Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16217, for Thomas Palmer, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Palmer, Thomas
S16217
Conn. continental New York
boarded.
CONTENTS
[Blank lined section for entries]
[Blank lined section for entries]

see letter to Mr. Tolemany H.V. May 24. 1834
Note of Death not on file
24754 New York
Thomas Palmer of Madison Co in the State of New York who was a Pr. Cor & Sq t in the Co m pany comman by Captain Hasted of the Reg t comman by Col Van Renss ler in the N ew York line for and comm d and conti d inental 9 months 20 days private 3 Mo. 21 do Corp e 1 Mo. Sergeant
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 50 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Feb. 1834 and sent Jos. Clarke Broomfield Madison Co N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 33 $120.87 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 25.37 $152.24
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Ino Cromwell Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 114

Col Thos Pulmer
April 1909
✓

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 State of New York County of Madison
On this 12 th day of June 1833 personally appeared before me Joseph Clark one of the judges of Madison County Esq. Thomas Palmer a resident of Brookfield County of Madison and State of New York aged seventy nine 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 th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he entered into the service of the United States at Stonington County of New London and State of Connecticut under Ensign Oliver Babcock but his company was commanded by Capt Samuel Priestup who served as captain the regiment was commanded by Col Samuel Holden Parsons & Lieut Col Lyman that he entered May 4 th 1775 in the above stated services & soon after he entered he with his company marched to New London in the State of Connecticut where they continued nearly three weeks when the forces to which he belonged had orders to March to Roxbury near Boston in the State of Massachusetts from New London he marched with the army through Coventry Providence & Dedham to Roxbury where they found the main army near Boston and continued in the service of the United States until the 9 th day of February 1776 when he was discharged at Roxbury afterwards that he entered for the term of nine months and continued in the service the full term of his enlistment on the same day he was discharged (to wit) the 9 th day of February 1776 he enlisted at Roxbury State of Massachusetts under the same officers as above stated. He guard the lines and continued at the same place twenty days and was discharged on or about the first day of March 1776 at Roxbury aforesaid Genl Green, Spencer and Putnam were in the same service and the last of them or first of July General Stark's Army arrived at that place with troops from the State of Virginia that he served as a private

That the first of September 1976 he was ordered into the service of the United States by the authority of the state of Connecticut and went into the service of the United States at Stonington upon said under Capt Thomas Holmes in a regiment commanded by Col Oliver Smith Lieut Colis - topher Brown was in the same company with him immediately joined the United States forces at New London marched through Saybrook New Britain Stratford and New Rochelle to White Plains in the state of New York and continued at that place until the first of December 1976 when he was discharged at Red Bank New Jersey White Plains. Gen. Green & Putnam were both at White Plains with him. The above seen that he during the last time as above stated he served as corporal is that in the year 1977 - 1978 and 1979 he was called into the service of the United States on several occasions at Stonington and New London at a number of times in all more than twenty days but the exact time he is unable to say, but served as a corporal under captain Christopher Brown in a Regiment commanded by Col Oliver Smith
That in the year 1980 he moved from Stonington County of New London and state of Connecticut to the town of Petersborough County of Rensselaer and state of New York that in the year 1981 he was appointed Ensign of a company of Militia & was commissioned by the Governor & Council of the state of New York
That he was ordered into the service of the United by the authority of the state of New York and went into the service as ensign in September 1981 and marched from Petersborough to Albany Schenectady and Johnstown and continued at a new Johnstown one month and was discharged at Johnstown in October 1981 he served under captain David Thistle in a Regiment commanded by Col Henry R. Leon Rensselaer in a Brigade by General Leonard Gonscott
That during the whole term of his services he has not in any engagement with the enemy
That he was born in Stonington County of New London and state of Connecticut the 8th day of May 1958
That he has a copy of the record of his age
That he lived in Stonington County of New London

