Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17137, for John Mersereau, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Mersereau, John or Mercereau, Barbara
W. 1.7137
Sol. died Feb. 21, 1820.
CONTENTS
uncle of John L. 87217 + Joshua 87224

6
New York 4039
Barbara Mersereau widow of John Mersereau
Died on the 21. February 1820. of Schoharie Co. in the State of N. York who was a Officer in the Continental commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for 2 years
Ref. See letter 27 June 1846 to H.S. Allison - do. to same Sept. 24. 1846
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany the rate of 480 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Increased from $376:83
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of March 1846, and sent to Hon. S. Allison Present
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
Former payments to be deducted.
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3. }
Recorded by D. Brown CI Book C. Vol. 1. Page 122.

CHILDREN'S MARRIAGES.
NAMES.
Month.
Day.
Year.
John Merriam was married to Mary Pratt November 8 th 1736. John Merriam was married to Deborah Pitt October 1771. Peter Merriam was married to Sarah Layton August 16 th 1801.

NAMES.
BIRTHS.
DEATHS.
Month. | Day | Year.
Month. | Day | Year.
John Morison of Astoria Island born March 2 1782 died April 27 1820. Mary Morison his eldest daughter of Mary born Decem 10 1790 died June 20 1803. Sarah Morison his second daughter born October 27 1792 died Decem 4 1806. Mary Morison his third daughter born February 28 1795 died June 10 1800. Abraham Morison his second son born January 10 1797 died June 2 1811. John Morison his brother to Abraham born Decem 17 1757. Abigail Morison his second daughter born Septem 2 1798 died March 1801. David Morison his first son born April 17 1777 died June 22 1799. Israel Morison his second son born March 16 1776. Peter Morison his third son born Aug 28 1779.

State of New York ss On this thirty first day of August Broome County Eighteen hundred and forty two Personally appeared before the undersigned a Judge of the court of common pleas in and for the said county Barbara Mersereau a resident of the town of Union in the County of Broome and State of New York aged Ninety years on the 19 th of October next who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836; That she is the widow of John Mersereau who in the Revolutionary war was a spy for Gen Washington for more than two years after the war commenced and an Assistant Commissary of Prisoners
That a few days after the British landed on Staten Island Gen Mercer came to her husband's house and engaged him to go to Staten Island and give what information he could in relation to the strength of the British Army and report to General Washington which he did and gave to General Washington the information required. That he continued in this service for several years under General Washington and done no other business but to spy out the strength of the enemy their situation and their movements. He had the confidence of General Washington. See Putnam Green Layfayette and others. That when General Washington was retreating through New Jersey with his army in 1776 he put up all night at this deponent's house and this deponent pro- vided supper for Washington and eighteen other officers that on the following morning after the Army had moved onward this deponent thought best her husband being gone on duty to follow the army and started just before the British arrived at that place which was Woodbridge Middlesex County New Jersey. That she overtook the retreating army at New Brunswick landing and stopped there all night from this they continued to retreat until they crossed the Delaware the Army made

halt and this deponent stopped with the army where she remained in the family of a Mr Ingraham nine months her husband was all this time on duty watching the motions of the enemy and obtaining such information of their movements as he could for the Americans that after this nine months she moved from place to place as the army moved her husband being continually in the service as a spy and an Assistant Commissary of Prisoners That her husband John Mersereau from the beginning of the war served as a spy and as an Assistant Commissary of Prisoners at least six years until the end of the war That her husband and Joshua Mersereau by their exertions and watchfulness after the American Army had crossed the Delaware saved the army from being attacked by the British in searching along the River they found several boats such which the British intended to raise and cross the River By this timely discovery they prevented the British from crossing the River This deponents husband in the beginning of the war was considered a wealthy man but when the war ended he was worth nothing for his losses he in 1819 made application for a remuneration of damages sustained by him during the war but his claim was rejected From old age and loss of memory she is unable to state the exact length of the different services of her husband but the foregoing is according to her best recollection
That she further declares that she was married to the said John Mersereau as his second wife on the 19th day of October 1771 By the Rev Mr Jackson a Dutch reform minister at her mothers house on Staten Island and that her husband John Mersereau died on the 21 st day of February 1820 and that she still remains a widow She further declares that the family record attached by affix wafer to this declaration is a correct record of the marriage of John Mersereau and herself and the record of the marriage following her said marriage is the record of the marriage after

There is a son Peter Merscream That the record of the births of David Merscream Israel Putnam Merscream and Peter Merscream is a correct record of their three children as kept in the family Bible That the rest of the record is a record of her husbands birth and death and of his first wifes marriage and the record of his children by his first wife Mary Pratt who died about 13 or 14 months before his marriage to the deponent She further declares that she has no documentary evidence of her husbands services from her perspective nor does she know of any but relies on the evidence that may be produced to sustain her claim Sworn to and subscribed to the day and year before written Barbary her Merscream mark before me Wm Seymour
Broome County ss I certify that of that Barbary Merscream who made the foregoing declaration is a respectable woman and a woman of truth and veracity and her statements made are entitled to full credit and belief
And upon personal examination I believe that from the infirmities of old age she should be excused from attending the court of review in and for said county Dated August 31 st 1842
Wm Seymour first Judge of Broome Com Pleas

State of New York, } John C. Moore, Clerk of said County, Broome County, } ss.
State of New York, } John C. Moore Clerk of said County, do Broome County, } hereby certify that Hon. William Hymour whose name appears to the within Certificate, & before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of said Certificate, and at the time of the swearing & taking said affidavit, First Judge of Broome County Court, duly commissioned & sworn, and authorized to act as such. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge, & believe his signature to said Certificate to the purport of said affidavit to be genuine. Given under my hand, & seal of office this 10 th day of September, A.D. 1842:— John C. Moore Clerk

Barbara Mersereau , dec'd
Indt to $600 per annum beg former sayb at $480 per annum, Commg 21 March 1831 & endg 10 March 1847, payable to
Israel P. Mersereau &
Peter Mersereau, only
surviving children
Israel P. Mersereau, Administrator for the benefit of himself & Peter Mersereau, only surviving children.
W. Barry
Israel P. Mersereau,
Uniontown
Moorefield
W. H. [unclear]
W. C.
[unclear]

IN REPLY REFER TO Rev. War Section.
3-1884
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Jan. 14, 1920.
WASHINGTON
All notes re- class about Rev War of the Van Zandt uncle & nephew.
Miss Helen E. Bentley, Government Hotels, Building I-K, Washington, D. C.
Madam:
In reply to your letter of the 29" ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Widow File No. 17,137, it appears that John Mercereau or Mercereau was born March 3, 1732, place not stated, and at the commencement of the Revolution was living in Woodbridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
In 1776, a few days after the British landed on Staten Island, he was selected to act as a Spy for General Washington and continued in this service and was also was employed in guiding and providing guides for the army until April 1782.
He married November 1, 1758, Mary Prall, she died in 1770, and they had the following children:
  Mary  born  December 10, 1760,  died  January 20, 1783.    Joshua  "  October 27, 1762,  "  December 4, 1808.    Mary  "  February 28, 1765,  "  November 6, 1786.    Abraham  "  January 16, 1767,  "  November 5, 1811.    John  "  January 16, 1767,  "  - - - - -    Aletta B.  "  September 2, 1768,  "  March 19, 1804  
Twins

