Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 10817, for Jeremiah Niles, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Continental (Mass)
Niles, Jeremiah Abigail
W. 10817
CONTENTS

9909 Rhade-Island.
Jeremiah Niles, of South-King n in the state of R: Island who was a lieutenant in the regiment commanded by Colonel Crane, of the Massachus ts line, for the term of nine months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhade-Island, at the rate of 20 Dollars per month, to commence on the 3 d of April, 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27. of April 19 and sent to Samuel Helme, Clk Wash n Co: Court, S t Kingston, R. I.
Arrears to 4th of March, 1819. $ 221.25 Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. Sept 120 - 10 mo 28 1819. } $: 341.25 30 & 4 31 } Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }

Jeremiah Niles, Lieut. South-Kingston, R. I. Col o Crane's reg t art ll . Massachusetts line, 9 months. 3 d April, 1818.
3 d April 1818 Samuel Helme, Clerk Washington Co. Court S o Kingston, R. I.
The company & line in which applicant served must be stated in the dividend.
The certificate of the Judge is also omitted as he required the circumstances of Applicant. South Kingston, R. I.

I Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations being in a reduced situation and in need of assistance from the Government of my country for support on solemn oath this third day of April 1818 before Samuel Perry Esquire one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within and for the County of Washington in the State aforesaid do declare and say. That on the first day of January 1776 the Congress of the United States incorporat- -ed and appointed me Adjutant of the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel Henry Knox when I commission I held and served under until the second day of April 1776 when the same Congress appointed and commissioned me second Lieutenant in the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel Henry Knox under which commission I served until the first day of January 1777 when the same Congress appointed me and commissioned me a Supernumerary Captain Lieutenant in the Regiment of Artillery commissioned by Col John Crane under which commission I served until the 27th day of October 1777 when I was honorably discharged from the service of the United States as by copies of the commission & said discharge herewith transmitted appears - said service was in the Continental Line under the command of Genl George Washington Jeremiah Niles

County of Washington } State of Rhode Island. }
ss Charlestown April 7 th 1818
personal came Jeremiah Niles and made solemn oath to the truth of the within statement -
Witness Samuel Perry Justice Court C. pleas
State of Rhode Island. & Providence Plantations
Washington County ss. } Clerk's Office Court Com: Pleas
I certify that I have hereunto Affixed the seal of said Court this Twentieth day of - June. A.D. 1818.
Wm. Sarr. Helme Clk
Whereas on the 2 nd day of April A.D. 1818 I the subscriber became an applicant for a pension by declaring on Oath of serving my Country as an officer in the Revolutionary Army and exhibited such other Evidence in the case as was then thought sufficient and transmitted the same to the Secretary of War in July last, but on the 24 th of March 1819 received said paper back with a call for further proof - Therefore on this first day of April 1819 I Jeremiah Niles on solemn oath do declare further that from the first day of January A.D. 1776 until the second day of April 1776 I served in the line of Artillery at Cambridge Massachusetts and its neighbourhood as Adjutant and from the said second day of April as a Second Lieutenant in the same Regiment

in the company commanded by Captain Edward Buebeck which company was stationed in Boston until until the last of August when we were ordered to New York, and arrived on York Island the day after the action in which Major Knothorn fell. When the company were detached I was ordered back on the road north of Kings Bridge after thence to White Plains on the morning previous to the action there was directed to take Post on one of the Hills which forms a half circle on the North where we continued some time, from thence to Pikes Hill, from thence to Fishkill where I continued on command until the latter end of August 1777 in the same line of Artillery by this time I understand the Appellation by which any Corps is distinguished from the first day of January 1777 I was in the Artillery regiment commanded by
John Crane in the Continental Line in distinction from those Troops raised by Individuals States. Near the end of August 1777 from Brigadier General Moor received a leave of Absence for a reasonable time returned to Fishkill continued there some time, from thence repaired to White Marsh, Pennsylvania and was then discharged by Genl Moor
Jeremiah Niles
Washington County of } } South Kingston April 1 st 1811 State of R Island
I John Watson one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas within & for the County of Washington State aforesaid do certify that the said Jeremiah Niles was sworn to the preceding declaration before me also do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Jeremiah Niles did serve in the Revolutionary war against the Common Enemy as stated in the preceding supplemental declaration for longer than the term of nine months on the continental establishment

And that said Jeremiah Weeks has further made it appear to my full satisfaction that he is in reduced circumstances and needs assistance for his support and now transmit the same to the Secretary of War
John Watson J.C.B.
State of Rhode Island &c Washington County ss } Clerk's Office for Common Pleas.
I certify that the Honorable John Watson whose signature is hereto affixed is a Justice of the Court & has been legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith & credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States. & that the seal here impressed is the true seal of said Court.
Witness: Sam. Helme Clerk
Jeremiah Weeks

Rev. Niles
I, the undersigned
Comp d

State of Rhode-Island & Providence-Plantations.
WASHINGTON, sc — Court of Common Pleas, Special Term , A. D. 1820
ON this fifth  Sixth day of July  July 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island, &c. Jeremiah Niles aged Seventy One Years residing in the Town of South Kingstown in said County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: — That he was commissioned as Adjutant in a Regiment commanded by Col. Henry Knapp in January 1776. and that he continued to serve in the Army of the United States in Various Stations and Various places until the Month of October 1777 when he was Honorably discharged in the State of Pennsylvania
That he made a previous Declaration on the Third Day of April 1818, and that he has received a Certificate for a Pension, being No. 9909 —And in pursuance of the Act of Congress, passed May 1st, 1820, I do solemnly swear, That I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March, 1818; And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
Jeremiah Niles
A SCHEDULE of Property and Income, (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of
Jeremiah Niles (to Wit.) One Yoke of Oxen one Cow Twenty five Sheep and Twelve Lambs Two Yearling Hogs One Ox Waggon one plow one small Iron Bar One Ox Sled One Ox Yoke 1 Chain horse harness 2 Hoes 1 Rake 1 Axe 29 Shirts Wool a Number of Books all Worth $12. House hold Furniture exclusive of Necessary Bedding all Worth $24. Provisions for family use worth $4.00 Old Iron Worth $2. Cash on hand $2.62 1/2. Labour due me Worth $4.69. one Woolen Wheel. One Acre of Land with part of a small dwelling House thereon, that he is now owing to several persons the sum of Two hundred and fifteen dollars that he has no other means of support than that obtained by his Labour being by profession a farmer Husbandman but that the state of his health is such as to prevent his doing much labour he being grievously affected with Gout that he has a Wife Aged fifty four Years and a Son aged eighteen Years dependant on him in some measure for their Maintenance and should the pension which he now receives from his country be withdrawn he would be unable to support himself without publick or private Charity
Jeremiah Niles
Sworn to and declared, on the Sixth day of July before me in Open Court
Witn. Sam. Helme Clk of Court
Washington, sc. Clerk's Office of the Court of Common Pleas. A. D. 1820
as to the Affidavit of Thomas Knapp Esquire
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode-Island, &c. do hereby certify, that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the Records of said Court; —And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the Property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule, is Two Hundred & thirty five Dollars, and Thirty Nine Cents. —
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Sixth Day of July 1820
Sam. Helme Clerk of said Court.

I certify that it is my Opinion that the one half, one half of a small House owned by Major Jeremiah Niles is Worth fifty five dollars Thomas Hoxie.
Special Court Com. Pleas. July. 6. 1820.
Sworn to before said Court. Attn. Sam l Helme Clk. of Court.

159 Albany New York
Virgil Miles
widow of Jeremiah Miles
who died on the 30th September 1827 of Buffalo in the State of N.Y.
who was a Capt in the Cavalry commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded
by Col. Crane in the Mts. line for Fort Niagara Canals.
Q.M. Adjt. me? from p 365-33
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y. at the rate of 301 Dollars - Cents, per an to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of Feb 1839 and Seal of the Hall New York N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1838 $2932.57 Pemi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 39 195.57
$3137.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836. Section the 3rd
recorded by W. Madison Clerk pk 4 Vol. 2? Page 114
see letter to N.Y. 20. 1839 - do. V N. N. Hall 1839 do to Legrand April 27th 1840 N.Y. 13th 1842 Legrand May 13th 1842 do. June 10. same June 30 same July 15 same July 25 Henry L. Miles Aug " " " " do. to W.S. Burges, U.S. 12. 1847.
Let Hon Nathl. Miles July 21/57 see miscellaneous book

Highland May No. 161 R.S.
4th July
Adj. Genl 176 Infat 2 o B o 7 o Capt. L. W. 1 st Jun 77 as 27 Oct 77

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
By His Excellency Edward Everett , Esquire, Governor and Commander in Chief in and over said Commonwealth.
To all whom it may concern:
Know Ye, That Jonathan Wild Junr. Esq. is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commission- ed, and that to his — Acts and Attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given in and out of Court; that the within Attestation is in due form, and by the proper Officer.
In Testimony Whereof, I have caused the Public Seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed, this nineteenth day of August A. D. 1836, and in the Sixty first Year of the Independence of the United States of America.
By His Excellency the Governor.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Edward Everett

I Henry Niles of North Providence in the County of Providence being now 33 years of age & upwards on oath do testify & say that I am the youngest child of Jeremiah Niles & Hagar his wife - I was born in the State of Connecticut in the town of Lebanon as I have always understood - My father removed from Braintree in Massachusetts to said town, some years before I was born as I have always understood - From said Lebanon my father removed to Rhode Island first to the town of Charlestown & then to South Kingston He removed to South Kingston in 1818 in the Spring - we lived in said town until 1831 when we removed to said North Providence where we now reside - My mother was the daughter of Josiah White formerly of said Braintree & she was married as I have always understood when she was about

fifteen or sixteen years of age or when very young. And I the said Henry L. Miles do further testify that the two old letters, one dated Braintree June 10 1777 & signed Jonathan Bops to my father & the other dated Norwood March 24 1777 & signed Nathaniel Niles have been in possession of my mother & myself since since my father's death - And I further that my mother's name is Abigail but I have often heard her called "Nabby" & she was always called so as I have understood that being the "nick" name for Abigail Henry L. Miles
Providence
In Providence Oct 12 1836
I sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify said deponent is a credible witness Benjamin Russell A. J. G. C. Mass

I Jonathan P Helme of the City of Providence being now 25 years of age on oath do testify & say that I was well acquainted with Jeremiah Niles late of South Kingston, deceased, in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island The said Jeremiah Niles departed this life in September 1829 - I watched with him or rather with his Corpse, as is usual on such occasions, the night after his death & was at his funeral being then on a visit to said town which is my native place. I am also acquainted with Hagar Niles his widow. She now resides in North Providence & has remained unmarried ever since that period & is now his widow.
Jonathan P. Helme.

In Providence August 22 1836 Sworn to & subscribed before me & further certify said deponent is a credible witness in the premises
Benjamin Ladd C. J. C. M.

State of Rhode Island &c Providence ss
On this 18 th day of August AD 1836 personally appeared before me Benjamin Cowell Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County Abigail Niles now re- sident in North Providence in said County aged 81 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision of the act of longers passed July 4 th 1836 That she is the widow of Jeremiah Niles who was a Captain of Artillery in Col. Lamb's Battalion of Artillery under the direction General Henry Knox, & for his ser- vices was placed on the pension list of the Rhode Island agency under the act of

Congress of March 18 1818. Her said husband was in the army of the revolution for a five years & was promoted to the rank of Major before he left the army. She believes Col Lamb's Battalion to the Northern Department but whether of the Line of any particular State she cannot, from the great length of time, remember. In proof of his services she refers to his declaration when he first applied for a pension. She further declares that she was married to the said Jeremiah on the third day of November AD 1770 in Braintree in Massachusetts, where they both belonged as will appear by the Certificate of the Town Clerk of said town hereto annexed that her said husband the aforesaid Jeremiah died on the thirtieth day

of September 8 th 1839 at South Kingston in Rhode Island where we then resided & that she has remained a widow ever since that period. As will appear by the evidence hereto annexed - Wherefore she requests that the pension which her said husband might have obtained if living under the act of June 7 th 1832 may be granted to her -
Abigail her Kile the mark
In North Providence Aug 18, 1836
I sworn to & subscribed before me and I further certify that from extreme debility the said Abigail is unable to appear in court she made her mark not being able to write from the same cause -
Benjamin Russell A. J. 66 Mass

Braintree August 19 th 1836
This may certify that Jeremiah Hiles Married Abigail White both of Braintree Nov r 3 rd 1770 taken from the Braintree Records County of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts A. G. Merrill Town Clerk
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Norfolk ss. Aug. 19 th 1836 Then personally appeared the above named Ara Finsch & made oath that he is Town Clerk of the Town of Braintree County abovenamed & that the above certificate is correct Before me Jon d Wilder Just. Peace

9909 Rhode Island
Jeremiah Niles Leut. Revv:
Inscribed on the List 27 April 1819 - schedule presented in 1821. A letter was written 2 d Aug. 1821, informing him that on account of his property his name could not be placed on the roll. This was a mistake. He should have been informed, that his name was dropped from the roll, on account of his property.

Adjutant Jan'y 1. 76 in Knox's artillery
April 2/76. 2 d Lt. in same
Jan'y 1, '77 Sup'y Capt Lt. in Graves' Artillery - served to 27 Oct '77. honorably discharged
Orderly book from Aug 10 th to Nov 15 th 1775 - & from Nov '75 to some time in Jan'y '76
Brigade Major of Mil a of Mass 29 July 1778

Jeremy Niles
7 33
12
7
84
4
88
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the paper]

Jeremiah Niles. R.I.
Samuel Helms, S. Kingston.  R.I.
Rejected Aug. 2 nd . 1821

3
Ab Miles
friend
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commisioner of Pensions Washington. D.C.
10

Jan 11. 47
Ab. Nels
friend
Q
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Transfer d to Albany New York. from 4 th March 1837. to the on the 13. Oct 1837— Notification sent to Erastus Williams Knox New. York. —

Jan 12 '47
10
Can
Ab-Miles
France
J. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington DC

These papers left in the office by W. Hunter Esq r of R. Island, 28 March 1823: to whom I gave the necessary form for Niles's guidance under the act of the 1 st March 1823.

Little Rest in Feb 19.
Recd. 28 Feb. 1881
Lee
War Department
City of Washington

His age 76- a Farmer-inform Wife 57- a fair age 20.
Mcowell St Providence R Island
Rev? Oct 21. 1823 sent as above
57 = 116
73
4. 19.0
15 5
5.96
12.25 2.58 14.83
Rhode-Island
Jeremiah Niles, Lieut. 2 years '76 & '77
1 st Schedule. July 1820.
1 Acre of Land, with part of a small Dwelling House
1 Yoke of oxen - 1 Cow 25 Sheep - 12 Lambs - 2 Hogs.
Sundry articles of furniture
Total amount of Schedule
$ 235-39.
2 nd Schedule Aug t 13. 1823
a few articles of furniture valued at $ 24.70-
The Land & House was sold March 16. 1822 to E. Wilson and the avails applied to part payment of old Debts - abundant proof within, duly authenticated.
The Deed was acknowledged.
Rec d & Record March 16. 1822
The personal property, in 1 st Schedule, has been sold at public auction, to pay old Debts - all the papers are properly authenticated.
over
For first Schedule he states that he owed $ 215. names not given

Rhode Island 157
Abigail Niles
of Providence in the State of R.I.
who was a 21 m 9 d Capt 8th Regt 355 commanded
by Captain 2.21 adj. of the 36 commanded
by in the 391.
Widow of Jeremiah Niles dec. late Lieutenant in the Revolution. in Artil- lery Incar 1 391-
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of 365 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Nov. 1836 and sent Benj Howell Providence R.I.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1836 $2007.31 Semi-ant. allowance ending Mar 37 182.66 $2191.97
3 Sec. act 1, July 1836 } Revolutionary Claim, 1, June 7 1832 } Recorded by R.H. Addison Clerk, Book Vol. Page 113

See letter to E. Williams, 5 Sept. 1837 - same day Fr. Cir. to R. S. Agt.
2932.50
2927.00 195.50
8.66

Jan 5 '47
Jan 5 1847 REC'D 23
Ab Niles NY 211
10
See Com Pension Department Washington
159 NY 36 D.B.

