Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 22356, for Benjamin Sweetland, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Sweetland, Benjamin Chloe
N 22356
CONTENTS

Rhode Island. 1,020
Chloe Sweetland widow of Benjamin Sweetland
Mass who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832 and who died on the 26. Octobr 1832 of Providence Co. in the State of R. Island who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Miller of the Regt. commanded by Col. Rose in the Mass. line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of R. Island at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15. day of Novr 1838 and sent to B. Currell Providence, R. I.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '38, 66.66 2 / 3 Semi-annual allowance ending 4th Mar. '39. 13.33 1 / 3
$ 80.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 23

Massachusetts 15284
Benjamin Sweetland
of Northfield in the State of Mass ts who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain Miller of the Reg t commanded by Col. Rose in the Mass ts line for 8 months
Miller
70 Franklin
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of June '33 Charlestown and sent B.R. [unclear] Northfield Mass: J. J. Gilchrist
Arrears to the 14th of March '33 - 53.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " - 13.33
$ 66.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk, book E Vol. 2 Page 78
H B

24473
Benjamin Southland Man
on the roll
Admit as a punch 8 mo - p 24. 64
J. J. Gleason E. Alward Greenfield Man

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 Benjamin Swallow  Franklin County Mass
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered 1750 time got State Capt Miller 68 years   Feb 1780 1 Col Rose Bristol Traditionary   2 no officers Genl Washington Coventry   8 00 Minn   On the rolls -  
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) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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

Chloe Sweetland 1884
1020
act of July 7. 1838
Admitted Promoted 8 months
Benjamin Cowell Esq. Providence R.I.

State of Rhode Island & County of Providence
On this first day of September A.D. 1838 personally appeared before me David Daniels — one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County. Chloe Sweetland now resident in Lumbarton in said County, age around thirty years who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7, 1838. entitled "an act granting half pensions to certain widows" viz That she is the widow of Benjamin Sweetland formerly of Northfield in the State of Massachusetts who was a soldier of the Revolution that he entitled served in said War & when the act of June 7 1832 was passed he applied for a pension but it was not granted until after his death & she herself drew the amount.

& when he applied for a pension he lived in Massachusetts, to his declara- tion he then made & proof of habitation She refers for evidence of her claim as his widow.
And she further declares that she was married to said Benjamin Smith on the 7 th day of June A.D. 1783 in said Cumberland where she then resided but her marriage is not recorded in the records of said town but it is recorded in family Register her husband the said Benjamin died on 26 day of October A.D. 1832 & since then she has re- =mained a widow. She was not mar- =ried to him prior to his having the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1832 hundred & thirty four to wit at the time above stated
Attest George Aldrich
Chloe her Smith mark

State of Rhode Island &c. County of Providence, t
town of Cumberland, this first day of September A.D. 1830. Then personally before me, the foregoing Rose Smallland, appeared & made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration, & subscribed the same before me. I certify that she is from bodily infirmity & sickness, unable to attend Court.
David Daniels Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

I Lucy Sweetland of Cumberland in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island &c. of lawful age. & being engaged according to Rites. do testify & say that Benjamin Sweetland was my father. & Eliza Sweetland is my mother. my said father died the 26 th day of October A.D. 1832. & my mother has remained a widow ever since that time. The marriage of my father & mother is recorded in a family registry & which was copied from an ancient record of the family & which registry is enclosed herewith Lucy Sweetland
Providence R.I. In Cumberland. This sixth day of Sept A.D. 1838. Then personally appeared before me the subscriber. Lucy Sweetland of Cumberland, in the said County, & gave the foregoing deposition. after having sworn to tell the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth. & which was by me reduced to writing in her

presence & by her subscribed in my presence & I Certify further, that the said Lyf  Lyf  frutland  frutland is a credible witness
David Daniels Justice of the Court of Common Pleas

The State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Providence ss. Town Clerk's office
Cumberland Aug 17 1838
I certify that the Marriage of Benjamin Swatland and Chloe Swatland - is not to be found on the records of this Town - and also that it is not customary for the person who performs the ceremony of marriage, to cause the same to be recorded - But is left to the option of the persons married, to have their certificate recorded, or not -
Attest. Pardon Sayles Town Clerk.
I Pardon Sayles above named, depose & say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the Town, County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true statement as certified by me.
Pardon Sayles Town Clerk
Providence ss. in Cumberland, county & State aforesaid this 17 th  18 th day of August  September Eighteen hundred & thirty eight Then personally appeared Pardon Sayles Town Clerk of said Cumberland and was duly sworn to the foregoing certificate according to Law.
Before me -
David D. Dorr Justice of Court of Common Pleas.

