Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 8286, for Joseph Plumb, Connecticut

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Conn.
Plumb, Joseph
NUMBER 79 8286
CONTENTS

Joseph Plumb Declaration.

State of New York County of Franklin } On this fifteenth Day of October in the year 1832 personally appeared before the Judge 1st Page of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting at the Court House in the Town of Malone in and for the County of Franklin Joseph Plumb a resident of the Town of Bangor in the County of Franklin and State of New York aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to ob- tain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he was born at Woodbury in the County of Litchfield in the State of Connecticut on the fifteenth day of March in the year 1762 as he believes that he has no record of his age That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the Month of November in the year 1777 at Woodbury aforesaid in a Corps of Artificers under Lieutenant Thompson for three years, after which enlistment he was allowed to remain at home at Woodbury till about the last of March or beginning of April 1778 when he was ordered to Danbury in Connecticut where he joined the Corps of Artificers and was stationed there about one Month when he with a part of the said Corps marched — under one Sergeant Whiting to Fish Kill on the Hudson River in the State of New York where he remained a short time and went to the Highlands on the east side of the Hudson and there enlisted at a place called Robinson's House in the Month of May 1778 as he believes by the order of Captain Humphrey into the Company commanded by Captain David Humphrey in Col. Jonathan Trigg's Regiment in the Connecticut line of Continental Troops to serve during the war that after this enlistment he received a furlough for twenty days at the end of which he entered into actual service in the said Company & Regiment as a private soldier at the

2nd P.
Highlands on the east side of Hudson River. that  some time during the time the Regiment remained there they were employed in building Fort Putnam That the said Regiment removed some time in the summer or fall of the year 1778 as he believes to White Plains in the State of New York and late in the fall of that year removed to Redding in the State of Connecticut for Winter quarters In the spring of the year 1779 the Regiment removed to Stamford in the State of Connecticut where we remained during a part of the summer and then removed to Verplank's Point opposite to Stony Point soon after the capture of the Fort on Stony Point by Genl. Wayne that a part of Col. Muggs Regiment as he mollts were engaged in the attack on Stony Point but he was not in that engagement that at Verplank's Point he labored with the Regiment in demolishing the British works which had been erected there remained there till late in the fall of 1779 the Regiment then removed to Morristown in New Jersey where they re- mained till the month of March in the year 1780 as he believes and that he served in the said Company & Regiment under the before named Officers from the time he entered after entering out of the Corps of Artillery till the time last mentioned that some time  about that during the latter part of the previous Capt. Coly some time in the month of March he believes towards the last of the month his father came to the Quarters of the Regiment at Morristown which Regiment was then according to his present recollection commanded by Lieut. Col. Ebenezer Gray for the purpose of procuring his release from the army and brought a substitute of the name of David Chittenden as he believes to take his place that at the time of the arrival of his father he was on guard at a place called
in the State of Connecticut

India about 7 or 8 Miles from Morristown that the said Christopher was accepted as a Sub statute and he received a passport signed by Lieut Col Gray to return home that he did then return home with his Father to Woodbury and did not return to the Army. that he kept the said passport ten or fifteen years and then lost it and has not since seen it
That at the close of the war of the revolution he resided at Washington which was part of what was formerly called Woodbury and resided there till about the year 1784 then removed to Cornwall in the County of Addison State of Vermont where he resided about four years then removed to Myrbridge in the same County State where he resided 8 or 9 years then removed to Middlebury in the same County where he resided seven years then removed to Morea in the County of Franklin State of New York where he resided one year and then removed to Bangor in the County of Franklin State of New York where he has continued to reside till this day & now resides there
That he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service
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.
Sworn and subscribed this
Day & year aforesaid 5 Joseph Plumb
John H Russell Dist. Clerk
N. B. On the first page, the words "two" and "enlistment" erased also the words "Bangor" and "was" written on an erasure. On the second page the words "some time" erased & the words "except that during the latter part of his service Capt. Ely commanded the Company"

and also the word "Regiment" interlined - all done before signing -
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting their interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states - And the Court further certify
I, John H Russell Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Franklin, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Plumb for a pension -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 17 th day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty two -
John H Russell Dep. Clerk
Joseph Plumb Declaration.

Province of Canada County of York ss. At a Surrogates court held at Toronto in and for said County on the first day of June. In the year of our Lord One Thousand eight hundred and fifty two before the Honorable Samuel B Harrison Judge of the said Court. Personally appeared Deborah Siking late widow of Joseph Plumb deceased who being duly sworn according to law on her oath says, that she was the wife and widow of the said Joseph Plumb deceased, and makes this declaration in order to obtain the pension due to her said Husband the said Joseph Plumb at the time of his death, under the Act of Congress of the United States of the 7th of June 1832. X That during the Revolutionary war the said Joseph Plumb resided in the State of Con- necticut and was a native of Litchfield or Fairfield County in that State. She believes That he was born or resided at a place called Washington in that State, and was in the service of the United States a consider- able portion of the Revolutionary war. X The deponent has frequently heard him relate his services and mention his Officers, but she cannot remember the names of his Captains or the periods and duties of his service, and he left no  no statement of the same never having made application for a pension, but she has heard him say that if he lived in the States he could get a pension. The deponent remembers that her Husband stated the names of Colonels Miigs and Enos or Eno, and told of serving under them and she therefore supposed he served in their Regiments. That he served in the Connecticut

troops or line, and believes he served in the Continental troops, as he said he enlisted but whether for three years or during the war the deponent cannot say but she understood from her husband that he was discharged before the close of the war.
The deponent remembers her said husband stated that he went with the detachment of soldiers in pursuit of the Indians found their camp and fires burning at Oswego, that he was in Bennington Battle in Vermont, and some other engagements not now remembered, that he served the period of his enlistment and was honorably discharged, from which the deponent thinks he enlisted for three years, but from the account given and the relation of his services she believes he was in the service of the United States more than three years during the Revolution. These facts she believes to be true as well from the relations of her said husband, as from the relations of other soldiers of the Revolution who were acquainted with her husband during the war.
X The deponent further says she is about seventy four years of age, that she was married to the said Joseph Plumb in June A.D. 1798, thinks it was the 22 d day of the month but is not positive. They were lawfully married by Adolphus Walbridge a Justice of the peace, in a place called Four Corners in the house of Israel Ferris in the County of Chenango in the State of New York, and that previous to her marriage her name was Deborah Bentley, that her husband the said James Joseph Plumb died on the eleventh day of July A.D. 1836 in the township of Pickering in the province of Canada. X The deponent was not acquainted with the said Joseph Plumb her late husband.