Wadsworth Grove, Stevenson Co. Ill.
December 21 1846
I deem my duty to inform the proper authorities of frauds that I am informed and believe have been committed against the Government by one Henry L. Niles who is now living near here. The facts as I am informed are these. Jeremiah Niles the Father of Henry was an Officer in the revolutionary war, previous to the war he was married to a woman named Abigail. after the war she died, he married again to a woman named Charity the mother of Henry, after that he died. I am not able to state the time of their deaths. About ten years since Henry was living with his mother Charity in North Providence R.I. his Father had been dead several years. and his pension stoped. Henry L. Niles compelled his aged Mother (who is now dead) to commit the double crime of Forgery and Perjury, by signing and swearing her name was Abigail and he swore too he was the son of Abigail when he was the son of Charity. and obtained from the Government the pension that would have been due his Father if living amounting to some two thousand and five hundred dollars, and then moved with his Mother to Buffalo N.Y. and by the same means obtained until his Mothers death (which was in June 1844), a yearly pension of about four hundred dollars.
Paul L. Niles (Grandson of Jeremiah) brewer and his Father living in Providence R.I. I am informed am aware of all the facts. I think Jeremiah and his wife Abigail died in South Kingston R.I.
Respectfully Caleb H. Brown

No. 6 Johnson # Pay Master Genl. Of. of Pensions of Washington D. C. Wadsworth Aug 1 Post Office Book Malden Mass.
U A

Dear Sir
as I take my pen in hand to address you upon fraud which is been acted upon the United States by Henry, D. Niles who had his Mother to swear to a lie who confess it before she died he pretended that she was the wife of Maj. Niles in the war between England & United States which she was not I wish you to send me his affidavit which was dated at Buffalo in the State of New York if you will please to send it me & the amount he has drawn from the Government and will protest to the United States that by fraud he obtain that money
Yours respectfully C. Johnson
Col. E. G. Foster
Col. E. G. Foster

W. H. ... in ... of ... and ...
Wadsworth Grove, Stevenson Co. Ill.
December 21 1846
Dear Sir
I deem it my duty to inform you of frauds that I am informed and believe have been committed against the government by one Henry G. Miles who is now living near here. The facts as I am informed are these. Jeremiah Miles the Father of Henry, was an officer in the revolutionary war, previous to the war he was married to a woman named Abigail, not After the war she died, he married again a woman named Charity who was the mother of Henry, and after that died, I am not able to state the time of the death of Abigail or Jeremiah. About ten years since, H. G. Miles was living in North Providence R.I. with his mother Charity, his Father had been dead several years, the pension due to him stoped. H. G. Miles compelled his aged mother (who is now dead) to commit the double crime of Forgery & Perjury, by signing and swearing her name was Abigail and he swore he was the son of Abigail when he was the son of Charity, and obtained from the Government the Pension that would have been due to his Father if living, amounting to some two thousand five hundred dollars. Then removed to Buffalo, N.Y. and by the same means obtained until his mother's death (which was in June 1844) a yearly pension of about four hundred dollars. If proper measures be taken to bring him to Justice, and any further information be wanted of me it will be given as far as is in my power.
Paul G. Miles of Providence, (Grandson of Jeremiah) and his Father I am informed are acquainted with all the facts. I think Jeremiah

Miles and his first wife died in South Kingston, R.I.
Wadsworth Hall, Kingston, R.I. December 21, 1848
Respectfully
Caleb W. Brown
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original letter body.]

Providence Jan'y 9 1847
Sir
I had a conversation with our District Attorney Mr Burges, to day respecting a gross fraud on the government supposed to have been committed several years ago by Abigail Stiles and he suggested to me the propriety of communicating to you all the facts within my knowledge relating to the fraud. This I will frankly do, I have a distinct recollection, and it appears also from my minutes, that soon after the act of July 4 1836 was passed granting pensions to widows I was applied to by one Henry Stiles to obtain a pension for his mother. He said his mother's name was Abigail Stiles & was the widow of Jeremiah Stiles, who had been a pensioner in his life time, & that she was then living with him in North Providence. I told him what the law was & explained to him its provisions. He said he could prove his mother's marriage & the services of his father had been already proved. I recollect I had assisted his father in obtaining a pension & told him his mother was entitled if married in season. He said his father & mother were married in Massachusetts, in the town of Bridgewater I think.

I remember too, he said his mother was sick or unwell & could not come in town to see me and wished me to go out to their house to take her declaration, I was then Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in this County, and I went out & took her oath to the declaration which I had prepared at his request. After the declaration was made I sent all the papers to you at his request. I remember also there was at first an objection made by you to her having a pension growing out of some statements respecting her age. of this I have but an imperfect recollection. I recalled however that Henry Niles, her son obtained further evidence which satisfied the Department & the pension was granted. - I understand now from Mr. Banger that it has been found out that this woman's name was not Abigail but Charity Niles and that she was Jeremiah Niles second wife, that his first wife's name was Abigail & that she assumed her name. If this was so the government has been grossly imposed upon. I regret exceedingly that any fraud should have been committed through me but it was wholly unsuspected by me, and I feel it my duty to aid & assist the government, as I have done before & always shall do, to ferret out the

frances to bring the guilty to punishment In this matter I was grossly imposed upon, not only as a agent, but as a Magistrate, not having the remotest suspicion, at the time
I am very Respectfully Your obt Servt Benja Cowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

July 25. 1842
Miss
Mary Jane Nichols
fin Hon. J. L. Edwards as Comr. of Pensions Pension Office Washington D.C.

Buffalo 19 July '42
Sir, Your favor of 15 th inst - is this moment received informing us that as the applicant (Abigail Miles)'s declaration for the pension, does not specify the time she claims her late husband (Jeremiah) was a Major in the Revolutionary Army, her agent or attor- cannot - by the rules of the Pension office - set up the claim. - I thank you for the courtesy & explanation in the letter - & tho' I may, at times, apparently trespass on your patience, but Salu- tary rules - I beg you to forbear a brief space longer while I solicit, as we now do, & as was done in our last - that you forward to us - or if you think more proper, to "Mrs Abigail Miles - care of Henry L. Miles Esq. Buffalo" - or without anyone's "care", the said Major's Commission mentioned in your last favor but one. - Also the book or papers filed at the same time therewith - We require that book whose papers on which to revive some more definite detail of data. - I wish now to be understood - this book or papers - is not a modern book - but an ancient writing was wont to be kept - a sheet or so, of brown paper for a cover - with writing on it - & leaves of writing paper - (partly torn - or partly worn) - wrapped therein - there is - what we "now a days" would understand by loose scraps of paper . These were forwarded to the pension office - under the impression (as the family tell me) - that the department would allow for the service of Major , without the same being specified in a new declaration. Hence, may these papers & commission be forwarded by return mail - To oblige with friendly regard -
Yrs truly, Israel Mead
J. S. Edwards Esq. for Israel & Sec. Division Comm. of Pensions. Washington

U.S. Dist. Atty's Office,
Providence Jan'y 8 / 1847
Dear Sir -
I enclose to you the within communication addressed to the Pension Dept of this place, for your action & instructions. From my knowledge of the character of the writer, and from the fact that his wife is the niece of Henry S. Niles, I would be likely to know the transaction he refers to, as also from some inquiries I have made here of Mr Green the pension agent, & others, I am induced to believe that the enclosed will be of service to you, in detecting & bringing to justice this infamous fraud upon the Government -
Should you advise it, I will do my utmost in collecting the necessary proof of the facts herein set forth in the enclosure. By going to South Kingston I think I could ascertain all the facts relating to the marriage or marriages of Jerh Niles without exciting the suspicions of those who would be likely to advice give the warning to H.S. A now in Illinois - A reply at an early date is requested by Yr Obed Serv W.S. Brown U.S.D. Atty,

Providence Oct 28 1836
Sir Yours of 29 th respecting the claim of Abigail Niles was duly recd. & its contents made known to her. It is stated in your letter that Jeremiah Niles in his application for a pension under the act of March 18, 1818, alleged his wife in 1823 to be but 57 years of age & therefore doubts were entertained as to the correctness of her statement in her application. I think the enclosed evidence will remove those doubts entirely. She is upwards of 80 & contains a very fair character.
57 13/16 57 13/16
I had no acquaintance with her until she made an application for a pension, but from the evidence I am perfectly satisfied she is clearly entitled to the provisions of the act of July 4 1836 & that her husband made a mistake in stating her age.
I L Edwards Esq
Respectfully &c Benja. Lowell

Providence 23 Sept 1823
Sir
Agreeably to your directions of Aug 29 th the official character of the Magistrates, before whom the enclosed certificates were taken, has been duly certified by the Clerk of the Court in the County where Jeremiah Niles resides.
I am respectfully yours abt Lvt
Benaiah Lowell
J. L. Edwards Esq

House of Reps. S. June 9 th 1822
Dear Sir,
Enclosed herewith are a letter statement of Leonard George Harrison relating to the application of Abigail Hilds for an increase of Pension, and also a certificate of services and pay of Jeremiah Hilds from the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by which they expect to establish the claim of Abigail Hilds to an increase of said pension. Your early attention to this subject is respectfully solicited.
Very respectfully Your obedient Servt.
J. W. Clarke
Hon.
John T. Edward Commr. of Pensions

Angal Niles N.Y.
1111
365.33 1826.65 182.66 2009.31
Suspended, see Lt. Hon. B. Powell 29 Sept 1836
Adm't. Gen'l Art y .
21. mo. & 27 days.
C. $365.33 per ann
Comm d March 4. 1837.
Ad 4 th July 1836

Providence Sept 2 1836
Sir
I herewith enclose the application of Abigail Niles, widow of Jeremiah for a pension under the 3 d section of the act of July 4 th 1836
I am, respectfully your Benja. Lowell
J. L. Edwards, Esq

July 13. 1842. BUFFALO N.Y.
Miss
Abigail Fales
J. R. Edwards Comr of Pensions. Washington D.C.

For Pension office
Buffalo. 9 July 1842.
Sir,
Your favor of 30 th ult- was truly welcome & satisfactory- inasmuch as it developed facts which could no where else be obtained- than from the files of your office. Your favor stated, the Commission of Brigade Major in the Staff of Genl. Lovell of the Mass. Militia, was, by its date, conferred upon him in July 1778- while he was serving in the Continental Army, & a short time before his resignation. Genl. Lovell was not in the service after that date, according to the information of this Dept. and of course her [Abigail Niles] "late husband could not have been in the service under that Commission." —
To keep our views understandingly, we beg to consider as suggested by your letter, 3 Topics- to wit 1 st The time - to wit date of the Brigade Major's Commission. 2 d As to Genl. Lovell's being in service thereafter. — 3 d As to what may be the information of the Dept.
Therefore we bespeak-
1 st The Brigade Major's Commission - its date - its effect on Jeremiah Niles course & subsequent service.
The Commission's date was, it seems, in July 1778. - It seems also that Jeremiah Niles resigned his Office of Capt- Lieut. on Sept r 9. 1778. - just about one month after his Brigade Major's Commission bears date. Now our inference is, that so soon as could be consistent with his public duties, Jer. Niles resigned the office of Capt- Lieut. & assumed that of Brigade Major - & that this promotion to Major - was the cause of the resignation.

of Capt. Lieut. Certainly, Per Miles was allowed by the Pension office no Major's pay in the pension certificate of his widow: Hence I infer this promotion was the cause of the resignation - that this promotion might have been the legislative remembrance of his gallantry at Newport in that year 1778 - for we find in the "History of Mass. from July 1775 - to 1789 - by Alden Bradford (8 vo . Boston - Wells & Lilly 1825) page 162 m - that "the plan was renewed - in the month of August [1778] - of preparing a powerful force against the enemy at Newport;" - &c. - & on page 164. "Genl. Lovell" & "his officers & men behaved with great intrepidity. Col. Brane of Mass. had command of the of Artillery." -
Here then we find Col. Brane in whose regiment was Capt. Lieut. Miles, but a few days before his resignation. Again same History page 173 - "An expedition was prepared in July 1779, against the British troops at Penobscot." &c. - & on page 179 - "Generals Lovell & Brane had command of the land forces." - Here then, in the year after the date of the Brigade Major's Commission, is General Lovell's name in a History of his own State - & some 10 months after the resignation of office of Capt. Lieut. by Per Miles.
As to General Lovell's being in the service subsequent to Sept. 1778 - I refer you to the above History - also to "History of the rise, progress, & establishment of the Independence of the U. S. - of America" &c. - "by W m Gordon Esq. [in 3 vols] - vol 3 rd . page 17 th - & 18 th . to the same purport. -
From this I infer Genl. Lovell's Brigade Major was out in service as well as the Genl. in 1779.

11 P. As to what maybe the information of the Department, touching the service of Genl Lovell or of his Brigade Major + Subsequent to Sept 9. 1778 - I pretend not to know - but I am assured by the Miles family -
1 st that "Brigade Major Miles" was in service, as such Major, certainly as late as in 1779; if not later - That this Major's Commission was a promotion - 2 d that there was filed in the Pension Office at the time of with the Major's Commission - certain papers - [leaves of an account - Day or Diary Book or journal] - in the hand writing of "Major" Miles, - which writing indicated the service of Major Miles & who were in his Company - I mean - fellow officers. On the cover of these detached leaves - which was the cover of the book from which these leaves were torn - is the Major's name written in his own own hand writing - as Major. -
Probably among the mass of papers in the Pension Office, these leaves their cover escaped the attention of the reader or examiner, - tho' well recollected by the family. -
You perceive that as to facts , this far, the Miles family have been very accurate. I trust, therefore, you will forbear with us till we can get the facts on those leaves. - For that purpose will you do us the favor to enclose the same to us, or a copy of them - so that we may know what officers were of his Companionship & to get proof from them unless you deem the papers themselves, sufficient proof - & of how much time? We are aware we are asking much, but it is what we cannot get elsewhere: hence, we have confidence from the kind tenor of the last favor, to receive a favorable reply -
J. L. Edwards Esqr Commr of Pensions - Very Respectfully Yr ob. servt. Lebrand Marvin Lebrand Marvin yours

War Department Pension Office Sept. 5. 1837
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 2 nd inst. I have to inform you that a pension certificate was issued for M rs Mary Denison and sent to you on the 30 th ultimo.
M rs Abigail Niles, in order to obtain a transfer of her name to the roll of the Albany Agency, for the purpose of drawing her pension at that place, must proceed according to the enclosed printed instructions.
I am respectfully Your Obet. Servt. J. L. Edwards
M rs Denison's pension certificate has been rec d Please to attend to Mrs. Niles' request as soon as convenient & Obey your Humble Servt
Erasmus Williams
Erasmus Williams Esq. Knox Albany County N. York

Dear Sir
Buffalo Jan'y. 6. 1847-
By the advise of Mr Allen the U.S. Attorney of this district I send you a copy of a letter, or extract, which you will please examine and if the person mentioned in the same has had any pension money please write me, and let me know on what papers and the date of the last affidavits and by whom made and the matter will have attention here.
The reason of wishing the information here is on account of this being the last residence of the parties implicated in the matter Resided here about two years since and if any thing is done it will have to be done in this district. I sent a copy of the letter to Mr G. Allen Esq. U.S. attorney of this dist and he advised me to send you a copy and get the necessary information.
Yours Respectfully
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of pensions C. A. Waldron
Deputy U.S. Marshal Buffalo N.Y.
P.S. I recd the letter spoken of on the 2 nd inst from a person by the name of Brown in Illinois.
If I have instruction I will give it attention
Yours truly
C. A. Waldron

Copy of letter
I have lately been informed that and believe that the money that Henry L. Niles had when he came to Buffalo and the pension of about four hundred per annum which he received was obtained by fraud & perjury . The facts as I have been informed are these. Jeremiah Niles Father of Henry L. Niles was an officer in the revolutionary war, previous to the war he married a woman named Abigail . after the war she died, and he married again to a woman named Charity who was H. L. Niles mother, after that Jeremiah Niles died and his pension of course stopped, his second wife not being his wife during the war he having another wife at that time was not entitled to a pension after his death, about ten years ago Niles was living with his mother in North Providence R.I. he compelled his mother to commit the double crime of forgery and perjury, by signing her name Abigail and subscribing to it and he swearing swore he was the son of Abigail when his mother's name was Charity , and obtained from the Government the amount of the pension that his father would have received if living amounting to some Twentyfour hundred dollars, and then moved to Buffalo with his mother, and by the same means obtained annually from the Government about four hundred dollars untill his mother died which I think was in June 1824 since he has lived in this country I have seen no prospect of reformation you being U.S. Marshal and and the crime being committed in the your

district I thought you was the most proper person to inform that Justice might be done I do not know of any person in Buffalo who knows the facts. I never heard them till lately Paul S. Niles (A Green- wood  Grandson of Jeremiah Niles ) and his Father Nath Simes in Providence R.I. I am told know all the facts Jeremiah Niles and his first wife I think died in South Kingston R.I.

