Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23432, for Dennis Stricker, New Jersey

SERVICE
New Jersey
Stricker, Dennis
NUMBER
S. 23 432
CONTENTS

New York 31,072
Dennis Stricker
of New York Co in the State of N. York who was a Private in the by Captain of the Regt. by Col. Medilick in the N. Jersey line for 9 months
Let. to Hon. J. M. Woodruff Aug. 31, 1826
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 th day of April 1837 and sent to G. D. Poepner New York
Arrears to the 4th of March 1837 180.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4. Sps. .. 15.00 $195.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D Brown Clerk Book E. 2. Vol. 4. Page 67

State of New York County of New York
On this fifths day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Thirty three, personally appeared before the said General Session of the peace held in and for the City and the Court of County of New York now sitting - Dennis Stryker a resident of the City of New York in the State of New York, aged about forty five years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
Applicant was born on the nineteenth December 1760 at the forks of the Raritan, South Branch - Somerset County and State of New Jersey - A record of his age may be found in a Bible in his possession also in a Bible in the possession of a Mr. Simonson near Somerville New Jersey - which is called the Family Bible - Applicant made Raritan his place of residence until the year of 1788, when he removed to the City of New York, where he resided until the month of May 1795 when applicant removed to New Brunswick State of New Jersey and resided there until May 1798 when applicant again removed to the City of New York, where applicant has ever since resided.
In the year of 1776 in the fall does not recollect the month applicant with others of the same place volunteered their services in a Company of Infantry (Militia) under the command of Captain Jacob Van Eyck in the course of the fall and commenced a march to Princeton New Jersey through Princeton, Newark and into Pennsylvania at a place called Brandywine.

and from thence to Griggstown, but did not reach Princeton soon enough to engage in the Battle, and soon after returned to Baritlan. The main body of the army fell back to Morristown. At this time applicant was out more than two months. Applicant was called out quite frequent this winter but cannot state particularly his duty was principally in the neighbourhood of New Brunswick. On the last of September 1777 Applicant was called out to meet the enemy near Tennantown, was attached to a Company of Infantry Commanded by Captain Jacob Ten Eyck, John Bevan Lieutenant. This Company was attached to the First Regiment of the County of Somerset, our Lieutenant was killed in the first part of the action by a Musket Ball. Died instantly, in this Battle applicant received a severe wound in the calf of his right leg soon after this Battle applicant returned to Baritlan.
On the last of October of 1777 applicant was called out to march to Red Bank Fort under the Command of Captain Cornelius Tenison, and Lieutenant Tenison, his Company did not reach soon enough for the Battle, the Regiment to which his Company was attached, was commanded by Colonel Weidick. While out at this time his company were quartered at Hattenfield, and the guard were Stationed at Timber Creek. Applicant was out on duty until the last of November and returned home. In the month of June 1778 Applicant was again called out under Captain Van Arsdale. Does not recollect the other officers of the Company or of the Regiment to which he belonged, marched to Burlington, were stationed a few days at Fortenton - and then were marched to the sign of the Black Horse a place between Fortenton and Mount Holly - and so on to Crope's Creek and Monmouth.

Battle and applicant was then present - he does not recollect the names of the Regimental Officers - recollects the scene between General Washington and General Lee of which applicant was an eye witness of the whole transaction. Very soon after the battle applicant was discharged and returned home - In October of 1779 applicant was again called out under the command of Captain Smith & Colonel Wayning the corps were composed of Infantry - and to march against the Indians on the Delaware river who were under the command of Captain Brandt an Indian Chief - we did not come up with the Indians - we were out at this time several weeks - and returned home again Applicant was again called out and marched to Poundbrook on the 13 th April 1780 and had a skirmish with the enemy in the evening - and afterwards was marched to different places in the neighborhood quite a number of Tories were killed at different places - On the 23 rd June following applicant was engaged in the skirmish with the Hessian at Springfield where they had some sharp fighting recalled a number of men procuring a Cannon and placing it on a Log and doing good execution with it against the enemy - at this time applicant recollects that the widow of Rev. Mr. Baldwith lost her life a circumstance particularly remembered - From Springfield we marched to Pumptown where applicant was stationed on guard and had the buttons shot from coat - after being out the precise time applicant cannot state he returned home Towards fall of this year 1780 applicant was called out to go to Millerton and resist the British who were going to Burn the Jail at place they did finally burn it - A number of Tories were killed and taken prisoners at this skirmish - also a British Colonel Simcoe After this time applicant was frequently called out to march against the enemy at a moments warning - Stood on Guard very frequently at Blooming Star, Pumptown Elizabethtown, in the night and by day - Applicant was called out at other times than those he has mentioned
1 month

