Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5530, for Comfort Peters, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass Navy
Peters, Comfort Mercy
NUMBER
W 5530
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

see letter to Hon. S. M c Lean H. R. 18 Feb. 1826.
June 22 d 1833 - Notices sent to all - see trans f book
Transferred from Pennsylvania to N. Hampshire
where sent 10 th March 1824 to Hon. J. M c Lean, H.R.
New Hampshire -
2,526 R
Pennsylvania
Comfort Peters.
of Columbia town in the state of Pennsylv a . who was a Private in the regiment commanded Colonel Shepard of the Massachusetts line, for the term of 9 months
inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to commence the 10 th of April 1810
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 d of July 1819 - and sent to John M c Lean, Esq.
Burlington Pennsylv a .
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 10 \frac{13 \cdot 4}{30 \cdot 31} 04:44 Semi-ann. all ce ending 4 Sept. 1819 - 40.00
$132:49
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Continued Bradford County.

2511 New Hampshire; b. Mercy Peters widow of Comfort Peters who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private Fraudulent case widow dropped from pension roll Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of October 1853. and sent to
G. F. Starkweather Keene N.H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 211. Vol. A
1853. July 9. H.C. Peters
" " " suspended Let to P. Agent - $3.00 + 2? Comptroller notified
Let to B. O. Peters 31 Aug 55
G. F. Starkweather same 8 Sept
This is a fraudulent case
H. Lawrence, May 20/53 Cal

Mercy Peters, claim under act. Feby. 1853
By her Attorney G. F. Starkweather Keene N. H.

State of New Hampshire, County of Cheshire,
On this Sixteenth day of August personally appeared Before me. Sarkin Barker Judge of the Court of Probate in and for Said County. Mercy Peters, aged Sixtythree years, a resident of Swanzey in Said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the law of the United States, passed the 3 d February 1853. That she is the widow of Comfort Peters, who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the State of New Hampshire. And was last paid at the Concord N.H. Pension Agency as she believes, and that she cannot state with certainty the amount, but believes he drew ninety six dollars, annually, that he was a pensioner, in Pennsylvania.
That she was married to the Said Comfort Peters in Brattleborough, in the State of Vermont on the Seventh day of February, in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three, that her name before Said Marriage was Mercy Darling.
That her Said Husband died in Said Swanzey in the month of April in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three. That she is not able to produce record of his death nor can she state the day of the month

on which he died, that ever since the decease of her said husband she has remained a widow, and is still a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed.
She further declares that she was not married to the said Peters prior to 2 nd January 1800 but subsequent to wit at the time above stated
Attest: Asa Maynard Mercy her X Peters Jon s R o Smith mark
Sworn to and subscribed in open Court Before Me this Sixteenth day of August 1853 And I believe the said Mercy Peters to be the widow of the identical Comfort Peters & the same person she represents herself to be in the foregoing Declaration -
Larkin Baker Judge of Probate

I Mercy Peters Signer of the foregoing Declaration & widow of Comfort Peters do hereby constitute and appoint George F. Starkweather of Keene my Attorney & Agent with full power of substitution to act for me in the prosecution of my claim to pension under any & all acts by virtue of which I may seem entitled and in consideration of ten dollars rec d . I make this power irrevocable.
Witness my hand and Seal this 16 th day of August 1853.
her Mercy F. Peters mark
Attest: Asa Maynard
Signed and acknowledged Before me the day & year aforesaid by the said Mercy Peters to be her voluntary act and deed. Larkin Baker Judge of Probate
State of New Hampshire. Cheshire County. ss.
I George W. Sturtevant Register of Probate for the County aforesaid do certify that Larkin Baker before whom the foregoing declaration was made was at the time and still is Judge of the Court of Probate in said County duly qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
Witness my hand & Seal of said Court August 16, 1853 Geo. W. Sturtevant

State of Vermont: Windham ss -
Town of Brattleborough
Be it remembered, that at Brattleboro in the County of Windham aforesaid on the Seventh day of February in the year eighteen hundred and thirty three. Comfort Peters of Swanzey & Mercy Darling of S d Swanzey both in Cheshire County & State of New Hampshire, were duly joined in marriage by me -
David Elliot Justice of the Peace Town Clerks Office Brattleboro. Recorded from a certified copy of Record Feb'y 27 th 1834
Attest Stephen Greenleaf Town Clerk. I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the record of marriage of Comfort Peters & Mercy Darling with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows - "On the 7 th day of February 1833."
Safayette Clark Town Clerk I Safayette Clark testify and say that I hold the office of Town Clerk in said Brattleboro County & State aforesaid, and that the foregoing is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me -
Safayette Clark S. Clerk
Sworn to and subscribed Before me this 22 nd day of August 1853. Said Clerk is a credible Witness Willard Jones Justice of Peace

State of Vermont: Windham ss. State of Vermont, }
WINDHAM, S.S. }
I, ROYALL TYLER, Clerk of the County Court, for the County of Windham, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that
Willard Arms
was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, within and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified; that his signature to the Certificate  thru William is genuine; that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form; and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgments of Deeds, take Depositions, administer Oaths, &c.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of court, at Brattleborough, this 24 th day of August Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty- three .
Royall Tyler Clerk.

