Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4607, for John Neilson, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Neilson, John
S. 4607
CONTENTS
carded

5995 New Jersey John Neilson
of in the State of New Jersey who was a Colonel in the  of the  commanded by Captain of the  commanded by in the New Jersey line for Colonel 2 years $600
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 600 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. ending 1 st March 1835.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of October 1857 and sent to D. A. Peugh Present
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by A. H. Markland Clerk, Book E Vol. 2 Page 157

Application of Col. John Neilson for a pension —

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832 —
State of New Jersey County of Middlesex } ss.
On this eleventh day of September personally appeared in open court before The Superior Court of Common Pleas of Middlesex in the cause of now setting, John Melson, then known a resident of the City of New Brunswick in the County of Middlesex in the State of New Jersey, aged eighty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to ob- tain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832 —
That he was born, 11 day of March 1745, as it is stated in an old family record, in the vicinity of the City of New Brunswick aforesaid, that he passed his minority in & near that place, exclusive of a few years at the Academy in Philadelphia for education —
That in the year 1769 he settled at the head of a young family in New Brunswick aforesaid, in a mercantile establishment, with the prospect of a favorable & prosperous business, untill disturbed by the revolutionary war in 1775 —
While the Government of Great Britain were prosecuting their wild, unjust projects, of Tax- ation over our Country, his united my feeble influence with the Guardians of our land in opposition to their ungenerous measures — when the controversy

Assumed a serious complexion, he took an active & decided part in the opposition, raised a Company of Militia and was appointed their Captain,
Soon after was called into service with his Com. ready in an expedition to the east end of Long Island under the command of General Heards a Brigadier in the Continental service, for the purpose of disarming the disaffected population of that district of country — then called Tries —
When discharged from that service, He resumed the care of his business, and attended to the training of his Company to make soldiers of them —
The 21 day of August 1775 he was appointed Colonel of the Battalion of Minute men in the County of Middlesex, and commissioned by the Deputies of the several Counties of then New Jersey in Provincial Congress — General Fisher, President —
The 1 st day of August 1776 he was appointed Col. of the second Battalion of foot Militia in the County of Middlesex, by the Deputies of the State of New Jersey in Convention —
John Lawrence Vice President.
1776
These commissions he has in possession —
In Sept r & October of this year he was ordered into service and commanded the Militia of Middlesex & Somerset on the lines in Essex & Berrien Counties — In November was relieved by other Militia & returned home —
In Dec r in this year, the British with a large division of their Army, invaded the State of New Jersey, made a sudden & rapid march to New Brunswick.

on their way to the Delaware, broke up his business establishment, and the Militia of Middlesex & Somerset being now dispersed, the Field Officers of his Battalion himself, Lieut. Col. Taylor, and Major Van Emburgh, with Col. Frakinghuysen & others of Somerset County joined the American Army, on their retreat, as Volunteers to the west side of Delaware river.
On the 31 st Dec r General Washington issued his order to the Militia Officers aforesaid, to proceed into the State of New Jersey, and use their exertions to call together and embody the Militia of the State. This order I have.
The British Troops Army, after the capture of the Hessians at Trenton retreated thro' the State, and having reached New Brunswick, their head quarters halted, & took up their winter quarters there — The Militia being now again partially collected, some joined the main Army, those of Middlesex & others were, under my command, ordered to take post at Cranbury —
Early in 1777 soon after the establishment of this post, Information was given me, by a deserter from the British lines at N. Brunswick, that an out post of British Troops was formed at Dennis Island, two or three miles from the main Army at New Brunswick under the command of a refugee Field Officer. We immediately contemplated the measure, and formed a plan to surprise them — I dispatched a Messenger to General Rutherford, then commanding at Princeton for assistance, the General very promptly sent me forty or fifty Virginia Riflemen, with these men united with those of my Command at Cranbury

