Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7961, for Joseph Kent, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R J
Heint, Joseph Sabra
W. 7961
B.L.Mt. 17718-160-5-5
CONTENTS

2625
Rhode Island.
Sabra Kent widow of R d Joseph Kent who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 43 Dollars 33,
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th . day of Oct r , 1853. and sent to
Benj n Howell Providence R. I.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 52. Vol. A
Chf
(84)

183437 { May 14/56
Sarah Kent Widow of Joseph Kent
War of the Revolution
Claimant is now a Pensioner & refers to evidence on file
Private
R. S. Hoops
R. S. July 53-2625
AD. 160 acc Feb 25/56
Do Do
Benj a Cowell
Providence R.I.
Vol K. page 20.

2957. Rhode Island
Joseph Kent of Bristol in the State of R.I. who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain  of the Regt. commanded by Col. Gray in the R.I. time for 13 mos.
Allowed 4 mos. Gray's regt. not on roll & service credited to brother of whom he was Sub.
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 2/3 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Dec 1832 and sent to  Bullock Bristol R.I.
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1832 $ 64.99 Semi-annual allowance ending Mar 03. 21.66 $86.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. C. B. Clerk, Book D. Vol. 3 rd Page 119.
Sett. Pen. dy. and Joseph Kent, Apr 25. 39 - do. same Randall, May 23. 39 do. to same, August 20. 1839 Hon. J. D. Tillinghast. June 21. 42

State of Rhode-Island and } TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE, Providence Plantations, } WARREN, July 16 th 1832 1832, Joseph Flint son of Samuel Flint and Ruth his wife, was born on the 3 d day of July A. D. Seventeen hundred Sixty two A true copy of record. Witness Samuel Randall Town Clerk.

Declaration Joseph Kent
No 61 1/2

DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7, 1832.
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, } ss. COUNTY OF BRISTOL, }
On this twenty eighth day of July  July 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Common Pleas - now sitting, Joseph Kent  Joseph Kent a resident of Barrington  Barrington in the County of Bristol, and State of Rhode-Island, aged Twenty  Twenty 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. That is to say, That in October 1778  the month of March 1778 he entered Captain Abel Allen  Abel Allen company of Militia in Barrington organized, which company was at that time, and had been for some time before, in the public service, doing duty by turns, one half of said company at a time, in guarding the shores of Narragansett Bay at Point Judith Point and Gay Point, two exposed situations. That guard the entrance into Narragansett river, which divides the town of Warren from Barrington, and Providence River. That he was then arranged into one of the two parts of the company, and continued to do military duty therein by turns and rotation, for a certain length of time, and then the other half of said company took their places, and so on, and in this manner said company did perform martial duty by rotation, he and each member of the company being in actual and active service for one half of the time, until the English left Rhode Island sometime in the month of November 1779 - and for all that time, said company drew half pay and half rations, as other troops, and was stationed all that time at or near the aforesaid Gay Point and Point Judith Point in said Barrington - excepting in cases of alarm, when the whole company were marched to repel the enemy, but a small guard being left at the stations - and further excepting a period of four months when he took the place of his Brother John Kent in Capt Thomas Allen's company, led. by Genl. M c Intosh of the State line - In this last mentioned service he entered as aforesaid sometime in the month of November 1778 and said till sometime in the month of March 1779 - at this time of the regiment Stephen H Hemen was Lieutenant of the company and M c Intosh was Major. He was stationed at Tiverton near Howlands ferry from most of the time - He also recollects that in an alarm when the British attacked and partly destroyed Warren, Bristol and the parts of Kenton in the spring or for part of the summer of 1778, being then in the service in Capt. Abel Allen's company, he with said company was marched to repel them, and did compel them to retreat on board of their shipping at Bristol ferry before they had completed their contemplated work of destruction at Bristol - That in the month of March 1781 he was drafted for 30 days and was marched on to Rhode Island near Newport under the command of Capt. Abel Allen. He does not now recollect the Regiment to which he was attached - at this time he saw, for the first and last time General Washington, and the French Army which was then encamped in and near Newport. And the said Kent declares that he faithfully performed duty in the different company's appointed for the terms of service in the service of his country - And he further declares that he was born in that part of Warren now called Barrington July 3 d 1762 as his certificate herewith will show, that he lived when called into the service at Barrington, where he even to this day resides - that he was verbally discharged from all his services by his commanding officer & never had, as he recollects any written discharge - that he has no documentary evidence of any of said services - that there is no Clergyman in his neighbourhood in vicinity - but that he refers to Sarah Kimball & Joseph Britnell Esqrs citizens of Barrington and his neighbors for their opinion of his veracity, and belief as to his having been a soldier of the Revolution, as well as to the accompanying depositions.

