Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5413, for Benjamin Neagus, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
or Neagus, Benjamin Negus
W 5413
B.L.W. 40702-160-55-
Cynthia  Cynthia
CONTENTS

248.184 and March 1/55. Cynthia Agnes inset 11/26 Benjamin Agassiz. Pri. Cynthiana Agassiz Benj. Agassiz aca. Pri.
Capt. Talbot Col. DeWitt Engr. Mar 15-1777. Mass Dis. Apr 15, 1777.
Rev. Moor. Rev. Reunioner.
July 53-695 Will Co. Sept 3, 1852 1852
McKie Haskins 8 Union St. New Bedford, Mass
(Val. A. 33.)

6669 Massachusetts
Benjamin Waagus of Bristol in the State of Mass who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Cook of the Reg t commanded by Col Church in the Mass line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 th day of March 1833 and sent to Hon. J L Hodges
Arrears to 4th of March 1833 160.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 40 00 200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 69

Increase
692 1/2
Massachusetts
Cynthia Negus widow of R. J. Benjamin, Negus who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
Boston
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853. ad. paymt. made since
27 July 1868
Certificate of Pension issued
16 th day of Nov, 1868
and sent to R. F. Winslow Fall River Mass
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 14 Vol. H No 2
7 July 27/68
J. M. Smith

Benjamin Negas -
10/7/89 2 nd
L. Skodge HR

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, } BRISTOL, ss. }
At a COURT of PROBATE holden at New Bedford in and for said County on the second day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, before the HONORABLE HODIAH BAYLIES, Judge of the Probate, &c. for said County, personally appeared Benjamin Keazey , a resident of Westport in the County and Commonwealth aforesaid, aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832, make the following declaration. that he entered the service of the United States, see the particular names of his offices - and terms of service under the 5 th interrogatory.
and further declares as follows, in reply to the interrogatories propounded by the Secretary of War; to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Ans. That he was born in Freetown in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven eight .
2. Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
Answer I have no record of my age.
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Ans I lived in Freetown, State of Rhode Island when called into service, and have lived in Freetown aforesaid since the Revolutionary War, until the last five years, that for the last five years I have lived in Westport above mentioned.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
Ans. first by enlistment, and afterwards by draft.

4. How were you called into service ; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom?
His first by enlistment, and afterwards by draft.
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served ; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
The said Benjamin Keaggs declares that early in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy five thinks in the early part of April, he enlisted in the army of the United States for eight months, that he enlisted as aforesaid in Tiverton aforesaid in a Company & under the command of Capt a William Cook, Lieutenant Gilbert Manchester, Ensign Israel Church, and Colonel Thomas Church. — That soon after his enlistment as aforesaid, he marched to Roxbury near Boston, and from thence to Cambridge and Jamaica Plains, he was at Cambridge when the battle was fought at Bunker Hill that he was at Roxbury when marching orders when the battle was fought at Bunker Hill, that soon after this, the Company that he was in was marched to Prospect Hill and stationed there, that while at Prospect Hill he the said Benjamin was employed and labored upon the Fort, at the expiration of the aforesaid term of service was discharged and returned home — has no recollection of receiving a written discharge, thinks his return home as aforesaid was in the month of January Seventeen hundred and Seventy six — that he remained at home in Tiverton aforesaid about two or three months that some time in April of 1776, as near as he can recollect he went to Bristol Ferry or Rhode Island, and enlisted into the States Service as it was called in a Company and under the command of Captain David Gifford, Capt Gifford last mentioned then lived at the Ferry aforesaid — that he enlisted for six months three months, that soon after his enlistment he was marched to New Port, and was stationed in New Port Quarters at an old building called the Brice House, remained there during this term of enlistment and at the end of the said term was discharged, has no recollection of receiving a written discharge. —

