Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10579, for Samuel Thurber, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. S.
Thurber, Samuel Elizabeth
R. 10579
CONTENTS
d. Sept. 11, 1832

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss
On this ninth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty six personally appeared before me Thomas Burge Jole Judge of the Municipal Court, for the City of Providence in the County of Providence in the State aforesaid being sworn of Record
Elizabeth Thurber, resident of said City, County and State, aged seventy six years, at her own dwelling house in said City, who being first duly sworn according to law, doeth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4 th AD 1836.
That she is the widow of Samuel Thurber late of said Providence Shipwright, deceased who was a private Soldier or Artificer in the Revolutionary Army of the United States, and that in the year 1776, he performed a tour of duty in the company commanded by the late Captain Barnard Eddy, for the term of six months in the Canada Expedition. That he was afterwards drafted on a tour of duty in the Southern part of said State, for the term of months according to the best one of her recollection, and which he performed by a substitute hired and paid by him. That he was at another time drafted into said service during Sullivan's Expedition at Rhode Island for a term out of her recollection and personally served during the same
That she recollects of his being drafted, detached, or called out, on three or four tours of duty in said State, for terms of time she cannot now name, but knows that he was absent on said service a considerable period of time at each of those times. That she firmly believes that the several periods of service of her said late husband including the six months first above named added together would make a term of one year and six months

She further declares, that she was married to the said Samuel Thurber on the fourth day of September in the year eighteen hundred and seventy five, that her said husband, the aforesaid Samuel Thurber died on the eleventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed,
Elizabeth Thurber
Attest Thomas Burgess
Subscribed and sworn to by the said Elizabeth Thurber before me on the sixth day of September A.D. 1836, the said Elizabeth Thurber being unable from bodily infirmity to attend said Municipal Court.
Thomas Burgess sole judge of S. Court.
In Attestation whereof, and in attestation, that the said Elizabeth Thurber is a credible person, and that her statement is entitled to credit, I have hereunto set my hands on the day and year aforesaid.
Thomas Burgess sole judge of S. Court.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations City of Providence ss.
I, Albert G. Greene, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Providence, in the County of Providence, and State aforesaid, do hereby certify and attest unto all to whom these presents shall come,

that Thomas Burgess who has signed the preceding Certificate, is the sole Judge of the said Municipal Court, duly and legally qualified; and that the signature to the said certificate, is in the proper handwriting of said Thomas Burgess.
In Attestation whereof I have hereunto set my hands, and have affixed the Seal of said Court, the sixth day of September A.D. 1836
Albert Greene Clerk

I Experience Barney of Johnston in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Formerly the Wife of Stephen Thurber late of said Providence deceased, and now the Widow of John Barney late of said Providence deceased. Aged ninety years and upwards, On solemn oath testify and say, that I have known Elizabeth Thurber of said Providence Widow of Samuel Thurber late of said Providence, Shipwright, from her early childhood to the present time; that I knew the said Samuel Thurber her late husband (he being a younger brother of my first husband the said Stephen Thurber) from his very early youth to the time of his death. — That I and my said first husband took the said Elizabeth into our family about two years before her marriage with the said Samuel Thurber as an adopted child, We having no children of our own, she then bearing the name of Elizabeth Wilson being, the daughter of James Wilson of Swanzy, in the State of Massachusetts. — That the said Samuel Thurber and the said Elizabeth Wilson, now his widow were joined in marriage at the dwelling house of my said first husband and myself in said Providence by the Reverend James Manning pastor of the first Baptist Church, minister of the first Baptist Society and president of the College in said Providence in my presence and hearing in the fall of the year 1775. The month and day of their marriage I cannot precisely recollect; but I perfectly recollect that it was in the fall of the year next before the Lexington battle and that it was in the same year that the said James Manning baptized me which was on the tenth day of February 1775. That the said Samuel Thurber died in said Providence on the eleventh day of September 1832.
That the said Elizabeth Thurber is now living in said Providence; has never married since the decease of her said late husband the said Samuel Thurber and that she still remains his Widow.
Experience her Barney
Rhode Island (District p.) In Providence in said District on this second day of September A.D. 1836 came personally before me the said Experience Barney and made oaths to the truth of the above affidavit by her subscribed in my presence and I certify that she is a woman of average
John Potter (District Judge U.S.)
for said District

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Providence, ss Municipal Court of the city of Providence, in said State, exercising Probate Jurisdiction, and being the Court of Probate for said city. September 19 th 1893.
Be it remembered, that satisfactory testimony has been this day produced before this Court, that Elizabeth Thurber late of the city of Providence, widow of Samuel Thurber deceas- ed, died on the thirty first day of January A.D. 1840; that at the time of her death, she was an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of July 4 th A.D. 1836; and that she left the following named children by said Samuel, - to wit: William Thurber, Samuel Thurber, Jacob B. Thurber, Henry Thurber, Elizabeth Elliott, widow, - and Mary Thurber, all of said city of Providence; and that all of said children are now living except said William, who has deceased since the death of said Elizabeth, - and are all over twenty one years of age: That the said William, at the time of his death, left the following named children, to wit, Ephraim, William H., Stephen G. & Samuel N. Thurber, and Sarah Olney, wife of Albin N. Olney;

all of said City, - who are all over twenty-one years of age,
In Attestation whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and have affixed the seal of said Court, this 19 th day of September, A.D. 1843.
Albert G. Greene Clerk.

Copy of Euphemia Barry deposition N o 2.

I Experience Barney of Johnston in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations formerly the wife of Stephen Thurber late of said Providence deceased and now the widow of John Barney late of said Providence deceased aged ninety three years and upwards Do solemnly testify and say that I have known Elizabeth Thurber of said Providence from childhood to be the widow of Samuel Thurber late of said Providence I have known her from her early childhood to the present time; that I knew the said Samuel Thurber her late husband (he being a younger brother of my first husband the said Stephen Thurber) from his very early youth to the time of his death - That I and my said first husband took the said Elizabeth into our family as an adopted child about two years before her marriage with the said Samuel Thurber, as an adopted child, We having no children of our own, she then bearing the name of Elizabeth Wilson being the daughter of James Wilson of Swansey in the State of Massachusetts - That the said Samuel Thurber and the said Elizabeth Wilson, now his Widow were joined in marriage at the dwelling house of my said first husband and myself in said Providence by the Reverend James Manning pastor of the first Baptist church, minister of the first Baptist Society and president of the college in said Providence in my presence and hearing in the fall of the year 1775. The month and day of their marriage I cannot precisely recollect; but I perfectly recollect that it was in the fall of the year next before the Lexington battle and that it was in the same year that the said James Manning baptized me which was on the tenth day of February 1775 That the said Samuel Thurber died in said Providence on the eleventh day of September 1832, and that the said Elizabeth Thurber is now living in said Providence; has never married since the decease of her said late husband the said Samuel Thurber and that she still remains his Widow
Experience his Barney mark

State of Rhode Island County of Providence Joseph B. Thurber of the City of Providence in said State declares & says that soon after the act of Congress of July 4, 1836 was passed granting pensions to widows of officers and soldiers of the Revolution his mother the late Elizabeth mother of Samuel Thurber who was a soldier of the Revolution made an application for a pension pursuant to the provisions of said act, for services which the said Samuel Thurber had performed Subsequently the claim & evidence were sent to the Pension Department at Washington, but the pension was not granted for the reason as he has understood, that artificial widows are not allowed a pension pursuant to the provisions of the act of June 7, 1832 that his father the said Samuel had debited for six months in a regular organized company under Captain Barnard Eddy & served as a soldier or ship carpenter and that he served out his time & was honorably discharged. The time of this service when established the evidence of it were all sent to Washington & are now on file in the proper Department at Washington

and he refers to them for proof of the justice of their claim. The said Samuel performed other services during said war besides the six months in Capt Eddys Company as will also appear. And the said Jacob further states that he had understood that a different construction has been given to the act of June 7, 1832, that article entitled to the provisions of said act and he further and he further declares that after the death of his said the claim was further prosecuted and a list of a list of names containing the names of all his children was sent to the Pension office in Washington which he supposes is now on file for him and there children he now desires to have said claim examined & allowed Jacob B. Thresher

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation. Providence ss. In Providence this twenty-sixth day of May A.D. 1852, personally appeared Jacob B. Throber and made oath to the truth of the foregoing statement by him signed; and I hereby certify that the said Jacob B. Throber is a credible person, Before me, Barzillai Cranston, Justice of the Peace.
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation Providence ss. I Amasa J. Westcott Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Providence being a Court of Record, do hereby certify that Barzillai Cranston is a justice for the city of Providence being duly appointed and commissioned for the year ending the first Tuesday in May A.D. 1853
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Providence this twenty seventh day of May A.D. 1852
Amasa J. Westcott

