Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 13719, for William Letson, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. J.
Setson William
S13719
boarded
CONTENTS

Buffalo N. 28,506
William Setson of Erie Co: in the State of N. York who was a Private in the _____ command by Captain _____ of the Regt. command by Col. Starr in the N. Island time for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Buffalo at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Costs per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of April 1834 and sent to Hon. M. Fellows H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 240.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st Sep. " 40.00 $280.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk. Book E. Vol. 4 Page 11

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
March 16, 1854.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1833, entitled, "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States;" and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension agents,
the Adm't te of William Letson, dec.
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars per per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of Sept. 1834, to the 21 st Feb'y 1835. Respectfully, yours,
J. M. Broadhead Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.

Wm Letson
20/6/8

We, Haukhus Adkins
(122)
residing in the town of Aurora and County of Crie and DeWolf, Murray residing in the same place, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Sisson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 71 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Subscribed and Sworn, this 25th day of August 1832
Haukhus Adkins DeWolf Murray
before me William Stryker Jdge of the Court
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that William Sisson who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of Aurora and county of Crie and that William Sisson who has signed the same, is a resident of the town of Aurora and county of Crie and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Noah P. Sprague, Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Sisson for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of August 1832
State of New York
Crie County ss John Cole of Waterloo in the said County of Crie County do hereby depose & say that he is of age of sixty nine years upwards and that he served in Col Brigs Rhode Island Regiment in the Continental Establishment during the War of the Revolution. That he enlisted at North Kingston Rhode Island and joined Major at Providence and under Lieut. Peckham marched to Philadelphia and there joined the Regt. That at Providence he saw the within named and described Wm Sisson and that the said William Sisson marched to Philadelphia in Company of this deponent and continued in Camp Regt from the time he joined the Regt at Philadelphia as aforesaid until a few days before this deponent was discharged.
This deponent was discharged about the 1st of January 1783 and he recollects seeing the said William Sisson on the day he the said Sisson left the Saratoga Barracks some days before this deponent left there. And further saith not
from Haukhus Adkins on this 24th day of August A.D. 1832
John Cole
DeWolf Murray

from H. H. H. H. on the 24th day of August A.D. 1832
John Cole
DeLois Warren Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named John Cole is a credible person. State of New York
DeLois Warren J.P.
On County of Erie Edward Pierce of Aurora in said County being duly sworn deposes & says that for twenty years last past & upwards he has been acquainted with William T. Sisson of Aurora who has subscribed and sworn to the within  foregoing declaration and that the said William T. Sisson has been in the constant habit of attending at all public celebrations on the 4th day of July as a Revolutionary soldier and always been received and regarded as such & this Deponent has no doubt but what he did serve as a soldier in the War of the Revolution. And this Deponent further says that the said William T. Sisson sustains a fair character and that his reputation for truth & veracity is irreproachable.
Sworn to before me this 27 day of October A.D. 1832
Edward Pierce
Albert Taylor
Judge of the County Courts
And I the said Judge do hereby certify and declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant William T. Sisson was a Revolutionary soldier and served as such. And I the said Judge do further certify that it appears to me that Harriet L. Abbot and DeLois Warren who have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing Certificate are residents of the town of Aurora in the said County of Erie and are credible persons & that their testimony in support of this statement, are entitled to credit.
And I the said Judge do further certify that the Hon. Edward Pierce who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit is one of the Judges of the County Courts of the said County residing in the said Town of Aurora & that his statement is entitled to credit.
And I the said Judge do further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before me in the matter of the application of the said William T. Sisson for a pension.
And I the said Judge do further certify that it appears satisfactorily to me that the said William T. Sisson could not without too much inconvenience procure the attendance of a Clergyman before me to testify as to his character and services and make the certificate required by the War Department. And I the said Judge do further certify that in consequence of the prevalence of the cholera in the City of Buffalo in August last when a term of the Court of Common Pleas should have been held the said Court was not held and that on a representation of the War Department it was prorogued.

