Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17535, for Joshua Lester, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Hester, Joshua
S 17535
Carded
CONTENTS

N. E. B. No. 2058 Same Reg, 1838
33. 143
Connecticut
Joshua Lester, decd. of New London in the State of Ct. who was a Private in the — commanded by Captain — of the — commanded by — Conn in the Revolution time for 2 Years.
Conn.
Inscribed on the Roll of Warfare at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Reg 29 August 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of June 1853 and sent to S. A. Pough
Arrears to the 4th of Present Pension allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wightman Clerk, Book E. 2 Vol. 3, Page 25

State of New York
Delaware County p. Jeremiah Leister of the town of Meredith in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy years and now a pensioner of the United States for services rendered the United States as a private in the Revolutionary War being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Joshua Leister of New London State of Connecticut and was also well acquainted with him during the whole period of the Revolutionary War and served with him in that War he the said Jeremiah residing at Simsbury during that period in said State of Connecticut that in June 1777 he the said Joshua Leister entered the service as a private under captain Andrew Rismold and served in said company under the said captain as such private during and until the close of the War in 1783 the said captain was commissioned Governor. Inasmuch as the company was not attached to any Regiment that he this deponent served with said Joshua in said company during all that period that the said company was stationed along the sea shore between the mouth of Connecticut River and New London and head quarters were at Simsbury in said State between those points the services and duties performed and rendered by said company were done and performed partly on land and partly on the sound along shore guarding the sea coast We were engaged in several little skirmishes with the Tories and Long Island traders and some British officers the said Rismold continued in command of said company from its first organization until it was discharged at the close of the War and further this deponent saith not.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 1 day of April 1830
Jeremiah Leister
Chas. M. Paine Justice of the Peace

I Anthony M. Paine the Justice of the Peace before whom the above deposition was sworn to do certify that I am personally and well acquainted with Jeremiah Smith who signed and swore to the above deposition and that he is a credible person and entitled to full credit and belief Dated April 1 1833
Antho M. Paine Justice of the Peace
State of New York County of Delaware ss
I Crawford B Sheldon Clerk of the said County do certify that Anthony M. Paine before whom the within affidavit purports to have been Sworn and the person who executed the above Certificate was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and rightly believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit and the said Certificate is his genuine Signature Witness my hand and Seal of Office this first day of April 1833 C B Sheldon Clerk

Johns Lestry ? Bapery
26. 568

State of Connecticut County of Middlesex ss. on this 5 th day of August October A.D. 1833. personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of New London in Middlesex County & State of Con- necticut now sitting Joshua Lester of the town of New London in the District County & State aforesaid aged Seventy 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 June 1777. he the said declarant enlisted as a private into a company commanded by Captain Andrew Griswold late of then of the town of Lyme in said County of Middlesex - to serve during the war - That he did serve in said company under the command of the said Captain Griswold till the peace in 1783. That said Com- pany was not attached to any regiment but was employed as a Shore Guard & performed that duty between the mouth of Connecticut river & the mouth of the Niantic in said County - That said duty

was sometimes performed in boats & sometimes on shore. but that the company was paid by the state of Connecticut & drew their entire from the stores of the state company in Middletown. That he believes that Captain Griswold was commissioned by the Governor of the state of Connecticut. The declarant does not recollect the names of the other officers in the company but he believes that Thomas May and John Griswold both of S t Lynn were sometime officers therein -
That frequently during the period of his service there were skirmishes with the British boats & troops in the sound & with the traders on Long Island & that several prisoners were taken by said company -
That at the time of his enlistment he resided in said town of Lynn & has since the war has resided within the county of Middletown aforesaid & that he now resides in the town of Middletown aforesaid. That he has no record of his birth and no documentary evidence of his service nor does he know of any other persons living - whose testimony he can procure, to substan- tiate this declaration than those whose affidavits are herewith attached
He hereby relinquishes every claim that can be a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the

