Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 17686, for Allen Smith, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn. Privateer
Smith, Allen.
S 17686
CONTENTS
Carded
S 17686 in last known New Haven Co. Conn. at death in 1934 res in Branford, New Haven Co. Conn.,

Connecticut No. 22,872
Allen Smith
was in the State of Connecticut as a Pr. Supt. & En. in the Conty commanded by Captain Patten of the Regt commanded in the State Troops & P. Walter
  Pr. 7 mo. 9 dys  (stand)    Supt. 4. "    En. 8. "  
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 124 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
44.33.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of May 1834 and claimant
  Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1834..  572.99    Pension allowance ending 4 th Sep. ..  62.16  
$ 435.15
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk, Ex 62 - Vol. — Page 39.

Allen Smith
100
0 1/2 53 1/2

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of Connecticut, } ss. County of New-Haven, }
On this 6 th day of August 1882 personally appeared, in open Court, before the County Court of New Haven County now sitting, Allen Smith a resident of Branford in the County of New-Haven, and State of Connecticut, aged 82 years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832:—That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated:—
In June 1775 I enlisted under Stephen Potter Capt. Marched from Branford to New- Haven—there joined our Regiment com- manded by Col. Hall—from New Haven we marched to Hartford, and from thence to Cambridge—and from Cambridge to Winter Hill near Boston, where we joined General Lee— served seven months.
In July 1776. I was drafted under Edward Brookway Capt., Colonel Butler Ent., — Thompson Col. Took shipping at Branford, landed at New- York—there we were ordered across to Brooklyn on Long Island, stayed there but one day— Returned from Long Island in the night under command of Gen. Washington, stayed in New York until the English shipping came up and landed at Smith Bay, where we had an engagement with them, the next day we had a warm engagement at Harlem—After that we

was dismissed - was on duty four months - a Sergeant 3 In 1776 Volunteered and enlisted for two months under Samuel Sills Capt. Marched to Waterbury Hill and had an engagement - but on duty two months 4 In 1778 I took charge of the Guard in Branford as Ensign as per commission by Order of Genl Edward Russell Colonel Out eight months
In 1779 - By order of Col. Russell called the company together and marched to Morris Point, and attacked the enemy while landing - then returned to East Haven - on duty three days
5 In May 1777 I shipped on board the Schooner Wooster, Enoch Staples Master - Took an English ship called the Atlantic, carried me into New Bedford Arrived at home 29 th October - Out 5 Months -
6 Enlisted under Capt. Reuben Rose and marched to Stamford - At Stamford I was drafted and put on board Capt. Simon Slick's Privateer was out two months - on guard in Long Island Sound
I was born in East Haven, County of New Haven Conn. in the year 1750 but can find no record of my birth -
I resided in Branford in County of New Haven when called into service, and have resided in said town ever since

Declaration
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State, except that of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest J. Deuch Clerk Allen Smith
We, Timothy P. Gillett a Clergyman, residing in said Branford and Benjamin R. Fowler residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Allen Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be 82 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest J. Deuch Clerk
Timothy P. Gillett Benjamin R. Fowler
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Timothy P. Gillett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in said Branford and that Benjamin R. Fowler who has also signed the same, is a resident in said Branford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, J. Deuch Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Allen Smith for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 6 th day of August 183 2
J. Deuch Clerk

My services while in service were voluntary except when drafted under command of Capt. Edward Brockway and out of Capt. Ruben Rose's Company to go on board Capt. Simeon Felick's Privateer.
I do not recollect receiving a written discharge I received a commission as Ensign dated May 1777 signed by John Trumbull and countersigned by Rev. Myles Scurry.
I would introduce John Whitney, Benjamin Palmer, John Monroe, and Samuel Hunt, who are neighbors of mine and are acquainted with the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration.
There is not any person living to my knowledge that was knowing to my Enlisting under Capt. Rose and being drafted to go on board Capt. Simeon Felick's Privateer.
I John Whitney of Branford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut
do depose and
say that in June 1775 I enlisted under Capt. Stephen Potter in Colo. Halls Reg t Joiner's said Company marched to New Haven, from thence to Hartford.

