Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,636, for Silas Johnson, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
bonn
Johnson, Silas
5636
carded.
CONTENTS

2469.
Massachusetts
Silas Johnson of Whiting in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain  of the  commanded by Col McClellan in the  line for 18 May
Hon E. Dickinson Dec 15. 1853 Hon. E. Dickinson on 17 th Jany. 1854.
Conn. Line June 24/42 Records corrected.
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th day of Nov 1832 and sent to S. Dickinson Amherst Mass
Arrears to 4th of Sep r 1832 $ 90 — Semi-ant. allowance ending 21 Mar 33/ 30 — $120 —
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J H McBlain Clerk, Book D Vol. 2 Page 60.

I Omi Johnson of Aspelun in the County of Humphreys & Committee of Nobbs County of lawful age, depose & say that my father Silas Johnson (late of said Aspelun, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of sixty dollars per annum, & that he died on the thirteenth day of March 1849, leaving surviving the following named children & no others (leaving no widow.) David, Betsy Hayward, Clarissa Scott, Earl Johnson, Roxanna Parker, Omi Johnson, Rowena & Dettleton, & Brattania Shaw. - - - June 1. 1853. Omer Johnson
Humphreys p. June 1. 1853.
from Omi Johnson
Older said Robert just before the death

No 4,373
Silas Johnson
Private
18 Months
Admitted
$60.
S. F. Dickinson Esq. Amherst Mass.

BRIEF in the case of  Silas Johnson of the County of Hampshire in the State of Mass.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court,  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 69 years,  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1778 — 9 — As a Private Gen. Col. McLellan, Capt. Cleveland   " 80 July — 6 — ditto Col. Spencer's Regt.   " 81 Augt. — 3 — d o Capt. Vaughn, St. Baldwin  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Woodstock  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Depositions  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell Examining Clerk.

Lila Johnson's
Declaration of
No 4373
Will
Bequeath
to the following persons
1. To my daughter, Mary Johnson, all of my real estate situated in the County of ... State of ...

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1932.
State of Massachusetts } fs.
County of Hampshire
On the twenty third day of August 1832, personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. Samuel Hinkley Judge of the Court of Common Pleas  Probate sitting at Northamp- ton in for said County of Hampshire, Silas Johnson a resi- dent of Brattle in said County. State of Massachusetts, aged sixty nine years. Who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration. Ordinarily attended the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832: that he is not a native of the United States, under the following named officers, & record as foreign state.
In May of June 1778 I enlisted at Woodstock in Connecticut. into the State Troops, for three months , being the remainder of our fifteen years old, in Col. M c Millan's Regiment - The Captain of my Company belonged to Canterbury in Connecticut, his name as well as the names of the other officers I have forgotten - but I think the name of the Captain was Cleveland - went to New- London, remained there till winter, then to New York. They were united with the Continental Troops, & I believe were considered as Continentals - their term expired until my term expired, I was repeatedly discharged, & re-enlisting; which I have since left - supposing it of no value, did not pursue it. I was discharged in March or April 1779. While at New London I had a furlough to go home, & was ordered to meet the Company at Hartford, on their way to New York, which I did. After full in- spection, I found no one living, met with some, & known to me, during this campaign.
July 1780 I enlisted into the Continental Army. at New York, for three months , joined the army at New- Point, the left side of North River, opposite West Point, was encamp- ed by Gen. M c Dowell, Gen. Glover, & Gen. Putnam's Connecticut Regt. & put into Col. Sherman's Regiment, & Paine's Brigade. Smith being Major. We were called the Col's Company, New- Jersey Volunteers. & M c Gugy's Battery. We marched to Peekskill, crossed the North River, at Kings ferry, over to Smith's Shanty house, a place there of some note; thence to a plain called according to my recollections, Potoway , in New Jersey - we were at various places in New Jersey - one was called Hayfield Hill .

really be him hung. In August 1701 I enlisted at Woodstock into the Mi- litis, into a Company commanded by Capt Van Horn. At Baldwin, & Major Whitham, formed  the Company at Scho- -one Creek, when the Captain died & I was on duty at Scho- -one Creek, then went again to Nelson's Point - then to West Point, then on our station the company  company of my team & then dispersed discharged left. After I was thus discharged, came Mr Dinslow, being unable to do duty, hired me to take his place for three months. While here I was on a furlough. While there I need not as his substitute, as above, the said Dinslow then returned to the Company & took his place, & I went home. While I was in April following as I believe. While here I was ordered, with several others, to take a number of boats down the River to Kings- -bury - they saw them to go to the Delaware - then at Kings- -bury, I saw John Fox & Alfred Hovey, as they have testified in their depositions. I do not remember the Company. & which Dinslow belonged, in which I need not be here, nor the names of the officers.
I further testify that my Father, Nathaniel Johnson, previous to this, enlisted into the Continental service, for three years, with an understanding, that he should never be first put in the letter part. When I got ready to go to take his place, I went to the Nighthawk, & found my Father had died there, three weeks before, with small pox & I had only been there to go home & carry his life with him. I was never called for as a captain of hospital, even to the place. She went out in actual service twenty one months. David Crafts who died at Woodstock above mentioned, in May last, was with her in matter of all the above campaigns. I knew of no one else, she was with me, & got alive.