and state of Connecticut when called into the service except the last time he then lived in Rensselaer County of Rensselaer State of New York That he moved from Rensselaer County of New London and state of Connecticut in 1780 then moved to Rensselaer County of Rensselaer and state of New York where he lived until the year 1819 he then moved into the town of Richfield County of Otsego and state of New York and lived there until 1829 he then moved into the town of Exeter County and state of Connecticut where he lived until the year 1837 he then moved to Broadfield County of Madison and state of New York where he now lives & has lived since 1839 that the first time he went into the war at the other times he was called into the service by the authority of the state government
That in the year 1775 Gen Green Spence & Putnam was with him & part of the time General Washington was with him at Roxbury and 1776 Gen Green Spence & Putnam were with him at White Plains
That he never had a written discharge That William Whitford and Clarke M Whitford can testify as to his character for veracity and his belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution That he received a pension from Gen George Clinton but lost it more than twenty years ago he hereby relinquishes every claim what ever 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
That he has no Masonic testimony and knows of no person who has testimony he can procure except Abraham Lewis & Caleb Hakes who are affidavits accompanying this declaration
sworn to and subscribed
Thomas Palmer
The 12th day of June 1833
before me Joseph Clarke Judge of Madison County Court

We William Whitford and Clark M. Whitford residing in the town of Brookfield county of Madison and state of New York hereby certify that we are one well acquainted with Thomas Palmer who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides. unanimously to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion  William Whitford Clark M. Whitford  sworn and subscribed June 12th 1833. before me Joseph Clark Judge of Madison county courts
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of Madison county courts Thomas Palmer who being duly sworn deposes and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear particularly 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 nine months and twenty days I served as a private for three months and twenty days I served as a corporal for one month I served as a Corporal for such time I believe in America  Thomas Palmer  sworn and subscribed before me June 12th 1833 Joseph Clark Judge of Madison county courts
And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the witnesses above presented by the 88th report and that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the said Judge further certifies that it appears to him that William Whitford and Clark M. Whitford are credible persons residing in Brookfield county of Madison and state of New

Test the and that this statement is entitled to full credit and that no change more needed in the margin hereof. of the said affidavit Given under my hand this
12th Day of June 1833.
Joseph Clark Judge of Madison County Court
State of New York
County of Madison
I Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the said said County do certify that Joseph Clark before whom the two preceding affidavits of Thomas Palmer and the preceding affidavit of William Whitford and Clark M. Whitford purport to have been sworn to the proceeding certificate been sworn to at the date of the same one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits and certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature —
Witness my hand & Seal of office this 20th day of June 1833 —
A. S. Sloan Clerk
E. Barnard. Dep. clk

State of New York } County of Rensselaer }
Abraham Lewis of the Town of Pittsfield in said County being duly sworn before the undersigned Justice of the Peace of said County deposes and says that Thomas Palmer of the Town of Brookfield in the County of Madison in said State - Enlisted in the same Company with this deponent in the year 1775 in the month of April in a Company of Connecticut State Troops commanded by Captain Samuel Prentiss in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel H. Parsons Marched from Farmington to New London stayed at New London about three weeks from thence went to Roxbury Massachusetts - Continued at Roxbury in the service until January following making a term of nine months from the time of enlistment to the time they were discharged and further this deponent says not Subscribed and sworn before me this the 8 th day of August 1832. Abraham Lewis
Nathan Wolton Justice Peace
State of New York } County of Rensselaer }
I Archibald Bull Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Nathan Wolton Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit pur- ports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County. and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature "Nathan Wolton" above subscribed to be his proper hand writing and signature
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 18 th day of August 1832. Archibald Bull Clerk
for Nathan Howard Jr. Deputy

State of New York } County of Rensselaer } for
Caleb Hakes of the Town of Petersburgh
in said County being duly sworn before the under- signed justice of the peace of said County deposes and says that Thomas Palmer of the Town of Greekfield in Madison County in said State enlisted in the same company with this deponent in the year 1775 in the month of April in a company of Connecticut state troops commanded by Captain Samuel Prentice in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel H. Parsons Marched from Farmington to New London stayed at New London about three weeks from thence went to Roxbury Massachusetts continued at Roxbury in the service until January following making a term of nine months from the time of enlistment to the time they were discharged
and further this deponent says not
Subscribed and sworn before me this the 3 d day of August 1832.
Caleb Hakes
Wathan Walton justice Peace

19692
Col. Thomas H. ... Brookfield Madison County New York
Admitted
Private 9 mo 20 days Corporal 3 " 21 Supt. 1 " "
(-) Sept. 27. 33
Certificate of Ser. of the State of New York reg
Joseph Clark Brookfield Madison County New York
attached 27