Keene N.H. Sept. 3, 1855
Hon. Josiah Minot
Dear Sir, I have just rec d a letter from S. Cole, for Pension Com ee by which it appears that some person or persons have intimated to the Department that Mercy Peters widow of Comfort is not the lawful widow of said Comfort &c. And that I was unaware of that fact when I made application for her.
I will here state that I was not aware that any other than Mercy could claim to be the widow of Comfort and therefore treated this case like all others where I have been applied to for assistance.
A gentleman from the town of Swansey in the summer of 1853 called on me & saying that the widow Peters wished me to procure a pension for her. I accordingly saw her. She informed me of the time of her husband's death, of her marriage &c. I sent to Brattleborough & rec d copy of marriage duly authenticated. I found Mr. Chamberlain in this place, and also Mr. Field at different times. I think took their testimony relative to the death of Peters &c. as will all appear by the papers filed. I had never known the widow prior to this, and knew nothing of her history or that of

her husband, but of late I have been told that there was some trouble concerning the settlement of the Estate, and such intimations given me as to lead me to doubt the validity of her claim. I therefore told a son of said Mercy, a few days ago, that I should not advance further pension money, as there might be a question in relation to her claim. He seemed surprised, and said that his mother was the lawful widow, that she had long ago rec d a letter saying that Charity was dead &c. That R. C. Peters was trying to make trouble with his mother.
It would seem that there has been a misunderstanding heretofore between the Peters family and the widow. I know not the facts in the case.
I am much obliged for your letter, & should this fail to satisfy, I hope to be informed and will endeavor to furnish such evidence as may be desired.
Very Respectfully Yours G. F. Starbuck

I would add. That I filed a claim for Bounty land in behalf of said Mary in April last. which of course should not be granted. in case it appears that her pension claim is invalid.
Yours truly, G. F. Starkweather

June 27 - 55
Mr Sir I think it My Duty to inform you that there is a Person calling her name Mary Peters sitting herself up as the widow of Comfort Peters late late of Swaney N.H. deceased, and as I am first informed has obtained (by fraud as we say) a pension certificate at the rate of $96 Pr annum, now I think it a Duty I owe to My government to state the facts in the case, and first I would say that Comfort Peters was My own uncle and I have the means in My hands of knowing the facts in the least My uncle married for his second wife one Charity Jones then of Bensan in the County of Rutland Vt I think about 1806 and soon after moved to Columbia, Bradford Co Pa, and there lived about 27 years and until August 1832 he then left to visit his Friends in Old England leaving his wife in Pa he came and resided with me in Swaney N.H. I think until Jan y or Feb y 1833 at which time he was led into an unlawful marriage at Brattleboro Vt with this woman then the widow Mary Carling whose maiden name was Mary Hill she well knowing that his law- ful wife was alive at the time but he lived with her I think till April following or 1833 and died in said Swaney N.H. leaving the said Charity Peters his legal widow and said Mary well knowing it to be so, and on the settlement of his Estate by the request in writing from the Citizens of Columbia Pa sitting fourth the ready condition of his widow I presented a Petition for a decree of the assets of her husband and was allowed $50 all this was done with a full knowledge to his Cousin John as the judge of Probate took her at the time she had no notice

legally whatever in the estate - I would further Say that My Aunt the widow Charity Peters was living with her son in One County I think on Chautauqua Co N.Y. in 1840 as I had a letter from her son at that time and for and I know she is living now but probably not as she must be very old if so, and I think that the heirs do not know that she or they could have obtained a portion and therefore have neglected at any rate whither she or the heirs apply for it or not it is fraudulently obtained By his conscience and justice requires that the government should be informed of the fact - I would further say that I have the means in My hands to prove every statement here made and that I have no interest in the matter whatever except to have honesty and justice in the premises. I therefore give you these facts that you may govern yourself accordingly and am ready to prove every thing here stated if the Government see's fit to pursue the aiders and abettors in the matter to obtain a portion for said Mary Darling fraudulently as I know there is mischief in the case and should be ferreted out; I should be Glad to receive an answer to this together with your opinion and will write all the particulars as I have it in My power to show the whole facts in the case; Should you think it of consequence to write on the subject My Address is B.C. Peters Esq. Paper Mill Village Cheshire County N.H. - I would further say that I have all the Probate Papers in My hands showing the whole matter as before stated, I have written on to ascertain if the legal widow is yet living and if not to ascertain when she died I know she was living in 1840 and I had a letter from her son I think in 1843 or 1844 stating she was alive then but

