Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8734, for William Rhodes, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Navy (R.I.) Privateer
Rhodes, William
R. 8734
CONTENTS

Section of Wm Rhodes. Evanston.
25304
by the liquid in some way... thereby and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.

Pennsylvania Green County
On this 19 th day of March A.D. 1833 personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of now sitting. The undersigned of Green County Penna. aged seventy 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 Compromise Passed June the 7 th 1833
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer & served as herein stated.
That in August 1776 he sailed from Boston Harbor Island in a vessel called the "Francis" to London and was there com- -pelled to enter the Whaling service as go to prison. After sailing from London to the Bra- =zil Coasts. The third time on a Whaling ex- =pedition he was captured by the Frigate "Belleville" and taken into the Port of "Brest" in France. Thence to Brest prison and was confined there twelve months. When the officers of the "Boston Rebound" came to the prison and entered him and to go on board the "Bona- =m Rebound" commanded by "Paul Jones" to cruise in the British Channel. and continued upon this cruise three months in which time they took the "Countess of Scarborough" a British vessel of sixty four guns. in taking which they lost their own vessel the "Boston Rebound" and sailed to Holland in the Countess "St Scar- =borough" the French vessel they captured. and this vessel was discharged from the service at Amsterdam Holland. That in 1780 this vessel sailed from France in the Pilgrim Privateer.

Commanded by Captain Robinson returned to Boston, and sailed from thence to Nassau Isle of Cuba, from thence they again set sail for Boston but on the voyage was captured by the "Bellona" a British cruiser and taken to New York and put on the old Lissy Miss ship and was confined there six months and then released by a land Castal from Boston.
This defendant then returned home to Rhode Island where he remained until the fall of 1782. When the first of November, 82 he entered as a second Lieutenant on board the brig "Fire Brand" commanded by Captain Thomas Fraser a vessel of war for the employment of the state, and sailed for Amsterdam. and was six months in performing the voyage and returned to Boston at the conclusion of the war, about the time the preliminaries of peace were settled; having performed in all eighteen months service. Twelve months as a common seaman & six months as second Lieutenant. For which service he claims a pension. He knows of no persons at present by whom he can prove his services, but has some documentary evidence which will establish his service on board the "Fire Brand", which is herewith transmitted.
1 st He was born in Rhode Island on the 18 th March 1759
2 d He has a record of his age in his bible
3 d He lived in Rhode Island when he entered the service and remained there some time after the war he then removed to Green County Pennsylvania where he still resides.

He went voluntarily into the service,
The name of his office are stated in his declaration.
He never received any written discharge.
The Rev d Nicholas Hays & wife Sarah will testify as to his reputation.
You hereby acknowledge every pension or annuity whatever except the present, and declare that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any estate.
Sworn and subscribed in open Court March 19 th 1833 Elias Root. Proth y
Wm Rhodes
The Reverend Nicholas Hays and wife Sarah of Washington Green county do certify that we are well acquainted with William Rhodes who has sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of age that he is reported to have been in the naval service of the United States during the revolutionary war in the neighborhood where he resides and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed in open Court March 19 th 1833
Elias Root. Proth y
Nicholas Hays Sarah Hays

Since the recent discovery of the three opinions of the the investigation of the the of the the the the subversive proceedings by the late the  the  the  the Phoebe who has the  the  the  the is a the  the  the  the Since the the  the  the  the to them that the  the  the  the going certificate is a the  the  the  the -ling Greene Co. Penn. and that the  the  the  the has also signed the same is a the  the  the  the place and is a the  the  the  the their statement is entitled to credit.
See the for Phoebe Fannin. 25304
Greene County Pa. Pennsylvania
I do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Phoebe Phoebe for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 19th day of March A.D. 1883.
Ennis Hawks Prothon.

e No 25304
William Rhodes Green County Penn a
Privatizing not allowed. — letter.
8734
A. P. Flemmer Union Town Penn a

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. 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, shewing the Service of William Rhodes Green County Pennsylvania
   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.     Sailed Aug 1776 - 3 - Seaman The Francis 74 years Rhode Island Traditional evidence certified credible & Clergyman's certificate, papers   Sailed 1780 - 6 - Seaman Pilgrim Privateer, Capt Robinson. Correct - one piece of Documentary evidence not attached to the declaration   Sailed 1782 - 6 - 2nd Lieut Brig Fine brand, Capt Shader,  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , who has 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 pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] 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.

