Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 14,185, for Silas Porter, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Porter, Silas
S 14,185
Carded.
CONTENTS

4158.
Massachusetts
Silas Porter
of Hatfield in the State of Mass who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Song in the Mass line for 12 Cols
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Jan y 1833. and sent to Mrs P Huntington Northampton
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $ 60 - Pemi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 20 -
$ 80 -
{ Revolutionary. Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G H P Blair Clerk Book D - Vol. 2 nd Page 75.
Let. A. W. Thayer May/54
76
Hampshire

2661
Silas Porter
Private
12 Months
Yrs 11. 72 of 16 interest shares not coupled with
all in a
$100-
C. P. Huntington
Northampton
Mass

BRIEF in the case of  Silas Porter  of  Hatfield  in the State of  Massachusetts  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy Three years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 17 77 2 " Private Gen. Col. Long Capt. J. White   77 1 " " Col. Chapin   79 3 " " Capt. Daniel Pomeroy   80 6 " " Col. Taylor  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Hatfield  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? As per above witnesses not stated as credible 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. H. Aderson Examining Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston:
March 9 th 1854.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The name of Silas North is borne on pay roll of Capt. Seth Murray's Comp. Col. Ezer Dyer's Regt. on an expedition to Saratoga in the Northern Department from Sept. 20. 1777 and 111 miles travel. One month, as private. Also on pay roll of March No. 30. 1781. by The Selectmen of Hatfield, pursuant to a resolve of The General Court of the 5 th of Oct. 1781 of the Six months men of said Town and sent to the Army June 27. Discharged Dec. 1781. 5 mos. 26 days.
Also on descriptive list of the 2 nd Division of Six Mos. Men, who marched from Springfield under the command of Capt. Phinehas Parker. July 2 nd 1780 Age 20. Height 5. 8. Complexion Light. from Hatfield Hampshire County. Arrived at Springfield July 2 nd 1780.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears: that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Application for certificate of Revolutionary Services, made by the heirs of the party who rendered the service.
State of Massachusetts, County of Hampshire, Town of Hatfield.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Silas Porter in the War of the Revolution.
He was a native of Hatfield, in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts.
He enlisted from the town of Hatfield, in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, in the year (not known) as a private in the Company commanded by (name unknown) in — Regiment (Colonel not known) and he served among other places, at Twendevoge, and in New Jersey.
Theodore Porter, one of the heirs State of Massachusetts - County of Hampshire. ss.
On this second day of March, A. D. 1854, personally appeared the above-named Theodore Porter, and acknowledged the foregoing Application to be his act and deed.
A. W. Hayer, Justice of the Peace

Ruth Porter Jr Silas Porter
The affidavits of Ruth Porter to be used, on an application by Silas Porter for a pension at the War Office - Taken by Sarah Williams Gen. Secy

The affidavits of Martha Potter to be used, on an application by Silas Sother for a peremptory order to the Post Office - Taken by David Williams Gen. Slave

I Ruth Porter of Heaford County of Heaford have the commonwealth of Massachusetts of lawful age do hereby and say, that in the full part of the year fifteen hundred and sixty eight or sixty nine, which year I am not state, my Brother Silas Porter of Heaford, left our house as a soldier to join the Army in the State of New York and was absent several months, when he returned and my other Brother David took his place and was absent some time. We received several letters from my Brother Silas, during his absence elected at Albany, where, as he stated he was stationed during his absence Ruth Porter
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire S. Aug. 3 d 1832 Then personally appeared Ruth Porter subscriber to the above affidavit after having been carefully examined as her knowledge consists of the same, made oath that the same is true before me Israel Wittings Jr. Rev.
Hampshire S. Nov. 27 th 1832
Ruth Porter the above Deposition is a true copy of truth sworn to full credit Israel Wittings Jr. Rev.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPSHIRE ss. I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Israel Dillings Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of August A. D. 1832.
Sam d F. Lyman Register of Probate.
1. Brother Dillings 2. Newborn by S. L. 3. the [illegible] 4. [illegible]

No 2.661
59 John Porter William Plant.

