Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 37615, for Ebenezer Lester, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Conn.
Lester, Ebenezer
S 37615
CONTENTS

Connecticut Roll.
(1,343)
Regulations under act 1 March 1823 sent to A. A. Loomis 10 April 1823 see letter
Ebenezer Lester Capt Lee Ensign Connecticut Line
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 20 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th of June 1818, and sent to Asher Miller, Esquire, Saybrook, Conn.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.
4 months 15/30.  $90. "
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818 }
18 Months Jan. 7 th to June 7 th
Willingworth,
Notice elsewhere about the 8 th July to A. A. Loomis Esq r . Willingworth Conn. Information August 8. 1821, that he could not be remitted & sent as above

Connecticut Roll.
1343
Ebenezer Lester
Capt See Ensign
Connecticut Line
in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut
at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 20 th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th of June 1818, and sent to Abner Miller, Esquire, daybreak, Conn.
Arrears to 4th of Sept r 1818.
4 months 15/30 $90.00
Revolutionary claim, } Act 18th March, 1818 }
18 months Jan'y to June 70
Regulation order of March 1823 sent to A. A. Loomis Esq r 1823 See letter
Notification sent the 8 th July to A. A. Loomis Esq r
Willingworth Conn.
Inform him August 6. 1821 that he could not be reinstated & sent as above

No 17
Rev. Lester
(1343)
Sept 1818
not entitled
x?

United States of America.
DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT } ss. Court of Common Pleas County of Middlesex. } adj June term 1820
On this 14 th day of June 1820, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas, holden at Haddam in and for the County of Middlesex; being a Court of Record, according to the laws of the State of Connecticut; by which it was created; and having the power of fine and imprisonment; Ebenezer Lester aged Sixty Six years, resident in Willingworth in the County and District aforesaid, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, as follows: to wit: in the Connecticut Line in a Regiment commanded by Col. John Durkee in Capt. Elisha Leese company, as more particularly stated in his original declaration, dated 20 th day of April A. D. 1818; that he has received a Pension, the Certificate of which, bears the Number 1343
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.

Schedule of the real and personal estate of Ebenezer Lester of Willingworth abovenamed, comprising every article of the same, his necessary clothing and bedding excepted: to wit:
one hundred acres in the 2 d Division of Mountain Land in Hancock, in the State of Vermont —
Debts due me in notes and on Book con- sidered good ————— $302.75
12 volumes of Book on Divinity — 1 Small Bible and one Testament — 1 Johnson's Dictionary 1 Bible Dictionary, one small writing desk Three trunks, 1 horse blanket — 3 brushes 2 horse whips — 2 p r spectacles — 1 st medicine — one Pocket Book, one horse Wagg n and harness one Watch Cash on hand $105.50 — 105.50 The amount of debts which I owe is $120.50
Ebenezer Lester

I, the said Ebenezer Lester , do also swear that my occupation is, and for more than Twelve years last past, has been that of a Preacher of the Gospel ; that by reason of a wound Revolutionary War I am unable to labour in any other the year, that my family consists of persons who steadily reside with me; nervous debility in my right hand, that for the whose names, ages, and capacity to contribute to their own support, are, as near as can be Last twelve years I have not composed a family ascertained by me, as follows, to wit: but have lived during that time as a Boarder my wife aged  ability equal to in different places I further swear that I have no particular her support. Society or congregation who are bound to contribute to my support and that for my professional services I receive no other compensation than the voluntary charitable contributions of individuals which for the past year amount to about the sum of sixty dollars who  wholly unable to contribute to  support
Sworn to and declared on the 14 th day of June 1820 before the Court of Common Pleas for Middlesex County W. Bick Clerk of said Court.
I, W. Bick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court: and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Five Hundred sixty seven dollars and Ninety seven cents.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this 14 th day of June 1820.
W. Bick Clerk of said Court.
Clerk of the Court for the

Admitted

I Ebenezer Latta of the Town of Kingsworth county of Middlesex and State of Connecticut a President Citizen in the United States - being duly sworn do declare and say that I enlisted in the Continental Army of the War of the Revolution against the Common Enemy - as a Sergeant in the company commanded by Capt Nobison - in the Regiment commanded by Col. Durkee in part of the year 1776 - and continued in said company until the 31 st day of December 1776 when my term of enlistment expired. but by request of Genl Washington for volunteers I among others continued in said unit after the Battle of Princetown which was January 3 rd 1777 - and was then honorably discharged by order of Genl Washington - In February January 1777 - I was appointed an Ensign in the Continental Army - I received a commission from Congress as Ensign in the Company commanded by Capt. Elisha Lee in said Col. Durkee's Regiment and continued in said Regiment in the Continental Service until June 1778 -