you say in your application of 1832 that the said company was ordered to repel them, and did compel them to retreat on board of their shipping at Bristol Ferry before they had completed their contemplated work of destruction at Bristol - That in the month of March 1781 he was drafted for 30 days and was marched on to Rhode Island near Newport under the command of Lieut. Col. Allen. He does not now recollect the Regiment to which he was attached - at this time he saw, for the first and last time General Washington, and the French Army which was then encamped in and near Newport. And the said Kent declares that he faithfully performed duty in the different companies appointed and for the term of service in the service of his country - And he further declares that he was born in that part of Warren now called Barrington July 3 d 1762 as his certificate herewith will show, that he lived when called into the service at Barrington, where he even hath & still does reside - that he was verbally discharged from all his services by his commanding officer & never had, as he recollects any written discharge - that he has no documentary evidence of any of said services - that there is no clergyman in his neighbourhood in vicinity - but that he refers to Josiah Kinnicutt & Joseph Bicknell Esqrs citizens of Barrington and his neighbors for their opinion of his veracity, and belief as to his having been a soldier of the Revolution, as well as to the accompanying depositions.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a 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.
J Davis Clk.  Joseph Kent
We, Josiah Kinnicutt residing in the town of Barrington and Joseph Bicknell residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with said Joseph Kent who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy 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.
J Davis Clerk  Josiah Kinnicutt Joseph Bicknell
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 Josiah Kinnicutt, Esq. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a citizen resident in the town of Barrington and that Joseph Bicknell who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Barrington and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest J Davis Clerk
I, Ichabod Davis Clerk of the Court of Com. Pleas for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Joseph Kent for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 30 th day of July A.D. 1832
J Davis Clerk

Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Bristol, in the State of Rhode Island &c, Joseph Kent, an applicant for a pension, 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 four months, I served as a private soldier, in Captain Thomas Allen's company, in Col. Crary's Regiment of the State line, commencing in November 1778 and ending in March 1779, this service I performed as a substitute for my Brother, John Kent, who had been serving as a private in said company. For eight months I served as a private in Captain Vial Allen's company of militia that is four months in 1778 and four months in 1779; For one month also I was drafted to serve and did serve as a private under the same Vial Allen on the Island in the vicinity of Newport so that I served in all thirteen months as a private soldier; and for such service I claim a pension.
Joseph Kent
Sworn to and subscribed this 24th day of November A. D. 1832.
Before me - Wm Throop
Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, County of Bristol.
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Clerk's office of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bristol.
I hereby certify that William Throop, Esquire, whose signature in his own proper hand writing is set to the above certificate, is a Justice of the said Court duly commissioned under the seal of said State and engaged thereon, according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of our said Court here affixed, this the 24 th day of November A.D. 1832 And of American Independence the Fifty seventh
J. Davis Clerk

N o 6172
Joseph Kent of Barrington R.I.
Penal
13 Months
Has not mentioned with freedom the length of his service papers Not properly authenticated.
Interfered with advised
$4333
Nathl. Bullock Barrington Bristol R.I.

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Kent of the County of Bristol in the State of R. Island. (Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70 years.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     In 1778 March to March 1779 he served every other month 1 3 — Private Col. Brany, Capt. Viol & Thos. Allen   1781 March — 1 — Drafted Capt. W. Allen does not recollect the field Offrs. except Genl. Washington &  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Perrington  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? deposition of a living witness no discharge  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Regular 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell Examining Clerk.

