Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25321, for William Livingston, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental New Jersey
Livingston, William Betts, Mary Former widow
W 25321
CONTENTS

No. 6019.
New York - City.
formerly Mary Betts widow of W m Livingston
Con't N.Y.
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Lieut. Colonel
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 600 - Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 d day of Dec. 1852 and sent to
A. Ray Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848 Page 16 Vol. 4.

Retd from Livingston 29 Oct. 1853. May - Nov 9. 1859
Died July 27/854

10

I do hereby certify that I was personally acquainted with William Livingston now deceased; He was a son of the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey. In the year 1798 or 1799 he resided at Flatlands, Kings County New York, where I visited his family - he married his wife Mary Livingston at Elizabeth Town, New Jersey as I have always understood and believe; to the best of my recollection when I visited Mr William Livingston and family, they had several children, in the year above mentioned. I further have understood that William Livingston served as an officer in the war of the revolution and was so reputed. As to his rank or appointment or of his services, I cannot state. The widow of said Livingston, after her first husband's death, married a Mr Betti and is now a widow of her second husband  New York Oct. 9. 1850
Wm Duer.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
D R Floyd Jones
I, JAMES O'NEILL , Clerk of the Superior Court of the City of New-York, a Court of Record, having a Clerk and Seal, DO CERTIFY , That John Duer whose name is subscribed to the annexed instrument, is a Justice
of the said Court duly commissioned and sworn.
And I do FURTHER CERTIFY , That the said name, so subscribed, is the genuine signature of the said John Duer
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of the said Court, the 9 th day of
October 1850
D R Floyd Jones
CLERK.
This is to certify that I knew Judge Duer of New York City, - a man of high standing and character there, - and that in my opinion, any statement he makes is to be relied upon. I also believe the above to be his signature.  Wm. H. Duer June 21 1857

no 5
27
First evidence of identity
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

In the Matter of the Claim of Mary Betts to a pension.
City and County of New York ss. State of New York -
John Jay Livingston of New Lots in the County of Kings being duly sworn says, that he is a son of the late Lieut Col. William Livingston, that the above named Applicant is his Mother, and that the reason she has not had her Claim heretofore presented, is that she and all the Members of the family supposed, that by her Second Marriage she had lost her right to claim a pension for her first husband's services. That his Mother has been in feeble health and very infirm for the past three years, and has and is still phy- sically and at times mentally affected by a late stroke of paralysis - That he has often heard his Father speak of being a prisoner in New York in 1780.
State of New-York, City and County of New-York, } ss.
I, GEORGE W. RIBLET, CLERK of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That the above before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Com- missioner of Deeds for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorised to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State and for general purposes; and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 5 th day of October 1850.
Geo: W Ribblet Clerk.
the Dog Cornard as had two large nails John Livingston Respectfully his Mother

In the Matter of the Claim of Mary Betts to a Pension.
City and County of New York ss. State of New York -
John Jay Livingston of New Lots in the County of Kings being duly sworn says, that he is a son of the late Lieut Col. William Livingston, that the above named Applicant is his Mother, and that the reason she has not had her Claim heretofore presented, is that she and all the Members of the family supposed, that by her Second Marriage she had lost her right to claim a pension for her first husband's services. That his Mother has been in feeble health and very infirm for the past three years, and has and is still phy- sically and at times mentally affected by a late stroke of paralysis - That he has often heard his Father speak of being a prisoner in New York in Brooklyn and of serving in the Army of the Revolution that deponent has the Box in which his Father kept his three cornered military hat, and that he also has had his Military sword cut up into two large knives which are still in deponent's possession -
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 8 th day of Oct r 1850
John Jay Livingston
The deponent John J. Livingston being known to me as a gentleman of good standing & respectability & whose statements are entitled to the highest credit - A. W. Grant Com d of Brds

Mary Linn (then) was married to Richard Pettibone of New York by the Rev. Mr. Schoenmaker November 20th, 1829 at First Church
FAMILY RECORD.
MARRIAGES.
MARRIAGES.
Jane their eldest child was married to Joseph De la plaine of Philadelphia (he then being with her Aunt Susan Simmen in the state of Ohio) by the Rev.
Philip French their oldest son was married on the 21 st of April to Mary the daughter of S. W. Sophia Lewis. Philadelphia.
Henry Brockholts their second son was married
Anne Vanbrunt daughter of Courtlandt
Vanbrunt of Brooklyn the 5 th day of July 1818
John Lawrence their third son was married to 1822
Essex
Essex Ridin their sixth son was married at Greenwich, Conn. by the Rev. Joel Mann, on the day of July 1833, to Abigail Maria Read daughter of Deborah Read of Greenwich, Connecticut.
John Lawrence their fourth son was married to
John Jay their fifth son was married on the 13 th day of October 1835 by the Rev. Robt. A. Linn to Martha Adolfinia daughter of Jesse Adolfinia of Westbury L.I. State of New York

William and Mary Livingston Han. Stone.
[ 678 ]
FAMILY RECORD.
BIRTHS.
Nativities
BIRTHS.
* Jane their eldest child born at Eliz. Town New Jersey and baptized by the Revd. Mr. Sprag.
4 th June 1790
* Theodore Jennings their eighth son born at Flat Brook in the County of Sussex
11 th Dec r 1810.
* Philip French their el- dest son born at Eliz- town N.J. & baptized by the Revd. Mr. Sprag.
8 th Dec r 1791.
* Henry Brant their se- cond son born at Flat- brook in Sussex County Lond on & baptized at Flat- brook by the Revd. Mr. Love.
27 th July 1796
* John Lawrence their third son born & baptized at Flatlands by the Revd. Mr. Love.
17 th May 1798.
* Nathan Clarkson their fourth son born at Flatlands & bap- tized by the Revd. Mr. Clarkson a shoemaker.
26 th Jan y 1800
* John Jay their fifth son born at Flatlands & bap- tized by the Revd. Mr. Shoemaker.
23 rd Feb y 1802.
* Eliza Pringle their sixth son born at Flatlands and baptized by the Revd. Mr. Love.
24 th Feb y 1806
* William Adolphus their seventh son born at Flatlands and baptized by the Revd. Mr. Love.
24 th Oct r 1807
For See the names of the other children of the same family as recorded in the book of births.

Epitaphs of Livingston's
Genealogical Genealogical Table of Livingston family -

A collection of American Epitaphs and inscriptions with occasional notes. By Rev. Timothy Alden. A. M. Honorary member of the Massachusetts and of the New York Historical Antiquarian Society, &c.
Pentad 1. vol. 5.
Note, the following genealogical record of the Livingston family, is made from documents obligingly furnished to author of this collection from a respectable source.
Robert Livingston, the first lord of the Livingston family manor on the Hudson, son of the Rev. John Livingston, was born at Abercrombie, in Scotland, 12 Dec r , in the year, 1654. He and his nephew came to America and from them there was a numerous progeny.
William, Governor of New Jersey, whose wife was Susanna French. Of their children, Susannah married Hon. John Cleves Symmes. Catharine, Matthew Ridley, for her first husband, and John Livingston, for her second. Mary, James Linn Esq. Judith, John Watkins. born. Henry Brockholst, Catharine Keteltas, for his first wife and Mrs. Ludlow for his second. Sarah, his exec or John Jay.

Besides these, William: John Lawrence, who was lost at sea; and four others, who died at an early age. 7. Sarah, whose husband was William Alexander, Earl of Stirling. 8. Heda, whose first husband was Henry Horton, and second, Martin Brennan. 9. Catharine, whose husband was John Lawrence.
Compand with the work in Congl- Library - a true copy - P. Moulton
June 19 th 51 -
A complete table appears to have been given of the whole Livingston family & only two  from Livingston appear - (the Governor & his son)

1" No. 14.168.
Act July 7. 1838.
State of New York
Kings County ss: On this Twentieth day of April A.D. eighteen hundred and fifty personally appeared before me Nathan B. Morse one of The Justices of The Supreme Court of The State of New York Mrs Mary Betts, a resident of the town of Flatbush in the County of Kings aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and Pension to certain widows," that she is the widow of William Livingston who was a son of William Livingston who was the Governor of New Jersey during the Revolutionary war, that the said William Livingston who was her husband, as she believes and has been informed held the rank of Colonel and served as such in New Jersey, and that he also served as aid de camp to his father Governor William Livingston and to Gen. Washington in New Jersey, that she is unable to state the time when he entered the service or left the same, but believes that he served during the entire war, that at the commencement of the war he resided with his father at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, that his father was the Commander in chief of all the militia in New Jersey, and was in active service during the Revolutionary war that she does not know whether he served in the militia or army, that she has heard him say that he was in several engagements, but cannot recollect which they were, that she recollects often seeing him out in uniform during the war, and that when parties of the British crossed over she has often seen him out acting as an officer; that she has been informed and verily believes that the Washington papers on file in the State Department at Washington City, afford evidence of the service of her deceased husband: She further declared that she was married to the said William

Livingston in the fall of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight; that she does not recollect the day of the month, that the only record evidence of the said marriage in her possession, is the paper annexed which was cut from the old family bible; that her husband the aforesaid William Livingston died on the thirteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
She further declares that she on the 20 th day of February  November , eighteen hundred and twenty three, married Richard Betts who died on the sixteenth day of September, eighteen hundred and thirty five, that she has not since married, and is now a widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day her Mary + Betts and year first above written. mark
Page 13 th Line "a" written on erasure, 33 rd line "of" word inserted Page 13 th line "February" erased, "November" inserted
before me in open court
N. B. Morse
State of New York
Kings County ss. I Francis B. Stryker Clerk of the County of Kings do hereby certify that Nathan B. Morse whose name is subscribed to the above certificate is one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York; & further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Nathan B. Morse & truly believe that said signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 22 nd day of April A.D. 1850.
Francis B. Stryker H. Clark Kings County

December 24, 1934
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Leone Livingston Garwood 522 Beattie Street Sterling, Colorado
RA-J/HEL William Livingston-W.25321
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of William Livingston, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who was the son of Governor William Livingston.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.25321, based upon the military service in that war of William Livingston.
William Livingston was the son of William Livingston and his wife, Susanna French. Governor Livingston was a descendant of Robert Livingston, lord of Livingston Manor on the Hudson. Said Robert was the son of John and was born in Scotland, December 13, 1654. Robert came to America, date not given, with his nephew, whose name is not stated. The dates and places of birth of William Livingston, Junior and those of his parents are not shown.
The home of Governor William Livingston was at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, but during the first years of the war, the family resided at Basking Ridge, Somerset County, New Jersey. In the spring of 1777, Mrs. Livingston determined to return to her home at Elizabethtown and was actually on her way thither accompanied by a daughter, when she met General Washington, who advised her of the danger of returning there, and she then decided to establish their home at Beverwyck, Porceppany Township, about nine miles from Morristown, New Jersey, where the family resided for three years.
William Livingston entered the service, date not given, while residing at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, served as lieutenant colonel of Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Regiment; he was in the action on Rhode Island where he received two wounds in the breast and was a prisoner of war and confined in the Provost Jail in New York City; the place where he was taken prisoner and length of time held in captivity are not shown. He resigned his commission October 10, 1778. It was stated that his actual service amounted to at least thirtytwo months. He later served as aide-de-camp to his father, Governor Livingston, of New Jersey.
It was confused with the B. Livingston who served in N.Y. Mil. The data about the two in 1778 was about the two
It was proved that the Governor's son was not the same as the one mentioned.

William Livingston, Junior, married in the fall of 1788, at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, Mary; her maiden name and the exact date of their marriage are not shown. After their marriage, they moved to Flatlands, Kings County, New York. William Livingston was surrogate of Kings County, New York, from 1800 to 1814.
The soldier died May 13, 1817, in said Kings County.
Soldier's widow, Mary, married November 20, 1823, Richard Betts Esquire, of Kings County, New York. Richard died September 16, 1835.
Mary Betts was allowed pension on account of the services of her former husband, William Livingston, on her application executed April 20, 1850, at which time she was eighty years of age and resided at Flatbush, Kings County, New York.
ak3 She died July 27, 1854, place not shown.
Children of William Livingston and his wife, Mary:
Jane Ann-----born at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, June 4, 1790, married Joseph Delaplaine, of Philadelphia, while residing with her aunt, Mrs. Susanna Symmes, in Ohio, date of the marriage not given. She was later referred to as Jane Ann Finkbine, of Ohio. Christian name of her last husband not given. Philip French-----born at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, December 4, 1791, married April 21, 1816, Mary, daughter of Mrs. Sophia Swain, of Philadelphia. Philip went to the East Indies shortly after the death of his father and was for many years a captain in the Dutch East India service, stationed at Batavia, Island of Java. He was murdered by the crew of the Dutch ship, "Matilda" in September, 1834. Henry Brockholst-----born at Flatlands, New York, July 27, 1796, married Junior, Anne Vanburen, daughter of Cortlandt Vanburen, of Brooklyn, New York, on July 5, 1818. Later, they resided in Albany, New York. John Lawrence---born at Flatlands, New York, May 1, 1798, married in 1822, name of wife not shown. Matthew Clarkson-born at Flatlands, New York, January 26, 1800. John Jay----- born at Flatlands, New York, February 23, 1802, married Martha, daughter of Jesse Mollinieux, of Westbury, Long Island, on October 13, 1835. In 1850, residing at New Lots, Kings County, New York.

Children of William Livingston and his wife, Mary, continued:
Essex Ridley-----born at Flatlands, New York, February 24, 1806, married in July, 1833, at Greenwich, Connecticut, Ophelia Maria, daughter of Manoah Mead, of said Greenwich.
William Adolphus-----born at Flatlands, New York, October 24, 1807.
Theodore Sedwick----- " at Flatbush, New York, December 11, 1810.
It was stated that Governor William Livingston and his wife, Susanna French, had thirteen children, four of whom died at an early age. The following names of children of the Governor are shown:
Susanna----- married John Cleves Symmes, of New Jersey, who later moved to Ohio. Late in life, Susanna resided in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Catharine----- married for her first husband, Matthew Ridley, Esquire, and for her second husband, John Liv- ingston, of Livingston Manor: no relationship between Catharine and her husband, John, shown. Mary----- married James Linn, Esquire, of New Jersey; afterward lived in Troy, New York. Judith----- married John Watkins, merchant, of New York. Henry Brockholst----- married first, Catharine Keteltas(?), second, Ann Ludlow. When the Honorable John Jay was sent on his mission to France and Spain, Henry Brockholst accompanied him as secretary. He also served in the Revolutionary War and was at one time aide-de-camp to Lord Stirling(William Alexander) Sarah----- married the Honorable John Jay. John Lawrence ----- lost at sea.
The following also appears:
Sarah----- married William Alexander, Earl of Stirling. Aleda ----- " Henry Hanson, then Martin Hoffman. Catharine----- " John Lawrence.
No surnames for Sarah, Aleda, or Catharine are given, but it is stated that the sister of Governor William Livingston married Lord Stirling.

The following names appear as heirs of Governor William Livingston:
David, Matthew and William Bayard Clarkson; the wife of Jonathan Goodhue; the wife of William Richmond; Mary Rutherford, the wife of Peter Augustus Jay; and Susan Maria Clarkson De Peyster; all heirs of Matthew Clarkson: Susan Maria Clarkson De Peyster was a daughter of one of the daughters of the said Matthew Clarkson: William Jay; Maria Bewyer; Ann Jay; Theodore Sedgwick, and Susan, his wife; Robert Watts and Matilda, his wife; exact degree of relationship of the above named persons to the Governor is not shown.
The following is also shown.
James Alexander(Lord Stirling), one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, died in 1756. His daughter, Mary, married Peter Van Brugh Livingston, brother to William Livingston, Governor of New Jersey.
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

Key WIDOW, &c.
File No.
25321
Mary Betts
Widow of
Livingston
St. Col. Rev. War.
Act Feb. 2 nd 1878
Index: Vol A , Page 56
[Arrangement of 1870.]
13 Jan 1 Fam Court
Admiral 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900

OW, &c.
86 Copy of Declaration of by Record sent Hon. W. E. As Asst. Sec. of War 1934-Dec 24 - Leif to Mrs Leone Livingston Fairwood - Ohio
....., Page .....
ment of 1870.]

14,168
Mary Billo N.V.
alloued let to V.C.
act July 38

PROPOSALS
By WILLIAM LIVINGSTON,
FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION,
Memoirs, or Biographical Sketches,
OF
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, ESQ.
LATE GOVERNOR OF NEW-JERSEY;
WITH
A Collection of his Fugitive Pieces in verse and prose.
DELICATE motives preclude the Editor from animadvertting, in this place, on the merits of the Work now offered to the Public—it will, he flatters himself, evince its own worth, and render encomium unnecessary—if it should fail in this point, panegyric would be vain and impertinent; since the Public cannot be deceived. But he will venture to believe, that the celebrity of the Author, for talents and patriotism, and the approbation already bestowed upon such of the writings of the late Governor as, in their present detached state, the voice of fame has ascribed to him, will secure a ready reception to a Collection which will comprise others not hitherto made public, as well as those which, having been presented under fictitious names, have not been generally known as the productions of his pen.
CONDITIONS.
THIS Collection will be published in Three Volumes Octavo, of (as near as can be ascertained) about four hundred and fifty pages each. They will contain his juvenile performances, as well as those of his riper years—his humorous, as well as graver productions—his literary exertions in the cause of civil and religious liberty—and his spirited writings in the gloomy period of our revolutionary war.
IT shall be handsomely printed on a superfine paper, with a neat type, and delivered in boards to subscribers at two dollars per volume, well finished and lettered.
THE present forwardness of the Work will enable the Editor to put it to press as soon as fifteen hundred subscribers are obtained; and it will be struck off with as much dispatch as the nature of the case will permit.
ONE copy gratis will be given to any person who will obtain twelve subscribers, and become responsible for their subscriptions.
IT being proposed to affix a list of the subscribers to the last volume, they will be pleased to be particular in the necessary distinctions to be added to their names.
SUBSCRIPTIONS received at the Office of the Watch-Tower, and by Mr. Lang of New-York; Matthias Day, of Trenton, Sheppard Kollok of Elizabeth-Town, New-Jersey; and also by ISAAC COLLINS and SON, of the city of New-York, who undertake the printing of the above Work.
SUBSCRIBERS NAMES.
NUMBER OF COPIES.

The author's names collected by J. L. Smith.
 W. B. Gump — 1 copy No 44 Broadway  Peter Jay & Munn — 1 copy No 36 8 o  John Jay  Peter Augustus Jay — 20 Broadway  W. B. Gump — 2 copies  John Laurens one copy No 6th Broadway Greenock Street  John Watts one copy No 3 Broadway  W. B. Gump one copy No 33 Broadway  Gurne & Ten Eyck, Six Copies  Peter Goelert One Copy No 113 Pearl Street  Ph. Livingston One Copy No 40 Broadway  John Stevens one copy  Abel Macomb One Copy  J. Luntz — one copy 38 Broad St.  William Miller one copy  Glendon 5 copies  Thos. P. Stagg 20 Broadway 2 copies 
Livingston, Wm. Cont. H. J. W 25321

Elizabethton 29 Oct 53 Alex Ray Nov 4/57
Livingston, Wm. Cont - No. J. W 25321
City
Livingston e Revolutionary
, as a Lieut. Colonel
scribed on the Roll at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Dec. 1857 and sent to
A. Ray
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 10, Vol. 4

11. 422.
New York -
Mary Keths widow of Wm Livingston who died on the
of in the State of who was a in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of New York City at the rate of 100 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the day of Decemr 1852 and sent to A. May
Arrears to the 4th of Present Semi-annual allowance ending
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.
Recorded by R. M. Mac Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 551
Livingston, Wm. Cont-N.J. W25321

9.308 New York -
Mary Betts widow of Wm Livingston who was a Lt. Col. in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 600 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23. day of Dec, 1852 and sent to
A. Ray Pract.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 261

No 2 -

This Certifies that I was pay for Lieut Col P er Livingstone in the late 9 th Connecticut Regiment, upto & including the Month of April 1779. but was ordered by the then Major Huntington, in June or July following, not to pay P er Livingstone any Monies drawn as Wages from the 10 th October 1778. but to Account for the same with the Pay Master General or Auditor, which Order I have complied with, and paid the same to the Auditor with the Main Army
Nathan Beers Pay Master
System 10 th 1782

betano THE INQUIRER, And N. Y. Advertiser.
HEMPSTEAD, JUNE 28TH, 1851.
FOURTH OF JULY 1851.
Before the next issue of our paper, the National Jubilee of American Freedom will have been celebrated through the length and breadth of our prosperous and happy Country. The millions of the Free, who sit beneath the shadow of the tree of Liberty, without fear of molestation, will engage in those scenes of pleasure on the coming Fourth, which shall to them severally appear most desirable for celebrating the day of our Nation's Birth. Some, will enjoy the booming of heavy artillery, and the sharp crack of Musketry, with the rolling drum and ensigns of bloody strife; while others more silently will celebrate the day in devout thanksgiving for the glorious boon so mercifully vouchsafed to our fathers, whose rich legacy we now inherit. We rejoice in this our freedom, to enjoy our own opinions and pursue our own choice, without legal penalties for presuming upon such an exercise of inherent right. May the day be universally celebrated in some way and the whole world witness the rejoicings of a free people!
Our readers are aware of the manner in which some of our town's folks intend keeping the National Anniversary both at Raynortown, and in this Village: and we doubt not, it will be highly interesting in both places. The objects of both are laudable and have the ulterior good of society in view; one looking to the interests of the Church, the other to the instruction of the young and rising generation, and thus preparing them to sustain and perpetuate the principles of our free Government. For both of these occasions we would bespeak a general attendance.
Just as we commenced writing the above, we received from a friend the following communication, which seemed so appropriate to the times that we forthwith resolved to use it here.
THE FIRST CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1776!
"The 4th inst. was rendered remarkable by an event which will doubtless be celebrated through a long succession of future ages by anniversary commemorations, and be considered as a grand Era in the history of the American States.
On this auspicious day the Representatives of the 13 United Colonies unanimously agreed to and voted a PROCLAMATION declaring said Colonies free and independant States.
On Tuesday last it was read at the head of each brigade of the Continental army posted at and near New-York, and everywhere received with loud huzzas and the utmost demonstrations of joy.
The same evening the Equestrian Statue of Geo. III., which Tory pride and folly raised in the year 1770, was by the Sons of Freedom laid

On this auspicious day the Representatives of the 13 United Colonies unanimously agreed to and voted a PROCLAMATION declaring said Colonies free and independant States.
On Tuesday last it was read at the head of each brigade of the Continental army posted at and near New-York, and everywhere received with loud huzzas and the utmost demonstrations of joy.
The same evening the Equestrian Statue of Geo. III., which Tory pride and folly raised in the year 1770, was by the Sons of Freedom, laid prostrate in the dirt, the just desert of an ungrateful Tyrant!
The lead wherewith this monument was made is to be run into bullets to assimilate with the brains of our infatuated adversaries, who to gain a pepper-corn have lost an Empire."
"The above is copied from Holt's N. Y. Journal of July 11th, 1776. It may not be inappropriate here to add that our fellow-citizen, the venerable Parson Greene, who is now in his 92d year, was a soldier of the Revolution—was in Col. Webb's Regiment and had the rare honor of listening to the Declaration of Independence the first time it was publicly read to our army in New-York.
The Parson enlisted in 1775, when our army was beseiging Gen. Howe in Boston, and and was a sentinel at his post on Dorchester Hights the night that the British fleets were leaving Boston and heard the enemies' first shot whistling about his ears and making sad havock among the tree tops of an apple orchard in which he was stationed.
On the abandonment of Boston by the enemy, Parson Greene was ordered to New-York, where he arrived in the Spring of 1776. This Regiment was encamped on the open ground above Columbia College and he went daily over to Brooklyn to assist in throwing up the fortifications there and returned every night.
When the Declaration of Independence was read to the soldiers by order of Congress, his Regiment was drawn up in a hollow square on what is now called the Park. It was then out of the City proper, and was called the Commons.
Parson Greene in this connexion tells a story not generally known. He says when the soldiers tore down the King's Statue, they cut off his head and placing it on a litter it was carried in mock triumph to the Park or Commons where they had a deal of shouting and jollification over fallen loyalty. After the withdrawal of our army from Long Island, Parson Greene proceeded in the retreat to White Plains. The night after the battle he lay down on the scene of action with 5 rails taken from a fence for his bed and the naked sky for a canopy! Those were times that tried men's souls; and the Parson if not as hale and hearty, is certainly as patriotic now as then. May he see many more returns of this Anniversary! He still bears on his person the evidence of honourable wounds received in defence of our liberties at Whitemarsh in Dec. 1777, while driving in one of Howe's foraging parties. We could relate many curious incidents in the life of Parson Greene, were this the proper time and place."
We will just add here, that we hope to have the pleasure of the Rev. Mr. Green's company in the grove on the coming fourth., nor should we be surprised if the old gentleman should corroborate something of the above allusions.
Our acknowledgements are due to the Hon. W. H. Brown for valuable public documents.

