Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 5809, for Matthew Keeler, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
born
Keeler, Matthew Ruth
R. 5-809
CONTENTS

Connecticut 29.9.29
Matthew Keeler, Dec d of Fairfield in the State of Con- who was a Pr t in the command by Captain _____ of the Ry- command by C t Ennis in the C t State troops here for
Certificate issued to Ruth Keeler
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 20 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 th day of May 35 and Sarah Harvey Smith Redgfield - Con.
Arrears to the 4th of _____ Semi-ann l . allowance ending _____
Died 28 January 1835 } 78.00. Amt. due at the time } { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Nath l Rice - Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 3 Page 23.

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } Pidgefield
On this 4 th day of August A.D. 1832 personally ap- peared in open court, before the Hon. Court of Probate for the District of Fairfield now sitting and holding said Court, at Pidgefield in said County & State the same being a Court of record, Matthew Dyer, a resident of said Town of Pidgefield in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy 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 Con- gress passed June 7 1832. That he entered the ser- vice of the United States under the following na- med officers and served as herein stated - That he was born in said Town of Pidgefield on the 10 th day of April 1762 That he resided in said Town of Pidgefield at the several pe- riods when he entered the service, that he has resided there subsequent to the war of the Revo- lution and still resides there, and that he has no record of his age except what in his family Bible, derived from his Parents, and that on the 24 th day of April 1778 he enlisted into the ser- -vice for one year in a company commanded by Captain David Olmsted - Lieut - Mills and Ensign - Collins in Col. Proctor's Regt of the Connecticut State Troops, That in being mustered in said Company he marched to Hornbrook in

the Town of Greenwich in said County of Fairfield a few days after which the Company marched to Saugerties in the State of New York, thence to White Plains, where we joined the main Army under General Washington, General Gates was also at the plains at the same time, thence the said Company was ordered to West Point in said State of New York. Where he was employed at work at fortifications until some time in the fall of the same year, thence they returned to Haverbeck aforesaid, where they remained on duty through the winter and received a verbal discharge and returned home, in the Spring of the year 1779, not far from the 10 th of April - and this Declarant further states that in the month of June in the year 1779 he performed a term of service of 1/2 a month continuance under the command of Capt. Davis, Olsted at Bru- -nspord, Pikeskill, Fishkill, Gregory Parish and at Morrison's Station (now Patterson), in the State of New York, and that he further served a period of two weeks or 1/2 a month in the same Company at Poughkeepsie in the State of New York, thence on the news being received of the approach of the British Troops near Fairfield in said County of Fairfield, the said Company was ordered to march thither. That he was at Fairfield when that town was burnt by the enemy on the 9 th of July, followed the British to Norwalk and

was there when the war was over, soon after which he returned home, fatigued and exhausted after a perilous and arduous service of half a month and from the states that soon time in the year 1780 he thinks on the 25 day of December he was drafted and on the 1st day of January following joined a company of State troops under Captain Benjamin Trumbull at Stamford in Connecticut in guarding the coast where he was regularly dismissed after two months service. That also in the same year 1781 information was received that the Tories had possession of one of the islands in the mouth of Norwalk harbor in Long Island sound and were committing depredations on the inhabitants of said Norwalk, a call was made on the militia of the neighborhood and neighboring towns to aid in the capturing or dispersing them, that this declarant went with others from the town of Bridgefield and succeeded in dislodging them and driving them from the island, after which this declarant returned home after a service of two weeks, that he performed said service under Captain David Olmsted that he for the need for one month under Captain David Olmsted, does not recollect the year, but the service was performed at Norwalk in said State of Connecticut in guarding the coast and watching the motions of the Enemy, it was militia service for pay.

of which see the deposition of Johnathan Nash herewith inclosed & annexed, and that he has no documen- tary evidence, or any other evidence of his said services except what is annexed herunto, and knows of no person living by whom he can make any further proof for the same, and that he hereby relinquishes every claim therein 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 -
Being examined by the Court, he saith that when he so denied on the stand at Norwalk in 1787, it was in the spring of the year - Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Matthew Kuler
Attest Edward Sayler clerk

