Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6358, for Obed Linsly, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Privateer
Linsly, Obed or Linsley
R. 6358
CONTENTS
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Obed Linsley son of Ebenezer Linsley by Sarah his wife was born at Branford August 13 th 1747
1 I have copy from the Record of Marriages, Births &c. in Branford West. Sam l Linsbie, Town Clerk. (Branford April 9 th 1833)

No 25.056
Obed Linsley Brattleboro Connecticut
Rejected - June 14 th 1833
Services on board Puatan on account - other Service only 5 months See letter to George Griswold - Guildford Conn.
George Griswold Guildford C.H. Brattleboro - Conn.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
Connecticut
A Statement, showing the Service of Obed Linsley Bradford
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enl'd 1775 2 Private Capt Robinson 83 years Living witness & trade   Enl'd 1776 1 Corporal Col Hall 84 years Additional evidence   Enl'd 1784 3 sergeant Capt Treat 86 years Statute credible   Enl'd 1779 2 Private Capt Olds Master of private levies Capt Baldwin Col Sabin  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Obed Linsley
25055
The Application of Obed Linsley of Branford Ct. for a Pension under the Law of 1832 - Taken before Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate for Guilford District

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, { ss. County of New-Haven,
Branford in the District of Guilford
On this 10 th day of Apr l 1833 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Judge of the Court of Probate for Guilford District now sitting, Obed Linsley a resident of Branford in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 55 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:—
in the year 1775 I enlisted for two Months in a Company commanded by John Robinson Capt Stephen Potter Lieut Nahel Harrison Ensign we were Detached from Col d Halls Ridgement and Marched to New York and done Duty in the City of New York as Guard at the expiration of two Months we were Discharged and I returned to My Family in Branford
in the year 1776 I volunteered or Enlisted into a Company of Light Horse under Command of Capt Sweet and done Duty in said Company one Month in New York at the expiration of one Month we were Discharged and Returned to my Family
in 1778 I enlisted on board the Private Revenge Robert Alds Master for three Months and done Duty on board said Private that term of Time we were stationed to cruise in Long Island Sound
in 1779 I enlisted for two Months in a Company Commanded by Benjamin Baldwin Capt Hamilton Dwight Lieut Thomas Cooper Ensign Ezekiah Salin was our Col d and done Duty in New Haven I served as Steward for our Company and was Discharged at the expiration of two Months

According to the best of my recollection I served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following graduation viz Four Months in the Militia as a Private and one Month in a Company of Light Horse as a Private and Three Months on board a Privateer as a Hand and for such service I claim a Pension
I was born in Branford New Haven County State of Connecticut in 1747 the Record of My age is herewith annexed as Recorded in town Records of Branford
I was living in Branford when I was called into service and have lived in Branford ever since
I was called into service by Enlistment
I never received any written Discharge neither have any written Discharge
I want to name some Men that are acquainted with me viz David Dazgett Nathan Smith and Ralph P. Ingalls all of New Haven Samuel Gault and Timothy Bradley of Branford
I cannot recollect neither can I find any person that is now living that done duty with me when I went to New York in 1775 in the Company commanded by Jehu Robinson Detached from Col. Hall's Regiment I hereby relinquish every other claim to any pension or annuity
So far as I know Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Stephen Elliott Judge

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
We, Timothy P. Gillett a Clergyman, residing in Branford and Benjamin R. Fowler , residing in Branford hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Obed Linsley who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty five years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. before me
Reuben Elliott Judge
Timothy P. Gillett Benjamin R. Fowler
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 Timothy P. Gillett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in Branford and that Benjamin R. Fowler who has also signed the same, is a resident in Branford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Reuben Elliott Judge
I, George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court of Guilford District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Obed Linsley for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office,
this tenth day of April 1833
George Griswold Clerk

New Haven County ss. Branford 16 th April 1833. Personally appeared Josiah Frisbie signer of the within Deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Before me
William Tyler Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Mr. Josiah Frisbie the Within Deponent for Twenty five years or more and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity
Branford 16 th April 1833
William Tyler Justice of Peace
I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford - Do hereby certify that W m Tyler who has taken & signed the attestation of the foregoing Deposition is a Justice of Peace for the Town of Branford in the County of New Haven acting under the authority of the State and that full credit ought to be given to his acts done in that capacity.
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of Office Geo. Griswold Clerk

The Deposition of Josiah Frisbie of Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut now 81 - Years old is as follows in 1779 I enlisted into a Company of Militia in which Benjamin Baldwin was Capt Hamilton Dwight Lieutenant Thomas Cooper Ensign we joined a Regiment under Command of Ezekiah Sabin as our Colonel and done Duty in New Haven for Two Months I well Recollect that Obed Linsley the within named applicant for a pension belonged to the same Company I did and done Duty there for Two Months as Steward for our Company the aforesaid time of Two Months excepting a few Days while he had a lame Hand then he done Guard Duty and I served as Steward in his Stead I have always lived a Neighbor to the said applicant and he is considered in the Neighborhood as he and I said to be a Man of Truth and veracity and I believe his Declaration to obtain a pension in all of it entitled to full Credit and I believe him to be 85 years old further the Deposition earth not Josiah F. Frisbie

