Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5659, for Samuel Johnson, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn
Johnson, Samuel
W. 5659
CONTENTS

No 23907
III
Samuel Johnson Orleans County New York
val 23 195
Benj Allen (Murray) Orleans County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 5 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 subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Samuel Johnson Orleans County New York
   Period when this 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.     Enlisted July 1777 - 6 - private Col Enos, Col Bradley J. Parsons 70 years Red Milford Traditionary evidence & argument certificate. Witness certified   Enlisted 1778 - 5 - Artificer Major Painter Captain Gannalib Painter Connecticut Credible - papers correct   Sub 1 June 1778 - 9 - private Col King, Col Putnam   Enlisted 1779 - 2 - private Col Pick   Enlisted 1780 - 3 - private Col Richards, Captain Sanchee   Enlisted 1781 - 1 15 private Lieut. Porter,  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
It cannot be readily admitted that for the above services there could be no proof offered to sustain the same; the regulations require the best that can be had; should be furnished

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 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 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 , 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 time 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.
The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

23.907.
Samuel Johnson NY Col o Enos Conn NY.
act. 7. June '32
Not found on Faintley company of Artillerie Nor in Putnam's Regt as a substitute —
Dec r 15. 1841.
Referred to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
May 24. 1842
Report adverse — N o 784
Mr Babcock — Rev Pens

Letter and papers of Samuel Johnson of Orleans Co. NY for a Letter to Mr. Abolitionary services

State of New York ss. On this twenty third day of County of Orleans ss. January Eighteen hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court before
The Judges of the Judges the Court of Orleans Common Pleas Now sitting Samuel Johnson a resident of Carlton in the County of Orleans and State of New York aged 70 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 act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, that he enlisted in the month of July in the Year 1777 on the first of the month for six months under Col. Engrs Regiment of Connecticut State troops in the Company commanded by Capt. Bradley and Lieut. John Pridden and was dismissed the first of January 1778 that he then resided in the town of Old Milford in Connecticut, that he was a Volunteer that he joined his Regiment at Fishkill in New York and from thence marched to Poughkeepsie in N.Y. and was under the command of Brig. Genl. Parsons & from Poughkeepsie to Cranponds, thence to Whiteplain thence to East and West Chester where they captured for- ty two of Col. De Lancey's Light Horse, that he was ac- quainted with Col. Jonathan Meigs Col. Wyllys and Col. Putnam's Regiments of Regular troops and served with them in the two first in the period above mentioned and with Putnam's Regt. in 1778. That he again enlisted in the Month of November (before his six months had expired) during the War under Major Painter as an artificer Capt. Sam- uel Painter (brother to the Major) that he served five months as an artificer being dismissed the first of June 1778 that he was stationed at Danbury et and Fishkill N.Y. That he

property was discharged from his service as an artificer and was hired as a Substitute on the first of June 1778 and was in the Company Commanded by Capt. King in Col. Putnam's Regt. as before specified and served as said Substitute for Nine Months in the regular service and was dismissed that he joined his regiment at West- point from thence he marched to White Plains and joined the army under Command of Genl. Washington when he left during the remainder of the nine months being dismissed the first of March having served part of the time in Col. Putnam's Regt. and part of the time in Genl. Knox's Park of Artillery which was in the month of December removed into New Jersey town of Pluckemin and from thence he was sent with sixty or seventy other men into the State of Pennsylvania town of Lebanon with about 300 horses belonging to the Park and billeted on the inhab- itants until his service expired. That he enlisted for two months in Capt. Peck's Company of Gen. State troops and served his time in the town of Old Milford in defending the sea coast in the months of July and August of 1779. In 1780 he enlisted for three months in the month of June in Col. Richards Regt. in Capt. Fancher's Company and served his time in the city of New London Ct. In 1781 he enlisted in a Company of which Lieut. Porter was an officer the name of the Col. and Capt he does not recollect and was stationed at West Point in N.Y. and served six weeks  three months months and was dismissed that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He here- by relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or ann- uity except the present and declares that his name is not on on the pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Samuel Johnson

13 We Oliver Secor a Clergyman residing in the town of Murray Orleans County and State of New York and Martin Ruggles of the town of Clarkson in the County of Monroe and State as aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Sam- uel Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declara- tion that we believe him to be 70 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 & Subscribed the 23 rd day of January A.D. 1833 Before me Oliver Secor Martin Ruggles J. B. Willys Clerk
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 Oliver Secor who has signed the preceding certificate is a Cler- gyman resident in the town of Murray and that Martin Ruggles who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Clarkson and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
William James Sam. Tappan Abn. Cantine
Judges of the Court of Claims of the County of Orleans
J. B. Willys Clerk of the Court of the County of Orleans do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application Samuel Johnson for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 23 rd day of January 1833
William B. Willys Clerk
1 st Quest. Where and in what Year were You born?
Ans.
2 nd " Have You any record of Your age and if so where is it?
Ans.

3 rd Quest. Where were You living when called into Service where have You lived since the revolutionary war and where do You now live — Ans.
4 th How were You called into Service were You drafted did You volunteer or were You a substitute? And if a Substitute for whom? Ans.
5 th 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 service Ans.
6 th Did You ever receive a discharge from the Service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it — Ans
7 th 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 — Ans.

