Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,286, for William Laskey, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Laskey, William
S. 29, 286
CONTENTS

See Grace Hiler Map July 7 '8 ad 4th Jas Gregory 7 May '40
15885  Muskegetts
William Easton
of [illegible] in the State of [illegible]. who was a [illegible] in the [illegible] commanded by Captain [illegible] of the [illegible] commanded by [illegible] in the [illegible] Navy line for 15 m. 8 days. [illegible] 5, [illegible].
Inscribed on the Roll of [illegible] at the rate of [illegible] Dollars [illegible] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. [illegible] 32. [illegible].
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of August 1831, [illegible] to James Gregory [illegible] and [illegible] [illegible].
Arrears to the 4th of [illegible] 1839 $20.06 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 [illegible] 32.53 Deduct former pay [illegible] 553.09
{ Revolutionary Claim, { let June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by [illegible] Clerk, Book [illegible] Vol. 2 Page 51.

Wm. Laskey
No. 9759
Ruman 8 Mths
16. 16 of April 1833
341
Priner J. Priner per En Mablihard M. G.

BRIEF in the case of  William Sasey of the County of Essex  in the State of Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Judge  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? bodily infirmity  3. How old is he? 78 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1777. Nov. 1 Seaman Brig Genl. Gates, Commander John Sleeper.   '78 4 ditto Same Brig, Capt. William Dennis.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Marblehead  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Deposition  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Regular
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Dolt Examining Clerk.

Lashy 9759

State of Massachusetts.
Essex S.S. Marblehead.
On this 10 th day of August A D 1832. Personally appeared before me David Cummins esq r a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and a Court of Record, within and for said County of Essex, William Laskey of said Marblehead County and State aforesaid, aged nearly seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, On his Oath doth make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832.
That in the revolutionary War, he was a seaman in the Naval Service of said State of Massachusetts, and that on or about the twenty fifth day of November, seventeen hundred seventy seven, he entered as a Seaman on board of the Armed Brig General Gates, John Steemer esq r Commander, in the service of said State, for a six months cruise against the common Enemy, and after cruising about four months, they took a prize, and he was ordered on board and arrived in her safe to Boston and said Brig was continued on her cruise and having captured other prizes returned from said cruise back again to Boston on or about the last of May seventeen hundred seventy eight. And in about four weeks afterward he again entered on board said Brig General Gates, Capt. William Dennis of Marblehead Commander, for a four months cruise, and after cruising from place to place, and having captured a number of prizes, and their term of service being ended, they returned to Boston, on or about the last day of October seventeen hundred seventy eight and were discharged. And he further declares that he has no documentary evidence, excepting that of Samuel Roff, and that he knows of no other person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension, or Annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State.
William Laskey his mark
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
D Cummins
We John Bartlett a Clergyman residing in the Town of Marblehead and Benjamin Knight esq r also residing in Marblehead, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Laskey, who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be, nearly seventy years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Seaman of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
John Bartlett
Benjamin Knight
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid. D Cummins

And the said Judge doth hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the within named applicant was a Revolutionary Seaman and served as he states. And the said Judge further certifies that it appears to him that Rev d John Bartlett who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Town of Marblehead and that Benjamin Knight who has also signed the same is a resident in said Marblehead, and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Judge further certifies that the within named applicant is unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity.
D Cummins.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I John Prince Jun r Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, being a Court of Record, within and for the County of Essex, Do hereby certify, that the Hon. David Cummins esq r . is a Judge of said Courts, and that the within signature is his genuine signature. And that John Prince of Marblehead is one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for the County of Essex; and that the signature annexed, is his true signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas at Salem this thirteenth day of August, Eighteen hundred and thirty two.
John Prince Jun r Clk r

I Nathaniel Phillips of Marblehead in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts, Blockmaker, aged seventy three years on oath depose testify and say that in the Revolutionary War in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven I was an apprentice at the Block making business in the Town of Boston and that my master at that time contracted with the General Government to do work in the line of his business for the Brig General Gates and that I do well know and remember from this and other circumstances that then occurred, that the said Brig General Gates was a Public Armed Vessel in the Continental Service (now the United States) And I do further testify from my personal knowledge that the said Brig was employed in service against the common enemy.
Nathl Phillips
Essex ss April 26 th 1833 Then personally appeared the above named Nathaniel Phillips, and made oath to the truth of his affidavit, and I further certify that he is a credible witness.
Essex ss. I John Prince Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas being a Court of Record do hereby certify that John Prince Esq is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County & that his foregoing signature is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seal of said Court at Salem this 29 th day of April A.D. 1833.
John Prince Clerk

Invalid
WIDOW, &c.
CR.
File No.
29585
William Lasky Seaman Maf Navy Rev War
Act
June 7th. 1832
Index: Vol.
2
Page
51.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