I Azariah Smith of Bridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy one years being duly sworn depo- -se testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Matthew Ruler of said Bridgefield and that said Ruler served with this Deponent in a company commanded by David Olster. Lieut. Mills, Ensign Collins in a Regt commanded by Col. Roege Eno. and that said Ruler enlisted and served for one year in said Company as this Deponent mainly believes, said ser- -vice was performed at Hornsack, Inter- -plains, Westport, and Thru to Hornsack When the company was dismissed the service was in the year 1778 = Azariah Smith
State of Connecticut County of Fairfield } Bridgefield July 13 th 1832 on the day and year above written person- -ally appeared Azariah Smith to me well known as a person of truth and veracity and made oath to the facts stated in the foregoing Deposition by him subscribed -
Before me Joseph O'Bradley Justice of Peace August 4 th 1832 Personally appeared in open Court the above named Deponent Azariah Smith and made oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition, and the said Court of Probate certifies that the deponent sustains a good character for truth and is a credible witness Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

The said Matthew Keeler hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Attest Edward Sawyer Clerk
Matthew Keeler
We, Charles G. Selleck a clergyman, residing in the town of Ridgefield and Harvey Smith residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Matthew Keeler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Seventy 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 date aforesaid.
Attest Edward Sawyer Clerk
Charles G. Selleck Harvey Smith
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 Charles G. Selleck who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in town of Ridgefield and that Harvey Smith who has also signed to same, is a resident of the town of Ridgefield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Attest Edward Sawyer Clerk
I, Edward Sawyer Clerk of the said Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Matthew Keeler for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my hand 14 th day of August 1832.
Office,
Attest Edward Sawyer Clerk

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss. I Reuben Brook of Danbury, in the said county, Judge of the Court of Probate within, & for the District of Danbury in the said county & State, do hereby certify that Edward Taylor Esquire, who hath signed & certified the foregoing proceedings of the said Court of Probate, and the certificates of caption of the annexed Depositions, is Clerk thereof, & was at the time the same purport to have been signed, & certified, by him: That the said signatures purporting to be the signatures, of the said Edward Taylor are in his protra hand writing & that full faith & credit are due to his attestations as such Clerk, In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in Danbury aforsaid this 8 th day of August A. D. 1832.
Reuben Brook Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury Conne cticut

6 Gamaliel Benedict of Bridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connec- -ticut aged seventy one being first sworn depose testify and say that I am personally acquainted with Matthew Bunker of said Bridgefield and have know- ledge and do verily believe that said
Bunker moved in the year 1779 at Cummington Grosvenor Mills, First Mill, Gregory Parish in New York under Capt. David Olsted in the militia for the a month - and that said Bunker was drafted in 1781 for the period of two months and went to Hornsmead and Stamford and performed said service as this Deponent believes and was dismissed or discharged at the expiration of said term of time for which he was drafted and also that said Bunker moved in the year 1779 for short periods of time at Norwalk Cambridge, Fairfield making in all as this Deponent believes 14 months
Gamaliel Benedict X
State of Connecticut } Bridgefield July 13 1832 County of Fairfield } On the day and year above written person- ally appeared Gamaliel Benedict to me well known as a person of truth and veracity

and made oath to the facts stated in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed
before me Sept. 1. Oradly Justice of Peace
August 4 th 1832 Personally appeared in open Court the above named deponent & made oath to the truth to the foregoing deposition, and the said Court of Probate certifies that the depo- -nent sustains a good character for truth and is a credible witness
Attest Edward Sayler Clerk

I Thomas Mead of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut Age Sixty Seven and 10/12 years, being first sworn according to Law Depose and say, that I was engaged in the service of the United States, in December 1780, that I was discharged from service on the last day of said December, and that on the day of my discharge I well remember that Matthew Ruler of said Ridgefield, was at Stamford (the place of my discharge) in the service of said United States as a private soldier, that I went home and left said Ruler at Stamford, and verily believe that served as stated in his declaration, Thomas Mead
State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss. Ridgefield 28 July 1832 On the day kind year above mentioned personally appeared before the subscriber - Justice of the Peace for said County, Thomas Mead, known to me to be the same person who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition, and also to me well known as a person of truth and veracity, and made solemn oath to the truth of the same. Harvey Smith Justice of Peace
X

August 4 th 1832 Personally appeared in open court the above named deponent and made oath to the truth of the above named deposition & the said court of Probate certifies that, the deponent sustains a good character for truth and is a credible witness.
Attest Edward Taylor clerk

