Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19886, for Benjamin Morse, Massachusetts

SERVICE
Mass.
Morse, Benjamin Deborah
NUMBER
W. 19886
CONTENTS

30.767 Albany N. York
Benjamin Morse of Madison in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Pierce of the Regt commanded by Col. Bigelow in the Massachusetts line for 21 months & 29 days
Rept Aug 3 rd 36 Sub to P. Gridley, Sept 28: 1836
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany New York . at the rate of 75 Dollars 22 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of July 1836 and State of New York Storer Hamilton Nassau
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $366.10 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 1 Sept 36.61 $402.71
Revolutionary Claim, } Got June 7, 1832. } Recorded by H. H. Hudson Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 4 Page 115

Albany 875
Deborah Morse widow of Benjamin Morse
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832 and who died on the 19. October 1836 of Ulster Co, in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Pierce of the Reg't. commanded by Col. Bigelow in the Massachusetts line for 21 months, months & 29 days,
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 73 Dollars 22 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834 20. October 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of Nov. 1838 and sent to Otis P. Granger Morrisville, N. York
Arrears to the 4th of March '39 24. 64 Semi-annual allowance ending 1 st Sep. " 36. 61
$61.25
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Book A. Vol. 2
Page 89
Clerk

Benjamin Moore a Pensioner under the act of June 7, 1832
Tuesday
18253
on Rolls Bigelow from 17. July to 15 Dec. 1780 - 4 mo. 18 ds.

State of New York
Madison County ss.
Saml Hill of Farnes in said County being duly sworn down before me say that in the Spring of 1775 then being a resident of Natick, in the State of Massachusetts he enlisted for eight months in the company of Captain Joseph Moore of the militia of Massachusetts. That he served out his time & that Benjamin Moore Moore of Eaton Madison County was a soldier in the same company & served out his time of eight months. That he as well as said Moore served & were discharged at Cambridge & further this deponent saith not.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 9th day of Oct. 1832
Daniel Hill
J.B. Eldredge first Judge.
Over I further certify That it appears to me That said above named Saml Hill is of good character for truth & veracity
J.B. Eldredge Judge

exat
State of New York } Madison County Clerk's Office } ss: I, Andrew S. Sloan Clerk of the said County, do certify that James B. Eldridge, before whom the within Af- fidavit purports to have been sworn, was, at the date of the same, the first Judge of the County Courts in and for the said County - And that I am acquainted with his hand writ- -ing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and seal of Office this ninth day of October 1832 - A. S. Sloan Clk 

Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
State of New York
Madison County ss. On this 9 th day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the Court of common pleas of the County of Madison now sitting, said Court being a Court of record Benjamin Morse a resident of Eaton in said County of Madison & State of New York of age seventy years of age & upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated.
Firstly That in April 1775. then being a resident of  of  Natick Middlesex County in the State of Massachusetts & then he enlisted at that place for Eight months in the Company of Captain Joseph Moore (the father of applicant now deceased) in the Regiment of Colonel John Patterson in the State of Massachusetts. Troops That he served all his time & was discharged at Cambridge (where he served his whole time) the last of December 1775. That he did duty as a courier to the late Judge Judichiah Sawyer of New-Hampshire Oneida County now deceased & then an Ensign. That applicant's Regiment was under arms on the day of Bunker Hill battle, but was kept in reserve & not engaged in it.
Secondly That in October 1777 he enlisted for one month at Natick Middlesex County Massachusetts, he then residing at Sherburne in said State & County to go upon a next expedition as he was to be to attack the British forces on Rhode Island - recalled the name of no officer except a

Lieutenant Hopestell Silander of applicants company who is now dead. That the Company met at Shelburne in Middlesex Co. & went on to a place called Tiverton near the waters that separate the mainland from Rhode Island - that the expedition was abandoned at that place & officer discharged having served one month.
Thirdly . 3 mrs Not January 1. 1778 & while officer was an inhabitant & resident of Shelburne he was ordered out for a three months term under the command of a Captain Holmes & a lieutenant John Silander both since dead - that the Company rendezvoused at Holliston in Middlesex Co. & went on from there to Providence where after remaining about a week they were returned upon the main land opposite Rhode Island for the purpose as officer was told of watching some of the enemys vessels of war that lay in the channel - That officer here served out his three months & was discharged honorably April 1. 1778.
Fourthly . 3 mrs Not immediately after his return home & early in April 1778 officer enlisted for three months to guard some prisoners of Burghers army at Cambridge - that in his service he only recollects Major General Heath who commanded Major General Allen now dead - that he served out his time of enlistment & was honorably discharged in July 1778.*
That during the above mentioned periods of service he was in no battle & knows no general officer as such though he knew Generals Heath & Putnam - & during this time he served with no continental Regiments or Companies.
Fifthly 3 mrs That early in August 1778 officer again enlisted for three months in a Company commanded by Captain Amos Perry in the
*which he recollects the fact of a British officer being taken prisoner and being sent to run part a sentry

