Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29945, for Peter King, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
King, Peter
S 29945
B.L.W. 9213-160-55
CONTENTS
Blank lined area for contents entry
Blank lined area for contents entry

74703 Original Bounty Land
Claim of Peter King
A Revolutionary Soldier
Act of March 3, 1855
James W. Boyden, Atty for Claimant, Amherst, Mass ts

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
FORM OF DECLARATION FOR SURVIVING OFFICER OR SOLDIER.
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Hampshire } ss.
On this twenty first day of March A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five , personally appeared before me, James W. Boyden a Justice of the Peace, duly authorized to administer oaths within and for the County and State aforesaid. Peter King aged ninety eight years, a resident of Amherst in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Peter King who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ in the _____ Regiment of _____ commanded by _____ in the war of the American Revolution that he is inscribed a Pensioner, under the Act of Congress of June 7th A. D. 1832 , for the
and receives an annual and continued actual service in said war for the term of Pension of and was honorably discharged at  eighty dollars , on the  and he refers to his Certificate , which is on record  recorded in the Pension Office, Book E, Page 45 as will appear by the muster rolls of said Company and to the papers on which said Certificate was granted , he refers for proof of service as private, more than two years ,
He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the "act granting additional bounty land to certain officers and soldiers who have been engaged in the military service of the United States," approved March 3, 1855. And refers to his former declaration made under act of June 7th. 1832 upon which he obtained a Land Warrant No.  Pension  note, which he having  legally transferred and disposed of, is not in his power now to return. for proof of his said two years' service.
He further declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under any other act of Congress, nor made any application therefor, than the one above referred to, under act of  than  obtained the said Land Warrant No. _____ for _____ thereon, and the one now presented.
Peter King
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written; and I hereby certify that I believe the said Peter King who signed and executed the above declaration, and is now present, to be the identical man who served as aforesaid, and that he is of the age above stated, and that I have no interest in said claim.
STATE OF Massachusetts COUNTY OF Hampshire } ss. James W. Boyden J. P.
Personally appeared Samuel Thompson and Jonathan Hubbard citizens of the said County and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn, depose and say that they are personally acquainted with Peter King and that he is the person now present who signs and executes the within declaration. Samuel Thompson
Jonathan Hubbard
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty first day of March A. D. 1855; and I certify that the said Samuel Thompson and Jonathan Hubbard are credible and respectable citizens.
James W. Boyden J. P.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPSHIRE ss.
I, Samuel Wells, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampshire, do certify, that James M. Dyer Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificates on the paper hereto annexed, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit is, and ought to be given, to his acts and attestations, done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said James M. Dyer and believe his signature to said certificates is genuine: also that the instrument hereto annexed, purports to be duly executed and acknowledged, according to the laws of this Commonwealth, for the purposes therein expressed.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Supreme Judicial Court, for said Commonwealth, this Tuesday Third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five.
Samuel Wells Clerk.

Certificate of the Secretary of State of Massachusetts.
Mass. Amherst. To James A. F. Dickinson

Dear Sam l F. Dickinson Amherst. Mass.
Library of the University of State of Massachusetts.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Oct. 2 d 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Peter King served as a recruit from the town of Pelham, among the six months men raised in 1780 to reinforce the Continental Army, as appears by a payroll returned by the Selectmen of said town, agreeably to a resolve of the General Court passed Oct. 1781. His time of service appears by said Roll to have been six months and eight days commencing Aug. 2 d 1780; but his officers are not named therein.
His name is also borne on a Roll of Capt. John Thompson's Company in Col. Leonard's Regiment for two months & ten days service commencing May 7. 1777.
Edward D. Bangs. Secy.

Henry Wright living in Suffolk Co. New York State Give my best to Abner  Send him to attack his open house waggon  I will act for right all I want is to have it done  I will take a good act as to all in Pettibone  the first of June and it must be done without reference to the  the A. L.
Dear Cousin
Amherst.
Mass.