when I resigned my commission on account of ill health - my health being such that I could not continue in service having served as an Ensign under my commission in the continental army from January 1777 - to June 1778 a time of about eighteen months - I further say that my Sergeants Warrant-Ensign. Commission - was with my other papers destroyed when New London was taken & burnt by the enemy under Arnold in Sept 1781 - I was in the Battle of York Island - Battle of Pennington Jan.  2 1777 - Battle of Garmantown Oct 4  1777 - and afterwards at the Battle of New London 1781 - that I have no other evidence on my power than what is here offered of the facts - That I am of the age of 64 years and by reason of my reduced circumstances in life living - I am often in need of assistance from my Country for Support Dated at Wetherbyworth this 20 th Day of April 1818 Eleanor Sister State of Connecticut ss. County of Middlesex Be it remembered that on this 20 th day of April 1818 personally appeared me Asha

Miller Esq' Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, Ebenezer Lester of Killingworth in said County a resident citizen of said State and being duly cautioned and carefully examining said solemn oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth A Miller Esq' Justice as aforesaid and I further certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Ebenezer Lester did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding and against the common enemy Declaration and that the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary of the department of war pursuant to the Act of Congress in such case made and provided
A. Miller Esq' Justice as aforesaid
State of Connecticut Middlesex County
I John Pugh Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Middlesex do certify that the Hon. Asahel Miller Esq' of Middletown in said State is Chief Judge of said Court that his name subscribed to the preceding Certificate is his proper hand writing & signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 1 st day of May AD 1818
John Pugh Clerk

Affidavit New London April 1. 1818 - I Robert Hallam of New London on Oath depose and say  that Ebenezer Sester was inlisted as a Seryant by me who was 2 d Lieut in Capt Robinson's Comp y Col o Durkee's Reg t in first part of year 1776 and continued in said Comp y in the United States service until his time expired which was in Decem r the 31 st of said year, and by request of Gen l Washington for Volunteers he among others continued until after the battle of Ormstown and was dismissed by Gen l Washington's order. He was appointed Ensign in Capt y Elisha Lee's Co y Col o Durkee's Reg t for the year commencing Jan y 1, 1777, and continued in the service until after the Battle of Germantown where I saw him in the action, when he resigned I am not able to state.
State of Connecticut to Rob t Hallam.
New London - on this 21 st Day of April AD - 1818 -
Before me Jeremiah G. Brainard Out of the Judges of the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut personally appeared the above named Robert Hallam and being by me first duly sworn according to law made Rob t Hallam Oath that the facts stated are contained in the above Declaration as stated by him and subscribed for true according to his best Recollection Jeremiah G. Brainard a Judge of Sup ior Court State of Connecticut

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY
October 21, 1930.
Miss May Pierson Joyce, 815 Scott Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.37615, that Ebenezer Lester enlisted in Connecticut, place not stated, the first of 1776, served as sergeant in Captain Robinson's Company, Colonel John Durkee's Connecticut Regiment until January 1777 when he was commissioned ensign, served in Captain Elisha Lee's Company, Colonel John Durkee's Connecticut Regiment, was in the battles of York Island, Princeton and Germantown and resigned in June 1778.
It is also stated that he was in the battle of New London in 1781, no further details of this service given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 20, 1818 while a resident of Killingworth, Middlesex County, Connecticut, aged sixty-four years.
The name of his wife is not stated. He had five children, the only names stated are Henry W. who died about 1820 and Louisa.
Very truly yours,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

Ebenezer Lester, Conn. Full act 1818.
See letter 7 Feb. 1838 to Hon. S. Ingham H.R.

1919 Dec. 1 Hist. to Caroline F. Lester 1930 Oct. 3. Hist. to J.W. Lester 1930 Oct. 21. Hist. to May Pierson Joyce 1908. 1932 Sept. 26. Photos del. to K. S. S. Curry, r. acctg. Div. notified per M.H.B.
37 895 INVALID.
Rev
File No. 37 895
Ebenezer Lester Ensign Rev War
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 505
[Arrangement of 1870.]