Judge of the Court of Orleans County Court
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the town of Murray in the county of Orleans and State of New York Samuel Johnson 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 one Year and eleven  nine and a half Months I served as a soldier and for five Months I served as an artificer and for such service I claim a pension
Sworn & subscribed this 23 rd of January 1833 before me William James a judge of Orleans County Court
Samuel Johnson
State of New York
Orleans County ss
I, William B. Mills Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that William James before whom the above affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same a judge of the County Courts in & for said County And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing And truly believe his name subscribed to the above affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 28 th day of March 1833
W. B. Mills Clerk
own of

Samuel Johnson Application for Pension
23907

7 State of New York Orleans County ss } On this 26 th day of March A.D. 1834 Personally appeared before me William James a Judge of Orleans County Court Samuel Johnson now a resident of the town of Murray in the County of Orleans and State of New York now aged 72 Years and Who being first duly sworn by me according to law deposeth and saith and doth on his Oath make the following Statements and declarations in ad- dition and Supplementary to the foregoing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. and to whom I put the following interrog- atories and he answered the same as follows. to Wit.
1 st Where and in What Year Were You born? Answer - He Says he Was born in the town of Middletown County of Hartford and State Connecticut On the 26 th day of September in the Year of Our Lord 1761 according to the Records taken from his fathers Bible -
2 nd Have You any Record of Your age and if so When is it at this time? Answer - He Says he has a record of his age Which is now in the Town of Elmer in the County of Cattaraugus  Shyavana and State of New York, When he has formerly lived and Which Was taken from his fathers bible When his father kept the Records of his family - his fathers Old family Bible he does not know What has become of it -
3 rd When Were You living When called into the Service When have You lived Since the Revolutionary War And When do You now live?
Answer He Says When he first Entered the Army of the Revolution he lived in the town of Old Milford in the County of Newhaven in the State of Connecticut that his home and Residence Was in the Same place during the Several periods of his Service in the Army of the Revolution and until the close of the War except the two last periods he lived in the town of Watbury in the Same County and State - that after he Was discharged the last time and after the close of the War he moved from the town of Watbury as aforesaid to the town of

8 Mount Washington at that time in the County of Berkshire in the State of Massachusetts When he married his Wife and lived as near as he can recollect about Six Years from thence he moved to Lake Champlain onto an Island in the Lake called South Hero then called the County of Chittenden in the State of Vermont but since organized into a half-shire County called Grand Isle from thence he moved to the town of Noteatt in the County of Seneca but now in the County of Wayne in the State of New York - from thence he moved to the town of Cambria in the County of Niagara State of and lived with his Son from thence he went back to the town of Noteatt and lived with an other Son a Short time from thence he removed to the town of Murray in the County of Orleans State of - from thence he removed from the town of Murray to the town of Elery in the County of Spitawague  Cattaraugus in the State of - from thence he came back to the County of Orleans and lived in the town of Castella Where he lived When he first made application to the War Department for a pension When he lived about one Year and from thence he moved to the town of Murray in the County of Orleans and State of New York on the town line joining Clarkston in Monroe County Where he now resides at the time of making this Supplement to his foregoing declaration -
4. th When Were You called into the Service? Were You drafted, did You volunteer, or Were You a Substitute if a substitute for Whom?
Answer - He says he Was a Volunteer and Enlisted in every instance and served that he served except Once When he Went as a Substitute for a man and served nine Months and Was discharged the man's name for Whom he Went as a Substitute he has forgotten but he belonged to Capt. Kings Company Col Putnam Regiment and Genl. Pattisons Brigade and Was on fatigue the most part of the time during the nine Months Service -
5. th State the names of Some of the Regular officers Who Were in the troops Where You Served - Such Continental and Militia Reg ts as You can recollect and the general Circumstances of Your Service While in the Army -

4 th Answer - He says he recollects General Washington General Patterson General Mifflin General Putnam General Parsons General Knox General Poor and General Lee who served in the Army with the Troops when he served at different times and periods - Also Colonels Putnam Colonel Muggs Colonel Sherman Col. Canfield Col. Richards Col. Myllig and Col. Enoy - Also Major Painter Also Capt. Bradley Capt. Painter Capt. King Capt. Mallett Capt. Pancher Also Lieut. Porter and Lieut. Pridden - He also recollects the several Regiments commanded by the foregoing officers besides a Regiment that he thinks was commanded by Colonel Sparks at West Point and Colonel Ledyard's Regiment from Connecticut at the Fort at New London - He further says that the general circumstances of his Service were the first period that after he enlisted he marched to Danbury in Connecticut after the place was burnt and after guarding the public stores and protecting the inhabitants from the ravages of the British and Tories from Danbury he marched to Fishkill in the State of New York and staid a few days and received orders to march immediately to Pukekill near where the British were encamped at a place called Galloway Hill for the purpose of attacking the British or driving them from that place after he arrived he drove the British from the place to their shipping he staid at this place a spell and kept guard and went on scouting parties from this place he marched with the rest of the Regiment to a place called Crompond East of Pukekill and encamped the business of the troops at this place was to keep guard and go on scouting par- ties foraging parties in the vicinity of the Enemy - from this place he marched to White Plains in New York at which place the troops joined Col. Muggs' Regiment and marched to West and East Chester in purs- uit of the Enemy at which place we took forty two prisoners that belonged to DeLany's Regiment of Refugees & Tories from which place we marched to a place called King Street in the State of New York upon their horse neck in the State of Connecticut where we remained to guard the place & reconnoitre the Enemy until discharged