I Thomas Hawley of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut aged seventy seven years being first duly sworn according to law depose and say That in the year 1781 I saw Matthew Ruler at Norwalk in said County and State, and understood and have always believed that said Ruler was in service at that time and assisting in driving a number of Forces from one of the Islands at the mouth of Norwalk harbor and for the say not ————— X Thomas Hawley
State of Connecticut Fairfield County } Ridgefield July 28 th 1832 On the day and year before written personally appeared Thomas Hawley to me known as a man of truth and veracity and made oath to the truth of the facts stated in the foregoing deposition by him subscribed —
Before me J. S. Osborn Justice of Peace
August 4 th 1832 Personally appeared in open court the above named deponent & made oath to the truth of the above deposition, & the said board of Probate certifies that the deponent sustains a good char- -acter for truth & is a credible witness
Attest Edward Taylor Clerk

Jonathan Nash affidavit for Matthew Keeler

State of New York
Saratoga County ss Jonathan Nash of the Town of Milton in the County of Saratoga & State aforesaid aged Seventy two years being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is well acquainted with Matthew Kirt of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut - & that he was acquainted with him in the time of the Revolutionary war - and that he the said Matthew Kirt did serve as a private soldier in a company of Connecticut Troops in the war of the Revolution against the common Enemy for one month that he served in the same company with him the said Matthew in March & April of 1776 at Norwalk in said County & State to guard the Enemy's lines -
Jonathan Nash
State of New York Saratoga County } ss
I certify that on the 30 th day of June 1832 - personally appeared before me the above named Jonathan Nash to me well known to be a man of truth & veracity & made oath to the facts stated in the above Affidavit -
JAMES THOMPSON Esq. Judge of Saratoga County

State of New York County of Saratoga Clerks Office.
{ p I Thomas Palmer Clerk of said County of Saratoga do hereby certify that James Thompson whose name is subscribed to the within certificate was at the date of the same First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County and acting under the authority of the State of New York - and further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe the signature "James Thompson" annexed to the said certificate is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto sub- scribed my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 30th day of June 1832
Thomas Palmer Clerk
Jonathan Nash affidavit for Matthew Keeler

I Samuel Botsford of Southbury in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged seventy one years, being duly sworn and cau- tioned to speak the truth, do depose and say that I am acquainted with Matthew Miller of Ridgefield in Fairfield County in said State and served with said Miller under an enlistment in the militia, under Captain David Olsted in a Regiment commanded by Col Eno in the year 1778, Edward Dyer acted as Superan- t-Major to the Regt. our Mills was Lieut and Edward Collins was Ensign to the Comp. said service was performed at White Plains and West Point in the State of New York principally, but a part in Hornbeck, now Greenwich in the State of Connecticut, when we served out the period of enlistment which was for one year and were regularly discharged. While at White Plains, the main Army arrived there under Washington and Gates, the anniversary of the surrender of Genl Burgoyne and army was celebrated by the regular army by firing of Cannon &c. While we lay at White Plains, Genl Gates was mounted during the rejoicings and placed himself near one of the Cannon, and all appeared lively and animated, and hailed that event, as

an owner of good to America - and from the say not -
Subscribed and sworn to this 24 th day of July A.D. 1832
Samuel Root
Esq. Justice of Peace and a Judge of the common pleas for Fairfield County
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss. d.d.
I, the undersigned a Notary Public within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, do hereby certify that Jesse L. Bradley Esq. who hath signed and certified the certificate of caption of the foregoing deposition of Samuel Root, now is and on the 24 th day of July 1832 was an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the said County duly appointed commissioned and sworn; and by the laws of said State duly authorized and empowered to administer oaths and take depositions. That the signature also as written, purporting to be his, is in the proper handwriting of the said Jesse L. Bradley; and that full faith and credit are due to his attestation as a Justice of the Peace.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal in Danbury aforesaid this 11 th day of August 1832. Reuben Root Notary Public.

Matthew Kele
N o 6311.

