Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,972, for Thomas James, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
James, Thomas Sarah
NUMBER
W. 14.972
CONTENTS

7327. Massachusetts.
Sarah James, widow of Thomas James, Maj who was a private of Artillery, in the Massachusetts line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 41 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7. day of Oct. 46 and sent to A. Collamore Pembroke, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A 17 June, 44 Vol. 2 Page 32.

[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, mostly illegible.]

I Joshua James of Situate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts aged fifty seven years depose and say, that Thomas James whose widow Sarah James has made application for the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7. 1838, was the brother of my father Elisha James; that during the time the said Thomas James was in the Army of the Revolution in 1776 he wrote letters to his brother supposedly my father, and the following are extracts from some of his letters, the copy of which was found among the papers of John Cushing, the father of Barker Cushing, who died in the Army at the time stated in the letter, which copy is supposed to have been made by some of the family of John Cushing.
"A copy of part of a letter dated the 9 of August "Barker Cushing Remember his love to you and to "his father James in particular it is with pain "that I write such bad news to his father he is very "sick with what the Doctor calls the Declining "fever and is very dangerous and I am afraid with "out some speedy help there is no way for his getting "Better here for we have no Barracks to go into "but live in cold tents the Land is wet and clay "I should advise his father to send for him as soon

"as possible if ever expects to see him again they "may come up to Sheepshead and then it is not for "to which we be they may come up in about eight or "nine days he can have his Discharge any time when "he pleases he has been sick about a month I believe "and is very weak and low nothing but skin and bone.
"Ticonderoga September 18 th 1846
"after my love to you and all friends at Situate. "I take this opportunity to let you know that I am "well but not all the men that I have to write to you. "Never did I take my pen in my hand to write such "sorrowful news before which will affect you and "all the family But not as it will Eng r Bushings. "Barker is Dead Dyed this morning After saying "in a lost condition about two or three days he "left us in a calm manner & that in your other "letter that his father had better come up for him "but now it is all in vain, and hearing that the other "letter was not gone I send this with it to prevent "any further trouble The things will be sold at "Public Vendue and the Money sent home with his "wages I have nothing more to write to you but "that I have lost the dearest friend I have in the army
"I remain your friend and Brother." "P.S. Please to let his father know it as soon as you can "and you will oblige your friend."
I further depose and say that the annexed receipt

has been in possession of the Widow Sarah James for many years and is presumed to have been given at the time of its date.
Joshua James
State of Massachusetts
County of Plymouth, November 8 th 1844 Then the above named Joshua James whom I certify to be a person of credibility, made affirmation to the truth of the foregoing statement.
Before me
Anthony Collamore Justice Peace
Saturno June 20 1777
Then Recd of Major Stephen Badlam by the hand of Mr. Tho. James Six Pounds & Twelve Shillings & 6d. in full for my son Barker Cushing's wages that was due at his Death & also what his Clothing that was sold after his Death amounted to. ~ I say Recd of the John Cushing Esq.

I James Southworth Clerk of the Town of Scituate, in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that the following is a true copy from the records of the Town of Scituate, with the exception of the dates which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows "August 17, 1780"
"Married by Rev David Barnes. August, seventeenth, one thousand seven hundred and eighty. Thomas Barnes and Sarah Clapp both of Scituate" Attest. James Southworth Town Clerk of Scituate
I James Southworth, above named, depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk in the Town, County, and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town, with the exception above named as certified by me - James Southworth Town Clerk of Scituate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth ss. August 24. 1838 Sworn and subscribed to Before me Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justice
And I certify that said James Southworth is a credible person Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justice

