Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,231, for Rufus Raymond, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Mass.
Raymond, Rufus
No 152 31
Sarah
or Seriah
CONTENTS

Massachusetts 5659
Sarah, a Serviah Raymond widow of Rufus Raymond
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died in the year 1799 of Bristol Co. in the State of Mass. who was a Pensioner in the company commanded by Captain D. L. D. of the regt. commanded by in the Mass. Militia time for 14 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 14 3/4 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 5th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of July 1836 and sent to J. B. D. - Dumpton, Mass.
Arrears to the 5th of March 1840 1862.64 Pension annual allowance ending 5th - 23.33
$209.97
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }

Taunton Mass. Sept. 19. 1837
Sir, Yours of the eleventh inst. requesting information in the case of Leviah Raymond was rec d on the 14 th - My engagements have been such, that I could not conveniently comply with therewith until to day -
M rs Eleanor Evans resides in Freetown in this county, a distance of ten miles from me - I have this day called to see her - She informed me that she was in the 78 th year of her age - That she was present at the marriage of Rufus Raymond and Leviah Pease - That it was solemnized at Col. Abial Terry's in Freetown, in the winter - She recollected that it was in the winter, as there was snow on the ground - But when , or by whom , she could not tell - She had no means of ascertaining either - She further said, that she had not been called upon by any other person respecting the marriage aforesaid and had never given an affidavit respecting it - That she had not been from her present place of abode for more than two years last past; and that she knew of no person having the same name -
This M rs Eleanor Evans, resides with one of her sons, whose wife was present during my conversation with her - The younger M rs Evans, who appeared to be about thirty years of age, also informed me that no person had been there to enquire about the marriage aforesaid, to her knowledge, and that the elder lady had given no affidavit relative thereto, or in any other case, and if such had been the fact

she certainly must have known it —
In further conversation with the elder Mrs Evans, she said she always wrote her name in full, whenever she had occasion to do so — At my request, she wrote her name in my presence — The paper, with her signature, is here inclosed —
Mrs Eleanor Evans could not tell me, when she and her husband, who has deceased, were married —
Mr Terry of Frutun aforesaid died between the 1 st & 9 th day of August last past, as the younger Mrs Evans said — He resided not more than three fourths of a mile from her —
On my return I called on the Clerk of Frutun, who said, that he had searched for and would not find a record of the marriage of Raymond aforesaid: but there was a record of his having been published: which I copied & is as follows —
"Rufus Raymond resident in Frutun entered "his intention of marriage Sarah Pierce of Sighton "Aug st 2 d 1777" —
The clerk, Mr Alden Hathaway J. further said that he had not been able to find any record of the births of any of the children of said Raymond —
I have not been able to learn which way White went —
Very Respectfully Wm L. G. Barrett
H. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Below is the signature of M rs Eleanor Evans of Free town in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged Seventy seven years and upwards - written in my presence Sept. 19. 1837 — J. Bassett
Eleanor Evans

Map. V 6572
Sarah Raymond widow of
Rufus Raymond Act 7 July 1835
Printed by S. G. D. ... before me J. H. ... of the ...
p. 36

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
On this Sixth day of October — eighteen hundred and thirty nine — personally appeared before Oliver Prescott Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County of Bristol in the Commonwealth aforesaid, Sarah Praymond otherwise called Seriah Praymond —
a resident of Dighton — in the county of Bristol aged Sixty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Rufus Praymond deceased who was a private in the War of the Revolu- =tion, and served as she well believes eight Months at Dorchester & Roxbury under Capt. Samuel Tuttle in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy five —
She further says as she believes that the said Rufus Praymond served six months or more in the State of New York in Seventeen hundred and seventy six under Capt. Oliver Prescott
She further says as she believes that the said Rufus Praymond served as a private in the Army of the Revolution in several other campaigns but under what Captain, she is unable to state — she makes this statement to enable her to obtain an increase of Pension hereafter in case she can ascertain under whom he so served —
She further says that at the time of her marriage to said Rufus Praymond she resided in Dighton in said County of Bristol —

She further declares that she was married to the said Rufus Raymond — on the twenty fifth — — day of December — in the year seventeen hundred and seventy seven that her said husband, the aforesaid Rufus Raymond — died on the day of  previous to the year seventeen hundred & ninety nine, on a voyage to or from the West Indies — that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the mar- riage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at the time above stated.
Witness. A Basset
Her Sarah or Sarah X Raymond Mark
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year above written.
Before
Oliver Prescott
I  Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate in for said County of Bristol —
do certify that Sarah or Sarah Raymond the above named applicant for a pension, cannot by reason of bodily infirmity, attend the court.
Oliver Prescott
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
Bristol ss. I, Anselm Bassett, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that the Hon. Oliver Prescott is the Judge of said Court, which Court is a Court of record, and that the signature annex- ed to the above certificate, purporting to be his  his own genuine signature
In Testimony Whereof , I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this ninth day of December eighteen hundred and thirty nine
A Basset

I James Briggs of Dighton in the County of Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Seventy Nine Years do testify and say that I served as a private soldier for the term of Eight Months in Seventeen hundred and Seventy five under Capt. Samuel Tabor -
I further testify & say that Rufus Braynard, who then belonged to Freetown in the County aforesaid, served as a soldier in the same company during the same time -
The above service was performed at Dorchester & Roxbury in the Commonwealth aforesaid -
I further testify and say that there was another James Briggs of Dighton aforesaid who was in the war of the Revolution - That this latter James Briggs died many years ago - He was a distant relation of mine - His widow is still living as I am credibly informed -
James Briggs
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol ss. August 17. 1838 James Briggs a credible witness, made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him signed - Before me Abner D. Just. Peace

