Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,541, for Augustus Lewis, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Lewis, Augustus
S. 17,541
cards
CONTENTS

25
L A Lewis History Prior
Connecticut 28 H 82
Augustus Lewis, Dec d Middletown in the State of Ct —
he was a Pr: — in the — commanded Captain — of the — commanded Lt. Parsons in the Com: —
for 2 years — Spent to Wallingford, Middletown, Ellington, Augustus, Lewis Anna, Noble Polly, Fanny and Sally Dickinson, children etc.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 50. Dollars — Cents per annum. commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of June 34 and sub. Hon: L. M. Huntington. M. R.
Arrears to the 4th of ————— Semi-annual allowance ending ————— Amount due up to 12. July 1833. the day of his death. $156.62
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { dated June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nath. Duce — Clerk. Book C Vol. 2 Page 24

State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex To Haddam January 10 th A D 1833
On this 10 th day of January A D 1833 personally appeared in open Court before Charles Arnold, Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Haddam now sitting Angustus Lewis a resident of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That some time in the month of April 1775 he enlisted as a private into a company of volunteers under the Command of Capt Samuel Gale. That Josiah Baldwin was 1 st Lieutenant, Elisha Lee 2 d Lieutenant and ———— Adjt Ensign of said company. That immediately after his enlistment he was marched to New London where he remained but a few days. That from New London he marched with said Company to Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts where he continued until his term of service expired on the 14 th day of December 1775. That said Company was attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. Samuel H. Parsons. That while at Roxbury he was employed with the American troops in building fortifications and in other preparation to meet the British in case of an attack. That during his stay there the American troops were continually annoyed by the British, our house was burnt, and occasionally cannon shot were thrown amongst the American troops by the enemy.
That some time in the Month of

March 1776- he enlisted as a private into a company of State Troops commanded by Capt John Ely for the period of nine months, and was immediately marched to New-London, and there continued in the service of the United States till some time in the month of September 1776- That he was then marched with 3 d Company to White Plains in the State of New York where he continued in the service until his term of service expired some time in the month of December 1776- That he then left the service and had no written discharge. That — Catlin was 1 st Lieutenant, Dan Blatts 2 d Lieutenant of the company into which he enlisted and served as above stated- That he does not recollect the name of the ensign. That he has no recollection of having his a written discharge —
That some time in the month of June 1777- he enlisted as a private for the term of six months into a company of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Capt James Smith and was attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel John Ely- That — Bottom was 1 st Lieutenant, — Smith 2 d Lieut & — Gates Ensign in 3 d Company- That he was marched with 3 d Company to New London- From thence to Stonington, — From thence to Narragansett over Fox Hill to Warren in the State of Rhode Island, — From thence to Greenwich, — and from Greenwich to Providence- That from Providence he was marched with 3 d Comp y into the State of Massachusetts to Scituate Point so called where he remained in 3 d Comp y with the American Troops about three weeks- From thence he was marched to Providence and remained there about forty eight hours- That from Providence he was added into said Company & Regiment to Saybrook- From thence to Norfolk- That he continued at Norfolk about three weeks, when said Company & Regiment were ordered to Long Island where Col. Ely & Colonel Webb were taken prisoners. That while he was in Rhode Island General Purcell was taken prisoner at Newport. That he continued on Long Island until his term of service expired some

time in the month of December 1777 - That he has no recollection of having had a written discharge -
That some time in the month of September 1780 he was drafted from the militia of the State of Connecticut into the service of the United States, and attached to a company commanded by Capt John Ventres and that he served in said Company as a private for the full period of three months at Saybrook and was discharged some time in the month of December 1780 - That he is unable to obtain any other or further testimony of his services in the war of the Revolution than the affidavits attached to this declaration -
1 st Interrogatory. When and in what year were you born? -
Ans. I was born in Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut in the year 1752.
2 d . Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? -
Ans. A record of my age may be found on the records of the town of Haddam.
3 d . Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live? -
Ans. I was living in Haddam at the time I was called into service; have lived there ever since the revolutionary war, & now reside in said town -
4 th . How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute for whom?
Ans. This question is answered in my several accounts of services during the war of the revolution.
5 th . State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service -
Ans. Genl Parsons - Genl Spencer, Genl Putnam Genl Thomas, Genl Heath - Col Wylly Regiment - Col. Huntington's Regiment Col Mays Regiment
6 th . Did you ever receive a discharge from the service; and, if so, by whom was it given, & what has become of it?
Ans. I never had any discharge -
7 th . State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character

For veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution. and Genl John Brainard, Rev John Marsh Lieut Cornelius Huggins, Deacon James Walkley, Deacon Jonathan Huntington Capt Noadiah Cook &c.
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 & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. —
Augustus Lewis
We John Marsh a clergyman residing in the town of Haddam & Abner Smith residing in the same town of Haddam hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Augustus Lewis who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion —
Sworn, & subscribed, the day & year aforesaid. —
John Marsh & Abner Smith
And the S d Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the in- -vestigation 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 John Marsh who has signed the fore- -going certificate, is a clergyman resident in the town of Haddam, and that Abner Smith who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Haddam, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Ely Warner Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Haddam, do hereby cer- -tify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the S d Court in the matter of the application of Augustus Lewis for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this tenth day of Jan y . in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Ely Warner Clerk
Probate Dist of Haddam Jan y 10 th 1833
And the S d Court doth find & certify that Christopher Bailey, Abner Smith, Nehemiah Tyler, John Parker, James Huggins & Cornelius Huggins who have subscribed and sworn to in open court the deposition attached to this declaration, are persons of credibility.
Ely Warner Clerk
Augustus Lewis

Rev. War Section.
September 13, 1916.
Mr. T. B. Lewis, Westfield, Massachusetts.
Sir:-
A recent rearrangement of the of the Revolutionary war files of this Bureau, disclosed the pension claim of Augustus Lewis who was born in 1752 at Haddam, Connecticut where he enlisted, and died in 1833.
If you desire an abstract of his services, please quote his name and number, Augustus Lewis S. File 17,541 Rev. War.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Sieman
Acting Commissioner.
See his letter in 1893 S. 28789 Augustus Lewis.

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Augustus Lewis a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. S. F. 175-41
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1775 7 mos Pri Samuel Gale Samuel H. Parsons Conn.   Mch 1776 9 " John Ely ✓   June 1777 6 " James Smith John Ely   Sept. 1780 3 " John Ventres -  
Battles engaged in, _____ ✓ _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 9, 1832. His Ch. was al
Residence at date of application, Haddam, Middlesex Co., Conn.
Age at date of application, Born at Haddam, Conn. in 1752.
Remarks: He died Feb. 14, 1833, at Haddam, Conn.,  leaving no widow. The following children survived  him: Nathan, Josiah, Lideon, Eleazer, Augustus,  Asa, Anna Noble, Polly Tyler, Sally Dickinson.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

17541 INVALID.
1916, Mch. 29. History to Gail E. Peacock. Fr.
File No. 17541
Augustus Lewis
Br. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. / , Page 222
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Big Rapids, Mich.
March 16, '16
Sec'y Pension Dept. Washington D. C.
Rev sect
Dear Sir:—
I am trying to prove up my right to join the D. A. R. but one or two points are not cleared up.
If I am eligible to join the society it will be thru the descendents of Capt. Nathan Lewis who was a Corporal in Capt. James Harris Co., 3rd Conn. Reg. Colony of Conn. Can you find out whether he or his sons Francis or Augustus Lewis fought in the Rev. war?
Augustus Lewis was born June, 1752 at Haddam Conn. & was therefore about the right age for military work. I will greatly appreciate any information you can give me along this line.
Respectfully yours
(Yrs) Gail E. Peacock.