Sabina Kint
Good

Isabel Hunt
Good

State of Rhode Island
County of Bristol
On this sixth day of June 1853 personally appeared in open Court being the Court of Probate for the town of Barrington in said County Sabra Kent now resident in said Barrington aged 75 years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the second section of the act of Congress passed February 31 1853 granting pensions to widows of certain persons who served in the war of the Revolution married since the year Eighteen hundred VIZ that she is the widow of Joseph Kent late of said Barrington deceased who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution & when the act of Congress of June 7 1852 was passed granting pensions to those who has served in said war the said Joseph Kent applied for and obtained a pension under said act at the rate of $43.33 per annum payable at the agency for paying pensions in the City of

Provided which provision he was entitled to up to the time of his death, and the said Sabra Kent further declares that she was married to the said Joseph Kent on the eighteenth twelfth day of November A.D. 1818 by Rev. Jonathan Rufus, but she has no certificate or record of her marriage, but it is proved by the evidence hereto annexed and the said Sabra further declares, that her husband the said Joseph Kent departed this life on the thirteenth day of June A.D. 1841. She was not married to him prior to the year Eighteen hundred but at the time above mentioned & she further declares that she is now a widow Attest her Ebenezer Diffey Sabra X Kent Meth
Signed and sworn to in open court on the day and year first above written
Ebenezer Diffey Probate Clerk

I Dorcas Child of Warren in the county of Bristol and Rhode Island do on oath do testify & say that I am eighty two years of age. that I was present at the marriage of Joseph Kent to Sabra Luther, they were married by the Rev. Jordan Rootford, at my house in said Warren & in my presence, in the year hundred eighteen (1818) eighteen, and according to my best recollection in the month of November, and on the twentieth day of the month.
Dorcas Child
Bristol ss. in Warren June 6 th AD 1853,
Subscribed & sworn to before me, and I further testify that said Dorcas Child is personally known to me to be a woman of very reputable standing, and that her testimony is entitled to full credit, and that I have no interest in the prosecution of the said Sabra again for a pension
Samuel Randall
Justice of the Peace

I Eleanor Allen of Barington in the County of Bristol & State of Rebecca Allen aged 72 years do hereby say that I was well acquainted with Joseph Kent the husband of Sabra Kent who has signed to the pending dissolution - I said Joseph died in the month of January 1844 I was in the house when he died & was present at his funeral - we lived near each other for twenty years before his death - since his death the said Sabra Kent has remained his widow and is now his widow
Eleonor Allen At the Court of Probate held at Barington the 6th of 1853 Sisterwick and I were sworn to in open Court by the said Eleonor Allen Eleonor Tiffey Probate Clerk
And the Court Order it to be certified that the affidavit of the above named Eleonor Allen is entitled to full credit Attest Eleonor Tiffey Clerk

State of Rhode Island &c
Bristol ss. Warren July 14th 1853
I Samuel Randall town clerk of the town of Warren do hereby certify that the marriage of Joseph Kent to Sabra Luther is not recorded in the records of this office. that I have the custody of the records of marriages by virtue of my office, and I also certify that many marriages that have taken place in this town have never been recorded in this office
Samuel Randall
Town clerk
Subscribed & sworn to before me by the said Samuel Samuel Randall known to me as the town clerk of said town.
Seth Peck justice of the Peace
I Ebenezer Tiffey Clerk of the Court of Probate aforesaid do certify that the proceeding pages contain the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the claim of Sabra Kent widow of Joseph Kent for a pension, and I further certify that Samuel Randall and Seth Peck before whom the proceeding affidavits were taken and sworn are justices of the Peace duly qualified to act in their said capacities and their signatures affixed to said affidavits are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of July A D 1853
Ebenezer Tiffey Clerk of said Court