REV. & 1812 NO. 120
September 15
2
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of Ebenezer Lester,
File No. S. 37615
Actual
1 of each page
XXXXXXXX
60 cents----- 4 pages
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

September 15, 1932
Administrator of Veterans Affairs
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please furnish photostatic copy of four pages from Revolutionary War pension claim, Ebenezer Lester, S. 37615.
Very truly yours
Walter S. Curry 1420 Girard St. N.W. Washington D.C.
4 pages.
Will call
Received payment
60 cents
September 15, 1932
Mary L. Bottorff
REV. & 1812 WARS SECTION

Rev.&1812 Wars Section. ADY
October 3, 1930.
Mr. J. W. Lester, 769 Polk Street, Gary, Indiana.
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.37615, that Ebenezer Lester enlisted in Connecticut, place not stated, the first of 1776, served as sergeant in Captain Robinson's Company, Colonel John Durkee's Connecticut Regiment until January 1777 when he was commissioned ensign, served in Captain Elisha Lee's Company, Colonel John Durkee's Connecticut Regiment was in the battles of York Island, Princeton and Germantown and resigned in June 1778.
It is also stated that he was in the battle of New London in 1781, no further details of this service given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 20, 1818 while a resident of Killingworth, Middlesex County, Connecticut, aged sixty-four years.
The name of his wife is not stated. He had five children, the only names stated are Henry W. who died about 1820 and Louisa.
Very truly yours,
Not on a.B.
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Ebenezer Lester a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     First of 1776 Jan'y 1777 Sergt. Robinson John Durkee Conn.   Jan'y 1777 June 1778 Ensign Ebenezer Lee John Durkee        
Battles engaged in, Red Bank Princeton Germantown & New London
Residence of soldier at enlistment, enlisted in Connecticut
Date of application for pension, Apr. 20, 1818
Residence at date of application, Killingworth, Middlesex Co. Conn.
Age at date of application, 64 years
Remarks: The name of his wife is not stated. There were five children Henry H. who died about the year 1820 and Louisa are the only ones whose names are stated.
brother Noah died June 5/20. Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Post 24 61 Cayuga Street Seneca Falls, New York 18 November, 1919.
To the Pension Department. Washington, D. C.
Sir: May I ask you to send me a copy of the application for pension of Ebenezer Lester who served as Ensign in the Revolutionary War? His name is listed on Page 635 of the following volume in the Pension list.
Record of Service of Connecticut men in the I War of the Revolution.
II War of 1812
III Mexican War.
Compiled by authority of the General Assembly under direction of the Adjutants-General
Hartford 1889.
My great grandfather's name was Ebenezer Lester and I am endeavoring to learn if he is the one of the name who served as Ensign in the Revolutionary War. My effort is merely to enable me to enter the Daughters of the American Revolution on my father's side.
Yours very truly (Miss) Caroline Moore Lester

769 Polk St., Gary Ind August 24, 1930
Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
I will greatly appreciate your forwarding brief outline of pension record of Captain Ebenezer Lester who served from New London County, Conn., during the Revolutionary War, resided at Clinton (Killington) and died there in 1838
As an officer in the National United Association, I am desirous of obtaining this record for a number of descendants of said Ebenezer.
Very respectfully yours,
H. D. Lester Jr.

Colonel Colfax
"J H Beers His of Middlesex Co. Conn." "colonel Colfax (Prob W m ) was colonel of Washingtons Life Guards About 1821 or 1831 he received a pension for his services in the Rev. War. He was father-in law to Ebenezer Lester Died 17 March 1738? "
He was probably same man as this line from the D. A. R. Books Mrs. Lida Colfax Dawes writes:
"I am g- grand-daughter of W m  Colfax and Hester Schules his wife (parents of Geo. Wash. Colfax) W m Colfax - 1756-1838 served as Private at Bunker Hill. Commander in Chief at Valley Forge 1778 to 1783. Recd pension 1821. Was born at Wiltherfield Conn."

Ebenezer Lester
Ebenezer Lester. Commissioned Ensign 1 Jan - 1777 "Conn Men in Rev". (of New London Conn) Ebenezer Lester Pensioned from "Lists of Pensioners of Am. Rev." P. 635-
From Hist of Middlesex Co. Conn. B. J. H. Beers. P. 239
Ebenezer Lester of (now Clinton) Killingworth Conn. Md. a Miss Galfax of New London Conn

Salt Lake City Utah Oct 7 1930
War Dept. Bureau of Pensions Wash. D. C.
Gentlemen:
I am very anxious to obtain the names of my ancestors, and I am writing you for all the information you have on 2 lines each one of these men are great grand-father to me, as near as I can learn and I am especially desirous of getting the names of their parents, wives and children also dates if there be any charges send C. O. D. and I will pay the bill. Tho I am told there are no charges. However I am very anxious for this information and want them at any cost.
I am putting each one on a separate sheet, that the information may be clear.
Sincerely
May Pierson Joyce 815 Scott Ave Salt Lake City Utah

