Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,312, for Abraham Masten, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Masten, Abraham Mastin or
S. 29,312
CONTENTS

30,468 Albany New York
Abraham Moastin
of New York in the State of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Rose of the reg t commanded by Col  in the N.Y. time for 9 months and 13 days
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of $1 Dollars 43 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of March 1836 and sent to Hon No Sickles H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $ 157 15 Semi-ann. allowance ending Sept r 157 71 $172.86
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Doyd Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 4 Page 45

In the matter of the application of Abraham Masten for a Pension—
V/8085
Dear Sir,
and Madam—
L. J. Stevens  hard
Chas. Russell

State of New York Seneca County ss
On this fifth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appear- -ed in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Seneca now sitting Abraham Masten a resident of the Town of Seneca in the County of Seneca and State of New York aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to law depones on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 1832. That he was born in the Town of Shawangunk in the County of Ulster and State of New York and has in his possession a record of his age copied from the family records of his father into his family bible
That according to the best recollection of this deponent he entered the service of the United States in the twenty fourth year of his age as a volunteer in a company of Militia for the term of three months in the Town of Shawangunk where he then resided with his father in the latter part of the Winter or early in the Spring of 1776 under the command of Lieutenant Smedes; he rec- -ollects they were billeted in small parties some weeks before they marched & that there was still snow on the ground that they crossed the North river at Bulls Ferry and joined the regiment then in the City of New York commanded by Colonel John Wardenburg. That this deponent was posted as a sentinel during the whole of the battle on Long Island and was relieved by the Brigade Major after the American Army commenced the retreat and on the following evening joined his company on York Island. From thence the Army fell back upon Kingsbridge where a second engagement took place in which the Americans were forced to retreat towards White Plains. At White Plains a third battle took place in which the company to which this deponent was attached was driven from a redoubt they had thrown up the preceding night. After this battle both Colonel Wardenburg and Lieutenant Smedes were

earlier and sent home (he thinks Hardenburgh was captured for cowardice) recollects that both General Washington & Lee were in command during this term of this Deponent's service recollects the capture by the enemy of several forts in the vicinity of New York about this time that he cannot recollect the name of the Captain under whom he served as he was never aware of after the battle on Long Island which took place soon after this Deponent or Capt. joined the company After the expiration of this term of service he was discharged. he returned to his father's in Shawangunk.
This Deponent further says that according to his recollection that immediately after his return home he again enlisted as a volunteer for the term of six Months in the Company of Militia under the command of Captain (Jacobus) James & served therein as a noncommissioned officer. Rose and in the fore part of December 1776 marched to Haverstraw and a few days after marched to Gachiat where this company and other others kept guard as well as at Ramapo & Smith's Cove to protect the inhabitants and prevent intercourse between the British and the Coercing boys thinks he remained at Gachiat until the last of April 1777 when the term of his enlistment having expired he was discharged and returned to his father's in Shawangunk cannot recollect the name of the commanding officer
This Deponent further says that immediately after his return home he again volunteered for the term of four Months as a Corporal in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Jacobus Corporal Rose he thinks that in the last of April or first of May was marched to Fort Montgomery about five miles below West Point and was employed in erecting that fort under the immediate command of Colonel Dubois and Lieutenant Colonel Jacobus (James) Brown recollects that Governor or General Clinton was in command and had an aid on duty of the name of James Clinton he thinks this term expired about the first of September

1777 when who was discharged and returned home
That the day after his arrival at home he again enlisted as a sergeant in the volunteer corps commanded by Captain Jacobus Rose for the term of three months and returned to Fort Montgomery - That on the sixth day of October 1777 according to the recollection of this Deponent, the British took the fort and this Deponent was in the battle and with some others escaped and joined a regiment of militia commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Johnson & Colonel Jonathan Warbrouck and was attached to a company under the command of his brother Lieutenant Cornelius Masten laying at Munder's Creek near New Windsor when a detachment of regular troops were stationed soon afterwards this Deponent with their company to which he was attached marched up the river for the defence of Haverstrom (or Croton) but did not reach there until after the British had burnt the town and retired. They then returned to New Windsor where he remained until the expiration of his term when he was discharged and returned home to his father in Shawangunk.
This Deponent further says that according to his best recollection in the month of March 1778 a classification of the Militia took place when he volunteered for the class to which he belonged and served one month as Orderly Sergeant under the command of Lieutenant James Lawrence at Mamaroneck when they erected a small fort on the expiration of the month was discharged and returned home. That immediately on his return home he again volunteered for another of the classes for one month and was attached to a small company commanded by Captain Shoemaker a resident of Pinesack adjoining the town of Minnisunk where the detachment were stationed that he was the only sergeant in the company. That on his discharge this Deponent at the request of another class immediately volunteered for another month and served

as orderly sergeant under Lieutenant Buddiback who was stationed at Baker's land near Chininab on the Delaware river to protect the settlements from incursions of the Indians at the expiration of this month he was discharged and returned to Shawan- -gunk. This deponent further says that the Militia of the neighbourhood in which he resided was required to detail every fourth man to work one week per man at the fort at West Point in the autumn of 1778 according to his recollection as the weather was cool that General Winer was the engi- =neer who had charge of the works that he served one week for himself as orderly sergeant and carried his own provisions from home that he continued a second week at the request of one of his brothers for whom he served and who furnished him with provisions on the expiration of this week he was discharged and returned home soon afterwards he went out again and worked a third week on the fort upon his own account and then returned again to Shawangunk.
This Deponent recollects that towards the close of the war he was called out several times by alarms at one time when so called out he served one or two weeks at West Point at another occasion he served one or two weeks at Warwarsing where the Indians had burnt several buildings again at Panton's hills for several days or a week where the Indians were destroying property.
This Deponent further says that on another occasion he volunteered for the term of four months and served a part of this time as a Corporal and the remainder as a Sergeant under one Captain Smith that he kept no Memorandums of his services while in the army and has no means of stating the year but recollects the weather was warm or hot that he was not attached to any regiment and was stationed along the North river that they worked on a small