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
He married on Staten Island, October 19, 1771, where BUREAU OF PENSIONS both of them lived, Barbara Van Pelt, she was born October 19, 1752, and they had the following children;
David, born April 17, 1774, died January 22, 1793.
Israel Putnam, " March 19, 1776. - - - -
Peter, " August 25, 1779, {married August 16, 1801. {Sarah Layton.
He died February 21, 1820, in Union, Broome County, New York, and his widow Barbara was allowed pension on her appli- cation executed August 31, 1842, while residing at said place, where she died March 10, 1847.
It does not appear that bounty land was allowed by the United States Government on account of his services.
For information in regard to land that may have been granted by the State of New York you should consult the ar- chives of that state at Albany.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Le 16 Mars 1847 Après 1851
4039 NEW YORK
Barbara Merser widow of John who died on the 21 feby 18 of Broome Co in the State of NY who was a sergeant in the regt by Captain Conner of the regt by the in the line for 2 years
increased from $480
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 600 Dollars Conts per annum, to commence on the 4 day of March, 1851.
Ending 10 March 1847.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of March 1851. and sent to
Israel B. Merser
Arrears to the 4th of Union Semi-annual allowance ending Broome Co NY.
Payable to Administrator }
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by H. C. Robinson Clerk. Book 2 Vol. 2 Page
338

Rep 24 June
Albany. 4039 New York.
Barbara Messereau, widow of John Messereau,
who died on the Feb: 21. 1820.
of Brattleboro in the State of N.Y.
who was in Capt. Leff  officers  Com  of the in the Campy commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Rev War time for 18 Mos 23 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 37 1/2 Dollars 83 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 days of June 1844 and sent to W. S. Allison near George Town DC
Arrears to the 14th of Mar. 1844 $4872. 99 Semi-annual allowance ending 4/14/1844 187. 41
$5060.20 3/4
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3.
Recorded by J. S. Mann Clerk. Book C Vol. 1 Page 122

State of New York Broome County Clerk's office 3 P. M. I certify that W. Williams Esquire before whom the within affidavit was subscribed and taken, and whose name is sub- scribed thereto, was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace, duly elected and sworn - and further that the signature thereto affixed is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County at Binghamton this 22 nd day of Jany 1846.
Geo. Burr Clerk

State of New York Bronx County
On this 29 th day of Septem- ber One thousand eight hundred and forty five Personally appeared before the subscribed one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County Barbara Mercereau a resident of the town of Union County and State aforesaid aged ninety four years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 1836
That she is the widow of John Mercereau who was a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners with Joshua Mercereau in the Revolutionary war that she al- -ways understood and is herself satisfied that he received his appointment as such Deputy Commissary of Prisoners under Mr. Boudinot Commissary General of Prisoners of the United States That the service of her said husband the Knowes was both arduous and of great importance to the independence of the United States for while acting as such Deputy Commissary of Prisoners he had the confidence of Gen Washington and was by him engaged in secret service that from 1776 to the close of the Revolutionary war he was engaged in the service of his country that the greater part of the time she believes and is confident he served as a Dep- -uty Commissary of Prisoners and while acting as such he was engaged and acted as the secret and confidential agent of the Comman- -der in Chief in many perilous enterprises That she is satisfied in her own mind that she is entitled to the highest grade of Pension on account of said services of her said husband her great age and consequent loss of memory prevents her from testifying specifying

more particularly his said service. She respectfully refers to her declaration on file in the Pension office for further facts in the case also as to the time she was married and the time of her husband's death.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year before written before me
Samuel Kimball Judge of Broome Co Court, her Barbary X  Mark Mercereau
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Barbary Mercereau who made and subscribed the foregoing declaration and know her to be a person who sustains the highest grade of character amongst those who are acquainted with her for credibility and truth.
Samuel Kimball Judge of Broome Co Court
State of New York Broome County ss. On this day personally appeared Barbary Mercereau, known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and acknowledged that she executed the same as her free act and deed. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 29th day of September, 1845.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, the 29th Sept. 1845.
Geo Burr Clerk

Report Committee on Revolutionary Claims on the petition of John Mersereau - made 14 th January 1820 -

John Mersereau
Extract from the report of the Committee on Revolutionary Claims made to the House of Representatives January 14 th 1820. On the petition of John Mersereau which report was adopted by the House and the prayer of the petition was rejected.
The Committee further report, that for all services performed by the petitioner to obtain information, as by him stated in his petition, it is presumed, he was fully paid and satisfied. That General Washington would not permit the important services of any man employed by him, as commander in chief of the American Army, to go unpaid, and without compensation; besides, General Washington lived many years afterwards, and was president of the United States eight years, during which time the petitioner could have made application for compensation for his said services, if he had not been previously paid, and could have called on General Washington then President to attest the same.
The petitioner states, that he received several payments from the Deputy Quarter Master General, and the strong presumption is, that he was fully paid and satisfied for all services by him performed in respect to waggons and teams, and for them; if so they were, as he states in his petition, by the Quarter Master's department, which was authorized to pay for all such services.
The Committee further report, that on the 20 th of February, 1782, Congress resolved, that a commissioner for each state, for the purposes therein mentioned, be appointed, - and therein defined the duties of said commissioner - and the petitioner might, if he would, and if not previously settled, have had all his

his claims and demands, if any he had, liquidated and adjusted. That on the 27 th February 1782, Congress resolved that five commissioners be appointed, under direction of the Superintendent of finances, namely one for the Quarter Master Department, one for the Commissaries department, one for the Hospital department, one for the Lotteries department, and one for the marine department, each of which commissioners shall have full power and authority to liquidate and finally settle the accounts of the Departments respectively assigned to them up to the last day of December 1781. and Congress in that resolution recommended to the several Legislatures of the States to empower the said commissioners to call for witnesses and examine them on oath or affirmation touching such accounts as are respectively assigned to them for settlement.
That the petitioner, if he then had any just claims against the United States, have had his accounts settled by the proper commissioner appointed under that resolution. On the 3 rd of June 1784. Congress resolved, that it shall be the duty of the commissioners to attend in different countries or districts, when in his opinion it will save expense, and expedite the settlement of accounts. That in virtue of said resolutions, the petitioner could have had his claims and accounts settled, if he had any to settle. It appears that the department of Quarter Master General was abolished by a resolution of Congress of July 26 th 1785. previous to which, the petitioner could have had all his account settled and paid by that department, and the presumption is strong against him, that all his accounts were completely settled. On the 8 th of May 1786. Congress elected Jonathan Burnel Commissioner for settling the accounts of the Quarter Masters and Commissarys departments, and by him