J. N. P.
O. W. and N. Division.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., March _____, 1893.
Sir
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Augustus Lewis , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     April 1775 7 mo Pri Samuel Gale Sam d H Parsons Cont.   March 1776 9 " " John Ely " " " " "   June 1777 6 " " James Smith John Ely "   Sept 1780 3 " " John Venters " " " " "  
Battles engaged in, Expedition to Long Island 1776 when Col. Ely was captured
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Hadam Middlesex County Cont
Date of application for pension, Aug t 1831
Residence at date of application, Hadam Conn
Age at date of application, 80 years, & died Feb y 14 1833 leaving no widow
Remarks: 1 st Service Siege of Boston; 2 nd Service New London Conn & White Plains N.Y. 3 rd Service in R.D. at Stonewall Conn & Long Island; 4 th Service Stationed at Saybrook
Very respectfully,
Mr L. B. Lewis
Act y Commissioner.
Westfield
Mass
7941 b-3 m
To Hon John C. Crosby Pittsfield Mass.

L O War
357292 1893
House of Representatives Washington D.C. Feby. 2. 1893.
Augustus Lewis 6 Comm. War of the Revolution 1775-
Hon. John C. Crosby M.P.
Refers letter of L.B. Lewis of Westfield Mass. for papers in connection with application of the soldier for pension.
(1 Encl.)
Address: "Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department, Washington, D. C."
Record and Pension Office,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, Feb 3, 1893.
Respectfully returned to forwarded to the Commissioner of Pensions, and the Hon. Mr. Crosby so informed.
One enclosure.
BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
H. H. Russell Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office.
(300a) Per

House of Representatives U. S.,
Washington, D. C., Feby 2., 1893.
Col J. B. Amosworth
Recd & Pension division Diocesan War Dept.
Dear Sir.
The enclosed letter will explain itself. - Mr Lewis the writer is a constitutional grmine - and I trust you may be able to send some for him, the papers & copy of records. Please return to me the enclosed letter when you have finished with it.
Yours very truly.
John B. Brophy

Encls 1.
857292
1893
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Westfield Mass Jan 30-1893
Hon John C. Crosby Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
Am a resident of your Congressional District, and want some assistance, have never asked for anything before; enclosed please find letter of introduction, from Henry W. Ashley Esq;
Want the Pension Papers of my Great-Grand-Father Augustus Lewis of Haddam Middlesex County Connecticut, a Soldier in the Continental Service who Died Feb 14-1833;
Have been told by one of the best informed men in the State of Connecticut, that these old Pension Papers can readily be obtained from the Pension Department, if one has influence enough;
and as I am engaged in gathering material for a Lewis Genealogy, I want these Papers;
over

all of His children are dead, and most all of His Grand-children; and I think that I am doing more to preserve His memory than any one else ever did, so that I ought to be entitled to the Papers if obtainable;
Extract from Senate Document, Pension Roll First Session 23d Congress Page 119
Augustus Lewis Middlesex County Connecticut; Private, annual allowance $80., Sum received $156. 04 , Description of service "Continental",
Placed on Pension Roll June 24-1834, Commencement of Pension March 4-1831, age 80, Paid to Feb 14-1833 the day of His death;
This would indicate that the Soldier never got a cent of the money, having died before His name went on the Roll;
If there are any letters which Augustus Lewis or any one else wrote petitioning for this Pension, would like to get them too; for they would probably state in detail all the service which He rendered His Country, and that is just what I want to find out;
over

Extract from Record of Connecticut Men In the War of the Revolution
Adjutant Generals Office Hartford Conn 1889
Page 77 + 654
Augustus Lewis [of Haddam Conn] Private, Enlisted May 10 - 1775 In the 6th Conn Continental Regiment Col Parsons,
In the 8th Company Samuel Gale of Killingworth Captain, Discharged Dec 19 - 1775;
"Augustus Lewis having been granted a Pension under Act of 1832 which was to those who served two Years or more, It would seem to be evident that he performed more service than above record gives him; Hope that You will be able to get these documents for me, for think they would be of great assistance to me; enclosed please find Five Dollars for necessary expenses.
Very Truly Yours
L. B. Lewis
Westfield Mass,