until many years after the war of the Revolution and was not acquainted with his family or his early history, but has no doubt that the information given by her husband in relation to his service is true. The Deponent is now the wife of James Liking of Pickering Province of Canada. —  Sworn and subscribed this first day of June 1852 Before me, having been read and fully explained to the Deponent. — She made her mark and cannot write.
her Deborah X Liking mark
W. H. Harrison
Ministrate
I Samuel B. Harrison Judge of the Surrogates Court in and for the County of York in the Province of Canada, do hereby certify, that from the testimony exhibited before me and hereto annexed with the Seal of the said Court, that Joseph Plumb died on the Eleventh day of July in the year One Thousand eight hundred and thirty six in Pickering in the Province of Canada and that he was reputed to have been an American soldier of the Revolution, that he left Deborah Plumb his widow him surviving, who is now the wife of James Liking and she has subscribed and made oath to the foregoing declaration. And I also certify that I believe the said Deborah Liking to be the person described in the said Declaration of good character and entitled to credit and belief.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Toronto in the County of York Province of Canada this
W. S. [Signature] Registrar
W. H. Harrison Ministrate

Province of Canada,
County of York ss. William Hartwick being duly sworn by me according to law, on his oath says, he was personally acquainted with Joseph Plumb deceased who died on the eleventh day of July 1836 in the town of Pickering in this County. — The deponent further says he had been acquainted with the said Joseph Plumb for a long time previous to his death and that it was generally believed that he had been an American Soldier in the Revolutionary war. The deponent assisted in laying out the Body of the said Joseph Plumb and attended his funeral, and he arrives at the date of his death from two circumstances, viz. That he made a land trade about the time of the said Joseph Plumb's death, and the writings are dated in the year 1836, he also remembers that several of the Neighbours were absent at the time of the funeral & he was then informed, they were gone to attend the Meeting of the Orange Lodge in the sixth Concession which meeting was on the 12 th of July, (the day of the funeral), that being the day of their Public procession, and a meeting that was generally known and well recollected.
The deponent further says that the said Joseph Plumb on, at the time of his death left him surviving Deborah Plumb his Widow, who is now the wife of Janus Perkins.
Sworn and subscribed
this 26 th day of April —
1852 Before me, and I hereby certify
that the deponent is entitled to full
credit & belief.
William Hartwick P. J. Whitney N.P. C. G.

1251 Office of the Clerk of the Peace United Counties of York Ontario & Peel Toronto 1 st June 1852
I certify that Paul F Whitney of the Township of Pickering in the County of Ontario Esquire is one of Her Majesty Justices of the Peace duly appointed and qualified to act as such in and for the United Counties of York Ontario and Peel, and I verily believe that the name "P. F. Whitney" signed to the within Affidavit is of the proper hand writing of the said Paul F Whitney Justice as aforesaid.
[Signature]
Clerk Peace U.C.O.P. J. P. P.

Province of Canada } Rachel Bitts affirmed County of York } Sarah Bitts being duly sworn says, that she the deponent was well acquainted with Joseph Plumb deceased previous to his death. & she well remembers the funeral, as the procession in going to the grave, passed her House, and the deponent believes the funeral took place between the first and middle of July 1836 as she believes, in three or four weeks after the funeral the deponent was confined, and her daughter was born on the fifth day of August 1836 and that the birth is so recorded in their family record. The deponent well recollects that the funeral of the said Joseph Plumb took place a short time before her confinement & that she did not attend the funeral — — — — —
affirmed sworn and subscribed this 12 th day of May 1852
1852 Before me, and I certify the above deponent to be a person of good character & entitled to full credit & belief —
P. J. Whitney J.P.
her Rachel Bitts mark
Province of Canada County of York } Isaac Pritchett being duly sworn according to law on his oath says, that he was well acquainted with Joseph Plumb previous to his death, that it was generally understood and believed in the neighbourhood where he lived that he had been a Soldier in Army of the United States in the Revolutionary War, that he the said Joseph Plumb died on or about

eleventh day of July 1836, & that he attended the funeral which the deponent believes was the 12 th of the month. The Deponent had a son born on the third day of March 1836 & he knows that Mr. Plumb died in July afterwards. The deponent had a relative by the name of Nathan Osborne who removed in the Summer of 1836 and that they had dealings between them, and papers and receipts were executed between them dated in August 1836, and the removal and business was transacted shortly after the death of the said Joseph Plumb, and in making this deposition the deponent has reference to the record of the birth of his son, and the business transacted as above stated in arriving at the date of the death as above stated.
The deponent further says that at the death of the said Joseph Plumb, he left him surviving, Deborah Plumb his widow, who now is the wife of James Perkins.
Sworn and Subscribed this nineteenth day of April } Isaac Fitchet 1882 Before me, and I certify the above deponent to be a credible person entitled to full credit and belief — P. F. Whitney J.P. C.S.

Office of the Clerk of the Peace for the United Counties of York Ontario Peel Toronto 1 st June 1862.
I certify that Paul J. Whitney of the Township of Pickering Esquire, is one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace duly appointed and qualified to act in and for the United Counties of York Ontario and Peel, and I verily believe that the names "P. J. Whitney" written to the annexed two Affidavits are of the proper hand writing of the said Paul J. Whitney, Justice as aforesaid.
Clerk Peace U.C.O. J. P. H.
credible person intitled to full credit and belief P. J. Whitney J.P. C. of P.

Surrogates Certificate in case of the Children of Joseph Plumb July 21. 1840.

State of New York } Surrogate's office Franklin County, ss. January 21, 1840
I certify that at a Surrogate's court held in and for the county of Franklin aforesaid on the day and year aforesaid satisfactory evidence was adduced to me that to prove that William Plumb of Bangor in said county, Lucius Plumb of Bangor aforesaid and Abigail Wilson wife of Madison Wilson of Bangor aforesaid are the only children of Joseph Plumb late of Bangor aforesaid deceased who was reputed to have been a soldier in the army of the Revolution and that he served under Colonel Mings of the Connecticut Line continental establishment for the space of about two years and that said Joseph Plumb died at Bangor aforesaid on the 3 d day of October 1838 without leaving any widow aged about seventy seven years
Given under the hand and official seal of the Surrogate of said county of Franklin at Maine this 21. day of January 1840
Sidney Lawrence Surrogate

Surrogates Certificate in case of the Children of Joseph Plumb July 21. 1840.
To the Honorable