from Hartford to Cambridge, from thence to Winter Hill, I said Gen. Lee, was in service seven months. That Allen Smith enlisted at the same time and was with me the whole time of seven months .
That in May 1777 I shipped on board the ship Wooster under Staples Master, - took an English ship called the Atlantic, carried me into New Bedford
The said Allen Smith shipped at the same time with me and we were discharged together - We were on board together five months .
And I further depose and say that said Allen Smith is and has been a neighbour of mine for a great number of years past. That he is and always has been considered a man of truth and veracity - That I believe the foregoing declaration by him made to be true - &
That I believe him to be eighty two years of age - And further the deponent saith not -
Subscribed & sworn to this day before me
John D. Whitney
Attest John Beach Clerk

Vernon
returned 16 th April 1832
Allen Smith
of Branford in the State of Conn who was a Private in the Conn commanded by Captain Potter of the — commanded by — — in the Conn troops time for 7 mo 9 days & Parole 4 mo Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 44 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of December '33 and sent John Beach Norwich
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept '33 $110.83 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Mar '34 22.16
$132.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by C. Laurie Clerk Book E Vol. 3 Page 42

17686
✓ INVALID.
New War
No. 17686
Allen Smith
Ensign vs Rev War
Act: June 7 th 72
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 335
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Supplement
Annexed to the Declaration of Allen Smith in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. —
State of Connecticut } County of New Haven } for
on this 11 th Day of June 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the County Court of New Haven County now sitting Allen Smith of Branford in the County of New Haven State of Connecticut now Eighty Three years old who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in answer to the Objections to the admission of his Pension Claims in the Brief herewith annexed viz. —
In June 1775 I Enlisted under Capt Stephen Dutton and done Duty as a private in his Company of Militia for Seven Months. —
in July 1776 I was Drafted and and done Duty as Sergeant in Capt Edward Brockway's Company of Militia for Four Months. —

in the Spring of the year of 1776 I Volunteered for two Months under Command of Reverend Samuel Eels Capt and done duty as a private in his Company of Militia for two Months. —
in July 1779 I took Charge of the Guard in Branford as Ensign on Commission by Order of Col Edward Russell on Duty Eight Months in Order from Col Russell
in May 1777 I shift on Board the Westin Creek Staple Commander on Duty five Months can find no Documentary Evidence.
Enlisted under Capt Reuben Rose in his Company of Militia and Marched to Stamford while there I was one with others that was Drafted and put on Board of a Guard Ship Commanded by Simon Selick and done Duty on Board of said Ship done two Months Duty in that Campaign
I have no Documentary Evidence Excepting Comptroller Certificate I know of no person living that was with me on that Duty Neither can I state with persipian the time of the year I done the Duty only in 1779

According to the best of My Recollection I served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades viz. — for Eleven Months as a private in the Militia for Four Months as a Sergeant in the Militia for Eight Months and Three Days a Ensign in the Militia for Five Months as a Mariner and for such services I claim a pension. —
Subscribed & sworn to      Albin Smith in open Court 11 th June 1833 Attest G. D. Beach Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
State of Connecticut } ss County of New Haven }
On this 7 th Day of Nov. 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the County Court of New Haven County now Sitting Allen Smith a Resident of Branford in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged Eighty three years who being first Duly Sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832; That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and Served as herein stated. — viz In June 1775 Twelve or Fourteen all of us were Sea forcing Men hired one Edward Bark a Dealer from the English gave him forty Shillings per Month and his Board to Instruct us in the then Military Exercise; at the Expiration of one Month on the 11 th of July we all Enlisted with others to the Number of Twenty one privates into a Company commanded by Stephen Dutton our Capt. The first Officer we Enlisted under we Marched to a place of Rendezvous in East Haven where we were formed into