That immediately after his discharge as afore said, the said Benjamin declares that he again enlisted in New Port, for another term of three months in the company & under the command of Capt Pitman does not recollect the name of the Regiment, a man by the name of Dyer he thinks was an Ensign in said company - that he was then Quarters at a Coopers Shop near to the entrance of the Town from the Island, that he remained in New Port until the British troops landed there, then our troops marched out and made a stand at Someny Hill a little out of New Port - the British came out of New Port and drove the American troops from Someny Hill, a small skirmish took place, the American troops marched up to the North End of the Island, and crossed the River at Howland Ferry and after crossing the Ferry, the said Benjamin says he was stationed at the Jonathan Dyer's House his term of service having expired he was discharged, and return home has no recollection of receiving a written discharge.
The said Benjamin further says, that in the spring of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven, thinks as near as he can recollect it was the month of April, he enlisted again into the service of the United States in a company commanded by Capt Daniel Dyer, for six months, and was first Quarters near to Howland Ferry, and afterwards, at Howland Ferry, & was employed in guarding the Shores the British then having possession of the Islands, that sometime in the summer or fall, dont exactly recollect the time the boats were collected from all places where they could be had, for what was then called Spencers Expedition, that in the said Benjamin was put to the boat company so called, that he attended to the boats until sometime in the fall

was employed in guarding the Shores the British then having Possession of the Islands, that sometime in the Summer or Fall, dont exactly recollect the time the boats were collected from all places where they could be had, for what was then called Spencers Expedition, that he the said Benjamin was put to the boat company so called, that he attended to the boats until sometime in the fall when the boats were and dispensed with, he the said Benjamin, with Gideon Borden and a number of other men were ordered to return some boats to New Bedford, where they belonged, that he went with the boats and returned them as aforesaid he recollects that Gideon Borden was with him during this last term of six months service, thinks that William Munroe was Major and John Cook acted as Colonel.
The said Benjamin further declares that in the winter of the same year last mentioned, does not recollect the precise time he was drafted for one month and went to Howlands Ferry and served said term guarding the Shores between Howlands Ferry and Fall River —
The said Benjamin further declares that in the year Seventeen Hundred and By Seventy eight, thinks in the month of April or May — he was again drafted for one month and was stationed at Fogland Ferry and served said term and was discharged has no recollection of receiving a written discharge, that during the Summer and Fall of 1778, he was drafted as one of the militia for one month at a time for half the time, and he cannot recollect the precise time or times, when these drafts took place nor the various places that he was stationed at each separate time he was sometimes at Fogland, sometimes at Howlands Ferry and part of the time North of Howlands Ferry, on board Fall River guarding the Shores — he thinks that in the year 1778 he was in the service six months.

6. Were you a Soldier or an Officer? if 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? if an Officer, did you ever receive a commission, and if so by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
I was a Soldier, and have no recollection of receiving any other than a verbal discharge
7. State the names of the 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.
William White Esq, Nathan C. Brownell Esq. Frederick Brownell Doct. Samuel H. Handy. Jonathan White, Cornelius White, Adam Gifford, Major Allen Thomas Sharman, Eleanor Sharman, George Mosher, Charles White, and David Wing.
And the said Benjamin Mearns. doth further declare that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Benjamin Mearns A. S. Dyer, Judge of Probate.
WE Howard Tapp a Clergyman and Simon B. Gifford certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Mearns about seventy five 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 to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
residing in Barnmouth residing in the same  Westport hereby who has subscribed and sworn to the Howard Tapp  Simon B. Gifford A. S. Dyer Judge of Probate.

