Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19130, for Joseph Sweet, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Continental R. S.
Sweet, Joseph Mary
W 19130
CONTENTS

New York. 4191.
Mary Sweet, widow of Joseph Sweet R.S. who died on the 8 Ape. 1829 of Cortland in the State of N.Y. who was a Ser t in the Co. commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ line for 18 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Inc. from $60
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Ape. 1848 and sent to E. H. Edgecomb, Cortland N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Inc. from $60.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by D. H. Wood Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 1 Page 129 .

State of New York Cortland County ss.
On this 10 th day of October 1844 Personally appeared before the Subscriber Henry Stephens Esq. first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Cortland the same being a Court of Record of Mary Sweet Residant of the town of Cortland Vill in said County of Cortland aged Eighty Eight years Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 4. 1836 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows.
That she is the widow of Joseph Sweet late of the town of Cortland Vill in said County of Cortland and State of New York - Who died on the 8 th day of April 1830 That her husband the said Joseph Sweet was a Soldier of the United States in the War of the Revolution That he enlisted in the town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island in the Spring of the year of 1775 - for the term of six or eight months under Lieutenant Thomas Sweet that he did the duty of Orderly Sergeant in Colonel Varnums Regiment in Rhode Island Troops and marched from Coventry to Greenwich and from thence to Block Island in said State of Rhode Island - and before his time of enlistment expired he was called to Rehoboth in the State of Massachusetts where he again enlisted as a first Sergeant in Captain Kimballs Company in Colonel Varnums Regiment in General Gages -

Brigade and for the Term of One year and on or about the first of January 1776 he Return home in the town of Valentown in the State of Connecticut where he then lived which town then joined the town of Country (K. S. J.) - where he first enlisted and returned at home about one month and then returned to Hotchkiss (Mass.) - and joined the Continental Army. That in the Spring of 1776 - he marched with a detachment of the army through Valentown where he staid one night at home destined for New York He was on Long Island at the time of the defeat but was not in the Battle but Retreated from the Island and in the night time under Orders from General Washington during his for the same he was in the city of New York Harlem Heights & White Plains She further sayth that she has had in her papers concerning her husband's warrant as a Sergeant and many letters written to her when he was in the service which are all lost and at present she has not any documentary evidence in support of her claim - And declarant further saith that she was married to the said Joseph Sweet on the 29 th January 1774 Certificate & proof of which is on file in the Pension Office That her husband the said Joseph Sweet died as aforesaid on the 8 th day of April 1830 and she further saith that she has not remarried but continues to be the widow of the said Joseph Sweet

Subscribed and sworn the day and year last above written before
Henry Stephens First Judge Cortland County
Albany Sept 2
I certify that I am satisfied that from the infirmities of Old age the above named Mary Sweet is unable to attend the sitting of the Court -
Henry Stephens First Judge Cortland County
State of New York
Cortland County
Clerks Office
§ I Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of said County do Certify that Henry Stephens Esq before whom the affidavit of Mary Sweet purports to have been taken, was on the day of the date thereof, First Judge of the County Courts in and for the said County, duly commissioned and sworn and duly authorized by law to take the same, Also that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge, and hereby believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and also the certificate thereunder written to be his genuine signature Witness my hand and the seal of said County at Cortland. Mile the 11 th day of October 1844
Sam Hotchkiss Clerk

State of Connecticut / Town of Voluntown /
Joseph Sweet and Mary Griffith were lawfully joined in Marriage January 27 th
1774 by Robert Dixon, Justice of the Peace -
I certify the above is a true Copy of Voluntown Records, Attest. Elisha Potter Town Clerk
Sworn and subscribed before me this 30 th day of May - 1837
Hinney Gallup J. Peck
I certify that Elisha Potter is a man of truth & cre- dibility & reputable in his neighbourhood
Hinney Gallup J. Peck

State of Connecticut
Windham County ss } Office of Clerk of County Court
I, Orville Fuller, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Windham, do certify, that Hinnacy Gallup Esq., before whom the within certificate was sworn, is a Justice of the Peace for said Windham County, duly commissioned and sworn, that his commission bears date the 3 rd day of June 1836 and will expire on the 20 th day of June 1837 - and that I believe the signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have affixed the seal of this Court, and subscribed my name this 6 th day of June Anno Domini 1837.
Orville Fuller Clerk 3

State of New York Cattaraugus County
I Mead Merrill & I Norman Curtis being upwards of fifty years of age both of us, of the Town of Cattaraugusville, in said County & State being duly sworn according to Law, doth on their Oaths, depose and say, that that they have been personally acquainted with Mary Sweet, the Widow of Joseph Sweet Deceased who was a Revolutionary Soldier, for upwards of thirty years past, they say, that they have lived a near Neighbour to her - they say, that they have frequently heard said Joseph tell of his being out as a Sergeant in the time of the Revolution - also, they are both personally knowing to said Mary Sweet living as a Widow ever since the period of said Joseph Sweet Deceased which was on the eighth day of April Eighteen hun- dred & twenty nine - they further say that said Joseph Sweet Deceased, by a Natural debility, came to an old age - and they further say, that they have no doubt but the facts set forth in said Mary Sweet's Declaration are substantially true & correct.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 13 th day of May 1837
Mead Merrill Norman Curtis
Leviathan Canfield J. Pease
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mead Merrill & Norman Curtis, & have been for upwards of twenty years, and know them to be men of truth and veracity & respectable in their neighbourhood.
Leviathan Canfield J. Pease