That letter I have by some means lost but for aught I know she is yet living I will ascertain as soon as possible and inform you if you wish - I hope your Honor will pardon me if I have done wrong in informing you of this matter but I felt it my duty to detect as gross a fraud as I know this to be, I should have informed the Government before had I known it but it has been done so sly that it has but just come to my knowledge - I would further say that I have and had at the time a power of Attorney to settle all the matters of Charity Peters My sister's legal widow in this state she then being in Pennsylvania which gives me a full knowledge of all the facts in the case; I hope your Honor will write me immediately on the subject and give your opinion in the matter as I shall have considerable anxiety to know how such things should be treated -
I am your Honor's very humble servant B. C. Peters
Ex B Should you conclude to send the state Marshal or other proper officers to look up the fraud you may direct him to call on me at My Place (Rope Mill Village or H) and I will furnish all the request papers and give full information and the grounds to the case.

Application of Comfort Peters for a pension as a Revolutionary Soldier
Hon. S. M. Kean
rec d . 18 Feb. 1824

District of Pennsylvania Bradford County, ss: 3
On this ninth day of December, 1823, personally appeared, in open court, being a court of record for the said County of Bradford, Comfort Peters aged sixty three years, resident in the township of Columbia, in the county aforesaid, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: he enlisted into the Navy of the United States, on or about the first of January 1778, on board the Boston frigate commanded by Capt. Samuel Ducker, employed by Government to carry John Adams to the court of France and also as a cruiser; during which time was in the engagement and capturing the Ship Martha; also some other small prizes on return of said Frigate to Boston (the port from whence we sailed) was discharged on or about the 14th October same year: that the following year (1779) enlisted in the army in Capt. George Webb's company - Regiment commanded by Col. Shepard. Glover's Brigade, Massachusetts line; on or about the 12th of June or July, and was discharged at the highlands near West point, on or about the 12th March or April in the year 1780; during which time he was in a number of skirmishes but no general engagement - the date of the original declaration was April 18, 1818, and certificate No. 12526.
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 to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision 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 - to wit: 1 cow, 2 Kitchen chairs, 1 Windsor chair, 1 Iron pot, 1 Spider, 1 old brass Kettle, 1 small brass Kettle, 3 old knives & forks, 2 wooden buckets, 2 earthen plates, 1 pewter plate, 3 teacups & saucers, 1 earthen bowl, 1 old table, 1 Chest, 1 candle stand, 1 iron candle stick, 2 pewter spoons, 2 iron spoons, 3 pewter boxes, 1 pair 1/2 pr. tongs, old spinning wheel, 1 small hog. - My family consists of myself aged 63 years

occupation a farmer but unable to labor much by reason of bodily infirmity; my wife Charity Peters aged fifty four years some what inform Comfort Peters
Sworn & Subscribed in open court December 9. 1823, before Burr Ridgway, Proth
Bradford County, ss
I Burr Ridgway, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Bradford County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the schedule 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 Thirty two dollars.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court at Towanda, in said County, Dec 9. 1823.
Burr Ridgway, Proth
Com: Pleas of Bradford County P.

Deposition of Comfort Piter Private Colonel Shepard's Reg't Mass line 1779 to 1780 on Roll for 9 mo. service & all
10 th April 1810.
Admitted.

STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Bradford County, ss.
On this eighteenth day of June 181 8 before me the subscriber, one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, personally appears Comfort Peters
aged fifty eight years, resident in Columbia
in the 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 Comfort Peters enlisted in January 1778 in the state of Massachusetts on Board the Ship in the company commanded by Captain Richard Palmer  Samuel Tucker Captain of the Ship
Palmer of the marines in the service of the United States, until the time when he was discharged from service in  the service of the United States  and also  that he was in the battles of
he was in the battles of  and that he was in the service of the United States until  he was discharged from service in  the state of Massachusetts  in June 1779
And that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his Country  for Support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services  he is in the state of Massachusetts
he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts
he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts
he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts
he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts
he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts  he is in the state of Massachusetts

that he was in and a member of Squawmish By the time and that he is in reduced Circumstances and Planes in need of assistance from his Countrymen for support and that he hath no other eviction now in the Power of his  Law Services I swear to subscribe and declared before you the day and year aforesaid John W. Rean Judge of  Common Pleas Bradford  County and State of Pa 
Comfort Peters
I, John W. Rean one of the Associate Judges in and for Bradford County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Comfort Peters did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the Common Enemy; and I 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.
 I further certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Comfort Peters in reduced circumstances in life is in need of assistance from his Countrymen and that he hath no other evicton now in the Power of his Law Services April 18 th 1819  John W. Rean  assortatipry  Bradford Co Pa 
STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BRADFORD COUNTY, SS. }
I, George Scott Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bradford aforesaid do certify and make known that  John W. Rean is, and was at the time of signing and taking the foregoing depositions and cer- tifying the same, Associate Judge of the County of Bradford, in the State of Pennsylvania, that the signature is his proper hand writing, and that full faith and credit are due to his acts as such. In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and Seal of Office, at Meareville, in the county of Bradford aforesaid.
This 18. May 1819
George Scott Pratt

