Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2643, for David Perry, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New York
Perry David Content.
N 2643
CONTENTS

31.365
18.270
No 24729
New York
David Perry
Residing in the State of New York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Allen of the reg t commanded by Col t Hanger in the New York line for 2 years private
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 50 Dollars & Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of Dec r 1834 and sent to Mrs. M. Mitchell 76 Reap s
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1834 $281.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 st March 35, 40.00
$320.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by David Day Clerk, Book 62 Vol. 4 Page 54

New York Albany Consort Perry widow of David, Perry
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
N.Y. Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 13 th day of Dec. 1853.
and sent to
M c G. Wade, Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 85. Vol. A.

David Perry's Pension Papers
18270 Address all papers to P. B. Prindle Norwich Connecticut N.Y.
Admitted
24 mo. pri
80A
P. B. Prindle esq Norwich N.Y.

Amended Declaration
State of New York
Chautauqua County ss: Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of Chautauqua County Court, Mr. David Perry of Sinclair of Sinclair in said County to me known who being sworn says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of service memory he cannot state positively 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 bound.
9 months. For nine months I served as a private in Capt. Allen's company of nine months men under Col. Harper and Capt. [illegible] in [illegible] in the New York State Troops or Militia, in the "Nine months men"
2 mos. & 10 days. For two months and ten days I served as a private in Capt. Gonda's company under Col. McKinstry, in the New York State Troops or Militia.
2 yrs. 6 mos. & 25 days. For two years, six months and twenty five days I served as a private under Capt. Price and Col. Willet in the New York State Troops or Militia — all the above three terms of service were at the times and in the places stated in my declaration. And for the above terms of service combined, I served in all three years, six months and five days and for that time I claim a pension —
The corps in which I served as a private above stated were embodied corps called into service by competent authority of the State of New York; and during all or any part of the above time I was not employed in any civil pursuit.
Subscribed sworn to before me this 13th June 1853 (the interlineations just noted) David Perry
Smith M. Smith, Judge of Chautauqua County Court.

Chautauqua County ss: I Davis H. Pike clerk of the said County do certify that Smith M. Purdy before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the judges of the court of common pleas in and for the said County and that am acquainted with his hand writing and re- believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his genuine hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and seal of office This 13th June 1833.
P. B. Prindle Dep: Clerk.

State of New York County of Chenango
On this ninth day of October A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County now sitting Present
John Tracy Nathan Taylor Levi Dippelowe Hezekiah Reed Charles York
Judges
David Perry a resident of the town of Lincblaeen in the County of Chenango and State of New York aged seventy three years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
About the first of April 1810 at New Concord Columbia County New York enlisted into what was called nine months men (thinks they were hired by the State) for eight months into a company commanded by Lothrop Allen Captain of New Britain as then called but now called Chatham Columbia County - does not recollect the name of the Lieutenant - knows not who was Colonel but supposes that one Harker was Colonel as it was said he was Colonel of the Northern department at that time - supposes Gen. Brock was commandant of the Brigade as his company received marching orders from him at Albany - received by his father at the time of enlistment thirty two pounds - he was hired by a class - as the towns were divided into classes and every class had to hire a man and this pay was received from the class for which he was hired - passed muster in about a week at Albany remained at Albany a day or two and then marched with his company up the Mohawk river to Fort Herkimer - remained there about a week and then went to Fort

Dayton and where there stationed remained at Fort Dayton three or four weeks and was then sent with Sergeant Camp and sixteen men to a place called Little Germantown about six miles up the river from Fort Dayton where was a small block house - about a week or ten days after we were stationed at Germantown had a slight skirmish with the Indians between Fort Dayton and Germantown who had went with some of the men to guard the wagons to mill at Little Falls and on the return had this skirmish which lasted between a half an hour and a hour a few days after this had another skirmish with the Indians and Tories at Germantown. - They attacked the village of Little Germantown and cut off most of the inhabitants this skirmish commenced about nine o' clock in the morning and after they cut off the inhabitants the Indians remained about the block house until about twelve o'clock after this skirmish remained at Little Germantown four or five days and then went back to Fort Dayton and then remained there until about the first of July. - When this defenent enlisted into Captain Norton who was recruiting until the fifteenth fifteenth day of December as the time for which he enlisted into the former company would be expire on the first of December - This defenent had liberty as he understood to enlist into any other com- -pany if he would enlist for a longer time then he would be obliged to serve under his former enlistment - received a certificate for ten bushels of wheat after he was discharged which was to be paid after he was discharged - next day after he enlisted to Capt Norton went to Albany & remain- -ed there one day and then went down the river in a sloop to West Point & stayed there one night and then went down to a place called Kings Ferry he thinks and then went to a place about ten miles west of this to a place called Stein Rapp and there joined his regiment and was put into a company commanded by one Peter Captain one Dodge Lieutenant The regiment