State of New York Cortland County
Clerk's Office. I Orson Simmons Clerk of said County do hereby certify that William Berry Esq before whom the affidavit of Mary Sweet was taken was at the date of the same a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County duly Commissioned sworn according to law & also that Lyman B Canfield Esq before whom the affts of Mead Merrill & Norman Curtis was taken was at the date of said affidavit a justice of the Peace in for said County duly qualified according to law & that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said William Berry & Lyman B Canfield & verily believe their signatures within are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of July A.D. 1851
O. Simmons Clerk No 2361 No 4 Main Street Benson of North
113 Main Street

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the Third Section of the Act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836.
State of New York } Cortland County } in this Fifth day of May 1837 Personally appeared before me William Berry one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cortland and State of New York Mary Sweet aged Eighty two Years a resident of the Town of Cortlandville, Cort- land County, New York, who being first duly sworn ac- cording to Law doth on her Oath, Make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision Made by the Act of Congress passed July 24 th 1836, that She is the Widow of Joseph Sweet who was a Sergeant and Enlisted for Six Months in the Year One thousand and Seventy five, under Lieutenant Thomas Sweet, in the State of Rhode Island & Colony of Connecticut, said Joseph Sweet lived in Voluntown, State of Connecticut, adjoining said County, in Rhode Island aforesaid - said Joseph Sweet Marched from Fort Greenwich to Block Island, from there said Sweet, went to Boston in the State of Massachusetts, after he went to Boston, he came home in January in 1776 - and while in Boston he Enlisted for the term of one Year - he went from home in January 1776 & he returned home in January 1777. he was in the Monmouth Battle She thinks there was an Elias Blanchard & one Wilber belonged to the same Company in the Year 1775 - said Elias Blanchard was an Ensign before the Revolution closed & was a Sergeant along with said Joseph Sweet - she says she formerly has seen her Husband, Sergeant Sweet frequently, but that it has been last twenty or thirty Years since - said Joseph Sweet Made an Affidavit for said Blanchard & Wilber to assist them to obtain a Pension, she thinks, before John Nash Judge of Cortland County a Number of Years since & she thinks they both got a Pension - the reason why her Husband

v Joseph Sweet did not apply for a Pension, was, because said Sweet owned so much property, and the reason why he did not apply for a Pension under the Act of 1828, was because he was very sick, and he Died in April 1829 on the eighth day - she thinks Lieutenant Dyer of said Fort Greenwiche, was an Adjutant of the Regiment in 1776 to which said Sweet belonged, she does not recollect the Captain or the Col who said Sweet went under unless it was Farnum or Barmum of Rhode Island. That she was Married to the said Joseph Sweet on the 27 th day of January 1774 in said Farmington, State of Connecticut & County of Windham by Esquire Robert Dickson - and that she has remained a Widow ever since the period of said Sweet's Death as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She says, said Joseph Sweet was under General Green both times of said service, she thinks, her Husband died of a General debility - Sworn and subscribed before me this 5 th day of May 1837
Mr Berry a Judge of Cortland Comt Pleas
Mary Sweet
I William Berry the Judge within named, and before whom the Declaration of Mary Sweet the applicant for a Pension within named was Made, and before whom the proceedings were held - do hereby certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the Matter by me carefully taken - that the said Mary Sweet was the Wife of the said Joseph Sweet - and that her Declaration is correct and true, and I do further certify that in my opinion the said Mary Sweet is utterly unable from Bodily infirmity to attend Court for the purpose of making her Declaration -
Sworn and subscribed before me this 5 th  May 1837
Mr Berry a Judge of Cortland Comt Pleas

State of New York Cortland County S.S.
On this 3 rd day of June 1844 Personally appeared before the Subscriber Joseph Bouton Esq r a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Cortland and Immable Chase Resident of the Town of Virgil in said County of Cortland Aged ninety years Who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say - that he is a Soldier of the Revolutionary War that he served in the Rhode Island Troops in the Revolutionary War - and is a Pensioner under the act of Congress of the 9 th June 1832 - and draws a pension of thirty dollars per annum - and that he knew Joseph Swift of Watertown State of Connecticut and became acquainted with him in a march of the revolutionary army from Boston to New York he then was an orderly Sergeant in a company of which Asa Kimball was Captain Levi Hapgood was lieutenant for the Troop was Ensign Dorick Britton Fifer Paul Daily was drummer John Cowin was Corporal I became acquainted with said Joseph Swift in the year 1776 some time in the Spring of the year when the army halted the said Joseph Swift with his company quarters at the deponent's father's house and heard said Joseph Swift call the roll morning and evening and this deponent drilled the company and that the said Joseph Swift was in the service for one year, after which I saw him no more until the year 1806 then this deponent became acquainted with a man by the name who resided in Homer near Cortlandville in the County of Cortland and State of New York over

