Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15148, for Henry Osborn, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Osborn, Henry
W. 15148
Mass Sea Service
Betsey
CONTENTS
[Ruled lines for entry]
[Ruled lines for entry]

Massachusetts... 1270.
Betsey Osborn,
widow of Henry Osborn, Decd.
who died on the 3 d of February, 1808; of Dukes Co in the State of Mass ts :
who was a Seaman in the Brig Cabot commanded by Captain E. Hinman off Martha's Vineyard by Vineyard — in the ye-
time for 2 years Seaman — Mass
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass ts .
at the rate of 06 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 d day of August, 1837, — and sent to Dan l . Fellows, Edgartown, Mass ts .
Arrears to the 4 th of March, '37 — $57 6:00 Pemi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 48:00
$624:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by S. A. Elliott Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 56

I hereby certify that I find recorded in Book first page 307 of the Records of the Town of Edgartown Down, that Henry Osborn and Elisabeth Pease both of Edgartown, was joined in Marriage by the Rev Sam l Kingsbury Dec r 14 1775 -
Edgartown May 11 1837. a true Copy, attest,
Isaiah D. Pease Clerk of s d Town of Edgartown
I further certify that Mrs Osborn the widow of the of the above named Henry Osborn, has been known by me for forty years, by the name of Betsy Osborn.
Isaiah D. Pease

Dukes County ss. Edgartown May 11 th 1837. Then the within named Isaiah D. Pease, Town Clerk of Edgartown, personally appeared and made solemn Oath to the truth of the within Certificate by him subscribed. — Before me, Daniel Fellows — Justice of the Peace.
Town Clerk's Certificate of the Marriage of Wid. Betsy Osborn
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dukes County ss. I, Charles H. Marshall Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and a Notary Public in and for said County — hereby certify that Isaiah D. Pease above named is Town Clerk of Edgartown, and that his name above written is true to be his signature genuine. And that full faith and credit ought to be paid to all his doings in his said Capacity. Commonwealth's Clerk Edgartown May 20 th 1837.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office, February 18 th , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1833 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," George Osborn, son of Betsey Osborn, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Massachusetts Agency, at the rate of Ninety Six Dollars and _____ Cents per annum, under the law of the 4 th July, 1836, — has his proportion/ye been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept., 1837, to the 20 th February, 1838, the day of her death.
Respectfully, yours,
William E. Parris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.

Lydia Weeks (Deposition)

I Lydia Weeks of Edgartown in the county of Dukes county and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Widow, of lawful age to give evidence, do on Oath, testify and say — That from my birth to the present time, I have been personally and intimately acquainted with the Wid. Betsey Osborn of Edgartown aforesaid, that I was present and officiated as Bride-Maid at her wedding, that the said Betsey was married to Henry Osborn of and at said Edgartown, on the fourteenth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventyfive, that they were married by the Rev. Samuel Kingsbury formerly Minister of Edgartown, now deceased — that they resided in said Edgartown prior to their marriage, that they have continued to reside in said Town since their marriage, the said Henry up to the time of his death and the said Betsey to the present day — that I have lived very near the said Betsey ever since her marriage, and am intimately acquainted with all her family — that the said Henry Osborn died at said Edgartown, on the third day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and eight, that at his decease he left five children under sixteen years of age, viz. Samuel, George, Abraham, Susan, & Henry Osborn, also three then more than sixteen years of age, viz. Sally, John, & Betsey — he also having lost three before his death. —
The Deponent further saith that the said Betsey Osborn is the widow of the said Henry Osborn, deceased, that she has remained his widow ever since his decease, and that she the said Betsey was never afterwards married. —
over —

The Deponent further saith that the said Henry Osborn the husband of the said Widow Betsey Osborn, served as a Soldier in the Militia stationed on Martha's Vineyard, for the defence of the Sea Coast, in Captain Benjamin Smith's Company & under Colonel Barachiah Basset. That he served for several Months in said Company previous to his going to sea in the United States service, and I believe he again served in said Militia Company after his return from sea. but owing to the length of time that has elapsed since that period, I am unable to say how long the said Osborn served in said Militia.
The Deponent further saith that the said Henry Osborn was absent from home in an armed Vessel in the service of the United States, for a considerable length of time, but I am not able to say how long he was gone on that cruise, nor at what time he sailed from Edgartown on said cruise. That I have always understood that said Osborn sailed on board the Continental Brig called the Cabot, Captain Hinman, on a cruise against the Enemy, but cannot say positively from personal recollection what the name of the Vessel was in which he sailed, but believe it to be the Cabot.
The Deponent further saith that I have always understood from said Henry Osborn himself and from many other persons, that the said Osborn was taken & detained as a Prisoner on board a British Man of War for a considerable length of time, I think about eighteen Months. This was some time during the revolutionary war, I cannot state the particular time.
The Deponent further saith that I well recollect that in the Month of March Seventeen hundred