fort at or near Pehpkills and received orders from General Clinton That according to the best recollection of this Deponent he was in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war in all about three years
This Deponent further says that before the close of the war he married and settled in the Town of Shanungunk, where he resided sixteen years when he removed to the Town of Marbletown in Ulster County where he resided about twelve years from thence he removed to the fourth Ward in the City of Schenectady where he continued to reside about eleven years and then removed to the Town of Seneca in the County of Seneca where he lived about two years and then removed to the Town of Wolcott in the (then) (county of Seneca) now Wayne County after living there three or four years he returned to Seneca where he now resides with one of his daughters That he has no documentary evidence of his services and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to testify to his services. That I am well acquainted with Samuel Smith & Robert Hopper of the County of Seneca who can testify to his conduct. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Rolls of the Agency of any State
Alz. Mason Master
Sworn to subscribe the day and year aforesaid before me Seba M. Amps, Clerk.

We Samuel North a Clergyman residing in the Town of Seneca in the County of Seneca & State of New York and Robert Harper of Syne in the same County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Martin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declarations that we believe him to be eighty years of age That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we have been acquainted with him for more than sixteen years and fully concur in that opinion
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Seba Murphy Clerk.
Samuel North Robert Harper
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 Samuel North who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Seneca in the County of Seneca and that Robert Harper who has also signed the same is a resident in the Town of Syne aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
Seba Murphy Clerk
I Seba Murphy Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas of the County of Seneca do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Martin for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal

of Office this Sixth day of October — — — in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty two Seba Murphy clk

State of New York, Ulster County ss. Evert Hoffman of the town of Shawangunk in said County, being known to me, that he is Eighty five Years of age - that he was well acquainted with Abraham Martin in the time of the Revolutionary War - that said Deponent and said Abraham Martin, lived in the same Neighborhood in said town - that when Fort- Montgomery was taken by the British said Deponent was a Lieutenant in a Company of Militia, commanded by Capt. Isaac Robinson, that said Company was ordered and marched to said Fort Montgomery and said Company arrived at Fort- Montgomery on Sunday afternoon, the day before said Fort was taken - that he well recollects that he saw said Abraham Martin in the service in Capt. Roos's Company in said Fort on that day, when the Fort was taken in the Evening - that said Martin had been there for some time before the service, but how long said Deponent cannot say - that he was well acquainted with said Martin and the whole family - and well knows that said Abraham Martin was an active Whig du- ring the Revolution, and was out in the service from home a great part of the time before this Deponent saw him in Fort Montgomery - thinks that he understood at that time that he was out to New York and also to New Jersey before - believes it was the year before -
Sworn and subscribed
this 29 th day of June 1835
Evert Hoffman
before me - Abraham G. Hardenburgh Justice of the peace
State of New York, Ulster County ss. This may certify that on the 29 th day of June 1835 before me came Ezekiel Martin, also Evert Hoffman to me known and personally made oath to, and subscribed the within affidavits before me - and I do also certify, that said Martin and Hoffman are men of respectability, of truth and veracity, and that their testimony is Entitled to full Credit - Abraham G. Hardenburgh Justice of the peace

State of New York
Ulster County ss: Ezekiel Marten of the town of Shawangunk in the County of Ulster, being sworn says that he is Eighty Five Years of age; that he is a Brother of Abraham Marten, at present an applicant for a Pension - that in the time of the Revolutionary War, he and his said Brother lived with their father in the town of Shawangunk aforesaid - that said applicant was Younger than this Deponent - that said Deponent during said War, remained home as much as he could with the family, but has been in service for short terms on the frontiers on alarms on account of the Indians - that his said Brother Abraham was much out in the service - said Deponent well recollects that in the Year 1776 in the latter part of the Winter or beginning of March his said Brother Abraham enlisted in order to go to New York, and did go with the Company to Newburgh in order to embark, and did embark for New York - that his said Brother Abraham that season was out from home; and as said Deponent then understood did serve in New York, on Long-Island, Kingsbridge and White-Plains, and did not return home till late in the fall near Winter - said Deponent remained home that season, and did not see his said Brother in the service - but then believed, and still believes that he served that season at the aforesaid places - said Deponent further swears, that shortly after his said Brother came home from the above service, men were made up to go to Havrestraw, Ramapo, Patti at H s in New Jersey - that his said Brother then enlisted under Capt. Jacobus Roos, and marched for Havrestraw - that this Deponent about Christmas went down there with clothing, such as Stockings, mittens, Woollen Shirts &c for some of the men engaged in said Campaign from his

