Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9929, for Nicholas Lighthall, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Lighthall Nicholas
S 9929
carded
CONTENTS

New York 28.768
Nicholas Lighthall of Schenectady in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Frank of the Reg't commanded by Col Bellingham the NY State line for 12 months 1 day
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 40 Dollars 11 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of June 1834 and sent to G. T. Wales Schenectady NY
Arrears to the 14th of March '34 $120.33 Semi-annual allowances ending Sep't 4 '34 20.05
$140.38
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Saml H. Page Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 105

Nicholas Lighthall
18139 ✓
No 36
To the case of Giles H. Yates Schenectady N.Y. paper
[Faint mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

State of New York } County of Schenectady }
On this seventeenth day of October in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting Nicholas Lighthall a resident of the City of Schenectady in said County & State aged Eighty 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 7th 1832
He was born in the town of German Flatts in the County of Tryon in said State on the seventeenth day of August 1750 he has no record of his age except that contained in his Bill When he was called into the service of the United States in the Army of the Revolution he was living in German Flatts aforesaid and since the Revolutionary war he has lived in and he now lives in the City of Schenectady aforesaid He entered the service of the United States under the following named officer, & served as herein stated In the spring of the year 1776, he enlisted at Albany aforesaid in Captain John Dunn's Company in (he presumes) the Quarter Master's Department, for the term of nine months, and served out said term of nine months. In this engagement he was employed in transporting ammunition & provisions from Albany aforesaid to Halfmoon point, & from thence they were conveyed to Scituate & other posts in that quarter for the use of the northern army.
After this engagement he removed with

his family to German Flats, & was there forthwith enrolled in the Company of militia commanded by Captain John Frank in the Regiment whereof Peter Bellinghausen was Colonel, and served in said Company under one engagement until the close of the year 1780.
While serving in said Company of Captain John Frank he was, except on the occasions herein after specified, employed in the discharge of military duty at Fort Herkimer. He was in the battle of Oriskany in August 1777 - When the celebrated Christian Shell was taken prisoner, he was out as a Scout in pursuit of the enemy, and was on numerous occasions out on duty as a scout in the country round about fort Herkimer - When the enemy attempted to take this fort, he was in Stone Arabia and mounted guard there about fourteen days - He was several times engaged in guarding boats with provisions and ammunition from fort Stanwix to fort Herkimer. He has also pursuant to orders from his superior officers performed garrison duty three or four times at fort Plank.
At the close of the year 1780 he obtained permission to remove with his family to Schenectady, and was there enrolled in Captain John Van Patten's Company of Militia, and served therein until the end of the said war. His other Company & field officers whom he recollects were Simon & V an Patten & Cornelius Mabie Lieutenants - Abraham Swits & Myndert Wem-

ple Majors, Abraham Wemple Colonel. The beat of said militia company was in the town of Westina within the Township of Schenectady aforesaid, and the duty assigned him when not called out on dis- tant expeditions, was to mount guard at the Westina fort in said town. He was engaged while a member of the militia company last named in several scouting patroling & reconnoitering parties, to Sac- andaga & other places in search of Tories & to ascertain the movements of the in- emy.
See

THE FOLLOWING are the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, or who were with the troops where he served, and such continental and militia regiments or companies with which he served, or as he can recollect, viz: General Starkimer, Major Klipsett, Genl Van Rensselaer
He never received any written discharge from the service.
He has no _____ documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except the one whose affidavit is annexed
The following are the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution, to wit John Sanders & Nicholas G. Vuder
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.
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first aforesaid
John C. Beman
Clerk.
Nicholas G. Vuder
County of Schenectady ss On the day and year first aforesaid, personally appeared in open Court before the Judges aforesaid John Bony of the City of Schenectady

in said County, who being duly sworn deposeth & saith, that he was in the time of the revolutionary war, and is now well acquainted with Nicholas Lighthall who has subscribed and sworn to the fore- going declaration - that said Nicholas was a private in the same company with this de- ponent; to wit, in the company commanded by Captain John Frank in the Regiment whereof Peter Bellinger was Colonel - that this deponent remained at Fort Herkimer in company with said Nicholas Lighthall from the close of the year One thousand seven hundred and seventy seven until the fall of the year One thousand seven hundred & eighty, and that said Nicholas was during the whole of that period to wit for the term of three years engaged in the discharge of military duty at said Fort Herkimer, and in expeditions into the sur- rounding country.
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 17th day of October 1832
John Gorny
John S. Sedman Clerk

