Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7132, for Frederick Merrill, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York.
Merrill, Frederick Sarah.
P. 7/32.
CONTENTS
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20310
Frederick Mernell Richmond City New York
C. R.
Rev. Dr. Vanpelt Cityville Post Office Richmond Co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Fredrick Merrell Richmond, City of N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Col Nov. 1780 to the end of the war pr. Capt Post N.Y. 58 Yonkers N.Y. Living Witness  
I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

City of New York p; City and County of New York p:
On this twenty sixth day of March April, in the Year of our Lord One Thou- sand eight hundred and thirty four, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the City of New York now sitting. Frederick Merrill, at present a resident of the said City, and late of the Town of Northfield in the County of Richmond and State aforesaid, and from which he re- moved on or about the first day of October last, aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his part make the fol- lowing declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed June 7. th 1832.
That he entered the Amer- ican Service, during the American Revolution about the age of sixteen years, as a volunteer sol- dier, with several others, and was one of a Company formed and placed under the command of Martin Post, as its Captain, and as de- ponent believes, having Cornelius Catty as its Lieutenant. That the Company was called and known as the "Washington Guides"; That the Department then lived at Tinker's in the County of Westchester, and State of New- York, and when the said Company was or- ganized went to Croupond where he found Captain Martin Post, and was put under

his Command, and Subject to his orders. — That he entered the said Company sometime in the month of November, One thousand seven hundred and eighty, and continued actively engaged in the duties of a volunteer Soldier of the said Company, and under the Command of the said Martin Post from November, One thousand Seven hundred and eighty, until the ninth day of November One thousand Seven hundred and eightytwo. That during the said period, the head quar- ters of the said Company, was at the Guard house, at a place called Croton Bridge in said County of Westchester. That Deponent was on duty during the said period, by night and day, as the circumstances of the army re- quired. That he marched throughout the said County, to the different posts, on the lines of the British and American Armies, and most frequently under the command of the said Captain Post. That he frequently made one of a scouting party, for the purpose of ascertaining the situation of the British Army and its Officers, and the information was com- municated by Captain Post, to the Commanders of the Regiments, that were encamped at- Pike's Kill hollow, or other places in the said County. That, Deponent was not in any pitched battle during the said time, but was marched to Westchester, to Tarry Town to Cortland place, to Sing Sing, to White- Plains, through Jonkers to Spittenkill Creek and other places, including the Country from Croton River to the British lines. And this Deponent further saith that some time in the

Month of November, in the Year one thou- sand seven hundred and Eighty two. he with Nathan Wood, Edwin Taylor, Henry Taylor, Peter Tibbets and John Crawford volunteered as part of the Company of Wash- ington Guides to go and endeavour to Cap- ture the British Colonel De Lancey, who then had his quarters at Morrisania in said County of Westchester. - That while on their March and when they had reached Tibbets House, near Speddeni Creek, the said party (with the exception of Tibbets) was Ta- ken prisoners by some British Cavalry, who had been pursuing Deponents party, several hours on their track over the snow and through the woods. - That Deponent with the other prisoners was taken to Morrisan- nia, and after being there several hours, was sent with the others to Head quarters at New York and put in prison under the charge of the Provost named Cunningham where he was detained between three and four months. That while there deponent was visited by an Agent for American Prisoners, by the name of Pintard, he thinks, who took his name and the name of the other prisoners and furnished them and de- ponent each with two blankets and after- wards with a suit of regimentals, consisting of blue Coat, with red facings & pantaloons and also a cocked hat, bound with yellow and also gave deponent some good pro- visions. - That as nearly as deponent can now recollect, he remained in prison, three or four months, when he received a Parole and

