Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,483, for Aaron Littlefield, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Littlefield, Aaron
W. 20,483
Meribah
CONTENTS

10.531
Massachusetts
Aaron Littlefield
of Norfolk in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the regt commanded by Col. Linsell in the Mass time for 16 (one) 24 Days
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 56 Dollars ~ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Apr 1833 and sent to B Island Norfolk Co Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Apr 1833 $ 712 ~ Semi-ant. allowance ending 21 Sept " 28 ~
$140 ~
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G H McBlain Clerk, Book 12 Vol. 2 nd Page 49.

Reported
Hon. W. Pierpont Nov. 4 1845
Massachusetts 960
Meribah Littlefield
Mas
widow of Aaron Littlefield
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 29 Dollars 10 — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of July 1843 and sent to B. Richards, Randolph, Mass.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 4. Vol. 1. Page 47.

4674 Aaron Littlefield
Norfolk Co
Mass
Pm at 16 Mo & 24 day
14 06.
Dec 21 1832
$56.-
P173.
E Leland Roxbury Norfolk Co Mass.

BRIEF in the case of  Marion Littlefield  of Norfolk County in the State of Mass -  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court -  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     13 days In 1776 Jan 2 — — 14 private Gen. Capt. Seth Turner   on — " July — 4 — " Col. Hackstock   48 Feb 4th — 3 0 " Capt. Penniman Col. Lovell   49 May — 1 12 " " Nathan Belcher Col. A. Symmes   81 May — 8 — " " Mann   " John Hall   " Abiel Richards 77-  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Howland's Ferry  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Braintree  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence, rolls, living witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct - 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. H. McBlain Examining Clerk.
# rec 22 1157-

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Norfolk 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 Honorable Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting at Quincy in and for said County, Aaron Littlefield a resident of Randolph in said County, aged 73 years , who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th A. D. 1832.
THAT he was born at Roxbury in said Norfolk County
on the second day of August A. D. 1759, and that there is a  no record of his birth to my  my knowledge : that he was in the United States service from the 17th day of January A. D. 1776, to the 31st day of January A. D. 1776 as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia : that he was residing at Braintree now Randolph when he entered
when he entered the service ; that he was a volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain Seth Turner, of the Regiment commanded by Col. Mackintosh
: that he marched from Braintree to a place called Germantown, from to from to now Quincy
: that he served at the aforesaid term with none of the regular troops ; and
no regular officers were known to him : that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received no written discharge : that since the Revolutionary war he has resided at Randolph
ALSO : that he was in the United States service from the 29th day of July A. D. 1776, to the last day of November A. D. 1776 as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia : that he was residing at Braintree now Randolph
when he entered the service ; that he was a volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain Stephen Penniman of the Regiment commanded by Col. Lowell as he thinks
: that he marched from Braintree to the vicinity of Boston, from to from to
: that he served at the aforesaid term with none of the regular troops ; and
no regular officers were known to him : that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received no written discharge. that he has no evidence by which he can prove his service to his knowledge
ALSO : that he was in the United States service from the 26th day of February A. D. 1778, to the 26th day of May A. D. 1778 as a Private in the Massachusetts Militia : that he was residing at Braintree now Randolph
when he entered the service ; that he was a volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Nathaniel Belcher Captain and Lt. Col Andrew Symms detachment for Guard
: that he marched from Braintree to the vicinity of, from Boston to from to
: that he served at the aforesaid term with none (to my knowledge at this time) of the regular troops ; and
no regular officers were known to him : that he was in no battle
and at the end of his service received no written discharge.