I John S. Woodman Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that I well acquainted with John Bonny who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit, and believe him to be a man of credibility and that his statement is entitled to credit -
Witness my hand & seal of office this 1 st day of June 1833 -
John S. Woodman Clerk
WE John Sanders residing in the Town of Glenville in the county of Schenectady aforesaid, and Nicholas G. Veder - residing in the Town of Glenville aforesaid - do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nicholas Lighthall who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty three 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.
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid
John S. Woodman
Clerk.
John Sanders Nicholas G. Veder
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 John Sanders & Nicholas G. Veder are both residents of the town of Glenville formerly Westerlo aforesaid, and are both credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I John S. Woodman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of Schenectady do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nicholas Lighthall for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
John S. Woodman Clerk.

Mayors Office City of Schenectady County of Schenectady State of New York
I John S. DeGraff Mayor of the City of Schenectady, do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with John Bonney the witness who has testified to the services of Nicholas Lighthill for more than Thirty Five years last past, and I do further Certify that he is a credible person, and that his Statement is entitled to the fullest credit
I do further certify that I have known the applicant Nicholas Lighthill for more than thirty Five years last past, and that he has invariably sustained a most estimable character and that he is in every respect entitled to the fullest Confidence and credit In witness whereof I have unto set my Hand & the Seal of the city of Schenectady. —
John S. DeGraff Mayor

18139
Nicholas Lighthall Schenectady co New York
J. susp d
Admitted
Private 12 mo & one day
have ... to extend, as continental L. entered at upon P. Pe
Giles F. Yates Schenectady N.Y.

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 Nicholas Lighthall, Schenectady, N. York
   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.     Enlisted 1776 9 private Capt Hurn Quartermaster Albany to Halfmoon 83 Germantown tradition   Enlisted 1777 Capt Frank Col Billings Briarcliff Fort Ticonderoga New York Witnesses 3 years service   1780 to the end of the war Capt Van Patten Col Hople  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
There is not specification of service sufficient —

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 (1) 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, they are amply and clearly stated, 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 mentioned, 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, in 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 _____; 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 [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[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.
J. S. Bradburn

Reuben
9929
Quil 7
INVALID.
File No. 9929
Nicholas Lighthall
Prin. Rev. was
Act: June 7 th 1832.
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 222
[Arrangement of 1870.]

New York Rev.
Suspended act'y Jan '32
letter to G. F. Maltby 16 Nov. 33

New York
Nicholas Lighthall
Rev. Mr.
Guipendea
the letter to G. L. Yates Esq. May 19. 1834.
Oct 7 Jan '32

The undersigned! Pastor of the Reformed Church of Schenectady, hereby certifies that Mr. Nicholas Lighthall is a regular member in full communion of said church; that he adorns his profession by uprightness of conduct; & that the fullest confidence may be placed in his integrity & veracity. Given under my hand this 18 th Oct. 1882.
Jacob Van Vechten.

I John Sanders of the town of Glenville in the county of of Schenectady do hereby certify and make known that I have been acquainted with and knew Mr. Nicholas Lightall of the first ward of said city for more than fifty years that he is very aged: that he was an honest respectable industri- ous citizen was a regular attendant of the church in every respect I consider him a good member of society that he has for a long time been in my service and employ given under my hand this 17 th day of October 1832
John Sanders
Sworn to in open court this 17 th day of October 1832
John S. Robinson Clerk

I, John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County, do Certify, that John Sanders who has subscribed & Sworn to the within Deposition before me in open Court is a man of Credibility, and that his statement is entitled to the fullest credit. Witness my hand & Seal of office this 1 st day of June 1833
John S. Vrooman Clerk

