Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7272, for Robert Nolton, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Nolton, Robert
S. 7272
carded
CONTENTS

to A C H Dine
Sept 21. 184
duplicate Certificate issued 26 December 1843 and sent to Hon. C. S. Benton. House of Reps.
Let to Pension Agent at Albany and to R. N. N. Oct
13. '46
let to Abijah Mansfield Nov 20. '46
Sam Graves - Apr 2 - 1847
let to Abijah Mansfield
29. 1851
Let to Abijah Mansfield Sec Pension, Sept 7/52 Let to R. G. Sept 27 Nov '53 " " " " " "
Letter to Edward D. Durfee Oct 1833
New York Sept 4/11
Robert Norton
of Herkimer in the State of N.Y. who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Cole of the Reg t commanded by Col Rensselaer in the N.Y. line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of N York at the rate of 80 - Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of May 1833. and sent to R. Norton Fairfield Herkimer N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $ 100. 00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 1833. 40
Died Dec. 10 - 1851 $ 200.
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk. Book Co. Vol. II Page 26

State of New York
County of Herkimer ss: On this Eleventh day of February in the Year 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer aforesaid the same being a Court of Record having by Sam a seal & Clerk now sitting Robert Valtow a resident of the Town of Fairfield in the said County of Herkimer in said State aged twenty four years and upwards 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.
In the Year 1776 he resided at Bethle- -hem now in the County of Rensselaer in the State of New York and in the fall that he does not re- -member the month in 1776 he was drafted at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt. Coles Com- -pany in Col. Van Rensselaer's Regiment in the State service and was marched under the Command of Capt. Cole to Fort George and was stationed in barracks near said Fort and served on sentry; and this deponent saith that he served two months under the Command of Capt. Cole at said station and he was then discharged from the service about the time snow began to fall but he does not recollect the month any farther than that it was probably sometime in November in 1776 - And this deponent further saith that he received no certificate of discharge in writing - The officers under whom he served were Capt. Cole Lieut. Breeso Maj. Van Buren; Col. Van Rensselaer -

And this deponent further saith that sometime in the Summer last he cannot remember the month in the Year 1777 he this deponent enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt: Leek's Company in Col: Van Rensselaer's Regiment in the State service for four months and he was marched with the Company under the Command of Capt Leek to Fort Edward and from thence to White Hall and stationed there until Col: Van Rensselaer's Regiment at said station were driven back by the Enemy and the Regiment retreated to Fort Edward and made a stand until the Enemy came and then the Regiment were compelled by the superior force of the Enemy to retreat and the whole American Army fell back under the Command of Gen: Schuyler to Stillwater and there they took a position to wait the arrival of the Enemy - After some time and a good deal of manoeuvring between the two armies the battle ensued in which Gen: Burgoyne with his whole Army was Captured - Gen: Gates succeeded Gen: Schuyler and took the Command in this engagement - Capt: Leek's Company was placed in the rear of the Army and the Continental troops were placed in the front under the Command of Gen: Arnold in the battle and Capt Leek's Company was brought into the engagement on the left wing of the American forces - Before the battle he this deponent was employed in scouring the woods for Indians; in standing sentry and guarding the lines - Some few days after the battle Gen: Burgoyne surrendered

his whole Army - And this deponent saith that he served under the command of Capt: Cole as aforesaid four months and he was then discharged not long after the capture of Brandywine's Army and he believes it was in the latter part of October in the Year 1777 - The battle was sometime after the middle of October in the same year - And this deponent saith that he received no discharge in writing - The officers under whom he served were Capt. Cole Lieut: Breese Maj Van Buren Col Van Renssalaer - Gen: Schuyler commanded the retreat of the American Army from the Lakes Stillwater and Gen: Gates commanded in the battle - He this deponent saw Gen: Schuyler Gen: Gates Gen: Arnold in the battle Gen: St Clair -
And this deponent further saith that in the summer last he does not remember the month in the Year 1778 he this deponent enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt. Turner's Company in Col: Van Alstyne's Regiment in the State Service for two months and he was marched with the Company under the command of Capt. Turner to Johnstown and stationed there and frequently served in scouting and on sentries and was also stationed at Fort Hunter on the Mohawk river and served in scouting and on sentry and this deponent saith that he served as aforesaid two months under the command of Capt. Turner and was then discharged from the Service and he believes in the fall of 1778 but he cannot recall the month - He received no certificate of discharge in writing - The officers under whom he served were Capt: Turner - Lieut not remembered - Col: Van Alstyne

And this deponent further saith that in the summer last he does not remember the month in the Year 1799 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt Turner's Company in Col: Hlock's Regiment in the State Service for three months and he was marched with the Company under the Command as he believes of Lieut: Schermerhorn to Stone Arabia and was stationed there with Col: Hlock's Regiment sometime and from thence he was marched with the Company under the Command of Lieut: Schermerhorn to Fort Plain on the Mohaw River and was stationed there and Maj: Van Buren had the Command at Fort Plain and this deponent was employed in scouting through the woods standing on sentry and watching the approach of the enemy - And this deponent saith that he served three months and was then discharged as he believes in the fall of 1799 but he does not recollect the month - He received no discharge in writing - The officers under whom he served were Lieut: Schermerhorn who commanded the Company; Col: Hlock - Maj: Van Buren -
And this deponent further saith that in the early part of the summer last he cannot re- -collect certainly the month in 1780 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt: Magee's Company and from thence he marched with Capt Magee's Company and went to West Point to garrison the fort and this deponent was an orderly Sergeant in Capt: Magee's Company - Sometimes After the Company arrived at West Point; there was a draft made out of the Militia to march to New Jersey and this deponent

