Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22,436, for Gilbert Tompkins, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
Navy R.I.
Tompkins, Gilbert . No 22,436 Mary
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

7650. New York.
Mary Tompkins, deceased, widow of Gilbert Tompkins, N.Y. who was a private, in the New York Line.
Albany Roll.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 5 5/8 Dollars 33
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. ending 10th May, 1844, the day she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of March, 1846
and sent to Hon. W. J. Hough,
A.R.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
17 June, 1844.
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 87. —
Report to Agent, 1st of April, 1846.

30.123.
Albany New York
Robert Tompkins of Madison Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Miller of the Regt commanded by Col Church in the New York line for 16 months pri-R.
Entered on the Roll of New York at a rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Augt. 1835 and sent to Pensioner Hamilton, Madison Co. N.Y.
In arrears to the 4th of March '35 $213.32 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept " 26.66 $239.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. M. Clagett Clerk, Bo E-2 Vol. 4 Page 72
List of pensioners and their names & etc 1835

4673 Mary Tompkins widow of Gilbert Application for a Pension act 7 July 1838
D. P. Granger ad. of Morrisville Madison County N.Y. Died 1st Oct. 1835
Admitted Private 16 months

State of New York Madison County, On this 6 th day of February 1839 personally appeared before Barack Berkswell one of the Judges of the County Courts of said County of Madison Mary Tompkins, a resident of the town of Madison in said County of Madison aged sixty eight years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act Congress passed July 7 th 1838 enti- tled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows".
That she is the widow of Gilbert Tompkins late of Madison in said County deceased, who was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 th 1832, & for proof of his services applicant would refer to his papers on file in the Pension Office - She further declares that she was married to the said Gilbert Tompkins at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island on the fifth day of February seventeen hundred & eighty nine - That her husband the aforesaid Gilbert Tompkins died on the first day of October 1835 & that she has remained his widow ever since the period of his death: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, lest the marriage took place previous to the first day of January seventeen hundred & ninety four, (viz) at the time above stated. I swore this declaration before me
The 6 th day of February 1839 & I certify that the said applicant Mary Tompkins cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court.
Barack Berkswell Judge of Madison County Courts
State of New York Madison County, Philip Tompkins of the town of Madison in said County being duly sworn deposes & says, that the said Mary Tompkins is the mother of this deponent & that the said Mary Tompkins is the widow of the said Gilbert Tompkins & that the said Gilbert Tompkins died

on the first day of October 1835 & that the said Mary has remained his widow ever since the period of his death & that the said Gilbert Tompkins was at the time of his death a citizen of the United States & Given before me this 6 th of February 1839 & I certify Philip Tompkins that the said Philip Tompkins is a credible witness
Barak Beckwith Judge of Madison County Courts
Clerk's office N.Y. Madison County State of New York I John H. Danwell Deputy Clerk of said county do hereby certify that, Barak Beckwith Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits, purport to have been sworn was on the date of the same a Judge of the county courts of said county duly commissioned and sworn and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the signature subscribed to the foregoing affidavits are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, this 6 th day of February 1839 John H. Danwell

Town Clerk's Office Little Compton October 1 st A. D. 1838.
This may certify that Gilbert Sampkins Son of Joseph and Martha his wife, both deceased, and Mary Brownell, the Daughter of Samuel and Ruth his wife, of Westport were joined in matrimony. Little Compton February ye 5 th 1789. February fifth Seventeen hundred and eighty nine. P. Chase Shepard.
I certify that the above is a true copy of the record in fair legible letters and figures, excepting the words. "February fifth Seventeen hundred and eighty nine."
R. H. T. W. M. Town Clerk.
State of Rhode Island } County of Newport } ss.
I Alexander H. Brownell above named, do hereby say, that I hold the office of Town Clerk of the Town of Little Compton in the County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of my office, with the exception above named, as certified by me.
R. H. T. W. M. Town Clerk.
Sworn before me.
P. H. Little Justice of the Peace
State of Rhode Island } County of Newport } ss.
I Daniel C. Denham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County aforesaid, being a court of Records, do hereby certify that Philip F. Little is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Little Compton, County aforesaid, was appointed by the General Assembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State bearing date the seventh day of May 1838 and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity; and that his signature above written is Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Newport this Fifth day of October, eighteen hundred & thirty eight. Daniel C. Denham Clerk.

