Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 17008, for Braddock Peckham, Rhode Island

SERVICE
NUMBER
R. I.
Peckham, Braddock or Peckham
R. 17008
Silence
CONTENTS
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Silence Peckham will of Bradocks Reunion 1st Day 1873
Add: evidence for Bony Coat pension GOW
Copy H. S. Clark of Berlin, Rensselaer Co. N. York Dec 10. 1856
ms. 1. 1. 2. 22

State of New York Rensselaer County of Rensselaer
on this Second day of Dec r AD 1856 personally appeared before me W m Frydew assistant Justice of the Court of Sessions in & for said County and a Court of record. Siluer Puckam now resident in Pittsburgh in said County aged 85 years who being duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration in order to attain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd day of February AD 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the war of the Revolution that she is the widow of Braddock Puckam who was a soldier in the war aforesaid, that during said war the said Braddock lived in the Town of Charlestown in the State of Rhode Island and on or about the 16 th of January 1776 he enlisted as a private in a company commanded by Capt Thomas Arnold in a Regiment commanded by Col Christopher Lippitt for one year of Rhode Island Troops & he served out his time & was honorably discharged and she further declares that

after said service to wit as she believes in the year 1778 he again enlisted as a private in a Regiment commanded by Col John Gopham belonging to a Brigade of Rhode Island State Troops for twelve Months & that he served out his time & was honorably discharged on or about March 1779 — and the sd Silence Peckam further declares that she was married to the said Braddock Peckam on the second day of October AD 1803 at said Peterborough as will appear by the original Certificate hereto annexed & other testimony That her said husband died on the 9. day of Jan y AD 1830 That she was not married to him prior to the second of Jany Eighteen hundred but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow —
Executed in presence of W m H. Snyder }
Silence his x Peckam mark
Sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year first above written & I further certify that from age & infirmities the said Silence Peckam is unable to attend Court. I also certify that her declaration aforesaid is entitled to full credit — W m H. Snyder Assistant Justice of the of Sessions in & for the County of Rensselaer

Petersburgh October 2 nd A D 1803.
Then Bradick Peckham and Silas Johnson Borth after s of Petersburgh Parsonly appeared at the bclieus Dwelling Hous of said Peckham and was onlesto Lawfully Married
J. me Wells Hinton Esq.
1803
commu belonge Island Month time a.
on or about March 1779 — and the sd Silene Peckham further declares that she was married to the said Bradock Peckham on the second day of October A D 1803 at said Petersburgh as will appear by the original Certificate hereto annexed & other testimony That her said husband died on the 9. day of Jan y . A D 1830 That she was not married to him prior to the second of Jany Eighteen hundred but at the time above stated. She further declares that She is now a widow —
STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that William H. Snyder before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this _____ day of _____ A. D., 185 _____
Deer Clerk. Ambrose H. Sheldon
of Rensselaer in v for the warranty of Rensselaer

Jr.
The William S. H. Smith A. Chapman Residence
Thomas Clarke 831. Broadway New York City

Revolution and served as the States and the said Justice further certifies that William Satterlee is a Clergyman a Resident of town of Berne and Charles Saunders is a credible persons and their State- ment is Entitled to Credit
Chas Saunders
Sworn and subscribed to his William Satterlee the year and Day above mark
Written Before me Wm I Shelden Justice of the peace of Rensselaer County State of New York
Wm I Shelden Justice of Rensselaer
The Rev Wm Satterlee Whose Signature is attached to this Instrument is Eighty nine years old and has had last the use of his hand that he writes with Wm I. Shelden Justice
STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss. I, AMBROSE H. SHELTON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that William Satterlee, before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 25 th day of June A. D., 1855 A. H. Sheldon Clerk.

