Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21936, for Joel Read, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Read, Joel
S. 21936
CONTENTS

15679  Rhode Island  Col Read
of 8 th M t Btry in the State of R.I. who was a M t Sgt. in the Company commanded by Captain Richardson of the Reg t commanded by Col Walker in the Mass line for 2 Mos & 21 days Mustered in Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of R.I. at the rate of 79 75 Dollars 34 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of July 1833 and Seal B t B t Cowell Pensions & P t . Arrears to the 4 th of March 1833 $58.68 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th M t 39.97 $198.35
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. Addison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 12

Yad Rud 69 Z.
18894

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc.
County of Providence On this 20 th day of August A.D. 1837 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session— Isaac Head a resident of North Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 79 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 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born August 16 th 1753 in Attleborough Mass as by the records of that town will appear, lived there when he entered the Service. Since the War until five years past which he has lived in North Providence.
1. He enlisted into a regiment of Infantry under Col. Timothy Walker - Lt Col. S. Leonard & Maj. A. Mitchell and served as Sergeant in a company commanded by Capt. Caleb Richardson, Lt E. Robinson & Ensign S. Stanley; he entered the service the first of May 1775 at Attleborough Mass. Served eight months at Roxbury and Dorchester, near Boston, and was dismissed Jan 9 th 1776 was under Genl Thomas, Genl Ward, &c until Genl Washington arrived, was not at Bunker Hill Battle being stationed on the Opposite side of the Town of Boston, where the British Troops were.
2. And this applicant further states, that in the beginning of July 1776 he enlisted in a Reg t of New-Levis under Col. Simeon Carey, Lt Col. S. Richardson & Maj. John Pain and marched from Attleborough Mass. to New York City in a Company commanded by Capt. Caleb Richardson, Lt Benj. Tingley & Ensign William Sweetland served and was Orderly Sergeant five months, being dismissed the first of December 1776 - he was in the City of N.Y. at the time of the Battle on Long Island August 27 th . he was wounded on the 15 day of Sept r 1776. when the British Troops landed on N. York Island near Harlem - he was at the Battle at White-plains October 28 1776 and was dismiss d Dec r 1. 1776. in this Campaign he was in Genl. Fellows, Brigade & Spencer's Division -
3. And this applicant further states, that he enlisted in a Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Stephen Richardson Lt. Enoch Robinson & B. Maxey (he cannot recollect the field Officers) he marched in said company, to Tiverton R.I. and there served as Orderly Sergeant one Month it was October 1. 1777. in the Expedition Under Genl. Spencer called the secret expedition when several feints were made to cross over to Rhode Island where the British Troops then were but it did not succeed.
4. And this Applicant further states, that in June 1778, he enlisted in a company commanded by Capt. Samuel Robinson, & Lt - Hall (under Col. Peabody he thinks) marched to Providence and served one month as Militia under Genl. Sullivan was dismissed July 12 th 1778.
5. And this Applicant further states that in August 1778 he was at Rhode Island & Tiverton with the Militia commanded by  under Capt. Evans, under Genl. Sullivan, & La Fayette, when the French Fleet were there, part of the time, & cleared out & left the

Expedition Under Genl. Spencer called the secret expedition when several faints were made to cross over to Rhode Island where the British troops then were but it did not succeed.
4 And this Applicant further states, that in June 1778, he enlisted in a Company commanded by Capt. Samuel Robinson, & Lt. Hall. (under Col. Peabody he thinks) marched to Providence and served one month as Militia under Genl. Sullivan was dismissed July 12 th 1778.
5 And this Applicant further states that in August 1778 he was at Rhode Island & Tiverton with the Militia commanded by  under Capt. Evans, under Genl. Sullivan, & La Fayette, when the French Fleet were there part of the time, & cleared out & left the army in danger. He was in the retreat from the South lines up to Butts hill, was near the Battle on the 29 th of Aug r and in the retreat off the Island and was dismissed Sept y 1778.
And this Applicant further states that he was called upon and turned out with the Minute-men of Attleborough on the 19 th April 1778 under Capt. Jabez Ellis went to Providence & served a private Soldier in said Company fourteen days & was dismissed.
he also served at the Alarm when the British troops Burned Bristol & Warren R.I. he marched with the Militia and was out three days - in May or June 1777 under Capt. Jacob Ide - as a private Soldier.
he also went under Capt. Paul Robinson in July 1779 and served as a private Soldier at Swanzy Mass s six days when a British Fleet was seen off Newport.
In each of the above terms of service this applicant marched from Attleborough Mass s & resided there through the War of the revolution My services in All amounting to (16 Months, Sixteen Months & Three Weeks) had no other discharge.

