Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8344, for John Porter, Connecticut

SERVICE
Porter, John
NUMBER
R. 8344
Conn.
CONTENTS

John Porter, private, Steuben County, N.Y. various services from 1776 to 1783 latter part in col. Webb's reg t Conn. line.
27. May, 1818.
John Dow, judge, Reading, Steuben County, N. York.
Alleged to be Alleged to be Alleged to be
But it appears, however, that the name of the within applicant is found in Col. Sherman Conn. reg t in 1781. Still, however, he having enlisted in 1782 — no remarks. Reports his no. — He says he enlisted for 9 mos. and that he remained in his

State of New York Steuben County ss I Edward Howell clerk of the said County do certify that John Dow whose name appears to the preceeding declaration and certi- ficate was at the time of making thereof one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly commis- sioned and qualified as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 19 day of June A.D. 1818
E. Howell
State of New York Genesee County
ss
I Simeon Cunnings Clerk of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Richard Smith by me on the annexed affidavit appears to have been taken as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in said County and that the name subscribed thereto officially his signature in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 7 th day of Sept r 1819
Simeon Cunnings Clk by R. C. Cheadle Dep.
Richard Smith Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas

State of New York Steuben County ss Edward Howell clerk of the said County do certify that John Dow whose name appears to the preceding declaration and certi- ficate was at the time of making thereof one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly commis- sioned and qualified as such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 19 day of June A.D. 1818
E. Howell
State of New York Seneca County
Benjamin Porter being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is knowing to John Porter having enlisted as a private in the service of his Country during the revolutionary war in the Connecticut line that he enlisted on or about the first of April 1779 that he served the term for which he enlisted and was discharged on or about the first of January 1780 at Morristown New Jersey And this deponent further saith that he (this deponent) was not acquainted with the Captain nor does he know any of the officers under whom he did serve further this deponent saith not
Benjamin Porter
Subscribed this 7th day of before me
Richard Smith Judge of the Gen. Com. Pleas

State of New York } County of Steuben }
On this twenty seventh day of may A.D. 1818 before me John Dow one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the said County personally appears John Porter aged Sixty four years resident in the town of Hadding in the said County of Steuben and State of New York who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war." That he the said John Porter enlisted in the service of the United States in the war of the revolution in April or may A.D. 1778 for the term of six months in the State of Connecticut, that he belonged to the Company Command- ed by Captain Stearns  Hoad of the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Douglas that he continued to serve in the said Corps or in the service of the United States until the 25 th of December when he was dis- charged from service at Fishkill That he again enlisted in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war in march or April A.D. 1779 for the term of eight months, in the State of Connecticut that he belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain Baldwin of the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Ennis the Christian names of the Captain and Colonel he dont rec- lect that he continued to serve in the said Corps or in the service of the United States the said term of time until the 25 th of January A.D. 1780 when he was discharged from service about four miles from Morris- town in the State of New Jersey. That he again enlist- ed in the service of the United States in may or June A.D. 1780 as near as he can recollect, for the term of eight months that the Captain name who Commanded the Com- pany he belonged to, and served in, he has forgotten that the name of the Lieutenant of the Company he belonged to at that time was Chapman of the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Baldwin that he continued to serve in the said Corps or in the ser- vice of the United States the said term of time un- til the 15 th of January A.D. 1781 to the best of his remem- brance when he was discharged from service in

in said Corps - That he again enlisted in the Service of the United States for the term of nine months in the army of the revolutionary war, some time about the 1 st of March A.D. 1782 in the State of Connecticut that he belonged to, and served in the Company commanded by Captain Sill of the Regiment of which Lieutenant Colonel Troop, was the Lieutenant Colonel, and Major Smith was the Major. that the name of the Colonel he don't recollect - That he continued to serve in the said Corps or in the Service of the United States the said term of time until some time in the month of January A.D. 1783 when he was discharged from service by Colonel Webb that he had previous to his discharge been transferred to the said Colonel Webb's Regiment of the Connecticut line. that he was discharged at West Point in the State of New York. and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support and that he has no other power of his said Service, his being lost.
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year first aforesaid
John Porter
John Dow
I, John Dow one of the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Herkber the certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John Porter did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and the testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress.
May 27 th A.D. 1818
John Dow
I John Dow the Judge aforesaid do hereby further certify that I am personally acquainted with the said John Porter and it appears to my satisfaction that he the said John Porter is in reduced circumstances and actually stands in need of the assistance of his Country for support. June 19 th 1818 John Dow

