Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2121, for James Jerauld, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Pal
Gerould, James Eleanor
Ph. 212/
CONTENTS

421 Rhode Island Eleanor Jerould widow of James who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lieut & Ensign
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 75 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of Nov 47 and sent to
B. Lowell Providence R.I.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2/1848, Page 104 Vol. 1
July
D.R.D.
Reported
Should have been inscribed on the roll at Philadelphia nominally.

Burington Anthony of the city of Providence and State of Rhode Island, maketh oath that on the twenty sixth day of March A D 1846 at the request of Benjamin Cowell, he accompanied said Cowell to East Greenwich to the house of Sarah Gerauld where he saw Mrs Eleanor Gerauld an applicant for a pension, that after the usual salutations the said Cowell asked her in his presence where she had been residing for a few years past. In answer she said she had been residing with her son Ray Greene Gerauld in the State of Pennsylvania, in the county of Luzerne; had resided with him for the last eight years, said Cowell asked her where her original certificate of marriage had been during that time - To this question she replied that her son, about eight years ago brought it with other papers to said Luzerne so that it had been in her and in his possession ever since, until Mr Baker (he believes his Christian name is Joseph) took it with the other papers when he came after her last Fall. That Mr Baker came after her, saying that she was entitled to a pension, and she came to Rhode Island with him, for the purpose of obtaining it. She further said that Mr Baker and Judge Brayton came together when she made her declaration. That Judge Brayton read the declaration to her before she attested to it, and it was correct. She said she was married in 1793 as the declaration stated, she further said she never saw said Cowell before, said she was afflicted with nervous headache and was in indigent circumstances and came to Rhode Island in order to obtain a pension. She further said that her husband's papers had once been put into the hands of Elisha Harnis from eight to twelve years ago. That when her son took them, he took them from the house of one Stakeley Wood. That some time before the papers had been carried to Pennsylvania, Mr Harnis carried them to Mr now Judge

Brayton, and asked him whether she was entitled to any pension, and that Mr Brayton had told him she wasn't, that this is what she understood from Mr Harris.
Mr Cowell asked her if she ever made an application for a pension before, she said she had not, said further that said Mr Baker had married her grandfather's daughter, the above is the substance of the questions and answers in my presence. —
Burrington Anthony
S, worn to this 27 th day of March A. D. 1846
Before me John Pitman (District Judge U. S. for R. I. Dist.)

I hereby certify, that John Jerould of Warwick in the County of Kent & State of Rhode Island & Eng: and Mrs. Eleanor Andrews (Daughter of Mr. Beno in Andrews) of East Greenwich in the County & State aforesaid were Lawfully joined together in Marriage in said Warwick on the 5 th day of July A D 1893. by me the Subscriber — Henry Remington Jus: Peace

State of Rhode Island County of Kent
On this 27 th day of December 1845 personally appeared before me George A. Brayton Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Rhode Island Eleanor Gerald now resident in Warwick  East Greenwich in said County aged 74 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows passed July 7 1838 in that she is the widow of James Gerald late of Warwick deceased who was an Ensign & Lieutenant during the war of the Revolution and served as such in various companies & Regiments as will appear by the evidences hereto annexed. And she further declares that she was married to the said James Gerald on the fifth day of July AD 1793. as will appear by the original certificate hereto annexed. That her husband the said James departed this life April 21 st AD 1827 & since then she has remained a widow she was not married to him prior to his having the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January nineteen hundred & ninety four to wit at the time above mentioned
Eleanor Gerald

New York East Greenwich December 27 A.D. 1845
Personally appeared before me the within named Eleanor, Gerald and made oath to the truth of the within declaration by her signature. I further certify that from old age and infirmity she is unable to attend court and that her statements are entitled to full credit.
Geo A. Bracegirdle Attorney of the Supreme Court

I Sarah Card of East Greenwich in the County of Kent aged 80 years on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with James Gerald the husband of Eleanor Gerald now his widow that said James departed this life about eighteen years ago and that said Eleanor has remained a widow ever since that death of the said James
her Sarah X Card mark
State of Rhode Island County of Kent ss
East Greenwich December 27 1843
Personally appeared before me the above named Sarah Card and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed and I further certify that she is entitled to credit as a witness.
Geo A Brownson associate justice of the Supreme Court

I, Augustus J. Milledge of Warwick, in the County of Kent & State of Rhode-Island, on oath, do testify and say, that I have in my possession some old Pay abstracts and Rolls which belonged to my Grandfather Squire Milledge, formerly of said Warwick deceased, who was a Captain of a Militia Company during the War of the Revolution, and I further testify that it appears from one of said abstracts that James Gerould served as a Lieutenant in said Company from the fourth day of December 1776 to eighth day of January 1777 both inclusive, thirty six days, also by another of said abstracts that said James served as Lieutenant from October first to the thirtieth of same month 1777 thirty days, also on another of said Rolls from July 23 1778, to the 30 th of same month, nine days, on which it appears he served as Lieutenant,
Aug t J. Milledge
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Riverside No. 3 On the twenty-ninth day of December, A.D. 1845, personally appeared Augustus J. Milledge, subscriber to the foregoing, and made oath of the truth of the same; and I do certify

that said Milled is a credible witness, Before me,
Gaynalieb S. Wright, Justice of the Peace