January 19, 1932.
Miss Mary Louise Brown 25 Orchard Place Providence Rhode Island.
BA-J/ILL Samuel Thurber R. 10579
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Elizabeth Thurber, widow of Samuel Thurber, who applied for pension in September, 1836, also the record of Samuel Thurber.
The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 10579, based upon the service of Samuel Thurber in that war.
Samuel Thurber was a shipwright and lived in Providence, Rhode Island, at the beginning of the Revolutionary War; the date of his birth and names of his parents are not shown.
Sometime in July, 1775, he joined Captain Barnard, or Bernard, Eddy's Company of artificers and proceeded to Crown Point for the purpose of building vessels for the protection and defense of the lakes, thence to Hoosick, New York, length of this service six months. It was stated, also, that following this he served on several monthly tours, one at the time of Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island, the names of officers and exact length of this service not shown.
The soldier died at his home in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, on September 11, 1832.
Samuel Thurber married September 4, 1775, Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of James Wilson of Swansea, Massachusetts; the date and place of her birth and name of her mother are not given. The wedding took place at the home of Stephen Thurber (soldier's elder brother) and Experience, his wife, in Providence, Rhode Island; said Elizabeth Wilson

had been adopted by these Thurbers about two years before this time, as they had no children of their own.
Elizabeth Thurber, the soldier's widow, applied September 6, 1836, for pension on account of the service of her husband in the Revolutionary War. She was then seventy-six years of age and resided in Providence, Rhode Island.
Turn Inact Her claim for pension was not allowed as the Act under which she applied provided for service only in a military capacity and for duration of six months; the service rendered by her husband, exclusive of the monthly tours, was not considered as such, and proof of six months' service in a military capacity was not furnished.
Elizabeth Thurber, the widow, died January 31, 1840, in Providence, Rhode Island.
The names of the following children of Samuel Thurber and his wife, Elizabeth, who survived their mother, all residents of Providence, Rhode Island, are shown: William; Samuel; Jacob B.; Henry; Elizabeth Elliott, a widow; and Mary Thurber.
In 1843, soldier's son, William Thurber, was deceased, being survived by the following children: Ephraim, William H., Stephen G., Samuel N., and Sarah, wife of Albion Olney; they were residents of Providence, Rhode Island.
In 1836, Experience Barney, former widow of Stephen Thurber, the brother of the soldier, Samuel Thurber, and then the widow of John Barney, both husbands having died in Providence, Rhode Island, was ninety years of age; she was then of Johnston, Rhode Island.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Assistant to Administrator.

Elizabeth Thurston, Declaration No 1

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence ss
On the sixth day of September in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Six Personally appeared before me Thomas Bangs, Sole Judge of the Municipal Court, for the City of Providence in the County of Providence in the State aforesaid being a Court of Record. Elizabeth Thresher, resident of said City, County and State, Aged Seventy six years, at her own dwelling house in said City, who being first duly sworn according to law, doeth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 14th 1836. That she is the widow of Samuel Thresher late of said Providence shipwright, deceased who was a private soldier or artificer in the revolutionary army of the United States, and that in the year 1778, he performed a tour of duty in the company commanded by the late Captain Barnard Eddy, for the term of six months in the Canada Expedition. That he was afterwards drafted on a tour of duty in the southern part of said State for the term of one according to the best of her recollection and which he performed by a substitute hired and paid by him. That he was at another time drafted into said service during Sullivan's Expedition at Rhode Island, for a term out of her recollection and personally served during the same. That she recollects of his being drafted, detached, or called out, on three or four tours of duty, in said State for terms of time she cannot now name, but knows that he was absent on said service a considerable period of time at each of those times. That she verily believes that the several periods of service of her said late husband including the six months first above named added together would make a term of One Year and six months.
The further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Thresher on the fourth day of September in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy five. That her said husband, the aforesaid Samuel Thresher died on the tenth Eleventh day of September in the year eighteen hundred and thirty two. And that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Elizabeth Thresher

1933. Jan. 19. Hist. to Miss Mary Louise Brann. Sal.
10579
P. O.
Elizabeth Thurber
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Printed Vol. Rejected + Suspended
Pensions - page - 71 -
Alleges: Suspended - Act 1836 -
"Did not serve in military capacity - April 23 - 1845."
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

Elizabeth Thurber Rhode Island
Suspended
let 21. Oct. 1836
P. Craps.
do - Hon. N. R. Knight, Dec. 24- 1836
Let. to H. H. Sylvester, 15. 1844 " Hon. N. R. Knight Sep 7-37- " J. B. Thurber age 29 39- " B. Cowell - March 27. 44
Act 4 th July 1836.
B. Cowell Apr 23 1840
Let J. G. Burt, Aug 23/52
Let some Nov 24/52

The Building Committee never left any any record of their proceedings after the 7 th July 1777. Their correspondence was with Stephen Hopkins with the marine board, sometimes called the marine committee some times the naval board & sometimes the naval committee. At the above date it was ordered by the building committee to send on all their acc ts .

Dear J. E. Heath Washington 10th Nov. 1852 Lansdown of Ransom Sir.
I enclose herewith a letter from Mr. Benjamin Cowell, which fully explains the ground upon which an inroad of Mr. Thurber's person is desired.
Very Respectfully Yours H. S. Int. James E. Bent

Washington 5 Mar 1852
Sir,
I have the honor to present herewith additional evidence in support of the claim of Elizabeth Thurber and widow of Samuel. Mr. Thurber was a resident of Rhode Island and claimed a pension under the act of 4 th July 1836.
Very Respectfully Yours Obediently James G. Burd
Mr J. E. Heath p. 497

Know all men by these presents that I Jacob B Thumber of the City of Providence in the State of Rhode Island do hereby for myself & other children of Elizabeth Thumber late of said Providence deceased widow of Samuel Thumber a soldier of the Revolution constitute & appoint James G Bennett of the City of Washington our true & lawful agent and attorney to prosecute the claims of said Elizabeth which she had to a pension under the act of Congress of July 4 1836 as the widow of said Samuel & was an applicant for the same at the time she died for any amount which may be due. And I hereby authorise my said Agent to examine all the papers & documents in relation to said claims on file in the Departments at Washington or elsewhere to file additional evidence & arguments & to receive the certificate which may issue for said claim made payable to said children & generally to do all things that I might or could do same I personally present hereby ratifying & confirming as that my said Agent shall lawfully do in the premises Witness my hand & seal this 28 th of May 1852 subscribed in presence of Barzillai Cranston. Jacob B. Thumber

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Providence ss. In Providence this twenty sixth day of May, A. D. 1852, personally appeared Jacob B. Throber, and acknowledged the within instrument by him signed to be his free act and deed, hand and seal, before me,
Barzillai Crampton, Justice of the Peace.

Tunna Office Nov. 24, 1852.
Sir
I herewith return the letter of B. Cornell, by order of you on the 8 th inst in reference to the claim of Elizabeth Thurston, widow of Samuel, whom office has for the benefit of the act of July 4, 1836, has been rejected by this office, and you are informed that Mr. Cornell is mistaken in supposing that Bernard Eddy's company of Ship-wrights, did not originate with the Resolutn of Congress of July 3 rd 1776, but from an insinuated Resolutn of July 5, 1776; Therefore the latter is merely supplementary to the former, which not only originated the corps of Ship-carpenters but presented the terms on which a contract should be entered into with the members of it. Eddy was merely the chayed with the command of the quo-

ended to be engaged in Rhode Island in pursuance of the Resolutions of July 3 rd 1776!
But even if it were admitted that the Resolutions of July 5, 1776, created a new description of carpenters shipwrights, I am at a loss to understand, for its plainness, on what grounds, their engagement could be considered as military. It merely required government to order fifty ship-carpenters to be engaged on the best terms at the expiration of the Continent, that is, at a certain compensation to be agreed upon by the government and the parties engaged. The engagement thus entered into was, therefore, nothing more than a mere contract, and differing in most important particulars from an en- listment under the articles of war.
When Secretary Marcy in June 1845, de- cided that the service of Eddy was not military, he fully considered all the arguments presented on the other side - and I would  further say I do not feel myself at liberty to re-open the case unless upon the production of testimony of the most satisfactory character.
Yours S. Bennett

Pension Office, August 25, 1852.
Sir,
I have filed the deposition of Jacob R. Hunter, a son of Elizabeth Hunter, with her papers presented to obtain the benefits of the act of July 4, 1836, and you are informed, that the decision of this office regarding her claim is the ground that the alleged service of her husband, Samuel Hunter, was rendered under civil contract, and not as  having been embraced by the pension laws, as confirmed by the Secretary Moray on the 21 st of June 1845, in an act at least to reject the claim . Since that decision no new facts have been discovered which would induce this office to doubt its correctness - and of such service has the  redoubled , been admitted or admitted, it is no more why it should not have been the  redoubled and this a proof

of myself, are a most a number of all the facts connected with it, and the some action  action of the department.
the board was not
The decision of Secretary May was communicated to the board on the 23 d of April 1895.
W. W. Brown Aug 25/92.
James G. Berret, E Berret.

Washington Feb 18 1845
Sir
Several years ago Mrs Elizabeth Thunberg widow of Samuel Thunberg a soldier of the Revolution made an application for a pension under the acts of Congress of July 4, 1836. The Commissioner of Pensions has decided that she is not entitled, — I have to request that her claim may be reexamined by you My impression is the claim ought to be allowed,
I am respectfully your att Servt Benja Cowden
Hon Secretary of War

B. Couell, April 23 rd 1845.

Sir
In off P Apr 23 d 45
I enclose you a report of 14 Sept in the case of Elizabeth Thurbur upon  in which your appeal from the decision of this office and have now to inform you that the Secy has made the following endorsement on the papers. "I do not think the service in this case was military & it cannot entitle the person performing it to a pension"
Benj Correll Esq Providence R.I.

