Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,863, for Augustus J Lewis, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
Lewis, Augustus J.
S 21,863
CONTENTS

15.1 15709 Rhode Island Augustus J. Lewis dec of Washington in the State of R.I. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the Battalion commanded by Col [blank] in the Revolutionary War time for 15 months (R.I.)
Inscribed on the Roll of Providence at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1840 1840 & Enog 18 th March 1857
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of Dec r , 1851 and sent to Helen May.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present.
Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. } Recorded by W. Weightman Clerk Book C. L Vol 2 Page 119

Case of Augustus J. Lein's estate of Rhode Island deceased
on 7 Jan 1832
Also Ray

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington
On this first day of December 1851 personally appeared in open court being the court of Probate for the Town of Charlestown in said County Deborah Wells of Hopkinton in said County, who being duly sworn makes the following declaration for herself & the other children of Augustus J Lewis late of Charlestown in said County deceased, in order to obtain all arrear of pension due him at the time of his death under the act of August 7 1832, she declares that she has always understood that her father the said Augustus was a soldier of the Revolution & served as such at times during all said war, & was always entitled to a pension, & for a time did draw a pension under said act, but for some cause to her unknown it was suspended & as she further declares that he made an attempt to have it restored during his life time but he died without obtaining it he died on the

on the 18 th of March 1851, in said Charlton, having this applicant & other children as named in the Certificate of the Court of Probate hereto annexed. Wherefore for herself & the other children she claims all the arrears of pension pursuant to the provisions of said act, & requests the same to be paid to them, her father having deceased having no widow
Deborah H Wells.
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court on the day and year first above written Attest
John Stanton P. Clerk

I Reuben Larkin of Charlestown in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island on oath do testify & say that Augustus J Lewis late of said Charlestown a soldier of the Revolution departed this life on the 18 of March 1851 He died at my house in said Town he was ninety two years of age when he died He left the following children to wit Joseph H Lewis Augustus Lewis Deborah H Wells Pamelia Cross & Susan P White Reuben Larkin Court of Probate Charlestown R.I. Dec: 1. 1851
The above was sworn to in open Court on the day and year aforesaid.
Attest John Stanton Probate clerk

State of Rhode Island
County of Washington
Be it remembered that at a Court of Probate held at Charlestown in said County and State on the 1 st day of December A. D. 1851. Satisfactory evidence was produced before said Court that Augustus J. Lewis late of said Town departed this life on the eighteenth day of March A. D. 1851 That at the time of his death he was an applicant for a Pension on account of his services in the war of the Rebellion. That he left the following children surviving him (to wit) Joseph H. Lewis, Augustus J. Lewis, Deborah H. Wells wife of Edward Wells, Penelope Cross wife of John L. Cross, Susan D. White widow, and each of them are now over twenty one years of age, and that he died as aforesaid leaving no widow.
In Testimony whereof I have caused the Seal of said Court to be hereunto affixed this first day of December A. D. 1851
Abel John Hunter
Probate Clerk

DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE benefit of the ACT OF CONGRESS, PASSED JUNE 7. 1832. STATE OF RHODE-ISLAND, } ss. 1832 COUNTY OF Washington } ss.
On this sixth day of September, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges or Justices of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting, Augustus J. Lewis a resident of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode-Island, aged seventy three 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 is to say: In the month of November A.D. 1775, he belonged to the second company of militia in Charlestown in said County of Washington, of which Almon Greene was then captain and Bariah Lewis or Daniel Stafford was lieutenant; when he & a number of other members of said second company as well as of the other companies of militia in said Charlestown, were drafted, to form a corps to be at all times in readiness for military duty: our arms were furnished by the state; we drew provisions & were paid for all actual service as regular troops. The said Augustus J. Lewis entered into this service in November A.D. 1775, and continued until November A.D. 1776, doing duty in guarding the Southern shores of the town of Charlestown as far as West of Quonquontocutt creek, where was a fort with two cannon and Eastward to Greene Hill and Point Judith in the Town of South Kingstown, for periods of from one to three weeks, at a time; during this time he went on to Point Judith on three occasions of alarm, when Wallac, who commanded the British armed vessels in Narragansett Bay had attempted to make descent on the shores. During the period before stated from Novr. A.D. 1775, to Novr. 1776, he is willing to declare that he served at least four months, for which period of four months he received pay, tho' in money then depreciating in value - In this service Almon Greene was his captain & Joseph Cloyes was the Col. - at Charlestown in said County of Washington, in Novr. A.D. 1776, he enlisted into Capt. Russell Smith's company for three months, & thinks

his Lieutenants name was Cottrell, and early in Decr. A.D. 1776, was marched over to the Island of Rhode Island, where he arrived just before the British fleet entered the harbour of Newport. He was then attached to Col. Cook's Regt with which he retreated off the Island over Bristol Ferry to the town of Bristol, where we were encamped about two months. At Bristol while he was there, he thinks Col. Saltonstall commanded. From Bristol we were marched to Providence & from there to Quitsqueket Neck.
A few days previous to the expiration of the three months time aforementioned, Capt. Smith having entered into the fifteen months service in the State line, he the said Augustus J. Lewis again enlisted into this service for fifteen months under Capt. Roswell Smith: he then marched from Quitsqueket Neck to Boston Neck on the Narragansett Shore, where in consequence of some different arrangement made by Congress & the General assembly in respect to their troops he was discharged in May A.D. 1777, & returned home; this discharge which he has some look was in writing. He thinks this company belonged to Col. Potter's Regt.
Under the before named three months enlistment & in the fifteen months service he avers that he served a few days more than six months. In the month of June 1777, at said Charlestown, himself & some others as he was drafted out of said Second company of Militia to guard the commissary's stores & ammunition then collected in said Charlestown under the charge of Joseph Hoxie Esq. In this service he the said Aug. J. Lewis continued till March 1778, a period of full nine months; for which time he received pay of Capt. Amos Green. In August 1778, he was again drafted & marched on to the Island of Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition, under Lieut. General Lewis, who commanded the detachment from Charlestown. He believes the company was attached to Col. Woyde's Regt. He was on the Island

