Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 6081, for Gideon Safford, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Safford, Gideon
R. 6081
CONTENTS

27.580 Gideon Safford Pioneer papers
N.Y.
Account to be credited to David Russell Esq. Salina Washington County New York N.Y.

State of New York Washington County
On this second day of September
in the year of our Lord 1833, personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the court of Common Pleas now sitting, for the County aforesaid, Gideon Safford a resident of the town of Salem in said County aged Seventy nine 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 after stated; that he entered the service as a volunteer the first year of the war of the revolution, in the month of September at Panton in the state of Connecticut, for one year, at the expiration of this time, applicant was drafted one month, and reassembled at Ganton, and was stationed at Fort Linnard during the month. In the year 1778 or 1779 and which of the two years applicant is not certain the company to which he belonged were ordered out into service as applicant thinks in the month of September at this time reassembled at New London - marched to New Rochelle was out this time three months as a volunteer, was the greater part of the time stationed at New London - In each instance this applicant served out his time - and the most of the time while

He was in actual service he was stationed on the sea coast to prevent the landing of the British troops. This applicant was out in actual service in all one year and four months, the Captain's name was Depe Starkeweather the Colo name was Gait and the Generals name was Ely Col; this applicant also served under Colo Smith and Colo Sayard and also under General Parsons, Captain Amos Stanton and Captain Samuels.
That he resided when he entered the service in the town of Preston in the State of Connecticut.
That he was once drafted, and twice volunteered.
That he was never engaged in any battle - that he was principally engaged in guarding the coast from the depredations of the British troops.
That in going from New London to New Rochelle in the State of New York he passed through New Haven, Guilford New Britain, and some other places, which he does not now recollect.
That the names of the officers are as stated above.
That he has no documentary evidence of his age; but that it is recorded in the town clerk's office of the town of Preston in the State of Connecticut.
That he knows of no person in this vicinity whose testimony he can procure; who can testify to his actual service.

I That he was born in the town of Preston in State of Connecticut, on the fourth day of November 1754
II That he has no record of his age; but that it was recorded in the office of the town Clerk in the town of Preston in the State of Connecticut
III That he was living, when he entered the service at Preston in the state of Connecticut. That he removed from the town of Preston to the town of Salem in the County of Washington and State of New York, on the 17 th day of June 1785, where he has since resided and where he now resides
IV That he was once drafted into the service and twice volunteered
V That the names of the officers are as stated above,
VI That he never had a discharge
VII That he is well acquainted with the Rev. Alexander Proudfoot, and Henry Matthews Esq. inhabitants of the said town of Salem, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his having been an officer of the revolution
That he hereby relinquishes every claim — whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension of the agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid in open Court J. S. Leigh Atty
Gideon Safford

We Alexander Proudfit, a clergyman, residing in the town of Salem, and Henry Mathews, residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Deacon Safford who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion Rev. Proudfit Sworn and subscribed, the day and year, Henry Mathews in open Court. aforesaid J. S. Leigh C. B.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after its 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 Alexander Proudfit, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the village of Salem, and that Henry Mathews, who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.
J. S. Leigh clerk of the court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Deacon Safford for a pension in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office this 2 d day of September J. S. Leigh C. B.

27. 580.
Giddens Safford
d.e. k
David Russell Esq. Salem New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Nov. 11 '33
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Gideon Safford
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol. First year of the War September 1 — — Private No officers 79 years Traditionary rule   — 1 — " Capt   1778 or 1779 — 3 — " Major Starkweather Col Gair — Col Smith. Col Led Yard  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Duct. to. Russell & Curtis Counselors at Law. Salem. Wash. Co. N.Y.
Gideon Safford. Amended Declaration

Personally appeared before me the undersigned Surrogate of the County of Washington in the State of New York Gideon Safford of the town of Salem in the County of Washington aforesaid who being duly sworn deposed & saith that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot surmise possibly 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 & in the following grades That he volunteered his services in the Connecticut State Troops as a private soldier in the year 1775. If he correctly remembers the time in the month of September of that year. for one year entered the service of the United States in the war of the Revolution in that month in a Com- pany commanded by Capt. Jesse Starkweather. at the town of Preston in said State in Col. Grits Regiment, that he does not remember the time pre- cisely when the Company rendezvous. but he remembers that the Company. was ordered by the said Captain Starkweather & Mustered at the town of Preston & marched to New London & joined there his regiment. under the said Col. Grits, the Regimental Officers names I do not recollect nor the names of the Subaltern officers of my Company. that he remembers that dur- ing this year he was three at Stonington Point, to prevent the British Troops landing from their vessels. that during this year most of the time he was em- ployed along the sea coast as a guard against the landing of the British Troops & to prevent their depra-
1775
Col