July 22 1841
Sir,
Enclose an extract from the Journals of Congress of July 3. 1776. to be used as evidence in the case of Eliz th Shurbe under the Act of July 4 th 36 of R. S. It is evident from this Resol n of Congress, that these men were enlisted in the double capacity of Physicians & Soldiers . They were to have their tools & arms valued; to receive $34.44 per month, with a ration @ a half per day, until they were regularly discharged. The articles of enlistment were as binding upon enlistments them, as upon any other part of the army.
I submit it to your consideration & hope you will view it favorably.
I am Respectfully
H. H. Sylvester
Col. Edwards.

Pension Office, March 27. 1844.
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of Elizabeth Thurber, claiming a pension under the act of July 7. 1838, has been examined and filed. There is nothing in the Commission of Bernard Eddy, or the Resolve of Congress to alter the opinion heretofore expressed, or to induce a belief that the service was of a military character; the mere right of repelling attack, being no more than they possessed as private citizens.
I am respectfully, Your Hon. Servt. J L Edwards
Benjamin Cowell, Esq. Providence, R. Island.

Providence Sept 26 1843
Sir
A number of years ago Mrs Elizabeth Thurber widow of Samuel Thurber made an application for a pension under the act of July 4 1836 - In 1776 he enlisted under Capt Barnard Eddy as a soldier & Ship Carpenter to go to Lake Champlain to build a number of Vessels for the defence of the country. Since her application was made Mrs Thurber has deceased, & so has also, Philip Crafts her Attorney
The above service was disallowed, no satisfactory evidence being produced to show that it was a military service within the meaning of the act of 1836. It is believed that such evidence can now be produced & the children of Mrs Thurber have requested me to attend to the claim. On the 8 th of July 1776 Congress passed a Resolve that the "Marine Committee" be empowered to contract with Shipwrights to go to Lake Cham- plain to build Vessels. By this Resolve each man was to be allowed a "ration & a half & one half pint of rum per day". Another clause in the Resolution says their "tools & arms" were to be valued - This conclusively shows that they were enlisted as soldiers as well as

as shipwrights, - In compliance with this Resolue a company of fifty were raised in Rhode Island of which Barnard Eddy was commissioned as Captain. His commission has been recently found, and is herewith endorsed. It bears date July 24 1776. This commission also shows the military character of the company. It was to be under the immediate direction and command of General Schuyler and in case of an invasion or assault of a "common enemy were to resist to the last and destroy" - The Captain also is required to "observe & obey" "superior officers"
From what appears in the Resolue of Congress & the commission, which no doubt followed the directions of the "Marine Committee" it cannot be doubted that this was a military company, as well as of shipwrights, and that Samuel Thurber who enlisted & served in it was a soldier as well as shipwright -
What the evidence of Thurber's service was, I do not know but in your letter of April 29 1839 to Mr. J. B. Thurber you admit that this service was rendered, but could not recognize it as military service. Believing the evidence now endorsed will satisfy you upon that point, that the arrears of pension ought to be paid to the children I have to request that an order may be granted for that pension -

There were other services set forth in Mrs Thurber's declaration besides those in Captain Eddy's Company. He was often drafted in the Militia of this State & served. But what the evidence was of this service I do not know. It is well known however, at your Department, that the Militia were obliged by law, to serve every third month for a great length of time & it is presumed he always performed his duty. I have therefore to request, that such an allowance may be made for this, as may be just & right under all the circumstances of the case - Enclosed also is a Certificate of the Court of Probate showing the time of Mrs. Thurber's death & the names of her surviving children -
I am respectfully your obedt Servt Bryant Fowler
J. L. Edwards Esq

Providence Decem r 28 th 1836.
Dear Sir
M c Intosh & Thurber has shewn me
your letter to him of the 24 th instant relative to his mother's claim for a pension. I am glad that you have interested yourself in her behalf. I feel a deep interest in her case, not merely as her attorney, but as her neighbor and friend.
I know that you can never have opportunity and leisure to examine her case in the pension office.
Having preserved copies of every paper in the case, I now forward them to you in three packages lest the whole together would subject you to postage as being beyond your franking privilege.
Those papers are numbered from 1 to 9. The papers I first forwarded to M c Edwards the Commissioner are numbered 1 to 5. No. 5 1/2 is the copy of my letter enclosing those papers. No. 6. the Commissioner's letter requiring further proof. Nos. 7 & 8 contain that further proof and No. 9 a copy of my letter containing that further proof and my argument on the whole case. I would thank you to look them over deliberately, when at leisure and retired so as to make yourself master of the subject before you see M c Edwards again. I have great confidence in some of the arguments I have used, but the same ideas, coupled with such further ones as you may draw from the evidence when coming from you as one of the guardians of the nation, may carry with them a greater force than coming from a lawyer, who by many is supposed to be seeking for money rather than truth.
In the first instance I had no doubt of the first six months services, nor have I now for reasons set forth in my letter No. 9. It is possible that another objection may arise, which has not been hinted at and which it does not become me to name to the Commissioner unless first named by him, the objection

may be this, as we are not able from record evidence to shew the origin of this Company or its character, that it is presumable, that they were simply a band of Ship Carpenters & boat building, hired as laborers by the United States at daily wages and were never soldiers, with a monthly pay. That there was such a company or assemblage of men went from Providence to Hoosack and many of them died these needs no further evidence or argument, the only new point that can be made by the commissioner is that they never enlisted as soldiers and put themselves under martial law, but were simply a corps of hired mechanics and could leave the service any day on payment of civil damages for breach of contract before a common law court.
I will condense a few of the facts proved and fairly to be presumed which will go very far to shew that they did not sustain a civil character.
1 st is it probable that the United States would employ a body of men in a civil capacity to go to a post expected to be invaded, who on the approach of the enemy might shoulder their broad axes and seek a place of safety when their axes would be more useful than muskets and no martial law or military force have a rightful power to stop them; when this inconvenience could the more addition of the military character by enlistment would have avoided the whole.
2 nd If they were mechanics merely why were they embodied and marched away in full military array and why were they completely armed and equipped for military duty instead of bearing their axes, adzes, augers & saws which are the proper equipments for this class of mechanics (see Barnard Eddy's Deposition No. 387 especially the latter)
3 rd If they were a civil corps with no military power to control them, why did they continue at Hoosack after the death of Barnard Eddy their Ship Carpenter, and there die one after another until they were ordered back to Providence (not released from their civil engagement) but like good soldiers staid and died until the

Remnant of them were ordered off to leave the post.
These things cannot be so. They were Soldiers under the command of superiours and Officered & Governed by Marshall law.
I lay a great tax on your patience in offering for your perusal so long a communication, relative to matters which you can have no interest except obliging, an aged lady and her worthy family which I know you will duly appreciate.
I hardly know what I have written, as I write from a sick Chamber where I have been confined five days without being able to leave my chair for my bed night or day. and scarcely able to draw my breath from asthmatic paroxysms.
I wish you to preserve these papers and when they shall be of no further use to you, in this case, that you will return them to me. as I wish to preserve them and more especially my Argument no 9. which I have promised to accomodate Mr Cowell with. Who is prosecuting a pension claim for our aged mutual friend Mary Rhodes of Pawtucket, the mother of your late brother in law Sylvester Rhodes. Mr Cowell meets with some difficulties. That I have as to the positive proof of each period of service, and tho' not retained by the old lady, I am as anxious to befriend her as if I had had the proffer of a fee or the request for friendly aid.

See Journals Congress July 3 1776.
Resolved, That the Marine Committee be empowered to contract with Shipwrights, to go to Lake-Champlain, on the following terms:
To allow each man thirty four Dollars @ two hundred, per month; one months pay to be advanced , on their giving security, if required: Each man to be allowed a ration @ a half , @ one half pint of rum, per day
Their tools @ arms to be valued.
Two thirds of their wages to be paid, monthly, to whom soon they shall leave the power of receiving it. Their pay to commence from the day they sign the articles and continue, until they are discharged , with an allowance of one days pay, for every twenty miles, between the place where they are discharged , @ their respective homes.

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General, and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode- Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name, "HENRY BOWEN," to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bow- en, Esquire, who at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Prov- idence, this twenty ninth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Six and of Independence the sixty- first .
John Brown Francis
By His Excellency's Command.
Henry Bowen Secy

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations. Secretary's Office Nov 29. 1836.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State on the first Wednesday of May last Benjamin Lowell was elected Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Providence; and Alphus Billings a Justice of the Peace for the City of Providence in said County - each for one year, and that they have been severally commissioned accordingly: as appears of record in this office.
The signatures Benja. Lowell and A Billings to the papers annexed are genuine.
Witness Henry Brown Secy

War Department Pension Office
October 21, 1836.
Sir,
The papers in the case of Eliza beth Thurber widow of Samuel Thurber deceased have been examined and filed with suspended cases. She alleges that her husband enlisted as an artificer for six months in 1776 in Captain Barnard Eddy's company to serve on the expedition to Crown Point; and that he afterwards served several tours as a militia man of Rhode Island. William Potter one of the witnesses states that he served a part of the time after the return of Captain Eddy's company with said company. On reference being made to his declaration on file she makes no mention of said services. One of the witnesses alludes to a person who served with the applicant's husband, who is too infirm to give any testimony in the case. His name should also be stated in order that reference may be had to his papers in this office for further information, in case he has ever applied for a pension. The certificate of Henry Bowen Esq. Secretary of State of R. Island at Providence relative to the alleged

service of Captain Eddys company should also be exhibited. The other alleged service should be specified and proof thereof exhibited, in order to obtain a pension for said services.
I am respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Philip Crape Esq Providence, R. Island.