at the time of the action and retreated over to Sirey town & from there was discharged & returned home to Charlestown, having served this time thirty days. After his return home he performed military service in said Second Com- pany of militia at various times on the Southern Shores of said town of Char- lestown, and particularly at Luter on- toque Creek, an exposed place on the shore of said town and eastward as far as Vinland with sever- al times, for periods of one two & three weeks at a time; the periods he is now unable precise- ly to state; but he feels confident in stating, that from September A.D. 1778, when he returned from Sullivan's Expedition, to November 1779, when the British left Newport, he was in actual military service in guarding the shores as before stated from the incursions of the enemy, over four months, for which

he received pay, such as it was: During which period his his officers were, some part of the time Capt. Greene, some part Lieut. Beriah Lewis and sometimes he served under officers of other neighbouring companies; amongst whom he remembers here Capt. Sayer, who had the command once or twice.
And the said Lewis de- clares, that he faithfully performed all the above named periods of service in the revolution against the enemy; that he was born in said Charles town on the tenth day of October 1739, but has no recollection of his age on birth; that he has always from the time of his birth resided in said town of

Charleston; that he does not re- ollect ever having any written dis- charge from any of his services; and that he has no other evidence but that he has been honorably dischar- ged by his commanding Officer, that he has no documentary evidence of any of said services, that he is not acquainted with any Clingman living in his vicinity. but that he refers to Messrs O'Neal & Edward Williams citizens of Charleston upon in this neigh- borhood, who testify to his character for veracity & their belief that he was a soldier of the revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
in Open Court
Wm. Sam. Helme Clk.
Augustus J. Davis
We Morris Perry and Edward Williams with Augustus J. Davis believe him to be such a man where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
residing in the City of Charleston residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood
Sworn to and subscribed the day aforesaid.
in Open Court
Wm. Sam. Helme Clk.
Morris Perry Edward Williams
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 Morris Perry and Edward Williams who has signed the preceeding certificate, are residents in Charleston
and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the Court also certify that from their examination and knowledge of Perry & O'Neal the preceeding deponents the Court consider their testimony contained in their preceeding depositions entitled to credit.
I Samuel Helme do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Augustus J. Davis
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & Div. Sessions of the Peace for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Twenty fifth day of February A.D. 1833
Sam. Helme Clk.

23062
Augustus I Lewis Rhode Island
Private 2 years
Wm I Newell Kingston, Rhode Island

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 Augustus I Lewis R Island
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Draft 1775 4 — — Capt Green Col Noyes in the to Green Island 33 years 7   Enlist. 1776 3 — — — Smith Cook Battle to Point Judith — Traditionary   — 3 — — — Smith Potter On R.I. South Kingstown Charlestown Evidence   Draft 1777 9 — — — Green — { R Island Washington   " 1778 1 — — — Lt Lewis Noyes { Bristol County Boston Sincere   " 1778 to 1779 was in service — Gen Sullivan — { Boston R Island R Island Witnesses   He thinks ever 4 months (Capt Jeyans)  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

I 21,863 L. W. B.
January 14, 1897.
Madam;
Replying to your request for information concerning the military record of Augustus J. Lewis, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he made application for pension on September 6, 1832, at which time he was 73 years of age and residing at Charlestown, R. I., and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private in the Rhode Island troops, Revolutionary War; a part of the time he served under Capt. Greene and Col. Noyes. He enlisted at Charlestown, R. I.
Very respectfully,
Mrs Louise W. Case, 53 Grove Street, Providence, R. I.
Commissioner.

PRESIDENT, JOSEPH BALCH, 270 BENEFIT STREET.
VICE-PRESIDENT, THOMAS ALLEN JENCKES, 32 WESTMINSTER STREET.
SECRETARY, CHRISTOPHER RHODES, 290 BENEFIT STREET.
TREASURER, ARTHUR PRESTON SUMNER 639 GROSVENOR BUILDING.
RHODE ISLAND SOCIETY
REGISTRAR, FRANCIS ELIOT BATES, OAK LAWN, R. I.
HISTORIAN, ROBERT PERKINS BROWN, 13 CHARLES FIELD STREET.
CHAPLAIN, REV. CHARLES FREMONT ROPER, RIVER POINT, R. I.
POET, WILLIAM CHACE GREENE, 44 ALUMNI AVENUE.
PROVIDENCE, R. I., May 191 3 ,
De Sir -
Please to send me a Certificate of the service of Augustus J. Lewis, of Charlestown, R.I. who was a Revolutionary pensioner. An early answer is respectfully requested -
Respectfully Yours Christo Rhodes Secretary
To the Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

S.
53 Grove St.,
Providence, R. I.,
Dec. 31, 1896.
Mr. D. J. Murphy,
Commissioner of Pensions, Pension Bureau, Pension Office, Washington D. C.
Dear Sir, —
My great-grandfather, Augustus J. Lewis, drew a pension for services rendered in the War of the American Revolution.
Will you please send a certificate to that ef-

sent to
Mrs. Mary Jane Seymour
Registrar General D.A.R.
1101 K. St. N.W.
Washington, D.C.
The record may be found in Book E. - Vol 2 - Page 119.
Please send amount of expense and I will gladly remit. Yours Truly
Louise W. Vase

aimed cc. R.I. Mch.
story to 5/B Grover L.H.B.
Resolutions
21 863 INVALID.
File No. 21,863
Augustus G. Lewis
Rev. Rev. Rev.
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 231
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Apr. 14/86 Soldier from Hunter C. Waite Providence
Jan. 14. 1897—His Mrs. Louise H. Cass St. Providence R. 1913 mch. 20, Christopher Rhodes