WE Howard Tipton a Clergyman - and Almer B. Gifford certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Negus - above declaration; that we believe him to be about Seventy five 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.
residing in Barnmouth residing in the same  Westport hereby who has subscribed and sworn to the
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid. Howard Tipton  Almer B. Gifford H. J. Dardies Judge of Probate.
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 abovenamed applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Howard Tipton - who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Barnmouth in said County of Bristol, and that Almer B. Gifford Esq. who has also signed the same is a resident in the  Town  Westport and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
H. J. Dardies , Judge of Probate. Register of Probate
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, } BRISTOL, ss. }
I Anselm Bassett Register of the Court of Probate in and for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Negus - of Westport - in said County, for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the said Court the day and year first above written.
Anselm Bassett

no 991
Mass
Cynthia Nequeus widow of Benjamin Act 3, Feb. 1853 $80 - per ann from 3 Feb. 1853
A. G. G. P. Junior Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Bristol County S.S. On this thirteenth day of April Eighteen hundred and fifty three person- ally appeared before Oliver Prescott of New Bedford in said County Judge of the Court of Probate in and for said County. Elinor Pease , a resident of Westport in said County aged sixty four years who being duly sworn accord- ing to law doth on her oath make the follow- -ing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed February 3. 1853. That she is the widow of Benjamin Pease late of Dartmouth in said County deceased, who she believes was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. She further says that the said Benjamin Pease was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress of June seventh eighteen hundred and thirty two at Eighty dollars a year. That he re- -sided in Dartmouth at the time he applied for said pension - and that his pension was paid at Boston or Providence, she cannot say at which place. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Pease on the thirty first day of August Eighteen hundred and twenty eight. That her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Pease died on the

Sixteenth day of March Eighteen hundred and thirty Six. That she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a Widow at the passage of the Act and is still a Widow and that she has never before made application for a pension. That her name previous to said Marriage was Cynthia Harts.
Cynthia her X Negus mark
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year first before written. Before me Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate.
And I further Certify that the above applicant cannot by reason of age and bodily infirmity attend the Court Oliver Prescott Judge of Probate
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Franklin County ss I hereby certify that Oliver Prescott Esq before whom the foregoing declaration was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing Judge of the Court of Probate in and for the County aforesaid, duly Commissioned and sworn — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this fifteenth day of April 1853 —
John Daggett Register of said Court

Married, August the thirty first Eighteen hundred and twenty eight, Benjamin Vigue and Cynthia Hart both residents of Dartmouth. By Joseph Gifford Justice of the Peace
Recorded by Joseph Gifford Town Clerk. I certify that the above is a true copy of the record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in full legible figures as follows: "August 31 st 1828." I William Parker Jr. Wm Barker Town Clerk above named depose and say that I hold the office of Clerk of the Town of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named, as certified by me Wm Barker Jr
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol County ss. April Eighth 1853.
William Parker Jr. a credible witness. made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed.
Before me Benjamin P. Sisson Just of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Bristol ss.
3
I James Sprout, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Bristol, do hereby certify that Benjamin D. Ferriss Esq., whose signature is affixed to the foregoing and annexed certificates, is and was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Bristol, and duly qualified to administer oaths.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Taunton, the fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
J. Sprout

Taunton Mass. April 16. 1853
Sir,
Any communication you may be pleased to make in relation to the foregoing application of Cynthia Neagus for a pension may be made to me—
Yours Respectfully A. Bassett
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

I, Elihu Gidley of Portsmouth in the County of Bristol and state of Massachusetts aged fifty years, depose and say that was well acquainted with Benjamin Noyes late of Portsmouth deceased and his wife Cynthia Noyes who is still living. That said Benjamin Noyes died on the sixteenth day of March Eighteen hundred & thirty six. That said Benjamin Noyes was a pensioner of the United States. That his widow Cynthia Noyes has not been married since the decease of her said husband the said Benjamin Noyes . That the name of his widow before her marriage to him, was Cynthia Hart .
Elihu Gidley
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bristol County ss. March 26 th 1853.
Elihu Gidley a credible witness made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed
Before me Benjamin P. Dillson Just of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. April 28 th 1856.
I Hereby Certify , That from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Benjamin Argus is borne on pay roll of Capt. Seth Saltonstall (Comp. Col. John Hathaway's Regt) service at Tarr- Kiver and Little (Comp. H. Island) from March 15. to April 15. 1777, 30 days, as private.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
F. D. Mitchell Secretary of the Commonwealth.

