Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31923, for Nathan Redfield, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Redfield, Nathan
S 31 923
CONTENTS

Connecticut Nathan Redfield of Guilford in the State of Conn who was a Private in the Conn commanded by Captain Nail of the Regt commanded by Col Beckford in the Conn Troops for Ohio
Pay suspended by Agents to Rob Smith 27 June 1833 Settle & credit 5 th July 1836 " " 5 th " "
Inscribed on the Roll of Conn at the rate of 21. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of Nov 33 and sent to Guilford Guilford Conn Arrears to the 4th of Sept 23 $ 62 50 Semi-annual allowance ending March - 10 50 $ 73 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, 7 { Act June 7, 1832. 5
Recorded by EDM Wood Clerk. Book 2 Vol. 3 Page 38

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of Connecticut } ss Probate Court, New Haven County } District of Guilford
On this 18 th day of June A.D. 1833
Personally appeared in open Court before Reuben Elliott Esquire the Judge of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford, Nathan Redfield, a resident of Guilford, in the County of New Haven and State of Connecticut aged sixty nine years - Who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he entered the Service of the United States under the following officers and served as herein stated viz that he was born in Wallingford in the State of Connecticut August 17 th 1763 and that when 15 years of age he was apprenticed to Eliphalet Hall of Guilford and that he lived in Guilford when called into the Service of his Country and has ever since and does now live in Guilford and that the record of his birth is on the Town records of Wallingford and that he entered the Service of the United States in the year 1777 or 1780 or 81 and to the best of his recollection Capt Peter Rail had command he was immediately
over

put on guard at Point Rocks on the shore of Long Island Sound a mile from the village of Guilford, continued there and stood ready to watch the movements of the enemy who were often cruising near Point Rocks till we were ordered to join the guard from Sachems Head and Seab Island and march to East Guilford now Madison where we were employed in watching the movements of the Tories & Refugees who were at that time engaged in carrying off cattle to the enemy on Long Island after we returned from East Guilford were returned to Point Rocks and from there were ordered to Seab Island to the Bloch House there - and to Sachems Head as occasion required were part of the time under command of Absalom Minor and part under David Morse & Walnut Goldsmith and at the end of my term of duty which was not less than three months the guard were marched into the Town and there verbally discharged by Sgt Walnut Goldsmith - in proof of the above I attach the depositions of Genl Eli Fowle and Genl Bishop I have no written discharge or any documentary evidence of my service I do not know that the Court Guard were attached to any Regiment or Brigade and do not recollect any other duty but the above named under which I served - I was in service in this term of duty three months next I enlisted in the month of July 1780 into a Company commanded by Capt Dan Collins

in Col. Benjamin Richard Foot  Regiment  Foot  of said company were marched to New London in Connecticut where stationed there a short time then ordered to Norwich Sunday 8, Pawtucket and were then employed in cutting trenches our orderly Sgt was Jared Dudley I served as Super to S. company till our time of enlistment expired which was three months when a discharge was read at the head of each company by the Orderly Sgt for Proof of this I am of Duty & attach the Deposition of Jared Dudley
I was afterwards attached to a company in which I entered as a volunteer under Capt Sam Lee we were called around men and on every alarm it was our duty to be ready at a minutes warning - at one time we were on guard at Millbury Point and took a large quantity of dry goods brought from Long Island by the Sons - at the same time took a whale boat in which it was supposed the goods were brought from Long Island. We were often called out in the night season to detour the enemy with the enemy and prevent their carrying off cattle sheep &c to the Enemy - I continued in this service not less than three months the whole time of my service is nine months for which I claim a pension and I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -

Capt Abraham Fowler M c Joel Griswold Nathaniel Guffey Esq r are all my neighbors and will acquainted with me and can testify as to my character for truth & veracity and the Rev Aaron Dutton and Wyllys Elliott will certify as to my age and the general belief of my services in the revolution
Nathan Redfield
Sworn and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge
We Rev Aaron Dutton a Clergyman residing in Guilford and Wyllys Elliott residing in Guilford hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nathan Redfield who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age that he is reputed & believed to in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Before me
Aaron Dutton
Wyllys Elliott
George Griswold Clerk Justice of Peace

