Reuben L. Gylarke
W. B. Smith Esq.

Shannish Mc. Aug 20/45
Dorcas Mc Donald.
How much premium has been allowed her -
M 325: see Aug 20
Ann's Office
Dorcas McDonald.
me 2d

To the Honorable Secretary War
Sir I wish you to inform me how much pension I have been allowed By your Department w. p. to this Date as the widow of Pelletick M c Donald deceased Revolutionary Soldier and Pensioner
The first payment I Recd five Dollars next it was in March 1848 Recd twenty five Dollars I Recd in June 1848 one hundred Dollars
I asked my agent how much he Recd he said two hundred Dollars and more - Cepleman to inform me what to do. I cannot recover it in action of debt for I have never Recd it
all that I have Recd in the three payments is $130
I am very Respectfully
Put on your letter North Benton Post office Maine
your Obedt Servant
Dorcas M c Donald
Standish August 20 1848
Maine

Portland Nov. 15. 1839.
Hon. J. L. Edwards -
Comm ee Pensions
Sir - I wish to apprise you of the request of an old soldier who is upon your pension list - of a circumstance which the Pension Agency here is proposing to offer as an impediment to his receiving the next semi-annual installment of his pension - but against which this pensioner wishes normally to enter his protest. The case is this -
Under the Act of March 7. 1832 Peter McDonald's pension was increased in Decr. 1837 from $90 per annum to $120 - & the arrearage of that difference was directed to be paid him - amounting to $156 -
With the order of your Department to pay these arrearages Mr. McDonald by his agent called at the Pension Agency here - on - the Main Branch. & received the $156 - & McDonald's agent receipted for the same accordingly - This was an

the 16th Jany. 1838. —
On the 16th of March then following, the same Agent of McDonald called at the Agency here & received McDonald's semi-annual pension, & receipted for the same — $60 —
On this latter date, the pension Agent here, finding that McDonald's pension had been increased & entitling him to arrearages, proposed paying the arrearages — on $156 — He was told that it had already been paid — viz. the January preceding — On turning to his book, no such entry of payment was found — & thereupon a new receipt was taken for the amount, to supply the omission which the books indicated to have occurred in January — the previous receipt not being there found — but no money was paid for it .
In Sept. /38. & again in March & Sept. 1839, subsequently — McDonald's pension has been regularly paid by the Bank. But recently, on discovering the preceding receipt for the before named arrearages, dated in Jany. 1838, & the duplicate thereof given in March following, the Bank has assumed that the arrearages were paid twice over & threatens to cancel McDonald's pension.

to be stopped until the amount shall have been repaid out of it, unless the same be repaid otherwise -
Now the facts above stated are all within the knowledge of McDonald's Agent - who avers that the money was never paid but once for the arrears - That the duplicate receipt was given only to supply what seemed to be the omission & neglect of the Pension Agent in not entering the payment made in January - & that McDonald never received one dollar of the arrears beyond the January payment - and lest an attempt should be made to stop McDonald's pension improperly, it is thought prudent to put you in possession of these facts - which make it purely a mat- ter of dispute between the Bank here & McDonald's Agent - or McDonald personally - & not at all a matter between the Government or U.S. Treasury & McDonald, or one which should at all prejudice the latter's future pension.
Your department of course, has author- ized the Bank to pay the arrears only once - if they have paid it more times, it is an

Matter for the Bank to have corrected in its own account - & not in account of the Government - I must treat it as a matter between myself & McDonald, & not between the Government & McDonald -
Very truly, & with great respect, you are but Francis J. Smith

Polish McDermott
Memphis Tenn
the
Presented
Was transf. in 1780 to 2nd Reg Regt @ us mtn Col H May 1862 - Exp. Regt - See his dis. recd. Oct 1862 1862
at Grand Mound 25 57
M Cole
Present
April 5 1887
Human Rights Sister the

Portland March 25, 1851
Dear Sir
Enclosed you have the Certificate of the Service of Pelatiah McDonald up to the time of his discharge from Col Sproats Regt in 1780. There are no rolls of Continental Service subsequent to that time, except some few detached muster rolls in the Secretary's Office. The original declarations of Pelatiah McDonald for the benefit of the Acts of 1818 and 1832 will show that he was transferred to the Quarter Master's Department about the time he was discharged by Capt Burbank. Mr Sylvester will understand the nature of that discharge. I presume and I understand it to be a mere foil to shield him, should he by chance fall into the hands of the enemy while carrying the despatches from one post to another.
I am not informed how much pension an Express rider would be entitled to but I find on the New York Rolls two or three instances where they have been pensioned under the act of 1832 at the rate of $188. per annum.
I suppose if the service can be established as Express Rider there can be no doubt but the discharge of Pelatiah McDonald from the 4 March 1831

to the 1 st Sept 1841, the time of his death. The widow not having been entitled the children can claim nothing under the acts of 1843 &c.
I am Very Respectfully Your O bt . Servt: Freeman Bradford
B. B. French Esq Washington D.C.

