Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9481, for Edward Sears Shepard, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
Shepard, Edward Sears
R. 9481.
CONTENTS

up 9 o'clock.
July 26/1849
Edward S. Harkness.
Mr. Com: of Publics Washington City
S.C.
X

Ogdensburg July 18 th 1849. To the Comt. of Pensions, Dear Sir,
I have examined the records of Conn. Vermont and New York, and have not been able to find the Name of Edward Sears Shepard on any Roll in the service of those States. From what I have elsewhere learned, and from what the Secretary of War in particular informed me, many of those Rolls are lost, and I have reason to believe that on which Mr. Shepard's name was placed is among the number, as I have the fullest conviction of his having performed Revolutionary Service.
I was in that Service and know that he must have been there at the retreat of the British after the death of Gen. Moore as he describes the circumstances so minutely and correctly. My object is not selfish in pressing this case, but I feel deeply for a fellow Soldier and patriot who has suffered much in his Country's cause, and who is now, at nearly 90 years of age, without means of support and is I believe in the County Poor House. I have been always careful to interest myself in no case where

the Applicant was underserving, and would on no account be a party to a fraud upon my Country. If you should see fit to allow Mr. Shepard a small pension, you can send the Certificate to me with the fullest confidence that the business will be faithfully attended to. I refer you to the Hon. Mr. Gilliss for proof of my integrity and disinterestedness. Mr. Shepard was himself dreadfully injured in the Service so as to be much affected by it through life, and also had a son killed during the last war with England, at the taking of Oquawburgh, and who was his principal support. This fact I am myself knowing to as I was present.
Confiding this case to your own sense of justice and philanthropy. I remain, Dear Sir,
Your humble Servt. Isaac Plumb.
Hon. Mr. Edwards.
P.S. I am obliged to get others to write what I tell them I am so old. I am 89 years old. My health and memory are excellent. I can remember events

just as well as when I was in the war.

• In the matter of Edward Shepard Pension application
21345
Major Mabel Fisher 21345

State of New-York St Lawrence County ss. I Alvin C. Law Clerk of said County. do certify that Israel Read. who authenticated the following papers. is a Justice of the Peace. duly authorized to administer oaths and that his name there affixed is his signature. I also certify that the papers following. & in the hand writing of John L. Ruppel Esq. and authen- ticated by me are the original proceed- ings in the matter of Edward Shepard as executed in Open Court.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this Fourteenth day of September 1836.
A C Law Clerk

State of New York. - St Lawrence County p.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace of the Town of Canton. Edward S. Shepard, who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he was twenty five years old last February, and by reason age, and bodily infirmities the faculties of his mind have become impaired, and his memory in a measure lost, that he cannot positively swear as to the precise length of time he served in the revolutionary war, but he does recollect the time of his enlistment, and the time of his discharge. That he enlisted in March 1777, and according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period, mentioned below. For two months from the time of his enlistment as a soldier on drill for three years and a half as a soldier, detached to take charge of teams as a waggoner, when he was wounded by the fall of a bridge & was discharged as a disabled soldier. That he again entered the service as a waggoner, and served 2 years and a half, until the army was disbanded, and for which services he claims a pension. That by reason of bodily infirmities, and sickness, he been prevented from looking for testimony to establish his claim, since he made his former declaration. But one friend from Connecticut David Clark Esq. has given him an affidavit which he has annexed to this declaration, and also the affidavit of John H. Spring a nephew of the applicant, to establish his claim, which is all the testimony the applicant is