D INC
AND ADVERTIS
entral in Politics
L, JUNE 28, 1851.
ied. The heart of the wife sunk within her, as she stood fixed to the spot, and saw the frail craft rising now upon a foaming wave, and now diving down as if it would sink into the waters, while her husband's arm seemed feeble as a child's, as he plied eagerly the oars, struggling to reach a point in the river nearly a quarter of a mile distant.
The wind seemed to sweep along with doubled violence—the rain fell in a deluge of water, and the broad sheets of lightning spread themselves out in rapid succession on the quivering air, and were quickly followed by tremendous and almost incessant crashing peals of thunder.
Every moment the distance between the tiny boat and the shore increased; but the strained eye of Mrs. Gray could still distinguish the form of her brave husband, steadily bending to his oars. But long before he could reach the spot he feared would prove fatal to the sloop, she had rushed madly upon the rocks, and was almost instantly dashed in pieces. Mrs. Gray saw this, and could not restrain a cry of anguish, even amid her fears for her husband.
Henry Gray labored now with almost superhuman strength; aided by the wind, that was driving against the stern of his light craft, he almost flew over the surface of the water, leaping from wave top to wave top, like a sea-bird on the wing. But long before he could reach the fatal spot, six of those who trode that vessel's deck, were sleeping their last long sleep far down the rocky depths of the river. Three men, who were clinging to fragments of wood, he saved and with this precious freight turned away from the fatal spot and pulled for the shore.
The darkness of night was falling gloomily around when Gray, his duty done, commenced his return to land. The men he had picked up, from fear or exhaustion, reclined passively in his boat, and appeared incapable of affording him any assistance. But he asked none, his arm was still strong, and his

ars. that was driving against the stern of the craft, he almost flew over the surface of the water, leaping from wave top to wave top, like a sea-bird on the wing. But long before he could reach the fatal spot, six of those who trode that vessel's deck, were sleeping their last long sleep far down the rocky depths of the river. Three men, who were clinging to fragments of wood, he saved and with this precious freight turned away from the fatal spot and pulled for the shore.
The darkness of night was falling gloomily around when Gray, his duty done, commenced his return to land. The men he had picked up, from fear or exhaustion, reclined passively in his boat, and appeared incapable of affording him any assistance. But he asked none, his arm was still strong, and his courage unabated. Manfully he struggled against the fierce driving tempest, and slowly but surely made headway against it. Night soon shut in and hid the shore from view. But there was one there who could not forget him nor his need. His wife had watched him until she could no longer distinguish his form in the boat, and then, by the aid of a glass, she still followed, anxiously, all his motions. She saw the vessel dashed to pieces, and saw her husband reach the spot, and rescue several men who were floating about. Then she saw him turn homeward; but the darkness soon hid him from her view. Thoughtful and prompt to act, as the wife of such a man should be, she had a large fire built upon the shore, and stood by it herself, though the storm was yet unabated, and with her own hands kept up the blaze that was to be the beacon-light of her husband, amid darkness and tempest.
Nearly half an hour was passed in the anguish of suspense. Then her quick ear detected, in pauses of the storm, the faint sound of oars. She knew it was from her husband's boat, and her heart bounded with joy, pride, and gratitude to God. Soon the sounds grew more and more distinct, coming direct towards her beacon-fire. At length the boat touched the shore, and Gray bounded out, and drew it high up, and beyond the power of the strong current he had struggled against so manfully.
"Oh, Henry! Thank God that you are safe!" exclaimed Mrs. Gray, seizing his arm with both hands, and clinging to him with a nervous grasp.
"Yes, let us thank Him, Jane, for what he has done. And for this guiding fire let me thank you. Without it, I must, I fear have been lost."
"Henry! Jane!" exclaimed in a familiar voice, one of the men, who had till now remained seated, in a half stupified state of mind in the boat, stepping out quickly as he spoke, and throwing his arms around his preserver and his wife.
"Oh, my boy! Is it to you that I owe my life?"
"My father!" ejaculated Gray, with a quick start, turning, and disengaging himself from his arms—"Is it indeed my father?"
"Yes, my child. Your noble courage

Rev. Zachariah Greene.
We publish the following from the New York Journal of Commerce, believing our readers will be gratified in its perusal. We hope the sentiments expressed by the venerable patriot will be duly considered by every individual.
A WARNING VOICE FROM A PATRIOT OF '76. —The following reply to an invitation from the Committee of Arrangements for celebrating the 4th of July, at Tammany Hall, was received too late for insertion in the publication of their proceedings of that day. We have the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with the venerable and excellent writer. Parson Greene, of Long Island is one of the very few who witnessed "the birth of these United States". He was one of those youthful soldiers who formed the hollow square on the ground, now the Bowling Green, within which the Declaration of Independence was first read in '76, and the freedom and independence of the Colonies proclaimed, amidst the shouts of the assembled troops and the "Liberty Boys" of that glorious period.
Let the warning voice of this pure patriot penetrate the remotest confines of this Union. Happy would it have been if he could have attended the celebration and heard that same Declaration of Independence read once more in the midst of those who are indebted to him and his compeers, for the incalculable value of this Union. His presence would have been one of the most pleasing incidents of the day. But we hope that our venerable friend may still live in health, to realize many more anniversaries of the nation's birth; and that no evil and discontented spirits may, by their frantic and impotent attempts at treason, cause one momentary pang, when the venerable patriot shall pass to his reward.
[COPY.]
HEMPSTEAD, July 3d, 1851.
COL. D. E. DELAVAN:—The letter from you and your associates inviting me to join you and the citizens of New York in the celebration of the 4th of July, was handed to me last evening. I am a friend to the Festival, and return you my sincere thanks for your respectful invitation. It would give me double pleasure, as I was present when the Declaration was read, in the old Park, in your city, on the 4th of July, 1776. I saw and participated in the birth-day of the United States. Gentlemen, I must deny myself the great pleasure, on account of age, heat, and lame ankle and pre-engagement. It may perhaps be of use for me to say, I belonged to the revolutionary army when the Declaration of our Independence was read, for the first time, on the 4th of July, 1776, in the Park, which then lay very

great pleasure, on account of age, heat, and lame ankle and pre-engagement. It may perhaps be of use for me to say, I belonged to the revolutionary army when the Declaration of our Independence was read, for the first time, on the 4th of July, 1776, in the Park, which then lay very near the edge of the city.* The army rejoiced; and it was loudly proclaimed, in every direction, "United we stand—divided we fall." The sons of the old patriots should never lose sight of this important sentiment. What sort of a man is he, that dare open his mouth or raise his finger
against the Union of these States! If such a poor, crawling, skulking thing should be found, why let him and his companions, if he has any, take their property (we don't want them nor theirs) and go to Austria or Russia, where they may wear the iron yoke to their satisfaction. If I could stand on a mountain, in the centre of the United States, and extend my voice from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean, I would cry aloud "be careful of the Union;" "do nothing to injure the Union." For it is the gift of the God of the Bible. Yes, the gift of the God of the armies of the United States of America;—States cemented with the sweat, blood, and property of the Fathers of this nation. We live under the only free, generous, wise and safe government that exists on the habitable earth. Suffer me to say I was born on the 11th of Jan., 1760. I joined the army at Roxbury, Jan. 1776, with a brother older than myself,—aided in building the fort on Dorchester heights, by which the British were driven out of Boston,—marched with the army to New York, helped erect the forts on Brooklyn heights; was in the battle when the British landed at Throg's Point, which lasted till darkness separated us. Soon after, in the battle of the White Plains. I was one of the party sent to drive the British from the neighborhood of Whitemarsh, when they were robbing the people of their cattle and their family stores. Here I was severely wounded. I had also a brother wounded—he had 11 ball holes in his outside garments. One only injured him. I was three years in the army: my brother four. He was in the battle at Monmouth; was with Wayne when they took Stony Point by storm. My father was a volunteer for two months, when the British took New York. He also volunteered with 59, and more from the county of Worcester, Mass., mounting their horses, and aided in capturing Burgoyne, with his army.
Gentlemen, you can see why I am so strongly attached to the Union, and why I wish to leave my posterity and my fellow citizens in a pure unshaken Union. That the celebration of this day may strengthen the Union of these United States, let us unitedly and earnestly beseech our Father in heaven to pour upon our nation the spirit of peace and love.
I am your fellow-citizen, friend and servant in the Gospel of the Divine Saviour,
ZACHARIAH GREENE.
* Now the Bowling Green.

a heavy penance for me to perform, for you. I felt that you had taken a false start in life, and your falsely "ambitious" ideas were leading you in the wrong direction. I could not bear to see one of your sisters living in seclusion, enjoying nothing, sacrificing everything to a delusive hope which you would never have realized from the source which you expected it. You were ambitious—too ambitious, if possible; yet you coveted fame without using the means to obtain it. A man must rise by his own merits, or his position is unsafe. A sister of fortune was ready to fall upon you, and you seemed to be employing, to the utmost, your powers to secure every opening at its descent! I knew the effect of appointment on your disposition, and I feared that your ruin was certain, unless some means could be employed to arouse you from that apathy in which you appeared to be sinking. Did not my remedy—such a severe one, I confess—tend to the completion of that object, with good effect?" "It did ," answered Louis, with emotion, "and my dearest Emilie, I can never love you enough for the deep interest you have shown in my welfare. But for that, I should have been ruined. I have not gained a fortune in my profession, but my exertions for you have secured me a position in the world, which would have been ruined by me otherwise."
my— eyes. "Is He s The ship, fo very so "Sh The clung t "Yo for we time." He s the int o'clock ears th miles a boy It w memb I got c dow c and g dow a "S She me a door wife. and I
no happier bridegrooms, never before. They have pledged their vows on that spot; never was a woman's promise more fully kept, than that which secured the BRIDAL ARTIST'S FORTUNE.
ed cl sleepi ened, "M
A NUMBER of physicians were once disputing as to what would best sharpen the sight. One recommended one thing, and some another; till at last, one said that there was nothing that would do it like envy , for it magnifies and multiplies all the errors of man.
An fainte Bu She is I am erty,
HARD JOURNEY. —The Russians assert that St. Anthony made a voyage from Rome to Novgorod on a millstone.
BA collec Glauc of br

al in Politics an
AUGUST 2, 1851.
ng a casual remark on the state of the er, introduced a conversation. o London, sir?" inquired the stranger. es," answered Louis. n trading business?" No. I am an artist by profession." Ah! Not Monsieur Rouelle?" My name is Bernier." Bernier? ah yes. I have seen your ings, and admire them much. You re- n Paris, I think." have, heretofore." hope you are not leaving there, perma- y. Paris is my native place, and I it is the place for an artist." I have not decided on my future course, t," said Louis. Allow me to be a little inquisitive, Mon- r Bernier," said the stranger. "Per- you go to London to take a wife? eh?" Of that I can inform you better when I rn," said Louis, smiling. Ha! ha! ha! I thought so," roared the ger. "I am on the same business. A w feeling makes one mighty discerning, " So it seems, sir; and since you are dis- d to get acquainted, allow me to ask name." My name is Ernest Moliere. My na- place is Paris, but I have not spent a in the city since I became of age. My ess is in London. When do you return ris—if at all?"
from L with m Eva." "E ing pal "E At Emili ed, ea Em docum said: "T of a pi I now you a portra Lot fied! the a and b she ha "I said s Monsi don't Th them follow minut all ex troduc proved instiga fortun
Bar. Zachariah Greene.

Collections of the "New Jersey Historical Society" - page 6 Vol 2 - James Alexander (the father of Lord Stirling) died in 1756 - He had acquired considerable Real Estate in the City of New York & was one of the proprietors of East New Jersey - His daughter Mary married Peter - Van Brugh Livingston brother to to Gen Livingston Son of New Jersey - See Livingston in Index 269 -
See Gen Livingston's letter to Earl of Stirling dated Jan 11 th 1782 - At this time Gen Livingston's son in law Mr Fay had gone to

to France & Spain & his Son Henry Mackintosh accompanied them as Secy of Legation - He writes to Lord Stirling thanking him for offering to forward letters &c -
See page 247 - West- Coll - Vol 2 -
"In the Spring fol- lowing - (Jan y 11 th 1782) Lord Stirling - Brig Genl Dand, Ad General of the Army & Col Nicholas were appointed by the Com in Ch a Board to settle the rank of the Subalterns of the Continental & for that purpose he repaired to Fishkill in Feb y of 1782 when those troops were encamp-

(after setting forth that he was appointed Col of a regt of Militia (Col 2 pay 115-) but before the day appointed for the review Lord Sterling was trans- ferred to the first of two reg- iments of regular troops directed by Congress to be raised in N.J. for the Continental Service into which he was ball owned by sev- eral of the officers & men of his Militia Regt-
In Jan'y 1776 Lord Sterling with his regular troops & some volunteers from Elizabethton took the British around Franklin - of 300 men & the list of volunteers is given & among them Henry Mackholdt Livingston afterwards Judge & & "W m Livingston Esq" Handwritten

Wm Livingston - afterwards Gov. of New Jersey - He was the brother in law of Lord Shelburne & in July 1776 Brig Genl of Militia & as such succeeded to Command at Elizabeth Town - S. Sep 129 - B. & R. Hist Coll.

5 My Brother,
I have been trying to buy a horse but find it very difficult, as it always is, to get a good one - My intention therefore is to put the one in your care in very good pasture, which I have on this island under the charge of a man who is on my place, with- out using him at all - for a month in which time he will probably be in tolerable order, but I wait until the warm weather comes which may be expected every day, I shall not get him for the whole sum - me - Give our best love to Mrs. L & the children. Yours &
Ps. Livingston 17. March 13.

Sept 9. 1776 in charge of prisoners
" 18 " order given on Lt Col Livingston Oct 11 " expedition of Col d Richmond & Livingston in L. Island Holson's certificate contains the following
Lt Col William Livingston was in the Com d Line from Jan 1777 until Oct 1779 Memorandum in Provost Jail N.Y. from April 23 rd 1777 to Jan y 1778 (Forts Montgomery & Clinton taken on the 6 th of October 1777)
Oct 12 (1777) Lt Col. Livingston and upwards of 20 officers all from F t Montgomery & Clinton all below " 28. " Last night to day storm continued very severe Provost in a terrible condition. Lt Col. Living- ston admitted up stairs for a few minutes "
25. Aug th 1778. Sullivan issues orders 28. Col d Webb, Reg t man com d of Col d Webb
10 of Oct 1778 Lt Col Livingston supposed to be discharg- ed from the Army in consequence of his having sent a letter he had sent to Gen l Washington resign- ing his commission
Feb y 2. 1778 - received a bridle & saddle Lt Col Wm s Living- ston.

On the Muster Roll for Nov & Dec 1780 Ebenezer Huntington appears as Lt Col. on detachment March April 1780 Lt Col on duty
Mr. James Craig
MS. A. 9. 2. 20

Ms 2
1858
to the ...
and ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...
the ...

In The matter of the Claim of Mary Betts to a Pension
County of Kings f: State of New York. Robert Edmond being duly sworn, says, that he is a physician that he has resided and practiced as such for the past eighteen years at New Lots in said County, that during said time he has been the family physician of the above named Mary Betts, that she is in feeble bodily health and has been so for several years, and that she has had an attack of paralysis.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 9 th day of October 1850
Robert Edmond
Jonathan U. Forbell Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF KINGS, } ss.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER , Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Jonathan M. Hobell whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument,  deposition and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment,  deposition a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, dwelling in said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment  deposition is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this Oct. 1850  9 th day of
Francis B. Stryker
CLERK.
Francis B. Stryker Clerk of the County of Kings for the
the

James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Jamaica L.I. July 18 th 1857
Sir,
I have read the papers purporting to be the certificate of the Revd Zachariah Greene, an aged man, dated the 18 th day of July 1857 - And the Certificate of Bromley Hendrickson as to the identity of the said Zachariah Greene. And I have besides seen and conversed with John Jay Livingston a gentleman well known to me, and Son of Mary Betts, formerly the wife of William Livingston - who is an applicant for a Pension - and I have no hesitation from my knowledge of the parties in stating that the application made by her, is in my opinion entitled to the favorable and early consideration of the Department
Very Respectfully Your obedt Servt. John A. King

11 Elias Doudin Esq r Commissary General of Prisoners for the United States of America
To Lewis Pintard Esq r
For sundry supplies furnished the following American Prisoners of War as for their accounts (in)
   Names Rank State Regt Company £ s d     1. W m Livingston Lt Col Connecticut JB Wells No board 23 5 3   2. W m Livingston Lt Col Connecticut JB Wells 18 12 7   3. W m Livingston Lt Col Connecticut JB Wells 23 5 3    No 1 bears date August 28, 1778. No 2 " " October 24, 1778. No 3 " " Oct 30 1778.
Original bill of Lt Col W m Livingston To Thomas Gardner Esq r 1777 Nov 26, for sundries see bill amounting to £ 18, 12, 7 receipts attached.
City of Washington D c Columbia
On this 13 th day of November A.D. 1831 before me Anthony Sayre  Esq r , a Justice of the Peace Personally appeared Charles G m Chesney of the city of Trenton, N.J. who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that extracts Nos 1, 2 & 3, and true copies from original papers (deposited private property) which he received from the executor to the executor of Lewis Pintard Esq r , Agent for the Amer- -ican Prisoners of War, also received an original Bill receipts attached of said executor.

The original papers are presented for examination from which the foregoing extracts are taken by said referees Sworn & Subscribed the { Charles M. Chesney } day of year above written } before
Anthony Dyer J. P. Clerk
Col. Wm Livingston 1777 To Thomas Gardner Dr Nov. 26. Making a Chick Regimentals £2. 18. 0 2 3/4 Yds old Mills Cloth 64/ 7. 4 New lining & pockets for Coat " 7. 6 36 large gilt buttons 7 1. 1. 8 small do 3 1/2 " 2. 4 Hookes & Eyes 1 5. 5 Yds Silk binding 11 " 5. 1 1/2 Sup fine white Cloth 58/ 4. 7 Facing & lining for Coat & Breeches " 13. 6 Lining for Breeches 6. 6 26 small & 3 large buttons, Gilt 0. 3 1 Gold Lampet 3. 4 Silk thread twist buckram 10. 6 By 1 Gold Lampet (Ret'd) 24. 16. 7 ballast 3. 4 18. 12. 7 Received of him Bonds 1247. of Lewis Bontant in full of the above acct. Thos Gardner

Col: D r Livingston Ans! with Thos: Gardner
£10.12.7-
Paid.
ms. sent him an Excerpt Bk. of ad. V. & L. cont 25 p.

Received of Major George Huntington five Pounds Thirteen Shillings and some Pence Money which I directed him to stop from Wages Due Mr Lockwood late Paymaster to Col. Van B. Kelts Regiment -
Wm Livingston Lieut Col.
October 1770.
State of New York County of Kings I do
I Jesse C. Smith Surrogate of the County of Kings do hereby certify that I have Compa- red the annexed Certificate or Receipt with the handwriting and Signatures of William Livingston in the Books of Record remaining in this Office and which were written by the said William Living- ston while Surrogate of this County and I am of the opinion that the annexed receipt and Signature are in the hand writing of the said William Livingston
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Office of the Surrogate of the County of Kings this 13 th day of July 1852 Jesse C. Smith Surrogate

Head Quarters 23 d Feb y 1779
I John Jay Livingston of East New York and County of Kings and State of New York, being duly sworn deposeth and says, that the Letter dated Head Quarters Feb y 23. 1779 was found by me on the 5. th day of Nov r inst t , in an old Book belonging to my Father entitled Acts of the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey held at Princeton from the Twenty Seventh day of August to the Eighth day of Oct. 1776, being the first Assembly of the State of New Jersey after the formation of the Constitution. And this deponent further says that his Father was the oldest son of the late Gov r Livingston of New Jersey, And that he has heard his Father say that during the war of the Revolution he held the Appointment of Lieut. Col. in Col. Samuel B. Webb's Regiment of the Connecticut line, and have heard him relate his Revolutionary services, and having been a prisoner of war in the Provost in New York. And I verily believe the Letter Affixed to this Affidavit bearing date as above stated was written and signed by my late Father from the best of my recollection and knowledge of his writing, and entertain no doubt of the fact as regards his writing and signature, and of the genuineness of the Affixed Letter.
Tho. J. Livingston
Sworn to before me
This 23 d day of December 1852
Englebert K. W. Justice of the Peace

This is to certify that I have known John L. Livingston for the last ten years And I know him to be a gentleman of good character for truth and veracity Wherever for truth and whose Oath I would strictly rely on
Englebert Lott Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. COUNTY OF KINGS, }
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER, Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Englebert Lott whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknow- ledgment is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 21 st day of December 1852
Francis B. Stryker
Clerk.

Dear Sir
Nothing but the Welfare and Happiness of my friend Mr Mansford could have afforded me half the Pleasure that the keeping of your letter containing an Account of your Son's Exchange and gave me - It is my Sincere Prayer that he may never meet with the like Reverse of Fortune during this unhappy contest - I have once experienced it and know how to pity him - For as Mr Addison justly observes "A Day, an Hour, a Minute of Virtuous Liberty is worth a whole Eternity in Bondage -
The many Compliments you are pleased to pay me and the kind Offers you have made of his Service to me can be only equal'd by the Gratitude I feel towards you and the Affection I have for Giles - As we grow in Years may it increase in Degree, until it shall finally settle into the most lasting Friendship; founded upon Truth, its firmest Basis - Accept my Thanks for your Remembrance of my Message to Major Huntington, give my Love to your Son, who I wish may long live, the best of Blessings to the best of Parents and believe me to be with Sincerity
Your much Obliged Friend P.S. When Opportunities offer I shall be happy to hear from you - Mrs Livingston

State of New York County of Kings ss
I, Jesse L. Smith Surrogate of the County of Kings do hereby certify, that I have examined the annexed letter dated Head Quarters 23 d Feby 1779 and compared the handwriting and signature thereto with the Records of Wills in this Office and with the handwriting and signature of William Livingston in the said Records remaining in this Office, and which are written by the said William Livingston while Surrogate of this County, and I am of the opinion and believe that the annexed letter and signature are in the handwriting of the said William Livingston
By testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of office of the Surrogate of said County of Kings this 21 st day of December A. D. 1882 J. L. Smith Surrogate
P.S. When opportunity offers I shall be happy to hear from you —
Your much obliged Friend Wm Livingston

Sundries of Specie Dr to Elias Boudinot, late Com. Genl of Prisoners - Specie
Officis Accounts opened in the Books of the Pay M r Genl.
For the following payments made by Levin Piatard
By Com. Genl of Prisoners, for the Board and Clothing of Prisoners in New York, who are respectively chargeable therewith in the Pay M r Genl Books -
Lieut. Col. Wm Livingston Connecticut, for N o 200 £ 22 3. 1
Treasury Department
Register Office Nov. 3. 1852
I Certify the above to be a true extract, from Blotter N o 2 under date of 19 May 1786, connected with the Revolutionary Records in this Office -
N Sargent, Register

Washington Aug. 30 th 1852.
Sir:
The claim of Mary Bates of New York to a Pension under Act of July 8. 1838. on account of the Revolutionary services of her first husband Lieut. Col. William Livingston of Col. Samuel B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment has given rise to several examinations and finally resolves the whole question into one of identity.
The marriage before the 1. January 1794 is admitted. The Comptroller of Connecticut's Certificate shows the appointment of William Livingston as Lieut. Col. of Webb's regiment on the 1st. January 1777 and his resignation October 10. 1778. And it is allowed, all the affidavits presented in the case (and there are very many) with uniformity establish the point, that William Livingston, son of Governor Livingston of New Jersey, was the identical officer who served in the regiment commanded by Col. Webb. It is moreover shown, as stated by the widow, that her husband was a prisoner in Provost. An original roll has been exhibited, signed by Elias Pondicot, Commissary General of Prisoners, giving the name of William Livingston Lt. Col. of Samuel B. Webb's Regiment, a prisoner in 1778. Commissary Pondicot was on terms of great intimacy with Governor Livingston's family, and knew the name of his son, an officer of distinction. There is also on file, a certified extract from a News Paper published at Hartford in 1778 - & in giving an account of a battle in August 1778. under General Sullivan on Long Island, the fact is stated, that the Connecticut Troops of Webb's regiment were Commanded by Lieut. Col. William Livingston. And in an application made by Elisha Hubbard under Act. 1832 from Connecticut, and pensioned at $120.- pr. An. he declared under oath, he served for two years under Col. Samuel B. Webb and Lieut. Col. William Livingston.