which he cannot precisely recollect — as calls were so frequently made during the Revolutionary War upon the Militia of New Jersey — the duty of applicant was often very laborious and fatiguing and expensive — Applicant does not know of any witness whose evidence will prove him to have been a Soldier of the Revolution — as near as applicant can ascertain they are not in the land of the living — he further declares that he has never received any discharge whatever from any person to his recollection — further states that he acted in the capacity of Private through the Revolutionary War further declares to the best of his belief that he was out in actual service of his Country more than 100 days — for which he has never received any compensation whatever and claims a Pension of his Country.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the Agency of any State Sworn and subscribed the day of James Sharpe and year aforesaid in open Court. Richard Hatfield Clerk

We Samuel Swartwout & Jerome Johnson residing in the City and County of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Dennis Stryker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be seventy two years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open Court
Richard Harpfield
666
Sam Swartwout Jerome Johnson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states; And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Samuel Swartwout & Jerome Johnson who have signed the preceding certificate are resident citizens & are credible persons — and that their statement is entitled to credit.
P. M. R. H. Meigs atty James Polner Alderman

I Richard Balfour Clerk of the _____ Court of General Sessions of the peace of the City of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Dennis Striker for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand & Seal of _____ office this fifth day of April eighteen hundred and thirty three
Richard Balfour Clerk

State of New Jersey } Somerset County ss: } Personally appeared before me William B. Gaston one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County. Willet Taylor who being sworn according to law upon his oath saith he was well acquainted with Dennis Stryker the above named applicant for a pension during the Revolutionary War being about of our age, and brought up in the same neighbourhood. Believes the Statement he has made in his declaration in reference to his many tours of duty in defence of his Country to be strictly true, believes his Statement in parti- cular as to his being in the battle of Monmouth, deponent having been in said battle.
Sworn and Subscribed } this 12 th day of May 1834 } Willet Taylor before me.
W. B. Gaston
State of New Jersey } Somerset County ss: } Personally appeared before me William B. Gaston one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Rev d Abraham Meysler a clergyman residing in said County who being sworn according to law upon his oath saith that he is well acquainted with the above named Dennis Stryker believes him to be seventy three years of age, and that he is reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War and that it is considered in the this part of the Country where he formerly resided, and that I concur in that opinion Abraham Meysler.
Sworn & Subscribed this 16 th day of May 1834 before me
W. B. Gaston

I. William B. Gaston the magistrate who administered the foregoing oaths, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the Rev. Abraham Messner & Willet Taylor who have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavits, that they are gentlemen of truth and veracity, and that their statements are worthy of full credit and belief. Data Somerville, Somerset County May 16 th 1834. S
W. B. Gaston
Dennis May 16 th 23882