William Plumb Lucius Plumb Abigail Wilson to J Douglas Woodward Power of Atty.
Nov 9. 18

Know all men by these presents that we the only children of Joseph Plumb late of Bangor New York deceased a private in Meigs Connecticut Regiment do hereby authorise and appoint J Douglas Woodward of P'keepsie New York our true lawful Attorney for us and in our names to ask demand and receive of and from any officer or person authorised or who may hereafter be authorised to pay the same the amounts of Pension to which said Joseph Plumb was entitled from the U.S. from March 4. 1831. to the third day of October 1838 1839 , that being the day of his death, & we authorise our said Attorney to take such measures for the obtaining payment of said pensions as he shall deem proper to execute sufficient receipts and discharges for the same, and do hereby ratify and confirm whatever our said Attorney shall lawfully do or cause to be done in the premises. Witness our hands & seals at Malmothis 18 th day of January 1840. —
Signed Sealed and delivered In the presence of 1839 being first erased
R. G. Fook
Wm Plumb
Lucius Plumb
Abigail Wilson
State of New York Franklin County ss.
Be it remembered that on this 28 th Day of January A.D. 1840 Before the Undersigned a Commissioner of Deeds, in & for said County, authorized by Law to take the proof & acknowledgement of Deeds &c therein personally appeared William Plumb, Lucius Plumb, & Abigail Wilson described in & who executed the above Power of Attorney & known to me to be the same persons who executed the same, & being by me examined acknowledged sincerely that they signed sealed & delivered the same as their free & voluntary act & deed for the purposes therein expressed —
Richard G. Fook

State of New York } I, Micah S. Meeker, Clerk of the County of Franklin } County of Franklin do hereby certify that Richard G. Root, Esq., whose name is subscribed to the within Certificate of acknowledgment & therein written was on the day of the date of the said Certificate a Commissioned Clerk in and for said County, Commissioner and sworn and duly authorized by law to act as such That I am well acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe his signature to the said within certificate is genuine Given under my hand and the seal of said County the 28th day of January 1840 W. S. Meeker Clerk
William Plumb & Lucius Plumb & Abigail Wilson to Douglas Woodward Power of Atty.

Joseph Plumb
Deserted 28 May 1780 no such man as Asahel Chittenden in Humphrey's Comp. Meigs Regt.
Rejected
See letter to Hon. A. B. Fletcher
Mr. Hogan
H of Rep
Rejected

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Plumb  of Bangor in the State of N. York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Nov. In 1777. enlisted in the Corps of Artificers for 3 years, was allowed to remain at home until April 1778. at which time he joined the Corps and served until May 1778. at which time, he states he enlisted for "during the War" under Capt David Humphrey in Col: Jon: Miley's Reg: Connecticut Line, and continued to serve therein until late in March 1780 (as he believes) and then furnished a Substitute (Asahel Chittenden) and returned to his home As a Gen.  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None named  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Woodbury Connecticut  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? No evidence adduced  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? they are duly authenticated 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. Gordon Examining Clerk.

JOSEPH PLUMB.
[To accompany bill H. R. No. 146.]
————— FEBRUARY 9, 1842. —————
Mr. FORNANCE, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, to whom was referred the petition of the children of Joseph Plumb, late of Bangor, in the State of New York, deceased, have re-examined the same, and present the following report, made at last Congress :
Mr. DAVIES, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, submitted the following report :
That Joseph Plumb, then of Woodbury, in the State of Connecticut, in the month of November, 1777, entered the army in a corps of artificers, under Lieutenant Thompson, for three years ; that, after his enlistment, he was allowed to remain at home till about the last of March or beginning of April, 1778, when he was ordered to Danbury, and thence to Fishkill and the Highlands, on the east side of the Hudson, and there enlisted for the war, in Captain Humphrey's company, commanded by Colonel Return J. Meigs, in the Connecticut continental line ; that he continued in the army until the spring of the year 1780, when his father, Isaac Plumb, understanding that he was sick at Morristown, New Jersey, hired Asahel Chittenden, for a bounty of seventy pounds, as a substitute, and went with him to Morristown, where he was accepted by the officers then in command at that place, as a substitute for his son. On examining the rolls, the name of Chittenden is not found ; but one of the witnesses swears positively that Chittenden told him, after the war, "that he enlisted as a substitute in the army of the United States for Joseph Plumb ; that he deserted to the British army, and served in it during the war."
Joseph Plumb, under date of the 15th of October, 1832, applied to the War Department for a pension. His claim was examined January 29th, 1833, and rejected, on the ground of desertion.
The committee are of opinion that the proof of more than two years' service is full and conclusive ; that the claim ought to have been allowed ; and therefore report a bill for two years' service, according to the provisions of the act of June 7th, 1832, commencing on the 4th day of March, 1831, and ending on the 3d day of October, 1838, the day of the death of the said Joseph Plumb.

HR 146.
27th CONGRESS, 2d Session.
[SENATE.]
[ 287 ]
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
MAY 3, 1842.
Ordered to be printed.—To accompany bill H. R. 146.
Mr. SEVIER made the following
REPORT:
The Committee on Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 146) for the relief of the heirs of Joseph Plumb, report:
That the records of the War Department show, that Joseph Plumb, for whose military services his children claim a pension under the act of the 9th of June, 1832, enlisted into Captain Humphrey's company, in the regiment of Colonel R. J. Meigs, of the Connecticut continental line, on the 1st of May, 1778, and that he deserted May 20, 1780. The desertion which the records of the Department establish, is contradicted by the testimony of Alicoan Hulbert, and on his statement the claimants rely, to disprove the desertion ; and secondly it is contended that, under the act aforesaid, two years, service grants a pension, notwithstanding subsequent desertion. The committee are against the petitioners on both the points made in the case; and, therefore, report that the bill for the relief of the heirs of Joseph Plumb be indefinitely postponed.
Thomas Allen, print.

at Berrington Galle

Joseph Plumb
Oct 1832 - 227
In Oct 1832 of Bangor Franklin Co NY aged 70 years lived in Washington Canada
Born in Woodbury, Litchfield Co Conn March 15 1762 He died July 11 1836 Pickering
Washington was part of Woodbury until 1779 memorable Enlisted at Washington as musketeer May 1778 for 3 yrs at Carleton whom he found at Washington under Lt Thompson for one month March to Fishkill where he was transferred to the Co of Capt David Humphreys in Col. Mages Penn Regt to serve during war Employed in building Fort Putnam - remained in Highlands & vicinity & in March or April his father brought a substitute who was accepted In 1784 he removed to Cornwall Addison Co Vt where & in other towns in the same Co he resided about 20 yrs then to Bangor Franklin Co NY where residing in Oct 1832 Children mentioned - John & Lucius both of Bangor, Abigail wife of Andrew Wilson of Bangor * His widow applied June 1852 in York Co Canada aged 74 years old Mar 22 nd June 1798 in Chenango Co NY to Deborah Bentley & remarried Jemima Dickson of Pickering Canada

MS 37.198 Joseph Plumb MS 4
Reprinted
Letter to Hon. Jos. Russell 19 March 1846.
" J. K. Woodward, Nov. 9, '46
" Hon. Jos. Russell, Dec. 19, '46.
" Same Jan. 9, '47.
act 7 June 1832
9 Papers Papers copied & sent Allison to Hon. L. Lawrence, 5 April 1848.