In General Washington's reply to the letter requesting the acceptance of his resignation, addresses him "Head Quarters Novr. 24. 1778" as Lieut. Col. Will. Livingston . The Commander in Chief had too much method, thus to depart from his acknowledged accuracy, to address a letter upon an important subject to an officer of high rank and "even painful" (for such was the term expressed) in any other than his real name. No one better than Washington knew Lieut. Col. William Livingston . he conferred on him the appointment , and Sedgewick's life of Livingston shows the long, intimate and friendly correspondence, during the War of the Revolution between General Washington & Governor Livingston.
But all this has been set aside on the ground, that an original muster roll in the Pension Office from Dec: 1778 to April 1779 shows William S. Livingston for those months was the Lt. Col. of Webb's regiment, and it is therefore maintained, that William S. and not William Livingston was the Lieut. Col. of who performed the service in Col. Webb's regiment. The fact seems to have been overlooked that the Muster Roll in question does not bear his signature, and was really made out after he resigned his appointment, Oct. 10. 1778, and opposite to the name is written, on furlough ; thus showing he was not present with the Army. The name having been written William S. Livingston was a clerical act. by another, over which the officer had no control or authority and probably knew nothing about, and may have grown out of the manner of Livingston's own signature - to wit. W S . Livingston.
I am not prepared to admit that the signature affixed to his letter of resignation, dated at "Beverwyck" (his father Genl. Livingston's residence) Oct. 10. 1778, is clearly an S for it admits of a question, whether the character resembling an S. is a flourish of the pen terminating in the abbreviatory point which is usually placed beneath Contracted names;

but whether or not, it cannot effect the material question of personal identity; the fact of a change of any mode of signature cannot change the character of the individual. I cite a case directly in point. The genealogical history of General Livingston's (of New Jersey) family, among others of his children, shows the names of William Livingston & Henry Brockholst Livingston. the latter was also an officer of high rank, in the New York Continental Line; commissioned Henry Brockholst Livingston as the Journals of Congress Vol. 1. p. 499 show, served under his commission until 1782. and after the war, and before his appointment on the Supreme Bench, dropped the Henry and uniformly, thereafter, signed his name Brockholst Livingston. And I ask, can it be possible that any one, with however ingenious an argument, could expect to force an opinion that Henry Brockholst Livingston and Brockholst Livingston were two distinct and different individuals. For the same reason the addition of an S or a flourish resembling an S. to the signature of William Livingston cannot disturb his personal identity, and make two, out of one Lt. Col. in Webb's Regiment.
In addition to the proof on file, both documentary & by affidavit, that William Livingston son of Governor Livingston was a Lieut. Col. in Col. S. B. Webb's regiment, I herewith submit an original certificate obtained from the family, & papers of the Pay. master of the regiment in which Lieut. Col. Livingston served.
It is a paper bearing an official character , having the evidence within itself, in the form of a certificate written and signed by the Pay master of the regiment, (who was himself a pensioner under Act 15. May 1828 and whose standing is known to the Department) in these words. viz:
"This certifies that I drew pay for Lieut. Col. W. Livingston in the 9th. Conn: Regiment, up to and including the month of April 1779. but was ordered by the then Major. Huntington in June or July following, not to pay S d Livingston any monies or wages from Oct. 10. 1778. but to account for the same with the Pay. master General or Auditor, which order I have

"complied with, and paid the same to the Auditor with the main "Army."
"September 10. 1782."
"J. Nathan Beers, Paymaster"
Here we have reiterated documentary evidence from the Comptroller of Connecticut, that Lieut. Col. William Livingston resigned his Commission Oct. 10. 1778. Of General Washington's acceptance of his letter of resignation dated at Berenrych Oct. 10. 1778. as soon as his public accounts were settled; and, finally, the Pay. master of the Regiment's certificate that he drew the pay of Lieut. Col. William Livingston up to the 10. Oct. 1778.
Can the Department desire further proof of a fixed fact? Having received a further affidavit in the case, I present it; the affiant, I am informed, married a son of Bondnot, Commissary General of Prisoners ; and altho' the affiant knows nothing of the revolutionary service of William Livingston, yet she recollects having heard him called Col. Livingston, that he was the son of the Governor, and that after his marriage in New Jersey, he and his wife visited her Father's house before they removed to New York, where Col. William Livingston died and his widow is still living.
I remain, very respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
Alex. Ray

No. 41 agent argument

Washington January 22 nd 1852
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir.
Your letter of the 12 th Instant in the case of Mary Bette formerly the widow of William Livingston was received on the 19 th and I am pleased to be relieved from replying in detail to your very elaborate argument. You properly remark in the conclusion of your report, "to my mind this question resolves itself into "one of simple identity;" and you add "if it can be made to "appear that William Livingston was identical with the "William S. Livingston named in the original Roll of Col. "Samuel B. Webb's Regiment &c. the claim should be allowed; "but not otherwise".
We agree in the opinion that there was but one Lieut. Col. Livingston who served in Col. S. B. Webb's Regt. and it is my purpose to show that, that Officer was applicant's husband, and the son of Govr Livingston of New Jersey; and in doing so, beg first to remark, that since the enactment of the Act June 7. 1832, it has been the invariable and undeviating practice of your Department to receive in evidence certificates from the Comptroller of Connecticut, from the Register of the Land Office at Richmond Va, and from the other proper Departments of the State Governments, whatever proof their records afford, relating to the appointment, service, pay, and resignation of their Officers.
Under this rule and practice of your office, I filed in the case of applicant, a certificate from the Comptroller

of Connecticut showing that William Livingston was appointed a Lieut. Col. of Webb's Connecticut Regiment, January 1. 1777, tendered his resignation Oct. 1778. and paid up to May 1779; and a still further certificate - that there was no such officer as Lieut. Col. W. S. Livingston in the service of Connecticut.
To counteract the force of the first named certificate, it is argued, that the muster roles of Col. S. P. Webb's Reg't in your office, show Wm S. Livingston as Lieut. Col. It, therefore, becomes necessary to examine into the character of these muster returns to arrive at a proper conclusion. On reference and examination, you will find that only from Dec'r 28 th /78 to May '79 The name of William S. Livingston as Lieut. Col. is to be found; and you will discover too, opposite his name is written " on Furlough "; This of itself is sufficient to prove he was absent from the army when the returns were made out, and, for that reason, cannot be relied on to disprove the positive certificates from the Comptroller of Connecticut.
Again; I pass to the letter of resignation found among the Washington Papers at the Department of State, dated at "Berwynch, New Jersey. Oct. 10. '78" signed by Wm S. Livingston and addressed to General Washington. The Secretary of State in his report to you Oct. 25. last, gives the fac simile of the signature to the letter, and to his report I beg to refer you.
His communication certainly fixes an important fact; one which you yourself expressed a wish to be informed upon, to wit: something to show applicant's husband was a
(resident)

resident of the State of New Jersey; the letter to Genl. Washington furnishes that evidence, bearing date at Beverwyk New Jersey in 1778, and must satisfy you as to his whereabouts, and resident state; for it is but reasonable to conclude, when an officer retires from service it would be but natural for him to repair to his homestead.
The question here arises, where was Beverwyk , New Jersey? Was it the residence of the family of Governor Livingston? As this is an important point in the case, I must beg permission for your satisfaction, to give you an extract from a "Memoir of the life of William Livingston by Theodore Sedgwick in a note on Page 196".
"The winter of 1776-77 was spent by Mr. Livingston's family among their relatives at Baskenridge , Somerset County. In the next Spring Mrs. Livingston, liking the proximity of the American Army almost as little as that of the enemy, determined to return to Elizabeth Town. She was actually on her way thither with her daughter, when she was met by General Washington, who represented the great risk she would run in her own house. She changed her purpose and fixed her residence at Persepany , where the family principally spent the next three and a half years"
Again on page 242. "The first notice of an attempt upon Governor Livingston's life or person, except the one mentioned by Galloway in 1776- which I have found is in a letter from Elisha Pondiut of the 27 th July 1777. The house in which his family resided at Persepany was surrounded in the night by a party of refugees, who thought it safest to wait till daylight to

"to secure their prey; but tradition says that his habits of early rising saved him from becoming a prisoner. His enemies overslept themselves; and when the sun roused them, Gov. Livingston, unconscious of his danger, was upon his way to a neighboring village."
These extracts incontrovertibly prove the residence of Governor Livingston's family to have been at Paterpany from 1777 to 1780. Paterpany is found on the map of New Jersey, in the county of Morris, near Morristown. "Berenvyck" is shown by the affidavit of H. H. Ford Esq r herewith submitted, to be in the Township of Paterpany, where the Livingston family resided. Such is the character of the evidence you required, and brings the irresistible conclusion of the identity of the Son, with the Father; the letter of resignation having been written from his Father's residence or perhaps dated from the Post Office of the Township.
As I stated before, the Secretary of State in his report to you of Oct r 25. last, altho' he "does not presume to decide" between the discrepancy of the fac simile of the signature, bearing date at Berenvyck, and General Washington's letter directed to Lt. Col. William Livingston in reply; yet I think you will admit that the character resembling an S may be a flourish of the pen terminating in the abbreviatory point &c. Indeed more so when connected with Washington's reply; for the idea can hardly be entertained from the long and known intimacy, that existed between Gov. Livingston & family with Genl. Washington, as their correspondence exhibits, that the latter should have forgotten the name of the son of the former, an officer of high rank, and on

a matter of important concern, the acceptance or rejection of a request to retire from the service , and no doubt with his letter before him, should have addressed him as Lt. Col. William Livingston, if his name had been Lt. Col. William Smith Livingston; this needs no further comment than to observe, that such was not the practice of Washington .
A question may here arise, who was William Smith Livingston? It is admitted in the American Archives Vol. 1. Fifth Series, Page 918, there was an officer by that name as Major in a Militia Regiment of New York, commanded by Col. Leasher, in the month of August 1776 ; beyond that month his name cannot be found. He, surely, was not the son of Governor Livingston of New Jersey? The genealogical history of the family show the contrary. He, surely, was not the officer who served in Col. S. B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment, for the Comptroller certifies there was no such officer as William S. Livingston in the service of that State. Nor was he the officer whose name is given on the Roll's of Prisoners in Provost; for these several roll's show distinctly and fully written, " Lieut. Col. William Livingston of Samuel B Webb's Connecticut Regiment ." (presented for your inspection by the late Secretary of State of New Jersey.) Nor was he the officer, whose original account is filed with the case, for sundry articles purchased in 1778; because that account is made out in the name of Lt. Col. William Livingston . In short, he has no identity as the son of Govr Livingston, by record or other testimony.
The whole question resolves itself in one fact.

fact, that they were the same and identical persons. The flourish to the W m in the letter of resignation, cannot weigh in the mass of testimony adduced. That he was the son of Governor Livingston, was commissioned as Lieut: Col: in Webb's Regiment in 1777, tendered his resignation from his Father's residence in 1778, and so addressed by Genl: Washington, but did not finally leave the Army until May 1779 as shown by the Certificate from the Comptroller of Connecticut.
I hope, Sir, in this view of the case, the claim may now be allowed.
I remain,
Your most obedt: Servt.
Alex. N ay

N o . 42 affidavit
L. O. N.

In the Matter of the application of Mary Betts, for a pension &c.
City and County of New-York ss: Henry W. Ford being duly sworn says that he is a native of Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, and that he is well acquainted with the place known as Beverwyck, in said State and County; that said Beverwyck lies about nine miles from Morristown in the township of Pocopony in the County of Morris in said State, and that it is an old and long settled part of New Jersey; and that it is stated in a Memoir of the life of William Livingston, Governor of New Jersey, by Theodore Sedgwick Junior, printed and published in the year 1833, at New York, in the marginal note to page 196, that the residence of the family of Gov. Wm. Livingston was for the three years and a half subsequent to the Spring of 1777, at the said Pocopony: and that deponent believes the said statement to be true.
State of New-York, City and County of New-York, } ss.
I, GEORGE W. RIBLET, Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Supreme Court for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Manfred Davies before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorised to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State and for general purposes; and that his signature — thereto is genuine, as I verily believe.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 12 th day of January 1852
Geo: W. Ribble Clerk.

In the Matter of the application of Mary Betts, for a pension &c.
City and County of New York ss: Henry W. Ford being duly sworn says that he is a native of Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, and that he is well acquainted with the place known as Beverwyck, in said State and County; that said Beverwyck lies about nine miles from Morristown in the township of Peapack in the County of Morris in said State, and that it is an old and long settled part of New Jersey; and that it is stated in a Memoir of the life of William Livingston, Governor of New Jersey, by Theodore Sedgwick Junior, printed and published in the year 1833, at New York, in the marginal note to page 196, that the residence of the family of Gov. Wm. Livingston was for the three years and a half subsequent to the Spring of 1777, at the said Peapack: and that deponent believes the said statement to be true.
Sworn to before me this 10 th day of December 1851
J. Mansfield Davis
Commissioner of Deeds.
Henry W. Ford.

Copy, or extracts from the several affidavits filed in support of the identity of Lieut.-Col. William Livingston son of Gen l Livingston late of New Jersey etc.
1. John Lott. 16. Sept. 1850.
Knows Mary Betts. & for more than fifty years; that she is the same woman who was the wife of Lieut. Col. William Livingston who was a reputed officer of the War of the Revolution, and believed by his friends and neighbors to have served as an officer.
2. John C. Stoothoff. Sept. 17. 1850.
Knows Mary Betts. for more than forty years, who was the wife of Lieut. Col. William Livingston, who was reputed an officer of the Revolution.
3. Rem Sefferts. Oct. 8. 1850.
In the 80th. year of his age. Always resided in Kings County. That he knew Lieut. Col. William Livingston for some years previous to his death, was always reputed and known as an officer of the Revolution. That he left a widow then residing in Flatbush New York - deponent knew her personally, and that she subsequently married Richard Betts Esqr. and the identical same woman who

who was left a widow by said William Livingston. 4. John J. Livingston, Oct. 9. 1850.
That he is the son of the late Lieut. Colonel William Livingston and of the present applicant. That he has often heard his Father speak of being a prisoner in New York in 1781, and of having served in the Army of the Revolution. That deponent has the box in which his Father kept his three cornered hat , and that he also had his military sword cut up into two large knives which are still in deponent's possession.
5. Hon: John Duer of the City of New York. Oct. 9. 1850.
He was personally acquainted with William Livingston now deceased. He was a son of the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey. In 1798 '99 visited his family then residing at Flatbush, Kings County, New York. He married his wife, Mary Livingston, at Elizabeth Town New Jersey. Had further understood that William Livingston served as an officer in the War of the Revolution, and was so reputed, &c.
6. Peter P. Wyckoff. January 28. '51.
Aged Eighty-one. That he was well acquainted with William Livingston, the former husband of said Mary Peters, for more than twenty years before his decease. That said William Livingston was known and reputed to have been an officer during the Revolution. That deponent has often heard the said William Livingston say that he was a Lieut. Colonel / during
this justice

during the Revolutionary War, and that he was stationed in the Connecticut Line of Service. That he was taken prisoner and confined in the Provost Jail in New York. That many years prior to his death he was Surrogate of Kings County, New York, &c.
7. William Howard. January 28. 1851.
He was well acquainted with William Livingston, formerly the husband of Mary Bets, for more than twenty years before his death. That William Livingston was known and reputed to have been an officer during the Revolution, and deponent has often heard said Livingston say, that he was a Lieut: Colonel in the Revolutionary War and in the Connecticut Service. That he was taken prisoner and put in the prison house in the City of New York. That William Livingston was the surrogate of Kings County for a number of years &c.
8. John F. Livingston. May 5. 1851.
Son of Lieut: Col. William Livingston. Was present at the time and saw his Father give to the deponents brother, Philip French Livingston, his Commission as an officer in the Revolutionary Army. That said P. F. Livingston soon after went to the East Indies. That he was murdered by the Crew of the Dutch Ship Matilda, in Sept 1834, and that all his effects and papers, were at that time destroyed, and has never heard of or seen the Commission since.

9. Mrs. General Alexander Hamilton, May 7. 1851.
That she was formerly on terms of intimacy with the late Governor Livingston's family, of New Jersey. Knew his children. William Livingston was the oldest son. He was an officer of the Army, but cannot recollect the rank he held. Often heard General Washington and her late husband talk of him as the son of the Governor of New Jersey.
10 Rev. Zach h . Green. July 18. 1851.
Declares he entered the service in the War of the Revolution in 1776, and is now a Revolutionary Pensioner, Act. June 7. 1832. That he was personally acquainted with the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey and his sons William and Henry Brockholst, and believes and has no doubt in his own mind, that the said William was a Lieut. Colonel in Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Regiment in Connecticut; has seen him in regimentals and marching with the Army.
In a second affidavit dated July 25. 1852, the Reverend M c Green further swears, that during the life time of Governor Livingston of New Jersey, he attended the church that I was then preaching in, in the Summer of 1785, (and again renews from recollection) of having seen William Livingston said to be the son of Governor Livingston, in his uniform designating that of Lieut. Colonel.

11. Finally the letter of resignation dated at "Berenoych, New Jersey. Oct. 10. 1778," - shown to have been the residence at that time of Governor Livingston of New Jersey. A very natural occurrence that the resignation of an officer should have been dated at his own, or at his Father's home.stead.
and 12 th The affidavit of Mr. Adriana Bondindt - That applicant's husband was the son of Gov d Livingston "he was known as an officer of the army of the revolution." I do recollect having heard him constantly called Col. Livingston and remember his marriage in the after his return from New Jersey; Col. William Livingston (son of Gov d Livingston) and his wife visited my Father's house. This was before he removed to New York, where I understand Col. Livingston died, and his widow is still living.
Washington Nov 4. 1852.
I beg to remark, that in the examination of the revolutionary records: in the register of the Treasury office a few days ago. I discovered an entry, where a payment had been made, and for which the United States gave credit. for £22. 3.1 being the amount made to Lieut. Col. M c Livingston Connecticut Line. while he was a prisoner. It is a most important point of evidence. in favor of the widow, she declared in her declaration her husband was a prisoner in New York in New York.
And it confirms most fully. affidavits N o 6. & 7. both affidavits under oath declare they "had often heard William Livingston say he was a Lieut. Col. in the Connecticut Line, and was taken prisoner. and was confined in the New York Jail in New York."
Can any thing be more conclusive. than documentary evidence. discovered 18 or 20 mo s . after the affidavits were made. A

establish the correctness of the affiant's statements.
Alva Ray
4 Jan. /52
No. 2
Copy of the birth, appears in support of identity

In Chancery Before the Vice Chancellor of the First Circuit.
To the Chancellor of the State of New York
Humbly complaining, showeth unto your Honor your Orator John Jay Livingston of the County of Kings, farmer, that your Orator is one of the Children and Heirs at Law of William Livingston deceased of the County of Kings, Surrogate, who was one of the Sons and Heirs at Law and Devisees of William Livingston Governor of the State of New Jersey and at the time of his decease a resident of that State; that his grandfather the said Governor Livingston during his life time and at the time of his decease was seized and possessed in his own right of a large Real and Personal Estate as well in this State as in the State of New Jersey. That being so seized and possessed the said Governor Livingston being of sound and disposing mind and memory in and by his last Will and Testament bearing date on the twentieth day of

2 June in the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety and by two certain codicils therunto annexed and bearing date re- spectively the fifth and sixth of July in the same year, all of which were attested in due form of Law to wit thereby Real Estate, and devise and bequeath one equal undivided seventh part or share of all his Real Estate, the whole into seven equal parts to be divided to his son Brockholls Livingston and to his heirs and assigns forever; one other equal undivided seventh part to the said Brockholls Livingston his heirs and assigns in Trust for Mary Linn and her heirs; and one other equal undivided seventh part to John Hope Herbert Robert Watts and Elizabeth Clarkson and the survivors or survivors of them or to their heirs and assigns in Trust for the said Testator's son the said William Livingston, deceased, (The father of your brother) and his heirs; one other equal undivided seventh part to his daughter Sarah Day her heirs and assigns; one other equal undivided part to his daughter Susannah Symmes then Susannah

3.
Livingston his heirs and assigns; one other equal undivided sixth part to his daughter Catherine Ridley her heirs or assigns; and the remaining other undivided sixth part to John Jay and to his heirs and assigns in Stock for the Testator's daughter Judith Watkins her heirs and assigns - as by the last Will and Testament and Codicils, which your Orator for greater certainty prays leave to refer, will more fully and at large appear.
And your Orator further showeth unto into your Honor that on the day of in the year one thousand seven hundred and the said Grandfather of your Orator died leaving said Will and Codicils in full force and effect, unaltered and unrevoked
And your Orator further showeth unto your Honor that previous to the first day of September in the year 1794 the said Will and Codicils were duly proved and admitted to Probate before the Surrogate of one of the Counties in the State of New

4. Saying as by the Registry of said Wills and codicils yet remaining of Record in the office of said Surrogate, reference being thereunto had, will appear, and to which your order for greater certainty refers if it be necessary so to do -
And your order further showeth unto your Honor that the original of said Wills and codicils is as he is informed and believes in the hands and possession or under the control of some of the defendants in this Cause hereafter mentioned or the Agents or Counsel of some or one of them, and which originals your order prays may be produced to this Honorable Court and which originals they offer to prove if it be necessary so to do.
And your order further showeth unto your Honor that Matthew Clarkson John Slop Hobart and Robert Watts the Trustees of the said seventh part of said Estate so devised to them in Trust for the said father of your Orator and his heirs mentioned in said Wills were respectively alive and residents in the State of New York

4 5 at the time of the death of said Testator and the proof of said Will and codicils and respectively took upon themselves the burden of executing the same, and took into their possession by virtue of said Will and codicils Real and Personal Estate at that time of to the value of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, or some other such sum as you or she is informed and believes, as Testator or otherwise -
And you or she further knoweth unto your Honor that there were living at the time of the death of the Testator, the said father of your Orator William Livingston, and also his six other children viz; Brockholster Livingston of the city of N.Y. Counselor at Law, Susannah Livingston who afterwards married John Oliver Symmes Esqr. then of New Jersey, afterwards of Ohio - Judith the wife of Mr. John Watkins of New York, Annabell, Catharine Ridley, the wife of Matthew Ridley Esqr. who afterwards married John Livingston Esqr. of Livingston Manor, Mary the wife of James Lewis Esqr. of New Jersey and Sarah

0.
The wife of the Honorable John Jay. That said Susan at Symmes, Judith Watkins and Mary Linn are all still living - the said Judith Watkins now residing in the City of New York and the said Mary Linn in Troy in the State of New York and the said Susan Symmes in Stockbridge in the State of Massachusetts.
That said William Livingston the father of your Brother died in the County of Kings in the State of New York on or about the 13th day of May in the Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventeen. Intestate, leaving him surviving Mary Livingston his Widow, and your Brother and some Am Delaplaine, now some Am = Distress of Ohio - Philip French Livingston late of Bohemia in the Island of Long, now deceased. Brookfield Livingston, late of the City of Albany, now deceased - John L. Livingston Matthew Clarkson Livingston and Esau Reddy Livingston - his only heirs at Law; That Philip French Livingston died previous to the first day of January 1835 Intestate and without issue - That Brookfield Livingston also died previous to the first day of January 1830, without

issue leaving his last Will and Testament wherein his interest in the Estate of the father of your orator was not devised by reason whereof the same ascended to your orator and from him to Matthew Clarkson Livingston, John G. Livingston and Esda- Ridly Livingston - as his heirs at Law - By reason whereof your orator became and now is entitled to one fifth of the interest of his deceased father in the property bequeathed under the said Will and codicils of the said Governor Livingston, and so as of and as related to the disposition of said Trusts under said Will.
And your orator further showeth unto your Honor that John Ship Hoback Robert Watts and Matthew Clarkson continued to manage said Estate under said Will and codicils until on or about the day of in the year when John Ship Hoback died - When said Trusts answered on

8,
Robert Watts and Matthew Clarkson the surviving Trustees and who continued to manage the same until on or about the day of in the year when said Robert Watts late died - By reason whereof the said Matthew Clarkson became sole survivor and as such became invested with or took into his hands and possession the remaining property of said Estate and continued to manage the same until on or about the day of in the year when Matthew Clarkson died. That said Matthew Clarkson left a large Real and Personal Estate and left him surviving David Clarkson, Matthew Clarkson, William Bay and Clarkson, the wife of Matthew Clarkson, the wife of William Richmond the wife of Peter Augustus Jay and Susan Maria Clarkson Deceased his only heirs and devisees all of whom are adults except Susan Maria Clarkson Deceased who is an infant under the age of 21 years and only heir of one of the daughters of Matthew Clarkson deceased. as now estate is informed and believes, and who as such heirs and devisees took and now hold and possess the said Estate of said Matthew Clarkson.

23 Oct 180 2 21 13 23
9. And your orator further showeth unto you Hon. that said Justus and either of them was accounted to your orator said father during his or their life times for his interest in the aforesaid Will and codicils in said Estate of his father nor was paid over either to him or to your orator on in his death, his share of the income profits or proceeds of said Estate.
And your orator further showeth unto you Hon. that he was an infant on the age of 21 years at the time of the death of his said father William Livingston deceased, and that he arrived at full age on the 23 rd day of February in the year 1823 since which time he has by his agents made various unsuccessful attempts to ascertain what was justly due to him from the Estate of his father under said Will of his said Grandfather; and to procure an account thereof.

10. And your Honours further sheweth into your Honours that in one of said applications made to David Clarkson one of the Executors and Heirs of said Matthew Clarkson said last surviving Trustee by Esau Ridgely living then the Brother of your Orator, he was shown what purported to be an account of the monies received and paid out of the sales and income of a part of said Estate in the last writing of said Trustee from which it appeared that there had been a very unequal division division of the Estate, and upon the inequality of said division being remarked on by the said Esau Ridgely the book in which the account was contained was hastily withdrawn from the said E. R. L. and a copy thereof and all further for inspection of the same denied to him - Wherefore your orator is unable more particularly to state what his rights are as against said Trustees or their Heirs or representatives in said Estate of his grandfather and wherefore he prays a full account in the premises, and an exhibition of all Books, documents accounts, Deeds, vouchers and other papers relating there to before this Honorable court.

11
And your or our further showeth unto your Honor that on the twelfth day of June in the year 1829, without the knowledge consent or privity and against the Will of your or our a certain Bill was filed in this Honorable Court before the Chancellor in the name of your or our and Susannah Symmes, Judith Watkins, Mary Leina William Jay, Maria Bangs, Ann Jay, Theodore Sedgwick and Susan his Wife, Robert Wallis and Matilda his Wife, Dora Belapleance, John L. Lewisohn, Brockholst Livingston, Matthew C. Livingstone and Esau Reddy Livingston, as Complainants against Peter A. Jay and Mary Rutherford his Wife, David Clarkson, Matthew Clarkson, William Bayard Clarkson, Deborah Goodhue Swift, William Richmond Swift, and Susan Maria Clarkson Defendants defendants seeking to discharge the heirs of said Matthew Clarkson from the burden of said Trust and to appoint certain other Trustees under the said Will and codicils of your or our grandfathers in their stead - But the said Bill was attended with no success and was intended as your or our charges and believes as a fraud upon your or our and others and the Court

12, in which the same was filed. That said Bill was neither signed or sworn to by any of the parties purporting to be complainants in said cause and bears only the name of the Solicitor & Counsel in whose name the same was filed and whom your order charges was utterly unauthorized to appear and file said Bill for him and as your order charges and is ready to prove for several thereof the pretended complainants in said Bill or use their names as such complain- ants. That a pretended answer to said Bill was afterwards on the fourth day of November 1829 filed on the part of the defendants in said Cause by the Son in Law of the Partner of the Solicitor who filed the Bill and who signed said answer as solicitor for defendants in said Cause - That said answer as appears by the record thereof was put in by consent and without oath of any of the defendants and was as your order charges and believes also done under the advice direction or procurement of the said parties whom they were who procured the filing of said Bill, and without your order ever hearing heard of either said

13.
Bill or answer - That said Cause appears to have been filed in the Chancery and a reference made to a Master to report thereon and also to report fit and proper persons to be substituted as Trustees and what security should be given by them as such Trustees - That said reference was also conducted without in any manner coming to the knowledge of your friends and that the Master who reported that Beverly Robinson and Robert Sedgwick were fit and proper persons as such Trustees Reported also that no security was necessary to be given by them. That on the coming in of said Report a decree was made by his Honor the Chancellor confirming the same and appointing the said Beverly Robinson and Robert Sedgwick Trustees of said Estate which said decree was enrolled on the 31st day of December 1829. as by the record thereof and of said Bill Answer and Report now remaining in said Court of Chancery reference being thereunto had with more fully and at large appear, and copies thereof are herewith annexed

to which your order begs leave to refer.
14,
And your order further therewith into your order that said decree and the proceedings in said cause first came to the knowledge of your order about six months ago and
not before, when your order's brother E.R.L.
3
as you are informed & believe, and the said immediately applied to said Trustees for an explication of said proceedings, and for some account from them of what they had done in regard to the said Trust, when one of said
Trustees, said Beverly Robinson, who is the partner of the solicitor in whom said solicitor filed who filed said bill , and when your order charges and is ready to prove was really the acting solicitor in the business and
3  11  Parsons  Parsons to prove the all
has admitted that the name of John Dean was only used by him, with his consent however, that it might not appear that the was himself petitioning to be appointed a Trustee, as there was the intention when the Bill was prepared) informed your order E.R.L.
that he knew nothing about said estate and had never received any accounts in relation thereto except the account herewith annexed marked A of which he allowed the said E.R.L.

