Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31884, for Stephen Noble, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass Sea Service N 76
Noble, Stephen
S 31884
CONTENTS
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.
Twelve horizontal dotted lines for writing.

Maine - N o 21.868
Stephen Noble of York C o in the State of Maine who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Libby - of the Reg t commanded by Col. Evans in the Mass s time for 10 months and 20 days and for 2 m o s on a marine special
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine — at the rate of 42 Dollars 21 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 th day of March 1834 and sent to the Hon. J. P. J. Smith. Ho. of Reps
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834 - 126.63 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sept. 1834 21.10
$ 147.73
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Burdine Clerk. Book 6. Vol. 1. Page 38

Additional declaration

I Stephen Noble of Kennebec in the County of York and State of Maine, yeoman, do hereby testify and declare in correction of, and in addition to my declaration made before the United States Court, on the seventh day of August last past, that as to the service in the United States Navy, I was nine weeks at least in the vessel commanded by Capt John Ayers of Boston, and I believe as much as three months - I do not know that the name of the vessel was ever mentioned while I was in her - I was accidentally at Portland, when she came into and shipped on board of her one of my brothers, one of the crew. The vessel carried ten four pounders - The other officers were Lieutenant Root, and Caleb Stone the steward, I remember - though I could not call them to mind when I made my declaration - We went in pursuit of a fleet - Captain Burke in another vessel was with us - we were chased by the Boston frigate Medford - Captain Burke and Captain Ayers - then sailed different ways, Captain Ayers saying that she should not take but one of us - she pursued Captain Burke and she was taken in sight of us - but we escaped - This fact, and the number of guns I stated to my attorney who drew my declaration before my first application was drawn - It has always been in my mind that the vessel was called a brig - but I know that it was a United States vessel - that she was commanded by Captain John Ayers, and that I served in her at least nine weeks - I so said for this reason that I was before in a petition, and I know that our service was nine weeks, but I do not remember what our service was thirteen or more - I was born Sept 15 1756, and not 1776, the error not having been pointed out by you when I read it.
State of Maine
Stephen Noble
York ss. Dec 15 1832. Personally appeared Stephen Noble and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration by him subscribed -
Before me. Edward E. Bourne Justice Peace.
State of Maine. York County ss. I William C. Allen
Register and clerk of the Court of Probate for York County, certify that Edward E. Bourne is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 17th day of December 1832.
Wm. Cutter Allen, Register of Probate.

Stephen Noble
Mr. Mussey - Will you connect fix the ends of this ribbon under your official seal - Yours E.E.P.

State of Maine. Maine District COUNTY OF YORK, SS.
ON this seventh day of August A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open court, before the District Court of the United States  for the  Maine District now sitting at Kennebec . Stephen Noble a resident of Kennebec in the county of York and State of Maine aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. He enlisted in the company under the command of Capt Barde Place in the month of October 1775 for the term of six weeks , and joined the troops at Cambridge . The said company was in Colonel Poor's Regiment . One lieutenant's name was Hanson . He served said six weeks and was honorably discharged. He also enlisted in the service of the United States in the month of August 1777 in a company of New Hampshire militia under the command of Captain Jas. Libby , for the term of three months . He does not remember the other officers - said company was in the Regiment of Colonel Stephen Cross - they were at Stillwater and Saratoga . There was a battle before the remains of Brandywine , at Stillwater , but said Regiment was not in it. we were going to be the next reinforcement - but the enemy hastened off . In the afternoon before the battle, our Captain, and a brother in law of said Noble ran away - who was the captain afterwards, he does not remember - Gen Ester gave the order for them to go forward - and he remembers that they all looked as pale as death - some days afterwards General Brandywine sent a flag of truce, for a cessation of arms a number of hours. when he returned - he had no written discharge - and knows of no one now living who was with him in said company - Part of Brandywine's army he remembers was sent to Worcester .