Sabra Kent 1934-37

State of Rhode Island, &c.
County of Bristol
On this 11 th day of April A. D. One Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-five, personally appeared before me, Seth Peck — — — a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid, Sabra Kent — — — aged 76 — years, now resident in the Town of Warren — in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, declares and says she is the widow of Joseph Kent who was a privet soge in Capt. com- pany, and in a Regiment commanded by Col.
in the war of the Revolution, and that her said husband was in actual service more than twelve months in said war, and was honorably discharged.
And she further declares that she was married to Joseph Kent on the twentieth day of November A. D. 1818 by Rev. Jordan Rexford a Methodist preacher , and that her name before marriage was Sabra Luther — and that her said husband died on the 13 day of January A. D. 1841 and that she is now a widow.
And she further declares that she is now a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ 43.33 per annum; which pension was granted her on account of her said husband's services in said war; which pension is payable at the Agency for paying pensions in the City of Providence. And she further declares that when she made a declaration to obtain her said pension she produced satisfactory evidence of her said marriage to her said husband and of his death, to which declaration and the evidence therewith filed, she now refers for proof of her said marriage, of her said husband's death, and her claim to Bounty Land under the Act of Congress of March 3d, 1855, and she makes this declaration for that purpose. She further declares that she has never made any application for Bounty Land before the present.
Sabra  has  X  Kent  mark
We Otis H. Barney — — and Samuel Hoar residents of the Town of Warren in the State aforesaid upon our oath, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Sabra Kent in our presence & that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Otis H. Barney Samuel Hoar Bristol & Warren the 11 th day of April 1855 then personally appeared the above named Otis H. Barney and Samuel Hoar and made oth to the truth of the above statements before me Seth Peck Justice of the Peace

The within declaration and Affidavit were sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the Claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim:-
Seth Peck Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Bristol County 3/2.
I M c . S. Bennett Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for the County and State aforesaid. (said Court being a Court of Record and having a Seal) hereby certify; that Seth Peck Esquire of Warren in said County of Bristol was on the Eleventh day of April A D 1855- and is now a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, and duly authorized by law to administer oaths &c. And that the signature of his name to the foregoing instrument are genuine.
In Witness whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court This Tenth day of May A D 1855
M c . S. Bennett Clerk Supreme Court

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7961
Sabra Kent Widow Joseph Kent Rev. Rev. Mr.
Act: Febry 24/53
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 398
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Col. Jas. L. Edward Conway Mansion

Washington June 15. 1822
Sir,
Not being able to see you at the Pension Office for some days, I send the enclosed two letters addressed to me by Judge Randall of Warren R.I. to which I beg your attention as soon as you can find it convenient, & that you will be good enough to return the letters to me. They explain the claim of Mr. Joseph Kent & refer to an Authority - Hoping your favorable decision in the case I am Sir, most resp ly Col. Edward Yes  Joseph L. Tillinghast Pension Office

Brief in the case of Sarah Hunt widow of Joseph Bristol County and State of Rhode Island act of Feb. 3-1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.) Record in office of husband's service
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $43 33 / 100 per annum and private in R. I. State troops 13 mos.
Paid to the 4 Sept 1839 & died June 13-1841
Allowed $43 33 / 100 per annum to commence Feb. 3-1853
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by Dorcas Child, & Eleanor Allen who are certified to be credible witnesses, residing in said county
Death .. by credible witnesses
Identity & widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
Benjamin Gowell Providence R. Island.
Examining Clerk.
H. L. Gray

17.7.18
3 Nas Am

Payments to be made at Providence R I by The Pres. & D r Beine Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of R I
Issued new certificate James certificates in 1843-
Recorded by S F S c Blair Clerk, in Book D. Vol. 3 rd page 119.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Joseph Kent of the State of Rhode Island who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Forty Three — 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 Tenth — day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
Lee Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J Edwards

Aug '17
WARREN, R. I. AUG. 11
Jos: Kent - St. Francis
2957
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Warren Aug. 13th 1839.
Sir,
In behalf of Joseph Kent of Barrington I enclosed his Pension certificate to you in compliance with your direction, in order that you might correct a mistake as to the time of service, as you alledge. It has not been returned, and Mr. Kent being extremely poor, as I was informed, waits impatiently for the certificate, so that he can be benifited by whatever is allowed him.
Yours and in behalf of Joseph Kent Samuel Randall
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Sept 5 1853 Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Sabra Kirt widew of Joseph Kirt under the act of Feb 3 d 1853, - He was a pensioned man the act of June 7 1832
I am Respectfully Yours etc Bengalower
Hon L P Hildes

Kent
286.64
346.64-
30 12 300-
330 

Warren R.I. June 19 th 1839.
Sir,
Enclosed is the Pension certificate of Joseph Kent of Barrington R.I. returned for correction, in conformity with your directions in your letter to him of April 25 th last past.
Very respectfully yr ob t Serv t Samuel Randall
J. L. Edwards Esq Com d Pensions.