The sloop aboard the Gen Galts is established to have been in 1777 & 1778 & the papers in the case of Jacob Holmes See William Grace Holmes papers. ad. July July at July 38. No 466.
Vol 39 p 78. Laskey on the Tyramuda from Oct 77 to May 78. Cape Horn. Dennis was Supt. See as above No 466.
Laskey cl. 41m. from Nov 77 aboard Gen Galts & 41m. to Oct 78 same. Stearns Capt. 1 st Crn. & Dennis Capt. 2 nd Crn.
See papers of May, Mills Map ad. July 7 No 2946 for proof of the fact that the Gen Galts was a piller armed vessel —
It appears from a letter from E. H. Horner of Boston that Mr. Gregory has a list of the crew of the Gen Galts. See Sol. Shute's paper ad. June 7. Miss. for proof of the Galts Character.

Marblehead, May 20th, 1839.
Honored Sir:
I have the Honor herewith to forward to you the Affidavit & Declaration of William Laskey, formerly of Marblehead & now of Lynn. Setting forth, as you will observe, that at the time he forwarded his claim for a Pension in 1832, he could not recollect of any living witness, who served with him on board the Brig Syracuse , & in the other service declared for - now, & that by the advice of his agent he in consequence omitted to declare for said service.
Mr. Laskey stated these facts to me more than a year ago , & I have since found an intelligent witness who distinctly recollects the fact of the said Syracuse served, & have accordingly forwarded his Affidavit in proof of the claim, & it is believed a reference to the Rolls of the said Brig & also the service performed in Colonel Hutchinson's Regiment at the commencement of 1836 will clearly establish the justness of the claim. Mr. Laskey's Pension Certificate is herewith enclosed.
I am, very respectfully, for Honor's Commision of Pensions, all seal. James Gordon Washington D.C.

Wm Lasky
Payments to be made at Bunker Hill by Mr. Nathl. H. Grant Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Nash
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 2 Page 57 by W. H. Watson Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,
William Lacey State of Massachusetts who was a Saman in the Navy of the United States
is entitled to receive — Twenty Two — dollars and cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Sixth day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
John B. Buel
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

M m S. Lashay
No 9759
I Pina fin E Marblehead Mass

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Sastey which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

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

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
† QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
The claimant should apply to E K Bangs Esqr for evidence showing that the Brig Genl Gates was a public armed vessel Mr B may possibly be able to furnish evidence of the claimants service on board of said vessel

2 off for Lasky

I Samuel Roff of Marblehead in the County of Essex and State of Massachusetts do hereby depose and say, that I am well acquainted with William Lashley of Marblehead, and that I knew him in the Revolutionary war and I remember that he entered on board armed vessels in the service of the State at different periods and very well remember that he entered on board the armed Brig General Gates in the service of the State of Massachusetts John Schuyler of Commanders at Boston some time in the fall of the year Seventeen hundred seventy seven, and sailed on a cruise against the common Enemy, and as I heard at the time they captured a number of Prizes while on said Cruise, and I well remember that about four or five months after sailing on said Cruise, the said Lashley came home in a Prize and I saw him land his chest and cloaths on Marblehead wharf, and conversed with him about his said Cruise. Samuel Roff
Marblehead July 27, 1832.
Essex ss. Marblehead July 27, 1832. Then the above named Samuel Roff who is aged and infirm, personally appeared before me the Subscriber and made Oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed and I further certify that he is a credible witness. ——— Before me John Prince Justice of the Peace

I, William Laskey, of Lynn in the County of Essex, & formerly of Marblehead in said County, do on my oath testify & declare that I was in various service by land & sea in the war of the Revolution: that I was placed on the Pension Roll for the amount of Thirty two Dollars per annum on the sixth day of August, 1833, (as my Pension Certificate hereto annexed will show), under the act of June 7 th , 1832 - for part of my said Revolutionary service: that at the time I made the Declaration of Revolutionary service for which I am now Pensioned I omitted to declare for any other of my said service than that for which I thought I could find legal proof: that my agent Nathan Bown Esquire, late of Marblehead & now deceased, said it would be useless to declare for any other of my said services than such as I could find either a living witness or Documentary evidence to prove, & for that reason & none other, I omitted to claim for one cruise which I went in the Massachusetts State Brig Tyrannicide, Jonathan Harraden Esq. commander, & in which I was engaged from October 1777, to May 1778 - as by the affidavit of one of my shipmates (whom I have since found) hereto appended will appear. Also for three months service, as a substitute, for & in the room of Edward Presby, late of said Marblehead, deceased, - in the company of Capt Enoch Putnam of Danvers, & of the Regiment of Massachusetts State Troops commanded by Colonel Hutchinson - at Dorchester Heights, & around Boston - from the first of January, 1776 to the end of the following month of March, & after the British evacuated Boston - when said Regiment was discharged, & I returned home.
And I do further declare, that from the time of my enlistment or my entering on board said Brig Tyrannicide to the time of my discharge from her was full seven months , & that from the time of my joining said Enoch Putnam's company to the time of my discharge therefrom was full three months - making TEN MONTHS service in the whole for which I have never claimed. And I do make this Declaration with the view of claiming the benefit of said ten months service. And I do further declare that I have no evidence of any kind, to now of no person whose testimony I can procure to prove the last mentioned service, & I do beg to refer to the Massachusetts documents, now understood to be in Washington for proof of the same.
Witness my hand William L. Hooker J. Gregory
his William Laskey mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss Lynn March 22 d A.D. 1839 County of Essex }
Then personally appeared the above named William Laskey a gentleman who is personally known to me to be of good character for truth & veracity, & made solemn oath in due form of law that the above affidavit & declaration by him in my presence subscribed, is according to the best of his knowledge, belief, in all respects true.
Before me, James Gregory, J. of the Peace.