was under the command of Frederick Wisenfelt Sedona thinks one Davis (was Major) one Tallmadge Ad- -jutant. The commandant of the Brigade was General Clinton - remained at Stein Rapp four or five weeks and then marched down with the regiment to a place called Van Horns mills which he thinks was in the State of New Jersey and remained there about a week and then went to Fort Washington or Fort Lee but does not know which as he remained but two nights but it was the upper Fort then went back to Van Horns mill and there remained from one to two weeks and then went back to Stein Rapp and was there at the time of the Execution of Major Andre who was hung at a place called Ongargetown a place about two miles from Stein Rapp after his execution in about a week mar- -ched up with his regiment to West Point and remained building redouts and performing fatigue duty and on guard until about the first of November and then went up with the regiment in sloops to Albany and remained there three or four days and then marched with the regiment to Schenectady and there remained one day and then marched up the Mohawk river to Fort Stanwix (now Rome) and remained there about three days - then all who were enlisted on the Mohawk river were taken by Captain Norton to Albany and were discharged by General Ten Broeck who gave a written discharge & was in no skirmish or battle during this service except those mentioned Sergeant Chas Deyman Jackson and Privates Ichabod Smith. and Stephen Burges Esch Aylesworth, one Hubbard were in the company commanded by Captain Allen and served with him one Williams Sergeant and one Glover Sergeant, one Cook, Barber, one Penning, one Irish one Shaw Privates were in the company commanded by Captain Titus and served with him

about the first of April 1781. enlisted again at New Concord for nine months into a company com- manded by Captain Funder. - Thinks the Lieutenant name was Grant The regiment was under the command of Charles Mc Kinstry Colonel The names of the other regimental officers does not recollect. - Supposed as it was so said that General Gen. Brock was commandant of the Brigade. - was hired by a dep. agt at Albany the company, or rather at a place called the oak tree about five miles from Albany then marched into Albany and received their orders and there remained over night and then marched with his company to Saratoga and there remained until the tenth of June and then enlisted for three years or during the war  they were then a new regiment was then raising and each man remained in his former company enlisted to a Lieutenant Richardson who was a recruiting officer remained at Saratoga in his former company until sometime in the fall and then the recruits of which he was one were taken by Lieutenant Richardson to Ballston and there remained through the winter some time in April as he thinks he was marched with the rest of the recruits by Richardson up the Mohawk River to Canajoharie and there joined the regiment and this deponent was put into a company commanded by the Pierce Captain first Lieutenant one Richardson Second Lieutenant one Trimmer The regiment was under the command of Charles Willet Colonel Pliny Chase Adjutant The names of other regimental officers does not recollect knows not who was General but was reviewed once

see by Lord Stirling and was never reviewed by any other General I remained at Canajoharie through summer building a block house and barracks remained there until some time in February as he thinks but does not recollect the precise time went down the river to Duaneburgs Currys bush and the adjacent parts and raised between twenty and thirty teams and then marched with the teams up the river to Fort Herkimer and were there joined by a Rhode Island regiment mostly formed of Blacks remain- ed at Fort Herkimer two or three days and then marched to Fort Stanwix accompanied by the Rhode Island regiment and there remained only one night and then marched for Fort Oswego a British Fort under the personal command of Colonel Willet for the purpose of taking the Fort but the expedition failed went within about three miles of the Fort as it was said but does not know as they did not see the Fort but they were led wrong by the guide and at day break they retreated back to Fort Her- kimer - on this expedition lose both his feet which he has not yet recovered wholly from remain- -ed at Fort Herkimer two or three weeks and then went to Fort Plain and there remained in the hospital on account of his feet until some time in June. 1783. and then being so far recovered as to be able to duty and then remained there until fall and then marched down to Schenectady and there remained about two weeks and then marched to Albany and remained until the 8th day of January 1784 and on the 10th next day went to Schenectady and there on that day was discharged by the Captain who gave a written discharge which he has lost and then also received a certificate for five hundred acres of land on the Mohawk river