I Margaret Briggs of Dighton in the County of Bristol, aged sixty eight years do testify and say that I have lived within a mile of Sarah or Sarah Raymond who is reputed to be the widow of Rufus Raymond, deceased for upwards of thirty years & I never knew or heard that she was ever married since the decease of her husband the said Rufus — Her Witnesses Margaret Briggs Attest Mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. December 4. 1839 Margaret Briggs a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed with her mark ————— Before me Attest Just. of the Peace

I James Briggs of Dighton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty years do testify & say that I was acquainted with Rufus Raymond alias Rufus Raymond and his wife during the Revolutionary war - That the said Raymond served eight months as a soldier under Capt. Samuel Tutts with me as before stated -
I recollect hearing of the death of the said Raymond - I removed from Freetown to this town about fifty years ago - Sarah or the widow of said Rufus Raymond also moved to Dighton many years ago - I have resided within a mile of the said Sarah or surviving Raymond for near forty years and I never knew or heard that she has been married since the death of the said Rufus Raymond - - James Briggs
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Bristol County ss. December 4. 1829 - James Briggs a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed - Before me A. Barratt Just Peace

✓ I Alice Raymond of Dighton in the County of Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged forty five years, do testify and say that Leviah Raymond of said Dighton who is now living, is my mother - I have always understood that my fathers name was Rufus Raymond - I have no recollection of ever seeing him - I had six sisters one brother older than myself and I have always understood that my father died when I was very young on a voyage to or from the West Indies -
I further say that I have seen my supposed fathers name written "Rament" Alice Raymond
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol ss. August 17 th 1838 Alice Raymond a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above statement by her subscribed -
Before me Alvan D. Just. Peace

("Gift of Marriages from Berkley Rec d . Sept. Oct. 1791") "Rufus Brannett of Freetown & Sarah Pierce of Dighton were married December twenty fifth Seventeen hundred and seventy seven" "By Samuel Fobey Justice of Peace"
I James Groot of Freetown in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts do testify and say that I have a small book in my custody which purports to be and is a record of many Marriages solemnized in said County of Bristol - said Book is labelled "Marriage Records, began Aug. 13. 1787" And I certify that the foregoing is a true copy from said book of records, with the exception of the date, which is expressed in the record in said book the figures as follows "Dec. 25 th 1777" - I further certify that said Book of Records belonged to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace -
J. Groot
{ Clerk of the S. J. Court - { Court of Common Pleas { & Court of County Commission { ers in & for the County of Bristol.
I James Groot above named, do hereby certify that I held the Office aforesaid & that the above is a true extract from the records belonging to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, now in my possession so far as relates to the marriage of said Rufus Brannett, with the exception above named as certified by me - J. Groot
Bristol for August 15. 1838 subscribed & sworn to - before me J. B. Barrett Just. of the Peace

Rufus Raiment resident of Freetown entered his intentions of Marriage to Sarah Pierce of Brighton on the second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy of record with the exception of the date which is expressed in fair legible figures as follows
Viz. August ye 2 1777
Walter Hathaway Jr } Town Clerk of the of Freetown in the county of Bristol

Commonwealth of Massachusetts No. 83. I Anselm Barron Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that Anselm Barron is a Justice of the Peace in for said County and that the signatures to the foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine — ✓
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Court this ninth day of December Eighteen hundred and thirty nine A Barron

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss.
On this twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before me John Holl Williams a resident in said County of Bristol and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the State of Massachusetts, Seriah Raymand a resident of Dighton in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty four years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836
That she is the widow of Rufus Raymand who was a private soldier in the Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War. That the said Rufus Raymand according to the best of her recollection, enlisted in the town of Freetown in said County of Bristol in the service of the United States the last part of April in the year 1775 and marched to Roxborough in the vicinity of Boston in the State of Massachusetts and served there and in its vicinity eight months, and was discharged the last part of December the same year, he served in a Company commanded by Captain Samuel Tubbs, and in Colonel Walhens regiment, he was in no battles in this Campaign
That she believes that the said Rufus Raymand again enlisted in Roxborough

in the month of January in what was called the years service in the year 1776, that he served in one of the Massachusetts regiments which she believes was commanded by Col Tucker, the Capt's name is not known that he marched from Roxborough to the State of New York, and served there and at other places until the end of the year and was then discharged. She thinks he was in a battle in the vicinity of the City of New York. That in the years 1777 1778 and 1779 he was in several campaigns in and about the State of Rhode Island and spent much time in the service, but the particular campaigns in which he served and the officers under which he served she does not know.
That in the spring of the year 1780 he the said Rufus Paymand again enlisted in Freeborn for a six months campaign and marched to the State of New York and served his term of duty and was then discharged. She does not know the name of the officers which he served under in this campaign. That she has no documentary evidence in support of the claim.
She further declares that she was married to the said Rufus Paymand in the month of August in the year seventeen hundred and seventy one, that her husband the aforesaid Rufus Paymand died in the month of October in the year 1796 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Her Servant Rufus Paymand Mark

Sworn to and subscribed in the day and year above written before me
John A Williams
Judge of C.C. Pleas
I the said Judge do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter that the declaration of Seriah Raymond the aforesaid applicant is true in all important parts. I also certify that the aforesaid applicant from bodily infirmity cannot attend the Court.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this twentysixth day of April eighteen hundred and thirty seven.
John A Williams Judge
of C.C. Pleas.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol.
I James Spratt Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Bristol certify that John A Williams is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the State of Massachusetts, that he resides in said County of Bristol and that the foregoing signatures attached to the declaration of Seriah Raymond purporting to be his are genuine. I also certify that Abner White is a justice of the peace now in Commission in and for said County of Bristol and that the signatures purporting to be his attached to the Affidavits of Alder Nathan for Eleanor Evans, Job Tooty, Levi Pierce, Alice Raymond, Benjamin Paul and James Briggs are his genuine signatures.