regiment of some Colonel whose name this applicant does not recollect - That he enlisted at Natick where he then resided & where the Company then rendezvoused & from there the company marched on to Little Compton & from there crossed over on to Rhode Island & from the point of landing to a place near Newport - That this was the time General Sullivan attacked the British forces on Rhode Island - Applicant was in three general engagements on that occasion & finally the American forces retreated & left the Island & after remaining some time in the neighborhood applicant was honorably discharged - As to whether he did actually serve out the three months or not for which he enlisted applicant cannot say though he believes from his best recollection he did.
Leahy
6 mds
That while he resided at Natick about the middle of July 1780 he again enlisted for six months to serve & was detached to serve under Captain Pierce in the Regiment of Colonel Bygelow of the 15th Massachusetts Regiment in the Brigade of General Glover, for six months that he rendezvoused at Springfield & went on from there to West Point - That applicant then understood that he had enlisted as a continental soldier to take the place of the three years men whose time of service had expired, but whether it was so in fact this applicant does not know - That several other Regiments of troops were there & applicant recalled the names of Colonels Bore Smith, Putnam & those who went on with applicant were distributed among the Massachusetts Regiments - That he was discharged about the middle of January 1781. was in no battle there - Saw Major Andrew Langer - applicant served six months.

Lightly - Not only in September 1781, but also in March 1782, he was enlisted as a volunteer in a Company then commanded by a Lieut. Joseph Smith in the Regiment of Colonel Putnam of the 8th Regiment Massachusetts line for two months & returned to Senne at New Paltz & served out his said term of enlistment & was honorably discharged in March 1781. at New Paltz & that officer was discharged, that he has now no discharge, he having lost same during the war. as a volunteer - That he recd. that he has a written discharge from Col. Putnam from Col. Putnam.
Secondly - Not immediately after the expiration of the last mentioned term of service & without returning home applicant enlisted as a volunteer in a Company then commanded by a Lieut. Joseph Smith in the Regiment of Colonel Putnam of the 8th Regiment Massachusetts line for two months & returned to Senne at New Paltz & served out his said term of enlistment & was honorably discharged in March 1781. at New Paltz &
That officer was discharged, that he has now no discharge no discharge, he having lost same during the war. as a volunteer - That he recd. that he has a written discharge from Col. Putnam from Col. Putnam.
That applicant does not know of any person in life by whom he can prove his service nor has he any documentary proof of the same.
That he was born in Natick April 31, 1762 as he is informed & believes that a record of his birth is to be found in the records of said town as he believes that he is a further record stating from his father's records & papers. That since the Revolutionary war he has resided as follows. He lived in Natick till 1784. Then removed to Templeton Worcester County Massachusetts & resided there six years. Then removed back to Natick & resided four years & in 1798 removed to Eaton where he still resides.
And the applicant further saith that he is known to the Rev. Daniel Blakehurst a Clergyman residing in Eaton the County of Natick & that he is well known to Thomas LaMunyon & Daniel Stone of Eaton & who he relies will testify to his good character for truth & veracity to the best of his belief as a soldier of the Revolution.
*

