Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 30605, for John Morse, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
mass.
Morse, John
S. 30605
CONTENTS

15.588
Massachusetts John Morse
Worcester in the State of Mass a who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Gardner of the Regt commanded by Col. Keyes in the Mass for 7 months
End Int
79
Wadsworth
Enrolled on the Roll of Massachusetts the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of June 1833 and sent to Anglo Peters  Westborough Mass
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1833 $ 46.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept - 11.67
$ 58.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. W. Blagden Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 2 Page 53 .

recollect very distinctly about the He said John, only as above stated. —
I, Joseph Morse of Hopkinton in the County of Middlesex being sixty three years of age, do testify and say, that my Brother John Morse of Wistworth's, entered into the army of the U.S. in the early part of the Revolutionary War. He went over to White Plains N.Y. and once to R. Island I am unable to state the length of time he served in the Army, I have a distinct recollection of his leaving our father's house for the purpose of joining the Army then stationed at R.I. — My Brother Samuel Morse accompanied him part of the way, as far as I recollect to a town of Millford. He was absent from our father's house a considerable length of time, but how long I do not recollect. It was, and ever had been the understanding of the people in the neighborhood that he did serve in the Army at R.I. — I have heard several old people who can testify, say that the said John was in the Army, & performed service for a period of time in the State of R.I. — Joseph Morse
Middlesex ss. Sept 22. 1832 — Then the above-named Joseph Morse, made solemn oath, that the foregoing deposition, by him signed is true.
Before me Joseph Valentine 2 } Justice of Peace
I certify that the above-named Joseph Morse is well known to me, & that he is a credible witness — Joseph Valentine 2 } Jus. Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. I Elias Thayer Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, being a court of record for the County of Middlesex, do certify that Joseph Valentine D'Esquina is a Justice of the Peace within & for said County, and that I believe his name set to the within & annexed certificate is truly his own proper signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court the fifth day of October 1832
E. Thayer

I Samuel Morse of Hopkinton in the county of Middlesex, and commonwealth of Massachusetts, being sixty seven years of age, do testify and say; that I am the brother of John Morse of Westborough in the county of Worcester; that, in the early part of the Revolutionary War, I accompanied the said John Morse, from our father's house in Hopkinton to Milford, to which place he went, for the purpose and with the intent of joining that part of the American Army which was stationed in the state of Rhode Island. - I have always understood, and it has been the general understanding in this neighborhood that the said John did join and continue in the service of said Army in the state of Rhode Island several months; he was absent from our father's house several months, and was during this time, as we then understood in the Army. I was then quite young, and do not recollect definitely the length of time he was absent, nor any particulars then then above stated. -
Hopkinton September 27. 1832: Samuel Morse

Middlesex St. September 27. 1882.
Personally appeared Samuel Moore the signer of the within deposition, and made solemn oath that the statements contained in said deposition are true.
Before me
Joseph Valentine { Justice of Peace.
I hereby certify that Samuel Moore the signer of the within deposition is well known to me, & that he is a credible witness.
September 27. 1882.
Joseph Valentine { Justice of Peace.

I Henry Merble of Westborough, in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachu- setts, Esquire, being seventy six years of age, do testify and say, that I served most of the Revolutionary War in the army of the United States; That in the year 1776 I was in said Army at White Plains and vicinity; I knew John Moore, then and now of said Westborough; He entered into said Army as a vol- unteer or Militia man in August or September of said year, and served at White Plains and vicin- ity for a term of two months. Henry Merble Westborough 1832
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester ss. Nov. 30. 1832 -
Personally appeared Henry Merble, the signer of the foregoing deposition, and made oath that the statements therein contained are true -
Before me Onslow Peters Justice of Peace
I hereby certify that the above-named Henry Merble Esq. is well known to me, & that he is a credible witness - Onslow Peters Just. Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Worcester, ss. I, Elijah Bigelow, clerk of the Judicial Courts within and for the County of Worcester, do certify, that Orslow Peters, Esquire, before whom the within Deposition was signed and sworn to, is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - and that his signature to the certificate of the oath of the Deponent, as within, appears to be in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the County Seal, this fifth day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Elijah Bigelow, Clk.