volunteered as an orderly sergeant into Capt. Black Bleeker's Company into Col. Van Cortland's Regiment to go on an expedition to New Jersey and this deponent was marched with Capt. Bleeker's Company and Col. Van Cortland's Regiment to Tappan and was stationed there a considerable time with the Amer- ican Army and Gen. Washington & Gen. La Fayette were there at that time with the Army and this deponent frequently saw them and this deponent was employed sometimes with small parties of men in scouting; and sometimes he was sent out with several companies on command under a Major or Colonel and at other times with several Regiments on command under dif- ferent Generals on the near the Enemy and at one time he this deponent was marched with a Command under Marquis La Fayette to Bargar a large Village in New Jersey opposite the City of New York and there they took a great number of fat cattle belonging to the Enemy and drove them to Tappan - The British Army lay during the summer of 1780 in the City of New York - And this deponent further saith that he was sent out with a party along with intent as he believes to Hackensack in New Jersey & was there as he believes three or four weeks under the Command of Col. Van Cortland and they then returned to Tappan - And this deponent further saith that he served five months under the Command of Capt. Bleeker as above stated and that he served about one month under Capt. the Magee before he volunteered into Capt. Bleeker's Company at West Point and he this deponent was discharged at Tappan in the fall but he does not remember the month in 1780 - He this de- ponent served as an orderly sergeant in Capt. Bleeker's Company - He this deponent did not receive a discharge in writing when he was discharged - He frequently saw Gen. Washington Marquis La Fayette Gen. Knox

Gen Lord Sterling Gen: McDougal; Col: Burr and this deponent frequently did ordinary duty as a sergeant at Marquis La Fayette's Marker by night & by day & carried letters for him & other officers stationed in the Camp - The officers under whom he served were Capt Blucker Lieut: not remembered ellaj: De Grace as he believes his name was called who was a French officer Col: Van Cortland
And this deponent further saith that in the fall quite late but he does not remember the month in 1780 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt: Cole's Company in Col: Van Rensselaer's Regiment in the State service for one month and he was marched to Saratoga Barracks and stationed there and in this deponent served on sentry and on guard under the Command of Capt: Cole for one month & he was then discharged near winter but he received no discharge in writing - The officers under whom he served were Capt Cole Lieut: Brew - There were only a few Companies stationed at Saratoga Barracks at this time - He thinks Col: Van Rensselaer Commanded -
And this deponent further saith that early in the spring and he believes in March 1781 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid and went to West Point & there he entered as a volunteer into Capt: Bates Company in Col: Campbell's Regiment from then he was marched with the Company under Capt Bates & the Main Army under Gen: Washington by land down the north River to Kingsbridge & this deponent was engaged with Col Campbell's Regiment in taking a redoubt from the Enemy - The redoubt was situated on high ground a short distance from the river and Col: Campbell's regiment marched up to the redoubt on low ground so that the enemy fired over them and the redoubt was taken

without the loss of a man on our part and from Kings bridge Gen: Washington's whole army marched back to Kings Ferry and crossed the north river and then the Army marched through New Jersey to the City of Philadelphia and from thence to the head of Elk on the Chesapeake Bay and then the army embarked on board of vessels and sailed down the Chesapeake and landed on the shore of Virginia as he believes but he does not remember the place where they landed and from thence they marched by Land to Yorktown in Virginia where Lord Cornwallis lay - The engagement which followed between Gen: Washington's Army & Lord Cornwallis forces was confined mostly to the Artillery except that the French were engaged in taking several redoubts - This defunct was not brought into actual engage- -ment in the battle of Yorktown - And this defunct further saith that Col: Campbell was killed soon after his arrival at Yorktown one night while he was patrolling the guards - And this defunct further saith that he was in Gen: Washington's army in the Company under the Command of Capt: Bates at the time Lord Cornwallis surrendered with his army to Gen: Washington - And this defunct further saith that he served under the Command of Capt Bates as aforesaid nine months and he was discharged shortly after the surrender of Corn- -wallis, at Yorktown as this defunct believes in November 1781 after his term of nine months which he served had expired and he received a discharge in writing The officers under whom he served were Capt. Bates Lieut not mentioned Col: Campbell Chas: Gibbs - and he saw Gen: Washington, Gen: La Fayette and several other general officers -

And this deponent further saith that he was born at Poughkeepsie in the State of New York on the 10 th of February 1759 and he this deponent has a record of his age in a bible entered by his father; and which said bible he saw a few years ago at Poughkeepsie in the possession of his sister Mrs. Duffie living in Poughkeepsie — And this deponent further saith that he resided at Bethlehem Rensselaer County in the State of New York during the war of the Revolution when he was called into the service and since the Revolutionary war he this deponent resided in Milton in the County of Saratoga in the State of New York a number of years and from thence he removed to Fairfield in the County of Herkimer in the State of New York and has resided at Fairfield aforesaid about thirty six years now last past and still resides at Fairfield aforesaid in said County of Herkimer —
He was drafted into the service in the Year 1776 and he enlisted as a volunteer during the residue of the time he served in the war of the Revolution as hereinbefore stated —
He has herein stated some of the regular officers whom he saw in the service such as Gen: Washington; Marquis La Fayette; & others —
He never received a discharge in writing from the service Except at the time he was discharged at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and then Maj: Gibbs gave this deponent a written discharge who took the Command of the Regiment after the death of Col: Campbell but this deponent saith that said discharge has been lost or destroyed — And this deponent further saith that he knows of no person living who was in the service with him by whom he can prove his services in the war of the Revolution Except that Ephraim Knowlton

a brother of this deponent, whose affidavit is hereto annexed knew that this deponent went into the service and was gone in the war as he has stated — And this deponent further saith that the following are the names of persons viz: Sadowick Moyer & Miram C. Norton to whom he is known in his present neighborhood and who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his service as a soldier of the Revolution — 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 — Subscribed and sworn
to this Eleventh day of February 1833 in Open Court
R. Norton
Julius C. Nelson clerk We Sadowick Moyer residing in the Town of Fairfield in the County of Herkimer & State of New York and Miram C. Norton residing in the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Robert Norton who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four 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 —
Sadowick his Moyer mark
Subscribed & sworn to this 11 th day of February 1833 in open Court
Miram C. Norton
Julius C. Nelson clerk 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

In the Certificates that it appears to them that Isaac Meyer who has signed the preceding Certificate is a resident in said Town of Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess & State of New York and that David Walton who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place and that they are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit & belief.
Clerk's office
Dutchess County ss I Julius C. Nelson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Dutchess State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Robert Walton for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this seventh day of February one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three.
for Julius C. Nelson Clerk
In the matter of the application of Robert Walton for a Pension under the Act of 1833 passed June 7. 1833
Make returns to H. C. Walton Mississippi Hooker NY
23241
comd 2 years/pri $80.

