Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7820, for Richard Hunt, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Hunt, Richard Rhoda B.
W 7820
B. L. Wt. 36740-160-55
CONTENTS

222. 667
Act March 3.
Nov 14.
Rhode Is. Mount. Ind.
Richard Mount. Ind.
No 36 17/5 Aug.
Vervy. war
Pat. Act 7. June 1832. N.J. Agnes
July 52-56
AD: Medea, Aug. 8/56
AD: Medea
MS
Chas. G. An. Chesney Trenton, N.J.
Nal Hb = 2-136

29 May 1839
17.922 New Jersey-
Richard Mount - of Hopewell in the State of M. J. who was a Pvt - in the Com commanded by Captain _____ of the Bgt commanded by Col - Phillips in the M. J. Troops - time for _____
Inserted on the Roll of M. J. at the rate of 20 - Dollars, _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11- day of October 1833 and sent - H. D. - Maxenell - Flemington Arrears to the 14th of Sep. 1833 $ 50 Pension, allowance ending 4 Mar - 10 $ 60
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Ed B. Bullock Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 115

5668.
New Jersey.
Abigail Hunt,
widow of N. J. Richard Hunt who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private & Teamster served from 1800
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 8 th day of Sept. 1856. and sent to
J. J. Coombs Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 174. Vol. 16
Ch.

222.667
Charles G. M. Chesney Trenton N. J.

BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
DECLARATION FOR WIDOW OF A DECEASED OFFICER OR SOLDIER,
WHO HAS NOT HAD A LAND WARRANT.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY,
COUNTY OF
} ss.
On this fifteenth day of September A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five personally appeared before me, a Notary in Chancery within and for the County and State aforesaid, Mrs Rhoda B. Hunt aged eighty one years, a resident of Keasbey, N. Jersey in the State of New Jersey who being duly sworn according to law declares, that she is the widow of Richard Hunt deceased, who
was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Hunterdon Co. Regiment of New Jersey Militia commanded by General Dickinson in the Revolutionary War : that he was a pensioner of the United States , act June 7, 1832, Agency of New Jersey at Twenty dollars per annum , to which declaration she refers. that her said husband at on or about the day of A. D. for the term of and continued in actual service in said war for the term of and was honorably discharged at on the day of A. D.
She further states, that she was married to the said Richard Hunt in Amwell on the twenty seventh day of July . A. D. by one Rev. Mr. Kirkpatrick a Baptistian Clergyman and that her name before her said marriage was Rhoda Borer of that her said husband died at Keasbey on the twenty ninth day of July A. D. fifteen hundred thirty nine and that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d, 1855.
We, Spencer P. Hunt and Enoch C. Hunt residents of Mercer County in the State of New Jersey upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Rhoda B. Hunt in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be.
Spencer P. Hunt Enoch C. Hunt
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed, before me, on the day and year above written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Charles M. Chase Not. P. B.
I hereby certify that the declaration of applicant's husband's service on file will be consistent record evidence of service.

I Jacob Kirkpatrick D.D. a clergyman duly authorized by the laws of New Jersey to Solem- nize marriages, do hereby certify, that on the twenty seventh day of July A.D. Eighteen hundred and Twenty five, in the County of Hunterdon and State aforesaid, I united in marriage Richard Kount and Rhoda Bartolf Barcroft.
*
J. Kirkpatrick
State of New Jersey } Hunterdon County }
On this Fifth day of Novem- -ber A.D. 1855. before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick D.D. to me well known, who being duly sworn ac- -cording to law on his oath saith that the fore- -going certificate to which he has subscribed his name is true.
J. Kirkpatrick
Subscribed and sworn to this day and year above written
John V. Williamson J. Peace
* The name, Bartolf as above written was erased and "Barcroft" inserted before execution, as noted by the Astorick, John V. Williamson J. Peace

State of New Jersey, ss
On this fifteenth day of September, A.D. 1855. before me, personally appeared Catharine Hunt and Spencer P. Hunt residents of Bopewell, Mercer County and State aforesaid, persons of credibility and truth who being duly sworn according to law, on their oaths say, that Mrs. Rhoda P. — Hunt is present, and at this present time is the widow of Richard Hunt who was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States on the New Jersey Roll, at the rate of twenty dollars per month under the act of June 7, 1832. That the said Richard Hunt died on the twenty ninth day of July, Eighteen hundred and thirty nine. in the same house where deponents then and now reside, and was present at his funeral.
Sworn to and Subscribed { Catharine Hunt the day & year above written. { Spencer P. Hunt
Charles G. M c Cluskey M c C. Chauncy

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do certify that Charles S. M. Chesney before whom the declaration of Rhoda D. Hunt, and affidavits of Spencer P. Hunt, Enoch C. Hunt and Catharine Hunt were taken was at the doing thereof and now is, a Master in the Court of Chancery of Said State; that John S. Williamson was before whom the Affidavit of Rev. Isaac Kirkpatrick D.D. was taken, was at the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Hunterdon in Said State, both of whom are duly Commissioned and Sworn and authorized by the laws of Said State to administer oaths , and that the signatures thereto are in the proper handwriting of the said Charles S. M. Chesney and John S. Williamson Esqrs In Testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and Seal of Office this Thirteenth day of November A.D. 1855.
Thos. S. Allison Secy of State

722. 4163
Charles G. McChesney Trenton N. Jersey
Act. Feb. 3. 1853.