Rev.. & 1812 Wars Section..
January 7, 1924..
Helen C. Wood, 92 Roosevelt Place, Mineola, New York..
Madam::
I have to advise you that from the papers in pension claim W.5530 it appears that Comfort Peters enlisted in Massachusetts in January 1778 as a marine under Richard Palms, Captain of Marines, on the United States ship, "Boston", Captain Samuel Tucker, he aided in capturing the British ship, "Martha", and a number of small prizes and was discharged October 14, 1778..
He enlisted in July 1779 as a private in Captain George Webb's Company, Colonel Shepard's Massachusetts Regiment and served until April 12, 1780..
He enlisted in July 1780 in Captain Daniel's Company, Colonel Nixon's Massachusetts Regiment and served until January 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 18, 1818, while living in Columbia Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania, aged 58 years..
He married in 1806, his second wife, Charity Jones, name of first wife not stated. In 1823 he referred to Charity as

54 years old and to a son, Comfort S. Peters..
Soldier died at Swansea, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, in April 1833 and the widow, Charity, was living in western New York in 1840 with her son, name not stated.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

1924, Jan. 7 - Hist. to Helen C. Wood u.m.
Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5530.
Mercy Peters Widow
Comfort Peters Rev. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3 1953
Index: — Vol. M , Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Pension Office, Official Bup
Mercy Peters, widow of Comfort Peters Cheshire County N.H.
Rev Act 3 d Feb. 1853
Amount $96 per annum Commencing 3 d February 1853
G. F. Starkweather Keene, N.H.

Mercy Peters 63. wid of Comfort. Married 7 Feb. 1833 Town Heads died in the month of April 1833

West Port N H Apr 23 1891 Sir, I write to you not using your name, but want to tell you now about Pension agency in here N H G F Starkweather he obtain Pension wrongful, he obtain a Pension for widow comfort Peters 2 but his first wife was alive at this time G F Starkweather said he went to the grave yard and see her death on the stones that was not so. Peters folks say that he never went but they say that no that his first wife was alive at this time Peters the folks said that G F wanted to have them stat- of that his first wife was dead & buried but they won't wrote this is a letter that was at the this time this proof a nap

I haenat none this the thing long I think it to be none thir was a man told G te that Pension Stop and it kept you must no how long this is proof and if I could talk to to you I could tell more but this is paks
Harvey Lawrence West Port N o 16
Third Edinburgh Office April 25 1829 Very Affectionately I refer to the G te Commission M rs Lawrence A. J. Mann

Brief in the case of Mercy Peters, widow of Comfort Peters Cheshire — County and State of New Hampshire act 3 d February 1853.
Claim, (“original,” or “for increase.”)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of March, 18.1818
Marriage (7 th February 1833) proved by certified copy of Town Records
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
G. H. Starkweather Esq. Keene,
Name and residence of Agent
N.H.
R. D. Dyer Examining Clerk.

1 st
Aug 31/35.

Pension Office August 31, 1833,
Sir,
I have this day written Mr G. F. Starkweather, the agent who procured the Pension of Mercy Peters, requesting an explanation in the matter.
When we hear from him, you will be advised of the result.
B. C. Peters, Esq. Paper Mill Village, N. H.
Oct 53 Rev

Pension Office
Sep. 8 th 1855
Sir
I have received yours of the 3 rd inst. relative to the pension of Mercy Peters.
In the letter to this office calling attention to the matter there was a suggestion that you were cognizant of wrong in the claim. Under such circumstances the Chief Clerk, Mr. Cole, very properly and in accordance with the usual practice of the office, addressed to you his letter of the 31 st ult calling for an explanation.
With my personal acquaintance with you there is no occasion for any explanation by you to free yourself from the imputation in the letter referred to. I shall however, be obliged by further any information you may at any time be able to give relative to the case. The claim seems to be wrong and suspension has been ordered of any further payments thereon until

the right is more clearly established.
Very respectfully &c
Geo F. Starkweather Esq
Keene
N.H.

Aug 31/55

Pension Office August 31, 1833
Sir,
From information communicated to this office, it appears that Mercy Peters, the alleged widow of Comfort Peters, was never the lawful wife of said Peters - it is also intimated asserted that you were aware of this fact when you made application for her Pension, as it was well known that when she was married to Peters, he had a wife living whose name was Charity. Your explanation of this matter is particularly requested.
G. T. Starkweather, Esq. Keene, N.H.
Oct 53 Rec'd

Hon. S. P. Waldo Comm. of Pensions

Keene N.H. Sept. 15, 1853 Hon: L. P. Waldo.
Dear Sir, I enclose declaration proof &c in case of Mercy widow of Comfort Peters.
I am inclined to think that Peters may not have been paid at all in N.H. He was inscribed on the Rolls in Pennsylvania, as I suppose.
Mr Edwards of this town who paid the pensions here at the time finds no account of having paid Peters.
I have not examined the Books at our Agency but trust the Declaration will prove sufficient to warrant a proper examination of the Rolls &c - as there can be no doubt of the fact that my client is justly entitled &c.
Respectfully G. H. Harkness

Harry Laurence
May 20.

