Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,357, for James Osborne, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Osborne James or Osborn
S 29,357
CONTENTS

659.
Maine
James Osborn
York Co. in the State of Maine who was a Piper in the Company commanded by Captain Garfath of the Reg t commanded by Vion in the Mass s line for three years from 1777.
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 88 Dollars -- Cents per an. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of October 1832 and sent to Pensioner Kennebec Me.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832 $132. Pemi=ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 1833 44.
$176.-
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm Allison Clerk. Book D. Vol. 1 Page 75.
Copies of papers sent to Hon. J n Fairfield, H.R. Mar 17, 1836.

James Osborne,
N o 5931
Not entitled
25 Jan'y '19
Not entitled

STATE OF MAINE.
York ss....At a Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern Circuit, begun and holden at York within and for the County of York on the first Tuesday of July , being the fourth day of said month, and by adjournment from day to day, on the fifth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty, before the Honorable Benjamin Greene, chief Justice Judge of said Court.
ON this fifth day of July , in the year 1820, personally appeared in open Court,
the same proceeding according to the course of the common law, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, keeping a record of their proceedings, and having "the power of fine and imprisonment," and being a Court of Record for said Circuit , James Osborne aged sixty one years, resident in Wells in said Circuit , who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare that he served in the Revolu- tionary War as follows, viz. as a fifer , in the company commanded by Capt. Elijah Danforth in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Thomas Nixon in the line of the State of Massachusetts , on the Continental Establishment, as is more particularly mentioned and described in his original declaration, made on the ninth day of April , A. D. 1818, and on which said declaration his Certificate of Pension, numbered 5931 - was granted. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818: and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is con- tained in the schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed; that my occupation and ability to pursue the same, together with the number and other particulars of my family, are in fact and in truth as is par- ticularly described on the back hereof, also subscribed by me.
James Osborne.
Sworn to and declared, on the fifth } day of July , A. D. 1820. }
BEFORE Benj a Greene, Ch. Justice { One of the Judges of the said Court.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz :
An old unfinished house, out of repair, the sills rotten - being built nearly thirty years - together with a small old barn, which would not pay a person for taking it down - & about \frac{1}{4} of an acre of land at Kennebec.
One half of an old house situated in Charlestown Mass - which cost my grandfather & uncle 275.77 - said house was burnt when Charlestown was burnt, & rebuilt by my uncle about the year 1778, or 1779, and my uncle, being in reduced circumstances, sold 26 feet off from the front, & running through said land, & a small piece on the other side, which reduced the land to quite a small piece - and at his decease his debts were 251.98. which was what the whole place cost - Of which I had to pay my half of said sum - and it is now claimed by another person (one Bryant) who says it belongs to him, & he has fenced up the entrance to the house.
1 Cow - 1 Pig - Common furniture & cooking utensils nearly sufficient for a small family. Sundry debts, due from me, to the amo t of 12.~ do. due to me 9.16 bal ce 2.86
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me James Osborne who, by occupation have been in time past, a teacher of youth in common branches of education, but which I am now unable to pursue by reason of old age & bodily infirmities - I have received no employment in that line since I received my pension. And I have no other employment to procure a subsistence.
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Wife Nancy - 59 Weak & infirm as to health, owing to severe rheumatic & other bodily complaints.   Daughter Mary 34 in a very infirm state of health, owing to her bursting a blood vessel about 15 years ago - since which time she has been a considerable part of the time under the direction of a physician - and her constitution being very weak, she is unable to do much labour.    James Osborn.
STATE OF MAINE.
I, York 33. Daniel Sewall, the county of York.
Clerk of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for said Circuit, within do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedules thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is three hundred & two dollars and fifty seven cents. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this sixth day of July, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and twenty.
Daniel Sewall. { Clerk of the said Circuit Court for the County of York.

12-19-33

Hennebunk August 12 th 1823
This certifies that I have furnished my Father James Osborn since the spring of Eighteen Hundred & twenty with Articles necessary for the subsistence of his family to the amount of One hundred forty seven dollars & thirty four cents in consequence of his utter inability (being old & feeble & consequently very destitute
James Osborn Jun.