Dorcas M c Donald widow of Pelatiah M c Donald Income pension under act 3 March 1843. Maine Agency
F. A. Dickinson Atty.

Washington 27 / May 1883
Sir,
I have to request that the claim of Darius McDonald, of Maine, a pension under the act of 3 rd March 1843 may be re-examined and that a reference may be made to the Revolutionary records in the State Department. - The widow states that her husband at one time belonged to the Quarter Masters Department and the husband also states the same fact in his application for a pension under the act of 1818. - I cannot believe that he would have made such a statement - at that time unless it was true, as there was nothing to be gained by it. -
Yours respectfully Francis A. Dickinson
To the Commissioner of Pensions.

Portland Jan'y 17 th 1845
Sir
As there may be doubts whether the widow of Pollyah McDonald can receive the benefit of the Act of the 17 th of June 1844 unless upon special application I herewith transmit to you her dec- laration for the benefit of that act. I have omitted to procure a certificate showing that I was a magistrate on the 25 th of June last as that fact was shown among the papers in her application for the benefit of the act of 7 July 1838 made and forwarded to your Department in March last, and to which papers the appli- cant refers.
I am Respectfully
Your Obt Servt Freeman Bradburn
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington D. C.

Portland 26 th March 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Dorcas McDonald widow of Pelatiah McDonald for the benefit of the resolution of Congress passed February 23 d 1845. I am very respectfully Your O bt Servt H. Bradford
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions Washington D.C.

Portland March 16. 1840-
Mr. J. L. Edwards Com te Pensions-
Sir - I had occasion to write you a statement of facts in November last, relative to a probable attempt of the Pension Agent in this city, to detain the pension of Pettibah M c Donald for an alleged excess of payment to his, M c Donald's agent in March 1838 - and now the then threatened detention has taken place - My correspondence with you on the subject I have put into the Agent's hands, that he may proceed understandingly, and he will address you on the subject, also, to day - and your answer will decide his course, as well as that of Mr. M c Donald - But I beg leave here to remark, that notwithstanding the difference between M c Donald's agent's statement of the facts, and denial that the arrears in dispute were twice paid to him by the Pension Agency here - and even supposing it were an admitted truth

That McDonald's agent had received the amount twice over of the Agency here - nevertheless, as it is not pretended that McDonald ever received the arrears more than once, but as the contrary belief is expressly admitted by the Pension Agency here, I cannot conceive how the latter can as- sume to hold McDonald to an account for such second payment, and much less how your Department can assume to direct or in any way authorise the Agency here to withhold McDonald's subsequently ac- cruing pension on account of it - And for this plain reason, apart from all others - that McDonald, however his powers may in form read, cannot be supposed to have ever authorised his agent to receive any more money for him , or in his name , than was due by law, and, the Pension Agency here never could have construed or understood the power delegation to

McDonald's agent to extend beyond the receipt of the precise sum that was due by law. If through mistake or otherwise, the bank agency has paid McDonald's agent more than it must have known, or should have known but for its own fault , that such agent was empowered, & in- tended, by McDonald, to receive, the payment thus made becomes a matter of dispute between the two agencies exclusively , and not between the two principals - unless the payment can be traced home to one of the latter, in which event he might be equitably holden to refund - Such - That is the former, is precisely the case here. If Mc- Donald's agent received the money twice over, he received it once without McDonald's authority - and once more than McDonald has received it - the Bank paid it once in its own wrong & without the least wrong on the part of McDonald, and it would be most cruel to allow a party acting in its own wrong to cast the loss upon a party which it admits to be wholly innocent of aid in no way consent to such wrong, and especially when that party is a sick and necessitous old revolutionary pensioner shown disabilities

have not allowed him to step one foot out of his house for the last six months, and whose poverty within doors has scarcely spared him from peering and starvation.
I trust you will see enough in the merits and principles of this case to not only not authorize McDonald's lesson to be withheld - but also to interpose and direct its immediate payment, so as to protect the old man against the cruelty of that de- lay which must otherwise be incident to le- gal proceedings against the Agent here -
I have the honor to be
with great respect
Your obed Servt
Francis O. Smith

in at Dec 7. me.
L. L. Edwards Esq Law & Pensions Washington D. C.
Am. A. O. J. Smith H.M.