is able to procure. That his health is at this time so poor as to render it improper, if not im- possible to appear in the court house to make this declaration in open court.
Subscribed and sworn to before me This 5 th day of September 1836
Isaac Dean Justice of the peace
Edward S Shepard
Also Personally appeared John H Spring, and made solemn oath, that he has for many years past been acquainted with Edward S Shepard who subscribed the foregoing declaration in his presence and that he well knows him to be the identical person he therein represents himself to be. That said Shepard has always been reputed to be a soldier of the revolution, which fact I never had doubted. And further that I have no doubt but all the facts stated in his declaration, are true. That he had seen and conversed with old Mr Bariah Grandy an old soldier, who died about five years since, and said Grandy told him that he was well acquainted with said Shepard in the revolutionary Army, and also told him many facts as stated by said Shepard in his declaration. That the present health of the said Shepard is poor and his mind much broken. Also that the age of this deponent is fifty seven years.
Subscribed and sworn to before me. This 5 th day of September A.D. 1836.
John H Spring
Isaac Dean Justice of the peace

I Elijah Baker a physician and surgeon residing in Canton. do hereby say that I am fifty two years of age: That I am well acquainted with Edward S. Shepard who hath subscribed the foregoing declaration. That I have known him for the last 28 - years: That it has always been reputed, and believed by his neighbours that he was a soldier of the Revolution, and that he had received extensive injuries, and disabilities in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war: That the said Shepard, has formerly been in easy circumstances, but is now poor, and broken down, both in mind, and body, and his health is now failing, in consequence of his age and the hardships he has undergone: That said Shepard has always, sustained a character of honesty and veracity, and in the opinion of this deponent, his statements are entitled to full credit.
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 10 th day of September A D 1836 -
Isaac Dood Justice of the Peace
Elijah Baker

I David Clark of Chatham Middlesex County State of Connecticut. Depose and say, I was well acquainted with Edward Shepard who was born and brought up in the neighborhood where I now live; who I conclude from my recollection must be now rising of Seventy years old; I was sometimes from home, and not personally knowing of his Enlisting into the United States Army, but understood he was Enlisted into the Army; And therefore he was not in the neighborhood for several years. — I was well acquainted with Daniel Judd who was a Recruiting Officer in the United States Army, Enlisting Soldiers for three years or during the war, And it was with the said, Edward Shepard was Enlisted by S. Judd. At any rate he was not in the neighborhood from about the age of fifteen until the close of the war. — I have no doubt but he served from his enlistment during the War. — The Deponent is now in the Seventy sixth year of his age. — Further the Deponent saith not. — David Clark
State of Connecticut ss Chatham July 11 th A D 1835 Personally appeared David Clark Esqr and made oath to the truth of the above statement before me
Elijah Clark Justice Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with David Clark Esqr the signer of the above statement and that he is a man of truth and veracity
Elijah Clark Justice Peace

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832
State of New York County of St Lawrence } ss: On this eighteenth day of December A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Com- mon Pleas in and for the County of St Lawrence in the State of New York now sitting Edward S. Shepard a resident of the Town of Canton in the County of St Lawrence and State of New York aged seventy one 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 act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
He was born in the Town of Middletown in the County of Hartford (now Middlesex) in the State of Connecticut on the 7 th day of February 1761 There is a record of his birth in the Town Records of the said Town of Middletown. He was christened by the name of Edward Sears Shepard, which is the name on the town books. His mother's name was Sears - but he has always for many years written his name "Edward Shepard".
On the 28 th day of March 1777 at the Town of Hebron in the State of Connecticut the applicant with eight others, his neighbors, enlisted to serve as privates in the Continental service for "during the war" under a recruiting sergeant by the name of Daniel Fadd, who resided in Hebron. The names of four who enlisted with him are Joel Green, Comfort Becker, Martin Stills and Joel Doolittle. They were all ordered to go to White Plains, to be mustered