I continued in command here until the British Troops left New Brunswick in June 1777
We took up our line of march in the evening about sun down and proceeded with a steady march, without being discovered, altho' there was snow on the ground & frosty night, until we were in the midst of the British quarters at Connecticut Island, and succeeded by completely surprising & capturing the whole of the party, with Major Rich? Stockton their Commanding Officers, with their Arms &c. and returned in safety to our quarters near Cranbury having lost but one or two men; and next day forwarded the Prisoners, between sixty & seventy with their Arms & Accoutrements, to the order of General Putnam at Raritan — On this expedition Mr Andrew McDowell was our Guide
In the months of Sept r Oct r & November 1777 — I was in service on the lines with the Middlesex & Somerset Militia at Elizabeth Town, the principal part of this time under the command of General Dickinson —
In June & July 1778 in service in Mon- mouth County, part of the time under the command of General Dickinson, & part a separate command
See Instructions from Genl l Washington 26 June 1778 —
In Sept r & Oct r 1778 repelling the invasion of the Enemy —
In May, June & July 1779 commanded the Militia on the lines, at Elizabeth Town New Jersey, I have in proportion extensive correspondence with General Washington, Governor Livingston and other superior Officers — during this service —

1780 Sept r 18 th He was appointed by the Quarter Master General of the United States Army, Deputy 2 d Master for the State of New Jersey, and continued in that Department to the conclusion of the war in March 1783—
This appointment, approved by W m Livingston Governor of the State of New Jersey, I have in possession—
The Applicant 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—
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid W m B Manning Judge
John Neilson
We Joseph H Jones a Clergyman residing in the City of New Brunswick and Littleton Philip Patrick residing in the same place hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Neilson, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 87 years of age, that he is reputed or believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we fully concur in that opinion—
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day & year aforesaid
W m B Manning Judge
Joseph H Jones Littleton Philip Patrick

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department which interrogatories with the answers thereto are hereto annexed, 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 the Reverend Joseph H. Jones who has signed the preceding certificate is a long known residing in the city of New Brunswick in the county of Middlesex and State of New Jersey and that Littleton Nick-patrick - who has also signed the same statement is entitled to credit.
I Ferdinand J. P. Amadalen clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Middlesex in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that the foregoing and the papers hereto annexed contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Colonel John Neilson for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this eleventh day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two. 1832.
F. J. P. Amadalen Clerk

Interrogatories propounded by the Inferior court of Common Pleas in & for the county of Middlesex in the State of New Jersey to Colonel John Brison an applicant for a pension on account of service in the militia
Interrogatory 1. Where and in what year were you born? - 2nd. Have you an record of your age, if so where is it? 3rd. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolution and war, and where do you now live? 4th. How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom? - 5th. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops when you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6th. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 7th. 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.
Answers to the foregoing interrogatories.
The answers to Interrogatories Nos. 1. 2. 3rd are fully and particularly set out in the declaration of the applicant, showing where he was born and in what year. The record of his age and

and where it is, where he resided when called into service and where he has resided since that period, and the manner in which he was called into service.
5th. To the fifth interrogatory he answers that having had a general and familiar intercourse with the Regular officers of the American army  officers , yet he cannot now select any in particular who were with the troops when he at different times served - In general it was with the militia detached from the main army -
6th. To interrogatory sixth he answers that he did receive a commission as Colonel of the Second Battalion of Foot Militia in the county of Middlesex, from the Deputies of the State of New Jersey in convention, as stated in his declaration dated the first day of August Seventeen hundred Seventy five signed by John Coorchover President.
On the thirty first day of August Seventeen hundred Seventy five he was appointed Colonel of the Battalions of minute men in the county of Middlesex, and commissioned by the Deputies of the several Counties of New Jersey in the Provincial Congress -
Henck Fisher President
On the eighteenth of September Seventeen hundred and eighty he was appointed by the Master Master General of the United States Army Deputy Quartermaster for the State of New Jersey and continued in that Department until the conclusion of the War in March 1783.
This appointment approved by William