State of New Jersey
On this Seventh day of December A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty five personally appeared before the Supreme Court of New Jersey now sitting at Trenton , Rebecca B. Hunt a resident of Hopewell , in the County of Mercer and State aforesaid, aged Eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3 d February 1833, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War ; — that she is the Widow of Richard Hunt deceased, who was a private of militia in Houn- terdon County and State of New Jersey in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War . That her husband the said Richard Hunt deceased, was a pensioner of the United States , at the time of his death on the Pension Roll of the New Jersey Agency , at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum, under act of "June 7, 1832".
She further declares, that she was married to the said Richard Hunt on the Twenty Seventh day of July , Eighteen hundred and twenty- five that her said husband died on the Twenty ninth day of July , Eighteen hundred and thirty- nine ; that she was not married to him prior to the second of January , Eighteen hundred , but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow. Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before Stacy G. Potts , Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New Jersey
Rebecca B Hunt

I Jacob Kirkpatrick D.D. a clergyman duly authorized by the laws of New Jersey to solemnize marriages, do hereby certify, that on the twenty seventh day of July A.D. eighteen hun- dred and Twentyfive, in the county of Hunterdon and State aforesaid, I united in Marriage Richard Hunt and Rhoda Bartolf Barcroft -
*
J. Kirkpatrick
State of New Jersey Hunterdon County
On this Fifth - day of November A.D. 1855, before me a Justice of the Peace within & for the County and State aforesaid, personally ap- peared the Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick D.D. to me well known who being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith, that the foregoing Certificate to which he has subscribed his name is true to him and subscribed,
J. Kirkpatrick
the day and year above written, John S. Williamson J. Peace.
* The name Bartolf, as above written was erased, and "Barcroft" inserted before execution, and noted by the astrologer, John S. Williamson J. Peace

State of New Jersey ss
on this fifteenth day of September A. D. 1855. before me, personally appeared Catharine Hunt and Spencer P. Hunt residents of Hopewell, Mercer County, and State of New Jersey, persons of credibility and truth, who being duly sworn according to law on their oath say - That Mrs. Phoebe B. Hunt is at this present time the widow of Richard Hunt, who was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States, on the New Jersey Roll, at the rate of Twenty Dollars a Year, act of June 7, 1832. That the said Richard Hunt died on the twenty ninth day of July, Eighteen hundred and thirty nine, in the same house where deponents then and now reside, and were present at his funeral.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written
Catharine Hunt Spencer P. Hunt
Charles G. M c Chesney
M. C. Chauncy

State of New Jersey.
I Thomas S. Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that Stacy G. Potts Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration of Phoebe W. Hunt was taken was then and is now, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of New Jersey (now sitting at the City of Trenton). That John S. Williamson Esq. before whom the affidavit of Jacob Kirkpatrick D.D. was taken was at the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Hunterdon in said State, and that Charles G. McChesney Esq. before whom the affidavit of Catherine Hunt and Spencer P. Hunt was taken was at the doing thereof a Master in the Court of Chancery of said State all of whom are duly Commissioned and sworn and authorized by law to administer oaths, &c. And that the signatures thereto are in the proper hand writing of the said Stacy G. Potts, John S. Williamson and Charles G. McChesney Esq.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of November A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty five.
T. S. Allison Secretary of State

Richard Hunt's application. —

State of New Jersey, Hunterdon County f: On this twenty second day of June in the year of our Lord one thou- sand eight hundred and thirty, that personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Hunterdon now sitting Richard Hunt now a resident of the Township of Hopewell in the County of Hunt- erdon aforesaid age upwards of seventy seven years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following de- claration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 13 th 1832. He was born in the Township of Hopewell aforesaid on the 13 th day of June 1756. His age is recorded in his father's family Bible which is or was lately in the possession of his brother now a resident of the State of Ohio. He lived in the said Township of Hopewell when the Revolutionary War took place and has continued to reside there ever since. He enter- ed the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. He volunteered as a private in the militia in the said Township of Hopewell and marched out in the Spring of 1776 the month he forgets under Captain John Mott. Daniel Howell was Lieutenant. Joseph Phillips was our Colonel. The Major, he forgets. Isaac Houten was Lieu- tenant. Colonel. Philemon Dickerson was General they marched to Smith Farm, and the Hazing Star he continued there one month & was then discharged but all their discharges were verbal only. nor has he any documentary evidence of any kind.
! A short time after about two months as he thinks he was again called out and marched to Trenton under Captain John Mott thence to Pittstown and back 2 again to Trenton. Joseph Phillips was then also Colonel, he served this time one month.
3 In the summer of the same year (1776) he was again called out and marched under Captain Hunt from Tren- ton to Elizabethtown where in which service he was en- gaged one month. His Colonel was Phillips or Hunt.