I James Greene of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island on oath do testify and say that I am now eighty eight years of age that I was well acquainted with James Lerauld formerly of said Warwick (Deceased). During the war of the Revolution I belonged to the Pawtuxet Rangers but I well remember of seeing said James Lerauld on duty a number of times. He was an officer in Capt. Squire Mellers Company. I saw him on duty on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition in August 1778 also I believe I saw him on duty at Warwick Neck. Said James Lerauld served a great many tours of duty but how many I cannot tell but it is my opinion he must have served in all two years - he always did his duty when called upon. Witness Wm Garrison Joseph B. Baker James Greene
State of Rhode Island Kent Sc
In Warwick the 23 rd day of December A.D. 1845 then personally appeared James Greene and made Oath to the truth of the above Deposition before me and subscribed the same in my presence and I further certify that he is a credible witness. Wm Garrison Justice of the Peace

I Nathan Miller of Warwick in the County of Kent on oath do testify and say that I am now ninety three years of age, that I am well acquainted with Eleanor Gerould widow of James Gerould formerly of said Warwick deceased. I have always known them both, for a great many years, James Gerould was a School Master and I went to school to him, I well remember that in 1775 he was an Ensign in Capt. Reuben Whitman's Com- pany and when the war commenced he was called upon to do duty. In winter of 75 & 76 he was on the Island of Prudence Prudence in Narraganset Bay at the time the British burnt the houses on that Island he was then Ensign in Captain Whitman's Com- pany - this was in December 1775 and January 1776 I was there at the same time - He served more than three months on Prudence and Station at Warwick Neck according to my best recollection he was on duty more than half the time that winter, I also well remember that in October 1777 in General Spencer's expedition he served a month stationed at Tiverton, I also well remember that in August 1778 he was in Sullivan's Expedition on Rhode Island when he served a month and I believe he was then Lieutenant. During the year 1777 & 1778 he served as much as four months each year. The Militia were obliged to serve every third month and he always did his duty. After the British took possession of Newport in December 1776 he was stationed at Warwick Neck certainly as much as three months during that winter - Lieut. Gerould did not live more than fifty rods from the house in which I lived and I well remember his service Lieut. Gerould was also on Rhode Island at the time the French Troops were there in August 1780 he there served a month also on the Island in 1781.
He always belonged to Capt. Reuben Whitman's company and Capt. Miller's who succeeded Capt. Whitman. I cannot specify at this distant time all the services of Lieut. Gerould, but he lived near the shore and was always called upon and always went when called. He served during the war as Ensign and

Lieutenant more than two years in all. He married for his last wife Eleanor Andrews
attest W m Harrison Joseph B Baker
Nathan his  Miller mark
State of Rhode Island)
Kent Se. } In Warwick the 23 day of December A 1845 then Personally appeared before me the above named Nathan Miller and made Oath to the above deposition and subscribed the same in my presence and I further certify that he is a credible witness
W m Harrison Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island &c
Secretary's Office Decm 31. 1845
I Henry Bowen, Secretary of said State and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof
Do certify, that at the date of the official certificates severally annexed, the said George A Brayton was Associate Justice of the Supreme Court - William Harrison, Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in the County of Kent. and Gamaliel S Dwight Justice of the Peace for the City of Providence in the County of Providence, duly elected and commissioned, as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year above written
Henry Bowen

8 12 44 5 Thamer Jemal e A

There may certify That James Jerauld of Warwick son of Dutee Jerauld and Mary Rice Daughter of Henry Rice of sd Warwick Were Lawfully Married on the 1 st day of Janu y . Anno Domini 1769. by me Ephraim Westcot Justice Peace
Mary Jerauld Wife of Jas. Jerauld departed this life the 6 th day of January 1798 about 5 o'clock afternoon
Town Clerk's office Warwick June 3 rd 1846
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of the record as appears on the 81 page of the second book of Marriage, births & deaths in this office
Witness Wm Garrison T. Clerk
I hereby certify that James Jerauld of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island & Esq re and Mrs Elenor Andrews (Daughter of Mr Benoni Andrews) of East Greenwich in the county & State aforesaid, were Lawfully joined together in Marriage in said Warwick on the 5 th day of July A D 1798 by me the subscriber
Henry Remington Just. Peace
Town Clerk's office Warwick June 3 rd 1846
I hereby certify that the above certificate is a true copy of the original Record as appears on the 102 page of the second book of Marriages, births and deaths in this office
Witness Wm Garrison T. Clerk
Exp 25 cts paid by B Anthony

James Jerauld, R.D. Wid. File 2121.
copy of A pay abstract of Capt. Squire Miller's co. Col. Thomas Holden's regt. in R.D. commanded by Gen. Sullivan from July 23 to July 31, 1778.
A copy of a list of Capt. Squire Mil- ler's co. showing the number of days each man had attended from Dec. 4 1776 to Jan. 8, 1777
A (copy?) Pay abstract of Capt. Miller's co. Col. Waterman's regt. from Oct. 1 to 30 1777.
A receipt signed J. L. Taylor, Q. Master. dated Newport Sept. 8, 1781.
A book of provision returns of Lt. Col. Tillinghast's militia regt. in R.D. during August, 1781.
These papers have been removed from this case to be forwarded to the War Dept. Sent to War Dept. Jan'y 16. 1913. AW
DEC 27 1913

