Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,503, for John Merrill, New Hampshire

SERVICE
NUMBER
N. H.
Merrill, John Sarah
A. 18,503
CONTENTS

Vermont 3299
Sarah Merrill, widow of John Merrill, deceased
who died on the 26 th of February, 1839. of Essex Dist in the State of Vermont who was a Sgt. & Pi in the company commanded by Captain Linsman of the Regt commanded by Col. Hubbard in the N. Hampshire line for 12 months Serjt. 5 months private
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 76 Dollars 67 Cents per annum, to commence on the 27 th day of March, 1839 } 27 Feb }
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 th day of April 1840 and sent to William Heywood, Jr. Esq. Guildhall, Vt.
Arrears to the 4 th of March, 1840 $78.15- Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 35.83-
$113.98
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2 Page 39.

N o 18368 Vermont
Let Hon H Everett 19 Feb 86
John Merrill
of Essex Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Pr. V. Sngt in the company commanded by Captain Simpson of the Reg't commanded by Col. Hubbard in the N. Hampshire Troops time for 12 months Sngt. 60.00 5 " Pr. 16.67  $76.67
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 76 Dollars 67 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15. day of 1833 1833 and sent to Pensioner Guildhall Vt.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 153.34 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833 38.33  $192.67
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3 Page 77

State of New Hampshire } Rockingham County ss }
I Bailey Knight Clerk of the Congregational Church in the town of Atkinson in said County do hereby certify that in the records of marriage kept among the records of said Church the marriage of John Merrill and Sarah Russell is recorded as follows viz - "Married November Seventeenth Seventeen hundred and Seventy four John Merrill of Grantham to Sarah Russell of Old Hambleton"
Bailey Knight Clerk of said Church
I Bailey Knight above named depose & say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Congregational Church in the town of Atkinson County & State aforesaid & the above is a true extract from the records of said Church with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in plain legible figures as follows - "November 17 th 1774"
I further Bailey Knight Clerk
Rockingham ss - Atkinson October 25, 1839 personally appeared Bailey Knight & made oath to the above officiant by him subscribed before me - & I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Bailey Knight & that he is a person of truth & veracity
John Vose, Justice of the peace

and Ann's certificate of marriage
State of New Hampshire } I, S. B. Noyes Clerk of the Rockingham ss } County courts of common pleas in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that John Dole Esq is a justice of the peace within and for said county of Rockingham duly commissioned and sworn, that his commission was dated on the 21st day of June A.D. 1838 & will expire on the 21st day of June A.D. 1843. & that his signature within written is genuine —
Given under my hand and the seal of said court of common pleas this twenty eighth day of October Anno Domini 1839.
S. B. Noyes Clerk

5004
Sarah Merrill Jt.
act. 4 July 36
m) 4 a 39
admd 12 mo. length 5. - Pri. 76.67-
Died 26 Feby 39 pen: com: 27 Feby 39
Hinkley wood Jr. est. Guildhall Jt.

State of Vermont } District of Essex ss }
On this 28 th day of December A.D. 1839 personally appeared before the Probate Court in & for the District of Essex in the County of Essex & State of Vermont Sarah Merrill of Brunswick in said District aged Eighty 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 act of Congress passed July 4 th A.D. 1836—
That she is the widow of John Merrill late of said Brunswick deceased who was a Sergeant & Private in the war of the Revolution & that he drew a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832 of Seventy six Dollars & sixty seven cents a year up to the time of his death & for the service of said John Merrill she respectfully refers to the evidence of his service on file in the pension office—
She further declares that she was married to the said John Merrill on the Seventeenth day of November in the year seventeen hundred and seventy four; that her husband the aforesaid John Merrill died on the twenty sixth day of February in the year eighteen hundred & thirty nine that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed
In presence of } W. H. Hayward
Sarah J Merrill mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before W. Hayward Reg ry of Probate

State of Vermont { I William Heywood Register of the District of Essex ss } Probate Court in & for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the doings of said Court in the matter of the application of Widow Sarah Merrill for a pension In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name at Guildhall in said District on this 23 rd day of December A.D. 1839 W m Heywood Register