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 29 1833 Oct 24 ..
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 subjjoined 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.
Statement, shewing the Service of Thomas Palmer, Madison Co. N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     May 1775 9 1st Ex. Bal- Maj. Gen- Connect. 78 Traditionary   Feb. 1776 20 " cock — tips. led Mass. New & living   Sept. 1776 3 Capt. Person N. York London, witnesses   1777 21 Capt. Tal- Connect.   Sept. 1781 1 Ensign mer —   13 41 Capt. Hous- Col. Van   14 10 ted — Renshaw  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Please have this payable in New
Grant to J. Cook Brookfield N. York
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions:

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity, in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must give the name 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 _____; 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.
R. Newman
an Ensign

February 6, 1931
Mrs. Charles A. Durand 718 Garland Street Flint, Michigan
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section EEL
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.16217, that Thomas Palmer was born May 8, 1754, in Stonington, New London County, Connecticut.
While residing in Stonington, Connecticut, he enlisted May 9, 1775, served as a private in Major Samuel Prentice's Company, Colonel Samuel Holden Parsons' Connecticut Regiment, and was discharged March 1, 1776.
He enlisted September 1, 1776, served as corporal in Captain Thomas Holmes' Company, Colonel Oliver Smith's Connecticut Regiment, and was discharged December 1, 1776.
During the years 1777, 1778 and 1779, he served at various times on short tours, amounting to twenty days in all, as corporal in Captain Christopher Brown's Company, Colonel Oliver Smith's Connecticut Regiment.
In 1780, he moved from Stonington, Connecticut, to Petersburg, Rensselaer County, New York, and in September, 1781, was appointed Ensign in Captain David Husted's Company, Colonel Henry K. Van Rensselaer's New York Regiment and served one month.
March 22, 1788, he was commissioned Captain under Major Peter Van Rensselaer in the Albany County New York Militia and December 1, 1795, was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of Rensselaer County New York Militia.

After the Revolution, he continued to live in Petersburg, New York, until 1819, then moved to Richfield, Otsego County, New York, lived there until 1829, then moved to Exeter, Otsego County, New York, where he lived until 1831, and then moved to Brookfield, Madison County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 12, 1833, while residing in Brookfield, New York.
In 1833, his wife is referred to. There are no particulars in regard to her and no reference is made to children.
The above is the history of the only soldier named Thomas Palmer, who served with the New York Troops, found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

16.217 INVALID.
May 9 Hist. to Mr. John Reese thro Hon. H. P. order.
31- Feb 6. Hist. to Mrs. Charles A. Durand Esq.
No. 16.217
Thomas Palmer Lieut Col V.S. Sergt Genl War
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 295
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Elisha Randall one of the judges of the County Courts of the County of Madison in the State of New York, do certify That I have been acquainted with Thomas Palmer who has subsisted and sworn to the following declaration for more than thirty years That said Palmer has ever been a man of respectability That he was formerly Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in the County of Rensselaer and also an assistant judge of that County That he has ever sustained a fair unimpeachable character in every respect and enjoyed a full share of public confidence That from my knowledge of the good character of the said Palmer I have full confidence in the truth set forth in his said declaration
Elisha Randall
I Joseph Clark a justice of the peace of the County of Madison do hereby certify That I have been acquainted with Col Thomas Palmer the within named applicant for more than twenty years while residing in Rensselaer County & Madison County that he has always sustained a good character that he was formerly possessed of considerable property but by the bad management of an adopted son has lost all his property and now depends on his connections for support and that I have no doubts of the correctness of his declaration on oath hereby forwarded for a pension Joseph Clark Justice of the peace

Joseph Clark Esq P. M. Brookfield N. Y.