Company with others Commanded by Lieut. Col. Street Hall from there we Marched to New Haven from there to Hartford from Hartford to Cambridge near Boston from there to a place called Winter Hill where we joined the Army Commanded by Genl. Lee and I was Discharged the 20 th Day of December 1775 as per Comptroller Certificate. amount My Service at that time as a private was Seven Months and Nine Days and one in publick Service exclusive of one Month getting Instruction. —
Soon as I Returned home to Mansford from Boston which was the latter part of December I Enlisted into a Company under Command of Reuben Rose a Capt joined the Company at New Haven I Enlisted for Two Months we Marched from New Haven for New York under Command of General Wooster we Marched as far as Stamford towards New York we Encamped at Stamford for the Night; in the Morning our Regiment was called together and an Order issued to Draft twelve Men to be put on Board a Vessel which then lay at Stamford the Name of the Vessel I do not Recollect but she was Commanded by Simeon Sellick and I was one of the twelve that was Drafted and put on board of said Vessel the other Eleven are all Dead it cannot be found that this Vessel was in the State service by any publick Records She was called a privateer the same as all our Vessels were at that time we were ordered into the Sound in pursuit of a Ten gun Schooner in Company with the Schooner Spy Commanded by Capt. Miles

it can be found on the publick Records in the Comptroller Office at Hartford that the Schooner Spy commanded by Capt Miles was a Vessel belonged to the State and fitted out by the State to cruise against the Enemy and it is supposed that Capt Belliker Vessel was the same I was Discharged after doing not less than two Months Service My Service at that time was as a private or I enlisted as a private —
in March 1777 I enlisted for two Months as a private under Revd Samuel Eels Capt we Marched through New Haven for New York we were Stationed at Harlem on a place called Valentines Hill where we had a severe Engagement with the Enemy and in the Battle Isaac Troup was shot down by My side at My Right Hand at that time we were under Command of General Wooster Major Litch was ordered to Detach Seventy Men to go on a Scout in pursuit of a Company of Light Horse Men he took Capt Eels and Most of his Company stating that he would have a Priest with him but the Light Horse Men had Retreated over Kings Bridge. —
In August 1776 I was Drafted under Edward Brookway Capt Ezekiel Butler Lieut our Regiment was under Command of Lieut Gaby Thompson we took Shipping at Branford and landed at New York then we were ordered across to Brooklyn on Long Island and put under Command of Genl Washington Stayed there but one Day Returned from Long Island in the Night

Under Command of Genl. Washington Stayed in New-York untill the English Shipping came up and Landed at Turtle Bay where we had an Engagement with them; the next day we had a warm Engagement at Harlem; after the we had done Four Months Duty we were Discharged; in this Campaign I done Duty as Sergeant I was appointed to that Station the Day we were Mustered at Bronxford I cannot find My Warrant it is probably mislaid or lost
In the latter part of March or fore part of April 1779 I Received Order to Enlist Thirty able Bodied Men as Coast Guards for Eight Months Duty I proceeded to fill up the Order by Enlistment but could not Enlist but Eight Men, According to the best of My Recollection. The Number of our Guard was Reducing almost every Week by their time for which they Entitled being out in July I Received an Order from Col. Rusk which order is attached to My former Declaration to fill the Compliment by Drafting beginning at the West End of the Town which I did and so proceeded as the exigency of the Care Regiments taking every third or fourth Man and so proceeded from day to day untill I went there

through the town Town from time to time until the expiration of the Eight Months; those Eight Men that I Enlisted were all young Men and there is but one of the Eight now living that is John Morris whose Deposition damaged herewith enclosed those Men that I drafted were all elderly Men that belonged to the Clavium List so called and there is not one of them now living to my knowledge the young Men at that time were almost all of them out of Town in their Country. Service there are the facts according to my best Recollection. I done this term of Duty under my Enlistment in My former Declaration and in My Supplement to the same I stated that I volunteered and served two months under Samuel Eells as Capt in the year 1776 but since I made those statements I am Satisfied that I was mistaken in the year I am now convinced I done that service in the year 1777 instead of 1776 as I formerly set forth in My Declaration I had no Documentary Evidence when I made My first Declaration. —
In My first Declaration I set forth that I served seven months in a Campaign to Boston in 1775 but since I Received a Certificate from the Comptroller that My service was but five months and nine days therefore I submit to that time and claim no more in this Declaration than five months and nine days