I was born in Woodstock in Vermont, 29 th June 1763. and my birth was recorded there, and  in  the  town  records I lived in Woodstock until 30 years of age - there moved to Wadsworth in Vermont. Then I lived seventeen years - there to Athens in this County. lived there six years - there to Amherst. Then I have ever since resided.
I further say, that by reason of sickness my memory & constitution has been much impaired.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, & he declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of any agency in any state.
Silas Johnson
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year above.
Before me Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
We Samuel F. Dickinson & Nathaniel Conkey, residing in the town of Amherst aforesaid, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Johnson, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age; that he is respected & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Revolutionary soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid.
Samuel F. Dickinson Nathaniel Conkey
Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigation of the matter, & after perusing the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he states, and the Court further certify, that it appears to them, that Samuel F. Dickin- son & Nathaniel Conkey, Esquires, who have signed the fore- going certificate, are residents in said Amherst, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hinckley Judge of Probate
I Samuel F. Lyman, Register of the Court of Probate in said County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in said Court, in the matter of the application of Silas Johnson for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office, this twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two.
Samuel F. Lyman. Register

Earl John
On John
Clifford John in many places,
Earl John On John Clifford John

State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
Be it Known, that on this 31 day of March A. D. 1853 before me, the under-
signed, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Earl Johnson & Orm Johnson residents of Amherst & two of the surviving children of Silas Johnson, late of Amherst in said County, and made oath according to law that they are two of the surviving children of Silas Johnson whose name, under Act of June 1832 has been placed on the sixth Pension Roll at the rate of 10 Dollars per annum.
That they credibly informed that the said Pension may and ought to be increased from its commencement and during its continuance; that they are directly interested as a claimant in said increase, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence as the Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint SAMUEL M. KNIGHT , of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of the children of Silas Johnson for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or INCREASE OF PENSION, that may be due; and for the purpose of establishing additional service by the soldier for whose military duty in the Revolution the aforesaid Pension was granted thereby authorize the said Attorney to apply for and obtain from State archives or other sources, certified proofs of such service. To examine all papers or documents in relation to said service on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for the benefit the Certificate for INCREASE which may be issued in satisfaction of said claim, which certificate to be made payable at the Pension Agency of this State; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that he might or could do were he personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Agent and Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises.
Earl Johnson Orm Johnson
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Earl Johnson & Orm Johnson to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged, in whose claim I am in no wise interested.
Edward L. Root Justice of the Peace
State of Massachusetts County of Hampshire
It is Hereby Certified, That satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of _____ that _____ was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of $ _____ per annum,* and that he died on the _____ day of _____ Eighteen Hundred and _____ leaving surviving the following named (widow and) children and none other, to wit:
It is further certified that _____ Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was at the time of so doing a duly authorized Justice of the Peace in and for said county; and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine; and further, that in the within claim for Increase of Pension I am in no degree interested.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this _____ day of _____ 185_____
1. Claimant's name or names in full. 2. Post Office address. 3. "That he is the," or "that she is the," or "that she is the widow of," or "that he, she, or they are the child or children of," &c. 4. Pensioner's full name. 5. State the Act if known. 6. Give the State where pensioned. 7. Name the yearly amount received. 8. "He is," "she is," or "they are." 9. Claimant's signature. 10. Magistrate's signature. *If the Pensioner be living, this part of the Clerk's certificate should be omitted. 11. Here name each of the survivors. 12. Magistrate's name. 13. Clerk's signature. N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

I Asa Johnson of Deerfield in the County of Franklin in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty six years, do testify & say, that I am a younger brother of Silas Johnson of Amherst in the County of Hampshire, now an applicant for a Pension; that my Father, Nathaniel Johnson, who then lived in Woodstock in Connecticut, enlisted, with my said brother Silas, into the Continental Army, for three years, my Father to perform the first part of said service, & my said brother Silas, the latter part: & I well re- member, when my brother went to take the place of my Father, he found that my Father had died of the small pox, at the Highlands, as it was said: my said brother then came home on a furlough, & was never well for afterwards, there being soon  then a cessation of hostilities. I also state, that previous to this time, my said brother Silas enlisted into the Connecticut Militia, at Woodstock in Connecticut, for nine months, I well remember going a little way with my brother when he set out from home - This was in the Spring of the year, but I do not remember the year, he might be to go to New Bedford & set out to go there, & was seen from home the time he enlisted for, when he returned; & I have often heard him tell of incidents happening while in this service; & I have seen a discharge given him at the expiration of this service, as he said, and as I believe, as I saw it immediately after his return - we both lived then together in my Father's family, & the fact of his enlistment, being gone in the service, are all fresh in my mind. between, as well as his return, & seeing his discharge or our most near of an age, & always intimate in all our doings - and I have no doubt he was in the service at the time, the term of nine months, I have heard others, then in the service with him, now dead, speak of him in this time of service, as being now there as above stated.