State of New York County of Rensselaer ss On this nineteenth Day of June A.D. 1855 Personally appeared before me Wm. J. Sheldon one of the Justices of the said County Silance Beckham Widow of Bradech Beckham who Died Jan'y 9 1830 at Petersburg Rensselaer County and State aforesaid made in presence of Petersburg aged Eighty four years old Wm. being Duly Sworn according to Law Doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 21 1832 granting pensions to certain Officers and Soldiers who performed Military Service in the war of the Revolution That he Entered the Service of the United States under the following Named Officers and Served as follows his first Service was a private in a company commanded by Capt Thomas Arnold Thomas Vose Lieutenant Benja Burn Ensign Billings Burch Sergeant and in Regiment commanded by Col. John Topham's Regiment in the month of Sept of 1776 Received pay fifteen Pound and five Shillings and three pence and that he was a Soldier During the war of the Revolution I was married to Bradech Beckham by the Rev: Wells Kingson at Petersburg in said Rensselaer County in the 1803 and lived and lived with him During his Life time I was born the year 1771 my husband lived in Chalcstown Rhode Island Went into the war he was a dist'd Soldier Don't know whether he received any written discharge and the said Silance Beckham hereby Relinquish Every Claim whatsoever to a pension Except the present and Declares that she has never received any Pension nor my husband either - Sworn Before me Wm. J. Sheldon. Silance that Beckham a Justice of the Peace of County of Rensselaer Rensselaer the year and Day above written Wm. J. Sheldon Justice of the Peace Renss Co

We William Sattirlee a Clergiman Residing in the town of Berlin Rensselaer County State of New York and Charles Sanders - do hereby Certify that we are Well acquainted with Silance Peckham Who has signed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe her to be Eighty four years of age and that Bradick Peckham her husband is Believed and to have been in the Neighborhood Where he Did Reside Before his Death to have been a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and that we are of that Opinion and the said Justice Do declare his opinion that the said Silance Peckham after Investiga- tion and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the Rules and Regulations that the said Bradick Peckham was a Soldier in the

Thomas Clarke July 5/53-

Pension Office July 5 1855
Sir
The informal application of Silence Peckham Widow of Badick Peckham has been examined and filed under the Act of Febry 3 1853.
She must make a declaration before a Court of Record, or show her inability to do so from bodily infirmity, — She must prove her husband's service by the Records of the State in which he served. Said Records to be accompanied by the testimony of persons who knew her husband to be the man alluded to in the Records, If no Re- cords exist, she must prove his services by witnesses who served with him or who were in a position to know of his services.
She must prove her marriage by Record or by witnesses who knew of the fact.
Thos Clarke Present
1853

Know all men by these presents That I Silance Peckham of Petersburg in County of Rensselaer State of New York aged eighty four years old Do hereby by these presents Constitute and appoint Thomas Clarke New York City my true and Lawful Attorney to prosecute any Claim for a pension under the several Acts of Congress granting pensions to Officers and Soldiers and Seamen of the war of the Revolution to file all necessary papers and documents and agreements in the Department at Washington D.C. in the prosecution of said Claim and to Receive the Certificate of pension When Granted payable to me under the Act of Congress of June 27th 1832 or any other Act of Congress and generally to Do Whatever is necessary and proper to be Done in the prosecution of said Claim hereby Ratifying and Confirming Whatever my said Attorney shall Lawfully Do in the premises Witness my hand and Seal This nineteenth day of June 1855 Silance her X Peckham Signed & Delivered in the Presents mark of
John Son Peckham
State of New York
Rensselaer County ss
STATE OF NEW-YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby certify that William J. Sheldon whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, one of the Commissioners of Deeds of the County of Rensselaer, dwelling in said county; duly authorized to take such proof or acknowledgment. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Commissioner, and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that said instrument, is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New-York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 25 th day of June A. D., 1855
A. H. Sheldon
Clerk.

Know all men by these presents That I Silance Pickham of Petersburg in County of Rensselaer State of New York aged eighty four years old Do hereby by these presents Constitute and appoint Thomas Clarke New York City my true and Lawful Attorney to prosecute my Claim for a pension under the several Acts of Congress granting pensions to Officers and Soldiers and Seamen of the war of the Revolution to file all necessary papers and documents and agreements in the Department at Washington D. C. in the prosecution of said Claim and to Receive the Certificate of pension when granted payable to me under the Act of Congress of June of June 27th 1832 or any other Act of Congress and generally to do whatever is necessary and proper to be done in the prosecution of said Claim hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my said Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises Witness my hand and seal This nineteenth day of June 1855 Silance her X Pickham Signed & Delivered in the presents mark of
John son Pickham
State of New York
Rensselaer County ss Petersburg June nineteenth 1855
Personally appeared before me the above named Silance Pickham and acknowledged the above written instrument to be her free act and deed W th I Sheldon Justice of Peace