He says the second period of his Service he first marched to the town or a place called Bethel in Connecticut for the purpose of being inoculated for the Small Pox When he remained with the troops about six weeks from thence after having the Small Pox he marched with the Regiment to Fishkill in the State of New York and there remained until he was discharged - While in camp he assisted in keeping guard and waiting upon his Officers and going on scouting parties - He says the third period of his Service he enlisted at Fishkill before he returned home and marched immediately to West Point in the Year A.D. 1778 and assisted in keeping guard but the principal part of the time that he served during this period he assisted in cutting Sachems and carrying them to the fort and going on scouting and foraging parties - From this place he should think in July he was marched to White Plains and found General Washington's main Army and remained there until some time in the fall assisting in standing sentry and keeping garrison - From this place he marched to a place called Red Bank in the State of New Jersey and went with Major Duane and from thence he with a boat & others were ordered back into the Country at a place called Lebanon in Pennsylvania with a quantity number of the Artillery horses and billeted on the Inhabitants When he remained taking care of the horses until his time was out for which he had enlisted - He says the fourth period of his Service he enlisted in the town Old Milford for two months to guard the place and assisted during this period in keeping guard over the public property and guarding the place against any attack from the British or Tory Refugees - He says that the fifth period of his Service he first marched to New London When he assisted in helping keep garrison and guard the place & public property When he staid about two months & then was marched to a place called Poquatanuck near Norwich in Connecticut & Connecticut & remained a short time & marched to a place called Mohegan in Connecticut When he remained till he was discharged keeping guard of some public property & guarding the place He

Mohigan in Connecticut When he remained till he was discharged keeping guard of some public property & guarding the place &c
He Says the Sixth period of his Service he marched from Old Milford in Connecticut to West Point in the State of New York When he remained during the One month and fifteen Days When he got his discharge and returned home that during the time of this Service he kept garrison and assisted in keeping and guarding the place & going on Scouting &c.
6. H. Did You ever receive a discharge from the Service? and if so by whom was it given and What has become of it?
Answer - He Says he never did receive from his officers or any them any written discharge but When his time was expired for which he had Enlisted he was discharged by the commanding officer of the Regiment and received from him a written Pass to go or return home Signed by the commanding officer that the last period for which he Enlisted was three months and the reason he did not serve the whole of the time for which he Enlisted the Regiment was discharged and it was said that it was not wanted - at the time he Enlisted as an Artificer which was the Second period in 1778 under Capt Painter and Major Painter he Enlisted during the War or until the close of the War but When he came to be mustered it was continued and finally concluded by the Officers of the Regiment at Fishkill that he did not sufficiently understand the trade of a Harness maker for which the command- ing officer had Enlisted him to answer the purpose and to serve in the Regiment of Artificers for which reason he was discharged and immediately he Enlisted as a Substitute in Capt Kings Company Col Putnam's Regiment and Genl Pattersons Brigade and he further Says the several Papers that he received from time to time When he was discharged he has lost that he does not recalled of having any one of them to his recollection within forty Years or more
7th State the names of whom You are known in your present ne- ighborhood and Who can testify as to your Character for truth and veracity and their belief of Your Service as a Soldier of the Revolution!
Answer - Martin Ruggles Thomas W Avery Jeremiah Dear Hiram Jones Charles Ruggles Bryan Baker Mason Smith John Smith in my own neighborhood and Samuel Johnson Junior of Canandaigua in Niagara County and Oliver Dyer a Shipman living in Murray in my neighborhood witness to the Subscribed before me William Lapsy a Judge of Seneca County Court this 26th day of March 1834 Samuel Johnson

State of New York County of Albany
I Thomas W. Avery of the town of Murray in the County of Albany and State of New York aged forty two Years my Name be So testify on Oath as follows to Wit - after being duly Sworn according to law he Says on his Oath that he is and has been acquainted with Samuel Johnson the foregoing applicant for Seven Years that he has during that time Sustained a good character and a character that stands unimpeached not only for just and upright principles but particularly for truth and veracity that when since this deponent has been acquainted with him he has ever stated to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and Served in the Revolutionary Army that he has frequently heard people converse on the subject of his having Served in the Revolutionary Army and it was generally believed and is now believed in the neighborhood Where he lives - and this deponent has never heard it disputed nor doubted as to his having Served in the army of the Revolution and he this Deponent further Says that he has heard the Said applicant's Declaration and Testimony read over and his Supplementary declaration and believes that he has Served in the Revolutionary Army as he has then set forth that he now is and has been for a long time a member of the Methodist Church in good standing and that he would believe his testimony as soon as any man's and further this Deponent Subscribed before me
This 26 th Day of March A.D. 1834
Thomas W. Avery
William James a Judge of Albany County Court
State of New York County of Albany
I John L. Smith Moses R. Smith and Jeremiah Fisher of the town of Murray County of Albany and State of New York and John L. Smith of Gloucester Mass a Sinec of the Town of Jackson do hereby certify on Oath solemnly as follows to Wit after being duly Sworn according to law that We are intimately acquainted with Samuel Johnson the foregoing applicant and have known him for about thirty Years that he has always been
considered a man of the strictest truth and veracity and has Sustained a good character in the neighborhood Where he lived that for truth and veracity and fair dealing his character stands