I also testify, that I well remember, that my said brother, Silas, after the above term of seven months, but the time I can not tell, was out the his months more in the service; he was drafted by Richard Peabody, a Lieutenant, to go to the the continental army. & he went to Niter's Point, as I understood - and I know he was absent from home the whole term of time he was drafted for, when he returned - and I have no reason to doubt, that he was all that time in the service of the country. & I have always understood, in the continental troops.
I also testify, that after this time, but the year I do not remember, my said brother Silas enlisted for three months, but I do not know whether in the militia or continental troops, & went to West Point, as it was called; and I well remember he stayed from home longer than three months as it was then understood, that he was hired by some one to remain longer - but how much longer I do not remember -
I also testify, therefore, that I know my said brother Silas did serve, at the above terms, eighteen months & more, in the defense of the country.
Asa Johnson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
New Bedford ss. August 22. 1832 Personally appeared Asa Johnson, subscribed to the foregoing deposition, well known to me as a credible witness, & made oath to the truth of the same. Before me Samuel F. Dickinson justice of the peace

Rechar
5636
INVALID.
File No. 5636
Silas Johnson
Print Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index: Vol. M , Page 195-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business
Silas Johnson See Com. of Pensions about application
Silas Johnson
Map D 32
Hon. Edwin Dickinson, House of Representatives, Washington,
Cannin D. D. D. D. H R C

Pension Office, December 15 th 1853.
Sir:
Referring to the letter of S. M. Knight to yourself, dated 30 th July last, I do not find on the files of this Office any application in behalf of the widow or children of Silas Johnson, of Massachusetts, who was a pensioner, under the Act of June 7 th 1832, at $60 per annum.
I am, respectfully, Your Obs. Servt, L. M. Norris Commissioner.
Hon. Edward Dickinson, Hou. of Reps.