Wed Aug 23

Kennebunk August 12 th 1823
This Certifies that I have furnished my Father James Osborn since the the spring of Eighteen Hundred & twenty with articles necessary for the subsistence of his family to the amount of One hundred & eighty dollars & thirty cents in consequence of his utter inability (being old & feeble & consequently thrown out of employ) to provide for himself & family
John Osborn

3 Aug. 23,

Sturtevant August 3 rd 1823
This certifies that I have supplied my father, James Osborn, since the spring of 1820, with necessaries for the subsistence of his family to the amount of one hundred and ten dollars, owing to his inability to provide for himself and family
James Osborn.

J. Osborn's Idædile.
Copy 1/6.
July 20.

At the Circuit Court of Common Pleas - first Tuesday of July 1820
Schedule of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber. viz. An old unfinished house out of repair, the Sills rotten being built nearly 30 years, together with a small old barn which would not pay a person for taking it down & about \frac{1}{4} of an acre of land at Kennebec. \frac{1}{2} of an old house situated in Charleston Mass. which cost my grandfather & uncle 257.77 - said house was burnt when Charleston was burnt & rebuilt by my uncle about the year 1778 or 1779 & my uncle being in reduced circumstances sold 26 feet off from the front & running thro said land, and a small piece on the other side, which reduced the land to quite a small piece, and at his decease his debts were 251.98, which was nearly what the whole place cost; of which I had to pay my half, & it is now claimed by another person (one Bryant) who says it belongs to him, & he has fenced up the entrance to the house.
1 Cow, 1 pig, common furniture & cooking utensils nearly sufficient for a small family. Sundry debts due from me to the amt of 12. "
do due to me 9.14
bala 2.86
"
James Osborn.
Valuation of property by the Court d 302.57 c
A true transcript from the Records.
Attest Jere. Bradbury Clerk
See for copy 259

24 July 32

United States of America
Maine District S.
On this Twenty fourth day of July 1832, personally appeared before me Ashur Ware Judge of Sd. Maine District, James Osborn, a resident of Kennebec, in the County of York, in said Maine District 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 Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 — That he served as herein stated.
I was a short time in the eight months service at Prospect Hill (so called) near Cambridge, Mass. in the year 1775. In the spring of 1776 I enlisted in Col. Asa Whitcomb's Regiment, Capt. Daniel Whiting's Company, as a Private was one of the detachment of 600, that drove the remaining British Squadron from Nantasket Road in Boston Harbour — Afterwards went to Ticonderoga and served until some time in December of the same year, when I was discharged — On the 17. of February 1777 I enlisted into Capt. Elijah Davenport's Company Col. Thomas Nixon's Regiment, as a Hiker, for three years, and served as Hiker the whole period of my enlistment — I joined the Regiment at Fort Edward, and we were continually on the retreat from Ticonderoga, till we arrived at Vancoits Island, about twelve miles from Albany, where we made a Stand, and remained until Gen. Gates arrived, and superseded Gen. Schuyler, when we faced the enemy, and captured their Army on the 17. day of October, the same year — I was honourably discharged from the said three years service, on the 17. day of February 1780 by Col. Nixon, which discharge is probably now in the War Office — Soon Afterwards I enlisted as Hiker, in Capt. Thomas Pritchard's Company, Col. Greaton's Regiment, of the Mass. line and was appointed Fife Major of said Regiment in Gen. Nixon's Brigade, I was in the army in the time of Arnold's treachery, and saw Maj. Andre executed as a Spy — I have applied more than once to be restored to the Pension list, the last time I think was in 1829 under the construction, w th Gen. Porter the then Sec y of War gave to the Pension law, but was not successful — I was born in Charlestown Mass. about 1758 or 1759.
I entered the army from Woburn Mass. and have resided in Kennebec about forty five years — I went voluntarily into the service — After returning home and leaving the land service, I entered on board the Ship Franklin of 18 Guns, 496 Men, and on the Coast of Ireland we captured the Ship Enterprise of 22 Guns & 132 Men, from Bristol, after a severe engagement of an hour and an half — We took two or three other prizes, but was so unfortunate as for the whole to be retaken — In one of these prizes I was taken, and carried Prisoner to Halifax w ch was near the close of the war — I was placed on the Pension list, under the law of Congress of the 18 th of March 1818, but was stricken therefrom on acct of property — By the law of Congress of the 7 th of March June 1832 I conceive myself intitled to higher wages than a private soldier; I was a Non