I Mary S. James of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, aged thirty five years or out testify and say, that I was always acquainted with Thomas James formerly of Scituate aforesaid, deceased, that he died on the twelfth day of March eighteen hundred & eighteen,, And I have always known his Widow Sarah James, that she is still the Widow of said Thomas James, and has never married since his decease and that she is the same person now making application for a pension.
Mary S. James
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss August 27- 1838 Sworn to & subscribed Before me Ebenezer T. Dugg - Just peace -
And I further certify that said Mary S. James is a credible person - Ebenezer T. Dugg - Just peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth Y. I Jacob H. Lord Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Ebenezer T. Fogg Esq is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & that the signatures to the several annexed affidavits purporting to be signed by him are his true & genuine signatures. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twenty eighth day of August 1838.
Jacob H. Lord

Sarah James Widow of Thomas James
no papers
E. T. Hogg, So. Scituate Mass Sept 14

State of Massachusetts Plymouth County } ss
On this twenty seventh day of August in the year eighteen hundred & thirty eight before the Court of Probate holden at Scituate within and for the said County of Plymouth personally appeared Sarah James, a resident of Scituate in said County of Plymouth aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1830. entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows; That she is the widow of Thomas James who was a private soldier in the Army of the Revolution; That previous to the Lexington fight he belonged to a company of minute men commanded as she thinks, by Frank Cushing, was stationed three weeks at Marshfield and about two months at Scituate harbour and about the month of June 1775 he enlisted for eight months and served out his term at Roxbury in the company commanded as she thinks by Samuel Stockbridge. And in the month of March 1776 he enlisted into a company of Artillery attached to Col Thomas Regiment & Genl Knox's brigade, for twelve months , marched to Canada and Tycondaroga and served out his term. See the depositions of James Lincoln and Micah Stetson annexed.
She further declares that she was married to the said Thomas James on the seventeenth day of August in the year seventeen hundred and eighty — that her husband the aforesaid Thomas James died on the twelfth day of March in the year eighteen hundred & eighteen that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz. at the time above stated
Sarah James
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Wilkes Wood Judge of Probate
Plymouth ss. I Jacob H. Lord, Register of Probate for said County do hereby certify that Hon Wilkes Wood is Judge of Probate for said County and that the above is his true & genuine signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the Court of Probate for said County this twenty eighth day of August 1830
Jacob H. Lord

1545.
Sarah James, wid Thomas Mass rld July 7. 1838
Adm d . 10 months pow. arbitray $41:66 pr Am.
A. Collance Pembroke mass.

Pembroke, May 31. 1845.
Sir,
I am happy to learn by your letter of the 27 th inst. yesterday, that the most important term of Thomas James' service is acknowledged to be "duly established, viz. 10 months in 1776 in Thross's Artillery." If there is nothing in Mrs James' declaration or in the testimony to shew the identity of her husband with the soldier who served under Capt. Bannister and Capt. Clapp, there is nothing to prove the contrary, and evidence may hereafter be produced to shew that they were one and the same. It will be seen by the declaration that Mr. James died in 1818 about the time of the first Pension Act, and before much was said of soldier's services in the Revolution. The terms of service under Capt. Bannister and Capt. Clapp were short terms, and might not be the subject of conversation with Mr. James and wife, but the service in the Artillery in Canada & New York in 1776 when he had the Small Pox and suffered much, was strongly impressed on his mind and was often talked over; and was therefore the only term Mrs James had any certain knowledge of when she made her declaration. The date of Mrs James' marriage, I think, would at least

prove it very improbable that Thomas James of Situate, served as a soldier for the Town of Sherbridge, and that term will be given up. You may therefore send a Certificate for Mrs Sarah James of the 10 months service in the Artillery, which will be accepted in the knowl- edge, that if hereafter more service of her hus- band shall be proved, she will be allowed for the same by increase of Pension.
I am very respectfully Your obt. Servt. Anthony Collamore
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pension Washington D.C.