Hyde's Office. May 20 th 1859.
Sir:
Your letter addressed the Third Auditor of the Treasury, in relation to the claim of Mercy Peters, to a pension has been referred to this Office for reply.
The name of Mercy Peters was stricken from the pension roll some years ago. I am aware of the fraudulent character of her claim.
It will be please to accept the assurance of my regards for Mr. Motte in calling attention to this case.
Harney Lawrence, Esq., West Point, N.H.

Ecene N.H. Sept. 15. 1855
Hon. J. Minot.
Dear Sir, I am under many obligations to you, for your letter of the 8 th inst. with reference to the Peters Case, and your favorable opinion of my humble self. In accordance with your wishes, I would remark, that since the receipt of Mr. Cotes letter, Mercy Peters called on me to know the reason why she should not receive further pension. I gave her the reason, and she still insisted that she was a lawful widow, and thinks the difficulty arises from a desire on the part of an enemy to wrong her. I am persuaded however that she is not legally entitled. She talked over the matter of her marriage in presence of Doct. Carpenter and others, and seems to think sincerely that she is a lawful widow. Said her neighbors at the time advised her to marry Peters. She is an old lady and is illiterate, but her neighbors respect her.
It will be seen that she married Peters more than twenty years ago. I doubt very much whether a dozen people in our County ever heard of Peters having a wife Charity. I enquired a few days ago

of the gentleman who first called on me, concerning the case, and he said he never heard of it. I have good reason however to believe that such was the fact, that Charity was living &c.
I have thought that Mercy might have been deceived by Peters himself, and others who may have had a motive in advising her to marry him.
At all events I trust the experience of this case will serve to make me more cautious in future. Believing the claim improper and suspended for proper cause, I leave the subject, trusting that it will be readily understood that Mercy Peters supposed herself a lawful widow, and that an unintentional error was committed.
Yours truly G. F. Starkweather

Reene Sept. 4. 1855
Hon. S. Cole
Dear Sir, Your letter of the 31 st ult came to hand yesterday, concerning the Pension claim of Mercy alleged widow of Comfort Peters deceased, I answered and directed to Judge Minot the Comr. with whom I am somewhat acquainted, and think he will recollect me. I would say further in relation to this case. That on further enquiry I think there may have been a misapprehension on the part of Mercy Peters. She still thinks, I believe, that she is a lawful widow. Whatever aspect the case may bear, I had not until recently supposed it otherwise than genuine, I at the time understood that Peters had lived in P. A. and that his wife died there & that afterward he married Mercy in Brattleborough Vt. and finding a record of marriage, and the fact of his death occurring as had been said. I proceeded with the case without reflection.
I have of late had reason to question the propriety of the claim, but other matters have prevented me from making a particular investigation. Though I had determined not to pay farther without a more full

understanding of the case - Any further information from you will be very gratefully received by - Yours
Abt. Scott -
G. F. Starkweather

B. B. Pears, July 9/58

Pension Office July 9, 1855.
Sir,
I am obliged to you for your letter of the 27 th ult. respecting the case of Mercy Peters, the alleged widow of Comfort Peters, of N.H.
I have this day instructed the Pension Agent at Concord to suspend further payments.
B. C. Peters, Esq. Paper Mill Village N.H.
Act 53 Rev

I Calvin Field of Swansey in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire aged Sixty Six years testify and say that I will know Comfort Peters who was a Revolutionary pensioner. That I lived within twenty rods of him for several months. and that he married Mercy Darling. whom I will know and know her now.
I further declare. That it was said and was not doubted that he came from the State of Pennsylvania to this State. and there was talk of having his pension made payable in this State. I know not whether it was done. or whether his payments were continued in the State of Pa. I further say that according to my best belief and knowledge he said Comfort died in April in the year 1833. and that Mercy aforesaid has ever since remained a widow. and is the widow of the identical Comfort Peters aforesaid.
I am disinterested - Calvin Field Attest: Jno. H. W. Emery
F. A. Faulkner
Sworn to & Subscribed Before me August 22. 1853 and I certify that said Field is a credible Witness - I am disinterested F. A. Faulkner Justice of the Peace

I John Chamberlain of Swansey in the County of Cheshire & State of New Hampshire, testify and say, that I well knew Comfort Peters a Revolutionary pensioner, formerly resident of the State of Pennsylvania, but afterward resident of said Swansey, he was a neighbor to me, and married Mercy Darling. I further declare that said Mercy still lives and remains a widow, and is the widow of the identical Comfort Peters, aforesaid. I well remember the time said Comfort died, and that it was in the year 1833, but have no data by which I can state the precise time, I think and have no doubt, that he died in the month of April 1833. I am not interested in the application of his widow, for pension from Cheshire.
Attest: J Newell Edward Farrar
Sworn to and subscribed Before me this Thirteenth day of September 1853 and I certify that said Chamberlain is a respectable & credible witness and that I am disinterested Edward Farrar Justice of the Peace