and to join Col. Shepard's Regiment of nine months men until further orders. The applicant went immediately to White Plains and was there mustered under Capt. Worcester, and was put on drill for about two weeks, when his officers told the applicant, that on account of an impediment in his speech (stuttering), he would not answer for camp duty, and ordered the applicant to serve as a waggoner for the army. Capt. Worcester was killed in Connecticut about two or three weeks after the applicant joined the army, in an engagement with the enemy. The applicant served as waggoner for Col. Shepard's Regiment until sometime in August 1777, when the applicant was ordered to go with the team he drove, and join Gen. Knox's corps of Artillery at Peekskill, which he did and was attached as he thinks to the New York Regiment of Artillery under the command of Col. Van Cortlandt (he believes to be the name). The other privates who enlisted with him were attached to one of the Connecticut Regiments of the Continental Army, he thinks, Col. Wylly's Regiment. When he joined the Artillery at Peekskill, his Commissary name was — Skahan — Waggon master's name was Fisher — and Quartermaster's name was Doygater. From this time he served continually with Knox's Artillery as waggoner, and always had charge of an Army team of four and sometimes six horses. From Peekskill he went with the army to Kings Ferry. In the winter of 1777 & 1778, he wintered with the Army at Peekskill. The next spring he marched with the army to New Jersey and was stationed at many different places in that State, and he thinks was a part of the time in Pennsylvania, in the next winter the teams were obliged to go to different places.
x his name the applicant called Wentworth as they call

on account of scarcity of forage. The 2 nd Regiment of Artillery (the New York regiment) lay this winter about sixteen miles below West Point. In the summer of 1779 he was employed as the Army moved from one place to another on both sides of North River, crossing it several times during the season, but most of the time on the Jersey side. His memory is poor and cannot remember the particulars of the service - but he was constantly with the Artillery and all the time on duty as may appear in the said officers. In the summer of 1780 he was detached with a number of teams from the Artillery to West Point, where he served two or three months. Gen. Arnold came man'd. He was at Fishkill at the time Major Andre was taken and Arnold joined the enemy. About this time he was ordered to join his regiment of Artillery again and did so. Sometime in the last of September or first of October 1780, the artillery marched to Totonay Falls in New Jersey, on which march the applicant was very severely wounded by the fall of a bridge. At a place about one day's march from Totonay falls (he cannot remember the name of the stream) there was a high bridge of wood. The heavy Artillery (4 long 18 pounders and an 18 inch mortar) crossed the bridge and caused it to fall whilst the applicant was on it. He was nearly killed by the fall & bruises from the timber - his skull was fractured - two of his ribs broken, and his left arm dislocated at the wrist and elbow. The bones of the arm so broken that it is still two or three inches shorter than the other and stiff at the elbow joint. He was carried to Totonay Falls where he lay sick of his wounds & bruises, until sometime in December 1780, when he was conveyed to Trinity Quarters at New Windsor.

when he lay disabled all winter, and early in the Spring of 1781. when the army was about to move from winter quarters, Gen. Knox personally examined the arm of the applicant, which was not yet cured, and told him that he was unfit for duty, and that it would be best for him to take a discharge and go home, which the applicant consented to do. He was there sometime about the 1 st of April 1781, discharged by a written discharge signed by General Washington and also by Gen. Knox, which discharge certifies that he was entitled to receive half pay for life on account of his wounds and disabilities. He went home to his father's house, and his father's family who were Quakers treated him very unkindly on the ground as they said that he insisted without their approbation, and refused to assist him to obtain a livelihood. Some of his connexions took care of him until about the 1 st of June when he so far recovered from his wounds as to be able to drive a team again, with some assistance in harnessing. He heard that the Army lay at White Plains and went there and found a body of French Troops about marching for the South and offered himself as a volunteer. He was accepted upon private's full pay and was placed in charge of a Team, which he drove with the baggage of the army, crossing the Hudson River at Kings Ferry, and the Delaware a short distance above Philadelphia, to York Town in Virginia. He passed through Philadelphia, Baltimore Annapolis, and stopped a few days at the Head of Elk, a small village. At the time the French Line was engaged before York Town in the battle with the enemy the applicant had charge of an ammunition waggons, which supplied light pieces of Artillery and was constantly in the