And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary Soldier & served as he states.
And the Court further Certifies, that it appears Ann Dutton who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman residing in Guilford & that Wyllys Elliott who has also signed the same is a resident in Guilford and is a Credible person & that their Statement is entitled to Credit.
Benjamin Elliott Judge
I George Griswold Clerk of the Court of probate for the District of Guilford do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel Redfield for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & Seal of Office this 18 th Day of June 1833.
George Griswold Clerk. C. P. Judge. District.

Guisford District ss Probate Court June 17 1833
Be it remembered that on the day & date aforesaid Prisoner appeared in open Court Gen d Eli Fowler well known to the Court, as a credible witness and being duly sworn on his oath declares and says he belonged to the Coast Guard in Guisford in the winter of 1777 or 1780 or 1781 and was stationed at Suck Island under command of Sergeant Absalom Minor and that, in the fore part of January they were ordered to prepare them- selves with two days Provisions and be prepared to march at a moments warning and that when ordered to march they joined the guard from Point Rocks in the center of the Town of Guisford and that, they then marched to East Guisford near Madison and that he very well recollects that Nathan Redfield, the same man who has made the foregoing declaration belonged to the guard who joined us from Point Rocks and that I Redfield marched with Company to East Guisford where we served served two weeks on duty together one night and were then ordered back to our former stations of Suck Island & Point Rocks and that he is Fowler very likely believes that I Redfield served in the Guard for three months which was the time we were drafted to serve sworn in Court the day and date aforesaid Eli Fowler before me Richard Elliott Judge of Probate

I certify that, I am personally acquainted with Genl Eli Fowler the forgoing Deponent, and that he is a credible witness.
Reuben Elliott Judge

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ff Giltner June 18 th 1833 -
Be it Remembered That on the day & year aforesaid - Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Esq Justice of Peace within & for New Haven County duly qualified - Jared Bishop of & Giltner to me personally known & who I certify to be a credible Witness & being first duly sworn on his oath declars & says - That in the year 1781 he belonged to the Coast Guard at Scituate Island under Capt Peter Vail & that Nathan Redfield was in the same service with him both there & at Point Rock, & was discharged with him by Sergt Goldsmith - Jan'y 1 st 1782 - Jared Bishop
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
before me Reuben Elliott Justice Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Jared Bishop and that he is a credible Witness Reuben Elliott Justice

State of Connecticut County of New Haven ff Grafton June 18 th 1833 -
Be it Remembered That on the day & year aforesaid - Personally appeared before me Reuben Elliott Esq Justice of Peace within & for New Haven County duly qualified - Jared Bishop of Grafton to me personally known & who I certify to be a credible Witness & being first duly sworn on his oath declars & says - That in the year 1781 he belonged to the Coast Guard at Scituate Island under Capt Peter Hall & that Nathan Redfield was in the same service with him both there & at Point Rocks & was discharged with him by Sergt Goldsmith - Jan'y 1 st 1782 - Jared Bishop
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
before me Reuben Elliott Justice Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Jared Bishop and that he is a credible Witness Reuben Elliott Judge

District of Guilford ss Probate Court ss June 7 th 1833
Personally appeared in open court, Jacob Dudley well known to the court to be a credible witness, and being first sworn on his oath declared and said that in the year 17 90 , in the month of July he enlisted into a company commanded by Capt Dan Collins in Col Bingham's Regiment that said company was marched to New London in Connecticut and that he was in service at that time three months that he was orderly sergeant of said company and that Nathan Redfield who has signed the annexed Declaration was fifer in said company and that said Redfield continued in service through that term of duty which was three months when they were discharged and further the Deponent saith not.
Sworn in court the day and date aforesaid before me Reuben Elliott Judge of Probate
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Jacob Dudley the above named Deponent, and that he is a credible witness. Reuben Elliott Judge