him the petitioner might have had a settlement of his accounts and claims, if he had any just claim or account against the United States to settle, and he gives not any reason for not doing so, but only that his papers had been deposited with a Deputy Quartermaster, Mr Caldwell, and were not found, for a considerable time afterwards, as he states, some where in Philadelphia. — That reason is of no force, inasmuch as he had, or could have had duplicates of all his accounts, to enable him to have obtained a settlement of them, Congress on the 23 rd July 1787, resolved, that all persons having unliquidated claims against the United States pertaining to the late Quartermaster Department shall exhibit particular abstracts of such claims to the commissioner, appointed to settle the accounts of that Department, within eight months from the date of that resolution; and persons having other unliquidated claims against the United States shall exhibit a particular abstract thereof to the Comptroller of the Treasury, within one year from the date of that resolution, and all accounts not exhibited as aforesaid shall be precluded from settlement or allowance.
On the 1 st of September 1786. Congress resolved, that the Comptroller in settling the accounts of Joshua Mersereau be directed to pass to his credit, all such necessary sums of money as may appear to have been disbursed by him in the hire of John Mersereau, as an assistant, while acting as Deputy Commissary of Prisoners. That resolution appears to afford conclusive evidence, that the petitioner was an assistant to Joshua Mersereau, at the time when that resolution was made, there appears to have been

been nothing said relative to any claim, of John Mersereau in his individual capacity. And certainly, if the petitioner had, at that time, any just claim against the United States, Mr. Lawrance, who made the motion, on which that resolution was bottomed, and Mr. Smith who seconded it, or either of them, they being Delegates from the State of New York, would have been informed of the claim of the petitioner, if he, at that time, had any just claim against the United States, and it is not reasonable to believe, that John Mersereau, if at that time he had any just claim, against the United States, of his own, would have refrained from informing Mr Lawrance or Mr Smith thereof, either by himself or Joshua Mersereau, whose assistant he appears to have been, to the end that they or either of them might have presented the said claim and have had it, if just, included within the provision of that resolution, for settlement.
This Committee further Report, that this claim now set up by the petitioner, is about forty years old or more, and the petitioner has not given any good reason, why he did not heretofore, in due time, obtain a settlement thereof, if it was just. That the petition is not supported by testimony. That it is presumed, that the petitioner was fully paid and satisfied for all his services and every thing by him performed, and for all articles and every kind of property by him furnished to the United States. That this claim is long since barred by the Statute of limitation. That there is not any law of the United States, admitting to settlement at this late period, the said claim of the petitioner. That it is inexpedient and would be very dangerous to provide by law for the settlement of this claim of the petitioner, or for any similar claim.

claim, & therefore submit the following resolution.
Resolved. That the prayer of the petitioner be not granted.
The foregoing extract from the report on the claim of John Mersereau will be found on the Congressional Journals page 695 16 th Congress first session

Union Broome County New York Jan'y 23 rd 1831
Dr Sir
I would call your attention to the claim of my mother Barbara Mersereau now before the Commissioner of Pensions for increase of Pension and would ask the favour of you to prosecute the same to its termination. She was the widow of John Mersereau who was a Commissary or Spt Commissary in Army of the United States during the war of the Revolution. Please call on the Commissioner of Pensions at as early a date as possible and have the same examined. By so doing you will oblige your
Abt 11 J. D. MORRISON
Alexander Ray Esq Washington City D C

State of New York } ss } On this 31 st day of August 1862 Broome County } Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County Martha Winand aged eighty years on the 24 th day of February last now living in the town of Vestal Broome County New York etc. and she with the said Justice at she was brought upon oath the town of Vestal that her mothers name before marriage and was the sister of John Mersereau who was the husband of Barbary Van Delt and who was married before the Revolutionary war began on Staten Island where the said John Mersereau and Barbary Van Delt lived before they were married this deponent was not at the wedding but there soon after they were married and saw them living together as husband and wife at that time that the said John Mersereau and his wife Barbary afterwards moved to Woodbridge in Middlesex County New Jersey about ten miles from Elizabeth town where the said John Mersereau lived at the beginning of the Revolutionary war she further saith that the said John Mersereau was in 1776 selected by General Washington to act for the Government as a spy and that he performed the service of a spy and of obtaining information for the American army for more than two years when the American army retreated across the Delaware the said John Mersereau and his wife went with the army and that his wife Barbary remained with the army for at least nine months she further saith that she was acquainted with Joshua Mersereau who was a deputy commissary of Prisoners and that the said Joshua Mersereau at that time frequently had his washing done at this deponents fathers and that this deponent done his washing and that the above men- tioned John Mersereau was his Assistant commissary of Prisoners that she is not mistaken but knew them both at that time well and that the above mentioned

John Mersereau was at that time living with Barbary Mersereau now his widow living in the town of Union Broome County New York That she met the said John Mersereau after the war living at Elizabethtown Don't that the said John Mersereau removed to Broome County New York where he lived until the time of his death which was about the 21 st day of February 1820 and this deponent was at his funeral And further that Barbary Mersereau is still living as his widow The words was Elizabeth Mersereau better known before signing
Sworn before me this 31 st day August 1842 and subscribed in my presence
David Mersereau J. Pease
Martha Williams
no 5066
Broome County ss I David Mersereau Justice of the Peace in and for the said County do certify that I am well ac- quainted with the Martha Williams who made and subscribed the foregoing affidavit and have been acquainted with her for many years and I know her to be a woman of respectability truth and veracity and her statements are entitled to full credit and belief
August 31 st 1842
David Mersereau J. Pease
State of New York Broome County, ss.
I John G. Moore Clerk of said County Do hereby certify that David Mersereau Esq. whose name appears to the above written affidavits and Certificate, (p. one of Martha Williams & one of John G. Moore) was at the date of said Certificate, and at the time said affidavits purport to have been sworn, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected and sworn, and authorized to act as such, And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that his signature, above, is within a genuine. Given under my hand & seal of office, at King- hampton, in said County, this 1 st day of September, A.D. 1842. John G. Moore Clerk,

State of New York } John Lagrange of the town of Broome County } Vestal in the County of Broome aged seventy one years and un- wards being duly sworn deposes and saith that he was born in Elizabethtown New Jersey and lived in that place during the Revolutionary war That he was well acquainted with John Mersereau who in the beginning of the war lived at Woodbridge in Middlesex County New Jersey and that he rem- -embers that when he the deponent was a very little boy that the said John Mersereau come frequently to the deponents fathers house and that he and the deponents father would go off together to spy out the strength of the British and the deponent further states that he has always understood that John Mersereau was authorized by General Washington to act as a spy and that he performed the duty of a spy for more than two years
He further states that from information acquired from different sources he has every reason to believe that the said John Mersereau was in the Revolutionary war an Assistant Commissary of Prisoners under Colonel Mersereau who was a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners
This deponent has always understood that there was but few men in New Jersey that rendered more effec- -tive service to the country during the war than Colonel and John Mersereau beside the services they rendered personally they lost a large personal estate
This deponent further states that he has a distinct recollection of John Mersereau during the war that he was the deponents Uncle that and he knew him at that time living with Barbara Mersereau as his wife and that he knew the said John Mersereau until the time of his death which took place on the 21 st day of February 1820 then in the Eighty Eighth year of his age in the town of Union Broome County New York and that Barbara Mersereau the widow of the said John Mersereau is still living in Union Broome

New York He this deponent knew John Mersereau and Barbara Mersereau living together as husband and wife during the war and he knew them living together until the death of John Mersereau and he has no doubt that they were lawfully married previous to the Revolutionary war & he has no doubt of his the said John Mersereau being all he has before stated that he believes he was. Sworn to and subscribed this 31 st day of August 1842 before me
David Mersereau J. P.
John Lagrange
Brown County / ss I David Mersereau do certify that I am well acquainted with John Lagrange who made the foregoing affidavit and I know him to be a man of truth and veracity and his statements are entitled to full credit and belief David Mersereau J. P.