fight. One wheel of his waggon was carried away by a cannon shot from the enemy. He served as waggoner for the French Army until after Corn- Wallis surrendered and the French Army took ship. When he was ordered back to West Point and marched on foot with about 800 others to West Point where he entered with the Troops, and was in the next Spring discharged at West Point by a written discharge, by which it was signed he cannot collect. He received private pay all the time until he was discharged and was then told by his officer that his former discharge would inter- the time to half pay to be received at Albany. He served regularly under his first enlistment from April 1777 until he was discharged in April 1781. He never made any other contract for this five years service than his enlistment - and never was absent from the service a single day except when he was confined from his wounds as aforesaid. He never went home, because his parents were often with him and would not even answer his letters. After the close of the war he drew nine years half pay at Albany by virtue of his original discharge signed by Gen. Washington and General Knox. He used to go to Albany once a year for his half pay. In the year 1793 when the Applicant was living at Springfield in Massa- Chusetts, the house where he boarded was burned and his chest containing his clothes and papers and his two discharges, was consumed in the fire and his discharges destroyed. He went to Albany shortly after this time to receive his half pay and was unable to draw the same, by reason of the loss of his discharge. He has never received

a cent of his pay since that time. He was informed that by going to the War office he might get a certificate for his pension. But he never applied for it, because he was then and for many years afterwards possessed of property sufficient for his support and did not consider it honorable to ask government for pay. By sickness in his family he has now become poor, and needs his pension if he is entitled to one from government. He has no documentary evidence to prove his services and knows of no person living who can testify to his service. He cannot remember the names of any other officers who were with the army when he served. His recollection of names of persons and places is poor, but he will remember his service from the time of his commencement and first discharge, he knows that he enlisted the spring after he was sixteen years old and the spring before Burgoyne was taken and that he was discharged after Arnold turned traitor and the same spring before Cornwallis surrendered, and that he was in the army four years from his enlistment before he was discharged. He thinks his name will be found on the pay rolls of the Artillery, but he was not mustered with the soldiers in the line, after he joined the Artillery in August 1777.
After the close of the revolutionary war he resided in the Town of Chatham in the State of Connecticut until the year 1796 (excepting a few months when he was at work at Springfield in Massachusetts), and then removed to the Town of Sharn in the County of Schoharie and State of New York where he resided about five years when he removed

red to Lowville in Lewis County in the State of New York at which last place he resided four or five years, when he removed to the Town of Canton aforesaid where he has since resided and now resides. There is no clergyman residing now in his immediate vicinity, but he is acquainted with Rev. Constant Southworth and Rev. William S. Johnson two clergymen residing in the said Town of Canton. He has also been acquainted with his neighbors Daniel Waterman, Doct. Elijah Baker, Thomas H. Conkey Esq. and Festus Tracy, all of them, for more than twenty years who will testify to his character for honesty and veracity and also to a belief of his services.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, except as he has before stated in relation to receiving his half pay formerly at Albany. Edward Shepard
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
J. M. Atk.
We William Boyd, Thomas H. Conkey, and Daniel Waterman residing in the aforesaid County of Lewis in the Town of Canton, hereby certify that we are all acquainted with Edward Shepard, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is respected 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.
J. M. Atk.
Daniel Waterman, Thomas H. Conkey Wm Boyd

Elizah Baker a physician and surgeon residing in the aforesaid Town of Canton, being first duly sworn in open court before the aforesaid Judges deposes and says that he is _____ years of age; that he is well acquainted with Edward Shepard who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration that he has known him well for the last years; that it has always been reported and believed by his neighbors that he was a soldier of the revolution and that he had received extensive injuries and disabilities in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war from the falling of a bridge on the march of the Army; that when the deponent first became acquainted with the applicant, it was generally understood and believed among his acquaintances and neighbors, that he had formerly received a pension by virtue of his original discharge; and that the pension had been discontinued on account of the loss of his discharge; that the applicant has formerly been in easy circumstances but is now poor. That the said Applicant has always sustained a character of honesty and veracity and in the opinion of the deponent his statement is entitled to full credit.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter since after hearing the interrogatories presented by the War Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as his States. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that William S. Boyden Thomas H. Cushing and David Waterman who have sworn to and subscribed to the preceding Certificate are residents of the aforesaid County of St. Lawrence and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to full credit. Furthermore that it appears to the said Court that the testimony of the said Elizah Baker above mentioned a witness for the applicant is not material after the examination of the above named persons and that his attendance could not conciently be procured before the sitting of the said Court.