and three days - in May or June 1777 under Capt m Jacob Ide - as a private Soldier -
He also went under Capt t Paul Robinson in July 1779 and served as a private Soldier at Swanzy Mass t six days when a British Fleet was seen off Newport
In each of the above terms of service this applicant marched from Attleborough Mass t & resided there through the War of the revolution My services in All amounting to (16 M o 3 W k ) Sixteen Months & Three Weeks have no written discharge
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 aforesaid.
Joel Preach Collet B. Blawell Clk
We, _____ a Clergyman, residing in the and _____ residing in _____ 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 day and year aforesaid.
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 Rev Joseph Cushman Edward who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Richd Lehanick Bishop William Sweetland and that Eph m Tripp & Sam l Draper who also signed the same is a resident in the have testified for aid applicant as resident as they stated and credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Guil Reed for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 19 th day of November 1852
Benja Cowell Clk

Depositions &c
Edward Richards 4/2 for Joel Read

I Edward Richards of Attleborough being of lawful age to give evidence & engaged according to law) Do testify and say that Joel Read then of Attleborough was in the army of the revolution in the Company Commanded by Samuel Robinson & Lieut - Hall, one Month, (in June and July) in the year 1778 and I was with the said Joel Read in the same Company at Providence Under Gen l Sullivan and our term of Service ended July 12, 1778
Edward Richards
Bristol ss. Aug t 8. 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Edward Richards & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed before me he being a credible witness.
Levi May Jus. of p e Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I James Sprague Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Levis May Esq r whose signature is affixed to the above certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court. This fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred thirty two Jas s Sprague

Zeph. Bishop 2 for Joel Reads Esq.

I Zephaniah Bishop of Attleborough in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age & duly engaged do testify & say That Joel Read was With me in the Army of the revolution at New York five month in the company commanded by Caleb Richardson in Cary's Reg't & Fellow's Brigade and the said Read was Sergeant during said term of five months his Zephaniah Bishop mark Learn May
Bristol ss. July 26. 1832. Then personally appeared Zephaniah Bishop & made oath to the truth of the above deposition before me --- he being an credible witness. Learn May Jus. of P. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ss. I James Spratt, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Samuel May Esq. whose signature is affixed to the above certificate, is a Justice of the Peace in for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty two
Jas. Spratt

2' 4" Mrs. Sweetland for Joel Brady

I William Sweetland of Attleborough in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusetts engaged according to Law do hereby say that I was a soldier in the Army of the Revolution at New York for the term of five months & that Joel Read was with me for the same term in the Company commanded by Col. Richardson Capt. & in Col. Simeon Bary Regiment in the year 1776. ending Dec r 1. 5 th same year. & I further say that I served with the said Joel Read at Providence R.I. for one month in the year 1778 in Company commanded by Sam d . Robinson Capt. when General Sullivan commanded. William Sweetland
Bristol ss. July 26. 1832. Then personally appeared William Sweetland & made oath to the truth of this deposition the said Sweetland being a Credible Witness before me
Levi May Jus of Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol do hereby certify that Leavine May Esq r , whose signature is affixed to the above certificate is a Justice of the peace in the said County of Bristol and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty two
J. Sprout