Mr. Th
Then I, L. C. Lewis have the goodness to examine the written papers & report to you as soon as convenient
Respectfully
J. S. Thaxter 4

Providence March 28 1848
My dear Sir
I herewith send you the application of Augustus Lewis to have his pension restored, which has been suspended for the last ten years. I do not exactly know what the difficulty was, as I was not his Attorney when the pension was obtained, but believe it was questioned whether he had served as he stated in his declaration or at least had served as much in Capt Amos Green Company. The evidence now obtained shows that part; and in part it must have been so, for no man living in Chesterfield or Westfield near the time during the war of the Revolution would avoid doing duty nearly all the time if little to do military duty at all, and I have no doubt Lewis must have performed duty enough to obtain very near a full pension. His son has requested me & yourself to assist his father. He now resides at Yicksville I told him I would

It is my impression that Lewis is entitled and if you are under the same impression I think you can prevail with the Corporation, Hoping you will pardon the old address for this call upon your time I remain very Respectfully
Yours much obliged & humble Servt Bryant Powell
PS Things are going quite smoothly here at present I have reason to believe my information gives general satisfaction
For B. B. Thurston

Washington March 7, 1857
James E. Heath Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
I herewith enclose you, an application made to you, by Augustus J Lewis of Rhode Island for the restoration of his name to the pension roll, under act June 7. 1832. He states he continued to receive his pension at the rate of $80 a year to the 4 March 40 when his pension was suspended, "for what cause" he says he "knows not."
He states too he is feeble, poor, and in great want, and prays to have his name restored to the pension roll; I do not know the merits of the case, but feel well assured that there has been name stricken from the pension roll upon very slight pretext, and subsequently restored.
I indulge the hope after an examination of the proof upon which the claim was allowed, that you will find it just and proper to restore his name. Indeed under a decision made by Sec d Ewing of this he no proof to show that fraud was or deception was practiced on the Department. the applicant has a just claim to a restoration
In submitting the case, feel the confidence that you will extend to the applicant, the pension heretofore granted.
I remain Sir &c. Alex. N. Ray

Augustus J. Lewis, R. I.
$80 per An: Act 7 June 1832.
To what time paid?
F. F. K.
Pens: Off: Augt 1837.
Pd to 4 th March 1840.
W. B.

Mar 22 45
Inat Aug Jo Lewis R.D. Webb J.L. Schuch Pennsylvania Washington D.C.

Kingston R.I.
March 18, 1825
Sir
At the request of one of the family of Augustus J Lewis of this State a pensioner under the act of 1832 I would thank you to inform me what the decision of the office was upon his application to have his pension restored
Yours
Elisha R Potter
J. L. Edwards Esq

Brief in the case of Augustus J. Lewis dec d County and State of R. I. act 7 June 1832.
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
This claim was originally allowed for two years service at $80 & in 1840 was stricken from the roll. The evidence is abundant to show 15 mo service: I therefore restore his name to the roll at $50 from 4 Mch 1840 when last paid to 18 March 1857 when he died (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent.
Alex m Ray Present,
Kirby Examining Clerk.

720- 14  50 700
76. 4 m Capel Guen, Col Meyer 77. 3 " " Smith " Cook 3 " " " Potta 77 9 " Green — 78 1 " Lewis " Meyer " to 4. } " Sugar 179 24
10 76. 3. Smith Cook
77 1 Guen Lewis
" 14 "
78 1. "
79 1. "
78 2. "
79 1 "
" 1 "
" 1 "
" 1 "
" 1 "
" 2 "
3. 1. 19 76 77
16, 14

To be restored to the roll at $50 per An: 15-Mo service from the time last paid.
3 rd and Aug 15/51.
Alex Ray -

Pension Office, Nov r 5. 1887.
Sir:
In the case of Augustus J. Lewis of Rhode Island who was pensioned under the Act of 7 June 1832 at the rate of $80 per Annum and subsequently stricken from the roll, you are informed that upon the return of the old certificate he will be restored at the rate of $50 per Ann. from the time he was last paid. If he has since died, we should have evidence of the fact and the date of its occurrence, as well as evidence of heirs.
Very Respectfully J. C. C. Smith Wilson for Commissioner.
Alex Ray, Esq., Present,
✓

Aug. J. Lewis R. D. M. 32
No. 15,709
Col. Talcott Ord. Dept.

Augustus J Lewis of Charlestown Rhode Island — drafted into Capt Roswell Smith's Company in Col. 60th Reg't about Oct 1776 & now 8 mo old He rec'd a full pension as a private soldier until about 1838 — but it was then stopped for some reason which is unknown to him — Dr Simmens Senator promised to attend to it — but did not as now 84 years old
Report to Col. Talcott

Augustus J. Lewis dec. R. I.
Act 7 June 1832.
15 Mo per. $50. per
An: from the time 4 March 1840. last paid to 18 March 1851 when he died.
Payable to Joseph H Lewis, Augus- -tus J. Lewis, Deborah H Wells, Penelope crop & Susan P. White, only children.
Alex Ray. Present.