Connecticut Ebenezer Lester , Ensign Served 18 mo. from 1777
Sched. dated June 14. 1820. Real Estate 400 acres of land Notes of hand - $302.75 Cash 105.50 Personal property the whole estimated by Court to be $567.97.
Sched. under act March 1. 1823. [Dated 30 ap. 1823] Exhibits - $33.81.
Accounts for the decrease of property &c.
On the 15 th March 1822, sold & conveyed (copy of deed exhibited) to Eben. A. Lester the real estate 400 acres of land for $400. in the spring of 1821. sold to J. Wright one waggon & harness for $60 in cash & part in Boarding- over
ap. 1822. sold to a Watch to A. Carter for $7 cash. the cash on hand $105.50 part paid. owing for Board & clothing & 29 socks a debt due to d. & D. Ridgill & Books & lost & worn out.
The notes of hand for $302; one of $200 was due from Noah Lester who has died since the institution of this insolvent - the remainder of $102.75 has been collected & expended in Board & clothing &c.
Claimant age 59 y. afflicted with a nervous disease has not left the house for more than a year - no occupation & no family given. -
John Fisk Esq. Middletown
Con Res. May 16. 1823
Sept. 1818.

Washington Hoop R July. 2. d. 1838
Sir
I send the petition of E. Lester, and would thank you to inform me if there is not evidence in your office, that he is entitled to commutation pay.
Please return to me the petition.
Yours in great sincerity
Samuel Hughes
Honorable
J. L. Kennedy
Commr. &c

Ebenezer Sester To Ebenezer A. Sester A Warrantee Deed
Hancock Town Clerk's Office March 29 th 1822 Read for Record and recorded in Book 2 nd page 4.18 Attest Omri Dodge J. Clerk

To all People to whom these Presents shall come—GREETING: KNOW YE , That Ebenezer Lester of Killington in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut
for the consideration of forty Dollars received to my full satisfaction of Ebenezer A Lester of Boston in the State of Massachusetts Do give, grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Ebenezer Lester , a certain Tract or parcel of land lying in the Town of Hancock, in the County of Madison and State of Vermont; being the 2 d Division Lot, drawn to the right of Abraham Norton, number 63—containing one hundred acres:—
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the above granted and bargained Premises, with the Appurtenances thereof, unto him the said Ebenezer Lester his Heirs and Assigns for ever, to him and their own proper Use and Behoof. AND ALSO, if the said Ebenezer Lester do for my self my Heirs, Executors and Administrators, covenant with the said Ebenezer Lester his Heirs and Assigns, that at and until the ensealing of these Presents, I am well seized of the Premises as a good indefeasible Estate in FEE SIMPLE: and have good right to bargain and sell the same in manner and form as is above written; and that the same is free of all incumbrances whatsoever. And furthermore, the said Ebenezer Lester do by these Presents bind myself and my Heirs for ever to WARRANT and defend the above granted and bargained Premises to him the said Ebenezer Lester his Heirs and Assigns, against all claims and demands whatsoever. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the 15. day of March Anno Domini 18 22
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered, in presence of Abiel A. Loomis Austin Olcott
Ebenezer Lester
Middlesex COUNTY, ss. Killington March 15 th 1822 Personally appeared Ebenezer Lester Signer and Sealer of the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free Act and Deed, before me, Austin Olcott Justice of Peace.

Middlesex COUNTY, ss. Tillingworth March 18 th A.D. 1822 Personally appeared Ebenezer Lester — Signer and Sealer of the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged the same to be his free Act and Deed, before me, Austin Scott Justice of Peace.
State of Connecticut, County of Middlesex ss I hereby certify that the foregoing Deed, was written by me at the request of the Grantor on the 18 th day of March A.D. 1822; and that the same is the original Deed from Ebene- zer Lester to Ebenezer A. Lester, of the tract of Land therein mentioned.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office at Tilling- worth in said County this 9 th day of May A.D. 1823.
Abiel A Loomis Notary Public

I Eberard A. Lester mentioned in the within deed hereby certify that the sum of forty Dollars was the only consideration paid by me for the within Deed, and that the Sale was a just, fair and honest Sale, and that no other condition direct or indirect was annexed to Said Sale, and that the within deed is the original and given me by Eberard A. Lester
Eberard A. Lester
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk ss. 28th April 1823 Sworn to before me
W. D. Whiting Just. Peace
Ebenezer Sester to Ebenezer A. Sester A Warrantee Deed
Hancock Town Clerk Affix March 29th 1822 Read for Record and recorded in Book 2. page 1.18 Attest Omri Dodge J. Clerk

Dept of War Edward D. L. B.
Dr. Emily James Monroe Lee
President of the U. States
Washington