Family Register
Benjamin Sweetland      Abigail      Married Born July 30, 1763.      Died June 5, 1765.      June 1 1823 Died Oct. 26 1832.
NAMES.
BIRTHS. DEATHS.
   NAMES. BIRTHS. DEATHS.   Month. Day. Year. Month. Day. Year.     Abel Sweetland Born Dec 26 1754.   Benjamin Sweetland Born April 22 1756   Sarah Sweetland Born Aug 15 1757 Dec 25 1805.   Abigail Sweetland Born Feb. 22 1759 Jan 1 1823.   Abigail Sweetland Born Sept 8 1790   Lydia Sweetland Born April 5 1792 Dec 11 1812.   Lydia Sweetland Born Nov 17 1793 Nov 11 1793.   Lucy Sweetland Born Dec 7 1794   James Sweetland Born Aug 22 1796 May 2 1801.   William Sweetland Born Feb 11 1801 March 28 1824.   Levi Sweetland Born April 22 1803 Aug 1 1830.   Emerson Sweetland Born Jan 22 1806   Marilla Sweetland Born May 30 1809 Aug 5 1813.  

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence Yc. I, John W. Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Providence, in said State, being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that David Daniels Esquire before whom the annexed affidavits were sworn, is a Justice of our said Court; that by law he is authorised and qualified to administer oaths and take depositions; (and that his three signatures thereto written are genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have unto Set my hand and affix the seal of our said Court, at the City of Providence, this eleventh day of September A.D. 1858
John W. Smith Clerk

24473 Benjamin Sweetlands Northfield
Henry Sweetland
Elijah Alvah Granville Ms

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } p. County of Franklin
On this nineteenth day of September A. D. 1832, Benjamin Sweetland of Northfield in the County of Franklin & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged sixty eight years, who being unable to appear in court by reason of bodily infirmity, doth of his oath make the following declaration, before Hon. Richard E. Newcomb, judge of Probate with & for the County aforesaid, having been first duly sworn according to Law, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated.
1 st the said Benjamin Sweetland was born at Winchendon in the County of Worcester & Commonwealth aforesaid A. D. 1763 & I have kept a record of my age for many years. In the month of June 1780, the precise day I can not now recollect, I was living at Attleboro in the County of Bristol & County aforesaid & I there & then enlisted into the Company of Capt. Miller for six months. Our company officers were Capt. Miller, Lieut. Williams, Ensign Wells. Our regimental officers were Col. Dose, Lieut. Col. Dose - Adj. Bowles. I was marched from Winchendon Attleboro to Springfield on Connecticut River & thence to West Point. We were mustered on the Point & then crossed to the East side of the river where the main body of the army lay. Our Brigade was commanded by Gen. Glover. Gen. Washington was commander in chief. The other general officers whom I remember were Gens. Nickson, Patterson & Learned. In about three weeks I

was marched to Stony Point. We remained in the neighborhood of Stony Point all the summer till Andre was taken & I saw him hanged. He was hanged I believe in the bounds of Rarigetown. In November I went with a detachment to West Point with the invalids & women. In December the main body of the army came there for winter quarters & the quarters were so much crowded that we were dismissed a little while before our time was out. I had a pass, or discharge, but I have lost it. The next summer (A. D. 1781) I again entered the army as a substitute for Nathaniel Cook of Cumberland in the State of Rhode Island. I was at Attleboro at the time I made the engagement I entered for one month, & served during the whole month of August. I entered the army again immediately & served during the month of September as a substitute for Stephen Brayton of Smithfield Rhode Island. I had no written discharge at either of these two last mentioned times. With the exception of the above periods & occasional absence, I lived in Attleboro till I was 30 years of age; I then removed to Vernon in the County of Worcester & State of Vermont where I resided 12 years; & from thence I removed a few miles, over the line of Massachusetts to my present domicile in New Hampshire where I have been 28 years.
I know of no person now living who was old with me & knew me at the time. But there is some or who can testify as to my service of service aforesaid , who from the repeated conversations which we have since held together concerning transactions which occurred when we were

were on the army together, unable to testify as to his belief therefrom from their facts I have no documentary evidence of having served, now in my possession & have never had any except the abovementioned pass or discharge.
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid. I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
R. E. Newcomb, Judge of Probate Benjamin D. Dinsmore We the undersigned Bancroft Fowler a Clergyman, residing in the Town of Northfield & John Stevens Sheriff of the County of Franklin, residing in the same Town, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Dinsmore who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty eight years of age; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighbor- hood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Bancroft Fowler John Stevens
R. E. Newcomb Judge of Probate
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 Bancroft Fowler who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said Northfield - and John Stevens, who has also signed the same is a resident of the same time and a credible person and the Sheriff of said county of Franklin, and that their statement is entitled to credit
R. E. Newcomb
Judge of Probate

I Elijah Alvord Register of said Court, do hereby certify that the within contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Sweetland for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal affixed the seal of the said court, this nineteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
E. Alvord Reg. Prole

Rev WIDOW, &c.
No. 22,356 Chloe Sweetland Widow of Benjamin Sweetland Priv. Rev. War
Act July 7 th 1838 dex: Vol. M , Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]