in 1779 by order from Col. Russell called our Company to New York and marched to a place called Monmouth Point and attacked the Enemy while Landing then Returned to East Haven; on duty at that time Three Days under My Ensign Commission but had Charge of the Company as there was no other commissioned Officer present. according to the best of My Recollection I served not less than the periods below and in the following grades viz For Nine Months and Nine Days as a private in the Militia For Four Months as a Sergeant in the Militia For Eight Months and Three Days as an Ensign in the Militia and for such services I claim a pension. — I herewith (annex) enclose a Deposition of Josiah Green and one of Josiah's children both of East Haven as to My Enlistment with Capt. Rose and put on board Capt. Sill's I herewith enclose a Certificate from the Comptroller of My services as a private in 1775. — and a Deposition of Benjamin Dabney of My services as a Sergeant in 1778 at New York. — and a Deposition of Samuel Stent of My services as a private in 1777. — and a Deposition of John Morris of My services as a guard in Branford in 1779 as Ensign and likewise My Ensign Commission and an order from Col. Russell. — and a Deposition of John Whitney of My services as Ensign in 1779 at East Haven Then I submit My Claim for a pension to your Department without further comment

I was born in East Haven County of New Haven State of Connecticut in the year 1750 but can find no Record of My Birth. —
I Resided in Branford in said County of New Haven when called into Service and have Resided in said Branford ever since
I would State that I am known by Nathan Smith Esq. U.S. Senator and Ralph S. Ingersoll Esq. Representative in Congress both of New Haven and in My neighborhood by Samuel Gould Esq. and Nathaniel Russell Esq. both of Branford.
Declarant hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present and declares that his Name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Abiah D. Smith Nathan Smith

We Timothy A. Gillett a Clergyman Residing in Branford and Benjamin R. Fowler residing in the same Town hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Allen Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be 83 Years of Age that he is Reported and believed in the Neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn & subscribed this day before us Attest M c Beath Clerk
Timothy A. Gillett Benjamin R. Fowler
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatory by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & I concur as he states, And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Timothy A. Gillett who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in said Branford & that Prof. R. Fowler who has also signed is a resident in said Branford & is a credible person & that their Statement is entitled to credit
By order of Court Attest M c Beath Clerk
The Court further certify that the several deponents whose affidavits are hereto annexed are reputable persons of considerable intelligence & I declare that in our opinion these Statements are entitled to credit
By order of Court Attest M c Beath Clerk

Comptrollers Office October 15 th 1833
I Elisha Phelps, Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify that, by an authenticated copy of the payroll of Lieut. Col. Strat Hall's Co. 7 th Regt. 1775, it appears that Algeo Smith entered into said company on the 11 th day of July 1775, and served therein, as a private, until the 20 th day of December 1775, being five months and nine days.
E. Phelps

I John Whitney of Branford New Haven County State of Connecticut now Seventy Nine years old
Depose and say that in 1779 when the English landed at East Haven I was ordered out on duty by Ensign Allen Smith and done duty under him and he acted as Ensign and I done duty as a private for three days after which I was verbally discharged by said Ensign Allen Smith I further Depose that I have always lived a Neighbor to him and he is Reported as a Man of truth and veracity I believe him to be Eighty Three years old
Sworn to & subscribed John W. Whitney in open Court on the 7th day of Nov. 1833
Attest W. B. Beach Clerk

State of Connecticut, County of New Haven ss. New Haven Nov 7 th 1833 I M c Beach Clerk of the County Court in & for said New Haven County, hereby certify that Dr. Grape recently & Levi Bralley, an assistant have been for more than one year last past respectively Justices of the peace in & for s d New Haven County duly qualified & admitted to office, & that their signatures respectively to the affidavits hereto annexed are their genuine official signatures — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County Court the day & date above written
M c Beach Clerk