And from frequent conversation with him about the war this deponent verily believes him to be the same Joseph Sweet of the above mentioned said Sweet has since died in the town of Gattineville leaving a widow who makes application for a pension
Subscribed and sworn
this 3 rd day of June 1846
before me
Jeremiah mark R Chase his
Sanford Barton Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Jeremiah Chase mentioned in and who executed the above affidavit and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity
Sanford Barton Justice of the Peace

2361. Mary Street NY
Set to L. B. Mansfield Aug. 5. '37. Norman County 3 Aug. 1840 same 28 Aug. 1840. to S. R. Hunt 2 Oct. 1844 " E. M. Gage (Died 5 '44) " " March 1845

Payment to be made at Albany, New York by J. W. Alcott, Esq., Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of Albany,
New York
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C Vol. 1 Page 128 by
Fleming J. Swann Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Mary Sweet of New York widow of Josepho Sweet, who was a Sergeant in the Revolution. is entitled to receive Sixty dollars and cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4 th March, 1831; and payable semi-annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 18 th day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-five.
W. L. Marcy Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

State of New York Cortland County ss
Norman Curtis of Cortlandville in said county being duly sworn, doth depose & say that he was intimately acquainted with Joseph Sarah & Mary his wife, that he first knew them in the year seventeen hundred & ninety nine in Norfolk, State of Connecticut, & that he lived in the same house with said Joseph & Mary in Norfolk aforesaid from the said period of seventeen hundred & ninety nine, until the year eighteen hundred & six; during all which time this deponent continued to be intimately acquainted with them. And this deponent further says that in the year eighteen hundred & six the said Joseph Sarah & Mary his wife, together with this deponent moved from Norfolk aforesaid into the town of Homer, Cortland County State of New York, & that this deponent again went to live with them, & did live in the same house with them for the further period of six years, during all which time he continued to know them intimately. And this deponent further says that the said Joseph & Mary continued to reside in said town of Homer (now called Cortlandville) until the day of the death of the said Joseph which was in the year eighteen hundred & thirty, according to the best recollection of this deponent. And this deponent says that he has continued to be a resident of said town of Homer (now Cortlandville) from the said year eighteen hundred & six until the present time - that he recollects the time of the death of the said Joseph & that he has continued to be acquainted with said Mary Sarah, who has continued to be a resident of said town of Homer (now Cortlandville) that she is still alive & a resident of said town, & that he knows her to be the widow of the said Joseph Sarah & that she has not intermarried since the death of her husband, but still remains the widow of the said Joseph

And this deponent further says that during the life time of said Joseph Smith & both while he lived in Norfolk aforesaid & after he moved to Harnes aforesaid, he has frequently heard him the said Joseph tell about his having been in the War of the Revolution, but this deponent does not recollect the names of any of the officers under whom he served — though he thinks he has heard him tell about being under Bruns: & he recollects this from the circumstance that the said Joseph said that Bruns went by the name of "Foggy Back" — because the father of said Bruns, whose Christian name was Nathaniel, owned a forge — but this deponent does not recollect whether said Joseph told him how long he was under Bruns. And this deponent further says that he has often heard him talk about Colonel Warner & other officers whose names he does not recollect. And this deponent further says that he has always understood from said Joseph that he was an orderly Sergeant in the war & he the said Joseph has shown this deponent a paper purporting to be a Sergeant's Warrant to said Joseph, & this deponent recollects that there was a large seal on said paper which looked old & was some worn.
And this deponent further says that in the year Eighteen hundred & thirty seven he procured the Certificate of marriage, duly certified & sworn, of the said Joseph & Mary from Voluntown State of Connecticut: but that this deponent thinks he sent said Certificate to the Pension office at Washington about the said year 1837
Subscribed & sworn before me this 30th. day of May 1824 B.H. Conyer a Justice of the Peace of Northumbria Co. Pa.
Norman Curtis

Aug 22/40 LANDVILLE AUG 17
ENTER
Miss L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City D.C.
Very truly —

Cortlandville August 18 th 1840
In the matter of Mary Sweet the widow of Joseph Sweet Sir
Yours of August 2 nd is before me You say no proof of service can be derived from his (Sweet's) Affidavit in the case of Elias Blanchard we did not expect to derive any proof of service from that source as the said Blanchard left the company in which he first enlisted for a commission in a Regiment of Blacks and he obtained a pension as a commissioned Officer in said Regiment — Of Blanchard's service in said Regiment the said Joseph Sweet knew nothing further than common report as you state on examining his Sweet's affidavit
From the copy of my letter now before me the main question does not seem to be answered or glanced at in your letter Permit me (substantially) to repeat and if not improper to request your answer — I think I stated the manner in which the Serjeant's Warrant & letters were lost which would have been conclusive evidence — Will the Affidavit of the old Lady be accompanied with one from a resident of the family The existence of the warrant and one from a resident in the family who saw it not long before their removal from Connecticut to this State accompanied by Affidavits from the principal or highest County & Town Officers that the character of both for truth and veracity is unimpeachable be admitted as any Proof of the service of said Sweet or aid the old Lady in any way in obtaining a Pension to which she is so justly entitled — I request your answer as soon as convenient
Respectfully Yours Solomon Curtis

July 30. 1840
Miss. M. Wheeler
J
H. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Corland July 26
Washington City D.C.

