Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15613, for Stephen Reed, Massachusetts

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Reed, Stephen
S. 15613
CONTENTS
carded

Vermont 17.475
Stephen Reed
of Windsor Co. in the State of Vermont who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the reg't commanded by Col. Reed in the Mass. Mil. time for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 113 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831. (Reduced from $133.33)
Certificate of Pension issued the 18. day of July 1839 and sent to Thos. F. Hammond, Windsor, Vt.
Arrears to the 14th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book C. 2. Vol. 3 Page 96
Letter to Thos. F. Hammond to the Pension Agent 18 July 1839

Declaration of Stephen Reed State of Vermont, County of Windsor ss } District of Windsor ss.
On this sixth day of August in the year of Our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two personally appeared in open court, before the Probate Court within and for the District of Windsor in the state of Vermont, now sitting, Stephen Reed, a resident of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and state of Vermont, aged seventy-eight years, who being first duly sworn according to law, to wit 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.
That in the year 1775 the declarant lived in the town of Westford, County of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that he turned out

as a minute man; was in Concord and Lexington Battles - and in the latter part of April, or fore part of May 1775 at Cambridge, the declarant enlisted as a private for 8 months into Capt. Joshua Parker's company, and Col o William Prescott's Regiment, was stationed during the whole time at, or near, Cambridge, was in the Battle of Bunker Hill - When his time was out, was discharged and returned to Westford, and remained there through the winter. The declarant further states that in July, as he thinks, 1776 he volunteered into Capt. Joshua Parker's company, in Col o Reed's Regiment, for 5 months; marched to Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain to oppose the progress of Burgoyne's Army up the Lake - There remained during the 5 months, and returned back to Westford. The declarant further states, that in the month of May 1778 he enlisted as a private for 3 months into Capt. - Woods company, and Col o Reed's Regiment, was called to Cambridge to guard the prisoners taken from Burgoyne's Army. Served there 3 months

and was discharged and returned to Westford - subsequently moved to Groton, Mass. thence to Ludlow, Vermont and thence to Weathersfield, in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, where declarant has resided 37 years - The declarant states he has no written discharges, and if he ever had any he has lost them.
He hereby relinquishes every claim 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.
He was born at Westford in the State of Massachusetts on the 26 th day of March 1754 - There is a record of his age in said town of Westford. He was living at said Westford, when called into service. He states that he knew Genl. Benedict Arnold and Genl. Gates, He stated that Genl. Gates and Genl. Arnold were together in the same House, and that the Regiment to which the Declarant belonged, was stationed not more than fifty or sixty rods from the House where they quartered - He knew Genl. Lee and Genl. Putnam at Cambridge in the eight months service; He also knew Genl. Washington at Cambridge in the eight months service. He states the names of Mr. Upham and Mr. Burlingame, or persons,

to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services, as a Soldier of the Revolution.
Stephen Reed
Sworn to, and subscribed the } day and year aforesaid.
Jabez Proctor Judge
We the undersigned residing in the town of Waits- field in the County of Windsor and State of Ver- mont, and Ira Burlingame now residing in Waits- Cavendish in the County and State aforesaid, but till lately having resided in the town of Waits- field aforesaid, ever since he was born, do here- by certify, that we are well acquainted with Stephen Reed, who has subscribed, and sworn to, the above declaration; that we believe him to be twenty eight years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to, and subscribed } the day and year aforesaid.
Asa W. Wm
Ira Burlingame
Jabez Proctor Judge
And the said Court do hereby certify, and 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 Revolution- ary Soldier, and served, as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that Asa W. Wm, who has signed the preceding Cer- tificate, is a resident in the town of Waitsfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, and that Ira Burlingame, who has also signed the same, was a resident in the said Town of Waits- field, till lately, and is now a resident in Cav-

endish in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, and are credible persons, and their Statement is entitled to credit.
Jabez Proctor Judge
I, Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court, within and for the District of Windsor, in the State of Vermont do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Reed for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, this sixth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Reuben Washburn. —
Supplementary Declaration of Stephen Reed — State of Vermont. } On this fifteenth day of District of Windsor, ss. } June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three, personally appeared in open Court before the Probate Court within and for the District of Windsor in the State of Vermont, now sitting, Stephen Reed, a resident of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged Seventy nine years the twenty sixth day of last March, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath, make the following Supplementary Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 —
That in respect to his term of five months service in 1776, mentioned in his original Declaration, herunto annexed, the Declarant about a week before the said five months expired,