74703 Act mar 3 Apl 16 } 35
Peter King, Priv.
Map: Coast line,
Cont. level.
Ad: W. Allen, Oct 25 1855
9 Rev? Walter
Rev? Dension Map - 98 32 - 21766
Payson (Signature)
Gas. W. Boyden. Amherst Mass.
Vol. R-71. 100

31. 365
Massachusetts
Peter King
of Hampshire in the State of Mass. who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Symon of the Regt. commanded by Col. Dyer in the Mass. line for 3 Years.
Certificate
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. W. at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Sep. 1833 and Annette L. H. Dickinson Amherst
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $ 200 Pendant allowance ending A. M. 34 40 $ 240
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. C. Stiles Clerk, Book E Vol. 2, Page 40.
78 Hampshire

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Hampshire COUNTY ss.
ON THIS Thirtieth day of December A. D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Hon. Samuel Merriam Judge of the Court of Probate for said County, now sitting at Northampton within and for the said County of Hampshire, New Hampshire, Peter King a resident of Amherst in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of an 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 is to say; I the said Peter King, at Peterborough in said
county, the latter part of July, or the forepart of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & seventy six, enlisted into a Company of Militia, commanded by Capt. Oliver Lyman of Northampton, Lt. Kellogg of Hadley, & Lt. Woodbridge of Hatfield, all in the same County, our Company being made up from the neighboring Towns, & in Col. Dyer's Regiment. We marched directly to Roxbury near Boston; thence to Danvers, where our Regiment was stationed & where we remained during the expiration of our term of enlistment, which was four months. Having served out my said term of four months, I was discharged here, but as the custom was with the militia, verbally. We were discharged the latter part of November or the forepart of December following. While here I was detached once, on a station guard, so called, to go to Jamaica Plains, a few miles distant to guard the stores deposited there - and occasionally was ordered on to Castle Island, in Boston Harbor, on fatigue, as it was called, to assist in repairing the fort & craft works there. John Barker, then a neighbor to me, now residing in Lyons in the State of New York, was all this campaign with me; as his deposition in this case has stated.
On the twentieth of May one thousand eight hundred & seventy seven, I again enlisted, at said Peterborough, into a Company of Militia, under the command of Capt. John Thompson of Peterborough & Lt. Noah Dickinson of Amherst in the same County, in Col. Leonard's Regiment, to go to Syracuse, for two months. We went directly to Albany, thence to the head of Lake George, & then to Syracuse. Here we crossed over the Lake to Mount Independence, where we were stationed. Capt. Thompson here obtained liberty to take our Company a little back into the woods, to make things; & we all went there, & remained engaged in that business till just before Burgoyne's army came down, when we were called into the Fort, a few days before Syracuse was evacuated, which was, the sixth of July. After Syracuse was given up, we took our camp eastwardly, through the woods, as it was then to the settlements, nearly one day's march. Soon after getting through the woods our lines were under the command of Col. Francis, was attacked, & Col. Francis killed. This was at or near Castleton in Vermont. The same Col. Francis was a member of the Senate of this Commonwealth.