26. 549
Stephen T. 1 Mathews, Esq. Gunsan Corvin San Francisco Taken before the County Probate Gunsan District
George Griswold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford in New Haven County — Do hereby certify that Reuben Elliott whose signature is affixed to the attestation of the foregoing Declaration & Deposition Is & was at the date thereof Judge of the Court of Probate aforesaid Duly Commissioned & acting under the authority of this State & that full faith & credit is and ought to be given to his acts & attestation done in that capacity and that I am well acquainted with the Hand Writing of the said Elliott & know his signature to the foregoing to be genuine —
In Witness whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed the seal of the Law Court this 17 th Day of June 1833
Geo. Griswold Clerk C. P. District of Southern
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31923 Key INVALID.
File No. 31923
Nathan Redfield Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1821
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 337
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Comptrollers Office Hartford Connecticut January 20. 1836.
I certify that on application from Mr. George Griswold of Guilford, in behalf of sundry applicants for pensions residing in that town & Madison, I have examined the Books & Papers of the late Pay Table Office of this State, as also the State Records & Journal of the Council of Safety, and find as follows:—
The General Assemblys order of Jan y . 1780 for a Guard at Guilford of "one Subaltern, 2 sergeants & 24 rank & file" to be raised "by 1 st of April next" and serve till 1 st Jan y next, And the Governor requested "to issue orders for the appointment of officers of the Guard."
In "Harketts Receipts" under head of "Expense of Coast Guards", several charges to United States for Guard at Guilford, from 7 April 1778, to 1 st May 1783, Among which is the amt. paid "Lt Timothy Field Feb y 22. 1782, Coast Guard at Guilford £1307.11.10 Specie Value."
In the Journal of the Council of Safety April 13. 1781, Orders are given to several towns to furnish provisions &c. to the Guards stationed on the coast in their towns—and immediately following is this entry:— "Then the same order and Vote in fav r of Cap t of y e Guards at Guilford respect d Bread, & meat & Boats at Guilford, & 3 Blanks sent by order sent to y e care of Gen l Ward to be filled up by advice for Cap. L t & En t for y e Guard to be stationed there."
On 2 d March 1780 Col o Ab m Davenport was entrusted with blank commissions for the Guard at Stamford—And there are many other instances in the records of the like character with the above—The commanding officers of the district where the

guards were placed had the oversight of them. — And many other instances of Blank Commissions being furnished them are mentioned in the Records of the Council of Safety.
I further certify that the name of the officer in command at Guilford in 1781 has not been found. Nor has the name of Peter Vail for that year been discovered.
Gideon Welles Comptroller

William Redfield
3 rd v. v. v. v.
3 rd v. v. v. v.
G. G. G. G.
Guilford
6 th

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
23 Feb 33.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Nathan Redfield
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
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 his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (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
levies as minute were not within act except for a decade beyond as actually in field a garrison From declaration of James Davis it seems levies on Scott Island was not considered

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier, } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer, } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c, without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix 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 12 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.

Hon. J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions Washington D.C.

Guilford New Haven County Ct January 25 th 1836
Sir—
Soon after the receipt of your communication of the 8 th Ult. its contents were made known to the pensioners in question, and by their direction, we addressed a letter to Mr. Wells the Comptroller at Hartford to obtain the required testimony or information relating to their claims.
His answer dated the 20 th Inst. came to hand yesterday, together with the enclosed certificates, on examination of which we observe, that it appears the certificate of Mr. Phelps heretofore alluded to, and quoted in our last communication, contained two errors, viz. the Title of Capt. given to Field & also the date of the payment of the 1307.11.10.
The first of these errors happily unfolds the mystery which originated in the circumstance of Field's receiving the title of Capt.
It also appears that Blank commissions for the Officers of the Guard at Guilford were sent to Genl Ward of this Town, who undoubtedly furnished the Officers with their commissions, and we do not deem it at all surprising, that after a lapse of so many years their commissions cannot be found.
It further appears from the certificates of Mr. Wells that there was a permanent Guard stationed at Guilford from April 1778 to May 1783 and paid by the State, and charged to the United States, — and we are gratified that the information derived from this source, corroborates the views & opinion that we have heretofore communicated to the department, but which were formed principally on information derived from tradition.
In our interview with Mr Timothy Grace of Madison after the receipt of yours of Dec. 8 th We requested him to enquire after & search the old papers of Lt. Simon Field and Enr. Jonathan Dool, which he accordingly did, and found the enclosed payroll of the Guilford Guards.