We the undersigned, Inhabitants of the Town of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, hereby certify, and declare That we are well and personally acquainted with Matthew Keeler of said Ridgefield who hath made application for a pension for his services during the War of the Revolution, and for many years have been so acquainted with him. That he has ever sustained and now sustains a fair character for Integrity and truth.
That we have this day heard read his declaration made before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury for the purpose of obtaining a pension. And from our confidence in him as a man of Integrity and strict regard to truth, we fully believe he served as he has there stated —
William H. H. H. Walter Danchy Philip B. Bradley Silas Perkins Harvey Smith Yps. L. Bradley
1832. August 4 th Sworn and Subscribed in Open Court before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury, And the Court Certifies, that the deponents, are all well known to said Court to be Gentlemen of truth and are Credible Witnesses.
Albert Edward Ledyard Clerk

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield
On this 15 th day of June 1883 Personal- ly appeared before the Honorable Court of Probate for the Dis- trict of Danbury now sitting and holding said Court at Danbury in said County of Fairfield Matthew Reulet a Resident of the Town of Ridgefield aforesaid aged Seventy One years. Who as being first duly sworn according to Law each on his oath make the follow- ing declaration supplementary to his declaration made before the said Court of Probate on the 4 th day of August 1882 for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the Act of Congress of June 9 th 1882 - viz. That he enlisted as stated in his Original declaration on the 14 th day of April 1778. - in a Company of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Captain David Alms- ted in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Roger Eno. for the term of one year. That he was immediately mustered for service, and soon marched to Hud- sonneck in said State of Connecticut. - That he served in said Company as a private soldier - during said enlistment - Respondent cannot state with more precision as to the several places where said service was performed than is stated in his Original declaration. - He well knows that said Company lay at Hudsonneck during the winter and that he was discharg- ed on the last day of March 1779 - having served Eleven Months and Sixteen days - Sworn & Subscribed in Open Court Matthew Reulet

I Edward Taylor Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of Matthew Keels for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Court this 15 th day of June 1833 - Attest Edward Taylor Clerk
Meaker Booth of Danbury in the County of Fairfield State of Connecticut Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury in said County and State, do hereby certify that Edward Taylor Esq. who hath signed the foregoing proceedings of said Court is Clerk thereof and was such Clerk at the time of signing and certifying the same: and that the signature above written purporting to be his, is in his genuine hand writing -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand at Danbury aforesaid this 15 th day of June 1833 -
Meaker Booth Judge of Probate for the District of Danbury Conn.

I Gamaliel Benedict of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut Age twenty two years, being first sworn according to Law do depose and say, That I am well acquainted with Matthew Kuler of said Ridgefield, and have been so acquainted with him from childhood, and have personal knowledge that in the Month of April 1778, said Kuler enlisted for one year in a Company of Connecticut State Troops under the Command of Captain David Olmsted. That soon after his enlistment as aforesaid he joined his Company and marched as this deponent to Horsham in said State of Connecticut. This deponent cannot state positively as to the time and place where he remembers his coming home at the last of March in the year following, and verily believes he served out faithfully the period of his enlistment.  Gamaliel Benedict
State of Connecticut Fairfield County } ss. Ridgefield
On this 3 rd day of June 1833 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Gamaliel Benedict, who lieth subscribed the foregoing deposition, known to me to be a person of truth and veracity, and a credible Witness and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same,
Henry Smith Justice of Peace

I Samuel Botsford of Southbury in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut, Aged 72 years, being duly sworn do depose and say, That I am acquainted with Matthew Kuler of Ridgefield in the County of Fairfield and State aforesaid, and served with him in the Army of the Revolution, in a Company of Militia, under the Command of Captain David Olmsted, in Col. Eno's Regiment, that said Company was raised in the first part of April 1778, and Service closed on the last day of March 1779, and the Service was performed principally at White Plains, and West Point, in the State of New York, but a part of it in Housatonic (now Greenwich) in the State of Connecticut at which place we lay when the period of our enlistment expired. I there knew said Kuler, saw him almost daily, he had the reputation of a good Soldier and served his Country faithfully — I find on examining the deposition which I gave in July last I mentioned the names of the Lieutenant and Ensign comity, to the best of my knowledge & belief, which are omitted in this. I am not positive that our term of service & period of our Enlistment expired on the last day of March but am confident it was in the month of March & believe it to have been the latter part of March. Samuel Botsford
State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield ss: Newtown June 5 th 1833
Then personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace for said County, Samuel Botsford known to me to be the same person who hath subscribed the foregoing deposition, and also to me well known as a person of truth & veracity, & being duly sworn & cautioned according to law, made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing deposition.
Samuel C. Blackman justice of peace