Connecticut, being seventyseven years old; saith that in the month of December 1775, Allen Smith then, and now of Branford in said County of New Haven, enlisted into Captain Reuben Rose's Company, in Col Edward Pufbels Regiment, for two months service, he joined the Company with him, at New Haven, and they were ordered to march to New York, Allen Smith marched in the Company with him as far as Stamford in Connecticut, where Allen Smith, W m Queen, Joseph Wilford, Elias Pond and five, or six, other men whose names he does not recollect, were drafted out of our Company, and put on board of a Privateer, commanded by Capt k Seleck
Jared G. Green
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss East Haven
On this 18 th day of October 1833 the aforesaid Jared Green was examined, cautioned, and sworn to the foregoing Deposition before me, and whose character is well known to me to be creditable for truth. De Graff Maltby Justice of peace
Jesse Ledington of East Haven in New Haven County State of Connecticut, being seventy six years old: saith that in the month of December 1775 Allen Smith then and now of Branford in said County of New Haven, enlisted into Captain Reuben Rose's Company, in Col Edward Pufbels Regiment, for two months service, he joined the Company with him at New Haven, and they were ordered to march to New York; Allen Smith marched in the Company with him as far as Stamford in Connecticut, where Allen Smith, W m Queen, Joseph Wilford, Elias Pond, and five, or six other men, whose names he does not recollect, were drafted out of our Company, and put on board a Privateer, commanded by Capt k Seleck
Jesse Ledington
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss East Haven
On this 18 th day of October 1833 the aforesaid Jesse Ledington was examined, cautioned, and sworn to the foregoing Deposition before me, and whose character is well known to me to be creditable for truth. De Graff Maltby Justice of peace

I Othneel Stent of Bradford in New Haven County State of Connecticut now Eighty one year of age
do Depose and say that in 1777 I Enlisted for two Months under Revd Samuel Eells a Capt and was out on Duty two Months we Marched through New Haven on to Harlem and Stationed near there at a place called Valentine's Hill was under Command of General Wooster and Major Marm was Sick we had an Engagment there with the Enemy. - I further Depose and say that Allen Smith Enlisted at the same time I did and belonged to the same Company & did and done Duty for two Months with me as a private I further Depose and say that Allen Smith is now and has been a Neighbour of Mine for the last Fifty Years and that he is Reported to be a Man of truth and veracity and I believe him to be such and that I believe the statement set forth in his Declaration to obtain a pension is true and I believe him to be Eighty Three Years old -
State of Connecticut New Haven County
Othneel Stent
On the 4 th day of November 1803 the aforesaid Othneel Stent was examined, cautioned and sworn agreeable to law to the foregoing Deposition before me and being well known to me that his character is reputable for truth and veracity certified by me - Delegates really Justices of peace

I John Mono of Branford in New Haven County State of Connecticut:—
do Depose and say that in the year 1779 I Enlisted under Ensign Allen Smith to do Duty as a private in the Coast Guards which were ordered to be Raised for Eight Months that I Enlisted for Eight Months and that I performed said term of Duty and was Discharged at the Expiration of Eight Months. I further depose that during that time said Ensign Allen Smith had Command of the Guard in Branford by order of Genl. Ward and Col. Russell I further Depose and say that Allen Smith is Now and has been for a long time a Neighbor of Mine that he has ever sustained a good Character for the truth and veracity that I believe the Statement made by him in the aforesaid Declaration to be true and that I believe him to be Eighty Three years of age
John Mono
State of Connecticut } on this 7 th Day of November 1833 New Haven County } personally appeared the aforesaid for Branford } John Mono was Examined Cautious
and sworn according to Law to the foregoing Deposition before me and whose Character is well known to me to be credible for truth and veracity Levi Bradley Justice of Peace