Silas Johnson
Silas Johnson Dear Cousin -

U. S. CLAIM AGENCY,
Washington, 1853.
PENSIONS TO WIDOWS AND CHILDREN.
In addition to the provisions made by former laws, an Act of Congress passed this session, provides that all Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers who served not less than six months, shall be entitled during their widowhood to a pension, without regard to the date of their marriage.
In claims of this description, in order to a correct preparation of the necessary papers, inform this office whether the deceased Soldier was a Pensioner; if so, forward his old Pension Certificate, or state where it may be found. If he was not a Pensioner, state all the facts known in regard to his service in the Revolutionary War; and in order to a due examination of the Army Rolls give, so far as known, the names of the several Officers under whom, the Company and Regiment in which, and the times and places where the alleged service was rendered.
Should there be obtainable any old Commission, Furlough, Discharge, Pay or Muster-roll affording proof of the Soldier's service, or any letters received from the Pension Office referring to an application heretofore made in behalf of the Soldier, his Widow or Children, all such papers or letters should be forwarded for inspection to this Office.
Give the County and State where the Soldier last resided, and the exact date of his death. State whether he left a will, which has been probated. State when, where, and by whom the Widow's marriage was solemnized, and how it can be proven. Give the exact date of marriage. If there be any public or private record of it, send a certified copy with the date given both in words and figures. If no record, public or private, exist, give the names and address of credible persons who were present at the marriage, or who from long acquaintance and intimacy with the parties can testify to its reputed legality. Give the names and address of each of the surviving Children, or of the Administrator.
NOTE. —Whatever Pension for Revolutionary services a Soldier or his Widow died entitled to, whether the same, during their life-time, was applied for or not, may be recovered by their Children or Administrator.
HALF PAY. —All Widows, or Children under sixteen, who received or were entitled to Five Years Half Pay on account of their Husbands or Fathers having died of wounds received, or of disease contracted while in the military service of the United States in any of our wars since 1790, are now entitled to an additional five years pension.
In claims of this kind, send to this Office such particulars of the Soldier's service, death, &c., as will be sufficient to identify him. In every case send the old Pension Certificate which has to be relinquished, if in existence, before a new one can issue: should the Certificate be lost, or destroyed, give the facts; state also when and to whom the last half yearly payment was made.
Widows who marry before the expiration of the five years for which they are or may be pensioned, forfeit all right to a continuance of such pension, which then descends to the child or children under sixteen.
Pre-paid letters, giving full particulars in any given case will receive prompt attention from this Office.
INCREASE OF PENSIONS.
Revolutionary Pensions are in their annual amounts determined by the length of the Soldier's service, and by the rank he held, as proven ; but may be increased from their commencement upon proper proof being made that the annuity granted was erroneously based upon a period of service less than was actually rendered; or, that during any part of such service the Soldier occupied a higher grade or rank than was shown at the time of his own or Widow's name being placed on the Pension Roll.
All Widows in receipt of yearly pensions less than their husbands drew are entitled to increased amounts.
In the event of a Pensioner's death, the Children or Administrator may recover this Increase.
Invalid Pensioners may have their annuities enlarged upon proper proof being made that they are not receiving full pensions, and are suffering from total and permanent disability.
Where the existence of a claim to Increase becomes known, it is the practice of this Office to send to the parties interested a special letter, enclosing Power of Attorney, upon return of which, duly executed, and a compliance with the rules, the steps necessary to an adjustment of the claim will at once be instituted.
The personal attention given by this Agency to the adjustment of claims before Congress and the several Departments, and the facilities possessed for obtaining speedy returns, continues to secure to those having demands on the United States results, more satisfactory, and at lesser rates than has heretofore been found obtainable.
To the very numerous letters daily received at this Office no attention is given unless pre-paid. Those merely seeking information should enclose a small retaining fee.
An advance upon the current rates given for duly assigned Land Warrants.
ARREARS DUE DECEASED PENSIONERS.
All Pensions are paid half-yearly, viz. on the 4th of March and 4th of September. Many pensioners have died leaving the balance of their balance of their pension which accrued between the receipt of their last semi-annual payment and the day of their death, undrawn : This balance or arrears may be recovered by the Widow, Children, or Administrator. In every such claim send to this Agency the old Pension Certificate, or state what has become of it—give the exact date of the Pensioner's death, and the name and residence of the Widow, Children, or Administrator: on receipt of such information, the necessary papers, ready for execution, shall, accompanied by full instructions, be duly forwarded.
LANDS TO SOLDIERS, WIDOWS & CHILDREN.
All non-commissioned Officers, Musicians and Privates of the Regular Army, the Volunteers, the Marine Corps, and Artificers and Laborers of the Ordnance Corps, who were honorably discharged from service in Mexico, are entitled to Bounty Land for each term of enlistment. The quantity granted for each tour is determined by the soldiers' respective periods of engagement.
In the event of the death of any person thus entitled, and before receiving the Bounty, it is then allowed—1st, to the Widow and Children; 2nd, to the Father; 3rd, to the Mother; 4th, to the Brothers and Sisters collectively; which relatives are in like order entitled also to any arrears or "Extra Pay" that may be due the deceased.
Under recent Acts, Bounty Land is granted to all Officers and Privates, (or in the event of their death, to their widows or minor children,) who have served for a period of not less than one month in the war of 1812, or in any of the Indian wars since 1790; also, to Teamsters and Artificers who belonged to the line of the Army, and to substitutes, as well as to their employers, each in proportion to his term of service. The commissioned Officers of the Mexican war are also in like manner now provided for.
In every case where the Militia, Volunteers, or State Troops of any State or Territory, have at any time since 1812 rendered service in garrisoning Forts, guarding Frontiers, suppressing threatened hostilities, removing Indians, &c., and for such service have been regularly mustered in and paid, they are entitled to Bounty Land; provided, the term of service, travel included, was not less than one month. In computing this service, there is allowed one day for every twenty miles travelled by the Company in an organized form to the place of being mustered in the U. S. service, and also one day for every twenty miles from the place of discharge to the place of enrolment or organization.
Where more than one tour of service has been rendered, the several terms should be consolidated and applied for.
Except for Mexican war service, Widows or minor Children are alone entitled to the Bounty Land their Husbands or Fathers died without receiving.
Claimants for Bounty Land upon making their wants known, shall receive approved forms of application and necessary instructions.
ADDITIONAL BOUNTY LAND.
The facilities possessed by this office for proving additional service and thereby increasing the amount of Land due warrantees, offers superior inducements to those who have received Bounty Warrants for a less quantity of land than they deem themselves entitled to. Those who desire the aid of this Agency in such claims, should send, with a retaining fee of One Dollar, the number and denomination of their warrant, the date of its issuance, and title of the Act; together with such particulars of the service as will lead to a proper search for the requisite additional proof.
THREE MONTHS EXTRA PAY.
The non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers who enlisted for five years in the war of 1812; and each of the Officers, non-commissioned Officers and Privates, whether regulars or volunteers of the Mexican war, who were in actual service in Mexico, and were honorably discharged; together with the relatives of such deceased Soldiers who did not receive, are entitled to Three Months Extra Pay, and in many cases to arrears of pay, travelling allowance, clothing, money, &c., &c., for all of which claims, suitable forms will be forwarded when the particulars of service rendered are given.
Duplicate Land Warrants or Land Patents in lieu of those lost or destroyed, may be obtained through this Office.
S. M. KNIGHT,
Agent for Government Claims.