pension were of the agency of any state
Sworn in open court before said Court on the day of year above written Capt J. H. Hume Clerk
J. H. Hume Clerk
And the said Deborah Lester is answer to the Interrogatories predicated by the War Department the same being proffered and put to him by said Court, on oath states —
To the 1 st Interrogatory — he answers that he was born in Lyme in the County of Litchfield & State of Connecticut on the 7 th day of May 1763 — He has no record of his age but always understood that at the time of his birth —
When called into service he lived in the Town of Lyme aforesaid where he continued to live until thirty three years ago last Fall (1832) when he removed into the Town of Stratford (Harbor's Mouth so called) where he has lived ever since & where he now lives —
To the 4 th & 5 th Interrogatories he has stated in the foregoing Declaration all his recollection
To the 6 th that he never rec d a written discharge from the service, but when the Company was discharged we were all discharged together
To the 7 th he has procured & attached hereto the depositions of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood who have testified as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution — He has not procured the Certificate of a Clergyman

as he is not at present acquainted with any Clergyman as he lives remote from all the Clergymen of the Town & vicinity so that that he is so old and infirm & blind that he is seldom able to attend public worship as there is no House of public Worship near him —
Submitted and from his friend
Joshua Lister
Concord April 10th
Aug 27th AD 1833
Copy J. W. Mansfield

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, Deborah Lester, the applicant, was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears to the Court that Deborah R. Warren and Champlin Lester who have signed & sworn to the preceding Certificate are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit — And the Court further certifies that Reynold Johnson who has also signed & sworn to the preceding Deposition is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit
I, Josiah Johnson Clerk of the Court of Probate for said District of Cambridge do hereby certify that the within foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Deborah Lester for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said Court and my office this 7 th Day of August AD 1833
J. Johnson Clerk

Joshua Lester
13 B C Riplets Present

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } ss. County of New London, }
I, JAMES STEDMAN, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby Certify that J. C. Coonstock
whose name, in his own proper hand writing, is subscribed to the Certificate, on the Instrument hereunto attached, was at the date of said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly empowered to take acknowledgments of Deeds and other writings, administer Oaths, take Depositions, &c.
TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, on
15 th day of April A. D. 185 2
James Stedman Clerk.
ms.
daughters do G. A. Pillsbury for
for any amount of money, or interest or damages, that may be due, and hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to the heirs
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises, hereby revoking all other powers made in the
premises WITNESS my hand and Seal this 9 th day of February A. D., 185 3 .
Signed to and Subscribed
Signed and Sealed in the presence of } J. C. Coonstock } E. H. Pugh
Luz Champion
STATE OF Connecticut and } ss: affine COUNTY OF New London }
On this ninth day of February A. D. 185 3 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Luz Champion and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.

I, JAMES STEDMAN, Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby Certify that J. C. Coonstock whose name, in his own proper hand writing, is subscribed to the Certificate, on the Instrument hereunto attached, was at the date of said Certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly empowered to take acknowledgments of Deeds and other writings, administer Oaths, take Depositions, &c.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said Court, on this 15 th day of April A. D. 185 3 James Stedman Clerk.
ms.
daughters do
G. V. D. ... to
not any amount of money, or any other thing, and hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to the heirs
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises, hereby revoking all other powers made in the premises WITNESS my hand and Seal this 9 th day of February A. D., 185 3 .
Signed and Sealed
Signed and Sealed in the presence of J. C. Coonstock E. H. Pugh
Lucy Champion
STATE OF Connecticut and } COUNTY OF New London } ss: Agree
On this ninth day of February A. D. 185 3 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Lucy Champion and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, } the day and year aforesaid. }
J. C. Coonstock J. Peace.

Claim of Act of
STATE OF Connecticut and } ss. Lyme COUNTY of New London }
Be it known, That on this ninth day of February A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty three , before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Lucy Champion a resident of Lyme in said County, and made oath according to law that she is the daughter of Joshua Lester, who was an Applicant for a Revolutionary Pension
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of allowed Dollars per annum ; that she has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased ; that she is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as her Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me.
J. C. Coonstock J. Peace.
Lucy Champion
I, J. C. Coonstock Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that Lucy Champion who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
J. C. Coonstock J. Peace.
I, Clerk of the Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this day of
A. D. 185
Clerk.