Cortlandville July 26 th 1840
Dear Sir
At the request & in behalf the aged and destitute Mary Sweet widow of Joseph Sweet a soldier of the Revolution, & whose papers are now on file at Washington at the Pension office with certificate of Marriage duly attested I address you. I will be brief as possible and do justice to the claims & feelings of the said widow. In February A.D. 1816 the said Joseph Sweet & wife under the care of an adopted son removed from Norfolk Litchfield County Connecticut to this place. In the bustle and confusion of packing up and preparing for said removal a small bag containing letters from the said Joseph to his wife the said Mary dated at Block Island Boston, Warlean, & White Plains together with his serjeant's warrant under which he served during one & half years was lost as it has never been seen since their arrival at this place. This brings into the main question which is - Will the existence of said warrant repeatedly seen by a resident in the family of Sweet duly attested to by a man whose character for truth and veracity can be established beyond the shadow of doubt by certificate under Oath from the first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas - by the district Attorney and by other county officers if necessary be considered any evidence of service or aid in any manner in procuring a pension for the aged & destitute widow to which she is so justly entitled - I have heard frequent conversations between the said Joseph Sweet & Elias Blanchard who enlisted at the same time in the same company as second serjeant & who afterwards took a commission in the Black Regiment (so called) on which commission the said Blanchard obtained a pension - He would at that time most cheerfully testify to the enlistment of said and services of said Sweet untill he got his

commission & left the company but the said Sweet at that time had some property and pensions were then only granted to the destitute — when the law was extended to all Sweet was so infirm and apparently near the grave that he would he would not trouble his mind about the concern & soon after died — before extending it to the widows of soldiers Blanchard died and also his wife — As the services of the said Joseph were in 1875 & 1876 and no returns or records of Rhodestown Militia were kept until '78 Positive proof of the service of said Sweet will not likely be found
Yours &c
Norman Curtis Cortlandville Cortland County State of New York
Your Answer is respectfully requested
No 6
W. L. Edwards

Cortlandville Cortland County N.Y. March 23 rd 1849
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions Sir,
I am informed through my agent E. W. Edgcomb of Cortland Village Cortland Co. that you are willing and propose to allow me for 6 months service as a Private in the year 1775 of my late husband Joseph Sweet providing that I will Relinquish all other Claims -
I feel confident that I am justly entitled to at least 6 months service of my husband as a Sergeant in 1775.
I have however come to the conclusion to accept your offer to allow me for 6 months service as a Private in 1775 - and I do hereby Relinquish all further Claims
I am very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
Mary Sweet
In Presence of J. B. Moody

Hon. G. L. Edwards. Com: Pensions—
I do hereby request, that my application for a pension for the services of my husband, Joseph Sweet, in the year 1775, may be again opened and reviewed from my first application to the present time. In witness whereof I do hereunto subscribe my name—
Cortlandville Feb. 6, 1876— Mary Sweet
In presence of Charlotte Mady Reed Merrill

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Aug 20. 1846
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State (then Colony) in June 1775. Christopher Smith was appointed Captain, Thomas Sweet Lieutenant, Oliver Tefft Ensign of the Tenth Company of Col. Barnum's Regiment, in the Army of Observation, as appears of record.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said State at Providence the day and year above written.
Henry Bowen Secy.

Cortland Village Cortland County N.Y. December 19 th 1846
Sir
I send you four affidavits in support of the claim of Mary Swart Widow of Sergeant Joseph Swart under the act of June 7 1832 I also send you her original certificate for a new one to look at the Succession Rate should you come to the conclusion that she was entitled to it.
When you examine the papers in her case I hope you will again examine the papers filed in your office in the case of Oliver Miller of Lockport N.Y. in whose case her husband Joseph Swart was a witness when his Pension issued under the act of 1818.
I am very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
E. W. Edgcomb
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm of Pensions Washington D.C.

Increase Mary Sweet Widow of Joseph NY aet 4 July 1831
Adm.
12mo. Sergeant $60.00 4" Min. 20.00 $80.00
deducting what has been paid at the rate of $60.00 per Annum from the 4 March 1831
E. W. Edgcomb, Cortland Village N.Y.

April 14 1895
Wieber
&
Blanchard.
_____

Cortland Village Cortland Co. N.Y. April 9 th 1845
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir,
Your favor of the 31 st ultimo is received on the subject of the claims of Widow Mary Swift for a Pension in which you say. "the testimony of the witnesses does not correspond with the affidavits of Joseph Swift Clancey, husband, filed in the case of Oliver Wilber. He then alleges that he served in 1776. under Capt. Christopher Smith Col Varnum. The witnesses all say he belonged to Capt. Edwards Company. If proof iden- tifying Clancey's husband with Joseph Swift of Capt. Smith's Company be produced the sum for twelve months as a private will be allowed
I am inclined to believe that you have overlooked the case in your examination of the papers filed in the case of Oliver Wilber. I am confident that the Clancey declaration nor the witnesses Chase and Kelley did not state he served in Capt. Edwards Company - but that he served in Capt. Kimball's Company in Col. Varnum's Regiment. Will you have the goodness to re-examine the papers filed in the case of Oliver Wilber. I would also request that you would examine the papers filed in the case Ensign Elias Blanchard of R.I. Line he was a comrade of Joseph Swift and I am informed that Swift was a witness for him when he got his pension. Blanchard died in Cortland County N.Y. about 22 years ago. perhaps his papers may afford some light on the sub- ject. I hope you will give the case a further