Joseph Merrill of Houldstone in the County of Essex & State of Vermont aged Sixty four years depose & say that I am son of John Merrill late of Brunswick in said County deceased & of Sarah Merrill his widow ————— I have always understood that my mother's maiden name was Sarah Russell & that my father & mother were both originally from Haverhill Mass & that my father served an apprenticeship & lived in Haverhill N.H. — I have heard my father & mother say that they were married in Atkinson N.H. by Mr Peabody a minister of that place — said Atkinson joins said Haverhill & said Haverhill — My said Father & Mother have lived together ever since my remembrance till the twenty seventh day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty nine when he died — I was with him in his last sickness & at his funeral — He was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of 1832 & drew I think $67.66 or $67.67 a year — I have seen his pension certificate — Joseph Merrill
State of Vermont } Guildhall January 30 th 1840 Then Essex County } Joseph Merrill personally appeared & made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed ————— I further certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Joseph Merrill & that he is a person of truth & veracity ————— W. H. Keyes Justice of the peace

State of Vermont District of Essex N.
I W m Heywood Jr. Register of the Probate Court in & for the district of Essex in the County of Essex do hereby certify that that W m Heywood is a justice of the Peace in & for the County of Essex aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn that his Commission is dated the 25 th day of November A.D. 1839 & will expire on the last day of November A.D. 1840 - & that the within signature purporting to be his is genuine -
Witness
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court at Guilford in said County this 17 th day of Feby 1840. W m Heywood Jr. Reg d

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Vermont } On this 18 th day of August A D 1832 County of Essex } Personally appeared in open Court, before the Hon William Gates Judge of the Court of Probate within and for the County & District of Essex aforesaid now sitting at Guilhall in said County John Merrill residing of Brunswick in the County of Essex aforesaid aged eighty years who being first duly sworn according to the rites and ceremonies of his faith, 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 named officers and served as herein stated — some time in the summer of the year A D 1776 I enlisted as a Volunteer into a company commanded by Capt Thomas Simpson raised under the authority of the State of New Hampshire for the purpose of guarding the frontiers on and near Connecticut River in the northern parts of New Hampshire — that I served the term of two months, being the time for which I enlisted that I was engaged the whole time in scouting and building forts or Block-houses — Also some time in the month of July 1777 I volunteered in a Militia company command- ed by Capt Jeremiah Dast in Col Hubbard's Regiment, in Gen Starks Brigade, was marched to Charleston (then N H ) New Hampshire thence to Bennington Vt. and was in both of the battles at that place August 16 th 1777 and from thence was marched to Stillwater in the State of New York and was out on that tour of duty about three months
In the month of April A D 1778 I enlisted into a company commanded by Capt Luther Richardson belonging to a Regiment commanded by Col Timothy Beall under the authority of the State of New Hampshire, raised for the purpose of guarding the frontiers, that I enlisted for the term of one year and was discharged in April 1779 having served one full year, that I served in Capt Richardson's company as an orderly sergeant during the whole year and that his warrant as orderly sergeant is lost — I was born in old Haverhill in the State of Massachusetts Nov 19 th 1751 that I moved from thence to Concord new Lisbon in the State of New Hampshire where I lived when I served my country — that in the year 1780 I moved to Brun- swick in the State of Vermont where I have ever since resided — I never received any discharges at the close of any periods of service and have no documentary evidence in my possession relating to said service — that I have not any proof of the first period of service above mentioned nor do I know of any living witness by whom I can prove it — I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension

an Annuity except the pension and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State Sworn To and Subscribed ? The day and year aforesaid ! John Merrill
We Seth Cushman of Guilhalla and Jesse Hugh of Maidstone in the County of Essex and State of Vermont hereby certify that we are well acquainted and have been for many years with John Merrill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty years of age that he is reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion - and that there is no blinder man residing in said Brunswick Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid Seth Cushman Jesse Hugh
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 Seth Cushman who has signed the preceding Certificate is a resident in the Town of Guilhalla in the County of Essex and State of Vermont and that Jesse Hugh who has also signed the same is a resident in Maidstone in said Essex County and that they are credible persons and that their State- ment is entitled to Credit. Wm Gates Judge
I William Heywood Jones Register of the Court of Probate within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and State of Vermont do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Merrill for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 15 th day of August in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Wm Heywood Jones Register

State of Vermont } Essex County ss }
I William Gates Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that William Gates Esqr before whom the foregoing Declaration of John Merrill was taken and sworn to is the Judge of the Probate Court within and for the District of Essex in the County of Essex and that his name thereunto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Lunenburg in said County this 21 st day of August A.D. 1832.
Wm Gates Clerk