State of Connecticut } ss Fairfield County }
I Thomas Bloosborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Harvey Smith and Samuel C. Blackman Esquires are now for more than one year last past have been Justices of the Peace for s d Fairfield County duly commissioned & duly authorized to administer oaths & take Depositions &c. I further certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the Harvey Smith & Samuel C. Blackman Esquires and I verily believe that the signature to the Certificate on the foregoing Deposition of Gamaliel Benedict, purporting to be the signature of the s d Harvey Smith, is genuine; and that the signature to the Certificate on the foregoing Deposition of Sam l Botsford purporting to be the signature of the s d Sam l C. Blackman is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the Seal of s d County Court in Fairfield this 7 th day of June A d 1833. Thomas Bloosborne Clerk Faird County Court

7.724
Rich Recler ad wid. of Matthew Cot
Act 4 July 1836
Repatriation Mar- ried in 1786-
R. B. Keeler

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } ss. Ridgefield
On this 8 th day of April 1857, personally appeared, before Ebenezer Hasley, Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Ridgefield, being a Court of Record, Russell B. Wheeler of said Ridgefield, of the age of forty nine years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, that Matthew Wheeler, subnormal a pensioner of the United States, resided at Ridgefield aforesaid at the time of his decease that he died on the 28 th day of January A.D. 1835 — that his widow, Ruth Wheeler was married to said Matthew Wheeler at said Ridgefield on the 4 th day of January 1786 — that she did not again marry, but died at said Ridgefield on the 28 th day of November 1836 that during the whole time she was a widow she did not obtain an application for a pension as provided for by acts of Congress for widows of deceased pensioners. that the left heirs now alive viz. Russell B. Wheeler (this applicant) Matthew Wheeler, Jesse B. Wheeler — Deborah Hoyt, Matilda, Wallace, and Sally Wheeler, (said Deborah and Matilda, are now widows) on behalf of all of said heirs this application is made — that this declaration is made for the purpose of obtaining such pension as has become due to said Ruth Wheeler, during the time that she was the the widow of said Matthew Wheeler, as allowed provided for by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 or other acts of Congress —

that there are no special reasons why this application has not been made before this time, but that the rights of these heirs was not fully known and considered all of which will more fully appear by the proof hereto annexed —
Rufus L. Kelley
Sworn, and subscribed on the day and year above written — before me
Ebenezer Hawley Judge
And I said I am and hereby declare the opinion that the foregoing declaration is true —
I Henry Smith 2 nd Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of application of the heirs of Ruth Heeder for the pensions herein stated
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and seal of office, this 8 th day of April 1851.
Seal
Henry Smith 2 nd Clerk.
very neat and clean
that there are no special reasons why this application
this

Matthew Keeler Junr. & Ruth Benedict were married on the fourth day of Jan'y One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty Six
State of Connecticut Ridgefield County ss
I Nathan Smith Town Clerk of the Town of Ridgefield in the said County and State, Do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Extract, from the Record of Marriages in the Town Records of said Town, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows 11 th day of Jan'y 1786.
I Nathan Smith Town Clerk of R. Ridgefield do hereby certify that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County of Litchfield and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Town, with the exception above named as Certified by me, Nathan Smith
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 27 th of March 1851
Thaddeus Keeler
Justice of Peace

Matthew Keeler died Jan'y, twenty eighth one thousand Eight hundred and thirty five, aged Seventy three
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss.
I, Nathan Smith Town clerk of the Town of Ridgefield in the said County and State, Do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Extract from the Records of deaths in the Town Records of said Town, with the exception of the date and age, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures as follows, Jan'y 28. 1835 aged 73. Nathan Smith, Town clerk of R. Ridgefield
I Nathan Smith above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the County Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Extract from the Records of said Town, with the exception above named as Certified by me, Nathan Smith
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 27 th day of March 1851
Thaddeus Keeler
Justice of Peace

W m Ruth the wife of Matthew Keeler Died Nov r twenty eighth, One thousand Eight hundred and thirty Six, aged Seventy one years.
State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss.
I Nathan Smith Town Clerk of the Town of Bridgefield in the said County and State Do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Extract from the Record of Deaths in the Town Records of said Town, with the exception of the date and age, which is expressed on the Record in fair legible figures, as follows, Nov r 28. 1836. aged 71 years.
Nathan Smith Town Clerk of S d Bridgefield
I Nathan Smith above named depose and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in the County, Town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true Extract from the Records of said Town, with the exception above Named as certified by me.
Nathan Smith
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 27 th day of March 1851.
Thaddeus Keeler
Justice of Peace