which although apparently imperfect, is undoubtedly the payroll, or first sketch of the payroll, for which the 1307.11.10 was paid in Feb. 1782 — Mr. Grave delivered it to us in person and stated that he with the assistance of another person found it among the old papers of Lt. Simonds Field: after looking nearly all day and on the point of giving up the search — We send it as we received it, believing that its appearance together with the corresponding facts already in possession of the Dept., no doubt can be entertained of its originality, or as to its being Genuine, although not signed by any of the Officers — The hand writing of the roll is recognized as that of Enr. Sedel, and we are of opinion that in discovering the errors and attempting to correct them, it was abandoned and a new Roll made out in which the payment was made —
On this Roll will be found the names of John Coo — Schabod Heana & Timothy Grave — Whose cases, with their additional proofs, are again respectfully submitted. —
The Name of Nathan Redfield does not appear on the roll, he is now out of Town, and as we have not seen him since the discovery of the roll — have no remarks to make in his case — if further explanation should be required of him it may be communicated hereafter —
With Sentiment of Respect We are
Sir Your Obedt Servt
Reuben Elliott Judge Prob.
George Griswold Clerk
Hon. J. L. Edwards — Censor of Pensions Washington D.C.

State of Connecticut } ss. Probate Court Guildford District New Haven County }
On this 14 th day of Oct r 1833 personally appeared in open court before Reuben Elliott Esq t Judge of said Court Nathan Redfield who has made the foregoing declaration for a pension - and in order to obviate the objection thereto, further declares & says, that although his services as a Minute man were sometimes arduous & fatiguing being at all times liable to be called upon & consequently prevented from engaging in any other pursuit - yet the service was not constant, and as it is decided that such service is not entitled within the act He hereby relinquishes his claim thereto.
He further declares & says that his service as one of the Guard on the sea shore for three months was constant & that during the said term of three months he was not engaged in any other employment and further that of his tour to New London under command of Capt Dan Collins, he has no written discharge or any documentary evidence But that he served in that term of duty three months constantly, & during that period he was not engaged in any other pursuit - so far as Dudley Dyer states That in making his first declaration he by mistake named this last mentioned service

in the second place, whereas it ought to have been entered first, but was at the time that to be too immaterial to amend —
We now declare and says that for the term of three Months he served as fifer and for three Months in the Guard he served as a private Soldier, In all Six months for which he Claims a Pension —
Nathan Redfield
Sworn and subscribed the day and date aforesaid before me
Asher Elliott Judge
I George Greenold Clerk of the Court of Probate for the District of Guilford. Do hereby certify, that that the foregoing, contains the additional proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathan Redfield for a pension —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 14 th Day of October 1833 —
George Greenold Clerk C. P. Guilford District

Cases of John Coan Nathan Redfield & Sehabed Wanda all of Guilford Timothy Grave of Madison
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 p. 10

Guilford New Haven Co. Nov. 18. 1835.
Sir
Some time in the month of August last, there was a report circulating in this place that the pension payments of John Coard, Nathan Redfield & Deborah Heard all of Guilford & Timothy Grave of Madison, had been ordered to be withheld. The rumour soon ceased, until just before the Sept. payments became due, it was then revived & further stated that information to that effect had been received in a communication from the Dept. by R. D. Smith the former Clerk of the Probate Court for this District. We then enquired of Mr. Smith who produced the said communication, and that part only, which related to the above named pensioners was perused, here the case rested, until the said pensioners by advice of their friends had sent to Hartford for their payments, but return not being had as soon as ordinarily they had been, a Gentleman going to Hartford on business, was desired to call and enquire the cause, and also enquire of the agents if orders had been rec d to stop their pay, which errand he did, & was informed that no such order had been rec d , & that the payment would be forwarded as soon as their turn should come. A few days after this, information was rec d from Hartford, that payment of the above named pensions had been ordered by the Dept. to be suspended.
These persons appear not to have been duly notified of the existing difficulty in respect to their claims, or have misunderstood the information given, they all seem to have been impressed with the idea that no other reason had been assigned for the suspension of their pay, than that, "their statements of service under Capt Peter Vail in 1781 - were irreconcilable" and that consequently their entire claims were lost. They appear not to have understood, that it was a suspension of pay, or that their certificates were ordered