State of New York County of Chenango; Ephraim Knowlton of the Town of Smithville in said County aged seventy eight years and upwards being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Robert Knowlton a brother of this deponent; and this deponent further saith that from 1775 to the close of the Revolutionary war the said Robert Knowlton and this deponent resided in Bethlehem in the County of Albany and this deponent knows of the said Robert Knowlton serving in the war of the Revolution as follows Viz In the fall but the month not recollected in the Year 1776 he was drafted with this deponent at Bethlehem aforesaid into capt. Cales Com- -pany in col: Van Renssalaer's Regiment in the State service for two months and he and this deponent marched under the Command of capt. Cale to Fort George and were stationed at that Fort and served two months when they were discharged: col: Van Renssalaer was the Colonel of the Regiment - And this deponent further saith that Early in the summer & the month not recollected in the Year 1777 he the said Robert Knowlton enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into capt. Cales Company in col: Van Renssalaer's Regiment in the State service for four months and he marched under the Command of capt. Cale and as as this deponent was informed and believes he went in his Company to Lake George and this deponent recollects he was gone four months and he was in Gen: Schuyler's retreat from Fort Edwards and at the battle of Saratoga when Gen: Burgoyne surrendered with his Army to Gen: Gates as this deponent was informed and believes - In the summer but this deponent does not remember the month in 1778 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid for two months into capt. Surners Company in col: Van Alstyne's Regiment in the State service and he marched under the Command of capt. Surner and this deponent was informed and believes he went up the

Mohawk river and served in capt. Turner's Company and as this deponent recollects he was gone two months or more - In the summer but this deponent does not remember the month in 1779 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid into the Company Commanded at the time by Lieut. Schermerhorn in Col: Hlock's Regiment in the State's service for three months and he marched under the Command of Lieut. Schermerhorn in said Company and as this deponent understood and believes he went up the Mohawk river in the service and as this deponent recollects he was gone three months or more - In the summer but this deponent does not remember the month in 1780 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid and rendezvoused at Albany as this deponent understood and believes in Capt: Magee's Company in Col: Van Rensselaer's Regiment in the State service and as this deponent understood and believes he marched under the Command of Capt Magee to West Point and from thence into New Jersey and as this deponent understood before he marched for New Jersey he volunteered out of Capt. Magee's Company at West Point into Capt. Hecker's Company in Col: Van Cortlandt's Regiment in the Continental service and after he had been in New Jersey several months he returned home and this deponent believes he was gone about six months - In the fall or forepart of the winter of 1780 he enlisted at Bethlehem aforesaid into Capt. Bolis' Company in the State service and marched under his Command and as this deponent understood and believes he went to Saratoga and was gone as this deponent recollects about one month - In the Spring Early in 1781 he enlisted as a volunteer at Bethlehem aforesaid and marched to West Point and rendezvoused as this deponent was informed and believes in Capt. Delavan's Company at West Point and then he volunteered into the Continental service and marched to New Jersey and from thence to York Town

in Virginia and was in the Continental Army under Gen: Washington when Lord Cornwallis surrendered with his Army - And he was gone at this deponent's recollection about nine months, and further says not
Sworn & Subscribed this 21 st
day of September 1837 before me
Ephraim Knowlton
Daniel McKoon
a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Erford, in the County of Chenango and State of New York
State of New York } Chenango County }
I, Samuel McKoon, the Justice of the Peace aforesaid, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Ephraim Knowlton who has sworn & subscribed the above affidavit, that I believe the said Ephraim Knowlton to be a person of truth, credibility and veracity, and that his Statement is entitled to credit.
Daniel McKoon
a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Erford in the County of Chenango and State of New York
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

State of New York } Chautauqua County } I Francis H. Pike Clerk of Said County do hereby certify that Samuel M'Koon before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the justice- -ces of the peace in and for the said County. that I am acquainted with his hand writing and justly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and to the certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 26 th day of September 1822 - F. H. Pike Clerk
Chaut

14.
And N.Y.
Sept 18. 1852
Small boy —
Rel: to the case of Robert Nollan decd.
Ref'd to Com tee of Pensions for Report Sept 21/52
Cl Recd Sept 21. 1852

Ovid N.Y. Sept 18. 1852
Dear Sir
I beg leave to appeal from the decision of the Comt. of Pensions in the case of Robert Nelson of N.Y. for his of the 11th
My reasons I will state. - Robert Nelson was formerly a pensioner of N.Y. but suspension did some 5 years since, was by reason of  his being  insufficient
When I was last in Washington in Jan'y & Feb'y. I furnished the Certificate of Hon Mr Mann late Member & Hon Mr B present member of the H. R. both neighbors of Mr Nelson, as to his good character, as to his sustaining (I think they say) the most irreproachable character of any man in town all of which I have a right to believe they would make their affidavit of - I had supposed that this ought to re-instate him, I still think so - He did I think see last, I respectfully submit his claim
Most Respectfully Your Old Servt Fred Loy
Hon Alex H H Stewart
Secretary of Interior
I wrote not have appealed, only that I feel it my

23291
2
Robert Wolton, Herkimer county New York
adm d
H. Wolton Fairfield Herkimer co N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tubular 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 Robert Norton Herkimer county, N.Y.
   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.     Drafted 1776 2 private Capt Cole Col. Van Rensselaer Fort George 174. Bethlehem tradition   enlisted 1777 4 same same Saratoga Saratoga N.Y.   do 1778 2 Capt Turner Col. Van Rensselaer Bemis Heights   enlisted 1779 3 same Col. Klock Stone Arabia Witness proves most of the service of applicant   Vol. 1780 1 orderly Capt Magee Col. Van Rensselaer West Point   — 5 do Capt Blucher same Sullivan   — 1 private Capt Cole same Saratoga   — Capt Bates Colonel Campbell redoubt at Kingsbridge West Point   1781 9 do Bates Col. Campbell Yorktown King's Bridge Head of R. Crk  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that 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.
[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.
F. G. M. [unintelligible]

1927 Sept. 19. Photos to Mrs. Chas. A.
Shier - M.V.F.
1928 Aug 8 Mrs. C. A. Shier on advice rel. to schedule of property etc.
Redman
7272
INVALID.
File No. 7272
Robert S. et al.
per Rev. Mr.
Act: June 7 th 1932
Index:—Vol. 1  et , Page 276
[Arrangement of 1870.]