Providence - September 23. 1836,
Sir
I herewith forward you the Declaration of Elizabeth Thurber of this City, for a pension under the act of July 4 th 1836, together with the documents collected to establish the same, which I trust are verified in due form.
No record proof of the marriage is to be found, which is the case of more than nine cases out of ten in this City & State.
The reason is that the various persons authorized by law to solemnize marriages are not bound to keep a record thereof, but only give a certificate of the marriage to the parties, who are required by law to have the same recorded in the City or Town Clerks office. Even they reside, but this is scarcely ever done.
The deposition of Espenian Barney, the only person living within this State who was present at the marriage is annexed to proof that fact.
The service of her late husband for the first six months is shown by the deposition of Barnard Eddy & William Potter. The residue of his service as stated in her declaration.

cannot be possibly proved by any known living witness other than herself. The deposition of Charles Lippett is annexed to show the probability of such service. This deposition, with the fact well known to the department, that very many Militia Men from Rhode Island, have had pensions granted them for such temporary services, go far to corroborate her declaration upon this point. The death of her husband and of all those whom she knew to serve with him, puts it out of her power to prove these temporary services, and leads her to hope that this secondary evidence may be received as confirming her declaration sworn to
With consideration of high respect
Your Obedt Servant.
Philip Crapo.
Hon James L Edwards Commissaire of pensions Washington City

copy Charles Lippitt J. Clinton N o 5.

I Charles Lippett of Providence in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Aged Eighty Three years and upwards. On Oath testify and say. That I was an inhabitant of said State and resident therein during the revolutionary War. And served as an Commissioned Officer in the army of the revolution within said State much of said time as set forth in my application to the War department for a pension.
That in December of the years of 1776, and in the years 1777, 1778 & 1779. The State was continually agitated by alarms created by different movements of the enemy. That those alarming crises different portions of the Militia of said State were suddenly called out on short tours of duty and continued as long as the exigencies of the case required. Some times longer and some times shorter. I know not of any record of those services rendered by individuals at that time nor do I believe that any such record now exists but I firmly believe that such services were rendered by all the able bodied Militia men in said State at some one period or periods of time.

Sir,
War Department
Pension Office,
Dec r 24 th 1836.
I have the honor to inform you that agreeably to your request, the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Thurber, widow of Samuel Thurber, deceased, has been again examined with the benefit of Mr Crap's letter and the additional evidence accompanying it.
The Act of 7 th June 1832 provides for service under military obligations; and as Capt d Barnard Eddy was a Ship Carpenter, and appears to have been engaged exclusively with others, in ship building, upon public account, the inference is very strong that it was under contract with the Committee. In the absence of any direct proof, it would be a violent presumption to suppose that a military corps, duly officered, and paid, according to rank, had been organized to prepare a flotilla while the exigencies of 1776 rendered necessary for frontier defence. The notice taken of the death of Capt d Eddy, in the paper referred to, uses no expression which recognizes the corps as a military one, but rather excludes it by the phrase "left this place some time since with a number of Ship Carpenters in order to build vessels on the Lakes". In the present state of the proof, the Dep t is constrained to decide that the employment of the whole "number of

of Ship Carpenter's" in '76, for the purpose designated, was not military service in the contemplation of the above Act.
As to any military service, no specifications of the period, length, and grade of the several terms, have been furnished, either in the declaration, or evidence. No term of service can be taken into the computation of a pro rata pension, unless the above specification with the names of officers be given, under oath, as the regulations require.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Yours & etc., J. L. Edwards
Dear N. R. Knight, My Dear Sir,

I John Howland of Providence in the State of Rhode Island &c. now aged Seventy nine years and Eight days do Testify and say that on the twenty sixth day of January 1776 Enlisted as a private Soldier in the Regiment then commanded by Colonel Henry Babcock which Regiment was raised by the State for protection against the British fleet then Stationed in Narragansett Bay, that the term of our Enlistment was for one year. that during that term, that is in the Spring or Summer of 1776 while I was with said Regiment Stationed in Newport, My Brother Samuel Howland who resided in Providence and who was by trade a Boat builder Enlisted in a company of Ship carpenters and Boat builders under the command of Captain Bernard Eddy of said Prov- -idence to repair to the Canady frontier to build boats or Batteaux as they were called, that during that expedition Capt Eddy died of the Small Pox, as my said brother afterwards informed me, how long the company of Artificers were on that Service I have no recollection, as I was absent from Providence till February 1777 when I returned from New Jersey where our Regiment was discharged that I knew Samuel Thumber was a Ship Carpenter but being absent from Providence as above stated can not testify to his having been one of Eddy's company, though from his being of that occupation and then a young man and out of employ after the two frigates the Warren and the Providence were launched it almost amounts to a certainty

that he served in the said Edith's Company.
Further I testify that by the Law of Rhode Island all males from sixteen to sixty years of age were liable to bear arms and do militia duty, on which we were frequently called out, more especially during the three years that the British Army were in possession of the Island of Rhode Island there were continually some portions of our Militia on actual service, this I know from my own case for during that time I was drafted four or five times, and Thaxter doubtless was as frequently on service, the times of these Militia Tours were commonly for a month, I was acquainted with Samuel Thaxter from the time he was a young man to the time of his death, he was always industrious and steady and of a good character, and I have no doubt that his widow is legally entitled to a Pension though the precise times of his service I cannot specify.
Providence R.I. November 8 1836
John Howland
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Providence City of Providence Nov 9 1836
On the day and year before written personally appeared John Howland subscriber of the foregoing affidavit who who is well known to me and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the same before me
William Jas. Pease
I further certify that the said Howland is a man of truth and veracity to whose testimony an oath might be given at Billings for Pease

I Barnard Eddy of Providence in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations, aged seventy four years and upwards— an Salom oath sayeth that I was with acquainted with Samuel Thurber late of Providence in on Salom oath sayeth that Barnard Eddy late of said Providence was my Father. That my said Father was appointed a Captain in the State Troops. of said State of Rhode Island, in the army of the Revolutionary War, in the month of June 1776. and being a Shipwright was ordered to raise a Company of Artificers and to proceed with them to Crown Point, on the Canady Expedition, the object which was for said Company of Artificers at Crown Point to erect build Boats & other Craft to cross the lake on said expedition. That my said Father as Captain aforesaid did enlist said Company of Artificers among whom Samuel Thurber Shipwright late of said Providence Shipwright, was one. The term of the said enlistment was for six months. That my said Father with his said Company marched from said Providence for said Crown Point in the early part of July 1776. All of which is within my perfect recollection & knowledge remembrance.
That after the departure of my said Father and his said Company (among whom the said Samuel Thurber was.) marched from the said Providence as aforesaid according to credible information which I received from divers members of said Company on their return to said Providence.

Which I did not doubt and have ever since believed to be true, they arrived at a place called New See or New Providence in the State of New York when they encamped. That my said father leaving his said Company then proceeded on to Albany for further orders and then took the small Puff and after his return to his said Company died of the same disorder, which spread among his said Company and prevented their going on said Expedition through fear of spreading the small Puff among the troops at Crown Point. And in consequence of which these were ordered back to said Providence where the survivors of said Company (arrived) as (the said Thaxter was one of them) about two months after their departure which latter fact was within my personal knowledge.
That after the arrival of said survivors in said Providence they were employed in said service during the residue of said term of six months in guarding the shores of Providence river and Narragansett Bay. That the said Samuel Thaxter died on the 11 th Day of September 1832, of the Cholera. And I the deponent further say that the said Samuel Thaxter called on me the day before his decease for the purpose

of obtaining my testimony relative to his services aforesaid in said Army, in order to oblige a pension under the act of 1832.
That I then informed him that I wanted Call the particular circumstances of his service more particularly to my recollection and go with him to a Magistrate and testify to the same fact
That I think that I know all the men intitled in the said Company and know but of one of them now living, and that one is very aged and infirm and his recollection much impaired That the said Thresher was well known to me being a neighbour of mine from the time of said enlistment to the time of his decease except the periods of his absence on service as aforesaid. That his wife Elizabeth Thresher has been well known to me during said period and up to the present time — That she is now living and has never been married since the death of her said husband and still remains his widow
That my said Father's Commission and all his other papers touching his service in said Army soon after his decease were returned to his family and fell into my hands, which I carefully deposited with my other papers

in my dwelling house and all of which with my house and all other things therein were carried away and wholly destroyed in the gale & flood on the 23 rd day of September 1875. That I have known the said Samuel Thurston & Elizabeth Thurston to live together as husband and wife from the year 1876 to the time of his death, and were ever reported to be husband & wife during which time they have had a large family of children, and that no question has ever been made relative to the legality of their marriage and that deponent further says that she knows that Thurston has been great ly esteemed among the citizens of the State of Rhode Island in having their marriage recorded, and he does not believe that one person in ten among the citizens of said State have ever had their marriages recorded.
Barnard Eddy
Copy of Barnard Eddy deposition
No 3.