-commissioned Staff Officer — A Fifer in the Army had higher pay than a Soldier — I was Fife Major and conceive myself intitled to such pay
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or 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 Maine.
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. James Osborn
Signed & sworn to before John W. Wain July 24. 1832 Judge of the U.S. for the Dist. of Maine
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
I John Nussey Clerk of the District Court of Maine do certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- -ceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of James Osborn for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this seventh day of August A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty two
John Nussey Clerk D. Court Maine
I, the aforementioned James Osborn further testify and declare, that the original Certificate the evidence of my being on the Pension list of the United States under the law of 1818, signed by J.C. Calhoun Sec- -retary of War, is lost.
James Osborn
Signed & sworn to before July 24. 1832
John W. Wain
Judge of the U.S. for the District of Maine

29357 Revg INVALID.
File No. 99,857
James Osborn His Rev. Dan
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index:—Vol. 2 ; Page 306
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jam. Osborn Dunbar Esq.

Soldiers Fortune
James Osborn having served three years in the capacity of a Sergeant in the 6th Massachusetts Battery of Artillery in the United States under my Command and his time of service being expired hereby Discharged the aforesaid service.
Thos Nixon { Col.
To all whom it may concern
February 4 th 1900
Army James Mass. 539357

5931.
Maine
James Osborne
of Wells in the state of Maine who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Nixon of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 3 years
inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 5 Dollars per month, to commence on the 9 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 of Jan y 1819 and sent to Benjamin Greene Esq re for Benwick
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818. 4m 26 / 31 $38.93 semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 March 1819 48
$ 86.93
Pension commencing
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued Notification sent to Daniel Brewell Esq re 13 July 1820

5931.
Maine
James Osborne
No 2, Schedule
of Wells in the state of Maine who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Nixon of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 3 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 6 Dollars per month, to commence on the 9 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of Jan y 1819 and sent to Benjamin Greene Esq re for Bumpkin
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1818. 4m 28d $38.93 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 March 1819 48.
$86.93
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued Notification sent to Daniel Small Esq re 15 July 1820

Maine
James Osborne, Private - 3 yrs. from 1777-
1 st Schedule, July 1820.
An old unfinished House, out of repair - a small Barn & 1/4 of an Acre of Land - at Kennebec - one half of an old House, in Charlestown Mass ts , with a small piece of Land - The House & Land are claimed by one Bryant, who has fenced up the entrance to the House
1 Cow - 1 Pig - sundry articles of furniture -
Am t of Schedule $302.57
He says he is indebted to sundry persons $12 - & that there is due to him $9.14.
2 d Schedule Sept 17. 1823
No actual change of property since 1 st Schedule - but the Court values it, at this time, at $280
(over)
See letter to B. Palmer 5. May 1829
(March 1829)
He swears that he owes
John Osborn $180.30 James Osborn $147.84 Sam l Osborn $110.
D. Smart $4.75
$442.41
Occupation
a Schoolmaster - age 67 - inform - Wife 64 - inform - a Daughter, aged 37. Health very poor for 18 years -
Barnabas Palmer. Kennebec, Maine
Hon David Kidder H.R.
See letter 3 March 1824 to Hon D Kidder

See letter to Barnabas Palmer Dobson, 22 Augt. 1823-

$88 per annum
FREE
Hon. Lewis Cass Sec'y of War Washington D.C.
P.R. Aug 14. 1832

Kennebunk August 8. 1831
Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of War. }
Sir, I forward herewith my declaration, taken before Judge Ware of the United States District Court of Maine, in order to be entitled to the benefit of the Pension law of the 7. June last.
It will be seen that I was placed on the Pension list of the United States, under the law of the 18. of March 1818 — but was stricken therefrom on account of property. My services in the present declaration, is perhaps more fully stated, than need have been, to obtain a full pension under the late law — The evidence of more than two years of services in the Continental Army, is now at the Department, on which my Pension, under the law of 1818 was founded; Consequently I do not deem it necessary now to furnish evidence of other services, unless required.
I was a fifer in the army as my discharge will show, and Fife-Major, as I have stated in the declaration, and as the Pension is to be graduated by station and pay, I doubt not my claim to a Pension, higher than a private soldier will be deemed reasonable and just — I may not have

correctly stated my age, though I am sure it is very nearly correct. I have not the means of being precise in this particular — The records of my birth were lost at the time of the burning of Charlestown (by the British) the place of my Nativity — In the absence of my original Pension Cer- tificate, a letter of notice of my rejection from the Pension list is enclosed — Be pleased to report the examination of the case as early as the convenience of the Department will admit.
I have the Honour to be, with great respect
Your Obedient Servant, James Osborn

