Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13626, for Solomon Ketcham, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Privateer (New York)
Ketcham, Solomon
S. 13626
md
Mar 1812
CONTENTS
carded

14000 13/7 New York Solomon Ketchum of Suffolk in the State of New York who was a Mariner in the ship comm. by Captain Rosen of the comm. by in the time for 6 mo. , Privateer (Nib)
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 24 Dollars 00 Cents per line per m., to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of May 1833 and sent to Miss R. Huntington C.E.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1933 $48.00 Semi-ant. advance ending 4 Sept 4- 12.00
$60.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { No. June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book C Vol. 4 Page 23

lease of Solomon Tretchem application for a pension
13.707-

Court of Common Pleas for Suffolk County State of New York in the case of Solomon Petcham
In this second 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 said Court now sitting, Solomon Petcham a resident of the Town of Huntington in the county of Suffolk and State of New York aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declar- -ation in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That early in the spring of the year 1776 and as he supposes and believes early in the month of March, he enlisted on board the sloop Montgomery which vessel was fitted out under the autho- -rity of the Provincial Congress of the State of New York in order to cruise against the British - That William Rogers of Huntington was captain & Mr. Slocum first lieutenant & Mr. Ledyard second lieu- -tenant and a Mr. Webb sailing master
That he sailed with the said Captain in said vessel until Long Island was taken by the British - That shortly after that event probably about the first of September or shortly after Captain Rogers left the Inlet, came into the sound and lay in Norwalk Harbour and continued there some time, as he supposes and believes until the British took New York about the middle of September and he thinks it probable that Captain Rogers remained at Norwalk until the British came up the Island as far as Huntington which was the latter end of September or beginning of October -
That Captain Rogers then sailed as he has been informed and believes to Connecticut River and shortly after gave up cruising and the vessel was sold as he was informed and the crew dispersed
That at the time the Captain was ordered to leave Fire Island Inlet and come into the Sound He heard

Solomon Retham and Ebenezer Cooklin another of the crew were fire masters on board one of the captured Vessels in the South Bay about five miles from the Inlet where Captain Rogers lay with the Montgomery That they received no order to come aboard and they came across the Island by land to Huntington which lies nearly opposite to Norwalk -
That Ebenezer Cooklin went across the Sound to Norwalk to the Montgomery to receive orders or to get discharged if the Captain had given up cruising - The vessel lay waiting for orders and neither the said Ebenezer Cooklin nor this deponent were ordered to come aboard
During this absence the British got possession of New York and shortly after came to New Huntington and made the deponent and all the other inhabitants prisoners
The deponent was subject to the orders of the Captain of the Montgomery while she lay at Norwalk. The Captain knew where he was & had constant intercourse with the place and might have ordered him aboard at any time if he had needed him or had not preferred that he should remain at home until he did need him or a new cruise was determined on. He never was dismissed or discharged
Upon the whole the deponent says that he was subject to Captain Rogers orders from the day he enlisted early in March to the day the British took Huntington the latter end of September or early in October and that he actually served on board the Montgomery or in some other boat or vessel under the orders of Captain Rogers from the time the Montgomery sailed until she prepared to leave
Five Island inlet which was probably early in September He relinquishes all claim to a pension except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn and subscribed
The day and year aforesaid
Solomon Retham
Joseph A Huntington Clk

State of New York } On the 27 th day of September 1832 personally ap- Suffolk County } peared Nathaniel Potter who being sworn saith That he was well acquainted with Solomon Keteham of Huntington in said County A petitioner for a pension under the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832 And that he was well acquainted with said petitioner in the year 1776 and was knowing to his entering and serving as a mariner on board the armed vessel Montgomery William Brogers commander Armed by the provincial Congress of New York and sent out to cruise against the British about the time they were passing from Halifax to New York - That said deponent was frequently on board said armed vessel at five islands and other places, and saw said petitioner serving on board Also saw a number of square rigged and other vessel prizes captured from the enemy by said armed vessel Montgomery further this deponent saith not
Nathaniel Potter
Sworn and Subscribed
Before me Myles Probst Judge

had needed him or had not preferred that he should remain this is to certify that he need him or a new errand
State of New York County of Suffolk ss I Joseph A Hunting Clerk of the County of Suffolk Do Certify that M c Intosh before whom the within affidavit was taken is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and believe that his signature is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said County this 10 th day of October 1832
Joseph A Hunting
Affidavit of William Potter

State of New York
County of Clinton ss
Daniel Platt of Plattsburg in said County aged seventy five years being duly sworn says he was well acquainted with Solomon Ketchum of the town of Huntingdon Suffolk County New York during the Revolutionary war. That to Deponent's personal knowledge said Ketchum enlisted at Huntingdon aforesaid in the spring of 1776 as a mariner on board the sloop of war Montgomery fitted out by the Provincial Congress of New York commanded by Capt William Roger. and served on board of said vessel as such mariner until the late in the fall or autumn of 1776 - That to Deponent's knowledge said Ketchum actually served more than six months on board of said vessel as such mariner. That Deponent served on board of said vessel during all of said time & was on board when said Ketchum enlisted and when he left said vessel on the south side of Long Island. I think at Fire Island Inlet. That said Ketchum resided in Huntingdon aforesaid when he enlisted and is about the age of Deponent who served with said Ketchum during said time. Deponent continued on board of said vessel after said Ketchum was discharged.
Daniel Platt
sworn and subscribed to this 3 d day of September 1832 and I certify that Deponent is a credible person & witness.
Peter J. Roberts Justice of the Peace
State of New York ss Clinton County ss
George M. Beckwith Deputy Clerk of the county of Clinton and also of the court of Common Pleas of the said county do certify that Peter J. Roberts Esquire before whom the above affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the day of the date of the said affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for the said county of Clinton duly commissioned sworn and authorized by law to administer oaths and to take affidavits, and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and do verily believe that his name subscribed to the Jurat of the said affidavit is his proper handwriting and signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county this third day of September 1832.
Geo. M. Beckwith Dept Clerk

We Moses Rolph & William Wicks both of the Town of Hoxton in the County of Suffolk being duly sworn do depose & say that they are acquainted with Solomon Kitchano in the annexed declaration mentioned that we believe that he is of the age he represents & that he is a person entitled to full faith & credit.
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Joseph A. Hunting Clerk
Moses Rolph William Wicks

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a mariner in the naval forces of the revolutionary powers & served as he states
Joseph R. Hunting Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Suffolk, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Solomon Mitchell for a pension
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this Second of Decemr 1832.
Joseph R. Hunting Clk
received early in the morning of ... the above mentioned which report was filed out under the author