neighborhood; Deponent that he came there the day before Christmas from the Circumstance that Philip Root, one of his Neighbors, said "to morrow is Christmas, and we are accustomed to eat Sausages on Christmas, but we will have none to morrow—" Said Deponent said nothing, but the next morning he gave them Sausages which his father and the Neighbors had sent with him — saw his brother there under arms in said Capt Root's Company — and well recollects that he did not come home till some time in the Spring —
Said Deponent also swears in the Spring of 1777 his said Brother Abraham again enlisted for four months under said Capt Root and marched for Fort Montgomery and remained there till a short time before the fort was taken; Said Deponent went to said Fort Montgomery on a Saturday in August in said Year to see his said Brother Abraham, and did see him in the Service, and on Sunday in the afternoon returned, got back on Sunday in the Night a distance of Forty Miles, went on Horse-Back — Said Deponent further swears that a short time before said Fort was taken his brother Abraham came home having served out his said four Months — that men were in a few days again Enlisted to go to said Fort Montgomery as the British were expected up the River — that his Brother then again enlisted for Three Months and went to said Fort under the said Capt Root, and staid there till the Fort was taken and said Deponent then saw his said Brother on the road in Col Hardenburgh's Regiment on the Road to Kingston, Esopus, not far behind Col. ButBois's Regiment. That his said Brother returned from Kingston and came home sick with the Chicken pox — remembers he rode a horse of his Brother Cornelius, which had been taken to draw the Cannon up to Kingston —

his said Brother remained home a few days, till he got well, and then went down to New Windsor and served out said three Months and came home in the Winter.
Said Deponent also swears that afterwards, (said Deponent does not recollect the Year) his said Brother Abraham served with the Militia first one Month on the Frontiers at a place called Ben Pack, and in the same Year one Month at a place called Betsy's Land ——— the next Year in the Spring his said Brother again served for one Month on said Frontiers at a place called Mamakat- ing. knows he came home in April when the Family had the Small Pox - and his said Brother was then inoculated ———
Said Deponent also swears that his said Brother Abraham has been in the service on said Frontiers several times for short terms, on alarms from the Indians, sometimes two, three, four or five days at Warwarsing, Rochester, and at the Portine Kill ———
Sworn & Subscribed this —
Ebenezer Norton
29 th day of June 1835 before me
William G. Hartough Justice of the peace —

18085- Abraham Mastin
e. i.
Admitted Prouts 9 mo 13 days
Hon N. Sickles House Reps N.Y. Luther Stevens Seneca Falls N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
183
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 Abraham Master since County New York
    Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     enl 1776 " 95 " lieut Lt Smede Capt Cols Hardening N York Shawan gunk   Enlist 1775 " 6 " lieut lieut Rose Kingsbridge Ramapo   Vol 1777 " 4 18 capt capt Dubois Long Island Smiths   do " 3 " sergt Rose Harbuck White Plains Cove   1778 " 1 " do Lt Laurence Mininick   Vol " 1 " do Shoemaker Bashes For a citizen   do " 1 " do B. Misner land   do " 1 " do West point   do 1778 " 1 14 do   do July " 7 do   do do " 7   do do " 7 corporal Smith   Vol " 4 " sergeant aged   
aged 80 years.
9. 13
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 day 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 he 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 _____; 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 tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly 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:
Some proof of service should be produced

Ulster County ss) On kil Master Being duly sworn doth depose and say that Abraham Master is a Brother of his that he is about seventy six years of age Recalls that he listed in the army being young that he first listed under Capt Cornelius Schoonmaker Not known how long he served, he then went under Capt Jacobus Roos in the year 1777. at Fort Montgomery was there and saw him thinks he must have been as long as nine months, Recalls of him serving under Capt. Jacob Cooklin also at Fort Montgomery but cannot state the time in a certainty but thinks he was as long as four months, Recalls of him serving under Lieutenant Jacob Lawrence at Mankiller town in Sullivan County, Cannot state how long, but thinks it was the year 1778, says that he himself is about Eighty four years of age, that my Brother Abraham is about eight years younger, and further this deponent saith not, -
Sworn & Subscribed before Me Samuel Atkinson one of the Justices of the peace for the County before Paris, this 2 nd day May 1884
Ezekiel his Master mark
I certify that Ezekiel Master is a man of good Moral Character and a man that his statement can be relied upon - Samuel Atkinson

State of New York
Ulster County Clerk's Office Ys: I. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that Samuel Johnston Esquire was on the day of the date of the within Affidavit and Certificate a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly Authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature "Samuel Johnston" subscribed to the within Affidavit and Certificate to be genuine. ———
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court and County this fifth day of May 1834. ———
Jacob Snyder Clerk

State of New York
Ulster County ss: John M c Leod of the town of Shawangunk in said County being sworn says that he is Eighty Seven Years of Age; that in the time of the Revolutionary War he lived in said town of Shawangunk, and has resided there ever since - that at said time he lived near to Abraham Masten who resided with his father; that said Masten was well acquainted with said Abraham Masten who was an active Young Man, and a good and true Whig - that in the Year 1777 said Deponent served for Four Months at Fort Montgomery in Capt. Hardinborough's company, in Col. Levi Parsons Regiment - that at that time said Abraham Masten served at said Fort in the Company of Capt. Boisa's for Four Months, when said Deponent came home before the fort was taken -
Said Deponent, the Winter previous served at Haverstraw, Colden, and in Jersey under Lieut. Johannes Brugh in said Col. Parsons Regiment; and well knows that said Abraham was there also, in the service in said Company - and did serve the whole of the Winter till in the Spring -
Said Deponent also knows that afterwards (he cannot state the Year) he the said Deponent did serve for One Month on the Frontiers at Mamanating - that at that time said Abraham Masten did also serve for One Month in the same Company with said Deponent at said place - to wit in the Company of Capt. Siah Robison - that he well remembers that one day in said time, there was an