8016088
Gilbert Tompkins Madison Co C.R.Y.
e.f.
susp? -
Admitted
8 Mo Private of Marius
8 " Private soldier 16 - $53.33
John Paul Jones
J. B. Eldridge Hamilton Madison Co C.R.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 16 1833
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 subjunct notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show 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 Gilbert Jenkins Madison Co. Ky.
   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 May 1775 disch May 1776 ✓ 8 private Captm Welch Col Chuch Maj Bury Jamaica Plainview 79 years Rhode Island Stephen Pease states that in 1775 he has traditional evidence like mine   enlist Jan 1776 disch 1776 8 Lieut Church Gen Green Bosbury   enlist Oct 1776 disch 1777 Sergt Ensign Briggs Genl Howe Gen Paton Prospect Hill near Boston   enlist 1777 disch 1778 officer Captm Church Gen Washington Halifax   General service sergeant Lieut Baley Col Pickard Newport   Ensign Church Cape Cod   Captm James   Captm Smith  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. 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 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.
John S. Ashton

Oneida Countys: John Bailey of Marshall County aforesaid & State of New York being duly sworn depones and says. That in the year 1776 he served in the State Troops of Rhode Island as a fellow soldier with Gilbert Tompkins now a resident of Madison Madison County. That said Gilbert Tompkins enlisted into the State Troops of Rhode Island at the town of Little Compton. Newport County and State aforesaid on the first of February 1776 for a term of One Year - in the Company commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Church. Lieut. Samuel Bailey. & Ensign Benjamin Church. That said Gilbert Tompkins served in said company at Newport R. I. until he en- -listed into the Naval Service. at Newport on board the Ship commanded by Capt. John Paul Jones. which enlistment this deponent believes was on the first of October 1776. That the term during which they were fellow soldiers as aforesaid was Eight months - and further this deponent says not. Sworn and subscribed this 26th day of September 1832 before me
John Bailey Reuben Bacon J. Peace
I certify that the above named deponent John Bailey who took and sworn to and subscribed the above affidavit before me is a man of good character for veracity & That his statement is entitled to credit.
Reuben Bacon Justice of the Peace
13

State of New York
Clerks Office Oneida County ss: I Geo Brown Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Reuben Bacon Esquire before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County and duly authorized by law to act as such and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his own proper hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and Seal of Office at Utica in said Coun- ty this Eleventh day of October A.D. 1832
Geo. Brown Clerk Joseph B. Read Dep. Clerk

Declaration of Gilbert Tompkins
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of New York On the Eighth day of October 1832 personally Madison County ss appeared in open court before the judges of the court of Common Pleas of said County now sitting Gilbert Tompkins a Resident of the Town of Madison in said County aged Seventy nine years of who being first sworn in the form of Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following names Officers and served as here in States
That at the commencement of the Revolution he resided in the state of Rhode Island in the Town of Little Compton that in the year 1775 the first May he enlisted into a company commanded by Aaron Wilbur Captain Nathaniel Church Lieutenant and Com- missary Briggs ensign of Little Compton when they were first Mustered that they first Marched to Jamaica Plains near Roxbury, where they remained some days. from there they moved onto Prospect Hill near Boston where they joined a Regiment commanded by Thomas Church Colonel William Turner Major Lieutenant Colonel and (Olney Major as this deponent thinks) they were in a Brigade commanded by Nathaniel Green General. That they remained stationary after that during the campaign that he served this campaign eight months which was the term for which he enlisted that he was discharged at Prospect Hill the first of January they had no critical engagement this campaign. when Bunker Hill Battle took place the Troops to which this deponent belonged were at Roxbury. In the first part of the campaign Generals Warren and Putnam command- ed in the latter part of the campaign General Washington commanded in person. After he was discharged he returned to Little Compton. That in the year 1776 the last of January or first of February this deponent again enlisted into a company commanded by Captain Church before mentioned. Daniel Bailey of New London Lieutenant and Benjamin Church of Little Compton ensign thinks they were not all Mustered until they got to Newport when they first Marched and joined a Regiment commanded by William Richmond Colonel the Lieutenant Colonel and Major not recalled

-uted That they remained Stationed at New Port during the time for which he retained service  remained until he was discharged from the company which was in the Month of October There was but an Regiment Stationed at New Port at that time. During the season they were employed in fortifying the place. That in the Month of October There came a Recruiting Officer from the Ship Alfred that lay in the harbour and took up for Volunteers That this Ensign then with the permission of his Officer enlisted as first Sergeant of the Marine to go on board the Ship. That in a few days he shipped aboard of the Alfred and was Mustered that the Ship was commanded by Captain John Paul Jones. That the Marines to which this Ensign belonged were commanded by Captain Edward Pr. O. Smith of Providence. They first sailed about the first of November they sailed east on the Coast of Halifax, Canada and Newfoundland, in company with the Ship Providence of twelve Guns, commanded by Waist by  Heather Captain, that while in company with the Ship they captured a Brigg and a Snow and the Ship Mallish which lost Mounted twelve Guns and was loaded with supplies for the British Troops and was destined for Quebec. She had a large quantity of clothing on board and it was said or there  was in specie for the payment of the British Troops. Soon after they were separated from the Ship in a Gale of wind and saw no more of her. That after they parted with the Ship they captured in a few days three Coast Ships when in sight of the Island of Newfoundland That they then took their departure for the United States and Boston, where in a few days there after they fell in with the Ship John Brown Lieut. Paul and captured her. It was in the Morning. That there was a party of hands on board the Alfred to man the Prize and this Ensign went on board the Prize, under a prize Master by the name of Saunders. About the third day at night they discovered on sail aft, the next Morning Captain Jones made signal for the prize to come near the Alfred . They did so when they were ordered to shift their course for the String sail which was yet in sight. That they did so and ascertained her to be a British vessel. That they then gave Captain Jones the signal but were themselves unable to escape, and were captured The Ship proved to be the English Frigate Melford of twenty