Secretary's Office
Albany Nov. 5. 1838.
Sir,
Your letter relative to Thomas Palmer has been received - I have examined very carefully in the council minutes for 1780 '81 & 1782 but I have not been able to find his appointment as Ensign in any of the Regiments of Militia in the then County of Albany. (Rensselaer co. where he says he resided was then part of Albany) If he remembers the name of the Colonel who commanded the regiment please to let me know and also some of the field & Staff officers - He says he served under Capt Husted - I do not find a Capt of that name in any of the Militia Regiments aforesaid in the said years -
I am very respectfully Your Ob. Servant
Arch d Campbell Dep Secretary
Joseph Clark Esq

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Brookfield Madison County N Y Nov 9th 1853
Dear Sir
Since the return of Col Palmer Phipps I have written to our Secretary of State & received the enclosed from the Secy. I have this day called on Col Palmer for further information & he informs me that the company to which he formally belongs embraced a territory of about 12 miles square that in the year 1781 the company was divided. He was chosen Capt & himself. Insign that he was Commissioned on need a written appointment by authority but thinks it would fail whether this is very second but that he then served as Insign for one month that he afterwards need a commission as Lieutenant Captain Major Lieut Col & Col on resigning his Phipps I found the enclosed Com, & like were a Col Commission. His Captain's commission being so soon after his appointment and success as Insign I think must be satisfactory; but let that be as it will, he is assured that what ever is allowed him however he wishes as soon as possible he is at the point of death & probable will not know the fate of his application but wished me to inform you he had a great anxiety to know that something was left for the support of an aged wife who without the annuity her husband has no means of support I therefore hope that you will forward to me a certificate as soon as possible for such amount as you think her entitled to and if convenient have it payable at the station.
Respectfully Your obed Servt Joseph Clark
Wm J S Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

THE PEOPLE of the State of NEW-YORK, BY THE GRACE of GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT;
To Thomas Palmer Esquire Greeting.
W E reposing especial Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness to do us good and faithful Service; HAVE appointed and constituted, and by these Presents, DO appoint and constitute you the said Thomas Palmer Captain of a Company of Light Infantry in a Regiment of Militia, in the County of Albany, commanded by Major Peter Van Rensselaer to take the said Company into your Charge and Care, as ——— Captain thereof, and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their ——— Captain ——— and you are also to observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing, this shall be Your Commission, for and during our good Pleasure, to be signified by our Council of Appointment. IN TESTIMONY whereof, We have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS our Trusty and Well-beloved GEORGE CLINTON, Esquire, our Governor of our State of New-York, General and Commander in Chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at our City of New-York, the twenty second Day of March — in the Year of our LORD, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty eight and in the twelfth Year of our INDEPENDENCE.
Passed the Secretary's Office, 3: April 1782
Robert Harrison SECRETARY.

Capt J. Palmer
I do hereby certify that the within named Thomas Palmer was duly qualified to the within commission this 15 th day of July 1790
Mat. Leitch one of the commissioners &c.

The People of the State of New-York,
John Jay
By the Grace of GOD, Free and Independent: To Thomas Palmer Esquire
GREETING.
WE, reposing especial trust and confidence, as well in your patriotism, conduct and loyalty, as in your valour and readiness to do us good and faithful service, HAVE, appointed and constituted, and by these presents, DO appoint and constitute you the said
Thomas Palmer Lieutenant Colonel Commandant of a Regiment of Militia in the County of Rensselaer
YOU are, therefore, to take the said Regiment into your charge and care as Lieutenant Colonel Commandant thereof, and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Regiment in arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their Lieutenant Colonel Commandant and you are also to observe and follow such orders and directions, as you shall from time to time receive from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you; and for so doing, this shall be your commission, for and during our good pleasure, to be signified by our Council of Appointment: IN TESTIMONY whereof, we have caused our seal for military commissions to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS our trusty and well beloved John Jay Esquire, Governor of the State of New-York, General and Commander in Chief, of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the advice and consent of our said Council of Appointment, at our City of New York the First day of December , in the year of our LORD one thousand seven hundred and Ninety- five and in the Twentieth year of our Independence.
Passed the Secretary's Office, the 14 th day of December 1795
Lewis A. Scott SECRETARY.