James L. Edwards Esqr
Comm r of Pensions

Pembroke, Mass. August 21. 1846.
Sir
I herewith transmit to you the certificate of the Secretary of Mass. respect- ing the services of Thomas James. In your letter to the Hon. Henry Williams of June 13 th ult. which is now before me, you state, - "The name of Thomas James does not appear on "the rolls in this office and parol evidence "cannot be received, when it is known, that "rolls of the service in question are in exis- "tence." But the Secretary of Mass. to states "there "are no rolls of Capt. Biglow or Capt. Stevens in "1776 in his office," which would show the service testified to by Isaac B. Barker Esq. that Thomas James performed in the artillery in 1776. Such being the case I believe it to be agreeable to your rules to admit parol testimony when there are no rolls of the service to contradict such testimony. Another fact deserves notice that Mr. James died March 12. 1818 before the first Pension Law passed; had he lived a few months longer, he would have made applica- tion for the benefit of that act of March 18. 1818 and then there were living witnesses who served with him among his neighbors, viz. Matthew Tower and John Groves of Situate, who were Pensioners under that act, and to whose declarations and af- fidavits reference is respectfully made. There was also at that time living Lieut. Daggett of Dedham, an officer of Capt. Stevens' Co. who must have known Thomas James, whether he served in

Capt Stevens or Capt. Bigelow's Company, as Mr Barker testifies that the soldiers of both companies often marched promiscuously together. It is now in vain to attempt to obtain any other proof evidence 68 years years after the service was performed, and there is probably not another man living except Mr. Barker who was in that service. The fact that Mr James died before the first Pension Act was passed will also serve to explain why Mrs. James is not able to give any further account of her husband's services in the Revolution. For since the Pension Acts passed there has been a great deal more said in conversation on the subject, for it was then brought home to the interest of all who served to remember all their campaigns. I hope therefore that you will not find it inconsistent with your rules to grant Mrs James a pension for the years service in the artillery in 1776 & 1777. The other services mentioned in the Secretary's Certificate speak for themselves. Other corroborative evidence of the service in the artillery in 1776 could be obtained if desired. I hope you will look to the difficulties in this case and be disposed to grant a favorable answer.
I am respectfully
Your Oth. servt.
Anthony Collamore
W. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions.

James L. Edwards Esq. Pembroke, April 1. 1845. Commr of Pensions Sir,
Your letter of March 15 th ult. acknowled- ging the receipt of the additional evidence in the case of Sarah James, widow of Thomas James was duly rec'd and its contents noted. The case of Mrs Sarah James has been before the department for more than six years, but it has not been in my case but about one year and a half. After the widow James requested me to attend to her claim; I took the deposition of Isaac B. Barker or Isaac Brown Barker whom I know to be one and the same person, with whom I have been personally acquainted for more than thirty years, and whom I know to be a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of Congress of June 7. 1832, for I have many times seen his certificate, and he has many times made oath that he was the identical person named in the certificate, a copy of which I certified as a Magistrate to the Agent for paying Pensioners in Boston Mass. This Deposition of Mr. Barker furnished evidence of the services of Thomas James in Capt. Stevens or Capt. Bigelow's Company of Artillery in the Cam- paign of the Spring of 1776 in Canada and New York.

from his own personal knowledge, but he was unwilling to state under oath the period term or duration of Mr. James service; though he had stated to an individual, who enquired of him if he was ever acquainted with Thomas James, he said, yes, he had served with him in the Revolutionary Army a year or nearly a year. The acknowledgement of this evidence was made in a letter to the Hon Henry Williams, the Representative of this district June 15 1842. which letter is now before me. after requiring the certificate of the Secretary of Massachusetts, to whom were the Rolls were returned. You observe, "The name of Thomas James does not appear on the rolls in this Office and parol evidence cannot be received, when it is known that rolls of the service in question are in existence". Mrs James then made application to the Secretary of Massachusetts, and obtained a certificate of services of 7 months & 13 days; and the Secy also certified that there were no Rolls of Capt. Stevens or Capt. Bigelow's company found in the Office. The receipt of this certificate was acknowledged Nov. 1. 1842, and that the certificate of the Secy of Mass. was satisfactory as far as it goes. In my letter transmitting this certificate, I stated that there was in possession of Mrs James certain corroborative evidence of Thomas James service. On which you observe, "As the regular