to be returned for correction, with explanation &c. — The S d Pensioners have now all been forward and desired us to communicate with the Dep t on the subject, — For which purpose on 17 th Inst we applied for, and were put in possession of the aforesaid communication from the Dep t to R. R. Smith Esq r and upon thorough examination of which, we perceive it to have been dated the 27 th of June 1835, and signed Geo. W. Crampton and purports to be a reply to the application of Sim o . See for an increase of pay in acc t of service rendered in 1781 under command of Capt. Peter V. Dill, & which application it appears failed of success, in consequence of the declaration & testimony of Eben Norton, who it appears has stated as follows. —
“We were in service whenever called for, & relieved each other from a day to day, and sometimes were out two days at a time when the enemy were in sight &c.” —
To which the following remarks of Mr. Crampton is added, “This surely was not permanent service in an embodied Corps called out for a specific term &c.” —
With regard to claims for such service, we fully concur with the views of the department — consequently, we have endeavored to discriminate between that & permanent service & to discourage applicants from persisting in their efforts to obtain allowances for such services —
In the papers of the Nathan Redfield on file, who was desirous to claim pay for such service, but by our advice stated as follows —
“That although his service as a minute man were some times arduous & fatiguing, being at all times liable to be called upon, & consequently prevented from engaging in other pursuits. Yet as the service was not constant, and and as it is decided by the department that such service is not considered within the act, He relinquishes his claim thereto.” —
“He further declares and says that his service as one of the Guard on the road shown for three months, was constant, and that during the three months he was not engaged in any other employment.” —

It appears by the following remark of Mr. Crump, that the department are satisfied that there was a permanent Guard at Guilford, paid by the State; He says —
"The Guard at Guilford appears by the State Archives to have been a Lieut. Command, which was not held by Capt. Vaile, who undoubtedly was an officer of the Local Militia called out occasionally &c."
In what manner it appears from the from the Archives of the State that the Guard at Guilford was a Lieut. Command, we do not know. — But that Capt. Peter Vaile did command the permanent Guard at Guilford, it does appear to us that the department must be satisfied, when they discover that almost all the Applicants from this place who served in that Guard, claim to have served under him & their Witnesses also affirm the same, to which cases be added (if necessary) The Testimony of almost all the Inhabitants of this Town who lived at that time. — It does appear however (on enquiry & examination) that in some or two Instances (last, P. Vaile was dispatched on sudden emergencies to other places, with men drafted from the Militia Companies by their respective Captains.
Mr Crump further states —
"The papers of John Coan — Nathan Redfield & Schabed Hand all of Guilford and Timothy Graves of Madison have been reexamined. These individuals, have been claimed and have been allowed various terms of service under Capt. Peter Vaile in 1781 from two quarters. One year each, their statement of their term being irreconcilable." Which then adds "For the reasons herein stated it is very doubtful whether whether any such actual service as is provided for by Law was performed under that officer during that year."
Now it appears that not only the above named Pensioners, but several others claimed to have served under that Officer that year, among whom are the following Applicants, who who have not obtained Certificates, but have now understood that their failure originated in the doubt of the dept. whether.