He also enlisted on the first day of July 1780 in a company under the command of Captain James Barr, of which George Inert was Lieutenant for the term of six months. Said company was in the Regiment commanded by Colonel George Rhea & Lieut. Colonel Colley, and General Poor's Brigade. He was at West Point when he staid all the time or nearly all. Andrie was executed at this time. I was making a pair of pantaloon for the Captain and could not go to see him hung. He served all said six months and was honorably discharged. During the time he was sick about a month. He has hardly any memory in relation to his service - and he is more particular in the remembrance of the officers and dates in this service, being brought to his mind by the names on the roll which is in the possession of the heirs of James Barr, and which he supposes will be forwarded by some other Afflicants - All the before mentioned service he believes were in the New Hampshire militia -
He was also in the naval service of the United States in the summer (he thinks) of 1776. in a brig commanded by Captain John Myers of Boston. He cannot remember the name of the vessel - but he knows it was a United States vessel, because he before had been out in a privateer. The said brig came into Portsmouth, when he stepped on board. After being with them three days, they fell in with an English vessel which then chase

states arrived because he before had been out in a privateer - The said brig came into Portsmouth, when he shifted on board - After being out three days, they fell in with an English vessel which then chase and the Captain threw over his guns, and store his water casks and put into Boston - He thinks the Cap- tain might have picked out some of the vessels being a fleet of twenty, which the British vessel was conveying - He refitted his vessel and put to sea - He does not remember how long he was gone - but that it was somewhere between nine and thirteen weeks from the time he left Ports- mouth till he was discharged, when he arrived from his cruise at Boston - He never had mem- ory enough to remember a song though he heard one sung a hundred times during the war - He does not know the name of the brig nor a single man who was with him - and has not been able to find any testimony -
He was born in Somersworth N.H. Sept 15 1776. Don't know any record of his age - He lived in Somersworth during the war and nearly ever since has lived in Portsmouth
S Stephen Hale
Sworn & sworn to before
John Ware
Subscribed to the P. for the Dept of the Navy

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, or (if any) only on that of the agency of the State of
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Adams Wam Subp. of the L. P. for the Dist. of Maine George W. Wells Samuel Emerson
WE, George W. Wells , a clergyman, residing in the town of Wennebunk and Samuel Emerson , residing in the town of Wennebunk hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Stephen Noble , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy five 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 to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Adams Wam Subp. of the L. P. for the Dist. of Maine George W. Wells Samuel Emerson
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that George W. Wells , who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Wennebunk , and that Samuel Emerson , who has also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Wennebunk and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, John Mufsey , clerk of the District Court of the United States for Maine District do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Stephen Noble for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this seventh day of August A.D. 1832
John Mufsey Clerk U.S. Court

1887 Stephen Noble Maine
Paid 10 Mr 6 days
The Lynch was a public armed vessel. Let Noble be allowed for his services on board if here.
Suspended for rolls of Capt. Carr's company
Return this to the Depart- ment of War
Thomson
 55 3/4 7 1/2  69 Lynch  54.06 100.00  6 60.00  6.50 17.00 Kennebec  17.00 85.00  85.00 Me. 

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3 m o & days in Sibbey 601777
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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, showing the Service of Stephen Noble Maim
   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.     Oct 1775 enlisted 1 12 Private Place Col. Poor Joined the troops at Cambridge 75, born in N. Hampshire. Lived there during the war now lives in Farmbank. Maine   Aug 1777 discharged 3 8 Private Libby Col. Evans. Still water Saratoga N.Y.   July 1780 5 16 Private Col Barr Col Reed went to W Point N.Y.   1776 entered on board Armed Schooner Lynch Col Ager   Served on board between 9 and 13 weeks  
two surviving witnesses who saw him on duty and books the pay of the claimant in the pay of the claimant. The claimant has no certificate of citizenship nor
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
reference is made to Col Barr's Roll, now at Washington

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 fill 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.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Application should be made to the Secy of the War Dept for evidence showing that the Brig Genl Lynch was a public armed rebel & that the claimant served on board of her