"lations require the best evidence, the corroborative proof of which you speak should be furnished in order that the Department may act understandingly in the premises. You are aware that the pension is a ratable one and will depend on the amount of service satisfactorily proved." This "corroborative proof" which you requested was furnished in my last letter, with another deposition of Isaac B. or Robert Barker, certifying his knowledge of Barker Cushing's and Thom- as James' service. I was therefore somewhat surprised at the statement in the close of your letter of the 15 th of March ult. that "The copies of private letters are not admissible as evidence and the name of Isaac Bower, Barker, whose deposition forms a part of the addition- al testimony does not appear on the list of pensioners in this Office. I again repeat that parole testimony cannot be received in proof of service when it is known that rolls are in existence which furnish the best evidence on this head." As the Secretary of Massachusetts has certified that the rolls of the service in question are not found in his of- fice, I should be much gratified if you would communicate the fact, where they are known to be in existence. As I sincerely and honestly be- lieve that Thomas James served a year or nearly a year in the Artillery under probably Capt. McGil- loch nothing would be more pleasing to me than the discovery of the payrolls or records of the company. &c

As it appears to me that there can be no rolls found of the service in question, I would respectfully and earnestly request a reconsideration and re-examination of the evidence furnished and of my statements in relation thereto. It does appear to me that there is satisfactory evidence that there were two companies of Artillery which marched from Boston to Canada in the spring of 1776 that they arrived there in May and retreated to Saratoga N.Y. when our army retreated from Canada. That Thomas Jones was with Mr. Bocher in Canada in May and of course probably marched from Boston with him, that by his letter Mr. Jones was at Saratoga in September & October, and probably in November when Mr. Bocher left the Army on account of ill health, which would be a period of eight months. But allowing that he only served to the first of October 1776 from Nov. 20. that would give 6 months & 10 days in the Artillery which added to 7 months & 18 days would give Mrs. Jones a pension of over 50 Dollars per annum, with which I think she would be satisfied although it is no more than she would be entitled to for the service in the Artillery alone if the year's service could be proved. I would therefore earnestly beseech you to give her claim immediate attention and do her justice by granting the pension requested, and receive her gratitude & thanks.
I have the honor to be
Your Obt. Servt.
Anthony Collarino
See declarations of Matthew Dower, John Gove, Isaac B. Bocher, & others Lieut. Daggett. In under the Act of March 18. 1818.

Pembroke, Mass. Dec 8. 1843
Sir:
Sometime since Mrs Sarah James, the widow of Thomas James, who made application for the benefit of the Act of Congress of July 7. 1838, and whose application failed for want of evidence, requested me to attend to the subject and procure proof of service of her husband, so that she might obtain her pension. In consequence of that request, I took the enclosed affidavit of Isaac Bower Barker Esq r of Hanson. Mr Barker was very cautious in testifying to the exact time, as his memory was impaired, though he retains his mental faculties in a manner remarkable for one ninety years of age. Mr Barker was a pensioner under the Act of March 18. 1818, and was struck off on account of property, but is now a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832. Matthew Tower and John Gross, who were pensioners under the Act of March 18. 1818, both of Natick would, if living, have been able to have testified to the service of Thomas James, who was also from Natick, but they are both dead, and it is probable there is not another soldier living who was in that expedition, and as the service was rendered in Canada, and in the State of New York

Returns of that service may not have been made to Massachusetts, or the papers may have been lost so that they are not found among the Mass. Rolls. When Mrs James made her Declaration it was not known in what company her husband served. now Mr Barker testifies that he served in Capt Robert Stevens' or in Capt Bigelow's company of Artillery. The particular service of which he details in his deposition. It is therefore hoped that if the Rolls or Returns of those companies are in your office, that sufficient proof may be found to grant her a certificate for one year service, and if no returns should be found that a pension may be granted on the parol evidence produced, as there will be nothing to contradict it. Circumstantial & traditional proof of service might be forwarded to your office if required.
I remain
very respectfully
your ob d Serv t
Anthony Collarnwood
James L. Edwards Esq.
Comm ee of Pensions
Washington.