That he was called into some 2 series or above stated - That he has stated as above the name of such officer as he recalls & the same circumstances of his service
That he never received a written discharge or had a Commission
He hereby disavows any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the pension & declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Army of any State
Sworn to & subscribed
Benj a Morse
The day & year aforesaid
A. S. Sloan Clk.
We Daniel Blakelee a Clergyman residing in Eaton in the County of Madison & Thomas Ray Munger & Daniel Albee residing in Eaton hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Morse who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy years of age & upwards; that he is upstanding & believable in the neighborhood where he tends to have been as soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion - & that he is of good character for truth & veracity. Sworn to & subscribed the day & your affirmer - David Blakelee
A. S. Sloan Clk.
Thomas Ray Munger Daniel Albee
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named officer was a Revolutionary soldier & such as he states
And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Daniel Blakelee who has signed the foregoing certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Eaton & that Daniel Albee & Thomas Ray Munger who has also signed the same is each a resident in the town of Eaton & is a credible person & that their statement is entitled to

enclos
I Andrew S. Sloan Clerk of the Court of common Pleas of Walla Walla County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of this case in the matter of the application against the said party or parties
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this ninth day of October 1832.
A.S. Sloan Clerk
Benjamin Moore a Commissioner under the act of June 7, 1832
77 Tuesday
1832
on Rolla Bigelow from 17 July to 15 Dec. 1830 - 4 mo. 1831.

In the matter of Deborah Morse widow of Benjamin Morse an applicant for a Pension
875 (1669)
11
Otis P. Granger of Morrisville Madison County N.Y. agent
Admitted
Printed 21 + 29 days
Pension to commence 20 th Oct. 1836
Otis P. Granger Esq. Morrisville N.Y.
State of New York Madison County ss. I, John M c Comber of the Town of Colton

State of New York
Madison County, On this 13 th day of September in the year 1838 personally appeared before Ephraim Holmes one of the Judges of the County Courts of said County, Deborah Morse a resident of the town of Eaton in said County of Madison aged seventy five years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Benjamin Morse late of the town of Eaton in said County of Madison deceased - That the said Benjamin Morse was at the time of his death a Pensioner under the act of June 1832 - That he resided in Massachusetts during the revolutionary war & resided in Eaton in said County of Madison N.Y. at the time he was pensioned under said act & said applicant would refer to his Papers on file for the necessary proof of his services. She further declares that she was married to the said Benjamin Morse at Waterville (Mass) by the Rev Stephen Badger on the 10 th day of June 1784 - That her maiden name was Deborah Scammon - That her husband the aforesaid Benjamin Morse died in the town of Eaton in said County, on the nineteenth day of October in the year 1836: That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January Eighteen hundred & twenty four (sic) at the time above stated. That she has not intermarried since the death of the said Benjamin Morse, but has remained his widow even since his death. Sworn to & Subscribed on the day Deborah Morse mark
before me J. J. Certify that the said applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend court -
Ephraim Holmes Judge of Madison County Courts

State of New York Madison County, Julia M c Comber of the town of Eaton in said County being duly sworn depose & say, that she was well acquainted with Benjamin Morse in his life time - that he was a pensioner at the time of his death & that Deborah Morse is his widow & has remained his widow ever since his death & further says not sworn & subscribed before me
the 13 th day of September 1838
Julia M c Comber.
Ebenezer Holmes
Judge of Madison County Court.
I certify that the above named Julia M c Comber is a credible witness - Sep. 13 th 1838
Ebenezer Holmes Judge of Madison County Court
State of New York
Madison County Clerk's Office
ss: I Alexander Donaldson Jr
Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Ebenezer Holmes Esquire whose name is subscribed to the above certificate and before whom the foregoing declaration purports to have been made was on the day of the date of said declaration & certificate a Judge of the County Court in and for said County duly appointed and qualified and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Ebenezer Holmes and verily believe that the above signatures are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County the 14 th day of September 1838.
A. Donaldson Jr Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, August 30 th 1838.
We hereby Certify, That John Welles Esq r is a justice of the Peace for all the Counties, and that Chester Adams Esq r is a justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for the County of Middlesex,
in the said Commonwealth, duly constituted and commissioned; and that to their acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court, and they were justices as aforesaid at the date of their several attestations.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
John P. Bigelow Secretary of the Commonwealth.