That I am now drawing a pension from the United States for the revolutionary services of my husband deceased but cannot state from memory the particulars of such service, and my certificate does not contain the same.
I am now sixty four years old, and my memory does not enable me to state the services more fully than above stated.
WITNESS my hand, this twenty first day of April A. D. 18 56
Signed by said Cynthia X. Negus in my presence.
Cynthia  her  X Negus mark
O. O. Sisson
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF REVOLUTIONARY SERVICES, made by the widow — of the party who rendered the service.
State of Massachusetts County of Bristol — Town of Westport
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is hereby requested to furnish evidence from the Rolls in his office, of the service of Benjamin Nigus deceased in the war of the Revolution.
He was a native of the Town of Tiverton R.I. , in the County of Bristol — and State of Massachusetts
He enlisted from the Town of Dartmouth in the County of Bristol — and State of Massachusetts in the year 1775 or 76 as a private I think — in the Company commanded by Captain Talbot — in Regiment unknown — and he served as follows,* viz:— at Fall River in this State.
* Here describe as fully as may be, the length of service, the rank, &c., of the claimant, or the capacity in which he served, and all other particulars known.
Please address Mackie Buchanan 88 Union St. New Bedford

5
Application for Bounty Land Act Mar. 3. 1855 by the widow of a deceased person who has never applied for a Land Warrant.
State of Massachusetts } On this 10th day of May A.D. one thousand eight hun- County of Bristol } dred fifty-six personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within the County of Bristol aforesaid Cynthia A. Vegus aged 56 years, a resident of Westport in the state of Massachusetts who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Benjamin Vegus deceased who was a private in Capt. Nath. Subbets Company in the Regiment of Massachusetts Troops commanded by Col. John Hathaway in the Revolutionary War that her husband aforesaid enlisted or was drafted, but which she cannot state with certainty on or about the fifteenth day of March 1777 and continued in actual service in said war at Bill River in said State & at Little Compton in the state of Rhode Island for the term of fourteen days at least and was honorably discharged on or about the fifteenth day of April then next follow- ing. She further states that she was married to the said Benjamin Vegus in in Dartmouth in said state of Massachusetts on the thirty first day of August A.D. 1828 by one Joseph Gifford a justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Cynthia Hart; that her said husband died at Westport aforesaid on the sixteenth day of March A.D. 1836 and that she is now a widow.
She further declares that she has not heretofore made any application for bounty land under any Act of Congress. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3 rd 1855. I further declare that I am a Revolutionary Pensioner & that my certificate is dated on the 13th day of June A.D. 1853 & recorded vol A page 43.
Cynthia A. Vegus mark
State of Massachusetts } County of Bristol }
We John L. Anthony and John C. Macomber residents of Westport in said County & State upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Cynthia A. Vegus applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, & we further declare that we have no interest in her claim. We further declare that the said Cynthia still remains a widow.
John L. Anthony
John C. Macomber
The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on this day & year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
Benjamin B. Sisson
Justice of the Peace

248,164,
Application for Bounty Land Act. March. 3, 1855
Cynthia Negro
160 acres
Please address Mackie & Cushman 88 Union St. New Bedford Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston. June 6 th 1856.
I Hereby Certify , That at the date of the attestation hereunto annexed.
Benjamin B. Sisson was a Justice of the Peace for the County of
Bristol
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony of Which, I have hereunto affixed the SEAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH, the date above written.
W. D. Slee Secretary of the Commonwealth.