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
October 15, 1923.
Mary Pelham Hill, Topsham, Me. Box 88.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31884 , it appears that Stephen Noble was born September 15, 1756 in Somersworth, New Hampshire, and while residing there enlisted October 1775 and served as a private six weeks under Captain David Place in Colonel Poor's New Hampshire regiment.
In the summer of 1776, he served about two months on the schooner "Lynch", Captain John Ayer. He stated, that previous to this he had been on a privateer, no dates or details given.
He enlisted August 1777, and served three months under Captain James Libby, Colonel Stephen Evans' regiment, and again enlisted July 1, 1780, and served six months

under Captain James Carr, Colonel George Reid's reg- iment.
He was allowed pension on his application exe- cuted August 7, 1832, while a resident of Kennebunk, York County, Maine.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Maine 21.868
Stephen Noble Yarmouth in the State of Maine who was a Mate in the Company commanded by Captain Libby of the ship commanded by Captain V. in the Atlantic for 10 months 20 days 10 mo 20 days per diem 2 mo marine
Inscribed on the Roll of Maine at the rate of 3 3/4 Dollars 25 Cents per annum, commence on 42nd day of March, 1831.
126.63
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Nov 1833 and Rev. E. Burno Kennbunk Maine
Arrears to the 4th of Feb 1833 $85.00 Pension allowance ending Mar 31, 17.00
J.O. D. Smith $102.00
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by H. D. D. Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1st Page 38

Former duplicate lost or misplaced as it has not come to hand when case re-examined, though stated to be sent to Persian Affs RE

So Berwick Oct 8
6.
Edward E. Bourne Esq Kensington me — Single

South Berwick Oct 7. 1833
Edw d E. Bourne Esq Dear Sir,
Some time since I enclosed the Roll of Capt Carr's Company in a wrapper by itself and directed it to James L. Edwards Esq Washington - and put it into the Post office at South Berwick -
The roll aforesaid I rec d of Oliver P. Carr. son of Capt Carr -
Yours &c Hiram H. Hobbs
P.S. of said Roll, I will remember, was the name of Stephen Noble - H. H. H.

Mar. 27. 1823.
FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pension
Washington D.C.
1

Hennepin ville January 23. 1834.
Le Sir.
I returned, some weeks since, the certificate of Stephen Noble, to obtain an increase of Pension agreeably to your directions. As in all similar cases, where I have returned certificates, I have had an answer almost by the regularly returning mail, I have some reason to fear, either that it has not reached the Department, been mislaid, or miscarried on its return to me. Will you give me such information, as will satisfy the mind of the Pensioner, that his certificate is not lost, or that "all's well"
Respectfully Your Obedt Servt. E. E. Bowne

Wesmunk. Feb. 24 1834.
Broth. Smith.
I returned two or three months since to the Pension Department the Pension Certificate of Stephen Noble, having received notice, that if returned, his pension would be increased. I have had a number of such cases, and have invariably, even when there was the greatest amount of business before the department, received a new certificate by almost the regular return of mail. It is All which is to be done, is simply the correction of the sum. I have written to the department and can get no answer. Will you have the goodness to make the proper inquiries in relation to this business. It may be that the certificate has never arrived at the Department. It will be almost a death blow to the old man to find on the 1 st of March that he has no certificate by which he can get his money.
Yours sincerely E. E. Bourn

Deposition.
Ebenezer Mountfort.

I Ebenezer Mountfort of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 78 years of age, Do on oath testify and declare that I was Cabin Boy on board the United States Schooner Synch in the year 1776. She was commanded by Capt. John Ayers of Boston, and carried ten guns, One Lieut. was Lieut. Grant, Dr. Allen Surgeon, John Stone gunner, Caleb Stone Steward - She was manned by Men taken mostly from Colonel Glover's Regiment. I am certain she was an United States' vessel, We sailed from Beverly, and after a short cruise went into Portsmouth. We were in Company with three other vessels commanded by Capt. Waters, Tucker and Purdie, we went in pursuit of a fleet of British vessels, were chased by one of them, and one of our companions - Capt. Purdie was chased and taken by the Milford - we threw over our guns, put into Boston, where we arrived in November, where we were discharged.
The following Declaration of Stephen Woble had been read to me - "I Stephen Woble declar. that I was in the Naval Service of the United States in the summer of 1776 in a Brig or Schooner commanded by Capt. John Ayers of Boston, I cannot remember the name of the vessel, but believe it was a United States' vessel, because he before had been out in a privateer, the said Brig or Schooner came into Portsmouth where he shipped on board, After being out three days, they fell in with an English vessel which gave them chase, and the Captain threw over his guns and stove his water casks and put into Boston - He thinks the captain might have picked out some of the vessels - being a fleet of twenty six which the British vessel was conveying