en The next time he was out was about six weeks after  as before mentioned as before mentioned as near as he recollects, under Captain Hunt, and marched to a place called Hill, being in Amwell, thence to Steels Gap, thence to the vicinity of Pound brook and quartered there engaged in scouting parties and other military service. On this tour, he also served one month. —
4 The next tour was in the Spring of 1777. he cannot designate the month under Captain Hunt, & Col. Phillips or Houter. he marched through Laurenceville, then called Maidenhead thence to Princeton. John Murnick was in no engagement but there were several alarms. he served this tour one month.
5 Shortly, afterwards the date he cannot recollect, there was a general alarm, the went out under John Hunt, Captain, Joseph Phillips, was Colonel. The Major he forgets. They marched to Allentown and Monmouth Court house, and was in the battle of Monmouth. He continued in this service a month. — He was out also at other times but from failure of memory by reason of old age he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of time his militia services last, is satisfied he was out not up than 6 months, as a private in the militia service. — He recollects being under Colonel Phillips, Houter for one tour under Colonel Chambers. — The other services were to keep guard over the country, & go on scouting parties against enemy them. In the winter of 1778 he was very lame so that he went on crutches. He recollects the American soldiers lay at his fathers on their return from the Battle of Trenton when the Hessian were taken. — Thus much for his services as a

militia man, which were performed in the years 1776, 77 & 78. — In the spring of 1779 he entered the waggon service and continued in said service until the close of the war. — From failure of memory he can not enter into a very minute detail of their service. He was all the time attached to the Standing army, and his duty was to assist in keeping the army in food. There were several brigades of them. Major Gordon was the Quarter Master. He was under John Abbot waggon master upward of a year, under Thomas Atkin several months also under Waggon Master James New, Palmer Phillips, Jonathan Huggins & Joseph Brod- -hurst. He recollects carting under them to Boundbrook, Morristown, Easton, Kings ferry, Pluckemin, and. He will recollect a long trip they had to Kings ferry under Captain Abbot as he thinks. They started from Trenton in the fall of the year and went to Kings ferry where we unloaded from thence across to Easton Pa. and then back again to Kings ferry and thence to Kings ferry Trenton again. He also recollects a long trip under Captain Palmer Phillips. They started as he thinks from Trenton & went beyond Morristown to a place called Sufferance. This was in the winter. When we came to Boundbrook the army was encamped near there in huts. — about the middle of September  he thinks he joined Captain Joseph Brodhurst  to go to Virginia  there was a  long trip together  to go to Virginia  there was a When the teams went on from this part of the country to Virginia in 1781. he joined them with a young man by the name of Mayoram, who took charge of said team. In the early part I heard he was killed.

and on the 14 th of January 1782 I left home and went on to Virginia I met our team at Williamsburg and then took charge of my team under Waggon Master Joseph Prodhurst, where I remained moving  contining for the army. In April 1782, General  General my team from under Prodhurst's command to that of General Hunt. Hugh took command in place of Prodhurst. We continued here until the French army took up their line of march for the North. I then  then moved loaded with baggage to Boston where I arrived. I think in the beginning of fall. where we staid about two weeks and were discharged. I reached home in the last of December 1782. If I received written discharges I have lost them. Our services were very hard & arduous. more so than those who bore arms. We were always obliged to be out when necessities were wanted for the army. in hail tempest or snow. The pay we got was sometimes not worth carrying. I once got some repairs done to my wagon wheel the hoop. cut & set on, and the Blacksmith charged me $60 for it.
And the said Richard Hunt in recapitulation of said services and to give the Pension Department a certain time to act upon. further deposeth & saith that by reason of old age and considerable 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 & in the following grades. For six months as a private in the militia service. For not less than 2 years in the team service belonging to the Standing army as a teamster. He was attached to the division  6 mo. ing grades. For six months as a private in the militia service. For not less than 2 years  2 years. in the team service belonging to the Standing army as a teamster. He was attached to the division

