Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26,339, for Samuel Provost, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
or Provost Samuel or Provost, Provost, Anna
N. 26,339 B.L. Wt. 40696-160-55
CONTENTS
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Connecticut N o 28,318
Samuel Provost
of Stamford in the State of Connecticut who was a private in the Capt commanded by Captain Smith of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the Conn t line for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Connecticut at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 th day of May 1834 S. H. Minor, Stamford Ct
Arrears to the 14th of Mar. 1834. 120.00 Sem-ant. allowance ending 4 th Sep t . 20.00 $ 140.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by R. Bruns Clerk, Book E 2. Vol. — Page 34 —

Samuel Prevost
Ms. 567 Samuel Prevost

State of Connecticut, County of Fairfield,
ss. Stamford Probate District
On this 25 th day of August 1832 personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Probate for said District,
Samuel Prout,
now sitting,
a resident of Stamford
in the County of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, aged Sixty  seventy seven years, who being first 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: viz. — That in the month of March 1781 he enlisted into a company of State Troops called rangers, commanded by Capt. Charles Smith, Jesse Hoyt Lieut., for the term of nine months, & served out the term of his enlistment & was dismissed at Stamford in said Stamford at the House of Nathaniel Smith, by Lieut. Hoyt — when the Lieut. said "Boys, who will enlist again, when the Detachments & some others enlisted into the same company without going home for the term of three months — That he served in the said company of Rangers commanded by Capt. Chas. Smith under both of the above said enlistments for the term of one year — That he served the last three months & was dismissed by the same Lieut. Hoyt at the same place, viz., the said Nathl. Smiths. That being the head quarters of their Guard in that neighborhood — That immediately after he was discharged from his last enlistment he was drafted or volunteered (he is not certain which) to serve as one of the minute men under Capt. Benjamin Brubaker for the term of four months & served from the month of March 1782 til the month of July 1782 — under this draft he was most of the time on duty in drilling on the lines, but was a portion of the time at home, at all times liable to be called at a minutes warning That he never had a written discharge — That he lived in said Stam- ford when first called into the service — That he was born in Stamford on the 17th day of October 1765. & has ever resided there since the time of his birth except about seven years when he lived in Poundridge an adjoining town — That he lived in Stamford when first called into service — His record of his age makes it is out of his records that Stamford & I don't know whether it is or not

residents to the War Dept, in evidence of service
He refers to Rev. Daniel Smith of Stamford & Simon H. Minor of the same Place who will testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution
The said Samuel Provoost hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Ch. Hawley Judge. Samuel Provoost
We, Daniel Smith a clergyman, residing in the town of Stamford and J.H. Minor residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Samuel Provoost who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Sixty Seven 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. 28th of July 1833
Daniel Smith J.H. Minor
Ch. Hawley Judge
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 Daniel Smith who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the town of Stamford and that J.H. Minor who also signed the same, is a resident in the town of Stamford and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate for Stamford do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Provoost for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this 26th day of July 1833

I Samuel Lockwood Clerk of the Court of Probate for the district of Stamford in Connecticut do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Prescott for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 27 th day of July
1833 -
Samuel Lockwood Clerk
Samuel Prescott July 31 st Samuel Prescott

5. 3248 Connecticut Anna Brewster, widow of Samuel Cor who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 11. dollars cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 19 th day of July 1855 and sent to
J. B. Lewis Hartford Ct. Stamford
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, I 202 Vol.
246 397

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } to Stamford Probate District On this 9 th day of June A D 1853 personally appeared before the Court of Probate within and for said District Anna Provost a res- ident of Stamford in said Fairfield County aged seventy six years and upwards who, first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following dec- laration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd February, 1853, granting pen- sions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War - That she is the widow of Samuel Provost de- late of said Stamford who was a private in the Revolutionary War and received a Pension for his services therein under the Act of Congress passed June 7 th , 1832, - to the documents and proofs accompanying his application, declaration refers for evidence in support of her claim. She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Provost on the 13 th day of October A D 1816 _____ by the Rev d Henry Hoyt - Then a Baptist Clergyman of said Stamford - That her husband, the aforesaid