State of New York Montgomery County } ss
Personally appeared before me the Undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid Benjamin Brandal Being duly sworn according to law Depaseth and that he is over Ninety Six Years of age that he is a resident of the Town of Mahawk in the county & State aforesaid he on his oath saith he was Born in the Town of Charlestown in the State of Rhode Island and is now a pensioner of the United States rendered in the war of the Revolution he on his oath further saith he knew & was well acquainted with Braddock Pickham who was also a soldier in the war of the Revolution & served under Capt Thomas Arnold in the year Seventeen Hundred Seventy Six that this Deponent then knew the aforesaid Braddock Pickham from his earliest recollection that they grew up together in one neighborhood together & in the same town county & State aforesaid Braddock Pickham went into the army about two years before this Deponent, that after the war the aforesaid Pickham moved into the State of New York in Rensselaer County Town of Petersburg, this Deponent further saith that the aforesaid Braddock Pickham had two wives they were Sisters by the names of Johnson he has forgotten their given names, he knew the family of Johnson also & the girls before & after they were married that he called to see Braddock Pickham when he was living in the Town of Petersburg in the county & State aforesaid that then had his second wife and was living with her at that place & further saith not
Subscribed and sworn to me this 12 day of March 1856 Aaron M Hull Justice Peace

I certify that the within Benjamin C. Smale is a man of credibility and to the best of my knowledge that I have no interest in this application
Dec 12 1856
Aaron H. Hull, Justice

State of New York, } ss: Montgomery County Clerk's Office, }
I Darius V. Berry , Clerk of the said County, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that Aaron W. Hall whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the annexed affidavit, was, on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Montgomery, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes ; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said jurat is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this Eleventh day of November 185 6
D. V. Berry Clerk.

State of New York County of Rensselaer
on this Second day of Dec r . A d one thousand Eight hundred & fifty six personally appeared before me Wm H Snyder a Justice of the Peace in & for said County Silvina Puckam of Petersburg in said County & State aged 85 years who being duly sworn according to law deposes that she is the widow of Braddock Puckam late of said Town deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that during said war he resided in the town Charlestown in the State of Rhode Island and about the 16 of January A d 1776 he enlisted as a private in Capt Thomas Arndas Company & Col Christopher Lippitts Regiment for one year & he served out his time & was honorably discharged & after said service he again enlisted for twelve months in Col John Tophams Regiment of Rhode Island Troops in March, she believes, A d 1778 & served out his time and was honorably discharged that soon after said war he removed to said State of New York - and she further deposes she was married to the said Braddock Puckam on the second day of October A d 1803 by the Rev

Red Hills, Winyaw, Eden, as will appear by the original Certificate of her marriage annexed to her declaration & claim for a pension under the act of Congress of July 3 d 1853 to which she refers & also for her husband's services in the Army in said war of the Revolution and she further declares that her husband the said Braddock Peckham died on the 9 th day of Jan. A.D. one thousand eight hundred & thirty and since then she has remained a widow & is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress of March 3 d 1855
Wm H Snyder Witt.                      her Silence X Peckham We Johnson Peckham and John G. Peckham mark residents in said Petersburg in said County & State upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed & acknowledged by the said Silence Peckham in our presence & that we believe from the appearance & statements of the applicant she is the identical person she represents herself to be Johnson Peckham John C. Peckham

The foregoing declaration & affidavit was sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year first above written, and I certify that I know the affiant, to be an credible person that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm. H. Snyder Justice Peace
STATE OF NEW YORK, RESSELER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE T. SHELTON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that William H. Snyder before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this _____ day of _____ A.D., 1856
A. T. Shelton Clerk.

it appears Pockham served.
I am,
very resp.
BC
Wm Clark Nov 29
Thomas Clarke Esq. } New York City } New York }