U. S. CLAIM AGENCY,
Washington, 1853.
PENSIONS TO WIDOWS AND CHILDREN.
In addition to the provisions made by former laws, an Act of Congress passed this session, provides that all Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers who served not less than six months, shall be entitled during their widowhood to a pension, without regard to the date of their marriage.
In claims of this description, in order to a correct preparation of the necessary papers, inform this office whether the deceased Soldier was a Pensioner; if so, forward his old Pension Certificate, or state where it may be found. If he was not a Pensioner, state all the facts known in regard to his service in the Revolutionary War; and in order to a due examination of the Army Rolls give, so far as known, the names of the several Officers under whom, the Company and Regiment in which, and the times and places where the said service was rendered.
Should there be obtainable any old Commission, Furlough, Discharge, Pay Muster-roll affording proof of the Soldier's service, or any letters received from the Pension Office referring to an application heretofore made in behalf of the Soldier, his Widow or Children, all such papers or letters should be forwarded for inspection to this Office.
Give the County and State where the Soldier last resided, and the exact date of his death. State whether he left a will, which has been probated. State when, where, and by whom the Widow's marriage was solemnized, and how it can be proven. Give the exact date of marriage. If there be any public or private record of it, send a certified copy with the date given both in words and figures. If no record, public or private, exist, give the names and address of credible persons who were present at the marriage, or who from long acquaintance and intimacy with the parties can testify to its reputed legality. Give the names and address of each of the surviving Children, or of the Administrator.
NOTE. —Whatever Pension for Revolutionary services a Soldier or his Widow died entitled to, whether the same, during their life-time, was applied for or not, may be recovered by their Children or Administrator.
HALF PAY. —All Widows, or Children under sixteen, who received or were entitled to Five Years Half Pay on account of their Husbands or Fathers having died of wounds received, or of disease contracted while in the military service of the United States in any of our wars since 1790, are now entitled to an additional five years pension.
In claims of this kind, send to this Office such particulars of the Soldier's service, death, &c., as will be sufficient to identify him. In every case send the old Pension Certificate which has to be relinquished, if in existence, before a new one can issue: should the Certificate be lost, or destroyed, give the facts; state also when and to whom the last half yearly payment was made.
Widows who marry before the expiration of the five years for which they are or may be pensioned, forfeit all right to a continuance of such pension, which then descends to the child or children under sixteen.
Pre-paid letters, giving full particulars in any given case will receive prompt attention from this Office.
INCREASE OF PENSIONS.
Revolutionary Pensions are in their annual amounts determined by the length of the Soldier's service, and by the rank he held, as proven ; but may be increased from their commencement upon proper proof being made that the annuity granted was erroneously based upon a period of service less than was actually rendered; or, that during any part of such service the Soldier occupied a higher grade or rank than was shown at the time of his own or Widow's name being placed on the Pension Roll.
All Widows in receipt of yearly pensions less than their husbands drew are entitled to increased amounts.
In the event of a Pensioner's death, the Children or Administrator may recover this Increase.
Invalid Pensioners may have their annuities enlarged upon proper proof being made that they are not receiving full pensions, and are suffering from total and permanent disability.
Where the existence of a claim to Increase becomes known, it is the practice of this Office to send to the parties interested a special letter, enclosing Power of Attorney, upon return of which, duly executed, and a compliance with the rules, the steps necessary to an adjustment of the claim will at once be instituted.
The personal attention given by this Agency to the adjustment of claims before Congress and the several Departments, and the facilities possessed for obtaining speedy returns, continues to secure to those having demands on the United States results, more satisfactory, and at lesser rates than has heretofore been found obtainable.
To the very numerous letters daily received at this Office no attention is given unless pre-paid. Those merely seeking information should enclose a small retaining fee.
An advance upon the current rates given for duly assigned Land Warrants.
ARREARS DUE DECEASED PENSIONERS.
All Pensions are paid half-yearly, viz. on the 4th of March and 4th of September. Many Pensioners have died leaving the balance of their pension which accrued between the receipt of their last semi-annual payment and the day of their death, undrawn : This balance or arrears may be recovered by the Widow, Children, or Administrator. In every such claim send to this Agency the old Pension Certificate, or state what has become of it—give the exact date of the Pensioner's death, and the name and residence of the Widow, Children, or Administrator: on receipt of such information, the necessary papers, ready for execution, shall, accompanied by full instructions, be duly forwarded.
LANDS TO SOLDIERS, WIDOWS & CHILDREN.
All non-commissioned Officers, Musicians and Privates of the Regular Army, the Volunteers, the Marine Corps, and Artificers and Laborers of the Ordnance Corps, who were honorably discharged from service in Mexico, are entitled to Bounty Land for each term of enlistment. The quantity granted for each tour is determined by the soldiers' respective periods of engagement.
In the event of the death of any person thus entitled, and before receiving the Bounty, it is then allowed—1st, to the Widow and Children; 2nd, to the Father; 3rd, to the Mother; 4th, to the Brothers and Sisters collectively; which relatives are in like order entitled also to any arrears or "Extra Pay" that may be due the deceased.
Under recent Acts, Bounty Land is granted to all Officers and Privates, (or in the event of their death, to their widows or minor children,) who have served for a period of not less than one month in the war of 1812, or in any of the Indian wars since 1790; also, to Teamsters and Artificers who belonged to the line of the Army, and to substitutes, as well as to their employers, each in proportion to his term of service. The commissioned Officers of the Mexican war are also in like manner now provided for.
In every case where the Militia, Volunteers, or State Troops of any State or Territory, have at any time since 1812 rendered service in garrisoning Forts, guarding Frontiers, suppressing threatened hostilities, removing Indians, &c., and for such service have been regularly mustered in and paid, they are entitled to Bounty Land; provided , the term of service, travel included, was not less than one month. In computing this service, there is allowed one day for every twenty miles travelled by the Company in an organized form to the place of being mustered into the U. S. service, and also one day for every twenty miles from the place of discharge to the place of enrolment or organization.
Where more than one tour of service has been rendered, the several terms should be consolidated and applied for.
Except for Mexican war service, Widows or minor Children are alone entitled to the Bounty Land their Husbands or Fathers died without receiving.
Claimants for Bounty Land upon making their wants known, shall receive approved forms of application and necessary instructions.
ADDITIONAL BOUNTY LAND.
The facilities possessed by this Office for proving additional service and thereby increasing the amount of Land due warrantees, offers superior inducements to those who have received Bounty Warrants for a less quantity of land than they deem themselves entitled to. Those who desire the aid of this Agency in such claims, should send, with a retaining fee of One Dollar, the number and denomination of their warrant, the date of its issuance, and title of the Act; together with such particulars of the service as will lead to a proper search for the requisite additional proof.
THREE MONTHS EXTRA PAY.
The non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers who enlisted for five years in the war of 1812; and each of the Officers, non-commissioned Officers and Privates, whether regulars or volunteers of the Mexican war, who were in actual service in Mexico, and were honorably discharged; together with the relatives of such deceased Soldiers who did not receive, are entitled to Three Months Extra Pay, and in many cases to arrears of pay, travelling allowance, clothing, money, &c. &c., for all of which claims, suitable forms will be forwarded when the particulars of service rendered are given.
Duplicate Land Warrants or Land Patents in lieu of those lost or destroyed, may be obtained through this Office.
S. M. KNIGHT,
Agent for Government Claims.