He took a copy, at the same time informing him that no money had been paid into his hands 15 for the Estate, except about 70 dollars which he had received for the costs & expenses of said suit for Injunction against Theodore Sedgwick and Mary Lane who employed him to file said Bill And said Retainer also informed said E.P.R. that shortly after his said appointment as such Trustee he was written to by said E.P.R. Theodore S. concerning his right to take any further steps in the matter as they would not be "answerable to him" for his expenses & therefore he had not looked any further after the Estate & knew nothing about it. That E.P.R. also called on Robert Sedgwick the other of said Trustees & of him made the like demand, who also represented to the said E.P.R. that he knew nothing of said Estate, had no money on hand, had seen no account of it, and had done nothing in relation thereto.
Quincy English sent to petition from all the letters to Retainer & produced

16. And your Orator further showeth unto you Her and Clapp. The truth to be that there is yet remaining unsold a large quantity of valuable lands belonging to said Estate and which by the terms of said Will & Codicils said Trustees if lawfully appointed would be authorized to sell and dispose of.
And your Orator further showeth unto you Her & Clapp the truth to be that said Trustees last mentioned were so procured to be appointed by some person or persons to your Orator unknown in part of the rights of your Orator and others, and with design as your Orator charges and believes of
24 concealing the true state of the accounts of said Estate and the property to it belonging from the knowledge of your orator and others -
And your Orator further showeth unto you Her and Clapp the truth to be that there is now in the hands and possession of the Heirs and representatives of Brockholst Livingston deceased (the mother of your orator, and in the hands and possession of Mary Ann the Aunt of your orator, and in the hands & possession

19,
be had and taken and that Buckholz Livingston's heirs or Representatives and the said James Symmes and Mary Lewis may be compelled to respond to your orator and account for such sums of money or such parcels of property as may have been unlawfully placed in their possession or in the possession of either of them, and that the heirs of said Matthew Clarkson may be compelled to pay to your orator out of his Estate in their hands his the proportionate part belonging to your orator, his proportion of the monies and property improperly placed in the possession of the said Buckholz L. and others, as the same on a full account may appear, and that the sale of what

That some sum of said Estate may be made, and the proceeds paid into the hands of the Trustees who may be appointed by his Honorable Court, and that your sister may receive her proportionate share thereof.
20. And that your orator may have such further other relief as the nature of his case may require and as may be agreeable to equity and good conscience.
(The usual prayer for inspiration & subpoena.)
John Mayhew &c. John Mayhew's son W. Matthew Clarkson David Clarkson William Bryan Clarkson He &c. &c. John J John J John John

William Livingston
As he died, May 30. 1817, before the passage of a law, under which he would have been entitled to pension, there is no statement of his military services on file other than that furnished by his former widow, Mary Bets, and her witnesses, in her application for pension —
At the commencement of the war of the Revolution, he was residing with his father, William Livingston, (who was made the Governor of New Jersey (1776)) in Elizabeth town, at which place he married in the fall of 1788 to Mary, . . . . .
Prior to 1795 there was no law in New Jersey, requiring a record of marriages, and there was none found of hers — Her second marriage was Nov. 20. 1823, to Richard Bets, who deceased Sept 16. 1835 — In 1798 or 9, a witness testified to visiting their family at Flatland, Kings County, N.Y. —
His former widow, Mary Bets, was living, April 1850; in Flatbush, Kings County New York, aged 80 years, and in her declaration for pension she stated that her husband, W m Livingston, "held the rank of colonel, and served as such in New Jersey, and "served as Aid-de-camp to his father Gov r W m Livingston, and to Genl. Washington, "in N.J.; that she was unable to state the time when he entered the service, or "left the same, but believes that he served during the entire war; that at the, "commencement of the war, he resided with his father at Elizabeth town N.J.; that "his father was the commander in Chief of all the Militia of N.J., and was in active "service during the Revolutionary war; that she does not know whether he served in "the Militia, or army; that she has heard him say that he was in several engage- "ments, but cannot recollect which they were; that she recollects seeing him often "out in uniform, during the war, and that when parties of the British crossed over, "she has often seen him out acting as an officer" —
There was no W m Livingston of N.J. who could be identified with the service as set forth, and in fact, the Secretary for that State, certified that he could find no evidence of service, by him, in Continental line, or Militia of New Jersey —
Henry Brockhult Livingston, brother to said William, was aid-de-camp

Genl. Saluzles, and also to Genl. St. Clair, and promoted to Lt Colonel, and soon after appointed Colonel of N.Y. regiment, and afterwards a prisoner of war in New York.
In Sept 1850 the widow made a Supplementary declaration, in which she stated, "that she was not certain that her husband performed service in the "N.Y. Continental line"; that her memory is indistinct as to where he served, but she remembers the facts stated by her husband, that he served a long time as "Lt Colonel under Colo Webb, & was for some time a prisoner of war, and she thinks and believes, it was under Colo Webb he served, and that he served for several years, and to the best of her recollection, he served in the Connecticut line; that she recollects distinctly his statement that he was made prisoner, and that she makes this affidavit explanatory of her former declaration" —
The widow, and her witness, did not specify the year he was commissioned, nor what particular year his service commenced, except in the comprehensive term that he was in service "during the war" — Nor did they give the Christian name of Colo Webb; whereas, there were two of that family name, in Connecticut, commanding regiments at the same time, viz. Charles Webb, and Samuel B. Webb —
After the witness designated the latter as the one under whom he was in the service, an examination of the records & rolls, was made, showing that a Wm. S. Livingston was reported as Lt Colonel in Colo S. B. Webb's regiment, as
Commissioned Jan'y 1. 1777, and Ebenezer Huntington of Connecticut, as Major, Commissioned Jan'y 1. 1777, but there is nothing to indicate the residence of Lt. Colo W. S. Livingston as being otherwise than in Conn m , or a Connecticut officer — There are no rolls of that regiment on file prior to August 1778, in which month he is reported "Absent", and thereafter as "furloughed", until for the month of April 1779, when against his name on the roll is written: "Furloughed August 30 for 6 weeks, and absent" — After April, his name is omitted from the rolls, at which time, and for several months previously Colo Webb is reported "prisoner in New York", and Major Huntington was in command of the regiment, which was, and had been in Rhode Island for some time —

The failure of an official application for evidence, from the "Washington papers" in the State Department, is explained in the letter from the Secretary of State to Alex. Ray, Esq dated October 25, 1851, by which, and other documents, (copied with) it appears that Lt. Col. Livingston, of Col. Webb's Connecticut regiment, in a letter dated Beverwyck Octo 10, 1778, addressed to Genl Washington, he asked for leave to resign, to which Genl Washington replied, Nov. 24, 1778, acknowledging its receipt, & added, as soon as you present the usual "Voucher" customary on such occasions, his resignation would, under the circumstances, be accepted. — Genl Washington's reply was addressed to Lt. Col. Will Livingston — So far as known the "Voucher" was not filed, consequently, no resignation was reported on the rolls, nor officially  regularly accepted, yet it led to the promotion of Maj. Ebenezer Huntington to Lt. Col., to rank from Oct 10, 1778 and first reported on the Muster rolls for November & December 1779 and later, John P. Wyllis promoted from Captain to Major from Oct 10, 1778, both in same regiment — Lt. Col. Livingston was reported and paid as such to & including April 1779 after which month, his name was omitted from the rolls —
In support of the identity of Wm Livingston of N.J. with the Lt. Col. Wm S. Livingston of Col. Webb's regiment, as well as to show the great probability how the middle initial letter to his name was introduced on the Muster rolls, his original letter was filed dated "Head Quarters, Feby 23, 1779" in which he acknowledged the receipt of a letter from "my friend Mr. Rumford", and adding, "accept my thanks for remembrance of my message to Major Huntington" — His peculiar signature to this letter is accurately represented by the following tracing:
It was alleged that that Wm Livingston of N.J. resided with his father, and the residence of the Governor was generally known to be at Elizabeth town; and his letter to Genl Washington was dated at Beverwyck, but no state or other evidence of its locality is furnished by it. — Extracts from a memoir of the life of William Livingston (Governor) by Theodore Sedgwick in a note on page 196, were furnished. "The winter of 1776-7 was spent by

" Mr Livingston's family among their relatives at Paskenridge, Somerset County in " In the next Spring Mrs Livingston, liking the proximity of the American army " almost as little as that of the enemy, determined to return to Elizabethtown. She was " actually on her way thither with her daughter, when she was met by General " Washington who represented the great risk she would run in her own house " She changed her purpose and fixed her residence at Percepany, where the family principally spent the next three and a half years "
The affidavit of Henry W Ford of N.Y. City, dated December 10. 1851 states that he is a native of Morristown, Morris County, N.J., and that Beveruyck lies about nine miles from Morristown in the township of Percepany in the County of Morris, N.J. and that it is an old and long settled part of New Jersey. He alluded to the the memoir of Gov Wm Livingston by Theodore Sedgwick, published in 1833 and to marginal note on page 196 (as above given) which statement said Ford believed to be true.
Herewith is a copy of the affidavit of Mrs Adriana Boudinot who lived in said Percepany, during the war, and to the residence there of Lt Col Livingston with his father, as well as to his presence in Beveruyck, and probably while a prisoner, or at least while absent from Col S.B. Webb's regiment while in Rhode Island.
The army organized at Boston in 1775 under Genl Washington was officially designated as the "Continental Army", all the enlistments in which expired in December 1775, and the "term" for the forces which succeeded in 1776, did not, as a rule, exceed one year. The 88 Battalions ordered Sept 16. 1776, by the Continental Congress, the "term" was for three years, or during the war, which were organized on & after Jan'y 1. 1777, and were often distinguished as the "Continental Line", but all the organizations raised (except State troops & Militia) before and after (including the 88 Battalions) if the "term" was not less than nine months were embraced under the general phrase of the "Continental establishment".
About the same time with the 88 Battalions, there were 16 additional regiments organized, which were known as "Congress regiments", also some as "Congress own"
Col S.B. Webb was in service in 1776, and the certificate (copy herewith) of the

Comptroller of Connecticut, has the only indication that Livingston was in service in 1776, but this Bureau has no rolls of that service, or other information in relation to it.
There are no records, or papers on file which positively determine that Col. S. B. Webb's declared in the under regiment was one of the additional 16 regiments, do not admit or contradict the as the rolls and "Casualty" book has it arranged as a Connecticut regiment, belonging to the "Continental line", but if Col. S. B. Webb's when first organized with Livingston as Lt. Col. from Jan'y 1. 1777, was one of the 16 additional regiments, it may as is believed it was, that will explain the appointment of a Field officer who was a resident of New Jersey, instead of Connecticut, for Genl. Washington selected the Field Officer, if not commissioned by him, in these regiments, sometimes and were taken from different states for the same regiment — Col. Webb's regiment, if not in the beginning was, not long after, about wholly composed of men and line officers from Connecticut to that extent, that it was received as part of the quota, due from the state in the "Continental line".
The heading to the rolls on file for Augt 1777 is "Col. Webb's regiment" and then in Nov 1778 the heading is "Battalion of Forces" in U.S. service , and then in March 1779 "Battalion of Connecticut Forces in U.S. service ", and in June and July 1780 it is called the 9 th Connecticut regiment, — During this period there is occasionally a roll missing , but indicates that it was not at first a Connecticut regiment , but the rolls on file denominates it a "Longfellow regiment".

Queens County S.S.
On the 18 th day of July 1831 personally appeared before me Bernardus Roendrickson a Justice of the peace in and for said County the Rev Zachariah Green a resident of Hempstead in said County who being duly sworn according to law doth state that he is now in the 92 year of his and declares that he entered the service of the war of the Revolution in the 17 year of his age and in the year 1776 in the company of Capt Anas Walbridge Col Reeds regiment and in 1777 under the same Captain then commanded by Col Charles Webb of Stamford Cont as is more Explicated stated in his pension papers under act 7 of June 1832
And the said Zachariah Green further swears that he was personally acquainted with the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey and knew his son William Livingston and also Henry Brockholst and believes and has no doubt in his own mind that he the said William was a Lieut Col in Col Samuel B Webbs regiment Cont and has seen him in regimental drills and marching with the army
but cannot state why a son of Gov Livingston should have been made an officer of the Cont Line but declares that it was no uncommon occurrence for a citizen of one state to receive a commission as an officer in an adjoining state from the best of my knowledge recollection and belief William Livingston the son of the late Gov Livingston of New Jersey was an officer in Col Samuel B Webbs regiment

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } COUNTY OF QUEENS, } ss.
I, JOHN C. SMITH, Clerk of the County of Queens, and also Clerk of the Courts of Record of said County, do hereby certify that B. Hendrickson before whom the within deposition was taken, was at the time of taking such deposition and subscribing the same a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, dwelling in said County, elected and sworn and duly authorized to take the same, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice and verily believe that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Courts and County the 18 th day of July 1851
John C. Smith Clerk.
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the Rev Zachariah Green and have been for a number of years and know him to be a man of undoubted character and one of the most respectal men who have among us
B. Hendrickson J.P.
27 2 28
La. Green's affidavit
July 57
18 July 1851

and further states that Col Charles Webb under whom deponent served was appointed from the town of Stamford Fairfield County and Col Samuel B Webb was appointed a Col of the continental line from wethersfield Hartford County Cont
Sworn before me this 18 th day of July 1851. B. Hendrickson
Zachariah Greene
Justice of the peace
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the Rev Zachariah Green and have been for a number of years and know him to be a man of undoubted character and one of the most respectal men who have among us
B. Hendrickson JR 3
27 u 28
La. Greene affidant
July 57
18 July 1857

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that I have made careful search in the Revolutionary records on file in my Office and do not find therein any evidence of the service of Henry Brockholst Livingston, or of William Livingston, or William Livingston as Lieut Col; and I do further certify that there is not in this Office any record of the names of the prisoners, who were allowed subsistence by the State of New Jersey, at New York.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton this fifteenth day of August Eighteen hundred and fifty one.
Thos S Allison Secretary of State

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that I have examined the Revolutionary Records of my Office and do not find therein any evidence of the service of the beloved William Livingston either in the Continental line or Militia.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this twelfth day of September Eighteen hundred and fifty one Thos. S. Allison
Sec'y of State

State Department
To be Copied
5

Department of State.
Washington, October 25 th 1851.
Alex t Ray, Esq t .
Washington.
Sir,
An examination of the Revolutionary Army Returns was made by this Department a few weeks ago, at the request of the Commissioner of Pensions, for evidence of the military services of Lieutenant Colonel William Livingston in the Connecticut Line, during the Revolution, but no such name was found, and the Pension Office was so informed.
In your letter of the 22 nd inst nt , requesting an examination to be instituted, for the purpose of establishing the service of the officer above mentioned, you allege that Major Eben t Huntington was promoted to the vacancy in Col l . Sam l B. Webb's (Connecticut) Regiment, occasioned by

the resignation of St. Col. Livingston. This affection has indicated a course of investiga- tion different from that pursued in the previous instance, which has resulted in the discovery of two letters and a return of officers, all throwing new light upon the subject.
Of these letters, the first from R. Lincoln, - found in the Old Congress Papers, N o 149; Vol. 1: P. 705 - relates to Major Hunting- ton's promotion to Lieut. Col. Livingston's vacant post. A copy of it is herewith transmitted. A) You will observe that it bears no address. From the language used in the last paragraph, and the endorsements on the original - quoted in the copy - it is to be presumed that the letter was addressed to the President of Congress.
The letter of Washington to St. Col. Liv- ingston referred to in that of R. Lincoln has been found and a copy of it is also trans- mitted. B The original letter of St. Col. Liv-

ingston, tendering his resignation, has been found among the Washington Papers.* It is dated "Raravoyck New Jersey October 10 th 1778," and is signed Wm Livingston. This fac simile of the signature is given, because from the address of Washington's letter in reply to this just quoted, it will be observed that the officer is called "Will Livingston." In this discrepancy, the Department does not presume to decide whether the name above copied is "W m S. Livingston," or whether the character resembling an S is a flourish of the pen terminating in the abbreviatory point which is usually placed beneath contracted names.
There is abundant evidence among the Revolutionary returns in this Department, to show that Ebenezer Huntington (who is mentioned in Lincoln's letter as promoted to Livingston's vacancy) was a Lieutenant Colonel in Webb's Conn. Regiment. Indeed, since the letter of the 6 th inst.
* Letter to Washington - 27. Nov.

was addressed to the Pension Office in relation to this subject, a paper has been found, entitled, "Arrangement of Col. Sam l B. Webb's Regiment and the dates from which the officers are to rank" in which appears the name of Ebenezer Huntington Lt. Col. o vice Livingston, resigned - - 10 October 1778." This paper, dated "Camp June 5 th 1780", and signed by "Eben t Huntington, Lt. Col. o Comm d .", is found on page 91. of Army Returns, N. 22.
This reference and the papers transmitted, settle beyond doubt, the question of service by one Lt. Col. o Livingston in the Connecticut Line. Perhaps from other sources, you may be enabled to identify the officer mentioned as the  William Livingston whose services you seek to establish.
I am, Sir, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. H. Crittenden
Acting Secretary of State.

A Copy from Old Congress Papers N o 149, vol. 1. p. 705.
War Office 28 Septem r : 1782.
Sir,
On the 29 ultimo I had the honor to lay before Congress the result of an enquiry made by his Excellency the Governor of Connecticut and the Council of Safety on the complaint of Lieutenant Colonel Gray that Lieutenant Colonel Huntingtons Commission had an earlier date than it ought to have had, by which means Lt. Col. Gray was injured in his rank. The Governor and Council are decidedly in opinion that Lieutenant Colonel Huntingtons Commission which bears date October 10, 1778 ought not to have been issued until May 1779 - for that he took the vacancy caused by the resignation of Lieutenant Colonel Livingston which they say did not happen until May 1779, though his request to resign was on the 10 October 1778 yet that he drew pay in his regiment until May following and that the General in answer to his request by his letter dated November 24, 1778 informed him that his resigna-

nation should be accepted as soon as his accounts should be settled. His Excellency General Washington in answer to these observations says that the request of Lieutenant Colonel Livingston for leave to resign was made to him on the 10 of October 1778 and that he declined accepting his resignation until he should have procured vouchers that he had settled his accounts but on finding Colonel Livingston took no steps to make the necessary settlement He was determined to take his resignation and date it from the 10 October 1778 the time when the request was made because he had never from that period returned to his duty nor could any precise time be fixed for so doing. The General further observes that as soon as Lieu t Col l Huntington then Major Huntington was regularly informed that Lieutenant Colonel Livingston's resignation had been accepted - on the 10 of October 1778 he directed him to be struck off the rolls (the Colonel was then a Prisoner of war) and his pay to be stopped from that time and returned to the Paymaster General or Auditor's which was done as appears by the Certificate of Mr. Rees.
(The General also observes that there were substantial reasons for affixing Livingston's

resignation to the 10. of October 1778 and if that period is now departed from it will affect the Commissions of a number of Officers who date their rank from thence.
When I laid before Congress the proceedings of the Governor and Council of Connecticut I observed should Congress be of opinion that Lieutenant Colonel Huntingtons Commission bears an earlier date than it ought to bear and that Justice to other officers requires it to be rectified they will please to resolve
As Lieutenant Colonel Huntingtons Commission through mistake bears date the 10. of October 1778 which ought to have been dated the first of May 1779, that it be called in and cancelled and that a commission of Lieutenant Colonel issue to him bearing date the first day of May 1779.
Congress returned the papers with the following note "referred back to the Secretary at War to take order"
That all the light which could be had in the case might be obtained I sent a copy of the papers to His Excellency General Washington who made the observations above recited and sent them with a copy of a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Huntington to him on the subject
As this is now a matter in which is involved

a question of a very considerable consequence between the United States and an individual State, viz: how far they have the control of the rank of their own officers I cannot think my- self competent to a decision or that Congress would wish me to undertake it - Connecticut are clearly in opinion that Lieutenant Colonel Huntingtons Commission ought not to bear date until May 1779, and the General as clear that it should be dated Octo- ber 10. 1778.
They have therefore to lay before Congress all the papers relative to this question of rank and ask their particular directions on the subject
I have the honour to be with great respect Yr Ex. mt. obed. Servant
G. Lincoln
The above paper is endorsed,
"Report of the Sec'y at War on the rank of Col. Huntington of the Connecticut Line
"Read Sept 30. 1782
"Referred to Mr. Montgomery - Bland-
"Rutledge.
"Oct. 9. 1782. Report of the above Comm. taken up & passed."

Copy of a draft of a letter, found among the Letters of Washington B. VII. 978. This draft is not in Washington's autograph, tho' indeed, very few of the drafts bearing his signature are in his own hand writing.
N o 2 Quarter. 24 th Nov r . 78.
Sir,
I have received your favour of the 10 th ultimo; which hurry of business has prevented my attending to it sooner.
Though it is ever painful to me to see a deserving officer quit the service, yet as you have taken your resolution founded I doubt not upon powerful reasons, especially in the present state and prospects of the additional battalions, I cannot oppose your inclination.
You know that it is usual previous to this to settle all public accounts - I do not know whether you have any depending or not, but if you have - you will of course take the necessary and customary steps; and I shall be ready to accept your resignation.
I am with great regard,
Sir, your most obed t Serv.
Col. Will Livingston. G. Washington.
This letter is indorsed on the reverse of the back - "N o 2 Q r Nov r 24 th 78"
Col. Will Livingston. Nov r 24 th 78

Sir
July
1889
In accordance with your request, you will receive herewith enclosed, a statement, on separate sheets, of so much history of Wm Livingston, of N.J. who was a Lt Col in the war of the Revolution, as is contained in the application of his former widow, Mary Bell, for a pension.
In support of the widows claim there were filed certain papers - original and copies - duplicates of which are herewith furnished, viz:
Letter from the State Dept dated Oct 25, 1851 addressed to A Ray Esq with copies from the "Washington papers" viz Letter from the War office dated Sept 28, 1782 - Letter from Gen Washington to Lt Col Wm Livingston dated Nov 24, 1778
Certificate of Paymaster Nathan Boers dated Sept 10, 1782
" " Comptroller of Cont " " 20 1851
" " do " July 19 1851
Affidavit of Chas Trolson, Librarian of Boston Athenaeum dated March 2 1850
Certificate of Comptroller of Cont dated April 26 1850
Affidavit of J. J. Livingston of P'keepsie NY dated May 5 1851
" " Adriana Bordenot of Grafton (N.H.) dated May 28 1854
For your information it is stated that the Adjt Genl of Conn has prepared to be soon published the names of officers & men of that State who served in said war, and will include more or less history of its military organizations - Should you desire more specific information

of the regt in which Lt. Col. Livingston was an officer, it is suggested as probable that it may be obtained from Prof. H. P. Johnston - college of city of NY corner Lexington Avenue & 23 rd Street NY City —

Brief of Evidence in Mary Pett's Case

Pension Office June 2 nd
Mary Betts, widow of Col Livingston —
Wrief of Evidence —
No 1 st — Declaration of Mary Betts, with the family record of marriage —
No 2 nd — Explanatory affidavit of Mary Betts, in which she states, her husband was for a long time prisoner of War —
No 3 rd — Certificate of Geo ge Pease in reference to Mary Betts signature —
No 4 th — Certificate of family Physicians in reference to Mary Betts health —
No 5 th — Certificate of John J Livingston in reference to his father's services & that he had often heard him say he was a prisoner in Annapolis in N J —
No 6 th — Certificate of R Lefferts that Col Livingston was known as an Officer of the Revolution & that Mary Betts was his wife —
No 7 th — Certificate of J B Stoothoff, that Mary Betts was the wife of Col Livingston of the revolution
No 8 th — Certificate of John Lott that Mary Betts was the wife of Lieut Col Livingston, who was reputed to have been an Officer of the Revolution —

No 9 Certificate of Peter Wyzekoff that he had often heard Livingston say that he served as Lieut Col in the Revolution, in the Conn't Line, & that he was a prisoner &c No 10 Certificate of John Duer that Livingston was known as an Officer & that Mary Bets was his wife &c No 11 Certificate of Wm Howard that Livingston was known as an Officer & that he had often heard him say that he had served & had been prisoner &c in Conn Line No 12 Extract from Journals of "Gov & Council of Safety" of Conn, of 1776 showing that "prisoners were in Custody of Lt Col Livingston" & an order upon him No 13 Extract from documents of "Hist Society of Conn" showing articles furnished Lt Col Livingston for his regt in 1778 No 14 Extract from Journal of "Gov & Council of Safety" of Conn in 1782, showing that the place of Lieut Col Livingston was not vacant until after May 1779 No 15 An Act of State of New Jersey authorizing the appointment of a Commissary of Prisoners No 16 Extract from Auditor's Office N.J. showing that E Bondinett was appointed Commissary & that Pintard was Agent in New York No 17 Extract from Bondinett's records of Prisoners, showing that Wm Livingston, an American Officer & a Prisoner of War, with the rank of Lieut Col of the State

of Conn. had received money re from Pintard ~ No 18 ~ Extract from a Col in Boston Athenaeum showing that Col Livingston with other officers, was con- fined in Provest jail ~ N.Y. ~ No 19 ~ Certificate of John J. Livingston that he saw his father give his Com n to his brother, who died in the East Indies & further that he (John) had destroyed all papers & letters of family ~ No 20 ~ Certificate of E. Hamilton that Mr Livingston was the son of Gen Livingston of N.Y. but no fixed residence in ~ No 21 ~ Certificate of Comptroller of Conn that the name of Livingston cannot be found on any rolls of that State No 22 ~ Certificate of Robbins, Hoema & Gleason that they have never heard of the name of Livingston in Conn ~ No 23 ~ Certificate of Secy of State of N.Y. that Livingston's appointment cannot be found on rec records of that State ~ No 24 ~ Documents showing Mr Livingston to be the son of Gen Livingston & as to other members of the family re ~ No 25 ~ Extract from Genealogical Table of Livingstons from "Book of Epitaphs" at Cong l Library ~

Capt. Triplett P.W.

With a view to a perfect understanding of the case of Mr. Bette, formerly widow of William Livingston, I beg a reference to the Commissioners letter of Augt. 8. /50 and to mine in reply of Sep 12. /50
also the Commissioners letter of Oct 3. and mine of the 10 th of Oct, the claim into them be presented; my letter of the 10 th May in answer to the Com o letter of the 3 rd and should be considered together, as well as the two first letters.
Yours truly A. N.