①
Memorandum of the origin of the strain of Mr. Wheeler
Ha. N. R. Knight.

N. 4
Wm Potter testifying to the six months service from Boston to Hosack & back to Providence & thence about the shore of the Bay etc
Barnard Eddy proves service & marriage
Experience Pooley - proves the marriage beyond all doubt.
John Howland & Mr Lippitt corroborate the statements of Eddy & Potter.
June 27. 1775 Secret session
Resolved that Genl Schuyler be directed to repair to Crown point & Ticonderoga to examine the state thereof &c - And that he give order for the necessary preparation of boats & stores for securing to the United Colonies the command of those waters adjacent to Crown point & Ticonderoga
1st Vol. Journals of Congress
Jan'y 1776
Ordered that Shipwrights be sent from New York & Philadelphia to Genl Schuyler at Ticonderoga
Feb'y 5 - The above order suspended & Genl Schuyler authorized to employ any such artificers as he shall think proper in that business -
March 8. 1776 Genl Schuyler was directed to provide Batteaux for the service in Canada -
May 2 nd 1776 Memorial of Gov t Cook presented to Congress through Genl. Washington -
May 25. Genl Schuyler ordered to increase the Batteaux to 200 -
1836 24 1762

Free P. Wright
Mr. Jacob B. Thurber Providence Rhode Island

Washington D.C. Decem r 24. 1836
Mr. Thurber
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 15 th inst. has been rec d - and in pursuance of your request I have been to the pension office to examine the papers of Mrs. Thurber. There were present such a large number of persons it was impossible to fully to investigate the claim & papers of Mrs. Thurber - The Commissioner of pensions assured me he would allow re-examine the case and inform me of the result - He made a memorandum of my suggestions & I have no doubt the business will be attended to & as soon as it is done I will inform you -
With great respect yours &
J. P. Kirtland

Claim to a pension in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Hunter on account of services of her husband in the war of the revolution.
I do not think the service in this case was military & it cannot entitle the person performing it to a pension
21. Apr. 45.
W. L. Marcy Secy of War

Claim to a pension in the case of W m Elizabeth Thumber, on account of services of her husband in the War of the Revolution.
July 3 rd 1776. Congress authorized Contracts to be made with Shipwrights to go to Lake Champlain, each to be allowed $34. 66 per month, and a ration and a half, and a half of pint of rum per day. Their pay to commence from the day they sign the articles and continue until they are discharged" &c.
It appears, that to carry this measure into effect, different States were requested to raise, each, a number of the Shipwrights, Rhode Island being applied to for fifty. Mrs Thumber's husband was one of the men raised and sent by that State, and the question is, were his services in a Civil or Military Capacity. The Commission of Pensions decides the former, and an appeal is taken to the Secretary of War.
It is contended that these men were enlisted in the double capacity of Shipwrights and Soldiers, and that the enlistment was as binding upon them as upon any other part of the Army.
In evidence of their service being Military, there is produced an appointment given by the Governor of Rhode Island to Bernard Eddy to command the men raised by that State, in which he is styled "Commander in Chief of said Company" and the men commanded strictly to obey him "as their Commanding Officer; and in case of an "invasion or assault of a common Enemy" he is directed to "resist, repel, kill, and destroy them, and,"

and, in all things, to act and do according to your best skill and ability &c.
The Commissioner of Pensions thinks the phraseology of this appointment does not prove that the men served in a Military Capacity under Military obligations; and he refers to the rolls of Captain Vedder company of carpenters, collected under the same authority, which shows that the workmen absented themselves at will, with no other penalty than a deduction for their absence. If Congress intended that the men should be regarded as Soldiers, the word Contract would not have been used, but the terms enlist or raise would have been employed. It was clearly a matter of contract and the service a civil one.
War Office
March 15. 1898
J. H. [Signature]

Resolve of Congress July 3rd 1776
Resolved, That the marine committee be impowered to contract with shipwrights to go to Lake Champlain on the following terms,
To allow each man 34 dollars, and two thirds per month one months pay to be advanced on their giving security if required,
Each man to be allowed a ration and a half, and one half pint of rum per day
Their tools and arms to be valued
Two thirds of their wages to be paid monthly to whomsoever they shall leave the power of receiving it
Their pay to commence from the day they sign articles and continued until they are discharged with an allowance of one days pay for every twenty miles between the place where they are discharged and their respective homes,

found mutilated signature gone A. E. P. Nov. 13, 1911

By the Honorable Nicholas Cooke Esquire Governor Captain General and Commander in Chief of and over the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations in New England in America.
To Bernard Eddy. Gentleman. ~~~~~ Greeting.
Whereas the Most Honorable the Continental Congress of the United States of America have ordered a Number of Ship Carpenters to be sent from each of the said States in order to build a Number of Vessels for the Protection and Defence of the Lakes, and requested that Fifty of the said Ship Carpenters might be raised by this State and sent forward to Albany for the Purposes aforesaid, and there to be under the immediate Direction and Command of General Schuyler; and whereas it is necessary that a suitable Person should be ap- pointed to Command the said Men so raised as aforesaid: I do therefore hereby authorize empower and commis- sionate you the said Bernard Eddy to be Commander in Chief of the said Company raised by this State, who are hereby strictly commanded to Obey you as their Commanding Officer; and in case of an Invasion or Assault of a common Enemy, you are to resist expel kill and destroy them, and in all Things to act and do according to the best of your Skill and Ability. You are also to observe and obey such Orders and Directions as you shall receive from Time to Time from your Superior Officers. And for your so doing this Commission shall be your sufficient Warrant and Discharge.
Given under my Hand and the Seal of the State aforesaid, at Providence this Twenty fourth Day of July in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy six.
By his Honor's Command.

copy Barma Eddy's 2 D deposition N o 7.

I Barnard Eddy of Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations aged seventy four years and upwards, having heretofore given my deposition in the case of Elizabeth Thresher's application for a pension from the United States of America. I now, at her request, in explanation and addition to my former deposition on solemn oath further testify and say. That at the time I gave said deposition, I had no doubt that my father's appointment as Captain was in the month of June 1776. and that his appointment was to the command of a Company raised by the State of Rhode Island as I then thought and believed that all the military operations within this State were carried on under State Authority, but I now say that I might have been mistaken as to the precise date of my father's appointment Tho' I believe I was correct. I also say that I might have been in an error as to his company's having been raised under State authority, I now say, from information since received that I had doubt whether the company was raised under State or United States authority that I was well knowing to the building of two ships in the year 1776 in Providence for the United States Service under the order and direction of Nicholas Cooke then Governor of the State and a number of other Gentlemen belonging to said Providence whom I supposed to be a Committee acting under State authority but I had not then nor have I now absolute knowledge under whose Authority they acted. Soon after those ships were launched, the same Committee who caused those ships to be built.
after held their meetings at my father's house when I was present and when I after heard them and my father, consult about his raising said company and about said expedition to Crown Point, from which circumstance I am led to believe that said company was raised under the same authority under which they acted, and under their advice or direction but whether their Authority emanated from the Congress of the United States or the General Assembly of this State I cannot say.
I further say that the officers and men of said company, at the time of their marching from Providence as stated in my former deposition, were fully and completely armed and equipped for military duty.
And I further testify and say that I now have before me the Providence Gazette & Country Journal a newspaper published and printed in Providence on the seventh day of September 1776. in the third column of the third page of which I find a notice of my father's death in the words following to wit, "We hear that Capt Barnard Eddy who left this place some time since with a number of ships carpenters in order to build vessels on the lakes lately died at or near Albany of the small pox."
Subs. sign? Barnard Eddy
Providence It in the City of Providence Nov 11 1836.
Sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said deposition is well known to me & he is a credible witness in the premises.
Signed Bury Cowell C. J. C. please

Copy John Howland's Deposition N o 2.
John Howland

I John Hazard of Providence in the State of Rhode Island etc. now aged seventy nine years and Eight days do testify and say that on the twenty six day of January 1776. Enlisted as a private soldier in the Regiment then commanded by Col o Henry Babcock which Regiment was raised by the State for protection against the British fleet then stationed in Narragansett Bay.
That the term of our enlistment was for one year. That during that time, that is in the Spring or Summer of 1776. While I was with said Regiment stationed in Newport. My brother Samuel Hazard who resided in Providence and who was by trade a Boat-builder Enlisted in a Company of Ship Carpenters and Boat-builders under the command of Capt s Barnard Eddy. of said Providence to repair to the Canady frontier to build boats or Batteaux as they were called.
That during that expedition Capt s Eddy died of the Small Pox. as my said brother afterwards informed me. Now being the Company of artificers were on that service I have no recollection as I was absent from Providence till February 1777. when I returned from New Jersey. where our Regiment was discharged.
That I know Samuel Hazard was a Ship Carpenter but being absent from Providence as above stated can not testify to his having been one of Eddy's Company though from his being of that occupation and then a young man and out of employ after the two frigates the Warren and the Providence were launched it almost amounts to a certainty that he served in the said Eddy's Company. Further I testify that by the law of Rhode Island all males from sixteen to sixty years of age were liable to bear arms and do military duty. on which we were frequently called out. more especially during the three years that the British army were in possession of the Island of Rhode Island there were continually some portions of our Militia on actual service. This I know from my own case for during that time I was drafted four or five times. and Hazard doubtless was as frequently on service. The times of these militia Tours were commonly for a month.