...the best of our Court the ...day of ... ...and ...
James Spoot ...the ... records of ... ...the ... of marriage with Seriah ...of ... August 5 th 1778.
I Alan Hathaway of ... in the County of Bristol and ... of ... ...Gentlemen of lawful age ... ...and say that I am the duly elected and qualified Clerk of the ... of ... ...I have carefully examined the original record of the publication of Rufus Rayman and Seriah Pierce as the same is recorded in the ... records of ... now in my custody and that the foregoing copy is a true copy of said record and that I have no doubt that the original record aforesaid is an ancient record
Alden Hathaway, Town Clerk
Bristol J. March 18. 1835.
Then personally appeared ...Alan Hathaway, to a ... ...and ... in due form of law ...that the ... by him signed ...Before me
...the ... of the ... ...of ... ...Ebenezer ... ...County of Bristol ...

being eighty and 7 years old as oaths testify and say that I am acquainted with Seriah Raymand of Dighton in said County, that in the year 1791. in the month of August I saw the said Seriah Raymand (whose name was then Pierce) married to Rufus Raymand I well remembered that they were married several years before the war, and well remembered that the said Rufus Raymand went a soldiering after he was married both to Roxborough and Rhode Island, I know this from the fact that I visited the said Seriah Raymand while her husband was gone a soldiering and I know that she had at that time two children at one time he served
Eleanor Evans
Bristol ss March 18 th 1837.
Then personally appeared the above named Eleanor Evans a credible person and made oaths in due form of law that the above affidavit by her signed is true Before me
Abiather White Justice of the Peace Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Bristol
Job Terry of
Hortons in said County of Bristol, Woman being Eighty four years old as oaths testify and say that I am acquainted with Seriah Raymand of Dighton in said County of Bristol who is now a widow that her maiden name was Seriah Pierce, and that in the month of August or September

in the year 1771, I saw the said Seriah Pierce married to Rufus Raymond who then lived in Streetown aforesaid, I am satisfied that it was in the year 1771 from the fact that I was at that time  between nineteen and twenty years of age old. I also well remembered that it was before the Revolutionary War and that the said Rufus Raymond served as a soldier in several campaigns in said war after they had two or three children, but do not know where he served but think he served at Boston and on Rhode Island. The said Rufus Raymond has been dead many years but Seriah Raymond his widow is now living in Dighton aforesaid
Job. Terrey
Bristol ss I certify that the oaths in this affidavit April 5 th 1837 as made before it was signed and sworn to There personally appeared the above named Job Terrey a credible person and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him subscribed signed is true. Before me
Abraham White Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol ss.
I Levi Pierce of Streetown in said County of Bristol Yeoman being Eighty six years old on oath testify and say that I was acquainted with Rufus Raymond late of Dighton in said County deceased that in the time of the Revolutionary War the said Raymond lived in said Streetown

7 (when he was at home) and was a near neighbour to me, that the first part of the War the said Raymond enlisted and marched to Roxborough, and then went to New York, and after the English landed at Rhode Island he came home and stayed a short time, and then went as a soldier on and about Rhode Island, he went and returned a number of times while the English were at Rhode Island, and after they had left the Island he the said Raymond enlisted and went to New York and was gone about six months, I do not know what officers he served under, but well remember that David Melville (who is now dead) paid him his bounty money, the said Rufus Raymond during his service was a married man, he has been dead many years, but Sarah Raymond his widow is now living in South Dighton
This Levi Pierce Mark
Bristol p April 5 th 1837
Then personally appeared the above named Levi Pierce a credible person and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him signed is true. Before me
Abraham White. Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County. p
I Alice Raymond of Dighton in the County of Bristol and

State of Massachusetts I herewith being forty seven years old in oath testify and say that I was acquainted with Rufus Ray- mand late of said Dighton deceased and am also acquainted with his Widow Seriah Raymand, that the said Rufus Raymand died (at sea) in October in the year 1796, and that I have lived with his Widow the said Seriah Raymand ever since that period of time, and that she has not married but still remains the Widow of the said Rufus Raymand
Alice Raymand
Bristol Is.
March 18 th 1837.
Then personally appeared the above named Alice Raymand a Credible person and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by her signed is true.
Before me Abiah White Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol Esq.
I Benjamin Paul of Berkley in said County of Bristol, yeoman, being Eighty four years old in oath testify and say that I was acquainted with Rufus Raymand late of Dighton in said County of Bristol, that the said Rufus Raymand was a Soldier in the American Army in the War of the Revolution, and that he served as a private in the first Eight Months Campaign near Boston in the State of Massachusetts in a Company Com- manded by Capt Samuel Tubbs in Col. Mathews Regiment, said service commenced in the last part

of Spirit and ended the last part of December in the year fourteen hundred and twenty five. I served the whole time in the said Company with the said Paymand, and knew that he served the whole eight months and was then discharged, the said Paymand (soon after his discharge) again enlisted for one year in one of the Massachusetts Regiments and marched to New York, I think his Col d name was Tucker, but am not certain, I have no doubts but he served the whole year and that he also served in a number of other Campaigns, both in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, said Paymand was considered to be a married man at the time of said service.
Benjamin Paul
I certify that the words; but I am not certain were interlined before this affidavit was signed or sworn to.
Abraham White Justice of the Peace
Bristol ss. 18 th March 1837.
Then personally appeared the above named Benjamin Paul a credible person and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him signed is true.
Before me
Abraham White Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol. ss
I James Briggs of Dighton in said County of Bristol, gentleman, being seventy seven years of age old, do both testify and say that I was acquainted with Rufus Ray- mond late of said Dighton, that the said Rufus Raymond was a soldier in the American Army in the War of the Revolution, that he served as a private soldier in the first Eight Months Campaign in a Company Commanded by Capt Samuel Tibbetts in Col. Walker's Regiment, said service was performed at Roxborough in the vicinity of Boston in the State of Massachusetts, and commenced the last part of April and ended the last part of Decem- ber in the year 1775, the said Raymond served the whole eight months and I served in the same Company with him the whole time, he was then discharged. He then enlisted in what was called the years service, and according to the best of my recollection, he served in a Regiment Commanded by Col. Tucker, (the Capt's name I do not remember) and marched to the State of New York, when he had served his year he returned to Dighton, I know by Common report that he served in and about Rhode Island in several campaigns in the years 1777, 1778 and 1779, and that he enlisted and marched to the State of New York, and served in a six months Campaign in the year 1780 or 1781. I am not sure that the Col's name was Tucker.
James Briggs