I Ephraim Tripp of Attleborough in the County of Bristol & Commonwealth of Massachusett, of Lawfull age to give evidence, (being duly engaged) do testify and say, that I was in the Army at Roxbury in the year 1775, and Joel Read was enlisted in the same Company commanded by Caleb Richardson Capt n and Enoch Robinson Lieut t & Solomon Stanley Ensign and that said Joel Read served as a noncommissioned officer the term of eight months ending Jan 1. 1776. The field Officers of the Regt. were Timothy Walker Col. — Nath l Leonard Lieut Col, & Abiel Mitchel Maj r . We were quartered part of the term in Roxbury & part in Dorchester, near Boston Mass ts .
Dated Attleborough July 25. 1832.
Ephraim Tripp
Writtel J.
I certify that the above named Ephraim Tripp personally appeared and made oath that the above affidavit is just and true before me
Attleborough July 25 th 1832 A.D. 1832
Ebenezer Briggs } Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Of Bristol ss. I James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Solomon Briggs Esq., whose signature is subscribed to the within certificate, is a Justice of the peace in for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths, &c.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty two. J. Sprout
John D. Sleeper
Wrote for the 1832 - 3 25 60 21
15.2 20 88 20 10 10 16

I Samuel Draper of Attleborough in the County of Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of Lawfull age to give evidence (& being duly engaged) do testify & say, that I was a Soldier in the Army of the Revolution at Roxbury in the year 1775. & that Joel Read was enlisted and served in the same Company commanded by Caleb Richardson Capt. - & Enoch Robinson Lieut. - & Solomon Stanley Ensign - and that the said Joel Read Served as a Noncommissioned Officer during the term of eight months ending Jan. 1. 1776 in the Regt Commanded by Col Timothy Walker & Nath l Leonard & Abiel Mitchell said Regt was quartered partly in Roxbury & partly in Dor- -chester. near Boston Mass t .
Dated Attleborough July 25. 1832
Samuel Draper
Bristol ss. July 26. 1832. Then personally appeared Sam d Draper and made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed he being a credible witness before me
Levi May Jus. of P. Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Sam l D. Sleeper Esq r First Reader
Bristol ss. I James Sprout, clerk of the court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Lemuel May Esq r -- whose signature is affixed to the within certificate is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this fourteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two. J. Sprout

Joseph Cushman of Attleborough in the County of Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence & engaged according to according to Law. do testify & say that Joel Read was a noncommissioned officer in the revolutionary war, and I was with him in the company commanded by Capt Stephen Richardson at Tiverton R.I. & we served one month in October 1777— and that said Joel Read was Orderly Sergeant (so called) at the Secret expedition under Genl. Spencer—
Joseph Cushman
Bristol J. Augt. 7. 1832. Then personally appeared Joseph Cushman & made oath to the truth of the above deposition by him signed before me. and he is a credible Witness. — Lemuel May Junr of y. P.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss. I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Samuel May Esq. whose signature is affixed to the within certificate, is a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of August in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred thirty two.
James Spratt

E
e. 1894
Joel Read Providence County Rhode Island
Then at 16 mo 21 days
At 16
First 14 Months
Part 2 - 21 days
16 - 21
to
70 6.67 2.67 79.34
Bloville Providence Rhode Island

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 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 show what is necessary to be done. These 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 Joel Read Providence County R. Island
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Entered 1775 May - 8 - Sergt. Capt Richardson Genl Washington Genl Thomas Col Walker Roxbury and Dorchester. 79 years Traditionary and living Witnesses   Enlisted 1776 July - 5 - Sergt. Capt Richardson Genl Fellows Col Gage White Plains Attleborough New York Attleborough Massachusetts 5 certified credible one not certified 40.   Enlisted 1777 Oct - 1 - Sergt. Capt Richardson Genl Spencer Trenton Pa. I. No Clergymans Cert. & papers not properly attached   Enlisted 1778 June - 1 - private Capt Robinson Col Peabody Genl Sullivan Providence   1778 Aug. Time not stated - - - Capt Evans Genl Sullivan Genl Ray   1775 Sept 15 th - - 14 private Capt Ellis Roxbury   May or June 1777. - - 3 private Capt Ide   July 1779 - - 6 private Swanzey Massachusetts  
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) _____ 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 day 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 , or two or three  years , 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 report.
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.
[1] 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.
[2] 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 11 applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. I. 21936.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
May 20th, 1898.
Sir:-
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Joel Read made an application for pension on August 20th, 1832, at which time he was 79 years of age and residing at North Providence, Rhode Island, and his pension was allowed for sixteen months and twenty-one days' actual service as a private and sergeant in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Richardson and Col. Walker. He enlisted at Attleborough, Mass.
A very careful search has been made and the name of Joel Read has not been found upon the War of 1812 pension or bounty land records on file in this Bureau.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mr. Edmund B. Read,
227 Federal Street,
Camden, N. J.