gave a hundred acres to Pliny Moore to locate it and sold the other four hundred to James Peice of Albany - was engaged in no battle or skirmish during his term one Hamblin one Lewis one Hollister one De Forrest Sergeants one Hopkins one De Goley one De Vont Corporals Rufus Shepard David Campbell James Campbell Archibald Campbell Asa Cerkings John Leasing Evert Sansing Obegiah Griswold and Isaiah Burnam. Privates served in the same company with him and were discharged with him at
And he further states that he has no documentary evidence of his services and knows of no persons whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except Rufus Shepard of the town of Sherburne County of Chenango and Asa Cerkings of New Berlin County of Chenango whose affidavits are hereunto annexed
In answer to the interrogatories required to be put by the war department to applicants for pensions he answers as follows viz
1st
Was born in New Concord Columbia County in the year 1759. The eighth day of August
2d
He has no record of his age

3rd He resided at New Concord Columbia County New York each time he entered the service and remained there after the war until 1794 and then moved to Sherburne Chenango County State of New York and remained there nine or ten years and then went to Georgetown Madison County New York and there remained about eighteen or nineteen years and then removed back to Sherburne and there remained about eighteen months and then moved to Vernon Oneida County New York and there remained about eighteen months and then went to Truxton Cortland  Chenango County and there remained about three years and then went to Litchfield Chenango County where he now resides
4th Enlisted each time into the service it was so called although twice was hired by a class as stated in his declaration
5th Saw General Washington at Fort Herkimer General Clinton Stein Rappie — The general circumstances of his services are as stated in his declaration as near as he recollect
6th He always received written discharges which are all lost or destroyed
7th He gives the names of Josiah Lathrop Farmer Joshua Pratt Merchant Lyman Rufford Merchant Newcomb Raymond Farmer Timothy Hatch Farmer Amos Cole Farmer all of the town of Sherburne Enos Hobbie Merchant Isaac Clark Farmer Samuel Plumb Post Master all of the town of Litchfield George Boody of the town of Otsego Chenango County as men to whom he is known and

and who reside in the neighbourhood where he now resides or where he has resided and who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
He further states that as he has not lived in Lincklaen but a short time there is no clergyman in the neighborhood who is sufficiently acquainted with him to testify to his character or give an opinion of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
David Perry
J. H. Pike Clerk
Benjamin F. Rexford William Coosey residing in the town of Sperburne county of Chenango and James Elmore residing in the town of Sperburne county of Chenango hereby certify that we are well acquainted with David Perry who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years and upwards of age. that he is respected and believed in the neighbourhood where he

resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion and that we have never heard any doubts expressed by any person as to his having been such soldier; and we further certify that there is no clergyman in the neighborhood of the applicant in our opinion who is sufficiently acquainted with him to testify to his character or make the certificate required by the Pension Law passed June 7. 1832
Benjamin G. Shepard Solomon Elmore
I move to determine the day and year after said William Cooley  set forth reversed 2 Benjamin G. Shepard & Sherburne inserted before execution
L. K. Pike Clerk
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 William Cooley  Benjamin G. Shepard a resident of the town of Sherburne county of Chenango and James Elmore of the town of Sherburne county of Chenango are credible persons and their statement is entitled to credit, and it further satisfactorily appears to the Court that

There is no clergyman residing in the neighborhood of the said applicant who is sufficiently acquainted with him to make the certificate required by the Pension Law
✓ Judges of the Court of Common Pleas Charles Voorhies of Chenango County Nathan Taylor New York
State of New York County of Chenango ss
I Jarvis H. Pike Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Chenango do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Perry for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October A. D. 1832
P. B. Rundle Dep. Clerk