"A List of persons joined in marriage by the Rev. Stephen Badger and returned by him with the dates affixed to each couple so married. —
N. B. Those names that have no towns annexed are all of Natick. —
Entered by David Morse Town Clerk. —
Benjamin Morse & Deborah Sawin, June tenth, one — thousand seven hundred and eighty four. —
Town of Natick, County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts; — I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the records, with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the records in fair, legible figures, as follows. "June 10, 1784." Chester Adams , Clerk of said town of Natick.
I, Chester Adams, above named, depose and say; that I hold the office of clerk in the County, town and State aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the records of said town with the exception above named as certified by me. — Chester Adams , Clerk of the town of Natick
Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
On this twenty seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight the aforesaid Chester Adams a credible witness made solemn oath to the above deposition subscribed by him —
Before me
John Wolles Justice of the peace throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts —

I Jonathan Bacon of Natick in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age, depose, testify and say, that in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, (or eighty five) I was personally present and witnessed, that Benjamin Morse & Deborah Sawin both of Natick were duly joined in marriage. The marriage was solemnized by the Rev. Stephen Badger, an ordained, settled Minister of the gospel in said town of Natick. I do not recollect the month, nor the day of the month, upon which the marriage ceremony took place, but I distinctly recollect being at the wedding. — at the wedding and after the ceremony was over, the Rev. Mr. Badger, said as a matter of humour, that the party assembled, had better procure a fiddle. The invited guests danced, but whether the music was from the fiddle, or made by vocal effort, I do not distinctly remember. I am now in the seventy ninth year of my age and in a good state of health and have resided in said town of Natick for the last sixty-six years. And I further saith not. Jonathan Bacon N.B. The words "both of Natick" were interlined before signing. —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Middlesex ss. Town of Natick
On this twenty ninth day of August, in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared Jonathan Bacon, the aforesaid deponent a man of truth and veracity, a credible witness and resident of the State, County and town aforesaid, and after being cautioned to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, made solemn oath that the above deposition by him subscribed is true and correct in all its parts.
Chester Quincy, Justice of the Peace and of the Quorum for said County of Middlesex. —

N o 18253
Benjamin Morse Madison County New York
Admitted
Private 21 mo & 29 days
John G. Stover Hamilton Madison N.Y.
John G. Stover Hamilton, Madison County New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will 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 Benjamin Morse Madison County New York.
   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.     Enlisted Apr. 1775 1 8 - as a writer then as ensign Capt. Moore Col. Patterson Marched at Cambridge 70 years Traditionary evidence   Enl. Oct. 1777 - 1 - private Lieut. Hapsted at Nottinton Patrick Cluiman & C. Witness   Baled 1 Jan 1778 - 3 - private Capt. Holmes Middlesex to Providence Shieldliss enlistment credible & one living Witness   Enl. Apr. 1778 - 3 - private - Major Miller Genl. Heath at West point Massachusetts papers not properly   Enl. Aug. 1778 - 3 - private Capt. Perry Attached -   Enl. July 1780 - 6 - private Capt. Pierce Col. Biglow   Enl. 1780 - 2 - Sergt. Lieut. Smith Col. Putnam   Enl. Sept. 1781 - 3 11 - - -   21 29  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
3/10

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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his 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 authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[1] 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.
[2] 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 [1] applies to continental troops only.
[3] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[4] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[5] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
Accy
March 14, 1929
Mrs. Lysle R. Dunbar 242 Grove Street Oneida, N. Y.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 19886, it appears that Benjamin Morse was born May 31, 1762 in Natick, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
While residing at said Natick, he enlisted and served with the Massachusetts Troops, as follows-
From in April 1775, eight months in Captain Joseph Morse's (soldier's father) Company, Colonel John Paterson's Regiment; from in October 1777, one month under Lieutenant Leland; from January 1, 1778, three months under Captain Holmes; from in April 1778, three months under Major Thomas Millan; from in August 1778, three months in Captain Amos Perry's Company, and was in General Sullivan's Expedition to Rhode Island; from in July 1780, six months in Captain Pierce's Company, Colonel Bigelow's Regiment; in 1781, two months as sergeant under Lieutenant Joseph Smith in Colo-

nel Putnam's Regiment; and from early in September 1781, three months in Colonel Webb's Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, at which time he was living in Eaton, Madison County, New York. He died there October 19, 1836.
The soldier married June 10, 1784 in Natick, Massachusetts, Deborah Sawin or Sanvin, they were both then of said Natick .
She was allowed pension on her application executed September 13, 1838, while a resident of Eaton, New York, aged seventy-five years.
It is not stated whether they had children.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Benjamin Morse
1833
III
1833
1833 1833 1833 1833 1833 1833 1833 1833 1833 1833