I John Thayer of Belcher town in the county of Hampshire and commonwealth of Mass of lawfull age do testify and say, that Aran Littlefield of Randolph in the county of Norfolk and common- wealth of same served in the war of the Revolution in the State service eight months, during all of which time I served with him in the North river in the State of New York in the year of our Lord one thou- and seven hundred and eighty-one under Capt John Hall - (and further deponent saith not) John Thayer
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk county ss July 5 th 1832 Then personally appeared John Thayer subscriber to the above affidavit and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me Silas Paine Jr. Justice of the Peace Oath

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Aug. 10 th 1832.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Aaron Littlefield served in Capt. Seth Turner's Company in the Massachusetts State, from the 17 th of January 1776. thirteen days. Said Aaron Littlefield also served in Capt. Nathaniel Belcher's Company, in Lt. Col. Andrew Symmes detachment for Guards in the State of Massachusetts Bay in the service of the United States from February 26 th . to May 26 th . the year of service is not stated, but the Warrant, for the payroll is dated June 26 th 1778.
Edward D. Bangs. Secretary

I further certify that the within named John Shoyu is a person of truth and veracity.
Silas Baine Jr Justice of the Peace

Arson Littlefield 4674.
Edwin S. Leland

Also that he was in the United States Service from about the middle of the month of May 1779 to the first of July 1779 six weeks, as a private in the Massachusetts Militia, that he was residing at Braintree near Randolph when he entered the service that he was a volunteer and served for the period aforesaid under the command of Captain Mann - and Marched to the State of Rhode Island, and he served the aforesaid term with the Regular troops, General Sullivan who was with the regular officers was known to him: and was in Battle when in that service near Howlands Ferry (so called) and at the end of the service received no written discharge - & there is no record  receipt by which he can prove his service to his knowledge.
Also that he was in the United States Service from the 7th day of May 1781 to some time some time about the middle of January 1782 Eight months as a private in the Massachusetts Militia that he was residing at Braintree near Randolph when he entered the service that he was a volunteer and served for the period aforesaid and was put in the detached detached Service under the command of Captain John Hall, and Marched into the State of New York at the North river so called, and was employed in moving Cannon & removing troops with the United States Waggons, General Washington and General Lafayette was known to him when he was there and at the end of the service received no written discharge and that there is no documentary evidence but what is in the Secretarys office of this Commonwealth which are attached to the declarations and the affidavit of John Thayer which is with this declaration & statement.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first aforesaid. Aaron Littlefield
We Isaac Smith a clergyman, residing in the Town of Houghton and Benjamin Richards residing at Randolph hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Aaron Littlefield who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Sixty three 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 as aforesaid.
Isaac Smith Benjamin Richards
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certify that it appears to them that Isaac Smith, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the Town of Houghton; and that Benjamin Richards who has also signed the same is a resident in Randolph and is a credible person; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
The court further certify that Silas Dinsmore is a justice of the peace for said County & that the name signed to the certificate to the Department has been approved by him his signature thereof containing
Samuel Hearn, Regt of the Court of Probate aforesaid do hereby certify
that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Aaron Littlefield for a pension.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal of office on the day and year first aforesaid.
Samuel Hearn

V 8716
Meribah Villifield Mass.
Abt J. July 38
m 86 a 40
Sey. 76. Turner - 1384
78 Belcher 3-
Vol 22. 157. Richards. 1. 7
on Penniman. 4 -
~
Admitted
8 mo. 20 days prior.
$ 29.10 per an.
Benja Richards Esq Randolph Norfolk Co Mass.

State of Massachusetts County of Norfolk ss
On this eighteenth day of February in the year eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before the Honorable Sherman Leland Esquire Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts Meribah Littlefield a resident of the Town of Randolph in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn According to Law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pro- visions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An Act Granting Half Pay and Pensions to certain Widows" and amended Act of August 23. 1842. That she is now the Widow of Aaron Littlefield, late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid deceased who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and served according to the best of her knowledge and belief as follows (viz) He enlisted and served in several tours during the war of the Revolution from the year 1775 to the year 1783. upwards of two years and as near as her recollection serves her under the Command of Captains Seth Turner, Stephen Penniman Nathaniel Fletcher and Captain Mann, Hall, and Abel Richards around the shores of Boston & in the State of Rhode Island and New York. She would respectfully refer to his declaration & other papers as proofs of his services as he was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress 1832 - and his papers are now in the Pension Office at the City of Washington excepting the last named Captain Abel Richards in whose company he served in the secret expedition at Rhode Island from 25th day of September to the 28th day of October 1777. which the said Aaron Littlefield was not allowed in his former pension, as the service was found after he had received his pension certificate She further declares she was married to the said Aaron Littlefield by the Rev. Moses Duff in the month of May one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. and that the said Aaron Littlefield her late husband died on the eighth day of July in the year eighteen hundred and forty that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four at the time aforesaid. And that she has not been married since the death of the said Aaron Littlefield, that she is now a widow residing in Randolph
Meribah Littlefield
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court the day and year first above mentioned before me S. Leland Esq. Judge of Probate