Eight Guns commanded by Henry May at B. Captain, they were captured on the ninth day of December. They were then taken on board the Milford, which continued the chase after Captain Jones until they came near Georges Banks, that they put this desert and his fellows in chains and threw them in the main deck where they supposed surely, that the Milford then shaped her course for Halifax where they arrived the 25th day of December they remained on board of the Milford until the last of January while on board the Milford they pressed their deserters to join us out of the crew, that he one day was allowed to go on shore where he made his escape and went into the town where he remained, while there he worked on board a Schooner for some days, while there he fell in with a man by the name of Thomas Wandworth who had formerly lived in Little Compton who had a son then on board of the Milford, he then went with the son Wandworth to his house that was fifty miles from Halifax, he promised to go with Wandworth, that he remained at Wandworths until Spring when he was taken by a Guard and imprisoned in a Prison Garrison kept at a place called Windsor, as a deserter from the Ship Milford, that he remained in the Garrison until the commander wrote to Halifax when he was released upon his getting one Ephraim Church formerly from Little Compton to be bondsman for him that he would remain until he had permission to return to the United States That this desert remained there until the first of December 1777 when he was released and started for Rhode Island, that came by land to the bay of Fundy, where got on board of a Schooner called the Black Snake and sailed for Salem where they arrived in a few days, from there he proceeded to Little Compton where he arrived on the 27th day of December 1777. That he has no documentary evidence
of his Service No one he knew of any one he can prove to testify to his Service on board the Ship near his home a Prisoner from positive knowledge, that Stephen Burn of Burn's Onslow County was with him the first campaign and John Bowly of Marshall Onslow County was with him the second campaign

until this declarant intested to go on board the Ship Alfred, That the sister of this declarant the widow Phoebe Brownell was then of sufficient age and lived at her Father's at the time of this declarant's said services and must have known of them as they were then stated.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not in any the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Subscribed and sworn
Gilbert Tompkins
October ninth 1832
A. S. Hoan Clk.
The said Gilbert Tompkins did then and there on his oath Make the following answers to the several interrogatories put to him by the Court.
1 st That he was born the 24 th day of May 1753 at Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island
2 d He has no record of his age.
3 d He was living in Little Compton upon a farm when called into service that he continued to live there until the year 1800 then moved into Westport Massachusetts where he lived Nine years when he moved to where he now resides. where he has lived ever since.
4 th Each time he entered the service he enlisted on a voluntary never was a substitute for any one.
5 th Cannot the officers under whom he served the troops with which he served any more particular than he has set forth in his declaration.
6 th
7 th He has not recited over receiving any discharge.
8 th That the Reverend John Graft and Deacon Benjamin Simmons are acquainted with him and can testify as to his character for veracity and also that they believe him to have been a soldier in the Revolution.

In the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Pleasant Weiss Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states, And the Court further certify that it appears to them that John Gnat who has subscribed and sworn to the affidavit hereto attached is as they have been informed in the Town of Madison, and that Benjamin Summan who has also signed the same is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to full credit.
I Andrew J. Sloan clerk of the court of common Pleas in and for the county of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Gilbert Tompkins for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 9th day of October 1832
A. J. Sloan Clk.

Declaration of Gilbert Tompkins
Pet. requested to be made to J B Scoble Esq Hamilton Madison Co. N.Y.

Town of Marshall ss. Stephen Pearce of Paris in the County of Onondaga & State of New York being duly sworn before Charles Smith one of the justices of the peace of said County makes oath & says that Gilbert Tompkins of Madison in the county of Madison in the State of New- York was in the year 1875 a citizen of the State Rhod- -island & that he as a private enlisted in the a company of State troops of said State commanded by Captain Aaron Wilbourn in a regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Church in a brigade commanded by Nathaniel Green on the first day of May 1875 & marched immediately to Roxbury in the State of Massachusetts that the said Gilbert served in said com- -pany & in the vicinity of Boston during eight months that this deponent served in the same company with him. & this deponent further saith not
Sworn & subscribed August 14-1882
before me Chas. Smith-justice of the peace Onondaga County
Stephen Pearce
I certify that the above sworn Stephen Pearce who subscribed & swore to  the the above affidavit -affidavit before me is a man of good character for veracity and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Chas. Smith justice

George Brown Clk. Utica
Clerks Office
Oneida County ss.
I Geo. Brown Clerk of the said County do hereby Certify that Charles Smith Esq. before whom the with in affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in & for the said County duly authorized by law to act as such. Further that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the Jurat of said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and Signature
Witness my hand & Seal of Office this 4 th day of September 1832
Geo. Brown Clerk Joseph D. Read Dep. Clk.