STATE OF Connecticut and } ss. COUNTY OF New London }
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me
That Lucy Champion, wife of Manly Champion is the Daughter of Joshua Lester, deceased, that said Joshua Lester was an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $ per annum and that he died on the 29 th day of August eighteen hundred and forty five leaving surviving him Lucy Champion, wife of Manly Champion, Lucinda Gibson, wife of Francis Gibson, and Lydia Harris, widow of James Harris and that Lucy Champion, wife of Manly Champion, Lucinda Gibson, wife of Francis Gibson and Lydia Harris, widow of James Harris are now the only surviving children of the aforesaid Joshua Lester.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this ninth day of February one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
J. C. Coombs Justice of the Peace and Notary Public.

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
F. S. H. P. C.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., October 30, 1895.
Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Joshua Hester --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATE OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE. CAPTAIN. COLONEL. Sometime in the month of June, 1777, he enlisted as a private in a company commanded by Capt. John Johnson and Capt. Andrew Griswold, and served therein until the close of the war. The company was not attached to any regiment but was employed in guarding the shore between the mouths of the Connecticut and Niantic rivers, in the county of New London. The duty was sometimes performed in boats and sometimes upon shore, and frequently there were skirmishes with the British boats and Tories on the Sound. His pension was allowed for two years actual service as a private.
Battles engaged in, None. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lyme, Conn. Date of application for pension. August 5, 1833. Residence at date of application, New London, Conn. Age at date of application, Born, Lyme, Conn., May 7, 1763.
Remarks: He died August 29, 1846.
Very respectfully,
Dr. Edward Prentiss,
New London, Conn.
Commissioner.

As Edward m. Conn. Russell, M.E. resigned in London. M.E. Oct 1892 in Bureau
17535  INVALID.
File No. 17535  Joshua Lester  As Rev War  Act: June 7 th 92  Index: Vol. 1 , Page 222
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Oct. 20 th 1892 Prentiss, New London Rev. H. J. Charles M.E. 1896. Soldier Mrs. Edm. Prentiss, Va come Apr 21 '96 2 pensed to Desha Pe SWB

n o 2650.
Joshua Lester
Connecticut.
Act 7 June 1832
See letter April 28. 1836 to Hon. J. A. Rockwell, H. Rep s . Same June 40.

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by _____
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant Joshua Lester _____
Soldier Revolutionary War. _____
Service _____
Additional Service _____
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No other Joshua Lester but _____
S. 17535. _____
Imm. Med. & reported _____

Joshua Lester
act June 7. 1832
Connt.
Sup d . perhaps
Report the case to Hon.
E. Haley H. R.

Francis E. Bigelow loan of Eng. about Joseph Lester Master roll. 1841
charge to Mrs. Boynton. from Mrs. Sperry
Joseph Lester ad 1841

Worcester July 23. 1858. Commissioner of Pensions, Sir,
Yours of 20 th inst. is received & I have seen Mr. John Lester, son of Joshua Lester, who says his father died about 50 years ago , that he has but one sister living whose name is Polly, that his other two sisters whose names were Sally & Rhoda, are deceased - that he supposes he has one brother living whose name is William -
He tells me his father died in Hartford, Ct. - He tells me that his father or none of his family rec d any thing on account of his father's services - I believe I got a wrong impression before from him in this respect -
This John Lester says he was in the Battles of Tippecanoe & White Plains -
Whether there were 2 Joshua Lesters of Ct. or whether any imposition has been practised, I have no means of knowing.
Very Respectfully Yours, &c Francis E. Bigelow.
P.S. I know a man here who calls his name John Lester & has worked for me on a farm - he says, if not too much trouble, he would like to ascertain the number of the Regiment his father belonged to -

Doct r . Douglass
New London

New London 9 March
1848
Doct r Douglass
I have examined the certificate of the Comptroller & think it certifies to all the facts that are material in the application of Joshua Lester for a Pension —
Mr Crump the Chief Clerk in the pension kindly exhibited me the papers forwarded to the Pension Office & told me that he would be entitled to the pension upon proof that such a company as Lester served in was paid or recogni- zed by the U States which appear could be found in Hartford

if such was the fact - I appre- hend that your counsellor's certificate in the evidence required I hope that the pension will be w. d soon & thus I believe receive the same pay as was for same service allowed to his brother Jeremiah at many years since had his allowed —
Yours truly N. Billings,