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Norfolk Ss.
Jonathan H. Cobb Regulator of the Court of Probate for said County of Norfolk, hereby certify that Sherman Leland is judge of said Court of Probate & that Benjamin Richards is a justice of the Peace within said said County of Norfolk, & that their several respective signatures on these papers are genuine & true.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this eighteenth day of February AD 1843
Jonathan H. Cobb Reg. Probate

I Thomas Littlefield of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being in my forty seventh year of my age - do testify and say that Aaron Littlefield of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, a soldier of the Revolution and pensioner of the United States died at said Randolph the eighth day of July in the year eighteen hundred and forty and left a widow who is now living in said Randolph in the County & State aforesaid she has not been married since the death of her said husband but is now a widow, her maiden name was Marabiah Thayer, and before the marriage and resided in Braintree (now Randolph) said Aaron Littlefield was also a resident at the time of their marriage of Braintree now Randolph. the said Aaron Littlefield deceased was my father and at the time of his death a near relation to me
Thomas Littlefield
January 9th 1843
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of Norfolk ss Then the above named Thomas Littlefield made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed and I further more say that the said Thomas Littlefield is esteemed a person of truth and veracity and his word may be depended upon
Before me Benjamin Richard Justice of the Peace

I Bulah Hunt of Randolph in the County of Norfolk & Commonwealth of Massachusetts. widow, being in my seventy fourth year of my age - do testify and say that I was at the wedding of Aaron Littlefield of Braintree (now Randolph) and Merabath Thayer they were married at the dwelling House of Moses Saff the Minister in the South Parish of Braintree and by him - Aaron Littlefield is now dead and his widow is now living in Randolph she is now a widow and has not been married since the death of her husband - I think they were married in the year 1786
Bulah Hunt
State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss. January 10th 1843
Then the above named Bulah Hunt made solemn Oath to the truth of the above deposition by her subscribed - and I further more say that the said Bulah Hunt sustains the character of a person of truth and veracity in the neighborhood where she resides and her word may be depended upon
Before Me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Norfolk Town of Braintree ss. Seventeen Hundred eighty six April Fifteenth Aaron Littlefield & Meribah Thayer both of this Town
The above is a true copy from the record of intention of Marriages in the Town of Braintree with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures, as follows. 1786. April 15th.
Attest
Judson Stoddard } Town Clerk of Braintree
I Judson Stoddard above named depose and say, that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Braintree aforesaid, in the County and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said Town of Braintree aforesaid with the exception above named as certified by me. I hereby certify that I find no record of Marriages by the Rev Moses Ladd by whom it is supposed the above named Aaron Littlefield & Meribah Thayer were married.
Judson Stoddard Town Clerk Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Norfolk ss January 28th 1843 Sworn to and subscribed by the said Judson Stoddard.
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I James Hall of Quincy in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, being in my seventy first year of my age do testify and declare, that I am the son of John Hall late of Quincy in the County & State aforesaid deceased who was in the service of the United States in the War of the Revolution, as a conductor, having the command of a Brigade of teams & men in the continental service in 1781, eight months, that the four papers annexed were left with me at the decease of my father John Hall, viz. the Commission signed Iabez Hatch Deputy Quartermaster the Indenture signed & sealed by said Hatch, with the two orders signed by Thomas Mitchell, & Ralph Pomroy were papers that has been in my possession from the time of his death till now, which are herewith annexed. I further declare that I always understood my father to say that the service was continental service, that he & his men performed in the war with the Army he had a roll of his Men, but I believe it was lent to Esquire William B Duggan of said Quincy who was, engaged to procure a pension for some person, and has not to my knowledge returned the same to me. I have no doubt the service was performed under continental Officers & was so considered by my father & the Men that were with him and served under him - the Town now Quincy was formerly a part of Braintree -
James Hall.
State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss August the 15th 1845. Then the above named James Hall personally appeared before me Benjamin Richards Esquire a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk and made Oath to the truth of the above declaration by him subscribed and I the said Justice would further certify that the said James Hall is personally known to him and that he is a person of truth & veracity
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 25 th 1845.
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Benjamin Richards, was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
JA
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Sleeper
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Aaron Littlefield, W. 20,483 Mass.
A receipt for pay from John Hall, in full for service in 1781. signed Aaron Littlefield and dated Braintree July 19, 1784.
An indenture (undated) between Col. Jabez Hatch, Deputy Dr. Mr., and John Hall, signed Jabez Hatch D. I. M.
A letter of instruction to Capt. Hall, Condr., signed Thos. Mitchell, D. I. M. and dated Fredericksburgh, June 23, 1781.
A letter of authority for use of John Hall, Condr., signed by Ralph Pomeroy, Dep. Dr. Mr., and dated Hartford, Dec. 4, 1781.
The above papers (4) have been removed from this case in order to send them to the War Dept.
Sent to War Department Jan'y. 16, 1913.
F.W. Apr. 13, 1911.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20483 Meribah Littlefield Wid. of Aaron Littlefield Rev. War.
Act: March 3 rd /43
Index:—Vol. 94 , Page 437
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Id to Wm. M. Parmenter Nov. 4 1845.