August last upon a term of the Court of Common Pleas, Sherriff's return here that the said Court was not held and that on a representation of the peculiar circumstances which rendered it proper the War Department decided it expedient to suspend the said Court to receive pension appli- cations and take evidence thereon until the next December term of the said Court of Common Pleas and no longer which permission or authority was communicated to me by letter bearing date September 21. 1832.
And I the said Judge do further certify that the foregoing proceedings have been had & allowed before me under by virtue of the authority & permis- sion aforesaid & that I have in consideration of the age & infirmity of the said applicant deemed it highly proper & expedient that the said proceedings be so had & taken or allowed before me under by virtue of the said permission or authority of the War Department.
Given under my hand & seal at Buxton this 25th day of October 1832. George H. Dyer Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
State of New York
On this day personally appeared B. Noah Phelps Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Erie do hereby certify that the Hon. James Dwyer before me known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing proceedings in the matter of the application of William D. Dyer
for a pension for services rendered on the day of the date thereof. I further certify that the foregoing proceedings after the said County duly commenced before me and that the foregoing proceedings purporting to be his to the personal of the deposition a declaration of the said William Dyer to the said affidavit of Hanchard, Abbot Deless Warren following the same to the personal of the affidavit of Edward Parise & to the conclu- ding certificate of the said Judge following the same are all in the proper handwriting of
the said Judge in his judicial capacity. And I the said Noah Phelps do further certify that Deless Warren Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit of John Coff was sworn was on the day of the date of the same at the time of signing the same known to me to be the person described in and who executed the same and that the foregoing proceedings are all in the proper handwriting of the said John Coff.

Militia State Troops & Regular Army
[Declaration of a Revolutionary Soldier who served in the MILITIA, to obtain a Pension under the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.]
State of New York, } On this 25th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting at Buffalo, in said County, William D. ... a resident of ... in the County of Erie and State of New York, aforesaid, aged 70 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
That in May or June 1777 at Coventry ... drafted into a Company of which Capt. ... Samuel ... and that the ... cannot recollect. That immediately after he was ... as ... to East ... about 11 miles from ... in the ... That he cannot recollect the Field Officers ... of ... Charles Handy. That the British ... on the Island of ... distant. That East ... was in the ... detachment ... engaged in guarding the ... and some time in month ... he was drafted and after leaving the ... That during his said service he was not engaged in any ... That immediately after his return and within a day or two again entered the service at Coventry aforesaid as a substitute for ... and immediately went back to East ... and immediately went back to East ... as one of the ... At this time ... my Officers were Capt. ... does not recollect that there was any ... At the end of the one month he returned home.
That within a few days after he returned home he again entered the service at Coventry aforesaid as a substitute for ... he cannot recollect and again went to East ... Some time ... as one of the ... That he cannot recollect the other Company or Regimental Officers ... That during the above mentioned term of service he was in no battle or Skirmish and at the end of the half month he returned home.
That in June 1777 (as he thinks) at Coventry aforesaid enlisted for nine months into the Rhode Island State Troops and immediately marched to Tiverton about half mile from New Port Island under the Command of Col. ... and the Major's name does not recollect ... also in the Company commanded by Capt. ... (name not recollect). This deponent says that the Ensign was with him ... the ... shot at ... That he served out his nine months at Tiverton aforesaid and was there discharged. That during that time he was engaged in guard duty and no in no action. That the British then lay in ... That he kept his continental money & his discharge for many years assuming them about equally valuable but that the discharge is now lost. That in the summer of 1778 at Coventry aforesaid again enlisted for nine months into the Rhode Island State Troops and again went to Tiverton under Col. ... That the other Regimental Officers he does not recollect. That ... was ... of the Company according to his last recollection and that he is unable to recollect any other Company Officers. That during this term he was in Sullivan's Expedition on the Island of New Port and this Regiment was the first Regiment that went onto the Island in Sullivan's Expedition. That he joined the Main Army at ... and then there were two engagements with the enemy in which this deponent was not present.