He fitted his vessel and put to sea. He doesn't remember how long he was gone, but that it was somewhere between nine and thirteen weeks from the time he left Portsmouth until he was discharged when he arrived from her cruise in Boston.
I do not remember said Noble, not knowing all the crew, but I have no doubt the man who made the foregoing declaration must have been in the rank, vessel, with me, and served for about two months.
The second two first inserted over an erasure.
attest H. Derby
Ebenezer Mountfort his X mark
Before me, the undersigned, appeared Ebenezer Mountfort, a seaman of the resolution to me well known to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavit, and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed.
H. S. Derby
Justice of the Peace.
Suffolk ss
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
I, Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, a Court of Record, do hereby certify that the signature of H. S. Derby on this page, purporting to be his signature, and that said Derby is a Justice of the Peace for the county of Suffolk aforesaid.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said Municipal Court at Boston this fourth day of December A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty two.
Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk.

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
L. W. B. I. 31884.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
October 30, 1899.
Madam:-
In response to your recent communication you are advised that a very careful search has been made and from the data given the names of Zachariah Ferris, Isaac Goodsell Sr., and Isaac Goodsell Jr., have not been found upon the Revolutionary war pension or bounty land records on file in this Bureau.
Stephen Noble made an application for pension on August 7th, 1832, at which time he was 75 years of age and residing at Kennebunk, Maine, and his pension was allowed for one year and twenty days' actual service as a private and marine in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted at Cambridge, Mass., and served under Capt. Libby and Col. Evans.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. Clara H. Manning,
16 East 87th Street,
New York City.

XXXXXX PENNSYLVANIA AVE. S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C.
Box 68, Topsham Maine. September 16th., 1923.
U.S. Pension Office, Dear Sirs:-
I have written you, enclosing a stamped envelope, to ask regarding a pensioner, and to please state expence and I would forward the same. I receive no answer , so write again, as this mater is of importance, and for publication, IMMEDIATELY, and hoping to receive an answer in a few days, I again state my want;-
In the 1832- 1825 list for pensions,
Setphen Noble, Mass. Militia, Private, & Mariner, aged 77, of York (Maine) -----
I wish to know especially the children of this Stephen Noble, and what else about h the family that is on record. To see if he belongs to my line of Noble.

I will greatly appreciate an early reply, and will remit fee if you will tell me what it will be.
Cordially yours,
Mary P. Hill.
Box 68, Topsham Maine. September 16th., 1923.

Box 68, Topsham Maine.
September 1st, 1923.
Dear Sirs;--
Will you kindly give me what data you have regarding Stephen Noble ?
I find in Flagg Index of Maine Revolution ary Soldiers Pensioners, the following.
List 35d Stephen Noble, Mass. mil. Private & Mariner aged 77, York .
I wish particularly to locate his parents also his children, and place of enlistment. Any other information will be gladly received, and if there is a fee, please inform me.
An early reply will be greatly appreciated
I am very truly yours,
(Miss) Mary Pelham Hills

New York Sep. 3 rd /99 16. East 87 th St
To Secretary Pension Office
Dear Sir,
Wrote about two weeks ago but as no reply has come I imagine my letter may not have reached you. Do you find in your office the record of the following in the war of the Rebel- lion? Their records are not in Connecticut as they pro- bably enlisted in the regular Army elsewhere than Connec- ticut, where they lived.
Zachariah Ferris . of Conn. probably new Milford .
Isaac Goodsell, Sr. both of Isaac Goodsell, Jr. Conn.
Stephen Noble .