Feb 24/49
Dear Cole,
J. L. Edwards, Comm ee of Pensions, Washington D. C.
Yours affec ly McLean

No. 7 Representatives.
Wats on Feb. 7, 21 st 1849.
Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Dear Sir,
Will you have the goodness to inform me whether there is a Pensioner on your roll, by the name of Charity Niles. She was the widow of Major Jeremiah Niles, who was, during a part of the Revolutionary War, an aid of Gen. Knox. The last that was known of Mrs. Charity Niles, she was in Buffalo, N. Y. My object is to learn if Mrs. Charity Niles is still living & drawing her pension.
Very truly,
Yours & an
Moran Mann.

No. of Rep ts Feb y 10 th 1857,
Hon. James E. Heath,
Dear Sir,
Can one of your clerks answer the question con- tained in the enclosed letter? It is made in behalf of a very worthy la- dy, in Massachusetts.
I would thank you for a re- turn of the letter, with your reply.
Very truly. Yours &c.
Horace Mann.

Buffalo. April 28/42.
L. & Geo. L. Marvin.
On 12 th inst recd the papers of Abigail Niles, claim for a pension, to Pension Office and reply to his letter.
M 154. Rec May 3/42
Pension Office.
Rev John G. Spencer Secy of War Washington
Abigail Niles NY

In the Application of Abigail Miles (pensioner as widow of Jeremiah Miles a Revolutionary Officer) for an increased pension
Buffalo - 28 April 1842
Sir,
On 12 th inst we forwarded to the pension office - particulars of this application; - previously, we had written to our friend Hon. Staley N. Clarke of the Ho. of Reps. also to Hon. John G. Floyd - but had reason from examination of "Ways & Means" - to suspect both were out of your City. To none of these letters have I received replies - Absence accounts for this in the 2 latter persons, - but not for the why no reply from the Pension Office ; - May we have the favor to have our application to the Pension Office, replied to in some particulars. We should have addressed our Representative - but for his known immersion in the mazes of "Ways & Means"; But for knowing yourself at the head of the department, to which our last communication was addressed. The anxiety of "hope deferred" of the applicant may enter into our desire for a speedy reply:
Very Respectfully With much respect Yr humble obed servt. L. Brand & B. S. Martin
Hon John C. Spencer - Secy of War Washington D.C.
Mr Clinton is being well forwarded growth in the affections of our west cannot but afford true gratification to his kin - and to his quorum acquaintances. I trust it shall not be of detriment.

Abijah Wiles, Payments to be made at Providence R.I. by First- Arcade Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Rhode Island
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book Vol. 1 st Page by N.H. Addison Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Abigail Niles of Rhode Island widow of Sereniah Niles decd. who was a Lieutenant of Artillery in the War of the Revolution is entitled to receive Three hundred & Sixty five dollars and Thirty three cents per annum , during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Fourth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Six
J. H. Butler
Secretary of War ad interim
Examined and } Countersigned. }
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sept 10/12
Mat. W. Evans,
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Academy Bank Providence Sept 9 th 1837
Sir
I have received your favor of the 5 th inst. & have to inform you that Abigail Niles a pensioner now on the Roll of this Agency under the act of 4 th July 1836. at the rate of $365 33 / 100 per annum was last paid to March 4 th 1837. — I shall cease to pay her thereafter.
I am very respectfully yr. ob st Serv t
J. Waterman Postmaster for H. Green
A. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, October 6 th 1838.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that Jeremiah Niles served as a Captain Lieutenant in Colonel Crane's Regiment from January 1 st 1777 to September 9 th 1778 — Twenty months and Nine days — at £12 per month — that he Resigned 9 Sept. 1778 — and his account is examined and Certified 21 Jany 1789.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Jeremiah Niles Inquiry
Ans
Set North: Niles July 21/57

Jeremy Niles was a Major in the Revolutionary war - served first in Mass. was pensioned, probably under the act of 1818. from R. Island. The above are the facts, as nearly as I can remember.
I desire information respecting all the facts connected with his service - not for the purposes of any claim against the government, but as a matter of family history - particularly as to the duration of his service in each grade.
Nathaniel Niles No 44 Monroe Street New York
July 20. 1857.
1818/ No 9.909
1836-157

Canals. Sept 5.
29 Aug. since demolition 157. aboard Mills 9000
June
L. Edwards Esq. Camp of Pensylvania below Washington

Sir
Newark N. J. Sept 2 1837
I rec d your communication of the 3 rd of August in the case of Mary Wesson enclosing the family Register upon the Bibles leaf with objections as not appearing in the hand writing of her late husband agreeable to the testimony of Amos Gray who was well acquainted with his writing and believed it to be his but that be as it may it is evidently a correct family Register and undoubtedly correct let the entry have been made by any other person
I should have answered yours before this but the day previous to its receipt I forwarded other evidence of her marriage from the record of the clergyman who married them as required by your communication with another affidavit from a person present at the marriage which I concieve would be entirely satisfactory
There can be no hesitation as to the correctness of Mrs. Minks testimony as she was fifteen years of age (I think she told me) the summer she resided in the family and on the wedding day the bride

Walked into the orchard and gathered apples from a certain tree which ripened in July & August calculating her present age there were circumstances for distinct recollection The papers last forwarded presume have been rec d
Mrs Abigail Miles Wallen of Limerick Miles dec d who was a friend of Artillery lately a resident in South Kingston R. Island but at the time of her removal a resident in North Providence at present resides in my family wishing to have her pension which becomes due on the 4 th inst. made payable near near Albany if convenient as it would thereby save her considerable trouble and expense if the transfer can be made please send me proper instructions
And much obliged
Your Humble Servt
Erastus D. Dillingham

IN CONGRESS.
The DELEGATES of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina and South-Carolina , to Jeremiah Niles Esq r
WE reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Adjutant of the Regiment of Artillery, commanded by Colonel Henry Knox in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Adjutant by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Adjutant . And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being of the army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
Attest Chas Thomson Secy Sam t Purdie
By Order of the Congress,
John Hancock President

IN CONGRESS.
The DELEGATES of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and South-Carolina, to Jeremiah Niles Esq. Gentleman
WE reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Second Lieutenant in the Regiment of Artillery Commanded by Colonel Henry Knox
in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of a Second Lieutenant , by doing and performing all manner of things therein belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Lieutenant . And you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief for the time being of the army of the United Colonies, or any other your superior officer, according to the rules and discipline of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
The Second April 1776 Albert Chatham on duty
By Order of the Congress
John Hancock President

IN CONGRESS.
The DELEGATES of the UNITED STATES of New-Hampshire, Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, South-Carolina, and Georgia, TO
Jeremiah Niles, Esq re
WE, reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be a Superior mora.
2 nd Captain Lieutenant in the Regiment of Artillery commanded by Colonel John Crane.
in the Army of the United States, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of Things thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all Officers and Soldiers under your Command, to be obedient to your Orders as a Capt a Lieutenant . And you are to observe and follow such Orders and Directions from Time to Time, as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the United States, or Committee of Congress, for that Purpose appointed, or Commander in chief for the Time being of the Army of the United States, or any other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in you. This Commission to continue in Force until revoked by this or a future Congress.
DATED this first day of January Anno Domini 1777. Seven Seven. By Order of the CONGRESS,
ATTEST. Chatham Jeffery
John Hancock
PRESIDENT.

Whitney Park 27 October 1811
Capt Lieutenant Jeremiah Niles is at his own request hereby discharged the service in the Artillery of the united states, he having behaved as became a good officer
By his Excellency Command -
Francis B. G. Pattee

I Deborah Humphrey of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being now eighty two years of age on oath, do depose and say, that I well remember Abigail White of Braintree, who was the daughter of Josiah White formerly of Braintree, that I was well acquainted with her having lived within a short distance of her a number of years. That I knew Jeremy Miles to whom she the said Abigail was married, when she was about sixteen years old, and that she must be now about eighty years old. That they lived in Braintree some years after they married, but I do not know where they now live.
Deborah Humphrey
In Weymouth October 8 th 1836
Personally appeared before me the above named Deborah Humphrey and made oath, to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed.
And I further certify that the said Deborah Humphrey is well known to me and that she is a credible witness, and her statement is entitled to full credit.
Timothy Gordon. Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Oct. 2. 1836.
I hereby certify that the within named Timothy Gordon is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk in this State. Witness my hand & the Seal of the Commonwealth
John P. Bigelow Sec'y of the Commonwealth

I Sarah Torrey of Weymouth in the County of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts being now eighty four years old, on oath, do depose and say. That I well knew Abigail White who was the daughter of Josiah White formerly of Braintree. That she married Jeremy Miles of Braintree, that I was intimately acquainted with them both, and was present when they were married. I cannot tell how old she was when married but think she was as much as fifteen or sixteen and must now be rising of eighty years old. After they were married they lived some years in Braintree, during which time the said Jeremy was an officer in the Revolution-ary army. They afterward moved to some one of the Western States and further she deposes saith not.
Sarah her X Torrey mark
In Weymouth October 8 th 1836
Personally appeared before me the above named Sarah Torrey and made oath, to the truth of the above affidavit by her signed.
And I further certify that the said Sarah Torrey is well known to me, and that she is a credible witness and her statement is entitled to full credit.
Timothy Gorton } Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office - Oct. 8. 1836.
I hereby certify that the within named Timothy Gor- don is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Norfolk in this State. Witness my hand & the seal of the Commonwealth
John P. Bigelow
Sec'y of the Com'th

We have no Garrison on the Roll, of the within name: - There is one Abijah Niles, member of Garrison & the same rate, who died 31 st July 1844, and is Pencil - Perhaps this is the one you require B.L.B.

New York - Roll Act 4 July 1836 Charity Wiles, widow of Jeremiah, Capt. St & Adm $391. per annum.
To what time last paid?
Pension Office 24 March '49

In pension of Abigail Miles - Certificate of Mass. - as time of pay of for Miles -

Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 2 p. 22 Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 31 st 1842.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of Jeremiah Niles is borne on an account in the Army books as a Captain's Lieut t in Col l Francis Regiment , and there Credited by his Services from January 1 st 1777 to 9 th September 1778 , being 20 Mos. 9 days at £. 12 per Month . Also that he resigned September 9 th 1778 .
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John D. Sleeper Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Albia, Mo. July 30. 1849.
Col. E. G. Potter
In relation to fraud of Henry G. Niles to obtain a pension for a woman who was not the widow of Maj. Niles.
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions and written & informed. W. Cole
Post Office 8 Augt 1849
Aug. 8. 1849. 11
Mr. N. Dawson Paymaster Genl City of Washington
D. C. 11 Augt 1849
Albia Mo. July 31st 1849
12

Mr. N. T. Tawson
Scotia 1849 Solidoll July 30 th
as I take my pen in hand to address you upon the subject of fraud which Henry L. Miles is guilty of such he has got his mother to swear that she was the wife of Maj. Miles in the time of the revolution of the United States which it can be proven that she was not for she confess on her death bed that she was not so the said Henry L. Miles made her to swear to a lie so that he could get the Money I wish you to send me a file of his affidavit so that I can bring him to justice and prove that he has swindle the United States out of the Money and send me a line how much this can be prove on him in three days after I get a file of his affidavit the Witness an hand are ready to appear before him as soon as I get it. I have sent a letter to C. Johnson pay master general through a mistake yours affectionately Col. E. G. Potter N. Tawson pay master Gen.

Jun 1815

United States of America
Rhode Island District
County of Washington
Court of Common Pleas August Term AD 1823 on the 13 th Day of August AD 1823 Personally appeared in Open Court, Being a court of Records within said State & County Jeremiah Filer Aged Seventy four Years, Now residing in the town of South Kingston in said County who being duly sworn doth make the following Declaration in order to obtain the provisions of Acts of Congress of March 18 th A.D. 1818 May 1 st A.D. 1820 & March 1 st A.D. 1823 that the said Jeremiah declares that in the month of January A.D. 1776 he entered the Regiment commanded by Col Henry Knox as a Deputy, and that he continued to serve in said Corps until October 1777 when he was Honorably Discharged that he made his first declaration on the 3 day of April A.D. 1818 and received a certificate for a pension No. 9909 but his name was stricken off the Pension Roll under the Act of May A.D. 1820

And I Jeremiah Niles do solemnly swear, that I was a Resident Citizen of the United States on the Eighteenth day of March one thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by Gift Sale or in any manner whatever disposals of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled an Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war; passed on the Eighteenth day of March one thousand Eight Hundred and Eighteen; that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contents or debts, due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed Jeremiah Niles Wm. T. Helm

Schedule of property & income clothing & bedding excepted of Jeremiah Miles W m & Weaver looms, a table, 1 looking glass 7 chairs, 1 bye tub one stump, 1 small iron pot, 1 Tea Kettle, 1 old saw, 1 small iron kettle, 1 pair of Shovel & tongs, 1 old wash tub, 1 auger, 1 wood saw 1 old wash tub, 1 meal bark, 1 Woollen Wheel 1 old scale & weights some old books two old baskets, 1 old ax & 1 sieve, some buckskin ware some knives & forks and spoons 1 pot ax 1 pair of iron dogs 1 Tottle & three Wedges 1 Tea pot Provision for Family and other them the above
Since Miles has no property except as above excepted and as to the property mentioned in his first Schedule, under the Act of Mar. 1 st 1820 The following changes has taken place, the small Real Estate consisting of about 2 acres of Land & a small dwelling house has been sold to Edward Willcox A copy of the deed of conveyance is here with annexed, & the proceeds applied to the payment of his debts The taxes have been sold to

John Gabet ends the Cows to Elisha Watson and the proceeds all Expended in the payments of his debts as will appear by Sundry Depositions Here with them mitted - of the Sheep some have been Killed for Family use and some have died the Ox Wagon was Exchanged for a Cow in 1821 which Cow has since been Sold ends the said Jeremiah further says that he is still involved in debts that he is on account of his age unable to do but little work Being a Heart barm man by profession that he has a wife aged 57 years and one son aged 20 years dependent in some measure upon him for support Under these Impoverished circumstances he must soon depend on Charity unless assisted by his Country Jeremiah Niles