Yana Lee
Hillsborough Apr 18 th 1861
A few days after the action with the Harkings at Trenton, the time of our service expired in the Regt. was commanded by Col. John Dunbee, when the Regt. was ordered to parade , we being then at Trenton, when Gen. Washington, after thanking us as a Regiment Requested that we would Volunteer for one Month in language similar to to himself promising that if we attained our Independence as a Nation. that we should be rewarded beyond our Most sanguine expectations, for said he we shall then be Rich in Lands &c but not a man stepped forward the Regt. was then dismissed with order to parade the next morning, without arms, which we ac- cordingly did, when the Gen. Renewed his salutation in language the Most attractive adding his feelings for the cause of liberty and country &c. and his particular liberation as Commander in Chief of the Army. When about thirty men from the Regt. stepped forward and Volunteered for one Month when our names, Rank &c was taken in writing and the Remainder of the Regt. was discharged &c. and the Volunteers were ordered to Join Gen. Murrey, who two or three days after fell in the action with the Enemy at Princeton and died of his wounds as did a Number of the Volunteers, &c on the fourth day after the action we being at Morristown N. Jersey. we were ordered to parade before the Gen. Quarter, when Gen. Washington observed that he felt a peculiar pleasure in having an opportunity to address us since our conduct excited his approbation and most sincere thanks, both as it respected our volunteering and as our conduct in the late action with the Enemy. for said he, we had not a man to spare in breaking the Enemy's line, a failure of which at the time I am apprehensive would have been attended with dire consequences to our beloved country &c as we were cut off from our Reserve, and no way to Regain them but by breaking through the Enemy's line, as ordered to that amt - our Col. then Requested that we might be Discharged as we were destitute of Clothing, having left all but what we had on at Fort Lee, according to Gen. orders when we went out to attack the Enemy, and had to Ret- reat into Pennsylvania, to which the Gen. Replied that he was sensible of our situation and should endeavor to make us as comfortable as was practicable, but said he, you must not think of leaving me for the present, as I calculate to station you about four Miles East of this my Head Quarters, as a point of guard, on whom I can rely with the utmost confidence and I flatter myself that our late victory will give a lively impression to all our friends, so that by the time you leave me, I am in hope to have a considerable Recruitment. I speak confident in saying that the cause in substance is carried, , tho, far short in numbers as delivered by the Gen. - at the expiration of the Month we were then Discharged &c - for proof in part see Mr. Robt. Hallam Deposition concerning my first application to the Hon. Secretary at War, for a Pension, &c - and I have no doubt had we applied in the day of our Gen. but we should have Recd a compensation agreeable to Reason, but I was then too broad to ask &c - and your feeling may Rest assured that Washington's short of Plenty with old age and many infirmities would have induced me to trouble you at this time. I offer me here to observe, that it was always a mystery to me, why and wherefore we should Volun- teer at the time we did, knowing the situation of the Country, Army, & Enemy, and in particular -

— an own Situation, Almost Naked, Half Starved, and covered with Vermin, and in this Miserable Naked Situation, without the least Possibility of any future Reward for this Scarcity; that the Trams of Reward did not influence my mind, nor in the least Neither did an beloved Washington, attempt to receive us in any thing whatsoever, but to it was my Country through the Medium of an Genl. Requested my Service and Life, if necessary, which I freely volunteered, to them, and was in the front of the battle; should you Enjoin an Examination or Reevaluation, feel that I am entitled to some little Consideration, I flatter myself, that you will use your Influence with the Hon ble Secretary at war, to have me continued a Lieutenant and now my Dear Sir I have to beseech you to forgive whatever may appear an Error, either in addressing you, or in what I have Detailed; and I shall ever pray as in duty bound, by your Affectionate friend His Excell y , James Monroe Esq e and most Hb le Humble Serv t Ebenezer Dester
In Addition to all my other afflictions I have lately heard of the death of my Dear son H.W. Dester who died at St. Stephen on whom was my almost only Hope for support my old age as he had won him particular attention to my every want, but who of late through a loss of Misfortune had himself become poor & should any amount Remain as it Respects my Infirmities, Poverty or Character, I would prefer to the Hon ble Joshua Shaw Esq e at Middletown, Conn e Dester

to note, the Army line intended from Burnside to Branton, and the Delaware was full of Lee so there was nowhere to retreat, but into the sea, as we were but off an easy line from the country and before we commenced the action we were informed, that the Army would not give us any support, which we found to be the case, for when they drove us, thirty Prads from the field all our wounded were stabbed, in the space of fifteen Minutes.