of the French army commanded by Count Custine on the march of the French to Boston. He was obliged to rise at 2 o'clock A.M. during the whole march & were recruited, said Custine from his kindness to him.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and I do declare that my name is not on the any pension roll of the agency of any State or Territory.
Richard Hunt
Sworn & subscribed in open court this 22 d of June A.D. 1830.
Benj. Egbert
State of New Jersey, } p: Hunterdon County, }
John Abbott of the Township of Amwell in the County of Hunterdon aforesaid being duly sworn according to Law on his oath saith that he is upwards of seventy four years of age, that he is acquainted with Richard Hunt who has made the foregoing Declaration, and who during the Revolution ary War, That the said Deponent was Wagonmaster in the said War attached to the command Brigades of the Colonel Biddle Quarter master General. That the said Richard Hunt enlisted under me in the team service sometime in the first of April 1779 for one year and continued seven months after his term of one year was out, serving all the time faithfully under my command. That he was with me him at Morristown, Pluckamin, Knipp ferry, Easton & other places, engaged in casting provision. That this Deponent resigned in November 1780.
u mo 1. 7

and the said Hunt was transferred to the command of Thomas Atters.
Sworn & subscribed in open Court the year & day first above written
John Abbot
Benj t Egleton
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
We George Henry and John Abbot two freeholders of the said County of Hunterdon residing in the Township of Amwell in said County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Hunt who has made the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be aged upwards of seventy six years that he is reputed & believed in his neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed in open Court this 22 d of June in open Court AD 1888
Geo. Henry John Abbot
Benj t Egleton
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed in the War Department that the above named appli- cant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the Court does further certify that it appears to them it would be very inconvenient & burdensome on the said Richard Hunt to procure the attendance of his Clergyman and that George Henry & John Abbot who have signed the same are respec- table citizens & the residents in said Township of Amwell and are credible persons and their statements are

entitled to credit. and they do further certify, that John Abbot who has made the preceding affidavit as to said Applicant's services, is known to many of the members of this Court and they know him to be a man of truth & veracity, and his statements are entitled to credit. Done in open court this 22 d of June A D 1832.
Samuel Hall
John Thompson
Benj. Egbert
W m  Probascio
Luther Bracke
T. H. Reading John Hart
Judges
State of New Jersey Hunterdon County } f:
I Isaac G. Farlee Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas above mentioned do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Hunt for a Pension And I do further certify that Lewis Evans before whom the annexed affidavit was taken is one of the Justices of the Peace of this county duly commissioned, & that George Henry who has made the certificate thereto annexed is one of the Judges of our said Court of Common Pleas, that I am acquainted with their signatures & that they annexed are in their own proper handwriting
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 13 th day of July A D 1832.
Isaac G. Farlee Clerk

application of Richard Hunt. —
Certificate to be sent to A. D. Maxwell Flemington N. J.

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County } ss.
Personally appeared before me Lewis Evans a justice of the peace in and for the County of Hunterdon aforesaid Jesse Moore of the Township of Hopewell and County aforesaid who being duly sworn saith that he knows Richard Hunt of the Township and County aforesaid to have served with in company with him in Captain John Hunt's Company of Militia of Hunterdon County New Jersey in the War of the Revolution at several times between the years One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy six and one thou- and Seven hundred and eighty one and further saith not
Jesse Moore
Sworn and subscribed this eighth day of July 1833 before me Lewis Evans justice of the Peace
State of New Jersey } ss. Hunterdon County }
I George Henry one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County of Hunterdon do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jesse Moore who has made the foregoing affidavit that he is an aged gentleman of respectability and credit, a man of truth and veracity, and full cre- dence as due his statement. Given under my hand this 13th day of July A 1833
Geo. Henry

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7820
Rhoda B. Hunt
Widow
Richard Hunt
Rich. Rev. Mass.
Act: 1844
Index:—Vol. 24 , Page 355
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pen Off Febry 20 1856
Sir
Please inform me when Richard Hunt of it Jersey at 1832 was last paid at $20 a year,
R. J. Atkinson Bauder
Very Respectful R. M. Rae Interim
Trifecta
Mr. The within named Richard Hunt R. J. Oct 1832, at $20.00 per ann. since July 1832 & his pension has been paid in full to that date. J. M. [?] E. [?]
3. Auditing the July 20. 1832.