Pension Office,
December 29. 1856.
Sir,
In relation to the claim of Silas Peckham widow of Braddock Peckham, and alleged revolutionary soldier, I have to state that the length of his service in Arnold's company is not sufficiently definite to enable the office to adjust the allowance. It must also be distinctly proved that the husband of this claimant resided in Charlestown, Rhode Island, at the time in 1776, and was of sufficient age to bear arms. The affidavit of Crandal is not sufficient for this purpose. He states that he knew both of the wives of Braddock Peckham both before and after their marriage—that they were sisters. It appears the marriage of the claimant took place in 1803. The papers filed in Crandal's case show that he did not remove into New-York until 1802. Moreover he does not prove that the claimant in this case is the widow of Braddock Peckham, whom he knew in Charlestown. And Crandal did not declare in his own application for service in any of the companies in which

it appears Peckham served.
I am,
very respec,
BC
Wm. Clark Nov 29
Thomas Clarke Esq. { New York City { New York {

Silence Peckham
Wid of Braddock
R. 8 No-1853

Know All Men by these presents that I Silence Pukham of the town of Petersburg the County of Rensselaer & State of New York did make constitute and appoint Thomas Clark of the town of Berlin in the County and State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to transact in all things necessary to procure for me a pension as the Widow of Bradick Pukham who was a Revolutionary soldier and is now deceased Now therefore I the said Silence Pukham have revoked countermanded and made Void and by these presents do revoke countermand annul and make Void said letter of attorney and all power and authority thereby given or intended to be given to the said Thomas Clark And I do hereby constitute and appoint Nathan Hatten of the town of Petersburg in the County and State aforesaid my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to procure for me a pension at the pension office being the Widow of Bradick Pukham deceased who was a Revolutionary soldier given under my hand at Petersburg this fourteenth day of November 1857 Signed in presence Silence Pukham her mark John Son Peckh

State of Rhode Island
I Benjamin Cowell of the City & County of Providence in said State do certify that soon after the act of longers of June 7, 1832 was passed granting pensions to the officers and soldiers of the Revolution, I obtained from the family of Col Christopher Lippitt an original Pay Abstract of the Regiment of Rhode Island Troops commanded by him in the war of the Revolution bearing date the month of September 1776 - which Regiment was raised for one year ending January 16, 1777 - And I further certify that on the roll of the company of Capt Thomas Arnold bearing date as aforesaid is borne the name of "Braddock Peckham" as a private in said Regiment - Benja Cowell
Providence, sc. In Providence this Twenty Fourth day of November A. D. 1856 personally appeared before me Benjamin Cowell and made oath that the statements contained in the foregoing affidavit by him signed are true. And I further certify that the said Cowell is a credible witness.
Adonai Metcalf Justice of the Peace.

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Providence, Nov 25. 1835
I hereby certify that Edwin Metcalf Esquire before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of the State of Rhode Island, in and for the City of Providence, and as such, is by Law authorized to take Depositions, and the acknowledgment of Deeds and other Instruments, and to administer all necessary oaths, that he is duly qualified and commissioned as a Justice of the Peace
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the State the 25 day of Novr. 1835
John R. Bartlett Secretary of State

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Secretary's Office November 24. 1830
I certify that it appears from the records in this office, that in the month of January, A.D. 1776, a regiment was ordered to be raised for one year, to serve in the war of the Revolution. That Christopher Lippitt was appointed to command said Regiment; and it also appears from said records that Thomas Arnold was appointed a Captain in said Regiment. I also certify that on an original copy pay abstract of said Regiment dated in September, A.D. 1776, exhibited to me by Benjamin Bauld, Esq., and on the Roll of said Captain Thomas Arnold's Company is borne the name of "Braddock Peckham" as a private, and that full faith and credit are due to the affidavit of said Bauld hereto annexed in this behalf.
And I further certify that it appears from said records, that in December 1776 a Brigade was ordered to be raised for fifteen months, consisting of three Regiments, ending March 1778, and that before the term of service, to wit in December 1777, it was again ordered to be raised for twelve months ending March 16. 1779. and before the termination of said service, again for the third time it was ordered to be raised for twelve months ending March 16. 1780; and that John Popham was appointed to command one of the said Regiments. And I further certify that on a list of these officers and soldiers belonging to said Regiment now in this office who were allowed depreciation of pay and on the Roll of Colonel John Popham's Regiment is borne the name of Braddock Peckham as a private and the sum of £15. 5. 3; allowed him for depreciation

of pay pursuant to a Report of a Committee of the Legislature of said State in the year 1785.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the State aforesaid this twenty fifth day of November, A.D. 1856
John R. Patten Secretary of State