V
9117
Hannah Holmes N.Y.
Set to H. W. Soper Aug. 26. 43 How at Smith Jan 2 nd 1845. act 7 July 1838

10
Mr. Fox

Rev Sec

Mr. Winfield Scott, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Scott: -
In September, 1927.
I wrote for and received from the Pension Bureau thirty-four sheets of photostatic copies of the claim for pension of Robert Nolton, New York Troops, Revolution- ary War, Survivor File No. 7272. It was all most interesting.
I am writing to ask if among

your files of aforesaid Robert Norton there is an account of his possessions at the time he applied for pension and an account of his family. It is the names of his family that I am endeavoring to find and the accounts of this information that I am asking about were not among the thirty-four sheets of copies received from the Pension Bureau.
Thanking you for your courtesy I am
Yours truly,
Mrs. C. A. Shierson,
322 State St.,
Adrian, Michigan.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
COPIED BY ADY
August 8, 1928.
Mrs. C. A. Shierson, 322 State Street, Adrian, Michigan.
Madam:
I advise you relative to the Revolutionary War pensioner Robert Nolton, S. 7272, that he gave no schedule of his property when he applied for his pension.
The Act of Congress under which he applied did not require it.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 17624
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
September 13, 1927
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSION
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 44 pages from Rev. War pension claims of Robert Noltom, S. 7272, N.Y. Troops (34 p.) and James Battle, S. 44601, Mass. Troops (10 p.)
No. of copies of each page Shall form be kept standing? _____ days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
_____ Chief Clerk of Bureau.
Margaret M. H. Finch Acting Chief of Branch or Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
Duplicate
Multigraph
single or double space? _____
Facsimile signature? _____
Mimeograph
one side or both sides? _____
Facsimile signature? _____
Folding
once or twice? _____
Assembling
Stapling
Once? _____ Twice? _____ Side? _____ End? _____
Electric typewriter
Fill in addresses? _____
Dated? _____
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size _____
Proof list _____
Labels (submit sample) _____
Fill in letters _____
Cards, size _____
Pay rolls _____
Corrections _____
Tabulation sheets _____
Photostat Size actual Official use? _____ Repay?  yes $ 6.60 Blue Print _____ Size _____ Official use? _____ Repay? _____ $ _____
Remarks _____
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank with reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief of bureaus.
.....192 (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate } On list.....  Destroy present addressograph plate } 
as follows:
Now reads      1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read    1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

15822
to E. ARZET clerk
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
SEP 9 1927 192
Chief Rev. War. Section Division.
I have this day received from
Mrs. Charles A. Shiercon
M. C. in the amount
of $ 7 10 , requesting
photostat copy as per letter herewith.
and Copy mailed Finance Div. Dept. Sept. 19-1927
O. J. RANDALL Chief, Finance Division.
268 L
To G. L. Sept. 13-1927
44 150 220 44 460

MINT
TO FROM TO FROM
3-1865
18th & 19th Wars Section
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
August 25, 1927
Mrs. Charles A. Shierson 322 State St., Adrian, Michigan.
FINANCE DIVISION ROBERT E. LECK SEP 29 1927 BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Madam:
I have to advise you that if you desire photostat copies of the original papers on file in the Revolutionary War claims for pension of Robert Nolton, New York Troops, S. 7272, and of James Battle, Massachusetts Troops, S. 44601, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification of each set (two sets) if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied in the claim of Robert Nolton is thirty-four, and in the claim of James Battle is ten.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior (not to the Commissioner of Pensions).
Please return this letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.
HH 13 220 120 6.60 50 7.10

MRS. CHARLES A. SHIERSON 322 STATE STREET ADRIAN, MICHIGAN
224 157 220 460 680 7
Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
Enclosed you will please find money order for photostat copies and certification of the papers of Robert Norton and James Batch.
I thank you for your cour- tesy.
Yours truly,
Mrs. C. A. Shierison.
Aug. 31 st , 1927.

& 1812 Wars Section
11/22/27 August 25, 1927
Mrs. Charles A. Shierson 322 State St., Adrian, Michigan.
Madam:
I have to advise you that if you desire photostat copies of the original papers on file in the Revolutionary War claims for pension of Robert Nolton, New York Troops, S. 7272, and of James Battle, Massachusetts Troops, S. 44601, the same will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification of each set ( two sets) if that be desired.
The number of pages to be copied in the claim of Robert Nolton is thirty-four, and in the claim of James Battle is ten.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior (not to the Commissioner of Pensions).
Please return this letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Photostats to be selected again or whenever called for:
✓ All of soldier's original declarations - 10 pages ✓ Ephraim Knowlton's affid.: 3 pages ✓ Statements of Robb, Nulton, make Rept. 30 - 1843 ✓ Sept. 5 - 1843 - & all affid. on both: 5 pages ✓ H. Nulton's letter of Oct. 26 - 1846 - & A. Mann's reply - 4 pages ✓ H. Nulton's letter of Oct. 24 - 1846 - 1 page ✓ N. Y. State Report - 1 page ✓ Henry Bravis' letter of July 23 - 1851 - & Dr. Lord's affidavit: 2 pages ✓ Henry Bravis' letter of Apr. 2 - 1849 + other sheet attached - 3 pages ✓ Alex. H. Bell's (?) letter of Jan. 26, 1852 + A. Mann's of Jan. 28 - 1852 - 2 pages ✓ Ward Foy's letter of July 28 - 1851 - 1 page ✓ Alexander H. H. Stuart, Sec., letter - 1 page ✓ Caf. Jacket - 1 page
Important after all of the other discussions. (over)

Keep this attached to any of our correspondence, for future reference, to aid in selection of pages -