Joseph Plumb
Ny. Act 1832
Rejected. Set to Hm
WR Hogan Jan. 29. 33.
do to J Woodward, May
25. 1837. could not find

Ruby St Clare Mich the December 18 th 1861
Sir
in reply to yours of the 2 nd inst I wish to in- form you that my father Joseph Plunk was not a Pensioner but served in the Revolutionary war & did not get his pay for his service but Sir I think that I am entitled to his pay as it has been proved by my mother before her death and my father's name was found in the Role not Paid and all there has been that his Discharge should not be found but I can he prove that his Discharge and was hurt in his house

If you are not the Gentleman who tends to it Please refer me to them who does and let know me that
Very Respectfully yours
Francis Tilden Ruby St. Lawrence Michigan
Herbert Bundy Commissioner Washington D.C.

37. 198 Joseph Plumb dec NY
Hon Jos Russell Mch 19 1846 " J. B. Woodward Nov 9 1846 " Jos Russell Dec 19 1846 " Same Jany 9 1847 Sam l Lake Octo 21 1852 Prudence Pickett Mch 29 1858 Same May 18, 1858 Same Nov. 27. 1858 1861
8286 (over)
Oct June 7 1832

9 Papers copied and sent to Hon. D. Lawrence & upon it, 1848.

Buffalo Aug. 6 th 1852
SE Heath Esq.
Com r . of Pensions
Sir - Please acknowledge the Receipt of Claim & report in due time hope it will be made without a long delay
Respectfully Yours Samuel Lake

6 Extract of a letter to the Hon. W. R. Hogan, dated War Department, Pension Office, January 29. 1833
"The claim of Joseph Plumb has been examined. It is established by the records of this Office that he deserted on the 20 th of May 1780, which forfeited all claim for previous service, and he alleges none after that period."

Joseph Plumb
New York Act of June 1832
Rejected See letter to Hon: W. R. Morgan House of Representatives
January 29. 1833

Ruby St. Clair Co Mich to the Commishers of Pension office Sir I received your letter of the 29 th of Mar 1858 you wished me to inform you where my Father died when he made application for pension and when he died I wish to inform you that he never made application he was taken sick at the time he was going to make application & died he lived at the time in the township of Pickering upper canada & died in the same place the year 1847 about 16 th July My Mother lived in the same township when she applied for a pension in the village of Canton formerly called Sturgis Creek if you want any further information please to write
Your oldest Servant Prudence Filochet
Apr 21 st 1858

Wm. W. Morgan
Y. 2933
OL.
P. 251
Recorded Vol. 8. Page 268.

Dear Mr. Parton,
Pension off
Jany 1832
Sir.
The claim of Joseph Plumb has been exam- ined This established by the records of this office that he deserted on 20 May 1780 which forfeited all claim for previous service & he alleges none after that period -
Sol. Griffin alleges less than six months service altho he concludes his narrative by calling it 9 mo. The act does not provide for less than 6 months actual service - This service is alleged to have been rendered at 14 years of age as a common soldier which year not be admitted -
Their claims are rejected. Officer's papers placed in file
act T. Jones
Wm Hogan Hon. A. R. Ditcher

Plattsburg N.Y. April 29 1837
James L Edwards Esq Counsel of Pensions
Dr Sir,
I have been employed by Joseph Plumb an applicant for a Pension under the act of June 1832 to look into his case, & understanding that a letter was addressed by you to the Hon. William Hagan in January 1833 stating the objections to an allowance of the claim, I will thank you to furnish me with a copy of such letter, the original being (as we suppose) in possession of Mr Hagan who has left this part of the country.
Yours respectfully
J. Douglas Woodward

37.198 Col. Jos. L. Edwards,
Letter of Case of Joseph Plumb

War Department, Pension Office, May 25. 1837.
Sir, In reply to your letter of the 29 th Ult o . I have to inform you that the claim of Joseph Plumb was examined on the 29 th of January 1833, and rejected, for reasons set forth in a letter of that date to the Hon. W. R. Hogan, an extract from which, so far as it relates to the case, is herewith enclosed.
I am, very respectfully, Your Ob td Serv t J. L. Edwards
J. Douglass Woodward, Esq. Plattsburgh, New-York.

Department of War Pension Office March 3 rd 1838
Sir
In compliance with your request, I hereby certify, that it appears from the roll of Col. R. J. Meigs' regiment of the Conn. Continental line; that "Joseph Plumb" enlisted into Captain "Humphrey's" company, "May 1. 1778", and that he "diserted May 20. '80", and that the words, above quoted, are correctly transcribed from said roll.
(The letter of Mr. Woodward is herewith returned.)
I have the honor to be
Respectfully Yours Ob d Serv t
J. L. Edwards
Dear William Slade Dear Representative
See Plumb's declaration & Hubbard's 2 d affidavit.