N 430 Sharon Grader application for Pension widow of James Pa
act 29 July 1845

State of Pennsylvania:
County of Luzerne, ss.
On this thirty first day of January A.D. 1849, personally appeared before me John A. Congingham President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Eleanor Gerould now resident in Abington in said County, aged seventy seven years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 29 th 1848, entitled "An Act for the relief of certain surviving widows of Officers and Soldiers of the Revolutionary Army": That she is the widow of James Gerould, formerly of Warwick, in the County of Kent, in the State of Rhode Island, who was an Ensign and Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution in the Troops of Rhode Island; he served in those capacities in various Companies and regiments twelve months as she has understood, but it is now out of her power to specify the particular time and stations, or his Superior Officers; she must refer to the evidence now in the War Department, taken to support her claim in a former declaration; and she further declares that she was married to the said James Gerould on the fifth day of July, A.D. 1798, in said Warwick, as will appear by the records of said Town, a copy of which is herewith annexed: And she further declares that her husband the said James Gerould died on the 27 th day of April A.D. 1827, and since that time she has remained a widow; she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the second day of January, A.D. eighteen hundred, to wit, at the time above stated; and she further swears that she is now a widow, and has never received a pension.
Witness John A. Congingham
Eleanor X Gerould mark
State of Pennsylvania,
County of Luzerne, ss.
On the day and year first above written,

personally appeared before me, the above named Eleanor Teranld, and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by her signed, in open Court of Common Pleas. I further certify that her statements are entitled to full credit.
Wm. H. Myngham
President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County.
I, Ray G. Teranld, of Abingdon, in the County of Luzerne, and State of Pennsylvania, aged forty five years, do testify and say that Eleanor Teranld who has signed and sworn to the preceding declaration is my mother, and the said James Teranld was my father. My father died in the Month of April, A. D. 1827, and since that period my mother has remained a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, in open Court of Common Pleas, this thirty first day of January, A. D. 1849: And I do further certify that the said Ray G. Teranld is a credible witness.
Ray G. Teranld
Pres t Judge
Wm. H. Myngham of the Court of Com. Pleas of Luzerne Co.

State of Pennsylvania;
County of Luzerne, ss.
I, Wm. P. Miner, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify, that John A. Cunningham, before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavits were made, in open Court, and whose name is thereunto subscribed, is the
President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Luzerne County aforesaid, duly Commissioned and qualified; and that his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that his signatures to the said affidavits are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court, at Wilkes Barre, this thirty first day of January, A.D. 1849.
Wm. P. Miner
Prothonotary.

Providence Sept 28 1849
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 7 th inst respecting the claim of Eleanor Gerould widow of James Gerould a Lieutenant & Ensign, I have to say, that I have now the original Rolls now in my hands referred to by Augustus J. Millard in his affidavit in this case with permission to hold them for a short time, which belonged to his Grandfather, But he refused to have them sent to Washington, To come an examination they substantiate what he has asserted on oath relative to Lieutenants Geroulds service (2 Mo & 15 days), I will send copies of these Rolls certified in any way you may direct if necessary. I have also further to say, that in 1845 I sent another original Roll of I st Regt Millers Company under the expectation it would be returned when examined. By a receipt on the back of this Roll (a copy of which I retain) signed by "James Gerould" it will appear he served from Jan y 9 th to Feb y 8 th 1777 thirty days as appears by his receipt. He served this term as "Ensign" at least he received pay as Ensign & I presume from this circumstance

he served in the room of the Survey of the company at the time (John Hopper) who did not swear or sign the receipt. This tone commenced immediately after the one ending four months in Millers affidavit — I also transmitted with Mrs. Jewards papers when first sent on an original Bill of Capt Allen Johnson (c by which it will appear Lieut. Jeward served one month in 1781, making 4 Mos & 15 days proved by documentary evidence.
For the services previous to all the above I refer you to Nathan Millers affidavit who testifies to a service more than three months service as Ensign in Capt. Whitmans Company in 1775, to which he was personally knowing. Capt. Whitman commanded the company before Lieut. Millard, but left no Rolls.
The District Attorney informs me that he has agreed to your direction returned all the original papers in Mrs. Jewards case to the Pension office, and in your letter of above date you observe that when those papers are returned the claim will be decided — I think there can be no earthly doubt but Mrs. Jewards husband served from 8 to 10 months —
I am very Respectfully de Bary a Council
J. L. Edwards Esq

P.S. The pay abstract & the receipts on the books of Simon Millards as from Jany 9 to Feb 8, 45 is now in the Pension office sent by me in 1845 to which I refer you for another month's service of James Geroulda. Had the Bill been returned to Millards or to me, the service it proves, would have been attested to in Millards affidavit sent with Mrs. Geroulda's papers. I have now a copy only of this Bill &c.