Commissioner of Pensions, American Revolution Division, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
After a recent death in our family I found a piece of paper on which my grandfather had written, "Robt. Norton, grandfather of Lyman Norton Jr. born Feb. 10 th , 1759. Died at Booneville, N. Y. in 1852. Served in the war of the American Revolution until its close being then honorably discharged."
"James Battle, grandfather of

Lyman Noltos Jr. born June 27 th , 1759. died at Syracuse, N. Y. Mar. 3 rd , 1848. Also having done honorable service in the war of the American Revolution to its close being then honorably discharged.
Lyman Noltos Jr. was my mother's father.
With this small amount of information that I can furnish is it possible for you to find both Robert Noltos and James Battle's war records for me? Do their records give any additional information about themselves and their families? If so, can I have a photostatic copy of their records? I am willing to care for the incurred expense of the copy.
I thank you for your trouble and assure you that any information you can give me of these members of our family will be greatly appreciated.
Yours Truly,
Mrs. Chas. A. Sherson,
322 State St.,
Adrian, Mich.
Aug. 15 th , 1927.

Department of the Interior Washington January 21 st 1853.
Sir,
I have examined the case of Robert Norton formerly a pensioner under the act of June y th 1832. and am of opinion that the claim was originally fully established, and that he was im- properly stricken from the rolls. I have therefore to request that he may be reinstated. The papers in the case are herewith returned.
I am very respectfully Your obedient servant Alex. H. Stuart Secretary.
James E. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

This may certify that I have been intimately acquainted with Robert Bolton of Herkimer County New York, late a pensioner, for more than thirty years and I hereby certify that had I been called upon to name the most correct, upright, honest, conscientious man of all my acquaintance, it would have been this very man Robert Bolton, I am not alone in the opinion here given of him, all his neighbours, would say the same, & he would be named 19 times out of 20 by those who best knew him as  the man, the most scrupulously honest man in town & to be believed at all times & under all circumstances.
If ever Robert Bolton, above named, has sworn to an affidavit not strictly & entirely true, he must have been deceived, & cannot have known to what he swore to, of this fact there can be no doubt.
Stephen H. Haines
Washington Jan 26. 1852
New York R 28 th Jan'y 1852
I certify that I have known Robert Bolton above mentioned more than fifty years - he was my near neighbor and friend. No man more upright, honest and faithful in all things or who more conscientiously lived up to the faith of the religion he professed existed in that church or society or town. He kept the faith and was well entitled to the respect and confidence which he invariably enjoyed in the County and which his sons now enjoy.

He would not commit perjury or any other offence against the Law or good morals knowingly any soon as then his neighbors and acquaintances would suspect him of evil design. as a man and as a conscientious and exemplary Christian member of the Baptist Church he lived above reproach and I therefore concur & cordially unite in the above certificate.
A. Mann Jr 54 Wall St late member of Congreg from Ht River District
Jan 12 Called for before Jan 29 '52
Robert Nathan

Nov 13 1843
No. 60
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Fairfield, Herkimer County, N.Y. November 10. 1843
J. H. Coombs Comm ee of Pensions - Sir
On the 3 rd of October last (pursuant to your letter of the 21 st of September directing the Declaration of Robert Bolton, applying for a new Pension Certificate, to be amended by designating the names of all the officers under whom he served while in the army") I forwarded to you his additional Statement setting forth the names of the officers under whom he served as far as he remembered - also the affidavit of John Green, Justice of the Peace, & Homer Butte, Postmaster, as to his identity -
The weeks having elapsed without hearing any thing from it, Mr. Bolton is getting to be uneasy - If any further Proof is required, I would be glad to be informed -
I Am very Respectfully your obed t Servant L. C. H. Smith

A. C. McLaughlin
Mr Evans
Hon. G. B. Benton H. W. - Washington D.C.
Hon. C. S. Benton H.R.

Canfield Arkansas Co. Mo. Dec 18. 1823
On the 18 th of September last I sent to the Pension Office Washington, the Application of Robert Norton a Pensioner for a New Pension Certificate in the place of his old one which he had lost - In reply to which I received a letter from the Commission of Pensions dated Sept 21. & directing Mr. Norton to amend his application by designating the names of all the officers under whom he served while in the Army - Pursuant to which, on the 3 rd of October last I forwarded to the Pension Office his additional statement setting forth the names of the officers under whom he served as far as he could remember & also additional affidavits of his identity &c.
On the 10 th of November I wrote to the Pension Office inquiring about it but have not yet heard from the office respecting it -
W. C. H. Smith

For C. S. Benton Esq.
On the 1 st day of give you a Brief Statement of the unfortunate circumstances in which a poor old Democratic Pensioner of this place finds himself & in his behalf I beg to appeal to your favors to help him out of the street . He is the father of our friend the Dist. Atty. Will you oblige him & me so far as to call at the Pension Office & ascertain what the difficulty is - If further proof of his identity is wanted every Body hereabouts knows that he is a Pensioner & has been for many years. I saw by the Report of the Sec y of War, that the Pension Office is in need of Clerks & upon my mentioning this to Mark Robert as being perhaps the reason of the delay in his case, he seemed to think our representation would not discern hanging for betraying and if he should vote for one or two additional clerks or at least enough to fill out a few certificates for him - I hope you may consider yourself "interested" -
Yours truly
W. C. Smith

Revolutionary Claims New York.
Ovid March 8 th 1852
Sir
The day before I left Washington, I was in Mr. Cole's room, he had then before him on his desk, the case of William Dixon and Robert Stoltz " he said he had commenced to examine one of them, but would soon take up both & report to me the result, I am sure he would do it, unless the personal calls are so thick, as to divert his mind & attention from them. I have rec d . no report, & I beg you to ask, if this letter cannot without delay, be placed on Mr. Cole's desk before him.
Respectfully Your Ob st Serv t Abad Jay
Hon J. E. Heath Comd. of Pms
X Ex a by Mr Howard Sec y

Robert Walton
Pensioner of New York
Revolutioner
Sam B2
I have filed a pown I wish to see his paper I have proof in the case
from
Abad Loy

Robt Tolton
Aug 8 32
FREE
Wm J B Heath Comd of Pensions Washington

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. Pension Office, Official Business.
J. McCall
Commission
Wadsworth Esq. Ovid New York

Robt. Nalton Albany $50. act 32 - last p 2?
GMC
Paid to 4 th March 1846.
W.T.