under the command of Col. Francis, was attacked, & Col. Francis killed. This was at or near Castleton in Vermont. The same Col. Francis commanded a Regiment, which lay over at Danfester, in my former campaign, as stated above, & I have often heard of  heard of him, & had a very favorable opinion of him as a brave & good officer. We went directly then to Connecticut River, to a place then called, No. 4. Now Charles-town. Then down the River to our homes, our time being out. I was engaged in this campaign two months & ten days. Gen. Matoon, whose testimony is in this case was in the same campaign, & part of the time in the same company with me. I rely on his deposition, & the Certificate of the Secretary of our State as proof of this service.
In the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy-eight, I again enlisted, at said Pelham, into the militia, or early in the summer of the same year, and I am satisfied as early as June, to go to the State of Rhode Island; and I know I actually commenced my service, the first or second day of July, because I attended to the execution of a Mrs. Spooner & her then accomplishment, at Worcester, on our way, which was I believe on the fourth day of July of that year, & I must have been at least two days in going there from Pelham; and besides, I well remember the time of my service expired on the first day of January following, six months, so that I am satisfied, that my time of six months commenced as early as the first day of July. The Captain assigned to take the command of our company was from South Hadley in this County, but for some reason never joined the company. Lt. Matoon of Northampton Major General, whose deposition is in this case, had the command of the company till we reached Providence, to which place we marched directly, through Worcester, as above stated. Soon after arriving at Providence the commanding General assigned Capt. Lamb of Chester to the command of our company, but we were always called Matoon's men. We were stationed at Providence, West of the Bridge, until Governor Dyer arrived; or then passed down School-place to Warland, being encamped over with the army under Gen. Sullivan to Rhode Island. Our company belonged to Col. Wade's Regiment. I well remember the army moved towards Newport in their division - that the French Fleet lay in the harbor of Newport when we landed on the Island, but in a day or two sailed out of the harbor, I remember seeing them sail out. I also well remember a violent rain storm, soon after going on to the Island, which destroyed much of the powder in the army. When Gen. Sullivan & army returned off the Island I was in the rear guard, through the  at the battle, at  on which was on the last days in August - the rear guard was under the command of Col. Boston - the other  rest of the night. I passed on to the main body, with the army; there our Regiment was stationed at Green  Green  at our winter quarters, at Warwick Neck, so called. Then a part of our Regiment remained until the first day of January following, when we were discharged, but not in writing. I knew my service was six months, as above stated.

On the tenth day of August nineteen hundred & twenty nine, I again enlisted, at Pitham aforesaid, as a recruit, into the Continental Army, for eight months; was mustered at Springfield on Connecticut River, in this State; there conducted with about one hundred other recruits, by Lt. Kelly of the American Army, to West Point. Here we were distributed to the several companies, as vacancies were made in them; each soldier having the liberty, as far as practicable, to choose his own company. Six of my neighbors & townsmen enlisted with me, one of them was William Miller, then called Mr. Muller, whose testimony is in this case, & the only one known to be living. We all went into Col. Slocum's Regiment - I went into Capt. Seaman's Company. We soon crossed the North River over to the Highlands, on the East side. There we marched further East, a few miles to a place called, if I recollect rightly, Bedford; at & near which we stayed until we returned to West Point for winter quarters. We were in Gen. Nixon's Brigade & after Gen. Glover came from Providence with his Brigade, both Brigades formed a Division under Major Gen. Howe. While at West Point, I was detached, on a stationed guard, to go to a place called New Bridge, on Croton River, a few miles North of White Plains, & remained there the residue of my term. When my eight months had expired I went back to West Point, took my discharge in writing, & returned home with said William Miller & others of my townsmen. This discharge is lost, being confided of resolution.
The latter part of September or the forepart of October one thousand seven hundred & eighty, and it has always been in my mind, that it was the tenth day of October that I passed muster & my term of service was considered as commencing, I enlisted again as a recruit, into the Continental Army ; and as a substitute for Elliot Gray, who was drafted in Pitham for that service. He was drafted some time before I agreed to take his place, and from the return made by the Selectmen of Pitham to the Secretary of our State, according to the Secretary's certificate herewith sent. I have no doubt he was drafted on the second day of August in that year, & the Selectmen considered my term, as I took his place, as their beginning; but it was considered by the officers of