Mar 12
Mr Osborn
Name
659
to
Rev. J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensioners
copy to
Rev. Brown
Coffey
Mr. [unclear]
HR

No. Rep. March 11 th .
Sir,
I will thank you to furnish me with copies of all papers on these files in your Department touching the application for a pension of James Osborne of Kennebec Maine - to be laid before a Committee of the House having charge of his petition.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Yours S ir . S ir .
John Fairfield

This certifies that I was the family Physician of Mr. Lemuel Osborn of Penobscot in the County of York - from Feb. 1805 until April 1821 - During the time I attended the family, they had an uncommon share of sickness - which was principally confined to his wife and daughter - one or the other of whom were frequently indis- posed and sometimes both at once, to that degree, as to need medical aid -
State of Maine,
Portland, June 24 th 1823 -
James Dorrance,

This may certify that I have been the family physician of James Osborne of Humbank since the preceding one, James Morrison left the place & that he has had considerable sickness in the family, the subjects of which have been the wife & daughter the latter of whom has a number of years been an invalid & probably always will be; & that he himself is feeble & infirm.
Burleigh Smart
Humbankport Sept 13. 1823

Hon. Jos. Lane H. R.

To the Honourable J. C. Calhoun Secretary at War, — The petition of James Osborne of Kennebec, County of York Humbly sheweth
That he spent the prime of his youthful days in the service of his country — That he was in part of the eight months service (so called) in the year 1775; the year's service in 1776; the first three years service from 1777 to 1780 (for which last service, your honour has his discharge,) and six months afterwards — For all which services he realized little owing to the badness of the currency, and inability of the country to remunerate the Soldiers — That in con- sequence of the troubles of those times, and the unsettled state of things, he could learn no occupation, whereby he could obtain a subsistence, and that he, in his youthful days under- took the Instruction of youth, in the common branches of Education; in which capacity he continued, till Age, weak- ness and infirmity of body have prevented him from at- tending that duty — That his Wife and Daughter are very infirm, having been sick for most of the time for the last fifteen years, and that his bills to Physicians for them, have been very expensive and hard upon him — That the yearly income of your Petitioner is trifling, and nothing but the most rigid economy, and great industry, have enabled him thus far to support his small family — But your Petition- er has now arrived at that period of life, when, owing to the infirmities arising from a feeble constitution, he is unable to re- alize that support for his family which his more healthful days enabled him to earn — In consideration of the above state- ment, your Petitioner humbly hopes your Honour will commiserate his condition, and will in your wisdom and goodness reinstate him on the Pension list — And as in duty bound will ever pray.
James Osborne

James Osborn's first Letter of J. L. Edward, from War Department

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
July 13 1820.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr. James Osborne
Wells
York 60
- (Me)

Hon. John C. Calhoun
Secy of War
Washington

Linnunlaulusta - Aug. 11. 1823
Hon. John C. Calhoun Sir -
Mr. James Osborn of this place in- forms me that he is about renewing his application for a restoration to the pension list & has requir- ed me to write a line to you on the subject - I have been acquainted with Mr. O. for nearly twenty years - during the former part of this pe- riod he was employed in keeping school in this & the neighbouring towns - but latterly has not been thus employed - I presume partly in con- sequence of his advanced age & partly owing to a change in the method of instruction - during most of the above time his daughter has been much out of health & often quite sick - his wife has also been sick occasionally - his schedule will of course exhibit the am o & kind of property he pos- sesses - the only apparent income he has arises from the cultivation of his garden - he is rather feeble

& I presume not able to labour much - should the regulations & decisions of your department on this sub- ject authorise the restoration he requests a re- volutionary soldier would receive aid at a time, when from his age he most needs it -
With much respect your Humb l Serv t
Joseph Dane