Suspended Case
Over N.Y. July 28. '51
Sir
I enclose proof to remove the difficulty in the case of Robert Norton late a prisoner of New York, but suspended some 5 years since
If the proof is not sufficient, please state what proof will be - Also please give me a copy of his alleged service
Respectfully, Yours Ab d Smith Adm l Secy
Hon. Jas E. Heath Com d & Pres. Washington

State of New York,
Onida County ss Doctor Ralph Lord of said County, (whom I certify is a highly respectable person and a practising Physician of good standing in his profession), after being duly sworn according to law deposes and says, that he is personally acquainted with Robert Wolton late a pensioner, and one of our oldest citizens, being about ninety three years of age, that this deponent has been for five years and upwards the family Physician of the said Robert Wolton & is therefore intimately acquainted with him, and knows well his infirmities; This deponent deposes and says, that the said Robert Wolton is not, nor has not been for five years capable, or competent to make a statement under oath or otherwise as to his Revolutionary Service that his mind, and memory is greatly impaired, rendering him entirely incapable of making a statement or giving a history of his Revolutionary transactions. Subscribed and sworn before me.
This 20 th day of July 1851 J. B. Tharratt Justice of the Peace
Ralph Lord

State of New York,
County of Oneida ss Henry Graves, of said County whom (I certify is a highly respectable person, late a Member of the Assembly of this State) after being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says, that he has for seventeen years been personally acquainted with Robert Wolton (late a pensioner), and that for the last five — years the said Robert Wolton had resided with this deponent, that the said Robert Wolton is nearly Ninety Three years of age, that he is not, nor has not been for the last five to ten years capable of making a statement understandingly as to his Revolutionary services, that his mind, as well as his body is weak that he has little recollection of events of the Revolution that his mind & memory are greatly impaired, that he is not capable of making a connected statement of his own services in the Revolution, that he is much broken and child like, incapable &c &c. Sworn and subscribed before me this 23 rd day of July 1851
Henry Graves
State of New York, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE, ONEIDA COUNTY, I, ALEXANDER RAE, Clerk of the said County, Do CERTIFY, That
J. A. Tharald
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the peace for said County, dwelling in said County, and sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such signature to the Certificate of said proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, this
25 day of July 1851
Alexander Rae Clerk.

State of New York,
County of Oneida ss Henry Graves, of said County whom (I certify is a highly respectable person, late a Member of the Assembly of this State) after being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he has for seventeen years been personally acquainted with Robert Wolson late a pensioner, and that for the last five — years the said Robert Wolson had resided with this deponent, that the said Robert Wolson is nearly Ninety Three years of age, that he is not, nor has not been for the last five to ten years capable of making a statement understandingly as to his Revolutionary services, that his mind, as well as his body is weak that he has little recollection of events of the Revolution that his mind & memory are greatly impaired, that he is not capable of making a connected statement of his own services in the Revolution, that he is much broken and child like, incapable etc etc Sworn and subscribed before me
This 23 rd day of July 1851 J. W. Sharratt Justice of the Peace
Henry Graves

April 8, 1847.
Recd of Robt. Nelson.
PAID
Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions Washington D.C.

Boonville April 2 1847
Friend
The receipt of a letter a Copy of which I give, prompts me to address You these few lines on the subject of Robert Norton late of Fraunces in this State who is a pensioner of the United States. Robert Norton now resides with me, and did at the time he rec d Your letter last fall, in which You require of him to state certain facts, in relation to his services in the War of the Revolution. Mr. Norton is now in his 90 th Year and is very intelligent for a man of his advanced Age, but he cannot now recollect the precise length of time in each of your Officers Names &c he has frequently conversed with me in relation to his Revolutionary services - before and since the receipt of Your communication - he says he was at the taking of Burgoyne but cannot recollect the Year, for one or two seasons next following he says he was in a fort near Johnstown in this State and was employed against the Indians north towards Canada , that after this he served two summers in New Jersey & was for a time a kind of horse boy for Lafayette , that he was present when Major Andross was executed, this shows that he was in the service at the taking of Burgoyne in 1777 employed against the Indians in 1778 & 9

which is his Supposition, then in If he was so employed for two Years, 1780 & 81 in New Jersey; this is according to his print recollection, he says he was well acquainted with John Bristol he was his Neighbor, he recollects he was with him at the taking of Burgoyne and was with him when employed against the Indians the next season It must therefore have been in 1777 & 78 that Bristol was in the Service with him, and not in 1780 & 81 & Mr. Norton says if there has been any such Statement or declaration, it is a mistake or error & on reading on reading Bristol's letter it struck me at once that that mistake might have made the trouble in the Pension Office in relation to Robert Norton, I am the Son in law of Mr. Norton, and if possible, should like to see this matter put right, not so much on account of the pension (as his children can support him for the short time he will probably be permitted to stay with us) as the affliction or seems to give the Old Gent - that he should have made any statement which upon the face of them should appear to be incorrect or discreditable -
I am Very Respectfully
He thinks he served in all two years & two mo -
Yrs & c
Henry Spence
H. S. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions
Post Master
Brooklyn
(Borrowed Copy of Letter)
N.Y.