I Isaac Bowen Barker of Hanson in the county of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, in the ninetieth year of my age do here and say, that I was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and first enlisted in Capt. Chamberlain's company and served eight months at Roxbury and sometime in December 1775 I was enlisted into a company of Artillery commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Stevens, — Doggett Lieut. and joined said company on the first day of January 1776 and was enlisted to serve for one year; according to the best of my recollection about the last of March following Capt. Stevens' company and another company of Artillery under Capt. Bigelow both belonging to Major Ordner's Corps of Artillery, marched from Roxbury over the Green Mountains to Otter Brook & to Lake Champlain and then into Canada and as far as the St. Lawrence River where we met the Americans on their retreat we then fell back to Point Sorelle, where we remained about six weeks; and then retreated to Mount Independence and Ticonderoga, and remained at the latter place until I was discharged before my time expired on account of sickness about the middle of November 1776. I was well acquainted with Thomas James of Situate, in the County of Plymouth

and know that he was a Soldier in the ar- tillery and belonged to one of the companies either Capt Stevens or Capt Bigelow but I be- lieve the latter. I don't know but he might have marched with us from Roxbury, for I was not acquainted with him at that time but I frequently saw him in Canada, the Soldiers of both companies marching together as they passed through the country. I do not know how long Thomas James served but the soldiers of Capt. Stevens' Company were enlisted for one year, & I suppose Capt. Bigelow's were also. I have also been acquainted with said James since the war, and while he lived in Pembroke he worked for me on my dwelling house as a House Carpenter.
Isaac Bowen Barker
State of Massachusetts County of Plymouth ss
Be it known that on this twelfth day of Septem- ber, 1843 personally appeared Isaac Bowen Barker whom I certify to be a person of credibility and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
Before me Anthony Collamore, Justice Peace Isaac Bowen Barker Esq. the above named deponent is a very respectable man, having represented the town of Pembroke, before its division, several years in the State Legislature, and been a Magistrate in the county

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Decemh. 16 th 1873
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Anthony Collamore was a justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
James A. Bolles
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

of Plymouth, and a Municipal officer in the Town of Pembroke many years, and his state- ment is entitled to full confidence.
Anthony Collamore, Justice Peace

Tumbiko Wis May 31
free
June 4
Mr. James Lord Thomas Jr.
1000 per day yes not known
for 30
for 30
James L. Edwards Esq Commr of Revenue Washington D.C.

J. Edwards
Cones of Persian
Anthony Collins Esq.
Pembroke
Mass.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the paper, likely bleed-through from the original address.]

No 2153
Thomas James and A. J.
let to J T Randolph Apr. 6 1893 " " " " " July 11 "
Act. 15 May 1828

Sarah V. James Massachusetts Suspended
Recd 15 Dec 38 E. T. Fogg
W. H. H. Williams June 25 1844 " J. S. Palfrey July 30 1844 " A. Collamore Esq. Nov. 1844 " Same person March 15 1845 " Same person May 20 1845
Act 7 Feb 1838