State of New York } Montgomery County } ss
Benjamin Crandal A Resident of the Town of Mohawk in said County aged Ninety Six Years Being Duly Sworn according to Law Says he is well acquainted with Silence Pickham widow of Bradick Pickham a revolutionary soldier that she married Bradick Pickham Deceased that her maiden name was Silence Johnson that he knew her before she was married to Bradick Pickham and after she was mar- ried to Bradick Pickham & that they Resided in the County of Rensselaer In the State of New York that they lived toge- ther as man & wife from the time of their marriage up to the time of the death of the said Bradick Pickham that the said Silence Pickham widow of the said Bradick Pickham is now a widow and unmarried
This deponent further says that he was well acquainted with the said Bradick Pickham in his life time that In the year 1776 the said Bradick Pickham deceased resided in the Town of Charlestown in the State of Rhode Island and as this deponent was informed and verily believes was in the Seventeenth year of his age when he enlisted as a - Private Soldier in Capt Thomas Arnold's company in the Service of the United States — And that this deponent further says that the said Silence Pickham is the widow of the said Bradick Pickham who In the year 1776 was a resident of the Town of Charlestown in the State of Rhode Island and who enlisted as a Private Soldier in said Capt Arnold's company — And this deponent further says that the said Bradick Pickham served as a Private Soldier in the war of the Revolution in said company commanded by Capt Arnold the whole time of his enlistment In said company between one & two years as this deponent verily believes Benjamin Crandal

The within deponent Benjamin Grandal subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit this the 25 th day of March 1857
Before me
G. H. Hellingde Justice of the peace
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this
20 th day of March 1857 H. V. Perry Clerk.

The within deponent Benjamin Granard subscribed and sworn to the within affidavit this the 25 th day of March 1857 Below me
State of New York, } ss: Montgomery County Clerk's Office,
I, Darius V. Berry , Clerk of the said County and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that C. H. Pettengell Ag whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the annexed affidavit, was, on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County of Montgomery, duly authorized to administer oaths for general pur- poses ; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said jurat is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, this
28 th day of March 185 7 D. V. Berry Clerk.

State of New York.
Rensselaer County ss. Theodoty Vars of the town of Berlin in said County being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with Braddock Peckham in his life time, that he died about twenty years ago, and that he was acquainted with Silence Johnson before she became the wife of the said Braddock Peckham and was intimate with them after their marriage, and that they lived together as husband and wife until the death of the said Braddock Peckham, and that she is now the Widow of the said Braddock Peckham, she having never married since his death, and further that this deponent lives now and always has lived within a mile and a half from the said Widow Silence Peckham, and did so reside during the life time of the said Braddock Peckham and after the marriage of the said Braddock Peckham with the said Silence Johnson.
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 13 th day of April 1857 J. Thomas Davis Justice Peace
Theodoty Vars
I certify that I am acquainted with Theodoty Vars and that the foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this 13 th day of April 1857 and subscribed to by her.
STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, ss.
I, JOHN P. BALL, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby certify that J. Thomas Davis whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed Instrument, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Rensselaer, dwelling in said county; duly authorized to take such proof or acknowledgment. And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that said instrument, is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 23 rd day of April A. D., 1857
John P. Ball Clerk.

State of New York.
Rensselaer County ss. Theodoty Vars of the town of Berlin in said County being duly sworn says. that he was well acquainted with Braddock Pickham in his life time. that he died about twenty years ago. and that he was acquainted with Silence Johnson before she became the wife of the said Braddock Pickham and was intimate with them after their marriage. and that they lived together as husband and wife until the death of the said Braddock Pickham. and that she is now the Widow of the said Braddock Pickham. she having never married since his death. and further that this deponent lives now and always has lived within a mile and a half from the said Widow Silence Pickham. and did so reside during the life time of the said Braddock Pickham and after the marriage of the said Braddock Pickham with the said Silence Johnson.
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 13 th day of April 1857 J. Thomas Dancy Justice Peace
Theodoty Vars
I certify that I am acquainted with Theodoty Vars, the person who in my presence subscribed and swore to the above affidavit, that he is of irreproachable character, and that his testimony is entitled to full credit and belief.
J. Thomas Dancy Justice Peace