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss } I Leonard Rice. Clerk of the Superior Court of Judicature, of said State, for said county, do hereby certify that Francis A. Faulkner before whom the foregoing affidavit of Calvin Fitch was made, was, on the seventh second day of August A.D. 1853 a Justice of the Peace for said county duly authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and that his signature to said affidavit is genuine. I also further certify that Edward Ferrar before whom the foregoing affidavit of John Chamberlain was made, was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace for said county duly authorized to administer oaths and take depositions and that his signature thereto is genuine. Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this fourteenth day of September A.D. 1853
Leonard Rice. Clerk

Pension Office Oct 15. 1853
Sir
Please certify the time & which within named pension was paid. It was transferred from the agency in Pennsylv- ania to that of New Hampshire.
Very respectfully Your ob't serv't
J. Dole For Commissioner F. Burt Esq. 3d Auditor Present
(See other side.)
Comfort Peters, act 1818. $8. p. month. - Paid to 4 th March 1833, no date of death on our Brooks.
F. Burt Auditor

Samuel McKean
10
Samuel McKean, esquire,
City of Washington.
pay his father's debts.

Athens, Penn a . Dec r . 26. 1823.
Dear Sir,
Mr Comfort Peters desires your friendly aid and assistance in endeavoring to obtain his pension .
I do not hesitate to affirm, from my personal knowledge of him, & his pecuniary circumstances, that I sincerely believe no person is more justly entitled; that all the property he has is inadequate to the discharge of his honest debts, which I know to be very considerable; and that from his age and infirmities, he truly stands in need of this aid from his country, to support him comfortably.
I am also fully and decidedly of opinion, that his son, who not long since purchased his farm & other property, assumed the payment of bona fide debts due from his father to myself, Mr Abner Murray & others, to a much higher amount than all Comfort Peter's property at that time.
And previous to this sale to his son, said Peter had urged me to take his farm, & assume the payment of his debts; which I entirely declined, on the principle that I did consider it incompetent.
I therefore sincerely wish Mr Peter's success in his application; and have no doubt you will spontaneously afford him such aid and advice, relative to this object, as may tend to ensure it.
Yours, respectfully,
Clement Paine.
Genl. McLean.

I have been acquainted with Mr Clements Paine about twenty years. The principal part of which time he has been a merchant in Athens Pa. is a man of Respectability, honesty and integrity. It is a fact with in my own knowledge that Comfort Peters has been indebted to said Paine for several years to a considerable amount, and I have also been informed that Comfort S Peters, son of Comfort Peters, has taken the property of Comfort Peters, and become obliged to pay his father's debts.
Saml M c Lean
Samuel McLean, esquire,
City of Washington.

Honorable Sir
Sirs I note you before I have been looking over My Papers among which I find all the papers that will unravel a most outrageous and palpable fraud in obtaining a pension for Mary Peters (So called) the alleged widow of My uncle Comfort Peters who Died in Swaney April 1888 and left his legal widow Charity Peters in Columbia Township Pa where he had left her only the August before; and therefor she got a Decree from the Judge of Probate for Chester county as his legal widow; this woman (Mary Darling) knowing all the facts at the time. I have got Papers also to show that the real widow was alive and absent in 1840 and for aught I know she is alive yet but most probably not as she must be very old if so; the last I heard from her was in 1840 then with her son in western New York and I will ascertain as soon as possible if she is living and if not when she died but as before she was alive in 1840 seven years after My My uncles death; this woman his pretended widow will showing all the facts from beginning to end and now I consider it a most grave fraud on the government and I am well satisfied that others J. H. Stockwell and perhaps others well knowing the whole matter have assisted in the fraud (and this is perfectly confidential) and should you conclude to permit it out I again say to send your man to me and and I have all the Papers that will unravel the whole matter I hope you will inform me as soon as possible in regard to the course that will be taken and I will have My Papers all ready at a moments warning I cannot bear to see such a outrageous fraud go on against My government unnoticed: I say the fraud commenced at the time they got up a mock Marriage at Brattleboro but she well knowing that he had a wife then living it can be proved that she was informed of it repeatedly; but the

that she was getting a position has just come to our knowledge and we think quite to have failed and wicked and out to be looked up as soon as possible while all the facts are available
ex B I hope that my correspondence with you will be perfectly confidential unless it is very necessary in which case let it come out but unless it is I hope you will not give my name to any inquirer unless it is absolutely necessary but my papers are ready for inspection at any day and all the information that is wanted
Again I beg you to write me the probable reason that it will take for investigation that I may not be taken by surprise
Sincerely yours Very humble servant
B. C. Peters
I would like to know about when I should be likely to know if any one will call on me for further information if possible