collection and that he is unable to recollect any other Company Officers. That during this time he was in Sullivan's Expedition on the Island of New York and this Regiment was the first Regiment that went onto the Island in Sullivan's Expedition. That he joined the Main Army at Brattle Hill on New York Island and there, there were two engagements with the enemy in which this Regiment was engaged. That soon after these engagements Genl. Sullivan left the Island in the night for it was then said that Genl. Sullivan had received orders from Genl. Washington by express stating that the British had hostile sail outside that way and he must make the safest retreat he could and they did retreat from the Island to Trenton without any loss. That he stayed there being duty at Trenton until his time expired and then received a written discharge which discharge was lost many years since but he cannot tell the particular manner of the loss of any of his discharges.
That in July 1781 (as he thinks) entered the service and served two months in the Militia on New York Island. One month as the substitute of George Potter and one month thinks he was drafted. The duty there was small duty ordinary and while he was there quite a number of the British Troops were there stationed on the Island a while.
That the last of March or the 1st of April 1782 (he thinks) in the latter part of the War he enlisted at Coventry, Vermont to receive a Rhode Island Regiment in the Continental establishment under Col. Jeremiah Clegg & Major Ennis (Capt. Searle the other Company officers he does not recollect).
That in February 100 or 200 others were sent as recruits and joined the regiment in Philadelphia and there had the small-pox. At Philadelphia staid about a week & then marched from there to the Highlands on North River opposite to Red Bank. At West Point staid about three months & from there was to Plattsburg near Stoney Point & staid there perhaps one month and from there went on board a vessel with the Regiment & went to the Narrows at Saratoga. Then on Christmas day was discharged. That then he recd a written discharge which has been lost a while with his other discharges.
That the time he was discharged a few days before his time was out. That he once made an application for a pension in the year of 1828 or 1829 (as he thinks) and he supposes the application & proof there presented by him was delivered by the Hon. C. F. Weston at the House of Representatives in Boston filed in the War Department and also that he has no documentary or other testimony to prove the services above stated by him.
In giving facts that he cannot distinctly recollect the particular when the occurrences above stated took place but that he has stated the same according to the best of his information recollection & belief but his memory is not clear or strong and therefore there may be errors in the dates or times above set forth.
This deponent further states that he was born in Coventry in the County of Kent Rhode Island on the 5th day of December 1751. That he does not know as there is any record of his age but it is probable that there is one at Coventry where he was born.
That he was living at Coventry aforesaid when he entered the Service & continued to reside there until about the year 1807 when he removed to Pownal Vermont & staid there nearly two years from thence he removed to Augusta Oneida County New York & staid there about 8 years. Then he removed to his present residence in the Town of Aurora.

That he was living at Coeymans aforesaid when he entered the Service & continued to reside there until about the Year 1807 when he removed to Port Verno n Vermont & staid there nearly two years from thence he removed to Augusta Oneida County New York & staid there about 8 years from thence he removed to his present residence in the Town of Anna in the County of Onondaga State of New York where he has ever since resided. That when he was in the service with the Militia State troops there were few or no Regular Troops in Rhode Island except during Sullivan's Expedition. In that expedition Genl. Henry Beekman was there and Genl. Nathl. Greene was also there. That he knows Genl. Greene very well & that he was then brought up and married in Coeymans aforesaid. That he recollects Col. Christopher Greene Regiment of Rhode Island he was in the Continental Establishment this Black Regt. and the Continental Regiment of Col. Jeremiah Olney. Has been Consolidated. There was in the Regt. in various detachments several a Company of Blacks. That he thinks the Black Regiment was at Boston Mass. during Sullivan's Expedition under the Command of Col. Greene. Has been Consolidated That Dea. Jonathan Hoyt & Dea. Moses Martin Church of the said Town of Anna and many others are acquainted with this applicant and can testify in regard to the reputation & character of this Applicant & the history of his service as a Soldier of the Revolution. That he cannot without great inconvenience produce before him John H. Phelps and Cluettman to testify as to his reputation as having been a Soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a Pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn and subscribed this 25 th day of August 1832 }
before me  William L. Phelps Judge of the Court
William Letson

is the genuine signature of the said Martin LaCoste the foregoing to the certificates following the same is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 8th day of December 1832. 2 - Noah D. Sprague Clerk of our Common Pleas.
Wm. Nelson
20463
... to ...
the interrogatories pro- posed applicant William

no 20468
Wm Sinton
Eric 6 th N. York
Admitted
Private 2 years
Entered
Hon. M. Fillmore N. R.
2 nd Hall Sgt Buffalo N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 27 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Wm Wilson Co. C 6 th N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Drafted 1776 1 Private Capt Green Lt. S. S. S. St. Lawrence age 40 In 6 th Co.   Subs'd Green Col. Star St. Lawrence at Coeymans   Rec'd Piller 1776 1 Capt. Green Lt. Col. Brant St. Lawrence Traditionary   Salazar 14 Battle Hill Battle Hill   but there was no record at all New Port New Port   Enlisted 1777 9 Clark Col. Schuyler Island St. Lawrence   " 1778 9 Gen. Sullivan Phil a   Militia 1780 2 Capt. S. S. S. Col. Duer Highland   Subs'd Feb 1 st 1780 Col. S. S. S. St. Lawrence   Butler's Creek 5 Brig. Gen. S. S. S. Highland   1782 St. Lawrence  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
It cannot be readily admitted that the above allegations of service are insusceptible of proof, and claimants are required by the regulations to produce the best evidence in their power.