November 27, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/REL
Solomon Ketcham-S.13626
Miss M.B. Smith 94 Spencer Avenue Lynbrook, New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Jeremiah Hubbard and Solomon Ketcham, of Long Island, also, records of all soldiers with the name John Smith, of Long Island.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Jeremiah Hubbard. No records could be identified of the John Smith in whom you are interested. If you will give as much as possible of the following data, another search of the records will be made; approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
The record of Solomon Ketcham is given herein as found in pension claim, S.13626, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Solomon Ketcham was the son of Solomon. The date and place of his birth and the name of his mother are not shown. During the Revolution, Solomon Ketcham, Senior, was engaged in transporting property taken from captured vessels to his home in Huntington, New York.
Early in March, 1776, while residing in Huntington, New York, Solomon Ketcham went on board the sloop "Montgomery", an armed vessel fitted out by authority of the state of New York, Captain William Rogers, commanding. The vessel cruised from Fire Island in the adjacent waters, and captured eleven British vessels, loaded with oil, provisions, tools, etc. Solomon Ketcham was placed on board one of the captured vessels as prize master, and served until after the capture of New York, and was taken prisoner at Huntington, New York, when that place and all of its inhabitants were captured. The "Montgomery" escaped capture by going up the Connecticut River and was eventually sold.
she sent ad'it in for. in re. this John Smith but could find no John Smith as described by her. this letter and. See 17 1935. See negation John.

Solomon Ketcham stated that in 1808, "during the embargo", he fitted out a vessel which he owned, pursued and captured a British ship and took the cargo to the Collector at New York. He stated, also, that in 1813, he was a member of a volunteer company composed of those beyond the age of militia service and continued through the war and that he had charge of the arms which were furnished by the state. In 1814, he assisted in capturing two ships which had taken refuge during a storm in Huntington Bay and were bound to sea contrary to law, and delivered them to the Collector at New York.
He was allowed pension on account of his service as a mariner during the Revolutionary War on his application executed October 3, 1832, at which time he was aged seventy-six years and resided in Huntington, Suffolk County, New York.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Solomon Ketcham, S.13626, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Solomon Ketcham, Certificate No. 14010, issued May 6, 1833, rate $24 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILIER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Solomon Kitchum
at Huntington Suff k County Long Hand

Plattsburgh June 18 th 1833
Dear Sir I Recd your Letter the 6 th of June - you wish to know how I proceeded on about my Pension I sent to Albany to the Sec'tery and there I got to a Copy from the Record where the Pay was Record d Capt Rogers name in it Mr Campnel the Sec'tery says that the Case is Clear and that the old Veterans of 76 Ough to be paid had my Attorney applied to Mr Cals the Sec'tery of Penchans in stead of Edwards I had got my pay 2 or 3 years agoe - my Attorney went on to Washington and told on the Sec'tery and Obtained my pension and had your name put on the Role a gain I am believe that if my Attorney had not gone to Washington and there applied to the Sec'tery Personly we should Both Been Degraded out of our just Dues they have Cut down our pay to a Small Sum I Don't know how they have Don it but we must put up with it you say that they allow you 2 Dollars Pr month they have Allowed me Sixty Dollars a - year as Long as I Live I have been to a grate Esperance in Obtaining the pension in getting mine I got your name put on the Role a gain I paid in getting mine fifty two Dollars I Recd my Back pay up to March 1835 - my being Starved they have Allowed me no Suppose the Starved Pay now on Board our V. is $18 pr month half Life is Better than no Bread - This from Sir your friend and wellwisher Daniel Platt
your Letter Dated may 7
Give my Respects to Judge S t Potter And all Engineer friends -

War Depart t Pension Office Sept. 2. 1835.
Sir
In reply to a letter dated 25 ult, to which your name is subscribed, altho not written by you, I have to state that there is documentary evidence in this office that you deserted from the Sloop Montgomery on 18 May '76 and consequently have been stricken from the roll of pensioners under the act of 7. June 1832. You are therefore required to return the certificate & refund the amount you have rec d .
I am very respectf ly Yr mo ob st J L Edwards
W. Solomon Ketcham Huntington N. York

War Department Pension Office
Sept. 23. 1835
Sir, I am in reply to your letter of the 19 th instant enclosing a certificate from Nathaniel Potter and others I have to state that no sole evidence in view of rebutting the document any evidence of your dismission cannot be received - If you have any documents showing that you returned and continued in the service as stated in your letter it may be examined which will have the effect of restoring you upon the pension roll.
Respectfully
Your Ob t serv t
J. L. Edwards
W. Solomon Ketchum Huntington N.Y.

In the matter of the Application of Solomon my Ketcham to be re-instated on the pension roll &c
State of New York
County of Kings
City of Brooklyn ss. Bathsheba Titus of said city county and state being duly sworn doth depose and say, - that she is the widow of Jonathan Titus late of the same place, deceased and late one of the pensioners of the United States, - that she is now in the seventy fifth year of her age, - that she is well acquainted with Solomon Ketcham of Huntington in the county of Suffolk  Berkshire and state aforesaid, - that she resided with Solomon Ketcham the father of the said Solomon Ketcham during the revolutionary war of 1776 and the following years, - that she went to live there in the month of May in the year 1776 and continued there to the close of the said war - that a few days after she went to live there the said Solomon Ketcham the younger came there on a visit to his parents, - that the said Solomon staid home at that time a few days but how many exactly this deponent cannot say, - that then he left his father's house to go to the Sloop of war Montgomery, Captain Rogers to serve out the rest of the cruise, - that the said Solomon the younger was gone for some months, but how long this de-

ponent does not know, - that after some time he returned home, - that the said Solomon the Younger was about nineteen years of age when he went on said cruise. And further this deponent says not
Sworn to before me - the seventh day of October } 35.
Prathesheba Titus
Att. C. Murphy Commissioner of Deeds in and for said city -
In the matter of the Application of Solomon Ketchum to be reinstated on the pension roll.
Affidavit of Prathesheba Titus

Suffolk County State of New York in the Matter of Reinstating Solomon Hetham on the Pension Roll of the United States Pensioners
Phebe Helleum now the widow of Ebenezer Helleum Deceased who was formerly the wife of Ebenezer Conklin Deceased being Duly & sworn doth depose and say that she was well acquainted with the aforesaid Solomon Hetham before the Revolutionary war with Great Britain and that her Husband the said Ebenezer Conklin and the aforesaid Solomon Hetham Intisted on board the Sloop Montgomery Commanded by Capt William Rogers in 1776 and continued on the sd Sloop for about two Months and then returned home on a visit and returned in the space of three or four Days and continued on board the said Sloop untill Long Island was given up to the British and the Vessel ordered into port and further this Deponent saith Not.
Taken and Subscribed before me the 12 th Day of October 1835
Phebe her X Helleum Mark
Moses Holph one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Suffolk