Re WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17137
Barbara Myersrea Widow of John Myersrea Prv. Rev. Rev.
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 423
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1920 Jan. 14. Revert to Helen E. Bentley and

Nero 1-315 Government Hotels, Building I-K, Washington, D.C.,
December 29, 1919.
Mr. E. C. Freeman, Acting Com. Rev. War Sec., Department of Interior, Bu. of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Your letter of the 4 th instant has been received and I thank you much for the information contained therein.
I am still anxious to secure further information in regard to the Revolutionary services of John Mercereau , (C) and in compliance with your letter, set forth below all the information at hand:
Born: Mar. 2, 1732; Died: Oct. 21, 1820 Place of residence at enlistment: Probably Staten Island or Elizabethtown, N. J. Residence after service: Union in Tioga Co., N.Y. (died there). He was a personal friend of George Washington and employed by him as a spy. The British officers are said to have offered a reward for his head dead or alive. He is said to

have owned the stage route from New York to Philadelphia in 1771, and when the war broke out he turned his horses and wagons over to the Government. Given name of widow: Barbara Van Pelt.
Can you add any information as regards said John Messereau's Revolutionary War services, place of birth, and concerning any New York land grants.
I consider your attention to this matter a very great favor on your part.
Very truly yours, (Died) Helen E. Bentley
For all

Washington. June 25, 46
Sir,
Enclosed is the application of Mrs. Merriam for an increase of pension at the rate of the pay of a Deputy Comy of Prisoners, in which capacity her husband served, and of which I trust there is ample evidence on file. I have her Pension certificate in my possession.
I am respectfully
Yr Obedt. Servt.
Wm L. Allison
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissy of Pensions

Washington, Oct 4, 1875
Sir,
Enclosed herewith is the amended declaration of Barbara Merceran for the purpose of obtaining an increase of pension. Testimony in support of her claim has heretofore been exhibited and is on file awaiting her formal application for an increase.
I am respectfully,
Your obed. Servt.,
H. Allison
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir Enclosed is Mrs Barreras certif- I addressed a letter to you inclosing a letter from Dr McCheyne in her case and Mrs Phebe Browns of N. Jersey some weeks since As I must return Mrs M's certificate for her to draw her pension due in Oct- soon in case the pension is not increased I hope an immediate decision will be made I am very Yrs Obedient M c L. Allison
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions

Augt. 29, 1846
Sir,
Enclosed is a letter in the cases of Mrs. Morrison, and Phebe Brown. I respectfully request a review of their cases. In Mrs. Morrison's case all the evidence shows that her husband was a Deputy Coms. of Prisoners, excepting for a period of about twenty months, I have her certificate.
In Mrs. Brown's case, it is shown that her husband received a Bounty of fifty dollars for service in Captain John Craig's Company and Col. P. Vanentland's regt., and that he also rec d the balance of his pay after the war terminated. The witness who knew Brown in the war, states that he always understood that he served six months in Craig's regt. What better evidence of identity could be required where there is record evidence of the service? If evidence is alleged, and the records show that a man of the name living in the County where the claimant resided was paid for said service what more should be required? without In cases where the service was by the Mass. militia, if the records show a man of the claimant's name belonging to the same township or district with the claimant it is considered conclusive proof of his service. As it regards Brown's service as an artificer the records show that he was enlisted , that he was

required to do the service of a soldier both offensive and defensive. This certainly establishes the claim to the provisions of the act of 7 June 1832. From the terms of the instructions for enlisting the men it is clear that the service was to be for a considerable period, they being enlisted to serve in Canada, &c.
I respectfully request an early decision in the above case, particularly in Mrs. Morrecau's, the period for the payment of her pension being near.
I am, respectfully, Yr. Oble. Servt.
Wm. L. Allison
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions.

Washington, February 16, 1846
Sir,
Some months ago, I filed record evidence of the service of Barbara Mercereau of New York, for increase of pension, and you then informed me that the widow should exhibit her affidavit, before the claim could be taken up. This furnished, since which no decision seems to have been made in her case. The evidence exhibited shews that her husband was a Dept. Comd. of Prisoners, as early as 1776, under Col. Bondinet who was the Commd. of Prisoners. Her husband John Mercereau and Joshua Mercereau were brothers. The large sum paid to them shews that they had heavy duties to perform. The record clearly distinguishes and recognizes her husband as a Dept. Commd. of prisoners. Her husband was also alluded to in Gordon's History of New Jersey as a Dept. Comd. of Prisoners, and there is various record evidence exhibited showing him to have been such, besides that alluded to. I have now Mrs. Mercereau's original pension certificate to deliver to the office, should the claim be allowed. I have been written to with a request to obtain a decision at the earliest moment in which the Dept. will have it in its power to take the case up. You

will therefore do me a great favor by taking the case up, at the earliest convenient
I am respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt,
Wm Lloyd
J. A. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions

Jan 15 45
Barbara Mercen
NY 36
Ship
L. Edwards Esq
Cons of Parsons.

January 14, 1845
Dr Sir,
Enclosed is additional evidence in the case of Barbara Musceran of New York, act 4 July 1836 for increase of Pension. It will be seen that her husband John Musceran was a Deputy Commiss y of Prisoners, as early as December 1776, and as late as 1782. He & She was allowed for less than two years service after husband's as an Ap t Depty Com y of Prisoners, I am respy y r bld. Servt. W m H. Allen
J. J. Edwards Esq. Com y of Pensions,

Mr Cate Will please answer as Sylvester, by stating that the claim was allowed and his application, but that no additional evidence was adduced by him, that a caution- ing around between him & Bangs & May, that the last named had a subsequent power of Attorney and when the case was true.
was brought before the Com. he desired to send the Pension Certificate to the Adm p and not giving it to either - But you know all about it
File this with the papers. -

Cortland Village (ortland Co N.Y. April 12 th 1857
Sir
I have received your favor of the 19 th March last on the subject of Mrs. Maria Inness of Parnass.
Mr. Jenkins and myself made a written contract with Peter Mersereau 12 th March 1850 that we should have one half of the interest of Barbara Mersereau's Pensions which we should establish and in case we did not succeed in establishing said interest we are not to charge said Mersereau any thing for said interest.
I wish you would get a certificate from the Chief Clerk of the Commissioners of Pensions that the interest of Barbara Mersereau's Pensions was established by you, and enclose the same to me and I will go and settle with Peter Mersereau. I have no doubt but that I can settle with him at once if I can convince him that we established the claim.
If we are driven to sue him we shall be obliged to prove that we established the interest won't Pugh & Thayer say that they established the claim when I get the papers from you I intend commence a suit against Peter unless he pays us at least $450 -
H. H. Sylvester Esq. Washington D.C.
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant E. W. Edgcomb

Albany March 15. 1850.
James L. Edwards Esquire, Commis r of Pensions, Sir,
I enclose the certificate of Judge Shackelard, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of this State, Certifying to the time of the decease of Barbara Messersum, (late a Pensioner under the act of July 4. 1836) & that she left two children, Viz. Israel P. & Peter Messersum, who are still living.
M rs Messersum's Husband was a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, and it is claimed by the children that she was entitled to a larger an- nual allowance of pension than she received. I have, therefore to request that the claim may be re-examined.
H. H. Sylvester Esq. of Wash n is authorized to attend to the claim on my behalf.
I am, Sir, with great respect, Yours obed t Serv t . Lemuel Jenkins.

