Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 8056, for Levi Peck, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Peck, Levi,
IP 8056
Hannah
CONTENTS

Vermont 18.633
Sec. A.9 Camp Hill, June 30 39
Levi Peck
Widow in the State of Vermont, was a Priv. & Corp. in the Comp y commanded by Captain Clapp of the Reg t commanded by Col. Daggett in the Mass. line, for 4 1/2 mo. Private 6 1/2 mo. Corp.
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont. at the rate of 38 Dollars 83 Cents per m th to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sept r 1833. and sent to H. Hubbard Charlestown. M t .
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 33 — $97.07 1/2 Semi-ann. allowances ending 4 Mar. 34 19.41 1/2
$116.49
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by E. Brown. Clerk, Book E. Vol. 3. Page 84

N o 1812.

State of Vermont
Cornish County
District of Westminster
On this 9 th day of August Anno Domini Eighteen hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before the Probate Court in and for the District of Westminster and State of Vermont now sitting Silas Peck a resident of the town of Westminster in the District County of State of said and seventy five 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 7. June 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that is to say. that he was born at Cumberland. R.I. (Providence Plantation) on the fourteenth day of April A.D. 1757 as he was informed by his parents and verily believes but does not know of any record thereof in existence. That he remained at Cumberland until he was about twelve years of age when he removed with his parents to the town of Wrentham Mass. and lived there until the month of April 1775 at which time (being eighteen years old) he belonged to a large militia company in said town of which one — Cowles was Captain, Silas Whiting Lieutenant and one — Hall Ensign. On the 20 th or 21 st of that month an alarm was given and this declarant was marched with the rest of the company from Lexington in the same State but was halted by the officers at Roxbury and remained there until the town had been so full of armed men from New Hampshire Rhode Island and Connecticut that the presence of the company could be dispensed with and most of it returned home and this declarant likewise having been out about ten days. In the same year this declarant went upon a new requisition with the same officers to Roxbury and was in the service about twenty days when being much out of health he engaged one — Blanchard of Wrentham as his substitute and loaned him his equipment and blanket. Some time in August 1776 this declarant entered as a row hand on board the privateer sloop Sally of about 70 tons burthen mounting 10 guns besides swivels then lying at Providence under the command of Cap t James Monroe having on board Samuel Sowler sailing master, one — Squire mate, Peter Layton & Henry Freeborn prize masters together with nearly one hundred men among whom he recollects John Sly a man-o'-war man, Abraham Hogg, Nathaniel Shepardson Jr., Cyril Brown, Dutey Ballou, & John Burlingame all of R.I. Cumberland R.I. That the sloop sailed down the river and out to sea on a cruise and first made prize of the Blaire Castle a vessel of 16 guns laden with sugar and madeira wine & sent her into Providence and after taking several other prizes and being out about eight weeks returned home. In the fore part of December 1776 this declarant entered at Warren as a substitute for Ebenezer Bacon of Attleboro (who by the way, retained his back pay) into the militia company commanded by Cap t — Clapp of Norton and Lieutenants Enoch Robinson and Benjamin Mayes of Attleboro in the regiment of Colonel John Daggett of said Attleboro and Genl Varnum's brigade and after being for a short time (how long he cannot say) stationed at said Warren was marched to Howland's ferry, Tiverton, at the mouth of Tiverton River, opposite the north end of Newport or Rhode Island and while there during the winter this declarant recollects that about one half of Col d Daggett's regiment were sent over to Common's Point R.I. to bring off forage and property belonging to persons who had removed from the Island — and the next day the other part of the regiment including this declarant was sent over for the same purpose under cover of two row galleys viz the Washington and Spit fire which galleys were placed one on each side of the point and were much cut up by the fire from the British fortifications so that several persons were killed and some wounded even to amputation. After we left the point with our boats accompanied by the galleys the enemy advanced and brought up several field pieces to bear upon us as we passed down the river to our camp but did us no material injury On ceasing their fire and retreating to their works they burnt the house near the point owned by Mr. Nicky and in which a large family resided and threatened an old gentleman of the name of Holmes who with his lady resided on the extreme part of the point that if they did not soon leave they should meet with inevitable destruction — in consequence of which part of our regiment crossed the river that
very