I was acquainted with Samuel Thurber from the time he was a young man to the time of his death, he was always industrious and steady and bore a good character, and I have no doubt that his widow is legally entitled to a pension through the precise promise terms of his service I cannot specify
Providence R.I. November 8 th 1836
John Howland
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence to City of Providence Nov 9 th 1836.
On the day and year before written personally appeared John Howland subscribing to the foregoing affidavit who is well known to me and made solemn affirmation to the truth of the same
before me S. Billings, Jr. Peace
I further testify that the said Howland is a man of truth and veracity to whose testimony due credit might be given S. Billings Jr. Peace
P

I Barnard Eddy of Providence in the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations aged Seventy four years & upwards, having heretofore given my deposition in the case of Elizabeth Thurber's application for a pension from the United States of America I now, at her request, in explanation and addition to my former deposition On Solemn Oath further testify and say; That at the time I gave said deposition, I had no doubt that my father's appointment as captain was in the month of June 1776 and that his appointment was to the command of a company raised by the the State of Rhode-Island as I then thought and believed that all the military operations within this state were carried on under State Authority. but I now say that I might have been mistaken as to the precise date of my father's appointment, tho' I believe I was correct. I also say that I might have been in an error as to his company's having been raised under State authority. I now say, from information since received that I have doubt whether the company was raised under State or United States authority. That I was well knowing to the building of two ships in the year 1776 in Providence for the United States Service under the order and direction of Nicholas Cooke then governor of the State and a number of other gentlemen belonging to said Providence whom I supposed to be a committee acting under State Authority but I had not then nor have I now absolute knowledge under whose authority they acted - Soon after those ships were launched, the same committee who caused those ships to be built, often held their meetings at my father's house when I was present and when I often heard them and my father consult about his raising said company and about said expedition to Green Point; from which circumstance I am led to believe that said company was raised under the same authority under which they acted, and under their advice or direction but whether their Authority emanated from the Congress of the United States or the General Assembly of this State I cannot say.
I further say that the Officers and men of said company, at the time of their marching from Providence as stated in my former deposition, were fully and completely Armed and equipped for military duty.
And I further testify and say that I now have before me the Providence Gazette & Country Journal a newspaper published and printed in Providence on the seventh day of September A.D. 1776, in the third column of the third page of which, I find a notice of my father's death in the words following wit; "We hear that Capt Barnet

"Eddy who left this place some time since with a number of ship carpenters in order to build vessels on the lakes lately died at or near Albany of the small pox."
Barnard Eddy
Providence
In the City of Providence No 11 1836 I sworn to a Subscribed before me and I further certify said deponent is well known to me & he is a credible witness in the premises -
Benjamin Russell C J C C Plead

Copy Philip Cnapro Letter to J L Edwards Cam o 22 nd Sept r 1896 N o 5 \frac{1}{2}

Providence R.I. September 27 1896
Sir,
I herewith forward you the application declaration of Elizabeth Thresher of this City for a pension under the act of July 4 th 1896 together with the documents collected to substantiate the same which I trust are verified in due form.
No record proof of the Marriage is to be found which is the case of more than nine cases out of line in this City & State. The reason is that the persons persons authorized by law to solemnize Marriages are not bound to keep a record thereof but only give a certificate of the marriage to the parties who are required by law to have the same recorded in the City or town Clerks office when they reside but this is scarcely ever done. The deposition of Ephraim Barney the only person who was living within this State who was present at the Marriage is annexed to proof that fact.
The service of her late husband for the first six months is shown by the deposition of Barnard Eddy and William Potter. The residue of his service as stated in her declaration cannot be positively proved by any known living witness other than herself. The deposition of Charles Dippett is annexed to show the probability of such service. This deposition with the fact well known to the department that very many Militia men from Rhode Island have had pensions granted them for such temporary services goes far to corroborate her declaration upon this point. The death of her husband and of all those that  whom she knew to serve with him, puts it out of her power to prove those temporary services and leads her to hope that this secondary evidence may be received as confirming her declaration. I loom to.
With considerations of high respect Your Ob t Servant
Hon. James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

copy Philip Crapo's letter to J. L. Edwards Nov. 29 th 1836
N o 9.

Providence R.I. November 29 th 1886.
Sir yours of the 21 st of October was duly received, in which you suggest the propriety of further proof in the application of Elizabeth Thresher, and which wish for the name of the aged man named by Barnard Eddy in his deposition; a certificate from our Secretary of State relative to the service of the late Capt. Barnard Eddy's Company, and that the other alleged services should be specified and proved.
I would observe, that this is a kind of business, which has not fallen within my course of practice; this case and that of Phebe Gladding, being all, in which I have ever advised, and in these I have acted as a personal friend rather than in my professional character. Soon after the receipt of your letter, I called on Barnard Eddy the witness for the name of the aged man by him alluded to, and found it to be Philip Horowell, and then called on him, and found him in the state of mind stated by Eddy. Horowell informed me that Eddy was mistaken as to his having served in said Company. I then sought for some other person who served in the same company, but found no one living the many were named to me who are dead, & I do not believe there is one living, if I remember correctly. Potter did not state that he was a member of Eddy's Company. I should have called on him for his further testimony, had I not found his recollection much impaired, when I took his deposition, very prominent facts relative to his service impressed fresh in his mind, but more minor ones relative to his service seemed obscured.
On the point of the service I enclose you the deposition of John Howland Esq. who for many years has been a man holding many offices of high trust and confidence in this City. & another from Barnard Eddy.
I called on the Secretary of State for the certificate required; but could find no record of any thing touching this company. This led me into an examination of the proceedings of this State, and of the United States in the early part of the revolution, especially in the years 1775 and 1776, and at once found myself mistaken in the idea I had entertained that all the military operations before the declaration of independence were actually carried on by the several States under mere recommendations of Congress. Under this view in all the papers forwarded you Eddy's Company is called of the troops of this State here I may or may not have been mistaken as I have no documentary proof to shew whether this company was raised under the authority of one or the other of said governments; tho' there is ample proof that such a company did exist & did perform service for the United States.

The records of this may possibly be found in some one of the departments of the United States but not here, as the records of the proceedings of those days, in this State, are very imperfect. By reference to history, tradition the journals of our General Assembly and of Congress I find that very many of the military and naval operations were carried on, and into effect, by various committees under various names, with various powers which are not always defined, but much left to their discretion, and unfortunately in this State the doings of those committees are now rarely to be found. I know of but one case of the kind, and that one is a record of the proceedings of a committee of this State acting, under the authority of Congress in building two ships for the United States and this journal was found among the private papers of one of that committee. That committee was the same named by Burnside Eddy in his deposition herewith transmitted and was composed of Nickle Boak then Govt. of the State, Nicholas Brown, Joseph Ruppell, Joseph Brown, John Brown, John Smith, William Ruppell, Daniel Sillingshead, James Bowen, John Innis Clark & Joseph Nightingale all of whom have long since been dead. William Ruppell was the last survivor of them. I am told that the said William Ruppell gave his deposition in the case of the application of one Richard Barron of this City, for a pension, but when or under what act I am not advised, whether a reference to that will throw any light on this case, I know not.
On the examination of the journals of Congress I find that this committee must have acted under an appointment by Congress December 14 th 1775. Vol 1 page 292. I also find that Congress on the 20 th of March 1776, in the instructions and commissions to the deputies or commissioners going to Canada empowered them to act as a council of war in directing fortifications & defences by land & water. Vol 2. page 110.
If this company was not raised by a State committee under the State Authority, it might have been by order of some committee of Congress, especially by one of those last named whose actions continued up to the time & the authority of the latter especially would extend to the building a flotilla on the lakes.
From the positive evidence collected, I think a doubt cannot remain that such a company was embodied here; that they were equipped for military service & left here for service and that a number of them died in that service. Under what authority does not positively appear they must have been State Troops, United States Troops, or Volunteers, all of whom sacrificed their time, and many of them their lives in the service of their Country. I submit that in either capacity their surviving widows are entitled to pensions.