War Department Pension Office Novr 7 th 1835
Sir
In reply to yours postmarked 2 d inst enclosing two affidavits in your case I have to state that the fact of your deser- tion from the Sloop Montgomery is es- tablished by a document which no parol testimony can be received to controvert. If the necessary conclusion from that document could be removed by evidence of equal grade, you could only claim for the service rendered after you had rejoined her which is less than six months. The offer of a reward by the Captain for your apprehension which fact is established by the advertisement itself must necessarily exclude all service prior to its date, and if that part be excluded the balance of the service even if it were admitted is insuffi- cient to bring your claim within the provisions of the act of 7 th June 1832
I am Respectfully
Mr Solomon Kitchum Huntington N. York
Your Ob t Serv t J L Edwards

We the Trustees of the town Huntington in Suffolk County and State of New York hereby certify that each of us are intimately acquainted with Solomon Hattam of this town most of us have at all times had varied and constant intercourse with him & we esteem him one of our most respectable citizens for his candor and integrity - and we think that no prospect or pecuniary interest would induce him to make a false statement.
From the known patriotism and steady habits of Mr Hattam we have reason to believe that he entered on board the armed vessel Montgomery as much or more to serve the country than for any pecuniary prospect.
Since the revolutionary war his circumstances have been varied as a merchant & farmer. By great industry at one time he had at one time obtained a comfortable competency - by misfortunes and errors not his own he is now in indigent circumstances through all the changes he has ever supported a fair character - and we believe that full credit ought to be given to whatever statement he may make.
Nathaniel Potter. Pres d
Paul Ferris
John Oakley
Isaac Baylis
Laurence Scammon
Isaiah Earl
Moses Phelps
Trustees
one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and the County of Suffolk
Divine Hewlett William Jones
formerly Judges of Common Pleas

SOLOMON KETCHAM.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 187.]
————— DECEMBER 22, 1837. —————
Mr. KLINGENSMITH, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to which was referred the petition of Solomon Ketcham, report:
That said petition was before the same committee at the first session of the 24th Congress, and, upon a full examination of the case, the committee were of opinion that the prayer of the petitioner ought to be granted, and reported a bill to that effect, which passed the House of Representatives, but was postponed in the Senate. This committee, concurring in opinion with that committee as expressed in their report, (to which they refer, and make part of this,) report the accompanying bill.
That the petitioner claims to have served six months, during the American Revolution, as one of the crew on board of an armed vessel called the Montgomery, fitted out by the State of New York, under the resolutions of Congress of November 25, 1775. The claim of the petitioner was allowed at the War Department, and he was placed on the pension-roll accordingly; but was afterwards stricken off, on an allegation that the Department had ascertained that the petitioner deserted from said vessel.
The evidence fully establishes the fact that the petitioner was in the service of the United States, on board that vessel; and the committee have examined with care the testimony on which the Department formed the conclusion that the petitioner deserted; and on a full consideration of all the testimony in the case, especially the depositions of Phœbe Kellam and Bathsheba Titus, the committee feel satisfied that the impression that the petitioner was a deserter grew out of circumstances which are now satisfactorily explained in a manner creditable to the integrity and patriotism of the petitioner.
The committee are of opinion that the petitioner ought to be returned to the pension-roll, and report a bill accordingly.
Thomas Allen, print.

25th CONGRESS, 2d Session.
H. R. 187.
Piv 92
DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. KLINGENSMITH, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pen- sions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
For the relief of Solomon Ketcham.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War cause the name of Solomon Ketcham 4 to be restored to the roll of revolutionary pensioners, and that 5 he be paid all arrears due him for his pension since he was 6 last paid; and that he be paid, for and during his natural life, 7 pension at the rate of twenty-four dollars per annum.
Approved June 28 th 1838

25th CONGRESS, 2d Session.
H. R. 187.
Rev 92
DECEMBER 22, 1837.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. KLINGENSMITH, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pen- sions, reported the following bill:
AN ACT
For the relief of Solomon Ketcham.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 3 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 4 5 the Secretary of War cause the name of Solomon Ketcham 6 7 to be restored to the roll of revolutionary pensioners, and that 8 9 he be paid all arrears due him for his pension since he was 10 11 last paid; and that he be paid, for and during his natural life, 12 13 pension at the rate of twenty-four dollars per annum.
Approved June 28 th 1838
A true copy compared with the Roll in this Office.
Dept. of State, June 30 th 1838.
A. Hays Chief Clerk

Ans d Sept. 10. 1838.
Huntington NY 17 Sept r Sept 10
per
W Sol o Kellogg Sp n acct
No. 14, bldg.
J. S. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Huntington 5 Ap. 1838
Sir
I see that there was a law passed on the 28 June last ordering my name again to be enrolled on the Pension list. I have been expecting my Certificate for some time past but is not come to hand as yet. If you have not sent it before you receive this I will thank you to send it as soon as convenient by so doing you will much oblige
Your Humble Servant
Hon. J. P. Edwards
Solomon Ketchum

State of New York } of Suffolk County }
On the fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight personally came before me Abel H. Conklin Esq. one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Suffolk Solomon Ketcham a resident of the Town of Huntington who is a person to me well known who being duly sworn according to law deponeth and saith that owing to the difficulties raised in the Pension Office to the allowance of his claim to a Pension he sent a Petition to Congress two or three years since for relief which Petition was presented by Deol. Abel Huntington the representative of the first congressional district in the State of New York and was taken charge of by his successor Thomas B. Jackson the present representative of the same district. That the act for the relief of the deponent was approved June 28 th 1838 and that he the said Solomon Ketcham is the identical person intended to be provided for in and by the said Act
Solomon Ketcham
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me - Abel H. Conklin
I the said Abel H. Conklin do hereby certify that the above named Solomon Ketcham is a credible person and that his Oath is entitled to full credit Certified this 15 th September 1838 by me - Abel H. Conklin

Solomon Ketchum, $24 per Ann. Albany New-York roll - act 7 June 1832.
Be pleased to say to what time he was last paid. Cert: ip s . 6 May 1833.
Pension Office } Sept. 19. 1838. } paid to 4 March 1834
JH

M c Huntington requests the Com ee of Pensions to send him the Papers relative to the Claim of Solomon Welchman for a Pension. That the same may be presented to the Committee of Revolutionary Pensions

Solo. Kelsham My app n
18th Dec 1842
Hon. A. Huntington H.R. Jan 16 th

Payments to be made at New York by S t . A. U. S. B. Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of New York
Issue a certificate according to the within & send it to the Pensioner at Huntington, N. Y.
Order direct the Agent to pay him from 4 March 1834.
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 23 by W. L. Williams Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the laws of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, and 28 th June 1838 Solomon Ketcham of the State of New York who was a Mariner in the war of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty Four dollars and 88 cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1834 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 11 day of
May one thousand eight hundred and thirty-Three
Examined and Countersigned. S

13,707-
Solomon Ketcham Suffolk County New York.
admitted.
6 mo. Private manner
Joseph R. Huntington Clerk Suffolk County Court New York.