I the undersigned Clerk of the aforesaid Court of Common Pleas of the said County of St Lawrence do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Edward Shepard for a Pardon
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Canton the 18 th day of December 1832 A. S. Root

Ms. A. 1. 6 v. 10 Edward Shepard St Lawrence County New York
e. i.
John Leslie Russell agt. Canton P. O. St Lawrence Co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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, showing the Service of Edward Shepard St. Lawrence Co. N.Y.
    Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlis 1777 about Teamster Recruiting by S. Fidel Col. Shepard York Town To White Plains - Peekskill 71 years Tradit   En 1779 1 4 Capt. Morris Genl. Knox Kings Ferry to New Jersey to West Point   1780 2 or 3 Private Genl. Arnold Fishkill to Stony Hill to Monroeville   1780 1 " Genl. Washington Hudson river at Kings Ferry to Delaware river to York Town   in all 1781 4 Plains, Battle of Brandywine to Red Bank   
The applicant states that he served a passage all the time from the year 1777 to the year 1780. when he was wounded & lay sick in the Hospital about 6 months. That he took his train in June 1781 & served to the close of the war.
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 } ss.
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 day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] The declarant must 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 services; 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 six or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. [g] The opinion of the Court is always required. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases. [m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Daniel P. Davidson (am blank)

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
9481
P. O.
Edward Shepard
Service: Edward S. Shepard
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: Adl. Aug. 2, 1906
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
17797
P. O.
Edmund S. Sheppard
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18 . .
Discharged: _____, 18 . .
Application filed: _____, 18 . .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____

New York
Rev. —
Edward T. Stephenson
Suspended
Let to C. L. Rockwood Esq.,
Oct. 1. 1836
" Rev. W. Collins. July 24. 1848.
Let to same August 16. 48
" " John Plumb May 4. 49
Isaac Plumb 4 th Sept 1846 Ebenezer Ray 27 th June 1853.
Act's 7-24-48, 18-48 R.

N o 38.154
Edmund S. Shepherd
Connt
Act of 7 th June 1832
Letter to Edwards & Smith June 3 rd 1857

W. G. ... July 24/41
to Shepard cannot think unless we knew
for what purpose Mr. ... Mr. ... Mr. ... Don W. ... Washington

North Russell St March 17, 1853
Paid 37 1/2
J. L. Edwards Esq Division Agent City of Washington D. C.

March 24, 1853
Rec. to Case of Edward S. Shepard
Elanson Ray North Russell St Lawrence Co N.Y.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Pension Office, Official Business

Washington July 22 nd 1841
Col Edmonds
Dear Sir
About the year of Ogdenhurst, N.Y. 1832 Mr Edward Shephard filed an application for a Ar- pension. Will you please send me copies of his papers, & also of your report in the case
Very respectfully yours
W. Collins

Sept 13, 1881
E. Shepard
J. Shunk
Mr. - Edw. Smith Connerstown Washington City D.C.
Miss Anne VIRGINIA
Lo val