MM 177
June 17, 1925
Mrs. Adeline R. Crouse 1491 Westchester Ave., New York City.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 8734 it appears that William Rhodes was born March 16, 1759 in Rhode Island, the place not stated.
While a resident of said state he sailed from there in August 1778 on ship Francis to London and there compelled to go to prison or in whaling service , and therefore sailed to Brazil, was captured by frigate Bellepaule taken to France where he was imprisoned for twelve months from whence he entered on U. S. S. "Bonhomme Richard", Captain John Paul Jones, was in engagement with the British ship " Countess of Scarborough", served three months and was discharged at Amsterdam.
In 1780 he sailed from France on the Privateer "Pilgrim", Captain Robinson, was captured by British ship " Belisarius" taken to New York, confined on Jersey prison ship six months until exchanged.
He entered in November  Nov. 1 1782 as Second Lieutenant (changed as per orig.)

on Brig "Firebrand", Captain Phineas Frazer, and served six months.
He applied for pension March 19, 1833 while a resident of Greene County, Pennsylvania, but his claim was not allowed as he did not render but three months service in the Navy of the United States.
The pension laws required six months service and did not cover service on private vessels.
The above noted is the only sailor of Rhode Island named William Rhodes found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

5734
P. O. William Rhodes Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: Printed list of 1852 gives as cause of rejection = "Priv. Re-enlisted: after service"
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .
1925 June 17 - Hist. to Mrs. Adeline P. Greene, MM, N.E.

Extract from the Journal of W m Rhodes, an applicant for a Pension Under Act of June 7. 1832, whose claim was Rejected.
The Original Journal, of which the enclosed is an extract, was accompanied with the papers of W m R. and was returned  sent to Hon A. Stewart at his request, on the 26. March 1834 —

Pennsylvania
William Rhodes
Rejected
Act 7 June 1832
See letter to
R. P. Flinn Esq Union Town Pa
12 June 1833
(not found)
Wm Rhodes, Original Journal Sub to Hon A. Stewart H.R.
Mar 26 1834

1491 Westchester Avenue, New York City....April 14, 1925.
Bureau of Pensions, DEPARTMENT of the INTERIOR, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
In the Revolutionary War, there was a WILLIAM RHODES a LIEUTENANT to Captain GRIMES, which latter officer commanded one of two vessels of the RHODE ISLAND Navy. The R. I. Navy, as I understand it, consisted of two ships at first----the 'Katy' and I think the 'Lady Washington'-----which was he Lieutenant Captain of? His wife was Elizabeth (Arnold) Fenner. He was son of John Rhodes, and of Mercy Williams-RHODES ( or grand-daughter? dau. of Roger Williams). Did he receive a pension for Revolutionary War services? He also "captained" a privateering sloop, the "Montgomery". Is there any way I can find out the record of his services? I am not sure whether he is the BROTHER of my KNOWN*Revolutionary War soldier-ancestor, or the father of same? Are names of his children given in his record? Is one named "WALTER"? Or did a WALTER RHODES who married a MARY HILL at North Kingston, Rhode Island, serve in the Revolution?
I would sincerely thank you for data on these two men--- one IS an ancestor, and perhaps the other? I have most of their records, but no OFFICIAL PROOFS that I can surely claim as substantiation of my correct descent.
Thanking you in advance for a reply at your convenience, I am
Sincerely yours,
(Mrs.) Adeline R. Crouse. 1491 Westchester Avenue, New York City. D.A.R....No...160213 .

Weeks days years dates days
Daily Transactions in Amsterdam River.
Saturday 28 Decem r 1782.
Moderate Breezes W, and thick weather at 7. a.m. Weighed anchor beat up to the pom hoses where we ran aground, and lay all night, latter part thick Rainy dark weather.
Sunday 29.
Begins with fresh from W. N.W. at 8 a.m. weighed anchor made sail, beat up the River, came too as far up as the lower part of the City in 3. fathoms; Latter part cloudy, unbent Jib, Top & sails and main stay sail, got in jib boom. Captain went on shore, Received some fresh beef.
Monday 30
Fresh breezes from Westward, and thick weather. Weighed and beat up to our mooring place, moored opposite the City, cleared up decks, got up derick, making preparations for discharging our cargo - latter part moderate breezes, Received some fresh beef 2 casks of water 2 1/2 barrels.
Tuesday 31
This 24 hours begins with gentle breezes at W. N.W. and fine pleasant weather - Discharged our cargo, loosed and dried sails, unbent Top Sails. At 4. a.m. the Ship boats hauled along side of us, sent on shore our powder.
Wednesday 1. Jan y 1783
Moderate breezes, and breezes and pleasant weather - Discharged one lighter load of ballast - unbent the remainder part of our sails, launch'd top masts - Latter part squalls of snow; some of our people on shore upon liberty.
Thursday 2.
Moderate breezes from S. W. and clear weather, got our yards and top masts down on deck, Boatswain and David Drake broke their liberty with four others. At 10. a.m. the caulker began to caulk our sides.

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Union Town 23 d May
L. L. Edwards Esq r Com ee Pensions
Sir
I enclose another the papers of Mr Rhodes an applicant for a pension for naval services. Mr Rhodes I am personally acquainted with. He is a high minded, honorable man. in all walks of life has had or was represented. accompanying his application is a book. which although written by himself will furnish evidence of part of his services. There is no doubt of the naval services of this man.
I hope the woman to be your friend & send
R. P. Flannigan