James Osborne
feby '77 feby '80 6 yrs Map 5.
abt 18
Adm o
9 April 1818

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
YORK, ss.
ON this 22nd day of April 1818, before me, the subscriber, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas, for the first Eastern District, in said Commonwealth, personally appears James Osborn resident in Wells in said county of York and state aforesaid, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration—in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons, engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war." That he, the said James Osborn, fifty seven
years of age, sometime in the month of February 1777 enlis. in the continental army in the capacity of Piper in the company is the company commanded by Capt. Denson of the fourth Massachusetts regiment, commanded by Col. Thomas Nixon, for the term of three years, and that he continued to do duty in said company and regiment in the various places in which it was stationed until his said term of service had expired and that on the seventeenth day of February 1780 he was honorably discharged from the army as appears by the certificate of discharge, which is hereto annexed which was at that time delivered him by the said Thomas Nixon, and that he is the same person to whom the said discharge was originally delivered
And that he is reduced in his circumstances and stands in need of assistance from his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. except the annexed discharge
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid.
Benj. Greene { Chief Justice of C. C. C. Pleas
I BENJAMIN GREENE, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the first Eastern District, in the Commonwealth aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said James Osborn did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy, and I do now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the department of war, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. And is reduced in his circumstances in need of assistance from his country for support
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Wells this 22nd day of April in the year of our Lord 1818
Benj. Greene

Ms. A
James Osborn's Application for Pension.
12 Feb 29
$500 cannot be restored
March 1871

State of Maine.
County of York, ss.
ON this 12 th day of February 1829 in open Court, being the court of common Pleas held at Alfred within and for the County of York on the Second Tuesday of February A. D. 1829 Present the Hon. Ezekiel Whitman Justice of said Court; said Court keeping a record of their proceedings, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having the power to fine and imprison, and being a Court of Record in said county, personally appeared James Osborn resident in said county aged _____ years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, and the 1st May 1820, that he the said James Osborn enlisted for the term of three years 17 th day of February in the year 1777 in the state of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captain Danforth , in the regiment commanded by Colonel Nickson , in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the _____ Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in said corps until 17 th February 1780 when he was discharged from the said service, at Soldiers fortune in the State of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list and dropped therefrom on account of his property.
And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
I originally applied to be placed on the pension list the 9 th of April 1818 and my application to be restored to the pension list was on the fifth day of July 1820 and in 1823 both of which have as yet been unsuccessful
James Osborn

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz:
I have an old house and about \frac{1}{4} of Acre of land in Hennelunk. The old house is much out of repair - I have also part of an house in Charleston half of which is mine it is worth little or nothing rents for nothing and is totally out of repair. I have one cow and other property
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me James Osborn who, by occupation am a Schoolmaster which I am unable to pursue by reason of old age and infirmities.
   James Osborn   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Myself 72 Much improved in health   Nancy my Wife 67 confined by Paralytic shocks and much infirmity   Mary my Daughter consumptive health very poor  
THAT since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property.
An essential alteration in my property since the two last applications to be restored to the Pension list in 1820 & 1822. The situation of which will more fully appear on reference to the documents then furnished and probably now in the War Department. My three Sons have supported myself and family for years past otherwise my property would have long since been disposed of for our support.
The whole of this property was valued by the court in 1820 at $302 it is believed to worth much less at this time as the buildings are more out of repair.
SWORN to and declared on the 12 th day of February 1829 before
Ezhiel Whitman
I Jeremiah Bratton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify, that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said James Osborn did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedules thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is five hundred dollars and the income cents therefrom thirty dollars yearly & no more.
IN testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this second day of March 1829
Jer. Bratton CLERK of the C.C.P.

This certifies
that, having been the family physicians of James Osborne of this town for the last four years, his wife has been during that time rendered almost entirely helpless by a paralytic affection; & his daughter by continued feeble health have both been rendered almost totally unable to afford any assistance in providing for the wants & cares of the family — & that consequently he has been subjected to the expense of physicians bills amounting to about $100 during that time together with all those incidental expenses which necessarily arise from a provision for the wants of a sick & helpless family.
All of which circumstances together have rendered the burden of meeting those contingencies, to the old gentleman, both onerous & oppressive. Burleigh Smart Physicians Kennebec Feb 6 1829 Samuel Emery.

Copy James Osborn's Application for pension
17 April 23.