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 subjined 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 Solomon Detcham, Suffolk County, N.Y.
   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 previous period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1776. in the spring 6 Mariner. Sloop Montgomery Capt. Rogers. A cruise against the British aged 70. Living Witnesses.  
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 } ss.
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 or 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 date 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 [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.
1, 2, 3

94 Spencer Ave.
Lynbrook, New York
October 21st., 1935
Pension Bureau
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
I am trying to connect a "John Smith" line for someone and would greatly appreciate it if you would send to the above address, (self-addressed envelope enclosed) the Dates of Services in Revolutionary War, of all "John Smiths" of Long Island.
I would also appreciate it if you would send the Dates of Services of Jeremiah Hubbard , and Solomon Ketcham , also of Long Island. This is for my own information. The lines have been traced and they also have been accepted by the D. A. R., but I do not know the services.
Thanking you in advance for the information that you send, I am
Yours truly,
Miss M. B. Smith
Miss M. B. Smith,
Encl. 1 Stamped envelope

1935-Nov 27-Visit to Miss M.B. Quinn-Ed
Rehman
13626
INVALID.
File No. 13 626
Solomon Ketchum
Mariner Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 203
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Dear Sir
Huntington Novem r 30 th 1855
I received yours of November 7 in which I was very much disappointed as you had given me some encouragement In yours of Sep r 23 that if could find documents certifying What I had stated in letter it might possibly restore me To the position put in your last you state that if I was permitted That I could only count the time from when I returned and That would not be 6 months now sir I deny ever being out Of the service but 3 or 4 days when the vessel was on the beach With her guns on the shore I acknowledge that I went without Permission when I returned the Capt t told me that I had done wrong but was nothing thought of and rec d on board as before and I Never was one hour out of the service of that vessel till Voige was set up now sir I think you have the Evidence before you to do Away all this mistake Daniel Platt & Nath l Potter if I am not Mistaken both sworn that I did serve more than six months On board the Montgomery how can such Evidence be thrown away these Affidavits taken 50 years after this three days Desertion the two last Affidavits certify the that I did Return in may 76 and made a visit and did return in Three or four days and that they never saw me again till Long Island was taken can there be anything clearer under the light of heaven to prove that this desertion was a mistake. If you do not believe me try to believe the Evidence that is sworn in presence of God to conclude I inclose my Certificate have a little mercy on never mention the money That I received my wages would amount nearly to $1,000 now my dear Sir you are going to decide the fate of a Poor innocent man I am not guilty of the charge against me if I have done anything offendere forgive me
Faithfully Yours &c
Solomon Ketchum
M s J. L. Edwards

Dear Sir
Huntington October 1835
I received yours of 23 Sept y you stated that if I had any Document Shewing that I did return into the service as stated In my letter possible I might be restored on the pension role I have found two Persons that have perfect recollection of the of the business one the wife of Ebenezer Conklin whose name you have there with mine for we left the vessel together and both Returned the other is the widow Titus that lived in my father's Family at the same time which I hope will be satisfactory Now Sir I now not what to write more as it has been hinted before about two or three weeks before we left the inlet this Ebenezer and myself was put in charge of a prize vessel laying four or five miles from the Montgomery and remained till the Evening before we left the inlet Capt Rogers Came on board the prize and told us that long was island was given up to the British and he had orders to go into port the next Morning we all left the inlet and went round into Conect Then Ebenezer Conklin and myself went home to Huntington and Went to work at my father's and in a week or two we heard that all hands was to be discharged and paid off Mr Conklin went onboard the Montgomery they informed him that they had no such Orders but Expected them he staid a few Days and Returned home and the next we heard that new York was given up to the British and they took possession of Huntington and the communication cut of I heard no more from the Montgomery my Dear Sir I have had a great deal of trouble and Expense please to pay the pension from March 1834 and I will be Satisfied
From Your Friend & W.S
Solomon Ketcham
W. L. Edwards

Huntington Sept 5. 1838
The Hon J. S. Edwards
In Yours of the 10 th Inst has been received you wish that I should make a new statement of my case this is impossible as the only witness who served with me has died since I first made application to the Pension Office for a Pension But my son's declaration and his affidavit are all on file either in the Pension Office or among the Papers of the Committee of Pensions in one or other house of Congress to which if necessary to refer refer to you
The act of Congress passed for my special relief was approved June 28 th 1838 and I enclose an affidavit that I am the identical person for whom benefit the Act was passed. My services were on board the Sloop Montgomery Capt. Rogers fitted out by the Provincial Congress at New Haven in the year 1776.
Solomon Ketchum

Sol o Ketcham proof of identity.
Huntington, NY 17 Sept.
fine
The Hon. S. L. Edwards Sol o Ketcham 5, act. Comm. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Ida Kitchum Sept. 19. 35 file this with her papers No 14570
Huntington NY 21 Sept
Sept 24
for
Mr.
Hon. S. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions - Washington