10 Nov 1842
Dr. Crump.
Augustus Lewis.
Essex
Union Office
Essex
Genl. of Pension Washington

State of New York
Hudson, November 7. 1842.
Sir.
I have this day been called upon in behalf of Augustus J. Lewis, formerly a pensioner, & then residing in the State of Rhode Island, now residing in Columbia County N. York.
Your Letter of the 24 th June last refers to this Mr Lewis.
Mr. Lewis wishes a re-examination of his case and claims that he served 24 months & more, and is entitled to a full pension.
But if a mistake has been made or what perhaps more probable, that all of his services cannot be found or are not found he claims that he is entitled to receive a pension for what can be found. And it is claimed for him that he is not bound to refund any overpayment there may have been made him.
He claims that he is at all events entitled to receive a pension from the time his pension was suspended, which was 29 th Ap l 1840, he has not probably received anything since 4 th March 1840.
In support of this position, you are referred to the decision made by the Attorney Genl. in the case of Richard Vernon, March 13 th 1837. In that case, Mr Atty Genl. held

of war ad interim says.
"Except when the overpayment has been obtained "by fraud I think it most agreeable to the spirit "of the Pension Law to treat the overpayment "in the light of money paid & received by mistake "as constituting a debt from the pensioner "to the United States, which is no bar to the "payment of the Pension according to the "Equity of the act of the 20th May 1836. See also his decision as Atty Genl. dated June 27. 1836.
These decisions support the claim now put forward by Mr Lewis. & are in point,
If the Comt. of Pensions should think otherwise, and if there is no other decision since those above referred to, the decision of the Secretary of War is requested.
As Mr. Green who called in behalf of Mr Lewis instructed me to lay this claim before Mr. Spencer the Secy of War if Mr Edwards, the Comt. should decide adverse to the claim,
With Sincere respect
Yours,
Wm H Clarke
Hon J. G. Edwards,

P.S. I hope a thorough search will be made and it is requested that a report may be made to me,
Stating Pensions Claim & the evidence adduced by him in support of it, Also what pay rolls you have & what they show,
truly yours,
W. H. Clarke
Hon J. L. Edwards.

From, W. H. Clarke, Hudson N York

Hudson N York June 22 d 1842.
Sir,
A Gentleman called upon me yesterday in behalf of Augustus Lewis, late of the town of Charleston, Washington County, State of Rhode Island, now of Clermont in this County.
Mr. Lewis under act of 7 th June 1832 obtained a pension for his services in the war of the Revolution, and was in the receipt of it for 8 or 9 years & was then Stricken from the Roll & has not since rec d his pension. The application to me yesterday was to get the s d Augustus Lewis restored to his pension.
I have never seen Mr. Lewis, nor have I any information of his services or of his allegations of services.
I wish to be put in possession of the reasons of his being Stricken from the Rolls.
I wish also to be informed of his allegations & proofs on file in your Office, All of the above information is requested, but if there be any part of it incompatible with your rules please give me such information respecting it as your rules permit.
Res d & Truly yours,
Hon d J. L. Edwards, Wheeler, A. Clarke,

I, Rowland Crandall of Warwick, in the County of Kent and State of Rhode-Island, do testify and say that I am now Eighty-seven Years of age, about Eighty Eight, that I was born in Westerly, in the County of Washington, & said State, and I further testify that I was well acquainted with Augustus J. Lewis of Charlestown, in said County of Washington, I lived a neighbor to him and we were playmates together, although in a different town, The towns adjoin each other. I have a distinct recollection that during the war of the Revolution, said Augustus was a soldier in Capt. Amos Greene's company, in Col. Ayers Regiment of Militia, and did repeated tours of duty as a soldier in said Company. The Militia were divided into classes and said Augustus always performed his tour when it came to his turn. This was the case during all the War. Sometimes he did his duty in guarding the shores, and sometimes he went on expeditions. There were several Military Sums in said towns established by the General Assembly or Council of War, and, as both towns were on the sea-coast and much exposed, it required guards constantly to be kept up, - at this great distance of time, I cannot call

call to mind the particular month or Year in which he served, but it is my decided opinion and belief that, between the Years 1775 & 1780, he served as much as twenty-four months in actual service at various times. He was a faithful soldier and always did his duty, most of his duty was done in Capt Amos Greene's company,
Rowland Grandal
State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations, Providence ss. In Providence, on this Twenty Second day of March, AD 1848, personally appeared Rowland Grandal, subscriber to the foregoing deposition, and made oath of the truth of the same, and I certify further that said Grandall is known to me, and that full faith and credit is due to his testimony,
Before me,
Gamaliel Lyman Dwight,
Justice of the Peace and Public Notary.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Providence ss
I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in the County of Providence, in said State, do hereby certify, that Gamaliel Lyman Dwight, who has signed the afore- going Certificate, was on the day of the date thereof, a

Justice of the Peace within & for said city of Providence, and a Public Notary within and for said County of Providence, duly elected.
In attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court this twenty seventh Day of March A.D. 1848.
Albert H. Greene, Clerk.

The statement made by Augustus J Lewis is as follows —
I, Aug t J Lewis of Charleston R.I. was drafted into Capt. Roswell Smith's Company in the Reg t of Col. Cook, about Dec r 1775 & served 3 months, at or near Newport while the English fleet was off the coast there — I was then discharged or permitted to go home & was again called out under Capt. Green in Col. Noyes' Reg t . (of Militia I think) & served two months in "Sullivan's expedition" then again 3 months in the same company at Point Judith & again 4 months guarding the coast & public stores at Charleston then 6 months in charge of sheep at Charleston brought over from Long Island by order of the General Assembly of R.I. and 4 months at Boston Neck all the above service being performed while attached to Capt. Green's company and 6 months as one of the minute men of Rhode Island — total service 28 months — It seems from the above that he served 3 months in the regular army & the residue in the Militia.
Query — If the above statement is true in all particulars, what pension would he be entitled to receive and what proof or other papers than those now on file in the Pension Office are required?
Respectfully submitted
H. Talbot