4,031
Augustus Lewis
Memorandum
Adm d as private 2 years $80 per annum. certificate to be paid to Nathan Lewis, Sarah Lewis, Gideon Lewis, Eleanor Lewis, Augustus Lewis, Anna Noble Polly Dyer & Sally Dickinson children & their at law of Augustus Lewis dec d ant due up to 14th day Feb 1833 $156.04
Lewis Permel
Hon James Isabel O. Huntington H.R.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
July 17 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Augustus Lewis
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the time, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
The time of the death, and the name of widow or if no widow, of next of kin of claimant must be certified under seal of Court of Record

Augustus Lewis
\begin{array}{r} 1832 \\ 1796 \\ \hline 36 \end{array}
\begin{array}{r} 1832 \\ 1804 \\ \hline 28. \end{array}

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex Js. Haddam August 9 th AD 1832
On this 9 th day of August AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before Charles Arnold Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Haddam now sitting Augustus Lewis a resident of Haddam in the County of Middlesex - in the State of Connecticut aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated - That some time in the month of April 1775 he enlisted into a company of volunteers, as a private under the command of Samuel Gale for the term of seven months and was attached to a Regiment commanded by Samuel H. Parsons - That immediately after his enlistment he was marched to New London - where he remained but a few days - That from New London he was marched with said company to Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts where he continued until his term of service expired on the 14 th day of December 1775 - That he was employed with the troops at Roxbury in building fortification & preparing for the attacks of the enemy - That during his stay there the American troops were continually annoyed by the British - one house was burnt and occasionally cannon shot over them amongst the troops by the enemy -
That some time in the month of March 1776 he enlisted as a private into a company of State Troops commanded by Capt John Ely for nine

months and was immediately marched to New London, and then continued in the service of the United States till some time in the month of September 1776 - I was then marched with said company to White Plains in the State of New York where I continued in the service until my term of service expired some time in the month of December 1776 - I then left the service and had no written discharge
That some time in the month of June 1777 he enlisted as a private for six months into a company of States Troops commanded by Captain James Smith and was attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel John Ely. That he was marched with said Company to New London - from thence to Stonington - from thence to Narragansett, over town hill to Warren in the State of Rhode Island from thence to Greenwich - and from Greenwich to Providence. That from Providence he was marched into the State of Massachusetts to Scituate point so called. where he remained about three weeks with the American army. From thence he marched to Providence and remained there about forty eight hours - That from Providence he was ordered with said Company and Regiment to Saybrook - from thence to Norwalk - That he continued at Norwalk about three weeks when said Company and Regiment was ordered on to Long Island where Colonel Ely and Colonel Webb were taken prisoners - That he continued there till his term of service expired some time in December 1777 - That while he was on Rhode Island General Sarcott was taken prisoner at Newport - That he never had a written discharge -
That some time in the month of Sept 1780 he was drafted from the militia of the State of Connecticut and attached to a company commanded by Captain John Venters and that he served in said company as a private three months at

Saybrook and was discharged some time in the month of December 1789. That he was born in Haddam in the year 1752 - that the record of his age can be found in the records of the town of Haddam - That he is acquainted with Lieut Cornelius Higgins Rev Simon Shailor, Mr Hanes Higgins and others to whom he can refer for a knowledge of his character for veracity -
We hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Augustus Lewis
We Simon Shailor a clergyman residing in the town of Haddam, and Hanes Higgins of said Haddam, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Augustus Lewis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Subscribed & sworn to in open court the day & year aforesaid Simon Shailor Hanes Higgins
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations 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 Simon Shailor who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of Haddam, and that Hanes Higgins who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of Haddam, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit -
J Ely Warner Clerk of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Haddam hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Augustus Lewis for a pension, - And that the enclosed depositions of John Parker, Nehemiah Tyler, Hanes Higgins, Cornelius Higgins, Christopher Baiby & Eliakim Baiby were taken and sworn to in open court and that they are credible witnesses.
For testimony thereof

I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9 th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two
Ely Warner Clerk
Augustus Lewis
  1832  1832    1796  1404    36  48  

1051-
Augustus Lewis
5 6 10 13 16 17
Suspended for the reception of the original declaration
admitted by the War Dept
Examiner
1933

