Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23376, for Benjamin Porter, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Porter Benjamin
S. 23376
CONTENTS

D. Aug 24, 1841 Agree to act -
New York 24.660
Benjamin Porter
of Genesee Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the 6th Regt  Infantry  of the  State  of New York  Volunteer by Captain Chapman of the Reg t command by Col Canfield in the Conn s Troops for 10 mo & 20 days
Enscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 35 Dollars 53 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Jan y 1834 and sent Hon Geo. W. Lay Secy of War
Arrears to the 4th of Sept '33 $ 88.82
Remun. allowance ending 4 Mar '34 $ 17.76
Died Aug 24, 1841 $ 106.58
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Geo. B. Whiting Clerk, Book E Vol. 11 Page 114

15970 In the Matter of Benjamin Porter Declaration for Pension
Send Certificate to Carlton Iowa, Ba Lauria Genesee Co, N. York
Col. Ralph
Ent. Sep 25 1779
dis. Jan 15 1780
In behalf of the claimant I hereby relinquish all claims to a Pension under the act of June 7 th 1832, for services in the Revolutionary Army for more than ten months & twenty days. George W. Day U. C.

State of New-York
Genesee County ss: 3 Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Batavia in and for the said County of Genesee Benjamin Porter the declarant named in the annexed declaration for a pension, 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 two months, as a private he served as a private under the officers mentioned in the first engagement specified in said declaration, and as stated therein - For three months, he served as a private, in Capt. Onstead's company, (whose christian name, deponent does not recollect) mentioned in the second engagement specified in said declaration, and as stated therein - This deponent does not recollect the name of the Col. who commanded the Regiment in which he served under this engagement; nor does he recollect the names of any officers under whom he served, other than the Capt. above named - But he has no doubt of his service as above stated - For two months, he served as a corporal in Col. John Canfield's regiment, mentioned in the third engagement specified in said declaration, and, as stated therein; the names of the Capt. & the other officers under whom he served during this engagement, deponent does not recollect, and therefore cannot state them. For nine months, he served as a private in the regular service, or, rather, under an enlistment for that period, as stated in the fourth engagement specified in said declaration - In reference to the objection suggested by the War Department relating to the claim for service under this engagement, this deponent states, that he cannot be positive whether the christian name of Col. Sherman, mentioned in said declaration by this deponent, as being the Commandant of the Regiment in which he served during this engagement, was John, or Israel, but according to the best of his recollection, it was John - This deponent would further state in explanation, that at the time of his enlisting at Goshen under this engagement as stated in said declaration, the regiment into which he enlisted, was commanded by a Col. Russell, (whose christian name this deponent does not recollect, but before this deponent had been joined said Regiment as he was ordered, the said Russell died of an accident which befel him in crossing the North River on his way to Danbury, in Connecticut, to inspect

and take command of said Regiment, Shortly after this occurrence, the said Sherman took command of said Regiment, and retained it so long as this deponent remained in said Service - This deponent does not know of any person by whom he can prove his Service - Nor can he state more specifically or particularly in reference to his said Service than he has done in said declaration -
Sworn and Subscribed this 21 st day of October 1833 before me -
Benjamin Porter
Charles M. Russell P.D.
State of New York County of Genesee
I, Timothy Fitch Clerk of said County, certify that Charles M. Russell before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same a Justin of the Peace in and for said County - And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justin and verily believe his name subscribed to the above affidavit is genuine
Witness my hand and seal of Office at Batavia in said County this twenty first day of October 1833 -
Timothy Fitch Clerk. By B. Pringle Deputy

State of New York
Genesee County ss. On this second day of September 1833 personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the court of Oyer & Terminer of the said county of Genesee now sitting, the said court being a court of record Benjamin Porter a resident of the Town of Batavia in the county of Genesee and State of New York aged seventy three 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 act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he was born in the Town of Bethlehem in the county of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut the 10 th day of May 1760. That he has no record of his age - That he entered the service of the United States at Bethlehem where he then resided in the militia of the State of Connecticut, in the regiment under Col. Morely whose christian name declarant does not recollect, in Capt Israel Chapman's company in the month of January 1776, as a private soldier & volunteer and continued in said service under this engagement two months when he was duly discharged from said service. The discharge was a verbal one - That from Bethlehem he marched to a place then called the Paw-Pits on Long Island Sound, in the State of New York, where he was stationed to guard the place against the British forces, until his discharge as aforesaid.
The declarant further states that in the fore part of July 1777, he again entered said service at Bethlehem as a volunteer and private in the militia of Connecticut, in the company commanded by Capt. Ostrad whose christian name declarant does not recollect, and continued in said service under this engagement three months when he was duly discharged therefrom by the said Ostrad. The discharge was a verbal one - From Bethlehem declarant marched to West Point in the State of New York where he was stationed until discharged from service, assisting in building the fort at that place.
The declarant further states that in the fore part of February 1778, he again entered said service as a volunteer and corporal in the militia of Connecticut at Bethlehem, in the regiment under Col John Canfield the name of the Captain & other officers under whom he served declarant does not recollect, and continued in said service under this engagement two months, when he was duly discharged from