Livingston Governor of New Jersey, and the Commissions above referred to the applicant has in his possession.
7th To Interrogatory seventh the applicant an- swers That with conscience he refers to all in his neighbourhood, of sufficient age, that testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier in the Revolution His Revolutionary services having been performed principally on the lines between the British Army in New York & Staten Island, and the shores of New Jersey in the Counties of Essex & Bergen contiguous to the place where he now resides and where he has always resided, are therefore to all of sufficient age to recollect the events of that day, and by tradition are well known and believed by the present generation, and as addit- ional evidence he has in his possession extensive correspondence with the Commander in Chief and with the Governor of the State of New Jersey when in service, as stated in his declaration.
For greater certainty and to comply fully with the regulations your applicant will refer partic- ularly to The Reverend Joseph H Jones the pastor of the Congregation to which your applicant be- longs, to Messrs James L Van Dyke and to Mr John Bryan Mr Patrick Gentlemen residing in his neighbourhood.
Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court this day & year first above Wm D Manning Judge
John Wilson

The Supplementary affidavit of Col. John Neilson the forgoing applicant, made him want to further instructions from the war department.
State of New Jersey
Middlesex County ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in & for the county of Middlesex & State of New Jersey John Neilson who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and infirmity he is unable to leave his house and attend in open court, without jeopardizing his health and perhaps his life that also from his advanced age & consequent loss of memory he cannot at this time swear positively to the precise length of his actual service, but to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades: That is to say in the winter of 1774-5 he served as a captain of a militia company in an expedition to Long Island to disarm the Tories for the period of from four to six weeks. That from the 31 st of August 1775 to the 1 st of August 1776 he served as Colonel of a Battalion of minute men in the county of Middlesex being duly commissioned for that purpose as mentioned in his forgoing declaration. His service during this period of eleven months was principally in training and disciplining the men under his command but to the best of his recollection was not the whole of that time upon active duty. From the 1 st of August 1776 to the 18 th of September 1780, a period of 4 years 1 mo. & 18 days he also served as a Colonel of the Second Ba-

lation of the  the of foot militia of Middlesex being commissioned as stated in his said declaration - During this period he was near- ly the whole time in active service in the capacity of colonel, except for a short time when in consequence of the dispersion of the militia, he together with other field officers of his Battalion joined the American Army as volunteers, but how long he served with the Army in that capacity he cannot ascertain with certainty, nor can he from the loss of mem- ory determine with more precision and ac- curacy than he has already done in his said declaration the months and days & particular places in which he served his country as a colonel of militia by actually bearing arms against the enemy - From the 18 th of Septem- ber 1780 to March 1783 he served as deputy quarter master for the State of New Jersey a period of two years and six months being only commissioned as stated in his said de- claration - And he further says that the sev- eral commissions referred to in his foregoing declarations & this his supplementary affida- vit and accompanying the same, are the ori- ginal commissions issued by virtue of which he acted - And for the services specified therein in this his affidavit & declaration he claims a pension -
I certify that the foregoing affi- avit was subscribed and sworn to before me by John Neilson who by reason of old age and infirmity is unable to ap- pear in person in open court.
John Neilson
Feb. 16 th 1833

infirmary is unable to ap- pear in person in open court
Feb. 16 th A.D. 1833
H. Ford Justice of the peace
I Nicholas Boorman clerk of the Inferior court of common Pleas in & for the county of Middlesex & State of New Jersey do hereby cer- tify that the foregoing contains the original pro- ceedings had before said court, and the supple- mentary affidavit taken before Josiah Ford in the matter of the application of John Neilson for a pension. - And I further certify that the said Josiah Ford is a Justice of the peace duly commissioned in & for the said county of Middlesex and authorized by law to ad- minister affidavits. -
In testimony whereof I have set unto my hand & affixed the seal of said court this sixteenth day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty three 1833.
N Boorman Clerk

John Neilson, Dec. N. Jersey , admitted, (ad. 1832.)