Declaration of Robert Tompkins
X 70088 v

State of New York § a clergyman To John Foote residing in the Town of Madison Madison County ss County of Madison and State of New York and Calvin Whitcomb residing in the same place do Certify that we are personally acquainted with Gilbert Tompkins of Madison a free soil and that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age. That it is reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides that he was a soldier in the Revolution and we concur in that opinion. And we would further certify that the said Tompkins is a man of an impeccable charac- ter for veracity and morality and every way respectable.
Subscribed and sworn before me September 8th 1832 and I here by certify that I am acquainted with John Foote and Calvin Whitcomb the above deponents and that the said Foote is a clergyman residing in Madison aforesaid & That said Whitcomb is a respectable farmer of Madison aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
John Foote. Calvin Whitcomb
James B. Sedgwick First Judge of Mad. Co.

Clerks Office Madison County
Yo. Andrea S. Sloan clerk of the said county do certify that James B Eldredge before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same First Judge of the county courts in and for said county and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of office this 9th day of October 1832
A. S. Sloan Clk
E. Barnard Dep. Clk

Gilbert Tompkins
Pension papers

State of New York Providence  affirmed before Me James B. Madison County By Eldredge  in a justice of the peace of said County. Phoebe Brownell who being duly sworn state in her oath before me and say under oath . That she is twenty three years of age, that she now resides in the Town of Madison in said County That during the Revolutionary War she resided in Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island with her father Joseph Tompkins. That she recollects distinctly that her Brother Gilbert Tompkins was in the Army as a soldier two or more campaigns as it was then said and understood in her Father's family that the first year of the war her said Brother was absent from home through the season and it was said he was in the Army at Boston That after wards during the Revolution her said Brother went from home in for part of the season and was gone through the season and it was again said and understood he was in the Army. That in the fall after this departure then understood her said Brother went on board of a war vessel. He continued absent from home and the family had news that he was taken prisoner and carried to Halifax. That her said Brother did not return home for more than a year after she understood he went on board the vessel. That she distinctly recollects the time he came home for the family of her father had supposed her said Brother was killed or at least they feared he was though they had had no news from him in a long time That her said Brother when returned said he had been kept under hands in Halifax and could not get clear before.
Phoebe Tompkins
I do hereby certify that I carefully and distinctly read the above affidavit to the above named deponent Phoebe Tompkins, and that she subscribed to her name unto her conscience there to attest the same
Made solemn oath to the truth of the same and
I further certify that she is a person of good char- acter for veracity and that her statement is entitled to credit. May 27th 1833. James B. Eldredge J.P.

State of New York, Gilbert Thompson being sworn in due Madison County ss. form of Oath, doth on his Oath depose and say that from old age and the consequent loss of memory he can't now state the precise day he enlisted at each time and the precise day he was discharged, but from what he does recollect he knows that he served in the war of the Revolu- tion as here after set forth.
In the Year 1775. as a private soldier in one campaign Eight Months. In the Year 1776 in one campaign as a private soldier eight Months. That at the close of the last Campaign mentioned he enlisted as a Sergeant of the  Marine on board the Alfred which was the middle of October that he served on board of the Alfred under said enlist- ment before he was taken prisoner and on board a prize vessel more than one Month and a half. That he was taken prisoner the 7th day of December and continued a prisoner on board of the British vessel until the last of January when he got on shore in Wallasey that he was a prisoner on board one Month and two thirds. That he remained in Wallasey same time for the sake and only reason that it was out of his power to get home particularly at that season of the Year that after remaining in Wallasey same time he got back into the Country through the influence of a friend after which it was impossible for him to return to the States at that season of the Year. That in the Month of April the 19th he was taken up as a deserter and put under bonds not to leave the County from which bonds he did not get released until the first of December when he got permission to return and did return with all possible speed and got back to Block Island on the 29th day of December 1777 Making in the whole.
In the Year 1775 as a private Eight months In the Year 1776 as Corporal & Sergeant in one campaign Eight months or more In the Year 1776 as Sergeant of Marines Two months & 24 days as one In the Year 1776 & 1777 as a prisoner of war one Year, as more for which he claims a pension. That his second enlistment

State of New York §  Province  before me James B. Madison County §  it directly  Judge of the peace of said County. Phoebe Brownell who being duly sworn cloth in her oath depose and say and her oath . That she is seventy three years of age, that she now resides in the Town of Madison in said County That during the Revolution war when she resided in Little Compton in the State of Rhode Island with her father Joseph Tompkins. That she recollects distinctly that her Brother Gilbert Tompkins was in the Army as a soldier two or more campaigns as it was then said and understood in her Father's family that the first year of the war her said Brother was absent from home through the season and it was said he was in the Army at Boston That after wards during the Revolution her said Brother went from home in for part of the season and was gone through the season and it was again said and understood he was in the Army That in the fall after this defeat then understood her said Brother went on board of a war vessel. He continued absent from home and the family had news that he was taken prisoner and carried to Halifax That her said Brother did not return home for more than a year after she understood he went on board the vessel. That she distinctly recollects the time he came home for the family as her father had supposed her said Brother was dead or at least they feared he was though they had had no news from him in a long time That her said Brother when returned said he had been kept under hands in Halifax and could not get clear before.
Phoebe Tompkins
I do hereby certify that I carefully and distinctly read the above affidavit to the above named deponent Phoebe Tompkins, and  not to put her name that she subscribed to her name there to attest them Made solemn oath to the truth of the same and I further certify that she is a person of good char- -acter for veracity and that her statement is entitled to credit. May 27th 1833. James B. Eldredge J.P.