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Wickford September 10 th 1841- J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir - Herewith I forward you, the supplemental or additional Declaration of Ingraham J. Lewis of G. Frankston State of Rhode Island, to whom a Pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832 has been heretofore granted, and which you have suspended. The present Declaration sets forth the different terms of duty, with their length and date, the number of men engaged in any one time and the distance of the places where he was stationed from his home as has been heretofore required in such cases by you. As I know nothing about his former Declaration, I am unable to form any opinion respecting any differences which there may be between the two. But if there are any material differences I wish you would consider his age and the length of time which has elapsed and excuse them if you can. For at this time uncertainty and uncertainty of statement is not to be expected by any means. I presume however that he was attached for two years service as a private, and the present Declaration only amounts to fifteen and a half months duty (perished) although the Declaration sets the whole time at sixteen and a half months, but there will be an even four months in adding up the time. I have no doubt myself, but that in his former Declaration, he commits the error which all other Applicants then committed. M. B.

of expounding more evidently to you, with actual service - But as he must have served from 1776 to 1779, at which time, who are then liable to do duty in the abolition, on his own account, and at much more cost on his estate, on account of his Uncle Joseph Hosmer, and also served three months as a listed Soldier in the State Troops, I should presume, that he served nearly one month. But of this you can judge, better than I. He is a man of fair character, and I have no idea, but that all his errors were unintentional. And always with a very bad hand, and at the best of it, in this case, not without haste, during a session of the Court, and is more blind than usual. I have taken the liberty to frame it, to be used in a couple of hands, which I hope will be agreeable to you - It being absent from home, with a pressure of business, and an unwillingness on my part, to attend to any more business which have prevented my sending on the proper copy - I wish you would have the goodness to examine the matter and advise me your own assessment, with your usual candor and liberality, and communicate to me, your decision -
Yours &c.
Sylvester G. Shearman

I Edward William of Charleston in the County of Washington & State of N. H. stand aged sixty four years - on oath do testify & say, that during the whole period of the revolution with General Sullivan President said Town of Charleston Other that Augustus J. Lewis now of said Charleston resided there during that period, but that he & the said Augustus during the war belonged to  the not to the same company of militia & that tho' he does not know on recollection of his own knowledge whether  he had any particular service  his military service of the said Augustus against the enemy yet it has been always been understood & reported that he served considerably during the war against the enemy.
Taken Sworn to & Subscribed in Open Court Wm. Sam l Helme Clk
Edward William

I Pleg Cross of Charleston in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island aged seventy three years, in oath do depose & do say, that I have always resided in said town of Charleston & have known from a boy Augustus J. Lewis of said Charleston; and this deponent says, he was know- ing said Lewis, enlisted during the revolution & serving under Capt. Roswell Smith abroad particularly on R Island & of his serving under Smith often for considerable periods but cannot detail much of his ser- vices with Smith as this depo- nent did not know him before he served under Smith, but well understood it as during the revolution. this deponent & the said Lewis served together at Sullivan's expe- dition on R Island in August 1778 under Lieut. Colonel Lewis Col. Woyes' Regt. a period of about thirty days.  Pleg Cross -
Taken sworn to & subscribed in open court Wm. S. Helmke Clk

I James Hinton of Charleston in the County of Washington & State of N. Island aged Twenty two years on oath do depose & say, that I served at Sullivan's expedition on N. Island in August 1778, in Col. Boyer's Regt. I know that then Augustus J. Lewis than I know of said Charleston served there at the same time. James Hinton
Subscribed taken and sworn to in Open Court. Sept. 7. 1832 With Sam l Helme Clk

I Moses Rinyon of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island &c. aged Seventy three years, being duly sworn, depose and say:
That I have been well acquainted with Augustus J. Lewis of said Charlestown, who is now an applicant for a pension, under the late act of Congress, from my youth.
That at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, in the year 1775. I resided in said Charlestown, and knew that said Lewis belonged to the Militia Company in said Town then under the command of Captain Amos Green. At this time there were drafts made from said Company of Militia to guard the shores of said Town on the South - and eastward as far a Point Judith - and from the time aforesaid till late in the fall of 1776. I have known said Lewis to be in the guards on the shores - at divers times and places, under some of the officers of said Company: - In November 1776 I worked for Capt. Russell Smith, of said Charlestown, by the month; at this time said Capt. Smith raised a company and went into the service of his Country - many of the men who enlisted into his Company at that time were residents of said Charlestown, and well known to me, said Lewis was one among others who enlisted into said Company at that and who was marched away with the same to Newport - he understood at the time that said Lewis and others enlisted for three months - In the year 1778 said Lewis, I saw again in the public service, on the southern shores of said Charlestown -
I also saw him on Rhode Island in Sullivan's Expedition in Aug. 1778. our company on the Island were quartered close to each other - He knows that said Lewis, and one Thomas Green (now deceased) had the charge of the Military stores and provisions in said Charlestown - but he does not recollect the year - he has heretofore in the lifetime of said Green - heard him mention his services with said Lewis in guarding the Provisions and military stores in said Town - he further saith not - Moses Rinyon

State of Rhode Island & C. Washington Co. } }
At Westerstown this 28 th day of December 1832 Personally appeared the within named Moses Bineyou, who subscribed and was sworn to the within deposition according to Law,
I further certify that said Moses is personally known to me, and is a credible Witness
Pileg Griswold Justice of the Peace

I Ebenezer Smith of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, Aged Twenty five Years, on Oath, Do Testify and Say, That in the Year 1776 I Served against the Enemy three Months in Capt Rowell Smith's Company, a part of the time in Col Thomas Patten, and Col Cook's and Col Sayle's Regiments on the Island of Rhode Island, at Bristol and in Narragansett, and this Depo- nant well remembers that Augustus J. Lewis of Charlestown in said County of Washington - Served in said Company during the same period that this Deponent did, This Deponent further says that he was a Soldier in the Service on Rhode Island at Sullivan's Expedition in 1778 and at the same time had the said Lewis then in the same Service, This Deponent also says, that during the Revolution and ever since that time, he was, and has been, acquaint- ed with the said Augustus J. Lewis

and further this Deponent saith Not -
Witness Matthew Wate
in Ebenezer Smith Mark
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington Is at South Kingstown this twelfth day of February A.D. 1833
Personally appeared the Above Named Ebenezer Smith who before me swore & subscribed the preceding Depo- sition and was by me duly sworn thirst according to Law I further Certify that the said Ebenezer Smith is personally well known to me and that he is a credible Wit- ness. — Matthew Wate Jr. Revm