Doc. Douglas -

Doct r Douglass.
I herewith return you the letter of Mr Edward, of 8 April 45.
From the papers in the Pension Office forwarded by Thos L. Perkins Esq. in the case of Joshua Lester - I think you will find a satisfactory explanation of his having served with Ensign  Griswold - whom he calls Captain in his affidavit - & also something in relation to his service under Capt  John Johnson .
I looked them over with Mr Cummins the Chief Clerk upon my recollection of the letters & c of Mr Perkins. I think the Comp- troller's certificate of a service under Ensign  Griswold or Capt  Johnson

or Coast Guard - would be all that was wanting to prove that Lester served in a corps under the pay of the U States - The amount of the service I suppose cannot now be ascertained - His father Jeremiah Lester for same service & less proof having (by Genl Comdr's order) recd his pension it is to be hoped that Joshua's application will meet with like favor
Yours &c Noyes Billings

Letts Thos L. Holbrook Feb 9 '38 - do Hon. Elisha D. Hall Feb 9 '38 - do do. Feb 22 '38
Washington D.C.
Thos L. Holbrook Feb 9 '38 do do. Feb 22 '38
1 Jan 26568 Joshua Lester
Connecticut Joshua Lester
denounced
see letter to
N. Barker Esq
4 Oct 1833
Letter to Hon. J. H. Williams 17 Feb 1842.
See also letter to same
9 Dec 1833
See let. same 10 Feb
1824 — do. Hon. Saml. Ingham, Dec 27 '36

26
Yorton 9 August 1833.
I have enclosed to you Joshua Lister's declaration of evidence claiming a pension of $1000 per annum his case and petition you will find answer. I also desire to hear from the case of Ebenezer Goddard of New London
Yours sincerely &c. etc.
Joseph Lister
1 June
26 5 68
Joshua Lister
Connecticut Joshua Lister
disbursed see letter to
N. Barker Esq. 4 Oct 1833
Letter to Hon. J. W. Williams 17 Feb 1849.
See also letter to same
9 Dec 1833
See letter same 10 Feb
1834 — do. Hon. Saml. Ingram Dec 27 36
Letts Rev. H. H. Hartmann July 9 38 do Hon. Eliza Hall July 9 38 do do Feb 22 1838
Let to Mary Pillsbury Feb 6. 1846 Let to J. A. Rockwell April 8. 46
Commission of Pension, Washington D.C.

St. August 26. 568 Boston August 9
Joshua Lester
Rev. J. L. D. [unclear] I. Church Square Cambridge, Mass. Wishing for the St.

New London, April 4, 1846.
To the Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir;
I have the honor to enclose you another communication from the Comptroller of this State, containing additional evidence relative to the coast guard, commenced by Ensign Andrew Griswold, to which Joshua Lester belonged.
I have the honor to be Most respectfully, Your Obedient Servant, Charles Douglas.

A. of Ref. 20 April 1846
Mrs. J. A. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Sir
I send herewith some additional papers in relation to the petition of Isabella Lister for your consideration
Very truly
Yours
John A. Rockwell

No 26,568 Joshua Lester Connecticut Act of June 7, 1832 Service in "Coast Guard" 2 years
Amount $80. a year from March 4, 1831 to August 29, 1833 when Lester died.
Payable to Lucy Chapman Lucinda Eifson & Lydia Haines, - only surviving children of Joshua Lester deceased.
Certificate to be sent
J. A. Pugh
Present

Washington April 1 st 1846
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions Sir
Will you do me the favor to furnish me with the information asked for in the accompanying letters and return the letter & rollings
My respectfully Yours
Patrick Calhoun

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
C. W. & N. Div. F. S. M. E. C.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., October 30, 1895.
Sir:
In response to your request in behalf of Dr. Edward Prentis, of New London, Conn., I have the honor to enclose herewith an official statement of the military services of Joshua Lester, a soldier of the Revolutionary war.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Hon. Charles A. Russell,
Killingly, Conn.