Dear Sir
Huntington 19 Sept r 1835
I received yours of the 2 Sept r 1835 which was very disagreeable to me to think that my name stood in your office as a deserter and deceiver of the public but I feel thankful that it not so I acknowledge my fault I left the vessel 2 or 3 days without permission and in my absence there was several men deserted Capt Rogers mist have thought me to have gone with them but it was not the case at this time The vessel was here down to clean her bottom and her guns all landed on the shore not thinking of harm I went home to my father he was at at this time carrying prize goods to Huntington and returned in a few days with my father and went on board the vessel and was received as before and I never was absent from the vessel one hour from the beginning of the voyage to the end except the few days I mentioned please examine Mr Platt and Mr Potter's credence I think they both certify that I did serve more than five months now it appears that Mr Platt's credence ought to be answ er at this desertion business for we were absolutely together the whole voyage now you have admitted Mr Platt on the pension list for I have had it from his one hand righting at five dollars pr month now sir I think my services was as good as his in my last letter I mentioned wages and prize money that did not require any pension law to secure that now sir I have endeavored to make every thing plain as possible I expect you think that I some imposture trying to deceive the public but to convince you I am not I gave you a few of my friend's signatures I received a few lines from Mr Edward Mr Edward last winter that there was no law in favour of private vessels I expect that is done away and that she was a government vessel vessel without a doubt sir you mentioned receiving a letter without my name I have wrote this myself now sir I must submit the case if you are determined to cast me off please to let inform me
From your Obed t Servant
Solomon Ketcham

Dear Sir
Wilmington 25 Aug t 1835
I take the liberty of writing a few lines to you concerning the late Pension Law, of which I was placed on the Roll and drawing a small Pension until March 1834. I then applied as usual but they informed me that my name was taken from the Roll. I wrote Mr. Edwards to know the reason he wrote me that there was no law for Private Vessels - But I hope that matter is not now to be doubted any longer. I have received a line from Mr. Daniel Platt of Plattsburg State of New York informing me that he had applied at the Secretarys Office in Albany, and obtained a Record of the Hoop Montgomery Capt Rogers entered as a Government Vessel and that he sent a man on to Washington and that he had received five Dollars per Month to March 1835 and that he likewise saw my name placed on the Roll again. I applied for the Record at Albany myself and Mr Campbell informed me that he had made out a Record for Daniel Platt and that Record would answer for both as our cases were the same now Sir I think I am entitled to the Pension according to law. I Entered on board the Hoop in March 1876 & shipped at a Seafaring house in New York under articles of agreement that we were to have $3 3/4 per Month wages and the Crew to have one third part of the Prize money - While I belonged to that Vessel we took Eleven sail of British Vessels two Ships two or three Whaling Brigs with their Cargoes of Oil. These were taken from the British - One Vessel was loaded with stretching Sods which was we stood very much in need of. The other Vessels with their Cargoes were taken to Five Island Inlet off the South side of Long Island. Their Cargoes easted across to Huntington and delivered to Government Vessels. Now Sir I think I have a just claim from Government for Wages and Prize Money which was justly due me fifty - Years ago -
(over)

Judge Dole is Brother in law to Capt. Rovers and lives in Huntington and will certify that the prize goods was delivered to Government Vessels - I received the day shipped one months advance and not one cent more Dear sir if you can do any thing for me be pleased to inform me as soon as convenient these are facts as near as I can recollect If you think that I am intitled to prize money please to put on the pension Bill whatever appears in your judgement to be right, I am now seventy nine years of age I feel therefore that I have a claim on my Country for my services and think it hard that I should be denied the small sum which I believe I am intitled to by law the small it would be of service towards my comfortable subsistence in my old age very respectfully your humble Servant
To the Capt Secy of Pensions
Solomon Kitcham

Solomon Welchum
The Hon Abel Huntington
member of Congress
Washington
Hon A Huntington

Huntington November 22 d 1834
Dear Sir Altho I have no personal acquaintance with you, yet as one of your constituents I hope you will not deem it improper in me to request you to do me a favour at Washington
At the commencement of the American revolution I enlisted on board of an American privateer commanded by Captain William Doper. The station from which we cruised was the Frie Island Inlet opposite Polip, where the water was then deep enough for large vessels and continued to cruise till the British fleet came from Boston to New York when the privateer came round the Island into the Sound and lay some time at Norwalk from there she sailed to Connecticut river and terminated her cruise. I left her at Providence a few days before she sailed from the Inlet and came to Huntington where the prize goods were sent. I was however either aboard or in charge of prizes or prize goods by order or with the permission or with the knowledge of the Captain for the term of six months according to the best of my belief and recollection while I belonged to the privateer we captured eleven vessels from the British two ships & brigs the others were sloops and schooners. The cargo were sent across the Island by land and as I suppose were sold for the public benefit as I never received one cent from them nor any thing but one months full advanced pay for my services.
After the late law was passed placing the militia and marines on the pension roll I applied for a pension and was placed on the roll by certificate dated May 6 th 1833 at 24 dollars a year and drew it until September last. When I then applied at the office in New York I was informed that my name was not on the list furnished by the war department to be paid the reason of which omission they could not inform me. Now Sir if you will call at the Pension office and ascertain the cause of the omission whether it was through

mistake - or from a deficiency in the information or whether my name is stricken from the pension roll and if so for what cause and write and inform me of the particulars I shall deem it a favour & will be much obliged to you
It may not be improper to mention that my family suffered much for their attachment to the American cause during the war of the revolution - It may not be improper also to state that during the embargo I fitted out & manned a vessel I then owned and furnished the sloops Intrepid which had taken in a cargo of flour at Cold Spring and was in the act of sailing to the Eastward and captured her in the sound and carried her to New York & delivered her to David Galt the Collector - I also aided in the capture of two ships which landed at New Haven and bound to sea but were obliged to take refuge from a storm in Huntington Bay we sent an account of the capture to David Galt the Collector who sent up the Revenue Cutter and left Lewis with his gun boats to whom the ships were delivered after having been in our possession three or four days
Both of these captures were attended with considerable expense - and altho' Mr Galt promised to write to Washington and state the case to the Secretary acknowledging that we deserved ample compensa- tion neither I myself in the first case nor I nor any of those who were concerned in the last affair ever received one cent either in way of reimbursement or com- pensation or reward - I feel therefore that I have some claim on my country for all these services and think it hard that I should be denied the small pension which I believe I am entitled to by law the small it would be of some service towards my comfortable subsistence in my old age
The Hon Abel Huntington
very respectfully your humble servant Solomon Thetcham

Certificate Record 20 in Pension office Book G Vol 4 Page 23 by W L Williams Clerk

Dear Sir
Wilmington 10 March 1836
I received yours of 20 February with the papers from Mr Gals & Edwards By Mr Willets he writes me that he carried the papers to Lower Spooner And they advised me to get up a petition you mentioned such a thing In your letter but I am afraid, sir that it shall weary your patience Therefore I have got a petition drawn which you will find enclosed The papers in the office I suppose you will lay before the house or Committee with the petition the affidavits of Miss Platt & Potter are first To show the time I served the other two will show the visit to my Father's There is nothing more that I might can be of service
This from Yours Respectfully
To Doct r Wilmington Esq r
Solomon Ketcham