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

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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
S.F. 13,719
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William Salton a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr 1776 1 mo. Pt. Green ✓ R.I.   immediately after 1 mo. Salton   Soon afterwards 1 mo. Charles Holden   June 1777 1 mo. Malachi Hammett Stanton   Summer 1778 1 mo. or G. Clark Parker Stanton   Oct 1780 1 mo. in company with officers Stanton   Spring 1781 nearly 1 year Charles Jeremiah Olney   Sept 1782 Dec 1782  
Battles engaged in, Rhode Island Residence of soldier at enlistment, Country Kent Co. R.I. Date of application for pension, Oct 1881 Residence at date of application, Providence R.I. Age at date of application, 78 Remarks: _____
The above noted is the only evidence of the service R.I. troops found in the Patuxent of this Bureau.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, BUFFALO CHAPTER.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
As Secretary of The Committee on Revolutionary Records of the Buffalo Chapter D.A.R., I requested Miss Elizabeth L. Leston of this city to write to the Bureau of Pensions for the record of her ancestor, William Leston. I have in my possession a reply dated Oct. 31. Sept 8. 1903, which states that his name has not been found in your books. This seems a little strange as it was from the printed report - census of Revolutionary Pensioners - published about 1835. Among the pensioners credited to Erie County, N.Y. was William Leston - Rhode Island Militia - age 71. I have learned recently that he is buried at Griffin's Mills - whether that was his residence when the pension was applied for I cannot say - I believe he enlisted in Coventry, Rhode Island - his name appears in Col. Israel Angell's Regt - 1776 or 7 - also 1782 - Perhaps this additional information may enable you to find his record.

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, BUFFALO CHAPTER.
I am sorry to trouble you again, but we need the information for our work in placing markers at the graves of the Revolutionary soldiers buried in this vicinity -
very truly,
Oct. 3. 1903
Frances B. Wallace
Mrs. George A. Wallace 374 N. Perry St. Buffalo N.Y.

Oct. 10-1903 - Hilt to Mrs. Geo. A. Wallace Buffalo N.Y. 1918 Dec. 16 Hist. of Elizabeth L. Bryan (Imm. N. A.)
Reborn
134/19 INVALID.
File No. 134/19
William S. Peterson
Prin. Rev. Kan
Act: June 9 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 221
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of New York Oneida County ss I John Stafford of the town of Augusta in the county and state aforesaid being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is seventy four years of age that he formerly resided in the town of Coventry in the State of Rhode Island and that this deponent was there well acquainted with William Lotsen and knowing to the said Lotsen having performed a number of times of militia service in the State of Rhode Island during the Revolutionary war and that he was knowing to William Lotsen Enlisting into the United States service in the spring of the year 1781 for one year in Col. Angel's regiment which Colonel Angel was Lieutenant Col. that this was living at Lotsen's father's at the time Lotsen Enlisted and entered the United States service and was living there when said Lotsen returned home it being some less than a year that he served and further this deponent saith not
sworn and subscribed to his John Stafford before me this 29th day of mark December 1850
William Kimball Judge of Oneida Common Pleas
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with John Stafford who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit and that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief
William Kimball Judge of Oneida Common Pleas

Clerks Office Oneida County, N.Y.
I George Brown clerk of said County do hereby certify, that Nathan Kimball Esq. before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same One of the Judges of the County Courts of the said County of Oneida & duly authorized to act as such, and further that I am acquainted with his hand-writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be genuine.
Witness my hand & Seal of Office at Utica this 10 th day of December A.D. 1833
Geo. Brown Clerk For B. Read Dep Clerk

add. evidence Mr. Leeson M c Manus
William B. M c U Sept 1 st 3 Station Paper Office
To Genl. S. H. Hunsicker Station Office Washington City

Sir -
I enclose you at the request of William Seton I enclose you two affidavits, which as I understand from him state the facts required by the department in addition to to those already forwarded -
Yours Respectfully J. M. Washburn
Aurora Dec 31 st 1855
To Samuel J. Edwards Esq.