marched with his Company to Albany, New York, and at the expiration of the said five months, the said Company were all dismissed together at said Albany, but did not receive any written Discharge, and the Declarant then returned immediately to Westford, Massachusetts -
That he has no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his service, except Ephraim Heald, Ephraim Dutton, and Timothy Stone, whose Depositions are hereto annexed -
Sworn to, and subscribed } Stephen Reed the day and year aforesaid. }
Jabez Proctor Judge
We James Converse, a Clergyman, residing in the Town of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, and Carlos Cowles, residing in the same Town of Weathersfield, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Stephen Reed, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy nine years of age and upwards; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood, where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. -
Sworn to, and subscribed } the day and year aforesaid. }
James Converse Carlos Cowles
Jabez Proctor Judge
And the said Court do hereby certify, that it appears to them, that James Converse, who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the Town of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont, and that Carlos Cowles, who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same Town of Weathersfield, and, that their Statement is entitled to full credit. -
Jabez Proctor Judge

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Stephen Bird , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau.
S. 15,613
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     April, 1775 ✓ Minuteman ✓ Mass.   April, 1775 8 mos. Pvt. Joshua Parker William Prescott   July, 1776 5 mos. " Joshua Parker Jonathan Bird   Mar. 1778 ✓ " Wood- Bird  
Battles engaged in, Lexington & Concord, Bunker Hill Residence of soldier at enlistment, Norford, Middlesex Co., Mass. Date of application for pension, Aug. 6, 1832. U. S. Residence at date of application, Matherfield, Windsor Co., Vt. Age at date of application, b. Norford, Mass. Mar. 26, 1754
Remarks: No family data in hand.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

15613 INVALID.
File No. 15 18
Stephen S. ...
St. ...
Act: June 7 th 82
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 313
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1912, March 15. Hist to Harry Laworthy.
1915 May 7: History to Mr Geo. S. Stewart. M.B.H.

Reduce to $43:33 per annum. Issue a new Certificate & send to Thos F. Hammond Esq. Windsor, Vt.
Stephen Read Vt act 7 June when last paid? h d 4 Sep 1837 JH May 17 1838

17.475  Vermont  Stephen Reed  of Windsor Co in the State of Vermont who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col Reed in the Mass. militia for 16 mos.
scribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 53 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Copy of Pension issued the 22 day of Aug. 1833 and sent to  R. Washburn Ludlow.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $106.66 Semi-annual allowance ending Septm 26.66
$133.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Ad June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book C Vol. 3 Page 87
Let H. Powell Mar 1 '37- Pen Agents same day do - do - March 14: 38- do do Hon H. Everett May 29. 1838

Nov 186
heat
W.S.P.
Rev. Charles H.
Con. of P. Island
W. Virginia
26.

Windsor Nov 28. Dec 1837
Sir
I request you to re-examine the Russian papers of Major Raper of Westminster P o for the purpose of ascertaining whether they do not warrant an increase of pension. — He thinks he is not allowed for the full end of the service provided
I am respectfully
Your obedt Servt
Admiral Boscawen
Ad. Boscawen Windsor Nov 28. Dec 1837

Darlington 15 May 1853
Sir
I enclose the Pension certificate of Capt. D for renewal & am respectfully Yours obedt Servt H. Edwards
C. A. Edwards Esq Comr. of Pensions
 21.13   31 9.98  26.66   346.64  303.31  
 43.33   303.31   346.64  366.64  

Stephen Radt

Washington 8. March 1838
Sir
I enclose a letter asking information in relation to the case of Miss Reed & am very respectfully &c H. Scoble
J. L. Edwards Esq Secy of Pen.

Payments to be made at Burlington by Pres d M c L. B r Bank Agent for paying Pension- ers, in the Agency of Vermont.
Issue new Certificate for 13 mo pri 43.33.
Send to Hon. H. Everett.
Recorded in the Pension Of- fice, in Book C Vol. 3 Page 87 by W. L. Williams, Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832,
Stephen Reed of the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Revolutionary war
is entitled to receive Eighty Three dollars and Thirty Three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
GIVEN at the War Office of the United States, this Twenty Second day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty- Three
Lewis Cass Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J. L. Edward Commissioner of Pensions.