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 14972
Sarah James Widow of Thomas James Priv. Rec. War
Act: Mar. 3 d 1873 June 17 th /44
Index:—Vol. a , Page 372
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pen broke mar. 6 March 7.
free
Mar 10 40
James L. Edwards Esq.
Comm ee of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Pembroke Mass, March 7. 1845
Sir,
It is now several months since the last affidavits in proof of the services of Thomas Jones were sent to the Pension Office; I would therefore respectfully but earnestly request your early attention to the claim of his Widow Sarah Jones to the benefits of the Act of June 7. 1838 & the subsequent Acts of Congress for the benefit of Widows. I would also ask your attention to the application of Mrs Lucy Stoddard to an increase of Pension, whom papers were sometime since sent to your Office.
Understanding that there has been some addition to the Pension Laws, by a joint Resolution or Act of the last Congress, you would much oblige the subscriber by sending a copy of the Act or Resolve and the Regulations for carrying it into effect. Please to accept my acknowledgements for past similar favors!
Respectfully
Your obed Servt Anthony Callamore
Y. L. Edwards Esq. Comm ee of Pensions.

C X
July 27 1844
Col. Muhl.
14. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions H. H. H. Washington D.C.
J. J. Galt, Jr. July 30. 1844 To the Rev. with the return of draft from Mr. Powell

Ms. A.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office: Boston, July 23 d 1848.
Sir,
Some time ago an application was filed in this office for evidence of the service of Thomas James, deceased, a revolutionary soldier from the town of Marlbridge, by his widow, Sarah James. No evidence of service being then discovered the application was returned, and the clerk in copying the letter omitted said widow's address.
By the help of a better Index now in progress, the name of Thomas James is found, with sufficient service to entitle the widow to a pension.
In order to enable her to claim the benefit to which she is thus entitled, I have respectfully to request that you will inform me of her address, if you have the means of so doing, through any paper or your files. I have the honor to be
your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards Esq.
John G. Packard, Sec.

Rev. H. Williams
June 12/44
Ans.

House of Representatives June 11. 1844
Sir,
Mr A. Collinson of Pembroke Mass. informs me that he for- warded to you additional evidence in the case of the appren- tion of Mrs Sarah James of Scituate, Mass. for a pension last Fall, & desires me to ascertain if it has been received, & if you have passed upon it. Will you please com- municate to me information desired.
I am very respectfully your obedt Servt! H Williams
Col J. L. Edwards } Comm. of Pensions }

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston Decemr 21 st 1844,
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Anthony Collamore was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Perry, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I Isaac Bowen Barker of Hanson in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachu- setts, aged Ninety one years, do now and say that I enlisted in Capt. Eben Stevens' Company of Artillery on the first of January 1776 for one year, about the 20 th of March I marched with said Company and another company of Artillery under Captain Bigelow from Boston or Cambridge to Cana- da and that we arrived at the Three Rivers in Cana- da according to the best of my recollection about the 8 th of May, we halted there for one day and were there met by the American Army retreating from Quebec, we then retreated first to Saint Amand, and afterward to Crown Point and then to Ticonderoga where we remained until I was discharged before my time expired on account of sickness, about the middle of Novem- ber 1776. During this service I became acquaint- ed with Thomas James and Barker Cushing both from Scituate in the County of Plym- outh, who were very intimate, the latter of whom died in the service. I cannot say certain- ly but it is my impression that Thomas James and Barker Cushing both belonged to Capt. Bigelow's Company of Artillery, as the men of both Companies, were frequently together, in

marching and in camp, I cannot say certainly but it is my impression that Thomas James march- ed from Boston with us, but I became acquainted with him in Canada. How long Thomas James served I cannot say. Several of the Artillery came home when I did, but I do not recollect about Thomas James.
I dare Brown Barker
State of Massachusetts
Plymouth County ss - Nov. 16. 1844. Then the above named Grace Brown Barker, whom I certify to be a person of credibility made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit.
Before me Anthony Collemore, Justice Peace.
958.