considered a man of the strictest truth and veracity and has sustained a good character in the neighborhood where he lived that for truth and veracity and fair dealing his character stands unimpeached and we think unimpeachable that as long ago as we first became acquainted with him he was called and considered a Revolutionary Soldier and that he had served in the Revolutionary Army and we concur in that opinion we have heard his declaration read over and the several interrogatories and his answers to the same in the supple- mentary part of his declaration and we believe the same to be true as he has then set forth that he now resides in the town of Murray in our neighborhood and is very des- titute and infirm and cannot well attend court on account of bodily infirmity that he now is a member of the Church of Christ and in good standing and also we have frequently heard him converse over the subject of his having served in the Army of the Revolution with his ac- -quaintances and neighbors and never heard his statements contr- -adicted nor do we think that they were ever doubted and we are further of the opinion that he did serve in the Army of the Revolution as he states and that he is of the age set forth in his Supplementary Declaration and that his statements are true and further these deponents saith not sworn to and subscribed this 26 th Day of March 1834 before me
Lyman A. Baker John L. Smith Moses R. Smith Jeremiah D. Dyer Martin Knapp
William James a Judge of Orleans County Court
State of New York Orleans County ss
I Oliver Goss a Clergyman of the Meth- odist Evangelist Church in the Town of Murray in the County of Orleans and State of New York do hereby on Oath after being duly sworn according to law that the foregoing applicant Samuel Johnson has been a member of

the Church of Christ for twelve Years in good Standing and in now a member of my Church in good Standing that I have been well acquainted with him for twelve Years and he for the time and for aught I know previously always been considered a man of the strictest truth and veracity and has always sustained a good character and I do believe him to be a man of strict truth and uprightness - I have frequently conversed with him and heard him converse with others upon the subject of his having served in the Revolutionary Army and his statements here by me believed to be true and I never heard them doubted by others I have heard his declaration read over and the answers to the several interrogatories put by the Judge and they correspond with his former statements and I believe them to be true and that he did serve in the Revolutionary Army as he has there set forth and that he is of the age set forth in his affidavit that he is now residing in the town of Murray in full health on account of Old age and other infirmities and that he cannot well attend court on account of his feeble state of health and infirmities and I do further state that it is my firm belief that he has been a Soldier and served in the Revolutionary Army the several times and periods set forth in his said Declaration - and further this Deponent saith not
Sworn to and subscribed this 26th day of March 1834
William James a Judge of Orleans County Courts
Oliver Sewer Clergyman

15 an open record "Ottawa County ss" We Hiram James of the town of Clarkson in the County of Monroe and State of New York aged forty three Years and Samuel Johnson of the town of Cambria in the County of Niagara and State aforesaid Son of the foregoing applicant aged forty seven Years Do severally certify on Oath as follows to Wit.
The Said Hiram James after being duly Sworn according to law Says on his Oath that he has been intimately acquainted with Samuel Johnson the foregoing applicant ever since he can remember that he has always sustained a good character as to truth and veracity his character stands unimpeachable that he this deponent would believe his statements as soon as any man's living that he is reputed to be a member of the Methodist Church in good standing and that he this deponent believes it to be true that as long a go as this deponent can remember he was reputed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier, and have served in the Revolutionary army, that it was of frequent occurrence in the neighborhood where he lived to talk of his having been a Soldier in the Revolution and that it was believed to be true and that the Said applicant's statements on the subject was never doubted in the neighborhoods where he has resided from time to time that he this deponent always has and still does concur in that opinion and that he this deponent has examined the declaration as set forth by the applicant and believing the same to be true and that he has served as he has then set forth in his said declaration and the Supplement thereto and that he is of the age set forth in his Supplementary declaration and enlisted and served as there set forth and further saith not Sworn to and Subscribed before
me this 26 th day of March 1834 William H. Jones a Judge of Ottawa County Courts
Hiram James
And the Said Samuel Johnson Junior after being duly Sworn according to law Says on his Oath that he has lived with his father about forty Years that his father was always, since the recollection of this deponent reputed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and served in the Revolution that he has frequently heard his father talk over his services in the army of the Revolution with others who were reputed and believed to have served in the Revolutionary Army & also