State of New York } Chenango County } ss
Matthew Calkins of New Berlin in the County of Chenango and State of aforesaid being first duly sworn according to Law deponeth and saith that in April in the year 1782 he enlisted for nine months and joined the regiment of Colo Mennon Willet at Albany soon after under Capt Henry and Marched to Johnstown where in June following he enlisted into the three years service and was put under the command of Capt Peter V. Sers in the same Regiment and served therein until the war was over about the first of January 1784 that when he was at Fort Plain on the Mohawk river he was acquainted with David Perry he belonged to Capt Pierce's Company in the same regiment and that a man has just called to see him that says he is the same person by the name of David Perry and from circumstances which took place in the regiment and particularly in the expedition to Oswego in the winter of 1783 which this man has related to him he thinks he could not have known and related so correct unless he had been there at the time which makes him believe him to be the very same person but not having seen said Perry since the close of the war till now he cannot say certain concerning the matter and further this deponent saith not
Sworn and subscribed
September 5. 1832 before me
Matthew Calkins Charles Rich Justice of the Peace of New Berlin —
Charles Rich Justice of the Peace of the Town of New Berlin have been formerly personally acquainted with the above named Matthew Calkins for a number of years & have also considered him a respectable inhabitant and a man of truth & veracity
Charles Rich

State of New York Chautauqua County ss: I, Jarvis K. Pike Clerk of said County do certify that Charles Rich before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and truly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and to the within certificate to be his genuine handwriting and signature
Witness my hand and seal of office This ninth day of October 1832
P. B. Pandle Dep Clerk

State of New York
Chenango County p. Rufus Shepard of the town of Sherburne County of Chenango State of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say - That he is sixty six years old and upwards - That in October of the year 1781 he enlisted into a company commanded by one David Perrin Col. Marmaduke Willets Regiment and in the spring of the year 1782 knows of David Perrin now of the town of Leineklaren County of Chenango joining his company and also knows that he remained in the company performing duty until the sixth of January 1884 when he was discharged with this deponent at Schenectady and further this deponent saith not.
sworn Oct 9. 1832 before me
Rufus Shepard
M c Tracy first Judge of Chenango County Courts
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Rufus Shepard and believe him to be a person of truth and veracity
M c Tracy first Judge
State of New York Chenango County p. I Jarvis H. Pike Clerk of the said Court do certify that John Tracy before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the time of the same One of the Judges (First Judge) of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and truly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and the above Certificate to be his genuine handwriting and signature
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 9th day of October, 1832
J. B. Pindle Dep. Clerk

No 18270
David Perry Chenango County New York
Admitted Private 14 months 5 days + Private 2 years
Proof
Susp: for copy of rolls of off in Col. Wolcott's regiment Apr. 18 34
Noted not for service under Capt. Tabor - 14th Inf. Perry - on rolls of Capt. Tabor's Company.
Hon. H. Mitchell Private Mitchell Chenango County New York
Water

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Oct 30 1833
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 subjouined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of David Perry Schenango County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1. April 1780 1107 Stated private Capt Allen Col. Harker Albany, Fort Herkimer - Fort Dayton Little German Town, 73 years New Concord Columbus County New York Traditional evidence & 2 living Witnesses. No clergymen in the neighbourhood. Papers not properly attached.   Enlisted 1 April 1781 - 2 10 private Capt. Dundy Col. M. Hunsdy   Enlisted 10 June 1781 Not stated private Capt Pierce Col Willet Ballston  
+ In receipt for claimants pay on file with those of Col Willet agreement  I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [e] 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.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
service Company under Col Wildt, the affidavits of some are of City of Schuylerville

Honrich, Chautauqua Co - N.Y. March 9. 1834
Sir -
I answer to the note in red ink writing, on the annexed Circular permit me to say that there are appended to the declaration the testimony of two witnesses relating to his service under Capt Heirs Pearce in Col. Millelly's Regiment, which must have been accidentally overlooked by the examining officer -
I have written to Capt. Fonda but he has no recollection of Mr Perry -
Respectfully
C. B. Puddle agent for David Perry
J. S. Edwards Esq. Court of Sessions
never known or pronounced - Capt Fonda is also now living in the
Caps 2

Contest Perry widow of David Revolutionary claim Act 3 d Feby 1833. N. Y.
H. G. Wade Prosecut. Atty

State of New York County of Cattaraugus } Clerk's Office } ss
I, Enoos H. Southwick, Clerk of said County and of the Courts of Record thereof, do hereby certify that Chester Howe before whom the foregoing Declarations were sworn to and subscribed and whose name is subscribed to the Certificate thereof, was, at the dates, of the same, County Judge, and Surrogate in and for the said County - duly elected, sworn and authorized to administer oaths and affirmations, and to act as such County Judge & Surrogate as aforesaid. Also that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his signature subscribed to said Certificates as aforesaid is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Ellicottville the 19th day of October 1853.
Enos H. Southwick Clerk.
State of New York Cattaraugus County } Clerk's Office } ss
I, Enoos H. Southwick Clerk of said County and of the Courts thereof, do certify that Harlow W. Hopkins before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed and whose name is subscribed to the certificate thereof, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid dwelling in the said County duly elected sworn and authorized to administer oaths and affirmations. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice and verily believe that his signature above written is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal at Ellicottville the 24th day of October A.D. 1853.
Enos H. Southwick Clerk.