State of Penn a in Bradford County Colum bia Jan y 3 rd 1823. We the Subscribers whose Names and Seals are hereunto affixed having been called on Individually by Comfort Peters to appraise his Property and make a Schedule of the Debts he owes and strike the balance there upon we met at his house in Columbia on the day and year above stated and after being first sworn proceeded to appraise the farm and following described Property (viz)
A farm containing 1128 1/2 Acres land $700.00
  2 oxen $45.00 } $255.66 } $255.66   4 cows and a calf 44.00   6 yearlings 31.16   2 Horses 71.00   1 Springy colt 10.00   1 Wagon old 20.00   one old Plow horses   8 5 small harnesses 4.50   one Potash kettle 30.00     $955.66 
We do hereby certify that the above described Property was by us appraised at Nine hundred and fifty five Dollars and Sixty six cents as witness our hands. To the above named Property was assigned unto Comfort Peters on the 20th of Sept r Ezra Lord Seal 1823 for the purpose of liquidating his debts or pay on par as the same would pay
Ruben Wilkin Seal Elizer Bates Seal

I further certify that that within appraisers was entirely Disinterested in Comfant Peters giving his Auction in My Opinion Chas Saylor Jr -
2

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Bradford County, ss: 3
I Burr Ridgway, Prothonotary of the court of Common Pleas in and for Bradford County, do hereby certify and make known, that Charles Taylor is a legally commissioned and sworn Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and was on the third day of January inst that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to his official acts In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office at Towanda, Jan'y 24. 1824.
Burr Ridgway, Proth.

Columbia January 3rd 1824 on an Examination of the Debts Due from Comfort Peters to the several Gentlemen here after named first having them all duly Proved and attested to be actually Due from the said Peters Do make the Statement of the same as follows (viz)
Balance Due on Mortgage to McQueen Hail & Swanson on which judgement is entered ————— $ 142.50 Also another Mortgage to Francis & Morris ————— $ 92.00
The above Due on the Right of Soil Judgements Due to Harris Miller & Murry ————— $ 7.50 - 00 Judgement Due Clement Paine — $ 2.64 as Note Due Tuttle and Lovel ————— $ 0.25 00 Debt Due John Umphrey ————— $ 0.60 00 Debt Due to Comfort Peters for Wintering cattle in 1822 & 1823 $ 1.15 00
Sum Total Due from Comfort Peters ————— $ 1448.50
The amount of said Peters Property ————— 955.66 $ 492 = 84
Balance remaining Due from said Peters over and above his ability to pay is four hundred and fifty two Dollars and eighty four cents as witness our hands & seals
Comfort Peters Richard Wilkes Silas Cade
Sworn and subscribed before Me the 3rd day of Jan. 1824 Chas Taylor justice peace

The Deposition of Abner Murray taken on Oath before the Subscribed Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Bradford who saith, that he is acquainted with Comfort Peter, the applicant for a pension, that said Peter became indebted to this Deponent (and John Harris, Merchant of Newburgh) in the sum of Seven Hundred (and fifty Dollars, on 13 d mo. Settlement on the 6 th Dec r . 1818) which (said sum) had been due to s d Harris & this deponent since the year 1818 - This Deponent further states that the said Peter offered him all the property he was possessed of, both real & personal for a relinquishment of his debt together with that of Harris's, including a Demand said Peter was owing Clement Paine (and that this Deponent in Company with the s d Harris - Call d at the s d Peter's and on Examination found it to be insufficient to pay said demands, (and that subsequent Comfort S d Peter has taken an assignment of s d property (and has become obligated to pay this Deponent & the s d Harris the afores d am t secur d by Judgm t entered on the Peachy's Docket of this County) (and further states that said Peter in all the above transaction has as this dep t believes, acted as an honest and upright man, (and not to put his property out of his hands for the purpose of taking advantage of the late act pass d by Congress relative to pension claims - (and would further state, that he is well acquainted, & has been for a number of years with the situation of said Peter, and declares that he would not take the property s d Peter is now (or previously was poss d of) for the am t due him, and become accountable to pay s d Harris's Demand - (and further saith - Sworn (and) subscribed before me } Abner Murray This 25 th day of Dec r . 1823 } A Murray J. P.