Brief in the case of Joshua Lester New London County and State of Connecticut act of 7 th June 1832
Claim, ("original," or "for increase" )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The certificate of the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, proves the existence, during the Rev d War, of the "Coast Guard", and of their being commanded by Andrew Griswold, and paid off by the Government.
The Affidavits of Reynold Johnson, George Griswold and Jeremiah Lester, all three now pensioners upon the Government, for precisely similar service, proved that Joshua Lester served as a member of said "Guard" for a period of not less than two years. (In addition to testimony filed in this case, see cases above, & especially the decision of Mr. Marcy, then Secretary
(If for increase.) of War, in the latter.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Joshua Lester d d . August 29, 1846, leaving no widow, and Lucy Chapman, Leander Cypres and Lydia Harris are his only surviving children
Name and residence of Agent
J. S. Pugh Present
A. S. Evans Examining Clerk.

O. W. & N. Div. L.W.P. I. 17535.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., April 21st, 1896.
Madam: -
Replying to your request for the military record of Joshua Lester, referred to in the attached slip, I have the honor to advise you that he was granted a pension on account of his services in the Revolutionary war.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Miss Mary Desha,
Pension Bureau.

ct.
Am. J. Williams AR

Report the case of Joshua Lester, (A Conn. act '32 sent several years ago) to Hon. T. W. Williams, H. R.

Joshua Lester 77
June 77
1839
77
17626.
And. Gusswold fa d. W. died 1783. Employed on coast guard! Some time in boats. State troops
Joshua LesterSpanner. Mit.
Set N Barber 4. Oct 33
9 dec "
Stephen 27 Dec 36
Haley 22 Feb 38
J.W. Williams H.R.

commenced
Journal List
no. 6500 NYork
1778 3m. See day Cal Hooper
3. St. G. G. Miller
Nov 78
Gov. Guad, Math. Guad, And Guad. Capt. of coast guard. by land & water on board whale boats 18m. during war

I Reynolds Johnson, of the town of East Lyme in New London County aged eighty two years after being duly cautioned & sworn. Before me say - - - That I was a soldier of the Revolution under the com- -mand of Capt. John Johnson my father and that - Andrew Griswold was ensign of said Johnsons company and that said ensign Griswold was in command of a coast guard consisting of 12 men & that we performed duty some times on shore but mostly in boats for the term of three or four years by day and by night and George Griswold now living in this town and Joshua Lester of No. London were all members of said guard & said company at the time said guard was detached by order of Gov. Trum- -bull and continued members liable to be called upon by night or day to the close of the war and did capture several boats & prisoners all which is well known here and further the deponent saith not Dated at East Lyme this 4 th day of May A D 1846 Reynolds Johnson
New London County ss East Lyme May 4 th A D 1846 Then personally appeared Reynolds Johnson the above deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed according to the best of his knowledge & belief Before me Edw. R. Warren Justice of the Peace

Van J. Kachalk H.R.

I hereby certify that Reynolds Johnson the deponent within named is a credible person and that his Depo- -sition, is entitled to full credit & belief
East Lyme May 4 th D 1846
Edw. R. Warren Justice of Peace
I certify that the above is the signature of Edward R. Warren East Lyme Connecticut and that he is a Justice of the Peace
Washington 19 th May 1846
John H. Rockwell Notary

New London, March 13, 1846.
To the Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir;
I send you the Comptroller's certificate, and also a note from the Hon. Noyes Billings to myself, who, when at Washington, had a conversation with Mr. Crump on the subject of Joshua Lester's application for a pension.
Looking at the facts stated by the Comptroller, it seems to me that the existence and service of the Company commanded by Capt. John Johnson, to which Joshua Lester belonged, as is proved by his papers in your office, is placed beyond the possibility of a doubt. The facts are also equally satisfactory in relation to Ensign Andrew Griswold, to whose command Joshua Lester belonged. Doubtless Johnson's Co & Griswold's Command were paid by the U. S., as the charges for services are in the certificate.
In view of the case as presented by the Comptroller's certificate, and the papers of Joshua Lester, it appears

to me clearly that Johnson's Company and Griswold's Commanded served and were paid by the United States; and that Joshua Lister, a private in Johnson's Co, and attached to Griswold's command, is entitled to a pension for his services in the Revolutionary War.
If the certificate of the Comptroller is satisfactory to yourself, which, I trust, it will be, I request you to send me, or Joshua Lister, who resides in this Town, the amount due him for his Revolutionary services, or please inform me how it can be obtained.
I beg you to favor me with a reply to my requests as soon as your convenience will permit.
I have the honor to be Most respectfully Your obedient Servant. Charles Douglas.