Examination on the Receipt of this letter and let me know without delay the result of your examination -
I feel confident that Clara's husband died soon in the War of the Revolution at least Eighteen months as a Sergeant and could you once behold her extremely debilitated by age and misfortune, her only hopes and reliance is in the magnanimity of that government in which her husband assisted in establishing and could the Representatives of that government from whom she is literally begging a scanty pittance behold her scarcely able to crawl about the house only by the assistance of friends (for children she has none) her bedridden with age of Ninety years - I could not but believe that your department would relax its regulations and her old age be cheered with the prospects that her country had not forgot her husband's services -
I am Very Respectfully Your obedient Servant. E. W. Edgcomb

Pension Office, March 17 th 1847.
Sir.
There is no evidence filed in the case of Mary Sweet, widow, of Joseph Sweet, showing that her husband's service in 1775 was rendered as a sergeant. Her pension may be increased for 6 months service as a private in that year, if she will signify her willingness to accept that amount, over her own signature, and relinquish all other claims.
It appears from the Certificate of the Secretary of State of Rhode Island that the officers under whom Sweet served were not appointed until June. Six months is deemed a liberal allowance for his service in that year.
Very Respectfully, Your obedient servant, J. L. Edwards
E. W. Egecomb Esqr. Cortland Village, N.Y.

Mary Severt, widow of Joseph Severt. N. G. act 4 July '36 at $10. per Ann
To what time was she last paid?
Pension Office April 13. 1847 }
E. C. A. Paid to 4 th Sept. 1846.
1847

Cortland Village Cortland 60 N.Y. March 25 1847
Sir I send you herewith the application of Widow Mary Saut Widow of Joseph Saut who claims an increase of Pension under the act of July 4 th 1836, agreeable to your offer in your favor of March 17, 1847 - -
Mrs Saut is supposed to have an allowance of 6 mo sum of her husband in 1795 as a Sergeant and is in hopes you will allow her the sum of Sergeant in lieu of Private on a re-examination of the Papers on file
The original Pension Certificate remains in your office
I also return your letter of the 19 th Inst m
I am very Respectfully Your obedient Servant
E. W. Edgcomb
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm of Pensions Washington

Cott and Village June 4 1824
Sir,
Enclosed I send you additional Evidence in support of the Claims of Widow Mary Swate for a Pension -
I have been informed that upwards of Twenty years since there was a Solders letter on Joseph the husband of the Claimant to get his affidavit of the Claims of Peter Walker of Lebanon Conn N.Y. who lived in the Rhode Island line - perhaps by referring to said Walker's papers it may afford some light on the subject -
I would thank you when you have gained the papers to address any communication to me on the subject -
I am very Respectfully Your Obedient
Servant Stephen R. Hunt

Cortland Village Cortland Co N.Y. October 12 th 1844 -
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir,
Enclosed herewith I send you the renewed application of Mary L. Lunt for a Pension under the act of Congress of 4 th July 1836 The Proof & Certificate of the marriage to her late husband Joseph Lunt and other affidavits on one file in the Pension Office -
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
E. M. Edgcomb

Cortland Village Cortland Co. N.Y. January 16 th 1845
Sir,
I send you the additional evidence in support of the claims of Mary Swift - Widow of Joseph Swift for a Pension which I hope will prove satisfactory - I have taken the supplemental affidavits of Jeremiah Chase & Stephen Kimmy who were in the Rhode Island Troops - I also send you Stephen Pendleton's affidavit which was taken in 1839 by L B Canfield Esq. and was neglected to have been sent on Mr Pendleton has since died -
In your favor of the 5 th December last you had no doubt but that the records found in the Secretary's office of the State of Rhode Island to establish the sum of Sergeant Joseph Swift - I have been informed by L B Canfield Esq. who drew Mary Swift's first application that he had written to the Secretary of Rhode Island three or four years since to seek the records of that State for this purpose - who informed him that there was no records of sum of soldiers in the Rhode Island until about the third year of the War - I therefore considered it an unprofitable to seek again.
Should this proof not be sufficient and you are still of the opinion that there is still records of the sum of soldiers in the former part of the Resolution let me know and I will again seek in such of them - I am informed that upwards of twenty years ago Oliver Wilber who was a soldier in Rhode Island here located on Joseph Swift and took his affidavit of the sum of said Wilber I am informed that Oliver Wilber was pensioned in the year of 1820 at $96 per annum If you will take the trouble to examine the papers of said Wilber who then resided in Delaware County New York

and find that said Swate was a witness for him I think it would be proof of the sum of them in the absence of proof heretofore furnished - and I have no doubt but that the said Wilber lived with Sargus Swate during the year of 1876 and that they were comrades together -
I am Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
E. W. Edgcomb
Hon J. L. Edwards Chairman of House Washington