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

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

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

Augustus Lewis
Augustus Lewis
No 4031

Christopher Bailey of Haddam in the county of Middlesex depose and say that in the year 1775 I was in the service of the United States at Boston in the State of Massachusetts for the period of seven months in a company commanded by Capt Samuel Gale attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel H. Parsons - That during said period of seven months Augustus Lewis of Haddam in said County of Middlesex was a private in the same company and regiment and to my knowledge served the period aforesaid -
Christopher Bailey
Subscribed & Sworn to in open court
Ely Warner Clerk
Hezekiah Bailey of Haddam in the County of Middlesex depose and say that I am personally acquainted with Augustus Lewis of S d Haddam & know that he was in the service of the United States in the year 1777 for the period of six months in a company of State Troops commanded by Captain James Smith and attached to a regiment under the command of Col. John Ely - That I was in the same company with him -
Hezekiah Bailey his X Cross
Subscribed & Sworn to in open court
Ely Warner Clerk

I Nehemiah Tyler of Haddam in Middlesex County depose & say that I am personally acquainted with Augustus Lewis of said Haddam & know that he was in the year 1775 in the service of the United States in the army of the Revolution at Boston & in the neighborhood of Boston for the period of seven months in a company commanded by Capt Samuel Yale & that he was afterwards in the year 1777 in a company of State Troops from Connecticut commanded by Captain James Smith and attached to a Regiment under the command of Col John Ely & did service in said company for the period of six months Nehemiah Tyler sworn to Subscribed & sworn to in open court Ely Warner Clerk
I John Parker of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex of lawful age depose and say that in the year 1776 I enlisted into a company of State Troops under the command of Capt John Ely for the period of nine months, and that I continued in said company in the service of the United States during the time for which I enlisted. That I am well acquainted with Augustus Lewis and know that he was a private in said Company and that he remained in service in said company for the term of nine months. John Parker sworn to Subscribed & sworn to in open court Ely Warner Clerk

I Hans Higgins of Haddam in the County of Middlesex depose and say that I am well acquainted with Augustus Lewis of said town and know that he was in the service of the United States in the militia at Saybrook in the State of Connecticut, I should think in the same year that he has stated in his declaration. I cannot say definitely how long he was in service at that place -
sumb
Hans Higgins
Subscribed & sworn to in open court
Ely Warner Clerk
I Cornelius Higgins of Haddam in said County of law full age depose & say that I am well acquainted with Augustus Lewis of this town & know that he performed service as a private in the army of the Revolution at Roxbury other places in the State of Massachusetts, - in the year 1775 and I saw him once on guard at Saybrook in the State of Connecticut in the year 1777
& further the deponent saith not
sumb
Cornelius Higgins
Subscribed & sworn to in open court
Ely Warner Clerk

ED Eliakim Baileys Deposition

John Parker of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged seventy five years testify and say that ever since the year 1776 I have been well acquainted with Au- gustus Lewis late of Hadam in said County up to the time of his death which happened some time in the month of February 1833 - That I enlisted in the month of March 1776 into into a Company of State troops as a private under the Command of Capt John Ely for the period of nine months - That Martin Callin was 1 st Lieutenant & Dan Platts 2 nd Lieutenant of said Company - I cannot state the precise day of the month that I enlisted, but according to my best recollection it was not far from the 15 th - That I served as a private in said Company during the war of the revolution for the full period of nine months - That I was discharged from said Company some time in the latter part of the month of December 1776 - That Augustus Lewis of Had- am enlisted into the same Company about the time that I did and continued in said Company & faithfully performed the duty of a private in said Company for the full term of nine months. That I was with him all the time and saw him every day during the period aforesaid - That in the month of March 1776 said company was marched to New London in said State of Connecticut

and there continued in the service of the United States until September 1776 - and were employed in building fortifications and making other preparations for defence - That from New London said company was marched to White Plains in the State of New York and was there continued in the service of the United States until our term of service expired in the month of December 1776 when the whole of said company were discharged. I do not recollect that any written discharges were given - I then returned home & those of said Company who belonged in my neighborhood & its vicinity came away together & I am pretty confident Mr Lewis was among the number - That while said company was at White Plains the American Army dug an intrenchment and had an engagement with the British troops - I do not recollect the name of the Colonel to which said Company was attached but I think his name was Saltonstall - - John Parker
State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex ss Saybrook August 20 th 1833 -
Personally appeared before me Linus Parmelee a notary public duly authorized to administer oaths & to take depositions John Parker and made solemn oath to the truth of the preceding deposition by him subscribed - And I do certify that the said John Parker is a person of credibility.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office the day & year aforesaid Linus Parmelee, Notary Public