3 rd Auditor's Office Feby 20. 1856.
Sir,
The within named Richard Hunt N. J. Act 1832, at $20.00 per ann. died 2 d July 1858 & his pension has been paid in full to that date.
Very Resp y Rob t Johnson - auditor
J. Main t Esq r . Comm ee of Pensions
Subject
Q. 3 unshr R. J. Atkinson
Very Resp y J. Main t Esq r . for Commission
Sir Please inform me when Richard Hunt a N. Jersey Act 1832 was last paid in Ar rs $20 a year.
Feb 24 Feby 20 1856

New Jersey Stock,
Richard Hunt, do who was a private and Scamster New Jersey Troops.
Act Oct June 7, 1832, 19 mo term, to 75 mo pension $80 per annum
En March 4, 1831, To July 29, 1838, when he also, discharged from pension at $20 per Annum
To Rhode B. Hunt, do
9-1. 600000000000000000 Herald. 3"

Lot. 99 Coombs Sept 3, 1856.
5668
New Jersey. Rhoda B. Hunt, widow of Richard, who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private ,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20. dollars 00. cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued
26 th day of February 1856.
and sent to
C. H. Milchney Trenton N.J.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 176. Vol. 10
22-2667

New Jersey 17922 S ( Richard Dunt decd.
of _____ in the State of _____ who was a priv. Heams. in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the Revolution line for _____ year of 20
Inscribed on the Roll of _____ at the rate of $ 10 Dollars 00 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. met end 29th July 1838
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Sept 1836 and sent to
Arrears to the 4th of _____ Semi-annual allowance ending _____
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 109.

222. 463
Act March 3.
Nov. 12.
Khoda B. Hunt, exec.
Richard Hunt, fin.
Ruperson Act July 21 1873 Maplett
Verny. war.
Paid. Act 7. June 1852. N.J. Agency
Charles G. Mrs. Chesney
Trent in.

5 36.740
5 Who owns

Rhoda B. Hunt Wid. of Richard N. J. Act 1855. admitted
For marriage of Kensington
J. S. Coombs

Know all men by these presents, that I, Rhoda B Hunt, of Mercer County New Jersey, widow of Richard Hunt deceased, do hereby constitute and appoint, J. J. Coombs, of Washington City my Attorney, to prosecute my claim I may have for an increase of pension under the act of February 3 rd 1853, on account of the services of my said husband as a Continental teamster under the command of Capt. John Abbott, in the army of the Revolution. Also, for any increase of the pension allowed my husband under the act of 7 th June 1832.
Witness, my hand and seal This 27 th day of August 1856.
Executed in presence of— Maryanna B Hunt.
Rhoda B Hunt

Washington, Aug. 30 th 1886.
Sir:
Enclosed I have the honor to present a power of Attorney from Mrs. Rhoda B. Hunt, of N. H. Authorizing me to apply for an increase of her pension under the act of 1853, and also for an increase of the pension allowed her husband (Richard Hunt) under the act of 1832.
By referring to Richard Hunt's declaration, you will see that in addition to the six months services in the militia for which he was allowed, he claimed claimed to have served over two years as a teamster under Wagon Masters John Abbott, Thos. Aker and others.
His service was rejected, as will be seen by the endorsement on the papers, on the ground that "His having served with the French Army is conclusive evidence that claimant was not an enlisted

teamsters, but served under civil contracts."
A glance at the paper will show that this endorsement was made on a very hasty examination of the case. He does not claim that he belonged to or served with the French Army - but simply that on one special occasion he was "attached to" a "division of the French Army," on the march of the French to Boston." On the other hand, he distinctly declares that he belonged to the Brigade under the command of Major Gordon, of the Quarters Master General's Department. It must be well known to every examiner in your office that Major Gordon was Assistant Deputy Quarters Master General under Col. Baillie, Quarters Master General of the New Jersey troops, and as such had command of the enlisted teamsters of that State.
Then Abbot the Wagon Master under whom Hunt served most of his time, positively swears that said Richard

Hunt served in his company as an assistant "Enlisted" Teamster, under his command, One year and seven months , and that when he resigned, in 1880, said Richard Hunt was transferred to the command of Thomas A. Skene.
But what is entirely conclusive as to the character of this service, is, that said John Abbott the wagon Master under whom he served, and who swore to his service, has himself been pensioned for service as a Wagon Master, for the very time that he served , Hunt was, serving under him as an Enlisted Teamster.
This surely removes the objection en- closed on the papers, that Hunt was serving with the French Army under "Civil Contracts." *
Said John Abbott in his own decla- rations, mentions, the service of Hunt under him.
Mrs. Hunt retains her present certifi- cate for the purpose of claiming her

Memories on the 17th proximo - after which she will forward it.
Very respectfully
Hannah Root
H. L. Coombs,
at Colo Eng
Act G Court of Sessions,

Rhoda B Hunt Grief
The con of
George Dake
W. J. 72
Ad

Washington, Sept. 5 th 1856
Sir:
I beg leave to submit a few remarks in reply to your letter of the 3 rd inst. in the case of Rhoda B. Hunt, widow of Richard.
Although pensions have been very properly referred to transfers who were merely hired, under a civil contract, to cart for the Army, yet it has been the uniform practice to pension all enlisted  transfers . The only question, therefore, in the case of Richard Hunt, is, whether his service as a transfer in Captain Abbot's Company, was rendered under an enlistment ? That it was rendered under an enlistment , is proved by the positive testimony of Captain Abbot himself, who swears that he enlisted  him , and that he (Hunt)  served under his (Abbot's)  immediate command . Here, then, we have the material fact in the case, proved by positive, affirmative evidence , of a high grade.