I Benjamin Palmer of Branford in New Haven County State of Connecticut now Eighty one years old Do Depose and say that in August 1776 I was Drafted under the Command of Capt Edward Brockway we went Immediately to New York and Crossed over to Long Island Stayed on the Island one Day Returned to New York from thence to Harlem where we had a warm Engagement with the Enemy after that we were Discharged after Doing not less than four Months Duty. — I further Depose and say Allen Smith was Drafted at the same time I was, and that he served as Sergeant and Done Duty as Sergeant in Capt Brockway's Company all that Campaign and was Discharged the same time I was. — I further now Depose and say that said Allen Smith is a Neighbour of Mine that he has ever sustained a fair Character for truth and veracity and that I believe the Statement set forth in his Declaration to be true and I believe his age to be Eighty three years and furthermore the Deponent saith not  Benjamin Palmer
State of Connecticut } An third Day of November 1833 The New Haven County ss } aforesaid Benjamin Palmer was Examined  Branford } cautioned and sworn to the foregoing Deposition before Me and whose Character is well known to Me to be Credible for truth and veracity { Levi Bradlee. Justice of the Peace

I Herman Rogers of Branford County of New Haven State of Connecticut now seventy six years old
Depose and say in 1777 I enlisted into a Militia Company commanded by Revd Samuel Eells Esq t and was first under the command of General Wooster for two Months we Marched to New Haven from thence to Stamford from thence to Valentine Hill near fort Independence and done duty for two Months I further Depose and say that Allen Smith enlisted at the time I did and done duty in the same company I did and was discharged when I was. —
I further Depose and say that Allen Smith is a neighbour of mine and has been for the last Fifty years and that he is reported to be a Man of truth and veracity and I believe he done the duty as set forth in his Declaration, in the Revolution War and that it is all entitled to truth according to the best of my recollection it was about two Months but cannot declare whether it was a little more or a little short of two Months
Herman Rogers
State of Connecticut New Haven County ss Branford
on this 6 th Day of November 1833 personally appeared the aforesaid Herman Rogers was examined cautioned and sworn according to Law to the foregoing Deposition before me and whose character is well known to me to be creditable for for truth and veracity —
Levi Bradley Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } County of New Haven }
I do hereby certify that the foregoing (enclosed) contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Allen Smith for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 7 th day of Nov.
A.D. 1833
G. H. D. Smith

Allen Smith of Connecticut. Additional evidence.
original certificate written 14 th April
L. C. Richards Esq. Commonplace of Honorem Washington D.C.

Bransford February 7 th 1836
Dear Sir
you stated in yours of the 23 rd Nov 1833 (which is herewith Enclosed) that My Services as Charge of the Bransford guards could not be allowed for it did not appear from the Certificate of Mr Phelps Relative to the guard service at Bransford that I ever commanded the guards at any time for which the pay Rolls were made up. —
I have a perfect Recollection that I Received the Money from the Government to pay the Wages of the Men who served under Me and fully Recollected the time we Met at when I paid them off and the proceedings of Many of the Men at that time and place. and I have been Enabled after paying Much Money and being troubled to Examine and Reexamine the publick Documents at Hartford to find on the Books of the Pay Table charged to the United States the pay Roll of Ensign Allen Smith Coast Guards Bransford and I claim to be the Identical Allen Smith that is entered on the pay Table of which I have herewith Enclosed a Certificate from the Comptroller

I wish My case to be taken into further Consideration by comparing My Declaration which is in your Office with the order & Received from Col. Russell together with the other proof I introduced and the Certificate from Mr. Phelps herewith En- and allow Me what addition to My prem lition in your Opinion is justly due Me by the Law passed June 7 th 1832 in accordance with the Evidence I have furnished
I am Respectfully your Obedient Servant
J. L. Edmond, Esq. Allen Smith Commission of Pensions