August Term 1823 Sworn to in Open Court - August 13 th 1823. Attest Sam l Helme Clk of Court
Washington Se d Clerk's Office of the Court of Common Pleas August 13. 1823. -
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court aforesaid do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction the satisfaction of the Court that the said Jeremiah Niles did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of Nine Months under one engagement on the Continental Establishment I also certify that the foregoing Oath and the Schedule hereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court and I do further certify that it is the Opinion of the said Court that the to total amount in Value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Twenty four Dollars and Seventy Cents
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed The Seal of the said Court on this Sixteenth day of August in the Year 1823.
Sam l Helme Clerk of Court

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Washington ss. Supreme Judicial Court April Term, A. D. 1822. On thirty day of April 1822, Personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of record within and for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, Jeremiah Niles aged Seventy Two years, residing in the Town of South Kingstown in said County, who being first sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: that he served as Adjutant in Col Henry Knox Regiment, from the 1 st of January 1776 until the following April and from said time he served as 2 nd Lieut in Capt Edward Burkitt's Com y of Artillery until the close of the year & from the 1 st day of January 1777 he served as a Superannuary Cap. Lieut. in the Regiment commanded by Col John Crane until the October following all of which services was in the Continental Army. That he made a previous declaration on the third day of April 1818 and that he has since certificate for a Pension, being No 9909 and in Pursuance of the Act of Congress, passed May 1 st 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a President Citizen of the United States on the 18 th day of March, 1818; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatsoever disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled an Act to provide for certain Persons engaged in the Land and Naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War, passed on the 18 th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any Person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts, or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.
Jeremiah Niles
A Schedule of Property and income (necessary clothing and Bedding excepted) of Jeremiah Niles (Siz) one Weaver loom one Table, 1 looking Glass, one Table six Chains, 2 L bs of Dy. Sub, 1 Stand, one Small Iron Pot, 1 Tea Kettle, 1 Old Saw & Iron Kettle, 1 Shovel & Fork, 2 Crayons, 1 Wood Saw, Old Wash Tub, 1 Meal Sack and Meal, 1 Woolen Wheel, 1 Old Scale and weights, 1 Meat Tub, Some Old Books, 1 Basket, 1 Old axe, 1 Shive Some Cookery Knives and Forks, 1 Port Axe, Iron and Stone ware, Potatoes, Fire Wood, 1 Basket.
Jeremiah Niles
I swear to and declare on the 2 nd day of April before 1822 in open Court Washington ss Clerk's office of the Supreme Judicial Court A. D. 1822 I John Sagar Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for the County of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island & do hereby certify that the foregoing Oath, and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the originals of said County and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the amount in value of the property Exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Twenty seven Dollars and thirty seven Cents. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court on this 2 nd day of April 1822. John Sagar Clerk of said Court

Washington To Supreme Judicial Court April Term AD 1822 I Certify that the  above carefully examined and compared the within Declaration and I Certify that this is a true copy of the Original Witness John Segar Clerk

I know All Men by these Presents that Jeremiah
Niles of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island Gentleman in Consideration of thirtytwo Dollars to me in hand paid before the delivery hereof by Edward Wilcox of Charlestown in the County of Washington aforesaid the receipt whereof I do acknowledge have Given Granted Bargained Sold, and by these Presents do Give, Grant Bargain Sell and confirm to him the said Edward Wilcox his Heirs and Assigns forever a Certain piece of Land lying and being in said Charlestown containing by estimation two Acres be the same more or Less with a dwelling house thereon and is Bounded as follows, Easterly on Simeon Clarke; Southerly on an old cart path nearly as the wall now stands; Westerly on Land known by the name of Phebe Sheffield's Lot; Northerly on Elias Crandal and Simeon Clarke. To Have and to Hold to him the said Edward Wilcox his Heirs and Assigns forever all my Right title, Interest Possession and Claim or demand which before the Enrolling hereof I legally hold in said Premises, with all the appurtenances thereto belonging unto him the said Edward Wilcox his Heirs and Assigns forever; and that I have good and legal Right to convey the same as aforesaid; that they are free of all Incumbrances; and that I will warrant and defend the same unto him the said Edward Wilcox and his Heirs and Assigns forever against the lawful demands and claimants of all Persons. In Witness whereof I have Set my hand and Seal this 16 th day of March One Thousand Eight Hundred Twenty and two -
Jeremiah Niles (L.S.)
in presence of Samuel Stanton
Deed Jeremiah Niles to Edward Wilcox - Rec- in Town Clerk's Office in Charlestown to be recorded March 16 th 1822 at 7: O'Clock A.M.
Washington ss at Charlestown on the 16 th day of March A.D. 1822 In Person appeared the within named Jeremiah Niles Signer & Sealer of the within Instrument and acknowledged the same to be his free and voluntary act hand & Seal
Before - Samuel Stanton Jus. Peace
Attest Samuel Stanton, J.P.
I hereby Certify the foregoing to be a true Copy taken this 29 th day of April A.D. 1823. and duly compared at Charlestown aforesaid
by Samuel Stanton Town Clerk
for Sec. 25- 100

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington County ss. S. Clerks Office Court Common pleas September 10 th A.D. 1823.
I certify that I have compared the preceding copy of a Deed from Jeremiah Niles to Edward Willcox Esq. Lodged in the Registry or Town Clerks Office in the Town of Charlestown for record & on Examination find it to be correctly copied
I also certify that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court aforesaid
Wm Sam l Gelsne Clk of Court

The State of Rhode-Island and Providence-Plantations.
Washington sc. } To the Sheriff, his Deputy, or to either of the Town-Serjeants, or Constables in the County of Washington Greeting.
(Seal)
WHEREAS, Edward Hull of South Kingston in the County of said Town
at a Justice's Court holden at S. Kingston on the 25th Day of February 1821 recovered Judgment of said Court against Jeremiah Niles
of said South Kingston Gentleman
for the Sum of $14 07 Cts. Debt, and Costs of suit, taxed at 1 65 as of Record of said Court doth appear, which Sums in the whole amount to 15 72 Cts. for which Execution remains to be done:—
We Command you, therefore, that of the Goods and Chattels of the said Jeremiah Niles (within your precinct) you levy the said sum of $15 72 Cts together with 16 Cents for this Execution, as also your lawful Fees for serving the same, and therewith satisfy and pay the said Edward Hull and for want of sufficient goods and chattels of the said Jeremiah Niles to be by you found, to satisfy and pay the same sums as aforesaid, we command you to take the body of the said Jeremiah Niles into your Custody, and him safely secure in our Goal in S. Kingston until he satisfy and pay the said Edward Hull the Sums aforesaid, and your Fees, or until he be by the said Edward Hull therefrom discharged, or otherwise by order of law.—Hereof fail not, and make return of this Writ, within three months from the date hereof, and of your doings thereon.—Given under my hand and seal at S. Kingston aforesaid, this 3rd day of March in the year 1821.
Matthew Robinson Just Peace
$14 07 1 65 16 15 88 60 16 16 64

St. Kingston August 16th A.D. 1823 I hereby certify that the within contains a true Copy of the Original Execution against Jeremiah Fisher then named & the amount of debt and cost then taxed being $16.64 Cash was returned & paid by the said Jeremiah on the second day of June 1821 & Execution returned into my office —
M c William Robinson Just Peace
Copy Executor
Edward Hull
vs
Jeremiah Fisher

The State of Rhode-Island and Providence-Plantations.
Washington sc. } To the Sheriff, his Deputy, or to either of the Town-Serjeants, or Constables in the County of Washington Greeting.
WHEREAS, Thomas Hodman of South Kingstown in said County, Yeoman at a Justice's Court holden at P. Kingston on the 19th Day of January 1821 recovered Judgment of said Court against Jeremiah Niles
of said South Kingstown Gentleman for the Sum of $15 97 Cents - Debt, and Costs of Suit, taxed at 1 65 as of Record of said Court doth appear, which Sums in the whole amount to 17 62 Cents for which Execution remains to be done:—
We Command you, therefore, that of the Goods and Chattels of the said Thomas (within your precinct) you levy the said sum of $17 62 together with 16 Cents for this Execution, as also your lawful Fees for serving the same, and therewith satisfy and pay the said Thomas, and for want of sufficient goods and chattels of the said Jeremiah to be by you found, to satisfy and pay the same sums as aforesaid, we command you to take the body of the said Jeremiah into your Custody, and him safely secure in our Goal in P. Kingston until he satisfy and pay the said Thomas the Sums aforesaid, and your Fees, or until he be by the said Thomas therefrom discharged, or otherwise by order of law.—Hereof fail not, and make return of this Writ, within three months from the date hereof, and of your doings thereon.—Given under my hand and seal at P. Kingston aforesaid, this 24th day of Jany in the year 1821
Matt. Robinson Just Peace
$15 97 1 65 16 17 78 60 16 17 54

St. Kingston August 16 th 1823 I herby certify that the within contains a true copy of the Original Execution against Jeremiah Diller Shiner named & the amount of Debt & Cost thereon taxed being $10 00 54 Cents was satisfied & paid by the said Jeremiah on the 24 th day of April A.D. 1821
Matthew Simonson Just Peace
Copy to Simon
Thos Rodman
vs
Jeremiah Diller

Dear Robert Hazard.

I Robert Hazard of Joseph of Charleston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of lawful age and engaged according to law do hereby and say that Jeremiah Miles of South Kingston in the county and State of Rhode Island on the 23 rd day of December 1819 gave me his note of hand for the sum of thirty one dollars and one cent for a just debt which he then owed me on settlement, which note is now due and unpaid and further the date 23 rd with out
Robert Hazard of Joseph
At South Kingston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island this 5 th day of August A 1826 Personally came Robert Hazard subscribed to the foregoing deposition who to me is well known as a man of truth and integrity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before Nathaniel White Justice

Washington Is State of Rhode Island &c
Blakes office Court Common
Pleas and General Sessions of the
Pierpont August 18. 1820
I certify that Matthew Pratt Esq. is a Justice of the Pierpont for the Town of South- Kingston legally chosen and qualified as the law requires, that full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States and that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court of sessions
Attn. SAM. HELME Clerk of Court

Phenix Bank Westerly R.I.
August 3 d 1820
I hereby certify that Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston a Prisoner under the act of Congress of March 1810 is indebted to said Bank on note the sum of sixty seven dollars
J Mason Baskin
State of Rhode Island &c Washington Ss. At Westerly on the 3 d day of August 1820 in his private prison appeared Jesse Mason Baskin of the Phoenix Bank in Westerly and who subscribed the foregoing certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Amos Crops C. J. E. C. Phear.
I certify that abovenamed Jesse Mason is a man of the most undoubted truth and veracity Amos Crops C. J. E. C. Phear

I John Leger of SouthKingston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of lawful age and engaged according to law do testify and say that Samuel Tiler of SouthKingston in the county of Washington and State of course on the 2 nd day of June A D 1819 gave me his note of hand for the sum of six dollars 89/100 for a joint debt which note is now due and unpaid and further the deponent saith not John Leger
At SouthKingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island this 14 th day of August A D 1820 personally came John Leger subscriber to the foregoing deposition who to me is well known as a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before
Robert F. Mayes Just Peace

Washington Is. State of Rhode Island &c Berkshire Officiis Cant Common Pleas &c General Sessions of the peace I certify That Robert F. Mayer Esq whose signature is hereunto affixed is a justice of the peace for the Town of South Kingston legally chosen and qualified as the law requires That full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States And that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court aforesaid Witness So
Copy delivered John Leger

I Edward Hull of South Kingston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island since Providence Plantations of lawful age, do testify and say that Lemuel Miles of South Kingston in the county of Washington and State aforesaid on the 24 th day of April 1819 gave me his note of hand for the sum of twelve dollars and seventy five cents for a just debt, which note is now due and unpaid and further the deponent saith not.
Edward Hull
At South Kingston in the county of Washington and State of Rhode Island this 16 th day of August A.D. 1820 Personally came Edward Hull subscribed to the preceding deposition, who to me is well known as a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before John Leger Jr. of the Peace

Washington D. State of Rhode Island &c
Blakes office Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace August 18. 1820
I certify that John Leger Esq. whose signature is hereunto affixed is a justice of the peace for the Town of South Kingston legally chosen and appointed as the Law requires. That full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate Throughout the United States and that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court aforesaid
Copies John L. Hull

I Edward Wilson of Charleston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of Lawful age and engaged according to Law do testify and say, that Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston in the County and State aforesaid on the 25 th March A D 1820 gave me his note of hand for five dollars on demand with interest and further the deposit with note.
Edward Wilson
At South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on the 17 th August A D 1820 Personally came the within named Edward Wilson subscriber to the preceding deposition, who to me is well known as a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me.
Stephen Wail Jr. Ruler

Washington Le.
State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks office Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
August 18. 1820
I hereby certify that Matthew Astwood Esq. whose signature is hereto affixed is a justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston legally sworn and qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit ought be given to his certificate throughout the United States. And that the seal hereto affixed here impressed is the true seal of the Court aforesaid
Wit. John L. Brown Clerk of said Court
Departure of E. Scars Wilson

John Gait of South Kingston in the county of Washington gentleman of lawful age and engaged according to law testifies as follows that Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston of said bona fide is is indebted to him by note in the sum of thirty dollars, which note is dated the 4 th November 1819. John Gait
Washington County S c . August 14. 1820 Rhode Island
Personally came the above named John Gait who is to my knowledge a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed. Before me
David Rootes Jr. Justice

Washington Lt. State of Rhode Island & C Clerks Office Court Common Pleas & General Sessions the term August 18. 1820
I hereby that Levi Totten Esq. when sworn is true officer is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States And that the seal here imprinted is the Seal of the Court of Justice
John Gannett Deputy Clerk

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Washington County ss Clerk's Office Court Common pleas & Just. Sessions of the Peace Sep r 8. 1823.
I certify that Samuel Stanton was a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown on the 16 th Day of March A.D. 1822 and that the said Samuel Stanton was Town Clerk and Register of Deeds for the Town of Charlestown on the 29 th Day of April 1823. I also certify that Matthew Robinson was a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown on the 24 th Jan y & the 3 rd Day of March 1821. I also certify that Matthew Waite was a Justice of the Peace on the 5 th 16 th & 17 th days of August 1820. I also certify that Amos Cross Esq r was Chief Justice of the Courts aforesaid on the 3 rd Day of August 1820. I also certify Robert T. Boyes was a Justice of the Peace on the 14 th day of August 1820. I also certify that John Segar was a Justice of the Peace on the 16 th day of August A.D. 1820. I also certify that Levi Tollen was a Justice of the Peace on the 14 th day of August 1820. All the aforesaid Officers were legally chosen and qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to their several certificates throughout the United States I further certify that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Courts aforesaid
Attest Sam l Helme Clerk of s d Courts

We hereby certify that Jeremiah Niles now of South Kingstown who served in the Revolution ary Army with whom we have been acquainted for several years last past; that he is now in urgent circumstances and are of opinion is very justly entitled to the assistance of his Country as a Pensioner. Given under our hand, at Charlestown afterwards this seventeenth Day of June 1818
and in the State of Rhode Island — Edward Willcox Lieut. Governor Thomas Hopeie Jeter C: Common pleas
Washington County S. J. Clarke. Office Court Common Pleas
I certify that I have hereunto Affixed the seal of said Court this Twentieth day of June A.D. 1818. Wm. S. Helme Clerk

Washington County ss } Clerks Office Court of Common Pleas. April 1819.
State of Rhode Island &c
I certify that the Hon'ble Edward Willcox whose Certificate is hereunto Affixed is Lieut. Governor of the State aforesaid & that the Hon'ble Thomas Hoxie whose Certificate is hereunto Affixed is a Justice of the Court aforesaid. both legally chosen & qualified as the Law requires that full faith & credit ought to be given to their Certificate throughout the United States & that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of s d Court.
Wm. S am . Helme C lerk

Westerly County of Washington S. State of Rhode Island Jan'y 25 th 1820
I the subscriber having examined the case of Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston in the County aforesaid do hereby certify that I am of the opinion said Niles is unable to support himself by his own efforts and labour in consequence of a bodily infirmity under which he labours connected with his advanced Age
Certified & signed by W m Robinson Physician
Washington S c On the 25 th day of January 1821 came Doc t William Robinson subscriber of the foregoing Certificat and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before Jno. W. Knight Justice of Peace
I Jeremiah W. Knight one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Doc t William Robinson the signer of the foregoing Certificate has for a length of time past resided in this Neighbourhood as a Physician and that he is well known and acknowledged for his skill in his profession and in society a gentleman on whose truth and veracity the utmost confidence may may be placed Certified by me Jno. W. Knight Justice of Peace
Washington S c Clerk's Office Court Common Pleas Feb'y. 19. 1821
I certify that the above contains a true copy of a Disposition sent to the War Department City of Washington W m Sam. Hulme Clk.