and Seventy Six, Henry Osborn was a Volunteer in Captain Benjamin Smith's Company - and that said Osborn went with said Capt. Smith on board a Sloop, to the South side of the Vineyard and took the British transport Ship Harriet, commanded by a Captain Orrick, and brought her into the harbor Edgartown - And further the Deponent saith not - Edgartown April 20 th 1837.
Lydia Weeks
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss. — On the twentieth day of April in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, the aforesaid Deponent was examined, and cautioned, and sworn agreeable to law, to the truth of the Deposition aforesaid, by her subscribed in my presence. — Taken at the request of Wid. Betsey Osborn of Edgartown in said County, and to be used as Evidence in her application to the War Department of the United States, for a Pension under the Act of Congress passed July 4. A.D. 1836.
Sworn to the day and year above written,
Before me,
Daniel Fellows } Justice of the Peace & of the Quorum.
(Dukes County ss. — Edgartown April 20 th 1837.
I hereby certify that the aforesaid Deponent Lydia Weeks, is a credible Witness, and that she has ever been considered a woman of truth and veracity, and sustains an unblemished character.
Attest — Daniel Fellows — Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss. I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Dukes County, hereby certify that Daniel Fellows is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County. and it is my belief, that his Name as before signed is his own Genuine Signature, and that full Faith and Credit ought to be paid to all his doings in his said Capacity.
Egyptown May 30 th 1837.
Cornelius Marchant Clerk.
Sylvia Weeks (Deposition)

2079
Betsy Osborn widow of Henry
Mass.
married 14 Dec. '75.
Vol. 36. p. 238 - Capt B. Smith - 1 mo 16 ds at Martha's Vineyard Feb. '76 not on
Vol. 36. 239 on - 3 mo from 1 June '76.
adm?
2 years Seaman 1271
no deduction - died 1808.
Daniel Fellows Edgartown Mass.

Declaration of Widow Betsey Osborn in order to obtain the benefit of the third section of Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dukes County ss.
On this thirtieth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before the Hon. J. M. Williams, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for said County of Dukes County, Betsey Osborn a resident of Edgartown in said County and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, aged seven- ty-eight years, a widow, 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 4th 1836: That she is the widow of Henry Osborn, late of Edgartown, County and State aforesaid, deceased; that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary War for a considerable length of time, and was also a Mariner in the service of the United States for a another considerable length of time, du- ring said war; that early in the year seven- teen hundred and seventy six, her late husband the said Henry Osborn volun- teered as a soldier in the Massachusetts Militia stationed on Martha's Vine- yard for the defence of the sea coast, and served in Captain Benjamin Smith's Company and under the command of Colonel Barakiah Bassett. That accor- ding to her best knowledge or belief the said Henry Osborn served as a Volunteer

on land and on water under said Capt. Benjamin Smith for the term of three months previous to his regular enlistment
into said Smith's company as a soldier: That she well remembers that sometime in the month of March, seventeen hundred and seventy-six, the said Henry Osborn was serving as a volunteer soldier under said Capt. Benjamin Smith, that said Osborn, (being also a seaman) at that time went with Captain Benjamin Smith and some others of his Company, together with Captain Richard Whellen, on board an old wood- Sloop which said Capt. Smith had pressed into the service and which had recently come into the harbour of Eazagstown, off to the South side of the Vineyard in pur- suit of the large British transport ship, Harriet commanded by one Capt. - Orrick, and loaded with provisions, Naval Stores &c. bound from New York to Boston, as she then understood: That Capt. Smith's Company was kept under deck until the Sloop was alongside of said transport, when they were ordered on deck and dis- charged their muskets among the crew of said transport, surrounding the Captain and others; upon which the ship surren- dered to said Smith, who brought her into the harbour of Eazagstown: — That the said Henry Osborn performed other military service under said Capt. Smith about that time as a volunteer, holding himself in readiness to perform any duty or service on land or water at all times when called for: That afterwards the said Henry Osborn regularly enlisted as a soldier under said Capt. Benjamin Smith's

