Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15780, for Henry Johnson, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Johnson, Henry Betsy
W. 15780
CONTENTS

Albany 1679
Betsey Johnson widow of Henry Johnson
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7, 1832 and who died on the 14 th August 1835 at Erie Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Noble of the Regt. commanded by Col. Woods in the Mass. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars ————— Cents per annum. to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of January 1839 and sent to Hon. M. Fillmore, H.R.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sept '38 200.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st May '39. 40.00
$240.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 85

Buffalo N.Y. 24570
Henry Johnson
of Erie Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Nobles of the Regt. commanded by Col Woods in the Mass. line for 2 Years
Inscribed on the Roll of Buffalo N.Y. at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Jan'y 1834 and sent Hon W Hillmore, House Repres.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 33 — $200. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 40
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Ino C. Rowland Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 10

Henry Johnson Dec. 24. Rec d Jan'y 3. 1838.
Washington D.C.
Hon. William Stillmore Dec 24 } Ames N.H. } Shore

Sauquoit N.Y. } Three Dec 24 }
Hon. Millard Fillmore Mr. C.
Washington D. C.
Henry James Dec. 24 Rec'd Jan'y 3. 1838.

Lancaster Dec. 24. 1838-
Dear Sir
I have this day received an answer to my Mother's application for a Pension, from Mr. Edwards, stating that her application had been examined & filed, &c. and that she stated in said application that she was married in the month of November 1779. &c. — If it is so stated in her application, it is an error of mine, and not hers. It should read 1789. that being the time which she always stated & was, and which was intended to be so written, and was so read to her, both previous, and at the time when she subscribed and made oath to the same, both by myself and Judge Freeman, — and I cannot but think that it must read so now, — and I also am very positive that the affidavit of Joseph S. Greenman, confirming the fact of her having married in November 1789. — I wish you to take the trouble to go and examine the papers yourself, and see whether they read as I have stated above, and if either of the affidavits read 1779. it is my fault, for I was instructed to write 1789. and verily think they must read accordingly —
If you should find on examination that it states 1779. I want you to explain the error, to Mr. Edwards and have the papers returned, so that the mistake

may be rectified, and returned to the Department as soon as may be — in case it becomes necessary to have the papers sent back, please direct to me at Albany, as I shall start for Albany tonight —
Please write as soon as convenient
In great haste
Hon. Millard Fillmore
I remain yours Henry Johnson

[Declaration of a Revolutionary Soldier who served in the MILITIA, to obtain a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.]
State of New York, } On this 8th day of November 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Buffalo , in said County, of one
and State of New York, aforesaid, aged 70 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 he was born in the town of Berlin State of Connecticut in the Year 1762 Has a transcript of a Record of his age at home was living when called into Service in Williamstown Massachusetts State has lived since the Revolutionary War in Williamstown Massachusetts 4 Years in Williamstown Vermont State about 20 Years & in Clarence Erie County where he now resides =
Enlisted in the Massachusetts State Troops at Williamstown aforesaid as a Volunteer in June 1778 for the Term of Eight months in Captain Enoch Noble Company, Colonel Wood Regiment. Lieutenant Harris marched to Ticonderoga & there joined the Regiment, continued there 3 weeks & then went to White Plains. Staid there about 3 weeks & then to Danbury Connecticut
& then came to Fredericksburg in the State of New York was there about two weeks doing Camp duty at the several aforementioned places & was then detached with about 150 men from the Regiment to work the Road between the Highlands in New York & Hartford Connecticut, was gone about 3 months & returned to the Highlands in New York & continued there until his time Expired
Volunteered again in 1779 in Williamstown aforesaid for the Term of three months several keeping guard at New Haven Connecticut until his time Expired
Volunteered again in the United States Army at Williamstown aforesaid for the Term of 6 months in the Year 1780 marched to New York Point & from there to the State of New Jersey & served out the Campaign in the State of New Jersey & then returned to New York Point & continued the remainder of his six months time & was then discharged. The number of his Regiment in the United States Army was the 15 th General Bigelow. Captain Hordine. Ensign Bancroft. Sergeants Rapel & Jacob. The Regiment was commanded by Colonel Elmer when drawn out in the field -