Augustus J. Lewis
23052

Mary Green of Charlestown in the County of Washington Hunter Washington & State of Rhode Island Aged Seventy Six years on solemn affirmation deposes and says, that she is the widow of the late Thomas Green of said Charlestown deceased to whom she was married in the month of August 1779 & remained his wife & lived with him in said Charlestown til his decease on the 27th day of Dec r 1831 that for about two years previous to the aforesaid marriage this deponent lived in the family of one William Green in said Charlestown a brother of the said Thomas and within about two miles of the said Thomas place of residence & during that time frequently saw the said Thomas & was told by the said Thomas & his said brothers family during that period that he was often drafted from the militia & served against the enemy in gua- rding the shores & that during the two years that he served a number of months but how many she does not now remem- ber in guarding the United States Military stores and provisions in said Charlestown then under the superinten- dance of Joseph Hovey Esq and this deponent also well remembers hearing her said husband say both both before & since she married him that Augustus J Lewis of said Charlestown & himself were in the service together particularly in guarding said Military stores and provisions
Mary green
State of Rhode Island ss Washington ss at Charlestown this 22 d day of february 1833. Personally appeared the above named deponent Mary Green who before me gave & subscribed the preceding deposition & was by me duly affirmed thereto according to Law, I also certify that said Mary Green is personally well known to me and that she is a credible witness and that her testimony is entitled to credit and I further certify that the cause of taking the preceding

deposition before Me which was done at the dwelling House of the said Mary Green in said Charlestown, is that she by reason of old age & bodily infirmity was unable to go abroad & to appear in court
Hooxie Berry Justice C. C. Pleas
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington Sc? Clerk's Office Court of Common Pleas for in February 25 th A.D. 1833
I hereby certify that Pileg Croft Esquire whose Signature in his own proper hand writing is Affixed to his foregoing attestation of the Deposition of Moses Kingston was at the time thereof & now is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown in said County duly Commissioned under the Seal of said State States & Otherwise qualified as such That Matthew Ward Esq whose Signature in his own proper hand writing is Affixed to his foregoing attestation of the Deposition of Ebenezer Smith was at the time thereof & now is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown in said County duly Commissioned under the Seal of said State & Otherwise qualified as such and that Hooxie Berry Esq whose Signature in his own proper hand writing is Affixed to his foregoing attestation of the Deposition of Mary Greene was at the time thereof & now is one of the Justices of said Court of Common Pleas duly Commissioned under the Seal of said State & Otherwise qualified as such In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the

seal of said Court the day & Year Aforesaid
Sam l Helme Clk

Additional
Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832
State of Rhode Island Washington ss
On the second day of June 1841 - Personally appeared before Levi Hail, one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of said State. Augustus L. Loring of Charleston, in said County of Washington aged eighty one 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 provisions of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That in December of the year 1776 he enlisted as a private in a Regiment of State Troops raised or enlisted for the State of Rhode Island of which John Cook was Colonel, Russell Smith was captain of the Company to which he belonged he enlisted for three months and commenced serving at Newport; in this State soon after his enlistment as aforesaid, the English came in and took possession of Newport, and the Troops under the command of Colonel Cook, retreated from the Island part of them went over Howlands Ferry as it was called to Tiorton in this State, and the part of the Regiment to which he was attached, retreated over to Bristol in this State where he remained the residue of the three months except a few days when he and some others of the Regiment were removed to Boston Neck in South Kingston and kept there to guard against landings of the enemy, who had many ships of War in the Bay and on the coast. one Colonel Sails commanded the Troops stationed at Bristol his time of enlistment expired in March 1777 when he was discharged. In the summer of 1777 he served one month in a Militia Company of the Town of Charleston, to which he was attached, of which one Amos Greene was Captain and one Peiah Lewis was Lieut. attached to a regiment of which Joseph Noyes was Colonel. about one half of the

Company consisting of between Forty & fifty men were on duty at the same time, he was stationed as much as ten miles from home and at the end of that month he took the place of his uncle Joseph Hoxie and served one other month, at the same place as a substitute for him. In the fall of 1777 he was called on in the time of Spencer's expedition under the same Captain with part of the Company and was marched to the fort of the ten rod Road, so called in the Town of North Kingstown in this County, where he was detained two weeks, when he was discharged - he was stationed at this time as much as twenty miles from home. In the winter following of 1778, he served one month, in the same Company, under the same officers stationed at the House of John Ruy in said Charlestown, about one mile from home. as many as thirty or forty men were on duty at the same place with him and he also served another month in the same winter at the same place with the same Company, as a substitute for his uncle Joseph Hoxie - In the summer of 1778 he served two months one month as a substitute for the said Joseph Hoxie and one month on his own account, part of the time at the fort called Bull Hill on the Island of Rhode Island and part of the time on said Island, in the time of Sullivan's expedition in August 1778 and the shores adjacent under the same Company officers. In the winter of 1778 & 1779 he served one month in said Point Judith under the same Capt. & Lieut. and also one other month as a substitute for the said Joseph Hoxie at the same place. In the Spring of 1779 he served at a place called Watch Hill, in the Town of Westerly, about twelve miles from his home with the same officers, and in the summer of that year another month in the Town of Charlestown in the neck so called about five miles from home & one other month in the same summer, at the same place as a substitute for the said Joseph Hoxie, and in the fall of that year two months more at said Watch Hill with the same Company one month for himself and one month as a substitute for the said Joseph Hoxie, and in the fall of that year