Do not send me the following service of one Isaac Goodell, as I have it,
"Purvis - four months twenty five days, in Company w/ Capt. Billings Capt. Herman Swift re. 7 th Conn July 10 th 1780
but if you find service other than this of any of the above name kindly send me certified copies of same at your earliest convenience. If you haven't then will you tell me where to apply, as I understand that services of men are often found not in their own state, and

y the above records even the service given if there is not in Penn. where would I find it. Really let me hear one way or the other.
Very truly
(Mrs) Clara H. Manning

1923-04-15 H.W. to Mary Bethune Hill West
31884 Rev INVALID.
Oct 3099 Mrs Est. Manning N.Y. City
File No. 31,884
Stephen Noble
Rev Rev
Act: June 1 st 82
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Thuneland Me Dec 17 1882
Dr Sir
On the receipt of your letter I wrote to Messrs Burleigh & Hobbs, and have learned from them that the Roll of Capt Carrs Company has been forwarded to Washington - so that the 6 mo. I do not understand that there is any objection to the 3 mo. service service of Nobles will be established - I think also that there can be no doubt of the naval service I presume the evidence is such that it would satisfy any jury. The objection was that there was no evidence that the Lymel was a US vessel. I understand that the Defendant Mountfort, has re- ceived his pension upon his own declaration only. So that by that the character of the vessel is established. The declaration of Noble is, that he was with the same officers - and of course must have been in the same vessel - as the Captain and Lieut in the summer of 1776 could have been in no other - The other circumstances related by Noble I think will place the matter beyond doubt. He is a pious and an honest man - and I have no doubt actually served longer than he states - but he would not when there was the least doubt on his mind, make any false in declaration
Rev Lewis Carr. Supt at War
Respectfully your affec Secy Edw E. Brown

I Richard Wentworth of Lebanon in the County of York and state of Maine eighty six years of age, do on oath testify and say that I was a soldier in the months of October and November 1775 in a company under the command of Captain David Place - of which one Haxon was first Lieutenant and James Grafton Ensign - and that I enlisted for, and did duty in, said company, six weeks - I do further testify and say that Stephen Noble then of Somersworth N.H. and now of Kennebec was a soldier in said company and did duty therein during said six weeks - and that during that time we were at Cambridge - and in Col Dorr's Regiment. Richard Wentworth Witness - Thos. Wentworth.
State of Maine
York ss. Aug. July 25 1832. Personally appeared Richard Wentworth who is a credible witness and made oath to the truth of the foregoing declaration as here subscribed.
Before me
Edward E. Bourne Justice of the Peace
I John Mussey Clerk of the District Court of the United States for the District of Maine, hereby certify that Edward E. Bourne is a magistrate duly qualified to administer oaths and the above is his genuine signature. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this seventh day of August 1832.
John Mussey Clerk
July 25 th

Hannibark Me. Oct 8 1833
A Sir,
These papers have just been returned to me a second time after being absent ten months. They were returned to me nearly a year since with instructions which were immediately complied with. The printed paper now returned with them, was not sent at that time, though it seems to me, it must have been made out before. It states that there was no certificate of a clergyman or citizen - or reason why - You will see that both of them were in the original declaration - That the Rolls of Capt Bains Company have not been received - though the paper itself says from the rolls, Nobles service was 5 mo. 18 days - The declaration says, that the vessel was an United States vessel - so says M c Lean Forts deposition - I of course could not obtain any certificate from the Secty of Mass - though, to follow directions I have applied for one, and have been assured that she is not a State vessel - With regard to the first saying of six weeks, no other person can be found who was with Noble other than the one who has testified - In all the pension cases which I have had, I have not before been required to produce but one witness, to each term of service - I have written again to Mr Hobbs in relation to the rolls of Capt Bains Company and have recd for an account accompanying letter - I trust etc. The papers

state the service on board the vessel to be between nine and thirteen weeks. But it will be seen that the last declaration says at least nine weeks. I trust that the papers are all made out and authenticated according to the rules. I endeavored that they should be before; and fully complied with the written directions in the letter sent me on their first return. The poor man is out of patience - and I can only comfort him with the assurance that his certificate will come - and the longer delayed, the more will be due -
Respectfully Your Obedient E E Brown