Parish of April 20 th 1837.
Then personally appeared the above named James Briggs a credible person and made oath in due form of law that the above affidavit by him signed is true.
Before me
Abraham White Justice of the Peace
I certify that the words the state of was interlined before this affidavit was signed or sworn to
Abraham White Justice of the Peace.

case of Abiathar White. [Fraud.]
See letters to M c Mills, Sept. 5. 1837 - to A. Bapst, Sept. 11. 1837 - to A. Bapst Oct. 9. 1837. - to A. Kendale, N.M. Oct. 9. 1837

No. 5659
Sarah or Sarah
WIDOW OF
Rufus Raymond
Rank _____, Co. _____
Regt. Mass. Mil.
Massachusetts Roll Agency
Rate per Month, $ 46 66 / 100 per annum.
Commencing March 4. 1861
Additional sum of $2 per Month for each of the following children, until arriving at the age of 16 years, commencing _____
Revolutionary War
Mass. Mil.
Certificate dated July 24 , 18 60 .
Sent W. D. Dett , 18 _____
Deserted Team.
Attorney.
Act 14th July, 1862.
Book _____, Vol. _____, Page _____

John K. Hodge to Mrs. K. Simpson 6 th Sept. 1837.
John K. Hinson Esq r Agent of Pensions Boston (Mass)

— Farmington 6 Sept 1857
Dear Sir
In Enclosed I send you the letter of Abner White, which I shew you yesterday. Although it is a confidential one, duty would suggest and honesty require that the Government should know every particular touching such an important affair as this. Mr White had been for a long time trying to find Borden Hunt and Mary Eddy (or Sarah Eddy) wife of Hezekiah Eddy and had implored me to find them also had written one John Davis (his relation) in Boston to find them but to no purpose. Davis Wife told me to advise Mr White to advertise them in the News paper as was her husband's wish & the only way that he would get any information about them. The papers were carried by myself to Boston some weeks and left at Davis's for the purpose of having Mr Eddy's wife sign them as I understood but I did not look at them for I believe they were inside of the letter & they were also returned from Boston by me & Mr White boy — they were handed to me by Davis Wife in Boston — The first that I knew of this affair was by the contents of Mr. Bapett's letter to Borden Hunt which was put into the post office

to My case — the first time that I see Hunt afterwards I handed him the letter and and was surprised at the contents which were there written by Mr. Bapett but supposing that Mr. Bapett & Mr White were rivals in making out pension papers could not think the contents literally true, and went forthwith and informed White of what was written by Mr B. — no sooner had I repeated what I remembered of them than White shewed himself guilty, looked quite sober and at first said he could not tell what it all could mean but some that same day to have me repeat what was in Hunt's letter and then said he was a ruined man and must leave his country for fear of the States Prison — he said he must leave immediately & was destitute of money & wanted to borrow $100 — which I did not see fit to lend him until I knew more about his crime he said he was innocent in regard of wronging Government in any pension which he had been employed by but had put names to the papers and also certified that the persons personally appeared when they had not — but it was done "to save trouble"

I then asked White if he did not know that it would be forgery and he did not deny but that he was aware of it but continued to repeat that he never wronged Government nor any pensioner &c after requesting me to let his family have some goods he left me and I have not seen him since a short time after this Cornelius White Abathars brother brought the letter which is enclosed
Sir I will answer any questions candidly which you may ask by concerning this matter by mail or otherwise
I named to Judge Morton that I was to write you about Whites crime & he observed that he should also for that he knew something about it which I probably did not
Yours with Respect John K Stimson Esq Boston
Jonathan Hodges

H. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Taunton Mass. July 18. 1840
Sir,
Soon after the receipt of your communication of the 15 th of February last, I called upon Sarah Raymond widow of Rufus Raymond, dec d to obtain from her an explanation as required — I found her too unwell for that purpose — On the 5 th of June last I again called upon her — Inclosed is the result — I took her daughters affidavit — & I took the Mothers statement — I did not deem it prudent or advisable to administer an oath to her — Her mind is very much impaired —
I have neglected forwarding Mr. Raymond statement or her daughters affidavit until I could see Judge Williams, before whom Mr. Raymond made her first application for a pension, and ascertain from him, what took place at the time he administered the oath to her — I have recently seen him & he has no recollection of any thing in particular relative thereto —
Very Respectfully Yours &c.
A. S. D.

Rev. A. B. Borden
14 Sept. 1837
G.C.

War Dept Pension Office Sept. 14, 1837
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 12 th inst. I have to inform you that I cannot consistently with the rules of this Dep t give any information as to the course which this Office will pursue in relation to Mr. Abigail White. His letter is herewith returned.
I have the honor
Hon. N. B. Borden House of Reps

Mrs. Amos Kendall
9. Oct. 1837

and for falsely making a false paper purporting to be the affidavit of Eleanor Evans, of Freetown in the County of Bristol, State of Massachusetts, setting forth therein that Sarah Raymond was married to Rufus Raymond in the year 1771, when in fact Eleanor Evans never swore to such a Statement, nor to any statement whatever in the case. The affidavit is dated in on the 18 th Month 1837