I Edward Willcox of Charlestown in the County of Washington & State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantation of lawful age and engaged according to Law do testify and say, That Sumner Miley South Kingston in the County & State of said or the 25 March A.D. 1820 Gave me his note of hand for Five dollars on demand with Interest & further the deponent saith not Edward Willcox
At South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island on the 17 th Aug. A.D. 1820 Personally came the Witness named Edward Willcox subscribed to the preceding Deposition who to me is well known as a man of truth & veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before me Matthew Wainwright

Washington to State of Rhode Island &c Clerks office Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace August 18. 1820
I hereby certify that Matthew White Egg whose signature is hereunto affixed is a justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston legally chosen and qualified as the law directs That full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States And that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court aforesaid I further certify that the Honble Edward Milligan the Deponent is Lieut. Governor of the State aforesaid Attn. Sam. Nelson Clk of Courts.
Deponent Edward Milligan

James Hazard Deposition
1842

I George Hazara of SouthKingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation of Lawful age and Engaged according to Law do testify and that Jeremiah Viles of SouthKingstown in the County and State aforesaid on the 11 th day of August 1820 gave me his note of hand for the sum of five Dollars and 50 Cents for a just Debt which note is now due and unpaid and further the Deponent saith not George Hazara
At SouthKingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, this 15 th Day of August AD 1820 Personally came George Hazara Subscribed to the preceding Deposition who to me is Well Known as a man of truth and Veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same —
Before John Leger Justices of the Peace.

Washington Le State of Rhode Island & C
Clerk of the Court common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace August 18 .. 1820
I hereby certify that John Sagar Esq. whose signature is hereunto affixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston legally chosen and qualified as the law directs requiring that full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificates Throughout the United States & that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the courts aforesaid Wm. Sam. Helme Clk of s d Courts

Departure of Bald Eagle

I Edward Hull of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of Lawful age and engaged according to Law do testify and say that Jeremiah Niles of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State aforesaid on the 24 th Day of April 1819 gave me his note of hand for the Sum of twelve Dollars and twenty cents for a just Debt which note is now due and unpaid and further the Deponent saith not Edward Hull
At South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island this 16 th Day of August AD 1820 Personally came Edward Hull Subscriber to the preceding Deposition who to me is well known as a man of truth and veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same
Before John Leger Justice of The Peace

Washington 2 d State of Rhode Island 1 st
Clerks office Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace August 18. 1820
I certify that John Leger whom oyer and terminer is hereunto officiate is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith and credit ought be given to his certificate Throughout the United States And that the seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court. Yours. W th Sam l Helme Clk of Courts.

South Kingston August 19 D 1820
I hereby certify that there is not any other man by the name and denomination of Jeremiah Niles living in the Town of South Kingston in the County of Washington in the State of Rhode Island except the one now a prisoner under the act. of Congress passed in March
D 1818
Attn. Sam l Helme Col l B o Com d Pleas & Gen. Sessions of the Peace

Doc. Gaffin certificate
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Charlestown August 4 th 1820
This Certifies that Mr. Jeremiah Niles is at this time labouring under a complaint called Hydrocele, which renders him unable to maintain himself & expects soon to be under the necessity of having an operation performed for the relief of his complaint, having been called upon several times to examine his case & find no other remedy than an operation
Stephen F. Griffin Phys n
Washington. S t . Charlestown August the 4 th 1820 Personally came Stephen F. Griffin the signer to the above certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before Asa Church Justice Peace
I certify that the above named Stephen F. Griffin is an approved Physician and is man of the most un doubted truth and veracity Asa Church of Justice Peace

Washington County
State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks Office Court Common Pleas Aug. 1 st 1820.
I certify that Asa Church Esq. whose signature is hereto Affixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown legally choosen and qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States and that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court. Affirmed
Witn. Sam l Helm Clerk of Court

Affidavit No. Gavit

John Gairt of South Kingston in the County of Washington yeoman of lawful age and engaged according to law testifies as follows - That Jeremiah Nels of South King- ston aforesaid bona fide is indebted to him by note in the sum of thirty dollars which note is dated the 4th of November 1819 -
John Gairt
Washington County } } Rhode Island - } } August 14th 1820.
Personally came the above named John Gairt who and make solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition and this said Gairt is to my knowledge a man of truth and veracity and make solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed - Before me Levi Totten Just Peace

Washington Sc. State of Rhode Island & C Bleaker office Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace
I certify that Levi Foster whose signature is hereunto affixed is a justice of the peace for the Town of South Kingston legally chosen and qualified as the law requires that full faith and credit ought be given to his certificate throughout the United States and that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court of Justice
Wm. SAML. HELME CLK of Courts

Charlestown Jan y 26 th 1821
This Certifies that Jeremiah Niles of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island Pensioner under the Act of Congress 18 th of March 1818 is at this time labouring under a complaint call d Hydrocele which renders him unable to maintain himself and expects soon to be under the painful necessity of having an operation performed for the relief of said complaint, having been called upon several times to examine his case and find no other remedy than an Operation.
Stephen F. Griffin Phys t
Washington Is d Charlestown Jan y 26 th 1821
Personally came Stephen F. Griffin the signer to the above Certificate and made solemn Oath to the truth of the same before Asa Church Justice Peace
I certify that the above Stephen F. Griffin is an approved Physician and is a Man of the most undoubled truth and veracity Asa Church Justice Peace
Washington Is d . Clerk's Office Court Common Pleas Feb y 19. 1821
I certify that the above contains a true copy of a Deposition sent to the War Department City of Washington
Wm. Sam. Hume C lk

Evidence of property in the case of Jeremiah Wilson.
Free
recd.
War Department
R. Island
Aug. 1861
City of
Washington
Little Res. 422 Aug. 23-

South Kingstown Rho. Island August 21. 1820
Sir,
Mr Jeremiah Niles requests me to State that at the time he sent on his Schedule of property he did not then know that it was necessary for him to prove the amount of the debts he owes and that he now owes money in the State of Connecticut which added to the statement now sent would amount to the sum stated in his declaration sent forward some time past.
There is not any doubt that he makes a candid statement being a professor of Religion and a person of exemplary life and conversation
very Respectfully Your obedt Servt Sam l Helm
J. C. Calhoun Esq. Sec y War

Washington City Clerk's Office 6 th Comm.
Phila. Dec. 19. 1821
I certify that in witness there is a true copy of a Deposition sent to the War Department City of Washington.
Wm. Sam. Nelson Clerk

South Kingstown Feb. 6 th 1821
I hereby certify that I have carefully examined the case of Jeremiah Viles of this Town Pensioner under the Act of Congress of the year 18 th March 1818 and find that he is labouring under a disease called the Hydrocele together with other bodily weakness weakness infirmities which renders him unable to support himself. Peleg Johnson Physician
State of Rhode Island County of Washington in the Town of South Kingstown this 6 th Day of Feb y 1821 Personally came Peleg Johnson who to me is well known and made solemn Oath to the truth of the preceding Certificate by him subscribed
Matthew Wait Jus. Peace
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Deed
Peleg Johnson and do consider him to be a Gentleman of Honour & likewise an approv d Physician
Matthew Wait Jus. Peace

L. Abanor

Phoenix Bank Westport R.I.
August 3 rd 1820
South Kingston.
I hereby certify that Jeremiah Niles of Gloucester  March a Pensioner under the act of Congress of March 1818. is indebted to said Bank and note the sum of Sixty seven dollars. J. Mansfield Cashier.
The words "South Kingston" & "March" inserted By J. Mansfield Cashier.
State of Rhode Island & Washington Is d at Westport on this 3 rd day of August 1820 in his proper person appeared J. Mansfield cashier of the Phoenix Bank in Westport & who subscribed the foregoing certificate and after being duly cautioned made solemn oath to the truth of the same Amos Cope J. J. G. G. Clerk
I certify that the above named J. Mansfield is a man of the most undoubted truth & veracity Amos Cope J. J. G. G. Clerk
Washington County
State of Rhode Island &c
Blakes Office Court Common Pleas & Genl Sessions of the Peace August - 1820.
I certify that the Honble Amos Cope Esq. whose signature is hereunto affixed is Chief Justice of the Courts aforesaid legally chosen and qualified as the Law requires. That full faith & credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States & that the Seal here impressed is the true seal of the Courts aforesaid. Sam l Helme Clerk of the Courts

I Robert Hazard of Joseph & Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of lawful age and engaged according to Law do testify and say. That Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston in the County and State aforesaid on the 23 rd day of December 1819 gave me his note of hand for the sum of thirty one Dollars and one cent for a just debt which he then owed me on settlement which note is now due and unpaid. and further the Deponent saith not. Robt. Hazard
At South Kingston in the County of Wash ington and State of Rhode Island this 5 th day of August AD 1820 Personally came Robert Hazard subscribed to the foregoing Deposition Who to me is well known as a man of Truth & Veracity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before Matthew Waites Jr Clerk

Washington Is. State of Rhode Island &c
Clerks office Court Common Pleas and General Sessions of the Peace August 18. 1820.
I certify that Matthew White is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston an legally chosen and qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit ought be given to his certificate throughout the United States and that the seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court aforesaid
Robert Hazard Wm Sam l Helme Clk of Courts Deputation

Charlestown Jan. 26 th 1821
This Certifies that Jeremiah Niles of South Kingston in the County of Washington & State of Rhode-Island Pensioner, under the act of Congress 18 th March 1818 Is at this time labouring under a complaint called Hydrocele, which renders him unable to maintain himself, and expects soon to be under the painful necessity of having an operation performed for the relief of said Complaint, — Having been called upon several times to examine his case & find no other remedy than an operation
Stephen F. Griffin Phys n
Washington, R. Charlestown January the 26 th 1821 Personally came Stephen F. Griffin the signer to the above Certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before Asa Church Justice Peace
I certify that the above named Stephen F. Griffin is an approved Physician and is a man of the most undoubted truth and veracity Asa Church Justice Peace
State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Washington County
Clerks of Court Com. Phas & Hm Johnson of the Peace Feb. 19. 1821
I certify that Asa Church Esq. whose signature is hereto affixed is a justice of the Peace for the Town of Charlestown legally chosen & qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to his Certificate throughout the United States and that the seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Courts Afore d . Witness J. H. Helme Clk of Court

Westerly, County of Washington
& State of Rhode Island, Jan'y 25 th 1821
I the subscriber, having examined the case of Jeremiah Niles of South Kingstown in the County aforesaid, do hereby certify, that I am of the opinion said Niles is unable to support himself by his own efforts, & labour, in consequence of a bodily infirmity, under which he labours connected with his advanced age. — Certified & signed by,  Wm Robinson Physician.
Washington ss. on the 25 th day of January 1821 came Doct. William Robinson subscriber of the foregoing Certificate and made solemn oath to the truth of the same before J. W. Knight Justice of Peace.
I, Judicious W. Knight one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Washington do hereby certify that Doctor William Robinson, the signer of the foregoing certificate has for a length of time resided in this neighbourhood as a Physician, and that he is well known and acknowledged for his skill in his profession, and in society a Gentleman on whose truth and veracity the utmost confidence may be placed.
Certified by me
J. W. Knight Justice of Peace State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington County Clerks Free Court Common Pleas & Gen. Sessions of the Peace Feb'y 19. 1821. I certify that J. W. Knight Esq. whose signature is hereto Affixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Westerly legally chosen and qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit be given to his Certificate throughout the United States & that the seal here impressed is the true seal of the Court. Witness my hand. Saml. Helme Clerk.

I John Sagar of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations of Lawful age and Engaged according to Law Do testify and say that several notes of South Kingstown in the County and State aforesaid on the 2 nd Day of June A D 1819 gave me his note of hand for the Sum of Six - Dollars and 87 1/2 cents for a just Debt which note is now Due and unpaid and further the Deponent saith not. John Sagar
At South Kingstown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island this 14 th Day of August A D 1820 personally came John Sagar Subscriber to the preceding Deposition who to me is well known as a man of truth and integrity and made solemn oath to the truth of the same Before
Robert F. Noyes Justice of the Peace

Washington D.C.
State of Rhode Island &c
Superior Court of Common Pleas & Sessions of the Peace August 13. 1820.
I certify that Robert T. Noyes Esq. whose signature is here affixed is a justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingstown legally chosen & qualified as the Law requires that full faith and credit ought to be given to his certificate throughout the United States And that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court Aforesaid
Attn. Sam l Helme Clk of said Court

South Berystown Feb. 6. 1821
I do hereby certify that I have carefully examined the case of Jeremiah Niles of this Town a Pensioner under the act of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and find that he is labouring under a Disease called the Rheumatism together with other bodily infirmities which render him unable to support himself
Peleg Johnson Physician
State of Rhode Island County of Washington In the town of South Berystown this 5 th Day of February 1821 Personally came Peleg Johnson Who to me is well known and made solemn Oath to the truth of the foregoing Certificate by him subscribed
Matthew Wait for Deane
I hereby certify that I am acquainted with Deane Peleg Johnson and do consider him to be a gentleman of Honor & like-wise an Approved Physician
Matthew Wait for Deane

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations.
Washington County ss. Clerk's Office Court Common Pleas. Feb. 19 1821.
I certify that Matthew Ward Esq. whose Signature is hereunto Affixed is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of South Kingston legally Chosen and qualified as the Law requires that full faith and Credit ought to be given to his Certificate throughout the United States and that the seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court Aforesaid
Wm. S am Helme Clk. of Court

South Kingston Washington County and State of Rhode Island August the 16 th A 1820
I hereby Certify that I have been called on to visit Jeremiah Viles and to examine his Complaints which I find to be a Compleat Hydrocele Which together with his advanced age render him in my opinion unable to Support himself or family
Attest John Aldrich - Physician

Washington Sep.
State of Rhode Island &c
I Samuel Helme Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions of the Peace for the County of Washington. Do certify that I am personally acquainted with Doct. John Herrick (Subscriber to the within affidavit) who is a man of undoubted truth and veracity
Sam l Helme