It is a rule of evidence, the propriety of which must be obvious to the most obtuse intellect, that when an affirmative fact has been proved by positive evidence , that fact must stand established , unless overturned in one of the following ways:
1 st By impeaching the character of the witness by whom the fact was proved; or, 2 d by showing the existence of other facts , inconsistent , or irreconcilable with the fact assumed to be proved.
This not pretended that the character of Capt. Abbot, for truth, has been impeached . It only remains for inquiry, then, whether there are any other facts , disclosed by the testimony, inconsistent and irreconcilable with the fact, that Hunt was, his enlisted teamster? It is said that it is evident that "he furnished his own team," and that this fact is " conclusive " that he

dent that "he furnished his own team," and That this fact is " conclusive " that he did not serve under an enlistment. In answer to this, I have to say, in the first place, that there is not a particle of evi- dence proving that he furnished his own team, or that he ever owned a team. In one place, it is true, he speaks of "my team." But who ever had constant charge of a team, that did not habitually speak of it as his team, whether he owned it or not? Do not the Clerks in the Pension Office habitually speak of "my room," and "my desk?" Yet who understands them to affirm that they actually own the rooms and desks referred to? Nor does the fact that Hunt at one time paid for repairs to his wagon, prove that he owned it. A teamster, on a journey, whose wagon should give out, would necessarily have to get it repaired himself, unless the owner happened to be present.
But admitting, for the sake of the argument, that Hunt did drive

his own team, is there any thing in that fact, irreconcilable with the fact of his enlistment? The Government enlisted teams, and also enlisted teamsters to drive them. Is it impossible that a man who enlisted his team, should also have enlisted himself, to drive it? Is it even improbable that he should have done so? It may be safely admitted, that in the absence of any affirmative evidence of Hunt's enlistment, the facts, above alluded to, might slightly tend to indicate that he served under a civil contract . But to claim that such facts, are sufficient to overturn positive, affirmative evidence that he was an enlisted teamster, is too great an outrage upon the first principles of sound logic, to be countenanced for a moment.  On the one hand, we have positive, affirmative evidence , of the existence of a particular fact . On the other hand,

of a particular fact . On the other hand,
the existence of this fact is attempted to be disproved by an extremely illogical inference of another fact, in no wise inconsistent with the fact . The fact that Hunt drove his own team is not, by any means, a necessary inference from any part of the testimony. But if admitted , it is not in the slightest degree inconsistent with the previously established fact , of his enlistment .
In the face of positive evidence , by the unimpeachable witness , that he did serve under an enlistment , you infer, from the facts, that he spoke of " my team ", and that he once said for repairing his wagon, that he drove his own team . And from the fact thus inferred, you draw the farther inference , that he served under a civil contract . No one possessed of reasoning faculties, will claim, that either of these inferences

is a necessary or unavoidable deduction from the premises. And any one who will insist, that an affirmative fact, proved by positive evidence, is overturned by mere inferences, which are not necessary or unavoidable deductions from the premises, is beyond the reach of rational argument.
Reverse the matter, and suppose it were material to the claimant's case, to prove that he served under a civil contract, and not under his enlistment ; In that case, would you say that his claim was established ? Would you say that the positive testimony of his enlistment , must give way to the inconclusive inferences, above mentioned?
The Government did not absolutely owe the Continental Teams which were driven by the enlisted

which were drawn by the enlisted
teamsters. This will become apparent by referring to the papers of almost any wagon Master or conductor who has been pensioned. The teams as well as the teamsters were enlisted . Often, no doubt, a team belonging to one man was enlisted, and another man enlisted to draw it. On the other hand, the same man whose team was enlisted, often  enlisted  himself and drew it.
I refer you to the case of Bessel Phelps , a wagon conductor. In his declaration of July, 28 th 1845, he says: "I was commissioned by Stephens  Hubbard , Deputy Quarters Master General &c. "as Capt and Conductor of teams, in the spring of 1778, + + " and served not far from three years, with enlistings orders from said Stephens  Hubbard  *to enlist from twelve to fifteen teams, of six oxen each, and enlisted 15 teams," &c