an alarm at said place; and the Company was marched down there to drive Back the Tories - and on that day in the Morning said Abraham Masten had been sent with the Guard, to Guard three Waggons which were sent to Napanacke for Provisions. Said Deponent has not been out in the Service with said Abraham Masten, except what is above stated. but knows that he was out from home in the Ser- vice almost continually - that he was a true friend to his Country, and much engaged in the Service - the said Abraham Masten at that time living between the Hudson River on the East and the Frontiers a short distance West, Men were almost continually wanted on the One side or on the other -
Sworn and subscribed this 30 th day of June 1835 - before me
his John X M c Cord mark
Abraham G. Hardinbough Justice of the peace -
State of New York
Albany County ss: This May Certify that on the 30 th day of June 1835 before me came John M c Cord, to me known, and made oath to, and subscribed his name (by making his mark) to the above Deposition, and I do also Certify that he is a man of good character, of truth and Veracity, and Entitled to Credit as a Witness -
Abraham G. Hardinbough J.P.

State of New York Ulster County ss on the twelveth day of November 1834.
Personally appeared before me William L Jennings - one of the commissioners of deeds of the Town of Plattkill County of Ulster State of New York, Herman Terwilliger who being duly sworn, Deposeeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Abraham Masten at the time of the revolutionary war, and that he saw him in the service under Capt James Rose at the following places, Haskett, Haaverstraw, Hamerpang, thinks that he him self was there two months but does not know the precise time that said Masten was there. And that he also frequently saw him and was with him at fort Montgomery under Capt James Rose and Jacob Conklin. And that he was acquainted with Colonel John Hardenbergh and knowing that said Hardenberghs ridgement did lay at and near New York but thinks the tour was only five months
The Words Justice of the Peace in the third line obliterated and the Words, Commissioner of Deeds Interlined.
Herman Terwilliger
William L Jennings Commissioner of Deeds
This may certify that I am Well acquainted With the above named Herman Terwilliger and as for truth and veracity he can be Relied on in Every Respect &c
William L Jennings
State of New York Ulster County ss
on the 12 th day of November 1834, Personally appeared before me William Jennings, Commissioner of Deeds Evert Hoffman of the Town of Shangunk, to me personally known and may be relied on for truth and veracity, being duly sworn Deposeeth and saith that he was acquainted with Abraham Masten at the time of the revolutionary war and thinks he saw him in a company or ridgement, which he knew to be laying at or near Pehkill along the north river, and thinks the time of service of said ridgement was four or five months, but cannot now recollect any of the officers names, tho he frequently saw them, laying not very far from them
Evert Hoffman
The Words "Commissioner of Deeds" Interlined in the Second line from top this affidavit.
William L Jennings Commissioner of Deeds
not in the exam

Ulster County
Clerks office
ss: I. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Commonpleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that William S. Jennings was on the day of the dates of the two within affidavits of Hermann Terrilligen and Ernst Hoffmann a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County of Ulster duly authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner and only believe his signatures to the Certificates to the two said within affidavits to be genuine -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court and County this Seventeenth day of November 1834.
Jacob Snyder Clerk &c
Hon. S. Clark
mm

106 Abraham Masten
March 23. 1835 Pension Office
W. L. Washington
Rev: Joel W. W.
Bill

NY. Jan 28. Abraham Masten
Hon: J. Clark A. D. Washington Hon J Clark

Dear Sir, I enclose some affidavits in the case of a poor old soldier. You will see by the enclosed letter from the department, that the claim has been suspended and the papers are placed on file. By the letter it appears that one objection is that Martin's name is not on the rolls of Col. Dubois' Regt. If the papers are examined carefully it will be seen that it is not stated that he was a regular soldier enlisted under Dubois - but that he was in the militia and was stationed at Fort Montgomery, where Dubois commanded and there not being a Regt of militia present he was of course under the command of Col. Dubois. Old Mr. North who, as the relative of the soldier, has attended to this case heretofore, says that he understands you to say that the department would last spring have allowed something - a small amount - but that you thought best to have some more evidence evidence as to enlarge the claim - Do press this claim. I think the old gentleman makes quite as much if not more evidence than some whose claims have been granted. He certainly served some - although he is mistaken about the length of the term of duty.
Yours truly,
Luther F. Stevens
Hon: S. Clark
Jan'y 19. 1835

Recd 23 Mar
Sir,
At the instance and request of Mr. Martin Howard an explanatory affidavit - his memory is so impaired that altho he recollects the great events of the war with great distinctness he cannot remember dates and as it is apparent that he served for the several terms he specified - altho he may be mistaken as to the length of the terms of service of some - should that be a reason why he should be denied for the terms in which he is not mistaken? I hope something can consistently be done for the poor old man -
Yours &c Arthur P. Stevens
Hon: Secy of War
Seneca Falls March 11. 1835

Prof Abraham Master
J. L. Edwards Pension Office Washington
Hon. Clark

No. Rep June 5 th 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq Dear Sir
Enclosed is Judge Stearns letter enclosing further proof in the case of Stephen Maston and early censuses is respectfully requested
Yours &c - Saml Clarke

Alster County ss,
Matthew Master Being duly sworn Before Samuel Atkinson one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, doth depose and say, That he is well acquainted with Abraham Master knows of seeing him once when in the Revolutionary War I think he served under Capt. Jacobus Hoos, does not remember anything more except once he thinks he was out on an alarm at Wawarsing with the deponent. (and further the deponent saith not.)
Matthew Master
Sworn & Subscribed
Before me Samuel Atkinson Justice of the Peace
This 3 rd . day of May 1834