War Department Pension Office October 9. 1837
Sir,
On the 5 th ult o . John Mills, Esq r . U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, was instructed to arrest Abiathar White, of Dighton, formerly a Justice of the Peace in that State, on a charge of forgery and making of false papers with a view of defrauding this Department under the Pension Laws of the U. States. Before the Marshal could find him, he fled; and from the letter of Mr. Bassett, of Taunton, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, it would appear that he is now a resident of Upper Canada, and is sometimes in Buffalo. To send an officer to Buffalo for the purpose of arresting him would be attended with great inconvenience, and perhaps he might elude the vigilance of the officer. It is therefore deemed advisable to ask you to request the Postmaster at Buffalo to obtain his arrest under the following charges viz. for altering a figure in an affidavit made by Alden Hathaway Town Clerk of Freetown Mass. in the year of the marriage of Sarah Raymond to have been in 1771  some time during the month of July last; and for forging the names of Borden Hunt and Sarah Edely, evidence of which is now in the possession of John Mills, Esq r . U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts: and for * A. Bassett, Esq r , of Taunton, Mass. has been requested to furnish the Postmaster at Buffalo

with a description of White's person. He will immediately transmit the same to that Office.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Ob't Serv't.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. Amos Kendall Postmaster General

U.S. Dist Atys Office
(Boston Oct 18. 1887)
Sir
White was examined before Judge Davis on Saturday and recogni- zed to appear at the Circuit Court, himself in the sum of $1000, and sureties to that amount in each case. The Grand Jury found Bills against him in both cases. He and his sureties were defaulted on their recognizances this morning. The sureties will pay the amount of their bonds, $2000, but on White's probably nothing will be obtained.
Yourself and the Gentle- men in your Department are highly commended for your

Skill and vigilance in detecting these frauds. Mr Bapst has been indefat- igable in his exertions and I hope he will be paid if not remune- rated for his services.
I am Sir, very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt John Mills sent Alby
To the Comt. of Pensions

Cannon
am? Sept. 11. 1837 J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Taunton Sept. 6. 1837
Sir, Your communication of the 2 d inst. was rec d . yesterday - Since Arthur White absconded I have been silent respecting him or his conduct and heard all I could - My object has been to avoid alarming his friends - People here think his offence, if he has committed any, very trifling - I am willing they should think so - It will the sooner be ascertained where he is -
If there is any particular case or cases in which you want further information, I will cheerfully attend to all necessary enquiries, and forward you the result thereof - I am willing to devote some time to bring this man to justice - I do not know how many previous cases he has been engaged in & therefore to enable me to make such enquiries as are necessary or may be expedient, you will please point out what you deem proper to be ascertained -
Last evening I was informed that White had the custody of several Pension Certificates

which he had had for some time - By this I inferred that he had been in the habit of collecting their money without seeing them - -
Very Respectfully
Yours Truly
A. Babb
Edward L. Enrollment of Names Washington

Mr
Jonathan Hodges
Taunton
A. Milne to you, Hodges 26. Augst. 1857

North Dighton
August 26 th 1837
Sir I Consider you to be my Confidential friend and as such I would say to you that I fear that I am Ruined my family also I fear will be Ruined. my feelings are such that I cannot, and my Situation is such I dare not Come to meet Mr Hunt this morning. therefore I wish you to do the best you can to help to pay for them to obtain those papers by all means if he hopes to pay for them and send them to me and he (Mr Hunt) shall suffer nothing by so doing. he need ask no information of Mr Barrett how to proceed for I will give him all that information, he must not tell Mr Barrett that I know anything about it, but inform him that he wants to convey them to his Brother's in fall River (which must be the Care in order to obtain it) I Acknowledg that I have Lade myself liable very liable but I did it with no intention to wrong the government or any other person. but did it that each might have their Right. and to Save trouble. and Expence. I must now leave my family for a while. and I intreat you as a friend to Call on them soon and render them what assistance they need as they will be left friendless. I Can but say pity me & my friends for the hand of the Lord hath touched me. I have done wrong and Sinned and have Exposed myself to the vengeance of Mr Eames and what the Consequence will be I do not know Mr Boy will Call to get the papers and any other information which you may wish to send me When Mr Boarden goes to Washington (as he will so soon) I wish you to write to him to know the State of our Cause there and what it is probably will be done. and inform my Wife

If Mr Borden makes a Statement it might be well to lay it before Judge Morton and get his Opinion and Advice and inform my wife what it is but do in this respect as you think best
(Written by A White)
Arthur White, Northampton Bristol C.O.
Mr Jonathan Lodge Launton

Taunton Mass. Sept. 9. 1837
Sir, Permit me to make a suggestion to you for your consideration - It is this - To furnish me or some other person in this County, with the names of the widows of such as have employed Abiathar White in procuring Pension certificates, together with the names of their husbands, their places of abode, time of marriage, and whether by certificate of Town Clerk or otherwise, and if by affidavit, the name and place of abode of the affiant - such a statement would enable me to ascertain the truth of the facts alleged, which I would attend to & communicate the result to you -
I make the above suggestion, because I was yesterday informed that White had attempted before the Act of March 3 d 1837 to procure a Pension for a widow who had married a second husband, who was dead - That he was to procure it as the widow of in the name of her first husband - Whether he succeeded or not my

informant could not say —
I was also informed yesterday that White had probably procured Penning money after the decease of the Penningers — No particular case was mentioned — but however is the story in circulation —
There is evidence enough in the cause of the Hunt document & the W o of Benjamin Richmond to convict him of highly criminal offences — I stand ready to furnish evidence of all I have related to you, respecting the same —
In haste very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt A. Davis
J. Edward, Esq. Commissioner of Penning Washington

Sarah Raymond wid of Rufus Mass. Ad July 7. 1835 Married 1777 died 1999 Allow 14 mo pr $46.66 per ann Mass. middle Coop. Inbts.
A Bap t Eer Taunton Mass.