16 his campaigns & when he had served and that he never heard his Statements contradicted or disputed nor within his any reason to suppose that they were doubted that it was of frequent occurrence in the circle of his father's and this deponent's acquaint- ance and in the several neighborhoods where he and his father has lived to recur to and take over his father's campaigns and his having served in the Revolutionary Army that the statements of his father on the subject was believed and never doubted to the know- ledge of this deponent - and this deponent further says that his father has always sustained a good character and his state- ments are believed to be true that his character for truth & veracity stands unimpeached and unimpeachable as this deponent now verily believes - that this deponent has always believed and never doubted that his father was a Revolutionary Soldier and served in the Revolutionary Army as he has set forth in his Statements to the War department that he has examined his father's Statements set forth in his declaration & Supplement and he believes the same to be true that he did serve as then set forth in the Revolutionary Army and that he is of the age he states in his Supplementary declaration that his father now does not live with him but resides in the town and county of Set forth in the Sup- plementary part of his declaration that his father is reputed to now belong to the Methodist Church in good standing and that this deponent believes it to be true and that his father is now poor distitute and very infirm and has scarcely any means to sup- port himself - And further saith (not sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of
March A.D. 1832
Samuel Johnson Jr
William James a Judge of Giles County Courts

17 State of New York
Orleans County ss. And I William James a Judge of Orleans County Courts and before Whom the foregoing Supplementary proceedings were had and Who have taken the foregoing affidavits Do also certify and declare my Opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the foregoing interrogatories pursued by the War department, that I have been acquainted with the foregoing Applicant for two Years or more and have been circumstanced so that I had the means of learning what his Character for truth and veracity had been before my acquaintance with him and I do not hesitate to say that it stands fair as far as I have been able to learn and from my own knowledge both as to truth & veracity & fair dealing and that it is my firm belief that his Statements in the foregoing declaration and his answers to the several interrogatories are true and that he was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution and did serve as he has set forth and that he is now infirm and feeble in health on account of Old age and bodily infirmities and on account of which he cannot attend Court without great inconvenience & danger to his health. And I do further certify that Oliver Sear is a resident of the town of Murray and County of Orleans and is also a Clergyman & Pastor of the Church in the neighborhood of the Said Applicant and to whose Church he belongs that I have been acquainted with him for five Years & know that he is a man whose Character for truth & veracity and in every other respect stands fair and his Statements may be relied on and I do believe them to be true. And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with Martin Ruggles of the town of Clarkson in the neighborhood of the Said Applicant and have been for about fifteen Years and Hiram Bangs of the same neighborhood I am acquainted with and have been for about twelve Years. And Jeremiah Schermerhorn

18 of the Town of Murray in the Same neighborhood for about ten Years and Thomas M. Avery and Aron Baker of the Same place and neighborhood for about the Same length of time And to those good Character for truth and veracity Generally I can and do certify that they all stand fair that they are men of the first Standing in the neighborhood, and whose statements may be relied on, and I do believe them to be true. And I do further certify that I have been acquainted with Samuel Johnson Junior only about two months Who lives in the town of Columbia in the County of Niagara State aforesaid Son of the foregoing applicant and Moses R. Smith & John L. Smith of the town of Murray & County & State aforesaid are only a part Am you but I have taken Some considerable pains to inform myself concerning their Character for truth and veracity from persons Who were acquainted with them of the neighborhood When they had lived and When they now reside and from What I have been able to learn their Character Stands fair for truth and veracity and they are reported to be men of of reputation and whose statements may be relied on And from all I can learn I believe them to be true both from my own knowledge and from and from What is reported of them by others good Character — All of which I accordingly certify Witness my hand at Murray this first Day of April in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirtyfour
William James a Judge of Onondaga County Court

Orleans County Clerks Office
I as Deputy (For A. B. Mills), Clerk of said County do hereby that William James before whom the foregoing sworn proceedings from the seventh page purports to have been taken and the affidavits are sworn to as at the respective dates a Judge of the County Court in and for said County of Orleans duly Commissioned and qualified And further I am well ac- quainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe the signature of William James subscribed to said pro- ceedings and affidavits are genuine In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said County at Albion this 10 th day of April A.D. 1835 W. J. Nichols Dep Clerk

5659.
P. O. Samuel Johnson Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____ _____ _____
Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

(3-223.)
Rev No. 21.678
, Ex'r.
REJECTED
OLD WAR INVALID.
Samuel Johnson of NY P.O. Private Col. Lanes Conn
Service :
Enlisted : , 18
Discharged : , 18

Hon. A. Babcock

New York
5659 Rev. 7.
Samuel Johnson
Suspended
See letter
to Wm James Esq May 16. 1834
let to Hon. S. Ward 28 Feb 1835
" " Wm James 24 Aug
" " Same 12 Dec. 1836 — do.
claimant Sept Oct. 2. 1837
letter to Alfred Babcock June 8. 1840
same Dec 11 th 1841
Act June '32
Letter to Hon. T. J. Patterson March 30. 1841.
do. to Hon. A. Babcock H.R. Jan. 11. 1843 — do. to A. Joy, Aug 16. 1844 —

Samuel Johnson.
1777 6 m d . Conn. Bradley Enos
5 Harness maker. Capt
General Paymaster
9 - King. Co. Putnam
Mapline
3 Parishes. Richards
2 Mallett Co.
Mr Levi Gaylord will state that Sam Johnson was was a few months with him in Painted Co. Gaylord's name is on the roll of Painted Co as is also Jeremiah and Asaph Johnson but no Samuel Samuel Johnson is found on Capt King Co. Co. Marshall Mass 9 m d