Petition of the Children of Joseph Plumb a soldier of the Rev- olution for amount of pension due to him at the time of his Death. —

To the Senate & House of Reps U.S.
The Petition of the undersigned residents of the state of New York only children of Joseph Plumb late of Bangor in said state deceased respectfully sheweth.
That Your Petitioners Father was entitled to a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 having served more than two years as a private in Col Meigs Connecticut Regiment during the revolution, as will appear by the evidence accompanying this petition. Your Petitioners praying for the passage of a law authorizing them to receive the amount of pension due to their said Father at $80 per annum from March 4. 1831 to October 23 rd 1838. that being the day of his death — enclure No January 27 th 1840.
Respectfully Submitted
Wm Plumb
Lucius Plumb
Abigail Willson

Plattsburg February 16, 1846.
Dear Sir,
Will you procure from the files of the House (or at the Pension Office) the Papers in the case of the children of Joseph Plumb including a printed Copy of Report N o 100. made by Mr Randall Footmanfeby 9. 1842. lay them with the enclosed papers before Col. Edwards for a decision. We think the evidence adduced proves that Isabel Glittenden deceased, and not Mr Plumb. So thought the Committee to whom the subject was referred.
Very Respectfully Yours
J. D. Woodward. Atty for the children of Joseph Plumb.
Hon Joseph Russell N. R.
I procured from the files of the House the papers you referred to & presented them with the in close papers to Col. Edwards as you directed Hon. J. D. Woodward J. Russell

Wm. J. Dugren
19 March 1846,

430 Pension Office March 17, 1846
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the case of Joseph Plumb are now been received and filed with the papers.
I can only repeat that the record of the Continental Line of the State of Connecticut in this Office shows that he enlisted in 1778 under Capt Humphrey Col Briggs and deserted 20 May 1780. and unless it can be shown by the record in the Comptroller's Office at Hartford that he did returned and serve out the time for which he engaged, and was paid for the same, his claim cannot be allowed.
The testimony of witnesses will not be received as evidence of Plumb's service, when the it is clearly shown by the record to have been  that he deserted.
Mr. Woodworth's letter is herewith returned.
On Joseph Russell House of Reps
old case

Pension Office, March 19, 1846.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you, that the papers in the case of Joseph Plumb, dec d have been received, and filed. I can only repeat, that the records of the continental line, of the State of Connecticut in this Office, shew that he enlisted in 1778, under Capt. Humphrey, Col. Meigs, and deserted the 20 th of May, 1780; and, unless it can be shown by the records in the Comptroller's Office at Hartford, that he returned and served out the time for which he engaged, and was paid for the same, his claim cannot be allowed. The testimony of witnesses will not be received as evidence of Plumb's service, who is clearly shown by the records, to have been a deserter, W m . Woodward's letter is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, Your Ob t . Serv t . J L. Edwards
Hon. Joseph Russell, House of Representatives.

The Comptroller of Connecticut Letter in case of Plumb
5
J. D. Woodward Esq Plattsburgh N. Y.

Comptroller Office, Connecticut ? Hartford April 20th 1846 5
On application for evidence of the service of Joseph Plumb in the revolutionary war, I find in the records of "Settlement with the 6th Connecticut Regt Return of Men's pay col before Jan 1780" the following entry.
"Joseph Plumb private, commencement of service. May 14, 78. Time of this settlement. Jan 1. 1780, Term one year & 8 months, wages - $ 40-0-0"
After January 1st 1780 I don't find any service in favor of Joseph Plumb, nor do I find that Abner Chittenden served as his substitute, his name not being on the roll. In the year 1780 I find the name of Joshua Plumb in Meigs Regt and no amount of wages credited to him for service. Joshua may have been written instead of Joseph, and so I am inclined to think, as the name of Joshua Plumb is not in the alphabet to the Connecticut line, admitting that Joshua should have been Joseph then Mr Plumb's name was continued while the name of his substitute does not appear
A. Harrington, Comptroller

Please send one dollar in addition to the two dollars re- ceived and we square accounts. Shall be absent from here in two weeks you will be so good as to send by return of mail A. B.
rel not

Plattsburg April 24. 1846.
Dear Sir,
Upon the production of the enclosed Comptroller's Certificate together with the evidence heretofore filed in the case of the Children of Joseph Plumb deceased, we think Col Edwards Comr of Pensions is fully authorised to allow their claim. I hope he will concur in the opinion.
Very truly Yours.
J. D. Woodward, Atty for the Children.
Joseph Rupal. H. Reps.

Hou U
1.

Plattsburg Octr 22. 1846
Sir.
Let me call your attention to the case of the children of Joseph Plumb additional evidence in which, (Certificate of McCarving the Comptroller of Connecticut) was forwarded through Hon. Joseph Russell in April last.
Respectfully Yours
J. D. Woodward Atty for the children.
James L Edwards Esq Counsel of Pleas etc.

J. D. Woodward
Nov. 9, '46.

Pennon office Nov 9. 1846
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 22 o ult. I have to state that a careful examination of the files of this office has been made and it does not appear that the Hon. J. Russell has deposited a certificate from  of the Comptroller of Connecticut in the case of Joseph Plumb,
J. D. Woodward Esq. Pittsburg (N.Y.)

Plattsburg N.Y. Nov: 14. 1846.
Dear Sir
On the 24 th of April last I enclosed to you a Certificate of S t Harrington Esq Comptroller of Connecticut in the case of the children of Joseph Plumb. I have this morning rec d a letter from Col Edwards Comptroller dated Nov 9. 1846. in which he says that "a careful re-examination of the files of this office has been made, and it does not appear that Hon J. Russell has deposited a Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut in the case of Joseph Plumb."
I presume you have mistaid my letter & Certificate alluded to, & will thank you to forward them together with this letter to the Pension Office.
Respectfully yours
J. D. Woodward. attys for the children.
Mr Joseph Russell M.C.

Hon. Joseph Russell
Dec. 19, 40.

357 Pension Office, Dec. 19, '40.
Sir,
The additional papers furnished by you in the case of Joseph Plumb, Dec d . have been examined and filed; and in relation thereto I have the honor to say that the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut confirms the entry upon our records, shewing that the soldier in whose name this claim is set up, deserted in the spring of 1780; inasmuch as while it is shown that while  after his name may have been continued upon the rolls of the Regiment to which he belonged, no payment was made to him at any time subsequent to that at which, by his desertion, he forfeited all the emoluments and benefits which would otherwise have been granted by the Government.
As it is certain that no can be obtained evidence of a character sufficiently strong to discredit the records, can be obtained a further prosecution of this case may will be utterly unavailing. Mr. Joseph Russell H. of Rep.

Plattsburg Decr. 26. 1846.
Dear Sir,
I have rec d a package franked by you covering a Letter from Col Edwards in the case of the children of Joseph Plumb. The decision of the Court is not satisfactory, nor in my opinion justified by the evidence. The entry of Mr Plumb's desertion has been fully explained by the testimony of Mr Starbuck, & Mr Plumb, & the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut raises the strongest legal presumption in favor of their statements. But more on this subject hereafter. . . . .
This case has been attended to
As I have never prepared any papers in the case of Mr Isaac Shepherd Esq: I have no knowledge in regard to it. I return the letter of Col Edwards which you enclosed to me, that you may transmit it to the person for whom it was intended.
Respectfully Yours. J. D. Woodward.
Hon Jos Russell M.C.