Returned to West Point & continued the remainder of his six months time & was then discharged. The muster of his Regiment in the United States Army was the 15 th General Bryant. Captain Hordern, Ensign Bancroft, Sergeants Rapel & Jacob, the Regiment was commanded by Colonel Shepherd when drawn out in the field — Never received a written discharge except for his last services & that he lost —
Enlisted again in 1782, in what for the term of 3 Years went to Springfield Massachusetts, passed muster before Captain Seth Bonist. From there went to West Point, joined the 4 th Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by Colonel William Shepherd & served until the Army was disbanded which was about 1 Year & Eight months
The further States that Gordon Peckham & Joseph Gaspard are persons who reside in his present neighborhood & who he offers as witnesses as to his being a man of truth & veracity & as to their belief as to his being a Soldier of the Revolution — also the affidavit of Terley Howe & the Certificate of Moses Giffard as proof of his services which are herewith annexed
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,
Henry Johnson
Sworn and subscribed this Eighth day of November — 1832
before me
Abner Stryker Judge of the County Court

We, Joseph Carpenter residing in the town of Clarence and County of Erie — and Gordon Peckham residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Henry Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 70 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.
Subscribed and Sworn this Eighth day of November 183 2
Gordon Peckham Joseph Carpenter
before me Ames Truskell Judge of Erie County 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 Henry Johnson who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of Clarence and county of Erie and that Joseph Carpenter and Gordon Peckham who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Clarence and county of Erie and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Noah P. Sprague, Clerk of the said 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 Henry Johnson for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 10th day of November 183 2
And I the said Judge do hereby certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states. And I do further certify that it appears to me that Gordon Peckham & Joseph Carpenter who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents of the town of Clarence in the said County and that they are credible persons and that their each of their statements, are entitled to credit. And I do further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before me in the matter of the application of the said Henry Johnson for a pension.
And I the said Judge do further certify that it appears satisfactory to me that the said Henry Johnson could not without his great inconvenience procure the attendance of a clergyman to testify to his character & services during the war.

And I the said Judge do further certify that it appears satisfactory to me that the said William Johnson could not without his much inconvenience procure the attendance of a clergyman before me to testify as to his character & since to make the certificate required by the War Department. And I the said Judge do further certify that in consequence of the prevalence of the cholera in the City of Buffalo in August last when a term of the Supreme Court of Common Pleas of said County of Erie should have been held the same was not held, and on a representation of the peculiar circumstances, which rendered it proper the War Department denied my request to permit me the said Judge to receive further application & receive testimony thereon until the next December Term of the said Court & no longer which permission or authority of the War Department was communicated to me the said Judge by letter under the date of September 21 st 1832.
And I the said Judge do further certify that the foregoing proceedings have been had taken and allowed before me under the virtue of the said permission or authority of the War Department given under my hand & seal at Buffalo this Eighth day of November A.D. 1832.
Wm Lloyd
Erie County Clerk of the P. J. Noak J. Sprague Judge of Erie County Court
do hereby certify that the Hon James Stryker upon whom the foregoing proceedings in the matter of the application of Henry Johnson who was on the day of the date thereof and still is a Judge of the County Courts of the County of Erie duly appointed and sworn and that the signatures of the said Judge to the deposition or declaration of the said Henry Johnson and to the certificate or joint affidavit of Gordon Peckham and Joseph Carpenter and to the certificate of the said Judge following the same are all the genuine signatures of the said Judge. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 th day of December 1832.
Noah P. Gayman Clerk of our County
20375 Henry Johnson vs Gordon Peckham Joseph Carpenter vs James Stryker

3492
3492
Peter Johnson's 1679 Application for Pension. Leicester " Erie Co. N. York.
Widow of Henry Johnson Esq.
Admitted Private 2 years
Hon. M. Fillmore H 22