The Deposition of Ebenzer Linsley Esq. now 68 years old is as follows viz I well Recollect That in 1776 Obed Linsley the within named person and applicant for a pension joined a Company of Light Horse Command by Capt. Treat They were ordered for New York and were gone not as I suppose up than one Month I recollect therefrom from these Circumstances that Either Ebenzer Linsley My Father or Obed Linsley were compelled to go on that tour of Duty and Obed Linsley done that tour of Duty for he exchanged Horses with My Father for the express purpose of doing that tour of Duty I have always lived a neighbour to the within applicant and know that he is reported to be a Man of truth and veracity and I believe him to be 85 years old further
The Deponent saith not Ebenzer Linsley Personally appeared Ebenzer Linsley who I certify to be a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed before me Reuben Elliott Judge The Deposition of Timothy Johnson now 75 years old is as
follows viz I well Recollect That Obed Linsley the within named applicant for a pension went on a tour of Duty in Left in a company time of time not Recollected of Light Horse of not left than one month and when they left Branford they were ordered  went for New York I have always lived a neighbour to Obed Linsley the within named applicant for a pension

and that he is Reported to be a Man of truth and Veracity by all his Acquaintance it is My opinion there ought to be full Credit given to the within Declaration for a pension as signed by him I believe him to be 85 years old further the Deponent saith Not
New Haven County ss Branford Apr 10 1833
Sim. Johnson
Personally appeared Simothey Johnson to me personally known and a credible witness and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me Nuben Elliott Judge
The Deposition of David Russell now 70 years old is as follows viz in 1779 I served as a private in a Company Commanded by Benjamin Baldwin Capt Hamilton Dwight Lieut Thomas Cooper Ensign for two Months in New Haven and Hezekiah Sabin was the Col of our Regiment and had the Command all that time the Deponent further saith that Obed Linckley served the within named applicant for a pension done duty with me in the same Company for two Months and was there Regular at Roll call and served as Steward in the Company and we were all Discharged together together I have always known the within applicant and he is Reported to be a Man of truth and veracity and I believe him to be 85 years old I further Depose and say that his Declaration within is entitled to full Credit in My Opinion further the Deponent saith not sworn and subscribed before me David Russell me Nuben Elliott Judge

The Deposition of Josiah Linsley now 81 years old is as follows viz in 1779 I done duty as a private under Benjamin Baldwin Capt Hamil- ton Dwight Lieut Thomas Cooper Ensign Theckiah Sabin was our colonel would done Duty in New Haven or our Company joined Col Sabin Regiment there and Obed Linsley the within applicant for a pension belonged to the same Company I did and done Duty a part of the time as Steward of said Company and I did Duty as Steward a part of the time according to the best of my Recollection Obed Linsley done two Months Duty at that time
The Deposition of James Goodrich now  years of age is as follows viz in the year I enlisted on Board the privateer Revenge Robert Alden Commander for three Months and done Duty on board said privateer as a gunner for that term of time and that Obed Linsley the within applicant for a pension belong- ed to the said privateer all that time and done Duty as a Hand on board for three Months as stated in his Declaration I further Depose and say that Obed Linsley has always been a Neighbour of Mine and I believe him to be a Man of truth and veracity and he is Reputed as such and always has been by all his acquaintances and I believe him to be  years old further More the Deponent saith not

The Deposition of Martha Bradley 83 years of age is as follows viz I well recollect that Obed Linsley who is now an applicant for a pension Enlisted on Board the privateer Revenge which sd privateer was commanded by My Husband Robert Olds and that they were gone on that cruise three Months I have a full recollection of that circumstance as Obed Linsley is My Brother further More the Deponent saith not Martha Bradley
The Deposition of Eli Forbes is as follows he being now 72 years old viz in 1778 I shift on Board the privateer Ranger or Revenge and according to the best of My Recollection I was on board and done duty for three Months the said privateer was commanded by Robert Olds I saw Hatchkin an 1 st Lieutenant and Obed Linsley was on Board and done duty as a private with me at the time I was on board which was three Months or thereabout Mr Linsley the within named applicant for a pension is Reported to be a Man of truth and Veracity and I believe him to be 85 years old Eli Forbes

The Deposition of James Goodrich now 75 years old is as follows viz in 1778 in September I ship on Board the Privateer Revenge as Gunner and done Duty as such for three Months Robert Olds Olds was our Commander Seaman of Scotch kin, first Lieutenant we were stationed to cruise in Long Island Sound and Alled Linsley was on board and done Duty as a private for the term of time of three Months I know him to be the same person that has signed the within application for a pension and he is Reported to be a Man of truth and veracity He has always lived a Neighbor of mine and I believe him to be 85 years old further the Deponent saith not James Goodrich
New Haven County ss Branford Sept 10 1833 Personally appeared Martha Bradley Elsie Forbes & James Goodrich all credible Witnesses and made solemn oath to the truth of the Depositions by them Signed as above
Before me Reuben Elliott Judge

L to H. Linsmore
Chas Lindsey Connecticut Act 7 th June 1832
Rejected See let. -Mr to Geo. Griswold June 13 th 1833
6358

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
6308 REJECTED
P. O. _____
Heidi Sindsley
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.