very night and brought them off with their effects — That we remained at Howland's ferry until the last of March 1777 and then were regularly discharged and returned home. In April 1777 the militia company in Cumberland R.D. having been divided into three classes one under the captain another under the lieutenant and the other under the ensign to serve in regular rotation three weeks at a time each class and one John Mason of said Cumberland having gone out with his class under Ensign Abraham Ballou of that town and served one week and having occasion to return home sent to this declarant to come and take his place which he did and served in Providence R.D. the two remaining weeks and during that time did orderly duty for Genl. Benedict Arnold (afterward traitor) and was there when said Arnold left for Saratoga to meet Burgoyne. In the forepart of June 1777 this declarant entered into a company of Rhode Island State troops commanded by Capt. Reuben Ballou & having for Lieutenants Benjamin S. Walcutt and one — Bicknell in the regiment commanded by Col. Crary, Lt. Col. Tappan & — Williams Major. This company was stationed with the regiment at Bristol R.D. and this declarant does not recollect that any continental troops were stationed at said Bristol or at the former station at Howland's ferry while he was there. This declarant continued in the service at said Bristol until the last of October or first of November 1777 when with money down and some back pay he hired one Josiah Allen of Attleborough Mass who took his place as a substitute and this declarant was legally discharged and immediately removed to Westminster Vermont where he has constantly resided ever since. This declarant never had a written discharge nor is he aware that any was ever given to the regiment in which he served but on leaving camp at Bristol supposing a certificate of his service might be of some use in exempting him from militia drafts in the country to which he was emigrating he took a written one from Lieutenant Walcutt and preserved it until the war was over but what has become of it he does not know having made diligent search for it to no purpose — nor is he now able to produce any vouchers or the testimony of witnesses to his services by reason of his age, long absence from that part of the country and ignorance whether any of his former companions are living. He is therefore obliged to rely on the true statement which he now makes and 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.
Known to and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid
Levi Beck Peter M. Saft - Judge
We Josiah Willard residing in the town of Westminster in said county of Franklin do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Levi Beck who has subscribed to the above declaration that we believe him to be 70 years of age that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he resides he has been a soldier of the Revolutionary war and we are well convinced in that opinion — Abraham Ball Josiah Willard
Second subscription the eighth year of age
Peter M. Saft - Judge

and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department that the above named affidavit was a Resolutum on Solomon and served on the estate.
Peter M. Leff Judge
and I said Court do further certify that it appears to them that Isaiah Wilson who has signed the foregoing certificate is a resident of said Westminster and that said Abram Dake who has signed the above certificate is a resident of said Athens that they were credible persons & that their statements are entitled to credit.
Peter M. Leff Judge
I also keep a Clerk & Register of the Probate Court and hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of David Peck for a Partition.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of August 1832.
Asa P. May Jr.

V 4308
Hannah Peck widow of Levi.
Vt
act. 7, July 38.
m 84 d 35-
8056
Asaph Hill Bellows Falls
Vt
1840

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 entitled 'an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows'
State of Vermont ss. on this 3 rd day of September 1838 personally appeared before the Probate Court for the District of Westminster in the County of Windham and State aforesaid Hannah Peck a resident of Westminster in the County of Windham aforesaid aged Twenty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled 'an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows' that she is the widow of Levi Peck late of Westminster in said Windham County deceased who was a private in the Massachusetts troops in the Revolutionary war and who at the time of his death lived in Cumberland R.I. or Wrentham Mass when he entered the service, that she does not

know the names of the officers under whom he served, not the country through which he passed That the said Levi Peck was placed on the pension list under the act of June 7. 1832 and that he resided in Westminster in the County of Windham & State of Vermont at the time he was placed on the pen- sion roll, she further declares that she was mar- ried to the said Levi Peck at Westminster Vt by Nathaniel Robertson a Justice of the Peace on the 27 th day of December in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and eighty four nor fine that her husband the aforesaid Levi Peck died on the 17 th day of September 1835 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred & ninety four nor at the time above stated Hannah her Peck mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written
Before me David L. Putnam Judge of Probate