Solomon Nye, one of the teamsters Phelps enlisted under these orders, in his deposition in Phelps's case, says: "When I enlisted under Capt. B. Phelps as aforesaid, I enlisted for nine months, with six men , which were all mustered at the gene- ral rendezvous." For the service under this enlistment said Sol- omon Nye has been pensioned at the rate of sixteen dollars per month.
Abner Fox, another witness in Phelps's case, who also served as a teamster under him, says: "I was mustered, as were all soldiers, at the gene- ral rendezvous: The team which I drove was also mustered at the same place and time. "
Here we have two teamsters in the same company, one of whom en- listed with his own team , while the other enlisted without a team, but drove another man's team, en-

the others enlisted without a team, but then another man's team, en- listed at the same time and place.
But now another man's team, en- listed at the same time and place.
I could refer you to numerous cases of teamsters who have been pensioned for service in which they drove their own teams, if I could have the papers gotten out of the files for examination. But I presume the case of Solomon Ayer will suffice.
I must refer you to one more precedent, which will be conclusive if precedents are to be regarded.
George Hake, who served with Hunt in Abbott's company, and whose case is precisely like the one now under consideration, except that that there is no  positive  evidence that he ever enlisted at all , has been allowed a full pension for said service.
Very respectfully &c
St. Paul En Naty Court,
A. H. Coombs,

Rhoda B. Hunt
Payment to be made at Clinton ,
by D. Dickinson Esq.
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
New Jersey
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 176 Vol. 50.
J. D. [Signature]
Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that, in conformity with the 2d section of the act of February 3, 1853.
widow of Richard Hunt , who was a Private _____ in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the Pension List, at the rate of Twenty , dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this _____ day of February, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Robert Bell
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and countersigned.
C. Smith
Commissioner of Pensions.

Paid to Dr. Deaneh 1856
(J. 668)

Rhoda B. Hunt Widow of Richard New Jersey
adm d 3 Feby 1833
$20 a year, from the papers of the Act,
Certs. Chas. G. Clarke Esq. Newtown NJ

Brief in the case of Rhoda B Hunt widow of Richard County and State of New Jersey act 3 Feby 1853
Claim, ("original," or " for increase ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was pensioned under the Act of June 7 1832 at $20 a year.
Record of marriage.
(If for increase .)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage, her identity as the pensioner's widow, his death & her present widowhood proved by credible witnesses.
Name and residence of Agent Chas. G. McClellan Esq Trenton N.J.
Thomson D. Ripley Examining Clerk.

Rhoda B. Durr
C

Brief in the case of Rhoda B. Hunt, widow of Richard, Mercer County and State of New Jersey.
act
June 7, 1832 and Feb. 3, 1853.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.) (Increase)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Richard Hunt, the husband of Rhoda, was pensioned on the 11 th of Octr. 1833, under the act of June 7, 1832, at the rate of $20. per annum for six months' service as a private in the militia of N. Jersey - and paid at that rate to the day of his death, viz. July 22, 1839. His widow is now a pensioner on the N. Jersey Roll under the act of Feb. 3, 1853, at the same rate. Richard Hunt claimed to have served, in addition to his militia service, as a wagoner under various wagon masters from the Spring of 1779, until the close of the war - and John Abbott, one of said wagon masters testified that he "enlisted under him in April 1779, for one year, and continued seven months after his time was out, serving faithfully under his command". The team service was rejected for the reason that having been rendered with the French Army, it was necessarily rendered under civil contract, and therefore not embraced by the Pension Laws. But the Examiner evidently did not duly consider the testimony, as it is conclusive from Abbott's affidavit that Hunt was an enlisted Teamster - and the office has fully recognized Abbott as regularly in the service by pensioning him as a wagon master, and for the same period of service during which he stated Hunt served under him. On these facts J. J. Coombs, Esq. the agent in the case, has claimed an increase for the team service certified by Abbott, and it is granted by this office.
Name and residence of Agent
J. J. Coombs, Esq., Present.
H. Ogden Hiles, Examining Clerk.

Richard Hunt. _____
No. 11371
12
6 m pinnate. P 20
Lerrin as teamster not computed. His having served with the French Army is con- clusive evidence that claimant was not an enlisted teamster but served under civil contracts.
A. S. Marmel Flemington, N. J.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Richard Hunt which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No V. * Has he mentioned 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? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? No VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? no Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? no Witness should set forth in detail his knowledge of applicant's service, XVI. † Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No See quere 16 XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly 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.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
To the Pension Bureau,
Upon conversing with the Declarant in this case in order to correct his papers, it was discovered that he had performed an arduous & faithful service to his country, in the Team Service throughout the whole of the latter part of the war. When This he omitted stating in his Declaration at length, because he had understood he would be allowed nothing for it. We have however seen that Pensions have been allowed those who were engaged in the same service and have therefore drawn up a new declaration recapitulating the militia services of which he recollects the tours, for although he is satisfied he served a longer time in that service than he is able to recollect the particulars of, he is unwilling to name a greater time, and in addition have stated his service as a Teamster. The witnesses in these cases can hardly ever recollect more of another's services than having seen him out, for it is with difficulty from old age that they can make a detail of their own services. We would be very glad of the speedy action of the Bureau on this case, it being quite an old case (No. 4371) and the old man having been at considerable expense & trouble, living a distance from the County town.