I James Lincoln of Scituate in the County of Plymouth and State of Massachusetts, aged eighty six years on oath testify and say that I was well acquainted with Thomas James late formerly of Scituate, deceased, the husband of Sarah James his Widow, now living and residing in said Scituate. That a short time previous to the Lexington fight the said Thomas James belonged to a Company of Minute men commanded, as I think by Frank Cushing, and was stationed about three weeks at Marshfield to guard the shore and after that he was stationed at Scituate Harbor, about two months, and about the middle of June 1775 the said Thomas James enlisted into the service of the Revolution for eight months, as a private, and served with me his term at Roxbury, in the Company of Infantry commanded, by Col Samuel Stockbridge, as I think it was not the same company that I belonged to, but I well recollect that he was there the whole of said term. And in March 1776 after the British left Boston, I well remember that said Thomas James enlisted into said service for one year into a company of Artillery as a private attached to Col Thomas, Regiment and Genl Knox Brigade, he marched to the northward and I always understood he served out the term of his enlistment and further saith not.
James Lincoln
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss August 1st 1838 Sworn & subscribed to before me - Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justice
And I certify that said James Lincoln is a credible person Ebenezer T. Fogg - Justice

I Micah Stetson of Scituate in the County of Plymouth & State of Massachusetts, aged eighty three years do hereby testify and say that I was well acquainted with Thomas James formerly of Scituate, deceased, and I well recollect he enlisted into the service of the Revolution into a company of Artillery in the year 1776 and served as I have understood twelve months - Micah Stetson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plymouth ss - August 18. 1838 Sworn to & subscribed before me - Ebenezer T. Fogg - Just peace
And I certify that said Micah Stetson is a credible person Ebenezer T. Fogg - Just peace

482 Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Sept 25 1816
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Thomas James is found upon a pay roll of Capt Christopher Parnister from Aug 14 1777 - 8 days; upon a pay roll of Capt Joseph Clap, Col Chapin from Oct 26 1777. from 812 days, and upon a pay roll of the town of Haverhill from July 1 1780. from 23 days. There are no rolls of Capt. Prindle or Stevens in 1776 in this Office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sawyer, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts.
County of Plymouth, Town of Scituate.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the rolls in his office of the services of my late husband Thomas Jones, deceased.
He enlisted as he believes in the beginning of spring of the year 1776 from the Town of Scituate in the County of Plymouth, and State of Massachusetts in a company of artillery, and went into Canada, had the small pox there and from an extract of a letter to John Cushing junr. of Scituate the father of Barker Cushing who was with him in the service and died there he was at Ticonderoga, September 15, 1776. I believe he served a year or more in this service, and from a receipt of John Cushing is now in my possession for the wages due Barker Cushing at the time of his death, I have reason to believe that he returned in June 1777. and that Major Badlam was commander of the Corps to which he belonged. I believe he might have served in Capt. Belelow's Company as that name is very familiar to me, but possibly it might have been Capt. Stevens. I think he was stationed at Scituate Harbor two or three months before he went to Canada, whether under the same or a different Captain I do not know. I have no reason to believe that he performed any other services in the Revolutionary War.
We were married in 1780 June 1 st . He died in March 12, 1818.

I am now eighty one years old and my memory does not enable me to state any thing further material to the search required.
I have empowered Anthony Collamore of Penbroke to act in the premises as my attorney.
Witness my hand this eighth day of August A.D. 1844.
Yorah James
Signed in my presence by said Sarah James
Anthony Collamore, Justice of the Peace

Amherst Mass. Dec 28. 1826.
Sir,
I herewith enclose the corroborative proof to which I alluded in my last letter to the Pension Department. It consists in 1 st copies of extracts of letters written by Thomas James while in the service to a brother at Natick, giving an account of the sickness and death of Barker Cushing, son of John Cushing jr of Natick and found since among the papers left by John Cushing jr decd.
2 nd The receipt of John Cushing jr that he received the balance of his wages of Thos James & what his clothing sold for.
3 rd A second Deposition of Isaac B. Boomer showing the intimacy between Thomas James & Barker Cushing & the death of the latter in the service, by the receipt of John Cushing jr it would seem that Major Stephen Badlam was major of the corps to which he belonged, and from the date of it June 20 th 1777 it would seem probable that he served till near that time, as it may be supposed that he paid John Cushing jr his son's wages so soon after he returned, as Thomas James & Mr J. Cushing lived not more than two or three miles from each other. But let us see what is proved as to the time of service; Isaac B. Boomer who testifies with a great