State of New York } Erie County } ss.
On this twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before the Subscriber, a Judge of Erie County Courts, Betsey Johnson a resident of the Town of Lancaster, in the said County of Erie, aged sixty eight 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 th 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" that she is the Widow of Henry Johnson, who was a private in the Army of the Revolution - and who was also a Pensioner of the United States, under the act of June 7 th 1832, as reference to the papers upon which the pension was granted, (which are supposed to be on file in Pension Office) will more fully appear - She further declares that she was legally married to the said Henry Johnson in the month of November, (the precise day of the month not recollected) in the year, Seventeen hundred and eighty nine - that her husband the aforesaid Henry Johnson died on the fourteenth day of August 1835 - 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 stated - She further declares, that she has no knowledge of any record having been made of the marriage, unless it was in the family record of her Father's family, which record, (if there ever was any) it is impossible for her to obtain, not knowing where to enquire for it -
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written before Joseph Freeman Judge of Erie Co. Courts
Betsey Johnson

I hereby certify that the above named Betsey Johnson is not able to attend Court, from bodily infirmity -- and I further certify that I am acquainted with the said Betsey Johnson, and know her to be the widow of Henry Johnson, as above stated, and that her character for truth and veracity is good, and above reproach
Lancaster November 29 th 1838.
Joseph Freeman Judge of Probate Court

State of New York } Erie County } ss.
Be it known that before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Jesse S. Greenman and made Oath in due form of law that he resided in the town of Petersburg in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty nine, in the immediate vicinity of the residence of William Voice, and that he well recollects that in the month of November in the said year 1789, that Henry Johnson from Massa- -chussetts came to Petersburg, and was married to Betsey Voice, Daughter of the said William Voice and that immediately afterwards, they the said Henry Johnson and Betsey his wife removed from the said town of Petersburg to a place in the State of Vermont called New Williamstown, and that from that time, until since the year A.D. 1810, he did not know any thing respecting them, but that he has frequently seen and conversed with them, since that time, in the town of Lancaster in this County, and knows them to be the same individuals above mention- -ed — and he further declares that he has no knowledge that Marriages were a matter of record in this State, except the family record, until since the year 1827. — and he further declares that he now resides in the town of Newstead in the said County of Erie — and further saith not —
Subscribed and affirmed Jesse S. Greenman this 22 nd day of November October
A.D. 1838. before me
Cyrus Hopkins J.P.
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Jesse S. Greenman, and have been for more

than twenty years, and that his character for truth and veracity is good, and above reproach —
October 22nd 1838 —
Cyrus Hopkins J.P.

State of New York } Erie County } ss.
Be it known that before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Isaac Buck and Submit Buck, his wife, and made oath in due form of law, that they resided in the town of Williamstown in the State of Vermont, in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety one, that the town was then called New Williamstown, that they then and there became acquainted with Henry Johnson and Betsey Johnson his wife - that they were then and there informed that the said Henry Johnson and Betsey Johnson were married in the town of Petersburg in the State of New York, in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty nine, and that they verily believe that such was the fact - and further that the said Henry and Betsey Johnson did ever after-wards live together as man & wife, until they were parted by the death of the said Henry Johnson, which was on the 14th day of August A.D. 1835. and further that the said Betsey Johnson has never since been married, but is still the widow of the said Henry Johnson - and that she now resides in the town of Lancaster in the county of Erie - and further that the said Henry & Betsey Johnson were always considered of good moral character and persons of strict integrity - and they further declare that they the said Isaac and Submit Buck now reside in the town of Lancaster in the said County of Erie. Subscribed and sworn
this 7th day of October A.D. 1838 before me Wm Standart J.P.
Isaac Buck Submit Buck

I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the said Isaac Buck and Submit Buck his wife and consider them to be persons of truth and veracity, and that such is their general character Oct. 7 th A.D. 1838 — Wm Standart G.D.

State of New York Erie County Clerk's Office & I Cyrus H. Anderson clerk of said County do hereby certify that Joseph Freeman Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Annexed Affidavit is a Judge of Erie County Courts duly appointed, sworn & acting as such - and also that Cyrus Hopkins and William Standart Esq. are Justices of the Peace in for the County of Erie duly elected sworn & acting as such - And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Joseph Freeman Cyrus Hopkins & William Standart and verily believe the signatures "Joseph Freeman" "Cyrus Hopkins" & "W m Standart" to the attached certificates of proof, or acknowledgements to be genuine. and further said Freeman, Hopkins & Standart were at the time of taking the said Affidavits acting as above -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 30 th day of November A.D. 1838 - C. H. Anderson Clerk By R. W. Padelford Dep. Clk