tions against their Landing on the Coasts, which they frequently did to the great annoyance of the Inhabitants. This deponent served out his time of enlistment, which was for one year under the said Capt. Starkweather & at the expiration of the said year which this deponent believes was in the following September, he was discharged by his Capt & returned home. That soon after my return home I was drafted by the State of Connecticut in her Militia & put under the same Capt. Jabez Starkweather & Mustered at Groton & was stationed at Fort Griswold In Connecticut where I did Garrison duty for one month under the Command of Col Ledyard & That in the year 1778 or 1779 which this deponent cannot remember the Militia of the State of Connecticut was ordered out into the service of the United States the Companies which were called out not being full I again volunteered my services & as I believe it was in the Month of September I entered the service of my Country under Capt James Morgan & Lieut Winter, the other Officers I do not recollect, and joined my Regiment at New London marked to New Rochelle was gone from home in this service three months, he is impressed with the belief that this service was under Col Smith but is not positive, he will remember that he was three months in that service. That the weather was cold & as he believes that he was

discharged some time in the following December That he was called out in the Militia of said State at different & various other times during the continuance of the general war of the Revolution & marched to different places for the defence of the Country against the Common Enemy but is not at this advanced period of life able to remain the length of time, and this Apo- nent further saith that he believes that he served the said several terms one year, one & three months as is above stated, that he has no discharge in writing from his aforesaid officers & as he believes he never had any other than a verbal discharge & that he knows of no witness by whom he can further prove or substantiate his Service That in all search of the above Services this Deponent served with an embodied corps called into Service by Competent authority for the time during which he was not employed in any Civil pursuit and f- further state that I served as a private Soldier in the war of the Revolution at least one year & four Months & for which I claim a pension - I further saith not
Given under my hand
State of New York Washington County ss I John Willard Surrogate of the said County do certify that on the twenty third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight

hundred & thirty four, the above named Elisha Safford to me well known as a credible person appeared before me in open court and made oath to the foregoing declaration by him subscribed - In wit.
ness whereof I have hereunto set my seal of office and subscribed my name at Salem this 23 rd day of May 1834 - John Willard.

Comptroller's office
Hartford 23 June 1834
Messrs Russell & Hunt's
Gentlemen. Your Letter of 17 June 1834 is before me there are no pay Rolls in this office for the service of Gideon Lafford, all that can be found in relation to it is the settlement of his Capt Jesse Stark in their's acct for his company militia at New London for August 1775 amounting to £16.6.11 & do for April 1777 amt to £10.2.0 and do for do in Col Wolcott's Regt in 1775 at New London £210.0.4 - also the settlement made 3 Sept. 1779 of Capt James Morgan's account for his company militia at New London £287.7.10 and do £80.11.10 - 11 March 11. 1779 Capt O. Pettebone settled the acct for his company militia in service in 1778 in guard- ing the prisoners from Massachusetts & Virginia amt £209.8.4 -
All the payrolls and vouchers of every kind were sent to Philadelphia and have never been returned here
I do not find any thing in relation to Cedar Avery. he must I think be mistaken as to the names of the officers and the time of service there is but very limited information in relation

to any militia service to be found. The commanders of companies. settled for the companies and the Pay Rolls. vouchers to were all sent to Philadelphia at the time. the accounts for the support of the War of the Revolution were finally adjusted.
Your most obedt
Roger Huntington Comptroller

Salem Ky May 28
Mark Recd. 27 June 2 o 1834
Free 3
1834
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commisioner etc. Pension Office Washington D.C.

Believe me. Inclosed are the Pension Papers of the aged Gideon Safford who We make no doubt is fully entitled to a Pension for the time for which he survives. He is old & infirm tottering upon the grave. I make no doubt could have been questioned as to his right of service some twenty years since. He would have been enabled to have made out a much greater length of time. He has been well known to this Commu- to... Chief Justice Savage of Albany to... Judge Asa Fish. Judge Willard & many others of this place as a man of truth & veracity of the strictest order & a very Pious & exemplary man Your early attention to his claim will much oblige him as he is truly necessitous — Respectfully yours
Russell & Curtis
Salem Washington County N. York
W. L. Edwards Esq.

Matter of Gideon Safford - A Pensioner Certificate of his Moral Rebirth
I am well acquainted and have been for many years with the within named Gideon Safford and concur in the opinions within respect to his character & services. I am also acquainted with each of the persons who have subscribed to the within document. They are Gentlemen distinguished for their purity of character and blaze virtues and their representations entitled to the fullest credence Decr. 21 st 1835.
D. Russell
Hon David Russell H.R.