State of New York
Ulster County Clerk's Office } ss: I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that Samuel Johnston Esquire was on the day of the date of the within affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and justly believe the signature "Samuel Johnston" subscribed to the Certificate of the within affidavit to be genuine. —
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto interchangedly set my hand and the seal of said Court and County this 17th day of May 1834.
Jacob Snyder Clerk &c

from Austin to Crump 11 th July 1835
J. L. Edwards Esquire Committee of Papers Washington City D. C.
Stone House N.Y. July 7 th free

Stone Ridge N.Y. July 7 th
free
J. L. Edwards Esquire Comm'r of Pensions Washington City D. C.
Stm. chaste for Hovey 11 th Feb 1835

Stone Ridge, Ulster County N.Y.
7 th July. 1835-
J. L. Edwards Esq. Abraham Masten, a Revolutionary Soldier has requested me to inquire from you, as to the condition of his claim for a Pension — he has heretofore resided in Seneca County in this State with a Son in law who has moved off to Michigan — he says that while there, he has forwarded to your Department a declaration for a Pension under the act of June 1831 — that Luther F. Stevens of Seneca County was his agent — that when he left Seneca County in May last, Mr. Stevens informed him that he shortly expected an answer or Certificate from Washington; and as soon as he rec d the same he would forward it to Mr. Masten here — he has been anxiously waiting for an answer and has received none — and has called on me to write you on the subject — Mr. Masten is now in that part of the Country where he resided in the time of the Revolution, and a few of his acquaintances and fellow Soldiers of those days are still living — and being here with them, he is better able to explain

any difficulties or objections to his claim than he could have done in Seneca County, between 2 & 300 Miles from any of his Revolutionary Companions —
Will you have the goodness to state the difficulties or objections attending his claim, so that he may make the necessary explanations, or supply what proof of his services may be wanting —
M c Master is in indigent circumstances; and from his representation, as also from that of his Contemporaries here, I believe he has performed a great deal of Service in our Revolutionary Struggle — he mentions circumstances which have occurred, and in which he was engaged, which agree with the History of those times, and the representations of others who are now dead, who have related them to me; that I have no doubt that he has been an active and bold Soldier, and is entitled to the bounty which a Grateful Country has provided for such —
His application has been made under the disadvantage of being among Strangers, near 300 Miles from any of his Revolutionary Neighbours — without the benefit of seeing any of his Witnesses or Enquiring as to others which who did not then occur to his Memory — and have, since he has had the benefit of conversing with his old Companions —

Mr. Master thinks that he can now satisfy the Department of the justice of his claim —
Your answer as soon as convenient will be gratefully acknowledged by Mr. Master — he is anxious on the subject — as he at present is in a state of entire dependence —
With Respect I am Your Servt
Humble Servt Wm H Hardenburgh

NY Feb 6 Abraham Marden.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Ann R Sickle H. R.

Wm. L. Brown
Washington 6 th Feby 1836
Sir; I recd. some time since the enclosed Letter from Judge Vandenburg of the County of Ulster N. Y. It seems that the case has once undergone the investigation of your department: if it merits another examination upon the grounds that the "Original pay Rolls" may have been found, and such examination shall be had, please communicate to me the results as soon as ascertained.
I make a practice of sending the Letters I receive not having sufficient strength to analyze them and I hope I may be excused for this course, if it is none.
Yours most respectfully Nicholas Tinkler.

18085
New York
Abraham Austin
Suspended
Letters To
Hon Saml Clark 13 April 1835
Set to J G Hardenburg 10 July " "
" " Same — Aug 13. "
" " Hon N. Sickles Feb 10. 1836

29312 INVALID.
Copy
File No. 29,312
Abraham Martin
His Rev. wife
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 252-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

John M. Coulton Suffolk
Recd Aug 1 Dr Crump
Stone Ridge N.Y. August 8th
J. J.
Free
Edward Dug. Commission of Services Washington City. D.C.

Stone Ridge N.Y. August 8 th
Free
Recd Aug 1 Dis Camp
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City, D.C.
60

Stone Ridge, Ulster Co: New York 8 th Aug. 1835
J. L. Edwards Esq.
I herewith transmit to your Department, affidavits to substantiate the claim of Abraham Martin to a Pension -
Mr. Martin's Case has been for some time, before You - I have no doubt he is entitled to a pension - the witnesses who have made the enclosed affidavits are respectable men; and show services to a considerable extent - Be pleased to examine this case as soon as convenient, and allow the applicant for such time as you think he is fairly entitled - if there is doubt as to the extent of service in any of the tours, allow him for such time as your knowledge, and the testimony in the case will warrant -
Mr. Martin has once been a man of considerable property, but by indulging a disposition to move from one place to another, and by selling and buying has lost all - he at present has nothing to depend upon, but the provision which has been made by the act of June 1832, for men who like him served their Country in our Revolutionary struggle - he indulges strong hopes of a favorable determination
With Respect I am your Hum. Servt.
Wm. G. Hardenburgh

State of New York
Ulster County Clerks Office. ss. I Charles W. Chippe, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do hereby Certify that Abraham G. Han- denburgh Esquire was on the days of the dates of the several Certificates to the annexed affidavits of Abraham Mas- ten Ezekiel Marten, Court Hoffman, and John Mc- Cord, a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Ulster, duly authorized to take affidavits &c and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature "Abraham G. Handenburgh" subscribed to said several Certifi- cates to said affidavits is genuine — In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court and County this seventh day of August 1835 —
Chas. W. Chippe clerk