Memorandum
In the case of Mary Bello for the act 7 July 1838. on the point of identity of her husband.
I beg to state, that in many similar applications "traditional" proof of identity has been accepted. I will state a case, because the claim was allowed under act July 4. 1836 and involved a large amount. In 1848. 9. I presented the application of Jerusha Hunt widow of Lieut Thomas Hunt from New York, the proof of her marriage and of her husband's service was deemed satisfactory, But the office contended the proof that she was the widow of the officer who performed the service was not sufficient. I give an extract of the Commissioner's letter of April 5. 1849. as follows.
"If she be the widow of Lieut Thomas Hunt of the New York line she should have no difficulty in establishing her husband's identity with the officer by traditional as well as record proof. Her husband died it appears in 1818. There must be a number of persons of the highest respectability now living who can testify to her husband enjoying the reputation of having served as an officer."
Upon additional proof having been presented, the Com r . says in his letter of July 3. 1849 "No record evidence has been exhibited showing her identity as the widow of Lieut. Thomas Hunt."
In my letter of July 29. 1849 presenting evidence that was not the Lieut. Thomas Hunt, in the New York Continental line, and further traditional proof of identity the claim was allowed, No record proof of identity was ever presented —

2 Again, In the case of the widow of Charles H. Donald of Kentucky, she made claim to the act July 7. 1838. I presented proof that a man by that name served two years in the Invalid Corps Regiment, the proof of service and marriage was satisfactory. But the commission alleged that there was no proof of identity, or that she was the widow of the soldier who performed the service, and second proof was required.
Upon an affidavit made by her son, to the effect that he had heard his father say he was a soldier in the Regiment of Invalids, and upon the certificate of Col. N. L. Johnson that H. Donald, was a veritable man. The commission  himself deemed such testimony sufficient evidence of identity, and thereupon allowed the claim under act 7 July 1838. and 100 acres of Land Bounty, and beg to refer you to the case.
These two cases, are cited to show, that altho second proof of identity may be required, and if not furnished is not conclusive against a claim. If second proof of identity cannot be furnished, traditional evidence has been always in case, I have presented been accepted, in cases that has come under my observation. The traditional evidence in the case of Mr. Bello, is much stronger, and of a much higher order, than the evidence presented in the case of Jenkins.
Third, While the proof of the identity of G. B. Williams Singleton by his son, is ten-fold higher in point of character than the certificate of the son, in the case of Mr. H. Donald act 18 of Kentucky.
I hope under the statement of facts, and many alike still in point may be given. and under the high order of

3 traditional evidence, presented in the case of Mrs Mary Bette, that the claim will be allowed, upon the evidence now on file.
I remain very
respectfully Your
most obedt Servt
Alex. Ray
Note.
There is one point, I omitted to call your attention, In the case of Jerusha Hunt. the Comptroller of the State of New York certified, there was but one of the name of Thomas Hunt - who served as an officer in the N. York line.
M c Bette alleged in her first declaration, her husband served in the New Jersey line. The Secretary of the State of New Jersey certifies that Col. William Livingston Chase, does not appear on his rolls, except as an officer in prison in Provost in New York in 1778 - While the records of Connecticut show that was but one of the name as an officer of that State. and it is no where appears, there was any other officer in Connecticut, in any of the States, bearing the same name.
all of which in my opinion clearly establishes the identity of the applicant as the widow of the Ld. Com William Livingston who did perform the service, Your obedt Servt Alex. Ray

To show the confidence of the department, in establishing identity by respectable traditional evidence . I state the case of the widow of Capt. Cox (I think) of Penna. The evidence of his service, and appointment was set forth in the widow's declaration, and even his commission was filed with the application , all of which was insufficient to establish and rejected. But finally allowed upon traditional evidence , by persons of standing and respectability in the neighborhood in which Capt. Cox resided and died.
Fifty other cases might be named all going to show the department action, and favorable consideration of traditional testimony .
Geo. Ray
Washington Jan 14 / 1857

Brief by Rev. Ray

In a summary reply to the points of objection made in your letter of the 2 nd October in the case of Mary Bette, formerly widow of Mr. Livingston 1 st you state "That her long silence in not making application before "is well calculated to arouse some suspicion."
In reply you have the affidavit of her son, given the reason that the family was under the impression the second marriage barred her claim.
2 nd , that the declaration shall distinctly state the period of service, the line in which, and the officer under whom he served "2 nd of the captivity which Col. Livingston underwent, must certain- ly have made some impression on his wife, not a word is said by her."
I must observe at the time of Mr. Livingston marriage she was very young. She resided and married in Elizabeth Town New Jersey, her husband Father was for many years Governor of that State, he is, therefore, not to be wondered at in her supposing and stating in her first declaration, that her husband was an officer of the New Jersey line. Secondly, in relation to his captivity it took place some 8 years before their marriage, with this fact in view as the evidence will show; on this, therefore, was readily perceiving why his imprisonment did not make the impression you supposed.
When I talked with Mr. Bette after her first declaration was made, I elicited from her, that her husband served with Col. Bette and was at one time a prisoner in the New York Provost, but appeared to place no sort of importance to the latter fact. If, therefore, the amended declaration was made, setting forth the fact as shown by record evidence. The evidence was obtained from information from her.

3 rd . You say, "Her first declaration is signed with a cross. The second is signed in a free female hand." The affidavit presented on file, must certainly remove the objection.
4 th . "Of four witnesses, three are not certified to be credible." The certificate of the clerk of the Courts of Brooklyn Kings County New York will settle this question.
5 th . Objection is made, "that none of the witnesses professed to know any thing as to the date of claimant's marriage. As to the county and state in which she was married she is entirely silent."
On this point we present a certificate of Judge John Duer, chief justice of the Superior Court of New York, and his statement certified by the Hon. James Brooks; member from the City of New York.
Judge Duer has now a son in Congress. The Judge certifies "that he was acquainted with William Livingston and he was a son of the late Gov. Livingston of New Jersey. In the year 1798 or 1799, he resided at Flatbush New York when I visited his family, he married his wife Mary Livingston at Elizabeth Town New Jersey. They had several children in the year above mentioned. I have further understood William Livingston served as an officer in the war of the revolution and was so reputed."
This certificate fully meets your 5 th objection. It is from one of the highest and most respected gentlemen in the City of New York, a chief justice of the Superior Court. He identifies the widow, as formerly the wife of William Livingston, who was reputed to have been an officer of the revolution. That they were married in Elizabeth Town New Jersey, and had several children when he visited Mr. Livingston in 1798-99. This is an important certificate.

a letter, or a certificate from the clerk of the court of Elizabeth Town is on file, showing, that there was no record of marriage kept when Mr Livingston was married. But there is evidence of the birth of the children, bringing with it the certificate the marriage before 1 Jan y 1794—
It appears to me all the questions arising out of your letter of the 3 d of October/50 have been fully and satisfactorily met, and from the the evidence on file, proof of marriage , service , and identity the claim is really fairly and satisfactorily established.
Yours most Res t Rev.?
Rev. N. May
Mansfield Jan y 5. 1857
James. C. Heath Esq. Clerk of Pension's

No 14. 118
Mary Betts widow of W m Livingston Ms
Act 7 July 1838
Also 2 yrs Rent Col for annum Comm 4 March 1836, Act
38 437444 118
New York City
J. Ray Present

allow case of
Mary Betts formerly widow of Lieut Col Wm Livingston
two years service
at $600
out of 7 mls, 1838
New York
Your certificate to Alex Rae. JEA
J E Heath Conn

Washington Nov 9/57
Mr. C. Whiting Esq. Com d of Pensions
Sir
In the case of Mary Betty formerly the widow of Lieut Col d William Livingston pensioned under act of July 7. 1838. New York agency, in which case I acted as the Genl.
Will you be pleased to inform me, if it appears by the evidence presented in support of her husband's service; that there was any proof or correspondence presented, or had with your Office in the case with the late Major McPhillips.
Yours truly, very much obliged
Oblig d you Sir
Also N. A. S.
Ag t of Mrs. Mary Betty

Elizabeth Town, New Jersey, October 13. 1853
Dear Sir,
I will esteem it a great favor, if you will have me informed, what amount of arrearages of pension was awarded Mrs. Mary Bell - widow of Col. William Livingston: - when the same was paid, and to whom? -
I am very respectfully
Yours ob d Serv t .
Ellen Ridley Livingston
I suppose the money was paid between October and January last.

Smate Chambers July 6 1852
Dear Sir
In answer to your letter of the 5 th inst., containing asking for information relative to the locality of Berrymuch & Puceipham I take pleasure of giving you my knowledge of these two places Puceipham, is an ancient Village situated about six Miles from Mearis Town, County of Mearis N.E., there is a post office there. Berrymuch is a manor well known in Mearis County It is the name given at an early day to an estate or Farm which formerly belonged to an branch of the Bondanott Family. It is situated about two Miles from the Village of

Parcepkang, in the Lower Township, Hanover, and a farming residence at Mannich might fairly be considered as nowadays lying at the village of Parcepkang.
It is so considered by the police at that time, and the police residing at Mannich & its neighbourhood) receive their letters directed to Parcepkang P.O. - Parcepkang & Mannich may therefore in my opinion be fairly considered as one place in getting the gunshot mark in your letter.
With much respect yours J. M. Miller
May 28, 1893

Washington,
Feby. 9. 1852
E. B. Hecath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
The enclosed from the Hon. J. M. Miller, Senator in Congress from New Jersey, is in reply to an inquiry I made of him in writing on the 5 th Instant, as to whereabouts Pucepany and Bevenych are known to be in his State.
He states "Pucepany is an ancient village, situated about six miles from Morristown &c. Bevenych is a name well known in Morris County. It is the name given at an early day to an Estate, a farm which formerly belonged to one branch of the Pownall family. It is situated about two miles from the village of Pucepany, and in the same Township (Hanover.) And adds Senator Miller "a family residing at Bevenych might fairly be considered as living at the village of Pucepany; Pucepany and Bevenych may therefore, in my opinion, be fairly considered one place ".
Now, altho Senator Miller's letter may be satisfactory to you that Bevenych was an Estate, a

farm of one branch of the Bordinot family, and that Perceppany and Beverwyck may be considered one and the same place, still, I beg leave to introduce some concerning proof on file in the case of Mr. Pett's, to show the acquaintance of the Livingston and the Bordinot family, hence the certainty of the latter knowing the son of the former, an officer of high rank. and first, I refer you to the memoir of the life of William Livingston by Theodore Sedgwick, Page 242. "The first notice of an attempt upon Govr Livingston's life or person - except the one mentioned by Galloway in 1776 - which I have found, is in a letter from Elias Bordinot of 27. July 1777. The house in which his family resided at Perceppany was sur- rounded in the night by a party of refugees, who thought it safest to wait till daylight to secure their prey: but tradition says that his habits of early rising saved him from becoming a prisoner. His enemies overlept themselves, and when the sun roused them, Governor Livingston, unconscious of his danger, was upon his way to a neighboring village."
The letter of Bordinot, from which the above ex- tract was taken, may have been written from Bever- wyck; but whether, or not, we are bound to conclude, the writer had a knowledge of the facts about which

he wrote.
Boudinot was a Commissary General of Prisoners; and in his returns of the Officers of the American Army in Prospect in 1778, they severally show Lt. Col. William Livingston, of Col. S. B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment , as a prisoner; and so plainly written that he who must can read. Boudinot was a Delegate in Congress from New Jersey for several years, and repeatedly voted in approval of Col. Livingston's conduct; and it is, therefore, unreasonable to suppose, that these two gentlemen, so conspicuously eminent in the cause of liberty in New Jersey, were not personally known to each other, and it follows, Boudinot with the son of the Governor.
We have now arrived at the further fact, that the letter of Lieut. Col. W m Livingston dated at Perenoych , New Jersey, Oct. 10. 1778, was dated from the Estate of the Boudinot family, two miles from the Village of Peappany, where it is shown Governor Livingston's family resided from 1777 to 1780. Perenoych is, as Senator Miller states, a place well known in Morris County, and identical with Peappany; so that there is formed a link of conclusive testimony of the intimacy of the Livingston and Boudinot family; and that we have, in fact, traced the letter of Livingston tendering his resignation to Genl. Washington as Lieut. Col. from the Estate of the Com-

missary General of Prisoners, who in 1778 returned under his own signature, The name of Lt. Col William Livingston of Col. S. B. Webb, Connecticut Regiment, as a Prisoner of war in Provost.
It would be in vain for me to endeavor to place this weight of proof before you in a stronger light than the facts themselves exhibit. Their force and charac- ter being so conclusive, I shall sincerely expect a cer- tificate of Pension to issue in the case, after you examine the proof filed in my letter of the 30 th Ult. and of this date.
Very respectfully
Your obedt. Servt.
Alex. Nay
No 44
agent letter
July 9 - 1852

State of New Hampshire County of Grafton
Be it known that on this 28 th day of May in the year of our Lord, 1852, before the Subscriber one of the Justices for the County of Grafton the in said State and  County personally appeared Mrs. Adriana Bondinol, now a resident of said State and County, an aged widow Lady, highly respected by all who knew her and believed by me to be fully entitled to belief, as a Lady of exemplary character, Christian faith and strict veracity; who having by me been first sworn according to law, on her oath saith as follows:— sig: I am seventy four years of age — a daughter of Lucas Von Berckhould Esq. who emigrated with his family (then being about three years old) from one of the Danish W. India islands just before the close of the American revolution and purchased an estate in the township of Hanover County of Morris and State of New Jersey; which estate he called Berenroek and on which he resided until his death in the year 1796. On this estate I spent most of my days. Although very young in time of the American revolution, yet I well recollect many of its events — more especially those which occurred during the latter part of the war. I have a very distinct remembrance of Gov. Livingston and his family, who often visited my father and the families became intimate. They removed from Elizabeth town to Parsippany a small village.

About 2 miles from Berwick, where they resided till after the war when they returned to Elizabethtown the house they occupied is still standing and for many years thereafter was called the Greeno house." Gov. Livingston had a son William Livingston who became intimate in our family at Berwick, visiting back and forth - and some time after the close of the war, (when I was old enough to remember) on one occasion he spent some two or three weeks, perhaps longer, at our house, his father then living at Elizabethtown - he was known as an Officer of the army of the revolution but as there were many others at our house I cannot designate his rank as an officer, and know nothing of his revolutionary services, but I do recollect having heard him constantly called Col. Livingston and remember after his marriage in New Jersey Col. William Livingston (son of Gov. Livingston) and his wife visited my Father's house. This was before they removed to New York where I understand Col. William Livingston died and his widow is still living. Sworn to and subscribed on this day 28 th and year first above written before me.
Ariona Boudinot
State of New Hampshire, Hampton ss. Sworn to and subscribed on this 28 th day of May Anno Domini 1852. Before me David Merrill, Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Grafton County To
I D Sleeper clerk of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County of Grafton, hereby certify that David Blaisdell Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been taken was at the time of taking &
Certifying the same a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Grafton duly commissioned and qualified.
I further certify that the foregoing signature purporting to be the said David Blaisdell's is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas this 31 st day of May Anno Domini 1852.
D Sleeper, Clerk
Fee 25 cts

State of New York Kings County Surrogates Court
I Jesse C. Smith Surrogate of the County of Kings do hereby Certify that I find upon examination of the Records in this Court that William Living- -ston former Surrogate of this County from the year 1800 to the year 1824 uniformly signed his name "Wm Livingston"
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of Office this 14 th day of October 1857
J. C. Smith Surrogate

Pension Office
Octr 1857.
Sir.
Your communication respecting the claim of Mrs Mary Betts formerly widow of William Livingston under date of Octr 7. 1857. has been examined and filed.
It is proper that I should at once correct an error contained in my last letter, of which you seem eager to avail yourself as you make it the subject of the second paragraph of your communication.
William S. Livingston and not William Livingston was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of Colonel Samuel B Webb's Regiment on the "1 st of January 1777" and not 1776, as appears from an Alphabetical List of the "Connecticut Line" in this office. Ebenezer Huntington was appointed Major of the same Regiment, at the same time, as the same authority states, and was promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel therein on the 10 th of Octr 1778, as would seem, in the place of Lt Col William S. Livingston.
On an original muster roll of the "Field, Staff and Commissioned officers" of Colonel Samuel B Webb's Regiment or Battalion, for February & March 1779. is found the following.
Remarks. Samuel B Webb - Colonel prisoner at New York William S. Livingston Lt Col Furloughed. E. Huntington Major

This return is dated April 20. 1779, and is signed by Ebenezer Huntington as "Major Comm t "
In a similar original Muster Roll for the month of April 1779, we find.
Samuel B Webb Col t Prisoner New York William S, Livingston Lt Col t - Furloughed the 30 th of Aug t for six weeks - absent Eb. Huntington Major.
dated May 2 nd 1779. and signed "E Huntington Major Comm t "
In a similar original Muster Roll for July 1779 we find.
"Samuel B Webb" - Col t - Prisoner in New York Ebenezer Huntington Major - Signed "Ebenezer Huntington Major Comm t "
This continues, until in a similar original Muster Roll for the months of Nov & Dec 1780, (supposed to be 1779) we find
Samuel B Webb. Col t - Prisoner in New York Ebenezer Huntington Lt Col t - On Detachment
This return is dated "Jan y 28 th 1780" and is signed Sam t W Williams Capt n Comm t
In a similar original Muster Roll for March 1780 we find "Samuel B Webb Col t - Prisoner in New York" "Ebenezer Huntington Lt Col t - on duty." dated April 30. 1780 and signed. "John Hart" Capt n Comm t

Thus you will perceive that William S. Livingston , not William Livingston , was appointed Lt Col of Col S. B Webb's Regiment on the 1 st of January 1777 and continued to serve as such until he was succeeded by Major Huntington as Lt Col. and you will remark that this promotion gave rise, owing to its prematureness, to the difficulty between Huntington and Gray of which paper gives an account. You will further remark that all of the service claimed by you for William Livingston the son of the Governor of New Jersey, belongs in justice to a different individual " William S Livingston ", who was appointed and served as above stated.
With reference to the copy of the law authorizing the appointment of a Commissary of Prisoners, I will simply ask "why was that document filed in the case if it was not intended to produce the impression that Elias Boudinot, acted as Commissary of Prisoners under that very law? To this question I would ask a candid answer.
When it is shewn incontestably that the receipt furnished, in copy, but not in an authenticated form, by Dr McChesney and purporting to have been signed by Boudinot on the 28 th of August 1778 , was signed, if at all, several months before the law of New Jersey was passed and that, consequently, he could not have acted under its sanction, you take refuge under the plea that Boudinot had been previously appointed Commissary of prisoners, by Congress, and that

he was competent, as such, to sign the receipt in question. Let us see how this way of accounting for this anachronism will bear you out.
You refer me to Vol 2 page 150 of the Journals of Congress, where we find a resolution which says "that a commission be granted to Elias Boudinot Esquire, as Commissary General of prisoners: the said commission to bear date the 15 th of May last (1777) and Mr Boudinot be allowed the pay of a Colonel" and then you go on to say that " under this appointment he was competent as Commissary of prisoners for the United States to sign the receipt of August 28 th 1778"
It is unfortunate for your argument that, while you had the 2 Vol of the Journal of Congress in your hand, you did not turn to page 450, where you would have found the following, as the last clause of a resolution, adopted on the 11 th of May 1778 , more than three months before the alleged date of the receipt, to wit the 28 th of August 1778,.
"Congress proceeded to the election of a Commissary of prisoners, in the room of Elias Boudinot Esq r resigned and the ballots being taken, Colonel Francis Johnson was elected. "
Thus you see that the point "on which you reason with so seeming a conclusion" "must yield to the proof so directly opposite". Mr Boudinot had resigned more than three months before the 28 th of August 1778, and was as little competent to

5 to sign the receipt  it under the appointment by Congress, as he was to do so under the law of New Jersey which was not passed until nearly four months after the date of the receipt. Again, if he had signed under the Authority of Congress, he would have done so as "Commissary General" and not as simple C. which, it is believed, was intended for "Commissary."
The original list of prisoners, of which Dr Mc Chesney speaks, "has not yet been submitted" for my inspection.
As for the "record proofs", offered by you, shewing the appointment of William Livingston as Lt Col of Col S. B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment 1 st January 1777 "I will only say that there are various grades of "record", as well as parole proof.
The "record proof" offered by you consists, in a great degree, of an extract from the "Journal of the Governor and Council of Safety, under date of July 15 th 1782" certified by the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut. In this extract the term Lt Col William Livingston is, if I am not mistaken, used throughout, but the res gesta of which it speaks, refer, as will appear upon a comparison of dates, to the services performed by William S. Livingston , as set forth in the original muster rolls of Col S. B. Webb's Connecticut Regiment and the Alphabetical list of the "Connecticut Line" in this office. Nor does it appear strange that, in writing down the current proceed

of the Governor and Council of Safety, the Clerk should have called Lt Col William S. Livingston , Lt Col William Livingston. In the first place "Journals" are not a very formal species of records, as they are generally prepared in a hurry, so to embrace the sum and substance of what is done in the current course of business. In the second place, it is probable that Lt Col William S. Livingston was usually called in familiar parlance Lt Col William Livingston or Lt Col Livingston and that the Clerk, knowing who was the person referred to, used the most familiar and common appellation, in committing to paper the doings of the Council. Hence it is that in the "Journal" Lt Col William S. Livingston is mentioned as Lt Col William Livingston.
On the other hand, the "record" evidence in this office consists of an Alphabetical list of the persons who served in the "Connecticut Line" and The original Muster Rolls of Col Samuel B. Webb's regiment, placed here as guides for this office in administering the pension laws . These "records" shew that the officer who was Lt Col in Col S. B. Webb's Regiment was William S. Living. and in no single instance is he called by any other name. These regimental Muster Rolls are in my opinion the best sort of "record proof" for, independently of their official character, they were constantly

subject to the supervision of those most interested in their correctness and it cannot be believed that an officer of the rank of Lt Col would have permitted a wrong name to be applied to him on the records of his regiment. To no set of men is identity of more value than to those who serve in the army, whose only wealth, generally, is honor and they will not tolerate that the glory they may acquire shall be transferred to any other persons than themselves, as might be the case, if the wrong name were used. Without intending any disrespect to the "Journal" or its contents, I must say that I cannot hesitate in choosing between the "record proof" of a "Journal", in all probability hastily prepared and in its very nature, to a certain extent, informal, and the original Muster Rolls of a Regiment the perfect accuracy and formality of which are regarded as matters of paramount importance. I must prefer the latter. But it may be said that William S. Livingston is in fact William Livingston and that the mere omission of the " S " should not destroy the identity. I am perfectly aware that cases occur in which persons sometimes insert the middle name or the initial letter and sometimes do not, but when such is the case, the fact becomes, of necessity, a matter of notoriety. Those who have seen a man sign by one name will say that they have known him by the name used, while others who have seen him sign by an

other name will state the fact according to their own knowledge. Thus the thing becomes generally known and understood and there can be no difficulty about the identity of the individual who uses both signatures indiscriminately . Such however is not the state of the matter under consideration. We find William Livingston , the son of the Governor of New Jersey, known universally by that name and that name only . Not only does every witness in the case speak of " William Livingston ", but his own wife, the claimant, his own son, the Bill in Chancery, the Family record all, all, style him William Livingston and, to crown the matter, we find him signing by that name in his letters to his brother. Here there is no variation, as there must have been, had he used the two names indiscriminately, for it is next to  impossible that among such a host of witnesses for, there not should have been some one to allude to the circumstance, had such been the fact.
I do not say that William Livingston , the son of the Governor of New Jersey was not engaged in the war of the revolution. He might have been and probably was so engaged, as many of the witnesses who knew him state that he had the reputation of having served in the revolutionary war . This I do say, however, that William Livingston , the son of the Governor of New Jersey, is not William S. Livingston , who served as Lt Col in Col d S. B.

Webb's Reg t in the Connecticut Line, to whom in fact belong all the services claimed for the said William Livingston, son of the Governor of New Jersey.
Nor does it appear from the records in this office that the name of Livingston was so entirely unknown, as Eben Gleason, the Rev d Thomas Robbins, Charles Hosmer (see paper marked 22) and others would seem to intimate. In the record in this endorsed "Connecticut Line" office, I find not only William G. Livingston but also, in Col l John Chandler's Regiment, the name of " Isaac Livingston. Serg t . March 17. '77. 3 years discharged March 10. 1780. " Thus, we find, at all events, two of the same surname serving, at the same time, notwithstanding the experience of the gentlemen above named. This would argue to my mind that there must have been some Livingstons in Connecticut, for it does not always happen that, with the exception of the Smiths and others of the same class , there should be two of the same surname and, probably, same family, in the regular or Continental Line of any one State.
Mention has been made to me, by paper with the report of the Secretary of State of a certain Certificate of the Secretary of State of New Jersey, as entitled to great weight. I presume that paper No 16, is the document to which reference is made. It is the statement headed " Dr Elisha

"Boudinot late Commissary of Prisoners for this State" The statement then runs as follows.
"1780" "1788" "Decr 1. Balance due E Boudinot" { £175 } "Decr 1 By the balance of" "ditto for Mr Pintard" { } " Lewis Pintards acct " " in specie " { £175.13.9 } " as agent for Mr Boudinot " " in New York with interest to this day £175.13.9.
Settled Dec. 1780
J. Ewing Auditor.
Annexed to the above is a certificate in which the Secretary of State certifies "that the foregoing is a true extract from Liber B. of Auditor's accounts page 52 as taken from and compared with the original in my office and I do further certify that Elisha Boudinot was by the joint meeting of said State duly appointed Commissary of prisoners for the State of New Jersey on the 12 th day of December 1778."
Here we find " Elisha Boudinot ", not " Elias Boudinot ", appointed Commissary of prisoners for the State of New Jersey, and an account stated in which the name of Lewis Pintard appears but not a word about William Livingston .
It is true that an effort has been made by you, to connect the above certificate, in some way or other, with a statement contained in a letter from, C G McChesney, dated March 28, 1850, which has been filed, but cannot, in the slightest degree.

be recognized as evidence. In this letter the writer says
"Dear Sir"
"I find the following on my record of prisoners . viz name Rank State Reg t William Livingston Lt Col Connecticut S. B. Webb's no board L23.5.3.
"Rec d Aug t 28. 1778. of Lewis Pintard Esq r . Receipts of the "several officers above mentioned for money paid as charg d "ed above excepting for board"
"E. Boudinot. C.
This is the receipt of which I have made men- tion, in a foregoing part of this letter, which was sign- ed when Elias Boudinot was not Commissary of prisoners, for New Jersey, nor under Congress, and the "Record of Prisoners" is the record, the original of which is required to be transmitted to this office
How do you account for the fact that the certificate speaks of " Elisha Boudinot" the receipt of " Elias Boudinot"? This may be a mistake, but certificates of the kind should not contain mis- takes, if they are to be received as evidence.
Parole testimony cannot be received, in con- tradiction of the record, and without attributing the slightest evil intention to the witnesses whose testimony is relied on, to prove the identity of William Livingston as the William S. Living- ston , who was Lt Col of Col S B Webb's Reg t , &

need only say their evidence is contradicted by the records in this office, most positively and flatly.
Office Letter that Thos Learnygto & Mr Learnygto are not the same understood

Department of State, Washington, October 6 th 1851.
J. C. Heath Esq e Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22 nd ult o requesting to be informed whether any evidence of the services of one Lt. Col. W m Livingston is found among the Returns of the Connecticut Line in the revolutionary war.
In reply, I have to inform you, that, after a careful examination, the name of this officer has not been found in that line.
I regret that this communication has been so long delayed; the difficulty of distinguishing at all times in the progress of the examination

whether the officer to whom you allude as serving in New York, ever rendered service with the Connecticut forces, and the ur- gent nature of current business demanding the prompt attention of the Department, have rendered this delay unavoidable.
I am, Sir, respectfully
Your obedient Servant J H Brevender Acting Secretary.