said service by the said Canfield. The discharge was a verbal one. From Bethlehem declarant marched to Stamford on Long Island Sound when he was stationed to guard the fort in that place against the British until his discharge.
The said declarant further states that in the fore part of April 1778, he again entered said service at Goshen in the county of Litchfield in Connecticut, where he then resided, as a volunteer and private, and served under this engagement as a regular soldier on the continental establish- ment; in the Brigade Commanded by General Parsons of the Con- necticut line, in the regiment under Col John Sherman of New- Haven, (the captain's name declarant does not know) for nine months, when he was duly discharged from said service, by the said Sher- man. The discharge was a written one, but has since been lost. From Goshen declarant marched to Piskill Kill, in the state of New- York. From thence to Stony Point. From thence to Morristown in New Jersey where he remained until discharged as aforesaid. The said declarant further states that since the revolutionary war, he resided in Goshen aforesaid, about 14 years. That he removed from thence to Poughkeepsie, in the county of Onondaga, & state of New York, where he resided about 6 years. From thence he removed to Batavia, in the county of Seneca & state of New York, where he has since resided, and where he now resides. The declarant cannot state more particularly than he has done, the names of any of the regular officers who were with the troops where he served, nor the circumstances of his service. The declarant further states that Lucius Smith, Daniel H. Chandler, Ethan B Allen and Carlton Turner of Batavia aforesaid are personally acquaint- ed with him and can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution, that he has no documentary evidence of his said services, and knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his said service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. Benjamin Porter
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid in open court. Timothy Fitch clerk

We Lucius Smith a clergyman residing in the Town of Batavia in the county of Genesee and State of New York and Carlton Townsman and Ethan D. Allen residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin 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.
Sworn and subscribed, the day & year aforesaid in open court
Lucius Smith Carlton Townsman
Timothy Fitch Clerk
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Lucius Smith who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Batavia in the county of Genesee & State of New York, and that Carlton Townsman who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
A. G. Ordire Isaac Wilson Honor J. Turner
I Timothy Fitch clerk of the said court of Oyer & terminer, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Porter for a pension
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this second day of September Eighteen hundred & thirty three
Timothy Fitch Clerk

15970
Benjamin Porter
Admitted Private 10mo 20 days mip 2
10m 20d
Supplemental Affidavit enclosed
Hon. Geo. W. Luce Habeas Corpus Butler N.Y. Butler N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjn Porter . NY
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     July '76 2 - pri. Capt Chapman 73. Traditionary -   July 77 3 " " " Olmstead Bethlehem   July 78 2 - Corps no Company off: Col. Canfield Cont.   Apr 78 9 - pri no Compy officers   3 20 X Col. John Shearman.   10 20  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
X To officer of that name in the Continental Army - Isaac Shearman's roll furnishes no evidence of his service. The names of the officers should be given so as to enable the office to determine whether he is entitled to the out of service by a person of his name in one of the Cont. Regts.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval Service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of } On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1852. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
 If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (1) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

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

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section EEL One
August 25, 1930
Mrs. George B. Kimball Oyster Harbors Asterville, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.23376, that Benjamin Porter was born May 10, 1760, in Bethlehem, Litchfield County, Connecticut.
While residing in Bethlehem, Connecticut, he volunteered in January, 1776, and served two months as a private in Captain Israel Chapman's Company, Colonel Moseley's Connecticut Regiment.
He enlisted early in July, 1777, and served three months as a private in Captain Olmsted's Connecticut Company.
He enlisted early in February, 1778, in Goshen, Connecticut, and served two months as a corporal in Colonel John Canfield's Connecticut Regiment, and again in April, 1778, he enlisted and served nine months as a private in Colonels Russell and Sherman's Connecticut Regiment.
After the Revolution he resided in Goshen, Connecticut, for fourteen years, then moved to Sangerfield, Oneida County, New York, resided there six years, then moved to Batavia, Genesee County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 2, 1833, at which time he was aged seventy-three years, and resided in Batavia, New York.
He died August 24, 1841.
It is not stated that soldier was ever married.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.
Cannot verify date of offices from Conn book
From AB

Resolution
23376
INVALID.
1909 Jan. 21. Hist. to Miss Mary H. Hosmer 1921 Dec. 22 Hist. to Mrs. Alfred S. Clapp
1930-Aug 25. Hist. to Mrs Geo. B. Kimball - Bch
File No. 23,376
Benjamin Porter
His Rev. Mrs
Act: June 7 th 80 th
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 325
[Arrangement of 1870.]

