Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17526, for Nathan Kirtland, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Kirtland, Nathan S 17526
CONTENTS
headed

17.829 Connecticut
Nathan Merith
Essex Co in the State of Connect. who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Chapman of the Regt. commanded by Col. Northrop in the Cont. time for 13 Mths
Inscribed on the Roll of Connect. at the rate of 30 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sept. 1831. and South Hadley
  Arrears to the 4th of March  $ 100     Semi-ant. allowance ending   3 50     $125     1 st Mar. '31  25  125     $150      } Revolutionary Claim, } } Not June 7, 1832. }  
Recorded by C. Collins Clerk, Book 80 Vol. 1 Page 83

No. 30.
Nathan Portland
19815
✓
adm 2
Bmo. pri.
504

Nathan Kirtland
State of Connecticut Middletown ss
Before me, a Notary Public of said State, personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate holden at Saybrook in and for the District of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, the same being a Court of record now sitting, Nathan Kirtland — a resident of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex — and State of Connecticut, aged 69 — years, who being first sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
That he was born in Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut — that he was sixty nine the 14 th day of last January. That he supposed his birth is on the records of said Town of Saybrook —
That in the month of August, the present in the year A.D. 1779. a draft was made from the 7 th Regiment of Connecticut Militia, of one company to guard the Northern Shore of Long Island Sound from the mouth of Connecticut River to the Town of Guilford. Some of the soldiers of said company volunteered to serve in said company. The term of service was to be three months — That he the applicant volunteered to serve as aforesaid in said company, and did serve therein the full term of three months, and was then honorably dismissed. That said company was employed the whole of said time in watching and guarding the said Shore. The Captain of said company was Silas Chapman of said Saybrook — The Ensign was Silas Chapman of said Town. but the said applicant does not recollect the name of the Lieutenant Col. Worthington had the Chief command —
That he enlisted in the month of June A.D. 1780. to serve one year in the Revolutionary Army — That he enlisted in said Saybrook — That he immediately joined the company at Fort Trumbull in the Town of New London. and there served out the whole time of his said enlistment, and was discharged the 10 th June A.D. 1781. The company was employed in repairing and strengthening the Fort — and in keeping guard at the mouth of the River — The British

Fleet was then in Green Bay in plain sight of Groton Fort, and lay there all winter - which bewildered much alarm and a constant General be kept up all along the shore - The officers of the said company were Adam Shapley Captain - Richard Chesman of New London was the first lieutenant - Isiah Stone of New Britain R. Lieut. and Simon Forbes of Somers 3 d Lieutenant - and Mr. Moor of New London Chief Gunner; the company being an Artillery company - Captain Shapley had command of the Fort, Col. Sedgwick, who quartered, since belonged in Groton command both Forts - Capt. Shapley was afterwards mortally wounded, and Lieut. Chesman was killed at the taking of Groton Fort -
The Applicant says that he never made application for a pension before now -
Nathan Hatterson
Mr. Shapley Richard Chesman Isiah Stone Simon Forbes Mr. Moor Col. Sedgwick L. Chesman

The said Nathan Wentland — hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Before me Symmes Ingham Judge of Probate
Nathan Wentland
We, Sylvester Selden a clergyman, residing in the town of Gay Brook and John Stannard — residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Mr. Nathan Wentland who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 69 — 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. Before me — Symmes Ingham Justice of Peace
Sylvester Selden John Stannard
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that the Rev. Sylvester Selden who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Gay Brook — and that John Stannard who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Gay Brook — and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Symmes Ingham Judge of Probate
I, Richard P Williams — Clerk of the the Court of Probate for the District of Gay Brook County of Middlesex State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Wentland for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this tenth — day of September 183 X
Office,
Richard P Williams Clerk —

Richard Stokes of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, deposeth and saith that he is 68 years of age, that from his youth up, he hath been well acquainted with Nathan Rithner of said Saybrook, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension, and that he knows that the said Rithner served in the Iron Grenadiers in said Town of Saybrook, three months, in the year 1779 - and that the deponent served therein, in company with said Rithner during said service, - that they were both honorably discharged together. - The deponent further saith that in the year of 1780, the said Rithner belonged to a company which was stationed in the Fort at New London, and served therein, one year, as the deponent always supposed, and still doth suppose. The deponent saith that he belonged to the same Regiment, the same being under the command of Col. Seeley, and during part of the time served in the Grenade at One, and was frequently, roundly, by the said Fort to New London after rations, and saw said Rithner there.
And further this deponent saith not.  Sworn and subscribed before me in Open Court of Probate this 10th day of September 1852. and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Richard Stokes, and that he is a credible witness.  Richard Stokes  Nathan Rithner of Saybrook. County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, deposeth and saith that he is 69 years of age - that he hath from his youth up been well acquainted with Mr. Augustus Lores of said Town, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. - that he the deponent
Nathan Rithner of Saybrook. County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, deposeth and saith that he is 69 years of age - that he hath from his youth up been well acquainted with Mr. Augustus Lores of said Town, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension. - that he the deponent
Augustus Lores of Saybrook in the County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut, deposeth and saith, that he is 80 years of age. That he hath been acquainted with Nathan Rithner of said Town, who hath signed the annexed application for a pension from his youth up. That he, the deponent, belonged to a company in Fort Trumbull, at New London, from April or May 1780 to April or May 1781 - and that in the month of June 1780, the said Nathan Rithner joined said company and served therein as a soldier until, the deponent left there which was in April or May 1781 - and that the deponent recollects that said Rithner came home a few weeks after the deponent - and that he the deponent always understood and supposed, that said