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
5809 P. O. Ruth Keeler
Service: widow of matthew
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

7.724
Ruth Keelin dec d Mrs of Matthew, Count, Rego. Sta. Set to R. B. Keelin July 2/57.
5809.

Suspended
Connecticut died 28 July 1835
Matthew Keeler
6 m o p o 20
let Harvey Smith
2 July 1836
let  sent 29 April 1835 let D. Keeler
Widow
sent to Harvey Smith Ridgefield Ct

ct- Apl. 20 Rise of pinion for fore 7th above
Hon. James L. Edwards Esq.
Coun. of Peninsular Washington

Hudspeth Count, 16 Ap r 1835
Sir,
A Communication from you under date of 2 o July 1834, relating to the Claim of Matthew Steele of this Town for a Pension was rec d in which you say that "Under the Circumstances which appear in his Case, it is very questionable whether he ever served in Genl o Regiment, And that unless further evidence that he actually served, is produced, his Claim cannot be allowed."
On my giving the above information to M c Steele, he was at length enabled to discover that M c Raymond of the Town of Bedford in the State of New York, could furnish him with the proof required. He obtained it, and it has recently been put into my hands, and I forward it, in the confident belief that it will be all that can be required in his Case —
The reason why the proof has not sooner, is the fact that M c Steele died about the 28 or 29 th of Jan y last — he has left a Widow, who is still living — If the Claim can now be allowed, on producing the requisite proof of his death do so please notify me, and it shall forthwith be produced —
Respectfully Yours O b ed Serv t
Hon. J s Edwards Com r of Pensions
Henry Smith

State of Connecticut Fairfield County ss.
On this 11 th day of May 1835 before the court of Probate for the District of Danbury in said County and State the same being a court of Record with Hooker of the said District, appeared and proved by the oaths of indifferent and credible witnesses who were examined in the said court that Matthew Hooker died at Ridgefield in said District on the 28 th day of January 1835 - That he was the same Matthew Hooker who had before that time made application for a Pension for Revolutionary services, that said Matthew Hooker was at the said time of his death and more than twenty years before had been the lawful wife of the said Matthew Hooker and that she is now the widow of the said Matthew Hooker -
And thereupon Edward Sayle Clerk of said court of Probate do hereby certify that all the facts afore said have been fully proved in said court, and are true - In testimony whereof by order of said court I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 11 th day of May 1835 -
Attest Edward Sayle Clerk

ct. May 18
Stur
A. L. Edward Esq. Commissaire of Russian Washington

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions for Mr. [?]
Mrs Ruth Keck, the widow of Matthew Keck requests that you will send her Pension certificate (if you allow her claim) to Harvey Pennington Esq. of Bridgefield Conn.
Very Respectfully her Obedt Servt Reuben Booth

State of New York West Chester County
{ ss. Joshua Raymond aged Seventy two years residing in the Town of Bedford in the County aforesaid being duly sworn and on his oath says that he was well acquainted with Matthew Heeler in the Revolutionary War, who as this deponent believes resided in the Town of — Ridgefield in the State of Connecticut — This deponent further saith that on or about the month of April 1778. that the said Matthew Heeler with this deponent enlisted for the Period of Twelve Months, in the Town of Ridgefield in the State of Connecticut, in the Company under Captain David Olmstead, Lieut. Mills and in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Eno. in the State Troops of Connecticut, and was called out by said Officers and joined the Regiment at Horse Neck in the State of Connecticut, and there performed service for a short period, from thence was marched by the commanding officers to the Town of White Plains in the County of West Chester, and there served some time, from thence was marched by said officers to West Point on the Hudson River, and there served until the first three months expired, and was then dismissed.
And was called out again by said Officers on or about the month of December 1778 and joined the State Troops at Horse Neck in the State of Connecticut aforesaid and there faith- fully served the term of three months, and was then dismissed by said Officers, and what further service the said Matthew Heeler rendered during the American War

this deponent doth not know and further saith not.
Subscribed and ( Joshua Raymond Sworn this — 13 th day of Nov. 1834.
before me — Iaber Robertson a Justice of the peace
State of New York
West Chester County ss. I Iaber Robertson a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of West Chester, residing in the Town of Bedford in the said County. Do hereby certify that Joshua Raymond the deponent named in the foregoing Affidavit is of reputable character, and that full faith and credit is due to his testimony. Given under my hand this thir- teenth day of November 1834.
Iaber Robertson.
I Nathaniel Bayles Clerk of the County of West Chester State of New York. Do hereby certify that Iaber Robertson before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Joshua Ray- mond was sworn to, and whose name is subscribed to the same thereto is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned sworn and authorized to take the same. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and believe the signature subscribed thereto and the certificate following as his are genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 13 th day of November 1834 N Bayles CLK