Fort and Village Court and P.O. N.Y. February 10 th 1847
Sir I send you her with the application of Mary Sweet Widow of Joseph Sweet who was Prisoned under the act of July 4 1836 at the Rate of $60 per annum for an increase of her Pension. I also send you a Certificate from the Secretary of State of Rhode Island Mrs Sweet in her declaration alleges that her husband Joseph Sweet enlisted in the Spring of the year 1775 - under Lieutenant Thomas Sweet for 16 or 18 months which which I omitted to send in my letter to you in December last, furnishes proof that Lieutenant Thomas Sweet was appointed by the General Assembly of that State in June 1775 as Lieutenant under Capt Christopher Smith - which I think will leave no doubt when you compare the affidavits of Ball Rose, Littlefield and Burlingame that her husband served in the year of 1775.
I return you her original Certificate for a new one to issue should you conclude to allow her an increase of her former Pension I am very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
E W Edgcomb
J. L. Edwards Esq Comr of Pensions Washington D.C.

2361.
Mary Sweet NY.
Act 4 July 36 m 74
12 mo. Serg! 1776- Capt Kimball Lt. Varnum
adm? 12 mo. Serg!
$ 60.
E. W. Edgcomb. Courtland Village N.Y.

State of New York Orleans County Clerk's Office
I Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Sanford Bouton Esq before whom the several affidavits of Jonathan Chase & Stephen Kelley purports to have been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in the said County duly Commissioned & sworn & authorized by law to take the same And I do also certify that Eleazer W Edgcomb before whom the affidavit of Mead Merrill purports to have been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in said County duly Commissioned & sworn and authorized by law to take the same. And I do also further certify that H. S. Conger before whom the affidavit of Norman Curtis purports to have been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in the said County duly Commissioned & sworn and authorized by law to take the same And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writings of the said several Justices and Verily believe their signatures subscribed to the several of the said several and respective affidavits to be genuine
Witness my hand & the seal of said county the third day of June 1844
Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk

State of New York
attested capacity to Stephen Kelly being duly sworn deposes and says that he was acquainted with Joseph Sweet in the Revolutionary Army in Providence in the State of Rhode Island in the year 1776 and that he was orderly sergeant in Asa Hemball's Company one of that Line. Hoffman was lieutenant in the same Company and Jonathan Tapp was Ensign in said Company. Dorick Britton was Sife and Ruben Dagily was drummen in said Company and that he was acquainted with said Joseph Sweet when he resided in the Town of Homer now Cortlandville and that he conversed with him about the war and knew him to be the same Joseph Sweet that he was acquainted with in the army at the time above stated Subscribed and sworn before me this 30 th day of May 1844
on oath Stephen Kelly his
Sonford Benton Justice of the Peace
I certify that I am well acquainted with Stephen Kelly mentioned in and who executed the above affidavit and that he sustains a good character for truth and veracity. Sonford Benton Justice of the Peace

State of New York Cortland County B.S.
On this 3 rd day of June 1844 Personally appeared before the Subscriber E. M. G. de which at Sackett's Harbor in and for said County of Cortland Mead Merrill President of Court and Clerk in the County of Cortland Aged Eighty Two Years
Who being first duly sworn, according to law doth depose & say, that he is a Justice of the United States under the Act of 18 th March 1818 and First of May 1820 - at the Rate of $96 - per annum - This deponent further says that he has been acquainted with Joseph Swift & Mary Swift since the year 1806, until the time of the death of the said Joseph Swift which was in the year of 1830 - and during the whole of this period they lived within 30 Rods of each other during their acquaintance they had frequent conversations respecting the War in the Revolution War - in these conversations the said Swift stated that he enlisted into the Rhode Island Troops - that he had a sergeant's warrant and performed the duty of orderly sergeant that he enlisted in the Spring of 1775 - that his term of Service expired on the first of January 1776 at the time he was at Hoboken when he continued as a sergeant in the army - of the United States for the term of one year, in the Spring following he marched in a division of the army to New York - that he was on Long Island at the time the British landed on the Island but was not in the battle at that time - but retreated to New York in night time and soon after to Harlem Heights and from there

to White Plains. — This deponent further says that from his frequent conversation with the said Swift he has no doubt but that he was in the Revolution as above stated and this deponent further says that the said Joseph Swift a widow is still living in the town of Cortland Ville in said County of Cortland Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above Written before E M Edgcomb Justice of the Peace
Mead Merrill
I certify that the above named deponent — Mead Merrill sustains a good character for Truth and Veracity — E M Edgcomb J.P.

Haul J. L. Edwards Eor.