after copying Delaware orders to bring off all the writs from the Jersey shore.
11 Octo 78. Joshua Mersereau Due expenses & costs prison - £ 35, 8-
2/ Mersereau Due from 1 Nov 77 to 29 June 78 c £ 30
3/ July 78, 79 Do Joshua Wages for 3 mos - 35- " 1 Ration for 3 mos,
Dec 78 Joshua Mersereau Due expenses in public service. £ 14, 4-
79/ Mersereau Due from 1 Oct to 1 Nov 78 c £ 35
  8 c 15-  120    15 c 17 1/2  202.50    85-  3 33    177 1/2  385- 83    262 1/2  25-     533 91 5-     910 45 175  

L Mersereau, he states that their uncle John, the husband of Barbara Van Pelt was employed during Rev. principally in furnishing wagons and teams for the army and was never under the orders of Joshua Mersereau Sr. as Dep. Comy. of Prisoners at Rutland that that service was rendered by the nephew John L.
Note that in John Mersereau's petition in this claim he never states that he served as Asst Dep Comy or Dep. Comy. nor is it so stated in certificate of Lt. Col. Samuel Crow dated 1792.
Office note
Ad Jan 20, 1920
and on acct of above I did not mention service as Asst Dep. or Dep Comy in letter of Jan. 20, 1920.
Of course she probably would not have been allowed under the laws, persons, or the Spy service, but that makes no matter at this date and it was very valuable service.

Extract from Statement of Joshua Merriam Deponents Uncle, John Merriam, rendered essential service to the American cause, and was employed during the war, principally in New-England, in furnishing wagons and teams for the Army; but the aforesaid John Merriam, Uncle, D o . was never under the orders of Joshua Merriam, Sen. as Dep. Com. Genl. of Prisoners at Rattleboro Barracks, nor was he at any time at Rattleboro Barracks during the whole season & time that department was engaged there as a Dep. Com. of Prisoners
See papers in John L. Merriam, 87217, for cor- roboration of the above facts. & much more of similar nature on this subject. The husband of Barbara, W. 17137 was not the Dep. Commissary of Prisoners and the claim should not have been allowed, on that service.
In Affidavit of Joshua Merriam dated Oct 25-1856 in claim of John

Council Chamber March 28. 1778
Whereas it is necessary to purchase with all convenient despatch a number of Horses Saddles and bridles for the purpose of mounting the Cavalry in the Army of the United States; and a Committee of the Honorable Congress properly authorized for that effect have applied by letter of the 28 th of February last to have suitable persons appointed in this State to assist in making such purchases.
Resolved therefore. That the persons herein named for the respective Counties be appointed to purchase the horses assigned to each with a like number of Saddles & Bridles under the conditions and regulations mentioned in the said letter, and that they respectively apply on, or at any time after the first day of May next to the President and Council of Safety for money or Notes of Office Certificates at their option in order to discharge the said purchases.
For the County of Middlesex John Mercer and Co
State of New Jersey
I Charles G. M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the above is a true abstract from the Minutes of the Assembly of this State as taken from and compared with the Original now remaining of record in my Office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton in said State this Thirteenth day of April A.D. One thousand eight hundred forty three
Charles G. M c Chesney Secy of State

I Peter Mersereau Son of Barbara Mersereau of Broome County - Second do hereby authorize Samuel Jenkins to make application to the Pension office of the United States in my behalf for the purpose of having my Mother Pension Increased from what she has all ready Received Sealed at Union Broome County this 12 th day of March 1850 Peter Mersereau

1092 No of Rep. July 31. 1850
Ransom Hallonay
Enc: application of Israel L Mercereau adm of Bat- = bara Mercereau, and of Gerrit G Lansing adm of Abraham G & Susannah Lansing Revolutionary Pen- -sions, for increase of Pension.
Letter to Hon R. Hallonay Aug. 6 th 1850.
Aug 7/50 A. C.
Ref d by Bards of Pension Rep. Patriotic Aug. 6. 1850

House of Representatives July 31 st - 1850
D. C. Goddard Esq.
Secretary of Interior ad interim.
Sir I have the honor to enclose to you two applications for pensions, one from Israel P. Mearman of Brown County Administrator of the estate of Barbara Mearman & another from J. G. Lousine one of the heirs of Abraham & Savannah Lousine of the City of Albany seeking to obtain whatever annuity or increase of pension that may be due them
I remain - Sir &c
Ransom Halloway
M. C. 8 th District N-York

To be allowed $50 per month When Col. by virtue shall share that Ap. Comy of Prisoners recd that pay

Oct. May 20. 1914
These papers which were filed by the widow to sustain her claim for the services of her husband as Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, really refer to the services of his nephew John L. Murrell 87217 who was the Dep. Com. of Prisoners re 87217

Barbery Museum N. York out 4 July 1836 supd.
Mrs. Allison Washington City

Payment to be made at Albany, New York by S. W. Allen Esq. Agent for paying Pen- sioners, in the Agency of 2 years in service. See Albany, (Cut: from Register's Office, dated Jan. 1845) New York.
Increased to $480 per ann from March 4. 1831
Cut: to Wm. S. Allison Present Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C Vol. 1 Page 122 by J. L. Swann, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Barbara Mersereau — of New York, widow of John Mersereau who was an Assistant Deputy Commissary of prisoners, in the Revolutionary War, is entitled to receive Three hundred and Seventyfour dollars and eighty Three, cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the Fourth of March, eighteen hundred and thirty one and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 21 st , day of June one thousand eight
hundred and forty-four.
Ext. at a. Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

see claim of John L. Mersereau. S. 7217. his service
Council of Safety.
Pursuant to the power and authority given in and by an Act of the Council and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey intitled "An Act for investing the Governor and a Council consisting of twelve with certain powers therein mentioned, for a limited time." Adopted Jan'y. 1776.
20 th May 1778. — The Council of Safety met at Princeton. There not being a sufficient number of members to proceed to business. Adjourned till tomorrow morning.
21 st May 1778.
Met pursuant to adjournment. Present His Excellency the Governor Mr. Houston      Mr. Cooper Mr. Camp          Mr. Imlay Mr. Hart
Agreed that William Mariner have permission to call upon Mr. Mersereau, Dep. Com d of Res. or Capt. Morgan for a number of volunteers and to proceed to Hattbush to bring off Mr. Bache, Mr. Mathews, Maj. Menerif and as many others as he may think proper. Vol. 4. page 59.