Providence Oct 5 1849
Sir
In answer to yours of 2 d inst. respecting the claim of Eliza Jerault widow of James Jerault, Lieut., & requesting me to forward the original Rolls, saying after being compared they should be returned, & that six months service would be allowed. I herewith enclose these old original Rolls & copies thereof except the Receipts on the backs of the same, - all which you will find as stated in my letter of 28 th ult.
I am respectfully your obed Servt Benja Cowell
P.S. I hope more than 6 months will be allowed as I think the evidence proves more
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Nov 14, 1849
Sir
In your letter of Oct 2 d 1849 respecting the claim of Eleanor Jerrald for a pension under the act of July 19 1848. you observed that a pension should be granted if I would transmit correct copies of some original Rolls, together with the originals themselves, that the copies might be compared with the originals, and then to be returned. This I did, I caused correct copies of three original Rolls to be made out & sent them with the originals, that you might compare them since which I have not heard from them. Permit me to enquire if those Rolls were received & if so allow me to request that the claim be allowed & a certificate granted.
I am Respectfully Your obed Servt Bryant Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Payment to be made at
Providence by Paris Hill
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Rhode Island
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 109 Vol. 1 - 9.
J. B. Chase Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
July 12 February 29. 1848, I certify that in conformity with the act of February 29. 1848, Eleanor Jerould of Rhode Island widow of James Jerould who was a Lieutenant & Ensign in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Seventy Five dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this 17 th day of November one thousand eight hundred and Sixty nine
T. Emory
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Providence Nov 23 1849
Sir
I herewith return the certificate of Mrs. Jerould for correction. Mrs. Jerould lived in Abingdon, Luzerne Co. in the State of Pennsylvania when she made her declaration under the act of July 29 1848 and her pension should be made payable at Philadelphia. This mistake was a very natural one as she formerly belonged & lived in R. Island but she now lives with a son of hers in that place. —
The name of the month in which the above act was passed, is also omitted, which should be I presume inserted —
Please to have these mistakes corrected & the certificate returned or another granted
Yours Respectfully Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Sept 9 1849.
Sir. Upon communicating your request to my predecessor, he handed me the enclosed papers & stated that these were all the papers which he had received except a paper marked (C.) which was a family record which he had delivered to Mr. Stetson Wood one of the family to be re-delivered on request, and that he would obtain it if required & forward it to your office.
Very Respectfully Yrs Mr. Gents
L. L. Edmonds Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
L. M. Clarke U. S. Atty for the R. I. Dist.

Providence May 25 1849
Sir
I herewith enclose the claim of Mrs Eleanor Jervauld now resident in Abington Penn. widow of James Jervauld formerly of Warrick Rhode Island for a pension under the act of Congress of July 29 1848, a few years ago this woman moved into this State & made an application for a pension but on account of an attempted fraud respecting the date of her marriage, her claim was rejected & she was prosecuted, you may remember that when I was in Washington, a few months since I spoke to you about this claim & asked you whether the prosecution against her would be any obstacle to obtaining a pension under the above act, the time of her marriage being within its provisions. You observed it would not, if the prosecution was not sustained & if her marriage did actually take place in season to be embraced within the provisions of the above act. It will appear by the certificate of the U S District Attorney attached to the enclosed copies of depositions that the indictment against her was. Nol: Pros d June 1847 & by a certified copy from the

from the records of Warwick, it appears she was married within the period limited by the act. This certificate is enclosed after the prosecution against her was discontinued she moved back to Pennsylvania & after the act of July 29/48 was passed she made another application, which is enclosed, among the original documents sent with her former declaration was an original Roll of Capt Allen Johnson's Company on which is borne Lt James Graddes name for a month's service in Aug & Sept 1781. His name is also borne on the Rolls of Irvine, Millard, Company as testified by his Grand Son Asa Graddes of Millville - Two of the principal witnesses, to wit, Nathan Miller & James Greene are now deceased, but their affidavits, once taken in her former declaration, & copies from the originals are now enclosed. All the documentary evidence of service are now in the Pension office sent with her former claim, to which I refer you. It will appear from the testimony he served 12 Months, at least as Ensign & Lieut so as there can now be no objections to her claim I hope it will be granted
I am respectfully your obed Servt Benja Lowden
J. L. Edwards Esq

State of Rhode Island &c
County of Kent
I William Harrison of Warwick in said County do certify that I am Town Clerk of said Town and hold in my possession the records of the births and Marriages which have taken place in said town, by virtue of my office - and I further certify that it appears from said Record that James Jerauld of Warwick in the County of Kent in said State was Married to Eleanor Andrews of East Greenwich in said County on the fifth day of July in the year one thousand Seven hundred and ninety eight as appears of record.
The Record as it is in the Books is as follows word for word and figure for figure.
I hereby certify that James Jerauld of Warwick in the County of Kent and State of Rhode Island &c Esq r , And M rs Eleanor Andrews Daughter of M r Benoni Andrews of East Greenwich in the County & State afore d , were Lawfully joined together in Marriage in said Warwick on the 5 th day of July AD 1798. by me the Subscriber
Henry Remington Just. Peace
Witness W m Harrison Town Clerk
Kent ss In Warwick February 8 AD 1849
Personally appeared before me, the above named William Harrison known to me as Town Clerk of said town and made oath to the truth of the above Certificate which is entitled to full credit Before me Alfred Root Justice Peace

State of Rhode Island County of Kent } Se.
I Jeremiah J. Slocum Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a court of Record, do hereby certify that Alfred Read Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Warwick in said County of Kent and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity, and that the his signature within written is genuine —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 15 th day of February A.D. 1849
Jeremiah J. Slocum Clerk
Your Cheek Certificate of Marriage

June 8, 1846.
Rec con of
Eleazar Gerauld.

Providence June 6 th 1846
Sir,
I have concluded the examination of Eleanor Israel on the charges against her. I had her arrested on Complaints of Judge Lowell, with a hope that it might lead to the detection of some other person who evidently must have made the alteration in the Certificate. From all the testimony in the case I am well satisfied the alteration in the Certificate was made in Luzerne County Pennsylvania, but by whom or by whom pro- secute must I have no well grounded suspicion, aside from all legal inferences.
The prisoner is a most pitiable object. She is very feeble & decrepid and appears considerably older than she really is - It is my duty to indict her and put her upon her Trial should you remain of the opinion that the cause of public Justice requires the prosecution to go on, exceedingly disagreeable though it be & certainly is - I must express to you a doubt however, whether the old woman could survive much trouble in regard to it - And I must say further, that altho' every Jury must be presumed to be willing to do their duty, still it is a matter of doubt uncertainty whether she would not be acquitted, if they could find the slightest excuse for it - I would suggest to you whether under all the circumstances, you would consider yourself bound to proceed further. If so, I shall vigorously prosecute it - If left to my discretion I should consider on it, & perhaps wait for further disclosures - In any event I shall require no attendance of a witness from your department - I should be

pleased to receive from you an early reply and in the mean time remain
in haste.
Yours affly W. S. Bruges
My I is bound over to take her trial.