I Samuel Short of Barrington in the State of Rhode Island - being duly sworn, do testify and say - that I have resided for more than sixty years in the neighbourhood of Kent of said Barrington an applicant for a pension - I further testify that he served as a private soldier in Capt Thomas Allen's company in Col. Crary's Regiment, while I was serving in the same company - I cannot tell how long he served in that company, but I remember that he belonged to it - I also remember that he was a private soldier in Lieut Allen's company of militia and did duty therein in the public service at Watchaug and Narragansett Points.
I know that said Kent served in Lieut Allen's company of militia both before and after he served in the company of Thomas Allen in Col. Crary's Regiment, as I have served with him, in both of those companies at the times aforesaid - Said Kent and myself have often conversed together about our services and about our being together in the Revolutionary wars - and in many circumstances that then took place - before and since Revolutionary war we have lived within a half mile of each other.
Samuel Short
Bristol ss At Bristol November 24th, A.D. 1832.
Personally appeared the abovenamed Samuel Short and made solemn oath to the truth of his foregoing Deposition and subscribed the same, before me.
And I further certify, that said Deponent is personally known to me, and sustains a good character for truth and veracity.
Wm Shroop Justice Court of Common Pleas.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Colish's Office, Court of Common Pleas, County of Bristol.

the seal of said State and engaged therein according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court this twenty fourth day of November in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty two. And of American Independence the Fifty seventh.
J. Davis clk

I Benjamin Grant of Barrington of the State of Rhode Island Being duly sworn, do testify and say: That I have been acquainted with Joseph Kent of said Barrington, who is an applicant a pension, from his youth. and I further testify that well remember, that he was serving as a private soldier in Capt. Vial Allen's company of Barrington Militia, during a part of the Revolutionary War. I was a member of that company myself, and recollect of his belonging to it. I cannot be precise as to the amount of his services in that company - but know that he served in it, and was employed as a soldier, and was sta- tioned with me a number of months. I have always understood, and it is understood and believed in the neighbourhood where said Kent and myself have always lived, that he did duty, in Vial Allen's company like the rest of its private soldiers from an early part of the year 1778 until the enemy evacuated New Port late in the year 1779, except when he belonged to Crary's Regiment in Thomas Allen's Company - such has always been the belief of the neigh- bourhood - and I never heard it doubted or disputed. I know that he belonged to Captain Thomas Allen's company in Crary's Regiment, a while, but it is impossible at this distance of time to remember how long with any degree of exactness. Benjamin Grant
Bristol ss at Bristol November 24th A. D. 1832
Personally appeared the above-named Benjamin Grant and made solemn oath to the truth of his foregoing Deposition and subscribed the same, before me.
And I further certify that I am personally acquainted with said deponent, and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity - Wm.throp Justice Court of Common Pleas.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

and engaged therein according to Law.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court this twenty fourth day of November A. D. 1832. And of American Independence the Fifty seventh.
J. Davis Clerk

No. 3372 Pension Office Oct. 14/53
Sir Please report time of last payment to, or death of, within named pensioner Respectfully &c
H Burt Esqr
3 and 4 Present
J. P. Lee for Commissioner
Joseph Kent, act 1832 $43.33 p. an. — Paid to 4 th Sept. 1839, no date of death on our Books.
F Burt Auditor.

N o 6172 Joseph Kent
N. Bullock Bristol R.I.
enc the

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

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? yes
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
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes for the first enlistment.
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? yes.
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which 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.
† 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 receives  the  affidavits  must  certify  to  the  credibility  of  the  witnesses , and the affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.