State of New Jersey Somerset County B: 3
Personally appeared before me William D. Gaston one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Richard Brookman who being sworn according to law, says he was well acquainted with Dennis Skyles the within named applicant previous to the Revolutionary War and was out with him in various tours of duty in said war, deponent distinctly remembers of his being out in company with applicant in the Battle of Germantown in the year 1777. Witness believes they were out at this time one month. In June 1778 was out with said Dennis the applicant in the memorable battle of Monmouth, Ten Eyck or Van Arsdale was the captain, deponent remembers of being out with applicant in a skirmish with the British at Bound Brook. This took place in the Spring of 1780. Lincoln was the Commander, both in our company under Capt. Jacob Ten Eyck. Thinks they were out at this time one month. Further, deponent remembers of being out in company with applicant at Pompton above Newark Van Arsdale was the Capt. This was also a month's tour of duty. Both deft. & applicant were born & brought up within seven miles of each other in the County of Somerset about of our age. deponent is free to say that the said Dennis Skyles the applicant performed his duty fully and in a soldierly manner, was a true friend to his country, believes his statements made in the declara- tion to be true, and that he is in all respects entitled to full credit and belief.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 22 nd day of May 1834.
Richard Brookman
W. D. Gaston

State of New Jersey Somerset County ss. Be it known that on this 2 d of June 1834 before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in S. County personally appeared Richard Houghland aged about 73 years, who being duly sworn on his oath saith that he was born raised in the neighborhood with Dennis Stryker the above named applicant. That they were enrolled in the same companies of Militia at the outbreak of the Revolution under Capt G. Garrison in S. County. Applicant recollects that S. Stryker turned out as a militia man most to Germantown (as was then S. in 1777 ) also in 1776. & 77 he was gone from home & it was said & understood at the time that he was out in the service against the British Defeats was out with S. Stryker at Red Bank the Siege & Battle of Red Bank we were out as near as I can recollect at the time about a month. Defeats was out a month & upwards with S. Stryker against the Indians along the Delaware in 1779 in the fall of the year - we were under Capt. Small In 1780. Defeats was out once or twice with S. Stryker in a skirmish at Bear Brook in S. County & along the Millstone - Defeats was out with S. Stryker at the Battle of Springfield & marched from there to Somerville where we remained a month (think under Capt Garrison Vandeput. Defeats is satisfied & verily believes that S. Stryker was out in S. County upon several tours of duty, besides the above, for it was S. & understood that

He never declined or refused to turn and to do his duty, and was called a good soldier & a friend to his country. Sworn & subscribed before me this day & year first above written.
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 2 nd day of June 1834
Richard Bicknell Hoagland mark
W. H. Gaston
I do hereby certify that Richard Bicknell & Richard Hoagland, the persons who have subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavits are men of truth and veracity and that their statements severally, are entitled to full credit and belief.
Dated June 2 nd 1834
W. H. Gaston
State of New Jersey } I John M. Mann Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that William B. Gaston before whom the foregoing affidavits of Willet Taylor, Abraham Nesbitt, Richard Bicknell and Richard Hoagland were made and whose proper signature is thereto subscribed as well as to the foregoing certificates was at the time of the state thereof and now is a Judge of said Court and Justice of the peace.

in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn. — In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this second day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty four.
J. M. Mann

State and County of New York ss.
On this sixth day of June Eighteen hundred and thirty four Personally appeared before me the undersigned clerk of the Court of General Sessions of Oyer & Terminer for the city and county of New York Dennis Striker, who being duly sworn, deponeth 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 manner
   1776 Time under whom Hours of duty     do Sept at 2 months Capt. Van Eyck to Princeton &   fall - 1 " do New Brunswick   1777 June - 2 " Capt. Garrison German town   do Oct - 2 " do Red Bank fort   1778 June - 2 " Capt. Van Arsdale Monmouth   1779 Oct. - 2 " " Smalley against the Indians in River Delaware   1780 April - 1 " " Van Eyck at Boundbrook   " June - 2 " " do Pennington   " Fall - 1 " " do Millstone  
Applicant was called out very frequently in the years of 1778 & 1779 and 1780 - not included in the above statements does not recollect that he engaged in any business particularly in the years of 1779 and 1780 as he was on duty so often that his time was almost devoted to

Marching to different places in the States that he had no leisure for any any other permanent employment — in consequence of the unsettled State of the country. And applicant also states as his firm belief that he was out on duty as a — private in the Militia of the State of New Jersey at various times more than two Years — and for such service claims a Pension. Applicant has since he made his first declaration — ascertained that two of his old associates are now living and has sent unto them affidavits attached certifying as to applicant's being a Soldier of the Revolution. Applicant was well acquainted with the deponents Richard Brokaw and Richard Hoagland in the time of the Revolution, but they had escaped his memory neither did he know that they were living.
The hereby relinquishes every claim to a Pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in Open Court. Dennis Strickler
Attest H. Meigs. Clerk of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Oyer & Terminer.