State of Maine.
County of York, ss.
ON this seventeenth day of September 1823 in open Court, being the Supreme Judicial Court held at Alfred within and for the county of York on the third Tuesday of September A. D. 1823.
Present the Hon. Prentiss Mellen Chief Justice of said Court; said Court keep- ing a record of their proceedings, having jurisdiction unlimited in amount, proceeding according to the course of the common law, having the power to fine and imprison, and being a Court of Record in said county,
personally appeared James Osborn
resident in said county, aged nearly 57 years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820, that he the said James Osborn enlisted for the term of three years on the seventeenth day of February in the year 1777 in the State of Massachusetts in the company commanded by captain Elijah Sanforthe in the regiment command- ed by Colonel Thomas Nixon in the line of the State of Massachusetts on the Continental establishment; that he continued to serve in said corps un- til the year 1780 when he was discharged from the said ser- vice, in Soldiers' Service  (so called) in the State of New York that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropt therefrom on account of his property.
AND in pursuance of the Act of the 1st May, 1820, I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contracts or debts due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
James Osborn
In Court and at the time above mentioned, the above named James Osborn made solemn oath to the declaration by him signed and the statements above stated.
Before me Prentiss Mellen Ch. Justice of said Court.

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz: An old unfinished house out of repair, standing upwards of thirty years, a small old barn which would not pay a person for taking at dowry, and about one quarter of an acre of land. I claim one half of an old house and land on which it stands within the limits of Charlestown, Massachusetts, which is of but very little value, and which property is also claimed by one Bryant, and the entrance to and from the house has been closed by him.
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me James Osborn who, by occupation am a Schoolmaster which I am unable to pursue by reason of advanced age and infirmity
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Nancy, my wife 64 Health not good unable to labor most of the time   Mary, my daughter 37 Health very poor under the care of physicians for more than eighteen years Lungs supposed affected - James Osborn  
That since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property.
   Names of the person to whom sold, or by whom now owned. Time of sale or transfer and for what purpose. Amount of money, or description of property received in return.      No essential change of property since my first schedule was exhibited. I have nothing that will afford myself or family support, since I was stricken from the pension list have depended on my sons mostly for subsistence. The property exhibited in my first schedule was priced by the Court much higher than the real value probably was at the time the house has gone much to decay since. I have also contracted the following debts for articles for my family to subsist upon viz: I owe John Osborn $180.30 James Osborn Jr. $147.34 Sarah L Osborn $110, and 4.75 to Dr Brinsley Small for medical aid in my family, with several other small debts not here mentioned.  James Osborn   
Sworn to and declared on the eighteenth day of September 1823 before
Whole property valued at $280-
Debts due from Mr Osborn as follows —
John Osborn — 180 30 James Osborn Jr — 147.34 Sarah L Osborn — 110 — Dr Brinsley Small — 4.75   442.42  Deduct amt. of property 280   Debts against Mr Osborn $162.41
P. Mellen, C. Justice Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court on of the Court, that the said James Osborn the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing copied from the records of said Court; and I do further that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in and eighty — dollars, and — cents.
have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on day of October 1823 —
Bratbury CLERK of the Sup. Jud. Court Co. of York

SCHEDULE of the real and personal estate, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) belonging to me the subscriber, viz: An old unfinished house out of repair standing upwards of thirty years, a small old barn which would not pay a person for taking at down, and about one quarter of an acre of land. I claim one half of an old house and land on which it stands within the limits of Charlestown, Massachusetts, which is of but very little value, and which property is also claimed by one Bryant, and the entrance to and from the house has been closed by him.
SCHEDULE of the family residing with me James Osborn who, by occupation am a Schoolmaster which I am unable to pursue by reason of advanced age and infirmity
   NAMES. AGES. Capacity of each to contribute to their support.     Nancy, my wife 64 Health not good unable to labour most of the time   Mary, my daughter 37 Health very poor under the care of physicians for more than eighteen years Lungs supposed affected - James Osborn  
That since the exhibition of my first schedule the following changes have been made in my property.
   Names of the person to whom sold, or by whom now owned. Time of sale or transfer and for what purpose. Amount of money, or description of property received in return.  
No essential change of property since my first schedule was exhibited. I have nothing that will afford myself or family support since I was stricken from the pension list have depended on my sons mostly for subsistence. The property exhibited in my first schedule was priced by the Court much higher than the real value probably was at the time the house has gone much to decay since. I have also contracted the following debts for articles for my family to subsist upon viz. I owe John Osborn $180.30 James Osborn Jr. $147.34, Sarah Osborn $110, and 4.75 to Dr. Brinsley Small for medical aid in my family, with several other small debts not here mentioned. James Osborn.
Sworn to and declared on the eighteenth day of September 1823 before
I Jeremiah Bradbury Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court do hereby certify that it appears, to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said James Osborn did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedules thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said Court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is two hundred and eighty dollars, cents .
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this fourth day of October 1823
Jere. Bradbury CLERK of the Sup. Jud. Court Co. of York