Berlin, Rensselaer Co. N.Y. April 20 th 1857.
Geo C Whiting Esq Commissioner.
D. Sir.
Enclosed I send your affidavits of Benjamin Crandall and Theodaty Vans, covering all the ground asked for in your letter of December 29 th 1856. The affidavits are full and complete as to the deficiencies in the former proof. They have been obtained at consid- -erable expense as well as time, and you will perform an act of justice to the old Lady, and confer a great favor upon me by giving your immediate attention to the matter.
Very Respectfully Yours &c.
P.S. Please direct to Thomas Clark, Berlin Rens. Co N.Y.
Thomas Clark,

Thomas Clarke
April 25/57,

Pension Office,
April 25. 1857.
Sir,
I have examined the additional evidence adduced in the case of Silence Peckham, widow of Braddock, an alleged Revolutionary soldier. The principal difficulty has not been removed by this evidence - The office is without the means of fixing the duration of the service of claimants' husband. It would seem he applied for pension in 1819, under act of March 18, 1818, and it appears from the correspondence (which were returned to his agent) that his papers did not show a service of either in the continental or state line. Nine consecutive months. If it be admitted, therefore, that he performed the service certified in Arnold's Company, it cannot be inferred that he served a year from the fact that the said said Company was raised to serve that length of time. Crandall is not shown to have been in a situation to know of his length of service.
Thomas Clarke, Esq. Berlin, Rensselaer Co New York.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

No. 1855 Florence Peckham Purdue
Side Island Feb 29 1853
Same Dec 29 1856 " Apr 25 1857
3 Feb 18

17008
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
P. O.
Silence Peckham
Service: widow of Braddock.
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
Part of Dis. _____ 18
Handwritten signature/initials

Petersburgh Nov. 25 th 1867
G. B. Whiting Commissioner
The Widow Silver
Peckham of the town of Petersburgh in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York has called on me to assist her to get her a pension. She is the widow of Bradick Peckham who was a Revolutionary Revolutionary soldier. He made application for a pension under the first pension act that Congress passed and his application was rejected on the grounds that he was worth a small property. Peckham is deceased and his widow is now living aged 87 years. She tells me that she employed a man by the name of Thomas Clark of the town of Berlin in said County as her Attorney over two years ago to procure her pension as the widow of the said Bradick Peckham deceased. She says that Clark tells her that the pension certificate is ready for her at any time that he Clark will go to Washington after it that her claim is fully established. The old lady has got tired of waiting and discouraged with Clark's management & you will see by reference to the written instrument herein executed by her and which paper I forward to you making and countermanding all authority that she has given to the said Thomas Clark as her attorney to procure a pension for her. You will also see that she has authorized me as her agent in lieu of Clark.

I am not acquainted nor informed how the case stands in establishing her claim to a pension I am therefore under the necessity of asking you if it is consistent with your rules to inform me how the case stands if the Evidence introduced is sufficient to establish her claim if not what evidence is required please direct your communication to at Petersburg Virginia Col. Mark In regard to your communication of the 23 d of Sept r 1857 respecting the application of James Allen for No 258,694 was that day referred to the Auditor for Examination of Captain Downey's rolls In the case of Russell Eldred No. 257,934 in his case additional evidence was on or about the time that I sent the additional Evidence in the case of James Jones was forwarded to the Pension office to establish the claim of Eldred but in Sept r last I received a circular from you dated the 23 d of Sept r 1857 stating that there had not been no additional Evidence Received I then procured further additional evidence and set it to your department establishing the services of Russell Eldred I have not received no communication from you since I am anxious to know if you have Rec d the last Evidence that I sent the last of Sept r or the first of Oct r 1857 in the case of Eldred & if the claim of James Allen is established their claims was presented over a year ago I think Eldred a year ago the fore part of last summer Yours Respectfully Nathan Walton