was for an Year as a Corporal. That he served as Corporal one Month when he was promoted and advanced to a Sergeant and served as such until he enlisted to go on board the Alfred. That he did not state the fact of his being Corpo- ral and Sergeant under his second enlistment in his declara- tion from mistake or that it did not then occur to him that it was Nursery. and further he saith not.
Subscribed and sworn before
Gilbert Thompson
on May 27th 1833
James B Eldridge J.P.
State of New York } Madison County Clerk's Office } p: I. Andrew S Sloan, Clerk of the said County, do Certify that James B. Eldridge before whom the two preceding Affidavits purport to have been sworn was, at the dates of the same, One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County. And that I am ac- quainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name sub- scribed to the said Affidavits to be his proper hand writing and sig- nature Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 20 th day of August 1833. A. S. Sloan Clk

No
Mary Tompkins and widow of Gilbert NY
act March 1843 and 17 June 1844

State of New York
Madison County ss. On this 30 th day of December 1845 personally appeared before the Subscribers a Justice of the peace in & for the county of Madison aforesaid; Philip Tompkins a Resident of Madison in said County aged 41 years who being first sworn (duly), according to laws, doth on his oath make the following declaration; That Mary Tompkins (Widow of Gilbert Tompkins late of Madison aforesaid dec d & who drew a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th of July 1838 at the rate of Fifty three Dollars & thirty three cents per annum up to the 4 th of March 1841) died on the tenth day of May 1844 at Madison aforesaid. And that she left children her Surviving, & who are still living, & whose names, ages, & Residence, are as follows — William B Tompkins, who resides at Onondaga, in the county of Onondaga & State of New York aged 56 years — Samuel Tompkins, who resides at Galisburgh, in the State of Illinois, aged 52 years — Maria Manchester, wife of Edwin Manchester, who resides in Madison aforesaid, aged 50 years — Ruth Smith, wife of William Smith, who resides in Stockbridge in the county of Madison aforesaid aged 48 years — James Tompkins, who resides in Bloomington in the State of Illinois, aged 46 years — Philip Tompkins (the deponent) who resides in Madison aforesaid aged 41 — years — Lucy T. Holcomb, wife of Charles Holcomb, who reside in Wenatchee, in the county of Herkimer & State of New York, aged 39 years — Mary Peak, wife of Nathaniel Peak, who resides in Hamilton in said county of Madison aged 36 years — and who are all to this deponent known to be the children of said Gilbert & Mary Tompkins dec d (he this deponent being one of said children)

And that they the said persons above named are the only children who survive the said Mary Tompkins deceased Given & subscribed the 38 th day of December 1845 Philip Tompkins before me John Root Justice
I certify that I was personally acquainted with the said Gilbert & Mary Tompkins in their life time & that I am personally acquainted with their children above named & know them to be the respective children of the said Gilbert & Mary Tompkins and from that acquaintance am fully satisfied of the truth of the above statements of the said Philip Tompkins (the above affiant) & I further certify that the said Mary Tompkins above named was the same person who drew a pension as stated by said Philip Tompkins in the foregoing affidavit & I also certify that the words "to this document" used intended in said affidavit before the same was submitted to said Philip Tompkins & also the word "other" intended as aforesaid — John Root Justice
State of New York Madison County ss. Nathan Root of Hamilton in said County aged 45 years being duly sworn according to law on this matter do hereby depose & say that he hath been personally & intimately acquainted with Gilbert Tompkins & Mary Tomp- kins mentioned in the foregoing affidavit of Philip Tompkins and also with all their family for the space of twenty five years or more and that from such acquaintance he knows that the several persons named in the said affidavit of said Philip Tompkins as being children of said Gilbert & Mary Tompkins

are & ever have been Reported to be the children of said Gilbert, & Mary Tompkins and that from such personal acquaintance he believes the ages & places of residence of the said several children, are as in said affidavit of said Philip Tompkins is stated and that in this deponent was present when, & where, said Mary Tompkins died; which was at Madison in the County of Madison aforesaid on the tenth day of May 1844. Nathan Peck
Sworn & subscribed before me December 30 th 1845
John Foote I certify that I am personally acquainted with Nathan Peck in the foregoing affidavit named & who has subscribed & sworn to the same & that he is entitled to full credit for truth & veracity John Foote
24 State of New York Madison County Clerk's office I, Jacob T. Bentley clerk of said County hereby certify that John Foote Esqr. whose name is signed to the foregoing affidavit and certificate was at the time the same bear date a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly elected and qualified and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & hereby believe his signatures aforesaid are his genuine hand writing In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 2 nd day of January 1846. J. T. Bentley Clerk