Clerks Office Tues 17 th May 1796 Lt Col Palmer was sworn as the Law directs.
D. Schuyler (R) of the county of Bennington
Rev. Col. Thomas Palmer

Sixty-Seventh Congress.
HOMER P. SNYDER, N. Y., CHAIRMAN. PHILIP P. CAMPBELL, KANS. CAR HAYDEN, ARIZ. ROYAL C. JOHNSON, S. DAK. WILLIAM J. BEARS, FLA. FREDERICK W. DALLINGER, MASS. ZEBULON WEAVER, N. C. ALBERT W. JEFFERIS, NEBR. F. B. SWANK, OKLA. R. CLINT COLE, OHIO. ROSS A. COLLINS, MISS. JOHN REBER, PA. HAMPTON P. FULMER, S. C. ALICE M. ROBERTSON, OKLA. MORGAN G. SANDERS, TEX. E. O. LEATHERWOOD, UTAH. NESTOR MONTOYA, N. MEX. L. M. GENSMAN, OKLA. SIDNEY C. ROACH, MO. WASHINGTON J. MCCORMICK, MONT. OLGER B. BURNESS, N. DAK. DAN A. SUTHERLAND, ALASKA.
H. E. DEVENDORF, CLERK.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON.
May 6, 1922.
Rev mfc
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
My dear Sir:
For Mr. John H. Reese, of Ilion, New York, I desire very much to secure the Revolutionary War records of Colonel Thomas Palmer and Sergeant Charles Hatch, of New York. If you can give me these records I will be very grateful indeed to you.
With thanks for your attention, and great respect, I beg to remain
Yours very truly,
H. P. Snyder

Rev. War Section
V.L.M.
May 9, 1923.
Hon. H. P. Snyder, House of Representatives.
In re: Thomas Palmer - S. File 16.217 Conn. & N.Y. troops, War of Revolution.
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the above noted pension claim that Thomas Palmer was born May 8, 1754, at Stonington, Connecticut, and while residing there, enlisted May 9, 1775, as a Private in Major Samuel Prentiss' Company, Colonel Samuel H. Parsons' Regiment, Connecticut troops, and served until March 1, 1776.
September 1, 1776, he enlisted in Captain Thomas Holmes' Company, Colonel Oliver Smith's Connecticut Regiment and served as Corporal until December 1, 1776.
In 1777, 1778 and 1779 he served as Corporal in alarms under Captain Christopher Brown and Colonel Oliver Smith, twenty days.
In September 1781 he served as Ensign under Captain David Husted in Colonel Henry R. Van Rensselaer's

Regiment New York Troops one month.
March 23, 1788 he was appointed Captain in the Albany County, New York militia under Major Peter Van Rensselaer and December 1, 1795, Lieutenant Colonel of Rensselaer County, New York militia.
He was allowed pension on an application executed June 12, 1833, at which time he resided at Brookfield Madison County, New York.
There is no data on file as to his family other than a reference to his "aged wife" who was alive in 1833, her name is not stated.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Sergeant Charles Hatch of New York.
Very truly yours,
A handwritten signature in cursive script, reading "Washington Gardner".
Commissioner.

14.16217
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Thomas Palmer 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.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 9. 1775 Mch. 1. 1776 Pvt. Major Samuel Brant Samuel H. Parsons Conn   Sept. 1. 1776 Dec. 1. 1776 Coplt. Thomas Holmes Oliver Smith "   1777 1778 1779 20 days Coplt. Christopher Brown Oliver Smith   Sept 1781 1 mo. Ensign David Husted Henry R. Van Rensselaer N.Y.   Mar 22 1781 ✓ Capt. Major Peter Van Rensselaer   Dec. 1. 1795 Lieut. Col. of Rensselaer Col. N.Y. militia  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Stonington New London Co. Conn.
Date of application for pension, June 12. 1833. His ct. was at N.Y.
Residence at date of application, Bonefield Madison Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, May 8. 1754 at Stonington Conn.
Remarks: There is no data on file as to his family other than a reference to his aged wife who was alive in 1833 his name is not stated.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

MRS. CHARLES A. DURAND 718 Garland Street FLINT, MICHIGAN
Jan 16. 1931.
U. S. Dept of the Interior Bureau of Pensions. Washington, D. C.
Was there ever a Pension granted or applied for on the services of a Thomas Palmer who was mentioned as Colonel also a Thomas Palmer was listed among the Exempts of Newburgh Co., of the Fourth N. Y. Regiment in the Revolution? If you have any data on this name, I would be pleased to receive it. Thanking you, I am,
Very truly Martie A. Durand.