comes as was, drafted on the second day of August in the year, & the Selectmen confided my time, as I took his place, as their beginning; but it was confided by the officers of the United States, by me, as commencing when I was mustered. My enlistment was for six months, I passed mustered at Springfield above named, as before, & according to my best recollection & belief, on the tenth day of October 1780. While waiting here for other units to come in, I well remember going with some other soldiers by the name of Moore across Connecticut River to West Springfield, & there resided two or three weeks in the family of the Rev. Dr. Lathrop, minister of that place, turning in our rations, & eating with the family; & we labored, some for him, & some for others of the neighborhood, as we found employment. After a sufficient number of units had come in, we were conducted, in the most direct way, to Kings Ferry, so called, over the North River, & thence to a place in New Jersey, called Horeway, where the main army under Gen. Washington lay. The units were distributed to different companies, I was placed in a company commanded by Lt. Taylor in Col. Dailly's Regiment, according to my best recollection & belief. We remained in & near that place, with the army, until it be- came necessary to go into Winter quarters, then we marched to West Point, & were stationed there. While here, I was detached to go, with a Party under the command of Col. Muhl, to Morristown, so called, a place near Kings Bridge, to surprise & take a detach- ment of the British lying there. I was, for this expedition, put into a company commanded by Capt. Fox. I well remember marching all the night surrounding the nineteenth of January, & how much we suffered from cold, & from being obliged to wade a flow of water in our march. We took about fifty of the British rounded the rest of the party, & returned. I went with Capt. Fox to conduct & guard them to Freshkill. We then returned to West Point, where I remained till February following, & I believe not far from the tenth of that month, when John Barber, who was neighbor to me at Pitham, having been for nearly or quite a year in confinement as a prisoner at New York, came then on his return home, having obtained his discharge. I then hired Pitham, who had been a Corporal in our company, & whose term of service had expired, to move out the remainder of my term, & he was accepted in my place, & I discharged. I am satisfied this was on or near the tenth of February, as I hired Pitham for two months, & I have always thought, the six months expired on the tenth of April following; this is according to my best recollection. and I know I hired Pitham for two months, & paid him some thirteen dollars, per month, Continental money.
so that I actually served four months, as I have always remem- bered that term of service. I was made up & allowed by the town six months & eight days, as appears by the history & certificate; because I would pay myself & substitute that term including my time returning home.

Four hundred dollars, for months, last named
to that I actually served four months, as I have always remem- bered that term of service. I was made up & allowed by the town six months & eight days, as appears by the history & certificate; because I never fully served & substitute that term included my time returning home after my discharge. I praying my substitute. But I did not serve myself but four months, unless I should be allowed for my time returning home, which I suppose is the eight days entitled by the history. After procuring my substitute, his acceptance, & my discharge, I re- turned home with the said John Barber. My discharge I have left or destroyed, as of no value.
I was born in Sudbury in the County of Middlesex in this State, Feb. 11 1757 - when a child I was carried  was moved to Winton, a town adjoining - lived there most of the time till sixteen years of age - then came to Pittsfield named above, where I lived till 1820, ten years ago, when I moved to Amherst where and where I have lived ever since & where I now reside. I have reason to believe that my birth is recorded at Sudbury, but I do not know the fact.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Peter King
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hinsdely Judge of Probate
We, Nathan Perkins a clergyman residing in the town of Amherst and Ebenezer Mattson residing in Amherst hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Peter King who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy five 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
Nathan Perkins E Mattson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss. Dec. 31. 1832 Then personally appeared Rev. Nathan Perkins, a clergyman and

don't he... King
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
Before me Samuel Hinsley Judge of Probate
We, Nathan Perkins , a clergyman residing in the town of Amherst and Ebenezer Mattson residing in Amherst hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Peter King who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy five 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
Nathan Perkins
E Mattson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampshire County ss. Dec. 31. 1832 Then personally appeared Nathan Perkins , a clergyman and Ebenezer Mattson who sub- scribed the foregoing affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same. Before me William C. Cushing Justice of the Peace
I also hereby certify that the said Nathan Perkins is out of health, and that Ebenezer Mattson is blind and therefore it would be inconvenient for them to attend court in person - William C. Cushing Jus. Peace
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 Nathan Perkins who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in Amherst and that Ebenezer Mattson who has also signed the same, is a resident in Amherst and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit, and that said Perkins & Mattson could not attend said court without an unreasonable exposure of their health -
Samuel Hinsley Judge of Probate
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN , Register of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter King for a pension, & that said William C. Cushing is a Justice of the Peace to be had in Hampshire County & the above signature reporting IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this thirty first day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two -
Sam F. Lyman Register