State of New York County of Schenectady } ss
I, Nicholas Lighthall of the City of Schenectady in said County, being duly sworn say that I am the identical applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832 whose papers are now on file in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions in the War Department of the United States of America. And whereas it is not in my power to furnish the requisite proof of my services as a private in the war of the revolution, for the whole period claimed by me, but only for twelve months and one day of such period. Now therefore in order to obtain a pension Certificate for such services as are proved, I hereby relinquish all claim for

such services under said act, other than for or beyond said twelve months and one day - and for said twelve months and one day's service, I claim a pension - I acknowledge, } Nicholas Lighthall Subscribed & sworn } This 22 d day of May } 1834 before me } John H. Hale Esq Justice of the Peace }
I, John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County do hereby certify, that John H. Hale Esq before whom the foregoing deposition and relinquishment was sworn and taken, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & sworn, & that his signature to the sworn of said deposition is genuine Witness my hand & seal of office this 22 d day of May 1834 John S. Vrooman Clerk

Schenectady May 32 d 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor dated the 19 th inst. in which you state that Nicholas Lighthall's claim under the act of 7 th June 1832, cannot be allowed for more than twelve months and one day's service - He has accordingly relinquished all claim beyond that period. His relinquishment is enclosed.
I am yours respectfully
J. L. Edwards

Schenectady, May 3 rd 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I have the honor to forward you herewith, a new Supplemental affidavit in the matter of the application of Nicholas Lighthall for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832.
I have no copy of his original declaration, to enable me to judge of the matter, but it is possible there may be a difference between the declaration and the present affidavit, as to dates &c. But this difference cannot be material. The memory of these old gentlemen is generally so very defective, that it is extremely difficult to obtain from them such specification as is desirable, and required by your regulations. From his known integrity I am convinced there is nothing intentionally wrong. This application has been delayed for several months in order to procure the affidavits of additional witnesses in corroboration

of Mr Lighthall's services; and still further delayed for the purpose of having his affidavit taken in open Court. This appears to be necessary, as Mr Lighthall may have made an enlargement of his claim in some respects. As to Transport Service in the Quarter Master's Department, Mr Lighthall has altogether omitted in his present application
I am very respectfully Your mo: ob: Servt
J. H. [unclear] -

Schenectady Sep. 6: 1833. J. B. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
The inclosed papers in the matter of the application of Nicholas Lighthall for a Pension were returned to me with a letter from your office dated the 2 d Sep r inst. stating "that a certificate as to the credibility of a witness made by the Clerk of a Court cannot be received" &c. On procuring the certificate in the case in question I was misled by the rule of your Department which requires the certificate of credibility of a witness to be given "by the magistrate who administers the oaths." The oath of the witness John Bonny was administered by the County Clerk in open court in the present instance. You will oblige me by informing me by whom the certificate of credibility of witnesses sworn in court must be given, as there are other cases intimated to me of the same

nature with that of Mr Lighthall, and it is my desire to comply fully with your requirements. In the case of Lighthall I have procured the certificate of the Chief Magistrate of this City + John S. DeGrasse Esq., with whom you are personally acquainted. Should your regulations require the certificate of a judge of the Court, or any other additional certificate I shall endeavour to furnish it.
With respect
Yours ob t Serv t J. H. W. L.
+ The Mayor's certificate is attached to the original papers.

Nicholas Lighthall
Supplemental Affidavit under the act of 7. June 1832
Giles T. Yates Agent Schenectady N.Y.

State of New York County of Schenectady } ss
Personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, now sitting, on this first day of May 1834. — Nicholas Lighthall of the City of Schenectady, in said County, who being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is the identical applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832 - who has subscribed & sworn to a declaration, and a deposition supplemental thereto under said act now on file - in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions in the War Department of the United States,
That he enlisted or was enrolled in the fall of the year 1775, in the Company of Militia in the then County of Tryon, now County of Herkimer in said state. Commanded by the following officers, to wit, by Captain Michael Ettig or Ittick, untill the month of August 1777 - or after the Battle of Oriskany, when Frederick Frank was appointed such Captain - said Frederick Frank having previously been an Ensign in said Company, by Jacob Basehorn Lieutenant, who he believes left the said Company after said Battle - and John Frank Orderly, Sergeant, said Company was attached to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Peter Bellinger. The names of the other field officers whom he recollects were Frederick Bellinger Lieutenant Colonel & Augustine Klapsettle Major - and said Regiment was attached to the Brigade Commanded by General Herkimer - After his enlistment in said Company as aforesaid, He continued a member thereof untill the fall of the year 1780, when he left the County of Tryon aforesaid, and took up his residence in the County of Schenectady, then County of Albany.