Windsor May 10 1838
My Dear Sir
Will you be so good as to send the Certificate of Stephen Reed to the Commissioners of Pensions, for the issuing of a new Certificate suited to the rate of reduction declared by the Department: I forward the new Certificate to me.
Very Truly
Yours
Charles Verelst
W. A. B. Everett

Endoma NY. March 11-1912
To the pension office Department of the interior Washington D.C.
Gentlemen I am obliged to bother you again as the descendants of Stephen William Reed insist he received a pension from the U.S. Government. I enclose letters which you will please return. The name might have been spelt different when pension was granted to him, thanking you for any information you may find in your office and for your courtesy in looking the matter up whether you find anything or not
The man we are interested in was known by the name of Stephen William Reed. you have already under date of Jan 17-1912 written you do not find a record of a pension being granted to him. Please read enclosed letters and make our more examination of the old records again thanking you
I am yours truly Henry Leworthy Endoma NY.

One 2 ct Stamp      Stamp ret'd Enclosed M              w P.W.
Concord, Mass. May 1, 1915.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I wish to obtain from the records of the Pension Bureau the military history of the following Revolutionary pensioners, together with such family data as your files contain regarding each: —
1. William Stewart , of Knox County, Ohio, 1833, who served in the Conn. militia. 2. Noah Harrod , of Worcester County, Mass. who served in Mass. troops. 3. Stephen Read (or Reed) of Weathersfield Vt. 1840, enlisted at Westford Mass.
Thanking you for this information & for past favors, I remain,
Respectfully Yours,
George S. Stewart Concord, Mass.

3124
Stephen Reed
Admit
16 mo's
R. Washburn Esq. Ludlow Vt

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 3 - 1833
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 subjunct 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. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of
   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.      
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Mr Stephen Reed -

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 days 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 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 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 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 [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule 10 note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] 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.
Services in 98 not proved

I Timothy Stone of Caermelish in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont aged seventy eight years do testify and say that in June or July 1776 at Ashby in the County of Middlesex and State of Massachusetts I enlisted into Capt. Joshua Parkers Company & Col Jonathan Reeds Regiment and marched to No 4. now called Charlestown V. H. and from thence to Lyndeborough where I remained until my time was nearly out for which I enlisted which was 5 months, & from thence to Albany where I was dismissed during said term of 5 months. Stephen Reed formerly of Westford in the County of Middlesex & State of Massachusetts now of Matthewsfield in the County of Windsor and State of Vermont was in the same company with me & did duty as a private during the said term of 5 months, and was dismissed at Albany at the same time with me. Timothy Stone
State of Vermont District of Windsor ss } On this fifteenth day of June A. D. 1833 - personally appeared in open court, before the Probate Court within and for the District aforesaid, now sitting - The above named Timothy Stone, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above affidavit, by him subscribed - And the said Court further certifies, that the said Timothy Stone is a credible witness, and that his statement is entitled to full credit. Jabez Proctor Judge

I Reuben Washburn, Register of the Probate Court within and for the District of Windsor and State of Vermont, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original and supplementary proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Stephen Reed for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this fifteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight Hundred and thirty three.
Reuben Washburn. —

Disposition of Elmer Head for Stephen Reed —

I Ephraim Heat of Ludlow in the County of Windsor & State of Vermont do depose & say that I was was a resident in the Town of Westford in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1775, that I was called out, and was in the Battles of Lexington & Concord and that I, immediately after, that is, on the last of April 1775 enlisted at Cambridge Mass. and that I continued in the Army of the Revolution which was in the vicinity of Boston till the last of December 1775 when I was discharged —
And I further testify and say that Stephen Reed, now of Weatherfield in the County of Windsor aforesaid, was, in the year 1775 a neighbour of mine in said Town of Westford, that he was with me at the Battles of Lexington & Concord, and that he enlisted with me in the Revolutionary War at Cambridge, and was in the same Company with me, and continued with me in the Army till the last of December 1775 & that he was then discharged with me, and that I know said Stephen Reed did actual service in the Army in the year 1775 for the term of eight Months — We were in the Company commanded by Capt Parker & in Col. Prescott's Regiment —
Ephraim Heat
State of Vermont } Ludlow July 17. 1892 Personally Windsor County ss } appeared Ephraim Heat above named and made oath in due form of Law that the foregoing Deposition by him submitted contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth —
I certify that the said Ephraim Heat is a credible witness —
Stephen Cummings Justice Peace

(State of Vermont, 2 Woodstock County Clerks Windsor County, ss.) Office - May 31 st 1833 -
I Benjamin Swan, Clerk of the County Court for said County of Windsor, Do hereby certify, that Stephen Cummings is one of the Justices of the Peace within and for said County, and that the within is his genuine Signature.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court, and subscribed my Name the day and Year above written.
Benj o Swan