I the within named Peter King do, under oath make this further statement; viz. Soon after I received the deposition of John Barber, which was sent to the Pension Office with this declaration, which I sent by Mail, & which was taken & sworn to before Wm. Tipton, First Judge of Wayne County, New York, on the 26 th October 1832, finding that the said Judge had not certified to the credibility of the said Barber, I sent a letter to be written to said John Barber, & sent by Mail, requesting him to give his deposition again, & certifying that the said John Barber's character for truth was good; & also certifying that it would be unnecessary to make any mention of the transaction in 1780, as I had the & sufficient proof of that without his testimony - I did not send back the original deposition, as the extra postage would probably equal the expense of taking the new deposition; added that might be left on the papers - but hearing nothing from said Barber I was obliged to supply that defect, if it could be supplied, by the testimony of John Rankin, & the Certificate of Samuel F. Dickinson both Justices of the Peace for this County, & acquainted with the character of said Barber; & to send the papers to the Pension Office, there supposed that on some of the last days of May last, I received, through the Post Office, the new deposition before sent for, duly authenticated, but omitting the time of hearing in 1780 - which is hereby  herewith sent annexed.
Peter King 23413
taken & subscribed before Dickinson Robinson Esq., Commissioner in & for the County of Cayuga in the State of New York, on the sixth fourth day of April last. This deposition I send, hoping it may be received in lieu of the other, & remove the difficulty complained of. The reason of his not receiving & answering my letter before, was that he had changed his place of residence.  Peter King
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
November 22 1833. Personally appeared Peter King, subscribed to the above affidavit, being well known to me, as a credible witness, & of known & practiced integrity, & made known oath to the truth of the same.
Before me Samuel F. Dickinson Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify, that I wrote the letter above mentioned to John Barber on the fourth  sixth day of April last.

of the same.
Before me Samuel F. Dickinson justice of the Peace
I hereby certify, that I read the letter above men- tioned to John Barber, at the request of said Peter Big. as he has above stated - that I have examined the letter covering the second deposition of said John Barber, which is herewith sent - that it is attested at Port Byron in P. County of Cayuga April 9. 1833.
Samuel F. Dickinson justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of S. I Samuel F. Glean Register of the Court of Probate within & for said County of Hampshire do hereby certify that Samuel F. Dickinson Esq. before whom the preceding deposition was taken was at the date thereof one of the Justices of the Peace for said and that the above signature purporting to be his I believe to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court this twenty seven-th of June A.D. 1833
Sam F. Glean Register

23417
Peter King
Mass
Private & years
David G. Dickenson Amherst, Hampshire Co. Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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. 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, showing the Service of Peter King
Hampshire County Mass
   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.     Enlist 1776 4 priv Capt Lyon Col. Dyer None Roxbury 76 years Documentary   " 1777 " 2 10 " Thompson Leonard { Concord Hampshire County Ordinary   " 1778 " 6 Lieut Watson Putnam { Albany Mass Swearing   " 1779 x 9 Capt Land Col. Bradley { Rhode Island Papers not   65 1780 " 4 Lieut Lilly Colonel West Point Authenticated   Capt Sumner Stinson New Bridge One witness   Col. Bailey On Boston Neck Not Confirmed   Kings Ferry Credible   New Jersey   West Point  
on Roll of service 9 months
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) _____, who has 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 _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the 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 [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.

29 945 Pay INVALID.
File No. 29,945
Peter King His Rev War
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 299
[Arrangement of 1870.]

✓ 9213
S
Noe Ans

No. 74713
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Apr. 16 th , 1875.
Peter King Pirate Mass. Contl. Line Rev. War
9213 160-55
Jas. W. Boyden Amherst Mass.

Deposition for Peter King
Rev. William G. Phelps

I Elliot Gray of Athens in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged 77 Seventy seven years do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Peter King of Amherst in the County aforesaid, and knew him in the War of the Revolution. He then resided in said Town of Athens that as near as I can recollect the forepart of August A.D. 1780. I was detached as a recruit in said Athens for six Months, and it not being convenient for me to leave home at that time I hired the said Peter King to perform the Service for me, as my Substitute. Some time afterwards he left home for that purpose, and I have no doubt that he performed the Service according to the terms of the detachment, and further the deponent saith not -
Elliot Gray
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss. - December 28: 1832 Then personally appeared Elliot Gray who subscribed
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that William Cockey Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition were was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this thirty first day of December A.D. 1832
Sam F. Lyman Register of Probate.