of caution states that Capt. Stevens & Bigelow's Co. of Artillery marched from Boston about the 20 th of March 1776. That they arrived in Canada about the 8 th of May, & the next day heard of the retreat of our army from Quebec (which relation you will find very correct if you consult Marshall's life of Washington Chap. V.) That he became acquainted with the Jones in Canada, and thinks he marched with them from Boston. By the extracts of letters he was in Tienderoga the 9 th of August & 15 th of September & Mr. Booker states his belief that he did not leave the service about the middle of November when he left on account of sickness. From the 20 th of March to Sept 15. There is proof of at least 6 months service, as it is to be presumed he had joined the Company before the day he marched and had belonged to it for some time, and further nothing appears but what he served 2 months more to the middle of November. I think therefore you will feel justified in allowing at least 8 months service which is but two thirds of the time the Widow claims, and believes he served at this time; and which she believes she could prove, were Matthew Dower & John Gross now living.
8 months in the Artillery would give $33.33 Plus 13 days certified by the Suf of Mon. 24.78 $58.11

With these remarks, which I have taken the liberty to make, the case of Mrs Sarah James is submitted to your decision, in the full confidence that you will deal justly & liberally by her, and grant her a Pension Certificate for all you can. I think even a little smaller sum than I have calculated, granted now would be more gratifying than a larger sum longer withheld; not doubting from the practice of the Department, that if further proof is hereafter obtained, the pension would be increased. Please accept my acknowledgements for the attentions you have bestowed on former applications.
I am respectfully
Your obed Servt. Anthony Collarou
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions
Washington.

8713 July 21. 1885
Sarah Jennings
March 5. 1883
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]
20
James L. Edwards Esq n Comm ce of Pinnion
Washington D.C.

Mass Pembroke July 7. 1815.
Sir:
Enclosed I forward you the Declaration of Mrs Sarah James, Widow of Thomas James, claiming the benefits of the Acts of Congress of March 3. 1813 & June 17. 1814. The Certificate may be forwarded to
Your humble Servt.
Anthony Collamon
H. S. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington.
Mr. Anthony Collamon Pembroke Mass. July 7. 1815.

9432
Massachusetts.
rep do
Sarah James,
widow of Thomas James, who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 12 March 1818 of Plymouth in the State of Mass a who was a priv of Art y in the Co commanded by Captain commanded by Knose of the the Mass a line for 18 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass a at the rate of 41 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of June '45 and sent to A. Collamore, Pembroke,
Total amount, $ Massa
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Swann, Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 61

8713,
Sarah James
Maw of Thomas
Mass
Acts March 1843
17 June 1844
Admitted
f 41.66 per am
Anthony Collamne
Prudhole
Mass

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Plymouth So. On this twenty seventh day of June A.D. 1845, personally appeared before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the county of Plymouth, Sarah James a resident of Scituate in the county of Plymouth, aged eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 d March 1833 and June 19. 1834 granting and continuing pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of Thomas James who was a private in Capt. Biglow's Company in Gen. Knowl's Artillery. For which service of her late husband she received a pension of Forty one Dollars and sixty six cents per annum under the Act of July 9. 1838.
She further declares, that she is still a widow.
Sarah James
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written before. Anthony Collamore, Justice Peace and I hereby further certify that the declarant is personally known to me.
Anthony Collamore Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston July 18 th 1845.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Anthony Collamore was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Plymouth.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper, Secretary of the Commonwealth.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME James Thomas GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8421 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED May 7, 1800 To William Duncan
*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.