Comptrollers Office Albany August 28 th 1851
Sir.
At the earliest possible moment, I have taken up the name of William or William S. Livingston; and find but little evidence that looks at all explanatory; if indeed, it will not make the matter still more confused.
I find at page 271. "Book A. Audited Accounts" in this office, an entry of this character.
"State of New York to to Mary Miller widow of Justus Miller late private in Col. Wm Livingstons Reg t Continental Troops"
For seven years half pay which I am entitled to by the death of my husband who died in the service of the United States the 23 rd March 1777 as per Col. Livingstons Certificate" - &c &c.
Audited 17 th August 1785.
I also find in "Book 26. Military Returns &c" at page 99. an original manuscript, labelled "Return of the Field & other Officers of Col. Sashers Battalion. Commissions dated Sept 14 th 1775." an extract from which reads thus -
Over

  "Henry G. Livingston  Capt     Andrew Lott  1 Lieut.     James Van Zandt  2 "  Engineers    Benj n . Seijas  3 "     Willm S. Livingston  4 "  "  
This last document is in Sect. of State's office.
Jonathan Knapp does not appear on any record in either office - Nor am I aware of any such service as of a distinct character, as that of Boat service at Stony Point.
When building the Fortifications at the Highlands, it is possible, service of that character might have been rendered, and paid for by the Commissioners superintending such building; but no entry of that character is to be found in any of the books in this Office, specifying that name.
Very Resp y A. W. Lee Clerk -

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford Sept. 20 th 1851
I certify, in addition to the certificates heretofore furnished from this office relating to the service of Col. William Livingston in the war of the Revolution, that I have examined the "Journal of the Governor and council of Safety", and find an entry under date of "July 20 th 1779", as follows, "Recommendation of Maj. Eben t . Huntington to the Board "of War & Gen l . Washington for a Lieutenant Col o ." "Whereas the office of Lieut. Col o in Col o Sherburne's Reg t . became "vacant Sep r the 20 th A.D. 1779, by the promotion of Lieut. Col o Meigs "to a full Col o in the Line, and the Office in Col o S. B. Webb Reg t . "Likewise became vacant by the resignation of Lieut. Col o  W m " Livingston in Feby. last, neither of which vacancies have "been filled - the whole of Col o Webb's Reg t . & the half of "Col o Sherburne's were raised in and are now placed to the quota "of this State to be provided for &c. - & Maj. Ebenezer Huntington "of Col o S. B. Webb's Reg t . seeming right to have been promo- "ted to the first vacancy in Col o Sherburne's Reg t . when it hap- "pened, and now applies to be appointed a Lieut. Col o in the "Continental Army, and to take rank from the time the first "vacancy aforesaid happened as being the time, when his "right of preference accrued, agreeable to an ordinance

of Congress directing the rank of the Army —
Resolved, that although the right of appointing officers & filling vacancies in the Connietical Line of the Continental Army, below the rank of General Officers is vested in the Supreme Executive authority of this State — and one of the above Regiments, & half the other was raised in, & is now reduced to the quota of this State, by which we are led to conclude the right of filling vacancies is in this State — yet as it is, or hath been under consideration in Congress to reduce the afores d Regiments into one, & for that purpose have directed & impowered his Excellency Genl. Washington to complete the arrangement of the Army — and as it hath been not been determined in whom the right of filling vacant offices in the 16 Battalions is, this Board do not think it advisable for them at present, to make the appointment, but do nominate & recommend Maj r Eb er Huntington to be appointed a Lieut. Col l in the Continental Army, and to take rank from the time of Col l Meigs promotion afores d , provided the right of appointment should be determined not to be in this State, and such preference does not interfere with the claims of any who have better pretensions than he, and that his pretensions are here with transmitted by his Excellency the Governor, to the Board of War & General Washington —
R. G. Pinney, Comptroller. by Geo. Robinson Clerk.

State of New York
Queens county ss
On this 25 th day of July 1857 personally appeared before me B. Wenanchson a Justice of the peace in and for said county the Rev Lachariah Green and doth on his oath further state that in the case of Liev Col William Livingston of Col Samnel B Webbs Connecticut regiment that during the life time of Gov Livingston late of New York he attended the church that I was then preaching in  his church in the summer of 1785 and that said church was called connecticut farms and was the second parish in Elizabeth town New Jersey
And this deponent further states that he recollects of having seen William Livingston said to be the son of Gov Livingston in his uniform designating that of Liev Col
And this deponent further says that from the best of his recollection the army that he was attached to was marching through Stamford Conn in the years 1777
the words, the church that I was then preaching in, and the words said to be the, was underlined before execution sworn before me this 25 day of July 1857
B. Wenanchson Justice of the peace
Joseph Maria Gassner

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the Rev. Zachariah Green and have been so for over twenty years and that he is one of the most respectfull men of the day and from what I have had a chance to see of him his mind is as clear as if he was in the fiftieth year of his age. B. Henrickson July 25 th 1831
25 July 1831
27 x 28

State of Connecticut
Comptroller's Office
Hartford July 19 th 1857
I certify, that on application for further evidence of the service of Lieut. Col. William Livingston in the war of the Revolution, I have made a careful examination of the books and documents in this office, and find no record of any service performed by the said William Livingston, except what is embraced in the certificate furnished from this office under date of April 13 th & 26 th 1850.
I find no evidence in this office, of any service performed in the war of the Revolution in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army or in the Militia of this State, by a person of the name of William Livingston, either as Lieut. Col. or in any other capacity, and the Lieut. Col. William Livingston , whose service in Col. Webb's Regiment has heretofore been certified, and who is mentioned in this certificate, is the only one whose name is found on any book or document in this office.
I find notices of Col. William Livingston , in the "Connecticut Courant," a newspaper printed in this city under date of Sept. 8 th 1778, a file of which is in the library of the "Connecticut Historical Society," as follows:
"Extract of a letter from an Officer who was in the action on Rhode Island, to his friend in this town dated "September 2 nd 1778"
"On the 25 th of August General Sullivan gave orders for all the heavy Artillery (not then in use), and the heavy baggage of the army to be sent up to the north end of the island. And

No 4
"Army then lay before the enemies lines, within about two "miles of Newport. In this situation we remained until the "evening of the 28 th when agreeable to the order of the day, the "tents were struck at 8 o'clock in the evening, and by 9, the main "body of the army with all the remaining stores and artillery, "marched for the north end, leaving behind them a picket which "consisted of 250 men, a company party of 400, and two small "detachments under the command of Colonels Lawrence and Livingston , "who were ordered to march at 12. At about 6 in the "morning the enemy advanced with about 4000 men and at- "tacked Col. Lawrences Corps, who were then about two miles "and a half from the main body. The pickets and other Corps "having advanced much faster and the General being infor- "med by Col. Lawrence that the enemy were making his rear "and outflanking him, Col. Webbs Regiment under command "of Lieut Col. William Livingston , was immediately detached "to cover his retreat, &c."
"Major Walker of Massachusetts Bay, who acted as Brigade "Major is among the slain. Major Sherburn of the same State "unfortunately lost his leg by a cannon ball. Mr. Hensley of "Boston was wounded in his wrist and through his body. " Lieut Col. William Livingston received two contusions "in his breast from balls whose force was too far spent "to penetrate his body, and had his horse killed under "him by a cannon shot, &c."
R. G. Parney Comptroller by Geo. Robinson, Clerk

Agents argument June 14. 57
Shows the date at which N B Leavings conveyed the L t Col Leavings contained in Folsoms Certificate
June 14. 1857

Washington,
June 14 th 1851.
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
In the interview with you day or two ago, in the case of Mrs Mary Potts of New York, The name of Lieut. Col. Henry Brockholst Livingston was introduced, since which I have made a particular investi- gation of his appointment and service during the Revo- lution, and submit for your consideration the facts deduced from the Journals of the Old Congress, and from History. "Sedgwick's life of William Livingston" states "he removed from New York to the State of New Jersey in May 1772"; his children numbered Thirteen. He was elected Chief Magistrate of New Jersey in 1774.
The following extracts are taken from the Journals of the Old Congress.
Vol. I. Page 499. Sept. 25. 1776. "That Major Henry Brockholst Livingston, Aid. de Camp to General Schuyler be provided "for by Congress in a Station equal to his merit, when a "proper vacancy happens."

Vol. 2. page 276. Oct. 4. 1777. "Resolved, That Major Henry Brockholst Livingston, Aid. de-camp To Major General Schuyler, be promoted To the rank of a Lieut. Colonel, "as a reward of his merit, and services in the American Army."
We are further informed by "Sedgwick": in the month of October 1779. Lieut. Col. Henry Brockholst Living- ston obtained a furlough from Congress for twelve months. He accompanied the Hon. John Jay to Spain, as his pri- vate Secretary.
On his return voyage in May 1782, was taken prison- er, carried To New York and committed To Provost. He was set at Liberty it appears from a letter written To Governor Livingston by Sir Guy Carleton dated May 7 th 1782: which disclosed the information that he was the son of Governor Livingston of New Jersey.
This fact, in connexion with the high testimony presented, that applicants husband was the son of Gover- nor Livingston , and an officer of the Revolution, must, I think, relieve the Department from the impression, of the irregular appointment of the Governor of New Jersey's son William, an officer in the Connecticut Continental Line.
The appointment of the two sons, to the same rank in the Army, and in different States, does

not conflict, but fixes the fact, That the second son was appointed a Lieut. Colonel in the New York line while his Father was Governor of New Jersey. Thus strengthening the conclusion that the eldest son for the same reasons was appointed a Lieut. Colonel in the Connecticut Line.
Neither does the circumstance of the brother having been confined in Provost in any way dis- their respective appointments. One was a prisoner in 1778, the other in 1782.
I hope Sir, this statement of facts may remove from your mind all doubt upon the ques- tion of identity, and that the claim may now be admitted.
I remain, Sir,
Your most Obedt. Servt.
Alex. Ray

22

State of Connecticut, 3 Hartford County 34s.
Personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace in and for said County, on the fifteenth day of April, 1851, Elon Gleason who doth on his oath state that he was born in S. State in 1786, and has resided in the city of Hartford, since 1803, is a Printer by profession, and has been employed in arranging the Manuscripts and Pamphlets in the Archives of the Connecticut Historical Society, for a considerable time, and can say to his best knowledge and belief that he has never discovered the name of Livingston, as belonging to the State of Connecticut. And further declares, that he has never known or heard of the name of Livingston living within said State.
Elon Gleason
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written
Geo. Robinson Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have for many years known Elon Gleason Esq. the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and that full confidence may be placed in the statement which he makes.
Hartford Apr. 15 th 1851
Geo. Robinson Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut, 3 Hartford County 3 ss.
Personally appeared before me, a justice of the Peace in and for said County, on the fifteenth day of April, 1857, Elon Gleason who doth on his oath state that he was born in S. State in 1786, and has resided in the city of Hartford, since 1803, is a Printer by profession, and has been employed in arranging the Manuscripts and Pamphlets in the Archives of the Connecticut Historical Society, for a considerable time, and can say to his best knowledge and belief that he has never discovered the name of Livingston, as belonging to the State of Connecticut. And further declares, that he has never known or heard of the name of Livingston living within said State.
Elon Gleason
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written
Geo. Robinson Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have for many years known Elon Gleason Esq. the subscriber to the foregoing affidavit and that full confidence may be placed in the statement which he makes.
Hartford Apr. 15 th 1857
Geo. Robinson Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } Hartford County } vs.
On the fifteenth day of April, 1851, before me a justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Rev. Dr. Thomas Robbins, who doth on his oath state, that he was born in said State in the year 1777, and has resided therein up to the present time; that he was educated at Yale College, and has enjoyed the personal acquaintance with the most respectable families and persons in the State. He further declares to the best of his knowledge and belief, he has never heard or known a family or person by the name of Livingston, as a resident of the State of Connecticut.
Thomas Robbins.
Sworn to and subscribed } before me on the day and year first above written }
Geo. Robinson Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have for many years known the Rev. Doctor Robbins, the subscriber to the foregoing deposition, and that full confidence may be placed in the statement which he has made. Hartford Ap. 15 th 1851 Geo. Robinson. Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut } Hartford County } Jps.
On the fifteenth day of April, 1851, personally appeared before me the subscriber, a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, Charles Hosmer Secretary of the Connecticut Historical Society, and a resident of Hartford, who being duly sworn according to law, doth state, that he has resided in Hartford for sixty-six years, and for seventeen years was engaged in a printing office, and for more than twelve years published a Newspaper in Hartford and Litchfield in said State; these facts afforded him the opportunity of a general acquaintance with persons residing in all parts of the State. He further declares to the best of his knowledge he never knew nor heard of a family in the State of Connecticut bearing the name of "Livingston," and feels confident that no such family ever resided in said State, certainly not within his recollection.
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year first above written.
Chas. Hosmer
I certify that I have known Chas. Hosmer by the signature of the foregoing affidavit, for many years, & that full credence may be placed in his statement.
Geo. Robinson Justice of the Peace

STATE OF CONNECTICUT.
I, JOHN P. C. MATHER , Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and Keeper of the Seal thereof, do hereby certify and make known to whom it doth or may concern, That George Robinson is, and since the fourth day of July last past hath been a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hartford in said State, duly appointed and commissioned,---having full power and authority by the laws of said State, to take the Acknowledgment of Deeds and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certificates thereof; and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations.
And I further Certify, That I believe the foregoing signatures of the said George Robinson to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said State, at Hartford, this 15 th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fiftyone.
Mr. J. C. Mather Secretary of State.

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford April 15 th 1857
I certify that on application for further evidence of the service of Lt. Col. William Livingston in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the books and documents in this office, and do not find any evidence of his service except what is embraced in the certificates of April 13 th & 26 th 1850 heretofore given from this office.
I further certify that I have examined the Rolls of the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army and of the Militia, and find no Colonel, or any officer of an inferior grade of the name of Livingston on said Rolls.
I further certify that the name of Livingston is an uncommon one in this State, and I know no family in the State which bears that name.
It does not appear in the appointment of officers, that their residence, or the State of which they were citizens was given.
A. G. Purney Comptroller by Geo. Robinson Clerk.

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that I have ex- amined the Revolutionary records of my office, and do not find therein any evidence of the appointment or service of William Livingston, either in the Continental line or Militia of said State.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Trenton this seventh day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty one.
Thos. S. Allison
Secretary of State

Washington
Feb. 3. 1857
Genl. C. Heath Secy Com d of Pension S r
In the case of Mary Bell of New York, I herewith enclose two affidavits from persons who were personally acquainted with William Livingston, & for many years before his death: they swear to the fact, that he was the former husband of Mrs. Bell the present applicant, & that they heard often him often say, during his life time. "that he was a Lieutenant-Colonel in the revolution, and that he was in the Connecticut service, that he was taken a prisoner and put in the Prison Jail in the City of New York."
It strikes me the name of "Burringtonham", as stated in William Howard's affidavit is given in the letter from the Secretary of State of New Jersey on file in the case, and perhaps as keeps of the "Provert. Bur-". I hardly suppose the statement made by the applicants requires any confirmation in support of their statement.
Their testimony goes to the point of identity as required by your letter of the 17 th Jan y last. and their standing and character is substantiated by the certificates of the Justice of the Peace, by Genl. Jas. Johnson, and by the Hon d John A. King. the the representative in Congress from their immediate district.
I remain Sir most resp. &c. H. S. Tracy

Washington Oct. 14. /57
Jas. L. Edwards Esq. Counsel of Plaintiff Sir
In the case of Mary Bell of New York formerly widow of William Livingston you will herewith receive a certificate from the Clerk of the Court of Kings County N. York. Showing the high character of the gentlemen named therein, who testified in the case of the applicant p. p.
I am very respectfully Sir On. Sir Alex. N. Bay

Washington Sep 20 1850
Sir/
In the case of Mary Bette of New York, formerly widow of Lieut Col William Livingston, and an applicant for the act 7 July 1838. You will receive, herewith, an explanatory statement given under oath to her declaration.
and also three affidavits of identity respectfully requesting your early ex- amination
I remain your Most. Hon. Servt Alex. May

Pension Office Jan'y 15. 1851-
Sir:
The case of Mary Betts has been a- gain most carefully examined, but without finding in it sufficient evidence to justify its allowance.
It is conceded that traditional reputa- tion may identify an individual with the person who performed certain service, but there is nothing in the proof in this case tend- ing to show that Mrs. Betts' husband ser- ved in Connecticut. Her own declaration made before she acquired record evidence of the services of any one bearing her first hus- band's name, is inconsistent with the suppo- sition that he was the same. She expressly avers that that husband was the son of the Governor of New Jersey, acted as aide to his father, who of course commanded only in New Jersey, and that she herself often saw him out when the British crossed over, still con- fining his duties to that State. That the wife of an officer holding the position in so- ciety and the rank in the army which she claims for him, should be ignorant of her husband's career and even of the

State in which he served, is not to be credited. Nor is the strong presumption against iden- tity in this case, which arises from her statement, shortened by every thing in the proof. Many of the witnesses speak as to the traditional reputation which Col. Livingston, her first husband, enjoyed as a revolutionary officer, but none of them mention the grade in which he served nor the State to which he belonged. He lived until 1817, and most of society, if the claimant's allegations be true, have been well known to gentle- men with whose character this affair is acquainted, and who must have heard from him such a recital of his services or such allusions to them as would enable us to de- termine accurately upon this question. Such proof and from men of this character will be required before this claim can be admitted.
I am, sir, respectfully Your obed. serv t H. S. Evans for Com ee of Pensions
A. Ray Esq Present.
5 Please return this letter

In 1779 - Congress granted Lt Col Henry B. Livingston leave of absence to go to Spain -
2. Also Copy of a letter -
Provoost - New York - May 2 d 1782
As your excellency has thought proper to give an order for my being confined in the Provoost without honoring me with an interview I trust you will excover the liberty I take of trespassing upon your time by committing to paper my sentiments & - Confinement however irksome after a tedious sea voyage of eight weeks I should have been without repining & had not the usual apology accompanying my committalment been of such a nature as to render silence on my part as culpable as I conceive the message to have been indelicate on yours" & - Your Excellency's obedt Servt His Excell
Henry Brockhurst Livingston
Lt Genl Robertson
Commanding British Forces in N J
on 16 th June 1782 at Elizabethtown N J
Paul
Elizabethtown N J 16 th June 1782 -
Henry Brockhurst Livingston
His Excellency Genl Washington
He concludes by saying "my duty has led me to be circumstantial in many things that passed between myself & the Comd g in Chf during my Captivity in N J -"

Copy of letter from Henry B Livingston to Gen Livingston dated Port Royal in New York
May 3 d 1782 —
My Sir —
"If you have read my letter of the 20 th inst you have already know of my having being taken on the 11 th March last — the 25 th of the month following I was taken I was taken by the Quebec frigate yesterday by Genl Robertson's order & committed to the Port Royal of this City" — "I have taken this liberty to communicate with that gentleman"
"I must be Capt Cunningham the further to say that he does every thing in his power to render my situation comfortable" — "His Ex Genl L — in } "Your dutiful Son Henry B Livingston"

2

State of New York County of Kings, ss: Mary Bell of Flatbush in said County being duly sworn, says that when she made her declaration to obtain a pension on account of the revolutionary services of her husband Lieut. Col. William Livingston, that she was not cer- tain that her husband performed service in the New Jersey Continental line, that her memory is indistinct, as to where he served, but that she remembers the fact stated by her husband that he served for a long time as Lieut. Col. under Col. Webb and was for some time a prisoner of war, and she thinks and believes it was under Col. Webb he served, and that he served for several years and that to the best of her recollection he served in the Connecticut Continental line. That she re- members distinctly his statement that he was made a D. ... ss ... acknowledgment of
STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF KINGS, } ss.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER, Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Jonathan M. Horbell  deponent whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment,  deposition a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, dwelling in said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment  deposition is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this September — 1850 19 th day of
Morris B. Stryker
CLERK.

State of New York County of Kings, ss: Mary Betts of Flatbush in said County being duly sworn, says that when she made her declaration to obtain a pension on account of the revolutionary services of her husband Lieut. Col. William Livingston, that she was not cer- tain that her husband performed service in the New Jersey Continental line, that her memory is indistinct, as to where he served, but that she remembers the fact stated by her husband that he served for a long time as Lieut. Col. under Col. Webb and was for some time a prisoner of war, and she thinks and believes it was under Col. Webb he served, and that he served for several years and that to the best of her recollection he served in the Connecticut Continental line. That she re- members distinctly his statement that he was made a prisoner, and that she makes this affidavit explanatory of her former declaration
Sworn to before me this 9 th day of September 1830
Jonathan W. Forbell Justice of the Peace
Mary Betts

Gen Washington to Gov Turnbull Head Quarters - Harlem Heights
October 9 th 1876 —
Lin =
Aqueally to your request & the promise Contained in my letter of yesterday I beg leave to transmit to you the enclosed list Compu- tending the names of such gentlemen as are recom- mended by the General Officers of your State as proper persons to be promoted in the Regiments you are about to raise with the ranks they conceive they ought to bear — As our present Army is upon the eve of their dissolution it behoves us to exert every nerve to enlist immediately for the new one
"To Governor Scitwell) Connecticut -
I have the honor to be
" G. Washington
11 Proposed appointments of Connecticut officers —
A list of officers now in the Army recommended for appointments in the Troops to be raised by the State of Connecticut —
"Lieut. Colonels
"Samuel B Webb
others 4
"Ebenezer Huntington - appointed Lieut. Col. in 7th Regt. on 10 th Oct 1778 vice Livingston resigned
4. An arrangement of Col. Lander's 7th Webb's Regiment & the dates from which the Officers are to rank -

Col. Wyllys Asst Ebenezer Dunnington Asst }
In 1776 Sept in

U.S. Navy Yard New York 21 st Sept r 1809
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 16 th Inst r . and in answer thereto I shall only observe that - whatever balance may be due to the late W m Goshy a Carpenter in the Navy of the United States, and lately attached to the Navy Yard under my command must be applied for and received from the accountant of the Navy at Washington, his accounts were closed and forwarded to the Navy Department immediately after his decease, the other accounts that you mention I have nothing to do with.
I am respectfully
Sir,
Your obed t Serv t
W m Chauncy
William Livingston Esq.
Surrogate of the county of Kings.
Flat Bush
Long Island

From Ingeborg 26 th Feb 1914 -
William Lumsden Esq -
Flat. Mark -

My dear brother, Washington 26. Feby. 1815 -
As it is probable my nephew may have obtained leave to return home from the news of peace, on which I very sincerely congratulate you, I take the liberty of sending the enclosed to you care - If he be still at Sachett's harbor, you will please to forward it to him - I am in hopes he will be made a lieut- enant, but cannot speak with certainty - Remember me respectfully to Mrs. Lewis, his & give my love to your children - I am in hopes but very much yours aff. brother - P.S. - Lewis's St.

Sir,
Navy Department March 10 th 1815
I have the honor to reply to your letter of the 16 th ult: for yours of this date, this moment received, relative to the promotion of Lieut: Philip T. Livingston. In reference to the Records of the Department, it appears, that he was appointed in Jan y : 1808. and afterwards obtained a furlough, was absent several years, and upon application to renew his warrant he received it under date of Sep r 1 st 1811, from which date he now ranks in the service - this last circumstance was probably the cause of his being overlooked in the late promotions; which have not extended beyond the period of appointments in the year 1809.
His claims will be duly attended to in the next promotions, and if the service could admit of an addition, I should be happy to meet your wishes at the present time.
Hon:ble P. Livingston Judge of the U States Court Washington
I am very respectfully Your obedient Serv t : P. M c Craumshall

No 5
CHAMBERS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, March 2 d 1850.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Franklin Hall was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
M. B. Walcutt
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

I, Charles Folsom, on oath do testify and say that I am the Librarian of the Boston Athenaeum - that in the Library of that Institution is a volume entitled - "Revolutionary Incidents of Suffolk and Kings Counties; with an account of the battle of Long Island, and the British Prisons and Prison Ships at New York" - and that the following are true extracts from said volume pp. 219-22-23 -
"Memorandum in the Provost Jail, N.Y. from Apr. 23, 1777, to Jan 7, 1778, by John Fell, one of the Council for N. Jersey.
" x x x
" Oct. 12. Lt. Col. Livingston and upwards of 20 " officers from Ft. Montgomery & Clinton, " all below.
" x x x
" " 28. Last night & today storm continues very " severe. Provost in a terrible condition, " Lt. Col. Livingston admitted up stairs for " a few minutes."
I further testify & say I have no doubt that said volume was compiled from original and authentic documents, and should have no hesitation in quoting it as an historical authority. Charles Folsom.

Suffolk ss. Boston March 2. 1830. Then personally appeared Charles Holcomb within named and made oath that the foregoing affidavit by him sub- scribed is true. Before me
Franklin Hall Jus. Peace.

no
Not official and therefore not evidence
1 st Rec d dated Aug 28 '78
2 " Oct 24/78
2 nd mentioned Oct 28/78
return as on page In addition to the the other day the enclosed affidavit

Trenton March 28, 1850
Dear Sir
I find the following on my record of Prisoners viz  Name  Rank  State  Reg t  Dis. W m Livingston L t Col. Connecticut 13 th Webb's. no board £ 23. 5. 3.
" Rec d . Aug t 28. 1778. of Lewis Pintard Esq Receipt of the several officers above mentioned for money paid & charged above receipting for board"
Elias Boudinott, C
" Lewis Pintard To Thomas Gardner Drs For clothing furnished the following American officers Prisoners of war, by his order as per account of particulars viz  Name  Rank  State  Reg t  L  S  D W m Livingston L t Col. Connecticut 13 th Webb's. 18. 12. 7
Rec d Oct 24. 1778 of Lewis Pintard Esq one hundred and thirty nine pounds, two shillings and one penny in full of the above account
Thos. Gardner
I find his name in another place to Oct 30 1778. before we could only find his name in one place
Instant sent me the other day the enclosed Officer's

I presume he should have procured the original record. He desires me to forward it to you for admission under the act of July 4, 1836, St. Jacob Van Etten millers. I will look after the Hayscan but the others I fear I cannot reach. I have really had no time since my return to look at a private paper nor am near through the Pub acts.
Yours truly C. G. McClellan
I have just heard of uncle English's death. I am sorry I cannot come so soon most of the cold weather
I R. G.