In the matter of John Porter Pension
ex? aged 67 yrs?
wife 64 yrs old -
both of them feeble -
Sched: $ 22.50 -

State of New York
Herkin County 3 d On this 9 th day of February 1820 Personally appeared me Open Court being a Court of Record for said County John Porter aged About Sixty Seven Years who being first duly sworn according to Laws doth on his Oath make the following declaration in Order to Obtain the provisions made by the act of Congress of the 18 th March 1818 and the 1 st May 1820 that he the said John Porter enlisted in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War in April or May 1776 for the term of Six Months in the State of Connecticut that he belonged to the Company of Capt d Hurd of the Regiment Commanded by Col. Douglass (Christian names not remembered) and that he continued to Serve in said Corps until the 25 th December following when he was discharged at Fishkill in the State of New York that he again enlisted in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary Army on the first of March 1779 in the Company of Capt d Bell (as nearly as he can recollect) in the Regiment of Col d Baldwin in the State of Connecticut so to serve until the 31 st December following when he was discharged from Service  Army about 4 Miles from Morristown in New Jersey That he again enlisted in the service of the United States in May or June 1780 as nearly as he can recollect for the term of Nine Months that the name of the Capt d in whose Company he enlisted is not remembered but that the name of the Lieut t was Chapman and the Regiment Commanded by Col d Baldwin also in the Connecticut line That he continued to serve in said Regiment until the 15 th of January 1781 (as nearly as he recollects) when he was discharged from service That he again enlisted in the service of the United States for the term of 9 Months some time about the first

of March 1782 in the State of Connecticut that he belonged to and served in the Company Commanded by Capt Sill in the Regiment of Which Col Troop was Lieutenant Col and one Smith Major the Christian names of which are disremembered that he continued to serve in said Corps until so times in the months of January 1783 When he was discharged from service by one Col Webb to whose Regiment in the Connecticut line he had previously been transferred that he was discharged at West Point in New York That he was in the Battle of White Plains and in several Skirmishes during the time of his respective services And in pursuance of the Act of the 1 st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a Resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th March 1818 and that I have not since that time by Gift Sale or in any manner disposed of My Property or any part thereof with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision of an Act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for Certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any Property or securities Contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule herunto annexed and by me subscribed.
Schedule
Real Estate I have none
Personal Estate) One Cow, one Calf, one Hoe, one Table, Six Common Chairs, Six Knives & Forks, Six Tea Cups & Saucers, Five Plates, One Pot, One Bottle

Little, one Tea Kettle, one Tea Pot, four spoons  platters , five Chairs two Augers one Adz My occupation is that of a House Carpenter but by reason of debility and weakness of Body am unable to perform the labour of a Common Hand My family Consists of two sons My Wife Aged about 64 Years Who has for about 24 Years past been in a feeble state of Health and for the principal part of the time unable to perform labour - and is now helpless - and myself - Sworn to and declared this 8 th day of Feb y 1821 - before me E. Howell Clerk of Steuben Com d Pleas
John Porter
Steuben County ss: I, Edward Howell, Clerk of the County of Steuben, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is twenty two dollars, & fifty Cents -
In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set My hand and affixed the seal of the said County, at Bath, this 1 st day of March 1821 -
Edward Howell Clk

18,049-n
John Porter
Bath
Danice but  Healy Bath, N.H.
19 1822.
Rec. 21 John
Hee
John C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington City District of Columbia

Bath N.Y. Feby 11. 1822
Hon J C Calhoun Sir,
I re-enclose you the pension papers of John Porter with the expla- natory affidavit received by your note. As this application has been long pending, and as the proof is now complete, the Mr Porter will feel much obliged to the department if his case can be decided before the 4th March.
Very respectfully
Daniel Dorr