Windsor, Vermont, July 11 th 1839.
Sir.
Stephen Reed of Weathersfield, Vermont, aged 85 years, to me well known as a person of respectability and truth, makes the following statements, with a request that I should officially communicate the same to you. That in 1833, he was placed upon the pension list, roll of the Vermont Agency, at the rate of $53.33 per annum, under the Act of June 7, 1832, for Revolutionary services by him performed as a Private, to wit. 8 months in 1775, 5 months in 1776, and 3 months as a guard at Cambridge in 1778; that he received a pension certificate and regularly drew a pension of 53.33 per annum, from the 4 th of March, 1831, to the 4 th of September, 1837, soon after which a re-examination of his papers was had in the pension department, and he was thereupon informed through the Hon. H. Everett, that unless further proof of the said 3 months service should be adduced, his pension pension would be reduced to 43.33 per annum.
That in relation to the said 3 months service, he actually engaged at Cambridge, Ms. in 1778, for 3 months as a guard in Capt. Wood's Company, and for a time did duty in said Company, how long he cannot now tell, when he hired a substitute to take his place, whose name he has forgotten; that when he made his Declaration for a pension, he verily believed himself entitled to a pension for the said 3 months service, but being now satisfied of the error, he is willing to receive and accept a pension certificate for 43.33 per annum; and that in relation to the $10.00 per annum which has been overpaid him for six and a half years, he is willing to be governed by the rules of the Department in similar cases. (Perhaps it should be treated as a debt due from him to the U.S.) His pension certificate he supposes to be in the Department. If it be necessary that Mr. Reed subscribe a formal application, you will please to furnish me with suitable forms. Any communication made to me on the subject, will be forthwith communicated to the said Stephen Reed.
I have the honor to subscribe myself, under my official signature, very respectfully your Obedient Servant
Thomas F. Hammond Judge of Probate for the district of Windsor, Vermont.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Washington City D. C.

The per an- d him ent
Browns Ville } N.T. July 13 }
Free
July 17
Em
St. Read Mr. M c
War Department, Pension Office. Washington City, D. C.

Deposition of Ephraim Dutton for Stephen Reed

I Ephraim Dutton of Ludlow in the County of Windsor & state of Vermont, do depose & say that I am a pensioner of the United States under the acts of 1818, 1820 & 1823, that I was a resident in the Town of Westford in the State of Massachusetts in the year 1775, that I was called out, and was in the Battles of Lexington & Concord, and that I, immediately after, that is, on the last of April 1775 enlisted at Cambridge Mass. and that I continued in the Army which was in the vicinity of Boston till the last of December 1775 when I was discharged —
And I further testify and say that Stephen Reed now of Weathersfield in the County of Windsor aforesaid was, in the year 1775, a neighbour of mine in said Town of Westford, that he was with me at the Battles of Lexington & Concord and that he enlisted with me in the Revolutionary War at Cambridge and was in the same company with me, and continued with me in the Army till the last of Dec. 1775 & that he was then discharged with me, and that I know said Reed did actual service in the Army in the year 1775 for the term of Eight Months. We were in the Company commanded by Capt. Parker & in Col. Prescott's Regiment
And I further depose & say that the said Stephen Reed and myself enlisted at the same time, in the Town of Westford aforesaid, under Capt. Parker & in Col. Reed's Regiment in the Month of June 1776 for five months, and that we marched immediately after entering to Scituate in the State of New York, where we remained till the last of November, having completed the full term for which we enlisted, when we were discharged, and returned home together; And I am knowing that the said Stephen Reed did actual service as above stated in the Army of the Revolution in the year 1776 for the term of five Months —
Ephraim Dutton

State of Vermont Windsor County ss } Sudlow July 17. 1832 Personally appeared the within named deponent Ephraim Dutton and made oath in due form of law that the within named deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth & nothing but the truth — I further certify that the said Ephraim Dutton is a credible witness —
Stephen Cummings Justice Peace
State of Vermont } Windsor County } ss } I Benjamin Swan Clerk of Windsor County board do hereby certify that Stephen Cummings who has offered his name to the foregoing is a Magistrate duly qualified and that I believe the same to be his genuine signature In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Woodstock the Eleventh day of August A.D. 1832
Benj. Swan Clerk

Stephen Reed-
16 No 5194.
> 1830