He always served as a Private. the before mentioned terms of duty being in the whole sixteen and a half months which he can now specify. but he has no doubt but that he served many more terms of duty than those before mentioned which he is now unable to recollect, from old age and length of time, as he was always on duty whenever his regular term came and also served every time it came the term of his uncle, the said Joseph Hoesu. he also served much more as a guard to take care of military stores in said Charleston, and also on occasional alarms and as express &c which services he cannot now specify with distinctness. he made a declaration in 1832 in order to obtain a Pension, which he supposes is now in the possession of the Pension office and which he thinks is correct

a J. Lewis

Additional Declaration
In order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 -
State of Rhode Island Washington Jr -
On this second Day of June 1841 - Personally appeared the Rev. William L. Stanton one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of Rhode Island of Kingston, in said County of Washington, aged Sixty one -
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 Provisions of the Act of Congress, passed June the 7 th 1832 - That in March of the year 1776, he enlisted as a Private in a Regiment of State Troops raised or enlisted for the State of Rhode Island, of which John Cooke was Colonel, Arnold Smith was Captain of the Regiment Company to which he belonged. He enlisted for three months. And commenced serving at Newport, in this State. Soon after his enlistment as aforesaid, the English came in and took possession of Newport, and the Troops, under the command of Colonel Cooke, retreated from the Island, part of them went over to mainland's Ferry. as it was called to Newton in this State and the part of the Regiment to which he was attached, moved over to Bristol in this State, where he remained the residue of the three months, except a few days, when he and some others of the Regiment, were sent to Boston Neck in South Kingston, and left there, to guard against Landings of the enemy. Which may ship of War, in the Bay and on the Coast. One Colonel Sabel commanded the Troops stationed at Bristol. His time of enlistment expired in March 1777, when he was discharged. In the summer of 1777, he served one month, in a Militia Company of the Town of Charlestown, to which he was attached of which one Amos Greene was Captain and one British Lewis was left attached to a Regiment of which Genl. Myles was Colonel. About one half of the Company, consisting of between Forty & Fifty Men, were on duty at the same time, He was stationed as much as ten Miles from home. And at the end of that month, he took the place of his Uncle for House, and served one other month, at the same place, as a substitute for him. In the Fall of 1777, he was called on, in the time of General expansion, under the same Captain, with part of the Company.

in was mounted to the Fort of the ten Red Road, so called in the Town of North Kingston, in this County, where he was detained two weeks, when he was discharged. He was stationed at this time, as much as twenty miles from home. In the winter following, of 1878, he served one month, in the same Company, under the same Officers, stationed at the House of John Perry in said Charlestown, about one mile from home. As many as thirty or forty men, were on duty at the same place with him; and he also served another month, in the same winter, at the same place, with the same Company, as a substitute for his Uncle Jos. Hosmer. In the summer of 1878 he served two months, one month as a Substitute for the said Joseph Hosmer and one month on his own account. About this time, at the Fort, called Brattle Hill, on the Island of Rhode Island, and part of the time on said Island, in the time of Sullivan's Expedition in August 1878 and the subsequent. Under the same Company Officers. In the winter of 1878 & 1879 he served one month, in said Point Judith, under the same Captain & men - and also one other month, as a Substitute for the said Joseph Hosmer at the same place. In the Spring of 1879 he served at a place called Watch Hill, in the Town of Westerly, about twelve miles from his home, with the same Company and in the summer of that year, another month, in the Town of Charlestown, in the Neck so called, about five miles from home & one other month in the same summer, at the same place, as a Substitute for the said Joseph Hosmer. In the Fall of that year two months more at said Watch Hill, with the same Company, one month for himself and one month as a substitute for the said Jos. Hosmer. He always served as a Private. The before mentioned terms of duty being in the whole sixteen and in half months, which he can now verify. But he has no doubt but that he served many more terms of duty, than those before mentioned, which he is now unable to ascertain, from old age and length of time. As he was always on duty, whenever his regular term came and also served, every time, it came the turn of his Uncle, the said Joseph Hosmer. He also served more as a guard to take care of military stores in said Charlestown, and also occasional alarms and as a picket guard - which he cannot now verify with certainty. He made a declaration, in 1892, in order to obtain a Pension, which he supposed is now in the possession of the Pension Office & which he thinks is correct.
Augustus J. Leach

Washington Is - June 2 d 1841.
Personally appeared before me Levi Haile one of the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of Rhode Island - Acknowledged Levi the signer of the foregoing Declaration and subscribed the same in my presence and made solemn oath to the truth of the same -
Levi Haile Justice Supreme Judicial Court
The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Washington Is. Clerk's Office. Supreme Judicial Court June 2. A.D. 1841
I Powell Helme, Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Washington do hereby certify that the Hon. Levi Haile is a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, duly elected by the General Assembly, commissioned by the Governor, and otherwise qualified as the Law. Directs
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court aforesaid the day and Year above written
Powell Helme. Clerk

Kent Sc in warwick March 25 th 1848 Personally appeared before me the within named Augustus J. Lewis and made Oath to the within Affidavit by him signed and I certify said Augustus is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit
John J. Wood Justice of the Peace
The State of Rhode Island - Kent Sc. Clerk's office Court of common Pleas I certify that John J. Wood Esq. is a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Warwick in said County, that the foregoing is his own proper signature in his own hand writing, that he is duly qualified to act in said capacity, and that full faith and credence is and ought to be given to all his official acts -
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at East Greenwich in said County this 25 th day of March A D 1848 -
Jeremiah J. Hullam Clerk.