Comptroller Office, Connecticut Hartford March 5 th 1846
On application for evidence of the service of Joshua Lester in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents in this office relating to that war, and find no roll of Capt Johnson Co, nor any roll of Ensign Andrew Griswold Co, but find the following evidence of the service of these officers in said Revolutionary war. Under date of July 3 rd 1777
War ————— Dr
To summary order in favor of Col John Tyler for wages of his Regt of militia ————— 2972. 1. 13 3/4
The above Regt consisted of 15 Companies, one of which is stated to have been commanded by Capt John Johnson to whom was paid for his Co ————— 189. 4 —
Again in pay Table books are entries as follows Jan 1. 1781 United States ————— Dr
To order on Treasurer for Ensign Andrew Griswold pay roll for expense of prisoners at Lyme. 2/6 Tax ————— 24. 19. 5
United States ————— Dr
To order on Treasurer for John Johnson pay roll do ————— 18. 13 —
A Carrington Comptroller

5
Charles Douglas Ely
New London
6T

Comptroller Office, Connecticut ? Hartford April 14 1846
On application for evidence of the service of John- na Lester in the war of the Revolution, said to have served under Andrew Grinold of Shore Company there is no payroll in this office, but the following evidence of his service in said war. In Pay Table Books under date of May 24 1782 is the following entry
War Dr
To order on Treasurer for Ent Andrew Grinold Pay-roll Coast Guards 2/6 tax 9-8-8
May 25-1782, United States Dr
To order on Treasurer for Ent Andrew Grinold expense of Prisoners - specie 2/6 tax - 4-15-6
A. Harrington, Comptroller
From Edm

Sir
Very unexpectedly I have found what is contained in the foregoing certificate, and thinking it would be of service to you, in your endeavours to obtain a pension for Mr Leslie I send it you - This much it will prove that the service was called Coast Guard and that Andrew Griswold was commander of a company as late perhaps as May 1782.
Respectfully Harrington Bampf
15.

Mr London Comr
January 24 th 1834
Sir,
Sometime in the month of October last, the 86 th M r Barbour of the House of Representatives handed me yours of the 4 th of that month relating to the claim of M r Joshua Leslie of this town & his application for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832
Immediately after it was received I wrote to Hartford, to the Comptroller of Public accounts for the papers required
Hoping to obtain more direct proof I delayed forwarding the Certificates received until I should visit Hartford, expecting that I might find that which would throw additional light upon the claim
From the testimony in this case I had supposed that M r Griswold held the Commission of a Captain & was surprised to discover that he commanded the Guard as an Ensign. The mistake of the witnesses however is quite natural - the commanding officer would of course get the title of Captain
There is nothing in the Comptrollers Office which goes to show the duration of the service and the accompanying certificates I understand from the Comptroller show everything which relates to this guard, on the records of that department
I trust that these certificates will establish the fact that there was such an officer as Andrew Griswold in the service & that he commanded a Shore Guard as stated by M r Leslie & also that the payment of that Guard was charged to the United States in the Books of this State
In the absence of all other testimony it is supposed that the testimony of the witnesses in this case will be considered proving the facts to which they have sworn - & that when the nature of the service in which they were engaged is recalled to mind, his age at the time claimed will not be an objection because it would seem that an active & able grown lad would be as useful in such a service as one much older
The paper marked 2 was obtained to be used in the case of M r Daniels who served in Shapleys Comp y I have obtained another certificate for his case which accompanies his claim & this is forwarded on a copy of the A.B. of the Comptroller which refers to Lesters case - It is marked with Red Ink
Respectfully your Obed t Servant Th. S. Perkins
T. f. L. Edwards Esq r Commissary of Pensions Washington

Certificates to be used in the case of Joshua Lester an applicant for a pension
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioners of Pensions
Washington

Hon. J. A. Rockwell H.R.