Ogdenburgh Sept. 11 th 1848.
Dear Sir,
I would inform you that I have applied to both the Sec y of State & Comptroller's Office at Albany for records of Mr. Edward Shepard receiving his half pay between the years 1783 & 1800, at that place, sending money for pay for search - The search was made & money returned, but no record was found. It appears that no regular office was kept at the time at Albany, but Mr. Shepard received his at what was called the "Pay Table" - My impression is that the record was burnt at Washington - The case of Mr. Shepard has been under consideration by the Com. of Pensions of the House of Rep. of which you I presume are aware, & papers have been sent & referred by Mr. Collins to that Com. I know not the result, & as he is aged & poor I desire to do all for him that I can do, I wish to know of you what more proof will be required in order to his getting his pension - With the facts of his case you are most probably acquainted. I wish you to bear in mind that he enlisted into the Connecticut Reg't, but was afterwards transferred to Gen. Pogue 2 d Reg't of Artillery, where he was employed

as Pease, in consequence of an insufficiency of Speech. That he was discharged by Washington & Morris at New Windsor, after having served in the war about 7 years.
From Mr. Shepard's general account, & from his being at at an action in which I was engaged, I have no doubt of his being a Revolutionary Soldier. Indeed he bears the marks & scars of wounds received, & has evidently suffered for more than 60 years, much debilitated for labour, & much pained, because of what he suffered in the cause of his Country's freedom - Can you not inform me where the pay rolls are to be found? I was myself paid off every 6 months, & he informed me that he was also - I want an answer to this immediately so that I may know how to proceed -
Very Respectfully,
Yours Sincerely
Wm. Edwards Com. of Pensions -

May 21/49 Capt. Gen Edward S. Shepard.
J. A. Church City Commissary of Subsistence Pension Office Washington City D.C.

Ogdenburg N.Y. May 14 th 1869. To Mr. Edwards Com. of Pensions!
Dr. Sir,
In reply to yours I beg leave to say that I have applied to the Office of State and Controller at Albany New Haven and Mount Police but without success. I am informed however that many of the rolls are lost. My conclusion therefore is that the record of Mr. Shepard's enlistment is lost unless it may be somewhere in Washington.
I am satisfied from the papers already sent to your Office, and the statement of facts to which I was knowing concerning the battle of Camps and Sontag. He must have been there or he could not have given particulars so correctly. I was there myself and know what he says to be true. The papers sent in 1832 or 33 are doubtless in your hands which I understand would have been sufficient to have procured a pension for Mr. Shepard only that suspicion was awakened at the time by the many impositions that were then practised upon the department. Some of those persons are now dead, and the same papers could not be made out. He has been assisted hitherto in the hope that he would get a pension, as is by this means in debt. But the delay in his case has I am informed induced his being sent to the Poor House.

He is a man of good Church and habits, and at this advanced age of 88 years. It is painful that one who served his country during a great part of the Revolutionary War should be reduced to such an altitude. A small pension would especially relieve one who can require it but a short time. I am about the same age and know how to feel for him. He lost his son at the taking of Ogdensburg in the late War, with England who was the dependance of his old age. I have been applied to by a great many to assist them in procuring pensions, but have never presented any to you which were not true ones. I have been actuated by sympathy for my fellow Soldiers, as you can satisfy yourself by inquiring of the Hon. N. H. Elliott.
I wish you to answer this immediately and let me know whether anything can be done for Mr. Edward Sears Shepard. Without fail. I hope your honor will take pity and do all you can in the case. With Great Respect
Yours &c.
Isaac Plumb

Washington 28 Feb. 1851
Sir
Enclosed we send the affidavit of Edward S. Sheppard, who served in the revolution, together with a petition which was at first intended to be presented to Congress, but upon examination of the facts in the case it is thought best to make application directly to the Pension Office,
It appears by the affidavit of Mr. Sheppard that he recd. half pay or a pension for nine years & was then suspended,
What he asks is to be restored to the pension list, & allowed the amount of the arrears of pension, which has accrued since the date of such suspension,
We suppose the evidence of service on which the half pay or pension was allowed him is on file or of record in the Pension Office
We would respectfully ask an examination & report in case,
We are very Respectfully Edwards & Smith
J. E. Heath Esq Com. Pens.