State of New Jersey
original now in file in my Office.
I Charles G. M c Chesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true extract from the Minutes of the Council of Safety as taken from and compared with the
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton in said State, this thirty first day of January A.D. One thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Charles G. M c Chesney Sec y of State

see claim of John S. Mersereau 8727 his service
State of New York } On this 28 day of August Orange County } 1842 personally appeared before William Luddback the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Benjamin Eaton of the town of Deerpark aged Eighty four years and made oath to the following viz That he was a soldier in the War of the Revolution and belonged a part of the time to the New Jersey line and a part of the time belonged to General Washington's life guard and is now a Pensioner of the United States for services rendered in the Revolutionary War That he belonged when in the New Jersey line to Capt. Mitchell's company in the 4 th New Jersey Regt. He further saith that in 1778 he became acquainted with John Mersereau of Middlesex County. That he became acquainted with the said John Mersereau at Elizabeth town New Jersey That he was well acquainted with the said John Mersereau in 1779 and 1780 and he knew the said John Mersereau to be an Assistant commissary of Prisoners during that time That the said John Mersereau was assistant to Joshua Mersereau Deputy Commissary of Prisoners That in 1779 the deponent went to Boston with the French prisoners on parole and had charge of their Baggage That when on the way to Boston they were overtaken by the said John Mersereau who the deponent was well acquainted with and who he knew to be the Assistant Commissary of Prisoners and that when the said John Mersereau overtook the deponent and the French prisoners who were on parole the said John Mersereau did give to the deponent One hundred pounds of current money

to buy a yoke of Oxen to draw the baggage of said prisoners and to bear their expenses which said money the deponent did faithfully expend as directed by the said Assistant Commissary for the benefit of the United States. That he is not mistaken in the said John Mersereau being an Assistant Commissary as at the time of his serving as before stated he was well acquainted with him during the time that he has before mentioned and knew him to be a smart active man and this deponent believes that from some time in the year 1879 until the beginning of the year 1881 John Mersereau served as an Assistant Commissary of Prisoners at least twenty one months and that the deponent went one time during the period above mentioned and secured a quantity of property for the said John Mersereau and for which service he was honored with a Parole or furlough for forty days. Sworn to and subscribed this day and year before written. Benjamin X Eaton mark William Euddback Justice of the Peace of Orange Co.
Orange County ss. I certify that Benjamin Eaton who made and subscribed the foregoing affidavit is a respectable man and his statements made in the foregoing affidavit are entitled to full credit and belief. That he made his mark because he was sick and could not write. William Euddback J.P.

See page 155 Vol. 11 of Journals O. W. Cagney, Molwell's edition

see claim of John S. Mersereau 87217 his service
" On motion of Mr. Lawrence, seconded by Mr. Smith,
" Resolved, That the comptroller, in settling " the accounts of Joshua Mersereau, be directed to pass " to his credit, all such necessary sums of money " as may appear to have been disbursed by him in " the hire of John Mersereau, as an assistant, " while acting as deputy commissary of prisoners.
" Resolved, That the comptroller be directed, " in settling the accounts of Joseph Mersereau, to " allow such travelling charges as were necessarily " incurred in the execution of his office."
Library of Congress.
September 30 th , 1842. }
I certify that the above resolutions were copied from the fourth volume of " Journals of the American Congress: from 1774 to 1788, " page 694, printed & published by Way & Gideon, Washington, 1823, and now forming part of the Library of Congress.
John S. Meehan, Lib n "

State of New Jersey. An Act to provide for the security, support and exchange of prisoners of War &c. &c.
Sec. 2. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that whenssoever and as often as any prisoners shall be taken by any of the Militia of this State or by any troops raised for the defence of the same, or any detached corps thereof, the com- manding officer of such troops or detachment, or commanding officer of the party of Militia which captivated them shall immediately cause such prisoners to be conducted under a sufficient guard to the said Commissary General of Prisoners or to his nearest deputy or Assistant or to the goal of the county into which they shall be brought, or wherein they shall be taken to be delivered into the care and custody of the Sheriff of such County or his lawful goaler, who are hereby respectively required to receive such prisoners, and them safely to keep until they shall be removed for the purpose of exchange or to a place of greater security or admitted to parole or to bail as before mentioned: Provided always that nothing herein contained, shall be construed to extend to prevent any commanding officer of any detachment of Militia or other troops raised for the defence of the State, from admitting to parole sick or wounded persons or Officers until they can be delivered to the said Commissary General of Prisoners, his deputy or Assistant.
3. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid that every Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer or Private of the Militia ordered

or employed to conduct or convey any such prisoners to the said Commissary General of Prisoners his deputy or Assistant, or to the gaol of any neighbouring County, or from the gaol of any County in this State or to any other gaol or place of greater Security therein, or to any gaol in any of the neighbouring States, shall be entitled to receive the same pay, bounty and rations when on duty to be paid by the paymaster of the militia as are allowed to the Militia of the County to which they belong, on exhibiting to him a Payroll for that purpose properly Certified and authenticated; and also producing from the said Commissary General of Prisoners or his deputy or Assistant, or from the Sheriff or Gaoler to whom the same were delivered, a Certificate of such delivery
Sec. 5. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid. That every Officer Non Commissioned Officer and Private of the Militia who shall neglect or refuse to convey or conduct any such prisoner or prisoners to the said Commissary General of Prisoners, or his deputy or Assistant, or to the Sheriff or Gaoler of the County, or who shall neglect or refuse to remove him or them to a place of greater Security, when thereunto required by his Superior Officer, or other person lawfully authorized to command or remove such prisoner, shall, on conviction of such neglect or refusal by a Court Martial, be liable to be punished for disobedience of orders, in like manner as such Officer, non-Commissioned Officer or Private might or should have been punished for disobedience in like case, when called out into actual service in the Militia.

8. And to the end that the said Commissary General of prisoners of the United States may be reasonably informed of the Captivity of the subjects of this State, that Justice may be done them in the order of exchange:
Be it further enacted, That as often as any of the well affected inhabitants of this State shall be captivated by the enemy or their adherents and carried off, or left upon parole, the Captain or Commanding Officer of the militia in whose district the same shall happen, shall within twenty days thereafter, notify the said Commissary General of Prisoners thereof or his nearest Deputy or assistant, transmitting or delivering to such Commissary a return of the name and surname of each person so captivated, the time when, and the place where the same happened; and on neglect or refusal shall, on conviction, be liable to be fined in any sum not exceeding two hundred pounds, to be recovered in any court where the action is cognizable, by the Colonel or Commanding Officer of the Regiment, or by any other person whatsoever, and paid into the hands of the Collector of the County to be applied to the use of the prisoners so neglected to be returned, or to the use of their families, and if they have no families, then to be applied to the use of the County.
12. And be it enacted by the authority aforesaid: That every Sheriff or Gaoler of any County within this State, who may hereafter have custody of any prisoners of War, by virtue of this Act, shall transmit or deliver his account of charges against

the United States for the support and maintenance of such prisoners as have been by him furnished and supported to the said Commissary General, or his nearest deputy or Assistant, when they shall leave the gaol for removal or exchange, or when they shall be admitted to parole or to bail, and if the said Commissary General, his deputy or Assistant, shall neglect or refuse to discharge the said Account, such Sheriff or gaoler shall transmit the same, authenticated on oath or affirmation, and also his declaration on oath or affirmation of their neglect or refusal, or that he has received only so much or no part thereof, as the case may be, to the Legislature for their allowance and payment.
Passed at Trenton June 17. 1780
State of New Jersey
original now on file in my Office.
I Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true extract from an Act passed by the Legislature of this State. June 17 th A.D. 1780 as taken from and compared with the
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Trenton in said State. This thirteenth day of May A. D. One thousand eight hundred and forty four.
Charles G. McChesney Secretary of State