immediately returned to the American lines in Westchester, and soon after was regularly exchanged and returned to his duties as a member of the said Company, under the command of the said Martin Post, and to which he was attached until the close of the war and the proclamation of Peace, and when the said Company was disbanded. And this Deponent further saith that when the said company was disbanded he did not ask for nor receive any written discharge, nor did he think it necessary as he, then as a volunteer. That about two months after the close of the American War this deponent came to the City of New York, where he continued to reside until he went to Richmond, Staten Island, in the said State, and from which place he has recently returned to the City of New York, and he further saith that he has no documentary proof or evidence of his services as a volunteer Soldier in the war of the revolution excepting that furnished by the deposition of Mary Decker and John Crawford heretofore furnished to the war department. That he has been informed and justly believes that all the members of the said Company of Washington Guides excepting John Crawford, including its officers, are dead and that he knows of no one, who can testify as to his services as a Soldier, in the said company but the said John Crawford - That deponent is unable to go or send to procure any further particulars from the said John Crawford, who deponent is informed lives at Saugerties in the State of New York - And he further saith that he always understood and believes that the said Martin Post was employed under and by the direction of the

Commanding Officer of the American Army, on the said several services performed by him and the said Company. And this Deponent further saith, that while he was performing the said several services herein before mentioned as member of the said Company, he was not engaged in any civil pursuit. And he hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares - that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State.
And the said Frederick Merrill doth further swear and declare in answer to the several interrogatories presented by the War Department and put by the said Court to him.
That he was born at Soukeeps, in the said County of Westchester and State of New York on the fourth day of March, One thousand seven hundred and sixty four, - that he has no record of his age, and that he has been informed and believes that the book in which his age was entered, was taken away or destroyed, some time during the Revolutionary War, as the house where his family resided was often plundered.
That when he entered the army as a volunteer, he resided at Soukeeps aforesaid, that since the said War he resided at the City of New York, until about the year, One thousand eight hundred and fourteen, when he removed to Richmond aforesaid, - where he has continued to reside, until October last, when he came to the City of New York where he now resides, and further saith -
That he volunteered his services in the army

and was not drafted, nor did he act as a Substitute. — That Martin Post, was the Officer under whom deponent served, and was Captain thereof, and as deponent believes Cornelius Oakes was Lieutenant thereof, and that the general circumstances of his service are herein before particularly detailed and he further saith that he did not receive, that he did not a written discharge from the service at the close of the War. — And deponent further saith — That William Van Wart of the City of New York is well acquainted with deponent and can testify as to deponent's character for veracity and his belief of deponent's services as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Sworn and Subscribed —
The day and year aforesaid }
Thos. Astor Clerk
his Frederick X. Merrill mark
City & County of New York ss I, William Van Wart, residing in the City of New York do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Frederick Merrill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration — that I believe him to be forty years of age — That he is reputed and believed in the City and neighbourhood, where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that opinion.
Sworn and Subscribed
the day and year } W m Van Wart

affidavit - Hon. Astor Clerk
3 City Court of New York ss:
I, Abraham Fowler, residing in the City of New York, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Frederick Merrill who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be Seventy years of age - that he is separated & believe in the City and neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & I concur in that opinion.
Sum subscribed before me 27th day of March 17 years of service
Abraham Fowler
Hon. Astor Clerk And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion, after due investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify that the said William van Wart and the said Abraham Fowler who has signed the preceding certificates are residents in the City of New York and are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
JNO T WONG Judge of Common Pleas for the City & County of New York
I, Abraham Astor, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the City of New York, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Frederick Merrill for a pension. In testimony, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this twenty eighth day of April 1834.
Hon. Astor Clerk

No Sarah Merrill, a mo. of Frederick,
New York
July 29. 1848.
S. Hepburn Port Richmond New York.
Claim of Frederic Merrill By Daughter Ann Eliza for Pension
Presented By Samuel Hepburn Port Richmond S. I. Richmond County New York