Com
May 12 '46
10
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
13
U.S. Dist. Atty Providence R.I. Re: case of Mrs. Gerald Fraudulent

W. S. Attorney's Office District of R Island Providence May 7. 1846
Sir,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st inst. together with the papers in the case of E. Jerould marked A. B. C. & D.
From inquiries made by Judge Cowell and myself in regard to the alterations in the date of the morning certificate, I have but faint expectation indeed of connecting any other person with the act than the old woman herself.
It will require very skillful eyes to detect an alteration in the date, and I can but think that James Jerould himself made the mistake , which his widow now attempts fraudulently to avail herself of - However, the matter shall be thoroughly investigated, in the course of a few days, before a Court of Examinations & if she is bound over, I shall want all the evidence to be before the Grand Jury in Newport on the 15th of June. I shall write you again on the subject.
In the mean time I am Sir
very Respectfully
Your obt Servt
W. S. Burges
To J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington D. C.

Sir
Providence April 27 1846
I received yours of the 13 inst relative to the fraud in the case of Mrs. Gerould in which you observe that you rely on me "to indicate the sources whence evidence may be obtained". In reply I have to state, that I immediately consulted the U.S. District Attorney Walter S. Burges Esq as to the most proper mode to do this, stating to him the facts. We concluded that we would go together down to Warwick & ascertain what evidence there was In pursuance of this arrangement we went to Warwick last Friday. We first went to the Town Clerk's office where the Registry of births & marriages are kept. We examined the records & found that Mrs. Gerould, the claimant, was married July 5 1798 of which Mr. Burges took a memorandum. We then went to the house of Joseph Baker, the man who brought me the original documents. Mr. Baker stated in substance what he had previously told me, and which I detailed to you in my letter of the 7 inst, with this additional fact. He said that Mrs. Lord, sister to Mrs. Gerould employed him to go to Pennsylvania

after Mrs Jerould and to bring her to Rhode Island, & paid all her expenses. That Mrs Jerould was poor & Mrs Card wished would her to live with her, — We then went to see a man by the name of Stukely Wood who, as we understood, married James Jerould's daughter by his first wife. Mr Wood told us that James Jerould died at his house & left in his possession all his papers requesting him to take care of them, Mr Wood said he left a great many papers to use his own words "a bushel & a half" and among them was a family Register, which, from what he said is now, I presume in your possession, also the original certificate of his marriage to his last wife now his widow. Mr Wood also said that about four years ago Mr Ray of Jerould Mrs Jerould's son came to his house & took away some documents, among them the certificate of marriage & he had not seen it since — We understood from him also as well as from Mr Baker that Ray of Jerould now resides in Abbingdon Luzerne Co. Penn la and with him his mother the claimant lived until she came to Rhode Island last fall. These are the principle facts ascertained by us & they show where evidence may be obtained
I am Respectfully yours Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence April 7 1846
Sir
I received your letter of the 30 th relative to the fraud in the case of Eleanor Gerould & agreeably to your request I have called on Judge Brayton, who is now attending Court in this City, to make enquiry into the circumstances under which she made oath to the declaration before him. Judge Brayton says, that he went with Joseph Baker to Mrs Gerould, when she made her declaration to obtain a pension that he read the declaration to her, & she appeared to understand it. She appeared however much broken down & very infirm. That Mr Baker Mrs Lord sister to Mrs Gerould & a young woman were present, does not recollect of any circumstance which would connect any one with any fraud or imposition, if any was committed.
Since I wrote you last, Mr Baker has called on me to make enquiries relative to the claim, whether I had heard any thing from Washington respecting it, whether I thought it would be granted &c. As I wish to keep you advised of every circumstance that comes to my knowledge respecting this fraud I will state the substance of what he said, I told him I had heard from it, but nothing favorable, I then asked

him where he obtained the original documents that he brought to me, where he requested me to prosecute his claim. He said he took them from Mrs. Gerould during their journey from Pennsylvania. That when they stopped for the night at a place called Carbondale, I think it was, he examined them. On my making enquiry about the marriage, he said he examined the certificate of marriage & saw they were married within the time I had told him she must be married in order to obtain a pension. He observed also that the marriage certificate appeared to be in a different handwriting from that of the Justice, Henry Remington, who married them he thought it in the handwriting of Gerould himself, who had been Town Clerk of Warwick for many years. He said he examined the documents again after he got home & thought he married in season, also recollects when he brought the documents to my house, that we examined them & that I observed they were married in season. He said Mrs. Gerould had been living in Pennsylvania for seven years past. During the conversation, I told him there was an objection to the marriage but did not explain what it was. It was this which caused the conversation about the certificate. The above is the substance of what he said as near as I can remember. I am Respectfully yours Benja. Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence March 27 1846
Sir
I wrote you on the 23 d inst in answer to your letter of 18 th relative to the claim of Eleanor Fernald which I presume has been received. The contents of that letter astonished me as I informed you — I now enclose the affidavit of Burlington Anthony Esq U S Marshal for this District who accompanied me to the house where Mrs Fernald now resides & who has testified to what she said in his presence to questions propounded. I said in my letter that I should feel it my duty to do all I could to aid the Government for I had been grossly imposed upon I accuse no one but I have a right to defend myself. Neither Mr Anthony or myself thought it best to reveal the contents of your letter but to get all the information relating to respecting the fraud. — I remarked in my letter that when Mr Baker brought me the old documents I read them in his presence & had not the least suspicion that the marriage certificate had been altered. It appeared genuine and such was my impression at the time, and I sent it to you with the papers as such, not having the slightest suspicion of fraud. It is true I did not closely & critically examine it and the reason was