Sir
Sim 9P Jan'y 9 th , 47
I have the honor to return you Judge Woodward's letter in the case of Joseph Plumb - dec d & to inform you that the muster rolls in this office show that he deserted 20 th May 80 & did not re-join his company & Regiment - and the Regimental Ledgers at Hartford show that he was paid to 1 Jan'y 80. His name (misadmonished into Joshua) is borne on the list of men belonging to Mudge's Reg t for the year '80 & his desertion confirmed by the Sayer showing that he did not receive (because he had forfeited) the pay due him from 1 Jan'y at the time of his desertion. With these record facts Mr. Woodward has long since been made acquainted and yet perseveres in a cor

House of Reps US.
March 28. 1848.
Sir,
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions to whom the case of the Heirs of Joseph Plumb has been referred, will thank you to send them the declaration of said Plumb under the act of June 7. 1832 and evidence and other papers relating to the claim.
He applied from Franklin Co NY
Yours Respectfully
S. Lawrence
Jas L Edwards Esq Chair of Pension.

Hand Lake
Oct 21/32

Pension Office Octo 21 1852
Sir
The application of Deborah Likins former- ly widow of Joseph Plumb, has been received and filed with his original papers under the Act of June 7 1832, My files. The Comptroller's certificate shows he was in service March 1780, - but there is evidence in this Office to show that in May 20 1780 1780 he deserted , unless it is shown by the Records at Warfield that he returned to duty, the claim can not be allowed,
But if there were no objection to the admission of the claim for his services, the widow is not the one to whom a certificate could be issued, - she is not a widow , Her husband's children, if he had any, would be the proper claimants.
I am Sir Yours Buffalo

O. W. & N. Div. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, F.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., December 21, 1891.
Sir:-
In reply to the inquiry of Hon. P. B. Plumb, I have to inform you that there are only two applications for pension on file in this office in the name of Joseph Plumb, for service rendered during the Revolutionary War. A statement of the military history of both these men was furnished to the Honorable Mr. Plumb on May 28, 1891.
Very respectfully,
Hon. P. B. Plumb,
Commissioner.
United States Senate.
HB Plumb Peely Pa

1891 May 28 Hon. P. B. Plumb history Pres. 1892 Jan 28 Abstract of DeWolfe's apt., showing to exact place of res. F.S.
8286
P. O.
Service:
Joseph Plumb
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Dr. Jacob
— (mh. 29)

Pension Office. March. 29 th 1858.
Madam.
In reply to your letter of the 13 th inst. You are informed that I am unable to determine whether you are entitled to arrears of pension & to bounty loans. Be pleased to inform me when your father resided, when he made application for a pension & when he died. Also state where your mother resided when she applied for a pension
Mr. Panduce Fitchet, Ruby. St. Clare. Co. Michs

Mr. Filchett
May 28.

Pension Office, May 18, 1858.
Madam.
In reply to your letter of the 21 st ultimo, you are respectfully informed that the claim of Deborah Likings, who applied for arrear pension under act of June 7, 1832, in right  as the widow of Joseph Plumb deceased, was rejected by this office  by the office in 1846, and again in 1852, it appearing from our records that said Plumb was a deserter from the army in May 1850. — No arrear could now of pension or land could, therefore, be due in this case. Very resp y Jfc
Mrs. Prudence Fitchett, Roxbury, St. Clair Co Michigan }

Ruby St B Clare November the 19 1861
Dear Sir
I right off you have once more concerning my fathers Pay it has been some time since it was applied for as all the Proofs was furnished and on Record and he was on the Roll not Payed sir it seems hard for any true american to serve his country to be Discharged and not get his Pay & his family suffer for the want of his Pay I can bring forward Proofs that Sean his Discharge therefore I right once more to see if my Pay can be obtained by sending an affidavit to prove that his Discharge was seen and it was burnt in his house I have had 10 fine boys Part of them is in the service but the rest say that if there grand father Joseph Plumb could not get his Pay for his service

that they canot get them Dear sir Examin your records and let me know what I may Depend on it is hard sir my father should be counted as a Deserter because they failed to put it on Records my fathers name was Joseph Plumb so you will find it it on the Role not payed it was applied for by my mother and proved out by her his service in the Revolutionary war before her death
very Respectfully yours Prudence Fitch
only
To the Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

Mrs Fitchett
Nov. 29

Pension Office.
November 27 th 1861.
Madam;
In reply to your letter of the 19 th inst. I have to inform you that under the rules which govern the practice of this office, children cannot obtain the pension which might have been received by their parents in their during their lives - If therefore, your father grand father Joseph Plumb had been entitled to a pension the right to which however was forfeited, by his desertion it could not now be obtained by his children or heirs.
Mrs Prudence Fitchet
Rutley.
Michigan.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph Plumb  which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? no VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? No XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? None XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
‡ QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

Petition of the Children of Joseph Plumb. of New York for the amount of Pensions due to their Father at the time of his death.
Rev. Pensions
May 18 th 1840
Ref d to the Committee on Rev d Pensions
In this case the applicant proves that he hired a child who deserted to the South and on that account his claim was rejected by the Comtee. If any pension on account of this can be collected without special act. July 10. 1840 - Report was - No. 774 43 Harris A. H. Ward
Joseph Plumb,
Dec. 21. 1840
Ref d to Com ee Rev. Pensions Feb. 12. 1841. Bill No. 645-
Jan. 10. 1842
Ref d to Com ee Rev. Pensions
Feb y 9 1842
Bill reported No 146
Harold Tomlinson

Deborah Liking Widow of Joseph Plumb Qu.
Revolutionary Claims for pension due her Husband at his death
Samuel Lake Atty Buffalo NY

State of Connecticut Comptroller's Office Hartford July 16 th 1882
I certify, that on application for evidence of the service of Joseph Plumb in the war of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this Office, and find the name of Joseph Plumb in a Pay Roll under the following heading, "Settlement with the 6 th Connecticut Regt. Return S. Meigs Esq. Colonel before January 1780," and opposite the name of the said Plumb are the following entries, viz., "Rank private / Commencement of service May 1 st 1778 / Time of this settlement Jan'y. 1 st 1780 / Term 1 year 8 months / amt. of wages £40. / Money due for blankets £1. 10. / Value of M o P o for Clothing &c. £1. 9. 1 / Amt. of debt £42. 19. 1 / Value of M o rec d on acct. of wages £4. 7. 7 / Value of M o rec d from U.S. & c. £0. 10. / Value of Clothing &c. supplied £6. 18. 24 / Amt. of Blankets supplied £0. 18. 10 / Amt. of Credit £12. 11. 9 / Balance £30. 7. 4."
The following is a copy of the Certificate, which is on file with the Rec d . for the balance due said Plumb on settlement,
"Washington May 7 th 1781"
"This certifies that Joseph Plumb of Washington served in "Col o Meigs Regiment, in the Continental Army, from "the 3 rd day of March 1778 till the first day of "March 1780, (Signed) John Calhoun Just. Peace, (over)"

(Continued)
"Joseph Hurlbut "Matthew Loggans "Mrs. Parise W. } Select Men "
R. G. Pinney Comptroller by Geo. Robinson Clerk.