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. John Merrill Wid. File 185-03
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Summer 1776 2 mos. Thomas Simpson Israel Morey N. H.   July 1777 3 mos. Jeremiah Root Hobart   Apr. 1778 1 yr. Sgt. Luther Richardson Timothy Bedel  
Battles engaged in, Burington
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Concord, {which was} afterwards Lisbon N. H.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 13, 1832 His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Brunswick, Essex Co. Vt.
Age at date of application, at Old Hamblell Mass. Nov. 19, 1751
Remarks: Wed Feb. 26, 1839
Soldier married at Atkinson N. H. Nov. 17, 1777 Sarah Russell at She was allowed pension on an application executed Dec. 23, 1839 while a resident of Brunswick Vt. aged 88 yrs. His son Joseph was 44 years old in 1840. Very respectfully,

Guildhall March 11. 1840
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Sir: I inclose herewith the papers of Will. Sarah Merrill containing (I hope) the proof necessary to intitle her to a pension -
When a decision is made a communication addressed to me would be soon received than by the wid. as she lives at a distance from a post office -
Respectfully yours Olet Knapp
W. Heywood

John Merrill V th 76. 67/100 - act 7. June '32. When last paid ? S.W.C.
26. apt 40
Due 26 Feb 1839 for that period OH

3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
April 22, 1927
Chief Rev. War. Section Chief Rev. War. Division.
I have this day received from A. N. De Grooth cash No. for $ 60 100, requesting
photostat copy post-office addresses as per letter herewith
Apr 23 1927 photos delivered in person to Mrs. De Grooth in Dw. now of Lawrence Ave.
O. J. RANDALL Chief Finance Division. O. J. L.
C 23

April 21, 1927
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir:
Kindly send me photostat copies of four pages (not certified) from the Revolutionary War pension claim of John Merrill, W.18503.
A. W. DeGrah U.S. Shipping Board Washington
delivered to him personally Apr 23. 27
Received payment Sixty cents April 21, 1927
W. H. Wilson
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
FINANCE DIVISION BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK APR 22 1927 BUREAU OF PENSIONS

inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No.
14529
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
April 22, 1927 192
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 4 pages from the Rev. War pension claim, E. 18503, John Merrill
No. of copies of each page. Shall form be kept standing? 1 days
For further information see A. E. Wilson Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
A. E. Wilson
Chief Clerk of Bureau
A. E. Wilson
Chief of Branch or Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature?
Folding once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses? Dated?
Addressograph from lists
  Envelopes, size Cards, size   Proof list Pay rolls   Labels (submit sample) Corrections   Fill in letters Tabulation sheets 
Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ 0.60 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate  Destroy present addressograph plate 
} On list.....
as follows:
Now reads            1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read        1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
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Kenosha Wis Sept 20-1910
Pension Bureau Washington D. C.
Gentlemen.
Will you kindly inform me if John Merrill born in 1750 and died in 1837. who served in the War of the Revolution and is buried at Brunswick Vermont. is on the Pension Roll (or was rather) He was in the Battle of Bennington. He the said John Merrill lived in Boston New Hampshire in 1774. I wish to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. and wish authentic information. Kindly give me what

information you can and very greatly oblige
Yours Truly.
Emma Merrill.
Address Miss Emma Merrill 466 S. Chicago St Kenosha. Wis.
SEP 22 1910

1910 Sept. 30 Hist. Soc. Miss Emma Merrill N.Y. 1927 Apr. 23 photos delivered to Mr. A.W. Dr. Knapp. AW.
18503 Ray WIDOW, & Co.
File No. 18503
Sarah Merrill Widow of John Merrill Joseph Merrill
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index: Vol. m, Page 43
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I James Lucas of Stratford in the County of Essex and State of New Hampshire do hereby depose and say that I was acquainted with John Merrill now of Brunswick in the County of Essex and State of Vermont during the Revolutionary War of the United States - that in the year AD 1778 the said Merrill enlisted into a company commanded by Capt Luther Richardson in a Regiment commanded by Col Timothy Beadle raised for the term of one year for the defence of the frontier on and adjoining Connecticut River - that I was paymaster of said Regiment and believe that said Merrill served the whole the whole year - that I have been acquainted with said Merrill ever since that time and know him to be the same person - I further say that I was knowing to his the said Merrill's serving in the Militia when they were ordered to Bensen- ton that he was gone at that time about three months
James Lucas
State of Vermont? Essex County ss }
Guildhall August 13 th AD 1832
Then personally appeared the above named James Lucas and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth - Before me Timothy Fairchild Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that the above named James Lucas is considered to be a Man of truth and veracity that I have been acquainted with him for many years and consider him as such. Timothy Fairchild Justice of Peace