A. Basset.
9. Oct. 1837

War Dept Pension Off Oct. 9. 1837
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 2 inst. informing me of the probability of White's being now in Upper Canada. As it would probably be attended with great and unnecessary expense to send an officer to Buffalo to arrest him, and as White might probably elude the vigilance of an officer sent from Massachusetts, as he no doubt would get information of his arrival at Buffalo, it has been deemed advisable to despatch an order to the Postmaster at Buffalo for his arrest. You will oblige me if you will immediately on the receipt hereof forward to the Postmaster at Buffalo a description of White. Mr. Gordon the Deputy Marshal, can furnish you with the description, if you have not a perfect recollection of White's appearance. Be pleased to let me hear from you.
I
A. Bassett, Esq Tannin Mass

Memoranda of papers in the case of Mr. J. Raymond See intra

Memorandum of papers in the case of Mrs. Z. Raymond Sent to
Letter of Abrahams White dated July 13 1837
Letter of Alden H. Hathaway Mrs. Clerk, McLean, Me. resp. marriage of Rufus Raymond & Sarah Pierce, dated July 15. 1837
Letter from Abrahams White dated July 11 1837
" " do " July 29 "
" " do " April 24..
Recd. of other papers attached - case Seriah Raymond, dated 20 Apr 37
J.D.W.

(Confidential.)
War Dep t Pension Office Sept. 1. 1837
Sir,
I am obliged to you for the information contained in your letter of the 28 th ult o . I have directed that the pension of Benjamin Richmond's widow to be stopped, as I find that he left the service before he was married. The paper purporting to be the affidavit of E. Anthony, Town Clerk of Taunton, states that the marriage took place in 1775. I will be obliged to you if you will furnish any other information which you can obtain in this case; and let me know where White can be found. An early reply is requested.
A. Bassett, Esq r Taunton Mass.

I Sarah Praymond of Dighton in the County of Bristol Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby certify that I never was learned to read or write - That Abiathar White was employed about 3 or 4 years ago to get me a pension for the services of my husband Rufus Praymond, deceased, in the Revolutionary war - He came to me & I told him when & by whom I was married & also named to him some of the persons who were present - Some time afterwards White & Judge Williams came together - They read to me a paper or papers & I made my mark where I was directed & was sworn to the same by Judge Williams - I cannot now say whether the time of my marriage was read to me, correctly or not - I did not intentionally state my marriage incorrectly nor did I know at that time that the time of my marriage was material -
Witness Alice Praymond At Basset
As Sarah or Seniah T Praymond Mark

I Alice Raymond of Dighton in the County of Bristol and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged fifty years last November, do testify & say that my mother Sarah Raymond otherwise called Leviah Raymond has lived with me for many years last past - That three or four years ago I was informed that my mother was probably entitled to a pension for the services of my late father Rufus Raymond deceased - I was also informed that Abiathar White Esquire had been employed in procuring pensions - I accordingly sent for him to call & see my mother, which he did - I was present at the time - My mother told him she was married at Freetown by Esq. Ely - That Job Terry & his wife and two Miss Baird's were present at the marriage - My mother also told him to call upon James Briggs of Dighton for evidence of her husband's services - White went away & afterward returned and said he had found a record of her marriage and that he wanted nothing further about it - Afterward Judge Williams & said White called at my house - The writing which White had prepared was read to my mother, part by Judge Williams & part by said White - She was then told where to make her mark, which she did & was then sworn to it by Judge Williams - Nothing

was said to her at this time, to my recollection, about her marriage, excepting what was read to her - and whether she understood that part relating to her marriage, when it was read to her, I cannot tell - I am sure I did not notice particularly about it -
Alice Raymond
June 5. 1840.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. June 5. 1840 Alice Raymond a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above statement by her signed - Before me A Basset Just. Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Bristol County ss. I Anselm Basset, Register of the Court of Probate in for said County, do hereby certify that Anselm Basset is a Justice of the Peace in for said County and that the signature to the foregoing certificate purporting to be his is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court this fifth day of June 1840 - A Basset

Jan. 9. 1840
Free
J. L. Edwards Esq. Low minister Mansion Washington

Taunton Mass. Jan. 6. 1840.
Sir,
Herewith is the application of Sarah Raymond widow of Rufus Raymond, dec d for a Pension - any communication you may be pleased to make relative thereto may be made to me — — It is said that Rufus Raymond was in the service in the Revol y war nearly all the time — No further evidence of his services can be furnished from this region — If there be any it must be on the rolls in your Office.
Abraham White made application for a pension under the Act of 1836 in this view — He altered the certificate of the town Clerk of Freedom of the establishment, and manufactured two affidavits of the marriage of the said Rufus & Sarah or Sarah — You will please refer to these papers —
Yours Respectfully A. Bassett
H. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Rufus Raymond d 99 Sarah m. 77. S.
75 8 m Tubbs. S.a
76 6 - Osoper s.
(And) several other sons
vd 16 p 63

North Dighton
August 19 th 1837
Sir
I would inform you that, in June last I sent to the Pension office some additional proof in the case of Samuel Hood and Nathaniel Rose, on the 24 th of June you returned them, and requested them separated, and authenticated separately, and said when that was done an early examination should be made. I accordingly complied with your request, and returned the papers, and on the 21 st of July you wrote me word that a new Certificate would be issued to Mr Rose, but said nothing about Mr Hood's claim. Since that time I have heard nothing, respecting either case, and as they are anxious to hear, I take the liberty to request you to give me some information, please inform me what was the decision of the department in the case of Samuel Hood, and when it is probable that Mr Rose's new Certificate will be sent
I would say that in the case of Mrs Sarah Reed that it is most probable that her husband Thomas Reed served in 1776 in Col. Daniel Hitchcock's Regiment, and not in Richmonds or Lippitts as stated, I have recently ascertained that there is now living other men who served with Reed on board the ship Providence, and under Capt. Peck.
in the case of Mrs Martha Drown there is some additional proof which can be taken in her case. it is probable that Col. Crane commanded at the Secret Expedition in 1778 instead of Col. Carpenter
Yours Respectfully your Old Servant J. L. Edmonds Abiah White Commissioner of Pensions