State of New York
Ulster County ss: Abraham Martin knew of Marlinton in said County of Ulster, but formerly of Seneca in the County of Seneca being sworn say, that when he resided in Seneca County aforesaid he made a declaration in order to procure a Pension under the Act of the 7 th June 1832 - that in the time of the Revolutionary War he resided in Shawangunk in the County of Ulster, moved from there into Marlinton in said County, and from thence to the County of Seneca near 300 miles from said County of Ulster - that when he made said declaration he was amongst strangers, and at a distance from his Revolutionary Companions, without any data to refresh his memory - that the men who did his business coming from the Eastern States were unacquainted with the incidents which transpired in the service in which said Deponent was engaged, and did not question him as to his services in such a manner as to bring circumstances and officers to his remembrance which have occurred to his memory since he has had the benefit of conversing with his Revolutionary comrades - that he has served in the Revolutionary War as follows -
In the Year 1776 early in the Spring, said Deponent enlisted in a Company of Minute men for four months - said Company was to choose their own officers - when the Company was filled, and the officers elected, said Deponent being dissatisfied with the officers elected, Enlisted again under a recruiting officer who then had his rendezvous at Shawangunk aforesaid for the Term of Nine Months - said Deponent does not recollect the name of said officer, but knows he was an Ensign - after being a few days at Shawangunk, the Company was marched across the Mountain to Rochester in said County

and there drilled for two or three weeks - from there we were ordered and marched to Newburgh, where we embarked on board of a Sloop and sailed down the Hudson River to Fort-Clinton - from thence we were marched to a place called Bulls Ferry - there we crossed said River, and were marched down to Greenwich, here our Company was formed. the Captain's name I cannot recollect - one Ammer was Lieutenant - we were placed under the command of Col. Johannis Hardenbergh - John Morin Scott was our Brigadier General - was on duty in New York for some time - was then ordered and marched to Long-Island - was there when the Battle of Long-Island was fought - and when our Army retreated from Long-Island to York Island said Deponent was one of the Rear Guard and one of the last that crossed the East River - after that, when the British entered New York we retreated to Kingsbridge - laid there for some time, and then moved up to White Plains - were led from New York to Kingsbridge by Genl. Putnam - said Deponent was at the White Plains, when the Battle was fought, our Brigade was kept in motion by the British Cannon about \frac{1}{4} of a mile from the main Battle - when the British returned to New York, we were ordered and marched to Pecks-Kill where we laid for some time - from thence to Kings-Ferry at Havstraw where our time expired, and there said Deponent was discharged late in the fall - Saw Genl. Washington, Genl. Geo. Clinton. Putnam & Parsons in this Campaign, and served out said term of nine months - After returning home, men were made up by Clafes for six months to go to Havstraw, Ramapo and New Jersey; as the British were then in Hackensack - said Deponent then went as a substitute for a Class, and did serve said term of six months at Havstraw, Ramapo - Kalick, and in the English Neighborhood, and at Paramus - in a Company commanded by Capt. Jacobus Rorer, Johannis Bruyn Lieut.

in this Campaign had a skirmish with a party of British Light Horse at Paramus Bridge. Said party was coming up from Hackensack, and the Company of Capt Roos to which said Deponent belonged was stationed as a guard at said Bridge and when the enemy came there we laid in ambush behind a Stone Wall, and fired on them as they came on the bridge and drove them back — Said Deponent did serve out his said Term of six months, and was discharged in the Spring at Ramapo aforesaid —
Some time after returning from the last mentioned service, in the Spring of 1777. Said Deponent enlisted voluntarily in a Company commanded by said Capt Jacobus Roos for the Term of Four months, and did serve said term at Fort Montgomery under the command of said Capt Roos, one Dubois was our Major, Lieut. Clinton Genl. — The said Term of four months expired a short time before the fort was taken by the British — When Deponent was there discharged — went home, and immediately men were again enlisted for the term of Three months to go to said Fort Montgomery as the British were expected up the River — Said Deponent then enlisted under said Capt Roos for the term of Three months and did serve at Fort Montgomery until said Fort was taken — was in the North-West Redoubt under the command of Col. Bruyn — When the British came to said Redoubt, after they had taken the fort — they came forward with fixed Bayonets, we kept them back for some time, but the Col. seeing that they were too powerful for us, gave orders for us to make our Escape if possible — we then jumped over the walls and with great difficulty escaped thro the enemy, it being in the evening — Capt Roos was mortally wounded after he was out of the Fort — We were assisted in our escape through the Mountain by the enemy setting fire to the Vipers which lay in the River near said Fort — the light shining on the

mountain so as that we could see what direction to walk in the dark - and after that fire was extinguished, we were assisted by the light of Fort Constitution which was set on fire by our men on the East side of the River - Col. Brugn was taken prisoner - we went on to New Windsor and laid there till the British went up the River, was then ordered and marched to Kingston in Ulster County; when we came to Rosendale, Eight miles from Kingston, found that Kingston was burnt and then struck off to Marlinton to Andrew Oliver's, where Dubois's Regiment was - staid there over night, and were marched to Hurley - when there was sent with a guard to see whether the British had left Kingston - came to Kingston, found it all burnt except the Brewery, and Still smoking - found one British Soldier lying drunk in a Garden, took him and conveyed him as a prisoner to Marlinton, where he enlisted in Capt Stewards company in Col Dubois's Regiment - here said Deponent was taken sick with the Chicken pox - went home - staid there a few days and went on to New Windsor and joined the Company and served out said term of three months and was discharged in the Winter -
Said Deponent farther swears that afterwards, in the Year 1780 as said Deponent believes, (tho he does not precisely recollect the Year) he did serve on the frontier at a place then called Peen park for One Month in a Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Detwitt, this was in the fore part of the Summer - and in the same season in the fall also served One Month on the frontier at Basher's Land under a Lieut. Cuddback - The next Year in the Spring said Deponent did serve One Month on said frontier at Mamakating under the command of Capt. Isaac Robison - in these frontier services was mostly engaged in guarding the Country against the Indians and Tories