Homer July 26 th 1837 -
Dear Sir - Please examine these papers and inform me the result - The old Lady thinks her husband Joseph Sweet served in the Continental Line, or the Rhode Island or Connecticut Troops, if not, presume his service can - not be proven - if, you will refer to said Sweet Affidavit, in the case of, Hubbard, or Miller, in - der the Act of 1818, probably it will state the Com - pany, & Regt to which said Sweet belonged, & when, yours with sentiments of respect - L. B. Campbell
J. L. Edwards Esq

New York "4191"
Mary Sweet widow of Joseph Sweet, who died on the 8 April, 1829, of Cortland in the State of NY, who was a Sgt in the Co commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for B. Monity
copy
Let. to E.W. Edgecomb, Dec. 31, 1846.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of April 1845 and sent to E.W. Edge- comb, Cortland Village,
Arrears to the 4th of Ma. N.Y. Semi-annual allowance ending 1845
$840.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by F. L. Swann Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 128.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
am
File No. 19130
Mary Sweet Wid. of Joseph Sweet Sergt. Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. 14 , Page 257
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Rhode Island New Port County ss.
On the 14 th day of October September 1816 Personally appeared before the subscriber,
in and for said County Samuel Ball Rendall of New Shoreham in said County aged Eighty years (80) Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say that he has all ways Resided on Block Island That he became acquainted with Joseph Sweet who was called Sargant Sweet in the summer of Seventeen Hundred and Seventy five by being to their Trainings Near the Fresh Ponds and on the Plains So called several times while drilling their men, I understood them to be afraid in the service of the United States but here to take care of the stock and other property so that the British should not take said stock off said Island I well understood at that time of their killing Fourteen Head of Cattle Hatching it in one day which was learned of with less Sheep at the same time to prevent the Enemy from getting it This was done in the first of the Revolutionary War Sworn and subscribed to Samuel Ball the day and year first above mentioned before me Josiah V. Peckham Public Notary

I certify that the above named deponent is a Respectable Person Josiah S. Puckham Pub. Notary

State of Rhode Island New Port County } ss.
On the 14 th day of October September 1826 Personally appeared before the Subscribers
in and for said County Solomon Littlefield Resident of New Shoreham, in said County aged Eighty four years (84) Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say, That he has allways resided on Block Island and in said Town, — That he became acquainted with Sergeant Joseph Sweet in the summer of Seventeen Hundred and seventy five (1775) who was then acting as Sergeant of a Guard in the service of the United States — That I understood that said guard was sent to the Island to guard the Island and take care of the Stock & other proper- ty that the English should not take it off the Island I lived with my father at that time in a house within twenty rods of said guard when they quartered They quartered at the House of John Pierce That I lived in the same place and in the same house now that I did then I was with them on an encamp of four times a week That I frequently saw them train upon the Island near the Fresh Pond so called I understood that said Sweet was from Volantown forni- scent That the said Guard took off from the said Island Sheep and cattle so that the Enemy should not get them for

their uses
Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above mentioned before Josiah S. Pickham Public Solomon Littlefield Notary
I certify that the above named Solomon Littlefield is a Reputable Person Josiah S. Pickham Public Notary.

State of Rhode Island New Port County ss
On the day of September October the 1846 Personally appeared before me Subscribed
in and for said County James Rose Resident of New Shoreham in said County aged upwards of Eighty Seven (87) years Who being first duly sworn according to Law I doth depose and say That this deponent has allways lived on Block Island in said County - That this deponent will recollect in the Summer of Nineteen Hundred and Twenty five 1775 - there was a Guard came on to said Block Island in the service of the United States to take care of the Stock so that the British should not take it off of the said Island That I will recollect of seeing a young man in that year who belonged to the said Company of Guards by the name of Swift Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above Mentioned before Josiah S. Peckham Public Notary
James Rose
I certify that the above name James Rose is a Respectable Person Josiah S. Peckham Public Notary

State of Rhode Island } ss County of Newport }
I Daniel C. Benham Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the County of Newport aforesaid being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Josiah S. Peckham is a Public Notary in the County aforesaid residing at New Shoreham in said County, was appointed by the General As- =sembly and commissioned by the Governor of this State, and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity. And that his signature above written is Genuine. In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Newport on this Fourth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty six. Daniel C. Benham Clerk,

I Pardon Burlingame of Cranston in the county of Providence & State of Rhode Island aged 89 years do testify & say that in the year 1775. I enlisted as Sergeant in Capt. Thomas Holdens Company of Col. Varnums Regiment of Rhode Island Troops & served out my time Stationed near Boston, I enlisted for Eight months, and I further testify, that I remem- ber a man by the name of Joseph Sweet, who belonged to said Regiment. I also rem- ember Lieut. Thomas Sweet of said Regiment & I think they were in same company, either in Capt Edmund Johnsons or Capt. Christopher Smiths company which I am not certain, Capt Edmund Johnsons Company was enlisted in Coventry, I believe, for the most part, and I believe Lieut. Thomas Sweet also belonged to Coventry according to my best recollection both served Eight months as I did —
his Pardon X Burlingame crop
The above was allowed by me in 1846 under Capt Woodams of Col. Varnums Regt State of Rhode Island
Providence Se In Cranston November 11 th A.D. 1846
Personally appeared before me the above named Pardon Burlingame and made oath to the above deposition by him Signed and I further certify said Pardon is a credible witness
Joseph T. Bullock justice of the peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Providence, ss
I, Albert Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence in the County of Providence and State aforesaid. Do hereby certify, that Joseph S. Badlong, who has signed the within certificate, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, within and for said the Town of Cranston, in said County, duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and here affixed the seal of said Court. the 24 th day of November, A.D. 1846.
Albert G. Greene Clerk.