Samuel Provost dece on the 29 th day of November A D 1843. That she was not married to him prior to the second of January eighteen hundred and 43. at the time above stated. She further de- clared that she is now a widow.
Sarah Provost
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Before William S. Minor Judge
Personally appeared before me Joshua B. Fenn a justice of the peace duly authorized by law to administer oaths on this 12 th day of September 1853. Judith Borland of Hampden in Fairfield County Connecticut who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say - That she was present at the marriage of Samuel Provost with Anna Provost. That they were married by the Rev d Henry Hoyt a Bap- tist Clergyman - at the house of Daniel Borland - now dec d - the father of Depo- nent's husband - on Sunday evening - in the month of October 1816 - Deponent's son Daniel was born on the 17 th of September 1816 and the Tuesday next following the Sunday on which said marriage took

place - Deponent's said son Daniel was four weeks old. Further Deponent saith not -
Sworn to and subscribed on the 12th day of Sept. 1853, and I certify that I
Stoddard Barlow
know the Deponent to be a credible person.
Joshua B. Ferris Justice of the Peace.
Personally appeared before me Joshua B. Ferris a Justice of the Peace within & for Hartford County Connecticut, Robert  before Barlow - of Stone- ford in said County, who on his oath dep- oses and says that he was well acquainted with Samuel Provost of said Stamford who was a Revolutionary Pensioner now deceas- ed. That he is also well acquainted with Anna Provost, the widow of said Samuel Provost. That they the said Samuel and Anna were married in the presence of Deponent at Deponent's father's house by the Rev Henry Hays - on the 13th day of October A.D. 1816 as Deponent recollects well the time and place of Marriage from the fact that his only child Daniel Barlow was born on the 17th Sept 1816 and was just four weeks old on the Tuesday next following the Sunday on which the said parties were married.
Robert R. Barlow
Sworn to and subscribed on the 12th day of Sept. 1853, and I certify that I know the Deponent to be a credible person in Joshua B. Ferris Justice of Peace.
I am personally acquainted with Joshua B. Ferris Esq. who has qualified the same oaths to the affidavits in this matter and I know that he is a full Justice of the Peace in the respective courts of the several parts of this State, and that his signature is genuine. J. M. Phelps Council
Provisio after Sept 16. 1853

State of Connecticut, Probate Court County of Fairfield } District of Stamford I Sands Seely Clerk of said Court and keeper of the seal and record thereof having acknowledged William T. Miner is the sole and presiding Judge of said Court and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is his genuine hand writing and signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 9 th day of January AD 1854
Sands Seely Clerk of said Court of Probate
I, Mary Knapp of Stamford in Fairfield County Connecticut being duly confirmed and sworn do testify and say that I am the daugh- ter of Anna Provost, the foregoing applicant for a pension. Samuel Provost was my father and a pensioner under the law of 1832.
He died on the 29 th day of November 1843. I attended his funeral and am certain he died on the day or year above-mention- ed.
Sworn and subscribed on the 5 th day of July AD 1855 I further certify that I am acquainted with deponent and know her to be a cred- ible person.
Isaac B. Ferris, Justice of Peace
Mary Knapp

246. 397
Act Mar. 3. '17
May 26. '16
Anna Provost, mid.
Samuel Provost, jun.
Ms A. 1. 6 v. 6 p. 6
Rev. wife. war.
Peru. Act Feb. 3. 1853.
July 5348
At 1160001 Sept. 3 rd 1856
Bluffton
B
Joshua B. Ferris.
Stamford.
Conn.
Vol P 144

246. 397

State of Connecticut } County of Fairfield } p
On this first day of May A D 1858 personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, in and for the County aforesaid Anna Provoost aged sixty years a resident of Stamford in said County and State who being duly sworn according to law, declared that she is the widow of Samuel Provoost late of said Stamford who was a private in the Revolutionary War and received a Pension for his services therein, under the Act of Congress passed 1832, and that she refers to the proof accompanying the application of said Samuel Provoost for such pension, for evidence of his services in said War -
She also declared that, as the widow of said Samuel Provoost, she has received a Pension Certificate now in her possession of which the following is an exact copy - "Department of the Interior.
Widow's Pension.
I certify that in conformity with the