While a member of said Company, he served on every occasion, he was called upon, & engaged in all those tours of duty, whether in the garrison or field, which said Company, were required to perform, at the exigencies of the times rendered necessary - All the particulars of his services in the war of the revolution while belonging to said Company after this lapse of time he cannot possibly call to mind, he will however state such particulars as now occur to him -
In the month of January 1776 - he served with a part of his said Company detailed for the purpose by order of his Colonel aforesaid to guard military stores transported from fort Herkimer to fort Stannix or fort Schuyler - In this tour he was constantly under arms for the term of thirty days at least. After performing this service he performed garrison duty for a period during this year greatly exceeding one month, under Command of Lieutenant John Frank aforesaid, The officers whom he remembers to have seen in fort, were the before named Frederick Frank, Augustine Klepsettle & Peter Bellinger - During the Summer of this year he served in several scouting parties, but cannot remember the particulars, nor the length of time he served in each -
In the month of January in the year 1777 - he performed Garrison duty at said fort Herkimer for a term exceeding one month, he thinks for one month & a half under Command of said General Herkimer, & the officers of his said Company, during the period he performed garrison duty as last aforesaid, he spent a few days in guarding the stores transported from Fort Herkimer to Fort Schuyler as aforesaid,
Sometime in the summer

of the year 1777 - he thinks in the month of July he was ordered to march with a detachment from his said Company to Saratoga where General Burgoyne was expected to make an attack, but on receiving news of the approach of St Leger's forces who meditated a descent on fort Schuyler his said detachment was ordered back, and he joined the troops under General Herkimer, and marched under the immediate Command of the Officers of his said Company to guard against & repel the attacks of St. Leger. On this occasion he was in the Oriskany battle in which General Herkimer & other American Officers fell, to wit, on the 6 th August 1777, having previously on the 2 nd day of the same month, been on duty at the siege of fort Stanwix by St Leger aforesaid, on this occasion he was under arms in the garrison and in the field, for a term exceeding twenty five days - without intermission. He also after these battles engaged with detachments of men from said Company in guarding the harvesters while bringing in their harvest, and performed garrison duty, under the immediate Command of John Frank and other Officers of his said Company, at fort Herkimer aforesaid, untill the setting in of the winter - and the whole period he was under arms in the garrison & in the field during the year 1777 - greatly exceeded six months, but he cannot be more specific, than he has been as to dates, and the precise length of each term of duty, and he does not include in said six months services, the time he was out as a Scout -
In the year 1778, he served with detachments of men from his said Company & Regiment as Spies, and reconnoiterers of the enemy - Lieutenant Frank aforesaid had

8. 10 The Command of these detachments, he was on Constant duty in these tours, (being however part of the time at said fort performing garrison duty.) for a term not less than three months, and he believes three months and an half. One Stukus  Fulmer accompanied them in these expeditions in the capa- city of Interpreter - and they marched to Unadilla & Canada Creek, and other places not now recollected and which were not in fact distinguished at that time by any particular name. The number Compo- sing these detachments was generally, Six Christians and Six Indians, and they were part of the time under the Command of a Sergeant, or other Non Commissioned Officer - During this year & while he was engaged in the expeditions last aforesaid, a Company or Companies of nine months men drafted at Stone Arabia came to the fort St. K. Kimer garrison, he believes under the Command of an Officer named, or whose name (German) sounded like Birkbat, or Big beard. After his expeditions last aforesaid, he was directed to serve with these nine months men, some of them changed places with others from Stone Arabia but he  he was not exchanged, but was retained, and continued continually & without intermission (except on two or three occasions for the space of four days) in the performance of sentinel or garrison duty at said fort, & he performed such garrison duty on this occasion with said nine months men for a term exceeding three months, he re- members the names of the following Officers at said fort at this time - In the year 1779, he engaged in very few expeditions, being the most of the time on duty in said fort St. Kimer , he was out with detachments from said Regiment to range the Woods, and on alarms of the approach of