State of Vermont District of Westminster ss Putney Sept. 12 1838 I James Crawford Clerk and Register of the Probate Court for the District of Westminster aforesaid said Court being a court of record do certify that David L Putnam was on the 3 rd day of September 1838 and still is Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Westminster aforesaid and that the foregoing signature purporting to be the signature of the said David L Putnam Judge of Probate is his genuine signature In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and the seal of said Court this 12 th day of September 1838
James Crawford Clerk & Register

Levi Peck Affectionately

State of New Hampshire
Cheshire County ss - July 25 th 1883
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for said County of Sullivan Levi Peck of Westminister in the County of Westminster and State of Vermont. Who being duly sworn, deposes and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot recollect distinctly 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 thirty days as a private in the year 1775. - for two months as a private seaman in the year 1776. For three months and one half of a month as a private when he went as a subordinate for Ebenezer Bacon's company - Dec 1776 and ending March 1777. - As a corporal in the year 1777 he served six months

and an after  one half month in 1777 as a private — In an For six months and one half of a month I served as a Private — For six months I served as a corporal — and for such services I claimed a pension
I further depose and say that I made my declaration on the ninth of August AD 1832 before Oliver A. Supt. Judge of Probate for the District of Westminster in the State of Vermont — I therein set forth my services correctly and as particularly as I could I did not at that time recollect the names of any persons who were living and who served with me —

I now well recollect Lent Lee who was in camp with me and who served with me from June 1777 to Nov r 1777 in Captain Reuben Ballant company in Col Brany's Regiment of the Rhad Island State Troops —
I also recollect Simon Wettenhuff who served with me in same company and during same period of service — But both of said persons are under a mis- take in supposing that I served in said company until March 1778 — I have produced their depositions and shall forward them with my paper —
Levi Peck
Levi Peck solemnly affirmed that the foregoing Deposition by him signed was true.
Henry Hubbard Esquire

Affidavit of Noah Butternorth of the services of Levi Peck, to be used in the case of Hannah Peck.
Han. S. Root HR.

Noah Butterworth of Wrentham in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now in my eighty third year do testify & say I knew Levi Peck of Wrentham in the county aforesaid from a boy - said Peck lived near my fathers house and I was well acquainted with all the family. I knew Josiah Allen of Attleborough in said Commonwealth. Said Allen enlisted in Col Grays regiment Capt Reuben Baltons Company - of Cumberland R d - Said Allen enlisted in said regiment I think in the early part of 1777. Allen was one of the fifteen months men, as well as myself - Allen was a corporal and served from the time of his enlistment until he committed some misdemeanor, when he was placed under the charge of a negro as a punishment - this so offended him that he went home in May 1777, and procured the aforesaid Levi Peck as a substitute - I was in the same Company with Allen & Peck. Peck served the remainder of Alens time out and was discharged on the 4 th of March 1778, at which time the regiment was discharged - Allen was broke of his office and Peck the substitute was a private. Noah Butterworth