O Peter L... John Moore 20597
DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of...

DECLARATION, in order to secure the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
COUNTY OF WORCESTER, ss.
ON this Second day of October in the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court, before the Hon. Nathl. Paine, Judge of the Probate Court now sitting at Worcester , John Morse a resident of Westborough in the County of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seventy eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.
THAT he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
1 st That he volunteered and entered into said service in the latter part of September in the year 1776. The officers of the company in which he served were, Capt. Aaron Gardner of Sherburne; Lt. Sparrow Buckminster of Framingham, and Ensign John Parmenter of Hopkinton. The officers of the Regiment in which he served, were Col. Brooks of Chelmsford, Lt. Col. Micaiah Stone of Framingham, and Maj. Bancroft of Groton. The company marched, immediately after it was organized to White Plains, N.Y. He performed two months service at this time. Gen. Washington was with the army at that place, a part of the said term. He thinks that Gen. Lincoln was also with the army there. A battle took place, during this term, between the American and British forces, in which the company in which he served was engaged. He does not remember that he received any written discharge from this service.
2 nd In August 1777 he again volunteered and entered into said service. He then lived in Barn Mass. County of Worcester. The names of the officers of his Regiment that recollects, were Col. Hays and Lt. Col. Wade. The officers of his company were Capt. Ralphus Earle of Paxton, Lieutenants, John Cannon of Rutland and Isaiah Parmenter of Oakham, and Ensign Thomas Moore of Spencer. The company assembled first at North Kingston R.I. at a place called Bissill's Mills, where it remained about one month; - they also marched to, and were stationed at, Little Compton, Warren and Providence. He served at this time just five months. He does not recollect to have received any written discharge from this service. Gen. Spencer was with the army during this time. All the officers above-named are dead. At the time he first entered the service as above-mentioned he lived in Hopkinton. For further evidence of his having performed the first above-mentioned service he refers to the deposition of Henry Mark Esq. hereunto annexed; & for the performance of the term of service second above-mentioned he refers to depositions of Samuel and Joseph Moore and the certificate of Elijah Moore and Thomas Moore hereunto annexed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Before Nathl Paine  Attest Onslow Peters Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
his John Morse mark.

We Elijah Morse and Thomas Morse  Thomas Morse residing in Westborough hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Morse who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Nathl. Haine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester.
Elijah Morse Thomas Morse
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above mentioned applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Elijah Morse who signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman , resident in the Town of Westborough and that Thomas Morse who has also signed the same is a resident in the same Town and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Nathl. Haine Judge of Probate for the County of Worcester
I Theophilus Wheeler Register, Clerk of the Court of Probate — do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Morse for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court — this fourth day of December in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty two
Theoph. Wheeler Register of the said Court of Probate for Worcester County in Massachusetts
John Morse 20097

20697 Mrs Morse Mass
Rev. J. Mo.
ML
Anson Peters Westborough Mass

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Morse Worcester Co Mass
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol 1776 — 2 — priv Capt Gardner Col Brooks White Plains New York 78 yrs Voluntary   Vol 1777 — 5 — — Capt Easton Genl Washington { R Island Worcester County Voluntary   Genl Gates { Providence Worcester County Voluntary   Genl Sullivan {  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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

30 605 Pay INVALID.
File No. 30,605-
John Mott His Rev. Mrs.
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 284
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Westboro Mass Dec 13
Rev.
Hon.
Sup
Dec. 17.
Mp.
20097

Westboro Mass Dec 13
Dec 2. 179
Mp.
20097
Revolutionary Pensions free
Hon. Lewis Cass Secy of War Dept Washington City D.C.

Westborough (Mass.) Dec r 12. 1832.
To the Sec y of War Department, Sir,
Enclosed is the documentary evidence, to shew that John Morse is entitled to a pension under the late act of Congress. Any communication from the Department, relative to the enclosed applica- tion may be addressed to me, as I am agent for Morse; and the certificate, if granted may be forwarded to me -
Respectfully yours &c.
Onslow Peters
N. B. On the 8 th Sept r last I forwarded the ap- plications of Nathaniel Andrews and Fortuna- tus Nichols, from which I have not since heard. C. Peters