a soldier in the said Capt. Benjamin Smith's Company on the first day of June, seven-teen hundred and seventy six and was regularly discharged from the same on or about the first day of September following,
he having served at this time during said enlistment the term of three months: That he the said Henry Osborn resided in Edgartown aforesaid when he entered the service, and continued to reside in said Edgartown the remainder of his life: —
And further, your Applicant declares that in the Month of September in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, her late husband, the said Henry Osborn shipped on board the United States armed Brig Cabot Elisha Hinniman, Commander; — Phips, Lieutenant, then in the harbor of Edgartown; and she always understood that he shipped on board said Brig in the capacity of Quarter Master: That the said Osborn sailed from Edgartown aforesaid, in said Brig Cabot in the month of September one thousand seven hundred and seventy six on a cruise against the Enemies of our Country, and that he was absent from home a long time: the term of enlistment on board said Brig on the cruise aforesaid being, according to the best of her recollection, for eighteen months: Your Claimant further declares that the said Henry Osborn was taken as a prisoner of war by the British Man of War Bristol and detained as a prisoner on board the same for about two years according to the best of her recollection: That she cannot say from what vessel he was taken; neither does she now recollect what time he returned from sea, but thinks it was prior to the year one thousand

That she cannot say from what vessel he was taken; neither does she now recollect what time he returned from sea, but thinks it was prior to the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty one: — That the said Osborn always told her that he escaped from said Man of War at the Island of Jamaica by swimming a great distance at the risk of his life. Your Claimant further declares that after the return of said Henry Osborn from sea, he served as a volunteer soldier in said Capt. Benjamin Smith's Company for some length of time, she thinks about three months; but cannot say definitely how long he served on this last term of his military service: — That he was always, during the War, when at home, prepared with arms and ammunition, and ready to go at any moment to the defence of his Country. Your Claimant therefore in conclusion declares, that according to the best of her knowledge and belief, her late husband, Henry Osborn, aforesaid, served in the Militia aforesaid for the term of Nine Months in the whole; and also served on board the said Brig Cabot for the further term of Eighteen Months; and was also detained as a prisoner on board the said British Man of War Ship for the further term of about two years. And your Claimant further declares that she has no documentary evidence in support of the claim other than what herewith accompanies this declaration. Also, she further declares that she was married to the said Henry Osborn on the fourteenth day of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five; that her husband, the said Henry Osborn, died on the third day of February in the year one thousand

in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five; that her husband, the said Henry Osborn, died on the third day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred and eight; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herunto annexed, or accompanying this declaration.
Betsey Osborn
Sworn to, and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
John M. Williams, judge of the court of common pleas for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I further certify that the above named Betsey Osborn is unable, from bodily infirmity to attend in open court. J. M. Williams, J. C. C. P.
I hereby certify that the above named Betsey Osborn is a credible person, and that she has always sustained an unblemished character, and ever been considered a person of truth and veracity. J. M. Williams, J. C. C. P.
Commonwealth of, Massachusetts
Dukes County ss. I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the court of Common Pleas for the County of Dukes County. Hereby certify, that John M. Williams Esquire, a judge of the court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth aforesaid, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. Attest, Cornelius Marchant Clerk.
Edgartown May 30 th 1837.

Common Pleas for the County of Dauphin County. Hereby certify, that John M Williams Esquire is a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the Commonwealth aforesaid. And that the Signature annexed is his Genuine Signature.
Attest, Cornelius Marchant Clerk.
Edyntown May 30 th 1837.
Cornelius Marchant Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15148
Betsey Osborn Widow of Henry Osborn Selma Rev. War
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index:—Vol. M , Page 104
[Arrangement of 1870.]