8344 am
P. O.
John Porter
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
REJECTED
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
artif con Ohio Lydia 8526 " " 16-1 Mary 21 988
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contr
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

18.049
John Porter New York
Revolutionary
Rejected, see letters noted within
83 HJ

18,049✓
John Porter,
James Taylor Reading, N.Yk.
Recd 24 July 1822
Suspended. see letter to James Taylor, Esq. Reading, Steubenville New York - Sept. 17. 1822.
See letter 23 d . March 1827 to Hon. D. Mannin. see letter 30 July 1828 to A. A. Van Buren. - do. to Hon. W. Babcock H. R. Jan. 31 1832 -
The letters to A. A. Van Buren belong to John Porter reg'd N o 8345

182
Mr John Porter
Reading Steuben County New York

Comptroller's Office
Canterford June 20 th 1820
Sir
I have received your Letter addressed to his Excellency Oliver Wolcott, respecting your services in the revolutionary army, &c and have agreeably to your request examined the books of this Office, but have not been able to find your name, as having served as stated by you. — I find that a John Porter (the only one on the book) enlisted into Col Baldwin's regiment in March 1779. and served, or was paid for his services to the 31 Decem r 1780. — which was the time according to your statement, that you enlisted into Col Ennis Regiment, of course you cannot be the same person — your services in Col Ennis regiment would not entitle you to a pension could you make the necessary proof as his regiment was not on the Continental establishment. —
I am respectfully your obed t Serv t James Thomas Compt r
Mr John Porter Reading

I Ruth Egleston, wife of James Egleston of Bethlehem, in the county of Litchfield and state of Connecticut of lawful age depose and say that, in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine, say, in March or April, John Porter, (then John Porter Jr.) moved with his family, (which then consisted of his wife and one child,) to our house in the town of Wa- terbury, in the Society of Westbury, now Watertown in said County of Litchfield, his family lived there one year during which time, he (the said Porter was gone a soldier, or in the service of the United States ten months or more, and further the deponent saith not
Ruth Egleston
Litchfield County (State of Connecticut ss. -
Bethlehem April 9 th 1823
Personally appeared Ruth Egleston, the above Deponent, and made oath that the above deposition by her subscribed is true & correct. before me.
Nathan Benton Jr. Justice of Peace
Said Porter lives now (he says) in the state of New York N. Benton Jr.

Bethlehem C. T. 21 April
Rev.
Hon. John C. Calhoun Secretary of War Washington City.
Recd 28 Apr. 1823

I James Eggleston of Bethlehem in the County of Litchfield in the state of Con- necticut of lawful age, depose and say, that John Porter, then John Porter Jr. lived at my home in Hartbury, now Watertown in said coun- ty of Litchfield, some time during the Revolution- ary war, and that his family remained there while he was gone a soldier, or in the ser- vice of the United States, but am not able to state how long, he was in the service, - further the deponent saith not James Eggleston
State of Connecticut, Litchfield County Jr. Bethlehem April 9 th 1823
Personally appeared James Eggleston the above deponent and made oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true and correct before me
Nathan Benton Jr. Justice of Peace

State of New York Steuben County ss
On the 6 th day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty two personally appeared in open Court John Porter now of Wayne in the County aforesaid & being duly sworn saith that he is the said identical John Porter mentioned in the foregoing letter of James Thomas Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, dated on the 20 th June 1820. That in his first declaration made before John Dowe Esqr. on the 27 May 1818 which is hereunto annexed, he from the frailty of his memory being a very old man, stated by mistake that he served in Baldwins Company & Ennis Regiment, when it ought to have been Capt. Sills Company & Col. Baldwins Regiment as stated in the declaration hereunto also annexed taken in open Court on the 8 th February 1821. And this deponent further saith that the mistake arose from his having served in Col Ennis Regiment, but which service was before the service as stated in the last preceding declaration in Col Baldwins Regiment.
Sworn to and declared in open Court this 6 th day of February 1822
John Porter
before me John McCralfe Clerk of Steuben County
Steuben County ss Clerk's office ss I John McCralfe Clerk of said County do hereby certify that the above affidavit is a true copy of the original affidavit now

an file in said office
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County at Bath this 11 th day of February 1822
John Metcalfe Clerk

Reading 183 July 13.
182
Recd July 24. 1822.
S. L. Edwards Esquire Pension Office
Washington City.