Revolution
21 936 INVALID.
File No. 21 936
Genl. 1775
Genl. 1775-76
Act: June 7 th 1775
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Camden, N.J. 83 Reel MAY 22 1898

1
NOV 2 1961 RECEIVED B.

EDMUND E. READ, JR., ATTORNEY AT LAW, No. 227 FEDERAL STREET, CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY.
Camden N.J. Feb. 15, 1898
Dear Sir -
I beg leave to write for information concerning service of Joel Read a soldier in war of 1812 . He served either as from Pennsylvania or New Jersey. He died Nov. 12, 1846 and was at that time a pensioner of the U.S. I therefore write you to ask you to kindly inform me what your records show as to his service etc.
Yrs truly
E. E. Read Jr.

My Dear Sir Pawtucket Rhode Island July 1 st 1833. You may perceive that I have served in
the War of the revolution at the beginning of that Struggle which was the Occasion of our being a free & independent Nation, by looking at my declaration which is in your office; — I always have thought I stood fair for a Pension but in former time, I had Property; and until the the great Overturn of things in my Neighborhood at Pawtucket R.I. (5 or 6 years ago) & perhaps with my miscalculation I am left almost destitute, and depend on my friends for support, my Labor being small. —
My hopes of having some relief from Government has been increasing ever since 1831. Congress having been Moving, Arguing, resolving &c &c and flattering the Old Soldiers until June 1832, then something took place really animating! my hopes were redoubled! I procured a copy of the Act & a copy of the rule by which Application might be made out, I attended Court, &c. Made my declaration & was sworn before the District Court at Providence R.I. produced affidavits from as many of my Old partners in the war as was necessary, and carried to court with me A Chogyman & a Citizen; and all this went through very well; I then asked what more I had to do, Nothing says Clerk Cowell; Then I returned to my quarters, concious of having done my duty in complying with the Law of June 7. 1832, and have since been waiting and hoping, searching Newspapers, and frequently when I was able travel to Providence, and enquire at the District Clerks Office but hear nothing from my much wished for Certificate. —
I hear that many others near me are happy in receiving their Certificates, who are not so needy as I am, — Sometimes I am told we are taken up by States, some say Alphabetically, and some say by rotation or as our papers arrived & came into the Office, but

but none of these rules seem to me to be it - I am also told that I must not write about it, for you cannot spare time to read my letter, least it retard the very business which you are now doing for me & others -
How I do take it hard, if others papers are acted on before mine, and those others too who did apply long after I did, and yet I must not even ask why it is so! - Now if you will read this, you need not take the trouble to answer by letter formally; Only fix out my papers & send them on with others to the District Clerk at Providence Mr Cowell that is the answer which I wish. - and I am also told if I would send an Agent to wait & call at the Department &c I should receive it sooner! Now sir I do not feel able to pay an Agent for so great a journey myself alone, and I cannot find any of my old fellow soldiers near me that will join in such a plan - I have been thinking of starting for Washington myself (on foot) seeing I can walk say 10 mile per day & have no horse or mule, & not any work to detain me nor anything to subsist on (but charity & hope) And as I travel thro' a rich Country who enjoy their freedom &c by the services of Old patriots & war worn soldiers, who need fair perishing on the way? - But should I travel by one route and you send on my papers by another, I should be disappointed once more! however in order to prevent it, you will do me the favor to send it on by a given day, to Mr Cowell at Providence before I shall start, say to have it arrive there on or before the 20 th Inst July - and thus you will Oblige One old well wisher & poor man
Mr Edwards Com m Pen n
Joel Read

RECEIVED EXHIBIT M rs J. L. Edwards - Com te Pensions War Departm t Washington City