In reply to your request of _____, received _____ For a statement of the military history of Benjamin Porter a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
S. File 23,376.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Bethlehem Jan'y. 76 2 mos. Pri. Israel Chapman Moseley Conn.   " July 77 3 mos. " Olmsted.   " Feby 78 2 mos. Corpl. ✓ John Canfield   Goshen Apl. 78 9 mos. Pri. ✓ Russell Sherman Maj. Smith { See Conn. book p. 229    See Conn. book p. 237 Ramey   
Battles engaged in, ✓
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bethlehem, Litchfield Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 2, 1833.
Residence at date of application, Potavia, Genesee Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, Born Mar. 10, 1760 Bethlehem, Conn.
Remarks: Did Aug. 24, 1841 { from A.B.
Office note: Cannot verify soldier's date + officers by Conn. book.

Oyster Harbors Asterville, Mass.
August 11, 1930
Pension Bureau, Dept. of Interior Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Only of Conn. I should like to secure copies of the pension papers of Benjamin Porter , Revolutionary sol- dier, born in Bethlehem, Connecticut, and of Philo Porter , soldier of the war of 1812-14 , born in Goshen, Connecticut.
Please tell me how I may get these made, and

what the expense would be.
Very truly yours,
Jane Stearns Kimball (Mrs. Geo. B. Kimball)

Philo Porter - Ok. Div.
File No 27334- N.Y. -
Rgt, Major Adams Manger 18/2

Rev 40 To The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Will you send me information concerning the Rev. War record of Benjamin Porter of Hartford or East Hartford, his name appears in the book "Conn Soldiers of the Revolution" also as a Pensioner Conn Cont ( S. 23376 Washington)
Mrs Alfred S. Clapp East Windsor Hill Conn.
Dec 8. 1921.

REC 10 1921 DIVISION

23376
E
Bureau of Pensions. Washington D.C.
The name of Benjamin Porter. as Private. Connecticut Militia. was placed on the Pension Roll. January 30 th , 1834. allowed annually $35. 53. Commencement of Pension March 4 th 1831. Age given as 73 years. and was located at Batavia N.Y. at the time of Application for Pension as a soldier of the War of the Revolution. Will you kindly inform me where he enlisted from. The date of enlistment, under whom he served, date of discharge.

what engagements he participated in. were there more than one enlistment, or term served, and do the records give the names of his parents. was he wounded or disabled,
yours truly miss Mary H. Hosmer.
84 Ashland ave. Buffalo. N.Y.
January 4th. 1909.

Benj. Porter's afft.—
Papers sent— from Batavia P.O. last spring—possibly in Feb. or June—
Carleton Downer, Esq.?
Batavia N.Y.—
who made out Papers—
Please make returns now to S. H. Doper,
Batavia
N.Y.—
Hon. George W. Gay.

State of New York } County of Genesee } ss.
On this 28 th day of December 1833 came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Genesee Benjamin Porter, who being duly sworn by me deposed and said, that at the time of making his declaration and explanatory affidavit he supposed that he had given the names of his officers when he served in the Continental army as far as he was able - but that his memory is very much impaired and he cannot recollect all the names of his officers, neither can he recollect how much was set forth in his declaration - that his papers were drawn up by Carlton Towner and he supposed that he had inserted in his declaration the names of all the officers he could recollect - This Deponent now says that he belonged to the Regiment commanded by Col Russell while he was in the Continental service in the nine months time - that Col Russell died while this Deponent was on his way to join the Regiment at Verplancks Point - that Col Russell had gone out to muster new recruits and died at Danbury, Ct. - and this deponent further says that Col Sherman then took the command of the Regiment - he is not certain as to his christian name - his impression was that his name was John and he so stated, he thinks, in his declaration, but he is not certain but his name was Israel - he is however quite sure he was from New Haven - that Gen Parsons commanded the first Brigade of Continental troops and Gen Huntington commanded the 2 nd Brigade stationed where this Deponent was - and this Deponent further says, that that the Captain of the Company of this Deponent was absent when he joined the Regiment and did not return until a few days before he, this Deponent, left the service and while the Captain was absent, the Company was commanded by the Lieutenant - he has reflected much on the subject and cannot remember the name of his Captain or Lieutenant - his Orderly Sergeant was Stephen Ranney - he cannot recollect the names of any others of his officers - He recollects that a man by the name of Smith was Brigade Major - and further this Deponent saith that he does not know of any person who is living

by whom he can prove his services: neither although he presumes there are those living, yet he has not been able to find any - and further this Deponent saith not. -
Sworn and Subscribed this
28 th day of December 1833
before me.
Benjamin Porter
Charles M. Kelso S.P.
State of New York 3 County of Genesee
I, Timothy Fitch Clerk of the county of Genesee, Certify, that Charles M. Russell Esquire before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken and made was at the date of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county - and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of said Justice and rightly believe his signature to the above affidavit is genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Twenty eighth day of December 1833
Timothy Fitch Clerk By M. Pringle Dep. Clerk.