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 15780, it appears that Henry Johnson was born in
awj
B-
1763 in Berlin, Connecticut.
While residing in Williamstown, Massachusetts, he enlisted and served as a private in the Massachusetts Troops, as follows-
From May or June 1778, eight months in Captain Enoch Noble's Company, Colonel Ezra Wood's Regiment.
In 1779, three months in Captain Samuel Clark's Company, Colonel Powel's Regiment.
In 1780, six months in Captain Hudang or Houdin's Company, Colonel Bigelow's Regiment.
From 1781 1783 until the army was disbanded in Captains Haskell's, Fuller's, and Mills' Companies, Colonel Shep- ard's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application exe- cuted November 8, 1832, while a resident of Clarence (which was later Lancaster), Erie County, New York. He died August 14, 1835.
Soldier married in November 1789 at Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York, Betsey Voros (daughter of William Voros). She was allowed pension on her appli- cation executed November 29, 1838, while a resident of Lancaster, New York, aged sixty-eight years.
Son, Henry, was a member of the New York State
4 -
Legislature, in 1838.
There is no further data on file as to his family.

June, 15, 1903, N.Y. City Mrs. Frances M. Mallon Buffalo N.Y.
1926 July 26 - Hist. Soc. J. H. Gillette See letter in David Johnson v. 157792
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15780 Betsey Johnson Wid of Henry Johnson Rev Rev War
Act July 7th '88
Index: Vol. A , Page 380
[Arrangement of 1870.]

C. York Betsey Johnson widow of Henry Letter to Hon. M. Fillmore 15. Dec. '38.
At. 7. July 1838

1679
Retary wid
Henry Johnson

Henry Johnson
II
Died at Lancaster, Erie Co. N.Y.
Aug 14. 1835 aged 73
Head stone states that he was a Revolutionary soldier.
Betsey Johnson given as pensioner at Lancaster, on pension rolls for 1840. Do not know this was his widow
These don't fit { 5619 5660

New York
Henry Johnson on roll under act of June 7 th 1832 at $80 per Ann to what time paid?
PL
John Hany Esq. 3 d Auditor office
Died 14 th Aug t 1835 p st that is end IH
august

War Department Pension Office January 19. 1839
Sir,
The letter of Henry Johnson, Esq., herewith returned, does not apply to the case of Mrs. Mary Johnson whose papers are on file in this Office. There is probably a mistake in the name of the claimant. By giving her name and the name of her husband, an answer to the letter of Mr. Johnson may be readily furnished.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
The name is Betsey Johnson . Yours &
Millard Fillmore H. of Rep. Jan. 19. 1839.
Hon. Mr. Fillmore House of Representatives

Washington. Dec. 8. 1838. House of Rep.
Sir.
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit the application of Betsey Johnson for a pension. Her son, Henry Johnson Esq. is a member of our State Legislature and is anxious to know whether the papers are sufficient before he is compelled to leave home for Albany. He must leave on the 25 th inst.
Respectfully Yours Millard Fillmore
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

Papers in Care of Henry Johnson Esq. advice
Will Mr. Fillmore do me the favor to go to Mr. Edwards & get an inu- ndito. I enclose on this card. The letter I enclosed Mr. C. will show the merit of your 27000 bill, passed.
Mr. Fillmore H. R.

War Department Pension Office November 26 th 1833
Sir,
The papers relating to the claim of Henry Johnson, are herewith returned.
They were misdirected, and have been returned to this office recently. On the receipt of Mr. Bangs's certificate, a final decision will be had on the case.
I am, respectfully, Your ob t servant J L Edward Comm r of Pensions
M. H. Hall Esq Buffalo N. Y.