I Noah Butterworth of Wrentham in the County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now in my eighty third year do testify & say I knew Levi Peck of Wrentham in the county aforesaid from a boy - said Peck lived near my fathers house and I was well acquainted with all the family. I knew Josiah Allen of Attleborough in said Commonwealth. Said Allen enlisted in Col Grays regiment Capt Reuben Ballows Company - of Cumberland R.I. - Said Allen enlisted in said regiment I think in the early part of 1777. Allen was one of the fifteen months men, as well as myself. Allen was a corporal and served from the time of his enlistment until he committed some misdemeanor, when he was placed under the charge of a negro as a punishment - this so offended him that he went home in May 1777, and procured the aforesaid Levi Peck as a substitute - I was in the same Company with Allen & Peck. Peck served the remainder of Alens time out and was discharged on the 4th of March 1778, at which time the regiment was discharged - Allen was broke of his office and Peck the substitute was a private.
Noah Butterworth
Norfolk ss January 20. 1844. Then personally appeared the said Noah Butterworth, and made oath that the statement by him above subscribed is true and to his best knowledge
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
NORFOLK ss.
Ernal W Sampson
I, JAIRUS WARE , Clerk of the Judicial Courts, being Courts of Record, within and for the County of Norfolk, hereby Certify that Samuel Warner Junior Esquire,
is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Norfolk aforesaid, duly appointed, commissioned and qualified to discharge the duties of said office, and that his signature to the annexed certificate is genuine and true.
In Witness Whereof, I have subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth aforesaid at Dedham, this First day of February A. D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four
Ernal W Sampson Clerk

I Noah Butterworth of Wrentham in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts now in my eighty third year do testify & say I knew Levi Peck of Wrentham in the county aforesaid from a boy - said Peck lived near my fathers house and I was well acquainted with all the family. I knew Josiah Allen of Attleborough in said Commonwealth. Said Allen enlisted in Col Grays regiment Capt Reuben Batten Company - of Cumberland R.I. - Said Allen enlisted in said regiment I think in the early part of 1777. Allen was one of the fifteen months men, as well as myself. Allen was a corporal and served from the time of his enlistment until he committed some misdemeanor, when he was placed under the charge of a negro as a punishment - this so offended him that he went home in May 1777, and procured the aforesaid Levi Peck as a substitute - I was in the same company with Allen & Peck. Peck served the remainder of Alens time out and was discharged on the 4 th of March 1778, at which time the regiment was discharged - Allen was broke of his office and Peck the substitute was a private.
Noah Butterworth
No. 10 Norfolk ss January 20. 1844. Then personally appeared the said Noah Butterworth, and made oath that the statement by him above subscribed is true according to his best knowledge and belief - and I further certify that I am acquainted with said Butterworth and that he is a credible witness.
Before me
Samuel Warner Jr
Justice of the Peace -

I Levi Lee of Cumberland County of Providence State of Rhode Island in the Seventy fourth year of my age on solemn oath do depose and say that I enlisted into Capt. Reuben Ballou Company in Col. Crary's Regiment in the Summer of the year 1777 and served about ten months in the Revolutionary Service which ended the 16 th day of March 1778 when I entered the Service Levi Peck a native of Cumberland County and State aforesaid Residing in Wrentham Mass. was in the Service at the time I was, and served about nine or ten months with him and he was doing Corporal duty according to the best of my knowledge Levi Lee
Levi Lee Providence R.I. in Cumberland June 22 nd 1833 Then the above named Levi Lee was engaged to the truth of the foregoing deposition before me
Arnold W. Jenks Justice of the Peace
I Amariah Wetmorehead of Cumberland County of Providence State of Rhode Island in the Seventy fifth year of my age on solemn oath do depose and say that I enlisted into Capt. Reuben Ballou Company in Col. Crary's Regiment in the Summer of the year 1777 and served about ten months in the Revolutionary Service which ended the 16 th day of March 1778 when I entered the Service Levi Peck a native of Cumberland County and State aforesaid Residing in Wrentham Mass. was in the Service at the-

Cumberland Hall } July 2 P.P }
Price 12 1/2
M. Levi Parks
Westminster
with care } & speed }
Vermont

- Since I was and served about nine or ten months with him and he was doing Corporals duty according to the best of my knowledge Amariah Weatherhead
Precedence for in Cumberland June 22 nd 1888 then the above named Amariah Weatherhead was engaged to the truth of the above giving deposition before me Arnold W. Jenks justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above named Levi Lee and Amariah Weatherhead whose Deposition are given I am well acquainted with and now them to be Credible Persons on the Premises
Arnold W. Jenks justice of the Peace
Justice fees - $10.00 Witness D. - .50 10.50 Recd. portion of Arroyal Duct

Dec. 7. 1839.
No. 4308
7 July 1838
The Hon J L Edwards
Counr. of Pensions Washington City.