V No 8716 Meribah Littlefield Mass
let to B. Richards, Mar 28 '43
Act 7 July 1838

Capt. John Hales Appointment and Contract as a conductor of Wagon, filed with the papers of Merliah Selligue, of Mass. See No 960. Act 3 March 1843

Massachusetts-7220-
Reps May 4
Meribah Littlefield
widow of Aaron Littlefield-
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June '32.
and who died on the 8 th July, 1840
of Norfolk Co in the State of Mass
who was a private in the Comp-
commanded by Captain Penniman — of the
Regt. — commanded by Col. Lovell in
the Massetts: — line for 8 mos. & 20 days —
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 29 — Dollars 10 — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the — 3 rd — day of May 1843 — and sent to Rev. Richard Randolph, Norfolk: Co. — Mass.
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending
$145.50
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by W. H. Stewart Clerk Book A — Vol. 1 — Page 104 —

(Warrant of John Hall) as Conductor no claim on file for him-
Taken from claim of Aaron Littlefield W. 20,483 Mass.

To. Mr. John Hall
By Virtue of the Powers vested in me as Deputy Quarter Master for y e States of Massachusetts, Rhode Island & New Hampshire by the Plan for conducting the Business of the Quarter Master General's Department agreed to in Congress on the 15 th of July 1780. Relying on your Abilities & Fidelity, I do hereby appoint you to be a Conductor.
You are therefore carefully & diligently to perform all the Duties of your said Office, agreeably to the Regulations, which are or shall be established by Congress relative thereto, & such Orders & Instructions, conformable to the Principles of those Regulations as you shall from Time to Time receive from me, or any other your Superior Officer; for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my Hand at Boston the first _____ Day of April AD 1781 In the fifth Year of our Independence.
I abox Hall Deputy Quarter Master for the States of Massachusetts Rhode Island & New Hampshire