Joshua B. Curtis John Kelley Jr. Jabez Tucker
South Kingston April County of Washington and State of Rhode Islands April 27 th AD 1822 Personally being Before Me the subscribers the above named Joshua B. Curtis John Kelley Jr. and Jabez Tucker Who to me are Well Known to be men of truth and integrity and made solemn affirmation that the foregoing inventory of the Personal Estate of Jeremiah Viles is just and true according to the best of their understanding
Subscribed to me this 27th day of April 1822 Matthew Write Justice Peace
I hereby certify that Matthew Write is a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Washington Witness John Leger Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court County of Washington State of Rhode Island
Washington 2 d Supreme Judicial Court April 27 th AD 1822

South Kingstown April 27 th A.D. 1822.
We the Subscribers being called on By Mr Jeremiah Allen of South Kingstown in the County of Washington and state of Rhode Island to take an inventory of of his property do say that the following valuation of the following articles is correct according to the best of our judgment -
   One weavers loom valued at $4.50   One table - - - - - at 1.50   One looking-glass - - - - - at 1.50   One Table - - - - - at ..50   Six chains - - - - - at 2.00   Two chains - - - - - at ..40   One Dyestuff - - - - - at ..25   One Skane - - - - - at ..05   One small Iron pot - - - - - at ..30   One Tea kettle - - - - - at ..50   One old saw and Iron kettle at ..20   One shovel and Tongs - - - - - at 1.50   Two Augers - - - - - at ..25   One wood saw - - - - - at ..75   One old wash tub - - - - - at ..25   One meal cask and meat - at 2.00   One wooden wheel - - - - - at 1.00   one old scale and weights at ..20   One meat tub - - - - - at ..12   Some old Boards - - - - - at 2.50   One Bucket - - - - - at ..10   One old ax - - - - - at ..25   One Sive - - - - - at ..25   Some broom - - - - - at 1.00   knives and forks - - - - - at ..50   One post ax - - - - - at ..75   Iron and Stone ware - - - - - at 1.40   potatoes - - - - - at ..50   Fire wood - - - - - at 1.25   One Basket - - - - - at ..25   $27.37  

FREE
James L. Edwards Esquire.
Superintendent of the pension Office
Washington
Recd. April 1823

Providence April 1/1823
Sir
I herewith enclose a deposition in favor of Jeremiah Niles, an applicant for a pension & request that it may be filed with his second schedule of property lodged in the pension office by the Hon: Mr Hunter - Mr Niles pension has been once discontinued under the act of May 1, 1820, but since its rejection, he has again made another schedule - which however, was made out prior to the last act of March 1, 1823 - In his behalf I wish to know whether this schedule is satisfactory or whether another must be made out. - In doing which you will much oblige
Yours respectfully
Brigham Lowell
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

We Elisha R. Potter, James Holme, and John P. Case of South Kingston in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island of Lawful age & being Engaged according to Law Testify and say that we are well acquainted with Jeremiah Niles of said South Kingston and have been for Years past having lived About two Miles from him & that we sorely believe him to be very poor and unable to support himself.
tho a very Moral prudent man and that he deserves the aid & support of his Country
Elisha R. Potter
James Holme
John P. Case
Washington ss State of Rhode Island At South Kingston this 22 nd day of March A.D. 1823 personally came before me the subscribers the foregoing Deponents Elisha R. Potter James Holme & John P. Case and made solemn Oath to the truth of aforesaid Deposition by them subscribed
Matthew Waite Justice of Peace

Charlestown Rhode Island Sep r . 10. 1823.
I certify that on the fifth day of March 1822. as Auctioneer for the Town of Charlestown aforesaid after posting up Notifications advertising the sale of a House & Two Acres of Land then belonging to Major Jeremiah Niles of South Kingstown. I did sell at- Vendue the aforesaid Lot of Land & House to Edward Wilcox Esq r who was the Highest bidder Joseph Wilcox 2 nd Auctioneer.
State of Rhode Island & 6- County of Washington ss. Charlestown September 10 th AD 1823 -
Personally appeared Joseph Wilcox 2 nd the above Subscriber and made solemn oath to the Truth of the above certificate before me Nathan H. Dixon Justice of Peace

State of Rhode Island & Providence Plantations
Washington County ss & Clerk's Office Court Common Phas. Sep r 10 th 1823. —
I certify that Mr. Joseph Wilheag d was chosen of the Town of Charlestown on the 5 th day of March 1822. legally chosen & qualified as the Law requires
I also certify that Nathan T. Dixon is a Justice of the Peace for the Town of Westerly legally chosen and qualified as the Law requires. That full faith and credit ought to be given to their certificates throughout the United States
I also certify that the Seal here impressed is the true Seal of the Court aforesaid
Witn. Sam l Helme Clk of S. Court

To Samuel Viles Esq
Trans'd by Capt Parker in 1740 or left at the White Horse Botton
in Brampton
also left

Vanity of vanities saith the preacher, Vanity of Vanities, all is vanity. How wholly insufficient is the world and every thing in it, under the notion of a God, or fear of man? I were exceedingly happy for us so to feel towards all creatures, and so to esteem them as would put us beyond the danger of being surprised or disappointed by any change among them.
We had a little daughter given the 6 th of last Month. She is to appearance quite healthy. — My partner is but poorly. — Sands, Maudal and the rest of the family in good health. — Dangers when past, and kind deliverances, are too little noticed. I hope however I am not altogether ungrateful for your spared life and recovering health. Of what importance to be always ready for days of distress and for the hour of dying, as well as for bereavements. The death of My Uncle and apprehensions of my Brother's death, give the world a very different face from what it used to wear. It appears empty, very empty. Were my own bereavement all I had to bear, the burden would not be so heavy. But I feel much for others, in proportion to the strength of my fears. What must my dear sister Nelly feel if she is bereaved of her husband! However there is after all a light, as well as a dark side. There is no source of sorrow equal to the fountain of joy that lies open before us. Nothing is so bitter as to diminish the sweetness of those rivers of pleasure which issue from the throne of God. O that we may all drink together of those waters of life. The waters of Lethe are fabled to have produced forgetfulness of sorrow in such as drank of them; but these waters will in fact do more, for they will make the remembrance of trials themselves delightful.
I hope to be at Bantree sometime not long first, but such are my concerns that I cannot yet when. — I hope Sir J. Mills will be held in readiness to come with me. — I desire to take Maudal with me to Bantree.
Your Daughter, Eliza bear you dutifully in mind Due respects to all from your most worthy Son
Forwich 7 th Apr. 1777
J. Mills

Dear Hon. Parents.
Norwich March 24. 1777
Is my dear Brother Jeremy living or dead? I have long expected he would leave the army on furlow to visit his Friends, and of consequence expected him here; but am hitherto disappointed. Indeed I am not without apprehensions that he is no more. We have a flying report that a certain Capt. Niles of the train was slain at Princeton on Jan y 2 d or 3 d . This came by one Mr. Avery, a chaplain in the Army, who lately called on Mr. Hart and among other things in representing that Wallis observed that a Capt of the Artillery was killed Mr. Hart, thoughtful of my Brother, enquired after his name; Mr. Avery had forgot. — Mr. Hart ask'd if it were Niles. — Mr. Avery Hesitated, but on the whole rather thought it was. — On hearing this abroad, I came home and interrogated Sam, about what he learnt at Brantree, concerning our Brother, more particularly than I had done before, when among other things, he told me that he heard the same report at Boston, but paid so little regard to it as not to mention it. — I immediately wrote to Col: Thross in N Jersey, but soon heard he was in Boston. I hope you have learnt from him or from some other person whether he lives or not. I should be very glad of something very particular from him. He had had the small pox and gain'd health in the Army; from which circumstance and my foolish, fond imagination was ready to convince him to be proof against the dangers of a Campaign. This report made me to feel the stroke the more sensibly; God grant it may more effectually teach me the vanity of Creatures even in their best estate.

Capt Niles is at Present July 10. 1844 - at Fresh Hill
Capt Jeremiah Niles at Brooklyn, Brooklyn = or near New York Col. Lamb's Battery Artillery
So

G. Sir
Braintree June 10 th 1777.
Recalling my Duty in General; it struck me, in this manner: that I found myself guilty of deficient friendship to you in not writing before now: As your friendship in favouring me, with a line, long since, But when you call to mind, that antient Proverb "Reformation is the End of the Law." I trust, I shall not appear in so un-termin'd a Preform: For I have not only treated You with Neglect: but even myself: in not writing to You, & other Gentlemen of my Acquaintance, in the Army in a more frequent manner than I have hitherto done — Whereby I might have ascertained, as to the Situation of our Army, the Movements of the Enemy, & many other Things, which at this Critical Day, when our All, is at Stake, You may well think, I am anxious, & impatient, for Information, of this kind. — I have nothing material, or remarkable, to write You. In general, it is a Time of Health: The small Pox, excepted: this prevails much: but chiefly, by Immunation. — Dr. Wales, erected, an hospital, about the Time I was at York: the last Fall, he hath carried thro', about 400: & more than an 100: now in the Operation: He hath been, so successful, as not to loose, one patient: as yet. — Dr. Baker, at present improves Mr. James Thayer's house: as an Hospital: which is near the Works: and as I hear, hath about 60, under his Care: among whom: is your Bro: Mr. We congratulate You, on your Hon: Father's, being chosen, as a representative, for this Town: It was thought, one would answer this: as the Town, had sent three, the last Year: & put things in good Order, at Court. — Col: Thayer, who was of the Council the last Year: is except: and Col: Palmer, is chosen: Great alteration, in both Houses: too much to insist here: The Regulation Act: is a subject of much Altercation, & is attended, with much Difficulty, in this State: Some, are willing, to confirm others not: Some, for enforcing the act: others for repealing. — and which is most likely, to take place: is at present, hard to Determine. — West-India, and English goods, are very dear: Rum 16/ a Gall: by the Hh: Molasses, 5/6: a Gall: — But we hope our Privations, will be successful: & we in a short time, have a greater Plenty. — Our Continent-al Men: or those for three Years: or During the War: are rising something slow: But I am in hope: it will not be long, before we compleat, the whole. Some Towns, are already, compleat. Braintree has, for its Proportion, 97 Men And our Situation, being as it is: makes it extremely Difficult.

Some of our Men, engage on board the Ships: Some, at the Shores: & others, at the Castle. — However, we have raised, about 70, of our Number: & I hope it will not be long, be- fore, we have procured, the whole: I view it, of the last importance, to have our Army, compleat. Which done, I hope, will be sufficient, to Vangquish, our cruel, & blood- thirsty, enemies; if that God, who hath hitherto helped us: is pleased to continue his Blessing. — Your Wife, and Children: Father's Family, & Friends: one as well as several. — I would first inform you: that Mr Davis, the printer who carried your kinsman's Letter sent you, from Providence: to Boston: has been, for this some time past: suspected, for counterfeiting, the currency of this State: upon examination into the affair: his printing blocks: together with a num- ber of sheets, of his counterfeit money: were found, with him: whereupon he was immediately delivered to Custody: & at present, occupies a Room: back of the Court-house: Queen -street, Boston. — Mr Taft, & myself, had a comfort- able time, home, from York: & found all things well. Soon after Mr Taft, went into the Hospital: & had the small- pox, very favourably: I enjoyed my health, thro' the Winter as well as usual: & better. But since the spring opened: I have been in a weak state: but am something better. — I have resigned, my Commission, in the Militia & it is likely, if kinsman Shayer, will be Col: — Capt Billing, Lieut Col: & Capt Turner Maj: — I must just put you in mind of writing: immediately, upon your Reception of these Lines: a Business, will admit. — I now conclude; by wish- ing, you Firmness of mind, to withstand every Temptation: w th Present: & a cheerful Disposition, to every thing: which ap- pears, to be Duty: & that success, & prosperity, may at- tend you: and Confusion and Disgrace: your Enemies: is the hearty Wish: & prayer of your sincere Friend: & very humble Servant. Jonathan Baps —
P.S. Mr Baps, together with his Daughter herein, presents you, their most Sinc- ere Regards. —
— To Capt Jeremiah Niles. —

W. F. Miles Muzairi Miles
Rev
Hon. James P. Edwards as Comr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Buffalo 9 Aug '42
Sir,
Your favors of 4 th inst. to me - & of 15 th ult. to Mr. Mawin are now before me - the former just received, wherein you call my attention to your information contained in the latter, that my father was not under General Lovell in 1779 - as his Brigade Major - In your favor of 15 th ult. to Mr. Mawin is the following clause "The Staff appointment of her late husband can ensue only from 9 th Sep. '78 when he resigned in the Artillery to August 1779, when the Staff rolls show that he was not in Commission" In your favor just received was enclosed a copy of the "Major" Commission as requested; - but not of the leaves in the pension office. I regret occasion to trouble the Office so much, tho. I trust, that by having a copy of those "detached leaves" mentioned in your last, we shall have all definite. Since we cannot remove from the office the original "detached leaves" - will you favor us with a copy of the same? -
My Mother Abigail Miles is quite confident that subsequent to the appointment of my father as Major, he was in the service as a Major in divers places - among others at Newport - also at Warwick Neck, in the State of Rhode Island,
Please favor us soon, with a reply oblige
Very Respectfully
Yr humble fid-
James L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions
Henry L. Miles p. L. Edw.

My Grand Father entered in the month of January 1776 the regiment commanded by Col. Henry Knox as a sergeant, and that he continued to serve in said corps until October 1777 1777 when he was honorably discharged
Henry L. Miles

Mr. Niles ab: Niles
Q
Hon. J. S. Edwards Pension Office Court Washington D.C.

In the matter of Abigail Miles's application for a Pension } S. J. M.
Buffalo 29 July 1842-
Your favor of 25 th inst. to LeGrand & Geo. L. Mearvin, attorneys at Law - was by them this morning received - informing them that no papers could be removed from the files of the Pension Office in "adjudicated" cases. For your favor in answer to their letter of 19 th they beg to present their respects - & to say that in their prior letter they had requested to be transmitted to them the originals, or copies , of the papers mentioned in their letter of 19 th inst. but on the reception of your reply thereto & from their prior information, they believed that the Commission so mentioned in their respect of the 19 th inst. did not enter into the contemplation of the Pension Office - hence, as extra-judicial - or surplusage - they wrote for those papers, instead of copies also , as in their prior letter. Your letter just received sets before them the "Office" view - & they appreciate its propriety. He thinks it might be more proper the name of the family should be used in the correspondence till the transmission of the further declaration. I have now to solicit of the Pension Office, a copy of the Commission & of the papers therewith which are mentioned in the Mearvin's respect of the 19 th inst. now before you. May we have the favor of your early attention - & oblige - with the regard
Hon. S. V. Edwards Commr. of Pensions
of my mother - Very truly Yours -
Henry L. Miles p: d. S. M.

R. S. 10.817
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 10817
Abigail Niles
Evid.
Jeremiah Niles
Capt. 1st Regt. Rec.
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 85
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1909 Feb. 9. Orderly Book of Jeremiah Niles forward- ed to Library of Congress.

Let to Wm Horace Mann,
March 26, 1849
Let Col. E. G. Potter, Aug. 18, 49.
Let to Wm H. Mann 23 May 51.

Oct - 1836

March 18
Con
Miss Miles N. J. or N. H.
Hon. "
DL
Edwards Pension Agent Washington D.C.

Buffalo March 11 th 1839
Dear Sir
I called upon Mr Hall in N York two or three times for the Certificate in the case of Mrs Miles, but could not find him. I left the letter that you gave me to him, but as yet have heard nothing from him. The time is passed at which she usually draws her money, & she is very uneasy as regards the Certificate. At her request I write you again. Please arrange the matter as soon as possible & much oblige yours with great respect
C. B. Hold.