Aug 10/88
Miss E. J. Chapman
W. Collins N. S.
Col. J. C. Edwards Cannon Pension Washington
Aug 10/88

Washington May 5 th 1845 Col Edwards Dear Sir
I invite you the 22 nd July for a copy of the papers on file in your office in the case of Edward S. Shepard, of Applingworth N.Y. & show yours of the 24 th dis- covering the discovery of obtaining such copy. It is in order to enable Mr Shepard to make out his papers averred, & to prevent his application, he having obtained additional evi- dence.
Very very yours W. Collins.

Petition and declaration of Edward Shepard and petition of citizens of Sar- atoga County NY. asking that a pension may be granted to said Edward S. Shepard
N o 38.154.
Edward S. Shepard let
See 7 June 1832

To the Hon. Members of the Senate & House of Representatives in Congress assembled —
The undersigned inhabitants of the County of St Lawrence State of New York, Most respectfully Call your attention to the Claim of Edward S. Shepherd , as set forth in the within affidavit. We have been acquainted with him for many years, and know him to be a man of integrity and veracity; being now advanced to an extreme old age, and in a destitute condition — therefore your petitioners pray, that the absence of proof of his Claim for a pension may not be viewed as a bar thereto, especially as want of evidence is altogether owing to the accidental destruction of his papers by fire some years ago, as will more fully appear by reference to the annexed documents —
Lt. Edgerton J. B. Faxon St. Lawrence Co. N.Y.
Hon. S. Butler
William Sween
Isaac Glazier
Charles H. Morgan
Benson Brown
D. Clark
Wm. Terry
L. C. Jones
Charles Harris
Joseph Gense
Smith Clark
Joseph Siven
James Riney
William Snider
H. O. Sooker
Phineas Vodaskov
Herman Fuller
Rev M. R. Pierce acquainted one year
Sheldon Fuller

Edward S. P. Shepherd - being duly sworn saith that he was born in the town of Wethersfield in the State of Connecticut in the month of February 1861 - That he enlisted into the war of the Revolution in the month February 1876 under Daniel Vadol, recruiting officer for the term of three years - enlisted in the town of Wethersfield Col. Shepherd commanded the Regiment
Being but fifteen years of age at the time of entering the service, and having an im- -pediment in my speech, the commanding officer thought it best to let me go through with the various duties, and exercises of the army, before mustering me into the service as a soldier in the ranks - Consequently I entered into the various duties of army discipline, and soon after, while standing on guard one night a Major (his name I do not recollect) while riding the rounds to see, and ascertain the soldier-like qualities of the new recruits on guard duty, approach- -ed me on his horse at good speed, and commenced blasting up to me with his sword drawn &c - In consequence of the natural impediment, and stammering that affected me, I was unable to hail him, or say anything to him for sometime, but kept him off with my musket and bayonet until I could speak to him, which I did after a while, and demanded of the counterguard &c. which he gave me - Then he rode away and reported me next day as being a very brave courageous boy, but thought, in con- -sequence of the difficulty of my speech, I had

drive, team or perform such service
I then went with the army as teamster, to Colchester (Conn) drove the team that drew two Brap field pieces to Danbury, was at, and in the battle at that place. Went from Colchester to the White Plains, joined Col. Shepherd's Regiment, and remained there till the towards the last of August (1777). Then went into Gen. Howe's Artillery, continued to drive team for the company - any of the 2 d Regiment of Gen. Howe's Artillery till September 1779 or 80, about that time, and while the army was on its way to New Jersey, when crossing a bridge with the team of four horses loaded with warlike stores the bridge gave way, and the team, myself, waggon, and loading was precipitated down to the bottom, injuring me in such a manner in the fall, that I remained in the Hospital pretty much all the time until I was discharged, which was in 1783.
I was then discharged on half-pay during life. Gen. Washington & Gen. Knox signed my discharge dated the 11 th day of March 1783 at New Windsor N.Y.
I drew half pay for nine years after my discharge, living in Chatham, Conn. and drew my pension in Albany, N.Y. when my pension was stopped, from causes I never have been able to ascertain. My discharge, and and all my papers, relating to it, were destroyed by a fire that burned my house, and all that it contained, sometime in July 1885.
I would further state that I know of no individual now living, that I can prove by any other means than my own knowledge that I can prove