STATE OF New York } S. S. Cattaraugus COUNTY } of the said County
Personally appeared before the subscriber County Judge and duly authorised by law to administer oaths Seymour
Dana Perry , a resident of the town of Pittsfield in the county of Cattaraugus and State of New York aged fifty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, he is personally acquainted with Contrer Perry , whose application for a pension as the widow of David Perry , late a United States pensioner from Allegany County New York
is hereto annexed, that deponent was personally acquainted with the said David Perry late her husband, and has been personally acquainted with said widow and her late husband from the year 18 22 . and knows they lived together as man and wife, and was so reputed and believed to be where they resi- ded; that he knows said David Perry died about the 28 th day of November 1836 and that he left Contrer Perry the applicant for a pension his widow, who has not intermarried since his death but still remains his widow.
That the said David Perry in his lifetime moved from the County of Madison in the State of New York to the town of Bolivar in the County of Allegany in said State where he resided at the time of his death.
Seymour Hamilton
Sworn and subscribed before me this 19 th day of October 185 5
Chester Stone County Judge
I certify that, Seymour Hamilton the above affidavit is a creditable witness.
who executed Chester Stone County Judge
STATE OF New York } S. S. Cattaraugus COUNTY } of the said County
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of Peace duly authorised by law to administer oaths
Dana Perry , a resident of the town of Pittsfield in the County of Cattaraugus and State of New York aged forty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, he is personally acquainted with Contrer Perry — whose application for a pension as the widow of David Perry , late a United States pensioner from Allegany County New York
is hereto annexed, that deponent was personally acquainted with the said David Perry late her husband, and has been personally acquainted with said widow and her late husband from the year 18 22 — and knows they lived together as man and wife, and were so reputed and believed to be where they resi- ded; that he knows said David Perry — died about the 28 th day of November 18 36 . and that he left Contrer Perry the applicant for a pension his widow, who has not intermarried since his death, but still remains his widow.
That the said David Perry in his lifetime moved from the County of Madison , in the United State of New York to the town of Bolivar in Allegany County where he resided at his death
David Perry
Sworn and subscribed before me Harlow M. Hopkins this 21 st day of October 185 5
I certify that Dana Perry the above affidavit is a creditable witness.
who executed Harlow M. Hopkins J. P.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Act of Congress of the 3d of February 1853.
State of New York
County of Cattaraugus On this, 19 th day of October 185 3 personally appeared
in open court [1] before the [2] Surrogate of Cattaraugus County Content Perry [3] a resident of Portville in the County of Cattaraugus and State of New York aged 82 years, who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 3d of February, 1853, entitled "An Act to continue half pay to certain widows," and orphans."—That she is the widow of [4] David Perry who was a [5] United States seaman at the rate of about $80. per annum. from the County of Madison in the State of New York, that before his death he moved to the County of Allegany in said State
David Perry & Content Perry were married on the 23 rd day of October in the year of our Lord 1808
Content Perry on the 28 th day of October 185 3 at hundred and Eight in the town of Woodstock New York , by Elder and who resided in the town of Albion at the time of such marriage, that her said husband, County of Allegany on the 28 th day of November
185 3 The only evidence she knows of her marriage to said David Perry is, [7]
The original record kept in their family Bible which is in the handwriting of her late husband said David Perry, and which has been in use for more than thirty years, and is in the words following viz David Perry & Content Hamilton was married October 23 rd in the year of our Lord 1808, and that by reason of infirmity she is unable to write her name.