State of New York 3 Cortland County 3 ss.
On the 15 th day of January 1845 Personally appeared before the Subscriber Ebenezer W Edgcomb, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Cortland Jeremiah Chase, Residant of Virgil in said County aged Ninety years
Who being first duly sworn according to law deposes on his oath, make the following Supplemental Affidavit to the one which he made last summer, in the case of Mary Swift
This deponent says that he was a Soldier in the Revolution in Rhode Island line and was discharged under the act of June 7. 1832
That he is well acquainted with Mary Swift the Claimant, he for the deponent, and also her husband the late Joseph Swift that he saw the said Joseph Swift in Captain Kimball's Company in Col Varnum's Regiment & General Green's Brigade which belonged to Rhode Island
Line in the year of 1776, at the deponent's father's house in Providence (R.I.) that they quartered there some time that he well recollects of seeing Sergeant Swift do the duty of Orderly Sergeant in said Capt Kimball's Company & heard him call the Roll & saw him drill the Soldiers
This deponent further says that at the time the said Swift came to Providence he was on his march from Boston through Providence and was destined for Long Island or New York - This deponent says that he has frequently seen said Joseph Swift at his house in Cortland
ville formerly Homer in said County and has conversed with him and on the subject of his service in the Revolution, and that he has no doubt but that the said Swift served one year in said Capt Kimball's Company in the year of 1776 -
Jeremiah Chase
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me. E W Edgcomb Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Jeremiah Chase sustains a good character for truth and veracity E W Edgcomb J.P.

State of New York County of Cortland 3 ss.
On the 19 th day of December 1844 Personally appeared before the Subscribed Eleazar W. Dolecomb a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Cortland Stephen Kelly Resident of Lisle in the County of Broome and State aforesaid aged Eighty Eight Years Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the supplemental Affidavit.
This deponent says that he was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution and served in the Rhode Island line of Troops - and was Prisonered under the Act of June 7 th 1832. This deponent further says that he was acquainted with Sergeant Joseph Sweet and his Wife - Mary Sweet in Volantown in the State of Connecticut and also in the Town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island and this deponent lived in a Town adjoining Coventry in Rhode Island previous to the Enemy the British. This deponent further says that he has frequently been at the said Joseph Sweet's House in Cortlandville formerly Homer in Cortland County and that after our about then being in the Revolutionary War.
This deponent further says that he saw the said Joseph Sweet in the year of 1776 - in Providence Rhode Island in Colonel Varnum's Regiment in Capt. Toppans or Capt. S. Rumball's Company - and he will recollect hearing Sergeant Sweet call over the Roll and that this deponent served in the same Company for upwards of one month at Providence with the said Sweet - and when the said Sweet left Providence he understood that he had marched for New York and was absent a few weeks and returned to Rhode Island. This deponent further says he frequently met the said Sweet at different places during the year of 1776 -
This deponent says that at the time his first Affidavit was taken last summer it was hastily taken and by a man that he said

he was unacquainted with doing business of this kind - and I wish this sup- plemental affidavit to be placed to my former one.
Subscribed & sworn to the day and year last above written before
His Stephen Kelley mark
E. W. Edgcomb Justice of the Peace
Witness Mercy Smith
I hereby state the above named Stephen Kelley sustains a good character for truth and veracity
E. W. Edgcomb J. P.

State of New York. Cortland County
I Stephen Pindleton aged one Seventy one years, being duly sworn according to Law, depose and say that I was a Soldier in the time of the Revolution, I enlisted, I think in the Town of Herkerty, in the State of Rochester under Capt Thomas Mott & Lieutenant Berry, I went from said Herkerty to Boston in Massachusetts, in the year 1777 while at Boston in said year I saw Sergeant Joseph Sweet, whom I knew well before, not being far from him, before said Sweet enlisted. I think that I knew said Joseph Sweet in the service of much as one year & more, his Captain or Colonel I do not recollect, because my Memory is poor Witness
Woman Curtis Cortlandville Cortland County New York
Sworn and subscribed before me this 1st day of April 1839 Richard B. Canfield J. Peace
I Certify that Stephen Pindleton is a Man of truth and honesty & and respectable in his neighbourhood
Richard B. Canfield J. Peace
Stephen Pindleton's Aff. son of Mrs. Sweet

Cortland County Clerk's office
I Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of Said County do hereby Certify that Devoir B Vanfield Esq before whom the annexed affidavit of Stephen Venable was taken and also that Eleazer W Edgcomb Esq before whom the annexed affidavits of Jerusha Chase & Stephen Killie were taken. was on the days of the dates of the Jurats thereof respectively Justices of the Peace in & for the Said County each of whom were duly Commissioned and sworn and authorized by law to take the same And also that I am well acquainted with the hand writings of the said Justices and hereby believe their names subscribed to the Jurats aforesaid to be their respective Genuine Signatures
Witness My Hand and the Seal of Said County as D Cortlandville the 16 th day of January A D 1845
Sam Hotchkiss Clerk