12 No 3
Exp n to Long Island 11 Oct 1776.

State of Connecticut Comptroller Office Hartford April 11 th 1830
I certify that on application for evidence of the service of William Livingston , in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the Books & Documents remaining in this Office, relating to said war, and find the following entries in the Journal of the Governor & Council of Safety, 1 st . Under date of September 9 th 1776.
"Two prisoners who were in custody of Lieut. Col. Livingston at Saybrook, (if on examination they should be found guilty,) they were ordered to deliver them to the Committee of instruction at Saybrook, and by them sent to Colchester to be kept on parole."
2 nd September 18 th 1776.
"An order of £50. was paid Capt. Elijah Hyde, for advance pay in part, of wages to his Company of horse, on their march to New York. Also an Order given on Lieut. Col. Livingston for 8 Guns for said Company."
3 rd October 11 th 1776.
A consultation was had as to an expedition of Col. Richmond and Livingston to Long Island. The Governor gave the necessary orders, with all possible secrecy, and Mr. Shaw was sent home with orders to forward said expedition as fast as possible. Majah Callin Comptroller.

Comptroller's Office Burlford Nov. 15 th 1830
Alexander Ray Esq. Dear Sir,
I enclose herewith, the Comptroller's Certificate, and also Mr. Nor- men's Affidavit to the entries found upon the Wadsworth Books. This is all we can find relating to the Service of Col. Livingston.
I hope it may aid you, to establish the Claim, and that you will obtain the Pension sought for.
I am dear Sir with great respect, your obedt. Servt., Geo. Robinson For Comptroller

11. 13
72 11

I, Charles Hosmer, of Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, testify and say, that I am Secretary of the "Connecticut Historical Society," and have the custody of the papers and documents therein,
Among the documents deposited with said Society, are many of the books and accounts of Jeremiah Wadsworth Esq. deceased, who was a Deputy Quarter Master General, and a Commissary General during some part of the Revolutionary War, and in one of the books deposited as aforesaid, I find among other entries of cash paid, and property delivered, the following, viz, The page is headed, "Hartford Feby. 2 o 1778," and the first entry on the page is, "Deliv d Lt. Col. Wm Livingston, 1 new Saddle for his Rect." "also 1 Bridle for do."
Chas. Hosmer
State of Connecticut Hartford County ss. April 13 th 1850 Personally appeared Charles Hosmer, and made solemn oath to the above affidavit, by him subscribed before me,
Geo. Robinson
Justice of the Peace.

State of Connecticut.
By His Excellency JOSEPH TRUMBULL, Governor of said State.
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Know ye, That George Robinson is, and since the 20 th day of June last past hath been a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hartford, in the said State, duly constituted and commissioned, and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court;---that the within attestation is in due form and by the proper officer; and that the signature of the said George Robinson thereto, is genuine.
Gov. Trumbull
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the public Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed, this 15 th day of April, A. D. 1850, and in the seventy-fourth year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor:
Ryan H. Miller
Secretary of State.

State of Connecticut Comptrollers Office Hartford April 26 th 1850
I certify, that in addition to the evidence of service of Col. William Livingston in the War of the Revolution, a certificate of which has been heretofore given from this Office, I find the following in the Journal of the Governor & Council of Safety, under date of "July 15 th 1782,"
"On the Mem d of Eben r Gray Esq r . Lt. Col d . of y e 4 th Connec t . Regt. in y e Continental Army, having rank as such by his Commission granted & dated y e 15 th day of Oct r 1778, representing that upon the application of Colo. Eben r Huntington late Major in one of y e 16 Battalions commanded by Sam l . Webb, to this Board on y e 20 th July 1779 to be appointed a Lt. Col d . in the Continental Army, and that a commission might be granted thereon & that s d Board did recommend the s d then Major Eben r Huntington to a Lt. Col d . oncy & in consequence thereof, a commission was soon after granted him by the Board of War as a Lt. Col d . to take rank from the 10 th day of Oct r 1778 to fill the vacancy of Lt. Col d . Wm. Livingston, whom the board of War supposed was discharged from the army on s d 10 th of Oct r . - further representing that the s d Lt. Col d . Wm. Livingston, was not at that time nor till long after discharged from the Army, but was actually continued on the Muster & pay Rolls, & pay actually drawn for him as such, in Col. S. Webb's Regt. of which the s d Huntington served as Major until May 1779, by reason of which mistake & granting to s d Lt. Col d . Huntington a rank & Commission of a Lt. Col d . long before Lt. Col d . Livingston of y e same Regt. was discharged, or any vacancy happening therein, that the s d Gray is injured & wronged in his

rank & Command in y e army &c, representing further, that he has applied to y e Board of War for directions therein, who have directed him to this Board, to rectify any mistake which may have happened as to Officers belonging to this State, praying for y e consideration of this Board in y e premises &c, as in memorial on file &c,
This Board having taken into consideration y e subject of L t Col. Grays memo r & L t Col. Eben Huntington being duly notified & present, & having heard y e Parties & in y e Exhibits produced, & heard y e Parties thereon, do find the state of y e case to be as follows viz,
That on y e 20 th day of July 1779 L t Col. Eb n Huntington, then being Major in Col. S t B Webbs Reg t one of y e 16 additional Battalions in y e Continental Army, then not belonging to, nor assigned to any particular State, applied to this Board, representing, that there was a vacancy in Col. Sherburnes one of y e 16 Battalions by y e advancement of Col. Meigs of S d Reg t to a full Col o in y e line, & also by y e resignation of L t Col. Wm. Livingston in Col. S t B. Webbs Reg t afores d in Feb y before & that part of both S d Reg t s were made up of Officers & soldiers belonging to y e State of Connecticut, claiming to be promoted in Col. Sherburnes Reg t in y e vacancy made by y e promotion of Col. Meigs &c, this Board, then taking into consideration the S d Major Huntingtons application, did not think it advisable to make any absolute appointment, but at y e same time, having no knowledge of y e matter but what was represented to them by y e (then) Maj. Huntington, did nominate & recommend him to be a L t Col o in y e Continental Army &c, provided the right of appointment sh d appear to be in this State, & that it sh d not interfere with the Claims of any who have better pretensions & that such recommendation be transmitted to y e Board of War, which was accordingly done.
We find the Board of War did not consider the S d Huntington to have any right to a promotion in Col. Sherburnes Reg t in y e room of L t Col. Meigs promoted, but that y e board of War did appoint him y e S d Major Huntington to a

Lt. Colonelcy in ye room of Lt. Col. Wm. Livingston of Col. S. B. Webb Regt. with a Commission & rank of ye 10 th of Oct. 1778: We further find, that ye only pretension of a vacancy in Col. Webb Regt. was that Col. W. Livingston wrote a letter to Genl. Washington asking leave to resign, s d Letter dated ye 10 th of Oct. 1778, and that he rec d a conditional answer from Genl. Washington dated ye 24 th Nov. following, viz. that when He s d Livingston had settled his public accounts, He would be ready to accept his Resignation. We further find, by a certificate from ye Auditor's Office dated Dec. 1781 signed by H. W. Dunscomb Audr. that Lt. Col. W. Livingston's pay was drawn as Lt. Col. in S. B. Webb Regt. until May 1 st 1779 following, & that ye s d Lt. Col. Eben. Huntington, during that time served as a Major in ye same Regt. & had ye Chief Command, Col. Webb being then a Prisoner, & Lt. Col. W. Livingston absent from s d Regt. & consequently, the Major must have attested ye Pay Roll of s d Regt. during the time wherein Lt. Col. Livingston must have been returned as Lt. Col. of s d Regt. under (ye then) Maj. Huntington's own hand until ye s d 1 st May 1779, by which it will appear that Lt. Col. Huntington having his appointment & Commission as a Lt. Col. in the same Regiment on the 10 th of Oct. 1778, will constitute from that time til the first May 1779 two Lt. Col s . drawing Pay & Rations as such, in the same Regt. at the same time, viz from s d 10 th Oct. til the s d first of May following, which must appear injurious to the Public, & inconsistent in itself, & must evince a total mistake in the s d Huntington as having his appointment & Commission as Lt. Col. in that Regt. at least until ye first of May 1779 - and we apprehend, & we are informed by Members of Congress say the Journals, that the place of a Field Officer is esteemed vacant until his request for Resignation is accepted by the General or Congress, and that such as request to resign, draw Pay &

Ratios like such Resignation is accepted by the General or Congress.
Upon the matters aforesaid, it appears to this Board, that the place of St. Col. Wm. Livingston, in Col. S. B. Webb's Regt. was not vacant, on the 10 th day of Oct. 1778, nor at least till after the 1 st of May 1779, & that there can be no foundation for St. Col. Huntington, taking either Commission or Rank from the 10 th day of Oct. 1778, & that y s same being done, is entirely founded in a mistake, & proves injurious to St. Col. Gray, whose promotion was in the Line, & received his Commission therein as St. Col. y e 15 th of Oct. 1778, and served in the Army in such from that time, and that such mistake ought to be rectified & Right & Justice done therein, & which is by this Board recommended & requested to be done."
Abijah Galtin Compt r .
6 m 14 John Stark Col l Col. Livingston's place of having another been in recognition of his services in the Revolutionary War 1778

Washington, June 9. 1850.
Sir:
I send you enclosed the application of Mrs. Mary Pett, of New York, formerly the widow of William Livingston, an officer in the War of the Revolution, for the benefits of the Act of Congress of 7 th July, 1838, as also proof of her marriage. The evidence of Col. Livingston's service is doubtless on file in the archives of the Government.
Very Respect,
Yours ob. Servt.
William H. Seward
Col. J. L. Edwards, Commr of Pensions.

Ho of Reps Sept 20. 1850
Colo,
Jamess L. Edwards,
Com te of Pensions,
Sir, Permit me To ask your Early attention to and examination of the case application of Mary Bette formerly widow of William Livingston of New York for the benefit of the Act 7 th July 1838 and report the result to Alexander Ray Esq r -
I am with respect Yours &
H. P. Ferriss.

See card 7 in book for particulars.

In the matter of the application of Mary Betts for a pension }
State of New York Lucas County ss; John C. Strothoff of the town of Jamaica of said County but formerly of Kings County being duly sworn doth depose & say that he has known the above mentioned Mary Betts for more than Forty Years; that she is the same woman who was the wife of Lieut Col William Livingston who was reputed as an officer of the war of the revolution and always reputed and believed by his friends and neighbours to have served as an officer in such war that deponent is well acquainted with said Mary Betts, that she is the same woman who was the wife of said Lieut Col William Livingston and left a widow by him on his decease.
Sworn this 17 th day of September 1850 before me
John C Strothoff
Pierpont Potter } Justice of the peace }

STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS,
ss.
I, JOHN C. SMITH, Clerk of the County of Queens,
Hereby Certify, That Missouri Potter
whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment affidavit of the annexed instrument , and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment affidavit , a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, dwelling in the said County, elected and sworn and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment affidavit is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, this 17 th day of September 1850
John C Smith Clerk.

No 106 Broadway New York Sep 6. 1850. Hon James L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Allow me to state to you that Alexander Ray Esq of Washington has been associated with me in the prosecution of Mrs Betts claim for a Pension.
I am Very Respectfully Your Asst + Servant Wm E. Curtis

Washington Sep 12. 1850
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions Sir
I herewith enclose you, a letter from Mr. E. Curtis Esq. of New York an agent and attorney in the case of Mrs. Mary Bell, formerly widow of Lieut Col. William Livingston, has associated me, with him in the prosecution of Mrs Bell's claim to a pension.
Your letter of the 8 th of Aug t . last to the Hon ble Mr. H. Leonard in the case is now before me, requiring the rank of a commission, or some other record proof, to be exhibited: and also some satisfactory evidence showing the amount of service.
I beg to state, that this claim was brought to my notice some 12 months ago, by Col. Thos. L. H. Kenny of New York, and at his solicitation I called to see Mrs. Bell, a lady of high standing, but like most aged ladies, remembered only some leading points of her first husband's revolutionary services (she having married after the war ended) had no personal knowledge of her husband's services , nor of the line in which the service was performed. But she supposed it was in the New Jersey line from the fact that her husband father was, at the time he was in service Governor of the State of New Jersey.

She, however, recollected very distinctly the statement of Col. M c Livingston her first husband, that he was confined as a prisoner of war in the New York "Brooklyn Jail," and also remembered the name of Col. Webb of whom her husband often spoke as his commanding officer . Hence my attention was drawn to an examination of the names of the officers imprisoned in Brooklyn, and it is shown by paper No. 1, a certificate from the Librarian of the Boston Ath ee that Lt. Col. Livingston was a prisoner in Brooklyn in Oct. 1776.
And again in a letter from the Sec y of State of New Jersey. Shows that " Mr. Livingston Lt. Col. Connecticut S. B. Webb etc. was a prisoner of war in New York in Aug t & Oct 1778 No. 2.
No. 3. is a certificate from the Compt l at Hartford Connecticut showing that Lt. Col. Livingston was in service in that State in Sep t & Oct 1776.
No. 4. is a certificate from the Secretary of the Connecticut Historical Society showing, that Lt. Col. M c Livingston was in service in Feb y 1778.
and 5. is a full and satisfactory statement from said Comptroller, showing that Lt. Col. M c Livingston of the Connecticut Continental line. Mr. Col. Webb etc. was settled with for his service up to the 1 st Jan y 1779
The most abundant evidence is here afforded, that Lt. Col. M c Livingston was in service for 32 months and as the marriage is deemed satisfactory here a

a certificate file at once upon its case,
I am Sir
very respectfully
Gen. M. C. Meigs
Q.M. N. A.

Department of State Trenton N.J. Oct 9, 1850
Sir
In answer to your letter of the 7th inst I have to inform you that the records of Marriage filed in this office do not contain the name of Mrs Livingston.
The Church record at Elizabeth Town I presume will furnish you with that fact or the paper published at that place
Very Respectfully
Your Ob st Serv t
Charles G. McChesney
Dr B. Butler Esq

Newark, N.J. October 9. 1850.
Wm. E. Curtis, Esq.
Dear Sir:
The Act of the Legislature of this State, requiring marriages to be recorded, was passed in 1795, and no marriages are recorded - of an earlier date. There are no marriages on Record by Rev. David Austin, & I presume, therefore, that he had died or left the State previous to the passage of the law.
Yours &c.
Thos. R. Weeks, Clerk of Essex County.

No. 29
Aug 8, 57
Agents
Argument
8 Aug 57

Washington, August 8 th 1851
J. E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
In the case of Mary Pettis, widow of William Livingston, claiming a pension on account of her husband's service as Lieut. Colonel in Colonel Samuel J. Webb's Connecticut Regiment, I would observe;
In the view taken by The Department, the proof of identity of applicant's husband as the son of Governor Livingston of New Jersey, and as the Lieut. Colonel in Colonel Webb's Regiment, is not satisfactorily shown.
Again - as it appears by the "American Archives": There was a William Smith Livingston , a Major in Colonel Cushing's Regiment in 1775, aid to Lord Sterling, and Lieut. Colonel in the New York Militia in 1776, and the rolls, or a copy of the rolls in your Office show, a W. S. Livingston was a Lieut. Colonel in Colonel S. J. Webb's Connecticut Regiment, making a mooted question, whether that Officer, or, William Livingston the applicant's husband, was the person who performed the alleged service.
These, if I mistake not, are the only questions to be determined.
The undersigned, having addressed a recent communication to the Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, requesting a further, fuller, and a more particular examination of the records of his Office, relating to the appointment and service of Lieut. Colonel Livingston of Webb's Regiment, submits, herewith, his report. It refers to and confirms, his

predecessor's Certificates in the case, of the dates of the 13 th and 26 th April 1850; and superadds an important "extract" from the "Connecticut Courant" (a newspaper published in Hartford during the war,) of a letter from an officer engaged in the battle of Rhode Island in August 1778, to his friend in Hartford. It shows, Lieut: Colonel William Livingston commanded Colonel Webb's Regiment, under Command of General Sullivan, in Rhode Island, 25 th August '78. The writer, in the account of the battle, twice names " Lieut: Colonel William Livingston ", and was himself, doubtless, of the Connecticut Line and personally acquainted with the Lieut: Colonel. Such testimony, from an Officer, in a written statement of the battle and the prominent actors, cannot be received with any other than high and favorable consideration, especially as it corroborates the several Certificates from the Comptroller of Connecticut, the last of which is a copy:
"That I find no evidence in this Office, of any service performed in the War of the Revolution, in the Connecticut Line of the Continental Army, or in the Militia of the State, by a person of the name of William S. Livingston, either as Lieut: Colonel or in any other capacity; and that Lieut: Col: William Livingston who served in Colonel Webb's Regiment has heretofore been certified, and who is mentioned in this certificate, is the only one whose name is found on any book or document in this Office."
This is strong language; and from the Comptroller of the State from which the appointment emanated, service performed, and payments made; and appears to me, should supersede all other evidence bearing on the question of the name of the Lieut: Colonel in Webb's Regiment.

Did not the states pay the expenses of their their respective d.
But this is not all, there is evidence on file from the Secretary of State of New Jersey, giving the names of certain prisoners confined in Provost in New York; among others is the name of Lieut: Colonel William Livingston of Colonel Samuel D. Webb's Connecticut Regiment and of the advancement of payments by the State on account of clothing. This paper has a two-fold bearing in favor of applicants husband; first, the name , and secondly, the payment advanced by the State , is evidence, in my opinion, that Colonel William Livingston was a citizen of the State of New Jersey .
Finally, a certificate from the Historical Society at Hartford, shows that Lieut: Colonel William Livingston was in service in February 1778.
In summing up the record evidence presented in support of applicants claim, it is shown, in the first place, by the Comptrollers Certificate, that William Livingston was appointed a Lieut: Colonel in Webbs Regiment , 1 st January 1777, and paid up to May 1779: in the second place, the same Certificate embraces an "extract" (from a newspaper published in Hartford in 1778) of a letter from an officer engaged in the Battle of Rhode Island, commanded by Gen: Sullivan in August 78, wherein the writer states that Lieut: Col: William Livingston commanded Webbs Regiment during that engagement &c. &c. Thirdly, The Secretary of State of New Jersey shows that Lieut: Colonel William Livingston was a prisoner in Provost in 1778, and fourth, a certificate from the Secretary of the Historical Society, at Hartford, of February 1778, showing that Lieut: Colonel William Livingston was in service at that date; and finally,

This record evidence elicited from different sources is certainly in favor of applicant's husband, as it distinctly shows, at different dates and places, his name was printed and written  Brevet Col. William Livingston . Admit, however, by way of argument, the documents before the Department, that William Livingston and William Smith Livingston were both appointed Brevet Colonels . It is very evident that but one could have performed service. Then the true conclusion must be determined by proof of personal identity of the Officer, and to this point, I must claim the favor of your consideration.
There are several affidavits on file, but they are not so clearly expressed in their terms as to be acceptable to the Department; yet, in connection with others more explicit, are certainly entitled to great consideration. I shall notice but two or three in my remarks.
1 st . The Hon. John Duer, a Judge of the Superior Court of New York. He testifies, that he was acquainted with William Livingston of Flatbush, Kings County, New York. Knew him to be the son of the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey ; visited his family in the years 1798 '99; he had several children, and at that time said Livingston bore the reputation of having been a Revolutionary Officer. 2 nd . Mrs General Hamilton swears to her intimacy in Governor William Livingston's family; of her recollection and knowledge of his children, and of his son William being an Officer in the War of the Revolution.

3 rd . The affidavit of — I do not remember the name. (He was a neighbor and acquaintance of applicant's husband some years before his death.) But I do remember, the affidavit was in point of fact sustained by history. He swears he was on intimate terms of friendship with William Livingston some years before his death; visited him; has heard him relate his Revolutionary events; of his having held the rank of Lieut. Colonel in Col. Webb's Connecticut Regiment , of his confinement in Proost , and the keeper's name was Cunningham ; all these points are sustained by document and historical proof .
4 th . And finally, I must ask your special attention to the statement of a pensioner referred to in a former letter; The case of Elisha Hubbard of Connecticut, Act. 7 June 1832. He stated in his declaration in 1833; That he served in the war of the Revolution, under Colonel Samuel P. Webb and Lieut. Colonel William Livingston . In the first examination of "Hubbard's" papers they were deemed insufficient to prove the personal identity of applicant's husband as the son of Governor Livingston . But in the present state of the case, the affidavit in question is of infinite importance. He was a Sergeant, and there can be no doubt but that he knew the names of his Commanding Officer; and his testimony is clear, distinct and positive, that William Livingston was a Lieut. Colonel in Webb's Regiment .

In addition to all this, I now present a statement made under oath by the Reverend Zachariah Green, in the 93 rd year of his age, "with a mind as clear, (says the Justice of the Peace) as if he were in his fiftieth year", now on the Invalid roll, and as a Revolutionary pensioner under act '32. He testifies he was personally acquainted with the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey, and his sons William and Henry Brockholdst. "and believes, and has no doubt in his own mind, that he, the said William, was a Lieut: Colonel in Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Regiment of Connecticut, and saw him in regimentals & marching with the army; but cannot state why a son of Governor Livingston should have been made an Officer in the Connecticut Line, but declares that it was no uncommon occurrence for a citizen of one State, to receive a Commission as an Officer in an adjoining State; from the best of my knowledge and belief, William Livingston, the son of the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey, was an officer in Colonel Samuel B. Webb's Regiment. That his own captain, Amos Waldridge, was a citizen of Massachusetts & subsequently a Major in the Connecticut Line."
In a second Affidavit the Rev d Zachariah Green declares "That during the life time of Governor Livingston, late of New Jersey, he attended the church that I was preaching in, in the Summer of 1785; and that said church was called Connecticut form and was the second in the Parish, in Elizabeth. Town, New Jersey." "And the deponent further states, that he recollects of having

"seen William Livingston, said to be the son of Governor Livingston, in his uniform designating that of Lieut: Colonel"; and says "to the best of his recollection the army that he was attached to, was marching through Stamford, Connecticut, in the year 1777."
I hope, Sir, you will do me the favor to examine the several certificates, affidavits and declarations, in the order I have presented them, and after weighing the merits of applicant's claim, upon the testimony and evidence adduced, with the evidence shown in the case of William Smith Livingston, I feel quite sure, you will find yourself justified in the allowance of the Widow's pension, on account of the services of her husband, Lieut: Colonel William Livingston, in the War of the Revolution.
I remain, Sir,
With great respect,
Your Obedt. Servt.
Alex. Nay
Note.
Zachariah Green claims to have served under Col Charles Webb at Stamford Conn. while Col Saml D. Webb was appointed from Methuen Connecticut.
Since the above was written, I have recd the two enclosed slips from different newspapers. They show the estimate in which Rev. Z. Green is held in the community in which he resides.
Alex. Nay

33
October 2nd 1820
James M. Smith
Dear Sir, I have the honor to inform you that I have been thinking of you and your kind words and how much I should like to see you again after so long a time. I hope you are well and happy. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, James M. Smith
Yours truly James M. Smith

In The Matter of The Application of Mary Betts for a Pension
I Jonathan U. Forbell a Justice of the Peace for The County of Kings and State of New York do certify that the signature of the name of Mary Betts to an explanatory affidavit made before me by her in the above entitled matter, was written by a lady present at the request of said Mary Betts who by reason of infirmity is unable to write her name, and that said Mary Betts made oath to the same.
October 9 th 1850,
Jonathan U. Forbell Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK,
COUNTY OF KINGS,
ss.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER, Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Jonathan U. Forbell whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, dwelling in said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 9 th day of Oct. 1850
Francis B. Stryker
CLERK.

In The Matter of The Claim of Mary Betts to a Pension.
City and County of New York f: State of New York. Rem Leffort of the City of Brooklyn and County of Kings being duly sworn deposes, and says, that he is in his eightieth years, that he was born, and has always resided in Kings County, that he knew Lieut. Colonel William Livingston for some years previous to his death, that among his neighbors and friends he was reputed and known as an officer of The Revolution, that he died somewhere about the year 1818, that he left a widow then resident in Flatbush in said County, that deponent knew her personally, that she subsequent- ly married Richard Betts Esq of said County also well known to this deponent, that said Richard Betts died about 1835, and that the said widow of W m Livingston, & of Richard Betts, has since remained unmarried and resided with her son John Jay Livingston at New Lots in said County, and that she is the identical and same woman who was left a widow by the said W m Livingston.
Rem Leffort
Subscribed and sworn to before me this eight day of October 1850 W m P. Powers Clerk of Court
And I the said William P. Powers do hereby certify that I am

Personally acquainted with the above named Rev. L. L. Luffett, who has made the preceding affidavit before me, and know him to be a person of high standing and respectability in the community and whose statement under oath is entitled to the highest respect and consideration.
Wm. P. Powell
State of New-York, } City and County of New-York, } ss.
I, GEORGE W. RIBLET , CLERK of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, being a Court of Record, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That William P. Powell before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was at the time of taking the same, a Commissioner of Deeds for said City and County, duly appointed and sworn, and authorised to administer oaths to be used in any Court in said State and for general purposes; and that his signature thereto is genuine, as I verily believe.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 9 th day of October 1850.
Geo: W. Riblet
Clerk.