Signed in presence of Simeon Hamilton
Content Perry mark
Sworn and subscribed before the day and year above written
Charles Jones County Judge Surrogate
I certify that on account of the infirmities of age and ill health
above named, is
Directions for executing the above declaration. If executed before a Court, at No. 1 write "in open court," at 2, District. Surrogate's, or Probate Court, as is the case—If executed before a Judge, as it may be if the claimant is unable to attend Court, at No. 1, leave blank, at 2, write "subscriber, Judge of" county or other court. At 3 the name of the claimant, at 4 and 6 name of claimant's late husband, at 5, the annual pension of claimant's late husband and his residence when pensioned—if never pensioned, describe the service for which the widow claims a pension. At 7 add such facts as the claimant is able to give respecting her marriage, if she has a certificate or record of marriage in the family Bible or elsewhere, it must be attached—the old, original document itself—to the above declaration; and the claimant must state in whose handwriting the record is, and the length of time it has been in use. The other blanks are to be filled as the facts may require. If the claimant is unable to write, the Judge must so certify.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by Act of Congress of the 3d of February 1853.
State of New York
County of Cattaraugus On this 19 th day of October 185 3 personally appeared
in open court [1] before the [2] Surrogate of Cattaraugus County Content Perry [3] a resident of Portville in the County of Cattaraugus and State of New York aged eighty three years, who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 3d of February, 1853, entitled "An Act to continue half pay to certain widows," and orphans,"—That she is the widow of [4] David Perry who was a [5] United States pensioner at the rate of about $80. per annum. from The County of Madison in the State of New York, that before his death he moved to the County of Allegany in said State where he resided when he died
She further declares that she was married to the said [6] David Perry on the
23 rd day of October one thousand eight hundred and Eight , at the house of Deborah Bright in the town of Woodstock in the county of Madison in the State of New York , by Elmer John Peck who was a Baptist Minister and who resided in the town of Woodstock in said County of Madison at the time of such marriage,
at deponent's name before her marriage was Content Hamilton , that her said husband, David Perry died in the town of Portville County of Cattaraugus and State of New York on the 28 th day of November
18 36 The only evidence she knows of her marriage to said David Perry is, [7].
The original record kept in their family Bible which is in the handwriting of her late husband said David Perry. And which has been in use for more than thirty years. And is in the words following viz David Perry & Content Hamilton was married October 23 rd in the year of our Lord 1808. and that by reason of infirmity she is unable to write her name.
Signed in presence of Byron Hamilton
Content Perry mark
Sworn and subscribed before the day and year above written
Charles Hove County Judge & Surrogate
I certify that on account of the infirmities of age and ill health
above named, is
Directions for executing the above declaration. If executed before a Court, at No. 1 write "in open court," at 2, District. Surrogate's, or Probate Court, as is the case—If executed before a Judge, as it may be if the claimant is unable to attend Court, at No. 1, leave blank, at 2, write "subscriber, Judge of" county or other court. At 3 the name of the claimant, at 4 and 6 name of claimant's late husband, at 5, the annual pension of claimant's late husband and his residence when pensioned—if never pensioned, describe the service for which the widow claims a pension. At 7 add such facts as the claimant is able to give respecting her marriage, if she has a certificate or record of marriage in the family Bible or elsewhere, it must be attached—the old, original document itself—to the above declaration; and the claimant must state in whose handwriting the record is, and the length of time it has been in use. The other blanks are to be filled as the facts may require. If the claimant is unable to write, the Judge must so certify.