mmx
October 14, 1924
J. Hall Truman, Jr., Allentown, Penn.
Sir:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 22436 it appears that Gilbert Tompkins was born May 24, 1753 in Little Compton, Rhode Island. He was the son of Joseph Tompkins and his wife Martha.
While a resident of said Little Compton he enlisted May 1, 1775 and served eight months as a private in Captain Wilbur's Company, Colonel Thomas Church's Rhode Island Regiment.
He enlisted February 1, 1776 and served as Corporal and Sergeant in Captain Nathaniel Church's Company, Colonel William Richmond's Rhode Island Regiment until October 1776 when he enlisted as First Sergeant of Marines under Captain Edward R. O. Smith on board the ship "Alfred" commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, sailing about November First.
Several prizes were taken and he was sent on

board of one of them " The John ", which was re-taken by an English ship " The Melford " and he was forced to serve as one of her crew.
One day, when allowed to go ashore at Halifax, he escaped and some time afterwards was discovered and arrested as a deserter from the Melford, and confined in a garrison at Windsor until the first of December 1777 when he was released and sent home, arriving there December 27, 1777.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 8, 1832 while a resident of Madison, Madison County, New York, where he died October 1, 1835.
Soldier married February 5, 1789 in Little Compton, Rhode Island, Mary the daughter of Samuel Brownell and his wife Ruth of Westport. Soldier's widow Mary was allowed pension on her application executed February 6, 1839 while a resident of Madison, New York aged sixty-eight years. She died May 10, 1844 in said Madison.
In 1845 their surviving children were:
William B. aged fifty-six years. Samuel " fifty-two years. Maria " fifty years, wife of Gideon Manchester. Ruth " forty-eight years, wife of William Smith. James " forty-six years. Philip " forty-one years. Lucy T. " thirty-nine years, wife of Chester Holcomb. Mary " thirty-six years, wife of Nathan Peck or Peek.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Payment to be made at
by
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book            Vol.            Page
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
and 17th: June, 1844.
I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, Mary Tompkins deed: who was the widow of Gilbert Tompkins, who was a private, was entitled to a pension at the rate of $53.33 per annum: comm: on the 4th March 1843 and endg: on the 10th: of May 1844, the day of her death; which will be paid upon who was the production of the proper vouchers to William B. Tompkins, Samuel Tompkins, Maria Manchester, Ruth Smith, and the James Tompkins, Philip Tompkins, Lucy T. Holcomb and Mary Pack, only surviving the children of Mary Tompkins, deceased. — is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of
_____ dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843, and terminating on the 4th March, 1844, unless the Pensioner should marry or die before the last mentioned date, in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.
Payment to be 33 given at the War Office of the United States, made at Albany this — 31 st — day of March, New-York D. one thousand eight hundred and forty-six.
Secretary of War.
Examined and countersigned.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Mr. Webb
28 Oct. 1825,
Pension office.
Gilbert Thompson
My Dear
No 30, 123

State of New York Macusintee Hamilton September 21 st 1835
To the Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War
Sir I received a pension certificate dated August 13 th 1835. Numbered 30.123 30.123 by which I am declared to be entitled to receive fifty three dollars and thirty three cent per annum during my natural life commencing on the 14 th of March 1831 A.D. I immediately drew my draft on the pension agent at Albany amounting to the annuity proper. My agent was informed that the books in the hands of the agent at Albany put my pension at fifty three dollars annually making the cent's payment was therefore refused. I trust there has been some mistake. That the Department will cause it to be rectified and give me notice to the end that I may be entitled to draw what ever is my due. I have further to respectfully request that the papers in my case might be re-examined and information given where in my proceedings of qualifying me to a full pension. I am am communication from the Department that my agent he was informed that there was considerable error in the office that John Paul Jones and not command the Alfred at the time I alleged to have served under him on board that ship. That there must be some misapprehension on that point, for I positively know I did the service alleged to have been done under him at the time I supposed on board the Alfred. With the highest consideration of respect I am Sir Yours &c.
Gilbert Tompkins

and 6 Lucas
1 th August 1835 Pension Office.
Gilbert T. Jenkins

Need 6 angts.
Hamilton Madison County Ky. July 31 st 1835
To the Hon. Lewis Cass Secy, of War
You will pardon me for inquiring what is the situation of my application for a pension. & What further is required of me before my case can be disposed of. I had supposed that I had but to  to  application  my  within three rules required by the War Department, by competent testimony, so to have  have  that  it entitled me to full pay, if I have not I should be glad to be informed wherein I am deficient and what further is required.
With the highest considerations of Respect I am Sir Your Hon. Gilbert T. Smith
P.S. Please direct the answer to me at Hamilton Madison Co., Ky.
12 40 10 3 3/4

Feb. 11. 1839 N.Y. 6 11673 7 July 1839
free
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

1839 Morrisville (Madison County) N.Y. Feby 6.
Yr Enclosed I send the Papers of Mary Tompkins, widow of Gilbert Tompkins, an applicant for a Pension. Respectfully yours Otis H. Granger
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm. of Pensions Washington

Oct 9. 1844 Resp Mary Tompkins N.Y. Frank J. S. Edwards Esq. War Office Washington City
FREE