POWER OF ATTORNEY—Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, A S Neilson Exet of John Neilson (deceased)
hereby constitute and appoint D L H S A Leigh of Washington City my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of John Neilson for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or Increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, which Certificate is to be made payable .
to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and Seal this 3 rd day October
A. D., 1851.
A. S. Neilson
Signed and Sealed in the presence of } D. Fitz Randolph } J. A. Vance
STATE OF New Jersey } ss: COUNTY OF Middlesex }
On this thirteenth day of October A. D. 1851 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Abraham S Neilson and acknowledged the foregoing Power, of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand, } the day and year aforesaid.
D. Fitz Randolph Judge of Middlesex Pleas

Claim of Act of
STATE OF New Jersey } ss. COUNTY Middlesex }
Be it known, That on this third day of October A. D., eighteen hundred and fifty one , before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared A. S. Neilson a resident of New Brunswick in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the the son of John Neilson deceased and Executor on the estate of the said John Neilson deceased, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
at the rate of $480. four hundred eighty Dollars per annum; that he has been informed that the said Pension ought to be increased; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid, before me D. Fitz Randolph Judge of Middlesex Pleas
A. S. Neilson
I, D. Fitz Randolph Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that Abraham S. Neilson who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
D. Fitz Randolph Judge of Mid. Pleas
I, Nicholas Booroom Clerk of the Circuit Court in the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Daniel Fitz Randolph before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this third day of October A. D. 185 1 .
N Booroom Clerk.

STATE OF New Jersey } ss. COUNTY OF Middlesex }
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me That A. S. Neilson is executor of the estate of John Neilson (deceased) who
the was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of $480. four hundred and eighty dollars per annum and that he died on the third day of March eighteen hundred and thirty three leaving surviving A. S. Neilson James Neilson John Neilson Gertrude Woodhull Catherine S Taylor Joanna Neilson and that they are
the only surviving children of the aforesaid. John Neilson (deceased) Who left no widow
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this third day of October one thousand eight hundred and fifty-one
D. H. Randolph Judge of Middlesex Pleas

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
January 10, 1924.
Mrs. H. B. Houghton, 1946 North Ave., Bridgeport, Conn.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 4607, it appears that John Neilson was born in the vicinity of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, March 11, 1745, and was residing in New Brunswick, when he was appointed Captain of New Jersey militia, and went on an expedition to the East end of Long Island, against the Tories.
He was commissioned, August 31, 1775, Colonel of the Middlesex County, New Jersey Battalion of Minute men, and on August 1, 1776, he was commissioned Colonel of the 2d Battalion of foot militia in Middlesex County, New Jersey, and on September 18, 1780, he was commissioned Deputy Quartermaster for New Jersey, and continued to serve

as such until March 1783.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 11, 1832, while a resident of New Brunswick, New Jersey. He died March 3, 1833, leaving no widow.
The following children were alive in 1851- Abraham S.; James; John; Gertrude Woodhull; Catharine S. Taylor; and Joanna. There is no further family data on file.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to John Voorhees, described by you.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

John Neilson. S. File 4607.
Letter from General Wash- ington, dated June 26, 1778,
and
An address to the Friends of America, dated Trenton, Dec. 31, 1776.
Both of these papers are missing from this case.
April 13, 1903.
Frances Williams.
Louis Reining
O. W. Lib. Div.
Again searched for and not found by A. Wilson
AUG 12 1910

Rev War
4607
INVALID.
File No. 4607
John Neilson Colonel Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1850
Index:—Vol. A , Page 273
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

Rev War
4607
INVALID.
1924 Jan. 10 - Hist to Mrs. H.B. - Houghton cust.
File No. 4607
John Nilson Colonel Rev War
Act: June 7 1830
Index: Vol. 4 , Page 273
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

MRS. H. B. HOUGHTON 1946 NORTH AVENUE BRIDGEPORT, CONN.
Pension Bureau Wash D.C. Revolutionary War Records
Nov 26-1923
Dear Sir:
Please tell me if the following men received Pensions or applied for Pensions and all information there may be in your office concerning them. Thanking You. Very Truly
Mrs H B Houghton -
Col John Neilson Ind Reg. Middlesex Co N Jersey. and
Capt John Voorhees Jr - Ensign in Capt Taylor Col Col Neilsons Bat. Capt Syles Co 3d Reg. Middlesex. Capt ditto Sept 8-1777.