16/7 89 2a
Benjamin Neagus Bristol
Alma 2 Yrs Spnte 80$
Cook Church
J. L. Hodges H R

16,789 2 d  BRIEF in the case of  Benjamin Neagus  of Bristol  in the State of Mass  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 75  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a Gen.     75 - think 1/2 ap l - to Jan'y 76 8 Private Capt. Cook Col. Church   76 ap l . 3 " Capt. Gifford   immediately after 3 " Capt. Pitman - don't recollect Regt.   77 - think, ap l . 6 " Capt. Devol - (think) Col. Cook   77 winter 1 "   78 - ap l or May 1 "   78 summer & fall 5 " Guarding the shore  
5. In what battles was he engaged?
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Liverton
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
one living Witness
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Right
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
H. C. Easton
Examining Clerk.
11 Feb 1833
* thinks he served in 78 - six months

698 Massachusetts. Cynthia Negus widow of Benjamin who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
3 February 1853 Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of June 1853 and sent to
J. H. [unclear] Esq. Treasurer Mass.
J. H.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848 , Page 43, Vol. e
3 February 1853
248164

n 40.702
3
Nov Aug

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8413
Copelin's Signal Book.
Brady's Signal Post Rec. War
Act: July 28th 1862; July 28th 1862
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 79
[Arrangement of 1870.]

April 20: 1853
App l of Cynthia Vegus widow of Benjamin
M rs :
600
Act 3 d Feby 1853
Rev y :
A. D. Basset Launton M rs :
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

Official Business
F.D.U.
Hon. J. Minot, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Mar. 1841

Fall River Mass. Nov 3, 1866 Hon. Chas. C. Cox. Comr of Pensions, Washington D.C.
Sir,
I hand you herewith the application of Cynthia Negus of Westport Mass. the widow of Benjamin Negus who was a Private in the revolution war, for increase of her pension under act of July 27, 1862.
Also I enclose her original pension Certificate, dated 13 th June 1853, for Eighty Dollars per annum.
Should not this pension have been eight dollars per month from its commencement? Please look at the law, and if right to do so, allow the claimant all the arrears as well as the increase. Reply Your Obedt. Servant
B. F. Winslow, Attorney,

Increase Brief in the Case of Cynthia 695 Negus. Widow Benjamin Negus Pii Rev. War. Westport Bristol County and State of Massachusetts Act 2 nd Sec. 3. 1853
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE.
PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pensioner at $80. pr Annm. Cat returned. Claim increased, as provided by act July 27. 1868.
Personal identity & widowhood. Shown
Admitted Nov. 10. 1868, to a pension at $96. pr ann to commence July 27. 1868 deducting pay & services
Name and residence of Agent.
B. J. Winslow Fall River Mass.
W. E. Trask Examining Clerk.

Brief in the case of Cynthia Vagus widow of Payson , Bristol County and State of Massachusetts act 3 February 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service of husband - He was a Pensioner at 180 - under Act of 7. June 1832
Marriage - Proved by copy from Town record -
Pensioner's death - Proved by the declaration of the widow - the affidavit of a credible witness to her credibility, and the entry on the books of this office all coinciding in the date -
Identity of widow - Proved by affidavit of a credible witness who swears that the widow is living and by the concurrence of all the proofs
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
with the allegations of the declaration
Name and residence of Agent
J. Chapell Taunton Mass
W. C. [unintelligible] Examining Clerk.

Pay it to be made at
Boston Mass, by J. Haven
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of
Boston
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page 115 Vol. 24.
R. M. Rae Clerk.

Cynthia Nages

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the act of Feb- ruary 3, 1853, Cynthia Nequus
widow of Benjamin Nequus who was a Private in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and _____ cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 13 th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty three .
P. W. Callahan
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and Countersigned.
L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions.