U. S. CLAIM AGENCY,
Washington, 1853.
PENSIONS TO WIDOWS AND CHILDREN.
In addition to the provisions made by former laws, an Act of Congress passed this session, provides that all Widows of Revolutionary Soldiers who served not less than six months, shall be entitled during their widowhood to a pension, without regard to the date of their marriage.
In claims of this description, in order to a correct preparation of the necessary papers, inform this office whether the deceased Soldier was a Pensioner; if so, forward his old Pension Certificate, or state where it may be found. If he was not a Pensioner, state all the facts known in regard to his service in the Revolutionary War; and in order to a due examination of the Army Rolls give, so far as known, the names of the several Officers under whom, the Company and Regiment in which, and the times and places where the alleged service was rendered.
Should there be obtainable any old Commission, Furlough, Discharge, Pay or Muster-roll affording proof of the Soldier's service, or any letters received from the Pension Office referring to an application heretofore made in behalf of the Soldier, his Widow or Children, all such papers or letters should be forwarded for inspection to this Office.
Give the County and State where the Soldier last resided, and the exact date of his death. State whether he left a will, which has been probated. State when, where, and by whom the Widow's marriage was solemnized, and how it can be proven. Give the exact date of marriage. If there be any public or private record of it, send a certified copy with the date given both in words and figures. If no record, public or private, exist, give the names and address of credible persons who were present at the marriage, or who from long acquaintance and intimacy with the parties can testify to its reputed legality. Give the names and address of each of the surviving Children, or of the Administrator.
NOTE. —Whatever Pension for Revolutionary services a Soldier or his Widow died entitled to, whether the same, during their life-time, was applied for or not, may be recovered by their Children or Administrator.
HALF PAY. —All Widows, or Children under sixteen, who received or were entitled to Five Years Half Pay on account of their Husbands or Fathers having died of wounds received, or of disease contracted while in the military service of the United States in any of our wars since 1790, are now entitled to an additional five years pension.
In claims of this kind, send to this Office such particulars of the Soldier's service, death, &c., as will be sufficient to identify him. In every case send the old Pension Certificate which has to be relinquished, if in existence, before a new one can issue: should the Certificate be lost, or destroyed, give the facts; state also when and to whom the last half yearly payment was made.
Widows who marry before the expiration of the five years for which they are or may be pensioned, forfeit all right to a continuance of such pension, which then descends to the child or children under sixteen.
Pre-paid letters, giving full particulars in any given case will receive prompt attention from this Office.
INCREASE OF PENSIONS.
Revolutionary Pensions are in their annual amounts determined by the length of the Soldier's service, and by the rank he held, as proven ; but may be increased from their commencement upon proper proof being made that the annuity granted was erroneously based upon a period of service less than was actually rendered; or, that during any part of such service the Soldier occupied a higher grade or rank than was shown at the time of his own or Widow's name being placed on the Pension Roll.
All Widows in receipt of yearly pensions less than their husbands drew are entitled to increased amounts.
In the event of a Pensioner's death, the Children or Administrator may recover this Increase.
Invalid Pensioners may have their annuities enlarged upon proper proof being made that they are not receiving full pensions, and are suffering from total and permanent disability.
Where the existence of a claim to Increase becomes known, it is the practice of this Office to send to the parties interested a special letter, enclosing Power of Attorney, upon return of which, duly executed, and a compliance with the rules, the steps necessary to an adjustment of the claim will at once be instituted.
The personal attention given by this Agency to the adjustment of claims before Congress and the several Departments, and the facilities possessed for obtaining speedy returns, continues to secure to those having demands on the United States results, more satisfactory, and at lesser rates than has heretofore been found obtainable.
To the very numerous letters daily received at this Office no attention is given unless pre-paid. Those merely seeking information should enclose a small retaining fee.
An advance upon the current rates given for duly assigned Land Warrants.
ARREARS DUE DECEASED PENSIONERS.
All Pensions are paid half-yearly, viz. on the 4th of March and 4th of September. Many Pensioners have died leaving the balance of their pension which accrued between the receipt of their last semi-annual payment and the day of their death, undrawn : This balance or arrears may be recovered by the Widow, Children, or Administrator. In every such claim send to this Agency the old Pension Certificate, or state what has become of it—give the exact date of the Pensioner's death, and the name and residence of the Widow, Children, or Administrator: on receipt of such information, the necessary papers, ready for execution, shall, accompanied by full instructions, be duly forwarded.
LANDS TO SOLDIERS, WIDOWS & CHILDREN.
All non-commissioned Officers, Musicians and Privates of the Regular Army, the Volunteers, the Marine Corps, and Artificers and Laborers of the Ordnance Corps, who were honorably discharged from service in Mexico, are entitled to Bounty Land for each term of enlistment. The quantity granted for each tour is determined by the soldiers' respective periods of engagement.
In the event of the death of any person thus entitled, and before receiving the Bounty, it is then allowed—1st, to the Widow and Children; 2nd, to the Father; 3rd, to the Mother; 4th, to the Brothers and Sisters collectively; which relatives are in like order entitled also to any arrears or "Extra Pay" that may be due the deceased.
Under recent Acts , Bounty Land is granted to all Officers and Privates, (or in the event of their death, to their widows or minor children,) who have served for a period of not less than one month in the war of 1812, or in any of the Indian wars since 1790; also, to Teamsters and Artificers who belonged to the line of the Army, and to substitutes, as well as to their employers, each in proportion to his term of service. The commissioned Officers of the Mexican war are also in like manner now provided for.
In every case where the Militia, Volunteers, or State Troops of any State or Territory, have at any time since 1812 rendered service in garrisoning Forts, guarding Frontiers, suppressing threatened hostilities, removing Indians, &c., and for such service have been regularly mustered in and paid, they are entitled to Bounty Land; provided , the term of service, travel included, was not less than one month. In computing this service, there is allowed one day for every twenty miles travelled by the Company in an organized form to the place of being mustered into the U. S. service, and also one day for every twenty miles from the place of discharge to the place of enrolment or organization.
Where more than one tour of service has been rendered, the several terms should be consolidated and applied for.
Except for Mexican war service, Widows or minor Children are alone entitled to the Bounty Land their Husbands or Fathers died without receiving.
Claimants for Bounty Land upon making their wants known, shall receive approved forms of application and necessary instructions.
ADDITIONAL BOUNTY LAND.
The facilities possessed by this Office for proving additional service and thereby increasing the amount of Land due warrantees, offers superior inducements to those who have received Bounty Warrants for a less quantity of land than they deem themselves entitled to. Those who desire the aid of this Agency in such claims, should send, with a retaining fee of One Dollar, the number and denomination of their warrant, the date of its issuance, and title of the Act; together with such particulars of the service as will lead to a proper search for the requisite additional proof.
THREE MONTHS EXTRA PAY.
The non-commissioned Officers and Soldiers who enlisted for five years in the war of 1812; and each of the Officers, non-commissioned Officers and Privates, whether regulars or volunteers of the Mexican war, who were in actual service in Mexico, and were honorably discharged; together with the relatives of such deceased Soldiers who did not receive, are entitled to Three Months Extra Pay, and in many cases to arrears of pay, travelling allowance, clothing, money, &c. &c., for all of which claims, suitable forms will be forwarded when the particulars of service rendered are given.
Duplicate Land Warrants or Land Patents in lieu of those lost or destroyed, may be obtained through this Office.
S. M. KNIGHT,
Agent for Government Claims.