Martha Perry died August 28 th 1808

Per Way
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2643
Content Perry Widow David Perry Pr. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index: — Vol. M. , Page 119.
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Pension Office Dec. 8 / 53
Sir. PP Please report time of last payment to, or death of, Within named pensioner.
Respectfully &c F. Burt Esq.      W. J. Cole 3 Aud              J. G. Loomis
Present David Perry, At 1832, $80.00 p. an. — Died 28 th Nov. 1836, Paid to death.
F. Burt Auditor.
^

No 2,842
Dec 1/52
Content Perry wid of David
$20
24729
Elizabeth Stacy
swore
spouse of David
swore
spouse of David
Dec 1/52
Allowed $20 per annum
To Com Feb 3. 1852
W. B. Wade Present
Recd Dec 7th 1853
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Pension Office, Official Business

New York
David Perry
Revoy.
Suspended
See let to A. Campbell
Apr 19 '34
do. P. B. Prindle 8 July '34
Adm d
Act 7 June '32

3. 203. New York. A.
Content Perry — widow of David,
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13th day of Dec r 1853 and sent to
W. L. Wade
Present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 85 Vol.
(32)

Munck, Chemango Co. N.Y. July 2. 1834.
Sir,
I am induced by the peculiar necessities and circumstances of Mr. David Perry of this County, who applied for a pension under the law of 1832, to write and solicit as early an attention to his case as you can give it. He is poor and is actually suffering from the wants of a little of the money which I conceive to be justly due him.
Permit me to hope that his case may be taken up and passed upon (favorably - if consistent) soon.
I know him to be every inch a patriot and there is no doubt in the minds any citizens of our County, that he is justly entitled to the pension.
Respectfully
Your Obedient Servt
P. B. Pindle
Lt. Edward Egan Commr of Pensions

Norwich, Chenango Co. N.Y. Octo: 13. 1834
Sir
In answer to yours of the 8th July, 1834, in relation to David Perry's claim for a pension I send you herewith a certified statement of facts in his case, which I have obtained from the Secretary of State of our State, which will, I hope, obviate the objections raised.
You will observe that Perry calls his Captain in Willet's Series "John Pierce" while the Secretary's letter goes to show that "Jonathan Pierce" must have been the name person - 'tis doubtless the same person, the Perry insists that he was called last. John Pierce .
As you state in your letter, that Mr. Perry's having rec d . bounty Land would be conclusive evidence of the rendition of the service, in Willet's Regiment, 2 1/2 Years, Mr. Perry has concluded not to put himself to trouble and expense in attempting to hunt up any proof of the 9 months services in Harper's Regiment - He is old & extremely poor and the only person whom he supposes can know any thing about it, resides 130 miles distant.
An early an attention to this case as may be, will confer a favor upon
Your humble & obed servt.
P. A. Windle
L. S. Edwards Esq.
Com t of Pensions.
Washington City.

State of New York Secretary's Office
Albany Oct. 5. 1834.
Sir,
Your letter of the 3 rd inst. to the Secretary of State relative to David Perry was received this morning - You state that Mr. Perry is an applicant for a Pension - That he claims to have served in Col. Willet's regiment of State Troops & alleges that his Captain was John Pierce and the Lieutenants of the Company were Richardson & Trumper - He also expresses his surprise that information should be sent from this Office to Mr. Edwards Comm r . of Pensions that no such captain as "Pierce" served in Willet's Regiment &c &c
In answer I have to state that as far as I remember no certificate was sent to the Pension Office that no captain of the name of John Pierce was in Col. Willet's Regiment - Willet was appointed to command levies three times, - in 1781. 1782 & 1783 - and some time ago a list of all the officers appointed to serve under Willet in the levies, was at his request sent to Mr. Edwards and it now appears on a careful examination of the minutes of the Council of appointment that there was no captain of the name of John Pierce in either of the Regiments of Levies commanded by Col. Willet - But there was a captain of the name of Jonathan Piercy in the said regiments appointed April 10. 1782 and again appointed June 27. 1783 - On the 24 th of July 1782 there was a Lieutenant appointed in said Reg t of the name of Josiah Richardson & an Ensign of the name of Lawrence Trumper - all which may be found on the list sent to Mr. Edwards - It seems that Phiney Moor was a Lieut. and probably acted as as adjutant -
A Patent was issued on the 5 th day of November 1785 to Mark Graves David Perry and 23 other persons for a tract of 11.600 acres of land situate in the county of Clinton pursuant to the Act entitled "An act for granting certain lands promised to be given as bounty lands by laws of this State and for other purposes therein mentioned" passed the 11 th day of May 1784 - The following

are the names of all the persons named in the said patents viz "Mark Greaves, Levi Smith, Ichabod Tubbs, Horace Shepherd, George Houseman, David Doolittle, George Inglis, Peter Welsh, David Perry, Eliphalet Kellogg, Jesse Purdy, James Deshler, Gattep Peter, Christian Fulmer, Nathaniel Rogers, Oliver Deake, Mason Deake, Samuel Ashman, Robert Ayers, Asa Hamlin, Abraham Knapp, Daniel Bodwell, Levi Stoughton, Pliny Moor and James Dean." and they located the said tract of land pursuant to the Act entitled "An act for raising two regiments for the defence of this State on bounties of Unappropriated lands" passed March 20. 1781 and the act entitled "An act for raising troops to complete the line of this State in the Service  Army of the United States and the two re- giments to be raised on bounties of Unappropriated lands and for the further defence of the frontiers of this State" passed March 23. 1782.
Yours very respectfully
Arch d Campbell Dep Secretary
P. B. Prindle Esq
State of New York Secretary's Office
I certify that the facts stated above are true
Given under my hand and the seal of this office at the city of Albany the sixth day of October A. D. 1834
Arch d Campbell Dep. Secretary