who were almost continually plundering and murder- ing the inhabitants —
Said Deponent also swears that in the Year 1776 he was out in the service during the whole season; that while he was in New York, and about there, he belonged to Col. Johannes Haudenburgh's Regiment — and is positive that he enlisted for the term of nine months under the recruiting officer at Shawangunk, and be- lieves that he served out said term. — That when he served at Fort Montgomery in 1777, he well recollects that Wilhelmus Vandemark was Lieutenant of the Company — that when he came from Seneca to Ulster County, he intended to have procured an affidavit from said Vandemark, but found that he was dead, — that he could not find any of the Company living, or any one who had been in service at said place at the time said Deponent was there except John M c Cord, and Court Hoffman whose affidavits are herewith transmitted — and also the affidavit of his brother Capt. Ezekiel Mas- ten who lived at home with the family at that time and knows that said Deponent was out in the service at the times and places and for the terms stated in his affidavit —
Sworn and subscribed this 7 th day of August 1835 — before me
Abraham Haudenburgh J. P.
State of New York, Ulster County ss. I do certify that on the 7 th day of Au- gust 1835 before me came Abraham Masten, to me well known and made oath to, and subscribed the above deposition before me — and I do also certify that he is a man of good character, of truth and veracity, and entitled to full credit — Abraham Haudenburgh —

State of New York } ss. Abraham Master of said County Seneca County } aged eighty two years upwards
being duly sworn, deposes that in his original application for pension he stated that he served under Col. Hardenburgh a term of nine months. Deponent yet thinks that he served about nine months at that time altho' it is very probable that it was in two or more enlistments. He knows that he did duty under Colonel Hardenburgh. He well remembers that when the army retreated from Long Island he was on sentry and somewhat behind the regiment. He there gave Colonel Cropp the main body but had to cross the earthenware on a barrier at the imminent risk of his life. He knows also that the Regiment was marched to White Plains for the impression made on his mind by the events and incidents of that battle cannot be obliterated. It will be among the last things which he can forget. He remembers that Col. Hardenburgh was cashiered or in some way disgraced for cowardice at that battle. Deponent may be mistaken about the length of his service but he cannot be mistaken that he served the whole term of his enlistment.
During the war there were nine months more - and it has been impressed upon deponent's mind that this service was for that time. His memory is very much broken but the events of that period can never be removed from his memory hold, a place in his mind - but the chronological order may be reversed - and he may not recall dates & names. It may be that this term was for only four months. In the same declaration deponent stated one term of six months under Captain Rose. Deponent is probably mistaken - on more mature reflection deponent is induced to believe that he served for four six months on his own account. The part of the term as a substitute for his brother. He did not recall this fact until after his declaration was made. He is now confident that he served six months, at least, in all, at that time. His memory is so broken that he may be mistaken.

as other time - but he remembers that he went in the latter part of the fall or early in December - it is not all winter. He has a distinct recollection that farmers were ploughing when he returned & there for that it must have been as late as May or late in April -
Deponent earnestly hopes that because his memory is so broken by age that he cannot recollect dates and times, that he shall not in consequence thereof, be denied all aid from his Country for services which were certainly performed, and which consumed nearly eleven years of the best part of his life by alarms and militia calls, thereby preventing his laying up any thing for his old age, but he hopes that for the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two  the two
Sworn before me this Seventh day of March 1835
Abraham Norton
Moses C. Deming S.P.
State of New York Seneca County ss
I, Seba Murphy, Clerk of the County of Seneca do hereby certify that Moses C. Deming Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was, on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to Law. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing, and verily believe that his name subscribed to the said affi- davit is his own proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand and seal of office at Ovid Mayh 9th 1835 Seba Murphy Clerk

State of New York Seneca County ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace of town of Tyre in the county of Seneca. Abraham Masten of the town of Painiens and county of Seneca - to me known to be the person described in the foregoing application for a pension. Who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not swear positively as to the precise length of time of his services but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades.
1 Last of January or first of March, 1776 I volunteered and did serve as a privet soldier not less than nine months under lieutenant Smedes. 2 If my memory serves me right, on returning, about the 1st of December 1776 immediately after getting home from the nine months tour, I volunteered for six months and did serve as corporal under Capt s James Rose not less than four months 3 When I returned home from the six months enlistment they were raising four months men to go to fort montgomery, which I think must have been the last of April or first of May, 1777, I volunteered and did serve as a corporal not less than four months under Capt s Jacob Conklin (Fort montgomery lays if I mistake not about 30 miles south east from my former residence in Shesanguish). 4 About 1 st Sep r 1777, volunteered for three months under my former Capt s James Rose and served not less than three months as sergeant. For names of officers and other particulars see former affidavit. 5 March d 1778, did serve not less than one month as orderly sergeant under lieutenant James Laurence. 6 Latter part of April, 1778, (if I mistake not) served not less than one month as orderly sergeant under Capt s Schoonmaker. 7 With out returning home, last of May, 1778, did serve not less than one month as orderly sergeant under lieutenant Guelback. In these monthly tours we garded the frontiers commonly in small parties. We were ordered out by General John Cantine, the officers of the regiment was P Col n Johnathan Hansbrook, 2 John Johnson and Major David Osbender, but these did not go with us 8 I did serve not less than three weeks as orderly sergeant at west point