State of New York County of Richmond } ss
On this Fifteenth day of November AD 1855 Personally Appeared Before me A Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State Aforesaid We Simon Houghwout and Joseph Simonson — Who after By me Being Duly Sworn According to Law Depose and say they are well acquainted with Ann Elisa Syuines Daughter of Frederic Merrill and His Wife Sarah whose maiden name was Flemming And now Deceased the said Frederic Merrill Died on the Eighteenth day of March 1836 as and the said Sarah wife of the said Frederic Died on the thirtieth day of December 1850 AD and further they say they were acquainted with the said Frederic Merrill and His Wife Sarah Merrill In their Lifetime and knew them living together as Husband and Wife and know the aforesaid Ann Elisa Syuines to be their daughter By said marriage.
Simon Houghwout
Joseph Simonson
I certify that the foregoing affidavit was subscribed and sworn to on the day and year above written and I further certify I know the affiants to be responsible and credible persons and know the claimant to be the identical person she represents herself to be and I have no interest in this claim.
Austin Southworth justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Austin Southworth justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. County of Richmond
Clerk's Certificate.—Sold by Bell & Gould.
I, Israel C. Deuyse Clerk of the County of Richmond DO HEREBY CERTIFY That Austin Tomlinson whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the 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 said County, dwelling in the said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Austin and verily believe that 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 the said County, the 17th day of November 18 53
Israel C. Deuyse Clerk.

100554-00000 State of New York } County of Richmond } S.S.
On this twelfth Day of November 1855 Personally Appeared Before the Court of County Court In the County of Richmond and State of New York Ann Eliza Squires A Resident of Southfield In the County and State Aforesaid aged fifty five years who After Being By Me Duly Sworn According to Law Doth on her Oath Make the following Declaration In order to Obtain the Benefit of the Provision of the Act of Congress Passed  Passed on the 29 th Day of July A D 1848 that the aforesaid Ann Eliza Squires Is one of the Surviving Children of Frederic Merrill who was A Private In the Company of Captain Post — Col. —
In the Washington Guards or Guides In the War of the Revolution the said Frederic Merrill Did In His Lifetime Make Application for Pension But Died Before Receiving any the said Ann Eliza Squires further States That Frederic Merrill Her Father was taken Prisoner By the British forces At A Place called Yorktown In the County of West Chester State of New York and Confined By them for Several Months 1779 the said Frederic Merrill Did Serve In the Continental Army for Upwards of Two years as will appear By Record Evidence on file at the Department of Pensions.
Ann Eliza Squires
Subscribed and sworn to
This 12 th day of November
A D 1855 by the above named
Ann Eliza Squires, before me
Henry B. McCracken
County Judge
Richmond County N.Y.

Clerk's Certificate.—Sold by Bell & Gould.
STATE OF NEW-YORK County of Richmond } ss.
I, Israel C. Penyse Clerk of the County of Richmond and of the County Court of said County DO HEREBY CERTIFY That Henry B. Milcalf whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a County Judge in and for said County, and Judge of the County Court of said County dwelling in the said County, elected and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such County Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine. and I further certify that said County court is a court of record.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 17th day of November 18 53
Israel C. Penyse Clerk.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
7122
P. O.
Sarah Warrell
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Fred K. Merrill M.D. Mrs. B.W.
From Dr. M. Merrill Me
P. DeLoach Comm of Pension

Suspended for want of evidence that the "Washington Grays" were an organized military force and performed continuous service in field or garrison — See Sir to Van Pelt May 2 d 1834

100000_000072 Ms Sarah Merrill, M rs Frederick New York.
L et. L. H. H. Dec 31/55
7132
July 29, 1848.

20.319 New York 20.310 Frederick Merrill Rev. 7. Suspended See let to Rev P. I. Vanpelt May 2 d 1834 Hon L. Cap 6 Oct '34 - Let to Wiram Kent Sept 1. 47 Hon W. M. Tweed June 21/54 Act 7 June '32

Will Mr Waldo please give this letter his attention and return this letter with result to
Yours Truly
J. M. Towne

Frederick Merrill -
cur. of
John Crawford
Affidavit.