To the Hon. John C. Calhoun Sec. of War The Memorial of Ebenezer Dester of Killington in the County of Middlesex & State of Vermont respectfully represents:
That under the additional pension Act of Congress of May 1820 your memorialist exhibited to the Secretary of War, a Schedule of his property, according to the directions of the act aforesaid, with a view of being continued on the pension Roll of the U.S. States; That in the schedule aforesaid he enumerated items of property in realty of trifling value, but was confident that the nominal sum contained in his schedule would not debar him from a continuance of his pension. Your Memorialist further states, that the land mentioned in his schedule situated in the State of Vermont, is in a state of nature is mountainous & rocky & entirely incapable of cultivation, & therefore affords not the least prospect of advantage to the owner; and that your memorialist has repeatedly offered to sell said land at the price of $20 for the whole, but has not recently, and is not now able to sell the same at any price. . . . One item of property contained in his schedule, was an amount of Notes supposed to be good estimated at the sum of $292 25 / 100 . Since the making and

exhibition of said Schedule your Memorialist had the misfortune to suffer losses to the amount of $300. to wit, from the above Notes in consequence of the Death and failure of the Obligors the sum of $250 and in a horse $50: if he is not at this time the owner of any additional property than that, mentioned in his Schedule. In exhibiting the list of property to your Honor he did not think it necessary to state a fact which may now be deemed essentially worthy of consideration, which is, that for many years past, Debts to the amount of more than $500, have lain against him & his Creditors have not for a long time pressed payment, solely on account of the reduced circumstances of your Memorialist & his total inability to pay.
Your Memorialist would further state, that for his professional services he receives no regular compensation; that the Society in which he preaches have never made donations to the amount of one sixth part of his support; that his health is gradually declining, & he rendered not only less able to travel, but at many times wholly incapable of performing the duties of his profession.
If your Memorialist had in prospect any other means of support, he would not solicit a share in the Bounty of Government; and he conceives himself justified in saying that few Officers or Soldiers in the Army of the Revolution, endured more hardships, or used more arduous exertions, in that eventful contest. —

Your Memorialist has submitted to your Honor the real facts in relation to his property, his health, his means of support, & the probatibility of the future; and confidently believes should his statement be found to be correct, that his name will be restored on the Pension Roll of the United States. Hillingworth August 10 th 1821
Elizer Lister
State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex ss
Personally appeared Elizer Lister, subscriber of the foregoing Memorial and made oath that the facts therein stated are just & true
In testimony whereof I have hereunto annexed my Seal of office at the Borough of Hilling- worth this 10 th day of August A 1821
Abiel D. Loomis Not. Pub.

To the Hon. John C. Calhoun Esquire Secretary of War
The Wardens and Burgesses of the Borough of Hillingworth, County of Middlesex and State of Connecticut - beg leave to represent;
That all the subscribers, being individually & personally acquainted with Ebenezer Lester of this Town, and understanding that he is se- quest to solicit a continuation of his name on the pension Roll of the United States, we have deemed it to be our duty, without his request, to offer him the following State- ment in his behalf in aid of his application.
Ebenezer Lester has resided in this Town for more than twenty five years: was for- merly concerned in Shipbuilding, & other exten- sive business, and was ever esteemed a respect- able and useful citizen. Owing to unexpected losses, he failed in business, leaving an amount due his creditors, which has never been dis- charged. Near the same time, or soon after his failure, his wife died, - he became a private seward, & his children (five in number) were separated from each other & lived in dif- ferent places, having no means of support, ex- cept from their individual exertions, & the cha- ritable assistance of friends. Thus circumstanced Mr Lester, from what he conceived to be the im- pulse of duty, became & has since continued to be a preacher of the Gospel. For the last ten years, we have not known him to be in the pos- session of property, which would yield him a tenth

part of his support, & we believe, for the last men- tioned period as he has rec d but a mere trifle for his servi- ces as a preacher, that he would not not have been supported except by friendly donations, & assistance from some of his sons, since they were in business. In making out the Schedule of Mr Lesters property under the Act of May 1820, we conceive that he greatly erred in the estimates attached not only to the land in Vermont, but especially with regard to claims against individuals, from which he flattered himself with the idea of receiving some benefit - Noah Lester, against whom, was his principal claim was , was not, at the time of making the aforesaid Schedule, considered as sol- vent - he has since died leaving no amount of property for the benefit of his creditors.
The undersigned have no wish to urge a construction of the pension laws, different from the rule established, & we conceive that the sub- ject of this statement, clearly falls within the most strict operation of that rule. We have no person- al interest in the success of his present application & but one of the subscribers, a member of the Society in which he preaches: and our only in- tention is to exhibit to the Secretary of War, as near as is practicable, such facts as will enable your Honor to form a correct decision con- cerning the merits of his claim.
Henry Lester, son of the present applicant, & late a Merchant in New York from whom his father rec d considerable assistance, about two years ago, failed in business & is now dead . Some of Mr Lesters other children are also dead; and others now living, who are able to contribute to any part of his support.
Mr Lesters health is feeble, & gradually declining, - and we