5995
New Jersey
John Nilson
of the State of New Jersey who was a Colonel in the Quarters commanded by Captain Master in the Bay commanded by in the New Jersey line for Col & Quarters Master 2 years $480.00
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 480 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Feb. 1833 and put to Am. T. Fuling- huyson. Senate No.
Arrears to 4th of Feb. 1832 $720.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March 1833 240.00 $960.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Viral Luce Clerk, Book D Vol. 4 Page 165

MENOMINEE, MICH.
Perbee 2/20 Jan 22-1919
Record Division Bureau of Pensions. Sir -
I am looking up a genealogical record for Mrs. G. D. West and would like a copy of pension papers of her ancestor John Nelson, Sr. Private Volunteer U. S. Pension Roll, Page 70. He served under Gen. Arnold also under Gen. Clinton Was with the army during whole time at Bennington and until time of Burgoyne's surrender.

MENOMINEE, MICH.
He was born in Elizabethtown or Amboy N. J.
Then had the wife's name
Born March 23 rd 1753
Died " 3 rd , 1833.
The Registrar Gen. U.S.D.A.R. will not accept an application for membership without a copy of this pension paper. If there is a fee please advise me & I will at once send it
Yours
Mary J. Trudell
Registrar of Menominee Chapter D.A.R. 1613 State St.

2. Bonneville 1745 Col - 2 201

Warrant
Capt. Nelson
New Jersey

To Colonel John Neilson
Whereas the honourable the Congress of the United States of America by the plan for conducting the quartermaster general's department, agreed to in Congress on the 15 th of July 1780, have empowered the quartermaster general to appoint one deputy for each State, if he should judge so many to be necessary; and the same were approved by the board of war: And Whereas in my opinion one deputy is necessary for the State of New Jersey and the board of war have approved the same: Now reposing full confidence in your patriotism, integrity, skill and diligence, I do hereby appoint you the said John Neilson deputy quartermaster for the said State of New Jersey. You are therefore, faithfully to perform all the duties of that Office, agreeably to the regulations which are or shall be established by Congress relative thereto, and such orders and instructions conformable to the principles of those regulations as you shall from time to time receive from me for which this shall be your sufficient Warrant.
Given under my hand at Trenton the eighteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord 1780 and in the fifth Year of our Independence.
Timothy Pickering Quartermaster general

Scott Kellogg Papers.
Col. & Dep't 2 nd m r
$480 per a
Attn:
Hon. T. Feilinghuysen Senate U.S.

31. Augt. 1775. Col.
1. Augt. 1776. Col. — eleven months.
Sept. Octr. 1776. in service. two months.
Decr. do — do. one month.
Fst. Mar. aft. May. June.
in 1777 — five do —
Sept. Octr. & Novr. 1777. three do.
June & July 1778. two —
Sept. & Octr. do. two.
May. June. July 1779. three.
last of Col. Chelsea p.

Brief in the case of John Neilson, dec d , late of Midalesey County and State of New Jersey, act 7 June 1832
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The roll at $480 per annum for services as Col & In Master. Evidence on file that he served more than two years as Col. Increased to $600. Commencing 4 March 1831 & ending 3 March 1833
Name and residence of Agent.
J. V. Pugh. Present
J. Cole Examining Clerk.

Application of A. S. Nelson Exrs of John Nelson deceased for incomm Pension, from $280. to $600 per annum.
Land Certificate to L. A. Pugh.