I Elliot Gray of Athens in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy Seven years do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Peter King of Deerhurst in the County aforesaid, and knew him in the War of the Revolution, he then resided in said town of Athens that as near as I can recollect the forepart of August A.D. 1780. I was detached as a recruit in said Athens for six Months, and it not being convenient for me to leave home at that time I hired the said Peter King to perform the Service for me, as my Sub- stitute, some time afterwards he left home for that purpose, and I have no doubt that he performed the Service according to the terms of the detachment, and further the deponent saith not -
Elliot Gray
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss. - December 28. 1832 Then personally appeared Elliot Gray who subscribed the above affidavit, (and who is well known to me as a man of truth, and is a credible witness;) and made oath to the truth of the same -
Before me Nathan Cook Esq. Justice of the Peace

Ebenezer Mattson of Amherst in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts of Lawfull age do testify and say, that I am well acquainted with Peter King now of Amherst aforesaid, and knew him in the war of the Revolution, that in the Spring of Seventeen hundred and seventy Seven he was a private in Capt. John Thompson Company at Tycondenoga and I think in Col. Leonard. Regiment, he was in the same Company at the time Genl. St. Clair retreated from that place which was July the sixth of the same year -- Also in the Spring of Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight. I think in April I was a Lieutenant and among others enlisted the said Peter King as a private, and he served in the same company with me, of which Capt. Larned led the company and in the Regiment under Col. Wade, in the State of Rhode Island - we served together until the January following, and was discharged at Warwick in said State - and further the deponent saith not -
E Mattson
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss. August 16, 1832 Then personally appeared Ebenezer Mattson who is well known to me and is a credible witness, and who subscribed the above affidavit in my presence, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same -
Before me Jonathan Cook Justice of the Peace

Mr. Melvin's Depts.

I William Mellen of Prescott in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy Seven years, who was formerly known and called by the name of William M c Mullen, do testify and say that I am well acquainted with Peter King of Amherst in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, that in the Month of July on the fore part of August A.D. 1779 I was detached in the Militia of Massachusetts as a recruit for the continental Army in the Revolution and immediately entered the Service in company with the said Peter King and several others who then resided in Ashfield in the County aforesaid, we served at and near West Point in the State of New York the term of eight Months, in Col. Gnaton's Regiment and Brig. Genl. M c Donough's Brigade, and were discharged in the Month of April A.D. 1780. I knew the said Peter King to be in the Service the whole of said time though we were not in the same company, as near as I can recollect he served in Capt. Sumner's company and further the deponent saith not -
November 13 th A.D. 1832. William Mellen
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire County ss. November 13 th 1832 Then personally appeared William Mellen who subscribed the above affi- =davit and made oath to the truth of the same -
Before me Samuel Henry Justice of the Peace I also hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the aforesaid deponent, and that he is a credible witness -
Samuel Henry

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Hampshire ss.
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate within and for said County of Hampshire, do hereby certify that Samuel H. Carey Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that the signature thereto annexed purporting to be his, I know  believe to be genuine.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this thirty first day of December
A. D. 183 2
Sam. F. Lyman Register of Probate.

State of New York County of Wayne I S: John Barber of the town of Lyons County and State aforesaid, being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is well acquainted with Peter King formerly of the town of Pelham, now of the town of Amherst, in the State of Massachusetts, that the said King enlisted in the service of the United States, in the month of July 1776 in a Company commanded by Captain Oliver Lyman, in a Regiment of New- State Troops commanded by Colonel Dyke; that he marched to Dorchester near Boston where he con- tinued to serve in said company for the full term of four months. That this deponent was a soldier at the same time and served in the same company with the said King during the whole term of four months.
And this deponent further saith, that on his return from New York after he was discharged from his imprisonment, in the month of February 1781, he found the said Peter King in the service at Westpoint, that this deponent thinks the said King informed him at the time, that he had been in the service the term of eight months, that the said King hired a substitute to serve out his time and returned home with this deponent.
And this deponent further saith that the said Peter King has always been reputed as a good and citizen and a man of truth and veracity. Sworn and subscribed before me this 26 th day of John Barber October 1832
Wm. Sisson First Judge of Wayne County
I John Rankin of Pelham in the County of Hampshire & Com- monwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County, aged fifty two years, do hereby certify
Mr. Barber's Depo.