I have been acquainted with Abner Murray the deponent within named, for more than twenty years who is a merchant in Athens. He is a Respectable honest and up-right man, and I have known for several years that Comfort Peters, was owing Abner Murray more in debt than believed Comfort Peters was worth.
J. McKean

To whomsoever these presents, may or shall come - We the subscribers being - neighbours to Cumfort Peters a Revolu- tionary soldier, believe that he is a greable to the late act of Congress entitled to the - bounties of his country and we also believe that he the said Peters has punctually and faithfully converted the small estate he held in possession to the use of his creditors, ————— We are yours with respect —
Cumberland June 2 nd AD 1823 —
Gen Saml McKean
— Eleazar Miller
Subscribers names
Stephen Fowler
B McKean
Horace Barn
Reuben Trask
Samuel Smith
Chas Taylor
Roger Soper
Burton Strait
J. V. Perry
N.B. We do hereby certify that the said Peters is afflicted with the Lithiasis — which together with his advanced age renders him unfit for labour —
Stephen Fowler Practitioners Horace Barn of Physic —

I am well acquainted with all those who have signed the within, in favor of comfort Peters and they are the un- debt neighbors of Peters, and have the reputation of being honest, and Respectable citizens. And from my own knowledge of the copy, have no hesitation in saying the facts then stated are true.
Sam McKean

Dec. 15
from Penna. to N.H.
N.H.
Pension Office
(to be transferred)
War Department
Washington
City
PK

State of New Hampshire Cheshire County ss-
On this sixth day of December 1832, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Cheshire, personally appeared Comfort Peters who on his oath declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain George Webb in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Shephard, (Massachusetts Regiment) in the service of the United States - that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Pennsylvania from whence he has lately removed; - that he now resides in the State of New Hampshire where he intends to remain, and wishes his pension to be there payable in future - that his reasons for removing to the State of New Hampshire are that he has connections there and that having visited them here, he is induced to remain. - Comfort Peters
Cheshire ss. Dec 6, 1832
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me Thomas M Edwards Justice of the Peace.
I Jesse Peters, nephew to said Comfort Peters, of lawful age depose and say that I am well acquainted with Comfort Peters who has subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit and that I know him to be the same person therein described. - Jesse Peters
Cheshire ss. Dec 7 th 1832.
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me - Thomas M Edwards Jus. Peace
I certify that the above deponent Jesse Peters is a credible person. - Thomas M Edwards Jus Peace

Cherries. Dec 10 1832
I Salma Hale, clerk of the Judicial Court in said county certify that Thomas M. Edwards is a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and that the two foregoing official signatures are his. In testimony whereof I hereunto affix the seal of our Superior Court of Judicature.
S. Hale, Clerk

J. L. Canard Esq.
war department pension office
con-
Mr. M. B. ...

Washington Feb 20 - 1824
Sir
I have rec d this day other documents in support of the claim of Comfort Peters, which I have with enclosure, and to which I add that I have been acquainted with Comfort Peters during his residence in Penn a - he never has had in possession but little property, as I knew him, in and what I personally knew of his property and the debt which he owed to Hovey, Murray & Co. I would not have taken all that he possessed, and become obligated to pay that debt alone. The land on which he lived I am convinced would scarcely sell at this time for cash enough to discharge the mortgages against it - by an arrangement with the executors his son has to give time for payment. His son has taken the property, and paid the debts, - I advised him before I left home to have the property which he sold and assigned to his son - approved, and also to meet a set of debts which he owed. The appellants are respectable, and intelligent farmers, and the o It may not be done with all the usual forms of official qualifications, still I am confident it is true and correct. I have no hesitation in saying there is neither deception nor fraud in this matter, - I presume I can give you the reason why Comfort Peters has not applied since the law of 1820, - he is a man of spirit and sensibility - I have heard him say that he thought Government was dealing pecuniarily with their old soldiers, and he never would humble himself by asking for this petition again if he could maintain himself by hard

labor, he is a temperate and of good moral character and whilst he was able to labor, was an uncommonly industrious man. He is now old and infirm, and God knows poor enough, the reason of his becoming indebted to the merchants, was by engaging in the potash making business, in order if possible to pay for the land which he had purchased. The fluctuating state of the price of that article operated bad upon him and he fared as many other poor industrious but honest men have done. The property was assigned to his son Comfort S Peters on the 20th of September last. The date of the appraisement was on the 3 d of Jan'y. The appraisement was in pursuance of my direction. The son is now in possession of the property, and is bound to pay the debts. - I repeats it again most confidently, that I am convinced there is neither fraud or any design in this matter, and if required I am ready to make oath that what I have said is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. If the department is liable to be deceived in deciding on this claim, upon these documents and under these circumstances, then it ought also be deemed under any other circumstances that it is possible to conceive of, where a decision is to be had upon written testimony. I am very Respectfully Your obed Servt
J L Edwards Esq
Saml M c Lean

92 Roosevelt Place, Mineola, New York.
November 18, 1923.
Department of Interior Revolutionary Pension Dept., Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I have been advised to write to you for in- formation concerning the Revolutionary record of an ancestor of mine, Comfort Peters. He was born in 1755 at Winchester, N.H., served in the Revolutionary War from Douglass, Mass., and died

April 9, 1833 at Swansea, N.H. I would like this information to use in joining the D.A.R. Could you send it to me or advise me as to where to get it?
Very Truly yours, Helen C. Wood.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Peters, Elias GRADE Private LINE Pennsylvania
WARRANT NUMBER 10212 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED March 23, 1791 to Eliz. Peters, Adm x .
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.