I submit further that as to the character of the Company and as to the periods of service of the applicants husband, this is one of the most fit cases to let in presumptive evidence, and a case where presumption ought to be carried to the farthest point in consequence of the laps of time, as time advances, every reasonable presumption ought to advance with it. If I am rightly informed, hearsay and traditional evidence has been admitted under all the pension acts, as to many facts, whose positive evidence cannot be reasonably expected.
Much more direct and positive evidence ought to have been looked for and required at the time of the passage of the first act than the second; more on the passage of the second, than the third, and more on the third than the fourth; because time was rolling on, and as it rolled on, papers were yearly becoming destroyed or lost; witnesses were dying, and at last many of the few that remained have lost their recollection, and are mentally dead. —
At common law twenty years raises a presumption that the evidence of important facts may be lost, and a party not bound to prove that which at an earlier day must have been proved, if twenty years will excuse positive proof and grant indulgence, what shall we say when that number is three times told, sixty years comes near to producing oblivion.
If Samuel Hunter had lived a few days longer, he would have been able to collect the names of those who served with him at the various different times named by his widow, when where and for what length of time they served together, and to have called on those of them, then living, to prove the facts as many others did at that time, and obtained either full or partial pensions; but the last enemy death interposed and cut short the investigation, and many of his companions in arms, who served with him, have since that time closed their earthly service, and cannot give testimony but before another & higher tribunal — In 1832. This precise evidence might well be required of those who personally performed the service and who were personally rewarded for the same; but at this time, under the act of 1836, things are changed, under this act another order of applicants appear, they are the representatives of those who performed the service. They are women and all very aged women, they can never forget that their husbands were called from them at various times into a perilous service; but it cannot be presumed, that at this remote period, they can recollect minor things and collateral facts, I will know that presumptions are not to be admitted without some positive evidence, with which the presumptions may be rationally connected.

In the present case there are depositions directly proving some of the most material facts opening the door for presumptive proof and for rational inferences. I do not consider the oath of the applicant to her declaration as conclusive evidence, but it must be considered evidence to a certain extent or it would not have been required, she testifies positively to the services of her husband both in Eddy's Company and in the militia. She is directly corroborated by the testimony of the present Barnard Eddy and William Potter, as to the service in Eddy's Company. if there be any discrepancy between Potter's deposition and his declaration on his own application you can judge best of it, having both before you. If he did not name this service in his own application, is it not probable that he covered that time under a general description of his service, as he does not pretend to have enlisted under Eddy, or that he omitted that time, being able to make out his two years from other services.
As to the other short terms of service testified to by Mrs. Thurber we have no other direct and positive evidence; but when you look at the testimony of John Howland, who drew his own affidavit and who tho' now an old man, is still the President of the Historical Society of this State, and to the deposition of Charles Lippet and at the documents by him referred to as well as to the great number of militia men in Rhode Island (probably then living) who had pensions granted under the act of 1832, will you not be induced to give full credit to the declaration of Mrs. Thurber.
(Under the proof heretofore and at this time forwarded together with the above observations I submit her case to your final determination.
With consideration of high respect
Your obedient servant
Copy signed Philip B. B. B.
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
War department
Washington City

Providence R. I. November 29 th 1836
Sir,
Yours of the 21 st of October was duly received, in which you suggest the propriety of further proof in the application of Elizabeth Thurber, and wish for the name of the aged man named by Barnard Eddy in his deposition; a certificate from our Secretary of State relative to the service of the late Capt. Barnard Eddy's company, and that the other alleged services should be specified and proved.
I would observe, that this is a kind of business, which has not fallen within my course of practice: this case and that of Phoebe Gladding being all, in which I have ever advised, and in these I have acted as a personal friend rather than in my professional character. Soon after the receipt of your letter, I called on Barnard Eddy the Witness for the name of the aged man by him alluded to, and found it to be Philips Horrewell, and then called on him, and found him in the state of mind stated by Eddy. Horrewell informed me that Eddy was mistaken as to his having served in said company. I then sought for some other person who served in the same company, but found no one living tho' many were named to me who are dead, & I do not believe there is one living. If I remember correctly, Potter did not state that he was a member of Eddy's company. I should have called on him for his further testimony, had I not found his recollection much impaired, when I took his deposition. Very prominent facts relative to his service appeared fresh in his mind, but more minor ones relative to his service seemed obscured. On the point of the service I enclose you the Depositions of John Hawland Esq r who for many years has been a man holding many offices of high trust and confidence in this City, & another from Barnard Eddy.
I called on the Secretary of State for the certificate required; but could find no record of any thing touching this company. This led me into an examination of the proceedings of this State, and of the United States in the early part of the revolution, especially in the years 1775 and 1776. and at once found myself mistaken in the idea I had entertained that all the military operations before the declaration of independence were actually carried on by the several States under mere recommendations of Congress. Under this view in all the papers forward you Eddy's company is called of the troops of this State. Here I may or may not have been mistaken & I have no documentary proof to shew whether this company was raised under the authority of one or the other of said governments; tho' there is ample proof that such a company did exist & did perform service for the United States.

The records of this may possibly be found in some one of the Departments of the United States but not here, as the records of the proceedings of those days, in this State, are very imperfect. By reference to history, tradition the Journals of our General Assembly and of Congress I find that many of the military and naval operations were carried on, and into effect by various committees under various names, with various powers which are not always defined, but much left to their discretion, and unfortunately in this State the doings of those committees are now rarely to be found. I know of but one case of the kind, and that one is a record of the proceedings of a committee of this State acting under the authority of Congress in building two ships for the United States and this journal was found among the private papers of one of that committee. That committee was the same named by Barnard Eddy in his deposition herewith transmitted and was composed of Nich o Cook then Gov t of the State, Nicholas Brown Joseph Russell, Joseph Brown, John Brown, John Smith, William Russell, Daniel Tillinghast, Jacob Bowen, John Innes Clark & Joseph Nightingale all of whom have long since been dead. William Russell was the last survivor of them. I am told, but I do not know that the said William Russell gave his deposition in the case of the application of one Richard Manser of this City for a pension, but when or under what act I am not advised. Whether a reference to that will throw any light on this case, I know not
On the examination of the journals of Congress I find that this committee must have acted under one appointed by Congress December 14-1775. Vol. 1 page 292 I also find that Congress on the 20 th of March 1776 in the instructions and commissions to the deputies or commissioners going to Canada, empowered them to act as a Council of War in erecting fortifications & defences by Land & Water Vol. 2. page 108
If this company was not raised by a State committee under State authority, it might have been by order of some committee of Congress, especially by one of those last named whose action continued up to the time of the authority of the latter especially would extend to the building a flotilla on the lakes.
From the positive evidence collected, I think a doubt cannot remain that such a company was embodied here; that they were equipped for military service, & left here for home and that a number of them died in that service. Under what authority does not positively appear. They must have been State troops, United States troops, or Volunteers, all of whom sacrificed their time, and many of them their lives in the service of their country. I submit that in either capacity their surviving widows are entitled to pensions.

I submit further that as to the character of the company and as to the period of service of the applicant's husband, this is one of the most fit cases to let in presumptive evidence, and a case where presumption ought to be carried to the farthest point in consequence of the lapse of time. As time advances, every reasonable presumption ought to advance with it.
If I am rightly informed, hearsay and traditional evidence has been admitted under all the pension Acts as to many facts, where positive evidence could not be reasonably expected.
Much more direct and positive evidence ought to have been looked looked for and required at the time of the passage of the first Act, than the second; more on the passage of the second, than the third, and more on the third than the fourth: because time was rolling on, and as it rolled on, papers were yearly becoming destroyed or lost; Witnesses were dying, and at last many of the few that remained have lost their recollection, and are mentally dead. - At common law twenty years raises a presumption that the evidence of important  unimportant parts may be lost, and a party not bound to prove that which at an earlier day must have been proved. If twenty years will excuse positive proof and grant indulgence, what shall we say when that number is three times told. Sixty years comes near to producing oblivion.
If Samuel Thuber had lived a few days longer, he would have been able to recollect the names of those who served with him at the various indefinite times named by his Widow, when where and for what length of time they served together, and to have called on those of them then living, to prove the facts as many others did at that time and obtained either full or partial pensions; but the last enemy death interposed and cut short the investigation, and many of his companions in arms, who served with him, have since that time closed their earthly service, and cannot give testimony but before another & higher tribunal - In 1832 this period evidence might well be required of those who personally performed the service, and who were personally rewarded  rewarded for the same: but at this time, and the Act of 1836 things are changed. Under this Act another order of applicants appear. They are the representatives of those who performed the service. They are Women and all very aged Women. They can never forget that their husbands were called from them at various times into a perilous service; but it cannot be presumed that at this remote period they can recollect minor things and collateral facts. I well know that presumptions are not to be admitted without some positive evidence, with which the presumptions may be rationally connected.
In the present case there are depositions directly proving some of the most material facts opening the door for presumptive proof and for rational inferences. I do not consider the oath of the applicant to her declaration as

conclusive evidence, but it must be considered evidence to a certain extent as it would not have been required. She testifies positively to the services of her husband both in Eddy's company and in the militia. She is directly corroborated by the testimony of the present Barnard Eddy and William Potter, as to the service in Eddy's company.
If there be any discrepancy between Potter's deposition and his declaration on his own application, you can judge best of it, having both before you. If he did not name this service in his own application, is it not probable that he covered that time under a general description of his services, as he does not pretend to have enlisted under Eddy, or that he omitted that time, being able to make out his two years from other services.
As to the other short terms of service testified to by Mrs. Thurber we have no other direct and positive evidence; but when you look at the testimony of John Howland, who drew his own affidavit and who the now an old man, is still the President of the Historical Society of this State and to the deposition of Charles Lippitt and at the documents by him referred to as well as to the great number of militia men in Rhode Island (probably all then living) who had pensions granted under the act of 1892, will you not be induced to give full credit to the declaration of Mrs. Thurber.
Under the proof heretofore and at this time forwarded together with the above observations I submit her case to your final determination.
With considerations of high respect
Your obedient servant
Philip Crago
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington City