In the application of Abigail Miles a pensioner under law of July 4. 1836. 3 d Letter for an increased pension
Buffalo May 3 d 1842.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Govr. etc.
Sir
Your favor of 27 th ult. received, yesterday - informed us, of this pensioner's late husband's services in the Revolutionary Army, being allowed at 21 mo. 9 ds as Captain-Lieut. - and 2 mo 21 ds as Adjutant - the pay of the former $33 2 / 3 per mo. of the latter $26 2 / 3 per mo. for which information, we are obliged. Still it did not reach our entire requests, as contained in our last, nor yet satisfy our prior supposition, that this pensioner is entitled to an increased pension.
On the 3 d page page , is a copy of an apparently original transcript from Massachusetts State records, & which causes us to believe the pay of Capt. Lieut. - was $40. per month. - It indicates this pensioner's husband received £12. per mo. That £12. per mo. at 6 shillings to a dollar, would be $40. per mo.
On your own time, 21 mo. 9 ds. as Capt. Lieut. this would enhance the pension from $391. to $476. - as per computation 3 d page of this letter. - But the pensioner claims, she is entitled to the full pay of Capt., for a very good reason to wit, 1 st her husband in 1778 - had served nearly 24 months as Capt. in Col. Crane's Regiment subsequently. 2 d he served in Rhode Island, as a major. She alleges his Commission as such Major is filed in the pension office. She does not recollect the precise time of his service as major - but the

Major's commission this Books filed there with, will exhibit, I am assured, 24 months of service upwards, in a rank, equal to or superior to a Capt. Lieut. —
Thus the Rank & 24 months service being fixed; we turn to the how much the pension should be. — We confess ourselves on this point without positive information. I enquired at the Pension Agency at Albany of my acquaint- ance Mr. Jenkins — but he was without in- formation, other than was gathered from Pay- master (Stephen Lush's) receipt Books even that had not the pay of the Capt. & was for pay to a New York State (6 th ) Regiment, Col. Lewis Dubois. Here too the pay of the New York line was mistated, not to be the same with the New England Troops. In this dearth of re- liable information, we came back to the ancient paper copied on the 3 rd page, wherein is the statement of £12 - pr mo. Now 20 Shillings we all know is estimated to be a £. Hence the £12 - are 240 Shillings; — but we here do not know that in 1778, the Massachusetts dollar was 6 Shilgs. — tho' we believe it was so reckoned a dollar — such is the opinion of our acquaintance — Hon. A. H. Frazar — with whom, we have conversed about this matter. — Allowing 6 Shillings to the dollar, the £12 - pr mo. are equal to $40 - pr mo. or $480 - pr year — i. e. the highest pension under the act of July 4. 1836 - Sec n 3 rd the pensioner positively claims .
Having written several times in this matter — & being conversant with the U. States Laws — also with Doc s no. 126 - Ho. of Reps. 26 th Congress 1 st session — "Pension Laws in force" January 18 - 1838, — we would solicit our

claims to be allowed at once - or to make known to us -
1st. What of our premises - or basis of claim - is not fixed, - or incorrect, - or -
2nd. What the pay of the several grades of officers in the State Troops of New England, in the Rev. War.
We are aware this may be taxing the time of the Pension Office, - but we know not, how otherwise to attain it. - We hope, therefore, you will oblige us in this our request. -
Very Respectfully Yr humble Abb-fid. Leland Goodwin pr. Leland Goodwin
Mem o P 315 copy of original in files of Genl. Miles has Ex. Capt. Lieut. in Col. Brane Regt. paper interest By service from Jan y 1. 1777 to Sep r 9. 1778 ... m. d. the 1779 Resigned Sep r 9 th 1778 20 m d £12. Dec r 31 - Bal a of ac t 171.8.4 - Certified June 21. 1789 copy by Eleazar Homer Discharged 9 Sep r 1778.
Computation of present pension $391. - 21 mo. 9 ds. - as Capt. Lieut. at $33 1 / 3 pr. mo. \frac{709.999}{2} = $354.999 2 - " 21 " " Adjutant - " $26 2 / 3 " - " \frac{71.999}{2} = 35.999 390.999 or in full - 391. - Computation of claimed pension even at the time now allowed. - $462. - 21 mo. 9 ds. - as Capt. Lieut. at $42 pr. mo. = \frac{852}{2} = 426. - 2 " 21 " - " Adjutant " $26 2 / 3 " - " = \frac{71.99}{2} = 35.999 461.999 or - in full. $462. -

775 Kirtland 2
ap 18 1842
NY
Abigail Dyer
For Pension Office.
Free
Hon John C. Spencer Secy of War Washington D.C.

War Department - Revolutionary claim
I certify that in conformity with the 3 d Section of the law of the United States of the 4 th July 1836 Abigail Miles of Brook, widow of Jeremiah Miles decd. who was a Lieutenant and Adjutant in the Revolution, is entitled to receive Three hundred and ninety one dollars per annum during the time she may remain unmarried commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 & payable semi-annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September [This certificate is issued in lieu of one dated November 4 th 1836 - for $565.33 - per annum, which has been cancelled.]
Given at the War Office of the United States this 4 th day of February - 1839 - L.S. Examined from business - J. P. [unintelligible] forwards J. P. [unintelligible] Commissioner of Pensions - S. R. [unintelligible] Secretary of War
Memorandum taken from Office of Secy of State of Massachusetts.
Jer Miles has br (Capt Lieut in Col Crane 5 Regt.)
By service from Jan'y 1. 1777 - to Sep r 9. 1777 8-20-9 Resigned Sep r 9 th 1778.
20 m at £12.
1779 Dec 31 - Bal ce of ac ct 171. 8. 4 - Certified Jan 21. 1789 -
Copy by Eleazer Homer - discharge 9 Sep r 1778
Remarks on above 2 papers - the proper pension
Above are
 1. Copy of Pension Certificate - as widow of Jer Miles. -  2. Memorandum showing Jer Miles rec d in the War (Revolution). £12 per mo. for 20 mo. 9 ds. i-e of 40. per mo. - 
Mark -
 1 The certificate is a "Lieutenant & Adjutant" pension $391. - issued in lieu of a certificate for 365.55 Being an increase on the prior certificate of 25.67 without specifying whether partial or whole pension  2 the entire 2 years service requisite [4 Story's U.S. Laws] 

2517 83] referring to law of June 7-1832 [4 Story, U.S. Laws 2270-81 & 2] — is now supposed to be proven from files of the Pension Office — to entitle the widow to the highest pension — to wit — the pay of a Captain — in the line in which he served —
3. The above memorandum shows his pay for 20 mos 9 ds. was £12. i-2. (6 shillings to the dollar) $40. per month.
4. 40 $ — per month would be $480. per annum — Whereas the certificate allows only 391. Hence it should be increased — $89.
We claim the pay of a captain, the highest pension under the law of 1832 —
Jer h Miles became a pensioner under the law of March 18. 1818 — [3 Story's U.S. Laws 1662] by proof of "9 months service" — at which time he filed in the pension office his Discharge, — He lost his pension by the amendment of the law of 1818 — to wit the so-called "poor pension law" of May 1. 1820 [3 Story's U.S. Laws 1778]. He died in 1829. —
Beside said discharge, other papers & books were filed — to wit 2 books per- taining to his duties as Major — with letters.
Jer. Miles entered the Massachusetts line in 1775 & served in the State of New York on the Hudson River & at Warwick's creek & elsewhere in Rhode Island.
He was called Major — & was supposed to rank as major in the Revolutionary War.
I have been handed an old paper indicating — indicating that he was once a Lieut. — in Capt. Edward Brincker's company of Artillery in Col. Henry Knox' Regiment — but whether in the Mass. or Rhode Island line, does not appear. — The papers on file in the pension office will show all.
The Commission of Jer h Miles was sent among other papers at the time of the taking out of the last certificate (see above) or at the taking of the one prior thereto. —

S. A. Edwards Esq Court of Pensions,
Sir - Thinking our friend the Representative - Hon. Mr. Fillmore was engrossed with his "committee of finance" - I some months since addressed a line to my esteemed acquaint- ance Hon. Statey, N. Clarke - but on looking over proceedings in Congress - could not discover his name among the Yeas & Nays. - I then wrote my quondam acquaintance Hon. John S. Floyd - on receiving to the Congressional proceedings do not discover his name among the Yeas & Nays - I now appeal directly to you - to ascertain
1. Whether the papers on file do not show that Ishak Niles served two years as an adjutant & major - or in a rank equal to that of a Captain - in the Revolution? 2. If not, what length of time of such service ? - 3. For what specific time the old certificate was granted? - i. e. how long as adjutant - how long as lieutenant? -
We believe there will be abundant proof to substantiate a claim to the highest pension - I trust the records of the Pension Office will, at once, authorise it -
Very Respectfully -
In humble & servt
Lebrand Scott Marvin attorney to J. S. Lebrand Marvin
Buffalo - April 12. 1842
Can we have the favor of one of your printed circulars exhibiting a table of the pensions of the several regts - to intimate how long each a reply to above may be had - by return mail ? -

Pension Office April 27 th 1842 Sir, In answer to your enquiry in the case of Abigail Niles, I would state, that she was allowed for 21 months & 9 days service of her late husband as Captain Lieutenant and 2 months & 21 days as Adjutant. The pay of Captain Lieutenant was $33.33 per month - and of Adjutant $26.66 2 / 3 per month.
The half pay for the above terms entitles her to a pension of $391. which she is now enjoying. I am very respectfully Yrs &c. B. B. F. J. H. S. H. A. S.
Pension Office May 12 th 1842 Sir, In reply to yours of the 3 rd inst. in the case of Abigail Niles, I have to repeat that the pay of a Captain Lieutenant of Artillery was $33 1 / 3 or £10 per month, and that her pension has been computed agreeably to the table of rates established by the special standard of the half pay in service. With respect to the rank and service of Major to which she asserted her right in the service, it was contradicted by the rolls & was never alluded to in his several narratives of his services under oath.
I am very respectfully
Yr Mo. B. B. F. St. J. H. S. H. A. S.
1 st Estimate.    Estimate of present pension of Abigail Niles  $391.    21 months 9 days service as Capt. Lieut. at $33.33 1 / 3  708.99    2 " 21 " " " Adjutant " $26.66 2 / 3  71.99    Subt. of 2 years service as per above letters.  781.99    Half pay of 2 " " " " "  390.999    or as in the pension certificate  $391.    The above estimate is based on the above Capt. Lieut.'s pay at £10 - or $33.33 1 / 3 pr. mo.  The within authenticated certificate of the Secretary of the State of Massachusetts shows

that the pay of Lieut Miles as Capt. Lieut. was £12 - per month - not £10 - per month as erroneously stated in the pension Office letter above. — Allowing the pension office time as Capt. Lieut. 21 mo. 9 ds - we have 21 mo. 9 ds. service as Capt. Lieut at £12 - or $40 - per month — $852. —  2 " — 21 " do - as Adjutant at $26 2/3 — 719  2 years service — $923.99  1 " " " or half pay — 461.999  or nearer — $462. —
3 d Estimate — But the above last estimate allows 21 mo 9 days - whereas the within certificate shows but 20 months 9 days. — On the basis of this certificate — thus: —  20 months 9 days service as Capt. Lieut. at £12 or $40. $812.00  3 " 21 " " " Adjutant at $26 2/3 — 98.65  2 years service — 910.65  Half pay of 2 years — — — $455.32  Which, with the enclosed certificate, is fully proven & established in the pension Office.
4 th Estimate . Still we claim that Abagail Miles is entitled to a pension on a basis thus: —  20 months 9 days service as Capt. Lieut at $40 per mo. $812. —  3 " 21 " do in 1879 " Major (over) — — — 148. —  2 years service pay — 960. —  half of 2 years pay — $480. —  Subject to such increase as would be the full pay of Capt. while Lieut Miles was Major.  The Miles family state that among the proofs whereby the pension was increased on 4 th February 1839. — was the Commission as Major of Lieut Miles — which was filed in the Pension. The family of Miles are intelligent — and understand pretty well what they do. — Hence we claim the full pay as per last statement above to which a widow is entitled under the Pension Act of July 4-1836 - Sec 3.
* We know not now the precise pay of a Major or the full pay of a Captain in the pension Office. — Let the time — but we hold we are entitled to full pay of Capt. in that time during the time Lieut Miles was Major.

Buffalo June 3 rd 1842
Sir,
The enclosed authenticated certificate of the Secretary will be sufficient evidence to you that Jerh Niles received as Capt. Lieut. $12- or $40- per month — not £10 — or $33 1/3 — as is stated in your letter, of which you find a copy within. Upon the reception of your letter — I addressed a letter to the Secretary of State of Massachusetts — & the within certificate accompanied the reply this day received. We now believe we were right in claiming the $40 per month. — But this is not the end of our claiming — We believe, and therefore still maintain we are entitled to pay subsequently as Major — to more than 3 months & 21 days — I believe sufficient evidence of it is on file in the Pension Office — to wit the commission as Major — believed to be on the Pension Office files — & the papers therewith. — The fact — a "negative fact" at best — that Jeremiah Niles did not allude to his services as Major in his application for a pension, ought not, we humbly conceive, to be regarded as any intimation he was not a Major — and for the obvious reason that under the pension Acts known to him, his high rank would not increase his pension. Whether a Sergeant or a Captain, his pay would be the same as we understand the Acts. Hence for him there was no necessity to make out but a limited service — & for a low rank. —
We hope and trust you will take this matter under a deliberate consideration & have no doubt of the result being a full allowance of $480 — pension; — beside payment of arrearages since March 4-1831. —
Please favor us by return mail if convenient to oblige Very Respectfully Yr humble Svt & Servt
Hon. S. D. Edwards — Clerk of Pension
Edward & Geo. Niles W. S. Niles

June 25 42
NY
Abigail Giles -
for / Freedom Office See Ms 1880 and recent Washington of G.

My dear Sir,
Your favor of 10 th inst. to our friend Hon. Staley N. Blake was received in my absence - in which you state your former two letters "cannot be misunderstood" &c. - Now esteemed Sir, I have no illwill nor long nor short complaints to utter - but permit me to write you as to a friend - without farther troubling any one with notes - Let us first recur to our first correspondence on this claim for increased pension . It was there founded on two prop-
1 st that Lieut. Miles received as Capt. Lieut. per month £12 or $40. in the Massachusetts line, whereas your first letter informed us he was in the pension allowed only £10 - or $33 1 / 3 -
2 d that Lieut. Miles was a Major in the Revolutionary Army subsequent to serving as such Capt. Lieut. - That his commission - as Major was filed in your office at the time, the pension of $391 - (the pension now) on 4 th Feb. 1839 - was allowed to Abigail Miles. Whereas the allowance of the pension was not founded as appeared from your former letters on any services as Major - only as Adjutant.
Yours of 10 th instant states - "The pay of Captain Lt. established by the Continental Congress on 27 th May 1778 (and to which the final settlement in 1783-4 confirmed) was 33 1 / 3 $ per month. That rate has been established under the Act of June 7. 1832 - It cannot be affected by the rates of payment by particular States."
Now altho. your two previous letters and "not be misunderstood", still they did not go far enough to satisfy us why our claim for £12. per month should not be allowed. And only this last quotation caused us to "understand" our true position. It is true, public officers may maintain it is not their duty to instruct the profession or the public in wherefores or the data of rules of their departments. Still I submit whether (where there are no published or accessible rules) - more extended replies are

not proper, nay requisite. I had personally applied to the pension Agent at Albany - but he could not enlighten me in the least as to the pay in the old "Continental" line: nor could he inform me of the pension office construction of the pay under the act of June 7-1832. - whether the pension was to be founded upon the actual pay they received in the line to which they were attached - or founded upon what was allowed in the "Continental" line. Hence you will perceive we did not intentionally trouble you unnecessarily. - Our 1 st ground of claim was true - we sustained it by a voucher from the Office of Secy of State of Massachusetts - but yours of 10 th inst - has explained the wherefore it could not be allowed - to wit as in above quotation from yours favor. Being put at rest on the 1 st ground or "prop" of our claim, we desire to be satisfied now in regard to the 2 d prop - as above - to wit
 1 st Why the pension allows no services as Major - or  2 d why the allowance is as "adjutant" instead of "Major" - 
We referred you to the commission on which our claim is founded - and which we are assured is a commission as a Major. If so, we are entitled to a Major's pay - if not, then our information is incorrect. You have the Commission on the files of your office - & your clerks can set you & us right in regard to that commission, if we are incorrectly informed. -
It is to be set right on this point as now waits - & if our information as to its being a Major's Commission be correct, that we may learn from you why the pension should not follow a major's pay -
With Sentiments of Respect & Esteem
Yr humble Servt
J. L. Edwards Esq Pension Comr - Washington D.C.
LeGrand M c Manus for LeGrand M c Manus Buffalo - 20 June 1842.