District of Columbia } Washington County }
On the Seventh day May 1851
personally appeared before me, the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mrs Elizabeth Hamilton Widow of the late General Alexander Hamilton, and now a resident of the City of Washington, who being duly sworn according to law, doth State: That she was formerly upon terms of intimacy and friendship with the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey, and family: There were several Sons and several daughters. William Livingston I believe was the oldest Son. Borkhost was a lawyer of distinction, and a Judge of the Supreme Court. The third son went South. William was a gentleman of fine acquirements, but of a roving and unfixed residence, and although a Native of New Jersey, might have been considered a Citizen at large. He was an Officer of the Army but I cannot recollect at this remote period of time the rank he held, nor the length of service he performed, but I well remember he was a son of the late Governor Livingston of New Jersey. I recollect to have often heard General Washington and my late husband talk of him as the son of the Governor of New Jersey.
Sworn to and subscribed the } day and year first above written } Sam l Grubb J. P.
Eliz a Hamilton

County of Kings: State of New York. John Jay Livingston of Flatbush in said County being duly sworn says, that he is a son of the late Lieut. Col. Wm Livingston of said County, that he was present at the time, and saw his father give to this deponents' brother Philip French Livingston, his Commission as an officer in the Revolutionary Army, about four months previous to the death of this deponents' father, who died May 13 th 1817. That said Philip French Livingston, left soon after for the East Indies, and remained there until his death, that he was murdered by the crew of the Dutch Ship Matilda in September 1834, and that all his papers & effects of every description were at that time stolen or destroyed & that for many years previous to his death he was a Captain in the Dutch East India Service, and that no papers or effects were ever recovered, and that he has never heard or seen the said Commission since.
That this deponent further says that a few months after the death of his father, his father's eldest sister Susannah Symmes, requested his Mother Mrs Mary Betts, to destroy all letters & papers, except receipts, as she did not wish the family letters & papers to be exhibited to the world in after years, and that deponents Mother requested deponent to burn all of said papers, which he did, with the exception

of some from Colonel Aaron Burr, which he subsequently gave to the late Mathew L. Davis of New York, and which deponent cannot now find in the possession of any one.
Sworn to before me This 5th day of May 1857
John J. Livingston
Jonathan W. Forbell Justice of the Peace
On this 5th day of May 1857 before me personally appeared John J. Livingston of said County, who signed and subscribed the foregoing affidavit & I certify that he is well known to me as a resident of this County & that his statement under oath is entitled to the highest credit, & that he is a gentleman of high standing in this County
Jonathan W. Forbell
STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. COUNTY OF KINGS. }
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER , Clerk of the County of Kings, and also Clerk of the County Court of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Jonathan W. Forbell whose name is subscribed to the annexed deposition, was at the time of taking such deposition, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature of such Justice to the said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court and County, this 5 th day of May 1857
Francis B. Stryker
102
19

State of New Jersey
An Act for appointing a Commissary of prisoners for this State and vesting him with certain powers.
2. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that the said Commissary of prisoners shall be, and he hereby is empowered to draw on the Treasurer of this State for any sum or sums of money he may find necessary to procure reason- able supplies for the prisoners of this State while confined with the enemy, not exceeding One thousand pounds per year, which draughts the Treasurer is hereby required to answer and pay, taking proper receipts for the same.
State of New Jersey
I Thomas Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from an Act of the Legislature of the said State

on the twelfth day of December 1778 as taken from and compared with the original on file in my office.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this Seventeenth day of April One Thousand eight hun- dred and fifty one.
W. L. Alston Secretary of State

Dr. Elisha Boudinot, late Commissary of Prisoners for this State Cr.
1780
Dec. 1. Bal due E. Boudinot. £ 175. for Mr. Pintard in specie £ 175. 13. 9
1780
Dec. 1. By the bal of Lewis Pintards Account as Agent for Mr. Boudinot in New York with int. to this day £ 175. 13. 9
Settled Dec. 1780. S. Ewing. Auditor.
State of New Jersey
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true extract from Liber B of Auditor Accounts, page 52 as taken from and compared with the original in my Office. And I do further certify that Elisha Boudinot, was by the Joint Meeting of said State duly ap- pointed Commissary of Prisoners for the State of New Jersey on the 12 th day of December 1778.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton this fourteenth day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty one Thos. S. Allison Sec. of State

In the Matter of The Claim of Mary Betts to a Pension
State of New York. Kings County ss: Peter P. Wyckoff of Flatlands in said County being duly sworn says, that he is aged eightyone years, and has resided in said County for sixty years past and upwards, that he was well acquainted with William Livingston the former husband of said Mary Betts for more than twenty years before his decease. That said William Livingston was known and reputed to have been an officer during the Revolution, and that deponent has often heard the said William Livingston say that he was a Lieutenant Colonel during The Revolutionary War, and that he was stationed in the Connecticut line of service, and that he was taken Prisoner, and confined in the Provost jail, in New York, That said William Livingston was for many years prior to his death Surrogate of Kings County, and that he was not in the habit of conversing about the war, or his services as a militaryman, except with his old friends or persons with whom he was well acquainted.
Sworn to before me this 28 th day of January 1851 } Peter P. Wyckoff Jonathan H. Forbell Justice of the Peace
I certify that Peter P. Wyckoff Esq., the signer of the foregoing affidavit, and by him sworn to before me is one of the oldest residents in this County and a gentleman of high standing and character, and whose statement

is entitled to the utmost Confidence
Jonathan M. Furbell Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Peter M. Olofson the Deponent in the within Certificate and that he is a man of truth and integrity. Jan. 30, 1851
Jeremiah Johnson
N.Y. N.Y. January
I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jeremiah Johnson, and have full confidence & belief in the facts stated by him in the above certificate. Washington July 3 rd 1851.
John A. King
STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. COUNTY OF KINGS. }
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER , Clerk of the County of Kings, and also Clerk of the County Court of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Jonathan M. Furbell whose name is subscribed to the annexed deposition, was at the time of taking such deposition, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature of such Justice to the said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court and County, this 30 th day of January 1851
Francis B. Stryker CLERK.
19

In the matter of the Claim {
for Mary Betts to a pension. }
State of New York Kings County ss. William Howard Sn of East New York in said County being duly sworn Says he was well acquainted with William Livingston the former husband of said Mary Betts for more than twenty Years before his death that William Livingston was known and reported to have been an officer during the Revolution and that deponent has often heard the said Livingston say that he was a Lieu- tenant Colonel in the Revolutionary War and that he was in the Connecticut Service that he was taken a prisoner and put in the Prison House in the City of New York. That William Livingston was the Surrogate of Kings County for a number of years that he has had business with the said Livingston in his office and the said Livingston has been at his house and that he often heard him speak of things which happened during the war but he cannot at present bring them to his mind but still he thinks that he told him that the name of the brother was Cunningham
Witness in presence of Philip Reid, J. H. D. W. M. J. D. A. D.
State of New York } ss. I certify that William Howard Sn Kings County } the signer of the foregoing affidavit, and by him sworn to before me is one of the oldest residents in this County and a gentleman of high standing and character, and whose statement is entitled to the utmost Confidence his eyesight has somewhat failed him but his memory is perfectly good. The above affidavit

was read to him before signing,
January 28 th 1851
Jonathan W. Forbell Justice of the Peace
I have known William Hove and the within Dependent and believe the affidavit made by him is true Jan. 30, 1851
Jeremiah Johnson N.C. G. S. G. Infantry
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with William Howard S on and with Jeremiah Johnson, and have full and entire confidence in the affidavit of the first named, and in the declaration of Mr. Johnson. Washington Feby. 3 d 1851 John A. King
11

STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. COUNTY OF KINGS.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER , Clerk of the County of Kings, and also Clerk of the County Court of said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that Jonathan H. Forbell whose name is subscribed to the annexed deposition, was at the time of taking such deposition, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature of such Justice to the said deposition is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court and County, this 30 th
day of January 1851
Francis B. Stryker
CLERK.

I hereby Certify that Mrs Mary Betts, the widow of Richard Betts, now residing at New Lots (Flatbush) is the widow of the late William Livingston, formerly Surrogate of this County and son of Governor Livingston of New Jersey - that I was well acquainted with William Livingston and am well acquainted with his widow, Mary Betts, that the widow of Richard Betts, and the widow of William Livingston above mentioned, are the same individual & that I have been  was her family physician for many years, from 1817 until she married the said Richard Betts & removed from this district of our Town - & that subsequent to her removal, I have frequently seen her & given her medical advice
(Flatbush, Kings County) January 22 nd 1849.
Adrian Vandersee M. D.

William Livingston

I, Francis B. Stryker, Clerk of the County of Kings, do hereby certify that the several persons herein named, to wit; John Lott, Jeremiah Vanderbilt, & John C. Stoothoff, who certified in the case of Mrs Mary Bette, formerly widow of William Livingston deceased who was reputed an officer in the war of the Revolution, are gentlemen of the highest character in the community in which they reside, and whose statement under oath, is entitled to the highest consideration
Francis B. Stryker
Brooklyn October. 10, 1880

New York
Feb. 17 1850
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pension Sir
In your letter of the 3 rd inst - in the case of Mrs. Mary Bette of New York formerly widow of William Livington in regard to her application for a pension, in say, her long silence is well calculated to arouse some suspicion. I herewith submit her son John Jay Livington affidavit paper marked A 1 . It will satisfactorily show the reason why, earlier application has not been made.
And indeed has remark, that instances have occurred, and cases will no doubt occur again, where highly meritorious claims have been delayed or failed to apply as in this case. There is one in my eye at this moment which I will refer to, the case of Mrs. Vermooten made on 4 Feb 1850 formerly widow of J. K. Bradford, a Capt of Artillery and aid-de-camp to Genl. Keath. This lady lived within 70 miles of Washington City and never made application until just before the death of Col d Brumley late your chief clerk. - the claim was admitted. Thus showing that another Mrs. Bette who did not earlier assert their claims.
Again you inform me the rule of your office requires the period of his service should be distinctly stated. It was never contemplated by your regulation that a woman whose marriage took place thirteen or more years after its termination, should particularly detail her husband's service, when it is shown by documentary evidence that he was in service for upward of ten years . The Department cannot be satisfied with the evidence of grade and service in Mrs. Bette case: they  has have conceded to hundreds of others.
And to show this claim is well founded. I shall endeavor to show by evidence in your office the detailed service as Dr. Col d - during the year I think of 1848 at the instance either of John Barnes Esq. or Mr. Wetmore both of Middletown Connecticut

you allow me to make an examination of the case of Elijah Hubbard late of Connecticut, he was pensioned as a Serj. under act 32 Connecticut act of 1812 and the examination was made with the view to ascertain if he claimed service as a Mason Conduct , He not having claimed in his declaration for such service, I reported accordingly. From the memorandum taken at that, it appears said Hubbard, claimed and was allowed for 2 years service, and he particularly names that the service was performed under Col. Sam d D. Webb and Lieut. Col. William Livingston of the Connecticut line, such evidence in other cases has been deemed more satisfactory, for better than any statement that could possibly be made by the widow, and by to refer to "Hubbard's" statement for detailed statement of the service of Lieut. Col. W. Livingston.
Again, you say, her first declaration was made by a corp. indicating an inability on her part to write, and your further say, the second was signed by a free female hand. Affidavits N o 2 from the family phys t . show she had an attack of paralysis, and N o 3 from the justice before whom the amended declaration was taken, must satisfy you, and clear away the impression you entertain on that score.
Again, you say: "of four witnesses who swear that claimant is the widow of the late Lt. Col. W. Livingston, three are not certified to be credible and the fourth not even sworn." by the next mail you will receive the clerk of the court's certificate of their standing and credibility.
In addition to the affidavits filed, I now present one made by Rev. Leffers Br. of Brooklyn a gentleman of great worth and standing, his character is duly certified to. He knew applicants husband for some years previous to his death, that among his neighbors and friends, he was known and reputed to have been an officer of the Revolution. Knew personally his wife and widow, of her marriage with Lt. Col. Br. and now his widow. See page N o 4.
Further, I present a certificate marked N o 5 made by the Hon d John Duer a Judge of the Superior Court of the City of New York. He testifies that he not only knew William Livingston, but knew him as the son of the late

Son of Peter Jorsey, and when David Livingston moved to Flatbush Street in Kings County he visited his family in the years 1798 1799. That he then had several children , and that he married or he always understood and believed in Elizabeth Jorsey Peter Jorsey, and in midship subsequent marriage a Mr. Betsy & is now the widow of the second husband. All going to show in the clearest and fullest manner the identity of the applicant as the husband of Dr. Col. M. Livingston and of his known reputation as having been an officer of the Revolution. Such high authority cannot for a moment be questioned, and corroborates too the evidence presented in support of the marriage by the birth of the children.
Finally No. 6. is a letter from the Secy of the State of New Jersey stating the records of his office do not contain the name of the marriage of Mr. Livingston.
No. 7. is a letter from the clerk of Essex County, by which it is shown, the laws of the State requiring marriages to be recorded may pass in 1795.
I don't think it is necessary for me to say one more word, in support of the claim, further than respectfully to beg your early attention.
I remain your most. Ov. Ser Alex. Oray

Not certain if the credit is no particular

In the matter of the application { of Mary Betts for a pension }
State of New York
Kings County ss: Jeremiah Vanderbilt of the town of Flatlands of said County being duly sworn doth depore & say that he has known the above mentioned Mary Betts for more than forty years; that she is the same woman who was the wife of Lieut Col William Livingston who was reputed as an officer of the war of the revolution and always reputed and believed by his friends and neighbors to have served as an officer in such war, that deponent is well acquainted with said Mary Betts that she is the same woman who was the wife of said Lieut Col William Livingston & left a widow by him on his decease sworn before me 16 th { day of September 1830 }
Jeremiah Vanderbilt
John Cortelyou Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, } COUNTY OF KINGS, } ss.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER, Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that John Cortelyou whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, dwelling in said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 18 th day of Sept. 1830
Francis B. Stryker
CLERK.

Not as 8 first edition in particular of Livingston's series

On the matter of the application of Mary Pettts for a pension {
State of New York
Kings County ss: John Lott of the town of Flatbush of said County being duly sworn says that he has known the above mentioned Mary Pettts for more than fifty years, that she is the same woman who was the wife of Lieut Col William Livingston who was reputed as an officer of the war of the Revolution and always reputed and believed by his friends and neighbors to have served as an officer in such war That deponent is well acquainted with said Mary Pettts and knows that she is the same woman who was the wife of said Lieut Col William Livingston and left a widow by him on his decease.
Sworn before me the 16 th day of September 1830 {
John Lott
John Cortelyou Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF KINGS, } ss.
I, FRANCIS B. STRYKER, Clerk of the County of Kings, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that John Cortelyou whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the said County, dwelling in said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorised to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe the Signature to the said Certificate of Proof or acknowledgment is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 16 th day of Sept. 1830
Francis B. Stryker
CLERK.

LIVINGSTON EMERY, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW, 137 BROADWAY, ROOM 35.
New York, May 6 th 1889
U.S. Pension Office: Washington D.C. Corporal Tanner, Sir:
Can you obtain for me the data concerning the services, in the Revolutionary war, of William Livingston who died in the year 1817, also the facts regarding the pension and a memorandum of the documents on file in relation to the matter. He was the eldest son of Rev. William Livingston of New Jersey.
In replying please state

expense.
Respectfully Livingston Emery

Amended May 24, 1889 (that it could not be transmitted before his leaving for Europe (29 th inst.)
Mr. E. McLean Esq.
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir,
The information desired concerning William Livingston's services in war of the Revolution, as what his services were and the date concerning them and any item of interest such as his being taken Prisoner or having special duty

2. such as being private secretary to Gen. Washington or his aide- de-camp, as stated in the petition for the pension or in the documentary evidence on file to support the petition. I have been asked to prepare an article for Appleton's Ency- clopedia on W m Livingston, who was a prominent member of the bar and jurist here for many years and would like the items concerning his war- service to incorporate. I desire also to apply for membership in the Sons of the Revolution through his services as he was

my great-grandfather,
I leave for an absence of about four months in Europe on the 29 th instant. If it is not practicable to furnish the information until my return will you kindly inform me and what will be the expense
Very Respectfully Livingston Eury
May 20 1889 Room 35 - 137 Broadway New York City

OLD WAR & NAVY JAN 11 1896 FILES,

WILLIAM EDMOND CURTIS, Assistant Secretary.
Treasury Department, Washington.
January 11th, 1896.
Honorable William Lochren,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Dear Sir:---
Referring to the enclosed letter from you, dated the 4th instant, I will thank you if you will cause to be sent to me a certified copy of the statement of Mrs. Mary Betts, mentioned therein, and of the leaf from the family bible, also mentioned therein.
Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I am
yours very truly,
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "W E Curtis", is written in ink over the closing of the letter.
(enclosure.)

Engineering Office of Charles E. Emery, 316 Bennett Building, Fulton & Nassau Sts.
New York, OCT. 11, 188.
189
Department of Revolutionary Rolls.
Washington, D.C.
Kindly furnish me the particulars of the services of William Livingston during the Revolution. I know that his widow received a pension; that he was Aid-de-Camp to his father Gov. William Livingston of New Jersey; that he was prisoner after the battle of Long Island; that he was Surrogate of Kings County at about the time of the War of 1812; and that he lived in Flatbush and was buried there.
My reason for asking these particulars is because the Society Sons of the Revolution have no record of the services I mention herein and I should like to submit them as the services of my direct ancestor.
Any expense in the matter I shall be most happy to defray.
Very Respectfully,
Livingston Emery

RECORD & PENSION OFFICE 530679 0681 WAR DEPARTMENT
New York, N.Y. Oct. 10 1898
William Livingston N.J. Rev War
Charles E. Emery desires record of service
Oct. 11 '98
paradee of William Livingston during the Revolution. I know of the service of William Livingston during the Revolution. I know of the service of William Livingston during the Revolution. I know of the service of William Livingston during the Revolution. I know of the service of William Livingston during the Revolution. I know of the
Record and Pension Office,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, October 20, 1898.
Respectfully returned to
Mr. Charles E. Emery, No. 916 Bennett Building, Fulton and Nassau Streets, New York, N. Y.
Nothing has been found on the files of this office relative to the military service of the William Livingston referred to within.
It is proper to add, however, that the collection of Revolutionary war records in this office is far from complete, and that the absence therefrom of any name is by no means conclusive evidence that the person who bore the name did not serve in the Revolutionary army.
In view of the statement that the widow of the soldier received a pension, it is suggested as a possibility that the desired information may be obtained from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C., who is the custodian of the pension records of all wars, and whose office is separate and distinct from the Record and Pension Office of the War Department.
BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
T. P. Ansell Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office.
Per [signature]
(300a)

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
General Land Office
Hon. William D. CULLEN
Commissioner
W. D. Cullen
Washington D.C.
The Honorable Mr. [?]
in regard to the [?] of the [?] [?] [?] [?]
out of [?] [?]
for [?] to [?] [?]
of [?] [?]
on the [?] [?]
to [?]

J. M. [initials]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
O. W. & N. Div. F. S. M. E. C.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 4, 1896.
Sir:
In response to your request for information concerning the marriage of Mary Livingston, widow of Lt. Col. Livingston, who was an officer in the Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that the widow's pension papers have been very carefully examined and there is no certificate, or copy of a certificate, of such marriage on file. In her application for the pension the widow made the following statement concerning her marriage:
"She further declares that she was married to the said William Livingston in the fall of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, that she does not recollect the day of the month; that the only record evidence of the said marriage in her possession is the paper annexed which was cut from the old family Bible; that her husband the aforesaid William Livingston died on the thirteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.

RECEIVED NOV 11 1880 PENSION OFFICE
She further declares that she, on the 20th day of November eighteen hundred and twenty three, married Richard Betts , who died on the sixteenth day of September, eighteen hundred and thirty five, that she has not since married, and is now a widow".
The paper referred to by the widow as having been attached to her declaration is a leaf taken from the old family Bible and contains the record, principally, of the dates of birth of the children of William and Mary Livingston. The date of their marriage is not recorded thereon.
The pension certificate was issued by the government in the name of Mary Betts as the former widow of Lt. Col. William Livingston, and was in satisfaction of the services rendered by that officer in the Revolutionary war.
Very respectfully,
M. Lehman Commissioner.
Hon. William E. Curtis, Assistant Secretary U. S. Treasury.

WM. E. McLEAN, FIRST MAY 21 1889 DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BUREAU

Not
Old war Div.
D. I. P. Ext.
No.
Department of the Interior.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Co. _____ Reg't _____
Return this letter with your reply.
Washington, D.C. June 10, 1889
Sir,
The "casualty" book for Connecticut contains the name of Wm S. Livingston as Lt Col in Col S. B. Webb's regiment, as appointed Jan'y 1, 1777, without notice of his resignation, which, appears, elsewhere, to have been based upon his letter dated at Beverwyck N.Y. Octo 10. 1778 requesting "leave" of Genl Washington to resign, to which Genl Washington under date of Nov 24. 1778 addressed to Will Livingston, acknowledging the receipt of his letter, adding that after presenting his "Voucher", according to the usual custom, his resignation would, under the circumstances, be accepted — Paymaster Beers certified that Livingston was paid to and including April 1779 —
Maj. Eben Huntington of the same regiment was promoted to the supposed vacancy to rank as Lt. Col. from Octo 10. 1778, and while Webb and Livingston were prisoners of war, said Huntington was, it is believed, in command of the regiment as Major, and as such, certified the roll of officers of the staff for payment until May 1. 1779 when he probably received his commission as Lt Col in that month, for the payment to Livingston was then suspended —
over

This confusion of names originated in the peculiar signature of the Christian name of W Livingston which he wrote thus W m S Livingston and his name on the rolls was recorded as W m S Livingston—
The widow of Livingston applied for pension and it was officially claimed that the two names represented distinct officers— for what reason should Connecticut appoint the son of New Jersey Governor Lt. Colo in one of the state regiments?
Copies of the documents in the State Department, and the Comptroller of the State's Certificate of the action of the Board of War and Council in 1782 when the whole matter was investigated and corrected, established that the two names were for the same person who was the son of W m Livingston, the Governor of New Jersey—
A descendant is about to prepare a notice of the debate for Appleton's Encyclopedia, but has gone recently to Europe and will be furnished with such history as is contained in the widows papers—
Should you desire a copy, also, it will be forwarded—
Very respectfully
James Tanner.
Commissioner
Prof. H. P. Johnson
17 Lexington Ave
New York City

Old war Div. J. N. P. Ex't. No. Co. _____ Reg't _____
Department of the Interior BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C. May 9 th , 1889
Return this letter with your reply.
Sir,
In answer to your communication of the 6 th inst. relative to William Livingston who was in service during the war of the Revolution, and deceased in 1817, you are advised that his death having been anterior to the passage of a pension law by Congress, there is no statement of his services by himself, but some years later his widow obtained a pension -
It is necessary that you should specify what facts regarding the pension, and what memorandum of the documents on file, are desired, as well as to state what use it is intended to make of the information -
Very respectfully
Wm E. McLean.
Actg Commissioner
Livingston Emery Esq. Room 35 - 137 Broadway New York City

Old war Div. J. N. B. Ex't No. Co. _____ Reg't _____
Department of the Interior. BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C. July _____, 1889
Return this letter with your reply.
Sir,
In accordance with your request, you will receive herewith enclosed, a statement, on separate sheets, of so much history of William Livingston who was a Lieut. Colonel in the war of the Revolution, as is contained in the application for pension by his former widow Mary Belts.
In support of the claim of said widow there was filed certain papers — original and copies — duplicates of which, are herewith furnished, viz: Letter from the State Department dated October 25 th 1851, addressed to Alexander Ray, Esq. with copies of documents from the "Washington Papers" viz letter from the "War Office", dated September 28 th 1782 — Letter from Genl Washington to Lt. Col.
Will. Livingston, dated November 24. 1778 — Certificate of Paymaster Nathan Beers, dated September 10. 1782 — Certificate from the Comptroller of the state of Connecticut

dated July 19, 1851 -
Affidavit of Charles Folsom, Librarian of the Boston Athenaeum dated March 2 d 1850 -
Certificate of the Comptroller of Conn n dated April 26 1850 -
Affidavit of J. J. Livingston of N.Y. dated May 5, 1851 -
Affidavit of Ariana Boudenet of Grafton County New Hampshire, dated May 28, 1852 -
For your information it is stated that the Adjutant General of Connecticut, has prepared, and is about to publish, the names of the officers and men of that State who served in said war, and will include more or less history of its military organizations - Should you desire more specific information of the regiment, in which Lt. Col. Livingston was an officer, it is suggested as probable that it may  might be obtained from Prof. H. P. Johnston, at College of the City of N.Y. corner of Lexington Avenue and 23 d Street, N.Y. City -
Very respectfully
Livingston Emory Esq.
Commissioner
Room 35 - 137 Broadway
New York City -

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
C. W. & N. Div.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
F. S.
M. E. C.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 4, 1896.
Sir:
In response to your request for information concerning the marriage of Mary Livingston, widow of Lt. Col. Livingston, who was an officer in the Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that the widow's pension papers have been very carefully examined and there is no certificate, or copy of a certificate, of such marriage on file. In her application for the pension the widow made the following statement concerning her marriage:
"She further declares that she was married to the said William Livingston in the fall of the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight; that she does not recollect the day of the month; that the only record evidence of the said marriage in her possession is the paper annexed which was cut from the old family Bible; that her husband the aforesaid William Livingston died on the thirteenth day of May, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior to the first day of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.

She further declares that she, on the 20th day of November eighteen hundred and twenty three, married Richard Betts , who died on the sixteenth day of September, eighteen hundred and thirty five, that she has not since married, and is now a widow".
The paper referred to by the widow as having been attached to her declaration is a leaf taken from the old family Bible and contains the record, principally, of the dates of birth of the children of William and Mary Livingston. The date of their marriage is not recorded thereon.
The pension certificate was issued by the government in the name of Mary Betts as the former widow of Lt. Col. William Livingston, and was in satisfaction of the services rendered by that officer in the Revolutionary war.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Hon. William E. Curtis, Assistant Secretary, U. S. Treasury.

Sterling Colo. Nov. 30 - 1934.
Revolutionary Pensions. Pension Office Washington D.C.
paid for the record
Dear Sir:-
I understand that you have pages from the old family bible of William Livingston , son of Gov. Wm. Livingston. Would it be possible to ask you to give me the names of William Livingston's frs. children & their birth dates & marriages. We are unable to obtain this data, due to absence of the pages in family bible -
I would appreciate any information you can give me & also the war record of William Livingston.
Yours sincerely.
(Mrs) Leone Livingston Harwood. 522 Beattie St. Sterling Colo.

WAR & NAVY DEC 3 1898 FILED
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Hon. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Sir:
Enclosed herewith please find statement of Department of Revolutionary Rolls, Record & Pension Office referring to your department, kindly answer inquiry in same. Any expense shall be most happy to defray
Very respectfully Livingston Emery