I had sent a great many original certificates to you & had never been deceived to my knowledge, I also wrote you that Mr Baker informed me that she was then living in the State of New York but it now appears from her answers that she was living in Pennsylvania and yet I am confident Mr Baker said New York But it is possible I might be mistaken. Mr Baker however never told me that he himself had been often here to bring her to Rhode Island as she informed me in the presence of Mr Anthony. Of this I am confident — I also informed you that I had never seen her at the time I sent the papers. She says she never saw me before I came with Mr Anthony.
You were kind enough to inform me that it was "due to the character I had always sustained to apprise me of the facts and await my explanation" I know that I have not done any thing knowingly to reflect that character and I hope & trust I never shall, and as respects this claim I hope the affidavit of Mrs. Sarah Anthony together with my explanation will satisfy you that whatever agency I have had that no fraud or imposition was intended by me —
I am Respectfully Your obedt Servt Benja Cowell
Mr Edwards Esq

Providence March 23 1846
Sir
I have received yours of the 18 th inst relative to the claim of Hannah Jeroulda with the greatest surprise and astonishment. I thank you for letting me know of the intended fraud upon the Government and I will now frankly acquaint you with every fact & circumstance of which I have any knowledge relative to this claim. — According to my best recollection, some time last summer or the forepart of Autumn, a gentleman by the name of Baker (I forgot his christian name) of Warwick about Ten miles from this City called upon me & requested some information with regard to the Pension laws of Congress, at what time a widow must have been married to be entitled &c. I told him what the laws were both as to marriage & service, He then observed that he knew of a person, I think he said she was his Aunt, or relative but I am not certain. The widow of James Jeroulda formerly of that town who had served in the war of the Revolution as an officer, who he thought was entitled, if she was married in season I asked him what proof there was of the marriage He replied she had, or he believed she has the

original certificate of marriage. I told him that was sufficient, I then asked him why she had not applied for a pension before. He observed, if I remember correctly, that she had been living in the State of New York or was then living in that State & was coming to Rhode Island soon, I do not remember which.
At the next interview we had, according to my best recollection, he handed to me the original documents consisting of the marriage certificate Capt Allen Johnson Pay Abstract & some others. I read them in his presence I read the marriage certificate and saw she was married in time, and I remember of saying to him she was married in time, and I believe I said, just in time that is, there was not many months to spare before January 1, 94, nor had I the remotest suspicion when I read the certificate, that it had been altered. So far as I now remember, it appeared perfectly genuine. Not a great while after this I prepared her declaration & carried it to Warwick expecting to see her, as Mr Baker had before informed me she had come to Rhode Island. But Mr Baker informed me, she was then living with her sister, I think he said her sister, in East Greenwich some six or seven miles off. I therefore left the declaration at Judge Braytons with a request

for him to attend to the business. In a few days after this Mr Baker went with Judge Brayton to the house, in East Greenwich, where Mrs Jerould was, as he afterwards informed me, and the declaration was duly executed. I never saw Mrs Jerould myself, In fact I never knew that there was such a woman until Mr Baker informed me, After the declaration had been sworn to, Mr Baker brought it to me. Indeed all the information I had, was mostly through him & all the agency I had, was done at his request ————— After the declaration had been attested to & all the papers prepared & duly certified I sent them to you thinking it a fair claim not having the slightest suspicion of any fraud, If the marriage certificate has been altered, I have been grossly imposed upon as well as yourself & shall feel it my duty to assist the government in whatever measures it may, think proper to pursue so far as I have any knowledge of the facts, I regret beyond measure that I have been made an instrument through whom fraud had been designed for nothing is more abhorrent to me, As I know I am innocent I hope your knowledge of my character will clear me in your mind from any

intentional participation in such a gross fraud as appears to have been committed, what I have stated is the truth, so far as I have had any agency in this business and I have stated it fairly & candidly to the best of my knowledge & recollection
I am very respectfully Yours - ob't Serv't Benja Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Washington March 19, 1846
J. L. Edwards Esq Sir
Late last evening I recd d your favour of the 18 th inst. I see the propriety of your retaining the family record. I feel it my duty to say to you, that Capt. Thomas communicated to me the same facts on Saturday evening last, and before the recd d of your letter & without any knowledge of the intention of the Department, I had, perhaps rather incautiously, written to my correspondent Horatio Arnold Esq. alluding to it of the same. The parties are all unknown to me.
Yours respectfully J. H. AMOSS

Submitted to the pension office on 14th March 1846 by Geo. Thomas Agent for the  family  record .
Dear General, H. H. Arnold Washington City District Columbia
March 13th 1846
Yours
[Handwritten signature or mark]

B
Warrenton 1848 July 9 th
Dear
W m Lemuel H. Arnold Washington City District Columbia
Submitted to the Pension Office on 14th March 1846 by Asst. Pension Agent Mr. Lawrence's family record.