"any such actual service as is provided for by Law was performed under that Officer that year."
Samuel Bartlett &c In his declaration claimed to have served one Month at Point Rocks under Capt. Peter Vaill in 1781 which statement was ver- ified by the deposition of Sara Kimberly. — The reason assigned by the Deft. for his failure was that the amount of service proved to have been rendered did not come within the meaning of the act. — James Davis as a substitute for John Scott claimed to have served Nine Months in 1781 under Capt. Peter Vaill at Scotts Island, that he was in the skirmish that took place there & was wounded in his arm &c — His failure was stated by the Deft. to exist in the fact that the witness in his case only testified that he was there & was wounded but came short of establishing the fact that he belonged to the guard. & not from any doubt that Capt. Vaill was not the proper Officer in actual service.
Sarah Bishop states that he entered the Guard service in Apr! 1781 and served at Point Rocks Sachems Head & Scotts Island under Capt. Peter Vaill. We are not aware that his failure has ever been alleged to have existed in any such doubt.
Several of the Pensioners in this place & in Medway formerly a part of the Town of Guilford claimed and have been allowed pay for service rendered in the shore Guard under the Command of Capt. Peter Vaill in years antecedent to the y. 1781 and it is a new Idea to us that Capt. Vaill was a Militia Officer not authorized by proper authority to Command the Guard in Guilford, in the year 1781 — as in years immediately preceding.

In compliance with the request of their Excellencies John Clegg - Nathan Rootfield, Ichabod Hand & Timothy Grave - We under our Order further to explain, & throw light on their Cases, beg leave to Remark that upon examination & inquiry among the aged Inhabitants, and from the Declaration of them, Deponents and other Applicants and their witnesses - We are of Opinion that the following Statements are substantially true. Viz. - That during the revolutionary War there was a sur- nant Guard stationed on the sea shore in Guilford under the command of Capt Peter Vail, That the said Guard was stationed on the points more immediately exposed to the invasion of the enemy. Viz. beginning west at Seely Islands & extending East to Sachem Heads, Point Rocks, Hogstie Point & Jones Islands on the East. - That Capt Vail resided in the old Town (so called) and had the more immediate charge and care of that part of the Guard at the three first named places, being nearest his residence - and that Timothy Field his Lieut. resided in the parish of East Guilford (now Marion five Miles East and had charge of the Guard at Jones Islands. That the Guard was composed of Men enlisted by their officers from one Month to a year & filled up as occasion required by drafts from all the Militia Companies in the Town by their respective Captains, for longer or shorter periods as the emergency of the case required from one to six & nine Months or more - and that during such time their servi-

was constant, and paid by the State & charged to the United States. —
That there was also companies of Militia men & others who volunteered, enrolled, and called Min- utemen, whose duty it was to be ready at a War- ments warning in case of alarms in the approach of the enemy to repair to the posts of the Standing Guard and join & act in concert with them under the direction of the Officers of the Guard until the threatening danger was past in the opinion of the Officers, and then return to their respective homes. —
Such in their last, was the service described in the claim of Elias Norton, when he says "we were out from day to day, & sometimes were out two days or when the enemy were in sight. &c"
And it is very probable that Tom's Sec's last claim was for similar service, they were undoubtedly Minutemen at that period, as were many of the Pensioners of this place & Madison at other periods of the war, and who by our advice claimed nothing for such service. — We have heretofore endeavored to discriminate between such services, & services rendered performed in the Standing Guard, and to discourage age Applicants from claiming pay therefor as we were not aware that they were ever paid unless by the local Authorities. —
It also appears that the number of Men composing the Standing Guard was increased by draft & enlistment & diminished by the expiration of terms to various numbers as the seasons revolved. —