Petition of Solomon Ketcham of Huntington Suffolk County N.Y. praying to be restored to the Pension roll
Presented by Mr. Jackson
Petition of Solomon Ketcham of Huntington Suffolk County N. York praying to be restored to the Pension roll
presented by Mr Huntington 47
Rev. Pensions
March 21. 1836 Ref d to Com ee on Rev Pensions
June 7. 1836 - Bill No 680
Jan y 3 rd 1837 Ref d to the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions
Jan 10. 1837 - Bill No 826
Decem. 12. 1837. Ref d to Rev. Pensions
Dec. 22. 1837 - Bill No 187 Huntington
Jackson 194. Penn

To the Hon the House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled
The memorial of the subscriber humbly sheweth that your Memorialist served as one of the crew six months on board the Montgomery a vessel fitted out by the State of New York, in the winter and spring of 1776 under the resolutions of Congress of November 25 th 1775
That your memorialist presented his petition under the pension act of June 7 th 1832 and was placed on the pension roll at $2 per month and was continued on the roll for some time, when he was struck off on a supposition that the vessel was not a public one This having been established, your Memorialist would of course have been entitled to have his name restored to the pension roll, but a new objection grew out of the documents sent to the depart- ment to prove the character of the vessel - One of them is an adver- tisement of the Captain announcing the desertion of some of the crew of the Montgomery and containing with others the name of your Memorialist
Your memorialist has never had a thought of deserting - never was accused of deserting and never before heard that his name was in an advertisement to this effect until he heard it from the pension office.
Your Memorialist can easily conjecture how this must have happened - In the month of May the vessel was overhauled and careened to be cleaned on the beach - Your Memorialist was not needed for any immediate service, this he thought afforded a good oppor- tunity for him to go and see his father's family which resided about twenty miles from there - His father was at the same time employed in transporting the captured property to Huntington where his family resided and was going and returning continually
Your Memorialist should have  got permission from the Captain whose family lived about half a mile from his father's, but he could not find the Captain and he imprudently went home without the Captain's knowledge, and returned with his father according to to his purpose, being absent as he believes about three days
When your Memorialist returned the Captain reproved him

For his imprudence and he returned to his duty without any further animadversion.
It so happened however that during his absence several of the crew did actually desert, and your Memorialist supposed that the advertisement, above mentioned was written before he returned and that the Captain not knowing the cause of his absence or purpose to return; inserted his name with those who had actually deserted.
The reception of your Memorialist on board on his return by the Captain without any public censure or further notice are conclusive evidence that the facts in relation to your Memorialist were as above stated.
For proof of the fact that your Memorialist served on board the said Vessel after this period he refers to the testimony of Daniel Platt who forwarded the aforesaid advertisement to the Pension Office and to the testimony of Nathaniel Potter Esquire who was brother in law of the Captain, was occasionally on board the Montgomery and has known your Memorialist from his youth thro' all the vicissitudes of his life to the present hour.
The fact of going home and returning with my Father to the Vessel as above stated is proved by the testimony Mrs. Thebi Thellam and Mrs. Bathsheba Titus both women of unimpeached veracity the first a near neighbour and the last an inmate of my Father's family.
These affidavits with the testimony of the Trustees of the Town of Huntington as to my general character are with my papers in the Pension Office. - yet notwithstanding this evidence, that Department refused to restore the name of your Memorialist to the Pension roll on the rule of law that documentary evidence is not to be rebutted by parol testimony.
Your Memorialist supposed that his reception on board without public censure was an admission by the Captain

that he had been mistaken in spelling his name in the advertisement and ought to do away the objection arising from that quarter - and he thinks it wrong that he should be deprived of a pension to which he is justly entitled by a mistake of his captain. The construction of the Department involved the imputation of treachery to his country which he always abhorred - His father was a warm whig and so were a large proportion of his neighbours and of the town where he lived If he had deserted from the Montgomery it would not have been concealed and it would have incurred immediate banishment from his father's family - the execration of his neighbours and the contempt and indignation of the whole town - There is no peril that he would not have encountered rather than have incurred the obloquy disgrace and shame which desertion would have fixed on him Your Memorialist embraced in the public service on the principles of the revolution and he has adhered to these principles in every emergency in which his country has been placed -
In 1808 Your Memorialist with his own vessel and at his own expense seized the sloop Intuit loaded with flour attempting to evade the embargo and delivered her to collector at New York
In 1813 He was one of a volunteer company composed of such as were beyond the age of militia service which continued through the war - and that he had the charge of the arms which were furnished by the State.
In 1814 Your memorialist with the aid of fifteen or twenty volunteers seized two ships which had loaded in New Haven and took refuge against a storm in Huntington Bay & were bound to sea contrary to law and delivered them to Commodore Lewis who delivered them to the collector at New York Mr Gelston in the first case and Commodore Lewis in the last case.

advised your Memorialist that he was not only entitled to a reimbursement of his expenses which were nearly $100 but to an ample remuneration for his services, but for neither has he received one cent for taking the records. Your Memorialist mentions these services because he supposed them to be matters of record in the public offices.
The decision of the Pendleton office has compelled your Memorialist to apply to your Honorable Body for relief - and on an examination of the testimony above referred to in relation to the facts above stated he humbly hopes that a law may be passed directing that his name may be restored to the Pendleton roll and your Memorialist as in duty bound will ever pray &c.
Huntington March 10th 1836
Solomon Holcham

A.
Wor Dept. 12 Dec. 35- See letter to him of this day
Mr. A. Huntington H.R.

To the Hon. Lewis Cap. Secretary of War or to J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.-
State of New York } County of Queens ss. } Solomon Ketcham being duly sworn deposes that he is and has been for many years a resident of Huntington Long Island - that he had until recently received a pension from the Government of the United States for services rendered during the War of the Revolution - that such pension has been stopped as he has learned by letters from the war department in consequence of the discovery of documentary testimony stating that he was a deserter on the 18 th May 1776 from the sloop Montgomery the vessel in which he served - that said letters refer to an advertisement advertising him as such deserter and offering a reward for his apprehen- sion - And the said Solomon Ketcham this deponent on his oath says that while in the United States Service and while the sloop Montgomery was undergoing repairs in May 1776 he left her with- out permission in company with one Ebenezer Conklin then serving with him on board said vessel - that at the time he left the vessel Capt Rogers his captain was not on board or near at hand - that he merely went to visit his friends and family about fifteen miles from the place where the vessel was laid up with no thought of deserting
that after an absence of three or four days he returned to the said vessel and to his regular service in company with said Conklin - that the Captain was then on board - that other individuals had left the vessel who did not afterwards return - that when this deponent returned the Captain told him he had done wrong but did not say one word of desertion or of his (the Captain's) having taken any proceedings in relation thereto - that this deponent never knew of any such proceedings, or of any representation to the War Department