2d section of the Act of February 3, 1853, Anna Provost widow of Samuel Provost who was a private in the Revolu- tionary war is inscribed on the Pension list at the rate of forty dollars and _____ cents per annum commencing on the 3d of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry, in which case the Pension is not pay- able after the time of such marriage.
Given at the Department of the Interior this nineteenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
Examined and } H. McClelland Countersigned } Secretary of the Interior L. P. Wallace
Commissioner of Pensions
That the number of said Certificate is (8348) and reports to be recorded in the Pension office on the Roll of Pensioners under Act February 3 1853 Page 202 Vol II.
She further states that she was married to the said Samuel Provost in said House in the 13th day of October A.D. 1816, as will appear by the proofs accompanying her

own application for a Pension - to which she respectfully refers - That her name before her said marriage was Anna Sherwood - That her said husband died on the 27th day of October 1843 at said Stamford and that she is now a widow.
She also declares that she has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other Act of Congress nor made any other application therefor.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved March 3, 1855."
In presence of
Joshua B. Ferris
Anna her  X Provost mark
We, Nathaniel D. Haight and Mary T. Snapp residents of Stamford in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Anna Provost, the foregoing applicant - by her mark - in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents.

resents herself to be.
M c D onald
Mary Knapp
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible per- sons and that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Joshua B. Ferris Justice of the Peace

State of Connecticut
County of Fairfield
May 1st 1856
Personally appeared before me, Joshua B. Ferris a Justice of the Peace within & for said County and duly authorized by law to admin- ister oaths therein. Mary Knapp of Stamford in said County who being first duly sworn according to law says that she is well acquainted with Anna Prescott the foregoing affidavit for Property Court and knows that she is a widow.
Mary Knapp
Sworn & subscribed on the day and year above written and I further certify that I know that the affiant Mary Knapp is a credible person
Joshua B. Ferris
Justice of the Peace

FREE
To the Hon. The Commissioners of Pensions Washington City D. C.
2116.397

246.397
To the Hon The Commissioner of Pensions etc

To the Hon. The Commissioner of Pensions -
Sir
In behalf of Anna Pro- bst, I enclose you her ap- plication for Bounty bond.
Please acknowledge receipt of the same - if in com- pliance with the regulations of your Department - and obey -
Yours afft servt
Joshua B. Ferris
Haverford
May 23. 1856
2

30 Nov 43
Pen 1st July 16/43
Sir
Please inform me when Sand Proost act 1832 or $40 a year was last paid,
R. A. Minns Esq 3 Austin
Very Respectful J. C. Clegg Clerk
Impett
London
July 11/55
Very honorable
French in full.
James D. Powell Esq 30 Nov 1843.

Samuel Root died 30 Nov. 1843, paid in full.
Walter J. Morrison
Director
July 17/55
Index
3 rd Author
O. J. M. Munnings
Very Respects W. A.
all 40 years in last part.
Heirs inform me when James Root died 1832
See
Don't tell July 16/55
30 Nov 55

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, } COUNTY OF FAIRFIELD, } ss. County Clerk's Office:
I, AMOS S. TREAT, Clerk, within and for said Fairfield County, and keeper of the Seal thereof, and of the Commission of Justices of the Peace for said County, hereby certify---That
Joshua B. Wurts Esquire, was on the first day of May 185 6 and now is a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly appointed, commissioned and sworn, having full power and authority by the laws of this State, to take the acknowledgment of Deeds and other Instruments, and to certify the same; also to administer Oaths, to take Affidavits and Depositions out of Court, and to give Certificates thereof; that full faith and credit may, and ought to be given to his official acts and attestations; that I am acquainted with his hand-writing, and know that the signature to the instrument hereto annexed, purporting to be his, is his genuine official signature; and that said instrument is executed, acknowledged, and duly authenticated according to the laws of this State.
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand, and affix the Seal of said County, at Bridgeport, in said County and State, on the 7 th day of May , A. D. 185 6
Amos S. Treat Clerk.
7116.297

2
40.696
S No Aug

Reg  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 26339 Diana Prescott wid of Samuel Prescott Dis. Rev. Mass.
Act: Feb 3 d 58 Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 142
[Arrangement of 1870.]