Aug 16 44 Washington D.C. Samuel Johnson 32 Sarah Smith 30 Smk D 
Hon. J. L. Howard

Ovid Augt. 13th 1844
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm ee of Pensions
Dear Sir
I beg leave respectfully to say, that I am the agent of Samuel Johnson who applied for a pension from Orleans Co. N. Y. under the act of 1832, may. I be allowed respectfully to ask you to please state what the objection to a pension in his case is, and whether he has not furnished the Comptroller's certificate of Compt ee of his Service, & what more is wanted to establish his case.
I Am Respectfully Your Most Ob dt Servt Fred Joy

Home of Reps Dec 28 1842
Sir
Enclosed are the papers of Samuel Johnson, of Kendall Orleans Co N.Y., in relation to his anti-slavery services and asking a pension. You will recollect that a few days since I called on you for information and stated that I had a letter from Mr Addison, and which I afterwards sent to you, stating that he was in possession of information which would entitle Mr Johnson to a pension for 9 months services. Will you be so good as to re-examine this case personally and give me the result of such examination. I am perfectly satisfied of the justice of the old gentleman's claim for at least one year, but of course can know nothing of the facts except by his papers and other representations. Will you give this case your earliest convenient attention.
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt Alfred Babcock
J. L. Edwards Commr Pensions

H.R. Secy 10 1841
My Sir
Some time in the early part of the late session of Congress I had occasion to call your attention to the application of Samuel Johnson of Rural Orleans Co NY for a revolutionary pension for his alleged services in the revolutionary war  services . In your reply you asked for more evidence than existed in the Department. In a conversation with him on that subject whilst at home he said to me he could furnish no more and wished me if you still thought the evidence of service insufficient to procure his papers now in your office and present them to Congress for their action.
If consistent with the regulations of your Department will you be so good as to direct them to me.
I have the honor to be Your obedient Servt
Alfred Babcock
J. L. Edwards Counse

Journal of a Hunt Elk - P. 10/10/77
Saw 1st Mammal
9 m - a
or a Jackal
By a 777
Dr. C. M. 80

The State of Ohio Ashtabula County } ss } 3
I Levi Gaylord of Geneva in the County of Ashtabula and State of Ohio, being duly sworn, do on my Oath aforesaid say, that I am seventy five years of age; that I was born in Southington Connecticut; that I entered the service of the United States in the month of March 1778 in a company of Artificers, commanded by Captain Gamaliel Painter, in what was then called Major Painter's Corps of Artificers, in which I served for the period of three years. In the month of April 1778 (according to the best of my recollection) I became acquainted with Samuel Johnson who is now present before me, and who has applied to me for this affidavit. Said Johnson was then serving as a private in said Company of Artificers. At that time about forty or fifty members of said Company including myself and said Johnson, were stationed at a place then called Bethel in the Town of Danbury in the State of Connecticut. In the course of a month or six weeks, (I should think) after I joined said Company, we marched to Fishkill in the State of New York, where we remained for some months. During the time we were encamped at Fishkill - I should think about a month after our arrival there - said Johnson entered the Line as it was then called: That is to say, he entered into the Infantry service in the Massachusetts Line (I think it was called) of the Regular or Continental Army of the United States; (this was done by consent of the Officers at that time in command of the Company in which I Johnson and I was then serving. I should think that said Johnson served in the same Company to which I belonged about two months and a half after I joined said Company; and I then understood (and believe) that he joined said Company the fall previous to my becoming acquainted with him. That during the time I was acquainted with him he sustained the character of a good soldier - And further this deponent saith not -
Note - The word "Infantry" interlined before signing -
Levi Gaylord

The foregoing Affidavit of Levi Gaylord sworn to and subscribed this second day April A.D. 1835- Before me Almon Hawley Justice of the Peace
The State of Ohio Ashtabula County } ss I, Alvin Bagley Attorney & Counsellor at Law & Commissioner of the County of Ashtabula & State of Ohio being duly sworn do depose & say that I am well acquainted Levi Gaylord who has subscribed the foregoing Affidavit and know him to be a person of respectability, truth and veracity, & whose statements may with the utmost confidence be relied on as correct- And further this deponent saith not- Alvin Bagley
Sworn to & subscribed this second day of April A.D. 1835 - Before me - Almon Hawley Justice of the Peace
The State of Ohio Ashtabula County } ss I Sam l Hendry Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Ashtabula do hereby certify that Almon Hawley Esquire whose name appears subscribed above, in his own proper hand writing, which is to me well known to be a Justice of the Peace of the township of Jefferson in the County of Ashtabula aforesaid duly Commissioned and sworn agreeably to the Laws of the State of Ohio and that to his acts as such, full faith and credit are due - And I also certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Levi Gaylord for the term of thirty years last past, and that I know him to be a man of undoubted veracity and that his statements may in all cases be relied on as correct - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the second day of April A.D. 1835 - Sam l Hendry Clerk

Aug 21/50.
Sam l Johnson
131
FREE
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions City of Washington
Payt.