John Nelson, Dec d N.D.
Act 7 June 1832
Under 2 yrs: Colonel Ld to $600 per annum, Dec d former pay at $480 per annum.
Young 4 March 1831
2 yrs. July 3 March 1833, Payable to
J. S. Nelson, Esq r for the benefit of his wife & James Nelson.
John Nelson
Joanna Nelson.
Gertrude Woodhull &
Catharine S. Taylor, my surviving children,
J. S. Leigh Present

Washington City D.C., 8 th October 1857
Mr. J. C. Heath Comm. of Pensions Sir
I herewith enclose the Power of Attorney & Certificate of Court in the case of John Nelson, deed late a Pensioner on the New Jersey Roll, at the rate of $480. He has been pensioned as B. Col. for 2 years, and the proper pension for this period of time is $600, per annum;
Yours respectfully S. A. Leigh

John Nielsen at Jersey 480. Act 1832 To what period paid
H. S. Cram Aug 23 1857
Died 3 d March 1833, P d to his death (B. B.)

Rev. War Section.
S. File 4607
January 25, 1919.
Mary J. Trudell, 1613 State Street, Menominee, Michigan.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the twenty-second instant, you are advised that a careful search of the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fails to show a claim on file for John Nilson (Nelson, Neilson, etc. etc.) described by you.
Reference to Vol. II page 70 of the New Jersey pensioners reported by the Secretary of War in 1835, shows that you have misquoted the rank of Colonel John Neilson , and claimed the date of his death for Mrs. West's ancestor.
Very respectfully,
G. M. [unintelligible] Commissioner.

By his Excellency William Livingston Esq d Governor Captain General & Commander in Chief in & over the State of New Jersey and the Territories thereunto belonging Chancellor & Ordinary in the same
To all to whom these Presents shall come Greeting —
Whereas Timothy Pickering Esq d Quartermaster General has appointed Col d John Nelson Deputy Quartermaster of this State & has notified to me such his appointment to be approved of by the Executive of this State agreeably to the Resolution of Congress of the fifteenth day of July last, and I being well satisfied of the Ability Integrity & Diligence of the said Col d John Nelson Do therefore hereby approve of his said Appointment —
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth Day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & Eighty —
W m : Livingston

The DEPUTIES of the several Counties of New-Jersey in PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
To John Neilson Esq m
WE reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, Do, by Virtue of the Power and Authority delegated to us by our Constituents, and in Pursuance of the Direction of the Honourable the Continental Congress, constitute and appoint you the said John Neilson Colonel of the Battalion of Minutemen in the County of Middlesex, during the will & pleasure of the Provincial Congress.
You are therefore to take the said Battalion into your Charge and Care as Colonel thereof, and duly to exercise both Officers and Soldiers of that Battalion in Arms. And as they are hereby directed to obey you as their Colonel , so you are likewise to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time as you shall receive from your superior Officer or Officers, the Con- -tinental Congress, the Provincial Congress or Committee of Safety: And for your so doing this shall be your Commission. Dated the thirty first Day of August 1775
Attested
Fred k Kieleyhuysen Clerk
By Order of the Congress,
Hend k Fisher President

The Deputies of the State of New Jersey in Convention To John Neilson Esquire
We Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, do by Virtue Of the Power and Authority delegated to us by our Constituents, and in pursuance of the Direction of Honourable the Continental Congress, constitute and appoint you the said John Neilson Colonel of the Second Battalion of Foot Militia in the County of Middlesex. You are therefore to take the said Battalion into your charge and care as Colonel thereof and duly to exercise the Officers & Soldiers of that Battalion in Arms, and as they are hereby directed to obey you as their Colonel so you are likewise to Obey and follow such Orders & directions from time to time as you shall receive from your superior Officer or Officers. The Convention or future Legislature of this State, in for your so doing this Shall be your Commission which is to be in force until revoked by the Convention or future Legis- lature of this State Dated this first day of August Anno Domini 1776
By Order of Convention
John Penn Moderator of the Convention
W. H. Dr. M c Gregor, Secy.