Hamilton New York Oct 5 th 1844
Sir
I am under the necessity of requesting information from the War department concerning the particular case - Widow Mary Tompkins obtained a pension in California (in virtue of her deceased husband's services) under the Act which expired in 1842 & was calculating to apply on the 4 th of Sept. 1843 for the Semi-annual payment of a pension under the act of March 3. 1843 continuing pensions to widows for one year - but on or about the 1 st of Sept. 1843 was taken ill & her mind was so affected as to be incapable of transacting any business & continued in that state until she died June 1844. Now the question I wish to put is this - can her heirs obtain the money which she was entitled to while living, and in the same manner in which they might obtain the balance of the pension of a deceased father had he left no widow? And do the Rules adopted Nov. 1833 under the act of March 2 1829 apply to this case as well as to cases where a pensioner (who received services) has died leaving no widow but leaving children? I also wish to trouble you for the paper, or document containing instructions from the War office of "June 10. 1833 Chapter 1. Section 2 & form B" which is referred to in the paper herewith enclosed which I have included in brackets
Most Respectfully your obed Servt
For J. S. Edward Esq
J. M. Froble

FREE
Double W J Hough Esq. Member of Congress from Mad Co. N.Y. Washington City C.D.R.

Hamilton March 14. 1846
Sir
I sent papers to the War Department for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of a pension in for the children of Mary Tompkins Dec., some time in Dec r last; and as I have not heard from them I fear my letter was not Rec d . The papers were made in accordance with the direction of Mr Edwards to whom I applied for directions in her particular case. And I now want to trouble to enquire for me at the pension office, & if Rec d please enquire whether I may expect to hear from them soon. I also want to get know if an act has been passed by Congress the present session for the benefit of pensioners - if so would be glad of that act & Rules of the department under it . Your favor in these respects will confer an obligation on your most ob st
Yours John Frost Hon W m H. Hough Esq r

Mrs. Thompson's index of Warrants of Y Act 2 38
get etc.
enbl. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington City
PAID
paid
Chas. Lee Esq. Mary Thompson's son
Jan 19. 1846

Jan 13. 1846
paid Charles Care
May Frankfort Ky
PAID
get 25 cts
Act 38
Mary Josephine Mason of Kentucky
Col. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington City

Sir
Hamilton Madison County N.Y. June 14 1846
Enclosed are aff s containing proving the identity of Mary Tompkins. names age & Resid n of three Children as denoted by you in her case. which I hope will be so satisfactory as to secure a certificate upon which they can draw Bal ce of the widows pen- sion. & hope also that it will be convenient for you to give it an early attention
Yours Respectfully John Hoste
Hon J S Edward Esq

No.
Mary Tompkins, decd Maw of Gilbert JN
Act March 1843 and 17 June 1844
f 53 33 per ann from 14 March 1843 to 10 May 1844 the day of her death, payable to Mrs B. Tompkins, Samuel Tompkins, Maria Manchester Ruth Smith, James Tompkins Philip Tompkins, Lucy J. Belcomb, and Mary Pickering Surviving Children of Mary Tomp- kins decd.
How W. J. Hough House of Reps

3224. Albany N.Y.
Dead. 183 See letter to John Foote, Oct. 9. 1844.
Mary Tompkins, a widow of Gilbert Tompkins, died
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, and who died on the 1st October 1835, of Madison Co. in the State of New York who was a private in the Co. commanded by Captain Wilber of the regt commanded by Col. Church in the N. York line for 16 months.
Enscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of June 1839 and sent to C.P. Granger, Morriville, Madison Co. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $ 159 99 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 39 26.66
$ 186.65
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. M. Curdy , Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2, Page 106.

Rev. War Section.
July 14, 1916.
Mrs. F. H. H. Calhoun, Clemson College, South Carolina.
Madam:-
In response to your letter dated the 30"ultimo, you are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Gilbert Tompkins, W. F. 22,436 that he was the son of Joseph and Martha Tompkins, and was born May 24, 1753, at Little Compton, Rhode Island, and while residing there enlisted May 1, 1775, as Private in Captain Wilbur's Company, Colonel Thomas Church's Rhode Island Regiment, and served 8 months. On February 1, 1776, he enlisted in Captain Nathaniel Church's Company, and served as Corporal and Sergeant in Colonel William Richmond's Regiment until October 1776, when he enlisted as First Sergeant of Marines under Capt. Edward R. O. Smith on board the Alfred, commanded by Captain John Paul Jones, sailing about November first. Several Prizes were taken and he was sent on board of one of them "The John", which was retaken by an English ship, the Melford, and he was forced to serve as one of her crew. One day, when allowed to go ashore at Halifax, he escaped, and some time afterwards was discovered and arrested as a deserter from the Melford, and confined in a garrison at Windsor until the first of December 1777, when he was re-

leased and sent home, arriving there December 27, 1777.
He was allowed pension on an application executed October 8, 1832, while a resident of Madison, Madison County, New York. He married February 5, 1789, at Little Compton, Rhode Island, Mary, daughter of Samuel and Ruth Brownell of Westport. Soldier died October 1, 1835, and his widow Mary was allowed pension on an application executed February 6, 1839, while a resident of Madison New York, aged sixty-eight years. She died May 10, 1844, at Madison New York. In 1845 their surviving children were:
William B. aged 56 years. Samuel " 52 years. Maria " 50 years, wife of Gideon Manchester. Ruth " 48 years wife of William Smith. James " 46 years. Philip " 41 years. Lucy T. " 39 years wife of Chester Holcomb. Mary " 36 years wife of Nathan Peck.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

own age 41 Gerrett Place Utica N.Y.
Will you kindly send me the military record of Gilbert Tompkins of Madison, Madison Co. New York.
He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Mrs Fannie L. Fay.
December eleventh

