Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1079, for Ruben Peterson, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Peterson, Ruben or Reuben
S. 1079
carded
CONTENTS

Order to pay 12 Oct 1837.
28.083 New Jersey
Reuben Peterson of Salem Co in the State of N. Jersey who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain Ogden of the regt commanded by Col Newcomb in the N. Jersey mile line for 6 months f 1776.
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Feb: 1834 and sent to W.M. Jeffer, Salem, N.J.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1833 $ 50. - Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 mo 34 10 -
$ 60 -
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Wilson Clerk. Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 125

State of New Jersey County of Salem
Answers to interrogatories put to Reuben Peterson an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of 1832, by the subscriber one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Salem, at the house of the said Reuben Peterson being aged and infirm and unable to attend in open Court - The said Reuben Peterson being duly sworn to make true answer to the interrogatories from the War Department hereunto annexed being dated "Pension Office 19 Oct 1839, being proffered to the said Reuben Peterson he did answer as follows to:
1. To the first interrogatory deponent saith - I was born in the County of Cumberland in the State of New Jersey, the adjoining County to Salem, on the 24th July 1752, consequently I am in my Eighty second year. 2. To the second interrogatory, deponent saith - I have no record of my age - The book in which it was recorded has been torn so that the record is lost. 3. To the third interrogatory - Deponent saith - When first called into service I resided in the County of Salem Cumberland and of said service, shortly after the Revolutionary war I removed to this County of Salem and have resided here when I do now or in the Salem Township ever since. 4. To the fourth interrogatory - Deponent saith - That he enlisted when he first entered the service, but the last time he was out he volunteered in the Militia. 5. To the fifth interrogatory deponent saith - Samuel Ogden was our Captain - one William Low was the first Lieutenant and I think Elias Newcomb was the Ensign - He cannot recollect the names of the general officers except that Elias Newcomb became a Colonel - nor can I make a more full statement of my services than is set forth in my statement taken in open Court last month, the facts so far as I could remember them having been taken down correctly.

6. To the 6 th interrogatory - deponent said - I have no doubt I had discharged, but cannot now tell, by whom they were signed or what had become of it.
7. To the 7 th interrogatory - deponent said - I am unknown generally to the inhabitants of the township of Pilsgrove in this County - who can testify to their belief of my services as a Revolutionary soldier.
His Ruben Piler mark
Taken & subscribed as affidavit before me the 18 th January 1834 - Joseph L. Risley
State of New Jersey County of Salem } Joseph Rille Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Salem do hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esq re before whom the fore- going affidavit was taken was then at the time of taking the same one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Salem, and that the above signature is genuine and in the proper hand writing of the Judge Judge
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court this 20 th day of January A.D. One thousand eight hundred and thirty four
State of New Jersey County of Salem } Joseph Rille Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Salem do hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esq re before whom the foregoing examination and interrogatories were taken was at the time of taking the

Salem and is now one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County of Salem, and is also a Justice of the peace in and for said County and is duly qualified to take oaths and affirmations and that the above name "Joseph L. Rieley" is the genuine signature and proper hand writing of the said Joseph L. Rieley.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Salem this twenty first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Joseph Rieley

State of New Jersey County of Salem } Temperance Chard aged seventy years on the 25 th day of May last being duly affirmed doth declare and say - That she has known Ruben Peterson of the Township of Peter River in the County of Salem who is now as affiant understands an applicant for a pension under the act of 1832, from the infancy of this affiant, remembers the said Ruben Peterson having left the County of Cumberland in the year 1776 for the Army of the Revolution. That he left in company with her two brothers John Robinson and Solomon Robinson, this affiant saw all three with their regiments and knapsacks on and saw them take their depar- ture - she took leave of her brothers and the said Ruben Peterson at the same time - that the family resided near and she was intimately acquainted with him they were the nearest neighbors. That they were gone some time - she believes and has no doubt more than six months when they all three returned together having as they said used their time out - That after being at home some time - they all three went out again and were gone a long time - when they returned together again and she remembers that they then came home rejoicing saying that the war was ended and they should not have to go again. That the said Ruben Peterson has resided in the County of Salem the adjoining County to Cumberland almost ever since the war.
Subscribed and affirmed this 15 th day of January 1834 before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace of said County and I do hereby certify that the said Temperance Chard is a highly respec- table and creditable witness. Henry H. Howell J.P.
Her Temperance X Chard mark