To the Hon. Lewis Cass Sec y of War
The subscribers Inhabitants of the county of Washington Aspecfically represent that they are personally acquainted with Gideon Safford of the town of Salem in the County of Washington and State of New York and have been for many years now last that he is an intelligent upright man, that he has hitherto been reputed in this vicinity and still is believed to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, in which opinion herewith concur, and we do not hesitate to declare it as our opinion that he is entitled to the liberal provisions which the government have made for those whose best days were devoted to their country in the war of the Revolution.
From the character which he has hitherto sustained it would be doing him no more than common justice to say that any assurances given by him are entitled to full faith and confidence.
We have the honor to be with great respect your obedt. Servt s
James Rowson
Abner Cushman
W. H. Adams
J. P. Murray
Asa Fitch
Jos. Mansfield
Amos Prindle
Abraham Allen
John Crary Joseph Hobart

In the Matter Salon of NY Lydia D. Dafford A Soldier of the Revolution Colo Hist Com tion
Document praying for a pension
Dec. 22 1836
Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
Feb. 2. 1837
Com d & Disch d blue
24
Russell 4. Rev Pensions

War Department Pension Office April 20. 1836
Sir,
Herewith enclosed I send the papers of Gideon Safford, agreeably to the request contained in your letter of the 13 th instant. You will please transmit a receipt for them.
I have the honor to be Very respectfully Your Obdt. Servt. J. L. Edwards
Hon. David Russell House of Representatives

Hudson Safford Mar 19 NY
J. L. Edwards Esq. D.C.
Friend Russell JR

Home of Miss D.C. March 15 th 1836.
J. L. Edwards Esq r Dear Sir
I herewith enclose you a communication from several gentlemen of my acquaintance on the subject of the Revolutionary services of Mr. Gideon Safford they are some of the first & most reliable Judge Fitch has been a member of Congress The Rev. Abt. Crambaptist D.D. who I presume you know is not personally by reputation I have been personally acquainted with Mr. Safford for the last thirty two years & have always understood him to have been a soldier of the Revolution and have no hesitation in saying that I have no doubt he was such and I believe him entitled to a pension - he is now old infirm and poor, and if further proof is required he has not the capacity (from his infallible state of body & mind,) to procure it. I hope you will be satisfied that he is a meritorious applicant, please inform me as soon as convenient
Yours Truly D. D. Cram

Che M
Groom Safford
My Supt
quaker
J. L. Edwards Esq. D.C.
H. M. R. Russell
AM

Home of Rep. D.C. April 13 th 1836.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir I have procured a Reference of the application for a pension of Gideon Safford of New York, to the Committee on Revolutionary pensions will you have the goodness to transmit to me the papers relating to that appli- cation, that I may submit them to that Committee
I am with great
Respect
D. Russell

June 2 1834
to David Ruffin Oe
Rec. Vol. 30. pa. 488

War Department Pension Office June 1834
Sir
The papers relating to the claim of Lydia Safford have again been examined. If the Claimant prove as alleged in 1775 evidence of it may be obtained by applying to Elisha Phelps Esq. Comptroller of the State of Connecticut to whom reference is made.
The case is suspended and the papers placed on file.
David Ruple Esq. Salem New York

David Ruple
Aug. 28. 1834
O C
Rec. Vol. 33. p. 99.

We are kept Season off Aug 34
Sir
The certificate of the Compt. of Cont. accompanying record of 24 ult proves that the company of Capt. Stockweather in which Gideon Safford alleges to have served 12 mo continuously from Sept. 75, to have been a part of the militia and of course engaged in short & occasional tours . - It appears by that certificate that the company was twice called out in 75 & once in 76. & from the amt. paid it is inferred that the tours must have been very short. The case remains suspended & the papers on file
24 th June
David Russell Esq. Salem N.Y.

Hon. L. Russell 20. April 1838 O. C.
Rec Vol. 38. pa. 231

War Department
Pension Office
Apr 20. 1836
Sir
Herewith enclosed I find the papers of Gideon Safford; you will please transmit as recd for them agreeably to the request contained in your letter of the 13 th inst and You will please transmit a receipt for them
Hon D. Russell Home Rep MS

War Department Pension Office March 22. 1836
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 15 th inst. containing the paper signed by W. K. Adams & others, relative to the character and standing of Gideon Safford, I have to say that Mr. Safford's statement in his original and supplemental declarations is very unsatisfactory. It is alleged that in 1775 he served one year in Capt. Starkweather's company. That company was composed of militia, liable to be called out occasionally only, and for short terms. By the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut it is shown likewise that Capt. Starkweather's company was allowed for service in the month of August only in 1775. Admitting the tour to have been one month, which may be doubted from the amount of pay charged, the claimant served in all but five months. Capt. Starkweather was, as appears from the records, in service in 1777, but the applicant has not asserted any claim to service in that year. Upon the evidence now before the Department, this claim cannot be allowed.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obet. Servt.
J L Edwards
Wm. David Russell House of Representatives