T. M. Pugh Washington City. July 30. 1853.
Silas Johnson — a high Mason of Portland
The heirs of Silas Johnson of Mass. — Revoluting case. — Here Mr. Dickerson desires to know the correspondence, and the facts reported to him. — A. T. M.
Hon. E. Dickerson House Reps.

Washington City
July 30 th 1853.
Hon E. Dickinson, Esq.
Bullett Mafg. fin.
Absence from the City has prevented me from replying to your favor of the 3 rd ult. before. containing power of atty and pension certificate in the case of Silas Johnson, in which as prompt action shall be taken as the present arrear of business at the Pension Office will admit of. although some considerable time must necessarily elapse before in the regular order of business at the Pension Office the case comes up for consideration. so soon thereafter as possible I will report to you the result of my efforts.
Very Respectfully
Your O br Servt.
S. M. Leigh

S. M. Knight Washington City May 23. 1883

I/H.
Washington.
May 23 rd 1853.
Hon. Edw d Dickinson. Amherst. Mass.
} Dear Sir,
I am in receipt of your favor of the 19 th Inst n enclosing advance fee of $3 in the case of Silas Johnson, and in reply beg to inform you that my authority to make search amongst the Records is not recognised by the Department until I present a power of Attorney executed by one or more of the heirs. I should wish this and the old pension certificate to be forwarded to me at as early a day as may be convenient to you, upon receipt of which, the claim shall have my prompt attention.
Very respectfully,
Your ob st Serv t B. M. Knight.