Warwick Rhode Island January 31 1846 Hon. Samuel H. Arnold D r Sir
I received your very kind favour acknowledging the receipt of mine and want to intrude upon your kindness once more I here inclose you the Family Record of James Gervault Esq r who done services in the Revolutionary war you will Observe he had two Wives and his second Wife has sent on proving the services by sending Books and papers that he kept while serving as quarter Master in the Ridgement or army and his first Children thinks the money due him if any belongs to them and further suppose that his last Wife has not made known to the Pension Department that he had a Wife before the revolution and has not making that known she expects to get money that may not belong to her the request of the first Heir of yours is to see the Books she sent to the Pension Department and see the business rightly conducted her papers were sent a fortnight or three weeks ago so we think it will be easy for you to find them, and one more request I suppose the name of Benoni West is enrolled on the papers that she his second wife sent as we think there were some enrolment among those papers Benoni West was a man of Colton and has a widow he was married to his last Wife between twenty three and four years

ago he has been dead Eleven years if you should find their this name is I think something due to his widow or to his daughter he had by his first wife Nathan Millard a man thirty four years old and in the service to says he was in Providence at the time General Lafayette was there and says Beoni West and the General shook hands very cordially together and that the general called him a good soldier & C.
Your Humble servant Horatio Arnold

440
Eleanor Gerald M rs  J. R. G. P. R. G.
Act. 7. July 38
m 93 — 1 — no Miller — Oct 76. Subt 1.6 " Oct 77. " 1 — " July 78. " 9 roll — Aug 87. L st 12.15. — husband d ied 21 Sept 1827
Rejected,
Maria, 1798
admitted
St. L. Engr. P 75 for an com. e. work 1848
B. Cornell, Providence R.I.

Providence Dec 31 1845
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Mrs Hannah Gerould widow of James Gerould for a pension under the act of July 7 1838 He served as Ensign & Lieutenant during the whole war. As all the witnesses are dead who served in the same company with him. it is impossible for her to specify in a particular manner the months he was in service. The law of Rhode Island was, that the Militia should serve every third month & the testimony of Nathan Miller goes to show that he always served when it came to his turn I have therefore to request that such an estimate may be made of his services as may be just. He served a great deal in every year from 1775 to 1781 the witnesses believe over two years in all It will also be seen that he served as Quartermaster one month as well as Lieut

at the same time viz from Aug 8, to Sept 8 - 1781. This is proved by the old Book containing the "Returns & Receipts." herewith enclosed I also enclose a Roll of the Company of Capt Allen Johnson in which he served as Lieut & did Lieut Muster duty at the same time for which she is entitled to an additional amount of pension for this Month - It may be proper to add that the reason why she did not make an application before, was that she has been residing in the State of New York for a number of years from her friends & those who could assist her. I am respectfully Your obed Servt Benja Cowell
J L Edwards Esq

I Sarah Carr of East Greenwich in the County of Kent aged 80 years on oath do testify and say that I was well acquainted with James Scarsdale the husband of Eleanor Scarsdale now his widow that said James departed this life about Eighteen years ago and that said Eleanor has remained a widow ever since the death of the said James.
her Sarah X Carr. mark.
State of Rhode Island      East Greenwich County of Kent      fe.      December 27 1845 Personally appeared before me the above named Sarah Carr and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed and I further certify that she is entitled to credit as a witness.
Geo A Drayton associate Justice of the Supreme Court.

36
I Augustus S. Miller, of Warwick, in the County of Kent & State of Rhode Island, on oath do testify and say, that I have in my possession some old Pay Abstract and Roll which belonged to my Grandfather, Squire Miller, formerly of said Warwick deceased, who was a Captain of a Militia Company during the War of the Revolution, and I further testify that it appears from one of said abstracts that James Scrauld served as a Lieutenant in said Company from the fourth day of December 1776 to eighth day of January 1777, both inclusive, thirty six days, also by another of said abstracts that said James served as Lieutenant from October first to the thirtieth of same month 1777, thirty days, also on another of said Rolls from July 23, 1778 to the 30th of same month, nine days, on which it appears he served as Lieutenant.
30
9
2.15
Augt S. Miller
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss On the twenty ninth day of December, A.D. 1845, personally appeared Augustus S. Miller, subscriber to the foregoing and made oath of the truth of the same and I do certify that said Miller is a credible witness. Before me
Samuel L. Knight Justice of the Peace

I James Greene of Warwick in the County of Kent, and State of Rhode Island on oath do testify and say that I am now Eighty-Eight years of age, that I was well acquainted with James Scammon formerly of said Warwick (deceased). During the war of the Revolution, I belonged to the Pawtucket Rangers but I well remember of seeing said James Scammon on duty a number of times. He was an officer in Capt. Squire Milsaps Company. I saw him on duty on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition in August 1778, also I believe I saw him on duty at Warwick Neck. Said James Scammon served a great many tours of duty but how many I cannot tell but it is my opinion he must have served in all two years. He always did his duty when called upon. Witness Wm Garrison. James Greene. Joseph D. Barker, State of Rhode Island Kent ss }
In Warwick the 23 d day of December A.D. 1845, then personally appeared James Greene and made oath to the truth of the above Deposition before me and subscribed the same in my presence and I further certify that he is a credible witness. W m Harrison Justice of the Peace.