any of the foregoing facts or circumstances, by.
And further, that I was never admitted
into the service, by having any warm carollee, to my knowledge, and do not know that any of the trainees ever was
I would further state that I am about ninety one years of age, at this time, entirely, and absolutely dependent upon charity for my subsistence, in consequence of being crippled for life in the fall of the Bridge aforesaid - that the United States, may not be ungrateful to one, now of the Confines of the grave, and who devoted the service of his best days, towards establishing her Independence, and prosperity is the prayer of
Your aged and infirm At servant
Edward S. Shepard
Atkins 60 p {
Edward S. Shepard being duly sworn, saith that the foregoing statement is true in all its particulars
Edward S. Shepard
Sworn and subscribed before me this 14 th day of February 1857
Lorenzo D. Green J. P.

North Russell March 18 th 1853 J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Agent
My respected and Dear Sir you may think it strange to receive a letter from a stranger and upon the subject It is the case of Edward S. Shepard an old revolutionary soldier who is said to be entitled to a Pension it is said here that his name is upon the Pension list at your Office and much has been said about it here and some Agents have appointed here by him to obtain it but lest no thing having been heard from them the old Gentleman is feeling very con- -cerned about it he is now between Ninety four and five years old and quite often superannuated and has been in the Poor House in St. Lawrence this some time his Children are all Dead I expect but one an old Lady who lives here and is very Poor they both feel very anxious about his Pension about one year ago one John- H. Ward came to him at the Poor House told him his name was upon the Pension list the old Gentleman gave him a Power of Attorney to claim it but nothing has been heard from him since; this winter there has been two letter directed to Edward S. Shepard from Washington the Ruler of the Poor House has got them and I understand that the old man has not seen them and if he has he knows no thing about

them for he is incapable of doing any business and now Sir if your Hon. will condescend to let me hear from you whether the old Gentlemans Name is there or that there is any chance for him to obtain any assistance you will confer one of the greatest of favours upon an old soldier and his Heirs He has lived in the County of St Lawrence N.Y. from 40 to 50 Years and is considered to be a very worthy Man but unable to support himself Neither is his Daughter able to support him Therefore the Dublin must
The Respe of the Door House's Name is Murphy He tells me he has a Power of Attorney from the old man to draw his Pension but if so I think the old man is not now capable of doing any business if so they are doing nothing and if he ever needs it it is now for he must soon go to the land of his Fathers if your Hon. please to answer me direct to North Rupert St Lawrence Co. N.Y. or direct to Silas Baldwin Esq Canton same Co. and state
Your most obed. and humble Servt. Glason Ray
J. L. Edwards Esq

Canton St Lawrence County N. York September 13 th 1836.
Hon ble L. C. Sep y Secretary of the War. Dept. The enclosed papers of Edward Shepard. I again return. with some additional evidence. for a reexamination. Mr. Shepard's health has been such that he could not get abroad. to find evidence. and has not been able by writing to obtain such satisfactory proof as he could have wished. But I have advised him. considering the present state of his health and circum- stances to send his papers for a reexamination for after examining them with the printed sheet before me. I do not perceive why his case is not entitled to a favourable decision according to my understanding of those rules - At all events. his neighbours universally believe him entitled to a Pension. and their belief is founded on what people that formerly knew Shepard in the Revolutionary Army have said concerning him. Those people who knew Shepard in the Army. (in this neighbourhood) have been dead some years. As Shepard was attached to the Commissary department. he did not form so many acquaintances among the soldiers in the ranks as he otherwise would. If the papers of that department could be found I think Shepard's name would be found on that Roll.
Cephas L. Rootwood

21345 Edward S. Shepard in Application for a Pension -
Canton St Lawrence County N. York -
98181