New Jersey Roll,
Rhoda B. Hunt, widow of Roland, who was a tenant now possessor New Jersey tract,
closed Oct Feb 3 rd 1853
$80 per share
Securities former property, $20 per share
J. J. Coombs, Trustee.

New Jersey Bats

Hon J. L. Edwards.
This being an old case (No. 6371) we think it would not be soliciting too much to ask a speedy action on it. The old man has been at considerable expense & trouble, living quite a distance from the County Town.
Very respectfully Yr obed Servt
H. D. Maxwell
Flemington July 13. 1833

Richd. H. Hunt application for a pension under the act of Congress June 7. 1832 —
No 6371.

State of New Jersey Hunterdon County ss. on this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Hunterdon now sitting Richard Hunt, now a resident of the township of Hopewell in the County of Hunterdon aforesaid aged upwards of seventy six years — who being duly sworn ac- cording to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Con- gress passed June 7 th 1832. He was born in the township of Hopewell aforesaid on the 13 th day of June 1756. His age is recorded in his father's family Bible. which is or was lately in the possession of his brother, now a resident of the State of Ohio. — lived in the said township of Hopewell when the Revolutionary War took place, and has continued to reside in the same place ever since. — He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated

He volunteered as a private in the Mil- itia in the said township of Hopewell and marched out in the spring summer of 1776. under Captain John Mott. Daniel Howells was lieutenant. Joseph Philips was Colonel, Isaac Newton was lieutenant Col: Philemon Dickinson was Major General - They marched to Smith Farms, and the Blazing Star - con- tinued there upwards of a month and was there discharged - 1. He about two months afterwards. He was called out again as soon as he can remem- ber and marched to Trenton under Capt John Mott. Thence to Pitts town, and back again to Trenton. Joseph Philips was then Col: He served this time two one month and was discharged.
2. Shortly after his return he was again called out, and marched under Capt: Hunt from Trenton to Elizabeth town, in this service he was out one month and then Philips was Col. discharged -
3. The next time he was out was about six weeks afterwards as near as he can recollect under the Captain Hunt and marched to a place called Hills-Barn in Amwell thence to Steels-Gap. Thence to the vicinity

Thence to ... of Bound Brook on the ... one month and quartered there engaged in scouting parties and other military services. on this tour he also served one month.
4- The next time he was out was in the spring of 1777 he cannot remember specify the time under Capt Hunt. marched thro Lawrenceville. then called Clendenning. thence to Princeton & N. Brunswick weeks. was in no engagement - this tour but there were several alarms - he thinks served two months, this tour & was discharged -
1- Shortly after wards he was out again there being a general alarm, under John Hunt Capt: & Jos: Philips Colonel - marched to Allen town and Monmouth Court House and was in the battle of Monmouth. I continued in the service this last tour about six weeks - then entered the Comnpany department and drill team till the war was over (over)
my service was not to my knowledge for truth & veracity sworn & enlarged by John Court the 20 th of August 1832

John D  Stodd  Hart can testify as to my services, and John Stodd as to my character for veracity and truth - and I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the pres- ent and I do declare that my name is not on any pension roll of the agency of any State or Territory. He has no documentary evidence as to his service sworn & subscribed in open Court this 15 th day of August Richard Hunt 1832 _____ Benj d Elbert
served as here in stated

Hunterdon County ss. John H. Hunt  Abbott being duly sworn according to law on his oath saith that he is upwards of seventy three  four years old that he is acquainted with Richard Schenk the within named Applicant and has known him for more than fifty years - knows that he was out as a soldier during the war of the revolution - I can say very safely from my knowledge and belief of the  the  the  the upon the subject that he was out a soldier in the revolution at different times more than three sea months sworn & subscribed to in open court this 15 th day of August 1832 — John Abbott Benj t Edgerton

Mr. John F. Clarke a clergyman residing in the township of Amwell in the County of Hunterdon and Philip Marshall one of the judges of said Court a freeholder and resident of the said township of Amwell
do hereby certify that we are acquainted with John Rev. Clark Richard Hunt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be aged seventy six years that he is respected and believed in his neigh- borhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn & subscribed in Court this 15 th day of August 1832
John F. Clarke. Philip Marshall
And the said Court, Benj. L. East 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 John F. Clarke, who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the township of Amwell, and that Rev. Clark Philip Marshall who has also signed the same, is a resident in the said township of Amwell and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
George Read Benj. L. East J. Thompson

State of New Jersey } Huntingdon County }
I Isaac G Farle clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Huntingdon do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Hunt for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said Office this Eighteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Isaac G Farle clerk
Richard Hunt application for a pension under the act of Congress June 7. 1832 No 6371.