Forwarded
Septm 26. 1845
Boston
by Mrs. Parnement

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston August 25. 1845
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Benjamin Richard, was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John G. Pierce;
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss, On this Eleventh day of August in the year eighteen hundred and forty five, Personally appeared before me Benjamin Richards Esquire a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk in the state of Massachusetts, Meribah Littlefield a resident of the Town of Randolph in the County and state aforesaid, aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain an increase of Pension, under the Acts of Congress of July 7 th 1838. and amended Act of the 23 d August and the Acts of Congress since passed relating to Pensions of Widows in consequence of their husbands services in the war of the revolution. That she is now the Widow of Aaron Littlefield late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and state aforesaid deceased. who was a soldier in War of the Revolution and served according to the best of her information & knowledge as follows, under Capt. Seth Turner, Captain Stephen Penniman, Captain Nathaniel Belcher, Captain Mann of Wrentham and Captain John Hall the said Hall was a conductor of a Brigade of Waggons men & attendant on the continental Army in 1781 eight months,, also under Captain Richards he the said Aaron Littlefield my late husband deceased was pensioned under all of those Captains except Captain Mann. I the said Meribah his Widow, rec d . a pension for the services in said war, under Capt. Turner, Captain Belcher, Captain Penniman and under Captain Richards making an aggregate of eight Months and twenty day, making my yearly Pension twenty nine dollars & ten cents, being about half the amount my late husband received, She believes he was out in all his tours in the war enough to be allowed a full pension - and that she received information from the Pension department, that the six weeks

declared upon under Captain Mann and eight months under Capt. John Hall were not confirmed by the rolls since the adjustment of his claim - she would further declare that from the best information she can obtain get that by such documentary evidence she herewith, forwards to the Pension department with the other evidence that said John Hall was a continental conductor & duly commissioned, as such, who was the commander of a Brigade of teams & men who served in the continental Army eight months in 1781. and my late husband was one of the men who served with him eight months - under continental officers, and as such received the same pension pay for the eight months accordingly. She would respectfully refer her claim to the War department at Washington, if consistent it may be allowed her, the eight months under Captain Hall, which she confidently believes will be done after examining all her documentary evidence & other evidence produced - She further
She further declares she was married to the said Aaron Littlefield some time in the year of 1786, or 1786. in the month of May in one of those years - she would refer to her former papers as proof of the same - at year of office, and that her said husband Aaron Littlefield died on the eighth day of July in the year eighteen hundred and forty that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, at time as near as she can now tell as above stated as the proof of her marriage can be found by a reference to her former declaration & papers in the Pension department at Washington - that she has not been married since the death of the said Aaron Littlefield that she is now a widow residing in Randolph
her Meribah Littlefield Mark
State of Massachusetts
Norfolk County ss. 11 August 1845
Sworn to and subscribed by the above said Meribah Littlefield the day and year above written Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

I James Hall of Quincy in the state of Massachusetts being in my seventy fifth year of my Age do testify & say that I am the son of John Hall late of Quincy in the County of Norfolk & state of Massachusetts, decd. who was a conductor in the Continental Army in the year 1781, and the receipt signed Aaron Luttifield hereto annexed came into my Possession at the decease of my father John Hall and has so continued to this time the receipt is in the hand writing of my father John Hall, Quincy was formerly a part of Braintree
James Hall.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk County ss. August 15th 1845 Then the above named James Hall personally appeared and made Oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed I further say the said James Hall is a credible witness Before me Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Apr 8 1843
Map
Merrimack Littlefield

Randolph March 14th 1843. Dear Sir.
Having rec d your favor of March 28 th 1843. stating that Meribah Littlefield, proof of Marriage is satisfactory, that her late husband Aaron Littlefield's name cannot be traced on your rolls for more than eight months and twenty days - and two tours of service cannot be found, nor allowed her that was allowed him - till found on the rolls of the revolutionary services of the war I would say in her behalf that she would be very much pleased to receive the same as her husband did - but if his services cannot be found satisfactory to your department of the two last tours of service as stated by you - she has concluded to accept of a certificate giving her eight months & twenty days, as she is poor and needy at it would be a great relief to her in her present situation and she would be thankful to you to give it immediate attention if consistent with the business of your department -
I am very respectfully your Ob t Servant -
Benjamin Richards
James L. Edward Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
N.B. Please write to Benjamin Richards of Randolph Norfolk County State of Massachusetts B R