Taunton Mass. Sept. 2. 1837
Sir, Yours of the 1 st inst. in reply to mine of the 28 th ult. has this day been received — I learn that, as soon as Abiathar White heard, that I had been enquiring for Aaron Hunt, John Jones and Seth Bliss, he conveyed his estate to one of his brothers and then absconded — He told his brother that he had done wrong and should therefore leave the commonwealth — I further learn that his relations here, and they are respectable, intend to prevail upon him to return to his family if they can — He is worth from three to five thousand dollars & has heretofore maintained a respectable character — He resided about four miles from this village —
I do not believe that Edmund Anthony, our Town Clerk, gave a false certificate of the marriage of Benjamin Richmond — It must have been altered after he made it, or it was all forgery —

In my opinion, White's place of residence cannot be kept a secret - If he does not return, his family will instantly go to him - And it will then be known where he can be found -
Should you desire it, I will procure another certificate from our town clerk - of the marriage of Benj. Richmond - But by doing so, it might create some alarm among his friends, and thereby render it more difficult to discover his place of residence -
Very Respectfully Yours O.V. Cost J. B. Merrill
J. L. Edward Esq. Commissioner of Pension Washington -

Tunton Sept. 12. 1837
Rev. Mills,
Mr Harris has called on me for information respecting Elias White - said White absconded soon as he heard that enquiries were made respecting the Hunt Power - I have advised Mr Harris to return without making his business known - If it should be known that an officer is after White it will be the means of rendering his place of rendezvous more secret - I have learn that his wife has had a letter from him - It will probably soon be known where he is - I also learn that his family will follow him between this & next spring - I have said to Mr Harris that it is best for me to find where he is & I will then give you the necessary information - I feel anxious that he should be arrested - The people here think his offence very trifling & it

is best that they should so think — It will be the means of sooner finding his place of abode — Every thing that I can do properly will be done to have him arrested —
The worst case is that of the W o of Benjamin Richmond — The Commissioner of Hensons knows about it from me — If you want all the facts respecting it, I will state them next week —
If he is arrested on the Hunt Affair I can furnish you with ample testimony to convict him —
In haste Yours Respectfully A. B. Alcott

Tadoussac Oct 2. 1837.
Sir,
I have ascertained to my own satisfaction that Abialhas White is now at, or in the vicinity of Buffalo N.Y. Two or more letters have been received by his wife & brother, post marked at that place. As soon as I obtained this information, I called upon W m Gordon Esq. a Dep. Marshal residing in New Bedford, who has a warrant against him, to go after him. Gordon was unwilling to go at his own hazard & wrote to Mr. Mills, that he would go in search of him, and do the best he could to arrest him, on an assurance of having his expenses paid, providing he did not succeed. I learn from Gordon, he has received no answer.
A few days since a letter was mailed at the Post Office here, by a brother of A. White, directed to Charles G. White, Buffalo, N.Y. which was undoubtedly intended for him. This information I immediately forwarded to Mr. Gordon, & advised him to proceed immediately to Buffalo, make his business known to the Post Master there, & when that letter was called for, if called for by White, to arrest

him. Gordon has a full description of the person of White.
I do not know a more faithful and persevering Officer than Gordon, but the same reasons prevailed with him as at first. If he can have his expenses assured to him, in case his pursuit should be unavailing, which will not probably exceed $100. or so. he will immediately proceed. Should he go, he must inevitably take him I think.
I have been informed the wife & children of White are about to leave home for the purpose of meeting him. My own impression is that White is residing on the British side, but comes to Buffalo for his letters.
Very Respectfully Wm. H. Russell
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington -

U.S. Dist Atty's Office
Boston Sept 13. 1837
Sir
I sent an officer to Dighton yesterday for the purpose of ar- resting White. He returned without being able to effect his object. The accompanying letter from Mr. Baptie will explain the matter. We shall make our arrangements to arrest White if he should return. If not I will find where he is and give you the information.
I am, Sir, very respectfully your
Abt. St. John Mills Dist Atty
To the Comt. of Pensions }

A. Bapst
2 Sept. 1837
G. C.
Cop.

(Confidential.)
War Dept
Pension Office
Sept. 2 d 1837
Sir,
I have received your letter of the 28 th ult o . in relation to the case of John Hunt, dec d . The power purporting to be a power of attorney, which you sent to me, will be wanted, and I hope you will consent to let it remain in this Dept t for the present. Any additional information which you can furnish relative to White will be very acceptable. It is desirous that the whole of the facts in this and some other cases the in which he has been concerned, should be made known to this Dept t .
Cop y .
A. Bayett, Esq r Taunton, Mass.

Commonwealth Bank, Boston, September 7. 1837.
Sir,
Enclosed are two letters, which indicate that Abiather White, a magistrate in Bristol County in this state has forged names to papers for the purpose of procuring Devises.
I have today declined to pay a Deviser whose Deviser was obtained by papers prepared by White, and I shall pursue that course with others whose papers were made by White, until I hear from the Department. Your directions are respectfully requested in this case.
I am Sir,
Your Ob t Servant.
John R. Simpson Deviser Paynt & Deviser.
To J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Devises.