Manhattan N.Y. July 13. 1886
J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office War Dept.
Sir
I enclose the Certificate of the Secretary of War as to the claim of Benjamin Moore an applicant under the P. Law of 1872.
It will be seen it shows from the calls, a service in the age of truly one month & nineteen days . Of this I believe some portion of the service is in the War Department. The office making the search at Boston supports this to be the case in relation to the first paragraph on the three pages of the Certificate & the Service there stated. Perhaps a roll verifying the above statement as to those services may be found in the War office. If so he will be entitled to a full allowance of not to 7/8 & upwards.
I have already in a former letter stated Mr. Morris' disclaimer of any intention to be considered an engineer.
I have delayed sending on the papers for some time, knowing that probb of

business upon the office while Congress is in session, but respectfully solicit a disposition of the claim at the earliest convenience of the Department. The poverty of the applicant under this extremely desirable very respectfully yet
W. H. H. H.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

July 18 Tulsa
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comd. of Pensions Pension Office War Dept. Washington City
Law of 1832.
Ames Benton
the
Washington

June 10.
Prof. Chas
FREE
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com. of Pensions War Department Washington City

Newmarket Mad Co. N.Y. June 6. 1833
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir
I return the papers in the case of Benjamin Moore attached together in the manner prescribed by the Department. I do not gather from the marks upon the printed Instructions that there is any other objection. There is but one witness it is true, but this is a case of multicoe Service.
I beg leave to request the early attention of the office to the case of Mr Moore, as he is about to leave the State & is very desirous of knowing the result before he goes
Very respectfully yours
Jno. G. Stevens

1669 NY 7 July 1838 SEP 1 NEW YORK
free
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Morrisville (Madison County) N.Y. Sept 14. 1888.
Sir
Enclosed I send you the Papers of Deborah Morse an applicant for a Pension.
Respectfully yours Otis C. Granger
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr of Pensions

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, May 31st. 1836.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents, relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the name of "Benjamin Morse" is borne on "A Muster Roll of the Company under the command of Capt. Joseph Morse, in Col o John Paterson's Regiment to the first of August 1775," where he enlisted May 8 th and served three months. ms. B.
The name of "Benj Morse" is borne on "A Pay Roll of a Company commanded by Capt Perry, in Col o Hawes's Regiment of Militia from the State of Massachusetts Bay from the 28 th of July to the 12 th of September 1778, including one day for each mans travel home," where he entered service Aug. 7 th and was discharged Sept. 12 th allowed one month & seven days. ms. 92 1. 7-
The name of "Benjamin Morse" is borne on "A Pay Roll for the Six months men for the town of Brookline, 1780." where he marched July 16 th and was discharged January 16 th and was allowed Six months and eleven days ms. 11
The name of Benjamin Morse, is borne on "A Pay Roll of Capt. John Hayward's Company, in Col o Webb's
Amount carried over. —
ms. 10.18

Amount brought over - - -
mo Ds 10.18
Regiment of 3 months Levees, Raised agreeable to a Resolve of the Genl Court of the 30 of June 1781 to reinforce the Army of the United States of America," where he enlisted Sept 3 d and was discharged Dec 24 th , 1781, and was allowed three months and eleven days. mo Ds 3.11
Benjamin Morse's name is borne on "A Roll for the Continental Pay due to the Commis n Non Commissioned Officers and Soldiers of Capt. Caleb Champlaine's Company in Maj r Nath. Heath's detach t of Guards in the service of the United States, raised by this State to do duty in and about Boston, Agreeable to a Resolve of the General Court, passed June 15 th . 1779." where he enlisted Oct. 1 st . and was discharged Jan y . 11 th . allowed three months and fifteen days. mo Ds 3.15
The name of "Benjamin Meas" is borne on "A Pay Roll of Capt. Daniel Eames' Company in Col o Benj a Haws Regiment of Militia, who marched 29 th of Sept. 1777," where he was allowed one month and three days. mo Ds 1.3
mo Ds 18.17

(P. 3.)
Amount brought over.
mo. 83 18.17
Part 1. Benjamin Morse claims service for 3 mo. after Aug. 1775. also claims 3 months service under Capt. Holmes, in 1778, but the Rolls for which, are not found in this Office.
The name of Benjamin Morse is borne on "Pay Roll of Non-commissioned Officers & Privates in Cap t Simeon Brown's Company in Col l Jacob Gerrish's Regiment, of Guards, for pay due from the State of Massachusetts Bay, at y e rate of 40/ P r Month from y e 2 nd April, 1778, to y e 3 rd of July following, both days Included." where he was allowed three months and two days.
mo. 83 3.2
mo. 83 21.19
John P. Bigelow Secretary

Benjn Morse
Sch 13 NEW BEDFORD SEP 8 N.Y.
FREE
W. of. J. L. Edmund Esq. Pension Office War Department Washington City Pension Law of 1832.