Rittner was honorably discharged in the month of Jan -
And further the deponent saith not.
Sworn, and subscribed by me this his mark, his hands being hereunto unto his mark to wit, before me in open court of Probate this tenth day of September 1882 - and I certify that I am well acquainted with the said Augustus Lord, and that he is of good credit -
Samuel Hughes Judge of Probate
Libbens Chapman of Saybrook - County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut do hereby certify that he is 79 years of age that from his youth up he has been well acquainted with Nathan Rittner who has signed the annexed application for pension - - That he the said Rittner served in the Shore Green deponent thinks three months in the year 1779 - That said Chapman was captain - and the deponent was ensign of said Shore Green - That said Green served in said Saybrook, and that the said was a constant service, and that men lined in tents near the sea shore -
And further the deponent saith not.
Libbens his Chapman Mark
Sworn and subscribed before me in open court of Probate this tenth day of September 1882 - And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Libbens Chapman, and that is a man of truth, and credible witness - And I further certify that he is of good credit to wit his name, and that he made his mark here to day before
Samuel Hughes Judge of Probate

I Richard P Williams Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Saybrook. County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut. do hereby certify. that the within and foregoing contains the original proceed- ings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Matthew Rittner for a partition.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 22 nd day of June A.D. 1833
Richd P Williams Clerk

1935
Nathan Kirtland G.T.
agenda
Return this
S. Ingham

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 subjjoined 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. These 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 Nathan Kirtland &c
   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.     Aug. 1779 Mar. 1780 1 3 Private Capt. Chapman Col. Worthington Stationed Mouth of the River and Long Island 69. born in Say Brook entered at Say Brook and now lives in said place proved by three living witnesses Certificate of Chapman and a Citizen.   Jan. 1780 Mar. 1780 1 11. G. H. S. 1780 Stationed at Fort Trumbull and guarding the Shore  
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 declarations; 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 _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about  three or four months , 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 [i] 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.

aw
Nov. 18, 1928.
Charles R. Hale, 45 Capitol Ave. Hartford, Conn.
Sir:
I have to advise you, relative to the following Revolutionary War pensioners:
S. 31981, Jasper Stannard, was born at Saybrook, Conn. November 11, 1757, and served from April 1777, for nine months as a private under Capt. Asa Lay and Col. Dimon; from the fall of 1779, for three months as corporal under Capt. Kelsey and Col. Ward and during the summer of 1778 for three weeks, under Capt. Simeon Lay and Col. Worthington, Connecticut Troops.
S. 17319, Daniel Bushnell, date and place of birth not on record. Served from the spring of 1779, for one year as private under Capt. Shapley and Col. Ledyard in the Conn. Troops.
S. 17528, Nathan Kirtland was born at Saybrook, Conn. January 14, 1753, and served from August 1779, for three months as private under Capt. Elisha Chapman and Col. Worthington and from June 1780, for one year under Capt. Shapley and Col. Ledyard in the Conn. Troops.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT.

Hartford, Ct Oct. 29 - 1926
Chief Clerk.
Pension Dept Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me Revolutionary War record of Nathan Kirtland on pension of 1840 and died at Westbrook, Conn. Aug 5 - 1844 age 81
Also of Daniel Bushnell on pension roll of 1832 and died at Westbrook, Conn July 29 - 1832 age 87
Also of Jasper Stannard of Westbrook, Ct on pension roll 1832 and died Nov 9 - 1839 age 92
We wish to get Headstones for these Veterans
Yours very Truly
Chas. R. Hale
33 Capitol Ave.
birth & service only sent as he has death dates

17 526 INVALID.
File No. 17,526 Nathan Kittredge Re New York
Act: June 7 th 32 Index: Vol. 1 , Page 208
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1906 Oct. 31 - St. Louis Mr. A. Brachell P.O. Box 16, Correspondence to Class of 1870. and

OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK, TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK.
SAYBROOK, CONN., October 19th, 1906
Pension Bureau,
Dear Sir:-
I am looking up the record of Nathan Kirtland, who was a Revolutionary soldier born in what is now Westbrook, Conn., January 14th, 1763 and died August 5th, 1844, aged 81 years. I find by referring to Senate Document Volume 1, 1st/ session 3rd, Congress 1833 - 4 that he was granted a pension of $50. a year which commenced March 4th, 1831. I am anxious to find out what company he served in and (or Sept 28 1833) any other facts that I can in relation to his army career that will help me in an application for membership in the "Sons of the Revolution". Can you give me the facts that I need.
Yours truly
W. R. Bushnell,
Stamped envelope enclosed.

43 654 77-206
Ills. Jan 20 17526 Rev War
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Nathan Kirtland , 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Aug 79 3 mos Elisha Chapman ✓ Worthington Conn   Feb 80   June 80 1 yr. Adarn Shapley Gedyard          
Battles engaged in, ✓ Residence of soldier at enlistment, ✓ Date of application for pension, Sept. 10, 1832 - Residence at date of application, Fairbrook, Conn. Age at date of application, Jan. 14, 1763 Fairbrook, Conn. Remarks:
Very respectfully,
109-403-543-548-625
1832 69 1763
Commissioner