State of New York } Steuben County ss }
I John Porter of Reading in the said County being duly sworn doth depose and say that sometime in May or June 1776 - he this deponent was enlisted for six months in Thadus - (or "Thad" as he was called) Hurd's company by our Ensign Elisha Clark at Bethlehem in Connecticut and that the company shortly marched to the city of New-York - where it continued, and at Fort - Washington until New-York - was taken possession of by the British troops - that after the battle of White-Plains - he marched with said company to Fishkill where he was discharged from this term of service - and further that the name of the - Commandant of the Regiment to which Captain - Hurd's company belonged he does not remember.
This deponent further saith that after having passed muster at a place called Litchfield in Connecticut - he joined Capt. Sills company at Nelson's Point (so called) a place nearly opposite of West-Point on the North River - on or about the middle of April 1779 - That this company belonged to a Regiment commanded by one Col. Baldwin. That our Lieutenant Chapman had the command of this company - Capt. Sill himself as this deponent has always understood. Having been appointed aid  de camp to Lord Sterling - from Nelson's Point - or near there. This deponent marched, towards the fall of that year. to Morristown where he was discharged the 15 th Jan y . 1780 - This deponent cannot now recollect with certainty any of the names of his Brothers soldiers in this company -

- And this deponent further saith that on the 25 th April (as he thinks) 1782. he again entered the Service at a place called the High-lands on the north River in a company the name of whose commander is not remembred. but that the name of a Lieutenant in said company was. Bement or Bemon. - The Regiment was commanded by Col. Sherman - and this deponent also remembred one Major Smith belonged to the same Regiment. - This deponent further saith that he continued in this Company and Regiment until it was disbanded late in the fall - and then went to West-Point. Where he received his discharge from one Col. Webb. - and that all his discharges are lost or destroyed. - And this deponent further saith that the above statement is as circumstantial. and correct as his memory will permit. with any considerable degree of certainty - he being in his 89 th year and considerably infirm - and further this deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed this 8 th day of July 1822. before } John Porter
Mr. James Norton, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in said County
This may certify that I have been acquainted with the above named John Porter for about six years last past and know him to be uncommonly industrious considering his infirmities, and believe him to be honest and in all respects to possess a good moral character - he is really in incipient circumstances -
James Norton J. C. C. P.

Reading (Shurton Co.) N. G. July 9 th 1822.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir,
Your letter under date of 31 st
of May last addressed to Mr. Cruger of Bath. - Has been handed me with a request that I would get a further Statement of facts from Old Mr. Porter to be forwarded to your department. - His declaration not corresponding with the Records in your office - You suggest the propriety of his naming some of his Brother Soldiers in Capt. Hill's Company in his inclosed affidavit. He has done so. so far - as he can distinctly remember - and if all the facts now in your possession will not justify granting him a Pension - I wish you would retain the papers and drop me a line at this place . As the Old Gentleman finds it extremely inconvenient, and burdensome, to call so often on Mr. Cruger - a distance from this Town of nearly 30 miles. He has requested me to take the charge of his concerns in this particular. - He can undoubtedly by making a journey into Connecticut procure a satisfactory Statement of facts, but besides being very fatiguing. He has no funds to undertake the journey.
If it becomes necessary we must however made individual exertion to enable him to do so. - If not incompatible with the manner of doing this business at your office it is much to be desired, that you would state to what points , and to what extent , Mr. Porter's inquiries should, be hereafter directed - I will merely add, that from the language of your letter, I stated to Judge Norton - the probability that Mr. Porter's moral character stood impeached at the War - department - and since his certificate to which may be added those of all his acquaintances if of any service. -
Yours ab t Humble Serv t James Taylor