Dear Sir,
Your communication on the Subject of the Claim of Samuel Johnson a Revolutionary Soldier Dated May 16. 1834 apprising me that further Evidence Was required has been duly received - Mr Johnson at the time of making out his declaration and at the time of the receipt of Your last letter Was not aware of any one living who could substantiate any of the facts set forth in his said Declaration knowing that the principal part of those who served in the Army with him Were dead and not knowing of any one now living he had despaired of being able to produce any Evidence Except What he has already given by his own declaration and the affidavit as to his character now in Your possession in support out of his claim - Knowing also as he himself certainly must know that his statements were true and his claim just he was unwilling to give up the same and again called on me for further advice &c. I then proceeded to take down the names of all the persons who Were in the Army at the time he served who knew him that he knew Were not Dead (Which he readily gave me) their last place of Residence &c and commenced writing to the different postmasters on the Subject of their Residence and if any one Was now living - after following up this course about Six months I succeeded in finding one by the name of Levi Gayford and the only one now living in the town of Geneva in the County of Ashtabula State of Ohio and all the others Dead one of which Died in Upper Canada in July 1834 - In consequence of the infirmity of Mr Johnson and also Mr Gayford the most difficulty Was to get them together for the purpose of obtaining his affidavit as to the identity of Johnson Which Was finally overcome by some of Mr Johnsons Charitable friends

assistant Who undertook and Succeeded in carrying him in easy Stages &c. to the State of Ohio - and Succeeded in obtaining the affidavit of Mr Gaylord (Which is herin enclosed and transmitted to You on the Subject of Mr Johnsons Claim - You Will perceive by the enclosed papers that Mr Gaylord is a man Whose Statements may be relied on as to truth &c. and by referring to the Statements made by Mr Johnson in his Declaration You will also I believe find the Same corroborated he Says Johnson Was in the Army When he joined it in April 1878 in the Same Company of Artillery as alluded by Johnson and that he Served about two and half Months with him and that he understood he entered the fall previous - and that he by the consent of the Officers entered the line or that Was then called So in the Infantry of the Massachusetts line &c. - You Will I have no doubt give the Subject an Early and impartial investigation altho Johnsons name is not found on the Rolls may it not be in consequence of the troops not having been consolidated? You Will recollect he joined the company of Artillery as a recruit did not join the main Body of the Army for Some time and When the troops Were consolidated Was transferred by consent of the officers to the Infantry in the main Army - are there no other cases like his Whose names are not found on the Rolls but Yet Served in the Army - And on the Whole I do not mean to intimate any blame nor do I mean to dictate or urge this claim unfairly - as to the mistake of One Year in the Declaration it is merely a Clerical Error made by Mr B. Allen in draughting the first Declaration and Who Will if necessary make affidavit of the Same - and truly can it be impossible from the facts in this case that the

Whole or any part of this Claim is a fabrication Without any foundation and that to by a man Whose character stands as high as Mr Johnson and that to Whom he has but a Short time to linger this Side the grave — Please give this Your attention and me an answer on the Subject as Soon as convenience Will admit — In the mean Direct Your communi- cation to me at Albion Obe- dient & humble Servant William James Orleans County New York August the 15th 1835
give further

Hon. J. Edwards Com. of. Pensions

April 27th. 1834
Dear Sir,
The papers I send You have been handed over to me by Mr Johnson to be forwarded to You in my name instead of Benjamin Allen Esquire.
You will perceive I have made out a Supplemental Declaration and put to him all the Interrogatories required by the War Department and have also made out his answers to the same. That there are any living witnesses to his services it appears none can be found. But if in any case certificates are allowed upon traditional evidence I can hardly believe he will fail in his application. You will perceive by examining the affidavits that his character stands fair and that he has been long considered and reputed to have served in the Revolutionary Army and I have no doubt myself that what he has served as he states in his Declaration, I'm making up Your mind and by examining his Declaration and Supplement You will perceive that there was a mistake made as to his age as will appear from the Declaration & Supplement thereto. I have called on Mr Allen to know the cause and it appears that in making out the Declaration from his original minutes he made a mistake of one year which will account for the error. After you have made up your decision make your returns to me at Murray Delaware County N.Y. W m Edwards Esquire & Yours &c William Larny