Copy
J. D. Woodwards letter to
Hon W. Shide Nov 18. 1837
in Woodward note of
Dec 29. 1840. —

(copy)
Plattsburg, N.Y. Nov. 18. 1837.
Hon William Slade. H.R.
Dear Sir.
The Commissioner of Pensions has decided in the case of Joseph Plumb that his desertion as established by the rolls to have taken place on the 20 th of May 1780. forfeits all claim for previous service. This decision is I believe in accordance with those heretofore made at the pension office, but its correctness is doubted. The act of June 7, 1832 proceeds upon the idea of services rendered , and is silent as to the effect of desertion nor is there any law which declares that the benefit of that act shall not extend to a private who served two years and then deserted. In order to procure a decision on this question from the proper legal tribunal, I wish you to obtain an extract from the rolls showing the time Mr Plumb entered the service, how long he served & when he left the service. He wishes to show by record evidence the length of his service. The rolls of Capt David Humphreys Co. Col Jon a Meigs Conn. Reg t from the Spring of 1778 to the Spring of 1780 will it is supposed afford the evidence required. The question is one of so much importance that it is presumed Col Edwards will afford every facility to have it properly settled.
Yours very respectfully (Signed) J. Douglas Woodward atty for the applicant.
(answer enclosed)
Note Dec r 9. 1840. See the amended declaration of Joseph Plumb & the affidavit of Abiram Hartshorn taken March 27. 1840. which raise the presumption that though Chittenden was accepted as a substitute his name was not entered on the roll, but the name of Plumb continued, & Chittenden's desertion entered against that of Plumb. The written passport which Mr Plumb received from Col Gray (see Plumb's print decl n ) negates the idea of desertion. Its existence & loss are shown, and the affidavits of Mr Plumb & Mr Hartshorn prove clearly that there was no desertion from the army by Mr Plumb.
J. D. Woodward atty for the children.

Abiram Hurlbut, aff. d. in the case of Joseph Plumb
Joseph Plumb Esq. Hartford Ct.
Yrs truly yours

Mrs Horton Pills Madrid
for
J Douglas Woodward Esq Plattsburgh N.Y.

I Abram Hurlbut of Madrid St Lawrence county and State of New York make oath and say That I was acquainted with Joseph Plumb of Washington, County of Litchfield, in the State of Connecticut in the Revolutionary war and a soldier in Coln Meeigs regiment and that said Joseph Plumb's father Isaac Plumb hired one Asahael Chittenden in the winter or spring of 1780 to go with him to the army and take said Joseph Plumb's place, and when the said Isaac Plumb returned he brought his son Joseph with him, and both the said Isaac Plumb and his son, said that the said Asahael Chittenden was accepted in the army in the room of said Joseph Plumb and this deponent further says that he afterwards heard that said Asahael Chittenden deserted and went to Long Island and joined the British army and deponent further says that after the war, said Asahael Chittenden returned to Washington in said County of Litchfield and told this deponent that he enlisted in the army of the United States as a substitute for said Joseph Plumb and that he deserted to the British army and served in said army during the war and further this deponent saith not
Hiram Hurlbut
Subscribed on a sworn This 27 th Day of March 1840 before me H. B. Richardson Madin H. Lawrence, Co. Comr of Deeds

Madrid March 28 th 1840
J. D. Woodward
Sir
I take the earliest opportunity to send the affidavit from the Abner Hurlbut, corrected as you stated. The Old Gentleman was convinced that you were correct. Mrs Hurlbut lives 4 miles from the Village and I have been unable to get her out here before.
My wife and all your friends here are very well. Mrs Horton desires her best respects to you. Accept the assurance of my warmest esteem.
Yours truly
Jno Horton

Children of Jos Plumb
H.R. 146.
2 nd Sep 27 th (1881)
Reps. 100.

FEBRUARY 9, 1842.
Read twice, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.
Mr. FORNANCE, from the Committee on Revolutionary Pensions, reported the following bill:
A BILL
For the relief of the heirs of Joseph Plumb.
1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That 3 the Secretary of War be, and he hereby is, required to pay to 4 the heirs and legal representatives of Joseph Plumb, late of 5 Bangor, in the State of New York, the amount of the pension 6 to which the said Joseph Plumb was justly entitled, and 7 should have received, for two years' service in the army of 8 the Revolution, according to the provisions of the act of the 9 seventh of June, eighteen hundred and thirty-two, commenc- 10 ing on the fourth day of March, eighteen hundred and thirty- 11 one, and ending on the third day of October, eighteen hundred 12 and thirty-eight, the day of the death of the said Joseph 13 Plumb.

Copy
J D Woodwards Letter to
Hon L Stetson in the case of the Children of Joseph
Plumb. —
Jan'y 17. /44

Plattsburg N.Y. Jan. 17. 1844
Dear Sir,
I wish you to procure the Papers of the Children of Joseph Plumb late of Bangor from the files of the House or Senate & lay them before the Commissioner of Pensions for his decision. The second affidavit of Abiram Hurlbert taken March 27. 1840 was obtained subsequent to any action upon the case by the Commissioner, & we think obviates the objections heretofore made by him to an allowance of the claim - The Committee of the House made a favorable report in the case on the 9 th of February 1842, which I enclose. The Senate have since as I understand, refused to allow arrears of Pension to the children of a Soldier but Col. Edwards Com tee of Pensions is said to have given a more liberal, & in my opinion correct construction of the law, whence the wish of my clients that the case embracing the additional evidence mentioned should be again referred to him.
Very Respectfully Yours
J. D. Woodard Atty for the Children of Jos. Plumb.
Hon. Lem. Stetson, N.Y.
P.S. See the amended decl n of Joseph Plumb and affidavit of Abiram Hurlbert taken March 27. 1840 which raises the presumption that though Chittenden was accepted as a substitute his name was not entered on the Roll but the name of Plumb continued & Chittendens desertion entered against that of Plumb. The written passport which Mr. Plumb received from Col. Grey (See Plumbs first decl n ) negatives the idea of desertion. Its existence and loss are shown, & the affidavits of Capt. Plumb & Mr. Hurlbert (& the children

can avail themselves of this evidence) prove clearly that there was no desertion from the army by Capt. Plumb.
J. D. Woodward Atty. for the children.
Copy. J. D. Woodward Letter to Hon. L. D. Stanton in the case of the Children of Joseph Plumb. — Jan'y 17. /44