STATE OF NEW YORK, ORANGE COUNTY,
SS. I, LEBBEUS L. VAIL, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County
of Orange, Do HEREBY CERTIFY, That William Cueddebacko before whom
the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the
same, a Justice of the Peace in, and for said county : and further,
that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice
and verily believe that the signature to the
said Affidavit & Certificate is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of
the said County, the 14 th day of September
184 2
Lebbeus L. Vail, Clerk

Never write up this claim without consulting that of the nephew John L. 87217 -
Very much missed. I think the witnesses have confused the two men

Barbara Mus- ceru.
New York at 1836
for income.
W. S. Albin P. d.

see claim of John L. Mercereau. S. 7217. his service
Sundries Dr to William Palfrey
Joshua & John Mercereau - D. C. P under E. Boudinot 1776
Dec 23. Paid them to purchase horses — $ 4,800
1782 Joshua & John Mercereau D. C. Prisoners. (old Emiſſions) Jan'y 26 To William Palfrey 4,800 1790 July 31 By Joshua Mercereau 4 800
Treasury Department, Register's Office Jan. 14. 1845
I Certify the above to be true extracts from the Records of the Revolutionary Government now on file in this Office
Alvin Register

(Copy)
I Samuel Crow Lieutenant Colonel of the First Regiment of Militia in the County of Middlesex and State of New Jersey Do hereby Certify that I have been a field Officer in said Regiment from the year 1778 to the present time that I remember John Mercereau's being employed in guiding and providing Guides for our Army and getting Intelligence from the enemies lines from April 1778 to April 1782, and that no pay was ever allowed him from this State to my knowledge. As witness my hand this 18 th day of Nov r 1792.
(Signed) Samuel Crow Lt Col
The original paper from which the above was copied, was returned to Dr. C.G.M. Chesney on the 19 th April 1843. no
This original paper is in the claim. I have attached it to this paper

File with papers of John Morehead
2 nd vol. Gordon's M. Jones pages 128 150, 198.
Washington
1886
Robert Monell, Esq. Member of Congress Washington City

Union, Berks County, Feby. 7 th 1820.
Dear Sir
They say that no good reason appears why my claim was not presented for settlement before now, and that it is now influenced by the death of the Rev. James Caldwell. — You, sir, have in your hands to shew them my reasons for not presenting it before. — They state further, that it would be unproper and dangerous to listen, now, to claims of such long and ancient standing; and that I do not sufficiently prove the loss of the property, stated in my account. — If it is dangerous to admit my just and honorable claims, why was it not dangerous to allow pensions to all the Revolutionary Officers and Soldiers? — And as to the loss of the property, I will here inform you what become of it, in particular. One team consisting of four horses and a waggon, drove by Cornelius Snell, was turned into the continental yard November, 11 th 1777. Another team of like description, drove by Peter Baster from the 10 th August, 1777, until January 1 st 1778, — and from thence until May 20 th 1778 was then a baggage waggon in Green's Regiment, in New England. A third team of like description, drove by Thomas Wright, from the 10 th August, 1777, until the next November and was then turned into the continental yard. — The last team, as aforesaid, drove by David Forgerman, from August 10 th 1777, until January 27 th 1778, was then also turned into the continental yard, and sold by the United States at Public Auction. — And I do, now solemnly affirm, that for the four abovementioned teams, and all the services which they rendered, I have not received any pay, only what is credited in my account, which is in your hands — I also wish your Committee to consider the laborious and perilous services which I rendered the United States in their struggle for Liberty. — There was none in our army that ran so many risks and underwent so many hardships and fatigues as I did. — Look at Gordan's history of America, (I think the second volume), there you will see that it was I and my brother who stopped the British army from crossing the Delaware and marching immediately to Philadelphia! That it was I who discovered their boat which was sunk in the river for the purpose of conveying them across in the dead of night! True am I, who has thus rendered so many services to my country, have borne more than the fatigues and dangers of a soldier's life, and who has lost more than ten times the value of my teams, in my country's services, of which you are all now the partakers, am I not now to be allowed my fair and honorable charges for property actually lost? when thousands who have lost nothing in the war, are now rioting on the rich bounties of their country? Thousands whose duty has not been any comparison to mine, are allowed a salary for life! when I, who could by the same law procure a pension, but choose rather to see my country-men just, before

they are so plentiful, are turned off under the plea that my claims are outlined by the death of one man!
After the continental money had depreciated so that it was of little or no value, I told General Washington that my money and my all was gone, I could stand no more him and my country no longer - to which he replied, that "he would give me an order to draw money for my traveling expenses, if I would continue in his services" - upon which I did until the end of the war; and for which service I have never received any pay -
I only ask for my just due. For my losses by depreciated paper, and for my services in my country's defence, I make no charge. I do not appeal to your humanity, but to your justice, - but I feel for some of my correspondents who are poor, and hardly able to procure the necessaries of life, - If a small donation of land could be granted them, I should rejoice, as they all have families of children that would settle on it. The names of my correspondents, are Paul Daturatte, John Vanderhoven, and Cornelius Vanderhoven.
If my country-men see fit to allow me my charges, and will remunerate me in government lands, It shall be my first care to appropriate a portion of it to the benefit of a Church, and on the remainder I shall settle my grandchildren, and perhaps my children and friends
I am, dear sir, with respect, both your and my country-men's most obedient servant
John Mercereau
Robert Monnell Esq.

March 22 50
Sir
Enclosed is a copy of AW from Peter Meseraw one of the children of Barbara Meseraw New York who was a pensioner under the Act of July 4 1836 @ died March 10 1840 She was allowed $480 per ann. Her husband was a Dept Comd of Prisoners, @ entitled to $100 per ann.
Mr. Perkins my client encloses to you on the 18th inst. the necessary papers executed in behalf of the heirs Will you please give this case your attention? ~
I am Respectfully H. H. Sylvester
Col. Edwards Pension Office

Sir,
You will be so kind as to kindly by reviewing the above-mentioned case of New York, Act 36. You will find the laws relative to Commissions of Prisoners in the journals of Congress under date of 6 th and 23 rd June 1777, and also the copy of an act of the State of New Jersey, which I left with you, when last at the office.
I am respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Wm Allison
June 14. 1824
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commiss y of Prisoners.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 10

Georgetown D.C. Dec 9. 1843 Sir
I enclose you some addl- evidence in the case of Mrs. Barbours Muscogee widow of John Muscogee, dec. It will be found in the fac simili of the Washington papers, the original of which, I suppose are on file in the State Depart- ment that Genl Washington paid him a large sum for secret services, while acting as Asst Commissy of Prisoners, I would refer you to the act of 17 June, 1780, of the State of New Jersey, authorizing such an officer. The laws of that State I believe are in Dr Crump's room.
I am respectfully Your Obt. Servt. Wm L. Allison
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissy of Pensions

Mt Hope Oct 12 1842
Dr Sir
Your letter dated Oct 5 th has been received in which you say that the claim of Mrs Barbary Mersereau has been  examined and disallowed on account that the services of an Assistant Commissary of Prisoners does not come within the limits of the Pension Laws.
The papers show however a service of about six months which by refer from your letter will be allowed. Having the fullest confidence in the willingness of the Pension Department to allow whatever the law will admit of you will please allow whatever you think is right and forward the certificate to me.
Is not a copy as the declaration of Mr Mersereau says that her husband was entitled to a Pension.
I am in your Obedient and very humble Servant
John W. Warne
Hon James L Edwards Comm r of Pensions