I John Rankin of Pitkin in the County of Hampshire & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Esquire, one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County, aged fifty two years, do testify & say that from my childhood I was well acquainted with John Barber, who formerly lived in said Pitkin, & a near neighbor to my father, in whose family I always resided, until he removed from Pitkin, which was about twenty years ago. I further testify, that the said John Barber has been, since he removed away, once or more, at Pitkin; and I have understood from him, & by reputation, that he resided in Lyons in the State of New York; I also testify, that the said John Barber was always, reputed a man of strict integrity, and his word deserving full credit - and such is my opinion of him; I consider him, a man of unswervingly integrity & veracity - and having formerly been acquainted with his hand writing, I do verily believe the signature to the foregoing affidavit to be his signature; & I have no reason to doubt, that John Barber whose signature is to the above affidavit is the same John Barber, with whom I was formerly acquainted, as above stated.
John Rankin Justice of the Peace
I Samuel S. Dickinson of Amherst in the County of Hampshire, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, hereby certify, that I have been slightly acquainted with the said John Barber, while he resided in Pitkin; that I have known his character, by reputation; & that he has always been reputed a man of a good character and of respectability, & unquestioned veracity, and I verily believe his statements are entitled to full credit.
Dec 31. 1832 Samuel S. Dickinson Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss. Dec 31 1832 Personally appeared John Rankin Esq. relative to the above affidavit, well known to me as a credible witness, & made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Before me Samuel S. Dickinson Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I, Samuel F. Lyman Register of the Court of Probate for said County do hereby certify that John Randall Samuel F. Lyman within named are Justices of the Peace for said County duly qualified that the within signatures purporting to the
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this thirty first day of December A.D. 1832
Sam. F. Lyman Register

State of New York Wayne County
I Cullen Foster Deputy Clerk of said County do certify that William Sapon before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date thereof First Judge of Wayne County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature under the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 26th day of October A.D. 1832
Cullen Foster, Dep. Clk

State of New York County of Cayuga ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a commissioner to take the acknowledgment of Deeds of the town of Mentz in the county of Cayuga in the state of New York John Barber now of Mentz aforesaid late of the town of Lyons in the county of Wayne in said state who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Peter King of the town of Amherst in the county of Hampshire in the state of Massachusetts and has been acquainted with said Peter from a boy that they were brought up in the same neighbourhood together in the town of Pelham in said county of Hampshire that he has known him since Dexty years but has not seen him once within twenty years last past and that was three years ago last summer at Amherst aforesaid and was at his house at that time
That in the year 1776 this Deponent lived in the town of Northampton in said county of Hampshire and that in the month of July according to this Deponent's best recollection in the year part of the year 1776 the Company of Militia to which he had volunteered marched to Dorchester near Boston and when he arrived at Dorchester he saw that Peter King aforesaid was in the same company to which he this Deponent then belonged that said Peter King and this Deponent were in actual service of the United States at this time the full term of four months in Capt Oliver Symons company in whose company was S er t. Kelley and Ensign Knowbridge in Col Dyer's Regiment that this Deponent was knowing to said Peter King serving four months under the aforesaid officers at the time above mentioned
The words "him" since & month of July according to this Deponent's best recollection in" were interlined before signed or sworn to Sworn to before me this 4 th day of April 1833
Emerson Robinson Comr of Deeds
Cayuga County ss I certify that I am well acquainted with John Barber the person who has subscribed

And I swear to the foregoing Affidavit and that he is a person upon whose statements there may be placed implicit confidence and that his credibility is good and his statements relied upon as truth & nothing else.
Devoon Robinson Esq.
State of New York Cayuga County Clerk's Office. I Michael P. Myers Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Devoon Robinson Esq. was on the fourth day of April 1833 a Commissioner of Deeds for and in said County. that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and hereby declare his signatures to the annexed affidavit & certificate to be genuine. Witness my hand and Official seal this sixth day of April A.D. 1833
M. P. Myers