I George Griswold of East Lyme in New London County and State of Connecticut after being duly cautioned & sworn — Depose & say — That in the war of the Revolution John Johnson was Captain of a Company in this place and Andrew Griswold was ensign of said Johnson's Company and that by order of Gov r Trumbull said ensign Griswold was to take 12 men of said Company (or volunteers) to form a coast guard to intercept trading to Long Island etc. & that I entered said guard at the the age of about 14 years and I shall be 80 in July next & Joshua Lester now of New London & Reynolds Johnson of this town belonged to said guard and that in the month of June 1781 I was sent for assistance by order of Col. Jonathan Latimer & called upon said Lester as one of said guard. I further state that I have been on duty with said Joshua Lester by water & by land by day & by night while we belonged to said guard — which was to the end of the war and further say not
Dated at East Lyme May 4 th A D 1846
George Griswold
New London County ss East Lyme May 4 th A D 1846
Then Personally appeared George Griswold the above named deponent and made solemn oath to the truth of the above — Deposition by him subscribed to the best of his knowledge and belief
Before me
Edw d R. Warren Justice of peace

I hereby certify that Mr George Griswold the within deponent is a person of undoubted veracity and that his deposition is entitled to full credit & belief
East Lyme May 4 th 1846
Edw d R. Warren Justice of Peace
I certify that the above is the signature of Edward R. Warren of East Lyme Conn. and that he is a Justice of the Peace
Washington 19 May 1846
John A. Richardson Notary

map th Worcester June 30. 1858 Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
Mr. Joshua Lester served during the Revolutionary war and his son John Lester, now 87 years old says he served under Genl. Harrison - they have both drawn land or pensions - but I wish to make the enquiry whether the son is not entitled to a pension for life on account of his father's services -
He is poor & at an advanced age, if entitled to any thing it would be very acceptable.
Respectfully Francis E. Bigelow

Jan 26, 1846
Rec'd
Fortune Lester.
D

Pension for Joshua Lester now of New London Count — served four years in a company of Rangers commanded by Capt John Johnson raised at Lyme (Count) — his brother Jeremiah Lester residing in the State of New York & now deceased belonged to same company then rec'd a pension —
paper for this pension long since forwarded to Washington by F. P. S. Perkins —
24 Aug 1845.
address Noyes Billings New London Count

I Joshua Seth of the Town and County of New London in the State of Connecticut being duly confirmed, examined, and sworn according to law do depose and say:
That the services performed by me in the War of the Revolution and to which I refer in my declaration for a pension were in the Company of Capt. John Johnson, to which Company I belonged, that Andrew Griswold was an Ensign in that Company and for some time had command of a detachment of the said Company acting as a Coast Guard and that I was attached to that detachment, that from the fact of Ensign Griswold having had command of this detachment, I probably spoke of him as Major Commander to the Magistrate who drew the declaration (and who has since died,) which may account for the declaration calling him Captain Andrew Griswold which I did not notice at the time so that the same might be corrected. John Johnson was the Captain of the Company and not Andrew Griswold.
In presence of Charles Douglass.
Joshua his Seth mark

State of Connecticut } ss. New London County } ss.
Muscatine April 18 th A.D. 1846
Then personally appeared the above named Joshua Sester and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed in my presence.
Before me John P.C. Mathews Justice of the Peace.
State of Connecticut } ss. City of New London } ss.
I, Isaac Treby, Clerk of the City Court of the City of New London in New London County & State of Connecticut, which Court is a Court of record. Hereby certify, that John P.C. Mathews Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of New London, duly authorized and qualified to take the acknowledgment of Affidavits and other instruments, and that the above acknowledgment by Joshua Sester of the Affidavit within, before the said John P.C. Mathews Esq. is taken in conformity to Law and that the signature to said acknowledgment is in the proper hand writing of the said John P.C. Mathews Esq. with which I am well acquainted.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the Seal of said City Court, this 18 th day of April A.D. 1846.
Isaac Treby, Clerk of the City Court of said City of New London.