See letter 14 July 37 to Daniel Fellows

  75  Parsons  Roxbury  Thurs    76  Wiley  New York  2    "  Brougham   2    78  _____  New York  2  

To the Hon. James L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions -

Edgartown July 20 th 1837.
Hon. James L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions -
Sir, Yours of the 14 th Inst. enclosing the Papers in the case of Mrs. Betsey Osborn in her application for a Pension, has this day been received - You observe that the separate papers upon which the declaration is written, must be connected with the seal by a piece of tape, this I have complied with, and have procured the Clerk of our Court of Common Pleas to put his Seal on the same, and herewith enclose said declaration & accompanying documents, hope they may arrive safe and prove satisfactory. As to the service of said Henry Osborn as a Volunteer in the Militia under Captain Benjamin Smith for three Months prior to his regular enlistment on the 1 st of June 1776, and again for three months after his return from his bruise and captivity, the said Mrs. Betsey Osborn now again declares that she knows the said services to have been rendered by her husband, but that she is unable from the length of time since the services were rendered, to procure any further testimony on the subject, than what is contained in the Depositions now herewith again forwarded to you - She says that she must therefore rest her claims on the testimony already embraced in said Depositions.
Will you please forward to me as soon as practicable, any Documents in her favour that may be granted by your Department - In so doing you will much oblige the widow -
I am, with great respect, your Honour's most obedient & humble Servant -
Daniel Fellows, Atty. for Betsey Osborn -

Obed Norton's Deposition -

I Obed Norton of Tisbury in the county of Dukes county and commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence, do, on Oath, testify and declare — That in the Month of September in the Year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, I shipped as a Volunteer on board the United States or Continental Brig called the Cabot, Elisha Hinman Commander, — Phips Lieutenant.
That at or about the same time Henry Osborn of Edgartown in the county aforesaid, also shipped as a Volunteer on board the said Brig Cabot, that we with others entered on board said Brig in the harbour of Edgartown aforesaid — That the said Henry Osborn and myself and others sailed from said Edgartown in said Brig Cabot, soon after we shipped, on a Cruise against the Enemies of our country & in the Service of the U. States — That on this cruise we captured several English Merchantmen, and manned most of them as Prizes and sent them in — The Deponent further saith that the aforesaid Henry Osborn served on board said Brig Cabot during the term of Six Months while the said Deponent was on board of said Brig — That the Deponent then left said Brig and went on board a prize Ship and arrived with her in Providence, Rhode Island — That at the time the Deponent left the said Brig Cabot, the said Henry Osborn was

Then on board said Cabot, and the said Deponent is unable to say how much longer the said Henry Osborn remained on board said Brig Cabot - That said Brig was absent on that cruise about Eighteen Months, that said Osborn might have been on board during her whole cruise, but the Deponent cannot say when said Osborn returned - The Deponent further saith that he was long personally acquainted with the said Henry Osborn - that the said Osborn left a large family of young children at his decease, and a widow who still remains his widow - and that the said Henry Osborn was married to the present Wid. Betsey Osborn previous to the time he served on board said Brig Cabot - that the said Henry Osborn has been dead about thirty years -
And further the Deponent saith not -
Fisbury March 16 th 1837.
Obed Norton
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss - On the sixteenth day of March in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty seven, the aforesaid Deponent was examined, and cautioned, and sworn agreeable to Law, to the truth of the Deposition aforesaid, by him subscribed in my presence - taken at the request of Widow Betsey Osborn of Edgartown in said County, and to be used as Evidence in her application for Pension under the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836, which application is to be presented to the War Department of the U. States. Sworn to the day and year above written -
Before me - Daniel Fellows - Justice of the Peace 4 of the Quorum.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Dukes County ss. Edgartown March 16 th 1837.
I hereby certify that the aforesaid Deponent Obed Norton is a credible Witness, and that he is and has ever been considered a man of truth & veracity.
Attest ————— Daniel Fellows Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dukes County ss. I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Dukes County. Hereby certify that Daniel Fellows is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and it is my belief that his name above signed is his own genuine signature, and that full faith and credit ought to be paid to all his doings in his said capacity. Edgartown May 30 th 1837. Cornelius Marchant Clerk.

I Betsey Osborn of Edgartown in the county of Dukes County and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, widow, of lawful age to give evidence, do, on oath, testify and declare, That I am the Widow of Henry Osborn late of Edgartown aforesaid, deceased, That he died on the third day of February A.D. 1808. That at the time of his Decease we had five Children under sixteen years of age, viz. Samuel, George, Abraham, Susan, and Henry Osborn Jr. we also at that time had three Children living who were over sixteen years of age, viz. Sally, John, & Betsey, also we having buried three Children prior to the death of my husband And further the Deponent saith not. Edgartown May 31 st 1837.
Betsey Osborn
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss. — On the thirty first day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, the aforesaid Deponent was examined, and cautioned, and sworn agreeable to law, to the truth of the Deposition aforesaid, by her subscribed, taken at the request of the said Betsey Osborn, and to be used as evidence in her application to the War Department of the United States for a Pension. Sworn to the day and year above written,
Before me, — Daniel Fellows — Justice of the Peace
Dukes County ss. — Edgartown May 31 st 1837.
I hereby certify that the aforesaid Deponent, Widow Betsey Osborn is a credible witness, and that she has been considered a person of truth and veracity, and sustains an unblemished character.
Attest. — Daniel Fellows — Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss. I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Dukes County. Hereby certify that Daniel Filton is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and it is my belief that his name above signed is his own true Signature, and that full faith and credit ought to be paid to all his doings in his said Capacity.
Cornelius Marchant Clerk Edgartown May 31 st 1847.
Mid. Belsey Osborn Deposition