St. Mary's February 15 th 1888
Ruby Blyth Michigan S. L. Clare Col.
Honorable Commissioner of Pensions Messrs
Please to send me a list warrant for my father's service as he never received anything for his service in the revolutionary war
Joseph Plumb was my father's name
If you will find him on the roll unpaid my father got ready to start & go to see it but it (his pay) but he was taken sick and dyed very soon
I applied for our pay of Samuel June to whom the proved his right as mentioned as 4 years ago Mr. Lake said it was all right excepting his discharge I know father had his discharge for I seen him show it to him & it was burnt in our house when the house was burnt I do not write to you for it merely because I seem if any one but necessity urges me to apply for it The want of it home drives me to it any another is now dead & I am left with four boys living in Michigan they are willing to fall the trees & settle the woods The times is so hard we cannot get money for work to get land & if a person hasn't land to raise there bread they must starve any of either would fight against the United States in the last national war or else if he had his children would have been as killed to land in Canada & if your Lordship will grant me a warrant will receive it with thankfulness

4
if your lordships think proper to send me a warrant please to send it to Prudence Fitchel Ruby St. Clare Wichigan.
Yours Truly Prudence Fitchel

J Plumb's Affidavit

State of New York } Franklin County } Joseph Plumb of Bangor in the
County of Franklin State of New York who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 being duly sworn says that he left the army of the United States at Morristown in the State of New Jersey in the Spring of the year 1880 by the consent & approbation of Col. Ebenezer Gray who then commanded the Regiment in which he served on the acceptance by the said Col Gray of Asahel Chittenden as a substitute, in the manner stated in his original Declaration in this behalf and that he did not at that time nor at any time desert from the Army and further saith not.
Subscribed & sworn this 21 st Day of November 1833 Before me
Joseph Plumb
Asa Hascall Justice of the peace
State of New York } I, John H. Russell Deputy Clerk of Franklin County } the County of Franklin, Do hereby certify, that Asa Hascall before whom the above affidavit purports to have been made and whose name is subscribed to the above certificate of the taking of the same, was on the day of the date of the said Certificate a justice of the peace in and for the said County of Franklin duly appointed and sworn - And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice and truly believe that the signature to the said Certificate is the proper hand writing of the said justice and genuine In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County the Sixteenth day of December A D 1833 -
John H Russell Dep. Clerk

I have been well acquainted with the within named Joseph Plumb from my childhood - he being my Uncle - and know him to be a man of unquestioned integrity. William Wade M.L. December 31. 1833
2
J. Plumb's Affidavit

A. Hurlbut's Affidavit

State of New York
St Lawrence Countys. On this twenty first day of Oc- tober 1833 before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of St Lawrence personally appeared Abirane Houlbut of the Town of Madrid in the said County, and being by me duly sworn, says and deposes that he is sixty nine years of Age; that during the Revolutionary war he resided in the Town of Woodbury in the State of Connecticut, and that he was well ac- quainted with Joseph Plumb, formerly of the same Town of Woodbury in Connecticut, and now a resident of the Town of Bangor in the County of Franklin and State of New York, and also was acquainted during the revolutionary war with the father and family of the said Joseph Plumb. That the families of Plumb's father and of deponent's father were neighbors and well acquainted; - that he knows well that the said Joseph Plumb in the fore part of the year 1778 enlisted in Col. Miley's Regiment of the Connecticut Line of the continen- tal army to serve during the war - and that the said Plumb was in the Army until the Spring of the year 1780, when his father Isaac Plumb heard that Joseph Plumb aforesaid was sick at Morristown New Jersey. The deponent was knowing to the said Isaac Plumb hiring one Asahel Clittenden whom the deponent well knew, to go as a sub- stitute for the said Joseph, and that the said Isaac gave the said Clittenden the sum of seventy pounds lawful money, as a bounty for his going as such substitute, and that the said Isaac Plumb did go from Woodbury with the said Clittenden to the quarters of the Army, in the Spring of the year

1780, for the purpose of relieving the said Joseph and bringing him home; and that the said Isaac Plumb returned from the Army with the said Joseph, the said Chittenden remaining with the army. The deponent was informed by the said Joseph and his father, immediately on their return, that the said Chittenden was accepted as a substitute for the said Joseph - He recollects well that the said Isaac Plumb on his return told this deponent that the Commander of the Regiment was well pleased with the said Chittenden and readily accepted him as a substitute for the said Joseph. The said Joseph did not serve in the army afterwards. It was believed by all the neighbors and the family of the said Joseph Plumb that the said Chittenden was accepted as a substitute for the said Plumb and that the said Plumb was discharged. The deponent further says that he afterwards was informed that in the fall of the year 1780 or winter afterwards that the said Chittenden deserted from the Army and went to the British Troops on Long Island and that the said Chittenden served with the enemy until the close of the war. That after the war was over the said Chittenden returned to the said Town of Woodbury where it was believed by all who knew the said Chittenden that he deserted from the American Army and went over to the British, which this deponent has no doubt was the fact. The deponent never heard it asserted by any one in Woodbury that the said Joseph Plumb deserted from the Army. The seventy pounds above mentioned paid to the said Chittenden by the said Isaac Plumb, was continuous money
known before me this 21 st day of October 1833 at Haddad Norton J.P.
Miram Hunt

State of New York St Lawrence County ss: I the undersigned justice of the peace in and for the said County do hereby certify that on this 21 st day of October 1833, the within named Abiram Hurlbut of Madrid in said county personally appeared and made oath in due form according to law to the foregoing deposition; and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Hurlbut and that he sustains a fair character for integrity and veracity, and that his deposition is entitled to full credit.
John Horton
Justice of the Peace
State of New York St Lawrence County ss: I Alvin C Sim Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify that John Horton before whom the foregoing deposition purports to have been sworn to, was at the time of taking the said deposition true of the Justice of the Peace in & for the County, a person duly elected and qualified. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice of the Peace and truly believe that his name subscribed to the said deposition and the preceding Certificate to be his proper hand writing & signature - Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 25 th day of October 1833
A Sim clk