Mathew Keeler
4-
-7 6-
18
12/20 391.66 30 1.96

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Matthew Keeler which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different periods in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? — Declarant should be more precise in his years service — Sargt 5 VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the law? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Not as to one
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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 shewn 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.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Matthew Keeler Hobson
Please address Harry Smith Ridgfield Co.
Edw Taylor Esq Danbury Co

State of Connecticut Fairfield County 31/8 Ridgefield
We it known that on this 10th day of February 1833 personally appeared before the Subordinate Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Fairfield Matthias Miller a Resident of said Town of Ridgefield who on being duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration supplementary to and explanatory of herewith original declaration made before the Court of Probate for the District of Danbury, in said County and State, on the 4th day of August 1832, and also of a Supplementary declaration made before said Court of Probate on the 13th day of June 1833, for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
He is confident that he enlisted into Captain David Olmsted's Company of State Troops, in Col. Eno's Regiment, as before stated, on the 14th day of April 1778, and upon the Condition, that he should be allowed to go home, on duty three Months, but as he was then a Minor, and under the care and control of his father, he cannot tell whether he was to receive half pay, while out of service but presumes such was the fact - he well remembers that soon after his enlistment he joined the Regiment, and marched to New York as aforesaid, and after three Months was according to the stipulations of his

enlistment permitted to return home being then in a low state of health — that on the last of December of that year he was ordered again to join the Regiment which State lay at said Portsmouth, and left home, and was at his post on New Years day 1779, and contin- ued with the Regiment and was discharged as aforesaid on the last of March 1779. This declarant believed that as he enlisted for one year, and joined his Company, and continued with it at all times , except when permitted to return home, that he could with propriety say, that he served from the time of his enlistment to the time of his discharge, to wit, Eleven Months, and Sixteen days, although he was with the Company in actual service, but two periods of pecuniary three Months each, or six Months, in the year.
He further states that on the 28th day of December 1780, he was drafted for two Months, and on the 12th day of Jan'y, following joined Captain Ben. Dyer's Company of Militia at Stamford, as before stated, and was discharged, on the last last day of February following — for this period of service this declarant cannot produce positive proof, as no other man from Ridgefield was drafted, and all who served with him are now dead, or removed, and knows not where to find them, although he has made diligent search, and enquiring therefor —

This Declarant deems it unnecessary to state further regarding the several short periods of service mentioned in said Original declaration, as he pretends the testimony respecting them to be clear — He states that in the several periods of his service he served as a private Soldier, and while absent from home in the service was constantly in the field, on the march or in garrison, and was not engaged in any civil pursuit — he cannot at this advanced period of his life, state any other circumstances which he believes would shed any additional light on the subject, and he therefore submits his case with confidence, in the hope and belief, that he will be allowed such an amount, as by the laws of the land he is entitled —
Matthew Reuler
Sworn and subscribed
this 14 th day of November
1833
Before me Harry Smith Justice of Peace
3

State of Connecticut } Fairfield County } I Thomas B. Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Harvey Smith Esquire whose own proper signature, known to me to be genuine, is annexed to the Certificate on the foregoing Declaration supplemental of Matthew Reeler, is now and was on the 16 th day of Instant November a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and duly authorized to administer oaths and take affidavits &c. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 20 th day of November A D 1833.
Thomas B. Osborne Clerk of said County Court

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 Sept 1833
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 subjoined 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 Matthew Keeler
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store-Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be                      years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
It is a fact well known to this Department from various documents in its possession that Col Ennis Reg't was in 1778 upon the capture of Fort Mifflin they were taken when not on duty

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. 
{ 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 inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Handwritten note: One of those raised by the State of Connecticut for one year in but 3 months service at any one time, and received half