Alster county ss. Frederick Merrill of the Town of Northfield in the County of Richmond in the State of New York being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is sixty eight years of age - that he was born in the town of Goshen in the county of Westchester State of New York in the county of Westchester - that he was about the age of sixteen years when he became a volunteer soldier in the Revolutionary War under Captain Martin Post who commanded a company known as the Washington Fitches in the county aforesaid - that this deponent volunteered in said company about the month of November in the year 1780 and continued in the service until the expiration of the war - that he was taken prisoner at Spikenard Creek about the month of November 1782 at a spot known as Dibbet's House - that this deponent and others were then going to take Colonel Delancey Morrisania and were surprised and taken prisoners - that this deponent continued in prison for about the space of four months - that on his release from prison he returned to the company aforesaid to which he continued attached until the same was disbanded at the termination of the war - and further saith not.
Sworn - Before me this 22 nd day of October 1832.
his Frederick f Merrill mark
Jacob Thompson One of the Judges of the County Court of Ulster County.
Alster County ss. John Crawford of the Town of Saugerties in the County of Ulster in the State of New York being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is sixty nine years of age - that this deponent entered the Revolutionary army in the year 1779 and continued in the service until the termination of the war - that this deponent is well acquainted with Frederick Merrill the deponent described in the foregoing affidavit - that he knows the said Merrill whilst employed as a volunteer in the said army of the Revolution and as
Frederick Merrill
20310

This deponent was always informed and believed was attached to a company in the County of Westchester under Captain Martin Post. That this deponent was taken prisoner at the same time and place with the said Merrill and continued in prison during the same space of time with the said Merrill - and further saith not. Sworn - before me this 22 nd day of Oct. 1832.
John Crawford
Isaac Thompson one of the Judges of the County Courts of Ulster County

State of New-York,
ULSTER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE:
{ ss.
I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster,
and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, Do hereby Certify that Jacob Trumpeau Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed Affidavit a Judge of the County Court of Ulster County in and for the said County of Ulster duly authorised to take affidavits, &c.; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and do hereby believe the signature of Jacob Trumpeau subscribed to the 2. Certificate of the said annexed affidavit to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this twenty Second day of October 1832
Jacob Snyder

This is to Certify: That I have been acquainted with Mr. Frederick Merrill for some years past, - that I believe him to be the person above described, as a Soldier in the revolutionary war. That he is an honest deserving man - & that he remains true & faithful to the Constitution, & to the laws of our beloved Country.
Cityville. Richmond Co. New York
December 10 th 1832. 3
D. G. Vanpeck Pastor B. P. D Church Staten Island N. Y.

Sir Any communication made to me the Subscriber Frederick Merrill I wish to be inscribed & directed to the Rev Dr Vanpelt at Cityville (post office) Richmond County N.Y.
Cityville, Richmond Co. Staten Island December 10 th 1832.
Frederick Merrill mark

At a board of Common Pleas held in and for the County of Richmond on the Eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two -
Present Hon. Jacob Tyson, First Judge David Brecheimer Joseph Sequin, Co-Judge Henry P. Purn
And the said board do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And that board further certifies that it appears to them that Frederick Peter Van Riper who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman and resident in the Town of Northfield in said county and that Mary Decker who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of Northfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
I Walter Pettys Clerk of the board of Common Pleas in said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said board in the matter of the application of Frederick Merrill for a pension -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this Eleventh day of December One thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Walter Pettys Clerk

Richmond County ss. Mary Decker of the town of Northfield in the County of Richmond in the State of New York being duly sworn deponeth and saith that she is Sixty Six years of age that the deponent is well acquainted with Frederick Merrell the deponent desired in the foregoing affidavit that she knew the said Merrell whilst employed as a Volunteer in the said army of the Revolution and that deponent furnished the said Merrell with provisions while in prison and further saith not
Sworn & subscribed this 11th day of December 1832 Daniel Crocheron Judge Mary Decker her mark

10554-00005 State of New York } County of Richmond } ss. On this 11 th day of December 1832 personally appeared in Open court, before the Judges of the Court of common pleas, now sitting, Frederick Merrell, A resident of the town of Northfield in the County and State aforesaid, aged Sixty eight years of age who being first duly sworn according to law, on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following was born on the 4 th day of March, in the year 1763 in the town of Yonkers in the County of Westchester, State of New York, that he was about the age of sixteen years, when he became A volunteer soldier in the Revolutionary War, under Capt n Martin Post, who commanded A company known as the Washington Guides in the County aforesaid, and whose head quarters was at the guard house at A place called Croton bridge - that he the deponent volunteered in said company about the ninth of November 1780 - and continued in the service untill the expiration of the war - that he was taken prisoner at A place called Hiten Deuval Creek about the 9 th of November 1782 at A spot known as Libbets house, that this deponent and others, A part of said Company called the Washington Guides were then going to take Col. Delancey, then lying at A place called Morrisania, and were surprised and taken prisoners, that this deponent continued in prison in the City of New York for about four months, when he was exchanged, and immediately he returned to the said company, to which he continued stayed untill the same were disbanded at the termination of the war, and this deponent further saith that since the said war, he has resided principally in the City of New York, and on Staten Island - but now resides as before stated in the town of Northfield in said County of Richmond, and further this deponent saith that he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who - can -