J. Edward Eng Comm. of Pensions Washington

Taunton Jan'y. 6. 1840
Sir, The inclosed document I recently borrowed of a son of the late Capt Oliver Soper, who served as such in the Revolutionary War - This document contains some evidence of the services of Rufus Raymond under Capt. Soper from February to August 1776 both inclusive - It is believed that this service was for one year -
Please return the same to me -
Very Respectfully
Yours & A. Bassett
H. Edwards Esq. Clerk of Nemesis Washington

North Dighton. April 24 th 1837
Sir
I herewith send you the papers of Mrs. Lillis Wood, and Serovah Raymond. As to Mrs. Wood papers I would say that William Wilkinson's affidavit taken by Judge Gowell, was sent me after the papers were complete and passed upon by Judge Williams, and being doubtful whether it was necessary to have his Gowell's official standing and signature certified too (he being the Chief Judge) and thinking there was sufficient Proof (without Wilkinson's affidavit) I did not go to the trouble of returning it to be certified to, but have sent it on with the other papers, but should any more proof be wanting please be so good as to give me the earliest information; there is nothing stated in the book referred to in Wilkinson's and Chen's affidavits respecting the service in the year 1776. Respecting Mr. Raymond case the officer under which he served cannot (only in one company) be positively stated, therefore I am under the necessity of requesting you to give the Massachusetts Rolls a thorough examination, if we had our books I would most gladly save you that trouble. It is confidently believed by aged persons that he (Raymond) served more than three years, but no person (as yet) has been found who served with him (excepting in the first Company) and I fear unless the (over)

rolls are thoroughly examined she will be deprived of much which she is actually entitled to.
If on examination you should not allow her a full pension, please be so good as to inform me what service was allowed so that a more thorough search for evidence may be had.
I am Sir, Your O bt Serv t Thiather White
Hon J S Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
North Dighton July 11 th 1857
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 6 th inst upon the case of Mrs Raymond, I would say that the name, until a few years past, was called Rayment, and I think it was generally spelt so, and even to this day it is called and spelt Rayment by many people.
As to the service there is no doubt in the minds of the aged people who were acquainted with Mr Raymond that he served more than what he served under Capt. Tubbs. did he not serve two months immediately after the fight (over

months service closed. I have been trying to obtain more proof ever since her papers has been sent to the pension Office, but so few of the soldiers are now alive that I cannot obtain any further direct proof. A Mr. Nichols of Streetown says that he (Raymond) son or about Rhode Island and says that he knew it from the fact that his (Nichols) brother who is now dead went there and took his (Raymond) place while he came home on a visit; that service Nicholas says took place while the English was on the Island, and consequently must have been in the year 1777, 1778 or 1779, and most likely in the year 1777 or 1778. as there can be no reasonable doubt (in the minds of those who know the circumstances of the case) that he served more than has yet been proved, and as the old lady is very poor I would ask if Reason and compassion do not require that a further examination of the rolls should be made to ascertain if he did not serve in the years 1777, 1778 and 1779. I would state that from some circumstances so numerous to state it is my opinion that he served in a Regiment of Levis commanded by Lt Col Luke O'Query. Said Levis marched from Massachusetts to New York in September 1781 and served three months.

Please be so good as to give this case a thorough investigation, and send me the result as soon as convenient, and if any more proof can be obtained I will send it to you, but I do not think that any thing more positively can be obtained, as I have taken a thorough search
From Your O bl Servant N. Hether White
P.S.
If you do not get satisfied from the rolls that he served more than under Capt. Tubbs the old Lady wishes you to send her a pension certificate for that as her dependance for further proof depends entirely on the rolls
Yours N. White
Hon J. S. Edwards Commission of Pension City of Washington
North Dighton July 13 th 1837
Sir
Since writing my last I have been informed that Mrs. Raymond alias Rayment served over

in an eight months company in the Rhode Island line in a Corporation see Regiment Commanded by Col. Daniel Hitchcock Lieut. Col. Israel Angel and Major Simon Thayer. Said service was done or commenced in the spring in the year 1776 or 1777. I am informed that a man who lives about 40 miles from this is knowing to the fact. As it is presumed that the Rolls of that company can be conveniently examined it is hoped that you will be so good as to ascertain whether Mr. Rufus Pay- monds name is there. The trouble and expense of taking that mans deposition would be too much to rest without knowing that it was supported by the rolls. if it can be ascertained that the rolls contain it a deposition will be taken if required in order to identify the man.
It is now supposed that Thomas Reed (whose widows papers were sent to your office a few days ago) served in Col. Daniel Hitchcocks Regiment in the year 1776 and fought with him on Long Island of which (it is probable) I shall write more hereafter.
Yr. J. S. Edwards Commr of pensions
Yours with Respect e. Nathan White

North Dighton 29 July 1857
Sir
Yours of the 20 th has been received. Please inform me what proof is wanting (as nothing is said respecting the nature of the proof in either of your letters) it appears that you are satisfied that Raymond served eight months although his name is spelt Raymont on the Rolls. but if you are not satisfied please to inform me what proofs required in that case. It does not appear (from your letters) that the Massachusetts Rolls for 1777. 1778. 1779 or 1781 has been examined in this case it is very evident that Regiment served in one of the first named years (and most probably in 1778) on Rhode Island no doubt the person who testified to service in 1780 was mistaken as to the year as he testified from general recollection and that service was done in 1781 as I have been informed by a person who knew that to whom the bounty was paid) was raised in the Reason in 1780 but a regiment of levies under Lt. Col. Luke Drury was raised in 1781 and bounty was paid them. his widow very distinctly recollects that he received bounty at his last campaign and that he bought a cow with the same. that Regiment served more three months in the

State of New York. You will please be so good as to inform me what proof will be required to procure the rolls to be examined.
The case appears to stand thus, it is evident that Raymond served but the men who served with him (so far as is known) are all dead and the only means which we formerly had to obtain proof in such cases, viz the Massachusetts Rolls is now taken from us. Please give me a full statement of what is wanted and direct your letter to North Dighton without regard to Farmton Post office.
Yours with Respect Abraham White
Hon J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Frankton July 15 th 1887
Sir
Agreeably to request I now forward a certificate of the Publication of Rufus Raymond as found on the Town records Page 39.
Rufus Raymond resident of Frankton entered his intention of marriage to Sarah Pierce of Dighton August the Second in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven.
A true copy of record
Abraham White Notary Public