Nanuettes N. Y. Sept. 8. 1834. J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir.
The papers of Benjamin Morse Morse of Eaton Madison Co. an applicant under the pauper law of 1832 were re- turned to me for want of sufficient care in attaching them together, & after remedying the defect I forwarded them to the Department again since when I have heard nothing from them. Will you be good enough to inform me if the decision upon them is suspended from any cause & give me such information as to what is need as will enable Mr. Morse to remedy the defect if it be in his power.
Very respectfully yours J. N. G. Haines

New York - Albany
Benjamin Morse a prisoner under act of Jan 7 th 1832 at the rate of $3 22 per ann to what time paid
ML
John Hany Ely 3 d Auditor's Office
Decr 19 Oct 1836 paid to that period.
SH

33 2 46.66 11.66 58.33
40 10 1.66 88 52.55
43.33 132 44.65 2 89.32 22.33 111.65
52.55 2 105.10 26.27 131.37

P 18.253 Revo.
Airt 7. June 1832
Ben. Morn
Suspended
See letter 12 oct. 1833 to
John G. Stowe
Amadilla
N. York let to same 27 Nov 1833

MRS. LYSLE RISLEY DUNBAR 242 GROVE STREET ONEIDA, N. Y.
Pension Department Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you please send me a copy of the service of Benjamin Morse. He came to Madison Co. N.Y. from Weyack, Mass. so he may have enlisted from Mass. at the time of the Revolution. He had a son Moses Morse.
Thanking you in advance for any information about this Revolutionary soldier, I am
Very Truly yours,
Mrs. L. R. Dunbar

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19886
Deborah Moore
Wid of
Benjamin Moore
Pris Rev. War
Act: July 7 th  /38
Index:—Vol. M Page 64
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1929- mch. 14-1425k R. Mrs. Lytle R. Dunbar curf.

Sept 27
Benj. Morse Myrwood perhaps 30 78 3/4
FREE
Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pension Washington City

Hampton Mass Co. N.Y.
Sept. 22. 1836
Dear Sir
Mr Benjamin Morse of the Town of Eaton Mad. Co. N.Y. is a revolutionary pensioner John H. Storm Esq. prep and his paper for an ap- plication and it is believed that his application was granted & that he became a pensioner. It is de- sired by Mr. Morse, who is an old man and very inform with his friends to know what disposition has been made. It is supposed that the money has been obtained that a Certificate of Deposit has been issued by the Mechanics & Farmers Bank of Albany to John H. Storm Esq. and that the money has been drawn on this certificate used for other purposes than for the offspring one.
Will you have the goodness to inform us soon as may be how the matter stands, whether the application has been granted, whether the the money has been deposited for his use - and how much the amount of his pension is - and the whole particulars so far as it may be in your power to give the same and by so doing you will much oblige Mr Morse his relations and Your obedt Servant Philo G. Giddings per G. Thompson Giddings

Benj Moore.
FREE
M rs . J. L. Edwards Esq. Pension Office War Department Washington City Claim under Law of 1832

Marmiton Mad. Co. N.Y. Nov. 11. 1835
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir
Benjamin Moore of Eaton Mad. Co. N.Y. an applicant under the Pension Law of June 7. 1832. has his papers to support the claim forwarded by me to the Department Oct. 30. 1832. May 4. 1833 they were returned to me with some objections the precise character of which I do not now recollect & am unable to lay my hand upon the letter - one having to the principal one was a want of connection - the partings of the different papers together to which the Clerk had affixed his seal - On the 6th June 1833. I sent the papers newly attached by the Clerk Since then I have heard nothing from the application
The favor I have to ask is that you inform me what disposition has been made of the claim. An immediate answer will greatly oblige
PS. Please state objections if any.
Your Obedt. humble servant J. L. Edwards