Cornelius Marchant Esq rs
Deposition

I Cornelius Marchant of Edgartown in the County of Dukes County and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give Evidence, testify and say, that I was born in said Edgartown in the year 1763 - That for several years before, during, and after the War of the Revolution, I was in the habit of the strictest intimacy with Henry Osborn late of said Edgartown deceased, whose widow, Mrs Betsey Osborn, with whom I have long been personally acquainted & know her to be the widow of said Henry Osborn, has recently made application to the War Department for a Pension, as will appear by her Declaration &c. That I am knowing to the fact that Henry Osborn was very active in the service of his country a considerable part of the time during the War of the Revolution - I was absent from home at times during the War, in private armed Vessels, but I have no hesitancy in saying and hereby declaring it as my opinion and belief that the Depositions of Noah Pease & Obed Norton &c. relating to Henry Osborn serving on board the Brig Cabot, Elisha Hinman Commander, also in his aiding in the capture of the British Transport ship Harriet in March 1776 - also his serving as a Soldier in the land Service under Capt. Smith, at different times during the War, are genuine and not to be contradicted.
The Deponent further testifies that the said Henry Osborn was married to the said Betsey Osborn (formerly Betsey Pease) in the year seventeen hundred and seventy five - That the said Henry has been dead about thirty years - That the said Betsey Osborn has remained his widow up to this day - that they had several Children under sixteen years of age at the time of his decease, I believe five under & three over sixteen years of age - and that the said Henry & Betsey Osborn, and also the Deponents Noah Pease, Obed Norton & Lydia Weeks, have each ever sustained a fair & unblotched moral character.
And further the Deponent saith not.
Edgartown. May 23 rd 1837.
Cornelius Marchant Register of Probate and Clerk of the C. C. Pleas for said County.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (Dukes County ss. On this twenty third day of May

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dukes County ss. On this twenty third day of May
in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, the aforesaid Deponent was examined, and cautioned, and sworn agreeable to law, to the Deposition aforesaid, by him subscribed in my presence - taken at the request of Widow Betsey Osborn of Edgartown in said County, and to be used as Evidence in her application to the War Department of the United States, for a Pension, under the Act of Congress passed July 4, 1836.
Sworn to the day and year above written,
Before me,
Daniel Fellows - Justice of the Peace.
I hereby certify that the aforesaid Deponent, Cornelius Marchant Esquire, Clerk of the Judicial Courts & Register of Probate in this County, is a very credible witness, and sustains an unblemished Character -
Attest - Daniel Fellows - Justice of the Peace.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Dukes County ss. I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Dukes County - Hereby certify that Daniel Fellows is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and it is my belief that his name above signed is his own genuine Signature, and that full faith and credit ought to be paid to all his Doings in his said Capacity. Cornelius Marchant Clerk. Edgartown May 30 th 1837.

Noah Pease, Deposition -
Deposition May 30 th 1834.
Conchus Marchant Clerk.

I Noah Pease of Edgartown in the County of Dukes County and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, of lawful age to give evidence, do, on Oath testify and declare, that I was born in said Edgartown, that I am now Eighty two years of age, enjoying very good health and a sound mind and memory. That I have lived in said Edgartown ever since my birth. That I was personally acquainted with Henry Osborn of said Edgartown previous to his marriage, that since his marriage I have been intimately acquainted with him and all his family. That the said Henry Osborn was married to Betsey Pease, now Wid. Betsey Osborn, in the Month of December in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, by the Rev. Samuel Ringsbury, deceased, that the said Henry Osborn resided in said Edgartown up to the time of his decease. That he died in the month of February Eighteen hundred and eight. That his widow Betsey Osborn and family have resided in said Edgartown up to the present time. That at the time of his decease he left five Children under sixteen years of age, and three over sixteen. He also having lost three Children before his decease.
The Deponent further saith that the aforesaid Betsey Osborn, now living in said Edgartown, is the widow of the said Henry Osborn of said Edgartown who served in the revolutionary War as herein after related. That they were married previous to the revolutionary services rendered by the said Henry Osborn. That the said Betsey has remained his widow ever since his decease, and that she was never afterwards married.