Eliakim Barlow Deposition

I Eliakim Bailey of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged seventy four years depose and say that I have been well acquainted with Augustus Lewis of Haddam for more than sixty years previous to his death which I understand happened in the month of February 1833 - That the said Lewis myself and others enlisted into a company of State troops commanded by Capt Sam Smith and attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel John Ely in the month of June 1777 - That they were marched to New London with said company & then joined the regiment - From New London they marched with said company & regiment to Rhode Island - From Rhode Island said company & regiment was ordered to New York in the State of Connecticut where we remained a few days when said Regiment was ordered on to Long Island. That the said Lewis & myself enlisted for the period of six months as privates in said company and I am personally knowing that he served faithfully in said company for the full period aforesaid - That we were discharged in December 1777 - according to my best recollection on the 10 th day of that month - Our terms of service & period gave had no written discharge - We enlisted into said company as early as the 1 st or 2 nd day of June 1777 -
Eliakim his Bailey mark

State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex p Haddam August 20 th 1833 -
Personally appeared before me Linus Parmach a Notary Public duly authorized to administer oaths and to take depositions Eliakim Bailey who has affixed his mark to the preceding deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the same - And I do certify that the said Eliakim Bailey is a person of credibility -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day & year aforesaid.
Linus Parmach, Notary Public

Cornelius Higgens Deposition

I Nchemiah Tyler of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged seventy three years testify and say that I have been acquainted with Augustus Lewis late of Haddam from my youth until his death which happened in the month of February 1833. That in the year 1775 the said Lewis enlisted as a private into a company commanded by Captain Samuel Gale and was in the service of the United States at Boston & its vicinity for the period of seven months. That I recollect his coming home on a furlough for a few days on account of his health, and that I went part of the way with him on his return to Boston and I am confident that he was in service there for the term of seven months. That he enlisted some time in the spring of 1778 - & returned home some time in the month of December 1778 -
That in the year 1777 the said Lewis enlisted into a company of State Troops commanded by Capt James Smith and attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. John Ely in which company & regiment he was in the service of the United States for the period of six months as a private. That I was in the same company with him and that he enlisted the same time that I did which I think was in the month of June 1777. That said Company was marched to New London - from thence to Rhode Island - from thence to Norwalk & from thence to Long Island. That said Lewis to my knowledge faithfully served in said Company during the war of the revolution the full period of six months. That while said company was in Rhode Island Genl Prescott was taken prisoner and further this deponent saith not. Nchemiah Tyler
August 17 th 1833 -
State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex ss Haddam
Personally appeared Nchemiah Tyler before me Lewis Parmelee a Notary Public duly authorized to administer oaths & to take deposition and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed - And I do certify that the said Nchemiah Tyler is a person of credibility - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day and year last aforesaid
Lewis Parmelee, Notary Public

Nicholas Gylas Deposition

Cornelius Higgins of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged eighty nine years do hereby say that I have been acquainted with Augustus Lewis late of said Haddam from his youth up to the day of his death which happened some time in the month of February 1833 - That within twenty or thirty years past, and long before the act of 1818 granting pensions to the soldiers of the Revolution and since then I have repeatedly heard the said Lewis state that he had served a number of different periods in the war of the revolution and stated the times and places where he served, and related occurrences which I know did happen and which he could not have had any knowledge of, had he not have been a soldier of the Revolution. I recollect very distinctly seeing the said Lewis in the service of the United States in the year 1775 at Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts, and I am pretty confident I saw the said Lewis in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war at New London - I also recollect very well seeing him on guard at Saybrook in the State of Connecticut. I cannot say how long he was in the service during the war of the revolution but I have no hesitation in saying that he was