J. L. Edwards Law of Pensions

Buffalo Dec. 12. 1833.
J. Edwards Esq. Comr. of Pensions.
In. I transmit herewith the pension papers of Mr. Henry Johnson an applicant under the act of the 7th June 1832.
His claim is
1 st for service under an enlistment for 8 months which he says he served out if not longer and by C. D. Bangs cert. it is proved to 8 mos 23 days
2 nd for 3 mos. in Clark Co. Pownal Regt for a part of which time the Mass Rolls seem to be imperfect but Mr. Bangs certifies - 1 " 12
For six months in Capt. Hurd's Co. in Col. Pigeon's Regt which is proved by rolls in the Dept. as appears on the back of the Brief objections set with papers & is therefore 6 " -
4 th He claims 1 yr & 8 mos. service under Col. Shepard in different Companies. Mr. Bangs certifies that it appears there was due to him as appears by the records in his office for £17. 0. 0. and as the wages were then as soon to be the apt. & as known to the Dept. £2. currency in worth this I suppose proves clearly at least - 8 " 15
Mos 24 " 20 days
Thus showing incontestably more than 2 yrs. service entitling to a full pension.
As his papers are missing from the Pension Office his claim has been delayed more than a year I am now anxious to get a speedy decision which on the letter returning the papers was promised as soon as Mr. Bangs certificate was forwarded which certificate I had obtained before receiving the papers from the Dept.
I am my Respectful Yours affly servt N. K. Hall

I the undersigned of Williamstown in the county of Orange and State of Vermont testify & say that, in the year 1778 I was out in the continental Army in Col. Wood's Regiment and Capt. Enoch Noble's Company that Henry Johnson of Clarence in the county of Orange
this May certify that Capt. Henry Johnson served as a Pivot with Meigs General Lafayette's light Infantry in the New Jerseys in the year 1780 in Colonel Shippen's Regiment in Captain Hewdang's Company we were Mass. Men And last Notes together we both belonged in Massachusett Sergeant Rufus Dyer Sergeant this I certify Sergeant Tattle Second Sergeant Moses Jeffers Williamtown January 12th 1826 sworn to
this third Day of January Perley Howe personally appeared above named Perley Howe and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before James Lynde Justice of Peace within and for the County of Orange & State of Vermont

At Williamstown in Orange County & State of Vermont, Moses Saffords signer of the within certificate, made oath to the truth of the same before me. James Lynde Justice of Peace I further certify that I am well acquainted with Mr Saffords & that he is esteemed a man of truth & veracity. James Lynde Pres of Williamstown Jan'y 7, 1826

Perley Howe of Williamstown in the County of Orange and State of Vermont testify & say that, in the year 1778 I was out in the continental Army in Col. Woods Regiment and Capt Enoch Nobles Company and that Henry Johnson of Clarence in the County of Erie and State of New York  New York served eight months in the same company with me, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of the term for which the company was enlisted — The pay which we received was of very trifling value, partly in consequence of the depreciation of continental money, and partly, in consequence of the failure of the Paymaster who never paid the company for the last three months of their service
Perley Howe The foregoing Affidavit was sworn to this third Day of January A.D. 1826 when the above named Perley Howe personally appeared and made oath that the foregoing Affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before
James Lynde Justice of Peace within and for the County of Orange & State of Vermont —

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be written in cursive.]

adm 2
24 mo. pri
8044
found on Rolls of Regelow regt 1780 for 6 mo
Vice roll of Col Stephen - Capt supp- Bannister - Infy L E D. Bury
It seems he served under Capt Nascalls Mills & Fullerton under Bannister in Col Ship and Regt - He passed muster before Bannister Mustered Dec. 14. 1833.
M. K. H. Lee Hon. M. Fillmore Buffalo N.Y.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Henry Johnson which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? 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? the Judge has 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's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? The credibility of one of the witnesses is certified Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? 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 XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 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. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; 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 shewn 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 embodied 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
No By applying to E D Bangs. Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, applicant may obtain proof of his service in the Militia of that State

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Novemr 24 1833.
* 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 Henry Johnson, as a private, is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Enoch Noble's Company, in Col. Ezra Wood's Regt. where he is allowed from Mar 20 th 1778. to Feb y 7 th 1779. (both days inclusive) eight Months and twenty three days. 8=23
Henry Johnson's name is borne on a Pay Roll of Capt. Sam l Clarke's Company, in Col. Powell's Regt. where he is allowed from July 22 d to August 26 th 1779. for services and travel, One month and twelve days. 1=12
Henry Johnson's name is found in a Book of Records, in Col. Shepard's Regt. dated June 21 st 1781, and Certified to Jan y 4 th 1782, where it appears the balance then due him 10=05 for services was £ 17=0=0. ————— No time of services mentioned ————— £ 17=0=0
Henry Johnson claims for further services, under Capt. Clarke in 1779, and for services under Capt. Hemand, in 1780, — the rolls of which are not found in this Office.
Edward D. Bang Secy