Thus in the winter, the shores were often sufficiently guarded by ice to prevent the landing & invasion of the enemy. At such time the number of the Guard was permitted to be diminished - And again at the opening of the Harbours and in the Spring it was increased in the ordinary manner -
And further it appears that by information derived from the aged inhabitants that in 1782, Capt P. Vail died, which information is corroborated by many of the pensioners, the same may with propriety be inferred from the circumstance that in the 22 nd day of Jan y 1782 Timothy Field drew the pay for the Guards at Guilford, as appears by the Certificate of the Controller (Mr Phelps) of Guilford - The following is an extract from a copy of his Certificate - "And that there is" "charged upon the books of the pay tables to the United" "States under date of Jan y . 22 nd 1782 viz to Order" "on Treasurer - Capt Timothy Field's payroll for" "Guards at Guilford £1307. 11. 10 -"
Whether the Title of Capt given to Field, was a mistake originating in the circumstance that The Capt of Guards generally drew the pay, or whether Field had been Asst. Capt of the Guard, or of that part of the Guard stationed at East Guilford does not appear to be so clearly understood, the last however seems most likely, from the remarks of Mr Phelps in case of John Scranton, of Madison annexed to the foregoing Certificate. He says - "I am inclined to think that Scranton "served under Field, because Sam l Searle was appointed "Lieut. of the Guard at Guilford May 15 th 1780."

But that the $1307.11.10 was rec d for payment of the Guards who served in 1789 under Capt s Vail & Lieut s Field cannot be doubted, as that amount could not have accrued for Guard service under Field as Capt t after such appointment, nor under Vail or Lee after Lee's Appointment in 1780.
On examination it appears, That Coan in his first Declaration, states that he was drafted in June 1799 & served under Col. Mathew Mead of Newalk, Station at Raritan & was discharged the last day of Feb. 1780. The time of entering this service appears indefinite; If he entered the service in the 1 st of June, he of course served Nine Months , as he always has said he did & supposed it was so understood by the department, and that the three Months at New London, under Col. Richards made up the Year for which he rec d a Certificate for $40.00. And as he was constrained to relinquish his three Months service under Capt t Strong for want of Prov t . He will the more regret a diminution of his Pension. In case of Mr Heard it appears that he served constantly nine Months in Guard & was paid by the state, was on sentry every night & was in an engagement with the enemies boats. He He will deem it a great hardship if he fails of his reward for this service .
Messrs Coan - Redfield & Heard - are all in indigent circumstances - and Coan particularly unfortunate, being entirely blind & depending solely on his Pension and his friends for support.
This Community feel a deep sympathy for them in respect to their Pension, believing them all honest & meritorious applicants.

We are sensible That the circumstances of Applicant, whatever they may be, would not justify the Dep t in allowing Claims, not provided for by Law. But we are of Opinion that the cases of these men fairly entitle them to its most liberal construction.
We leave it to you to remark that if any further proof of his character or situation is necessary he would refer you to the Hon. Nathan Smith United States senator from New Haven.
Since writing the foregoing it has occurred to us that the time of Capt. Peter Tait's decease might be ascertained by reference to the bill of Mortality of this Town kept by Dea. Abraham Whittenden. a Pensioner of this place, & served as Brigade Major & Adjutant under Genl. Andrew Ward. — We have therefore applied for & procured the certificate annexed hereto. —
The Certificates of John Dean — Nathan Redfield & Ichabod Hand all of Guilford, and the Certificate of Grave of Madison are herewith returned. —
Very Respectfully
We are, Sir
Your Obedt Servt
Reuben Elliott Judge George Griswold Clerk of Probate Court Guilford District
J. G. Edwards Esq. — 3 Comm ee of Pensions

I the subscriber do hereby certify, That I have in my possession a Bill of Mortality which was commenced in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty six, by John Burgess Esq r  of Guilford and by him kept from the above date untill his death which took place in March A.D. 1799 containing an account, and the date of the death of every person (errors excepted) which has happened in said Guilford within the above dates, since which time said bill has been continued by me to the present time, and I find it entered on said Bill that Captain Peter Vail died January 30 A.D. 1782
Abraham Chillenden
Guilford November 28 th A.D. 1835
State of Connecticut No. Haven County ss. Guilford Nov. 28 th A.D. 1835
I George Griswold Clerk of the Probate Court for the District of Guilford in said County. Do hereby certify, that the foregoing certificate of Abraham Chillenden, was made out and subscribed by him in my presence, that the said subscriber is to me personally known, and the signature thereto is his genuine signature —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of Probate Court the day & date first above written —
Attest —
George Griswold Clerk