I Barnard Eddy of Providence in the County of Providence State of Rhode Island in Providence Plantations, aged Seventy four years and upwards . On solemn oath, sayeth That Barnard Eddy late of said Providence was my Father. That my said Father was appointed a Captain in the State Troops, of said State of Rhode Island, in the army of the Revolutionary War, in the month of June 1776. And being a shipwright was ordered to raise a Company of Artificers , and to proceed with them to Crown Point, on the Canada expedition, the object which was for said Company of Artificers at Crown Point to build boats and other craft, to cross the Lake on said expedition. That my said Father as Captain aforesaid did enlist said Company of Artificers, among whom Samuel Thurber, late of said Providence shipwright, was one. The term of the said enlistment was for six months . That my said Father with his said Company marched from said Providence for said Crown Point in the early part of July 1776. All of which is within my perfect recollection knowledge and remembrance.
That after the departure of my said Father and his said Company (among whom the said Samuel Thurber was) marched from the said Providence as aforesaid according to credible information which I received from divers members of said Company, on their return to said Providence, which I did not doubt and have ever verily believed to be true. They arrived at the place called Hoosac or New Providence in the State of New York, where they encamped. That my said Father leaving his said company, then proceeded on to Albany for further orders, and there took the small Pox, and after his return to his said Company died, of the same disorder.
Which spread among his said company and prevented their going on said expedition through fear of spreading the small pox among the troops, at Crown Point, and in consequence of which were ordered back to said Providence, where the survivors of said company arrived (the said Samuel Thurber was one of them) about ten months after their departure, which latter fact was within my personal knowledge. That after the arrival of said survivors in said Providence they were employed in said service during, the residue of said term of six months in guarding the shores of Providence river and Narragansett Bay,

That the said Samuel Thurler died on the 11 th day of September 1832, of the Cholera, and I the deponent further say that the said Samuel Thurler called on me the day before his decease for the purpose of obtaining my testimony relative to his services aforesaid in said army in order to obtain a pension under the act of 1832.
That I then informed him, that I would call the particular circumstances of his service more particularly to my recollection, and go with him to a Magistrate and testify to the same.
That I think that I knew all the men enlisted in the said Company, and know but of one of them now living, and that one is very aged and infirm and his recollection much impaired.
That the said Samuel Thurler was well known to me being a neighbour of mine, from the time of said enlistment to the time of his decease, except the periods of his absence in service as aforesaid.
That his wife Elizabeth Thurler, has been well known to me during said period and up to the present time. That she is now living and has never been married since the death of her said husband and still remains his widow.
That my said Father's Commission and all his other papers touching his service in said Army soon after his decease were returned to his family and fell into my hands, which I carefully deposited with my other papers in my dwelling house, and all of which with my house and all other things therein were carried away and wholly destroyed in the Gale and Flood, on the 23 rd day of September 1815.
That I have known the said Samuel Thurler and Elizabeth Thurler to live together as husband and wife from the year 1776, to the time of his death, and were reputed to be husband & wife, during which time they have had a large family of Children, and that no question has ever been made relative to the legality of their marriage.
And the deponent further says he knows that there has been great negligence among the Citizens of the State of Rhode Island, in having their Marriages recorded, and he does not believe that one person in ten among the Citizens of said State have ever had their marriages recorded. Barnard Eddy
Rhode Island District ss. In Providence on said District that twenty ninth day of August A.D. 1836 personally came before me the above named Barnard Eddy and subscribed the foregoing affidavit to the truth of the above appearing and certify that he is a man of unimpeachable faith. John Pitman. District Judge U.S. Br. said District.

I William Potter of Cranston in the County of Providence, and formerly of the City of Providence, in said County of Providence State of Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations, aged eighty four years and upwards on solemn oath, Say.
That in the year 1775, I was a Lieutenant, in the State troops in the revolutionary army, in the Company commanded by Captain Dimeon Thayer and as such am receiving a pension from the United States as will appear of record in the War Department.
That in the early part of said year we were stationed at and served at Bunker Hill and other places near Boston.
I afterwards in the year nineteen Hundred and Seventy six, joined the Company of Artificers, raised in the State of Rhode Island, commanded by the late Capt Barnard Eddy of said Providence, and with them were ordered on to the Canada Expedition, and marched for Crown Point, and proceeded as far as a place called Hoosack, in the State of New York.
After having arrived there, the said Capt Barnard Eddy, went forward to Albany, for further orders and on his journey took the small pox and after his return to the said Hoosack, died of the same disorder. Which thereupon spread in said Corps, and a number of the other Officers & Soldiers, died of the same disease. In consequence we were not permitted to join the Army through fear of spreading said disease, and when ordered back to said Providence where we were employed in guarding the coast on Providence River and Narragansett Bay. Till the expiration of the respective terms of our service, the term of service of the said Capt Barnard Eddy & Company I understood it to be for six months.
Samuel Thurber late of said Providence shipwright, was well known to me at that time and many years before, and was one of the Company enlisted by said Capt Barnard Eddy and marched and served with us through and during said term of service.
And I further testify and say, that I have

often been informed and verily believe that the said Samuel Thurber, performed other services in the said revolutionary army, while the enemy were in possession of the Island of Rhode Island being specially called out under alarms for short and uncertain terms of time, of this service I have no positive recollection, but ground my belief upon the information I have received from others, and from the knowledge that the Militia of said Providence was frequently called out on alarming crises, and served during the threatened danger.
William Foster
Providence Sept 21 1836
Sworn to & Subscribed before me and I further certify said deponent is well known to me & she is a credible witness in the premises
Benjamin Cowell C. J. C. B. Phos
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations Providence ss. I Dexter Randall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Providence (being a Court of Record) do hereby certify that Benjamin Cowell did before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to & his justice of said Court: That he is duly qualified & authorized by Law to take depositions and administer oaths; and the signature above written of his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Prov- idence this twenty third day of September A.D. 1836
Dexter Randall Clerk

I Charles Lippett of Providence in the County of Providence, in the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, aged eighty two years and upwards; on oath, testify and say, That I was an inhabitant of said state, and resident therein during the revolutionary war, and served as a officer  Commissioner in the army of the revolution within said state, much of said time as set forth in my application to the war department for a pension,
That in December of the years and in the years 1776, 1777, 1778 & 1779 the state was continually agitated by alarms created by different movements of the enemy, That those alarming crises different portions of the Militia of said state, were suddenly called out on short tours of duty and continued as long as the exigencies of the case required, some times longer and some times shorter. I know not of any record of those services rendered by individuals at that time, nor do I believe that any such record now exists.
But I verily believe that such services were rendered by all the able bodied Militia men in said state at some one period or periods of time,
Charles Lippett
United States of America
Rhode Island District ss: In Providence in said district on this 22 nd day of September A.D. 1836 came personally the said Charles Lippett a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed
Before me
John Pitman
District Judge U. S.
for said District

TWENTY-FIVE ORCHARD PLACE PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
January 4, 1932.
The Pension Office Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In September, 1836, an application for pension was made by Elizabeth Thurber, widow of Samuel Thurber , of Providence, Rhode Island.
Will you kindly send me any records you may

have concerning such pension, if granted, or refused, also the record in the War of the Revolution of Samuel Thurber?
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Mary Louise Brown.

In file - another (also R.D.)
Samuel Thurber - b. 57 - d - 39

Copy of William Sattler Deposition N o 4.

I William Patter of Cranston in the County of Providence and family of the City of Providence and said County of Providence State of Rhode Island, and Providence Plantations, aged eighty four years and upwards, on solemn Oath say, That in the year 1775. I was a Lieutenant in the state troops in the revolutionary army, in the company commanded by Capt Barnard  Eddy Simeon Thayer Thayer, and as such am receiving a pension from the United States as will appear of record in the war department, That in the early part of said year we were stationed at and served at Bunker Hill and other places near Boston. While there we were joined by a company of artillery raised in the State of Rhode Island, commanded by the late Capt Barnard Eddy of said Providence, and with them were ordered on to the Canada Expedition, and marched for Crown Point, and proceeded as far as a place called Hoosack, in the State of New York. — After having arrived there the said Capt Barnard Eddy went forward to Albany for further orders, and on his journey took the small pox. And after his return to the said Hoosack, died of the same disorder, which thereupon spread in said Corps, and a number of the other officers & soldiers died of the same disease. In consequence we were not permitted to join the Army through fear of spreading said disease and were ordered back to said Providence, where we were employed in guarding the coast on Providence river and Narragansett Bay. Till the expiration of the respective terms of our service, the term of service of the said Barnard Eddy & company I understood it to be for six months. — Samuel Thresher late of said Providence shipwright was well known to me at that time and many years before and was one of the company enlisted by said Capt Barnard Eddy, and marched and served with us through and during said term of service. And I further testify and say that I have often been informed and very likely believe that the said Samuel Thresher performed other services in said revolutionary army, while the enemy were in possession of the Island of Rhode Island being specially called out under alarms for short and uncertain terms of time of this service I have no positive recollection, but ground my belief upon the information I have received from others, and from the knowledge that the Militia of said Providence were frequently called out on alarming crises, and served during the threatened danger.
William Patter
Copy