believe him to be therefor, unable to perform the duties of an itinerant preacher, or to preach constantly at any stated place.
On the whole the undersigned from an intimate knowledge of the said Lester, have no reluctance in stating our firm belief, that he must inevitably depend on some other means of subsistence than any in his power, & that he must either resort to the liberality of his acquaintances or to the Bounty of Government.
We therefore believe, that, should your honor have evidence of his situation as to property - of his health & his inability to support himself taking into view the services he has rendered his country, & his character as a man & as a citizen, there can be no hesitation, in restoring his name to the Pension Roll of the U. States. All which is respectfully submitted.
Borough of Killingworth August 10 th 1821
Austin Alcott Warden
George Carter } Elias Crane Isaac Readfield John Kapiter Samuel Buss

I Jonathan Wright of Shillingworth in the County of Middlesex of lawful age de- pose and say, that, I am well acquainted with Ebenezer Lester of this Parish, who has for a considerable part of the time du- ring the last two years resided in my fam- ily. Said Lester is a Preacher of the Gospel - is not settled over any particular Society, and receives no compensation, except the volun- tary donations of individuals, the amount of which is very small - He occasionally preaches in this Town, & when his health permits permits him, often preaches in the adjoining Towns - His health is very feeble he being afflicted with a nervous complaint which is continually increasing, which not only affects his voice, but renders his limbs at times almost useless. I have had an oppor- tunity of knowing minutely the pecuniary circumstances of said Lester, and can attest to the truth of the memorial subscribed by him of this date, in relation to his property & the losses which he has sustained - Concern- ing the amount of Notes contained in the Schedule of his property, the principal part was against Noah Lester his Brother who in 1818 left this Country, went into the Arkan- sas Territory in Company with Gov. Miller & died in April 1820, largely indebted, leaving not property sufficient to pay his funeral expenses. This loss was severely felt by Eben- ezer, as it was his principal & almost only

dependence for living, after the discontinuance of his pension. He makes at a home at my house, keeps a small selection of Books there. But is often absent when in health, among his acquaintances in the vicinity, who make no charge for his living. In truth he is, & must be dependent on the charitable assist- ance of others for the means of living; for I know no article of property owned by him in addition to his statement in his me- morial. He has heretofore had a son, a re- spectable Merchant in New York, who, when in business, as assisted his father, by gifts of cloth- ing &c, which considerably reduced the amount of his expenditures; his son has failed in trade- moved into the Mobile Country & died about one year ago. - I am confident no person would feel greater reluctance in an ap- plication to Government for support than the subject of this affidavit, & yet I know of no one more justly entitled to charitable relief.
Stillingworth August 10 th 1821
Jon a Wright
State of Connecticut
Co. of Middlesex ss
Personally appeared Jonathan Wright subscri- ber of the foregoing Affidavit & made oath that the facts therein contained are just & true
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office at the Bor o of Stillingworth this 10 th day of August A.D. 1821
Abel A. Loomis Not Public

State of Connecticut
County of Middlesex
Personally appeared William Carter Esq. subscriber of the within Affidavit & made oath that the facts therein stated are just and true.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto carried my seal of office at the Borough of Middletown this 10th day of Aug. A. D. 1821
Abiel A. Loonis Not. Pub.

I William Carter of Killington in the County of Middlesex & State of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say, that I have been the owner of Land in the State of Vermont adjoining the Land mentioned in the Memorial of Ebenezer Lester of this date. Said Land lies on a mountain can never be cultivated and I consider it of little or no real value. Said Lester has offered to sell me his right repeatedly, but I have refused to purchase it as I consider any sum advanced for land of the like quality and situation as money thrown away, or worse, in consequence of the taxes which are constantly arising upon it.
I have examined the Memorial of said Lester, as also, the Deposition of Jonathan Wright of the same date and I have every reason to believe the facts in them stated are strictly true.
Killington Aug. 10 th 1821
W m Carter
Justin of Pica for Middlesex County

Ed. Lester
— —

United States of America - } State of Connecticut - County of Middlesex ss.
On this 30. day of April 1823 personally appeared before the subscriber a Judge of the County Court within & for the County of Middlesex being a court of record according to the laws of the State of Connecticut by which it was created & having the power of fine & imprisonment. Ebenezer Lester resident in said County aged Sixty Nine Years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818 & of the 1 st of May 1820. that he the said Ebenezer Lester enlisted for the term as he believes of three Years on the first day of Jan y . in the Year 1777. in the State of Connecticut in the Company commanded by Capt e Elisha Lee in the Regiment commanded by Col o John Durkee in the line of the State of Connecticut on the Continental Establishment; that he continued to serve as an Ensign in the said Corps until as he believes about July 1778 when he was discharged from the said service on his resignation of his Office on account of sickness in New London in the State of Connecticut; that the above dates may vary a trifle from the precise time as the declarant's papers were destroyed when New London was burnt by the enemy - that his name has been placed on the pension List & dropped therefrom on account of