Pictou 23 March 1847
Sir Wishing to get some information from you concerning the Station duty of John Bristol I find by your Station or the Clerk as given by him that he served in the years 1780 & 1781 which I think is a mistake - John Bristol states that you & him served in 1777 and 1778 or in 1789 together if you can bring it to mind and are willing to give this Station My Father will go to you soon. You will please write to me immediately. the term and years you were with him and all you know about it. Please direct your letter to Mr. Benjamin Bristol, Hallowell. Pictou County - New Brunswick Yrs & c B Bristol
Robert Nott or any of his family - Col

5
Cal 46
17

Hon J. L. Edwards,
Yours of the 13 th inst addressed to Robert Molton a revolutionary pensioner has been received by him and sent to me - You state that a reexamination of his papers in connexion with the present knowledge of the department has resulted in the conviction that he has been unjustly allowed a full pension - I write to inform you that his memory has become so much impaired by disease & infirmity of old age that it will be impossible for him to comply with the requisition of your department by making a full & correct statement of his revolutionary services - He is now about eighty eight years of age and during the last five years he has been totally blind and nearly so for several years previous - His remembrance of old events as well as of more recent ones has for a long time been vague & indistinct - It is not doubted but that if his memory were as vigorous as he would be able fully to satisfy the department of the correctness of the relation which he gave of his revolutionary services in his original declaration on which his pension was allowed - He has always been known as an honest upright & truthful man; and no doubt has ever been entertained among his acquaintances but that he was justly entitled to a full pension - Certificates will be furnished you in vindication of his good name & character through life - Nothing further than this is now available to secure the continuance of his pension -
Little Falls, N.Y. Oct 1. 24 th 1846
Yours truly, A. Molton

A Mann's Essay
Sept 11
A letter dated Oct. 13 th from J. L. Edwards, C.W. of Pension, Drayton informs him that his deposition in 1837 in the case of John Bristol (late present), has induced a re-examination of his papers which with the present knowledge the department has resulted in the conviction that he has been improperly allowed a full pension. He is required to restate with particularity his revolutionary services. I have written to Mr Edwards that the old gentleman's memory has become so weak in facts that it will be impossible for him to comply with the requisition of the department. His remembrance of his early life has nearly faded away and his mind is vague & wandering upon almost every subject. I however stated to Mr Edwards that the old gentleman has always been an honest upright & truthful man and it was believed among his acquaintances that he was entitled to a full pension. I mentioned in my letter to Mr Edwards that I would furnish certificates from gentlemen of his acquaintance that the old gentleman had a good character through life. And that this was all that could be done to sustain him in the good opinion of the department. The pension

is a no moment for he will not remain long among us but I wish to vindicate his character from any reproach of unfairness in obtaining a pension — I have no doubt but that he stated truly the services which he performed but the deposition referred to by the Com of pensions probably contradicts the declaration of the old gentleman & that suspicion has been  has been awakened on that account. I presume Mr Smith drew the deposition of the old man & very likely he wrote such an one as Bristol would & read it wrong to the old man — I suppose this because it accords with Smith's billings — no doubt he was well paid for it by Bristol — As you have always known the old gentleman & have never known any  other thing but what was good of him as I have believed — you are therefore able to vindicate the old man  him fully to the Com of pensions — I write to ask you to take the old gentleman into your special keeping so far as to write to the Genl Edwards a strong letter in regard to the character & of the old gentleman from your earliest knowledge and fully defend him at the department — I shall esteem this favor as conferring

an obligation which I will be glad to reciprocate in any way that you shall command — we are all well — I suppose Helen will be a bygone cause the latter part of next week — Give my best respects to Charles & Anna & though last not least remember me to Mrs Wrenn, Mary &c — Politics is hotter than ever I knew it at Little Falls — The conservatives & seceders have formed a coalition & they go it with a rush —
Little Falls, Oct. 26 th 1846
I am yours truly, J. W. Norton
P.S. I shall get Chas. S. Benton to see to the matter when he goes to Washington — J. W.

New York R d 6 th Nov r 1846
Jas. L. Edwens Esq r
Con r H c .
Sir. I received a few days since the annexed letter from my friend Judge Bolton who is the son of Robert Bolton the pensioner mentioned and referred to with whom I have been well acquainted from infancy as the nearest neighbor of my father. A more worthy honest industrious farmer than Mr. Bolton I have never known. In all his relations of citizen & exemplary Christian not a suspicion or word has ever been uttered against him. He is above suspicion & always has been, and was a man of considerable intelligence & some education. He was always reported to have been in the Revolutionary army and was at the battle in New Jersey. I have no doubt of the truth of it. He was at Monmouth. Mr. Bolton has always been a man of property and high respectability.
R. Bolton Oct 29 th 1846
6
He is now at the door of the grave. I saw him in August last - He is blind and his faculties are all impaired being I believe nearly 90 years of age. His memory is nearly gone - inasmuch that he cannot always remember his own children who are numerous & respectable citizens. The writer of the annexed letter is now Dist Atty and has long been first Judge of his County.
I am Very Resp t ly yours
Jas. L. Edwens Esq r Con r H c .
A. Mann Jr 38 Wall St

Brad Joy, letter & Proof — Robert Walton

Washington Jan. 30. '52
Sir
I inclose (as I suppose) sufficient proof in the case of Robert Norton Pensioner of New York, to justify his restoration to the pension list, he died quite recently leaving as I am informed children, will he be restored to the pension list, can his children claim the pension -
Your Ob st Servt Abad Joy
Hon J. E. Heath Com d of Pres.

Sept 24-43.
Mr Brown.
Your new cab.
Robt. Noltan N.Y. Oct 32
Commission of Pardon Washington City D.C.

Fairfield, Herkimer County, N.Y. September 20. 1843.
Commission of Pensions, Washington -
Sir,
I herewith enclose to you, the afft of Robert Walton a Pensioner residing here, showing the Loss of his Pension Certificate, for the purpose of having a New Certificate issued -
If the Proof is sufficient a New Certificate is issued, Please direct to me, at this place -
Respectfully
Yours &
A.C.H. Smith

Feb 5. 1843
Robert Norton for a new Catalogue
J. L. Edwards Committee of Readers (Washington City D.C.)