No 23882
Dennis Striker New York County New York
e
old 9 mo
$30 per ann.
send cert. to G. D. Cooper, Esq. New York
R. F. Low Esq. at New York New York County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Dennis Striker New York County State of New York -
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 - 2 - Private Capt Jon Eyck 72 years Somerset County New Jersey Traditionary Evidence, witness certificate Credible - Doctor's certificate and no reason given, papers correct   Called out Not Stated   Called Sep 1777 Not Stated Capt Jon Eyck   Called Oct 1777 Not Stated Capt Durison Colonel   Called June 1778 Not Stated McDick   Called Oct 1779 Not Stated Capt Van Arsdale   Called 15 Apr 1780 Not Stated Capt Smalley & Colonel Battle at German Town   Called 28 June Not Stated Wayning Monmouth   Called Fall 1780 Not Stated not stated   Called frequently afterwards } Not Stated Officers not stated  
Applicant thinks he served more than two years }
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
It cannot be readily admitted that the above allegations of service are insusceptible of proof, and claimants are required by the regulations to produce the best evidence in their power.

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

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

Revolution
23432 INVALID.
File No. 23,432
Dennis Stricker
His Rev War
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 322
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

Mr. 26 Mar 4 N.Y.
J. L. Edwards Esq re
Comm'r of Pensions Washington D.C.

Sir
New York March 1 st 1882
I must again call to your attention the application of Dennis Heiker for a Pension
This is the third or fourth letter I have written to you since I forwarded to you the affidavits of Samuel Swartwout & Hester (now) Bryan to neither of which have I received an answer
I repeat if you require farther proof of the respectability & veracity of Mr Heiker I can procure it and will forward it on to you
You will be pleased to let me know
Your answer
Yours V ry
Geo. H. Spofford
J. A. Edwards Esq Comm re

Apr 20 Dennis St. Ken N.Y. Apr 20
L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington (D.C.)

Sir
New York April 17. 1887
Relative to the Slain of Dennis Archer
There is no person now living, that he knows of that can prove that in the different terms out in the State of New Jersey he was out on service for two months - tho' the calls might have been made for only one month yet often their services could not be dispensed with at the end of that time and they were from necessity kept out longer - he being on the lines near the City of New York he & others in his situation were obliged at all times to be prepared to repel an attacking or foraging force -
As I have in my former letter stated to you that if other affidavits as to his standing in society will induce you to alter your decision I will forward them to you - but if your decision is final, then he has authorized me to say that he will accept a Pension for the time term that a computation there made by you would give him - Respectfully
G. H. Woodruff
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Jan. 1. 1836
My
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office Washington (D.C.)
Yours sincerely James Fitch

Sir
Mr Dennis Stickler of this City forwarded to your office his application & papers for a Pension as a Revolutionary soldier some months since. he wishes them returned, enclosed to me - N o . 20 Pine Street.
Respectfully yours
E. H. Cooper
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office
New York Dec 29. 1835

Mr. Mar 2 nd
J. A. Edwards Esq.
Benson off ce Washington D. C.
James A. Smith

Sir I applied to you some time since for a return of the Papers of Dennis Heiker - you answered that when papers have been placed on file by a decision they cannot be withdrawn except under very peculiar circumstances.
In a former letter to Mr Heiker's then agent you said the Papers of Dennis Heiker have again been examined, the evidence in this case, as now presented, is not deemed sufficient to justify the allowance of a pension for more than nine months since, the papers remain on file.
The object of Mr Heiker in wanting the papers returned was to ascertain first for what part of the service the nine months are allowed & second to procure if possible evidence to substantiate the remaining part of the service - under this view of the case I hope the papers may be enclosed to me -
Respectfully Yours &c
C. D. Goddard
No 20 Pine St.
New York Feb 29. 1885
J. L. Edwards Esq.