Kennebec Oct 14-1823
Hon H. Cabot Secy War
Sir
I transmit the application of James Osborn to be restored to the pension list. In order further to elucidate his services, and claims to the support of Government. I beg leave to refer you to his letter, and other documents transmitted to the pension office about the first of August last. Should these and the papers refered to be satisfactory, as it is believed they will. Be pleased to transmit evidence of his restoration to
Yours obedt Servt.
Samuel Palmer

Honourable John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington

Dear Sir,
Kennebunk July 24. 1823
It is now upwards of three years since you saw fit to erase my name from the pension list but I hope and trust, after your perusal of the following facts, you will be pleased to reinstate me — I entered the service of my country in the eight months service, and likewise in the years service, and was in the detachment, that drove the remaining squadron out of Boston harbour; after the British evacuated Bunker's hill and Boston — From Boston we marched to Ticonderoga, from whence I was discharged in 1776. — In 1777 I enlisted into the service of the first three years, and was at the taking of Burgoyne's army the same year — I belonged to Capt. Elijah Davenport's Company, Col. Thomas Vixon's Regs. and Gen. John Vixon's Brigade — Served the term of my time out, and was honourably discharged which discharge you have now on file — Afterwards I enlisted in Col. John Greaton's Regt. in the same Brigade for six months, and was in the service at the memorable time of the desertion of the infamous Benedict Arnold from West Point — After my term of service was expired I entered on board the Ship Franklin of eighteen Guns, and on the Coast of Ireland we captured the Ship Enterprize of twenty, two guns & one hundred and thirty two men from Bristol, after a severe engagement of an hour and a half — We took two or three other prizes, but were so unfortunate as for the whole to be retaken — In one of those prizes I was retaken and sent prisoner to Halifax, which was near the close of the war — During the different terms of service as above stated I think you must be convinced that I endured incredible

hardships — Without money (owing to its rapid depreciation) — Few clothes, and poorly supplied with provisions — Thus Sir, you will see I have spent the morning of my days in the ser- vice of my country and continued therein the chief part of the war — I have followed the profession of an Instructor of youth, and while I was young, and enjoyed health, I was enabled (by the most rigid economy) to support my family — But those days are past, and I am now old, infirm, and feeble and am utterly unable to pursue that or any other business to obtain a living, added to which the sickness of my wife and daughter for nearly twenty years with the numerous expenses and Bills I have paid to Physicians have made me poor indeed and had not my sons administered to my necessities, since be- ing stricken from the pension list, I must have disposed of the little property my schedule contains and have applied to the Town for support — My sons have supplied me with every necessary of life since I was struck off from the pension list, as you will see by their certificates — I have sent you a copy of my last schedule — My property is the same as is therein specified, no alteration having taken place except what arises from natural decay and my greater inability to earn any thing by a further advance in years — I also send you Doct. Dorrance's Certificate as to the long sickness of my family and my sons certificate of their fur- nishing subsistence for my family since my being erased from the pension list — If under these circumstances you should please to reinstate me on the list, it will be the means of rendering the burden of the evening of life in some measure comfortable and will be received with gratitude by
Your friend and well wisher
Honorable John C. Calhoun James Osborne

Knoxville Augst 13
Hon. J. C. Calhoun
Secy of War Washington City
Recd. 20 Augst. 1843.

Newbern Dist. N.C. 13 th Aug 6 1823
Hon J. C. Calhoun
Sir
At the request of Mr. James Osborn of this place (late a revolutionary pensioner) I send you his communication and the inclosed papers. Mr. Osborn was in the service, and in prison most of the time during the war. His account of his services, and privations is probably correct among others was stricken from the pension list in 1820. The amount of his property however was small, and remains so to this time. He is now principally supported by his sons on whom he is chiefly dependent for himself and family. Mr. Osborn has ever been a very industrious worthy citizen, and the assistance of government can be applied to no one among us more deserving than he is. If on reviewing his case it should be deemed expedient to restore him to the pension list, it would be gratifying to
Your obedt Servt
Barner Palmer