I Reynolds Johnson of Lyme in New London County and State of Connecticut of Lawful age Depose & say that Joshua Lester of New London in said County Did serve as a volunteer more than three years in all during the period of the war of the Revolution the time of service of the said Lester was from the year 1777 to the end of the war that is not steadily but at intervals of two or three months in the severity of winter the said Lester & the guard were off of duty & as the Guard lived near together were always ready at a moments warning the place where the said Lester was stationed was in said Lyme & always under the command of Capt Andrew Griswold of the Guard boat that cruised mostly in the night in long Island sound opposite said Lyme to intercept tory traders to Long Island & give intelligence of the movements of the British & the deponent says that many captures of tory refugees & British were made by the said Guard and in particular a party of 13 tories under the charge of a British officer in the Month of Feb. 1782 were first discovered by the said Lester & 4 men with him & taken prisoners after a bloody fight the rest of the guard being near & in sight when the said party surrendered to the brave Griswold & 4 men with him - And the deponent further says that the said Griswold had a commission to command said Guard from Gov. Trumbull and that the guard of volunteers drew provisions from the State commissary store at New London. and the deponent further says that said Joshua Lester is & always was a true & firm friend of his country a man of veracity & although poor is and always was respected & beloved by all who knew him except his enemies the tories - And further the deponent saith as New London Nov. 27 th 1832
Reynolds Johnson
New London County ss New London Nov. 27 th A D 1832
On the day & year above written personally appeared before the subscriber Reynolds Johnson the deponent to the above deposition & made solemn oath that the statements therein contained are the truth & nothing but the truth to the best of his knowledge recollection & belief
Before me
Edward R. Warren Justice of peace

State of Connecticut New London County ss I John D e Witt Clerk of the County Court in and for said New London County do hereby Certify that Edward R Warren esq. before whom the within deposition of Reynolds Johnson was taken - was on said 27 day of November A D 1832 and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said New London County and that his signature thereto affixed I be- lieve to be in his own proper hand writing In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 13 th day of June A D 1833
John D e Witt Clerk

Jordana Sister

We Edward R. Warren of the town of Watford in Rutland County and Champlin Lester of the town of New- London in said County & residing in said towns as aforesaid hereby certify That we are well acquainted with Joshua Lester who has subscribed down to the above declaration That we believe him to be seventy years of age, That he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Edward R. Warren,
Champlin Lester
Sworn before me this 5th day of Decr 1833 J. H. H. H.

S. A. Peugh Present

State of Connecticut and County of New London } ss
Be it known that on this ninth day of February A. D. Eighteen hundred and fifty three, before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally appeared Mr Manly Champion of the town of Lyme in said County and made oath in due form of law that Joshua Lester deceased was an applicant for a Revolutionary pension, that he died in the month of August A. D. Eighteen hundred and forty six, that he left surviving him, Lucy Champion, wife of Manly Champion, Lucinda Gibson, wife of Francis Gibson, and Lydia Harris, widow of James Harris, and that the above named Lucy Champion, wife of Manly Champion Lucinda Gibson, wife of Francis Gibson and Lydia Harris, widow of James Harris are now the only surviving children of the aforesaid
Manly Champion
I, John C. Cornstock a Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that Manly Champion who executed the foregoing request is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth Lyme, February 9. 1853.
J. C. Cornstock
Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
County of New London } ss. New London
On this sixth day of April A.D. 1853, before me the subscribers a Justice of the Peace within and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Christopher C. Comstock and Francis Sisson of said town of New London and made oath that they were well acquainted with Joshua Lester deceased and late of the town of Lyme in said County - that said Lester was an applicant for a Revolutionary Pension - that he died on the 29th day of August A.D. 1846, leaving surviving him no widow, but the following named children only; viz - Mary Champlains, Amanda Sisson, and Lydia Harris, and that the said Joshua Lester was buried at the City of New London
C. C. Comstock Francis Sisson
Subscribed and sworn to, before me this sixth day of April A.D. 1853 - and I further certify that the above witnesses are credible, & that full faith and credit are due to their statements.
C. C. Comstock
Justice of the Peace

C. W. & N. Div. F. S. M. E. C. I. 17535.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 18, 1896.
Madam:
Replying to your request for the military record of Joshua Lester, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on August 5, 1833, at which time he was residing in New London, Conn., and seventy years of age, and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private in the Connecticut troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time served under Captains John Johnson and Andrew Griswold.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. Edward Prentiss,
80 Huntington St.,
New London, Conn.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Lester, Nathan GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 6084 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Oct. - 1789 to Theodosius Fowler
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.