DECLARATION,
IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE BENEFIT OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF THE 7TH OF JUNE, 1832.
STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS, } ss. COUNTY OF HAMPSHIRE. }
ON this Eighth day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court, before me Hon Sam l H. Hinsclay Judge of the court of Probate now sitting, Silas Potter a resident of Hatfield in the County of Hampshire, and State of Massachusetts, aged 72, 73 the 16 th of Aug st , 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 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
he enlisted at said Hatfield as a private the fore part of May 1777 for 2 months to go to Ticonderoga & served in Capt Sal. White's company, Col. not recollected, nor other officers, Genl St Clair till the abandonment of the fort, stationed at said Ticonderoga. Marched through Williamburgh, Chesterfield, Worthington, Bennington, Pawlett to Skeneateles thence by water to Ticonderoga. On the retreat he was just in advance of Col. Warner & heard the engagement between him & the British troops, refugees, & Indians. Said time of service was out the day after leaving the fort. In the same year in the fore part of September he enlisted as a private & volunteer at said Hatfield in Capt. Murray's company, Col. Chapin's regiment to go to meet Burgoyne. Marched through Bennington to Still water. Was stationed on the West side of the river a little South East of Bemis heights till after the battle there. was in the outside of the lines the day of the battle, then followed the British army to Saratoga & there stationed in the woods at night & skirmishing by day till the day before Burgoyne surrendered, when he was discharged having served more than a month. In 1779 he thinks, in May he enlisted for 6 months at said Hatfield in the company he thinks of Capt Daniel Pomeroy, belonged to no regiment as a private to go to the West on an Indian expedition. Marched to Albany & arrived there just after troops had left for Schenectady, there at Albany stationed & served 3 months, keeping garrison, when his brother took his place. He cannot recollect his other officers & knows of no one living that can testify to this service. In 1780 he enlisted again in June for 6 months as a private to fill up vacancies in the continental army mustered at Springfield Marched to West Point where he drew provision at West Point  then officers of Col. Taylor's East P'k's Reg't were chosen. At West Point he entered the company of Capt Taylor's regiment not recollected, marched to White Plains & stationed in & about there. then went into Winter quarters at West Point after snow had been on the ground. served 6 months & received a written discharge from Capt & Col Taylor which is lost. His age is recorded in the town book at Hatfield where he was born in 1759 Aug 16 th where he has always resided.
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
Before me Samuel Hinsclay Judge of Probate and
We, Silas Potter residing in Hatfield hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Potter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 72 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that who has signed the preceding certificate, is  resident in and that  who has also signed the same, is a resident in and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Hinsclay Judge of Probate
I, Sam l H. Hinsclay Register of the Court of Probate do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Silas Potter for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Sam l H. Hinsclay Register

Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
We, Levi Pratt a clergyman residing in the town of Hatfield and Samuel Smith residing in Hatfield hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Silas Porter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three 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
Levi Pratt Sam Smith
Sworn and subscribed in open Court this 4 th day of December 1832.
before me Samuel Brinsley Judge of Probate
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Levi Pratt who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in Hatfield and that Samuel Smith who has also signed the same, is a resident in Hatfield and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Samuel Brinsley Judge of Probate
I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Silas Porter for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office. this fourth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Sam F. Lyman Register.
Silas Porter 59

O.W. & N. DIV. Division.
A.E.P. , Ex'r.
Inv. file No. 14185.
Silas Porter
Rev. war.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., October 4 , 1906.
SIR:
For use in the above-entitled claim for pension, you are requested to furnish this Bureau with a report in the case of Silas Porter
pensioned under the Act of June 7, 1832 by certificate No. 4158 issued, Jan. 12, 1833 , Massachusetts Agency, showing the date of last payment of pension, to whom paid and date of death of above named soldier if known.
Very respectfully,
Died 19 Feb 41 P 2-41 Vol 5.
J. Warner
Commissioner.
THE AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT,
Treasury Department.