N o 4373
Silas Johnson
S. F. Dickinson
Amherst Mass.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Silas Johnson which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. †If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes. And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. †Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days. I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Washington City D. C. March 10, 1853.
I address you for the purpose of offering my services as Government claim Agent, in obtaining an Increase of the Revolutionary Pension of Silas Johnson. — The amount of yearly Pension granted in this case was determined at the time of granting the Pension, by the grade or rank in which the soldier served, and by the period of his service as then proven , but in this as well as every other case of like character, where additional service, or service in a higher grade can be established, a corresponding yearly increase of the Pension is due to the soldier, as well as to his widow; and in the event of their death, to the children, Administrator, or next of kin. This increase dates back to the commencement of the Pension, lasts during its continuance, ceasing only with the annuity, and may be realized in one entire and accumulated sum, whenever properly applied for. Hundreds of Pensioners and representatives of Pensioners, have received this Increase, and altho' some addition to the original annuity may in the present case have already been granted, I am sanguine I can obtain a still further allowance. I am not (nor will I, until with the enclosed instrument as my authority,
I have examined all the papers in the case) be prepared to say with any degree of accuracy what amount there is, or may be due, but from the best information I am possessed of, it is a sum well worthy of your attention.
Should there be several heirs it will not be necessary for all to execute the Power enclosed; any one of them may act for himself and represent the interest of the remainder; and the "Pay certificate" or "Pension Draft" will be made payable to the party who gives the Power of Attorney — if preferred two, or all the heirs may join and have the certificate made payable to their joint order or endorsement. From an examination of the accompanying form, you will perceive that the "certificate" to be granted upon an admission of the claim will command the money at the Pension Agency of your State, or where the original annuity was paid; it is apparent therefore that as no money is drawn here, I can exercise no control over what may be recovered, but for my fee or per centage of the amount drawn, must trust entirely to your integrity to promptly send it to me after you have turned the certificate into cash. If I am employed in the prosecution of this claim I will for my own interest as well as yours exert every means to establish as much service by the soldier as possible. The more service we are able to prove the greater will be the amount recovered. In doing this I will necessarily incur some outlay — searches of voluminous files will have to be made — certified copies of papers will be required, and probably an exemplified record from one or more of the State Comptrollers, all this I will have to pay for in advance . To protect myself against absolute loss therefore I shall expect from you an advance fee of $3, and which will be the only charge made until the claim is allowed. Without this advance fee I cannot proceed in your behalf. Should my actual expenses prove less than anticipated, I will charge myself with the surplus and account for it upon our final settlement. Should you see proper to entrust your business to my care, you may expect to be served to the best of my ability; and, I entertain no doubt with results as satisfactory to all concerned, as any heretofore attending my labors in the Pension Office. My fee will be 10 per cent of the amount recovered — a fee less than half the usual charge in protracted claims — but which the assurance I entertain of having this claim speedily allowed, justifies me in accepting.
For my integrity, competency, and attention to business, you are at liberty to address the Member of Congress from your District.
Very Respect. Your Obt. Servt. S. M. Knight.
P.S.
See note on enclosed form relative to arrears due deceased Pensioners.

Know ye that I John  Apex of Woodstock in the county of Windham of the State of Connecticut of 73 years of age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Silas Johnson of Amherst in Hampshire county in State of Mass - and that he is the same Silas Johnson wh. I saw at Kings Ferry in the State of New York in August 1781 and that I know him to be a soldier then in the army of the United States service but how long he stayed at that time cannot remember but have no doubt but he served as he states nine months - and I do further say that I was knowing to his being out in the service at other times - but how long and at what particular times cannot remember - and further the Deponent saith not -
John Fox
Woodstock Windham county State of Connecticut Personally appeared John Fox and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed - and I hereby certify that he is a credible witness and that this Statement is entitled to credit Woodstock August 14 th 1832
John A Williams Justice of Peace

Lila Johnson
Asa Johnson D. Sc.

United States of America. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hampshire Co. ss. August 25. 1832.
Be it known that I Edward Dickinson Notary Public by lawful authority, duly commissioned & qualified residing in Athol in said County, do certify that Samuel F. Dickinson Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within said County, duly commissioned & acting under the authority of this Commonwealth. And that full faith & credit is ought to be given to his acts & attestations done in that capacity - and that the signature to said certificate is known to me to be the hand writing of the said Samuel F. Dickinson.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my Notarial Seal, the day & year aforesaid.
Edward Dickinson Notary Public

Know ye that I Alfred Marcy of Woodstock in the County of Windham and State Connecticut of 69 years of age do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Silas Johnson now of Amherst in Hampshire County in the State of Mass - and formerly of Woodstock and do say that he is the same Silas Johnson who I saw at Kings Ferry in the State of New York in August 1781 and that I knew him to be a soldier therein in the army of the United States - but how long the said Johnson was in the service at that time I cannot remember - but have no doubt but that he served nine months as he states - at that time - and I do further testify and say that I was knowing to the said Silas Johnson being still in the service at other times but at what time and how long cannot remember - and further the Deponent saith not - Alfred Marcy
Woodstock Windham County State of Connecticut Personally appeared Alfred Marcy and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition and I hereby certify that the said Deponent is a credible witness - and that his statement is entitled to credit - Woodstock August 14 th 1832
John G. Williams Justice of Peace

I Ammiin Bolles Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Windham in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that John F. Williams Esquire before whom the within affidavit was made is duly enrolled as a Justice of the Peace in and for said Windham County. That the within signature of his Name is in his hand writing, and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his acts as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Public seal of said Court at Brooklyn in said County this 15 th day of August A.D. 1832
Ammiin Bolles Clerk

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Johnson, Silas GRADE Private LINE Virginia
WARRANT NUMBER 12277 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 29, 1793 TO John Spencer, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.