The Deponent further saith that the said Henry Osborn of Edgartown, served as a Volunteer Soldier in the Massachusetts Militia stationed on Martha's Vineyard for the defence of the Sea Coast, in Captain Benjamin Smith's Company and under the command of Colonel Barabiah Bassett, that I have repeatedly seen and examined the Records & Papers kept and made by said Capt. Benjamin Smith in his own hand writing, and they are in accordance with my own personal recollection of the transactions at that period of time — That the said Henry Osborn enlisted as a Soldier in said Capt. Benjamin Smith's Company on the first day of June and was discharged on or about the first day of September in the year one Thousand Seven hundred and seventy Six, he having served in said Militia at that time, the term of Three Months — The Deponent further saith that after the return of said Henry Osborn from his Cruise at sea in an armed Vessel, he served as a Volunteer in said Benjamin Smith's Company for some length of time, I believe for about three Months, but am unable to say as to the precise time he then served on this last tour of his Military service.
The Deponent further saith that some time in the month of August or September in the year one Thousand seven hundred and seventy Six, the armed Brig Cabot, Elisha Hinman Commander. — Phips, Lieutenant, then in the service of the United States, was lying in the harbour of Edgartown in order to ship men for a Cruise — That according to my best knowledge and belief, the said Henry Osborn of Edgartown then shipped on board said Brig Cabot — and the Deponent further saith that the said Henry Osborn sailed on board said Brig on a Cruise, from Edgartown, against the Enemy, some time in the Month of

September One Thousand seven hundred and seventy six, I cannot say how long said Osborn was gone on that cruise, he was absent from home at that time, for a considerable length of time, but am unable to say when he returned home. —
The Deponent further saith that he has frequently heard the said Henry Osborn say that he was taken Prisoner some time during the revolutionary war, by the British Man of War Ship, called the Bristol, and was detained as Prisoner on board of her for a length of time, do not recollect how long, and that he escaped from said Ship Bristol by swimming a great distance at imminent danger of life &c.
The Deponent further saith that I well recollect particularly that on the seventh day of March one thousand seven hundred and seventy six, (being the day on which I was married) that the said Henry Osborn was serving as a Volunteer under said Captain Benjamin Smith, and that on that day the said Osborn went with said Capt. B. Smith on board a Sloop which was pressed into the service by said Smith, to the South side of the Vineyard where they engaged with the large British transport Ship Harriet  loaded commanded by one Capt. Orrick, loaded with Provision or naval Stores, and bound from New York to the British Garrison in Boston, that after exchanging a number of Shots and wounding the British Captain, the Transport struck her Colours and surrendered the Ship & Cargo to the said Captain Smith & his Company who brought said Ship safely into the harbour of Edgartown, and thence into the Port of New Bedford — how long said Osborn served as a Volunteer under said Smith at this time, or prior to June 1 st 1776, I cannot now recollect. The Deponent further saith that the said Henry Osborn always sustained a good moral character. — And further the Deponent saith not. —
Edgartown March 21 st 1837.
Noah Pease

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss. — On the twenty first day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, the aforesaid Deponent was examined, and cautioned, and sworn agreeable to law, to the truth of the Deposition aforesaid, by him subscribed in my presence. taken at the request of Widow Betsey Osborn of Edgartown in said County, and to be used as Evidence in her application to the War Department of the United States, for a Pension under the Act of Congress passed July 4 th A.D. 1836.
Sworn to the Day and Year above written, —
Before me, — ( Daniel Fellows } Justice of the Peace 8 of the 2 eorum .
Dukes County ss. Edgartown March 21 st 1837.
I hereby certify that the aforesaid Deponent, Noah Pease, is a credible Witness, and that he has ever been considered a man of truth and veracity, and sustains an unblemished Character.
Attest. — ( Daniel Fellows — Justice of the Peace —
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Dukes County ss. I Cornelius Marchant Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Dukes County. Hereby certify that Daniel Fellows is an Acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and it is my belief that his name above signed is his own genuine Signature, and that full faith and credit ought to be paid to all his doings in his said capacity.
Edgartown May 30 th 1837.
Cornelius Marchant. Clerk.
Noah Pease Deposition