State of New Jersey
County of Salem ss Joseph Hollingsworth of the Superior Court of Common Pleas of Salem County
do hereby certify that Henry H. Brimblecomb before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same a true and lawful Justice of the Peace of the said County of Salem and duly authorized and qualified to take oaths and affirmations and that the above substance is genuine and is the true and lawful writing of the said Justice
I hereby certify that I know the contents of this my name and the Seal of said Court the 20th day of January AD 1848
Joseph Hill Clerk

State of New Jersey County of Salem
Bevan Hitercraft of the County of Salem residing in the Township of Pilgrims Grove doth on his solemn affir- mation say - That he is well acquainted with Ruben Pitman of said Township and has known him for twenty years. That he has always understood that the said Ruben Pitman was a Revolutionary Soldier and such is and has been the general reputation of the neighbourhood - That he believes the said Ruben Pitman to be upwards of eighty years of age, and that he is a respectable man and entitled to credit for his statement as an applicant for a pension.
Subscribed & affirmed
this - 16 th day of January 1834 before me one of the Justices of the peace of said County. And I do certify that the Bevan Hitercraft is a respectable citizen and a credible witness.
Bevan Hitercraft
Joseph L. Risley
State of New Jersey County of Salem
I Joseph Hille Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same and now is one of the Justices of the peace of the said County of Salem and duly authorized and qualified to take oaths and affirmations and that the above signature is genuine and is the proper handwriting of the said Justice.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court this 20 th day of January A.D. One thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Joseph Hille Clk

State of New Jersey County of Salem ss
Edward Heims being duly affirmed doth say that he is well acquainted with Reuben Pitman of the Township of Pilesgrove in said County and different times in same Township - That he has known said Pitman for Sixteen years and that it has always been reported and believed in the neighborhood that the said Pitman was a Revolutionary soldier, and such is the general reputation of the Township where he resides. That he is upwards of eighty years of age and is a respectable citizen and entitled to credit in his statement as an applicant for a pension.
Subscribed and
this 16 th day of January 1934. before me one of the Justices of the Peace of said County and I do hereby certify that the s d Edward Heims is a respectable citizen and credible witness.
Edward Heims
Joseph L. Risley
State of New Jersey County of Salem ss
I Joseph Stille Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that Joseph L. Risley Esq r before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same and now is one of the Justices of the Peace of the said County of Salem and duly authorized and qualified to take oaths and affirmations and that the above signature is genuine and is the personal handwriting of the said Justice.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court This 20 th day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four Joseph Stille Clk

State of New Jersey County of Salem ss. Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the county of Salem personally appeared Jacob Hoffman of said county residing in the township of Pilesgrove who being by me duly sworn affirmed on his solemn affirmation saith that he first time saw Ruben Peterson of said township was in the year 1781 and that he has been personally acquainted with him about forty three years that he heard him spoken of as having been a revolutionary soldier previous to the year 1803 and that he has frequently since that period heard persons in said township say that said Ruben was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and has never heard it doubted by any one, and that he believes the said Ruben to be about eighty years of age and that he is a respectable man and is entitled to credit for his statement as an applicant for a pension
Affirmed and subscribed
Before me the 18 th January 1834 Jacob Hoffman And I do certify that said Jacob Hoffman is a respectable man and a credible witness — Joseph S. Risley —

State of New Jersey } Joseph Kille Clerk of the Superior County of Salem } Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that Joseph Kille
Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same and now is one of the Justices of the peace of the said County of Salem and duly authorized and qualified to take oaths and affirmations and that the above signature is genuine and is the proper handwriting of the said Justice
I certify whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the said Court this 20th day of January A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Joseph Kille Clerk

Ruben Peterson.
26. 828

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of New Jersey County of Salem ss { On this sixth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared before the Judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas of the County of Salem and State of New Jersey in open Court now sitting Ruben Patterson aged Eighty years on the fourth day of July 1832 who being duly sworn on his solemn oath doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States on the 27th day of August 1776 under Captain Samuel Ogden of the County of Cumberland which said Company was the first Continental and was of the Corps of Engineers. That he enlisted in said Company and marched from the said County of Cumberland to Trenton and from thence to New York, was in the battles on Long Island, was in Fort Washington for some time and was in the battle at White Plains in the month of October 1776 - That in all he served more than six months but infirmity by age and loss of memory he is unable to give the particular details of service. That he has no documentary evidence of his service and that he does not know any person whose testimony he can procure who can testify or certify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and desires that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. That he as a Colonel was the Colonel.
Sworn subscribed the day and year first above in open Court. }
His Ruben Patterson mark
Robt. D. Johnson
Mr. Bartholomew Hiles and Amos Patterson the former being a clergyman and both residing in the County of Salem hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ruben Patterson who has subscribed the above declaration and sworn to the same - That we believe him to be eighty years of age last July the 4th