No. 1070 Anna Provost wid of Samuel Gt;
Letter to Hon. O. S. Seymour, Ho. Reps. Jan 13. 54.
Joshua B Foris Oct 23/54
Ans Feb. 3. 54.
Passes returned to J. B. Foris for amendment July 2. 1855. — de p. m. l. u. c. o. C. o. n.
Same Provost 29 Nov 1863
Anna " " 1875
Abdiah B. Cook (Age 60)
Adams R. Boston

No. 11070 Anna Provost wid of Samuel Gt.
Letter to Hon. O.S. Seymour, Ho. Reps. Jan 13. 54.
Joshua B Ferris Oct 23/ 54
Act Feb 3. 54.
Passing returned to J.W. Ferris for amendment July 2. 1855. — Amended Cons
Same Provost 29 Nov 1853 Anna " Nov 1855
Abdiah B. Cook (Age 60)
Adah B. Cook

Anna Pooroh widow of Samuel cont
admd 3 Feby 1853
12 mo/pri $40
per annum from
3 Feby 1853
Joshua B Ferris Esq Stanford Ct

Brief in the case of Anna Provost widow of Saml County and State of Connecticut act 3 Feb 1853
Claim, ("original," or " for increase. ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband has a pension under the act of Jan 7 1831 at $40 a year marriage, identity, his death & her present (for increase) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? widowhood provided by 2 Respec- table witnesses
Name and residence of Agent
J B Ferris Esq Stamford Ct
Thomson D. Ripley Examining Clerk.

Hans Loren P. Walder

Hon. Loren P. Waldo,
Dear Sir,
I enclose the ap- plications of Hannah Whitney, and of Anna Mowatt for Pensions.
The former for arrears which she claims were due to her mother
The latter for a pension under the act B.D. on account of the ben- efits of her late husband who was a Pensioner.
In some instances I have signed as Justice of the Peace & have failed to append a certifi- cate of our County Clerk. I think you did not require it last sum- mer at the post that I held the of- fice was sufficiently known to you.
Should such certificate be deemed necessary. I have no doubt that our Representative Mr. Lyman or Smith of the Senate would cheer- fully give it.
Most respectfully & truly Yours & taken out Good care Joshua B. Ferris
Stamford
Jan 8, 1854

26 567
Law Prevail
Admit as a private Pmo. $40.00
Havana
Transfer C

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
4 Sept 53
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Samuel Proctor
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     9 3  
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
It must be shown that the "Rangers," were a corps raised & called into actual service by State authority by the document in the archives of the State. The circumstances stated by Dean the witness renders this very doubtful

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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 fix 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.
Service in corps of minute men not within the act excepting while in the field or a garrison.

From Waterbury's paper

State of Connecticut } To Stamford April 25 th 1834 Fairfield County }
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Notary Public within a fore said County Enos Waterbury of said Stamford who being first duly sworn on his oath says - That in March 1781 Samuel Provost (who has signed & sworn to a declaration for a Pension which is here before him) in enlisted into a Company of Coast Guards commanded by Capt. Charles Smith for the term of nine months & served out his time & was dismissed by his Lieut. John Hoyt at Stan- dill - This deponent was an enlisted soldier & served in the same Company for the same time & was dismissed at the same time & place & for this with other services the deponent is now drawing a Pension - under this enlistment a portion of Capt. Smiths Company served on the line & a portion of them went to the White Plains - at the end of the nine months when, that portion of the Company which which were dismissed at Standill Lieut. Hoyt invited them to continue in service for a longer time the deponent declined but he understood at the time & nearly believes that said Provost & one or two others continued in the Company afterwards
Sworn & subscribed this day a year above mentioned I further Enos Waterbury certify that Enos Waterbury the above deponent is a credible person In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my official seal J. H. Minor Notary Public