his property - And in pursuance of the Act of the 1 st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March 1818 & that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land & Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18 th day of March 1818. & that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed & by me subscribed -  Schedule of all the Estate of Eben Lister necessary clothing & Bedding excepted -
   1 Bible & Testament - - - - - 3. 25   5 Volumes of Laurens Sermons - - - - - 2. 25.   2 D o - - Winchester Sermons - - - - - 3. 50   1 D o - - Knox, Sermons - - - - - 40.   1 Dictionary - - - - - 50   1 Grammar - - - - - 25   1 Vol. Watts Work - - - - - 35   2 D o - Reeds Works - - - - - 3.   1 Writing Desk - - - - - 3   1 Penknife - - - - - 34   2 Trunks - - - - - 3.   1 Lookg Glass - - - - - 1. 75   1 Inkstand - - - - - 12   1 Load of Wood - - - - - 1. 75   Sundry Articles of Provision - - - - - 4. 50.  

  1 Broom 40   Sundry articles of Glass & Crockery Ware 3.50   1 p. of Bellows 25-   1 p. Spectacles 2.   Ebenezer Lester 33.81 
And I the said Ebenezer Lester do further swear that my occupation for many years past has been that of a preacher of the Gospel; that in consequence of my age & infirmities I have for the near part been unable to perform the duties connected with my occupation & have been & am now under the necessity of relinquishing the employment neither am I able to pursue any other calling or business by which I can obtain a support that for the last fifteen years I have not composed a family but have during that period lived as a Boarder in different places & families and I also swear that by reason of disease & bodily disability I am not able to attend personally before the County Court in order to make oath to this declaration - That since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property  List of Property sold since June 1820.
   Names of Persons to whom sold - Time of sale - amt. of Money or description of Property Rec d in Return.     100 acres of mountain land in Hancock State of Vermont To Ebenezer Lester of Boston - March 1822 - Forty Dollars in Cash   Horse Waggons & Harness - To Don t Wright of Killington - Spring of 1821 - $66. Rec d partly in Cash & partly in Boarding   Watch To Aaron Carter of Killington - April 1822 - Cash $7. -   Cash on Hand June 14. 1820. 105 22 To Don t Wright & sundry other Persons. at sundry times not particularly recollected. Rec d payment in Boarding & clothing & $29 paid to Don t Wright for debt due them  
Four Volumes of Books on Divinity have been mislaid or lost - a Bible Dictionary I gave to my Daughter Louisa of Albany - one trunk - 1 Horse Halter - 3 Brushes - 1 Pair Spectacles - 2 Horse Whips & a pocket Book have been either lost, worn out or broken  $200 in Notes due me from Noah Lester in June 1820 were rendered of no value in consequence of the said Noah's death

He died in the Arkansas Territory June 5. 1820 in solvent & unable to pay any proportion of his Debts - the remainder of the Debts due me in June 1820 then being $102. 75 has since that time been received & by me applied in payment of Board Cloathing & other necessary expences - I have no data by which I can specify the particular day or month in all cases when I have disposed of articles of property, but have made the foregoing statement with a positive confidence that it is correct according to the best of my recollection - And I do further swear that all the amount of sales or disposition of my property as aforesaid has been faithfully applied in payment of Debts for Boarding, clothing, medicine & other necessary expences from to & dated on the 30: day of April A.D. 1823 before
W m Carter a Judge of the County Court for Middlesex County
I William Carter a Judge of the County Court held within & for the County of Middlesex where the declarant resides do hereby certify that the above named Eben Lester is from a disease or complaint called a Rupture & from nervous diseases with which I am credibly informed & believe he has been affected for the space of more than one Year, unable to attend the Court of which I am a Judge, & I do not think from present appearances that he will be able to attend the Court above named at its next session - I have therefore in pursuance of the Act of Congress of the 1 st March 1823 attended at his place of abode & administered the foregoing Oaths.
W m Carter a Judge of the County Court for Midd le sex County
A John Putt Clerk of the County Court within & for the

County of Middlesex Certify that William Cartal Esq. before whom the above affidavit of Ebenezer Lester who is now sick & confined to his House was made is Judge as aforesaid - I also certify that the said schedule & oath have been admitted to the Record of said Court - & that the same are truly copied therefrom - & I do further Certify that it is the opinion of said Court, that the Total amt. in Value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Thirty three Dollars & Eighty One C ts In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & affixed the seal of said Court on this 1 st day of May 1823. W m Smith Clerk of said Court