I, Ambrose Allen, of Marblehead in the County of Essex & State of Massachusetts, do on my oath testify & declare that I am in the Seventy ninth year of my age: that I took an active part in the War of the Revolution & went many cruises in various Privateers, & was also one cruise in the Massachusetts State Brig Pyramide, Jonathan Harraden Esq. commander - for which cruise I was pensioned under the law of Jan'y 1 th , 1832, to the amount of twenty-nine Dollars & six cents per annum - on the ninth day of November A.D. 1837. I entered on board said Brig Pyramide some time in the month of October, 1777, & sailed from Salem soon after, & returned back to Boston in May, 1778, after an absence of six months: that from the time of my entering on board said Brig to the time her arrival back to Boston & the discharge of myself & the rest of the crew, was full SEVEN MONTHS.
That (During our said cruise we captured four brigs frigates - three Brigs & one Schooner - one of which we carried into the Port
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
ESSEX, ss.
I, JOHN PRINCE, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Essex, do certify, that
within and for said County, and that signature hereon is genuine.
WITNESS MY HAND, and the Seal of said Court of Common Pleas,
A. D. 1837.
John Prince Clerk.

I, Ambrose Allen, of Marblehead in the County of Essex & State of Massachusetts, do on my oath testify & declare that I am in the Seventy ninth year of my age: that I took an active part in the War of the Revolution & went many cruises in various Privateers, & was also one cruise in the Massachusetts State Brig Tyrannicide. Jonathan Harraden Esq. commander - for which cruise I was pensioned under the law of June 7th, 1832, to the amount of twenty-nine dollars & six cents per annum - on the ninth day of November A.D. 1837. I entered on board said Brig Tyrannicide some time in the month of October, 1777, & sailed from Salem soon after, & returned back to Boston in May, 1778, after an absence of six months: that from the time of my entering on board said Brig to the time her arrival back to Boston & the discharge of myself & the rest of the crew, was full SEVEN MONTHS.
That (During our said cruise we captured four brigs prizes - three Brigs & one Schooner - one of which we carried into the Port of Martinique in the West Indies, & there sold, & one other carried safe home in company with ourselves. - The other two prizes were retaken.
And I do on my oath as aforesaid further testify & declare, that William Lasky, formerly of Marblehead & now of Lynn in the said County of Essex, was a seaman on board said Brig Tyrannicide at the same time I myself was, and on the cruise I have above described.
Said William Lasky was also in much other service in the War of the Revolution on board of various Privateers, but I am unable to swear to the particulars of any other service performed by him than what I have heretofore stated - although he might have been in other public service without my knowing it.
Witness my hand, J. Gregory Sally H. Rix
Ambrose Allen
Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss Marblehead May 2 nd 1839. County of Essex . . . . . }
Then personally appeared the above named Ambrose Allen a gentleman who is personally known to me to be of good moral character, & good character for truth & veracity, & made solemn oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit by him in my presence subscribed
Before me, James Gregory, J. of the Peace.

15.885 Massachusetts
Let to Jas Gregory 31 July 1839
William Lasky of Essex, in the State of Mass who was a Seaman in the ship commanded by Captain Perkins of the ship commanded by on the ship time for 8 months
Interest to $65.07 15 mo 8 day Seamen
Entered on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 32 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 10th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of June 1833 and State of Mass Pierce Co. Marblehead Mass Arrears to the 10th of March 1833 $64.00 Pension allowance ending 10th day of June 1833 $6.00 Total $70.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by N. L. Eastman Book 4 Vol. 2a Page 50 Jas Gregory Marblehead Mass