Daunton Mass. April 16. 1853
Sir,
Herewith you will receive the applications of Cynthia Negues W o of Benjamin Negues dec d Muth Woodcock W o of Benjamin Woodcock " Meribah Whalen W o of Joseph Whalen " Betsey Robbins W o of Samuel Robbins " Muth Gilmore W o of John Gilmore — " Sally Luther W o of Amos Luther " Sally Cooper W o of John King alias John King Jr. " Phebe Wilde W o of John Wilde " for pensions under the act of Congress of Feb. 3. 1853 —
On the last page but one of each application I have mentioned that any communication you may be pleased to make in relation thereto may be made to me — I have done so at the request of the Applicants —
Very Respectfully Your Obedt Servt J Bassett
To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

16,789 2 d Benjamin Neagus
J. L. Hodge, A. R.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Benjamin Yeaguer which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? _____ IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? Yes No VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes No VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service ?
Y es
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it ?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had ?
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
Y es
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Y es
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
Y es
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service ?
Y es
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ?
Y es
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And, if not, which of them is not so answered ?
Y es
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
† QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

I Gideon Borden of Westport in the County of Bristol and State of Massachusetts aged Eighty two years. Testify and say that I am acquainted with Benjamin Nages of said Westport who I understand has applied for a pension. That he was with me eight months in the service of the united States in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy five - at Roxbury, Cambridge, Jamaica Plains, and Prospect Hill, that he enlisted in William Cooks Company at the same time that I did - and marched with me to the above places named, was discharged and returned home with me at the same time. -
That afterwards in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven the said Benjamin was in the service of the united States with me in Rhode Island - in Capt Daniel Devols Company and in the boat Company so called in the time of Spencer expedition, and was with me and helped return the boats to New Bedford. That to my knowledge he served six months in the year 1777 - as aforesaid - Gideon Borden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Bristol S. S. -
on this eleventh day of September in the year Eighteen hundred thirty two. personally appeared the above named Gideon Borden and made solemn oath that the above Deposition by him subscribed is true in all its part, and I further certify that in my opinion the said Gideon Borden is a Credible witness, and that his declaration is entitled to full credit
Almon B. Gifford Just. Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bristol ss.
I, Anselm Bassett, Register of the court of Probate in and for said county, do hereby certify that Abner B. Gifford is a Justice of the Peace for said county of Bristol and that the signature to the within Affidavit purporting to be his, is his genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court, this thirty first day of October eighteen hundred & thirty two - Anselm Bassett.

No.
Declaration for Increase of Pension,
Under Sec. 13, Act of July 27, 1868.
Cynthia Vagus, Residence & P.O. Address Westport Mass.
W. F. Winslow, Attorney. Fall River, Mass.

Declaration for Increase of Pension,
UNDER SECTION 13, ACT OF JULY 27, 1868.
State of Massachusetts County of Bristol
{ ss.
On this fourth day of November A. D. 1868 personally appeared before me, a clerk of a Court of Record within and for the State and County aforesaid, Cynthia Negus , aged 90 years, a resident of Westport, County of Bristol in the State of Massachusetts who being duly sworn, according to law, declares that she is the identical Cynthia Negus to whom was granted pension certificate, (No) dated June 13 th 1853 , payable at Boston Mass. at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum  month , issued under the act of February 3 rd , 1853; that x: she has not remarried since the death of her husband Benjamin Negus , and that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her pension to which she is entitled under the 13th section of the act of July 27, 1868.
Witness { Albert F. King Post-office address, Westport Mass. Gideon B. Sabens Signature of Applicant, Cynthia her mark Negus
Applicant hereby appoints B. F. Winslow of Fall River, Mass. her attorney to prosecute this claim, and to receive the certificate which may be issued therefor.
Also personally appeared Albert F. King a resident of Westport Mass. and Gideon B. Sabens a resident of said Westport , persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Cynthia Negus make her mark to the foregoing declaration; and they further swear, that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of the applicant, and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents her self to be, and they further state that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim, and that said Cynthia Negus has never been remarried since the death of her husband Benjamin Negus . Witness, Albert F. King Witness, Gideon B. Sabens
Subscribed and sworn to before me this fourth day of November A. D. 1868; and I do hereby certify that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim, and that the alterations and additions marked thus x: were made before signing and execution hereof. W. D. Sleeper Clerk of Police Court City of Fall River Mass. (Signature of Judge or other officer.)