689 Pension Office June 27. 1846.
Sir,
I have received the application, which you sent here, of Mrs. Barbara Mersereau, widow of John Mersereau, who asks for an increase of her pension. I am wholly at a loss to know upon what ground this claim is predicted. She asserts that her husband was a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners; but the fact is not so. He was an Assistant Deputy Commissary, and for such service she claims receives $480 per annum, which is all that the law allows.
I
W m William S. Allison, Present

Washington D.C. May 16. 1845
Sir
In the case of Mrs. Barbara Mercereau widow of John Mercereau, I some time since produced evidence of her husband having been a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners as early as 1776, and as it is also shown that he was such commissary at a subsequent period it is fair to presume that he held the situation from his first appointment. He is being referred to in Gordon's New Jersey as being a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, of which Mr. Mercereau makes mention in his letter dated in 1820, would go far to confirm that impression. A pension has been allowed for about twenty months service. In view of all the facts I would respectfully request that a pension be allowed for two years.
I am, respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commiss y of Pensions.
Wm. Ellison

Pension Office April 25 1851
Sir,
In reply to the letter of E H Edgecomb Esqr, respecting the case of Barbara Mersereau, widow of John Mersereau, I have to state that the claim was allowed on your application, but that no additional evidence was adduced by yourself, or Mr. J. H. Peugh, who had filed a power of attorney in the case, of a subsequent date to that given to L. D. Perkins Esqr, of Albany.
A controversy having arose between yourself and Mr. Peugh, as to the agency, I directed that the certificate should be sent directly to Israel Mersereau, the administrator, which was done.
I am very Respectfully Your obedient servant H. J. Evans for Commissioner of Pensions.
H. H. Sylvester Esqr Present.
P

State of New York } Cortland County } ss.
I William H Shankland a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Justice that Barbara Mersereau was a Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $480 per annum was a resident of the County of Broome in the State of New York and that she died in the town of Union in the County of Broome and State of New York on the Tenth day of March One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Seven (1847) and at the time of her death she left the following named children her surviving viz Israel P Mersereau and Peter Mersereau Who are her only surviving children and each of them are over Twenty one years of age
Given under my hand at Cortland Village in said County this 15 th day of March 1850 W H Shankland Justice of Sup. Court
STATE OF NEW YORK, CORTLAND COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. } ss.
and also Clerk of the Sup. Court. I, RUFUS A. REED, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Wm H. Shankland Esq. before whom the annexed instrument was proven or acknowledged, was at the time of taking such proof or ac- knowledgment, a Justice of the Supreme Court in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe the signature to the said certificate, is genuine, and that the annexed instru- ment is executed and acknowledged in conformity to the laws of said State.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this fourteenth day of March A. D. 1850.
Joseph P. Allen Dept. CLERK. Clerk absent

Washington. May 13 th 1845
Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter of John Mercereau dated in 1820, in which he refers to 2 nd Vol. Gordon's History of New Jersey in which he is referred to; see pages 128, 150, & 198. The volume is filed with you. With other evidence filed since the claim was allowed, I hope an increase of pension for two years may be allowed.
I am, respectfully,
Your Obedt. Servt.
H. Allison
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions

Washington June 30. 1857.
Genl. E. Heath Esq Comm r of Pensions Sir/
I enclose you, herewith, a letter from Mr Peter Mersereau, son of the late Mrs Barbary Mersereau, who was pensioned on the New York roll, as the widow of John Mersereau an Deputy Commissary of Prisoners (as I am informed) and at the rate of $40 p. month.
The journals of the sea Congress gives the rate of such an officer at a higher rate of pay, and at the request of her son, I have respectfully to request an examination of the claim, and adjusted at such a rate as granted by the continental congress.
I remain Sir
Your most
One Sir
Alex. N. Bay

any person who has been that she may have been before her death
County of Broome State of New York Surrogate, Officer
5
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Edward C. Kattel County Judge of said County & Surrogate that Barbara Mercereau, was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States on the rolls of $480, per annum that she died on the 10 th day of March 1847, in the town of Union, County & State aforesaid leaving surviving her two children whose names are Israel Putnam Mercereau, and Peter Mercereau and that they now survive, and are the only surviving children of the said Barbara Mercereau, deceased, and that Israel Putnam Mercereau is administrator upon the estate of the said Barbara Mercereau (deceased) and that this declaration is made to obtain any increase or arrears of pension to which they may be entitled under any act of Congress.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 22 nd day of July, one thou- sand eight hundred and fifty.
Edw. C. Kattel Judge & Surrogate of Broome County

I Samuel Crow Lieutenant Colonel of the First Regiment of Militia in the County of Middlesex And State of New Jersey do hereby certify that I have been a Field Officer in said Regiment from the year 1748 to the present time that I remember John Mercereau being employed in guiding and providing Guides for our Army and getting Intelligence from the Enemy's lines from April 1748 to April 1782, and that no pay was ever allowed him from this State to my knowledge as witness my hand this 1st day of Nov r 1792
Samuel Crow Lt Col

the 7
the first
to find out
the distance between him and
Inclosed you have the
which I would wish to be info
The following is what the person
who may communicate to Genl. Sherm
- That the army lays here and at least point - that their numbers at both places are now between 8 and 9000, as soon as its begin to join, but that they do not come in so fast as we wished and expected - That our pilots give very discouraging accounts of being able to carry the heavy French ships into the Hook. - If that cannot be effected either Canada or South Carolina will be immediately attempted. Certain accounts are received from the West Indies of the arrival of twelve French and four French ships of the line with 12,000 Land forces. - Their object was not known, but they were to rendezvous at Martinique - I do not at present recollect any further
I am Sir, your obedt. Servt.
G. Washington
at New York

June 5 1844
ad Endura B. Minn cur 4 May 1876.
15/10/18
Handwritten text in Arabic script, oriented vertically along the left margin.
1847
18th Dec 1841
11/11/11: 25 years of it/11/11: 85 years
Handwritten text in Arabic script, oriented vertically.
Yours sincerely J. M. [?]
Handwritten cursive text, possibly bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mirrored and partially obscured by a large diagonal line.
Handwritten text in Arabic script, oriented vertically along the right margin.

Case of Mr. Barbary Muscrae, Journals of Congress Vol 3. June 6. 1777.
" That Elias Boudinot, Commiss d of Prisoners be allowed empowered to appoint two deputy Commissaries of Prisoners; the said deputies to be allowed the pay and rations of Majors.
June 23. 1777; & June 24. 1777, shew- -ing that Commissaries of Prisoners are under the control of the board of War, as are other commissaries and their deputies.

Pension Office, September 24, 1846.
Sir,
I have again very carefully examined the case of Barbara Meisereau, widow of John Meisereau, and I can discover no evidence whatever that he was ever a Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, or that he ever received more than $40 per month for his services. Her pension cannot be increased merely upon a remark upon the journal of the Council of Safety, which styles him Deputy Commissary. This is no satisfactory proof that he ever had the appointment. The Clerk of the Council did not deem it of any importance to state with precision the particular station which Meisereau held. It was sufficient to designate him as an officer of the Commissary of Prisoners Department to call him a Deputy Commissary.
I am, respectfully, Your Obdt. Servt. J. L. Edwards
Mr. W. S. Allison, Present.