1848
State of Rhode Island
County of Hants
Augustus J Lewis now resident in warmwicks in said County, recently of Charlestown in the County of Washington in said State, maketh oath That he is now eighty nine years old That he was a Soldier of the Revolution & at the time of his Service lived in said Charlestown, that he was a privat in Capt. Amos Greene Company of Col. Stoyes Regiment. That when the act of June 7 th 1832 allowing pensions he applied for and obtained a pension under the provisions of said act and drew it for a short time, when it was suspended, for the reason that it was questioned whether he had performed the services as stated in his declaration. It cannot be supposed that he could, after such a great length of time, state exactly the dates of all the times of duty he performed, but he solemnly declares that between the years 1776 and 1780, he served as much as twenty six months at various places and stations - Charlestown is on the sea coast, and was subject to frequent invasions from the enemy fleet, & there were several stations where guards were established under the orders of the Council of war, and he always performed this duty whenever he was called upon, he performed no patrol duty under the directions of the municipal authorities. that all His services were military and under military officers, and he received his pay from the authorities of the State. It is his belief that almost every man as well as himself capable of bearing arms who lived on the shores between Point Judith and watch Hill was obliged to do duty and they were in actual service a great portion of the time during the time the British were in possession of Newport which was about three years from December 1776 after John Wood Augustus J Lewis

Charlestown. R. I. Feb 28. th 1851
To the Hon. James E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I have again to request that my name may be restored to the Pension Roll & that I may be permitted again to acknowledge & receive that bounty which my Country designed for me. My life is far spent, but I should like to die in peace with all, especially with my Country. I devoted the best part of my life to promote her interests, & when the act of Congress of June 7. 1832, granting pensions to those who served in the army, was passed, I applied for & obtained a pension at the rate of $ 80 per annum, pursuant to the provisions of said act, for my military services performed in the army in Rhode Island & my name was placed on the pension roll in Providence to receive that amount. This pension I continued to receive until March 4, 1840 when it was suspended, for what cause I know not. To those who have been acquainted with the military services of the Militia of Rhode Island during the war of the Revolution, especially with the services of those who lived near the

shores of Narragansett Bay, my suspension must have seemed very extraordinary, especially if it was for not having performed the services asserted in my declarations, for it is a well known fact that all those liable to do military duty & living near the shores as I did, were much oftener called upon, than those who lived at a distance.
During the seven years' contest, I performed all the services which I have asserted & feel myself entitled to the same pension which I at first received. Still, being poor & feeble & in great want, I am willing to take up with a smaller sum per annum, provided I can receive the back pay from the time my pension was suspended. Had my pension been suspended before my comrades died, I could have obtained further testimony, but I believe I am now the only soldier of the Revolution living in this town, I do therefore, humbly pray that my name may be restored upon the evidence produced in my case. I shall want it but for a very short time being now 93 years of age.
Witness
Augustus G. his Lewis (mark)
Reuben Lankin Joseph H. Griffin
Washington Is. in Charlestown Feb. 28 th 1851.
Personally appeared before me the above.

named Augustus J. Lewis I made oath to the truth of the above statement, & I further certify that said statement is entitled to credit. & that said Lewis has always been reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution. in his neighborhood.
Joseph H Griffin Justice of the Peace
The State of Rhode Island V Providence Plantations Washington ss Clerk's Office Supreme Court March 1. A.D. 1857
I Powell Heline Clerk of the Supreme Court of said State within and for said County of Washington do hereby certify that Joseph H Griffin is a Justice of the Peace for the town of Charlestown in said County duly qualified to act in that capacity and that his name above written is his genuine signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Supreme Court at South Kingston the day & year above written
Powell Heline. Clerk

O. W. & N. Division.
T. 21, 222.
P. S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
April 14, 1898.
Sir:
In returning herewith your letter of the 9th instant you are advised that Augustus J. Lewis made an application for pension on September 2, 1882, at which time he was residing at Charlestown, R.I., and seventy-three years of age and his pension was allowed for two years actual service as a private in the Rhode Island troops, Revolutionary War; a part of the time he served under Capt. Asa Greene and Col. Moyer. He enlisted from Charlestown, R.I.
Very respectfully,
Hunter C. White, Esq., Office of the Sheriff, Providence, R.I.
Commissioner.

a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Augustus J. Lewis, S.F. 21,863.
See Bureau letter Dec. 1878 Jan. 14. 1897 + Apr. 14. 1898. First application + several substitutions.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Between Nov 1775 and Nov 1779 he served about 2 years at various times Private Prospect Smith Amos Greene Lt. Beriah Lewis John Cooke Joseph Mayce B. I.  
Battles Engaged in, Spencer + Sullivan's expeditions. Residence of soldier at enlistment, Charlestown, Washington Co., B. I. Date of application for pension, Sept. 6 1832 His claims were allowed. Residence at date of application, Charlestown, B. I. Age at date of application, born Oct. 10 1759 at Charlestown, B. I. Remarks: Soldier died at Charlestown Mch. 18 1851 leaving children: Joseph H. Lewis, Augustus J. Lewis, Deborah H. wife of Edward Wells, Penelope wife of John S. Crane + Lucan P. White a widow.
Part of the time he served as substitute for his uncle Joseph Mayce.
Very respectfully,
----- -----
Commissioner.

15709 Rhode Island
Augustus Davis of Washington the State of R. Island who was a Pirate in the Company commanded by Captain Sever of the Ref. commanded by Col. Spayd in the Rho Island line for 2 years
J. Poirier & Poirier Agm (suspended) April 29, 1840 - to S. Shearman 16. Sep. 1841 W H Clarke 24 June 1842 to same Nov. 16. 1842 - to Col. Falcott June 26. 1844
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of July 1833 and sent M c Spencer Kingston R.I.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $110.00 Pensional allowance ending 1 st Sept. 40.00
$200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Adonai Clerk Book 3a Vol. 119 Page 119