Billings Falls Vermont Jan'y. 1. 1839
Sir I enclose the application of Hannah Puck for a pension, together with the evidence to support her claim. —
I am very respectfully
Yrs ob't serv't
A. S. Campbell

Peggy Perry,
Depositor

I Peggy Perry of Lownsfield in the County of Windham & State of Vermont Seventy two Years of age being duly sworn do depose testify & say that I was acquainted with Hannah Stoddard of Westminster in the County of Windham & State of Vermont before she was married, I should think as early as in the year 1780 & from that time until she was married, which was in the fall of the year 1784 or 1785 I cannot say which she was married to Levi Peck of said Westminster I said then married they were married at my fathers house - my father married them he was a Justice of the Peace at that time - my father's name was Nathaniel Robinson - I was well acquainted with the said Levi Peck before he was married he lived at my fathers house two or three years before he was married I also was acquainted with said Levi Peck & wife after they were married they lived about half a mile from my fathers house - I understand that the said Levi Peck deceased about three years since & that his widow the said Hannah Stoddard is now living & is a widow
Peggy Perry
State of Vermont } Town of } December 25 th 1838 Windham County } Personally appeared Peggy Perry who subscribed the above affidavit and made oath to the truth of the same
Before
Peter M c Laff Justice of the Peace
I also certify that the above named Peggy
Perry is a credible witness
Peter M c Laff - Justice of the Peace

State of Vermont
Windham County ss I Marshall Miller Clerk of Windham County Court certify that Peter R Traft within named was on the 25 th day of Decem- ber 1838 and still is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid and that the within signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix- -ed the seal of said Court at Newfane in said County this 28 th day of December 1838
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk
Page 111 J. P. Smith

15
Nov 23 Burlington Nov 18
Free
Gen L. Edwards, Comdr. of Prisoners, Washington City
H. Lee

Waterbury Falls Vermont Nov. 17. 1839 Sir
I have received a letter dated the 13 th inst from the then acting Com r of Pensions relative to the claim of Mrs Hannah Peck widow of Levi Peck deceased who was a pensioner at the time of his death under the act of June 7. 1832. - It seems that the deceased was placed upon the pension list upon proof testimony as to his service, and now the proof of the service does not appear to be corroborated by the list of disbursements certificate issued by the State of Rhode Island. I think I shall be able to prove a satisfactory evidence of the service by evidence of the survivors who served in the same Regiment, will you therefore be so obliging as to furnish me with the names & residences of the witnesses upon whose testimony the deceased was placed on the pension list. -
I am very respectfully Yrs obed t Serv t A. S. Campbell Hon. J. S. Edwards Com r of Pensions

W Levi Peck
Westminster
1 st
Alb
H on . D. P. Smith 62. Laponia
Hon. H. Hubbard
Charlestown W.B.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
19 th April 1833
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 shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
W. Levi Peck

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted: This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and, to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: and C. D. residing in (the same)
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the 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 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 _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the years, 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.

James L. Edwards Esq.- Convent of Pensions Washington D.C.