as is set forth in my former affidavit in the autumn of, 1778, do not recollect the particular month nor that there was any staff officers.
I have no written documents of my services and may have erred as to dates, I have to fix the dates in part from the seasons of the year the engagements I was in, but more in particular but more in particular from rendering my services without much intermission.
My age, and infirmed state, and a bruise I received on my head five or six ago has so impaired my memory, together with the long elaps of time and never expecting it would be my own or any other persons interest to give a regular detail of these my services, and not having charged my memory with the same I am consequently left much in the dark as to some particulars. And especially as to the particular year or time when the following services was rendered. But do recollect of enlisting under A Capt. Smith for four months, of sailing some miles down the North river, landing on the east side, laying a long the river, working some on a fort, not attached to a regiment, if I mistake not served some as a corporal and think I did, or did serve not less than two months as a sergeant under said Smith. Nothing transpired of which I recollect by which to know or fix the date.
As is set forth in my former affidavit I did serve as orderly sergeant not less than one week at west point under Capt. Cornelius Masten but cannot give the date. I did serve not less than one week as orderly sergeant at warwarsing under Capt. Cornelius Masten. I did serve under Capt. Cornelius Masten not less than four days at Vantines hill as orderly sergeant. In these three last tours the militia was or a regiment was ordered out, and commanded by Colonel Johnathan Hansbrook. John Johnson and major David Ostrander. Not certain but rather think this short tour was in 1779 or 1780. —
I do not know as it is in my power to give any positive proof of my services, as I know of no person living that I was acquainted with in the army. Two or three years ago there was living (but do not know as they are now living) two or three of my old acquaintance in the town of Shawangunk, who was acquainted with me at the time of the revolution — any war but not in service with me. But it is almost or quite out of my power to get their affidavits as we are living between two and three

hundred miles distance from each other, and I am much infirmed, perfectly poor, am living on the charity of one of my daughters and have no particular means to procure them. But if in your judgment the above statements or testimony is not sufficient to entitle me to a pension, and you think their affidavits will facilitate my claims I am endeavored to procure them. I have deferred until the present of sending my pension papers to the war department in hope of getting the above eluded to testimony, but as yet have had no opportunity or means. And that I did render the above named services according to the best of my recollection as they are set forth in said affidavits for which I claim a pension. And that at no time during the above named terms as they are set forth was I employed in any civil pursuit or in any way or manner only as they are set forth in the foregoing declaration.
Abraham Hester
Subscribed and sworn this 19 th
day of September 1833 before me
Robert Harper, Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Seneca County ss
I Seba Murphy, Clerk of the County of Seneca do certify that Robert Harper Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Seneca, duly commissioned and sworn; And further that I am acquainted with his hand writing and that his signature to the foregoing affidavit, is his own proper handwriting and signature. Witness my hand and seal of Office, at Ovid, October 2 d 1833. Seba Murphy Clerk.

Stony Ridge, Ulster Co. N.Y. 14 Nov. 1835
Dear Sir, Shortly previous to your departure for Washington, you will rec all I called at your office, in order to engage your attention to the claim of Abraham Masten for a pension — it was then concluded, that I had better write you on the subject after your arrival at Washington. The claim of Mr. Masten you will find in the Pension office — you will observe that his services are substantiated by testimony as strong as could be expected, after a lapse of near fifty Years — his services as stated by him are 9 M o in N York in 1776 in Col. Hardinburg's Regiment which is proved by his brother Capt Ezekiel Masten, a respectable old man as lives in Shawangunk — six months at Ramapo, Hackensack &c in New Jersey in the Winter of 76-77 — proved by said Ezekiel Masten and John M c Cord — 4 months in 77 under Capt Root at Fort Montgomery — after the expiration of said 4 months, the claimant enlisted again for three months, and served out said term — this service is proved by his said brother, John M c Cord and Capt Hoffman, also respectable men — 3 separate months on the frontier also proved by said M c Cord and Masten. Will you have the goodness to examine the papers on file & you will find the above services distinctly stated, and the affidavits of the above mentioned witnesses, testifying their knowledge of the service — 1!

The last answer that I rec d from the Pension office is dated 13 Aug last - it was therein stated that an Effort would be made to procure the Original pay Rolls of the Captain under whom the services were alleged to have been rendered -
I have made no farther enquiry since, because I expected a farther answer from the Department after the "effort" above stated, should have been made - The said answer also stated "that there was no Evidence in the Department of a term of 9 Mo s service in the Militia in '76 - but that the Militia were out in that Year five months under a requisition from the Commander in Chief" - if the claimant has stated 9 Mo s when the actual service was but 5 - and the Comm ss r of Pension is so convinced, let him allow him for that term -
Mr. Masten has given all the evidence in his power, unless it should be evidence of his reputation of having been a revolutionary Soldier, much engaged in the service - Evidence to this effect can be obtained in Shawangunk where he lived at that time and for some time after - but his Companions in arms in that war are all dead, or gone to parts unknown - I think the testimony on file would justify a Pension; and that Mr. Masten can claim a Certificate as matter of right - if, through the lapse of time he has made a mistake in stating 9 instead of 5 Mo s it ought not to destroy his claim - I can assure you from my knowledge of the man, he has made no intentional misstatement -

he still insists that the tour in '78 was 9 months —