the enemy, and once marched to fort Plain. The period for which he performed garrison duty this year, and including short excursions from the fort, on alarms, greatly exceeds four months.
From the Beginning of the year 1780, untill the fall of that year, he was for the greatest part of the time under arms in said fort, the enemy this year, destroyed all the settlements, on both sides of the Mohawk River, beginning in the spring, and in the fall completing their depredatory & murderous designs - Alarms were in consequence very frequent. He served in the expeditions in which the members of his said regiment engaged, and in mounting guard at said fort under the officers of his said Company before named. He was in an engagement with the Indians under Brant when fort Plain was destroyed - and was under arms this year in the County of Tryon aforesaid for a term in the whole exceeding three months
In the month of November in the year 1780, he moved to Schenectady, in the then County of Albany, and served in that township for at least three weeks in mounting guard at Finis Swart's fort, which was situated about four miles from the compact part of said township, now in the town of Glenville. The name of his Captain under whom he served at said last named fort, was John Van Patten and ————— Swart Lieutenant, the names of the other officers of said Company he cannot recollect -
And for the aforesaid service of more than nine - =teen months, as a private soldier he claiming a pension -

Subscribed & sworn } in Open Court before } me the day & year } aforesaid — — }
John S. Vrooman Clerk
Nicholas Lighthall

State of New York Essex County
John Frank of the town of Germanflats in the County of Essex, being duly sworn deposes and says that I was twenty seven years of age last March, that I was in the time of the Revolutionary War, and am now well acquainted with Nicholas Lighthall a resident of the City of Schenectady in said State, an applicant for a Pension under the act of 7th of June 1832. that I served with said Nicholas in the same Company and Regiment to wit, the Regiment of Militia commanded by Colonel Peter Bellinger in a Company commanded by Michael Altig previous to the Battle of Oriskany, and subsequently by the brother of this Deponent, Frederick Frank who was formerly Surgeon of the Company, and that I this Deponent, was the Orderly Sergeant of said Company during the whole of the Revolutionary War.
That I was appointed such Orderly Sergeant in December 1775. that the commissioned officers of the Company were Michael Altig Captain, Jacob Wasehorn Lieutenant and Frederick Frank Ensign, that said officers continued in command of said Company until after the Battle of Oriskany in August 1776 after that time Altig and Wasehorn both left the Company and Frederick Frank was appointed Captain and continued as such until the end of the War. That the Regiment was commanded by Peter Bellinger as Colonel, Frederick Bellinger as Lieut. Col. & Augustine Klassattle as a Major, George Dammuth Adjutant and Rudolph Stute Quarter Master. that I this Deponent was one of the Sub. committee of Safety for the town of Germanflats in the then County of Tryon and assisted in making the appointment of the Field and Staff officers of said Regiment in Genl. Nicholas Essex Brigade. that the Company officers were chosen by the Company & the appointment certified by the Com- mittee or warranted by them, until commissions could be

obtained - That in the year 1776. according to my best recollection Nicholas Light bore enlisted into the company to which I belonged, that he was a private in said company and remained a member of said company after his enlistment until the year 1780. or 1781. according to the best of my recollection and belief. That I have no personal knowledge of all the expeditions and tours of duty performed by said Nicho- las while a member of said Regiment, and company. But I recollect the following, when St. Leger invaded Fort Stanwix said Nicholas performed garrison duty at Fort Schuyler, and was out with the company not less than twenty five days - said Nicholas and this Deponent stood two or three drafts together, but the particular length of time he served under each draft, or whether he was in fact drafted this Deponent can not recollect. He was also on duty on several occasions with said Nicholas with others from said company to guard the military stores transported from Schenectady to Fort Schuyler so called at that time - that they were engaged five or six days at that time in that Expedition, that he recollects this distinctly from the fact that Joseph Brant with the Indians were out at that time and burned off the houses in the vicinity of Fort Stanwix and that Light shall was one of the number of men with them at that time - That said Lightshall also performed Garrison duty when not in active service with the rest of the com- pany, that he can not at this length of time state how long each time of service continued in each of these tours. That some of these years they were actually enga- ged in Military duty & not in a civil pursuit at least three months in a year, and not less according to the best recollection & belief of this Deponent, but whatever the said Nicholas stood previous length of duty this depo- nent can not recollect - and further this Deponent says not -
John Frank
Sworn to. Subscribed Before me this 9 th day of January 1834 Nicholas Smith