W. R. L. B. 7/37
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir - I enclose the original certificate & oath of identity, of Polish origin we should for an increase of pension, granted, I believe pursuant to the di- rections in a letter of the Secy. It was on the original, dated Oct. 16. 1937.
The good enough to direct the new certificate to me - I believe
Very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
Francis J. Smith

Portland 13th March 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm: of Pensions
He He
Sir
I herewith enclose the declaration and other proof in order to obtain a pension for Dorcas McDonald widow of Pelatiah McDonald under the Act of July 7th 1838. Pelatiah McDonald being on continental establishment, it is presumed that you have the record evidence of his service in your Department, consequently she has not transmitted the evidence in this case, but evidence from the records in Mass: will be transmitted with a claim that will be forwarded to you in a few days, for an increase & arrears claimed by her as due to her husband under the Act of 1832.
You will please forward the certificate when issued to me
I have the honor to be Your Obedt Servt H Bradford

John Young Ky 7 June 32

Portland June 4 th 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com r of Pensions
In the case of Dorcas Mc c Donald the widow of Petriah Mc c Donald sent to your Department on the 10 th of March last. I have received as yet no report. The claim in that case was for a pension as express rider under Asst: Dep t : Dr. M c Gen: Army Pay. I find there has been pensioned under the Act of 7 th of June 1832 the following persons as Express Riders. viz.
John De Camp N.Y. cont d $240 per an. Noah French N.Y. Mil. 160 " Moses Lyon Mass: cont d 240 " Thomas Donally Penn: 173.33 Ezekiel Randolph N.Y. 240 "
The authority for the appointment of express riders will be found in the Resolutions of Congress under date of Jany 7 th & 13 th 1780. Previous to that period the practice was to employ express riders & to pay them as such, as will be inferred from the resolution of the 27 th of December 1779. which provided that express riders in pay of the U.S. be discharged. The resolution of the 7 th & 13 th of Jany 1780 merely provided the manner of the appointment and those who served in that capacity subsequent to the Resolutions of Jany 1780 were paid for those services, as the journals of Congress & the Books in the Dr. M c Gen: Department will show.

In the case of Pelatiah McDonald's widow, we have not been able to establish the fact that he did serve in the capacity of Express. If that fact does appear in any of the Revolutionary Documents or Books in your Department, it would seem that both the practice and the authority, are in favor of the applicant for the pay of an express rider.
By reason of the great age of the applicant an immediate decision is desirable, and if you reject the claim for the increase and arrears, you will please send certificates for $120 per annum under the Acts of 1838 & 1843.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your O bt Servt
H. Bradford

Ho of Rep Washington Mar 5/52
Dear Sir
I send you the letter of Geo McDonald & will thank you to furnish me with an Answer -
Robert McDonald was a Revolutionary Pensioner - residing in Haverhill - Cumberland County Maine during the latter part of his life
Hon J S Hett Col Perkins
Yrs truly &c McDonald

Oct. 19, 1853.
Letter not carried
Pete...
M. ...
has not signed his radio-cannal an ... .. Rearm ... .. to ... ..
...

Stantish Sep 15 th /53
Not wishing to weary yours patience with lengthy communication, I thought I would write to you again respecting my pension claim. I wrote to you about four weeks ago requesting you to inform me whether it had been presented by our agent, he having undertaken the case some eight months ago and informed me that he had presented it six months ago and has not given me any information on the subject since, I have wrote to him several times without receiving any answer this agent is Francis H Dicking Esq of your City
This claim is for back pay of Petrick Mc Donald for services performed as a press ridge in the reclamation way with services he performed some two or three years
I wish you to write to me and inform me whether this claim has been presented and about or not, I cannot hear any thing from our agent. Please answer soon to Hon J P Waldo Esq. Hingham City D C

M c Donald Adkins
Nov 21
From J. L. Edwards Lowr Pension Washington D. C.

Hon. J. S. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D. C.
Med N

Standish August 16 th 1853
To Hon J P Waldo
Knowing your position as regards pensions, I am constrained to write to you in regard to a claim of back pay of Private M c Donald was entitled to for services performed as a spy, with success until he was taken, the pay he received until was $10 per month the heirs of Private F. Donche, M c Donald claim the back pay they having health desired, and that his need it very much being in low circumstances as most children of pensions are, which you to look into it and put me in the way to obtain it as soon as possible I consulted it to amagant Francis J. Vifhings, I grant City and have written to him three times within the last three months without receiving any answer, and for personal he is absent if you or any one else will attend to this case and obtain it we shall show them again some proof that there is not of us in number
please answer soon To the Hon Standish Maine J P Waldo Esq Washington City D C Yours respectfully Almon M c Donald

French Hybrids

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
March 21 1857.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Petrick M c Donald is same on rolls of 8 mo. service in 1775, in Capt. Hart Williams Co. Col. Minnys Reg t as a private of Yorham ; in the coat roll Nov r 2, 1775.
On Army books in Capt. Burbanks Co. Col. Sprouts Reg t as a Serg t of Yorham , from Jany 1, 1777 to Dec r 31, 1779 . 36 months, " was certified by Lt. Col. Tobias Fernald as D. Waveman , 28 th  Apr 1780 , & this day ( Aug. 18 , brings a discharge signed by Capt. Burbanks ,"
Wages were 170 l . (a 48/). 19 " " 60/.