a soldier of the Revolution. I have had a nigh neighbor to Mr Lewis from his birth till his death and know that for forty or fifty years past he has among his acquaintance and in his neigh- borhood always had the reputation of having been a soldier of the Revolution -
Cornelius Higgings
State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex - To Haddam August 23 d 1833 -
Personally appeared before me Linus Parmelee a Notary Public duly authorized to administer oath and to take depositions Cornelius Higgings, and made solemn oath to the truth of the preceding deposition by him subscribed. And I do certify that the said Cornelius Higgings is a person of credibility -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid -
Linus Parmelee, Notary Public

Christopher Buelys Disposition - Augustus Lewis 4031
152
152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160

I Gideon Brainerd Jr of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut of lawful age testify and say that for a number of years past I have been well acquainted with Augustus Lewis late of S d Haddam deceased - That I attended the funeral of said Augustus Lewis on the 15 th day of February 1833 and that he died at Haddam aforesaid the day previous, being the 14 th day of February 1833 - That the S d Lewis left no widow his wife having died ten or fifteen years since - That he left five sons and three daughters (viz) Nathan Lewis, Josiah Lewis, Gideon Lewis, Eleazer Lewis, Augustus Lewis, Anna Noble, Polly Tyler, & Sally Dickinson - Gideon Brainerd Jr
State of Connecticut
Middlesex County ss Haddam March 31 st 1834
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate in and for the District of Haddam in S d County being a Court of record Gideon Brainerd, Jr. signer of the above deposition and in open Court made oath in due form of law that the same contains the truth and nothing but the truth - and S d Court certify that the S d Gideon Brainerd Jr is a person of undoubted integrity -
Ely Warner Clerk
And said court do find that Augustus Lewis late of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut died at S d Haddam on the 14 th day of February 1833 and left no widow. And the S d Court further find that the S d Lewis left five sons and three daughters (viz) Nathan Lewis, Josiah Lewis, Gideon Lewis, Eleazer Lewis, Augustus Lewis, Anna Noble, Polly Tyler and Sally Dickinson his heirs at law - And S d Court certify that letter of Administration

on the estate of the S r Augustus Lewis deceased was on the 20 th day of January 1834 by this Court granted to Augustus Lewis of S r Haddam son & heir of S r deceased. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of S r Court the day and year last aforesaid -
Oly Warner Clerk

I Christopher Barley of Haddam in the County of Middlesex in the State of Connecticut aged seventy six years testify and say that I have been acquainted with Augustine Living of Haddam from my youth till his death which I understand happened some time in the month of February 1833. That in the year 1775 the said Lewis was in the service of the United States at Boston its vicinity in the State of Massachusetts for the period of seven months in a Company of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Capt Samuel Gale and attached to a Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel H Parsons. That I was a member of said Company and served therein for the period of seven months That the said Lewis myself and others enlisted into said Company in the month of May 1775 and faith- fully served therein until some time in the month of December following. That immediately after our calastments said Company was marched to New- London and then joined the Regiment as- remained at New London but a few days when said Regiment & Company marched to Rox- bury in the State of Massachusetts and there and in its vicinity continued in the service of the United States until our term of service expired. The British Army was at this time in possession of the town of Boston. That during the period aforesaid I am personally knowing that the said Lewis was in service in said company and saw him every

day day excepting that he might have been absent a few days on furlough - I am no doubt but the said Lewis performed other services during the war of the revolution, yet I cannot from personal knowledge say when & how long he served. His reputation is that of having been a Soldier of the revolution among his neighbors & acquaintances -
Christopher Bailey
State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss Herddam August 20 th 1833
Before me Lewis Parmelee a Notary Public duly authorized to administer oaths and to take personally appeared depositions, Christopher Bailey and made solemn oath to the truth of the preceding deposition by him subscribed - And I do certify that the said Christopher Bailey is a person of credibility -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day and year aforesaid
Lewis Parmelee, Notary Public