Brief in the case of Content Perry widow of David Cattaraugus County and State of New York act of February 3-1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a private in N. York line 2 yrs, 6 pensioner under act of June 7. 1832 at $80 per annum to be paid to his death Nov 28. 1836
Allowed $80 per annum to commencing Feb 3-1853 (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by private record
Death of husband proved by Auditor's report
Identity & Widowhood - credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
W.G. Wade Esqr. Present,
Examining Clerk.
J. L. Gray

Washington Dec 7 th 1853.
Sir,
Enclosed herewith is the applica- tions of - Elizabeth Stacey, and Contract Perry - claiming the benefits of the 2 d section of the act of Congress of 3 d Foley 1853,
Very Respectfully Wm Ch t Smith, J r G. Wade
Henk P. Mulda Com ee of Pensions

Doctor George M. Crump
Washington City

Richmond, December the 8 th 1834.
Dear Sir,
Your letter dated the of November was duly rec d ; and at Cumberland November Court I had an interview with Mr. Geo. R. Palmer upon the subject to which it referred. Mr. Palmer took until the Thursday following which was Amelia November Court to decide which course to adopt; indeed he seemed disposed to adopt that course which would be most agreeable to yourself. I saw him at Amelia Court, when it was determined between us that the latter course would be for Mr. B: A: Wilson to advertise the negroes to be sold at Court. Dear: It is agreeable to your instructions, that he Palmer would write to you himself upon the subject; and if it were desirable then for Mr. Palmer to pay for the debt of he could do so. at any time before the sale. - I have accordingly instructed Mr. Wilson to proceed to sell agreeably to your directions. And you will have an opportunity of making known your wishes to Palmer upon the subject. I think myself that I should let the Deed of Trust be acted on. Negroes are now selling remarkably high,

and Palmer, or some other of your friends have no doubt informed you of the death of two of the Negro men with the Cholera. Palmer also has lost 2 other of their Boatmen with it during the month of November; making 4 in number. They embarked it in Petersburg and the boatmen from these to Farmville suffered greatly. I am sorry that I can't give you the names of the two men who have died with Cholera as I omitted when I saw Palmer to organize.
There is another subject upon which I have intended for sometime past to consult with you. It is upon the propriety of my turning over the administration of the Estate of Geo: T. Camp to Palmer. No portion of the property whatever has as yet come to my hands, and there are no persons interested except yourself and Palmer, and I really think that he is the proper person to administer. I have consulted him upon the subject and he has agreed to act, but wished first to consult you. I have not been able to perceive any the least objection to his acting as I am not aware of a single contingency in which your interest and his would come in collision. - You are aware no doubt that the Michaux & Redds have brought suit in Com. P. S. Ct for the Negroes derived from Henry Mason Estate. I have always considered

your title to that class of Negroes as being good as the Adm rs : of your Wife , and I think that your sale to Palmers will give him a title. and so it can make no difference whether whether whether your title as conveyed to him be derived from Mrs: Cook, or little George; as I believe at the time of your making the bill of sale to Palmer there existed no impediment to your doing so. —
It would be a gratification to me to be relieved from the Administration, yet I would continue it, if I believed that by doing so withdrawing in favour of Palmer you were to be the sufferer. He has consented with reluctance to administer & only after you may have been consulted, & consented. Let me hear from you upon this subject at an early day, that I may take the necessary steps at Court? Des: Ct: to turn over the Adm rs to Pal- mer.
In relation to our friends in Parkton. They were all well a week ago when I left home; Dr: H. Grump's health has been very bad during the past summer. It is now improving. — He is al- most a madman upon the subject of politics. but as I understood from Mr: Swann that you avoided the subject of politics altogether I will not trouble you upon that subject. — Come and see us, in the Spring, and I assure you, that no one will experience more real pleasure than myself, in welcoming you to your native County Yours truly &c
W. M. Nash