State of Vermont } I William Gates Clerk of the County Court Essex county ss } within and for the county of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify that Timothy Fairchild Esq. before whom the within affidavit of James Lucas and the annexed affidavit of Jacob Schoff were taken and sworn to is a Justice of the Peace within and for the county of Essex aforesaid and that his name therunto subscribed is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Limerick in said County this 21 st day of August A.D. 1832.
Wm Gates Clerk

3716
John Merrill
Brunswick
Essex Co
✓ Va
12 m. S. of
5 " N. of
Pensioner Guildhall ✓

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
April 23 rd 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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr. John Merrill

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 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.
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 days 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 the 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 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, deposes 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."
[f] It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, in 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 names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of 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 place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an organized 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.
[g] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[h] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[i] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[j] 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 a 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.
[l] 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.
[m] The notes from (a) to (l) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (l) applies to continental troops only.
[n] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[o] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[p] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Statement of claimant is not corroborated by the Rolls in this affair. Further testimony may probably be obtained of Genl Woody Bedel of Balle WP who served in the regiment of his father Col Bedel.

I Jacob Schoff of Maidstone in the County of Essex and State of Vermont depose and say, that I was acquainted with John Merrill of Brattleboro in said County of Essex during the revolutionary War - that in the year 1777 I was in a company of Militia commanded by Col. Jeremiah Poot in Col. Hubbards Regiment and Gen. Starks Brigade - that the said Merrill belonged to the same company - that we marched together to Bennington in the State of Vermont and was there at the battle of August 16 th 1777 and that our tour of duty at that time was three months - I further say that I have frequently seen said Merrill on duty in Col. Beadles Regiment in the year 1778 but cannot say how long he served - I belonged to the same company  Regiment but not to the same company, and that the Regiment was raised for the term of one year - I further say that I have been acquainted with said Merrill ever since that time and know him to be the same person
Jacob Schoff
State of Vermont? Guildhall August 13 th 1832 Then person Essex County ss } -ally appeared the above named Jacob Schoff and made solemn oath that the above affidavit by him subscribed contains the truth and nothing but the truth before me. Timothy Fairchild Justice of Peace. I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Jacob Schoff and have always considered him a man of truth and veracity. Timothy Fairchild Justice of Peace.

I Moody Bedel of Bath in the county of Grafton & State of New Hampshire of lawful age being in my Seventyfirst Year Testify & say that I am & have been well acquainted with John Merrill of Brunswick in the county of Essex & State of Vermont ever since ever since before the Revolutionary war & was knowing to his serving in Col Israel Mores Regiment in the New Hampshire line of Militia under Capt. Thomas Simpson. John Howard Lieut. & Thomas Simpson J r Ensign I think for Three Months but he says for two in 1776 , I Presume the Rolls are at the Department & will if desired be divided - likewise I was knowing to the said John Merrill being at Bennington under Capt. Post in the Year 1777 at the Taking of Genl. Burgain the time must be as he states Three Months - I was knowing to his Belong to Capt. Luther Richardson Company from April 1778 till April 1779 as a Sergeant but not as Orduly Sergeant - as the Company was often Stationed a Part at one Place & a Part at a Notion the Sergeant that was highest was highest called himself the Orduly and others likewise would call him so - Caleb Young was the orduly Sergeant of the Company commanded by Capt. Richardson. I have seen & perused the Declaration of the said John Merrill & consider the time of his Service to be Eighteen Months in the whole and Twelve Months of it as a Sergeant - Moody Bedel " " "

State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss: Bath 31 st May Anno Domini 1833
Then & Moody Bedel, signer of the within deposition, who is personally known by me, is considered a person of strict truth and veracity - and I believe a disinterested witness - Personally appeared and made solemn oath that the same is true before me
Isaac Patterson Jus. Peace
Isaac Patterson
State of New Hampshire
Grafton ss I Stephen P. Webster Clerk of the Superior Court of
Judicature within & for said County of Grafton do hereby certify that Isaac Patterson Esq, before whom the foregoing Deposition was taken, was on the 31 day of May last an acting Justice of the peace within & for said County that his signature above is genuine, being his own hand writing. -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this first day of June Anno Domini 1833 -
S. P. Webster Clerk