I Nathan Miller of Warwick in the County of Kent on oath do testify and say that I am now ninetythree years of age, that I am well acquainted with Eleanor Serault widow of James Serault formerly of said Warwick deceased, I have always known them both for a great many years. James Serault was a School Master, and I went to school to him, I well remember that in 1775 he was an Ensign in Capt. Reuben Whitman's Company and when the war commenced he was called upon to do duty. In winter of 75 & 76 he was on the Island of Providence in Narragansett Bay at the time the British burnt the houses on the that Island. He was then Ensign in Captain Whitman's Company. This was in December 1775 and January 1776. I was there at the same time. He served more than three months on Providence and Station at Warwick Neck according to my best recollection he was on duty more than half the time that winter. I also well remember that in October 1777 in General Spencer's expedition he served a month stationed at Siverston. I also well remember that in August 1778 he was in Sullivan's Expedition on Rhode Island when he served a month and I believe he was then Lieutenant. During the Year 1777

1778 he served as much as four months each year. The Militia were obliged to serve every third month and he always did his duty. After the British took possession of Newport in December 1774, he was stationed at Warwick Neck certainly as much as three months during that winter. Lieut. Serault did not live more than fifty rods from the house in which I lived and I well remember his service. Lieut. Serault was also on Rhode Island at the time the French Troops were there in August 1780, he then served a month also on the Island in 1781. He always belonged to Capt. Reuben Whitman's company and Capt. Williams who succeeded Capt. Whitman. I cannot specify at this distant time all the services of Lieut. Serault, but he lived near the Shore and was always called upon and always went when called. He served during the war as Captain and Lieutenant more than two years in all. He married for his last wife Eleanor Andrews.
attest W m Garrison
Nathan Miller his mark
Joseph D. Baker
State of Rhode Island
Kent ss
In Warwick the 23 day of Decem
ber A.D. 1845 then personally appeared before me the above named Nathan Miller, and made oath to the above deposition and subscribed the same in my presence and I further certify that he is a credible witness.
W m Garrison Justice of the Peace

L.S.
State of Rhode Island &c Secretary's Office Decem 31. 1835.
I Henry Dower Secretary of said State and Keeper of the Records and the Seal thereof do certify that at the date of the official Certificates severally annexed, the said George A. Drayton was associate Justice of the Supreme Court. William Garrison Justice of the Peace for the town of Warwick in the County of Kent and Gamaliel L. Dwight Justice of the Peace for the City of Providence in the County of Providence duly elected and Commissioned as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence, the day and year above written.
Henry Dower.
Providence R.I. May 24. 1849—
I certify that the foregoing four depositions & the certificates accompanying them are true copies of the originals on file in my office, which were sent to me by the U.S. Commissioners of Pleas to be used in the Indictment U States vs Eleanor Jerome in which said Indictment I entered a Nolle Prosequi at the June Term U.S. Circuit Court 1847. W.S. Burges. U.S. Dist Atty R.I. District

Pennsylvania.
Eleanor Ferauld widow of James Ferauld
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Lieut. & Ensign R.I. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 75 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of Nov 1847 and sent to
B. Cornell, Providence Rhode Island
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 29 1848, Page 223 Vol. 1
July  Transferred from  D Portland

430 Eleanor Serant widow of James, Pennsylvania Suspended let y 7 Sep r 1849 to B. Lowell to same, 2 d Oct r 1849,
Act 29 July, 1848,

✓ Eleanor Franklin
R. I.
Act July 7- 1838
Letters to Hon. S. H. Arnold March 18, 1846 & B. Cowell } 1846
to " 30 March 46
to Same April 13. '46
W. Burgess 1 May "
same June 9. 1846?
District Attorney for Rhode Island Sept 6 1849

Rev. Mass
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2121
Eleanor Gerould.
Widow
James Gerould.
Elisabeth St. Rev. War.
Act: July 29, 1848.
Index: — Vol. A , Page 878
[Arrangement of 1870.]

By the Honorable the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of the English Colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence Plantations, in New-England, in America.
TO James Jerauld - - - - - GENT. GREETING.
YOU  James Jerauld - - - - - being, by the General Assembly aforesaid, elected and chosen to the Place and Office of Ensign - - - - - of the second - - - Company or Train'd Band of the Town of Warwick - - - - - in the County of Kent - - - - - in the Colony aforesaid, are hereby, in the Name of His Majesty GEORGE the third - - - - - by the Grace of God, King of Great-Britain , and so forth, au- thorized, empowered and commissioned, to exercise the Office of Ensign - - - - - of and over the Company aforesaid; and to command, guide and conduct the same, or any Part thereof. And in Case of an Invasion, or Assault of a common Enemy, to infest or disturb this His Majesty's Plantation, you are to alarm and gather together the Company under your Command, or such Part thereof as you shall deem sufficient, and therewith, to the utmost of your Skill and Ability, you are to resist, expel, kill, and destroy them, in order to preserve the Interest of His Majesty and His good Subjects in these Parts. You are also to follow such Instructions, Directions and Orders, as shall, from Time to Time, be further given forth, either by the General Assembly, the Governor and General Council, or other your superior Officers. And for your so doing, this Com- mission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
By Virtue of an Act of the said GENERAL ASSEMBLY, Henry Ward Esq. Secretary of the said Colony, have hereunto set my Hand, and the Public Seal of the said Colony, this nineteenth Day of June A. D. 1775, and in the Fifteenth Year of His said Majesty's Reign.
Henry Ward
Ms. A. 9. 2. 21