I, Nicholas Smith the Justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing deposition of John Frank has been taken, do certify that I am well acquainted with said John Frank, that said John Frank has always sustained the reputation of being and I believe him to be a man of veracity & credibility, and that his statements are entitled to full credence & belief. Given under my hand this 13 th day of January 1834
Nicholas Smith Justice of the Peace

State of New York } ss County of Herkimer } ss Clerk's office }
Francis C. Spinnner Dept Clerk
of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Nicholas Smith before whom the annexed & foregoing deposition of John Frank has been taken, was at the time thereof a justice of the peace in & for said County. That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of
the said Nicholas & verily believe the signa- ture to the same purporting to be that of the said Nicholas Smith, and also that the signature of the said Nicholas to the foregoing certificate of credibility are both genuine. Witness my hand & seal of office this thirteenth day of January 1834
F. C. Spinnner Dept Clerk
office

State of New York Herkimer County ss.
John Frank of the town of Germanflats in the County of Herkimer being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is now in the sixty ninth year of his age that he is acquainted with Nicholas Lighthall of the City of Schenectady and recollects him during the Revolutionary war, that in the year 1776 according to the best of his recollection the said Nicholas Lighthall was in a Company of Militia commanded by Michael Stig, in Col o Peter Bellinger's Regiment in Genl. Herkimer Brigade. That said Lighthall continued to do duty in said Company as he was required by his Superior officers from time to time - And that he remained in said Company until after Frederick Frank was appointed Captain, (who was his brother) under the said Peter Bellinger as before as aforesaid - And that this deponent and said Lighthall did duty together in the same Company at least three months in each year during five years, that during this time the Company, to which they were attached were in the engagement at Oriskany, and that they opposed the Indians, under Brant, when they burnt on both sides of the river in that part of Tryon County now called Herkimer. but he can not state the precise length of time in each but thinks the aggregate in each year amounts to three months and further this deponent saith not
Sworn & Subscribed this 22 d day of April 1834 before me.
James Getman J. P.
John Frank
I the above named James Getman Justice of the peace do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Frank who has sworn to the above Deposition before me and that I know him to be a man of veracity whose statements are entitled to credit April 22 d 1834.
James Getman J. P.

State of New York Herkimer County Clerk's Office } So
I Francis E. Spier Deputy of Julius C. Peterson Clerk of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that James Getman before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly qualified to act as such Justice and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verify believe the sig- nature "James Getman" to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the county aforesaid on this 22 d day of April Eighteen hundred and thirty four.
F. E. Spier

State of New York Albany County 3d
Peter Flagg of the town of Germantown in the County of Albany, being duly sworn deposes and says, that he is now in the eighty fourth year of his age, that he is acquainted with Nicholas Lightall of the City of Schenectady, and recollects him during the Revolutionary War, that in the year 1776. according to the best of his recollection the said Nicholas Lightall was enrolled in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Michael Stitz in Col. Peter Bellinger's Regiment in Genl. Herkimer's Brigade. That said Lightall continued to do duty in said Company as he was required by his Superior officers from time to time - and that he remained in said Company, until after Frederick Brunk was appointed Captain under the said Peter Bellinger as Col. as aforesaid. and that Deponent still believes he was in said Company at the time this Deponent enlisted in Captain McEvers Company in Col. Willet's Regiment, which was in the Spring of the year preceding the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, which this Deponent believes was in the year 1781. that he was marched to Fort Plain, and recollects that he was still attached to said Regiment at the time of the rejoicing for the Victory over Cornwallis - That this Deponent is unable to say how long in each year or at what particular times said Lightall done duty as such soldier, that he recollects of doing duty with said Lightall in said Fort and on excursions, but more particularly in the years 1779 & 1780. and that in those years he done at least four months service in each of those years; that in years preceding those years & in 1777 & 1778. he done duty at least three months in each year, but this Deponent can not state with certainty the different times when such service commenced in each year or when the same ended, that they were called out in the Spring and done duty until fall, some times more & sometimes less, frequently on Scouts & during the last years & in 1779 & 1780.