or any other authorised body or to any individual in relation to his desertion from the service - That he never knew of any advertisement of him as a deserter nor were any proceedings ever had by his Captain or any one else to punish him as a deserter after his return to his vessel as aforesaid - That he has always considered himself as being and prided himself upon being a seaman of the Revolution of full and fair standing - That he never had the idea that he had ever deserted from the service and he therefore prays to be righted by a restoration to his pension and to his fair fame. -
And this deponent further says that from the circumstances of his case he knows of no documentary evidence that can be procured to confirm his statement or show any facts in relation to it - That the said Ebenezer Cooklin above referred to is long since dead - That the only person whom he believes or knows to be living who served with him is one Daniel Platt who was Steward on board the Montgomery and was lately and is he believes now residing at Plattsburgh in this State and that the testimony of said Platt in relation to his service on Board the Montgomery was he believes sent on file in the War Department previous to the time when this deponent was first allowed his pension. -
In presence of
Solomon Kelcham
Signed in presence of Platt Willis Com of deeds Hunkington

I HEREBY certify, that the accompanying page s numbered from one to twelve, inclusive, are truly copied from the original s in the Office of the Commissioner of Pensions, Department of War.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That JAMES L. EDWARDS, who has signed the foregoing certificate, is Commissioner of Pensions; and that to his attes- tations full faith and credit are and ought to be given.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and caused the seal of the Department to be affixed, on this eighteenth — day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- seven.
J. P. Patten
Secretary of War,
ad interim.

1 Coho Court of Common Pleas for Suffolk County State of New York in the case of Solomon Ketcham.
On the second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally ap- peared in open Court before the Judges of the said Court now sitting Solomon Ketcham a re- sident of the Town of Huntington in the County of Suffolk and State of New York aged Seven- ty six years who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law doth on his oath make the fol- lowing declaration in order to obtain the ben- efit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
That early in the spring of the year 1776 and as he supposes and believes early in the month of March he enlisted on board the Schoon- er Montezuma which vessel was fitted out under the authority of the Provincial Congress of the State of New York in order to cruise against the British. That William Rogers of Huntington was Captain of the first Lieutenant J. M. Luyckx first second Lieutenant and a Mr. West sailing master.
That he sailed with the said Captain in said vessel until Long Island was taken by the British. That shortly after that event pro- bably about the first of September or shortly after Captain Rogers left the Inlet, came into the Sound and lay in Norwalk Harbour and con- tinued there some time as he supposes and be- lieves until the British took New York about the middle of September and he thinks it pro- bable that Captain Rogers remained at Norwalk

until the British came up the Island as far as Huntington, which was the latter end of September or beginning of October.
That Captain Round then sailed, as he has been informed and believes to Connecticut River and shortly after gave up cruising and the vessel was sold as he was informed the crew dispersed.
That at the time the Captain was ordered to leave Vine Island Sound and came into the sound the said Solomon Kelsham and Ebenezer Cook, the master of the vessel, were there master on board and the captured vessels in the South Bay are about five miles from the said Vine Island. That they lay with the Montgomery. That they received no orders to come aboard and then came across the Island or land to Huntington which lies nearly opposite to Norwalk. That Ebenezer Cooklin went across the sound to Norwalk to the Montgomery to receive orders or to get discharged if the Captain had given up cruising. The vessel lay waiting for orders, and neither the said Ebenezer Cooklin nor the deponent were ordered to come aboard. During this suspense the British got possession of New York and shortly after came as far as Huntington and made the deponent and all the other inhabitants prisoners.
The deponent was subject to the orders of the Captain of the Montgomery while she lay at Norwalk. The Captain knew where he was and had constant intercourse with the place and might have ordered him aboard at any time if he had needed him or had not foreseen that he should remain at home until he did need him or a new cruise was determined on. He never was dismissed or discharged.

Upon the whole, the deponent says that he was subject to Captain Rogers orders from the day he enlisted sail in which to the day the British took Huntington the latter end of September or early in October, and that he actually served on board the Montgomery or in some other boat or vessel under the orders of Captain Rogers from the time the Montgomery sailed until she returned to leave New England which was probably early in September. He relinquished all claim to a pension except the present and declared that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any other.
Sworn and subscribed the day & year above said Solomon Kelcham
Joseph L. Huntington Esq.
State of New York County of ...
On the 27th day of September 1832 personally appeared Nathaniel Potter who being duly sworn said that he is well acquainted with Solomon Kelcham of Huntington in said County a petitioner for a pension under the act of June 7th 1832 and that he was well acquainted with said petitioner in the year 1775 and was known to him entering said petitioner as a mariner on board the above vessel Montgomery William Rogers Commander - armed by the Provincial Congress of New York, and sent out to cruise against the British about the time there were parties from Halifax to New York - that said deponent was frequently on board said

armed vessel at Fire Island and other places, and saw said helmsman serving on board. Also saw a number of squares rigged and other vessels previously captured from the enemy by said armed vessel. Most of which I believe to be at present with us. Sworn and subscribed.
Before me, Nathaniel Potts.
Moses Walsh, Judge.
State of New York County of Suffolk ss. I, Joseph L. Hamilton Clerk of the County of Suffolk do hereby certify that Moses Walsh Esq. the person whom the within affidavit was taken is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and believe that his signature is genuine. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of said County this 21 st day of October 1832.
Joseph L. Hamilton Clerk
State of New York County of Clinton ss.
David Platt of Plattsburg in said County aged Twenty five years being duly sworn, says he was well acquainted with Solomon Nelson of the town of Huntington, Suffolk County New York during the revolution. and was. That to deponent's personal knowledge