Gideon Safford Mrs. Sheeps John Vanburen
free
J. L. Edwards by Pension Office
Washington City D.C.
J. L. Edwards Salem Va July 21 st 8

Salem July 24 th 1834-
Dear Sir In cloud is the letter of Roger Skunkly concerning the present boom d of Government - you will see clear by it that the various pay rolls all other papers relating to the War of the Revolution were forwarded to Philadelphia for settlement & peruse they are in the War Department at Washington where as is believed remained there at the removal of the Government from the former to the latter place & if not burnt in the conflagration of the War Office some young clerk may be found & examined more dally - you will perceive in the application of Green Stafford that he has stated the officers count as mentioned by the boom d Mr. Huntington under whom he served as being in the service of the Government at that time, further proof he is unable to furnish unless you should be for- nate to find his name amongst the boom d papers rela- ting to his services in the War Office - We hope that you will deem the evidence already offered with the additional facts stated in the Comptroller's letter sufficient -
353 That part of the letter of Capt O. Pettibone relating to the application of William Phelps is enquiring made for him. in answer to your com- munication to D. Curtis , In which you agree more

evidence. on the sole ground of the omission of the applicant omitting the Military service in his first declaration - This omis- -sion was partly through my neglect. as at the time his papers were made out. he mentioned that he claimed this service as having been performed by him. The objection that he was not of sufficient age to bear arms seems to be repugnant to every principle upon which the war of the Revolution was prosecuted. Thousands of youngsters of 14 years of age were recognized as good soldiers & bore arms in the conflict. In the case of Groom Moore the same service was charged as having been done by him & was allowed in the estimate for his pension Certificate & I cannot perceive any good ground to reject that of W m Phelps - the but evidence the case admits is produced. with the additional certificate of Mr. Stanley to that effect Peterson's Company pay- the service - I dare it is important to state that the Secretary of War - did not intend that these applicants should produce strictly legal evidence but such moral evidence as would not leave the mind to doubt of the existence of the service. this I conceive is fully made out -
In the matter of Caesar Kerry will be a subject of a further communication - & then we shall probably refer to Mr. Stanley's letter in his application.
We solicit your attention to the application of Gideon Gafand & William Phelps as soon as practicable.
Respectfully yours -
D. Russell
J. Curtis
Don't neglect & enclose at this place }

New York Gideon Gafford Rev. Y.
Suspended Let to
David Russen June 2 nd 1834.
let to June Aug 28. 1834 " " Hon. David Russell 22. Mar. 36 " " " " 20. April "
6081
Act 7 June '32

Consolidated
(3-223.)
Rev
No. 21,790 with 6,081, Est.
REJECTED
OLD WAR INVALID.
Gideon Safford of NY P.O. Pri, Col Ledyard Conn
Service: Rev
Enlisted: , 18 .
Discharged: , 18 .
Application filed: , 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
Printed record of suspended & rejected claims, page 140, shows: "Gideon Safford's papers withdrawn Jan'y. 21. 1831 by Hon. H.C. Martindale to present to Congress, and have not been replaced."

REJECTED
6081
1915 Apr. 6. Visit to Hon. James M. Wood, Jr.
P. O. _____
Ebenezer Safford
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

JAMES W. GOOD, COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS.
House of Representatives, Washington.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, April 2d, 1915.
Hon. G. M. Saltzgaber, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Mrs. George D. McElroy, daughter of Gideon Safford, is anxious to ascertain his military record. Her information is that he enlisted in the Revolutionary War, either from the State of Connecticut or the State of New York. Will you be kind enough to advise me what the records of your Department show with regard to his service.
Very truly yours,
A handwritten signature in cursive script, reading "James W. Good". The signature is written in dark ink and is positioned to the right of the closing "Very truly yours,".

April 6, 1915.
Hon. James W. Good, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
My dear Mr. Good:-
In response to your letter dated the second instant requesting information for Mrs. George D. McElroy, I have the honor to advise you that the papers in the claim of Gideon Safford, R. File No. 6081 Rev. War, show that he was born November 4, 1754, at Preston, Connecticut, where he resided when he volunteered as a Private in the Connecticut troops, and served as follows.
∴ In August 1775, one month, under Captain Jesse Starkweather, Colonel Coit; another month, under the same Captain, and Colonel Ledyard at Fort Griswold, date not stated; and from September 1778  1779 , three months, under Captain James Morgan and Colonel Smith.
He applied for pension September 2, 1833, while a resident of Salem, Washington County, New York, but the claim was not allowed; claimant failed to furnish proof of six months' service as required by the Act of June 7, 1832, under which he applied.
Very truly yours,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
∴ Claimant's allegation of 1 yr. fr. Sept. 1775, not supported by Comptrol. Report which shows only 1 mo. under Starkweather in 1775.