they were principally confined in the Fort I was then engaged in actual military duty and not engaged in any civil employment at least four months in each year as above stated. And further this Deponent says not — his
Sworn I subscribed this 22 nd day of April 1834. before me
Peter H. Hagg mark
James Getman J.P. I the said James Getman do hereby certify that the above deponent Peter Hagg is a man of credibility and that his statements are entitled to credit.
State of New York Herkimer County Clerk's Office
James Getman J.P.
Francis E. Spence Deputy of Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that James Getman before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken to have been sworn was at the time of the date thereof a justice of the peace in and for said County duly qualified to act as such Justice and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe the signature "James Getman" to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the County aforesaid this 22 nd day of April 1834
F. E. Spence

City of Schenectady County of Schenectady, ditto State of New York
I do certify that I have been personally acquainted with Nicholas Lighthall for about thirty five years past, and that he has uniformly done or char acts without the slightest reproach considering his advanced age he possesses an astonishing power of mental as well as bodily activity
John L. DeGraff Mayor of the City of Schenectady
Schenectady May 5. 1834

State of New York County of Schenectady.
In the matter of the application of Nicholas Lighthall for a pension under the Act of 7 th June 1832.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Nicholas Lighthall above named, the same person referred to and described in and who subscribed and swore to the declaration hereto annexed, and made oath, 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 in the grade of a private soldier.
In the Spring of the year 1776, he enlisted in the Company of Captain John Hunn for the term of nine months , and served out said term of nine months in full in the Quartermaster's Department, and was engaged during said term without intermission in the transporting ammunition & provisions for the American army from Albany to Halfmoon point & from thence to Ticonderoga & other posts occupied by the Northern army.
After his term of service aforesaid had expired, he removed to German Flatts, and was there enrolled in the Company of Militia Commanded by Captain John Frank in Colonel Peter Seddinger's Regiment of the State of New York. After being thus enrolled he performed

actual and active duty until the close of the year 1780 at Fort Herkimer, located at German Flatts aforesaid, to wit for a term in the whole exceeding three years .
Although it is well known, the services of militia-men during the revolutionary war consisted of short tours, yet in the case of this deponent, and the militia men of German Flatts, this was not so. This deponent positively testifies that he & other members of said Company of Captain Frank were on constant duty at Fort Herkimer & under arms performing garrison duty (night and day) except on the occasions herein after specified. This deponent further declares that for a good portion of the period for which he thus served, his said Company, with the company of Captain Weaver from Fort Dayton mounted guard at Fort Herkimer unassisted by any other forces; but that for the greatest part of the time they received assistance from "nine months men," as they were termed, and drafted militia from different parts of the state. The occasions on which this deponent did not mount guard in said fort Herkimer, (being the occasions above referred to as excepted) were these. He occasionally served as a spy or scout, and sometimes assisted the farmers in bringing in their harvest, in which service the members of his company took turns, one portion being thus engaged the remainder guarded the fort. He also aided several times in guarding the boats with provisions from Fort Stanwix to Fort Herkimer, he also performed garrison duty several times at Fort Plank - and except on these occasions, he constantly performed garrison duty at Fort Herkimer aforesaid until

from the winter of the year 1776 till the month of November 1780 - when this Deponent removed to Schenectady -
He was there enrolled in Captain John Van Patten's company of Militia at Westona in said district for township of Schenecta- dy, and served for the term of three weeks at the Westona fort mounting guard there while the militia of Colonel Temple's Regi- ment, went in pursuit of the enemy under Walter Patten & Major Ross he thinks in 1781 - for which service of three years and more this Deponent claims a pension.
Subscribed & sworn } this 1 st June 1833 } before me
Nicholas Lighthall
John C. Justice of the Peace
I, John S. Vrooman Clerk of said County do hereby certify, that John C. Justice, before whom the preceding deposition of Nicholas Lighthall has been taken in a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said John C. Justice & verily believe, that his signature to the jurata of said deposition is genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of office this 1 st day of June 1833.
John S. Vrooman Clerk

A. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Sir
I return herewith the papers of Nicholas Light- hall in support of his claim under the act of 7th June 1832.
He has been more specific as to his services & certificates of the credibility of the witnesses have been procured as required by you.
I am respectfully
Your obed Servt J. H. H. H.
Schenectady June 1 st 1833.