Certificate of Ed. D Bangs Secy State Mass. in Case of Henry Johnson

State of New York
Erie County ss. Henry Johnson of Lancaster (late Clancey) in said County being duly sworn deposes & says that he is the same Henry Johnson who made the annexed declaration before him this 18th day of November 1832.
That he volunteered as stated in the annexed Declaration in May or June 1778 (as near as he can recollect) for Eight months in Capt Enock Nobles Company in Col Ezra Wood's Regt & served to the full expiration of that time & was then or soon after verbally dismissed - That this period of service is the same one certified in the annexed certificate of E D Bangs Esq as being for the term of 8 months & 23 days - that this Defendant knows that he served not less than 8 months but cannot swear that he served for the full period of 8 mo. & twenty three days.
That he again volunteered in 1779 at Williamstown in Massachusetts for the term of one month under Capt Samuel Clark in Col Bowd's Regt - that he served for about one month when he was taken sick and remained sick until the expiration of full three months from the time he volunteered - That this the same term of service certified to by said E D Bangs as being only one month & twelve days & that a great part of the time he was too sick to do duty but was actually absent from home more than three months.
That he also served six months in 1780 in Col. Beekman's Regt in Capt Hubbard's Company (as he thinks it is spelled) & that he understands that it appears by the Memorandum made on the back of the Brief sent from the War Dept that this six months service appears by the rolls of Col Beekman's Regt now in the Penn. Office.
That when he was dismissed at the expiration of the above terms of service he never received any certificate except from Col Beekman's Regt after Capt Beekman's Discharge & was ordered much of Springfield Mass. & Connecticut.
That he enlisted in Col Shepherd's Regt and Capt Beekman's Company at West Point in the State of New York that he enlisted for three years & served for more than a year & Eight months as stated in the annexed declaration. From West Point after staying a month or two they moved to Verplank's Point & stayed there till they went to White Plains - they built Huts & wintered part of New

at New Windsor at a place called Snake snake Hill - During the winter they went down to Croton River & staid a fortnight to relieve a Regt stationed there & then went back & staid at Snake Hill un- til the first April - after the cessation of arms Deperment joined the Light Infantry Company of the same Regt which which was commanded by Capt. Fuller In which Company he remained until he was pick- ed out to form a Company to go to the City of New York when they returned & staid until the first March - That after this Deperment joined the Light Infantry Company under Capt. Fuller they moved down to New Rochelle where before they marched as Deperment thinks Capt. Miller took the command of the Company & from New Rochelle they marched under the command of Genl. Wash- ington in person to the City of New York when they staid & done duty until the first part of March - That they were there when Genl. Washington made his farewell address to the troops after the City in the fall or early part of the winter before - That he did not then have any written discharge.
That his Discharge which he received from Col. Bagley's Regt was lost more than thirty years ago.
That when he served in Col. Shiphard's Regt his pay was two pounds a month New England Currency, or six Dollars & two thirds per month.
That he cannot recollect at this distance to a day the precise periods of his service but he has no hesitation in saying that he served at least as long as he has alleged in this & the annexed Dec- laration.
Given & subscribed before me this 11th Day of December 1833. & I certify that the Deperment is a credible person John H. Hall Clerk of Dutchess Co. N.Y.
State of New York Erie County Clerk's Office to LeNoah P. Sprague Clerk of the said County for the Court of Common Pleas.

Having duly sworn, deposes & hereby certify that Na- than K. Hall Esq. before whom the foregoing Deposition of Henry Johnson was sworn was on the day of the date of the first thereof a Commission of Out in the said County duly appointed & sworn authorized to take such Deposition & further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner that the signature of said first purporting to be his is the genuine signature of the said Commissioner
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal this 10 day of December A.D. 1833
Nathl F. Spence Clerk of the Comm. Pleas

2492 Mar 6 Sec 10. N.Y.
July 38 Betsy Johnson
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension office
Vin Williams m.c. Hon. M. Williams A.P.R.

Com te of Pensions
Hon. M. Fillmore
House of Representatives