Seal
mt
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Count of Penfais
Washington D.C.
W. 61

New York Dec. 16. 1880.
Sir
I forwarded to you four or five weeks since the affidavits of Samuel Swartout, Col. Master and Walter Craig Surveyor of this Dist. relative to the standing of Mr Dennis Walker, a Revolutionary Soldier as a man of truth & veracity. I was in hopes these affidavits would prove satisfactory to you and that he would be allowed a Pension - if other affidavits are required they can be readily obtained, as Mr Walker is known to many of our most respectable citizens.
Mr Walker is now between 74 & 75 years of age - even if he gets a Pension, he cannot from the natural course of events, enjoy it long - those who could have proved his services are either dead or removed from that part of the country where he resided during the war - and if any be now living he knows not where to find them - it is impossible for him, or any man in his situation, to prove every month's service when those services were performed from fifty to sixty years since.
Be pleased to let me have an answer at an early day as possible
J. L. Edwards
Respectfully yours
Geo. S. Spofford
W. 20 Pine St.

P. F. Love answered 7 th Oct 1834
James P. Cheetham Commonwealth of Tennessee Nashville City

Samuel S. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
Am. Dec. Sept. 29, 1834
Last July I sent an application for a Pension by Dennis Stiker of this City — and rec d a line from you saying it had been entered on File — Two weeks since a letter was taken from the Post Office here. (directed to me from your City) by some rogue . I am apprehensive it may have contained a certificate for Mr. Stiker — Will you be so kind as to inform me whether it has been sent or not and oblige yours
Most obedient Servt Peter J. Lorr

Nov 7 Title
Stee
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commision of Pensions Washington (D.C.)
Steele

United States
of America.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, ss.
By this Public Instrument Be it known to all whom the same doth or may in any wise concern, That I, George Dunsan Cooper a Public Notary in and for the State of New-York, by Letters Patent, under the Great Seal of the said State, duly com- missioned and sworn, dwelling in the City of New-York,
Do hereby Certify, That on the day of the date hereof before me personally appeared Samuel Swift and Collette of the District of New- York and Walter Craig Surveyor of the said District who being by me duly sworn say and each for himself says That they are personally acquainted with Dennis Stiker of the City of New-York and believe him to be a person of veracity and that a declaration made by the said Dennis Stiker under oath is in the opinion of these Deponents entitled to full faith and credit.
Saml. Swift Walter Craig
An Testimony whereof, I have subscribed my name, and caused my Notarial Seal of Office to be hereunto affixed, the third day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six
G. D. Cooper Not. Pub.

Sir
Natchez Nov 4. 1880
Since your last to me of the 7 th I should have said. Stuber has been endeavoring to ascertain if there are any one living who could testify to his services during the Revolutionary War other than those who have already testified but he can find none they are he believes all dead. I send you the affidavit of Mr Stewart of Natchez and Mr Craig & Surrya of this Port they have long known him & know that his character for truth & veracity is equal to that of any other man be he whom he may. if necessary he can procure many other affidavits of the like kind - he has long lived in this city and is well known to many of our most respectable Citizens.
I hope & trust you will think favorably of his claim it will be but a short time that he can enjoy it being very old - your answer at an early day is respectfully,
Stuber
I remain Yours
C. S. Cooper
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm'te

Inverness
May 1 st 1844
Russia Papers
James L. Edwards Esq. Commission Pension Office Washington City

New York June 6, 1834
James L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir,
In any communication in regard to this Pension please address to the Subscriber Yours obediently
P. C. Lowry 86, Pearl St.