State of New York, Chautauque County ss:
Fish Durand of the Town of Westfield in said County a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States being duly sworn says that in the year 1777 he served in Captain Bradley's Company of Connecticut troops. that in his boyhood he was acquainted with Samuel Johnson of the Town of Milford County of New Haven & State of Connecticut who is the same individual who has made application to this deponent for a statement of facts as to his services during the Revolutionary War. And further this deponent saith that he does not positively know that the said Samuel Johnson did serve in the same Company with him the deponent but from the facts and circumstances mentioned by the said Samuel Johnson to this deponent he has no doubt and verily believes that the said Samuel Johnson did in the year 1777 serve in the same Company as aforesaid with him. that this belief is founded upon the following facts & circumstances that he remembers and readily names several persons. to wit. Henry Bull. Sergeant. Jeremiah Bull. Corporal. John Durand Corporal. William Durand Fifer the two last Brothers of this deponent. that he recollects & states of his own accord without any reference by this deponent that William Durand above named was taken sick. the place where, the disease, &c. And also his recognizance of this deponent his station as drummer. And the fact that the father of this deponent came after him on the march from Danbury to Fishkill and of their discharge at Horse Neck in 1778 the same year, and many other circumstances to which the said Samuel refers, & known to this deponent to have transpired. And a knowledge of which could not have been acquired without the actual participation of the retator, in them as this deponent believes.
Sworn & subscribed before me Aug. 23. 1836. R. Patches J. P.
Fish Durand
State of New York, Chautauque County ss:
Hannah Hotchkiss being duly sworn says that Samuel Johnson mentioned in the above affidavit is brother to her. that she is in her Seventieth year. that she well remembers that her brother Samuel Johnson enlisted or went into the Army in the Revolutionary War that he was then an apprentice to Benedict Bull Sailor. and well recollects the distress of the family and particularly of the Mother caused by Samuel's going into the service that she resides in the Town of Westfield in said County (over)

Sworn & subscribed } before me Aug. 23. 1836 } H. Patches J. D. }
Hannah Hotchkiss
I Certify that I am well and personally acquainted with Fish Durand whose subscribed the foregoing affidavit, and that his Character for truth & veracity is good. H. Patches J. D. -
State of New York Chautauqua County } ss
Lucius Hotchkiss being duly sworn says that he is personally acquainted with Hannah Hotchkiss who subscribed the fore- going affidavit, that her Character for truth and veracity is good Sworn & subscribed } before me Aug. 23. 1836 } H. Patches J. D. }
Clerk's Office Chautauqua County New York } ss
I George M. Tew Clerk of said County do Certify that Herman Patches Esq. was on the 23 d August 1836, known to be a Jus- tice of the peace of said County, duly elected and sworn - And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe the several signatures "H. Patches" subscribed to the several of the foregoing affidavits are genuine - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official Seal This 25. day of August A.D. 1836 - G. M. Tew Clerk
The interlineation in the above certificate "was on the 23 d August & now" made by me G. M. Tew Clerk

J. Johnson Nov 4.
J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington
23

Dear Sir,
The confidence I have in the allegations & narrative made by Samuel Johnson as a Revolutionary Soldier and the full belief which I always have had and still have in the justice of his claim for a pension under the late act of Congress constrains me once more to address You on the Subject which I certainly should not do if I had a single doubt on the Subject —
In Your last communication You intimated that the Service in the Connecticut Militia & State Troops must be susceptible of proof by the Survivors in that State. In consequence of which Mr Johnson has (notwithstanding his infirmities) made a journey to Old Milford in that State for the purpose of procuring further proof of his Service and could find no one now living who was knowing to his being in the army those who knew of his Service were all dead or gone to parts unknown Except Fish Durand who he there ascertained was now living and resided in Chautauqua County State of New York whose affidavit he has since obtained together with his Sister Hannah Hotchkiss which I enclose and send You —
You also intimated that there was a variance in the narrative or Statement detailed in my letter and the Statement made by him in his declaration relative to the Service or enlistment under Capt Painton and after having served five months as an Artificer was then discharged for Want of Skill and was then discharged and then Enlisted in Capt Kings company Putnam's Regt. — Now if there has been any Statement made by me in my letter different from what Mr Johnson has set forth in his declaration the Error is to be attributed to me and not to him — he has uniformly told one story — As I recollect his declaration relative to this part of his Service he says he enlisted under Captain Painton as an Artificer served five months was then discharged and immediately Enlisted into Captain Kings company Col Putnam's Regt. for nine months in this case he took a mans place — he remained in Capt Kings company only two months or about that time and was then

transferred together with an other man into General Knox Brigade when he served out the residue of the nine months that after he was trans- -ferred to Knox Brigade he drove a team attached to a piece of Artillery which belonged to General Knox Park of Artillery — You say then Was was no Capt King in Putnam's Regt. On this subject I have talk- -ed with Mr. Johnson and he says he still thinks the Capt name was King but he may possibly be mistaken as to the name of his Captain his memory is not good — If I recollect Gaylord's affidavit he refers particularly to this part of Johnson's Service and States in his affidavit "By leave of the officers Johnson entered the Service in the Massachusetts line" and further says he was a good Soldier, If therefore Levi Gaylord has sworn to the truth Johnson was most certainly then and in the Army and not only a Soldier but a good One — In addition to this and the Oath of Johnson himself You have the affidavit of Fish Dimeand and Hannah Hotchk- -kip his Sister — Dimeand does not swear positively to his having served in the same Company but from certain circum- -stances has no doubt of his having served &c. Mrs. Hotchkip swears positively as to his leaving home Enlisting or going into the Army &c. — I can only add that of his Statements and allegations I have no doubt on my mind I am fully satisfied that he is justly entitled to a pension And on reviewing the matter with the additional affidavits it is the Wish and prayer of the Petitioner that Your final determination Will be favorable to his claim — Let me know Your pleasure as soon as You conveniently can — In the mean time I remain Your most Obedient & humble servant William James
Edwards Comr of Pensions &c.
Albion Oct. 21. 1836