11410
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Amasa Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

To the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The undersigned one of the children of Pelatiah McDonald late of Stanish deceased, wishing to obtain from the books and documents relative to Military service in the war of the Revolution the evidence contained therein relative to the service of his father states. That the said Pelatiah McDonald was a native of York Me., was a resident of Gorham in the time of the Revolution, served as private or corporal in Capt Hart Williams Company 8 mos in 1775. in the same company in Col Phinneys Regt in 1776 as sergeant for one year - in 1777 enlisted for D.W. in Capt Silas Burbank's Co Col Brewen Regt and served as orderly sergeant three years was then transferred to the command of Col Haney Hay D.M.G. and served in his command till peace took place as Express Rider for the Northern Department of the Army. This applicant is aware that there are no rolls of the Revolutionary Army to the end of the war and wishes all the evidence of service & the grade in which his father served.
George McDonald
Cornubeland ss. Feb, 27. 1851 Signed in my presence. F. Bradford Justice of Peace

Bothis McDonald
Recd. for a pension
Ms 213. See Sept 4/43
Prison Office
Petrah McDonald
me
See if Dora McDonald - name.
has been married

Dorcas McDonald widow of Pelham M c Donald of Standish Maine
To the Honorable Secretary of War Sir according the act of congress of eighteen hundred and thirty eight and in March eighteen hundred and forty three giving all revolution pensioners widows one year pay who were married previous to seventeen hundred and ninety I was married in seventeen hundred and eighty seven and have been a widow since eighteen hundred and forty one in August the thirtyth my husband deceased leaving me absent having drawn ten dollars per month I have not his draw bill in my possession Having lent it to P B Abbott to settle some business with the Bank and he will not return it he was in titled to draw ten dollars per month will appear your records for your deliberation I will inclose in my letter the town Clerks certificate of our marriage A L Coombe Esq disposition of his acquaintance for the term forty years or upwards Like wise gets the year's pay condition you will be pleased to return - I submit this to your candid deliberation
Very Respectfully
Your Ob t Servant
then
Dorcas M c Donald Mark
West George M c Donald Standish August 24 Maine 1843
To North Hollis Post office

State of Maine
Cumberland County ————— Gorham August 21. 1843.
I Eben Preble Clerk of the Town of Gorham do certify that in the records of marriages in said Town as given in by Edmunds Thorne a Justice of the Peace I find the marriage of Felitiah McDonald and Dorcas Stuart recorded as follows. (On)
To the Town Clerk of Gorham. Gorham August Sixth Seventeen hundred and Eighty Seven Felitiah McDonald & Dorcas Stuart were joined in marriage according to Law by me - Edmunds Thorne Just. Pacis.
Recorded by Austin Holden Town Clerk.
I Eben Preble as above named Depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town of Gorham, and that the above marriage is a true extract from the Records of said Town now in my possession with the exception of the dates which is expressed on the Records of said Town in fair legible figures as follows. — Augt 6 th 1787.
Attest Eben Preble, Town Clerk.
State of Maine
Cumberland County ss.
On this twenty first day of August Eighteen hundred and forty three Personally appeared before me Elijah Hayes a Justice of the Peace in and for said County — Eben Preble above named Town Clerk of the Town of Gorham — a person by me well known and entitled to full credit as a witness and made oath that the above extracts by him subscribed are truly copied from the Records of said Town, the dates being written out in words which are put down in figures only on the Records as before stated with no other alteration.
Elijah Hayes Justice of the Peace

State of Maine
Yorke County August 31- 1943
Abraham L Gane of Bristol in the County of Yorke and State of Maine Certifies and says that he has been acquainted with Beltsiah McDonald and wife of Standish the within named persons  for for forty years and that he was a Revolutionary Patron and he died August 30- 1940
Abraham L. Gane
No 213
State of Maine
Yorke ss. Personally appeared the above named Abraham L Gane and Made oath to the truth of the above Deposition Before Me Yates Grogan justice of the Peace August 31- 1943

M. & N. D. S.

Princeton, N. J., Feb. 6, 1895
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir:-
Pettiliah M c Donald Standish Cumberland Co., Maine.
John M c Donald Brunswick Cumberland Co., Maine.
The above, with their respective addresses, are in the list of Pensioners published by the government in the act for taking the 6 th Census, in 1841. Knowing the first to have been a relative, and believing the other probably was, I much desire a copy of the records on file in the Department in their cases. Will you greatly oblige me with copies of their "applications," I believe they are called. What I want is all you can furnish giving their histories.
Yours respectfully, Aug. MacDonald, 91 Mercer St., Princeton, N. J.