and believe in the neighbourhood where he used to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Applicant  subscribed sworn in open Bartholomew Stiles Court the day before aforesaid? Amos Peterson
Robt. G. Johnson
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that the said Bartholomew Stiles who has signed the preceding certificate is a legitimate resident in the County of Salem and that Amos Peterson who has also signed the same is a resident in the said County of Salem and is a creditable person and that the statement is entitled to credit.
Robt. G. Johnson
Memner Smith
Charles Living.
Peter Biderbark
State of New Jersey County of Salem S.S.
David L. English
I Joseph Kille Clerk of the Court of common Pleas in and for the County of Salem do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Reuben Peterson for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the twenty sixth day of June in the Year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Joseph Kille Clerk

26, 828 Ralph Peterson, Paterson New Jersey
fm 1776 p 6 # 20.
Wit Leffers Salus Vindicare

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 Oct 1883
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. 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, shewing the Service of R Peterson
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     27 Aug 1776 6 Pt. Col Ogden Col Newcomb 81 Canalton Co N J   She witness affirms that the applicant has more than one year of service.  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
It is presumed that claimant was discharged later 1776 with the Flying camp generally. As his corps was retained under special circumstances, they

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? 
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 as 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 inquiry 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 enumeration 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, deposes and says, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of 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, must accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify as to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
must be set forth. Under rds.

INVALID.
Rev Mar
File No. 1029
Reuben Peterson
Pris. N. J. Mil
Act: June 7, 1882
Index:—Vol. a , Page 291
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

Trenton Banks Pension Office October 9 1837
Sir,
I enclose the papers of Reuben Peterson requiring your special direction for payment
I am very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant Wm Dickinson Pres.
J. B. Edwards Esq

R Paterson Payments to be made at Trenton by R Dickinson Esq. Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of New Jersey.
$1029
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book E Vol. 2 Page 25 by
Wm H Wilson Clerk.
Sheldon Paterson 1029

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Reuben Peterson of New Jersey who was a Private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty dollars and  cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this fifteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four,
L. W. Chap
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions.

April 16. 1834 Paid to H Chur 1834
March 1835 Paid to H Chur 1835
Sep 8 1835 Paid to H Sep 1835
Mar 16 1836 Paid to H Mar 1836
Paid to H Sep 1837
Paid to H Mar 1838
Paid to H Sep 1838
Paid to H Sep 1838
Paid to H Mar 1839
Paid to H Sep 1840
Paid to H Mar 1841
Paid to H Sep 1841
28.083
Paid to H Sep 1839 Paid to H Mar 1840 Paid to H Sep 1840
RECEIVED OF THE HON. JAMES M. SMITH
FOR THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNT

Salina N.D. 21 January 1834
Sir,
Herewith, you will receive the papers of Ruben Peterson, with such additional documents as he has been able to obtain. They consist of 1 st Answers to the interrogations taken before Judge Risley, the applicant being unable to attend in open Court. 2 d Affidavit of Temperance Chase proving Service. 3 d & 4 th Affidavits of Brian Flitcraft and Edward Burns as to his creditability and reputation of having been a Revolutionary Soldier. 5 th Affirmation of Jacob Hoffman to the same point.
Ruben Peterson is a very aged and infirm man, and is quite deaf, hence it is difficult to converse with him, and his recollections of men and events is very defective. The principal incidents of his Service are all that can be detailed. No one doubts his having served in the Revolutionary War, and all who know him admit he is worthy the bountiful provision of his Country - whether his papers bring him within the act and the rules of Contention adopted by the Department, is respectfully submitted to your decision.
Very respectfully
Your ob: Servt.
W. N. Jeffers.
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner etc.
← The certificates were written by a young man in the Clerk's office, and an apology is due for the manner and want of accuracy - but I believe they are substantially right. The signature of the clerk is of course his own.