P.S. A.P. It is important to the Miles family to have a reply to this immediately as they are about to be absent to the east - I wish this information requested before they leave. I regret the occasion for this repeatedly troubling of the Pension Office - I regret to see such expressions as in your last - "No other answer can be given." When subsequently, in the same letter of 10 th inst - add the above long quotation, which is in fact the only explanatory information, the Pension Office designed to drop for us - & this too after that same letter of 10 th inst - "No other answer can be given." The truth, is, had a full reply to our very first communication on this subject been given by the Pension Office , we should have known our true position, and "no other answer" had been requisite. Not a word was replied to, as to the "Commission of Major," we are assured was filed - & about which we have before written in each of our letters. It is true - yours of 13 th May '42 states "With respect to the rank & service of Major to which he asserted he rose in the service, as far as it was contradicted by the rolls, and was never alluded to in his several narratives of his services under oath;" - but this does not reach our inquiry as to the "commission" being filed in the Pension Office. The "Rolls" show only facts as to service, but they may not show all the service of every officer & private - neither in any "narrative" by Genl. Miles, in his life time, was it requisite for him to state all his services. I cannot therefore conceive how the "Rolls" can "contradict" - or how the "narrative" can be conclusive on us. Does he "under oath" state he never was a Major? I opine not. Yet that he was a Major in the Revolutionary Army, I have no doubt from the assurances I have. The Miles family are friends (family friends) of Ex Pres't. Adams - & on reading yours of 10 th inst - requested me to enclose the whole correspondence to him - but I thought once more to adopt another course & to write to those whose duty it is to attend to matters of this nature & I do it respectfully - & if in this postscript my language is

927 June 25 42
My dear Phil
Strong, it is suggested by the strongly expressed disapprobation of the family to my now writing to the Pension Office instead of to Ex-pres Adm. I trust a review of the entire correspondence will show how little of satisfactory explanation was the only 2 letters addressed to us; — that the Pension Office will give us now a full & certain explanation of our requests which you will pardon as for supposing "could not be misunderstood." Yrs truly — S. M.

apb 6
Can MAY 1883
Abigail Nels
(Signature)
Hon. J. L. Edwards
War Department
Pension Office
Washington D.C.

Buffalo March 31 st 1839
Dear Sir
Your Communication in reference to the pension of Mrs Abigail Miles has been duly received. At the time that I wrote you last, I also answered a letter to Mrs Hall of N. York in reference to the same. I have heard nothing from her yet. It is now two days since I received yours. During which time I have heard nothing from the Certificate. As Mrs Miles is very old & some what excited about the non-reception of the Certificate at her solicitation I have written thus early. I hope that the process will be arranged as soon as possible, as the family now look to me for that purpose.
With much respect
Yours
Rev J. L. Edwards
C. B. S. Old

C. B. H. O. L.
application for increase

Entered the mouth of Jan. 1776. under Col Henry Knox as Assistant. I continued to serve in Poire Corps until 1777 when he was honorable discharged this was on the 12 of Aug 1823.

The Major Part of the COUNCIL of Massachusetts-Bay , in New-England .
To Jeremiah Niles . . . Gentleman Greeting.
Y OU being appointed Brigade Major , of the Brigade of Militia , in the County of Suffolk , whereof Solomon Lovell Esq re is Brigadier —
By Virtue of the Power vested in us, W E do by these Presents, (reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct,) Commission you accordingly.—You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Brigade Maj r in leading, ordering, and exercising said Brigade in Arms, both Inferior Officers and Soldiers ; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline : And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Brigade Major and you are yourself, to observe and follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from
The Major part of the Council, or your Superior Officers
G I V E N under our Hands, and the Seal of the said State, at Boston The Twenty Ninth Day of July . . . in the Year of our L O R D , 1778.
By the Command of the Major Part of the Council.
John Moore Esq re —

Suffolk ss Boston July 30 th 1778 Jeremiah Niles person and has taken the oaths of Fidelity and allegiance as taken by an act of this State Before Jabez Fisher
Jeremiah Niles Ms. File 10817 Mass.

State of New York Albany County
On this 28th day of September 1837 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace for the said County of Albany personally appeared Abigail Miles who on her oath declares that she is the widow of Jeremiah Miles who was a Lieutenant of Artillery in the War of the Revolution that her name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Rhode Island from whence she has lately removed that she now resides in the state of New York where she intends to remain and wishes her pension to be there payable in future
The following are her reasons for removing from the state of Rhode Island to the state of New York Her son with whom she has heretofore resided in the state of Rhode Island has lately established himself in business in Buffalo in the state of New York where she expects soon to go & spend the remainder of her days with him
Sworn & subscribed to before me the day & year
Abigail Miles Mark
Aforeseid Daniel Galtys Justice of the Peace

State of New York Albany County } ss
On this 28 th day of September 1837 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Albany personally appeared Erastus Williams who on his oath declares that he is personally acquainted with Abigail Niles named in the foregoing Affidavit and that she is the identical person therein named that her pension Certificate is now in her possession & is dated November 4 th 1836
Sworn & subscribed to Erastus Williams
before me this day & year
Witnessed Daniel Gallup Justice of the Peace
I certify the above Affidavit is a true of Credibility Daniel Gallup Justice of the Peace
State of New York } ss Albany County }
I Candace A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the County of Albany certify that Daniel Gallup is a Magistrate as above described & that the signature purporting to be his is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office & sub- scribed my name this 10 th day of September 1837
C. A. Ten Eyck Clerk

Letter to E. M. Camp Camp Clinton Purvis officer Oct-16 th 1888 Henry L. Niles

New York.
Oct 16 th . 1838.
My dear Doctor -
My friend Henry McElis unites you in behalf of his aged and dear Mother Mrs Abigail McElis which of American McElis Captain Lieutenant Artillery Colonel's Own Regiment. and for some time Captain McElis has served there in important duties of Philadelphia and Brigadier Major Gen in under Gen O'Callaghan to the front, My dear Doctor. There is back your dear to Mr McElis In Heavens name for it is right on Mother's last all her nights to the amiable lady for my I add that it is one of the oldest and of the most respectable of our eastern families
All of which and many of which - besides affectionate remembrance as to my friend Edward together with my friend Crumpto I am always Yours sincerely humbly professing
Steph Hays 126 Nassau

This is to certify that, Mrs. Abigail Miles is now, and has been for several years, a resident in this place. I have had some personal acquaintance with her. She is much respected by all who know her, and considered a person of strict integrity and unquestionable veracity. From the record contained in the Family Bible and from other sources of information to which I have had access, I believe her to be upwards of eighty years of age and the widow of Jeremiah Miles.-
George Taft, Rector of St. Paul's Church
North Providence
Re - L
North Providence Oct. 17. - 1836. -

Providence, In North Providence October 17. 1836 Then personally appeared George Taft as within named, and was duly sworn and made oath to the within Certificate to the truth of the same, that he has signed according to the best of his knowledge, belief, and recollection, and I further certify said George Taft is well known to me, and he is a credible witness and this statement entitled to full credit. Before me,
Joseph Arnold Justice of the Peace

Abagail Niles the widow of Jeremiah Niles further maketh oath. That she is now 81 years of age & will be 82 on the 30 th of this present month that she is the daughter of Josiah White formerly of Braintree Massachusetts & that she married the said Jeremiah at the time stated in her former declaration that after their intermarriage they in the year 1795 removed from said Braintree to Lebanon in the State of Connecticut where they resided until 1805 when they removed to Charlestown in Rhode Island. That they resided in said Charlestown until 1818 when they removed to South Kingstown where they resided until the death of her said husband & until 1831 when they removed to North Providence where she now resides That she married the said Jeremiah when she was in her 16 th year of age
Witness to Abagail Niles } mark Joseph Henda }
Abagail her X Niles Mark

Providence R.I. In north Providence October 18. 1836 Then personally appeared the within named Abigail Niles and made oath to the truth of the within affidavit by her signed, according to the best of her knowledge belief and understanding Before me.
Joseph Arnold Justice of the Peace
Abigail Niles Mark

I Emory Taunt of North Providence in the County of Providence aforesaid State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations being now thirty two years of age do depose and say, That I am well acquainted with Abigail Niles the Widow of Jeremiah Niles, and I believe her to be rising 80 years of age, and as I have always been informed was originally from Braintree in the State of Massachusetts, and is a respectable woman, and in good standing, and that she is the same person above named who came originally from Massachusetts, and was the wife of Jeremiah Niles.
Emory Taunt
Providence J.C. —
In North Providence October 18, 1836
Personally appeared before me the above named Emory Taunt and made Oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him signed, and I further certify said Emory Taunt is well known to me, and he is a credible witness and his statement entitled to full credit.
Joseph Aruda Justice of the Peace

I Ferdinand Eddy of North Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations being now twenty four years of age do depose and say that I am well acquainted with Abigail Miles, the Widow of Jeremiah Miles, and I believe her to be rising 80. years of age and as I have been always informed was originally from Braintree in the State of Massachusetts, and is a respectable Woman, and in good standing, and that she is the same person above named who came originally from Massachusetts and was the Wife of Jeremiah Miles.
Ferdinand Eddy
Providence ss. In North Providence October 24. 1836 Personally appeared before me the above named Ferdinand Eddy, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit by him signed, and I further certify said Ferdinand Eddy is well known to me, and he is a credible witness, and his statement entitled to full credit.
Joseph Sinsaba Justice of the Peace

Patience Crandal, of Charlestown, in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being now seventy eight years of age, on oath do depose, and say, That I was intimately acquainted with Jeremiah Niles (previously as I have always been informed an Officer in the Revolutionary Army,) and with Abigail Niles, the Wife of the said Jeremiah Niles. I will remember when they removed to Lebanon in Connecticut. I was informed by the said Jeremiah Niles, and Abigail Niles, and by others, that they came from Braintree, Massachusetts, and that her name was White, before she was married to the said Jeremiah Niles. I lived near neighbor to them in Lebanon, Connecticut several years, and lived not far from them after they removed to this town. They removed from this town to South Kingston in this State, where the said Jeremiah Niles died, and after the death of her husband the said Abigail Niles, as I have been informed removed to North Providence in this State, where I believe she now lives. It is about forty years since my first acquaintance with the said Abigail Niles, she informed me that she was married to the said Jeremiah Niles when she was about sixteen years of age. She must now be upwards of eighty years of age, for she is a few years older than I am. She was a very respectable woman.
Patience Crandal
Charlestown Oct. 18th. 1835.
Personally appeared before me the above named Patience Crandal, and made oath that the above affidavit by her signed, is true, according to her best recollection and belief. And I further certify, that the said Patience Crandal is well known to me, and she is a credible witness, and her statements are entitled to full credit.
Job Taylor, Justice of the Peace

I, Simeon Clark, of Charlestown in the County of Washington and State of Rhode Island, being now seventy one years of age, on oath do depose and say, That I was well acquainted with Jeremiah Niles. I have often heard the said Jeremiah Niles say, that he was an Officer in the Revolutionary Army. I was also well acquainted with Abigail Niles, the Wife of the said Jeremiah Niles. I lived near neighbor to them after they removed from Lebanon in Connecticut to this town, which removal took place I should think about thirty years ago, and I continued to live near them, until they removed from this town to South Kingston in this State. I was informed by the said Jeremiah Niles and likewise by his Wife Abigail, that they were originally from Braintree, Massachusetts. I have always been informed that her name was White, before she was married to the said Jeremiah Niles. After they removed to South Kingston, the said Jeremiah Niles died. After the death of her husband, the said Abigail Niles removed to North Providence in this State, where I believe she now lives. I should think she must be upwards of eighty years of age at this time. During my acquaintance with her she always sustained a good character.
Simeon Clark
Charlestown Oct. 18th. 1836
Personally appeared before me the above named Simeon Clark, and made oath that the above affidavit by him signed, is true, according to his best recollection and belief. And I further certify, that the said Simeon Clark is well known to me, and he is a credible witness, and his statements are entitled to full credit.
Job Taylor, Justice of the Peace

I, Sarah Burdick of Charlestown, in the County of Washington, and State of Rhode Island, being now thirty-nine years of age, on oath do depose and say, That I was intimately acquainted with Jeremiah Niles, and with Abigail Niles the Wife of the said Jeremiah Niles. I lived in the family with them, about eighteen months. I frequently heard the said Jeremiah Niles say, that he was an Officer in the Revolutionary Army, and that they removed from Lebanon in Connecticut to this town, and that they removed from Braintree Massachusetts, - which was their native place, to Lebanon Connecticut, and I have heard the said Abigail Niles say that her name was White before she was married to the said Jeremiah Niles, and I have also heard her say, that she was about sixteen years of age when she was married to the said Jeremiah Niles. They removed from this town to South Kingston in this State where the said Jeremiah Niles died. From South Kingston the said Abigail Niles, after the death of her husband, removed to North Providence in this State, where I believe she now resides. I should think the said Abigail Niles must now be using eighty years of age. She was a woman respected by all who knew her.
Sarah Burdick
Charlestown Oct. 18th 1836.
Personally appeared before me, the above named Sarah Burdick, and made oath that the above affidavit by her signed, is true according to her best recollection and belief. And I further certify, that the said Sarah Burdick is well known to me, and she is a credible witness, and her statements are entitled to full credit.
Job Taylor, Justice of the Peace

This will certify that I have been acquainted with My Sister Miles for several years - & am at this time her attending Physician - From her very broken & infirm appearance - as well as from the records & affidavits that have been shewn me I should think she was justly a person of upwards of Eighty Years of age - likewise - judging from deeds & records which have been put into my hands - I have every reason to believe her to be the wife of Jeremiah Miles and originally from Braintree Mass.
Furthermore - in relation to her respectability & moral worth - I take pleasure in stating that she is considered by all who know her to be a lady of good character & good integrity
Henry Burkhart M.D.

Providence R.I. In North Providence October 24, 1836. Then personally appeared William Bucklin M.D. and was duly sworn to the truth of the within Certificate that it is just and true in all its parts, according to the best of his knowledge and belief. I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said William Bucklin M.D. and that he is a practising Physician in this Village and vicinity, and is in good standing and that his Certificate, within by him subscribed is entitled to full Credit. Before me.
Joseph Arnold Justice of the Peace

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
Secretary's Office Oct 26. A 1836
I certify that at the session of the General Assembly of said State on the first Wednesday of May last, Joseph Arnold was elected a Justice of the Peace for the town of North Providence in the County of Providence, and Job Taylor a Justice of the Peace for the town of Charlestown in the County of Washington - each for one year, and that they have been severally Commissioned accordingly - as appears of record in this office.
Witness Henry Bowen Secy.

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 Provi- dence, this twentieth  sixth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Six and of Independence the fifty- first .
John Brown Francis
BY HIS EXCELLENCY'S COMMAND.
Henry Bowen Secy.