can testify to his service, except those hereafter named by their Certificates, and he hereby relinquishes, every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity, except the present, and declares his name is not on any pension roll of any State — his Sworn and subscribed } Frederick X Merrill The day and year aforesaid } Daniel Crocheron Judge  mark
Mary Decker in the affidavit hereto affixed, mentioned residing at North held in the County of Richmond at a State of New York aged sixty seven years do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Frederick Merrill who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be about seventy years of age, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he has lately resided at Northfield, in the County of Yates to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that the said Frederick Merrill now resides in the City of Rochester, and that I consider him as having been a volunteer soldier during the War of the Revolution, and that the facts stated in the affidavit are true.
Given under my hand this 19 day of March 1834 his Mary Decker mark Sister of the Deceased

State of New-York, } ss. 1. Walter Bell County of Richmond
Clerk of the County of Richmond DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That, James L. Ridgway whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the affidavit  conveyance , and endorsed thereon, was, on the day of the date of the said Certificate , affidavit  justice of the peace in and for the said County, residing in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate  affidavit of James L. Ridgway is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 20 th day of March 1834-
Walter Bell. Clerk

New York April 29 1834
Mr Frederick Merrill, whose papers, on an application for a Pension as a volunteer during the revolutionary war, were considered defective, has endeavored to supply the several omissions in the three first sent, by the addition of ones now enclosed to you. They will I believe, be found sufficient to satisfy the Department that he is entitled to a Pension under the Act of 1832. The improbability of furnishing all the facts of his service to be found in the instructions, or regulations under the Act of June 7 1832 is stated in Merrill's affidavit. From the provisions of that Act, & the testimony now

friends at it is behind at his case is hanging at within its letter to friends -
This present wants one such as to receive a request made on his behalf that a speedy decision may be made of his application. Please to favour him with communication the result as a dress. as well as cover to me hence.
I have the Honor to be
very Respectfully
Dear
Yr. Sincere
Secretary of State
William E. Gladstone

C.W. Minot
Dear Sir I Herewith Present you the Claim of Frederic Merrill By Daughter Ann Eliza Squires for Pension for Revolution Services With Please Acknowledge and forward the Certificate for the amount due
Yours Most Respectful Samuel Nelson
Port Richmond S.I. Richmond County New York November 23 rd 1855

Aug 17/47
Asylum W.P.G. Frederick Meme, Care
New York Aug 13/47.
Abraham Hunt,
Pension for Sarah Merrill.
Y H. 189. See Aug 16/47 Pension Office.
on William L. Macey Secretary of War Washington D.C.
Malone
Fredk. Merrill

New York August 13. 1847
To The Hon William L Marcy Secretary of War
Sarah Merrill of this city an aged and destitute woman alleges that she is the widow of Frederick Merrill deceased late a revolutionary soldier and who was entitled to a pension and for which he applied but died before receiving the same all the necessary papers and documents were as Mrs Merrill understands sent to the War department at Washington where they are supposed to remain I am unable to state at what time they were sent to Washington Will you be pleased to cause search to be made as early as may be for the documents and inform me what they are and whether they are such as would entitle the widow or children of Frederick Merrill to any back pay before his death Be pleased also to state what further evidence you will require to establish Mrs Sarah Merrill's claim to a pension as the widow of a revolu- tionary soldier
I have the Honor to remain Your Most O bt Servant William Hunt N o 9 Chamber Street New York