Fairfield, Berkshire County, Mass. October 3, 1843
J. L. Edwards Commission of Pensions -
Sir,
I now enclose to you the amended Declaration of Robert Boston, for a new Pension Certificate as directed in your Letter of the 24 th Sept. - & also Supplementary affidavits -
I am Respectfully
Yours at Service
R. C. H. Smith

4 obj. 46

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent. per annum, viz:
  1780 June 1 Rob t Walton Priv. L 1 9 2   1781 Nov 4 ditto Serg t 1 6 6 
STATE OF NEW-YORK,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, August 21 st 1846
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 1 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
  First—under Capt. Henry Bries in Col. Killeen P. Rousseau Regt.   Second " " ditto " " ditto "   Third " " " " "   Fourth " " " " "   Fifth " " " " "   Sixth " " " " "   Seventh " " " " "   Eighth " " " " "   Ninth " " " " "   Tenth " " " " "   Eleventh " " " " "   Twelfth " " " " " 
Philip Schuyler Dep. Comptroller

1893

State of New York Dekalb County. On this fifth day of September 1843 before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace for the said County of Dekalb personally appeared Robert Norton who on his oath declared, That he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain Blue, in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Van Rensselaer, in the service of the United States in the War of the Revolution, That his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New York, That he received a Certificate of that fact under the signature & Seal of the Secretary of War entitling him to a Pension of eighty dollars per annum, by virtue of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. That he has always, for many years last past, kept the said Pension Certificate, enclosed in the original envelope or wrapper in which it was sent to him from the War Department in a Pocket Book lying in his desk; That he took the said Certificate out of the said Pocket Book about the 6 th of March last on the occasion of executing the Requisite papers for drawing the Semi annual payment due on the 4 th day of March last, & believes that he then replaced the said Certificate in his said Pocket Book. That he has not seen the said Certificate since that time, but believes the same to be in his said Pocket Book until, on looking into it yesterday, he found the said envelope or wrapper but could not find the said Certificate. That after diligent search & examination in vain, he is unable to find the said Certificate or have any thing of it, and he verily believes it to be lost.
Subscribed & sworn to
Before me the day & year
aforsaid A. C. H. Smith
Justice of the Peace
Robert Norton mark
Henry May
Benjamin Walt

State of New York Herkimer County §: Henry May, of the town of Fairfield in said County being duly sworn doth Depose & say, That he is well acquainted with Robert Norton the Person described in & who signed the foregoing affidavit, & has been for five years last past, that he has seen the Certificate therein mentioned & well knows the said Robert Norton to be the same identical Person mentioned in the said Certificate & described in the said affidavit -
Subscribed & sworn to this 5 th day of September 1843 before me
Henry May
And I hereby Certify that the said Henry May who has made the above affidavit is a person of good Character & of unquestioned Veracity -
A. C. H. Smith
Justice of the Peace
I further Certify, That the said Robert Norton, who subscribed the foregoing affidavit by making his mark, is unable to write his Name, by Reason of Blindness -
A. C. H. Smith
Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Herkimer County §:
I, Edwin A. Munson Clerk of said County do Certify, That A. C. H. Smith, is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County & That the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are Genuine -
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County & Subscribed my name this 19 th day of September 1843 -
E. A. Munson Clerk "

3 Apr 43

State of New York.
Herkimer County ss: On this 30 th day of September 1843 Before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for said County of Herkimer, Personally appeared Robert Norton who on his oath declared, That he is the same Identical Person who on the 5 th day of September instant made his Declaration on oath before the Subscriber, for the purpose of procuring a New Pension Certificate to be issued to him in the place of his old one which has been lost. That He was Eighty four years old on the 10 th day of February last; That he served at various times in the Army of the Revolution under different Captains; That He served in Captain Bliss Company, & also in Captain Robert Woodruff Company, & he believes also in Captain Tinker Company - That he does not recollect the Christian name of Captain Bliss; That in his said Declaration of the 5 th instant he intended to state his having formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain Bliss, & if the name was written "Bliss" in said Declaration, it was by mistake of the Subscriber who drew up said Declaration & read it to him & which mistake was not at the time discovered by him in consequence of his deafness & the similarity of the said names in sound; That he believes that he served also under officers other than those mentioned above, but he does not now remember their names -
Subscribed & sworn to before me the day & year aforesaid
Robert Norton his mark
And I certify that the said Robert Norton who subscribed the above affidavit, by making his mark, is unable to write his name by reason of Blindness -
A. C. H. Smith Justice of the Peace John Green Norman Butler

State of New York Berkshire County ss. John Green, of the Town of Fair- -field in said County, being duly sworn, deposes & states, That He is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, & has acted as such for more than three years last past; That He is well acquainted with Robert Bolton the person described in & who subscribes the foregoing affidavit, & has been acquainted with him for more than 6 years last past; That Deponent has several times, in his official character as Justice of the Peace attested the execution by the said Robert Bolton of the requisite papers for drawing his Semi-annual Pension & has drawn him, on those occasions, drawn & inspected his Pension Certificate issued under the signature & seal of the Secretary of War & entitling him to a Pension of $80. per annum; That this Deponent saw the said Pension Certificate in the possession of the said Robert Bolton, on the 6 th day of March last, at which time this Deponent prepared for him the necessary papers for drawing his Pension payable on that day; - Deponent further states, that the said Robert Bolton is Blind so as to be unable to see or distinguish objects with any degree of clearness, & is also considerably Deaf, And is unable to hear distinctly unless the person conversing with him is very near to him - Subscribed & sworn to this 30 th day of September 1843 before me } Robert Green A. C. H. Smith, Justice of the Peace
State of New York. Berkshire County ss. Norman Buttle of the Town of Fairfield in said County, being duly sworn, deposes & states, That he is well acquainted with Robert Bolton the person described in & who subscribes the foregoing affidavit & has been acquainted with him for about Twenty five years

last past, That this Deponent is Postmaster at said Fairfield, That he has several times acted as the Attorney of the said Robert Bolton to draw his Pension, and has seen his Pension Certificate Entitling him to a Pension of $80 per annum; That the said Robert Bolton is very Blind, & considerably Deaf, & that his Deponent from conversations with him during the Past year, has discovered that his Memory has become considerably impaired, & that his Recollection of names, dates & occurrences connected with his service in the Revolutionary Army, is very indistinct - Subscribed & sworn to this 33 rd day of September 1843 before me } Norman Brettin A.C.H. Smith Justice of the Peace -
State of New York Herkimer County } ss
I, Erwin A. Munson, Clerk of said County do Certify, That A.C.H. Smith is a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, & that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County & subscribed my name this 2 d day of October 1843 -
E. A. Munson Clerk