Cohassettown Sep 16, 1833
Dear Sir -
I send you by this day's mail the papers of Levi Peck with an additional affidavit and deposition - After his claim has been acted upon, will you be good enough to return  send the Certificate to me -
Respectfully yours
James L. Edwards Esq. Canner of Pensions - Washington D.C.
Henry Hubbard

BY HIS EXCELLENCY,
John Brown Francis
Governor, Captain-General and Commander in Chief of the State of Rhode-Island and Providence Plantations.
BE IT KNOWN, that the name "HENRY BOWEN" to the afore-written attestation subscribed, is the proper hand writing of Henry Bowen, Esquire, who, at the time of subscribing the same, was Secretary of the State aforesaid, duly elected and qualified according to law: Wherefore unto his said attestation full faith and credit are to be rendered.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of said State to be affixed at Prov- idence, this twenty sixth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three and of Independence the fifty-eighth.
Henry Bowen Secy BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
John Brown Francis

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office August 26 th A D 1833.
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State holden on the first wednesday in May last, Arnold W. Serks was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of Cumberland in the county of Providence during the term of one year, and that he has been commissioned accordingly, as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.
fee 75 cts.

Feb 1. 1848 Falls M Jan'y 28
Free
Mr General H. Root Hon J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City

Bellows Falls Vermont Jan'y 28 1841
Sir
I wish again to call your attention to the application of Mrs. Hannah Peck widow of Levi Peck deceased for a pension, the deceased was placed on the Pension list under the act of June 7. 1832, and ten months service under Capt. Ballou in Col. Cram's Regiment was proved by his declaration, and as appears by your letter of the 23 d Nov r 1839 that declaration was also supported by the testimony of Levi Lee and Amariah Weatherhead, but it appears by your letter of the 3 d June 1839 that that service is contradicted by the list of disservice certificates, &c. I am now enabled to show by the testimony of one or more persons, who served with him that Levi Peck did serve about ten months in Capt. Ballou's Co in Cram's Regt as stated in his declaration, and that he served as a substitute for Ephraim Allen who was a substitute for his brother Jonah Allen, I have therefore to request you to do me the favor to inform me whether by the rules of the Department record evidence is indispensable, and if it is not, I will procure and forward such proof as may be obtained.
I am very respectfully Yr obed serv.
Hon J. A. Edwards, Com r of Pensions, Washington City, &c.
A. S. Campbell

Vt. Peek
Bellows Falls Vt.
Nov. 7
Nov 12
f
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Coat. of Pennies
Washington City,

Bellows Falls Vermont Nov. 7. 1839
Sir
I have recd your letter of the 3 d June 1839 in answer to mine relative to the application of Hannah Peck widow of Levi Peck deceased. In that letter you say that the alleged service of Mr Peck who was in the receipt of a pension at the time of his death "is contradicted by the list of disbursement certificates to each individual who belonged to that (Grays) Regiment". In case there are no rolls of that Regiment in your office, and the claim is established by other proof, will you be so obliging as to inform me more particularly relative to the list of "disbursement certificates" in order to enable me to rebut any presumption growing out of that document, if it can be done.
I am very respectfully Yr att d Serv t - A. S. Cummings
Hon d J. Edward, Com r of Pensions

Set. A. G. Campbell,
Jun 3. '39
Let to do. Nov. 13. 1839. Same
Nov 23. 1839.

4308.
Yt.
let to A. S. Campbell.
into the V. H. S. March 14. '44
Act 7. July 38-

8856
P. O.
Hannah Peck
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Peck

I Shubael Peck of Westminster in the State of Vermont testify & say that I was well acquainted with Levi Peck late of said Westminster deceased a Revolu- tionary pensioner that the said Levi Peck died on the 17 th day of September 1835 leaving Hannah Peck his widow who is still living and I further testify that I am well acquainted with the said Hannah Peck widow of the said Levi Peck deceased and that the said Hannah Peck has not been married since the death of the said Levi Peck but con- tinues single and unmarried Shubael Peck
State of Vermont
Windham County ss Rockingham Sept 3 d 1838
Then personally appeared Shubael Peck above named who is a credible person and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit
Before me Alexander Campbell Justice Peace

State of Vermont
Windham County ss I Marshall Miller Clerk of the County Court within & for the County of Windham certify that Alexander G. Cummings was on the 3 d day of September 1838 and still is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Windham aforesaid and that the within signature purporting to be his is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Newfane in said County this 28 th December 1838.
Attest Marshall Miller, Clerk.