New York Recd.
Wm Litson Suspended Rev. N. K. Hall 14 Aug. 1833
Act. of June '32

O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
June 23, 1906.
Searched by A. E. Pope.
Original No. File 13719.
Certificate No. 28506.
Claimant, William Leeteon.
Soldier, _____
Service, Rev. War.
Remarks: No other claim than as above.
Chief of Division.

P. M. Washburn March 21. No. 29. 1834.
W. L. K. ON March 21. Hon. W. L.

Willink NYS March 21 st }
Am.
Hon Millard Fillmore M. C. Washington City D.C.
J. H. Kellogg March 21. No. 29 1844

Aurora Erie County NY
March 21 st 1834
Sir - Some time since I enclosed to the Pension Office a number of additional affidavits in the case of William Sutton - What has become of them I am do not know not having received any information on the subject - I believe they were directed to Mr. Edwards who is at the head of that Branch of the Department - Will you do an old Revolution veteran the favor of enquiring after them and ascertain the situation of his claim and inform me by mail - If any thing more is wanting please inform me the affidavits were sent in pursuance of your request for further proof -
Dear Mr. Fillmore
Yours Respectfully J. M. Vosburgh
P.S. all well -

House of Rep. March 29. 1834.
J. G. Edwards Esq.
Mr. Sir,
I have the honor to trans- mit herewith a letter from P. M. Washburn, Esq. desiring to know whether you have rec d certain papers in the case of William Sitson a pensioner. You will rec d oblige me by communicating the information desired.
I have the honor to be Your rec d ob d Serv t
M. Fillmore
P.S. Please to return Mr. Washburns letter.

Honolulu, Hawaii
Nov. 19, 1918
Superintendent of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir: — Can you furnish me with any information regarding the service of now  Michael Litson said to have been a soldier of the American Revolution. He served from Rhode Island or Oneida Co. New York.
Information concerning any other Litson will be gratefully received.
Very Truly Yours,
Elizabeth Litson Bryan
(Mrs W. A. Bryan) Box 38. Honolulu
Wm. A. Bryan Secy.

V.L.M. Rev. War Section.
December 16, 1918.
Mrs. Elizabeth L. Bryan, Box 38, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 19 th ultimo, you are advised that this Bureau fails to afford any information in regard to a Michael Letson.
You are herewith furnished the history of the Revolutionary War pensioner William Letson ( S. F. 13,718 ); he is the only soldier named Letson who served in the Rhode Island troops, found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
In order to identify a claim for any other soldier named Letson his full name and some of the following data are essential: the name of some officer under whom he served, place of residence at enlistment and after service, approximate dates of his birth and death, and given name of his widow.
Very respectfully,
E. C. Sherman Acting Commissioner.

State of New York
On this day personally appeared Peling Havens of Westmoreland in the County of Oneida & State of our said King duly sworn says that he is seventy two years old & that he formerly resided in the town of Coventry in the State of Connecticut Rhode Island And that this Deponent was there well acquainted with William Nelson & knew that the said William Nelson enlisted & served in Col. Stanton's Regiment Rhode Island line Infantry in June 1777. for nine months under Capt. Alabam Gannett - & that he served in the service of the the Revolutionary war United States at Tiverton in Rhode Island with this Deponent & was a true mate for nine months & that he was discharged in April 1778. this Deponent at that time was a Farmer & is now & now resides in Westmoreland Oneida County & has for about forty years
Peling Havens
Sworn & subscribed before Me this 28th day of Nov. 1833
J. Pond Commissioner of Deeds
I hereby certify that from & have been for more than thirty years well & personally acquainted with Peling Havens who subscribed the above affidavit & swore to the same & that his statement is entitled to full credit
J. Pond Com. of Deeds & Justice of the Peace
Residence of Oneida County Nov. 28th 1833.
Clerks Office
Oneida County, ss: I George Brown clerk of said County do hereby certify, that J. Pond Esq. before whom the foregoing Affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Commissioner of Deeds & a Justice of the Peace in and

for said County and duly authorized to act as such, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand & seal of office at Athens this 10 th day of December A.D. 1833
Wm Brown Clerk J. B. Read Dep. Clk