Rev Sec 1
433 Washington Ave. Lorain Ohio
May 24, 1918
U. S. Commission of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
In filling out my application for membership in the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution I am unable to answer the following question "Give reference, by volume and page, to the documentary or other authority

upon which you found your record." As the ancestor from whom I trace my line was a pensioner at the time of his death I am instructed to write you as you may have on record the information needed. Said ancestor is Gilbert Tompkins of the Marines. Born in Rhode Island in 1753 died in Madison, N.Y. 1835.
Please let me hear from

you as soon as possible and enclose bill for any necessary expense involved.
Yours very truly
Mrs. Lathrop C. Grant- 433 Washington Ave Lorain Ohio

REV. JAMES TOMPKINS, Superintendent.
(NOTE CHANGE IN ADDRESS.)
Office of the Illinois Home Missionary Society,
Association Building, 153-55 La Salle St., Chicago.
July 15, 1896.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
My Dear Sir,
Will you be so kind as to send to me a certified statement of the military history of Gilbert Tompkins of Madison, Madison County, New York, a pensioner of the war of the Revolution? He was called " Captain " Tompkins. Whether he held such commission in the army, I know not. I think he served both in the Infantry and in the Marines.
I should like to have this statement made as full as possible. Will gladly pay such fee as is required.
Very Sincerely Yours,
James Tompkins.
Dictated.

Office of the Adjutant General Washington D.C.
OLD WAR & NAVY JUL 22 1896 FILES, S.
PENSION OFFICE JUL 22 1896
Mr. John [unclear] Washington D.C. Sir: In reply to your letter of the 14th inst. [unclear] of the military history of [unclear] New York, a [unclear] of the [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] I should like to have [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear] [unclear]

Rev. Sec 405
MRS. F. H. H. CALHOUN STATE REGENT CLEMSON COLLEGE, SOUTH CAROLINA
June 30, 1916.
Pension Bureau, Washington, D.C.,
Gentlemen:
. Gilbert Tompkins of Little Compton, R.I. served during the Revolution on the ship Alfred, being captured by the British and kept prisoner at Halifax for some time. On being released he again served the colonies. His rank was Sergeant. Have you any record of a pension being granted to him, and if so will you please tell me if it mentions by name his wife, Mary Brownell Tompkins, and the names of any of his children, especially James.
Thanking you for the favor, I am
Cordially yours,
Grace Ward Calloun

State Normal School,
PLATTSBURGH, N. Y.
E. N. JONES, Principal.
May 20, 1895.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
Can you inform me whether the name of Gilbert Tompkins (or Mary Tompkins, his widow) has ever been upon the pension rolls as a pensioner of the Revolutionary War? His residence was Madison, Madison Co., N. Y. I wish to ascertain the facts for the purpose of determining the eligibility of a descendant of said Tompkins to membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Respectfully yours, E. N. Jones.

OLD WAR & NAVY MAY 23 1895 P.L.H.S.
U.S. PENSION OFFICE MAY 21 1895

J. HALL TRUMAN JR. ALLENTOWN, PA.
Allentown, Pa. Sept. 22nd, 1924.
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
The writer is a great-great grandson of Gilbert Tompkins who rendered service in the Rhode Island army for sixteen months and later enlisted in our navy and was captured with his ship and made a prisoner and taken to Canada and later released. Will you kindly write me a letter giving your records in such a form that I can have it framed and hand down as an heirloom. Also kindly give references and data that I can use in establishing my rights to a membership in the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
Yours very truly,
J. Hall Truman Jr.
J.H. Truman, Jr/H

Rev 22,436.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22436
Mary Tompkins Widow of Gilbert Tompkins Pris. New War.
Act March 3 d / 3 rd June 19 th H th
Index: Vol. 16 , Page 279
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 27/95 Hist. to Prof. E. Plattsburgh, N.Y.
A. Jones, M.A.
July 28 '96 Recd to Rev Jas Jon Chicago Ills.
paid up kind J.W.B.
Dec. - 18 - 1900 - to Mrs. Gain L. F. Utica N.Y.
Hist any
1916 July 14 Hist. to Mrs. J. H. H. Calhoun 1918 June 1 Hist. to Mrs. L. C. Grant 1924 Oct. 14 Hist. to J. Hall Tremont, Jr. MMW
F
L

for H. B. Hon. Lewis Cass
Sanitary War City Washington D.C.

Free
Gen. Louis Cops
Secretary of War.
City of Washington