State of Connecticut, New Haven County ss.
Be it remembered that at a County Court held at New Haven within & for New Haven County on this 11 th day of June 1833 The said Court in addition to their certificate to the pension papers of Allen Smith of the 6 th of August 1832 hereby annexed hereby further certify that in their opinion the said Allen Smith was a Revolutionary Pensioner & Service as he states in his supplemental declaration: — and that the several deponents or witnesses whose affidavits or depositions, were taken & sworn to before said Court & which are thereunto & hereto annexed, to wit John Whitney, Benjamin Palmer, Othniel Stank, & John Monroe are respectively persons of credibility, & declare that in our opinion their statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
By order of Court Attest J. Beach Clerk
I J. Beach Clerk of the County Court of New Haven County do hereby certify that the foregoing & annexed contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Allen Smith for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day & date above written
J. Beach Clerk

I John Monroe of Branford in New Haven County and State of Connecticut
do depose and say that in the year 1778 I enlisted under Ensign Allen Smith for the term of eight months that I performed said term of duty and was discharged, - I further depose that during that time said Allen Smith continued in the service and had command of the guard in Branford by the order Gen. Ward.
I further depose that said Allen Smith is and has been for a long time a neighbor of mine, that he has ever sustained a good character for truth and veracity, that I believe the statements made by him in his aforesaid declaration to be true, and that I believe him to be eighty two years of age
John Monroe known to subscribe the day before affidavit

I Benjamin Palmer of Branford in New- Haven County and State of Connecticut
do hereby depose and say that in July 1866 I was drafted under the command of Capt. Canara Mackney, that we went to New York Crossed over to Long Island, staid on the Island one day - returned to New York, from thence to Harlem where we had a warm engagement with the enemy after that we were discharged were out on duty about four months. I further depose and say that Allen Smith was drafted at the same time with me and that he served as Sergeant the above time and were discharged together.
I furthermore depose and say that since Allen Smith is a Neighbor of mine, that he has ever sustained a fair character for truth and veracity, and that I believe the statement set forth in his declaration to be true - and I believe his age to be eighty two years - and further the deponent saith not - sworn to before me the day & year aforesaid attest M. Deane Clerk
Benjamin Palmer

Payments to be made at Hartford by Pres W. S. Br Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Connecticut
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice in Book E Vol. 3 Page 42 by C. Laurie Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Allen Smith of the State of Connecticut who was a Private and Sergeant during the Revolutionary war, is entitled to receive Forty four dollars and thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Fourth day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

Pension Received up to March 4 th 1834 $132.99
No. 22.872.

War Department Pension Office November 23 d 1833
Sir
On a careful examination of the papers in support of the of the claim of Allen Smith it does not appear that any further or more satisfactory explanation of his service in charge of the guard at Branford has been furnished excepting what is contained in the deposition of John Munro which cannot be reconciled with the original statement of the claimant. From the certificate of Mr Phelps relative to the guard service at Branford it does not appear that the claimant ever commanded the guard at any time for which pay rolls were made up. It cannot therefore be presumed upon these facts that he was in actual service under his militia commission as commander of the guard so as to bring this service within the pension law. His other services as private and sergeant have been allowed. The pension certificate will be forwarded in a day or two.
The only service of John Whitney which is clearly stated and properly proved is five months nine days service in Col Hall's corps in 1778. His service in the guard at Branford and the other services stated cannot be allowed unless it is shown that the corps in which he served were called out by proper authority in which case the services will have been paid by the State and the fact may be established by the documents in the Comptroller's office. The papers are placed on file awaiting further evidence.
I am

Your Obeisant Servant J. L. Edwards
John Beach Esqr New Haven Connecticut

Date October 28 th 1779, on the books of the Bay Tayle, there is charged to the United States the pay roll of "Ensign Allen Smith's coast " guards Breauford £159, 13, 10. No roll of this guard has been found, or evidence showing how long it was in service
That under date 27 th December 1781, by the journal of the Council of Safety, it appears that the time for which the guard at Breauford had been raised was nearly expired as represented by Col. Edward Russell. Whereupon the Council of Safety resolved "that said Col. Russell be & he " is hereby directed & empowered to raise in that " town by enlistment or detachment as the case may " require thirty able bodied men to serve as a " guard on the sea coast in that town under " command of Lt Enoch Hopton & under the same " regulations pay & wages as the guard now serving