James L. Edwards Esquire Commissioner of Pensions at the City of Washington

James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir, I here transmit the declaration and Papers of Maribah Littlefield who claims a Pension, will you have the goodness to write as soon as you decide upon her claim to Benjamin Richards of Randolph in the State of Massachusetts - by so doing you will confer a favor upon an old Lady who is poor and needy -
Yours Respectfully.
Benjamin Richards
Feb. 18th 1843 -

4674
Aaron Littlefield c
E. S. Leland Roxbury Mass

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Aaron Littlefield Norfolk City Mass which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 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? yes 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 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? yes

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? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no 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? yes XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? no 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? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
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 the 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.
†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 authenticated 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 end 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.

Mercibah Littlefield $29:10 per an
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Send cut - to B. Richards, Esq. Randolph Mass.

Randolph May 20th 1843.
James L. Edwards Esquire - Commr. of Pensions
Dear Sir, inclosed is the declaration of Meribah Littlefield. She thinks she ought to have the same amount allowed her as was allowed her late husband, Aaron Littlefield due. I believe he was allowed $800. under Captain John Hall a waggon Master under the continental establishment. I went to Quincy to see the son of the late Capt Hall who is a respectable citizen who informed me his father was under the continental establishment had a roll of his men who acted under him, and his father was Commissioned as such this I did for the deceased husband of the claimant Meribah Littlefield - who was allowed for all his services something over fifty dollars - perhaps the Secretary at war has since made some new decision respecting that service for the time being - we do not wish any further allowance than you think proper and right - According to your rules and regulations - but should it be so that Captain Hall was a continental waggoner & his men under him acted as such - then I think you will not hesitate to allow her the same I presume you have those facts if it is so in your department we wish her to have no more, then is her due according to the Act - and those regulations necessary to prevent improper claims being allowed when decided upon please write to Benjamin Richards of Randolph in the County of Norfolk & State of Massachusetts -
Yours most respectfully
Benjamin Richards

1325

Declaration in Order to Obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 3 d March 1843 Granting Pensions for one year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7 th 1838.
State of Massachusetts
County of Norfolk ss. On this sixteenth day of May personally appeared, before me Benjamin Richards Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk in the State of Massachusetts, Meribah Littlefield a resident of the Town of Randolph in the County and State aforesaid aged Seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in Order to Obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed on the 3 d March 1843, Granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. that she is now the Widow of Aaron Littlefield late of Randolph in the County of Norfolk and State aforesaid, deceased who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and served according to the best of her information & knowledge as follows (to wit) He enlisted and served in several tours in the War of the revolution from the year 1775 to the year 1783 upwards of two years according to the best information she could obtain under the following Captains, Captain Seth Turner, Captain Stephen Penniman, Captain Nathaniel Belcher, Captain Mann of Wrentham Massachusetts - Captain Abel Richards & Captain John Hall the last named Captain Hall was in the Wagon Service according to the best information was under the Continental establishment - and says that her husband was under him in that capacity and she believes he received pay from the war department as such - the said Aaron Littlefield served as a private, she thinks in all of said tours, she further declares she has received five years pension under the Act of July 7 th 1838 of the annual amount of twenty nine dollars and ten cents, her husband resided in Braintree now Randolph when he enlisted and went into the service - she further declares that she is now a widow residing in the town of Randolph she would respectfully refer to her pension papers now in the Pension department at Washington - as well as her late husband's - he drew something over fifty dollars per annum I believe as his stipend, and she verily believes that Captain Hall was a continental officer and served as such in the Army where her late husband served as a private under him -
Meribah her X Littlefield marks
Witness J. L. Sherston
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and Year above written
Before me Benjamin Richards Justice Peace
I the said justice hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Meribah Littlefield the claimant above named who has subscribed the above declaration & with Aaron Littlefield her late husband deceased, and know from personal knowledge that they have both drawn pensions under the Acts of Congress.
Benjamin Richards Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston May 19. 1843
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation, Benjamin Richards, was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
M c o. A. Bolles Secretary of the Commonwealth.