Department of the Interior
D. W. & M. DIVISION OCT 8 1906 RECEIVED
THE AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, Oct 6 th 1906.
The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir: In reply to your letter of 4 th inst. in case of  Silas Porter, Rev. War. Act 32 Certificate * 4158  Massachusetts Agency, Roll, you are informed that, according to the latest account rendered by the U. S. Pension Agent, the records of this office show payment to have been made at $40. per 12 months to 19  February 1841, date of death, in April 1841. The pensioner left three  children whose names were Theodore Porter, Seth Porter & Patty Knight.
Letter herewith returned.
W. Respectfully,
ROBERT S. PERSON
Auditor.
By
J. A. [unclear]
Deputy Auditor.
6

Silas Porter Hatfield Mass No 26 St.
certif - clergman
1

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Silas Dorton which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? he has V. * Has he mentioned 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? he has VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? he has VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? he has VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes, in his favor IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? he has X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? the seal is affixed with an inscription whereby it can be distinguished
- 20 -

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? They are, in his declaration
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
‡ QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.

Northampton, May 17, 1834
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Sir
The heirs of Silas Porter, a Revolutionary Pensioner say that he was pensioned for only ten months' service, - whereas, it would seem, from the accompanying official certificate from the Secy of State of Massachusetts, that he served nearly thirteen months. They therefore respectfully ask that you will consider the subject, and allow them accordingly, - if their impression is right.
Very Respectfully & -
A. W. Thayer

E Morton V Gail
Day. for Lila Porter.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
HAMPSHIRE ss. I, SAMUEL F. LYMAN, Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County, do hereby certify that Charles
P. Huntington Esquire, before whom the annexed depositions (2) were taken is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, duly and regularly appointed, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and have no doubt that the Signature annexed to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of August A. D. 1832.
Sam F. Lyman E
Register of Probate.

I Joel Day of Hatfield Mass aged 73 do testify & depose & say that I have known Silas Porter of Hatfield Mass. from a boy - He served in 1777 from the fore part of May to the fore part of July as a private in Capt White's company, Col Long. with me stationed at Ticonderoga 2 months. In September we both volunteered as privates in Capt Seth Murray's company Col. Chepin's regiment, to go to Stillwater & there served a month or more, till a day or two before Burgoyne surrendered. He served in the same company with me - 3 months, & more in the whole - Aug 8 th 1832. Joel Day
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Hampshire ss. Aug 8 th 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Joel Day & made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit by him subscribed before me - Chas. P. Huntington. Justice of the Peace.
Hampshire ss. Nov 30 th 1832.
I hereby certify that the above named Joel Day deponent before me is a credible person
Chas. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace.

I Ebenezer Morton of Hatfield Mass aged 68 do testify depose & say that I have known Silas Porter of Hatfield from a boy - In 1780 he enlisted with me in the month of June as a private to fill up continental vacancies & served at the Jerseys, at the time West Point, six months. I went into the Light Infantry & said Silas was in another company. I saw said Porter frequently in said service - And further say not. August 8 th , 1832.
Witness C. P. Huntington
Ebenezer Morton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss August 8 th , 1832. Then personally appeared the above named Ebenezer & made oath to the truth of the foregoing instrument by him subscribed before me - C. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace.
Hampshire ss Nov. 30, 1832. I hereby certify that the above named Ebenezer Deponent before me is a credible person. C. P. Huntington Justice of the Peace -

Provisor
14185 INVALID.
File No. 14185
Silas Porter
Briv. Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 305
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Oct. 4, 1916. Aud. for Int. Dept A.E.O.

Northampton, Mass. June 9, 1853
Gen. J. P. Waldo, Com d of Pensions:- Sir
I write at the request of the heirs of Silas Porter , late of Hatfield Mass. deceased, a Revolutionary Pensioner , - to say, that Mr. Porter never received over $40 a year, whereas they suppose that by law he was entitled to $96 a year as a Private soldier; but they say that he was, during a part , or the whole of his term of service, viz: two years , a Corporal ; and hence, that he is entitled to the pay of one acting in that capacity, if indeed the pay is higher by law. Of facts are, as they suppose, it is the intention of the heirs to make application for an increase of Pension, or the arrearage of Pension which should have been paid him.
Will you therefore do the

form there, through me, whether the said Pensioner was entitled to an increase; and whether that any increase, if any was due, may be obtained by making application in due form? And oblige
Respectfully &c
A. W. Hayer

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Porter, Silas GRADE Private LINE New Hampshire
WARRANT NUMBER 3377 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Jan. 11, 1791(P) to not shown
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.