11 there are by law entitled to - to continue on service 11 until the 15 th day of February next, and make return 11 to his Excellency the Governor of his doings in the premises. (The State records show that the General Assembly 11 of three sessions in January 1782 granted to the several 11 towns on the sea coast in this State, to enable them 11 to furnish pay, and support guards on their own costs 11 the ensuing year the sum of £9190, 0, 0 lawful money 11 to be distributed to the Statemen of the towns hereafter 11 named as follows, viz, among the towns mentioned 11 is Mansfield £360, 0, 0. In this act it was provided, 11 that if no guards were maintained by any of these 11 towns, they should forfeit the grant &c. The Statemen 11 were required to exhibit a certificate to the Pay Table the 11 amount expended by them for guards, & to receive 11 the amount expended, not exceeding the amount 11 expressed in the act.)
Under date March 20 th 1783 there is charged to the United States on the books of the Pay Table for payment to the Statemen of Mansfield for "coast guards" 11 in 1782 £250, 0, 0. No roll of this guard has been found, or proof of the discharge of its service.
E. Phelps
for John H. Murray

23 33 (April 20) 79 33 Pigeon House 20 80 124 33
Danford Conn April 21 st 
Dear
Conner's front Allen Smith's Centaj. Enclosed
April 21 st 
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Office Washington City
No 22872
Allen Smith 124 33 for further info

Branford April 25 th 1834
Dear Sir
Yours of the 14 th of April was duly Received Requesting Allen Smiths Pension Certificate to be Returned to you for further Examination. —
The Certificate is herewith Enclosed
Yours Respectfully
Allen Smith

62.32)
A. Smith
Served in Ensign and allowed as actual service, as Mr. Phelps - certificate does not recognize him as commander at time stated let 1/2 left - see letter caption
24.33 7 m 9 day per 20 4 m 20 d
44.33
5.00 to S. 100 47
Ino Beach New Haven

5352
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Allen Smith which require further proof or explanation.
 I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?  IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? — no  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? — grades not all stated  VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?  IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? 

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

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
†QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
The Vrooten was evidently aspirateen from the remonstrance of which Mr Smith was first signer against Mr James Goodrich's receiving a pension in 1820 in which there is a good deal. Capt Lellick's privateer speaks in its

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire; Captain General, and Commander in Chief, of the State of CONNECTICUT, in AMERICA.
To
Allen Smith
Gent. GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State accepted to be Ensign Nathaniel Company of the First Regiment in the State Reposing special Trust and Confidence, in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take the said Company into your Care and Charge, as their Ensign carefully and diligently to discharge that Trust; exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their Arms, according to the Discipline of War; keeping them in good Order and Government; and commanding them to obey you as their Ensign for the Service of this State. And you are to observe such Orders and Directions, as from Time to Time you shall receive, either from me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand, and the Seal of this State, i Day of May Anno Domini, 17
Stafford the 26 th
By His Honor's Command,
George Wyllys Secy
Jon. Trumbull

JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Esquire, Captain General, and Commander in Chief, of the State of CONNECTICUT, in AMERICA.
To Allen Smith Gent. GREETING.
YOU being by the General Assembly of this State accepted to be Ensign of the said Company or Troop in the Second Regiment on the Right Reposing special Trust and Confidence, in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by Virtue of the Laws of this State, me thereunto enabling, appoint and impower you to take the said Company into your Care and Charge, as their Ensign carefully and diligently to discharge that Trust; exercising your inferior Officers and Soldiers in the Use of their Arms, according to the Discipline of War; keeping them in good Order and Government; and commanding them to obey you as their Ensign for the Service of this State. And you are to observe such Orders and Directions, as from Time to Time you shall receive, either from me, or from other your superior Officer, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given under my Hand, and the Seal of this State, i Day of May Anno Domini, 17
Stafford the 26 th
By His Honor's Command,
George Wyllys Secy
Jon. Trumbull

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Smith, Ambrose GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 6491 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Oct. - 1789 to Theodasius Fowler, 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.