said Ketchum enlisted at Huntington aforesaid in the Spring of 1776 as a mariner on board the Schooner Montgomery fitted out by the Provincial Congress of New York commanded by Capt William Rogers and served on board said vessel as such mariner until late in the fall or winter of 1776. That to deponents knowledge said Ketchum actually served more than six months on board of said vessel as such mariner. That deponent served on board of said vessel during all the said time and was on board when said Ketchum enlist- ed, and when he left said vessel on the South side of Long Island, (I think at Jones Island Harbor). That said Ketchum resided in Hun- tingdon aforesaid when he enlisted and is about the age of deponent who served with said Ketchum during said time. Deponent con- tinued on board of said vessel after said Ketchum was discharged.
Sworn and subscribed this 3 rd day of September 1832 and I certify that deponent is a credible person & witness.  Daniel Pratt.
Peter & Roberts Justice of the Peace.
State of New York County of Suffolk ss
On this day personally appeared Mr. Beckwith who being first sworn, deposes that he is the owner of the vessel the Montgomery of the burden of common tons of the said County do hereby certify that Peter & Roberts Esq. before whom the above affidavit was to have been sworn, was on the day of the date

of the peace in and for the said County of Clinton duly commissioned sworn and subscribed by law to administer oaths and to take affidavits and further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and do verily believe that his name subscribed to the first of the said affidavits is his true hand writing and signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this Third day of February 1832.
Geo. M. Beckwith Dist. Clerk.
We the undersigned William Hicks both of the Town of Huntington in the County of Suffolk being duly sworn do declare and say that we are acquainted with Solomon Ketchum in the annexed declaration mentioned that we believe that he is of the age he represents and that he is a person entitled to full faith and credit.
Sworn and subscribed William Hicks Solomon Ketchum
William Hicks Solomon Ketchum
And the said Board do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a major in the naval forces of the revolutionary war & served as the States.

Whereas R. Huntington clerk of the Court of Sessions Pleas at the County of Suffolk do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Solomon Netcham for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 22nd day of October 1832.
Frederick R. Huntington Clerk

Suffolk county State of New York
In the matter of Reinstating Solomon Ketcham on the pension Roll of the United States pensioners.
Phebe Kellum now the widow of Ebenezer Kellum deceased who was formerly the wife of Ebenezer Conklin deceased being duly sworn doth depose and say that she was well acquainted with the aforesaid Solomon Ketcham before the Revolutionary war with Great Britain and that her husband the said Ebenezer Conklin and the aforesaid Solomon Ketcham enlisted on board the Sloop Montgomery commanded by Capt William Rogers in 1776. and continued on the sd. Sloop for about two months and then returned home on a visit and returned in the space of three or four days and continued on board of said Sloop until Long Island was given up to the British and the vessel ordered into Port and further this Deponent saith not
Phebe her Kellum mark
Taken and subscribed before me the 12 th day of October 1835.
Moses Rolph one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Suffolk.
In the matter of the application of Solomon Ketcham to be reinstated on the Pension Roll of State of New York } As county of Kings } Bathsheba Filus of said city of Brooklyn } city county and State being duly sworn doth

doth depose and say, that she is the widow of Jonathan Vilus, late of the same place deceased and late one of the pensioners of the United States, that she is now in the seventy fifth year of her age, that she is well acquainted with Solomon Ketcham of Huntington in the County of Suffolk and State aforesaid, that she resided with Solomon Ketcham the father of said Solomon Ketcham during the Revolutionary war of 1776, and the following years that she went to live there in the month of May in the year 1776, and continued there remained to the close of the said war, that a few days after she went to live there the said Solomon Ketcham the younger came there on a visit to his parents, that the said Solomon staid home at that time a few days but how many exactly this deponent cannot say, that then he left his fathers house to go to the Sloop of War Montgomery Captain Rogers to serve out the rest of the cruise, that the said Solomon the younger was gone for some months, but how long this deponent does not know, that after some time he returned home, that the said Solomon the younger was about nineteen years of age when he went on said cruise, and further this deponent says not.
Bathsheba Vilus
Sworn to before me the seventh day of October } We the Trustees of the 1835. } Town of Huntington in
Hon: G. Murphy } Suffolk county and Commissioner of Deeds } State of New York hereby in and for said City. } Certify that each of us are intimately acquainted with Solomon Ketcham of

of this town must of us have at all times had varied and constant intercourse with him & we esteem him one of our most respectable citizens for his candor and integrity, and we think that no prospect or pecuniary interest would induce him to make a false statement, from the known patriotism and steady habits of Mr. Fletcher we have reason to believe that he entered on board the armed vessel Montgomery as much or more to serve the country than for any pecuniary prospect. Since the revolutionary war his circumstances have been varied as a merchant & farmer, by great industry he had at one time obtained a comfortable competency, by misfortune and errors not his own he is now in indigent circumstances through all the changes he has ever supported a fair character and we believe that full credit ought to be given to whatever statement he may make.
Nathaniel Potter Pres d .
Noel Serres
John Oakley
Isaac Baylis
Lawrence Seaman Jr
Selah Carll
Trustees
Moses Rolph } one of the Judges of the Court of common pleas in and for the county of Suffolk.
Devine Hewlett } Formerly Judge William Jones. } of common pleas.

Waukegan 19. Sept r 1835.
Dear Sir
I received yours of the 2 Sept r 1835, which was very disagreeable to me to think that my name stood in your Office as a deserter, and deceiver of the public but I feel thankful that its not so, I acknowledge my fault I left the vessel 2 or 3 days without permission, and in my absence there was several men deserted capt. Rogers must have thought me to have gone with them but it was not the case at this time. The vessel was hove down to clean her bottom and her guns all landed on the shore not thinking of harm I went home to my father he was at this time carting prize goods to Waukegan and returned in a few days with my father and went on board the vessel and was received as before and I never was absent from the vessel one hour from the beginning of the voyage to the end except the few days I mentioned, please to examine Mr. Platt's and Mr. Potter's evidence. I think they both certify that I did serve more than six months now it appears that Mr. Platt's evidence ought to do away all this desertion business for we were absolutely together the whole voyage now you have admitted Mr. Platt on the pension list for I have had it from his own hand signing at five dollars per month, now sir, I think my service was as good as his in my last letter I mentioned wages and prize money that did not require any pension law to secure that now sir I have endeavored to make every thing as plain as possible I expect you think that I am some imposture trying to deceive the public but to convince you I am not. I gave you a few of my friends signatures, I received a few lines from

Mr. Edward last winter that there was no law in favour of private vessels I expect that is done away and that she was a government vessel without a doubt sir you mentioned receiving a letter without my name I have wrote this myself now sir I must submit the case if you are determined to cast me off please to inform me
From your Obedt. Servant Solomon Ketcham

to the -
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day 1838 and sent to Huntington, N.Y.
Arrears to the 24 th of Sept. '38 108.00
Pension allowance ending 4 th Mar. '39. 12.00
$120.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. 28. June 1838. Cler
Recorded by D. Brown
Book E. 2. Vol. 4 Page 39