Sam. Poore's Poem Supplemental

State of Connecticut } Stamford April 25 th 1834 Fairfield County }
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Notary Public within & for said County Samuel Prosser of said Stamford an applicant for a Pension Who being duly sworn testifies & says that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory he can not discern positively the precise length of his service but from his best recollection he served not less than the period named below & in the grade of a private viz I served for one year in Capt Charles Smiths Company for one year as stated in my original Declaration - Capt. Smiths Company were sometimes called rangers & sometimes guards. I conclude they were called rangers from the circumstance of their frequently shifting from place to place on the lines. I know the service was constant through the whole year I served in the Company - I also served under Capt. Bush on a draft for four months as stated in my original Declaration & although we were occasionally at home I surely believe I was actually on duty in the field for more than two months in the four -
Sworn & subscribed the day & year above mentioned In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my official seal
Samuel Prosser
Notary Public

State of Connecticut } Stamford Probate District Fairfield County } August 21 st 1832
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said District in open Court now sitting Thos Dixon of Poundridge in the County of Westchester County & State of New York who being first duly sworn according to Law on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Samuel Prescott who has subscribed & deposed to the foregoing Decla- -ration, That he knows that the said Prescott was an enlisted soldier in a Company of State Troops, called Rangers for the term of nine Months, commencing in the Month of March 1781 The Company was commanded by Capt Charles Smith before that was his Lieut. The Company served on the lines at the expiration of the nine Months the Company were dismissed at the Camp of Watk. Smith in Stamford by Lieut. Hays when he enlisted them to re-enlist into the same for three months to make up the year - The Defendant & the said Prescott re-enlisted without going home & served three months more in the same Company making in the whole a full year & was again dismissed at the same place in March 1782 - Immediately after this the Defendant & the said Prescott volun- -teered or were drafted to serve as minute men under Capt. Bangs -in Dutch for a term of four Months & served out their times whether they were drafted or whether they volunteered Defendant is not certain but does well remember that they both served under Capt. Bangs for the term of four months - They were most of the time on duty but not constantly - They were some part of the time at home but at all times liable to be called at a minutes warning
Sworn to of Subscribed the day of year aforesaid
Thos Dixon
I certify that Thos Dixon the above deponent is a credible person Wm. H. Judson Judge

State of Connecticut } Stamford Probate District Fairfield County } August 17 th 1832
Personally appeared before the Court of Probate for said district now sitting in open Court Ad. Samuel Dean of Stamford in said District who being first duly sworn according to Law on his oath says that he is well acquainted with Samuel Prescott who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing Declaration & that he knows the said Prescott was an enlisted Soldier in a Company of State Troops called Rangers, commanded by Capt. Charles Smith, Lieut. J. P. Hays in the year 1781. The Deponent was an enlisted Soldier in said Company at the time, The Deponent enlisted early in Jan'y of that year shortly after which, he enlisted into Capt. Sacketts Company of the United States Army on the Continental establishment but remained with the Rangers til he was called to join the United States Capt. Sacketts Company which was in the Spring about the Month of March of the same year - Capt. Sacketts Company & Capt. Smiths Company of Rangers, were employed on the lines, til Capt. Sacketts Company to whom the Deponent then belonged was called to join the United States Army which was done time in June of the same year - The Deponent well remembers that the said Prescott was a Soldier in said Company of Rangers up to the time that he was called to join the general Army -
Samuel Dean
Sworn to & subscribed to this 17 th day of August,
I certify that Samuel Dean, the above deponent is a credible person J. H. Huntington Judge

Hon Loren P. Waldo
Dear Sir,
Some months since I enclosed to you an application for a Pension in behalf of the children of Sarah Miller. The receipt of which was in due time acknowledged. In the same envelope, was enclosed the application for a pension of Anne Provost, widow of Samuel Provost from which I have never heard
Mr Provost was himself a pensioner since the war of '32 - and I gave his widow encouragement that her pension would be soon forthcoming - she begins to feel that I have neglected her.
Will you have the goodness to let me hear from you regarding this case?
Most respectfully
Stanford } Oct 17. 1854 }
Your obt - servt
Joshua B. Ferris